def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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 Rule 14a-12
LaBarge, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (check the appropriate box):
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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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. |
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NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING
AND PROXY STATEMENT
NOVEMBER 12, 2008
LaBarge, Inc.
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
NOVEMBER 12, 2008
To the Stockholders:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of LaBarge, Inc. (the Company) will be held at the
Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, Missouri, on November 12, 2008, at 4:00
p.m., St. Louis time. Stockholders who do not attend the Annual Meeting in person are invited to
listen to the webcast of the meeting, which will be accessible on the Internet at www.labarge.com.
At the Annual Meeting, Common Stockholders will be asked:
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To elect two Class A Directors for a term ending in 2011; |
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To consider and act upon the ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP
as independent registered public accountants for fiscal 2009; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
Only Stockholders whose names appear of record at the Companys close of business on September
19, 2008 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
We encourage you to vote via Internet or telephone, or you may mail your proxy.
If you receive more than one proxy card because you own shares registered in different names
or at different addresses, please vote each proxy as soon as possible by following the instructions
on the proxy card regarding voting by Internet, telephone or mail.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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/s/
DONALD H. NONNENKAMP |
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Donald H. Nonnenkamp |
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Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
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October 10, 2008
ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE
ANNUAL MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT YOU INTEND
TO BE PRESENT, PLEASE VOTE YOUR PROXY.
STOCKHOLDERS CAN HELP THE COMPANY AVOID
UNNECESSARY EXPENSE AND DELAY BY PROMPTLY
VOTING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. THE
PRESENCE, IN PERSON OR BY PROPERLY
SUBMITTED PROXY, OF A MAJORITY OF THE
COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING ON THE RECORD
DATE IS NECESSARY TO CONSTITUTE A QUORUM
AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
LaBarge, Inc.
9900 Clayton Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63124
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held on November 12, 2008
This Proxy Statement and the enclosed form of proxy are being furnished to
the Common Stockholders of LaBarge, Inc. (the Company) on or about
October 10, 2008, in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf
of the Board of Directors of the Company, for use at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on November 12, 2008 at the
time, place and for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of
Annual Meeting, and at any adjournment of that meeting.
Holders of shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the Common
Stock), of the Company at its close of business on September 19, 2008
(the Record Date) will be entitled to receive notice of and vote at the
Annual Meeting. On the Record Date, 15,773,253 shares of Common Stock were
outstanding. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each
share of Common Stock held of record on the Record Date on each matter
that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
Directors will be elected by a plurality of the voting power represented
and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The passage of any other
proposal will be determined by the affirmative vote of the majority of the
voting power represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. In
the election of directors, abstentions and broker non-votes will not
affect the outcome except in determining the presence of a quorum; they
will not be counted toward the number of votes required for any nominees
election. An instruction to abstain from voting on any other proposal
will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Broker non-votes
will not be considered as present and entitled to vote on the proposals.
Therefore, under applicable Delaware law, broker non-votes will have no
effect on the number of affirmative votes required to adopt such proposal.
Stockholders of record on the Record Date are entitled to cast their votes
in person or by properly submitted proxy at the Annual Meeting.
Stockholders wishing to vote their shares by proxy may do so either (i) by
completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the
enclosed envelope, or (ii) by Internet or telephone. Instructions for
voting by Internet or telephone are contained on the proxy card. The
presence, in person or by properly submitted proxy, of a majority of the
Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date is necessary to constitute a
quorum at the Annual Meeting. If a quorum is not present at the time the
Annual Meeting is convened, the Company may adjourn the Annual Meeting.
All Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting by properly submitted
proxies received prior to or at the Annual Meeting and not properly
revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the
instructions indicated in such proxies. If no instructions are indicated,
such proxies will be voted FOR election of the Boards nominees as
directors, FOR ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP, and, at the
discretion of the named proxies, on any other matters that may properly
come before the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors of the Company
does not know of any matters other than the matters described in the
Notice of Annual Meeting attached to this Proxy Statement that will come
before the Annual Meeting.
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 with the Secretary of the Company, at or before the Annual Meeting,
a written notice of revocation bearing a date later than the date of the
proxy, (ii) submitting a new proxy with a later date, including a proxy
given via the Internet or by telephone, or (iii) attending the Annual
Meeting and voting in person (although attendance at the Annual Meeting
will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of a proxy). Any
written notice revoking a proxy should be sent to: Corporate Secretary,
LaBarge, Inc., 9900 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124.
The proxies are solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company. In
addition to the use of the Internet, telephone and mail, proxies may be
solicited personally or by facsimile transmission by directors, officers
or regular employees of the Company. The cost of solicitation of proxies
will be borne by the Company.
A copy of the Companys Annual Report for the fiscal year ended June 29,
2008 is being mailed to each Stockholder along with this Proxy Statement.
The date of this Proxy Statement is October 10, 2008.
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company is
divided into three classes, designated as
Class A, Class B and Class C. Each Director
is elected for a three-year term and the term
of each Class expires in a different year.
Under the Companys bylaws, the Board of
Directors has the authority to fix the number
of directors. The number of directors
currently is fixed at six.
The Board of Directors has nominated for
election two Class A Directors: Messrs.
Thomas A. Corcoran and Craig E. LaBarge.
Each of the nominees is currently serving as
a Director of the Company and has consented
to continue to serve as a Director if
elected. Unless proxy cards are marked to
withhold authority to vote for any Director
nominee, the proxies intend to vote all
properly executed proxies FOR election of
each of the Director nominees.
The following biographical information is
furnished with respect to each nominee and
each current Director whose term continues
after the Annual Meeting.
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Term |
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Expiration |
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Director |
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Class A Nominees |
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Thomas A. Corcoran |
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2011 |
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64 |
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2005 |
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Director |
Craig E. LaBarge |
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2011 |
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57 |
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1981 |
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Chief Executive Officer, |
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President and Director |
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Continuing
Class B Directors |
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John G. Helmkamp, Jr. |
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2009 |
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1998 |
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Director |
Lawrence J. LeGrand |
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2009 |
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Director |
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Continuing
Class C Directors |
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Robert G. Clark |
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2008 |
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Director |
Jack E. Thomas, Jr. |
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Director |
Mr. Corcoran became a Director in June 2005 and serves as a member of the
Audit Committee, Human Resources Committee and the Nominating Committee of
the Board of Directors. Mr. Corcoran is currently President of Corcoran
Enterprises, LLC, a private management-consulting firm, and serves as
senior advisor to The Carlyle Group, a Washington, D.C.-based private
equity firm. Prior to joining The Carlyle Group as senior advisor, Mr.
Corcoran served as President and Chief Executive Officer for Gemini Air
Cargo, Inc., and Allegheny Teledyne Inc. He previously spent 32 years at
Lockheed Martin Corporation and its predecessor companies where he held
various senior management positions, including President and Chief
Operating Officer for the corporations Space and Strategic Missiles, and
Electronics Systems sectors. Mr. Corcoran is a Director of L-3
Communications Holding LLC.
Mr. LaBarge has been a Director since 1981. He assumed the positions of
Chief Executive Officer and President in 1991. Prior to that time, he was
Vice PresidentMarketing of the Electronics Division of the Company (1975
to 1979), President of the Electronics Division of the Company (1979 to
1986), Vice President of the Company (1981 to 1986) and President and
Chief Operating Officer of the Company (1986 to 1991). Mr. LaBarge is a
Director of U.S. Bank, N.A., in St. Louis.
Mr. Helmkamp has been a Director since 1998 and serves as a member of the
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. He retired from the positions
of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Illinois State
Bank and Trust in 1996 where he served in those capacities for more than
five years.
Mr. LeGrand became a Director in 1998 and serves as Chairman of the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors. He has been Executive Vice President
of Plancorp, Inc., a financial planning and investment advisory firm,
since 2001. He served as Executive Vice President of LMI Aerospace from
1998 to 2001. Prior to that time, Mr. LeGrand was a partner of KPMG LLP
for more than 20 years.
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Mr. Clark became a Director in 2001 and serves as a member of the Human Resources
Committee and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. Since 1984, he has
served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Clayco, Inc., a
design/build construction, real estate and architectural firm doing business in the United
States and Canada.
Mr. Thomas became a Director in 1997 and serves as Chairman of the Human Resources
Committee and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. Since 1982, he has been
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Coin Acceptors, Inc., a
world leader in the design and manufacture of coin mechanisms, bill validators, control
systems and vending machines. Mr. Thomas is a Director of U.S. Bank, N.A. in St. Louis,
is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Vendors, Inc. and is also Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Money Controls, Ltd.
The Board of Directors Recommends that you vote
FOR election of its Nominees for Director.
Meetings of the Board of Directors and Fees
The Board of Directors of the Company held five meetings in fiscal 2008. Each Director
attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and its Committees on which he served in fiscal
2008. It is the Companys policy that directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and at the last Annual Meeting, held on November 14, 2007, all directors were in
attendance.
Members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Company receive $1,500 for each
Board meeting attended, $1,000 for each Audit Committee meeting attended, $750 for each Human
Resources Committee and Nominating Committee meeting attended, and $500 for attendance at the
Companys Annual Meeting. All directors who are not employees receive a quarterly retainer of
$2,500, with Committee Chairs receiving an additional $1,000. In addition, all non-employee
Directors received a $20,000 cash payment in recognition of their contributions to the record
financial results achieved in fiscal 2008. The following table discloses our non-employee
Directors compensation for fiscal 2008:
2008 Director Compensation
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Fees Earned or |
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Robert G. Clark |
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38,000 |
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38,000 |
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Thomas A. Corcoran |
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44,500 |
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44,500 |
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John G. Helmkamp, Jr. |
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43,000 |
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43,000 |
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Lawrence J. LeGrand |
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47,000 |
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47,000 |
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Jack E. Thomas, Jr. |
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43,000 |
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43,000 |
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Committees
The Board of Directors has standing Audit, Human Resources and Nominating Committees. The
Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Corcoran, Helmkamp and LeGrand (Chairman). The Human
Resources Committee is composed of Messrs. Clark, Corcoran and Thomas (Chairman). The Nominating
Committee is composed of Messrs. Clark, Corcoran and Thomas (Chairman).
Based on the independence standards as defined by the Company Guide of The American Stock
Exchange (the AMEX), the Board has determined in its business judgment that each of the following
Directors and Director nominees is independent, as such term is defined in the AMEX listing
standards: Messrs. Clark, Corcoran, Helmkamp, LeGrand and Thomas. In addition, each of the members
of the Audit Committee meets the more stringent independence standards and the financial literacy
standards set forth in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the AMEX
listing standards. The Board has made an affirmative determination as to each independent Director
that no relationships exist that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of
independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a Director. In making these
determinations, the Directors reviewed and discussed information provided by the Directors and the
Company with regard to each directors business and personal activities as they may relate to the
Company and management.
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Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, which met five times in fiscal 2008, oversees the
Companys accounting and financial reporting processes, audits of the
Companys financial statements and internal control matters, and appoints
the independent registered public accountants to audit the Companys
financial statements. The Committees report on its activities for fiscal
2008 is on pages 18 and 19. Fees paid to the independent registered
public accountants in fiscal 2008 are provided on page 17. The
Committees charter is available on the Companys Web site at
www.labarge.com.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee, which met one time in fiscal 2008, is
responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become members of the
Board of Directors, recommending Director nominees for each Annual Meeting
and nominees to fill Board vacancies and to address related matters. The
Committees charter is available on the Companys Web site at
www.labarge.com.
Human Resources Committee
The Human Resources Committee, which met two times in fiscal 2008, serves
as the Boards compensation committee. The Committees charter is
available on the Companys Web site at www.labarge.com.
The Human Resources Committee oversees compensation for the Companys
Chief Executive Officer and other senior executives. In doing so, the
Committee is responsible for considering and approving the annual salary
and incentive compensation, including performance awards under the 2004
Long Term Incentive Plan, and other benefits of executive management.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During the 2008 fiscal year, Messrs. Clark, Corcoran and Thomas served as
members of the Human Resources Committee. None of the Companys executive
officers serves as a director or member of the compensation committee, or
other committee serving an equivalent function, of any other entity that
has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of the
Companys Board of Directors or the Human Resources Committee. None of
Messrs. Clark, Corcoran or Thomas has ever been an officer or employee of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Communication with the Board of Directors
Stockholders may communicate with any and all members of the Companys
Board of Directors by transmitting correspondence by mail addressed to one
or more Directors by name (or to the Chief Executive Officer, for a
communication addressed to the entire Board of Directors) at the following
address and fax number: Name of the Director(s), c/o Corporate Secretary,
LaBarge, Inc., 9900 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124, fax number:
314-812-9438. Communications from the Companys Stockholders to one or
more Directors will be monitored by the Companys Corporate Secretary and
the Chief Executive Officer, who will bring any significant issues to the
attention of the appropriate Board members.
Director Nominations
Director candidates are nominated by the Board. The Nominating Committee
recommends Director nominees to the Board. The Nominating Committee
investigates and assesses the background and skills of potential
candidates for Directors. The Committee seeks to create a Board that will
bring a broad range of experience, knowledge and judgment to the Company.
The Committee does not have specific minimum qualifications that must be
met by a candidate for election to the Board of Directors in order to be
considered for nomination by the Committee. When the Committee reviews a
potential new candidate, the Committee looks specifically at the
candidates qualifications in light of the needs of the Board and the
Company at that time given the current mix of Director attributes.
Upon identifying a candidate for serious consideration, one or more
members of the Nominating Committee initially interview the candidate. If
a candidate merits further consideration, all other Committee members
(individually or as a group) interview the candidate and the candidate
meets the Companys executive officers and ultimately meets many of the
other Directors. The Nominating Committee elicits feedback from all
persons who met the candidate and then determines whether or not to
nominate the candidate. The process is the same whether the candidate is
recommended by a Stockholder, another Director, management or otherwise.
The Company does not pay a fee to any third party for the identification
or evaluation of candidates.
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Stockholders who wish to recommend Director candidates for consideration
by the Nominating Committee for the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders
should notify the Nominating Committee no later than March 16, 2009.
Submissions are to be addressed to the Nominating Committee, c/o Corporate
Secretary, LaBarge, Inc., 9900 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124,
which submissions will then be forwarded to the Committee. The Nominating
Committee would then evaluate the possible nominee using the criteria
established by it and would consider such person in comparison to all
other candidates. The Nominating Committee is not obligated to nominate
any such individual for election. No Stockholder nominations have been
received by the Company for this years Annual Meeting. Accordingly, no
rejections or refusals of such candidates have been made by the Company.
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information, as of September 19, 2008, with respect to the executive officers of the Company.
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Craig E. LaBarge
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Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
Randy L. Buschling
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Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
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56 |
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Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
William D. Bitner
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Vice President, Operations |
Teresa K. Huber
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Vice President, Operations |
John R. Parmley
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Vice President, Sales and Marketing |
Mr. LaBarge For biographical information, see Proposal 1: Election of Directors on page 2.
Mr. Buschling joined the Company in 1998. He is currently Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. He served as Senior Vice President of the Companys
Manufacturing Services Group from 1999 to 2002 and as Vice President, Aerospace and Defense Business Unit from 1998 to 1999. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Buschling was General
Manager of Watlow Electric Manufacturing Companys Systems Division for more than five years.
Mr. Nonnenkamp joined the Company in 1999 and currently serves as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. Previously, he was Vice President and Treasurer for Esco
Technologies, Inc. from 1993 to 1999. Prior to joining Esco, Mr. Nonnenkamp served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Clark Oil and Refining Corporation.
Mr. Bitner joined the Company in January 2007 and began serving as Vice President, Operations. Prior to joining LaBarge, Mr. Bitner was Vice President and General Manager of Burger
Boat Company, designer and builder of custom motor yachts, from 2005 to 2006. Previously, he was employed by Rolls-Royce Corporation, an aerospace manufacturing company, in various
management positions from 2000 to 2005.
Ms. Huber joined the Company in 2004 through the acquisition of Pinnacle Electronics LLC, a contract manufacturing company, on February 17, 2004 and became Vice President, Operations
in 2005. Prior to joining LaBarge, Ms. Huber was Chief Operating Officer of Pinnacle Electronics from 2002 to 2004. Previously, Ms. Huber was employed by Sony Electronics, Inc. in
various management positions from 1992 to 2002.
Mr. Parmley joined the Company in 1997 and became Vice President, Sales and Marketing for the Manufacturing Services Group in 1999. He was Account Manager, Aerospace and Defense
Business Unit from 1997 to 1999. Previously, Mr. Parmley was employed by Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc., where he served in various sales and management positions from 1991 to 1997.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Executive Compensation Objectives and Philosophy
The fundamental objectives of our executive compensation program are to attract and retain
talented executives; align executive compensation with the interests of our stockholders; foster
and promote the short-term and long-term financial success of the Company; materially increase
stockholder value by motivating performance through incentive compensation; and, encourage
executive ownership in the Company. These objectives are furthered by a compensation philosophy
that is based on the following:
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Competition with peer companies: Compensation packages
should be competitive and consistent with the general
market. As such, the Human Resources Committee works with
its compensation and benefits consultant to design
compensation packages that fall |
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within certain ranges
compared with competitive companies, with sufficient
flexibility to address individual responsibilities and
performance. |
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Accountability and recognition for individual and company
performance: Compensation should depend, in significant
part, on each executive officers performance in order to
motivate and reward success. The Committee has provided for
a sizeable portion of the overall compensation packages to
be tied to performance through the payments of short-term
incentive awards in the form of cash bonuses and the grant
of long-term incentive awards in the form of performance
units that are settled in restricted Common Stock. |
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Alignment of stockholder interests: Certain elements of the
compensation packages should be tied to stock performance to
align our executive officers interests with those of our
stockholders. In order to create this tie, a portion of the
compensation packages include stock-based awards in the form
of performance units that are settled in restricted Common
Stock. |
Compensation Determination Process
Our Human Resources Committee serves as our compensation committee and is responsible for
considering and approving the annual salary, incentive compensation and other benefits of our Chief
Executive Officer and other members of executive management. The Committee is made up of
independent directors and typically meets following each fiscal year-end to: (i) consider and
approve salary changes and annual incentive bonuses, if any; (ii) determine and approve long-term
incentive awards, if any; and (iii) establish goals for both the annual and long-term incentive
programs.
To assist the Committee in evaluating and determining executive compensation, the Company, at
the direction of the Committee, has retained the services of Hay Group, a highly regarded
international independent compensation and benefits consulting firm. Hay Group periodically
evaluates the executive officer positions, measuring each position on the practical and technical
skills required; problem-solving environment and challenges faced; and accountability and
decision-making impact. The evaluation of all of these factors results in a point total for each
executive officer position (Hay Points), which allows the Committee and Hay Group to rank the
positions and measure the distance between jobs within the Company.
Hay Group uses the Hay Points to compare the compensation of the Companys executive officers
with the compensation of officers who hold positions with similar Hay Points in companies
comprising the Hay General Industry Market, a group of approximately 800 industrial companies
throughout the United States, 40% of which are manufacturing companies. Using this comparison, Hay
Group constructs median ranges of base salaries, base salaries plus annual incentive bonus
opportunities (Total Cash Compensation) and total compensation, which includes Total Cash
Compensation and long-term incentives, for each of the Companys executive officer positions. The
actual compensation of the Companys executive officers, and the relative position within the
median ranges, is dependent on individual performance, Company performance versus established goals
and other factors, as described herein.
The Committee believes that base salaries, Total Cash Compensation and total compensation
should approximate the median of the Hay General Industry Market for performance at target levels,
in furtherance of our compensation principles noted above. Other than the specific Company
performance criteria considered in determining the annual and long-term incentive payments, our
compensation programs are flexible, although we do rely on the Hay Group market analyses to ensure
that our compensation practices remain equitable and competitive. For example, individual
performance, expertise and experience are all considered when determining each element of total
compensation.
The Committee considers the specific threshold, target and maximum Company performance levels
relating to fiscal 2008 to be confidential, the disclosure of which would cause the Company
competitive harm. Target goals relating to the Companys annual and long-term incentives are set
at aggressive levels each year to motivate executive officers to succeed and focus on longer-term
financial objectives. These targets, individually or together, are designed to be challenging and
as such, the Committee believes that the Companys target performance would not be achieved all of
the time. Historically, not all target performance levels have been achieved. Furthermore, the
Committee believes that reaching maximum levels, and therefore the maximum payout, would be
achieved less often than reaching the target performance levels, but recognizes that the payout
should be appropriate for the performance, regardless of how often it may happen.
6
The mix of our cash and non-cash compensation, and short- and long-term compensation, is not
subject to a specific policy. Instead, the Committee considers the current trends in the market
based on the Hay Group data in light of our compensation philosophies and objectives outlined
above, and makes gradual changes over time as necessary to further these compensation goals.
Each year, taking into account the evaluations of Hay Group, current performance and the
Companys compensation objectives, the Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the
Committee regarding proposed salary changes, annual incentive bonuses and long-term incentive
awards, if any, for each executive officer. The Chief Executive Officer also assists the Committee
in setting Company performance goals on which part of each officers total compensation is based.
The Committee considers this input from the Chief Executive Officer and the recommendations of the
Hay Group, as well as other factors it believes are relevant, and determines the compensation
packages of the executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer.
Elements of Compensation
Base Salaries:
In line with the Companys philosophy that compensation should be competitive, the Committee
aims for base salaries to approximate the median of the Hay General Industry Market. As such,
changes in executive officer salaries are, in part, market-driven. However, salaries are also
dependent on individual evaluations conducted each year by the Committee. During this process, the
Chief Executive Officer provides input to the Committee. No specific individual performance
criteria are or have been established by the Committee. Rather, each executive officer, including
the Chief Executive Officer, is evaluated based on (i) general individual performance over the past
year; (ii) the scope of each officers duties and responsibilities; and (iii) experience and
expertise.
Fiscal 2008 salaries are disclosed in the 2008 Summary Compensation Table later in this proxy
statement and were established based on the criteria described above. The salaries of the
executive officers approximated the median of the Hay General Industry Market.
At the end of fiscal 2008, the Committee established the fiscal 2009 salaries for the
executive officers based on the same factors as described above. The fiscal 2009 salaries are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Fiscal 2009 Salaries |
Craig E. LaBarge |
|
$ |
555,000 |
|
Randy L. Buschling |
|
|
375,000 |
|
Donald H. Nonnenkamp |
|
|
315,000 |
|
John R. Parmley |
|
|
260,000 |
|
Teresa K. Huber |
|
|
230,000 |
|
Annual Incentives:
Executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, have the opportunity to earn annual
incentive bonuses in the form of cash payments following the end of each fiscal year. Annual
incentive bonuses depend, in part, on each executive officers individual performance during the
fiscal year and other circumstances considered during the annual evaluation, as discussed above.
As with salary determinations, the Committee does not set specific individual performance criteria.
The main consideration of the Committee in awarding annual incentive bonuses is the
achievement of certain Company performance goals established at the beginning of each fiscal year.
The measurements used may vary among the executive officers and relate to each officers specific
job responsibilities, changing each year as the Committee, with the input of the Chief Executive
Officer, sees fit. Annually, goals and correlating annual incentive bonus opportunities are
established at the threshold, target and maximum levels. The Committees goal is that, for
performance at the target level, Total Cash Compensation will approximate the median of the Hay
General Industry Market. However, in any case, payout will be zero if threshold performance levels
are not met and will not exceed such levels serve as a guide rather than strict payout formulas, as
payouts vary depending on individual circumstances the maximum payout, or 150% of the payout for
target performance.
7
The measurements used for determining fiscal 2008 annual incentive bonuses were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2008 Annual Incentive Bonus Company |
Name |
|
Performance Goal Categories |
Craig E. LaBarge
|
|
Net income
Total bookings (i.e., new orders) Cash flow |
|
|
|
Randy L. Buschling
|
|
Net income Total bookings Cash flow |
|
|
|
Donald H. Nonnenkamp
|
|
Net
income Cash flow
Investor relations activities |
|
|
|
John R. Parmley
|
|
Net income Total bookings
Cash flow |
|
|
|
Teresa K. Huber
|
|
Net income
Business unit bookings Business
unit operating income Business unit cash flow |
Annual incentive bonuses for fiscal 2008 are disclosed in the 2008 Summary Compensation Table
later in this proxy statement. In addition to the results of individual evaluations described
above, amounts reflect the following fiscal 2008 financial achievement levels: (i) the Companys
2008 net income exceeded the maximum level; (ii) the Companys bookings exceeded the maximum level;
(iii) the Companys cash flow exceeded the maximum level; (iv) investor relations activities
exceeded the maximum level; (v) Ms. Hubers business units bookings exceeded the maximum level;
(vi) Ms. Hubers business unit operating income exceeded the maximum level; and (vii) Ms. Hubers
business unit cash flow met the target. Based on the individual performances and the Companys
overall financial performance, each executive officers total cash compensation exceeded the median
of the Hay General Market Industry.
Long-Term Incentives:
Executive officers are eligible to earn long-term incentive awards pursuant to the Companys
2004 Long Term Incentive Plan (the Plan), the terms of which are more fully described later in
this proxy statement. Under the terms of the Plan, the Company has the flexibility to utilize a
variety of vehicles in designing appropriate long-term incentives. Since the Plan was approved in
2004, the Committee has elected to utilize performance units, which pay out in shares of restricted
Common Stock. The number of shares of restricted Common Stock, if any, that each executive officer
will receive is tied to the Companys fiscal year net income performance.
The Committee meets following each fiscal year-end to approve net income goals at threshold,
target and maximum levels for three years hence (the Performance Period). At this meeting, the
Committee also enters into performance unit award agreements with each executive officer, pursuant
to which each executive officer is granted a specified number of performance units, the value of
which will be determined based on the Companys actual net income performance for the Performance
Period. If actual net income results are less than the threshold goal for the Performance Period,
the value of each performance unit will be zero. If actual net income results are at threshold,
the value of each performance unit will be $0.50. If actual net income results are at target, the
value of each performance unit will be $1.00. If actual net income results are at or above
maximum, the value of each performance unit will be $1.50. If actual results are greater than
threshold but less than target, or greater than target but less than maximum, the value of each
performance unit will be adjusted proportionately. Target long-term incentive opportunities are
designed to approximate the median of the Hay General Industry Market for target net income
performance and also take into account the individual circumstances considered in the annual
evaluations.
Following the end of the Performance Period, the Committee meets to determine the value of
each performance unit (the Unit Value) based upon the net income results for the Performance
Period. Each executive officer is issued a number of shares of restricted Common Stock equal to
the Unit Value times the number of performance units granted to him or her for the Performance
Period, divided by the closing price of the Companys Common Stock as of the last trading day of
the Performance Period. The restricted Common Stock then vests upon the first to occur of: (i)
two additional years of employment; (ii) death or Disability; or (iii) a Change in Control (all as
defined in the Plan).
8
The design of the Companys long-term incentive program provides that each executive officer
will have three outstanding grants of performance units at all times. For example, the Committee
met following the end of fiscal 2008 to establish threshold, target and maximum net income goals for 2011 and grant each executive officer
performance units, the value of which will be determined based on the Companys net income results
for fiscal 2011. Therefore, in the current fiscal year (fiscal 2009), each executive officer has
outstanding performance units for fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011. These performance units will
be valued, and restricted stock will be issued, if appropriate, once the net income results for
these fiscal years are calculated. The Committee believes that the practice of setting three-year
rolling grants is appropriate for the business, as it provides incentive for the executive officers
to focus on the long-term health of the Company and serves as a retention tool. The Committee
further believes that converting performance units to restricted Common Stock has certain
advantages, including: (i) encouraging ownership of the Companys Common Stock by executive
officers; (ii) providing a retention incentive through the two-year vesting period; and (iii)
allowing for lower dilution, as compared to the granting of stock options.
As customary, the Committee met following the end of fiscal 2008 to determine the value of
performance units based on fiscal 2008 net income performance and, thus, the number of shares of
restricted Common Stock to be issued to each executive officer. The Company exceeded its maximum
long-term net income goal in fiscal 2008. As such, the value of each performance unit was $1.50.
The following table discloses the number of shares of restricted Common Stock issued to each
executive officer based on the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the last trading day
of fiscal 2008, which was $13.00.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares of Restricted Common |
|
|
Stock Based on Fiscal 2008 Net Income |
Name |
|
Performance |
Craig E. LaBarge |
|
|
51,923 |
|
Randy L. Buschling |
|
|
34,615 |
|
Donald H. Nonnenkamp |
|
|
23,077 |
|
John R. Parmley |
|
|
11,538 |
|
Teresa K. Huber |
|
|
10,385 |
|
Perquisites and Other Benefits
Our executive officers receive the following benefits in addition to the compensation
discussed above: (i) eligibility to participate in the Companys 401(k) plan; (ii) Company-paid
interest on deferred compensation; (iii) life insurance policies; (iv) use of Company-leased
vehicles, or a vehicle allowance; (v) club dues; and (vi) limited financial planning services. The
Committee believes these perquisites are reasonable and competitive and considers the value to be
modest. As such, the Committee has not given significant weight to the value of perquisites when
designing executive compensation packages.
Executive officers are eligible to receive the same health, dental, disability and group life
insurance benefits, and participate in the 401(k) on the same terms, as are available to all other
full-time employees of the Company.
Retirement and Other Post-Termination Benefits
We maintain Executive Severance Agreements with each of our named executive officers. Each
Executive Severance Agreement and the Plan contain Change in Control provisions, pursuant to which
executive officers receive the benefits more fully described below.
Both the Executive Severance Agreements and the Plan define Change in Control as the first
to occur of any of the following events: (i) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, or other
combination or reorganization involving the Company, irrespective of which party is the surviving
entity, excluding any merger, consolidation, share exchange, or other combination involving the
Company solely in connection with the acquisition by the Company of any other entity; (ii) any
sale, lease, exchange, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company; (iii) any acquisition (other than pursuant to will, the laws of descent and
distribution, gift to a parent, child, spouse or descendant, or pursuant to an employee benefit
plan) or agreement to acquire by any person or entity, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership
of 25% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Company; (iv) during any period of two
consecutive years during the term hereof, individuals who at the date of the Agreement, in the case
of Executive Severance Agreements, or the Plan, in the case of the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan,
constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the Incumbent Directors) cease for any reason
to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election of each director at the beginning of
such directors term has been approved by at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then in
office; any such director so approved shall thereafter be an Incumbent Director; (v) a majority of
the Board or a majority of the stockholders of the
9
Company approve, adopt, agree to recommend, or
accept any agreement, contract, offer, or other arrangement providing for any of the transactions
described above; (vi) any series of transactions resulting in any of the transactions described
above;
or (vii) any other set of circumstances which the Board of Directors deems to constitute a Change
in Control.
Executive Severance Agreements
Each Executive Severance Agreement provides that, following a Change in Control, the Company
will continue to employ the executive officer for a period not less than one year at his or her
place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control or within 50 miles thereof.
During the Change in Control payment period, the executive officer would be entitled to a base
salary in the amount not less than the annualized base salary paid or payable to him or her during
the month immediately preceding the month in which the Change in Control occurs. He or she would
also be entitled to an annual bonus equal to the same percentage of his or her base salary as the
average bonuses paid to the executive officer in each of the five fiscal years most recently ended
were to his or her base salary in those years, after disregarding the highest and lowest of such
percentages. The executive officer would also be entitled, during such one-year period, to all
pension, welfare and other employee benefits, fringe benefits and perquisites in amounts and on
terms no less favorable than those to which he or she was entitled on the date of the Change in
Control. The Agreements also provide that, in the event of termination of the executive officers
employment during such one-year period for reasons other than death, Disability, or Cause (as
defined by the Agreements) or voluntarily by the executive officer for Good Reason (as defined by
the Agreements), the executive officer would be entitled to a lump sum payment from the Company
equal to the sum of: (i) his or her salary and other compensation not yet paid by the Company
through the date of termination; (ii) a bonus prorated for the portion of the year through the date
of termination; (iii) the product of three times the sum of (x) the executive officers salary plus
(y) the bonus to which he or she would have been entitled for the full fiscal year; plus (iv)
accrued vacation pay. The Company would also be required to provide to the executive officer, for
three years after termination, all medical, hospitalization, disability and certain other benefits
in amounts and on terms not less favorable than those to which he or she was entitled at the time
of termination. If the foregoing amounts were not paid when due, they would bear interest at the
rate of 15% per annum. The Agreements provide for appropriate adjustments of such payments if they
would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
2004 Long Term Incentive Plan
As noted above, executive officers receive performance units to be settled in restricted
Common Stock, pursuant to the Plan, as part of the Companys long-term incentive portion of
compensation packages. Once issued, the restricted Common Stock vests upon the first to occur of:
(i) two additional years of employment; (ii) death or Disability; or (iii) a Change in Control, as
defined above. If a Change in Control occurs at any time prior to the end of the second fiscal
year following the Performance Period (as defined above), the restricted Common Stock shall become
fully vested and immediately transferable. If a Change in Control occurs at any time before the
end of the Performance Period, the net income goals with respect to the Performance Period shall be
deemed to have been achieved at the maximum level as of the date of the Change in Control, whether
or not the Performance Period is complete, and the performance units shall be distributable at the
end of the twelve-month period immediately following the Change in Control, subject to forfeiture
upon termination of employment for reason other than Retirement, death, Disability or for Good
Reason during such twelve-month period, as defined in the Plan.
Deferred Compensation Plan
Executive officers are also eligible to participate in a non-qualified deferred compensation
plan that allows them to defer payments of portions of their salaries and annual bonuses until
post-retirement. If an executive officer retires from the Company and has participated in the
deferred compensation plan for at least five years, is at least 50 years old and has a deferred
compensation balance of at least $50,000, he or she will receive monthly payments from the Company
over a three or fifteen-year period, at the individuals option, the amount of which depends on his
or her balance. If all of the above criteria are not met, the executive officer will receive his
or her plan balance in one lump sum upon retirement.
Impact of Accounting and Tax Treatments of Executive Compensation
Accounting Treatment
The Committee has taken into account certain accounting consequences and rules when
determining the types of awards that executive officers should receive as part of their long-term
incentive components of compensation packages. As such, the Committee makes awards of performance
units under the Companys 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan that are settled in shares of restricted
Common Stock that the executive officers receive upon vesting.
10
Tax Treatment
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, generally imposes a $1
million limit on the amount that public companies may deduct from compensation paid to the named
executive officers. In fiscal 2008, no executive officer received compensation that triggered the
applicability of Section 162(m).
Report of the Human Resources Committee
The Companys Human Resources Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K. Based upon such
review and discussions, the Human Resources Committee has recommended to the Board that the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
|
|
|
Committee Members:
|
|
Jack E. Thomas, Jr., Chairman |
|
|
Robert G. Clark |
|
|
Thomas A. Corcoran |
2008 Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of the named executive
officers for the fiscal years ended July 1, 2007 and June 29, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-qualified |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Deferred |
|
All Other |
|
|
and Principal |
|
Fiscal |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) (a) |
|
($) (b) |
|
($)(c) |
|
Earnings ($) (d) |
|
($) (e) |
|
($) |
Craig E. LaBarge |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
534,506 |
|
|
|
405,000 |
|
|
|
547,278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,112 |
|
|
|
1,520,896 |
|
Chief Executive |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
494,520 |
|
|
|
230,750 |
|
|
|
498,824 |
|
|
|
12,575 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,439 |
|
|
|
1,270,108 |
|
Officer and
President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Randy L. Buschling |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
352,011 |
|
|
|
232,500 |
|
|
|
345,151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,325 |
|
|
|
28,902 |
|
|
|
964,889 |
|
Vice President and |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
336,414 |
|
|
|
146,913 |
|
|
|
268,373 |
|
|
|
9,198 |
|
|
|
4,722 |
|
|
|
28,152 |
|
|
|
793,772 |
|
Chief Operating
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Donald H. Nonnenkamp |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
300,011 |
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
226,907 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,160 |
|
|
|
33,237 |
|
|
|
743,315 |
|
Vice President, Chief |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
286,520 |
|
|
|
105,900 |
|
|
|
179,760 |
|
|
|
7,358 |
|
|
|
2,393 |
|
|
|
35,003 |
|
|
|
616,934 |
|
Financial
Officer and
Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John R. Parmley |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
246,505 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
111,612 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,006 |
|
|
|
29,363 |
|
|
|
543,486 |
|
Vice President, |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
235,404 |
|
|
|
105,760 |
|
|
|
105,572 |
|
|
|
4,925 |
|
|
|
4,722 |
|
|
|
27,416 |
|
|
|
483,799 |
|
Sales and
Marketing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Teresa K. Huber |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
214,005 |
|
|
|
140,000 |
|
|
|
107,273 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,323 |
|
|
|
473,601 |
|
Vice President, |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
203,008 |
|
|
|
104,401 |
|
|
|
78,033 |
|
|
|
3,016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,045 |
|
|
|
400,503 |
|
Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Bonus amounts are earned in the fiscal year shown and paid in the subsequent fiscal
year. |
|
(b) |
|
Amounts shown equal the dollars expensed under FAS 123R under the Companys 2004 Long
Term Incentive Plan for awards earned. Each of these awards is expensed over three years
(the year in which the performance takes place, plus two additional years for vesting). |
|
(c) |
|
Amounts shown are the balance of expenses of option awards granted in fiscal year
2004 expensed under FAS 123R. |
11
|
|
|
(d) |
|
Represents the above-market or preferential earnings on compensation that is deferred
on a basis that is not tax-qualified, including such earnings on non-qualified defined
contribution plans. Amounts shown represent interest earned at a rate that exceeded 120%
of the applicable federal long-term rate. |
|
(e) |
|
Includes amounts for 401(k) employer match, use of auto, club dues and financial
planning and the following amounts for life insurance premiums: Mr. LaBarge, $14,504; Mr.
Buschling, $15,136; Mr. Nonnenkamp, $17,619; and Mr. Parmley, $18,505 for the fiscal year
ended June 29, 2008 and the following amounts for life insurance premiums for the fiscal
year ended July 1, 2007: Mr. LaBarge, $14,510; Mr. Buschling, $15,142; Mr. Nonnenkamp,
$17,097; and Mr. Parmley, $18,511. |
2008 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth additional information about plan-based awards granted in the
fiscal year ended June 29, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards (#) (a) |
Name |
|
Grant Date |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
Craig E. LaBarge |
|
|
8/22/2007 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
750,000 |
|
Randy L. Buschling |
|
|
8/22/2007 |
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
|
|
320,000 |
|
|
|
480,000 |
|
Donald H. Nonnenkamp |
|
|
8/22/2007 |
|
|
|
107,500 |
|
|
|
215,000 |
|
|
|
322,500 |
|
John R. Parmley |
|
|
8/22/2007 |
|
|
|
54,000 |
|
|
|
108,000 |
|
|
|
162,000 |
|
Teresa K. Huber |
|
|
8/22/2007 |
|
|
|
54,000 |
|
|
|
108,000 |
|
|
|
162,000 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Represents awards under the Companys 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan granted in fiscal
year 2008 and are applicable for performance during fiscal year 2010. Awards are made in
the form of performance units, the value of which will be determined based on the
Companys net income performance in fiscal 2010, as more fully described in the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. The performance units will be paid out in
restricted Common Stock based on the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on June
25, 2010. If the threshold net income performance goal for fiscal 2010 is not achieved, no
shares of restricted Common Stock will be issued. |
As discussed above and in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, performance units granted
under the Companys 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan are paid out in restricted Common Stock depending
on the achievement of net income levels and the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the
last day of the fiscal year during which net income performance is measured. Any restricted Common
Stock that is issued is subject to a two-year vesting schedule as discussed in the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis. During the restriction period, executive officers may exercise full voting
rights and are entitled to dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the shares on the
same terms as those of the Companys Common Stockholders.
12
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2008 Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information on outstanding options and stock awards held by the
named executive officers as of June 29, 2008, including the number of shares underlying both
exercisable and unexercisable portions of each stock option, as well as the exercise price and the
expiration date of each outstanding option, and the market value of stock awards:
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Option Awards |
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Stock Awards |
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Equity Incentive |
|
Equity Incentive |
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Market Value |
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Plan Awards: |
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Plan Awards: |
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Number of |
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|
|
Number of |
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of Shares or |
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Number |
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Market or Payout |
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Securities |
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|
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Shares or Units |
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Units of |
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of Shares, |
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Value of Shares |
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|
Underlying |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Stock That |
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Stock That |
|
Unearned or |
|
Unearned or Other |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Option Exercise |
|
Option |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
Other Rights |
|
Rights Units That |
|
|
Options (#) |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Units That Have |
|
Have Not |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
($) (a) |
|
Not Vested (#) (b) |
|
Vested ($) (c) |
Craig E. LaBarge |
|
|
294,118 |
|
|
|
2.50 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
43,042 |
(d) |
|
|
559,546 |
|
|
|
475,000 |
(f) |
|
|
712,500 |
|
|
|
|
110,294 |
|
|
|
2.50 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
51,923 |
(e) |
|
|
674,999 |
|
|
|
500,000 |
(g) |
|
|
750,000 |
|
|
|
|
92,900 |
|
|
|
2.85 |
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|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65,000 |
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|
|
3.56 |
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|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,552 |
|
|
|
8.54 |
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|
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2014 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Randy L. Buschling |
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68,632 |
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|
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2.50 |
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|
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2009 |
|
|
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28,695 |
(d) |
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|
373,035 |
|
|
|
320,000 |
(f) |
|
|
480,000 |
|
|
|
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63,636 |
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|
|
2.50 |
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2010 |
|
|
|
34,615 |
(e) |
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449,995 |
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|
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320,000 |
(g) |
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480,000 |
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|
|
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20,000 |
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|
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2.85 |
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2011 |
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
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|
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|
|
|
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49,550 |
|
|
|
2.85 |
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|
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2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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75,000 |
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|
|
3.56 |
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2013 |
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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45,750 |
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|
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8.54 |
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2014 |
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|
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|
|
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Donald H. Nonnenkamp |
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28,221 |
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|
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2.50 |
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2009 |
|
|
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19,130 |
(d) |
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248,690 |
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|
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215,000 |
(f) |
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322,500 |
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20,000 |
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|
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2.50 |
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2009 |
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23,077 |
(e) |
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300,001 |
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|
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215,000 |
(g) |
|
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322,500 |
|
|
|
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36,364 |
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|
|
2.50 |
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|
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2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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34,085 |
|
|
|
2.85 |
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|
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2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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47,000 |
|
|
|
3.56 |
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2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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36,600 |
|
|
|
8.54 |
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2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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John R. Parmley |
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34,309 |
|
|
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2.50 |
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|
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2009 |
|
|
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9,565 |
(d) |
|
|
124,345 |
|
|
|
108,000 |
(f) |
|
|
162,000 |
|
|
|
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31,821 |
|
|
|
2.50 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
11,538 |
(e) |
|
|
149,994 |
|
|
|
108,000 |
(g) |
|
|
162,000 |
|
|
|
|
23,260 |
|
|
|
2.85 |
|
|
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2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
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37,500 |
|
|
|
3.56 |
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2013 |
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,500 |
|
|
|
8.54 |
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2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Teresa K. Huber |
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|
15,000 |
|
|
|
8.54 |
|
|
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2014 |
|
|
|
7,652 |
(d) |
|
|
99,476 |
|
|
|
108,000 |
(f) |
|
|
162,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,385 |
(e) |
|
|
135,005 |
|
|
|
108,000 |
(g) |
|
|
162,000 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Valued at closing stock price of $13.00 per share on June 27, 2008 (the last trading
day in fiscal 2008). |
|
(b) |
|
Performance units awarded under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan for fiscal years
2009 and 2010. |
|
(c) |
|
Unearned and unvested performance units are valued assuming the Company achieves in
fiscal years 2009 and 2010 the same percentage of those years net income target goals, as
was achieved in fiscal year 2008. |
|
(d) |
|
Represents shares of restricted stock that have not yet vested. Shares will vest on
June 28, 2009. |
|
(e) |
|
Represents shares of restricted stock that have not yet vested. Shares will vest on
June 27, 2010. |
13
|
|
|
|
(f) |
|
Represents restricted stock awarded under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. Earned
based on fiscal year 2009 performance. |
|
(g) |
|
Represents restricted stock awarded under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. Earned
based on fiscal year 2010 performance. |
2008 Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth the exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards
during fiscal 2008 for the named executive officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Value Realized on |
|
Number of |
|
Value Realized |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Exercise |
|
Shares Acquired |
|
on Vesting |
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
($) |
|
on Vesting (#) |
|
($) (a) |
Craig E. LaBarge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,491 |
|
|
|
420,433 |
|
Randy L. Buschling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,329 |
|
|
|
225,277 |
|
Donald H. Nonnenkamp |
|
|
11,000 |
|
|
|
151,030 |
|
|
|
10,831 |
|
|
|
140,803 |
|
John R. Parmley |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,932 |
|
|
|
90,116 |
|
Teresa K. Huber |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,178 |
|
|
|
67,314 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Valued at closing stock price of $13.00 per share on June 27, 2008 (the last trading
day in fiscal 2008). |
2008 Non-qualified Deferred Compensation
The following table discloses contributions, earnings and balances under the Companys
non-qualified deferred compensation plans for each of the named executive officers as of June 29,
2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions in |
|
Aggregate Earnings |
|
Aggregate Balance |
Name |
|
Last FY ($) |
|
in Last FY ($) (a) |
|
at Last FYE ($) |
Craig E. LaBarge (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Randy L. Buschling |
|
|
36,728 |
|
|
|
22,520 |
|
|
|
349,508 |
|
Donald H. Nonnenkamp |
|
|
13,903 |
|
|
|
11,487 |
|
|
|
183,370 |
|
John R. Parmley |
|
|
56,378 |
|
|
|
22,795 |
|
|
|
365,598 |
|
Teresa K. Huber (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Interest paid by the Company at a rate equal to prime. |
|
(b) |
|
Mr. LaBarge and Ms. Huber do not defer any portion of their compensation. |
Summary Compensation Table reports the above-market or preferential earnings on
compensation that is deferred on a basis that is not tax-qualified, including such earnings
on non-qualified defined contribution plans. Amounts shown represent interest earned at a
rate that exceeded 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate.
14
Employment Agreements and Other Post-Termination Agreements with Executive Officers
In 2005, the Company entered into an Executive Severance Agreement each, (an
Agreement and collectively, the Agreements) with each of Messrs. Craig E. LaBarge,
Randy L. Buschling, Donald H. Nonnenkamp, John R. Parmley and Ms. Teresa K. Huber,
(collectively the Executive Officers, or individually the Executive Officer).
Each Agreement provides that, following a Change in Control (as defined by the
Agreement), the Company will continue to employ the Executive Officer for a period not
less than one year at his or her place of employment immediately prior to the Change
in Control or within 50 miles thereof. During that period, the Executive Officer
would be entitled to a base salary in the amount not less than the annualized base
salary paid or payable to him or her during the month immediately preceding the month
in which the Change in Control occurs. He or she would also be entitled to an annual
bonus equal to the same percentage of his or her base salary as the average bonuses
paid to the Executive Officer in each of the five fiscal years most recently ended,
after disregarding the highest and lowest of such percentages. The Executive Officer
would also be entitled, during such one-year period, to all pension, welfare and other
employee benefits, fringe benefits and perquisites in amounts and on terms no less
favorable than those to which he or she was entitled on the date of the Change in
Control.
Each Agreement also provides that, in the event of termination of the Executive
Officers employment during such one-year period for reasons other than death,
disability, or Cause (as defined by the Agreement) or voluntarily by the Executive
Officer with Good Reason (as defined by the Agreement), the Executive Officer would be
entitled to a lump sum payment from the Company equal to the sum of: (i) his or her
salary and other compensation not yet paid by the Company through the date of
termination; (ii) a bonus prorated for the portion of the year through the date of
termination; (iii) the product of three times the sum of (x) the Executive Officers
salary plus (y) the bonus to which he or she would have been entitled for the full
fiscal year; and (iv) accrued vacation pay. The Company would also be required to
provide to the Executive Officer for three years after such a termination all medical,
hospitalization, disability and certain other benefits in amounts and on terms not
less favorable than those to which he or she was entitled at the time of termination.
If the foregoing amounts were not paid when due, they would bear interest at the rate
of 15% per annum. The Agreements provide for appropriate adjustments of such payments
if they would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
To estimate the amount payable by the Company upon a Change in Control, it is assumed
that the named executive officers are terminated immediately upon the Change in
Control rather than employed for one year. The following payments would be due to:
Mr. LaBarge, $2,982,336; Mr. Buschling, $1,909,206;
Mr. Nonnenkamp, $1,584,711; Mr. Parmley, $1,318,089; and Ms. Huber, $1,146,969.
In the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the named executive officers are
entitled to receive accelerated payments under the Companys 2004 Long Term Incentive
Plan. Currently, those Change-in-Control payments would be as follows: Mr. LaBarge,
$2,212,500; Mr. Buschling, $1,440,000;
Mr. Nonnenkamp, $967,500; Mr. Parmley, $486,000; and Ms. Huber, $486,000.
The Company has entered into a Competitive Practices Agreement with each of its
Executive Officers. The Agreements restrict Executive Officers from engaging in
competitive practices with the Company for a period of two years following termination
of employment.
Related Party Transactions
To identify and address any concerns regarding related party transactions and ensure their
proper disclosure, the Company requires such transactions to be reported in its questionnaires
distributed to Directors and officers each year and mandates that all employees and Directors
report to the Corporate Secretary all transactions presenting potential conflicts of interest
pursuant to its Policy on Business Conduct & Ethics. It is the policy of the Company that the
Companys Audit Committee review and approves all transactions with related persons requiring
disclosure pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
During fiscal 2008, no related party transactions were entered into or proposed that require
disclosure pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
15
PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
KPMG LLP (KPMG) has been appointed independent registered public accountants for the
Company, for the fiscal year ending June 28, 2009, by the Audit Committee with the approval of the
Board of Directors. KPMG has been the Companys independent accountants since 1980. Although the
appointment of the independent registered public accountants does not require the approval of
Common Stockholders, the Board of Directors believes Common Stockholders should participate in the
appointment through ratification. A representative of KPMG is expected to be present at the Annual
Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement, if he so desires, and he is expected to be
available to respond to appropriate questions raised orally at the Annual Meeting.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
casting a vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary for the ratification of the selection of the
independent registered public accountants. In the event that a majority of the shares are not
voted in favor of ratification, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection.
Independent Registered Public Accountants Fees
KPMG served as the Companys independent registered public accountants for
the fiscal year ended June 29, 2008.
Aggregate fees for professional services rendered for the Company by KPMG
for the fiscal years ended June 29, 2008 and July 1, 2007 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended |
|
|
June 29, |
|
July 1, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Audit fees |
|
$ |
435,500 |
|
|
$ |
479,500 |
|
Audit-related fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax fees |
|
|
62,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
All other fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
497,500 |
|
|
$ |
479,500 |
|
|
Audit fees were for professional services rendered for the audits of the consolidated
financial statements of the Company and its benefit plans and the review of documents filed by the
Company with the SEC. These fees include audit of internal controls in compliance with Section 404
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Tax fees were for professional services rendered in connection with the Companys IRS audit
covering fiscal years 2005 and 2006.
The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures relating to the approval of all audit
and non-audit services that are to be performed by the Companys independent registered public
accountants. These policies generally provide that the Company will not engage the independent
registered public accountants to render audit or non-audit services unless the service is
specifically approved in advance by the Audit Committee. [Represents the above-market or
preferential earnings on compensation that is deferred on a basis that is not tax-qualified,
including such earnings on non-qualified defined contribution plans.] The Audit Committee has
granted the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer the authority to engage KPMG for
audit-related and tax services not exceeding $25,000. Such engagements are then formally approved
by the Audit Committee at its next meeting. All fees billed for fiscal year 2008 were pre-approved
by the Audit Committee.
The Board of Directors Recommends That You Vote
FOR Ratification of the Selection of KPMG LLP as the Companys Independent Registered
Public Accountants for Fiscal 2009.
16
Report of the Audit Committee
The primary role of the Audit Committee is oversight of the Companys financial reporting process, public
financial reports, internal accounting and financial controls, and the independent audit of the annual
consolidated financial statements. The Board, in its business judgment, has determined that the members of the
Audit Committee are independent and financially literate as required by the American Stock Exchange. In
addition, the Board has determined, in its business judgment, that Lawrence J. LeGrand qualifies as an audit
committee financial expert as that term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee
acts under a charter. A current copy of the charter is available on the Companys Web site, www.labarge.com.
The Committee reviews the adequacy of the charter at least annually.
Committee members are not professionally engaged in the practice of accounting or auditing, and are not experts
under the Securities Act of 1933 in either of those fields, or in auditor independence. In carrying out its
responsibilities, the Committee looks to management and the independent registered public accountants.
Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the
systems of internal controls. The independent registered public accountants are responsible for auditing the
Companys consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity to accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States.
In the performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee meets each quarter with management to review
the Companys quarterly financial results and with the independent registered public accountants to review the
results of their quarterly review before the publication of the Companys earnings press releases. The Audit
Committee assists the Board in establishing procedures for receipt and treatment of complaints received by the
Company regarding accounting, internal controls and other matters, including the confidential anonymous
submission by the Companys employees, received through established procedures, of any concerns regarding
questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and
the independent auditors the Companys fiscal 2008 audited consolidated financial statements. Management and
the independent registered public accountants told the Audit Committee that the Companys financial statements
were fairly stated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee also has
discussed with the independent registered public accountants the matters required to be discussed by Statement
on Auditing Standards No. 61 relating to communication with audit committees. In addition, the Audit Committee
has received from the independent auditors the written disclosures and letter required by applicable
requirements of the Public Company Accounting oversight Board regarding the independent registered public
accountants communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the
independent registered public accountants the independent auditors independence. The Audit Committee has
considered whether the independent registered public accountants provision of non-audit services to the
Company is compatible with maintaining the auditors independence.
The Audit Committee discussed with the Companys independent registered public accountants the overall scope
and plans for their audit. The Audit Committee met with the independent registered public accountants, with
and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the
Companys internal controls and the overall quality of the Companys financial reporting.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management its assessment and report on the effectiveness
of the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of June 29, 2008, which it made using the
criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control
Integrated Framework. The Audit Committee has also reviewed and discussed with the independent registered
public accountants its attestation report on internal control over financial reporting. The Company published
these reports in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2008.
The Audit Committee pre-approved all services provided by the independent auditor in fiscal 2008. Pre-approval
includes audit services and other services. In some cases, the full Audit Committee provides pre-approval for
up to a year, related to a particular defined task or scope of work and subject to a specific budget. In other
cases, the Chairman of the Audit Committee has the delegated authority from the Audit Committee to pre-approve
additional services, and the Chairman then communicates such pre-approvals to the full Audit Committee. The
Audit Committee has granted the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer the authority to engage the
independent auditor for audit related and tax services not exceeding $25,000. To avoid certain potential
conflicts of interest, the law prohibits a publicly traded company from obtaining certain non-audit services
from its independent registered public accounting firm. The Company obtains these services from other service
providers as needed. See Proposal 2: Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accountants
for more information regarding fees paid to the independent registered public accountants.
17
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors, and the Board has approved, that the Companys fiscal 2008 audited consolidated financial statements
be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2008 for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Audit Committee has retained KPMG to audit the Companys financial statements for fiscal 2009.
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Committee Members:
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Lawrence J. LeGrand, Chairman
Thomas A. Corcoran
John G. Helmkamp, Jr. |
Voting Securities and Ownership Thereof By Management and Certain Beneficial Owners
Set forth below is information, as of September 19, 2008, concerning all persons known
to the Company to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Common Stock outstanding
on the Record Date, and beneficial ownership of Common Stock by each Director and
nominee for Director of the Company, each named executive officer of the Company and
all executive officers and directors as a group (unless otherwise indicated, such
ownership represents sole voting and sole investment power).
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Name and Address of |
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Amount and Nature of |
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Percent |
Beneficial Owner (1) |
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Beneficial Ownership |
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of Class (2) |
Directors and Executive Officers: |
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|
|
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|
|
|
Randy L. Buschling |
|
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364,587 |
- (3) (4) (5) |
|
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2.3 |
% |
Robert G. Clark |
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8,385 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Thomas A. Corcoran |
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1,500 |
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|
|
* |
|
John G. Helmkamp, Jr. |
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355,196 |
- (6) |
|
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2.3 |
% |
Teresa K. Huber |
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42,182 |
- (3) (4) (5) |
|
|
* |
|
Craig E. LaBarge |
|
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2,081,126 |
- (3) (4) (5) (7) |
|
|
12.7 |
% |
Lawrence J. LeGrand |
|
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1,213,485 |
- (8) (9) |
|
|
7.7 |
% |
Donald H. Nonnenkamp |
|
|
411,232 |
- (3) (4) (5) |
|
|
2.6 |
% |
John R. Parmley |
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|
214,995 |
- (3) (4) (5) |
|
|
1.4 |
% |
Jack E. Thomas, Jr. |
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3,685 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All executive officers and directors as a group
(11 persons) |
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4,567,532 |
- (4) |
|
|
26.7 |
% |
5% Stockholders: |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Sanfurd G. Bluestein, M.D.
2150 Ocean Blvd., Apt. 4N
Boca Raton, FL 33431 |
|
|
1,525,300 |
- (12) |
|
|
9.8 |
% |
Joanne V. Lockard
c/o Plancorp, Inc.
1350 Timberlake Manor Parkway
Suite 100
Chesterfield, MO 63017 |
|
|
1,218,270 |
- (9) (10) |
|
|
7.7 |
% |
Leo V. Garvin, Jr.
c/o Plancorp, Inc.
1350 Timberlake Manor Parkway
Suite 100
Chesterfield, MO 63017 |
|
|
1,208,485 |
- (9) |
|
|
7.7 |
% |
Wentworth Hauser & Violich, Inc.
301 Battery Street
Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94111 |
|
|
1,068,300 |
- (11) |
|
|
6.8 |
% |
18
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The address of each executive officer and Director is c/o LaBarge,
Inc., 9900 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63124. |
|
(2) |
|
Percent of class is calculated on the basis of 15,773,253 Common
Shares outstanding on September 29, 2008. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes the following number of shares awarded under the 2004 Long
Term Incentive Plan that are restricted until June 28, 2009: Mr.
Buschling, 28,695; Ms. Huber, 7,652; Mr. LaBarge, 43,042; Mr.
Nonnenkamp, 19,130; and Mr. Parmley, 9,565. Also includes the
following shares awarded under the 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan that
are restricted until June 27, 2010: Mr. Buschling, 34,615; Ms. Huber,
10,385; Mr. LaBarge, 51,923; Mr. Nonnenkamp, 23,077; and Mr. Parmley,
11,538. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes options exercisable within 60 days for the following number
of shares under the 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan and the 1999
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan: Mr. Buschling 322,568; Ms. Huber
15,000; Mr. LaBarge 624,864; Mr. Nonnenkamp 202,270; Mr.
Parmley 151,390. All executive officers and directors as a group
1,316,092 shares. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes the following number of shares held in employee contribution
accounts, Company unrestricted match accounts and Company restricted
match accounts, respectively, of the Companys 401(k) Benefit Plan:
Mr. Buschling -0-, 1,970 and 4,416; Ms. Huber: -0-, 284 and 1,076;
Mr. LaBarge: 105,019, 231,606 and -0-; Mr. Nonnenkamp: -0-, 1,633 and
3,841; and Mr. Parmley: -0-, 1,947 and 4,414. The named persons have
sole voting power with respect to all shares held in their accounts,
and have sole dispositive power with respect to the shares held in
their Company unrestricted match accounts. Except as noted below, the
named persons have no dispositive power with respect to shares held
in their Company restricted match accounts. In addition, Messrs.
LaBarge and Nonnenkamp as administrators of the Company 401(k)
Benefit Plan have shared dispositive power and no voting power
(except for shares in their own accounts) as to 139,226 shares held
in the Company restricted match accounts. Messrs. LaBarge and
Nonnenkamp disclaim beneficial ownership of all shares held in the
Company restricted match accounts of employees other than themselves. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 2,600 shares held by Mr. Helmkamps spouse in her name,
3,911 shares in her IRA and 22,000 shares held in a trust, of which
she acts as trustee. Also includes 45,300 shares held in three
trusts for the benefit of Mr. Helmkamps children and 43,500 shares
held in a charitable remainder trust. Mr. Helmkamp is trustee of the
aforesaid trusts. Mr. Helmkamp disclaims beneficial ownership of all
these shares. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 70,548 shares held by Mr. LaBarges spouse in her name,
34,000 shares held in her IRA and 11,042 shares as custodian for
their two minor children. Mr. LaBarge disclaims beneficial ownership
of these shares. |
|
|
|
Also includes 18,172 shares held by a trust for two minor children of
Mr. LaBarge and 5,334 shares held in trust for a niece of Mr.
LaBarge. Mr. LaBarge is a co-trustee of the trusts and disclaims
beneficial ownership. |
|
|
|
Also includes 725,600 shares owned in Mr. LaBarges individual
capacity, 750 shares owned jointly with his spouse, and 20,000 shares
held in his IRA. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 5,000 shares held in Mr. LeGrands individual capacity. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes 520,000 shares of Common Stock held by the Pierre L. LaBarge
Pledge Trust for which Ms. Lockard and Messrs. Garvin and LeGrand, as
personal representatives of Pierre L. LaBarges estate, each has
shared voting and shared dispositive power. Includes: (a) 107,079
shares of Common Stock held by the Pierre L. LaBarge
Generation-Skipping Trust; (b) 126,090 shares of Common Stock held by
the Craig E. LaBarge Generation-Shipping Trust, (c) 107,079 shares of
Common Stock held by the Mark LaBarge Generation-Skipping Trust; (d)
107,079 shares of Common Stock held by the Jon L. LaBarge
Generation-Skipping Trust; (e) 107,079 shares of Common Stock held by
the Denise M. LaBarge Generation-Skipping Trust; (f) 107,079 shares
of Common Stock held by the Marie A. LaBarge Miller
Generation-Skipping Trust. Ms. Lockard and Messrs. Garvin and
LeGrand serve as co-trustees for each of these trusts. Each of the
co-trustees has shared voting and shared dispositive power. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 2,406 shares owned jointly with Ms. Lockards spouse as to
whom she has shared voting and dispositive power and 7,379 shares
held in the Companys 401(k) Benefit Plan as to which she has sole
voting power. |
|
(11) |
|
Based on information submitted on Form 13G filed on February 14, 2008. |
|
(12) |
|
Based on information submitted on Form 13G/A filed on February 5,
2008, and Form 4 filed on May 14, 2008. Represents (i) 733,000 shares
held directly by Mr. Bluestein, (ii) 137,000 shares held by
Oppenheimer |
19
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|
|
|
|
& Co. Inc., custodian for Sanfurd G. Bluestein IRA, (iii)
175,000 shares held by the Bluestein Family Partnership, LP, over
which Mr. Bluestein shares voting and investment control, (iv)
179,500 shares held by the Bluestein Family Foundation Inc., over
which Mr. Bluestein shares voting and investment control, (v) 175,000
shares held by Joel Bluestein, Mr. Bluesteins son, over which Mr.
Bluestein shares voting and investment control, (vi) 10,800 shares
held by Doris Hasnas, Mr. Bluesteins sister, over which Mr.
Bluestein shares voting and investment control, (vii) 55,000 shares
held by the Jessica Ann Bishop Trust #2, Joel Bluestein Trustee,
U/A/D 11/23/1998 F/B/O Jessica Bishop, over which Mr. Bluestein
shares voting and investment control, and (viii) 60,000 shares held
by the JR Trusts, LLC. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that the Companys directors,
executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the Companys outstanding shares of
Common Stock file reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the SEC and the AMEX to report their beneficial
holdings of the Companys shares and changes thereto.
Based solely on its review of copies of such forms received by it and written representations
from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required to be filed by those persons, the
Company believes that during fiscal 2008, all filing requirements were timely complied with.
OTHER MATTERS
Stockholder Proposals for Next Year
Any Stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the next
Annual Meeting, which is expected to be held in November 2009, must be received by the Company in
writing at its principal office at the address listed on page 1 hereof no later than June 12, 2009.
The deadline for written notice of a proposal for which the Stockholder will conduct his or her
own solicitation is August 26, 2009.
SEC Form 10-K
Stockholders may obtain a copy of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended June 29, 2008 without charge by writing to the Corporate Secretary at the address listed on
page 1, or by visiting the Companys Web site at www.labarge.com.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Policy on Business Conduct & Ethics applicable to its employees,
including officers, and directors. This Policy on Business Conduct & Ethics can be viewed on the
Companys Web site at www.labarge.com. Any future amendments of the Policy on Business Conduct and
Ethics will be promptly disclosed on the Companys Web site. The Company will disclose on its Web
site any waiver from a provision of the Policy on Business Conduct & Ethics that applies to the
Companys principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or
controller, or persons performing similar functions, and that relates to any element of the code of
ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K.
Other Matters and Householding
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors of the Company does not intend
to present, nor has it been informed that other persons intend to present, any matters for action
at the Annual Meeting, other than those specifically referred to herein. If, however, any other
matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named on
the proxy card to vote the shares represented thereby in accordance with their judgment as to the
best interest of the Company on such matters.
20
The Company and some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may participate in the
practice of householding proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of
this proxy statement may have been sent to multiple shareholders in your household unless you
provide us with contrary instructions. A separate copy of this proxy statement or the annual
report will be delivered to you if you write to the Secretary at the address listed on page 1 or
call (314) 997-0800.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
|
|
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/s/
DONALD H. NONNENKAMP |
|
|
Donald H. Nonnenkamp |
|
|
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
|
St. Louis, Missouri
October 10, 2008
21
LaBarge, Inc.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NOVEMBER 12, 2008
4:00 P.M.
The undersigned hereby appoints Craig E. LaBarge and Donald H. Nonnenkamp, or either of them acting
in the absence of the other, proxies for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote
all shares of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of LaBarge, Inc. to be held at
the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, Missouri, on November 12, 2008, at
4:00 P.M. St. Louis time, and at any adjournments thereof, in accordance with the instructions on
the reverse side of this form, and with discretionary authority with respect to such other matters
not known or determined at the time of the solicitation of this proxy, as may properly come before
said meeting or any adjournments thereof. Stockholders who do not attend the Annual Meeting in
person are invited to listen to the webcast of the meeting, which will be accessible through the
Companys Web site at http://www.labarge.com.
The undersigned hereby revokes any proxies heretofore given in connection with the Annual Meeting
and directs said persons to use this proxy to act or vote as follows:
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE OR PROVIDE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTE VIA
THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE.
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
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FOLD AND DETACH HERE
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LaBarge,
Inc. ANNUAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 12, 2008
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
You can vote in one of three ways:
1. |
|
Call toll-free 1-866-860-0411 on a touch-tone phone. There is NO CHARGE to you
for this call. |
or
2. |
|
Via the Internet at https://www.proxyvotenow.com/lbi and follow the instructions. |
or
3. |
|
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope. |
WE ENCOURAGE VOTING ON THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE.
PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
5197
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REVOCABLE PROXY
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x
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PLEASE MARK VOTES
AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
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LaBarge, Inc.
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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
NOVEMBER 12, 2008 |
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Withhold |
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For All |
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For |
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All |
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Except |
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Proposal 1. |
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Election of Directors: |
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c |
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c |
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c |
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Class C -
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(01) Thomas A. Corcoran
(02) Craig E. LaBarge |
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INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any
nominee(s), mark For All Except and write that nominees
name or number in the space provided below.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the election of the
nominees listed above.
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For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Proposal 2.
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Proposal to ratify the selection of KPMG
LLP as Independent Registered Public
Accountants for the fiscal year ending
June 28, 2009.
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c |
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c |
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c |
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED FOR ALL PROPOSALS.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR ratification of
the selection of KPMG LLP.
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint
owners should each sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give
full title as such.
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Please be sure to date and
sign this proxy card in the box below. |
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Date |
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Sign above
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IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET, PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
FOLD AND DETACH HERE IF YOU ARE VOTING BY MAIL
PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Stockholders of record have three ways to vote:
1. By Mail; or
2. By Telephone (using a touch-tone phone); or
3. By Internet.
A telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as
if you marked, signed, dated and returned this proxy. Please note telephone and Internet votes must
be cast prior to 3 a.m., November 12, 2008. It is not necessary to return this proxy if you vote by
telephone or Internet.
Vote by Telephone
Call toll-free on a touch-tone phone anytime prior to
3 a.m., November 12, 2008:
1-866-860-0411
Vote by Internet
anytime prior to
3 a.m., November 12, 2008 go to
https://www.proxyvotenow.com/lbi
Please note that the last vote received, whether by telephone, Internet or by mail, will be the vote counted.