UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K/A
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-14547
Ashworth, Inc.
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| Delaware
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84-1052000 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
2765 LOKER AVENUE WEST, CARLSBAD, CA 92010
(Address of Principal Executive Office, including Zip Code)
(760) 438-6610
(Registrants Telephone Number, including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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| Title of each class
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Common Stock, $.001 par value
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The NASDAQ Global Market |
| Rights to Purchase Common Stock |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrants knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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| Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer þ
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller reporting company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the Registrants common stock held by non-affiliates based upon
the last reported sales price of its common stock on April 30, 2007 as reported on the NASDAQ
Global Market was $100,927,310.
There were 14,713,511 shares of common stock, $.001 par value, outstanding at the close of
business on January 31, 2008.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On January 14, 2008, Ashworth, Inc. (the Company) filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended October 31, 2007 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because the Company
has determined that it will not file its definitive proxy statement within 120 days following the
last day of its last fiscal year, the Company is providing Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of Part III
of Form 10-K in this Form 10-K/A filing. Except as set forth in Part III below, no other changes
are made to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007.
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Directors of the Company
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Class I Directors |
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John M. Hanson, Jr., age 67
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2009 |
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Mr. Hanson is a certified public accountant. He was
a stockholder and officer of the accounting firm
John M. Hanson & Co. from 1968 until his retirement
in 1998. He now practices as a tax specialist for a
limited number of clients. |
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James B. Hayes, age 69
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2004 |
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In July 2001, Mr. Hayes retired as President and
Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement, Inc.,
a not-for-profit organization providing economic
education for young people in the U.S. and
throughout the world. Mr. Hayes served as Chairman
of Junior Achievements national board of directors
from 1991 to 1993 and as a board member from 1987 to
1995. Prior to 1995, Mr. Hayes had a 35-year career
in magazine publishing. He was Publisher of FORTUNE
Magazine from 1986 to 1994. Mr. Hayes also served
as Publisher of DISCOVER Magazine from 1984 to 1986,
and Advertising Sales Director of MONEY Magazine
from 1982 to 1984. He held a number of executive
positions with SPORTS ILLUSTRATED from 1959 to 1982. |
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Class II Directors |
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Detlef H. Adler, age 49
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2006 |
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2010 |
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Mr. Adler is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
the Seidensticker Group, which is both a supplier of
woven shirts to the Company and a significant
stockholder of the Company (owning approximately 5%
of the outstanding shares). Mr. Adler has been with
Seidensticker since 1994 and served as the Chief
Financial Officer from 1994 to 1996, when he was
named its CEO. From 1989 to 1994, he served as the
Director of Finance for Goldwell AG, then a
subsidiary of Kao Corp. Japan, where he oversaw the
finance-related functions of all international
subsidiaries. |
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Directors of the Company, continued:
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Class II Directors, continued |
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Stephen G. Carpenter, age 68
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1999 |
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2010 |
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Mr. Carpenter was a commercial banker for 36 years
and has been retired since 1998. He was with
California United Bank and served as Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer from 1994 to 1998 and
President and Chief Executive Officer from 1992 to
1994. Prior to 1992, Mr. Carpenter served as Vice
Chairman of Security Pacific Bank for three years,
as Executive Vice President with Wells Fargo Bank
for seven years, and as Senior Vice President of
First National Bank of Boston for 17 years. He also
served as a director of the Los Angeles Board of the
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Currently,
Mr. Carpenter serves as the non-employee Chairman of
California United Bank, a new commercial bank formed
in 2004 and opened in June 2005. |
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Michael S. Koeneke, age 61
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2007 |
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Mr. Koeneke is a Managing Member of Knightspoint
Partners LLC, an investment firm he co-founded in
2003. Since 2004, Mr. Koeneke has served as a member
of the Board of Directors of CPI Corp., a consumer
services company that operates the Sears Portrait
Studios. Mr. Koeneke joined the Board of Sharper
Image Corporation in 2006. Mr. Koeneke was the co-head and
then the Chairman of Global Mergers and Acquisitions
at Merrill Lynch & Co. from 1993 to 2002. Prior to
that, Mr. Koeneke was the Head of Global Mergers and
Acquisitions at Credit Suisse First Boston. |
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Eric S. Salus, age 54
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Mr. Salus has 30 plus years of experience in retail.
He has held a variety of senior executive positions
with three divisions of the Federated Department
Stores from 1997 to 2005. Most recently, he served
as the President of Macys Home Store from 2004 to
2005 and was responsible for five separate operating
divisions across the country. From 2003 to 2004, he
served as the President of Bon Macys, a company
with 52 stores in five states. From 2000 to 2003,
Mr. Salus served as the Executive Vice President of
Macys Home Store and Cosmetics, and from 1997 to
2000 he served as the Executive Vice President of
Macys Home Store. Prior to that Mr. Salus held a
variety of merchandising and marketing management
positions with Dicks Sporting Goods and May
Department Stores. Mr. Salus received a B.A. degree
in Business from University of Missouri in 1975.
Mr. Salus currently serves on the Board of Directors
of Oneida Ltd. (a privately held dinnerware,
flatware and giftware company) as well as the Board
of Directors of The National Housewares Charity
Foundation. |
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Directors of the Company, continued:
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Class III Directors |
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David M. Meyer, age 39
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Mr. Meyer is a Managing Member of Knightspoint Partners
LLC, an investment firm he co-founded in 2003. Mr. Meyer
was appointed to the Companys Board of Directors on May 8,
2006. Since 2004, Mr. Meyer has served as Chairman of the
Board of Directors of CPI Corp., a consumer services
company that operates the Sears Portrait Studios, and
served, from 2004 to 2005, as a member of the interim
Office of the Chief Executive of CPI Corp. Mr. Meyer
served on the Board of Directors of Sharper Image Corporation from July 2006 to August 2007 and formerly served as the Chairman of its Compensation Committee. From 1995 to 2002,
Mr. Meyer served in various capacities at Credit Suisse
First Boston, including as a director in the Mergers and
Acquisitions and Global Industrial and Services Groups in
the firms London office. Mr. Meyer received a B.S. in
Engineering/Operations Research from Princeton University
in 1990 and an M.B.A. from Stanford University in 1995. |
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James G. OConnor, age 65
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In December 2004, Mr. OConnor retired from his position as
Ford Motor Company Group Vice President for North America
Marketing, Sales and Service. Mr. OConnor was responsible
for overseeing Ford, Lincoln-Mercury and Ford Customer
Service divisions, Dealer Development, Ford Performance
Group, Global Marketing and export markets around the
world. From 1998 to 2002, he was Ford Motor Company Vice
President and President of Ford Division responsible for
the marketing, sales and distribution of all Ford brand
cars and trucks in the U.S. |
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John W. Richardson, age 62
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2005 |
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Mr. Richardson was appointed the Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer of Qwest Communications
International (Qwest), a global provider of a variety of
telecommunications services, effective April 1, 2007. Mr.
Richardson joined Qwest in April 2003 and served as the
Senior Vice President and Controller until April 2004 when
he was also designated the Chief Accounting Officer. From
October 2002 to April 2003, Mr. Richardson was an
independent consultant. In October 2002, Mr. Richardson
retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (Goodyear), a
worldwide manufacturer of tires, engineered products and
chemicals, where he served as the Vice President of Finance
of the North American Tire unit from 1999 to 2002. Mr.
Richardson held general management and financial positions
within the Goodyear operations in Great Britain and Ohio
from 1967 to 1999. Mr. Richardson holds a Certified Public
Accountant license from the state of Ohio (inactive) and
received a B.B.A. degree from Ohio University in 1967. |
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3
Executive Officers of the Company
Set forth below are the names and business backgrounds of the executive officers of the
Company.
Allan H. Fletcher, age 64
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Fletcher was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company on October 24, 2007. Mr.
Fletcher is the founder of Fletcher Leisure Group, Inc. (FLG), which has been one of Canadas
leading suppliers of branded golf apparel, sportswear and golf equipment for over 40 years and is a
long-standing business partner of the Company. Mr. Fletcher was responsible for the operations and
strategic direction of FLG and served as its President until December 2003 when he became and
continues to serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Fletcher is also an officer of
Fletcher Leisure Group, Ltd., a management consulting company serving the golf industry, which
provides Mr. Fletchers services to the Company under a consulting agreement. Mr. Fletchers son,
Mark Fletcher, currently serves as the President of FLG and oversees its operations.
Edward J. Fadel, age 52
President
Mr. Fadel was appointed President of the Company effective May 23, 2007. Mr. Fadel most
recently served as Vice President of Merchandising at Greg Norman / Reebok. Previously, from 2005
to 2006, he served as Chief Strategist of Apparel at Ahead, Inc. where he formulated apparel and
headwear strategies for both the Ahead mens line and Kate Lord womens line. Prior to that, Mr.
Fadel served as Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Design at the Company from 2002 to 2004.
Mr. Fadel joined the Company in 2001 and served as Vice President Callaway Golf Apparel
Merchandising & Design until his promotion in 2002. Mr. Fadel worked as a consultant with various
apparel manufacturers from 2000 until 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Fadel founded and served as
President of Elandale Golfwear, a womens sportswear producer, from 1995 to 2000 and as President
of Cutter & Buck Big & Tall (a division of The Jeremy Dold Co.) from 1992 to 1995.
Greg W. Slack, age 46
Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
Mr. Slack was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting officer on October
24, 2007. He had previously served as the Companys Vice President Finance, Corporate
Controller & Principal Accounting Officer until July 2007. Prior to returning to the Company, Mr.
Slack served as Vice President of Finance of Pivotstor LLC from August 1, 2007 to October 23, 2007.
Mr. Slack initially joined the Company as Director of Internal Audit in October 2005, was promoted
to Corporate Controller in February 2006, promoted to Vice President Finance in July 2006 and
appointed Principal Accounting Officer in October 2006. From September 2004 until October 2005,
Mr. Slack worked on the Companys Sarbanes-Oxley project as an independent consultant. Mr. Slack
was with JMC Management, Inc. from December 2001 through August 2004, where he served as the Chief
Financial Officer from January 2003 to August 2004 and as the Controller from December 2001 to
January 2003. Prior to that, Mr. Slack held various accounting related positions at Bay Logics,
Inc. and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He holds a Certified Public Accountant license from the State
of California and a B.S. degree in Accountancy from San Diego State University.
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Paul A. Bourgeois, age 58
Senior Vice President of Sales
Mr. Bourgeois was appointed Senior Vice President of Sales for all domestic sales channels on
October 1, 2007. Mr. Bourgeois most recently served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for
the E. Magrath/Byron Nelson Golf Division of VF Imagewear from May 2005 to September 2007. He was
responsible for developing all sales and marketing initiatives and working with merchandising and
design on product development. Prior to this, he was Vice President of Sales for the Cutter & Buck
Golf Division and responsible for developing budgets, selling initiatives, and all sales plans.
Mr. Bourgeois spent nine years with Cutter & Buck from June 1995 to April 2004 and was promoted to
Vice President of Sales in March 2002.
Former Officers as of January 31, 2008:
Peter M. Weil, age 56
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Mr. Weil resigned his position as Chief Executive Officer and as a Director of the Company,
effective October 24, 2007. He previously served as a full-time consultant and member of the
Companys Office of the Chairman (an interim executive body utilized until a new CEO was
identified) from September 12, 2006 until October 30, 2006 when he was appointed as Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Weil was appointed to the Companys Board of Directors on May 8, 2006 and continued
to serve as a member of the Board until his resignation. During Mr. Weils tenure as the Companys
CEO, he was an inactive Partner of Lighthouse Retail Group LLC, a consulting firm specializing in
improving operating and positioning strategies for retailers. From 1996 to 2004, Mr. Weil served
as Senior Vice President/Director of Management Horizons (formerly, PricewaterhouseCoopers
retail consulting group). His consulting clients have included Hewlett Packard, Disney, Brooks
Brothers, Nordstrom, Family Dollar and Loblaws. Mr. Weil previously held Senior Vice President
positions with Macys, Marshalls and J Baker/Morse Shoe in merchandising and supply chain
management. Mr. Weil holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and a B.A. from the
University of Michigan.
Eric R. Hohl, age 46
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Mr. Hohl joined the Company in March 2007 as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer and left his position with the Company effective October 24, 2007. Mr. Hohl joined
the Company from ISE Corporation where he served as Chief Financial Officer since April 2005. ISE
Corporation designs, engineers and assembles hybrid and hydrogen drive systems for heavy duty
vehicles. From March 2004 to April 2005, Mr. Hohl served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Operating Officer at B.B. Dakota, Inc., a womens apparel company. From September 2000 to February
2004, Mr. Hohl served as Chief Financial Officer for Ritz Interactive, Inc., an E-commerce company.
Gary I. (Sims) Schneiderman, age 46
President
Mr. Schneiderman joined the Company in September 2001 and resigned from his position as
President of the Company effective May 21, 2007. Mr. Schneiderman served as Vice President of
Sales for Ashworth and Callaway Golf apparel Retail Sales from September 2001 until January 2004
when he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and had the added responsibility for
Callaway Golf apparel Green Grass Sales. In September 2005, Mr. Schneiderman was promoted to
Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service and in September 2006 he was
promoted to President. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Schneiderman was with Tommy Hilfiger USA
where he served in a number of capacities including as National Sales Manager for mens sportswear.
Prior to 1990, he served as a Regional Sales Manager for Pincus Brothers Maxwell Tailored Clothing
from 1985 to 1990.
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Peter E. Holmberg, age 56
Executive Vice President Green Grass Sales and Merchandising
Mr. Holmberg joined the Company in July 1998 and resigned from his position as the Companys
Executive Vice President Green Grass Sales and Merchandising effective May 21, 2007. Mr.
Holmberg served as the Director of Corporate Sales from July 1998 until December 1999. He served
as Vice President of Corporate Sales from December 1999 to August 2001 when he was promoted to
Senior Vice President of Sales and had the added responsibility of Ashworth Green Grass Sales. Mr.
Holmberg then served as the Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Design from May 2005 until
September 2005 when he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Merchandising, Design and
Production. He was appointed Executive Vice President Green Grass Sales and Merchandising on
October 25, 2006. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Holmberg served as National Corporate Sales
Manager for Cutter & Buck, Inc. from 1995 to 1998 and as Regional Manager and Buyer for Patrick
James, Inc. from 1992 to 1995. Mr. Holmberg was the proprietor of The Country Gentleman, an
upscale retail store in Bellevue, Washington, from 1975 to 1992.
Winston E. Hickman, age 65
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Mr. Hickman joined the Company on February 23, 2006 as Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer and resigned from his position with the Company effective November
17, 2006. Mr. Hickman previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
REMEC, Inc., a NASDAQ-listed designer and manufacturer of advanced wireless subsystems used in
commercial and defense communications applications. Mr. Hickman joined REMEC in 2003 from
privately-held Paradigm Wireless System, Inc. where, beginning in 2000, he was an investor, Chief
Financial Officer and a member of the board of directors. Mr. Hickman has also served as a board
member, Chief Financial Officer, and financial advisor to a number of public and private companies.
Mr. Hickman served as Chief Financial Officer of Pacific Scientific Company, a NYSE-listed company
with sales in excess of $300 million. Prior to Pacific Scientific, he held senior financial
positions at Rockwell International, Allied-Signal, and Vans, Inc. He currently serves as a member
of the board of directors of SRS Labs, Inc., a NASDAQ-listed company, where he is Chairman of the
Audit Committee. Mr. Hickman holds an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California and a B.A.
from California State University, Long Beach.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the rules
promulgated thereunder and the requirements of NASDAQ, executive officers and directors of the
Company and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the common stock of the Company are
required to file with the SEC and NASDAQ and furnish to the Company reports of ownership and change
in ownership with respect to all equity securities of the Company.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such reports received by the Company during or
with respect to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 and/or written representations from such
reporting persons, the Company believes that its officers, directors and 10% stockholders complied
with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to such individuals, except that Mr.
Bourgeois inadvertently filed a late Form 3, the initial statement of beneficial ownership and Mr.
Hayes inadvertently filed a late Form 4 reporting one common stock purchase on January 16, 2007.
Mr. Bourgeois has since filed his initial statement of beneficial ownership and Mr. Hayes has since
reported the transaction.
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Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors
and employees, including the Companys principal executive, financial and accounting officers. The
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on the Companys website at
www.ashworthinc.com under the heading Investor Relations. The Company intends to satisfy
the requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding disclosure of amendments to provisions of
our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to our directors and principal executive,
financial and accounting officers by posting such information on the Companys website.
The Audit Committee
The Audit Committee represents the Board of Directors in assessing the independence and
objectivity of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, the integrity of
management, the appropriateness of accounting policies and procedures and the adequacy of
disclosures to stockholders. In this regard, the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors by
reviewing the financial information disclosure, the internal control over financial reporting
established by management, and the internal and external audit process. It is the Audit
Committees responsibility to select and retain the independent registered public accounting firm
to audit the financial statements of the Company and its divisions and subsidiaries. The Audit
Committee currently consists of Messrs. Hanson (Chairman), Carpenter, OConnor and Richardson. The
Audit Committee has been established in accordance with the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (NASDAQ)
and Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) rules and regulations, and all the members of
the Audit Committee are independent as independence for audit committee members is defined under
applicable NASDAQ listing standards and SEC rules and regulations. The Audit Committee and the
Board of Directors has determined that each of Mr. John M. Hanson, Jr., the Audit Committee
Chairman, and Mr. John W. Richardson qualifies as an audit committee financial expert within the
meaning of SEC rules and regulations. The Audit Committee has the authority to retain legal and
other advisors of its choice, at the Companys expense, which advisors report directly to the
Committee. During fiscal year 2007 the Audit Committee met in person four times and met
telephonically four times. The Audit Committee Charter is accessible via the Companys website at
www.ashworthinc.com under the heading, Investor Relations.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview
During the last two fiscal years, the Company underwent significant management changes and
reorganizations. As a result, the Compensation and Human Resources Committee is currently
re-evaluating the Companys executive compensation program. The Compensation and Human Resources
Committee is considering designating a greater percentage of total compensation as at-risk
performance-based compensation as an individuals position and responsibility increase. Thus,
executive officers with greater roles in, and responsibility for, achieving the Companys
performance goals should bear a greater proportion of the risk that those goals are not achieved
and should receive a greater proportion of the rewards if the goals are met or exceeded. The
Compensation and Human Resources Committee is currently considering and in the process of
developing an executive compensation program that provides for greater at-risk performance-based
compensation.
The goal of our executive compensation program is to attract, retain and motivate high quality
individuals who are important to the long-term success of the Company and to align the interests of
the Companys executive officers with those of the Companys stockholders in creating stockholder
value. In order to motivate our executive officers and to achieve long-term stockholder value, our
executive compensation program is designed to offer executive officers competitive compensation
opportunities based
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on their personal performance, our corporate financial performance and their contribution to
that corporate performance.
Executive compensation currently consists of three primary components: base salary; annual
cash bonus; and equity incentive compensation. Compensation packages are determined based on
consideration of the Companys strategic and financial goals, competitive forces, individual
responsibilities and challenges and economic factors.
Role of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee
The Compensation and Human Resources Committee assists the Board of Directors in discharging
its responsibilities relating to the compensation of executive officers and outside directors and
has the authority to administer the Companys equity incentive plans. The Compensation and Human
Resources Committee currently consists of Messrs. OConnor (Chairman), Adler, Hayes, Koeneke, Meyer
and Richardson, all of whom are independent directors as independence is defined under NASDAQ
listing standards. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee has the authority to retain
legal and other advisors of its choice, at the Companys expense, which advisors report directly to
the Compensation and Human Resources Committee. During fiscal year 2007, the Compensation and
Human Resources Committee met in person four times, met telephonically once and took action four
times by written consent in lieu of a meeting. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee
Charter is accessible via the Companys website at www.ashworthinc.com under the heading, Investor
Relations.
The Compensation and Human Resources Committee generally has responsibility for executive
compensation matters, including developing the Companys overall compensation strategy, overseeing
the overall compensation structure, policies, programs and human resource development, assessing
whether the Companys compensation structure establishes appropriate incentives for management and
employees, setting the base salaries of the executive officers, approving individual bonuses and
bonus programs for executive officers and granting equity awards to executive officers and other
key employees. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee and the Board of Directors delegated
authority with respect to the compensation of non-executive employees whose annual base salary is
less than $200,000 to the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee
periodically reviews the Companys compensation strategy to evaluate its effectiveness in attaining
its goals, including the objectives discussed above.
Process for Determining Executive Compensation
Consideration of Comparator Companies and Benchmarking: The Compensation and Human Resources Committee does not set a specific benchmark percentage for
management compensation purposes. From time to time, the Compensation and Human Resources
Committee utilizes the Companys Human Resources department to collect and analyze compensation
data from publicly available proxy statements for companies in the apparel business. The
Compensation and Human Resources Committee reviews such data to gain a general sense of competitive
conditions.
Participation of Management: The Compensation and Human Resources Committee generally
discusses compensation proposals for executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer with
our Chairman and our Chief Executive Officer. Other members of management are also sometimes asked
to participate in discussions regarding compensation programs in general or to prepare proposals
and gather data. Our Compensation and Human Resources Committee considers the recommendations of
the Companys Chief Executive Officer regarding salary and incentive levels for other executive
officers, but makes the final decision on executive compensation.
8
Executive Compensation Components
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the principal components of compensation for
executive officers were:
| |
|
|
cash compensation through fixed base salary; |
| |
| |
|
|
the opportunity to receive a cash performance bonus; |
| |
| |
|
|
long-term equity incentive compensation through the granting of stock options; |
| |
| |
|
|
retirement benefits through our 401(k) plan; and |
| |
| |
|
|
other employee benefits (including limited perquisites). |
Base Salary
The base salary for executive officers is reviewed annually or in connection with significant
changes in responsibility and is adjusted based on each individual executives performance and
potential taking into consideration the Companys strategic and financial goals, competitive
forces, individual responsibilities and challenges and economic factors. The Compensation and
Human Resources Committee has limited base salary compensation increases in recent years in an
effort to shift a greater portion of the executives compensation to at-risk performance-based
compensation. There were no base salary increases awarded to executive officers in fiscal 2007due
to the Companys financial performance and management changes.
The following table provides the base salaries of our current and certain former executive
officers as provided in their respective employment or consulting agreements.
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Base Salary |
| |
|
per Agreement |
| |
|
|
| Executive Officer |
|
|
Allan H. Fletcher(1) |
|
$ |
108,000 |
|
Edward J. Fadel |
|
|
240,000 |
|
Greg W. Slack |
|
|
225,000 |
|
Paul A. Bourgeois |
|
|
200,000 |
|
Former Officers: |
|
|
|
|
Peter M. Weil |
|
|
400,000 |
|
Gary I. Sims Schneiderman |
|
|
300,000 |
|
Eric R. Hohl |
|
|
240,000 |
|
Winston E. Hickman |
|
|
300,000 |
|
Peter E. Holmberg |
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
Mr. Fletcher is serving as the Companys Chief Executive Officer pursuant to a
consulting agreement between the Company and Fletcher Leisure Group, Ltd. (FLG Ltd.).
Under the consulting agreement with FLG Ltd., the Company paid FLG Ltd. a one-time fee of
$75,000 upon execution of the FLG Ltd. consulting agreement and will pay FLG Ltd. a
consulting fee of $9,000 per month during the term of the FLG Ltd. consulting agreement. FLG
Ltd. is also eligible to receive a cash incentive fee, the amount of which will be determined
by the Companys Compensation and Human Resource Committee based on achievement of objectives
for the CEO by FLG Ltd. and the Company set out in the Companys annual business plan. For
the 2008 fiscal year, the target incentive fee will be $500,000, assuming achievement of all
objectives. |
Cash Incentive Compensation
The Companys bonus program rewards executive officers primarily based on the Companys
overall performance against budget as well as for the executives individual performance, as
measured
9
against standards established in consultation with each executive, the executives
contributions to the development and retention of employees and the executives divisions
performance. Ashworth has undergone significant changes in management during fiscal year 2007 and
as a result of the Companys overall performance in fiscal year 2007, the Compensation and Human
Resources Committee did not award any cash bonuses to executive officers.
The following table provides the cash incentive opportunity of our current and certain former
executive officers as provided in their respective employment or consulting agreements.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Incentive Opportunity |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
per Agreement |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allan H. Fletcher(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
Edward J. Fadel |
|
|
|
|
|
Up to a target of 40% of base salary |
Greg W. Slack |
|
|
|
|
|
Up to a target of 50% of base salary |
Paul A. Bourgeois |
|
|
|
|
|
Up to a target of 30% of base salary |
Former Officers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter M. Weil |
|
|
|
|
|
Up to a target of 50% of base salary |
Gary I. Sims Schneiderman |
|
|
|
|
|
Up to a target of 82.5% of base salary |
Eric R. Hohl |
|
|
|
|
|
Up to a target of 40% of base salary |
Winston E. Hickman |
|
|
|
|
|
Up to a target of 50% of base salary |
Peter E. Holmberg |
|
|
|
|
|
Up to a target of 40% of base salary |
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
Mr. Fletcher is serving as the Companys Chief Executive Officer pursuant to a
consulting agreement between the Company and FLG Ltd. FLG Ltd. is eligible to receive a cash
incentive fee, the amount of which will be determined by the Companys Compensation and Human
Resource Committee based on achievement of objectives for the CEO by FLG Ltd. and the Company
set out in the Companys annual business plan. For the 2008 fiscal year, the target
incentive fee will be $500,000, assuming achievement of all objectives. |
Long-Term Stock-Based Incentive Compensation
Total compensation for executive officers also includes long-term incentives offered in the
form of stock options that vest over time, which are generally provided through initial stock
option grants at the date of hire and periodic additional grants. The Compensation and Human
Resources Committee believes that stock options with vesting schedules are an appropriate form of
long-term incentive compensation because value is realized only if the Companys stock price
improves and the executives remain employed by the Company. The Company believes that this form of
compensation aligns the interests of executive officers with those of the stockholders and provides
a focus on the long-term performance of the Company.
The Company did not make an additional annual grant of stock options to employees and
executive officers during the fiscal year 2007 because the Company was undergoing significant
changes in management. However, stock options were granted pursuant to the Companys Amended and
Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan during fiscal year 2007 for new hires, including grants to
Peter M. Weil on his appointment as the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Eric R. Hohl on his
appointment as the Companys Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Edward J.
Fadel on his appointment as the Companys President. A stock option was also granted pursuant to
the Companys 2007 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan to Allan H. Fletcher on his appointment as the
Companys Chief Executive Officer. The stock option granted to Mr. Fletcher was subsequently
terminated on January 11, 2008. Mr. Fletcher is serving as the Companys Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to a consulting
10
agreement between the Company and FLG Ltd. Under the consulting agreement, the Company also
granted FLG Ltd. options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Companys common stock at an exercise
price of $5.48 per share with half of the options vesting on October 24, 2008 and the remaining
half vesting on October 24, 2009. See Agreements with Current Executive Officers.
The Compensation and Human Resources Committee considers available market data regarding
average stock option overhang percentages as well as individual responsibilities and duties when
granting stock options to executive officers. It is the Companys intention to ensure that the
number of shares subject to equity awards granted during any year (as a percentage of the Companys
common stock outstanding) will not result in excessive dilution and will generally be in line with
market conditions. The Company fixes the exercise price of the options at the common stocks fair
market value (the closing stock price) or higher on the date of the grant. The Company has open
and closed trading windows during the fiscal year and the Compensation and Human Resources
Committee generally grants stock options to directors and employees during such open trading
windows. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee also grants stock options to employees
pursuant to employment agreements and the grant date is generally the date of hire. The stock
options generally expire ten years from date of grant and generally vest equally over two to three
years for employees or quarterly over one year in the case of non-employee director stock options.
Company-Wide Benefits
Benefits such as profit sharing (the 401(k) Plan) and medical, dental, vision and
Exec-U-Care insurance coverage are provided to executives under plans and policies that, except as
noted below, apply generally to employees of the Company. Management reviews the performance and
cost of these plans on an annual basis and makes changes as necessary. The Exec-U-Care program is
designed to reimburse the covered employee for medical, dental and vision expenses that are in
excess of coverage provided by the underlying health plans. The Company provides Exec-U-Care
coverage for its employees at the vice president level and above. The annual maximum Exec-U-Care
benefit for each executive officer at the executive vice president level and above is $100,000.
The annual maximum Exec-U-Care benefit for each other employee covered by this program is $50,000.
For the 401(k) Plan, the Board of Directors appoints a plan committee made up of members of
management. That committee is responsible for the administration of the 401(k) Plan and presents
any proposals for plan changes to the Board of Directors for their approval.
Employment Agreements
Executive officers are generally hired under employment agreements that establish base salary
compensation and eligibility for annual performance-based awards, long-term equity awards,
severance and other benefits. The agreements are used to document the employment terms, promote
retention and provide for various covenants that protect the Company. The agreements are prepared
based on a standard template and the Compensation Committee reviews and approves executive
employment agreements before they are executed.
Indemnification Agreements
On December 12, 2006, the Companys Board of Directors approved a new form of indemnity
agreement for its directors, executive officers, and other employees designated by the Board. The
Board of Directors also authorized the Company to enter into the approved form of indemnification
agreements with each of its non-employee directors and each of the executive officers. The form of
indemnity agreement is expected to be used with future members of the Board of Directors and
executive officers of the Company.
11
Termination Agreements
Upon termination of the employment of a key executive, the Company and the executive generally
enter into a separation, severance or release agreement (each, a Termination Agreement) to clarify
the terms of the separation. Messrs. Weil, Hohl, Schneiderman, Holmberg and Hickman have each
executed such a Termination Agreement in connection with their respective separations from the
Company. The terms of such Termination Agreements were based on provisions of each of their
original employment agreements. See the discussion following the Summary Compensation Table and
the Grants of Plan-Based Awards For Fiscal Year 2007 for further information.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Company has adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines (the Guidelines) for the Companys
non-employee directors, the Chief Executive Officer and President (CEO), the Chief Financial
Officer (CFO), the Executive Vice President (EVP) and the Senior Vice President (SVP) levels
of executive management.
The Guidelines are as follows:
| |
|
|
each non-employee director three (3) times the annual retainer; |
| |
| |
|
|
the CEO two (2) times the annual base salary; |
| |
| |
|
|
each EVP and the CFO one and a half (1.5) times the annual base salary; and |
| |
| |
|
|
each SVP one (1) times the annual base salary. |
The persons in positions covered by the Guidelines must retain stock acquired on option
exercises equaling a value of at least 50% of their net after-tax profits on each exercise of
options granted on or after March 24, 2004 until the individual ownership goal is achieved.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The members of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee, Messrs. OConnor, Adler, Hayes,
Koeneke, Meyer and Richardson, are not current or former officers or employees of the Company.
There are no Compensation and Human Resources Committee interlocks between the Company and other
entities involving Ashworths executive officers and directors.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation and Human Resources Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis set forth above with the management of the Company, and based on such
review and discussion, has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis be included in this Form 10-K/A to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended October 31, 2007 and in the proxy statement for the 2008 annual stockholders meeting.
James G. OConnor, Chairman
Detlef H. Adler
James B. Hayes
Michael S. Koeneke
David M. Meyer
John W. Richardson
12
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Summary Compensation Table
The following information sets forth the total compensation for the Companys named executive
officers for fiscal year ended October 31, 2007.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(including |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
perquisites and |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
other personal |
|
|
| Name and |
|
Fiscal |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Awards |
|
benefits) |
|
Total |
| Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($)(1) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Allan H. Fletcher (2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,393 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,393 |
|
Edward J. Fadel(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
107,077 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,640 |
|
|
|
12,440 |
(4) |
|
|
163,157 |
|
Greg W. Slack(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Accounting Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
151,619 |
|
|
|
44,250 |
(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,040 |
(7) |
|
|
196,909 |
|
Paul A. Bourgeois(8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice President Sales |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
17,692 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,462 |
(9) |
|
|
20,154 |
|
Former Officers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter M. Weil(10) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former Chief Executive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
421,850 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
296,336 |
|
|
|
494,318 |
(11) |
|
|
1,212,504 |
|
Gary I. Schneiderman(12) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former President |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
188,077 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
(13) |
|
|
36,247 |
|
|
|
257,508 |
(14) |
|
|
521,832 |
|
Eric R. Hohl (15) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former Executive Vice |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President, Chief Financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officer and Treasurer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
154,479 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
121,820 |
|
|
|
103,154 |
(16) |
|
|
379,453 |
|
Winston E. Hickman(17) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former Executive Vice |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President, Chief Financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officer and Treasurer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,095 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,095 |
|
Peter E. Holmberg(18) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Green Grass Sales and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Merchandising |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
141,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
127,067 |
(19) |
|
|
268,990 |
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
This column represents the dollar amount recognized as compensation expense for
financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the 2007 fiscal year for the fair
value of stock options granted during fiscal 2007 as well as prior fiscal years, in
accordance with SFAS 123R. Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts shown exclude the impact of
estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. For additional
information on the valuation assumptions with respect to the 2007 grants, refer to Note (1)
Stock-Based Compensation to the Companys Audited Consolidated Financial Statements set
forth in the Companys Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. |
| |
| (2) |
|
Mr. Fletcher was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective October 24, 2007. Mr.
Fletcher is serving as the Companys Chief Executive Officer pursuant to a consulting
agreement between the Company and Fletcher Leisure Group, Ltd. |
13
|
|
|
| |
|
(FLG Ltd.). Under the
consulting agreement with FLG Ltd., the Company paid FLG Ltd. a one-time fee of $75,000 upon
execution of the FLG Ltd. consulting agreement and will pay FLG Ltd. a consulting fee of
$9,000 per month during the term of the FLG Ltd. consulting agreement. FLG Ltd. is also
eligible to receive a cash incentive fee, the amount of which will be determined by the
Companys Compensation and Human Resource Committee based on achievement of objectives for
the CEO by FLG Ltd. and the Company set out in the Companys annual business plan. For the
2008 fiscal year, the target incentive fee will be $500,000, assuming achievement of all
objectives. The Company also granted FLG Ltd. options to purchase 100,000 shares of the
Companys common stock at an exercise price of $5.48 per share with half of the options
vesting on October 24, 2008 and the remaining half vesting on October 24, 2009. See
Agreements with Current Executive Officers. |
| |
| (3) |
|
Mr. Fadel was appointed President effective May 23, 2007. |
| |
| (4) |
|
Includes $6,955 for housing allowance, $5,077 for auto allowance and $408 for
clothing allowance. |
| |
| (5) |
|
Mr. Slack served as Vice President of Finance, Corporate Controller and Principal
Accounting Officer until his resignation on July 29, 2007. Mr. Slack re-joined the Company
as Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer on October 24, 2007. |
| |
| (6) |
|
Mr. Slack was paid a retention bonus of $44,250 in July 2007 pursuant to an
employment agreement. |
| |
| (7) |
|
Clothing allowance. |
| |
| (8) |
|
Mr. Bourgeois joined the Company on October 1, 2007. |
| |
| (9) |
|
Includes $2,000 for housing allowance and $462 for auto allowance. |
| |
| (10) |
|
Mr. Weils services as a Director and the Companys Chief Executive Officer
terminated on October 24, 2007. |
| |
| (11) |
|
Includes $400,000 for severance ($100,000 paid in January 2008 with the balance to
be paid in 19 semi-monthly installments), $78,741 for housing allowance (including a tax
gross-up of $28,816) and $15,577 for auto allowance. |
| |
| (12) |
|
Mr. Schneidermans employment with the Company terminated on May 21, 2007. |
| |
| (13) |
|
Mr. Schneiderman was paid a retention bonus of $40,000 in January 2007 pursuant to
an employment agreement. |
| |
| (14) |
|
Includes $230,769 for severance ($94,615 of which was paid after fiscal year-end),
$16,154 for auto allowance ($9,231 of which is severance related), $408 for clothing
allowance and $10,177 for club dues ($5,815 of which is severance related). |
| |
| (15) |
|
Mr. Hohl was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer on March 19, 2007. Mr. Hohls employment with the Company terminated on October
24, 2007. |
| |
| (16) |
|
Includes $96,000 for severance, paid in November 2007 pursuant to an employment
agreement and $7,154 for auto allowance. |
| |
| (17) |
|
Mr. Hickmans employment with the Company terminated on November 17, 2006. |
| |
| (18) |
|
Mr. Holmbergs employment with the Company terminated on May 21, 2007. |
| |
| (19) |
|
Includes $112,500 for severance, $12,923 for auto allowance ($6,000 of which is
severance related) and $822 for clothing allowance. |
14
Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2007
There were no grants of non-equity incentive plan-based awards for fiscal year 2007. The
following table provides information with regard to all option awards granted to each named
executive officer during fiscal year 2007.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Option |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
Exercise or Base |
|
Full Grant Date Fair |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Price of Option |
|
Value of Stock and |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Options |
|
Awards |
|
Option Awards |
| Name |
|
Grant Date |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Allan H. Fletcher (1) |
|
|
10/24/07 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
5.48 |
|
|
|
207,390 |
|
Edward J. Fadel(2) |
|
|
5/23/07 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
8.40 |
|
|
|
130,832 |
|
Greg W. Slack |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul A. Bourgeois |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former Officers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter M. Weil(3) |
|
|
11/1/06 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
7.10 |
|
|
|
284,790 |
|
Gary I. Schneiderman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eric R. Hohl(4) |
|
|
3/19/07 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
7.60 |
|
|
|
121,820 |
|
Winston E. Hickman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter E. Holmberg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
On October 24, 2007, Mr. Fletcher was granted an option for 100,000 shares,
pursuant to the Companys 2007 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan as part of his compensation as
the Companys Chief Executive Officer. Subsequent to the fiscal year-end, this option grant
was terminated pursuant to the termination of Mr. Fletchers employment agreement. Mr.
Fletcher is serving as the Companys Chief Executive Officer pursuant to a consulting
agreement between the Company and FLG Ltd. Under the consulting agreement with FLG Ltd., the
Company granted FLG Ltd. options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Companys common stock at
an exercise price of $5.48 per share with half of the options vesting on October 24, 2008 and
the remaining half vesting on October 24, 2009. See Agreements with Current Executive
Officers. |
| |
| (2) |
|
On May 23, 2007, Mr. Fadel was granted an option for 40,000 shares as part of his
compensation as the Companys President. Half of the options vest on May 23, 2008 and the
remaining half vest on May 23, 2009. |
| |
| (3) |
|
On November 1, 2006, Mr. Weil was granted an option for 100,000 shares as part of
his compensation as the Companys Chief Executive Officer. On October 24, 2007, the Company
entered into a separation and release agreement with Mr. Weil which provided for the
acceleration of Mr. Weils unvested stock options and an extension of the exercise period of
such options until one year following Mr. Weils separation. |
| |
| (4) |
|
On March 19, 2007, Mr. Hohl was granted an option for 40,000 shares as part of his
compensation as the Companys Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Effective October 24, 2007, Eric R. Hohl left his position as Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of his employment
agreement, the vesting for the 40,000 stock options was accelerated and will be exercisable
for 90 days after his departure for incentive stock options and 180 days after his departure
for non-qualified options. |
15
Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal 2007 Year-End
The following table provides information on option awards held by each executive officer as of
October 31, 2007.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Option Awards |
| |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
|
| |
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
Exercise |
|
Option |
| |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
| Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
($) |
|
Date |
Allan H. Fletcher(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
5.48 |
|
|
|
10/24/17 |
|
Edward J. Fadel(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
8.40 |
|
|
|
5/23/17 |
|
Greg W. Slack |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul A. Bourgeois |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former Officers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter M. Weil |
|
|
2,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.21 |
|
|
|
10/24/08 |
|
Peter M. Weil |
|
|
12,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.55 |
|
|
|
10/24/08 |
|
Peter M. Weil |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.10 |
|
|
|
10/24/08 |
|
Gary I. Schneiderman |
|
|
519 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.75 |
|
|
|
11/21/07 |
|
Gary I. Schneiderman |
|
|
4,774 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.03 |
|
|
|
11/21/07 |
|
Gary I. Schneiderman |
|
|
4,733 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.55 |
|
|
|
11/21/07 |
|
Eric R. Hohl |
|
|
13,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.60 |
|
|
|
4/24/08 |
|
Eric R. Hohl |
|
|
26,314 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.60 |
|
|
|
1/24/08 |
|
Winston E. Hickman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter E. Holmberg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
On October 24, 2007, Mr. Fletcher was granted an option for 100,000 shares as
part of his compensation as the Companys Chief Executive Officer. Subsequent to fiscal
year-end this option grant was terminated pursuant to the termination of Mr. Fletchers
employment agreement. Mr. Fletcher is serving as the Companys Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to a consulting agreement between the Company and FLG Ltd. Under the consulting
agreement with FLG Ltd., the Company granted FLG Ltd. options to purchase 100,000 shares of
the Companys common stock at an exercise price of $5.48 per share with half of the options
vesting on October 24, 2008 and the remaining half vesting on October 24, 2009. See
Agreements with Current Executive Officers. |
| |
| (2) |
|
On May 24, 2007, Mr. Fadel was granted an option for 40,000 shares as part of his
compensation as the Companys President. Half of the options vest on May 23, 2008 and the
remaining half vest on May 23, 2009. |
16
Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal Year 2007
The following table provides information about options exercised by named executive officers
during the year ended October 31, 2007.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Option Awards |
| |
|
Number of |
|
|
| |
|
Shares Acquired |
|
Value Realized |
| |
|
Upon Exercise |
|
Upon Exercise |
| Name |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Allan H. Fletcher |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edward J. Fadel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greg W. Slack |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul A. Bourgeois |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former Officers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter M. Weil(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary I. Schneiderman(2) |
|
|
8,381 |
|
|
|
3,338 |
|
Eric R. Hohl(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winston E. Hickman (3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter E. Holmberg(2) |
|
|
40,755 |
|
|
|
48,970 |
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
Each of Mr. Weils and Mr. Hohls employment with the Company ended on October
24, 2007. |
| |
| (2) |
|
Each of Mr. Schneidermans and Mr. Holmbergs employment with the Company ended on
May 21, 2007. |
| |
| (3) |
|
Mr. Hickmans employment with the Company ended on November 17, 2006. |
Executive Employment Agreements, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
The Company previously entered into executive employment agreements with: Allan H. Fletcher,
the Chief Executive Officer, Edward J. Fadel, the President, Greg W. Slack, the Chief Financial
Officer, Peter M. Weil, former Chief Executive Officer, Winston E. Hickman, former Executive Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; Peter E. Holmberg, former Executive Vice
President of Green Grass Sales and Merchandising; Gary I. Sims Schneiderman, former President,
and Eric R. Hohl, former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Messrs.
Weil, Hickman, Holmberg, Schneiderman and Hohl ceased employment with the Company effective October
24, 2007, November 17, 2006, May 21, 2007, May 21, 2007 and October 24, 2007, respectively.
Agreements With Current Executive Officers
The employment agreement between the Company and Mr. Fletcher, dated October 24, 2007, and the
stock options granted to Mr. Fletcher under the 2007 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan on October 24,
2007 have been terminated.
Effective January 11, 2008, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Fletcher
Leisure Group, Ltd., a New York corporation, under which FLG Ltd. provides the services of a
management consultant to act as the Companys Chief Executive Officer (the FLG Ltd. Consulting
Agreement). The initial management consultant designated by FLG Ltd. is Mr. Fletcher, and FLG
Ltd. may not designate any other management consultant without the
Companys written permission. The Company paid FLG Ltd. a one-time fee of $75,000 upon
execution of the FLG Ltd. Consulting
17
Agreement and will pay FLG Ltd. a consulting fee of $9,000 per month during the term of the FLG
Ltd. Consulting Agreement. FLG Ltd. is also eligible to receive a cash incentive fee, the amount
of which will be determined by the Companys Compensation and Human Resource Committee based on
achievement of objectives for FLG Ltd. and the Company set out in the Companys annual business
plan. For the 2008 fiscal year, the target incentive fee will be $500,000, assuming achievement of
all objectives. If the Company terminates the FLG Ltd. Consulting Agreement without cause during a
fiscal year, the Company will pay FLG Ltd. a pro rata portion of the incentive fee determined by
the Compensation and Human Resources Committee to have been earned for such fiscal year. In
addition, the Company granted FLG Ltd. 100,000 options to purchase shares of the Companys common
stock at an exercise price of $5.48 per share. Half of the options vest on October 24, 2008, and
the remaining options vest on October 24, 2009. The options will vest immediately upon termination
of the FLG Ltd. Consulting Agreement without cause or a change of control of the Company and will
terminate upon the earlier of one year after the termination of the FLG Ltd. Consulting Agreement
and ten years after the date of grant.
The Company will also reimburse FLG Ltd. for the rental of reasonable residential or hotel
accommodations in the Carlsbad, California area while the management consultant is providing
services to the Company at the Companys headquarters (if the Company does not itself make such
accommodations available).
The FLG Ltd. Consulting Agreement contains terms customary for a consulting agreement
regarding confidentiality of the proprietary information of the Company, the assignment of
intellectual property to the Company, reimbursement of business expenses and FLG Ltd.s status as
an independent contractor.
The FLG Ltd. Consulting Agreement may be terminated at will by either party. The Company may
terminate the FLG Ltd. Consulting Agreement for cause in certain circumstances, with the result
that the options granted under the FLG Ltd. Consulting Agreement will be terminated immediately and
FLG Ltd. will not be entitled to a pro rata portion of the incentive fee earned during that fiscal
year. Under the FLG Ltd. Consulting Agreement, cause means material breach of the FLG Ltd.
Consulting Agreement by FLG Ltd., any act or acts of personal dishonesty by FLG Ltd. or the
management consultant, the conviction of FLG Ltd. or the management consultant of a felony,
violation of the Companys policies or code of conduct by FLG Ltd. or the management consultant,
violation by FLG Ltd. or the management consultant of any confidentiality or non-competition
agreement with the Company or any of the Companys affiliates, or the willful misconduct of FLG
Ltd. or the management consultant that is injurious to the Company. If FLG Ltd. terminates the FLG
Ltd. Consulting Agreement because the duties to be performed by FLG Ltd. are reduced in scope, the
termination will be deemed a termination by the Company without cause.
In connection with Mr. Fadels appointment as President, the Company entered into an
employment agreement (the Fadel Employment Agreement) with Mr. Fadel that provides for
compensation which includes: an annual base salary of $240,000; eligibility for up to a target
bonus of 40% of base salary, with the actual payment subject to the Boards discretion and in
accordance with any applicable bonus plan; the grant of options to purchase 40,000 shares of the
Companys common stock, with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Companys common
stock on May 23, 2007 and with half of the options vesting on each of the first two anniversaries
of Mr. Fadels employment with the Company (and which immediately vest upon Mr. Fadels termination
without cause); and, a monthly auto allowance of $1,000, a monthly housing allowance of $2,500 for
12 months and coverage under the Companys benefits programs. If Mr. Fadel is terminated without
cause as defined in the Fadel Employment Agreement and he delivers a fully executed release and
waiver of all claims against the Company, the severance provisions of the Employment Agreement
grant him a lump sum payment of 25% to 50% of his then current annual salary, depending on the
timing and circumstances of his termination.
18
In connection with Mr. Slacks appointment as Chief Financial Officer, the Company entered
into an employment agreement with Mr. Slack (the Slack Employment Agreement) on October 24, 2007.
The Slack Employment Agreement provides for compensation consisting of, among other things, an
annual base salary of $225,000; eligibility for up to a target bonus of 50% of base salary at the
discretion of the Companys Board of Directors; a clothing allowance in accordance with Company
policy; and an automobile allowance of $750 per month.
The Slack Employment Agreement also provides for a severance payment, in the event that Mr.
Slack is terminated without cause and Mr. Slack delivers to the Company and thereafter does not
revoke a release and waiver of all claims against the Company. In such case, the severance payment
would be 50% of Mr. Slacks then-current annual base salary, if such termination occurs on or prior
to the one-year anniversary of Mr. Slacks employment with the Company, or 100% of Mr. Slacks
then-current annual base salary, if such termination occurs after Mr. Slacks one-year anniversary
of employment with the Company.
On September 20, 2007, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Paul Bourgeois
(the Bourgeois Employment Agreement) appointing him as the Senior Vice President, Sales,
effective October 1, 2007. The Bourgeois Employment Agreement provides for compensation of $7,692
paid bi-weekly; a performance bonus opportunity of 30% of annual base salary under certain
circumstances; an automobile expense allowance of $500 each month; a clothing allowance in
accordance with Company policy; and a residential allowance of $2,000 each month for a period of
six months, which is reimbursable to the Company if Mr. Bourgeois resigns within the first two
years of employment.
Agreements With Former Executive Officers
On November 27, 2006, the Company entered into an employment agreement effective as of October
30, 2006 with Peter M. Weil (the Weil Employment Agreement) appointing him as the Companys Chief
Executive Officer. The Weil Employment Agreement provided for compensation consisting of, among
other things: an annual base salary of $400,000; a performance bonus opportunity of 50% of annual
base salary under certain circumstances; a grant of options to purchase 100,000 shares of the
Companys common stock, with 50% of the options vesting on each of the first two anniversaries of
the grant date; eligibility to participate in the Companys 401(k) plan; coverage under the
Companys medical, dental and life insurance benefits programs; a clothing allowance in accordance
with Company policy; an automobile allowance of $1,250 per month; and an allowance for reasonable
residential expenses, in lieu of moving expenses, until such time as the Compensation and Human
Resources Committee or the Board takes further action, which included housing and all reasonable
expenses (to be grossed up for taxes, if applicable). If Mr. Weil were terminated without Cause
(as defined in the Weil Employment Agreement), then Mr. Weil would receive (1) severance
compensation in an amount equal to 12 months of his then current annual base salary and (2)
accelerated vesting of all stock options granted under the Weil Employment Agreement. Mr. Weils
option vesting would also be accelerated as a result of a change of control. In the event that Mr.
Weil became disabled (as defined in the Weil Employment Agreement) during the term of this
Agreement for a continuous period up to 90 days, or upon termination of his employment as a result
of his death, the Company was obligated to pay a pro rata share of the annual bonus in the year in
which Mr. Weil was disabled or died.
On October 24, 2007, the Company entered into a separation and release agreement with Mr. Weil
(the Weil Separation Agreement). Under the Weil Separation Agreement, Mr. Weil is entitled to a
severance payment of $400,000 paid as follows: $100,000 on January 2, 2008, with the balance of
$300,000 paid thereafter in 19 equal semi-monthly installments on the 15th and last day of every
month. The Weil Separation Agreement, provided certain requirements are met, also provides for the
acceleration of Mr. Weils unvested stock options and an extension of the exercise period of such
options until one year following Mr. Weils separation.
19
On February 23, 2006, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Winston E. Hickman
(the Hickman Employment Agreement) which terminated in connection with his resignation effective
November 17, 2006. The Hickman Employment Agreement provided for: a base salary of $300,000; a
target bonus of 50% of base salary, with the actual payment subject to the Boards discretion; the
grant of options to purchase 50,000 shares of the Companys common stock, with half of the options
vesting on each of the first two anniversaries of Mr. Hickmans employment with the Company; and
coverage under the Companys benefits programs. No bonus was awarded to Mr. Hickman for fiscal
2006. The Hickman Employment Agreement also provided that if Mr. Hickman had been terminated
without Cause or resigned under certain specified circumstances, Mr. Hickman would have been
entitled to: a lump sum payment of either one-half or all of his then current annual salary,
depending on the timing and circumstances of his termination or resignation; a pro rata bonus; and
immediate vesting of a pro rata number of stock options.
In connection with Mr. Hickmans resignation effective November 17, 2006 as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, the Company entered into a release agreement with Mr.
Hickman (the Hickman Release Agreement) on November 16, 2006 whereby Mr. Hickman provided a
standard release of any claims, complaints and lawsuits against the Company and other related
entities and persons. The Hickman Release Agreement also provided that Mr. Hickman will receive
continuing medical, dental and Exec-U-Care insurance coverage for a period of 18 months from
December 1, 2006 through May 31, 2008 in exchange for ten (10) full days of consulting services to
be provided by Mr. Hickman on reasonable and mutually agreed upon dates between November 20, 2006
and May 30, 2008, to assist with a professional transition of Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer responsibilities and to advise on related matters.
Effective October 25, 2006, the Company and Mr. Holmberg entered into the Amended and Restated
Employment Agreement (the Holmberg Employment Agreement). Under the Holmberg Employment
Agreement, Mr. Holmberg was to receive an annual base salary of $225,000 and was eligible to earn
an annual bonus up to a maximum of 40% of his annual base salary based and conditioned on the
Companys achievement of certain financial targets. Among other things, Mr. Holmberg also received
an automobile allowance of $1,000 per month. If Mr. Holmberg were to be terminated within two
years of the effective date of the Holmberg Employment Agreement as a result of a Qualifying
Termination (as defined in the Holmberg Employment Agreement) and if Mr. Holmberg delivered and did
not revoke a fully executed release and waiver of all claims against the Company, then the Company
was obligated to pay Mr. Holmberg the equivalent of 12 months of his then-current annual base
salary, which was to be in lieu of any other severance payment benefits that otherwise may at that
time be available under the Companys applicable policies; provided, however, that the Holmberg
Employment Agreement was not intended to modify or supersede the change in control agreement
between the Company and Mr. Holmberg.
On May 25, 2007, the Company entered into a severance and release agreement with Mr. Holmberg
(the Holmberg Severance Agreement) which provided for a modification of prior employment
agreements and arrangements with Mr. Holmberg. Under the Holmberg Severance Agreement, Mr. Holmberg
was entitled to a lump sum severance payment of $112,500 and an automobile allowance of $6,000 and
agreed to provide a customary release of all claims against the Company.
On September 7, 2005, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Gary I. Sims
Schneiderman (the Sims Employment Agreement). The Sims Employment Agreement with Mr.
Schneiderman provided for: a minimum base salary of $300,000; bonuses to be determined by the
Board on the basis of merit and the Companys financial success and progress up to a maximum of
82.5% of his base salary; three guaranteed minimum non-compete/retention payments of $85,000 on
September 12,
2005, $85,000 on November 24, 2005 and $40,000 following the close of final accounting records
for 2006; stock options to purchase 20,000 shares for each of fiscal years 2005, 2006 and 2007; an
20
automobile allowance of $1,000 per month and a club membership. The Sims Employment Agreement
also provided that if a Qualifying Termination (as defined in the agreement) occurs, Mr.
Schneiderman would be entitled to receive severance payments equal to 12 months of his then-current
annual base salary, an additional cash payment of $50,000, payment of insurance premiums for a
period of 12 months, and immediate vesting of all options.
On May 25, 2007, the Company entered into a severance and release agreement with Mr.
Schneiderman (the Sims Severance Agreement) which provided for a modification of prior employment
agreements and arrangements with Mr. Sims. Under the Sims Severance Agreement, Mr. Schneiderman is
entitled to the continuation of bi-weekly payments of his base salary, automobile allowance and
club dues for nine (9) months, the continuation of his employee insurance benefits for twelve (12)
months and a waiver of the requirement for Mr. Schneiderman to reimburse the Company for the cost
of the club membership of $45,000. Mr. Sims agreed to provide a customary release of all claims
against the Company. Mr. Schneiderman is also entitled to acceleration of 20,000 outstanding stock
options that were not yet vested, which are deemed vested as of May 21, 2007.
Effective March 19, 2007, the Company and Eric R. Hohl entered into an employment agreement
(the Hohl Employment Agreement) that appointed Mr. Hohl the Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer. The Hohl Employment Agreement provided for compensation which
included: an annual base salary of $240,000; eligibility for up to a target bonus of 40% of base
salary, with the actual payment subject to the Boards discretion and in accordance with any
applicable bonus plan; the grant of options to purchase 40,000 shares of the Companys common
stock, with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Companys common stock on March 19,
2007, and with half of the options vesting on each of the first two anniversaries of Mr. Hohls
employment with the Company; and coverage under the Companys benefits programs. If Mr. Hohl is
terminated without cause as defined in the Hohl Employment Agreement and he delivers a fully
executed release and waiver of all claims against the Company, the severance provisions of the Hohl
Employment Agreement grant him: a lump sum payment of 25% to 50% of his then current annual salary,
depending on the timing and circumstances of his termination and immediate vesting of the above
stock options.
Effective October 24, 2007, Eric R. Hohl left his position as Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Hohl Employment
Agreement, the vesting for 40,000 stock options was accelerated and will be exercisable for 90 days
after his departure for incentive stock options and 180 days after his departure for non-qualified
options. Mr. Hohl delivered a fully executed release and waiver of all claims against the Company
and subsequently received a one-time severance payment from the Company of $96,000.
Change in Control Agreements
Additionally, the Company had entered into change in control agreements with the following
former executives: Winston E. Hickman, Peter E. Holmberg and Gary I. Sims Schneiderman. The
change in control agreements with Messrs Hickman, Holmberg and Schneiderman terminated due to their
resignations from the Company. The Company had also entered into a change in control agreement
with Greg W. Slack during his prior employment with the Company as the Vice President of Finance,
Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer. Mr. Slacks change in control agreement
terminated due to his resignations from the Company on July 29, 2007. The Company did not enter
into a new change in control agreement with Mr. Slack on his appointment as Chief Financial Officer
on October 24, 2007. Upon a qualifying termination in connection with a change in control, as
defined in each agreement, the executive would be entitled to severance payments (generally equal
to the executives highest base salary with the Company in the prior three years, except that Mr.
Slack, if his
agreement were still in effect, would receive an amount that is equal to nine months of his
highest base salary for the prior three years and Mr. Hickman, if his agreement were still in
effect, would receive an
21
amount equal to one and a half times his highest base salary for the prior
three years), grossed up for applicable excise taxes imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In addition, Mr. Hickmans change in control agreement, if it
was still in effect, provides for the immediate vesting of all unexercised stock options and the
continuation of insurance benefits for up to 18 months. Effective as of February 28, 2006, the
employment and change in control agreements for each of the then-current executive officers were
amended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or a Change in Control
The table below reflects the amount of compensation to each of the named executive officers of
the Company in the event of a termination of such executive officers employment. The amount of
compensation payable to each named executive officer upon involuntary not-for-cause termination,
voluntary, good reason termination or following a change of control is shown below. The amounts
shown assume that such termination was effective as of October 31, 2007 and use the closing price
of our common stock as of October 31, 2007 ($5.56), and thus include amounts earned through such
time and are estimates of the amounts that would be paid out to the executive officers upon their
termination. The actual amounts to be paid out can only be determined at the time of such executive
officers separation from the Company. See Executive Employment Agreements, Termination of
Employment and Change-in-Control Agreements above for the material terms of the relevant
agreements.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Involuntary, |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Not-For-Cause |
|
Change in |
| |
|
|
|
or Voluntary, |
|
Control |
| |
|
|
|
Good Reason |
|
(Qualifying |
| |
|
|
|
Termination |
|
Termination) |
| Name and Principal Position |
|
Potential Executive Benefits and Payments |
|
Total ($) |
|
Total ($) |
Allan H. Fletcher |
|
Cash Severance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
Bonus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock option award unvested and accelerated(1) |
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edward J. Fadel |
|
Cash Severance(2) |
|
|
96,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
President |
|
Bonus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock option award unvested and accelerated(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
96,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greg W. Slack |
|
Cash Severance(3) |
|
|
112,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and |
|
Bonus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Accounting Officer |
|
Stock option award unvested and accelerated(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
112,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul A. Bourgeois(4) |
|
Cash Severance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice President Sales |
|
Bonus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock option award unvested and accelerated(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
The potential value realized by the executive officer (on a pre-tax basis) is
calculated by multiplying the total number of stock options subject to acceleration times
the difference between the closing price of the Companys stock on October 31, 2007 and the
exercise price, provided that the exercise price is lower. The exercise price for Mr.
Fadels stock options was $8.40. Messrs. Bourgeois and Slack did not receive any stock
options. |
| |
| (2) |
|
Mr. Fadel would be entitled to a cash severance (on a pre-tax basis) equal to 40%
of his then annual base salary based on
achieving more than six months but not more than one year of service. |
| |
| (3) |
|
Mr. Slack would be entitled to a cash severance (on a pre-tax basis) equal to 50%
of his then annual base salary based on achieving less than one year of service. |
| |
| (4) |
|
Mr. Bourgeois employment agreement does not contain severance or change in
control provisions. |
22
|
| Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS. |
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of
common stock of the Company as of January 31, 2008 (unless otherwise noted) by: (i) each person
known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the Companys outstanding shares of common
stock, (ii) each of the Companys directors, (iii) the Companys named executive officers, and (iv)
all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group. Unless otherwise noted, each
person listed below has sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to shares shown as
owned by him, her or it. Information as to beneficial ownership is based upon statements furnished
to the Company or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by such persons.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
| |
|
Shares |
|
Options (2) |
|
Total |
|
Owned (3) |
| Name and Address (1) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
(%) |
| |
Detlef H. Adler |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
18,333 |
|
|
|
28,333 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Paul A. Bourgeois |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Stephen G. Carpenter |
|
|
17,500 |
(4) |
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
107,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Edward J. Fadel |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Allan H. Fletcher |
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
* |
|
John M. Hanson, Jr. |
|
|
97,200 |
(5) |
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
182,200 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
James B. Hayes |
|
|
15,500 |
|
|
|
70,833 |
|
|
|
86,333 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Winston E. Hickman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eric R. Hohl(6) |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
41,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Peter E. Holmberg(6) |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Michael S. Koeneke |
|
|
18,400 |
|
|
|
2,563 |
|
|
|
20,963 |
(7) |
|
|
* |
|
David M. Meyer |
|
|
34,200 |
|
|
|
68,141 |
|
|
|
102,341 |
(8) |
|
|
* |
|
James G. OConnor |
|
|
27,500 |
(9) |
|
|
45,833 |
|
|
|
73,333 |
|
|
|
* |
|
John M. Richardson |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
18,875 |
|
|
|
20,875 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Gary I. Schneiderman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,026 |
|
|
|
10,026 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Greg W. Slack(10) |
|
|
2,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,400 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Eric S. Salus |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10,417 |
|
|
|
20,417 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Peter M. Weil |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
115,208 |
|
|
|
125,208 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All executive officers and
directors as a group (14 persons) |
|
|
270,900 |
|
|
|
575,229 |
|
|
|
846,129 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
Knightspoint Partners II, L.P. |
|
|
2,467,453 |
(11) |
|
|
70,704 |
|
|
|
2,538,157 |
|
|
|
17.2 |
|
787 Seventh
Avenue, 9th Floor,
New York, NY 10019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heartland Advisors, Inc. |
|
|
1,699,370 |
(12) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,699,390 |
|
|
|
11.5 |
|
789 North
Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diker Management LLC |
|
|
1,677,919 |
(13) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,667,919 |
|
|
|
11.3 |
|
745 Fifth Avenue
Suite 1409
New York, NY 10151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP |
|
|
1,222,938 |
(14) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,222,938 |
|
|
|
8.4 |
|
1299 Ocean
Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
| Name and Address (1) |
|
Shares |
|
Options (2) |
|
Total |
|
Owned (3) |
| |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
(%) |
| |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
|
|
965,250 |
(15) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
965,280 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
|
270 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disciplined Growth Investors, Inc. |
|
|
848,897 |
(16) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
848,897 |
|
|
|
5.8 |
|
100 South Fifth St.
Suite 2100
Minneapolis, MN 55402 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seidensticker (Overseas) Limited |
|
|
713,980 |
(17) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
713,980 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
Room 728, Ocean Center
5 Canton Road
Tsimshatsui
Kowloon, Hong Kong |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * |
|
Less than one percent. |
| |
| (1) |
|
Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each stockholder is the same as the
address of the Company. |
| |
| (2) |
|
Represents shares of common stock that may be acquired pursuant to currently
exercisable stock options or stock options exercisable within 60 days of January 31, 2008. |
| |
| (3) |
|
Applicable percentage of ownership is based upon 14,713,511 shares of common
stock outstanding as of January 31, 2008, together with applicable stock options for such
stockholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and includes voting and investment power with respect
to shares. Shares of common stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days after January 31, 2008 are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage
of ownership of the person holding such stock options, but are not deemed outstanding for
computing the percentage ownership of any other person. |
| |
| (4) |
|
The shares are owned by the Stephen G./Jannell S. Carpenter Trust. Stephen G.
Carpenter and Jannell S. Carpenter have shared voting and investment powers. |
| |
| (5) |
|
77,500 of these shares are owned by 7296 LTD, a family partnership. Mr. John M.
Hanson, Jr. is the General Partner of 7296 LTD and has sole voting and investment powers.
Mr. Hanson has direct ownership of the remaining 19,700 shares with sole voting and
investment powers. |
| |
| (6) |
|
Each of Messrs. Hohl and Holmberg are no longer employed by the Company and the
Company was unable to obtain updated information;, therefore, the information presented
here is as of each executives termination date. Such termination dates are October 24,
2007 and May 21, 2007, respectively. |
| |
| (7) |
|
Includes 200 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Knightspoint Partners
II, L.P. The General Partner of Knightspoint Partners II, L.P. is Knightspoint Capital
Management II LLC. The sole Member of Knightspoint Capital Management II LLC is
Knightspoint Partners LLC. Mr. Koeneke is a managing member of Knightspoint Partners LLC,
and thus is deemed to beneficially own shares owned by Knightspoint Partners II, L.P. The
20,763 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Koeneke are also included in the 2,538,157 shares
beneficially owned by the Knightspoint Group. (See footnote 11 below.) |
| |
| (8) |
|
Includes 200 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Knightspoint Partners
II, L.P. The General Partner of Knightspoint Partners II, L.P. is Knightspoint Capital
Management II LLC. The sole Member of Knightspoint Capital Management II LLC is
Knightspoint Partners LLC. Mr. Meyer is a managing member
of Knightspoint Partners LLC, and thus is deemed to beneficially own shares owned by
Knightspoint Partners II, L.P. The 102,141 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Meyer are also
included in the 2,538,157 shares beneficially owned by the Knightspoint Group. (See footnote
11 below.) |
24
|
|
|
| (9) |
|
The shares are owned by the James G. OConnor Revocable Trust. Mr. OConnor has
sole voting and investment powers. |
| |
| (10) |
|
Mr. Slack was appointed the Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting
Officer on October 24, 2007. |
| |
| (11) |
|
This information is based upon a Form 4 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 12, 2007. This Form 4 was filed jointly by Starboard Value and
Opportunity Master Fund Ltd. (Starboard), RCG Starboard Advisors, LLC (RCG Starboard
Advisors), Parche, LLC (Parche), Ramius Capital Group, LLC (Ramius), C4S & Co., LLC
(C4S), Peter A. Cohen, Jeffrey M. Solomon, Morgan B. Stark and Thomas W. Strauss
(collectively, the Ramius Group). This information is also based on a Form 4 filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 3, 2007. This Form 4 was filed jointly
by Knightspoint Partners II, L.P., Knightspoint Capital Management II LLC, Knightspoint
Partners, LLC, Michael Koeneke and David Meyer (collectively, the Knightspoint Group).
The Ramius Group and the Knightspoint Group are collectively the Reporting Persons. As
of October 12, 2007, the Reporting Persons owned an aggregate of 2,538,157 shares. Each
Reporting Person disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities except to the extent
of its pecuniary interest, and this report shall not be deemed to be an admission that any
Reporting Person is the beneficial owner of these securities for purposes of Section 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or for any other purpose. |
| |
| (12) |
|
This information is based upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by Heartland Advisors,
Inc. and William J. Nasgovitz with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 8,
2008. Mr. Nasgovitz is the President and principal shareholder of Heartland Advisors,
Inc. Heartland Advisors, Inc. and Mr. Nasgovitz have shared dispositive power for
1,699,390 shares and shared voting power for 1,617,001 shares. Heartland Advisors, Inc.
and Mr. Nasgovitz each specifically disclaim beneficial ownership of any of the shares
reported in such Schedule 13G/A. |
| |
| (13) |
|
This information is based upon a Schedule 13G filed by Diker Management, LLC,
Diker GP, LLC, Charles M. Diker and Mark N. Diker, as a group, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on November 27, 2007, a Form 3 and a Form 4 each filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 27, 2007 by Diker Management, LLC and a
Form 4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 29, 2007 by Diker
Management, LLC. As of November 28, 2007, Diker Management, LLC, Diker GP, LLC, Charles
M. Diker and Mark N. Diker had the shared voting and investment power of the 1,667,919
shares reported as beneficially owned, and, as affiliates of a registered investment
advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, disclaim beneficial ownership of these
shares. |
| |
| (14) |
|
This information is based upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by Dimensional Fund
Advisors LP with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2008. As of
December 31, 2007, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP has sole voting and investment power of
the 1,222,938 shares that it beneficially owns, and, as a company registered under the
Investment Advisors Act of 1940, disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares. |
| |
| (15) |
|
This information is based upon a Schedule 13G filed by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and
its wholly owned subsidiary, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2008. As of December 31, 2007, JPMorgan Chase &
Co. had the sole voting and investment power of the 965,280 shares reported as
beneficially owned. |
| |
| (16) |
|
This information is based upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by Disciplined Growth
Investors, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 7, 2008. As of
December 31, 2007, Disciplined Growth Investors, Inc. had the sole voting and investment
power of the 848,897 shares reported as beneficially owned. |
| |
| (17) |
|
This information is based upon a Schedule 13G filed by Seidensticker (Overseas)
Limited with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2001 and additional
information provided to the Company by Seidensticker (Overseas) Limited. Seidensticker
(Overseas) Limited has sole voting and investment power for all shares. |
25
Compensation of Directors in Fiscal 2007
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(including |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
perquisites and |
|
|
| |
|
Fees Earned or Paid |
|
|
|
|
|
other personal |
|
|
| |
|
in Cash |
|
Option Awards |
|
benefits) |
|
Total |
| Name |
|
($) |
|
($)(1) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Detlef H. Adler |
|
|
39,500 |
|
|
|
29,442 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,942 |
|
Stephen G. Carpenter |
|
|
46,000 |
|
|
|
44,158 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,158 |
|
John M. Hanson, Jr. |
|
|
52,000 |
|
|
|
44,158 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96,158 |
|
James B. Hayes |
|
|
110,418 |
|
|
|
75,229 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
185,647 |
|
Michael S. Koeneke |
|
|
4,162 |
|
|
|
5,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,605 |
|
David M. Meyer |
|
|
43,833 |
|
|
|
99,846 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
143,679 |
|
James B. OConnor |
|
|
47,500 |
|
|
|
44,158 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,658 |
|
John W. Richardson |
|
|
41,500 |
|
|
|
29,438 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,938 |
|
Eric S. Salus(2) |
|
|
20,750 |
|
|
|
34,764 |
|
|
|
87,000 |
|
|
|
142,514 |
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
This column represents the dollar amount recognized as compensation expense for
financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the 2007 fiscal year for the fair
value of stock options granted during fiscal 2007 as well as prior fiscal years, in
accordance with SFAS 123R. Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts shown exclude the impact of
estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. For additional
information on the valuation assumptions with respect to the 2007 grants, refer to Note (1)
Stock-Based Compensation to the Companys Audited Consolidated Financial Statements set
forth in the Companys Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. |
| |
| (2) |
|
Mr. Salus was paid $20,750 for his services as director and $87,000 for consulting
fees. See Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. |
During fiscal 2007, directors who were not employees of the Company each received annual cash
compensation of $30,000, plus $1,000 for in-person attendance and $500 for telephonic attendance at
each Board meeting or Committee meeting that is not in conjunction with a Board meeting. In
January 2007, non-employee directors also received an annual grant of an option to purchase 10,000
shares of the Companys common stock, vesting quarterly over a 12-month period, at 2,500 shares for
each quarter during which they serve or served as directors. In addition, each director who served
as the Audit Committee chairman, the Compensation and Human Resources Committee chairman, the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee chairman, or the Special Committee chairman received
additional annual cash compensation of $10,000, $7,500, $5,000 and $5,000, respectively, plus an
option to purchase 5,000 shares of the Companys common stock, vesting quarterly over a 12-month
period, at 1,250 shares for each quarter during which they serve or served as a committee chairman.
All options have an exercise price equal to 100% of the common stocks fair market value (FMV)
on the date of grant. All stock options granted to non-employee directors will vest immediately on
or after a Change in Control. All directors receive reimbursement of expenses for attendance at
each Board meeting and an annual $1,000 allowance for Company apparel.
On September 12, 2006, Mr. Hayes was elected to serve as the Chairman of the Board and his
compensation for all services as a director was changed to include a cash retainer of $50,000 per
quarter, payable in monthly installments, and an additional quarterly grant of a stock option for
5,000 shares of the Companys common stock (i.e., in addition to the option grants to all
non-employee directors and with the first quarterly grant made on September 12, 2006). The terms
of such stock option grants include an
26
exercise price of 100% of FMV on the date of grant, vesting on a daily basis, with week-ends
and holidays included, over three months and an expiration date ten (10) years from the date of
grant. Effective March 1, 2007, in view of his reduced time commitment, Mr. Hayes quarterly cash
compensation was reduced to $18,750, payable in monthly installments. Mr. Hayes continued to
receive the quarterly stock option grants described above. Mr. Hayes was compensated as Chairman
of the Board until August 31, 2007 at which time he ceased to be the Chairman of the Board but
continued to serve as a non-employee director and was therefore compensated as any other
non-employee director from September 1, 2007 through October 31, 2007. Mr. Meyer was appointed
Chairman of the Board effective August 31, 2007. On September 13, 2007, in recognition of the time
commitment associated with this position, in addition to the standard cash and equity-based
compensation for all non-employee directors described above, Mr. Meyer received his first annual
grant of stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Companys common stock, vesting quarterly
over a 12-month period, with an exercise price of 100% of fair market value on the date of grant.
Mr. Meyer will also be eligible to receive restricted stock in an amount to be agreed in the future
as part of an incentive plan, the metrics of which have not yet been determined.
No other arrangement exists pursuant to which any director of the Company was compensated
during the Companys last fiscal year for any service provided as a director.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
In October 2007, the Company announced the appointment of Allan H. Fletcher to the position of
Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Fletcher is the founder of Fletcher Leisure Group, Inc. which has
been one of Canadas leading suppliers of branded golf apparel, sportswear and golf equipment for
over 40 years and is a long-standing business partner of the Company. The Company distributes
Ashworth® and Callaway Golf apparel, headwear and accessories in Canada through two separate
divisions operated by FLG. Mr. Fletcher was responsible for the operations and strategic direction
of FLG and served as its President until December 2003 when he became the Chairman of FLG. Mr.
Fletchers son, Mark Fletcher, currently serves as the President of FLG and oversees its
operations.
Effective January 11, 2008, the Company entered into the FLG Ltd. Consulting Agreement with
FLG Ltd., under which FLG Ltd. provides the services of a management consultant to act as the
Companys Chief Executive Officer. The initial management consultant designated by FLG Ltd. is Mr.
Fletcher, and FLG Ltd. may not designate any other management consultant without the Companys
written permission. For additional information see discussion under Agreements With Current
Executive Officers above.
On January 15, 2008, Sunice Holdings, Inc. (Sunice), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashworth
Inc., entered into a purchase agreement (the Agreement) with FLG,. Under the Agreement, Sunice
agreed to purchase certain trademarks and related assets of the FLG (the Acquired Assets), and
FLG agreed to provide certain services to Sunice in connection therewith. The aggregate
consideration to be paid by Sunice for the Acquired Assets and certain non-competition covenants
included in the Agreement was $50,000 plus a profit sharing amount to be paid during the ten years
after the closing of the acquisition (the Profit Sharing). Under the Agreement, for the term of
the Agreement FLG agreed not to, directly or indirectly, sell or distribute golf related apparel or
similar designs that are developed by FLG for sale by Sunice to on-course and off-course golf
specialty accounts, corporate accounts, and specialty retailers and department stores.
After the closing of the acquisition of the Acquired Assets (the Closing Date), Sunice
licensed to FLG certain trademarks included in the Acquired Assets for limited circumstances and
uses that do not materially impact Sunices use of the trademarks within the United States, the
United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe.
27
FLG has the right and option (the Re-Purchase Option) to purchase all of the Acquired Assets
for a cash price that is generally based on Sunices operating income for a period of time prior to
the exercise of the Re-Purchase Option. The Re-Purchase Option shall be exercisable upon certain
events during the term of the Agreement, including if Sunice fails to pay FLG certain profit
sharing amounts in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 or in any subsequent fiscal year, and
during the 12 month period following the tenth anniversary of the Closing Date.
The Agreement may be terminated by the non-breaching party in the event of a material breach
of the Agreement that was not cured by the breaching party within 90 days of notice of such breach,
and under certain other circumstances.
On the Closing Date, Sunice and FLG entered into a Service Agreement under which FLG agreed to
provide all designs for Sun Ice Golf Apparel for production, marketing and sale by Sunice, as
requested by the Sunice. FLG also agreed to identify and facilitate the requisite relationships
with vendors for all sourcing aspects of the Sun Ice Golf Apparel.
The Company leases its Phenix City, Alabama distribution facility from STAG II Phenix City,
LLC, which purchased the building in fiscal 2006 from 16 Downing, LLC, which was a related party
owned by certain members of Gekko Brands, LLCs management. Total payments under the operating
lease for this facility made during the years ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $457,000,
$400,000 and $400,000, respectively. The lease agreement requires monthly payments of $38,060
through June 6, 2012.
Seidensticker (Overseas) Limited (Seidensticker), a supplier of inventoried products to the
Company, owned approximately 5% of the Companys outstanding common stock at October 31, 2007
Additionally, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Seidensticker (Overseas) Limited was
elected to the Companys Board of Directors effective January 1, 2006. During the years ended
October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company purchased approximately $1,151,000, $1,571,000 and
$5,800,000, respectively, of products from Seidensticker. The Company believes that the terms upon
which it purchased the inventoried products from Seidensticker are consistent with the terms
offered to other, unrelated parties.
On September 12, 2006, concurrent with his appointment to the Office of the Chairman, Mr.
Weil, who is the former CEO and a director of the Board, entered into an agreement with the Company
to provide consulting services on corporate management and operations and decision-making within
the Office of the Chairman (the Weil Agreement). Mr. Weil was paid approximately $48,000 for
such services for the period of September 12, 2006 through October 29, 2006. Mr. Weil also
received an option grant to purchase 25,000 shares with an exercise price of 100% of then-current
fair market value, 12,900 of which vested and 12,100 were terminated as of October 30, 2006
pursuant to the terms of the Weil Agreement. The Weil Agreement was terminated upon Mr. Weils
appointment as Chief Executive Officer effective October 30, 2006. Mr. Weil resigned from all his
positions with the Company effective October 24, 2007.
On June 5, 2007, Eric S. Salus entered into an agreement with the Company dated as of June 1,
2007 whereby Mr. Salus would provide consulting services relating to corporate management and
operations (the Salus Agreement). All assignments under the Salus Agreement were required to be
approved by mutual agreement of Mr. Salus and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr.
Salus had agreed to provide such services for five (5) business days per calendar month. The
consulting engagement under the Salus Agreement was to continue until March 30, 2008, but could be
earlier terminated by either party with 60-days notice. This agreement was terminated by the
Company effective December 31, 2007.
28
In consideration of the time commitments associated with the duties under the Salus Agreement, Mr. Salus was to be compensated for the duration of service under this Agreement with (a) an
upfront, non-refundable, one-time cash retainer of $25,000, and (b) an additional cash retainer of
$15,500 per month, payable at the end of each month of service. The foregoing cash compensation
was in addition to, and not in lieu of, any and all cash compensation paid to Mr. Salus for his
continuing service on the Board. Mr. Salus was reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in connection with the performance of his services under the Salus Agreement.
As additional compensation under the Salus Agreement, the Company granted to Mr. Salus a
non-qualified stock option grant covering 10,000 shares of Ashworths common stock, with an
exercise price equal to 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant.
The foregoing option would vest 50% on September 30, 2007 and 50% on March 31, 2008. Except in the
context of a Change in Control as described below, vesting was to cease upon termination of the
Salus Agreement, for any reason, and the vested portion of the option is to remain exercisable for
a period of five (5) years after the date of grant. The foregoing option grant was in addition to,
and not in lieu of, any and all stock option grants to Mr. Salus for his continuing service on the
Board.
In the event that the Company terminated the Salus Agreement prior to March 31, 2008 but on or
after a Change in Control, (a) all of Mr. Salus non-qualified stock options granted under the
Salus Agreement were to become immediately vested, and (b) all monthly retainers that were due and
those that would become payable assuming the Salus Agreements term continued to March 31, 2008
were to become immediately due and payable.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has determined that each of Ashworths directors, with the exception of
Mr. Salus, is independent as defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the listing standards of the Nasdaq
Marketplace Rules. The Company has the following committees: Audit, Compensation and Human
Resources, Corporate Governance and Nominating and Special Committees.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Set forth below are the aggregate fees paid or accrued for professional services rendered to
the Company by Moss Adams LLP (Moss Adams), the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Fiscal Years Ended October 31, |
|
| |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees Moss Adams(1) |
|
|
634,184 |
|
|
|
691,216 |
|
Audit-Related Fees Moss Adams(2) |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fees |
|
$ |
649,184 |
|
|
$ |
704,216 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
|
Audit fees represent fees billed for professional services rendered by the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the audits of the Companys
annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, review of the
interim financial statements included in the Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and
statutory audits and other SEC filings. Moss Adams engaged Mazars, LLP, a local audit firm,
to perform the audits of the Companys U.K. subsidiary for fiscal years 2007 and 2006.
These audit fees include payments to Mazars, LLP of $38,219 and $30,981 for fiscal years
2007 and 2006, respectively. |
| |
| (2) |
|
Audit-related fees consisted primarily of employee benefit plan audits. |
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-approval of Audit and Permissible Non-audit Services of Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consistent with policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding auditor
independence and the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee has the responsibility for
29
appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of the independent registered public
accounting firm. The Audit Committees policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible
non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approval is
detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a
specific budget. The Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case
basis. In assessing requests for services by the independent registered public accounting firm,
the Audit Committee considers whether such services are consistent with the auditors independence,
whether the independent registered public accounting firm is likely to provide the most effective
and efficient service based on its familiarity with the Company and staffing, and whether the
service could enhance the Companys ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality.
PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(b) Exhibits
The following are exhibits filed with this report.
| |
|
|
31.1
|
|
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Allan H. Fletcher. |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Greg W. Slack. |
30
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized.
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
ASHWORTH, INC.
(Registrant)
|
|
| Date: February 28, 2008 |
BY: |
|
/s/ Allan H. Fletcher
|
|
| |
|
|
Allan H. Fletcher |
|
| |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
| |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
| |
|
|
|
|
| Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer,
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
Allan H. Fletcher
|
|
and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
Greg W. Slack
|
|
and Principal Accounting Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Detlef H. Adler
Detlef H. Adler
|
|
Director
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Stephen G. Carpenter
Stephen G. Carpenter
|
|
Director
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ John M. Hanson, Jr.
John M. Hanson, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ James B. Hayes
James B. Hayes
|
|
Director
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael S. Koeneke
Michael S. Koeneke
|
|
Director
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ David M. Meyer
David M. Meyer
|
|
Director
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ James G. OConnor
James G. OConnor
|
|
Director
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ John W. Richardson
John W. Richardson
|
|
Director
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Eric S. Salus
Eric S. Salus
|
|
Director
|
|
February 28, 2008 |
31
EXHIBIT INDEX
| |
|
|
Exhibit
Number |
|
Description of Exhibit |
31.1
|
|
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 by Allan H. Fletcher |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as
Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 by Greg W. Slack |
32