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14. |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ | |
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o | |
Check the appropriate box: |
o Preliminary Proxy Statement | |
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | |
þ Definitive Proxy Statement | |
o Definitive Additional Materials | |
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required. | |
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
5) Total fee paid: |
o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
1) Amount Previously Paid: |
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
3) Filing Party: |
4) Date Filed: |
1. | A proposal to elect eight (8) Directors to serve on the Board of Directors for the ensuing year; | ||
2. | A proposal to ratify the appointment of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP as the Companys independent auditors for the 2007 fiscal year; | ||
3. | A proposal to approve the Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan; and | ||
4. | Any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
By Order of the Board of Directors | ||||
/s/ Leslie M. Gasper
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Corporate Secretary |
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Ø | On January 28, 2006, Rear Admiral Joseph Strasser resigned from the Board of Directors for health reasons, and on January 31, 2006 the Board amended the Companys By-Laws to reduce the number of Directors to six rather than fill the vacancy created by Rear Admiral Strassers resignation. | ||
Ø | On February 13, 2006, William B. Ruger, Jr. voluntarily resigned as a Director and as Chairman of the Board, and retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective as of February 28, 2006. | ||
Ø | On February 15, 2006, the Board voted to amend the Companys By-Laws to reduce the number of Directors to five rather than fill the vacancy created by Mr. Rugers resignation, and also authorized the amendment of the Companys By-Laws in order to appoint a non-executive Chairman of the Board, naming Vice Admiral James E. Service to this position. The Board also named Stephen L. Sanetti as interim Chief Executive Officer effective as of February 28, 2006. | ||
Ø | On May 24, 2006, after conducting a professional search, the Board voted to increase the number of Directors to eight, and elected C. Michael Jacobi, Stephen T. Merkel and Ronald C. Whitaker to the Board of Directors effective as of June 1, 2006. | ||
Ø | On September 25, 2006, following another professional search, the Board appointed Michael O. Fifer as Chief Executive Officer, and named him to the Board of Directors on October 19, 2006 after amending the By-Laws to increase the number of Directors to nine. | ||
Ø | On January 22, 2007, Richard T. Cunniff announced his intention to retire from the Board as of April 24, 2007, and the Board voted on that date to amend the By-Laws to reduce the number of Directors to eight as of April 24, 2007, rather than fill the vacancy to be created by Mr. Cunniffs retirement. |
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Name, | Business Experience | |
Age, | During the Past Five Years, | |
First Became A Director | Other Directorships and Current Committee Memberships | |
James E. Service
Age 76 Director since July, 1992 |
Chairman of the Board (non-executive) of the Company since 2006. Vice
Admiral of the United States Navy (retired). Semi-Consultant with PGR
Solutions (investment management). Commander, United States Naval Air
Force, Pacific Fleet, from 1985 to 1987. Former Director of Wood River
Medical Center, Ketchum, Idaho. Adm. Service currently serves as the Companys Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair, and as a member of the Compensation Committee and Executive Operations Committee. |
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Stephen L. Sanetti
Age 57 Director since March, 1998 |
Vice Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of the Company since September 25, 2006. Interim Chief Executive Officer from February 28, 2006 to September 24, 2006, and Vice Chairman, President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel as of May 6, 2003. Prior thereto, Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel from October 24, 2000. Prior thereto, Vice President and General Counsel from March 11, 1993. Governor of the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Hunting & Shooting Sports Heritage Foundation. Trustee of the Friends of Boothe Park. | |
John M. Kingsley, Jr.
Age 75 Director since April, 1972 |
Director of the Neurological Institute of New Jersey and Trustee of
Brundge, Story and Rose Investment Trust from 1999 to 2003. Executive
Vice President of the Company from 1971 to 1996. Former Vice President
of F.S. Smithers & Company. Former Vice President of Finance, General
Host Company. Former Associate of Corporate Finance of Dillon, Read &
Co., Inc. Former Senior Accountant of Price, Waterhouse & Company.
Mr. Kingsley is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Kingsley is currently the Chairman of the Companys Audit Committee. |
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John A. Cosentino, Jr.
Age 57 Director since August, 2005 |
Partner of Ironwood Manufacturing Fund, LP since 2002. Chairman of
Simonds International, Inc. since 2003. Chairman of North American
Specialty Glass, LLC since 2005. Vice Chairman of Primary Steel, LLC
since 2005. Partner of Capital Resource Partners, LP from 2000 to 2001,
and Director and investor in the following Capital Resource Partners, LP
portfolio companies: Spirit Brands since 1998, Pro Group, Inc. from 1999
to 2002, WPT, Inc. from 1998 to 2001, and Todd Combustion, Inc. from
1997 to 1999. Former Vice President-Operations of the Stanley Works.
Former President of PCI Group, Inc.. Rau Fastener, LLC., and Otis
Elevator-North America, division of United Technologies. Former Group
Executive of the Danaher Corporation. Former Director of Integrated
Electrical Services, Olympic Manufacturing Company, and the Wiremold
Company. Mr. Cosentino is currently a member of the Companys Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Chairman of the Compensation Committee and Co-Chair of the Executive Operations Committee. |
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Name, | Business Experience | |
Age, | During the Past Five Years, | |
First Became A Director | Other Directorships and Current Committee Memberships | |
C. Michael Jacobi
Age 65 Director since June, 2006 |
President of Stable House 1, LLC, a private real estate development
company, since 1999. President, CEO and Board member of Katy
Industries, Inc. from 2001 to 2005. Former President, CEO and Board
member of Timex Corporation. Member of the Boards of Directors and
Audit committees chairman of the Corrections Corporation of America
(since 2000) and Webster Financial Corporation (since 1993). Member of
the Board of Directors and Audit committee of Kohlberg Capital
Corporation since 2006. Member of the Board of Directors of Invisible
Technologies, Inc. from 2001 to 2006. Mr. Jacobi is a Certified Public
Accountant. Mr. Jacobi is currently a member of the Companys Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Co-Chair of the Executive Operations Committee. |
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Stephen T. Merkel
Age 55 Director since June, 2006 |
CEO and Chairman of the Waterbury Companies since 2004. Corporate Vice
President, Officer and President of Loctite General Industrial Business
from 1999 to 2003. President of Loctite Americas from 1996 to
1999. Board member of Turtle Wax, Inc. from 1997 to 2000, and
St. Francis Hospital from 2000 to 2004. Mr. Merkel is currently a member of the Companys Compensation Committee. |
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Ronald C. Whitaker
Age 59 Director since June, 2006 |
President, CEO (since 2003) and Board member (since 2001) of Hyco
International. Former President, CEO (from 2000 to 2003) and current
Board and executive committee of Strategic Distribution, Inc. President
and CEO of Johnson Outdoors from 1996 to 2000. CEO, President and
Chairman of the Board of Colts Manufacturing Co., Inc. from 1992 to
1995. Board member of Michigan Seamless Tube (since 2004), Group Dekko
(since 2006), and Pangborn Corporation (since 2006). Board member of
Precision Navigation, Inc. from 2000 to 2003, Weirton Steel Corporation
from 1994 to 2003 and Code Alarm from 2000 to 2002. Trustee of College
of Wooster from 1997 through 2005. Mr. Whitaker is currently a member of the Companys Audit Committee. |
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Michael O. Fifer
Age 49 Director since October, 2006 |
Chief Executive Officer of the Company as of September 25, 2006. President of Engineered Products of Mueller Industries, Inc from 2003 to 2006. President of North American Operations of Watts Industries, Inc. from 1998 to 2002. Member of the Board of Directors and Audit, Compensation and Special committees of Conbraco Industries from 2003 to 2006. |
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Ø | Adopted a revised charter for the Audit Committee; | ||
Ø | Adopted a charter for the Compensation Committee; | ||
Ø | Established and adopted a charter for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; | ||
Ø | Adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; | ||
Ø | Adopted Corporate Board Governance Guidelines; | ||
Ø | Adopted a method by which stockholders and other interested parties can send communications to the Board of Directors; | ||
Ø | Adopted procedures for the succession of the Chief Executive Officer; | ||
Ø | Adopted criteria for the selection of new Directors; and | ||
Ø | Caused the non-management Directors of the Board of Directors to meet regularly in executive sessions. |
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* | The report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under either the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act (together, the Acts), except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates such report by reference; and further, such report shall not otherwise be deemed to be soliciting material or filed under the Acts. |
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* | The report of the Compensation Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under either the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (together, the Acts), except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates such report by reference; and further, such report shall not otherwise be deemed to be soliciting material or filed under the Acts. |
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Ø | personal and professional ethics, strength of character, integrity, and values; | ||
Ø | success in dealing with complex problems or have obtained and excelled in a position of leadership; | ||
Ø | sufficient education, experience, intelligence, independence, fairness, reasoning ability, practicality, wisdom, and vision to exercise sound and mature judgment; | ||
Ø | stature and capability to represent the Company before the public and the stockholders; | ||
Ø | the personality, confidence, and independence to undertake full and frank discussion of the Companys business assumptions; | ||
Ø | willingness to learn the business of the Company, to understand all Company policies, and to make themselves aware of the Companys finances; and | ||
Ø | willingness at all times to execute their independent business judgment in the conduct of all Company matters. |
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Ø | To act as the Boards representatives in providing advisory leadership to management as needed, and to ensure that all the expert resources, experiences and skill sets of the Board are constructively deployed in improving the business performance of the Company; | ||
Ø | To establish and implement a strategic business plan that enables the delivery of the growth and profitability objectives of the Companys stockholders; | ||
Ø | To develop and implement the Ruger Business System, a robust, Company-wide business system based on lean principles and practices, designed to become indelibly rooted and capable of sustaining itself beyond the tenure of the current management team; | ||
Ø | To identify, recruit and develop key executive and management level personnel needed to execute the Companys strategic and operational plans and to ensure a viable succession plan; | ||
Ø | To conduct ongoing oversight of Company operations and business performance, including monthly operations and strategy deployment reviews with executive management; | ||
Ø | To identify and explore major initiatives, such as acquisition analyses, major new program proposals and business opportunities; and | ||
Ø | To ensure overall executive team effectiveness, collaboration and communication within management and with the Board. |
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Nominating and | ||||||||||||||
Corporate | Executive | |||||||||||||
Audit | Compensation | Governance | Operations (1) | |||||||||||
Name | Board of Directors | Committee | Committee | Committee | Committee | |||||||||
William B. Ruger, Jr.* (2)
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Chair | |||||||||||||
James E. Service (3)
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Chair | Member | Member | Chair | Member | |||||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti*
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Vice-Chair | |||||||||||||
Michael O. Fifer* (4)
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Member | |||||||||||||
John A. Cosentino, Jr.
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Member | Member | Chair | Member | Co-Chair | |||||||||
Richard T. Cunniff
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Member | Member | Member | Member | ||||||||||
C. Michael Jacobi (5)
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Member | Member | Member | Co-Chair | ||||||||||
John M. Kingsley, Jr.
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Member | Chair | Member | Member | ||||||||||
Stephen T. Merkel (5)
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Member | Member | Member | |||||||||||
Joseph C. Strasser (6)
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Member | Member | Member | Member | ||||||||||
Ronald C. Whitaker (5)
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Member | Member | Member | |||||||||||
Number of Meetings Held
in 2006
|
15 includes 7 telephonic |
9 includes 6 telephonic |
6 | 8 includes 1 telephonic |
5 |
* | Non-independent Board member. | |
(1) | The Executive Operations Committee was formed as of August 1, 2006. | |
(2) | William B. Ruger, Jr. resigned as Chairman of Board on February 13, 2006. | |
(3) | James E. Service was appointed non-executive Chairman of the Board on February 24, 2006. | |
(4) | Michael O. Fifer was appointed to the Board on October 19, 2006. | |
(5) | Board and committee memberships effective as of June 1, 2006. | |
(6) | Joseph C. Strasser resigned from the Board on January 28, 2006. |
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Change in Pension | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fees Earned | Value and Nonqualified | |||||||||||||||||||
or Paid in | Option Awards | Deferred Compensation | All other | Total Director | ||||||||||||||||
Name of Director | Cash (1)(2) | (3)(4) | Earnings (5) | Compensation | Compensation (6) | |||||||||||||||
James E. Service (7) |
$ | 91,167 | $ | 91,167 | ||||||||||||||||
John A. Cosentino, Jr. |
$ | 97,208 | $ | 97,208 | ||||||||||||||||
Richard T. Cunniff |
$ | 70,000 | $ | 70,000 | ||||||||||||||||
C. Michael Jacobi (8) |
$ | 64,853 | $ | 11,006 | (9) | $ | 75,859 | |||||||||||||
John M. Kingsley, Jr. |
$ | 75,833 | (10 | ) | $ | 75,833 | ||||||||||||||
Stephen T. Merkel (8) |
$ | 43,750 | $ | 11,006 | (9) | $ | 54,756 | |||||||||||||
Joseph C. Strasser
(11) former Director |
$ | 6,500 | $ | 6,500 | ||||||||||||||||
Ronald C. Whitaker (8) |
$ | 43,750 | $ | 11,006 | (9) | $ | 54,756 |
(1) | See DIRECTORS FEES AND RETAINERS above. | |
(2) | Includes prorated cash retainer of $25,000 per year in lieu of restricted stock awards that are to be awarded subject to stockholder approval of the 2007 SIP at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders as described in Proposal No. 3 below. Includes meeting fees, which were eliminated as of June 1, 2006. | |
(3) | Non-qualified stock option awards are granted as of date of election to Board of Directors under the Companys 2001 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant. These options vest and become exercisable in four equal annual installments of 25% of the total options awarded, beginning on the date of grant and on each of the next three anniversaries thereafter. At fiscal year end 2006, the Directors held the following aggregate number of stock options: Adm. Service 20,000; Mr. Cosentino 20,000; Mr. Cunniff 20,000; Mr. Jacobi 20,000; Mr. Kingsley 20,000; Mr. Merkel 20,000; Adm. Strasser 5,000 and Mr. Whitaker 20,000. Expiration dates for these options range from 2011 through 2016. To see option exercise prices, vesting dates, and terms for each Directors options, you may look at his latest Form 4 under Stockholder Relations, SEC Reports, on the Companys website at www.ruger.com. | |
(4) | This column represents the grant date fair value dollar amount recognized for financial reporting purposes calculated in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R Share-based Payments. See Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 regarding assumptions underlying valuation of equity awards. | |
(5) | This column represents the sum of the change in pension value in 2006 for each Director, and applies only to Directors who were former employees of the Company. No Director received preferential or above-market earnings on deferred compensation (also see Note 6 below). The change in pension value is calculated based on 5.75% discount rate, the 1983 Group Mortality Table average earnings and service credits as of December 31, 2006, and in the case of the SERP, a COLA assumption of 1.5% per year. See PENSION PLANS and the PENSION BENEFITS TABLE below for additional information, including the present value assumptions used in the calculation. | |
(6) | The Companys non-management Directors do not receive non-equity incentive plan compensation, pension or medical plan benefits, or non-qualified deferred compensation. | |
(7) | James E. Service was appointed non-executive Chairman of the Board on February 24, 2006. | |
(8) | Each of Messrs. Jacobi, Whitaker and Merkel were appointed to the Board as of June 1, 2006. | |
(9) | Each of Messrs. Jacobi, Whitaker and Merkel were granted options to purchase 20,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock. All options were granted on June 1, 2006. |
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(10) | Mr. Kingsleys total change in pension value, related to his service as Executive Vice President of the Company from 1971 to 1996, was negative ($84,207), and is therefore not included in the table above, per SEC rules. | |
(11) | Joseph C. Strasser resigned from the Board on January 28, 2006, and his non-vested options expired 30 days thereafter. |
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Stockholders:
|
All of the Companys current stock incentive plans were approved by the Companys stockholders. The Company does not have any stock plans that are not stockholder-approved. If approved by the stockholders at the Companys 2007 Annual Meeting, the 2007 SIP will replace the current stockholder-approved incentive plans. | |
Board and
Compensation
Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee:
|
The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors determine the compensation of the Companys executive officers, including the individuals whose compensation is detailed in this Proxy Statement. The Compensation Committee, which is composed entirely of independent Directors, establishes and administers compensation programs and philosophies. The Compensation Committee ensures that stockholder approved plans are administered in accordance with good governance practices and stockholder intent. The Compensation Committee is responsible for approval of salaries, bonuses and long-term incentive compensation paid to executive officers, bonus pools for non-executive employees, retirement formulas for executive officers, deferred compensation plans, and any employment and change-in-control agreements. In addition, the performance of each executive officer is evaluated by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and reported to the full Board. The full Board of Directors reviews the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reports and acts on recommendations of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee also considers the legal and tax effect (including, without limitation, the effects of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Tax Code)) of the Companys executive compensation program in order to provide the most favorable legal and tax consequences for the Company and its executive officers. | |
Management:
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The Chief Executive Officers views regarding the performance and recommended compensation levels for the Companys executive officers are discussed with the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Within management, the Chief Executive Officer and the Secretary serve as liaisons with these committees. |
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Cash Compensation:
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Base salary and performance bonuses. | |
Equity Compensation:
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In the fiscal year 2006, the Company only awarded stock options to newly-employed officers pursuant to the Companys 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (and upon approval, the 2007 SIP will allow the Company to make grants of stock options, restricted stock, deferred stock and stock appreciation rights (SARS), any of which may or may not require the satisfaction of performance objectives.) | |
Retirement Benefits:
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The Company offers a tax-qualified Salaried Employees Retirement Income Plan (the Pension Plan) and a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the SERP). The Tax Code limits the amount of compensation that can be used in calculations under a tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plan. In 2006, this limit was $220,000. As a result, any retirement benefits that cannot be paid under the Companys tax-qualified defined benefit plan due to these limits are paid to executives chosen by the Compensation Committee to participate under the SERP. For further discussion, see PENSION PLANS below. | |
Health and Welfare Benefits:
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The Company offers the same health and welfare benefits to all salaried employees. These benefits include medical benefits, dental benefits, vision benefits, life insurance, salary continuation for short-term disability, long-term disability insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and other similar benefits. Because these benefits are offered to a broad class of employees, the cost is not required by SEC rules to be included in the SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE below. | |
Severance Agreements:
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During a potential change in control, the Company does not want executives leaving to pursue other employment out of concern for the security of their jobs or being unable to concentrate on their work. To enable executives to focus on the best interest of the Companys stockholders, the Company offers Severance Agreements that provide severance benefits to certain executives whose employment terminates as a result of a change in control. The Severance Agreements have both single and double trigger components. The single trigger arrangements require pay out immediately upon a change in control and in situations where there is a double trigger; a change in control must be followed by an involuntary loss of employment, a reduction in salary or duties, or other event for the named executive to be eligible to receive severance benefits. CEO Fifers Agreement provides that he will receive severance (without bonus and benefits) if he is terminated without cause absent a change in control. |
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| Base salaries and retirement and welfare benefits, which are designed to attract and retain employees over time; | ||
| Cash bonuses, which are designed to focus executives and employees on important Company-wide performance goals; | ||
| Long term incentives, including non-qualified or incentive stock options, SARS, and additionally, pending approval of the 2007 SIP, restricted stock and deferred stock awards. These are designed to focus executives efforts on their individual contributions to the long-term success of the Company, as reflected in increases to the Companys stock prices over a period of several years, growth in its earnings per share and other measurements of corporate performance; and | ||
| Severance Agreements, which are designed to facilitate the Companys ability to attract and retain talented executives and encourage them to remain focused on the Companys business during times of corporate change. |
| Stephen L. Sanetti, Interim Chief Executive Officer and President, received a salary increase from $275,000 to $325,000; | ||
| Thomas A. Dineen, Vice President (as of May 24, 2006), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, received a salary increase from $134,500 to $175,000; |
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| Robert R. Stutler, Vice President of Prescott Operations (as of March 17, 2006), received a salary increase from $195,000 to $225,000 and | ||
| Leslie M. Gasper, Corporate Secretary, received a salary increase from $101,000 to $125,000. |
| Michael O. Fifer, Chief Executive Officer, was hired with a base annual salary of $400,000; | ||
| Thomas P. Sullivan, Vice President of Newport Operations, was hired with a base annual salary of $235,000; and | ||
| Christopher J. Killoy, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, was hired with a base annual salary of $200,000. |
2006 | 2006 | 2006 | 2006 | 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
Annualized Base | Annual Incentive | Potential | Actual | Bonus Percent of | ||||||||||||||||
Name | Salary (1) | Target | Target Bonus Payment | Bonus Paid | Annual Base Salary | |||||||||||||||
Michael O. Fifer |
$ | 400,000 | n/a | (2) | | $ | 75,000 | 19 | % | |||||||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti |
$ | 325,000 | 50 | % | $ | 162,500 | $ | 113,500 | 35 | % | ||||||||||
Thomas A. Dineen |
$ | 175,000 | 40 | % | $ | 70,000 | $ | 52,500 | 30 | % | ||||||||||
Robert R. Stutler |
$ | 225,000 | 40 | % | $ | 90,000 | $ | 67,500 | 30 | % | ||||||||||
Thomas P. Sullivan |
$ | 235,000 | n/a | (3) | | $ | 50,000 | 21 | % | |||||||||||
Leslie M. Gasper |
$ | 125,000 | 25 | % (4) | $ | 31,250 | $ | 28,125 | 23 | % |
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(1) | Please refer to the Summary Compensation Table for actual salaries paid in fiscal year 2006, which reflect proration of salaries from dates of hire or 2006 salary increases, as applicable. | |
(2) | In lieu of performance bonuses, Michael O. Fifer received $75,000 during 2006 as a signing bonus, subject to his remaining employed by the Company until December 31, 2006. Ongoing the CEOs annual target non-equity incentive compensation will be 75% of annual base salary. | |
(3) | In lieu of performance bonuses, Thomas P. Sullivan received $50,000 during 2006 as a signing bonus, subject to his remaining employed by the Company until December 31, 2006. Ongoing, the Vice Presidents annual target non-equity incentive compensation will be 40% of annual base salary. | |
(4) | Leslie M. Gaspers 2007 target non-equity incentive compensation level was increased from 25% to 30% of annual base salary by the Board of Directors on January 23, 2007. |
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Ø | To promote and require the highest ethical conduct by all Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc, employees and demonstrate personal integrity consistent with the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines. | ||
Ø | To establish, articulate and support the vision for the Company that will serve as a guide for expansion. | ||
Ø | To align physical, human, financial and organizational resources with strategies. | ||
Ø | To communicate strategies and alignment in a clear manner so that every employee understands their personal role in the Companys success. | ||
Ø | To establish succession planning processes in order to select, coordinate, evaluate and promote the best management team. | ||
Ø | To keep the Board of Directors informed on strategic and business issues. |
Ø | Leadership: his ability to lead the Company with a sense of direction and purpose that is well understood, widely supported, consistently applied and effectively implemented. | ||
Ø | Strategic Planning: his development of a long-term strategy, establishment of objectives to meet the expectations of stockholders, customers, employees and all Company stakeholders, consistent and timely progress toward strategic objectives, and obtainment and allocation of resources consistent with strategic strategies. | ||
Ø | Financial Goals and Systems: his establishment of appropriate and longer-term financial objectives, ability to consistently achieve these goals, and ensuring that appropriate systems are maintained to protect assets and control operations. | ||
Ø | Financial Results: his ability to meet or exceed the financial expectations of stockholders, including continuous improvement in operating revenue, cash flow, net income, capital expenditures, earnings per share and share price. | ||
Ø | Succession Planning: his development, recruitment, retention, motivation and supervision of an effective top management team capable of achieving objectives. | ||
Ø | Human Resources: his ensuring development of effective recruitment, training, retention and personnel communication plans and programs to provide and motivate the necessary human resources to achieve objectives. | ||
Ø | Communication: his ability to serve as the Companys chief spokesperson and communicate effectively with stockholders and all stakeholders. |
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Ø | Industry Relations: his ensuring that the Company and its operating units contribute appropriately to the well being of their communities and industries, and representation of the Company in community and industry affairs. | ||
Ø | Board Relations: his ability to work closely with the Board of Directors to keep them fully informed on all important aspects of the status and development of the Company, his implementation of Board policies, and his recommendation of policies for Board consideration. |
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Change in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
and Nonqualified | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Named Executive Officer | Option | Compensation | All Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
and Principal Position | Year | Salary | Bonus (1) | Awards (2) | Earnings (3) | Compensation(4) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
William B. Ruger, Jr. (5) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Former Chairman of the Board of Directors and Former Chief Executive Officer | 2006 | $ | 68,667 | (6) | (7 | ) | $ | 395,687 | $ | 464,354 | ||||||||||||||||||
Michael O. Fifer (8) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer and Director | 2006 | $ | 107,692 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 67,400 | (9) | $ | 2,463 | $ | 11,551 | $ | 264,106 | ||||||||||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti (10) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Interim Chief Executive Officer. President, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel | 2006 | $ | 322,917 | (11) | $ | 113,750 | $ | 36,149 | (12) | $ | 516 | $ | 473,332 | |||||||||||||||
Thomas A. Dineen (13) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | 2006 | $ | 168,250 | $ | 52,500 | $ | 4,321 | $ | 108 | $ | 225,179 | |||||||||||||||||
Robert R. Stutler (14) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vice President of Prescott Operations | 2006 | $ | 220,000 | $ | 67,500 | $ | 67,950 | $ | 792 | $ | 356,242 | |||||||||||||||||
Thomas P. Sullivan (15) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vice President of Newport Operations | 2006 | $ | 89,104 | $ | 50,000 | $ | 21,000 | (16) | $ | 683 | $ | 104,332 | $ | 265,119 | ||||||||||||||
Leslie M. Gasper |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Secretary | 2006 | $ | 121,000 | $ | 28,125 | $ | 11,353 | $ | 276 | $ | 160,754 |
(1) | Includes signing bonuses for Mr. Michael O. Fifer and Thomas P. Sullivan awarded upon their employment with the Company. For a description of the bonus structure see the COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS above. | |
(2) | This column represents the dollar amount grant date value recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the 2006 fiscal year for the fair value of stock options granted to the Named Executives Officers in 2006, in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting |
26
Standards (SFAS) No. 123R Share-based Payments. See Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 regarding assumptions underlying valuation of equity awards. Any estimate of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions are disregarded pursuant to the SEC Rules | ||
(3) | This column represents the sum of the change in pension value in 2006 for each of the named executives. No named executive officer received preferential or above-market earnings on deferred compensation. The change in pension value is calculated based on 5.75% discount rate, average earnings and service credits as of December 31, 2006, the 1983 Group Mortality Table, and in the case of the SERP, a COLA assumption of 1.5% per year. See PENSION PLANS and the PENSION BENEFITS TABLE below for additional information, including the present value assumptions used in the calculation. | |
(4) | This column represents: (i) relocation and temporary living and related tax gross-ups, (ii) taxable value of Company products received, (iii) taxable premiums paid by the Company for group term life insurance, (iv) severance benefits and (v) accrued vacation pay received upon separation of employment. See ALL OTHER COMPENSATION TABLE below for additional information. | |
(5) | William B. Ruger, Jr. voluntarily resigned as Chairman of the Board on February 13, 2006 and retired as Chief Executive Officer effective February 28, 2006. | |
(6) | Includes $1,500 for 2006 Directors Fees and $500 for 2006 Meeting Fees paid to Mr. Ruger pursuant to the Companys policy in effect until June 1, 2006. See DIRECTORS FEES AND RETAINERS above. | |
(7) | Under the Companys Pension Plan, Mr. Rugers total change in pension value was $53,990. This includes payments received during 2006 under the same plan of $55,738. Under the Companys SERP, Mr. Rugers total change in pension value was negative ($100,665). This includes payments received under the Companys SERP during 2006 of $90,976. Mr. Rugers aggregate change in pension value under both plans was negative ($46,675), and is therefore not included in the table above, per SEC rules. | |
(8) | Michael O. Fifer joined the Companys Chief Executive Officer effective September 25, 2006, and was appointed to the Board of Directors on October 19, 2006. | |
(9) | This calculation is based Mr. Fifers options to purchase 400,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock, awarded as of September 25, 2006. None of the shares of the Companys Common Stock underlying Mr. Fifers options were forfeited in 2006. The total grant date value of the stock options which will be recognized over the five year vesting period was $1,348,000 for Mr. Fifer. See OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END 2006 TABLE below. | |
(10) | Stephen L. Sanetti served as interim Chief Executive Officer from February 28, 2006 to September 25, 2006, when Mr. Fifer joined the Company as Chief Executive Officer. | |
(11) | Includes $3,000 for 2006 Directors Fees and $3,250 for 2006 Meeting Fees paid to Mr. Sanetti pursuant to the Companys policy in effect until June 1, 2006. See DIRECTORS FEES AND RETAINERS above. | |
(12) | This includes a change in accumulated pension value under the Companys Pension Plan of $29,501 and the Companys Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Plan of $6,648. | |
(13) | Thomas A. Dineen was appointed Vice President of the Company on May 24, 2006. | |
(14) | Robert R. Stutler was promoted from General Manager to Vice President of Prescott Operations on March 17, 2006. | |
(15) | Thomas P. Sullivan was appointed Vice President of Newport Operations on August 14, 2006. | |
(16) | This calculation is based on Mr. Sullivans option to purchase 100,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock, awarded as of August 14, 2006. None of the shares of the Companys Common Stock underlying Mr. Sullivans options were forfeited in 2006. The total grant date value of the stock options which will be recognized over the five year vesting period was $315,000 for Mr. Sullivan. See OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END 2006 TABLE below. |
27
Accrued | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxable | Vacation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Relocation | Premiums | Pay | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
and | Taxable | Paid by the | Received | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary | Value of | Company | upon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Living and | Company | for Group | Separation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Named Executive | Related Tax | Products | Term Life | Severance | of | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Officers | Year | Gross-Ups | Received | Insurance | Benefits | Employment | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
William B. Ruger,
Jr. |
2006 | $ | 369,480 | (1) | $ | 26,207 | (2) | $ | 395,687 | |||||||||||||||||||
Michael O. Fifer |
2006 | $ | 11,506 | (3) | $ | 45 | $ | 11,551 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti |
2006 | $ | 516 | $ | 516 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Thomas A. Dineen |
2006 | $ | 108 | $ | 108 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Robert R. Stutler |
2006 | $ | 792 | $ | 792 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Thomas P. Sullivan |
2006 | $ | 104,287 | (4) | $ | 45 | $ | 104,332 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Leslie M. Gasper |
2006 | $ | 276 | $ | 276 |
(1) | Consists of eleven months severance pay received during 2006, totaling $366,667, plus accrued interest of $2,813 due to six months delay in payment commencement as required under the Tax Code Section 409A. | |
(2) | Consists of eight months accrued vacation pay of $25,641 and accrued interest $566 due to six months delay in payment commencement as required under the Tax Code Section 409A. | |
(3) | Consists of $3,202 for temporary lodging, $377 for meals, $2,937 for commuting, and $4,990 in tax gross-ups related to Mr. Fifers temporary living expenses reimbursed by the Company during 2006. | |
(4) | Consists of $25,797 for temporary lodging, $36,000 for real estate closing costs, $10,000 for incidental relocation expenses, $1,172 for non-move travel, $421 for Company vehicle use and $30,897 in tax gross-ups for Mr. Sullivans temporary living and relocation expenses reimbursed by the Company during 2006. |
28
Number of | ||||||||||||
Securities | Exercise | |||||||||||
Underlying | Price | |||||||||||
Options | per | Grant Date | ||||||||||
Named Executive | Granted | Share | Fair Value | |||||||||
Officers | (1) | (2) | (3) | |||||||||
Michael O. Fifer |
400,000 | $ | 7.32 | $ | 67,400 | |||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti |
||||||||||||
Thomas A. Dineen |
||||||||||||
Robert. R. Stutler |
||||||||||||
Thomas P. Sullivan |
100,000 | $ | 6.85 | $ | 21,000 | |||||||
Leslie M. Gasper |
(1) | Options to purchase the Companys Common Stock have never been repriced. No SARS were granted. All Grants to Named Executive Officers under the Companys 1998 Stock Incentive Plan include a provision for acceleration of vesting in certain change in control situations. All options awarded to Named Executives vest and became exercisable in five equal annual installments of 20% of the total number of options awarded, beginning on the date of first anniversary of the date of grant and on each of the next succeeding t four anniversaries thereafter and have a 10 year term. This column represents the number of options to purchase shares of the Companys Common Stock granted in 2006 to Named Executive Officers. | |
(2) | This column represents the per share exercise price of the options granted in 2006 to each named executive. The exercise price for options granted under the Companys 1998 Stock Incentive Plan is the closing price of the Common Stock as of the date of grant. | |
(3) | The column represents the dollar amount (grant date value) recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the 2006 fiscal year for the fair value of stock options granted to the named executives, in 2006 as well as prior fiscal years, in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R Share-based Payments. See Note 5 of the consolidated financial statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 regarding assumptions underlying valuation of equity awards. Any estimate of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions are disregarded pursuant to the SEC Rules. The total grant date value of the stock options which will be recognized over the five year vesting period was $1,348,000 for Mr. Fifer, and $315,000 for Mr. Sullivan. |
29
Option Awards (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Securities | Option | Option | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Underlying Unexercised | Exercise | Expiration | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Named Executive | Options | Price (2) | Grant Date | Vest Date | Date | |||||||||||||||||||
Officers | Exercisable | Unexercisable | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael O. Fifer (3) |
400,000 | $ | 7.32 | 9/25/2006 | 9/25/2011 | 9/25/2016 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti (4) |
200,000 | 0 | $ | 11.9375 | 12/31/1998 | Vested | 12/31/2008 | |||||||||||||||||
Thomas A. Dineen (5) |
35,000 | 0 | $ | 11.9375 | 12/31/1998 | Vested | 12/31/2008 | |||||||||||||||||
Robert R. Stutler (6) |
100,000 | 0 | $ | 11.9375 | 12/31/1998 | Vested | 12/31/2008 | |||||||||||||||||
Thomas P. Sullivan (7) |
0 | 100,000 | $ | 6.85 | 8/14/2006 | 8/14/2011 | 8/14/2016 | |||||||||||||||||
Leslie M. Gasper (8) |
50,000 | 0 | $ | 11.9375 | 12/31/1998 | Vested | 12/31/2008 | |||||||||||||||||
Total |
385,000 | 500,000 |
(1) | All awards of options to purchase the Companys Common Stock represented in this table were granted pursuant to the Companys 1998 Stock Incentive Plan. No restricted stock awards were outstanding as of the end of 2006. | |
(2) | This column represents the exercise price of awards of options to purchase the Companys Common Stock which exercise price was not less than the closing price on the grant date. | |
(3) | Mr. Fifer was awarded options to purchase 400,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock under the Companys 1998 Stock Incentive Plan on September 25, 2006, his date of employment with the Company. The options are exercisable in five annual installments of 80,000 shares each. The first becomes exercisable on September 25, 2007 and the remaining four become exercisable on September 25, 2008, September 25, 2009, September 25, 2010 and September 25, 2011. | |
(4) | Mr. Sanetti was awarded options to purchase 200,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock under the Companys 1998 Stock Incentive Plan on December 31, 1998. The options are all fully vested and exercisable. | |
(5) | Mr. Dineen was awarded options to purchase 35,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock under the Companys 1998 Stock Incentive Plan on December 31, 1998. The options are all fully vested and exercisable. | |
(6) | Mr. Stutler was awarded options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock under the Companys 1998 Stock Incentive Plan on December 31, 1998. The options are all fully vested and exercisable. | |
(7) | Mr. Sullivan was awarded options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock under the Companys 1998 Stock Incentive Plan on August 14, 2006 his date of employment with the Company. The options are exercisable in five annual installments of 20,000 shares each. The first becomes exercisable on August 14, 2007 and the remaining four become exercisable on August 14, 2008, August 14, 2009, August 14, 2010 and August 14, 2011. | |
(8) | Ms. Gasper was awarded options to purchase 50,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock under the Companys 1998 Stock Incentive Plan on December 31, 1998. The options are all fully vested and exercisable. |
30
31
32
| When any person acquires 25% or more of the voting power of the Company | ||
| If a majority of the Board members change, unless the new Directors are elected or nominated for election by at least two-thirds of the existing Board members; | ||
| upon the acquisition of the Company; or | ||
| upon the liquidation or dissolution of the Company (with approval of the stockholders) |
33
Continuation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Retirement | of Medical | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Options | Benefits | Welfare | Aggregate | |||||||||||||||||||||
Severance | Bonus | That Vest | (SERP) | Benefits | Payments | |||||||||||||||||||
Named Executive Officers | Agreement | Payment | (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||
Michael O. Fifer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change In Control (5) |
$ | 600,000 | $ | 450,000 | 400,000 | 0 | $ | 23,175 | $ | 1,073,175 | ||||||||||||||
Termination without Cause |
$ | 600,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $ | 600,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Retirement |
n/a | $ | 300,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $ | 300,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Death or Disability |
n/a | $ | 300,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $ | 300,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti(6) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change In Control |
$ | 487,500 | $ | 243,750 | 200,000 | $ | 954,799 | $ | 23,175 | $ | 1,709,224 | |||||||||||||
Retirement |
n/a | $ | 162,500 | 200,000 | $ | 954,799 | 0 | $ | 1,117,299 | |||||||||||||||
Death or Disability |
n/a | $ | 162,500 | 200,000 | $ | 954,799 | 0 | $ | 1,117,299 | |||||||||||||||
Thomas A. Dineen |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change In Control |
$ | 262,500 | $ | 105,000 | 35,000 | 0 | $ | 23,175 | $ | 390,675 | ||||||||||||||
Retirement |
n/a | $ | 70,000 | 35,000 | 0 | 0 | $ | 70,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Death or Disability |
n/a | $ | 70,000 | 35,000 | 0 | 0 | $ | 70,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Robert R. Stutler |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change In Control |
$ | 337,500 | $ | 135,000 | 100,000 | 0 | $ | 23,175 | $ | 495,675 | ||||||||||||||
Retirement |
n/a | $ | 90,000 | 100,000 | 0 | 0 | $ | 90,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Death or Disability |
n/a | $ | 90,000 | 100,000 | 0 | 0 | $ | 90,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Thomas P. Sullivan |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change In Control |
$ | 352,500 | $ | 141,000 | 100,000 | 0 | $ | 23,175 | $ | 516,675 | ||||||||||||||
Retirement |
n/a | $ | 94,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $ | 94,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Death or Disability |
n/a | $ | 94,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $ | 94,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Leslie M. Gasper |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change In Control |
$ | 187,500 | $ | 46,875 | 50,000 | 0 | $ | 23,175 | $ | 257,550 | ||||||||||||||
Retirement |
| $ | 31,250 | 50,000 | 0 | 0 | $ | 31,250 | ||||||||||||||||
Death or Disability |
| $ | 31,250 | 50,000 | 0 | 0 | $ | 31,250 | ||||||||||||||||
William B. Ruger, Jr.(7) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change In Control |
n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | ||||||||||||||||||
Retirement |
$ | 702,813 | | Expired | $ | 1,123,894 | $ | 9,199 | $ | 1,835,906 | ||||||||||||||
Death or Disability |
n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
(1) | Under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, vested options are exercisable within 30 days of voluntary termination, or within 90 days of the earlier of the optionees retirement, death or disability. Vested options expire at the close of business on the date of involuntary termination. In the event of a Change in Control as defined under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, all options vest immediately. |
34
(2) | This Column includes the present value of accrued pension benefits under the Companys SERP Participants must meet plan service and age requirements in order to receive benefits upon retirement. In the event of death, the surviving spouse would receive 50% of the participants accrued benefit, with service assumed to be 25 years; in the event of disability, the participant would receive his accrued benefit commencing at age 65. In the event of a Change in Control as defined under the SERP, the participant would become fully vested in his SERP benefit. Payment of SERP benefits may be delayed as required under Tax Code Section 409A. Payments under the Pension Plan are excluded because salaried employees receive equal benefits as the executives under this plan. | |
(3) | Includes continuation of medical coverage assuming family coverage for potential severance recipients. | |
(4) | Aggregate payments exclude number of options that vest. | |
(5) | Quantifies only benefits payable upon termination under the Severance Agreements following a change in control (the maximum benefits under the agreement). Mr. Fifers Severance Agreement provides for payments in the absence of a Change in Control if he is terminated without cause, which are listed in the row of this table entitled Termination Without Cause. | |
(6) | This includes the present value of Stephen L. Sanettis accrued benefits under the SERP. Mr. Sanetti is the only active SERP plan participant, but is not yet eligible to receive benefits under the SERP. | |
(7) | This includes total severance received or receivable by, and medical benefit continuation provided to, Mr. Ruger following his resignation as Chairman of the Board on February 13, 2006 and retirement as Chief Executive Officer on February 28, 2006. Also includes $2,813 in interest received for six month delay in severance payment commencement as required under the Tax Code Section 409A. Also includes the present value of Mr. Rugers accrued benefits under the Companys Pension Plan and the SERP. Mr. Ruger is currently in pay status under these plans. |
35
36
37
Credited Service (1) | Present Value of Accumulated | Payments During Last | ||||||||||
Named Executive Officers | (Years) | Plan Benefit (2) | Fiscal Year | |||||||||
Michael O. Fifer |
0.3 | $ | 2,463 | |||||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti (3)(4) |
25.0 | $ | 348,362 | |||||||||
Thomas A. Dineen |
9.6 | $ | 26,766 | |||||||||
Robert R. Stutler (4) |
19.8 | $ | 418,686 | |||||||||
Thomas P. Sullivan |
0.4 | $ | 683 | |||||||||
Leslie M. Gasper |
25.0 | $ | 126,686 | |||||||||
William B. Ruger, Jr.
(Retired)(5) |
25.0 | $ | 617,012 | $ | 55,738 |
Credited Service (1) | Present Value of | |||||||||||
Named Executive Officers | (Years) | Accumulated Plan Benefit (2) | Payments During 2006 | |||||||||
Michael O. Fifer |
0.3 | |||||||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti (3)(4) |
25.0 | $ | 954,799 | |||||||||
Thomas A. Dineen |
9.6 | |||||||||||
Robert R. Stutler (4) |
19.8 | |||||||||||
Thomas P. Sullivan |
0.4 | |||||||||||
Leslie M. Gasper |
25.0 | |||||||||||
William B. Ruger, Jr.
(Retired)(5) |
25.0 | $ | 1,123,894 | $ | 90,976 |
(1) | The maximum years of credited service under each of the Salaried Employees Retirement Income Plan and SERP is 25. Mr. Sanetti has 26.7 years of actual service and Ms. Gasper has 31 years of actual service with the Company. Mr. Ruger had 42 years of service with the Company as of his date of retirement. | |
(2) | The present value of accumulated benefits under both plans is calculated assuming a discount rate of 5.75%, the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality Table, average earnings and service credits as of December 31, 2006, and in the case of the SERP, a COLA assumption of 1.5% per year. | |
(3) | Mr. Sanetti is the only active executive officer named to the SERP, but is not yet eligible to receive benefits under the SERP. | |
(4) | Mr. Sanetti and Mr. Stutler are eligible for early retirement under the Salaried Employees Retirement Income Plan. | |
(5) | Mr. Ruger resigned as Chairman of the Board on February 13, 2006 and retired as Chief Executive Officer on February 28, 2006. Mr. Ruger began receiving benefits under the Salaried Employees Retirement Income Plan as of March 1, 2006. Payment of Mr. Rugers benefits under the SERP were delayed until September 1, 2006, in accordance with the Tax Code Section 409A, and were made retroactive to March 1, 2006. |
38
Amount and Nature of | ||||||||||||
Title of Class | Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Beneficial Ownership | Percent of Class | |||||||||
Common Stock | Royce & Associates, LLC 1414 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019 |
1,402,600 | (1) | 6.2 | % |
(1) | Such information is as of December 31, 2006 derived exclusively from Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13G filed by Royce & Associates, LLC on January 25, 2007. |
Beneficially | Stock Options Currently | |||||||||||||||
Owned Shares | Exercisable or to Become | Total Share | ||||||||||||||
of | Exercisable within 60 days after | Investment in | Percent of | |||||||||||||
Common Stock | March 1, 2007 | Common Stock | Class | |||||||||||||
Independent Directors: |
||||||||||||||||
James E. Service |
15,000 | 20,000 | 35,000 | * | ||||||||||||
John A. Cosentino, Jr. |
40,000 | 10,000 | 50,000 | * | ||||||||||||
Richard T. Cunniff |
45,500 | (1) | 20,000 | 65,500 | * | |||||||||||
C. Michael Jacobi |
10,000 | 5,000 | 15,000 | * | ||||||||||||
John M. Kingsley, Jr. |
4,160 | 20,000 | 24,160 | * | ||||||||||||
Stephen T. Merkel |
0 | 5,000 | 5,000 | * | ||||||||||||
Ronald C. Whitaker |
12,000 | 5,000 | 17,000 | * | ||||||||||||
Named Executive Officers: |
||||||||||||||||
William B. Ruger, Jr. (2) |
0 | 0 | 0 | * | ||||||||||||
Michael O. Fifer (also a Director) |
22,200 | 0 | 22,200 | * | ||||||||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti (also a Director) |
32,000 | 200,000 | 232,000 | 1.02 | % | |||||||||||
Thomas A. Dineen |
1,795 | 35,000 | 36,795 | * | ||||||||||||
Robert. R. Stutler |
0 | 100,000 | 100,000 | * | ||||||||||||
Thomas P. Sullivan |
0 | 0 | 0 | * | ||||||||||||
Leslie M. Gasper |
149 | (3) | 50,000 | 50,149 | * | |||||||||||
Directors and executive officers as
a group: (7 independent Directors,
3 Directors who were also executive
officers during 2006 and 4 other
executive officers) |
182,804 | 470,000 | 652,804 | 2.88 | % |
39
* | Beneficial owner of less than 1% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company. | |
(1) | Includes 45,500 shares of Common Stock held directly by Mr. Cunniff. Also includes 20,000 shares of Common Stock subject to options currently exercisable. Does not include 45,500 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Cunniffs wife as to which Mr. Cunniff disclaims beneficial ownership. Mr. Cunniff is the Vice Chairman, a Director and a principal stockholder of Ruane, Cunniff & Goldfarb, Inc., which manages discretionary accounts and which holds 43,791 shares of Common Stock. The firm of Ruane, Cunniff & Goldfarb, Inc. is able to direct the sale or disposition of the 43,791 shares; however, all such shares may be voted only by their beneficial owners. Mr. Cunniff disclaims beneficial ownership of such 43,791 shares. | |
(2) | William B. Ruger, Jr. voluntarily resigned as Chairman of the Board on February 13, 2006, and retired as Chief Executive Officer effective February 28, 2006, after which Mr. Ruger sold all shares of Common Stock held in his name. Mr. Rugers vested options under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan expired 90 days following his retirement. In addition, on September 26, 2006, the Company purchased and subsequently retired 4,272,000 shares of Common Stock for $5.90 per share from Ruger Business Holdings, L.P., of which the William B. Ruger Revocable Trust of 1988 is the sole limited partner and Ruger Management, Inc. is the sole general partner. William B. Ruger, Jr. and Carolyn Ruger Vogel (son and daughter of William B. Ruger) are co-trustees of the William B. Ruger Revocable Trust of 1988 and co-owners of Ruger Management, Inc. Mr. Ruger, Jr. and Mrs. Vogel had shared investment and voting control with respect to such 4,272,000 shares of Common Stock prior to their sale to the Company. | |
(3) | Includes 49 shares of Common Stock held under the CT Gift to Minors Act for the benefit of Ms. Gaspers two dependent daughters. |
40
KPMG LLP | McGladrey & Pullen, LLP | |||||||||||||||
Fiscal 2006 Fees | Fiscal 2005 Fees | Fiscal 2006 Fees | Fiscal 2005 Fees | |||||||||||||
Audit Fees |
$ | 115,000 | (1) | $ | 121,000 | (2) | $ | 513,000 | $ | 460,000 | (3) | |||||
Audit-Related Fees |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 42,000 | $ | 38,000 | ||||||||
Tax Fees |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 14,000 | $ | 12,000 | ||||||||
All Other Fees |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Total Fees |
$ | 115,000 | $ | 121,000 | $ | 569,000 | $ | 510,000 |
Notes for Principal Accountants Fees and Services | ||
(1) | Includes $115,000 in fees incurred during 2006 for KPMG LLPs professional services related to the restatement of the Companys 2004 annual financial statements. | |
(2) | KPMG LLPs fees for 2005 are to July 29, 2005. | |
(3) | McGladrey & Pullen, LLPs fees for 2005 are from July 29, 2005. Includes $40,000 in fees for McGladrey & Pullen, LLPs professional services related to the restatement of the Companys 2004 annual financial statements. |
41
42
43
1998 Plan |
||||
Shares authorized under the 1998 Plan |
2,000,000 | |||
Shares underlying options awarded from October, 1998 through December 31, 2006 (1) |
(1,130,000 | ) | ||
Estimated maximum shares awarded from January 1, 2007 through April 2007 |
0 | |||
Estimated shares available to be granted as of April 2007 |
0 | |||
Estimated shares reserved but not issued under the 1998 Plan |
870,000 | |||
2001 Director Plan |
||||
Shares authorized under the 2001 Director Plan |
200,000 | |||
Shares underlying options awarded from May 2001 through December 31, 2006 (1) |
(185,000 | ) | ||
Estimated maximum shares awarded from January 1, 2007 through April 2007 |
0 | |||
Estimated shares available to be granted as of April 2007 |
0 | |||
Estimated shares reserved but not issued under the 2001 Director Plan |
15,000 | |||
2007 SIP |
||||
Maximum shares authorized under the 2007 SIP |
2,550,000 |
(1) | Does not include cancelled awards. |
44
(C) | ||||||||||||
Number of Shares | ||||||||||||
Remaining | ||||||||||||
Available for Future | ||||||||||||
(A) | (B) | Issuance Under | ||||||||||
Number Of Securities to | Weighted Average | Equity Incentive | ||||||||||
be Issued Upon Exercise | Exercise Price of | Plans (Excluding | ||||||||||
of Outstanding Options, | Outstanding | Shares Reflected in | ||||||||||
Plan Category | Warrants And Rights | Options | Column A) | |||||||||
Equity incentive plans
approved by stockholders |
||||||||||||
1998 Stock Incentive Plan |
1,130,000 | $9.57 per share | 870,000 | |||||||||
2001 Stock Option Plan
for Non-Employee
Directors |
185,000 | $8.81 per share | 15,000 | |||||||||
Equity incentive plans
not approved by
stockholders |
||||||||||||
None. |
||||||||||||
Total |
1,315,000 | $9.46 per share | 885,000 |
45
Plan Term: | April 24, 2007 to April 24, 2017. | |||
Eligible Participants: | All of the Companys employees, independent contractors, and Directors (including non-employee Directors.) | |||
Shares Authorized: | 2,550,000 over the ten-year term of the plan, subject to adjustment only to reflect stock splits and similar events. | |||
Award Types: | (1) Stock options. | |||
Non-qualified stock options are available to all eligible participants, including employees, independent contractors, and Directors (including non-employee Directors.) Incentive stock options are only available to employee participants. Each non-employee Director will be granted options to purchase 20,000 shares of stock upon becoming a Director. | ||||
(2) Restricted stock. | ||||
Restricted stock awards are available to all eligible participants,
including employees, independent contractors and Directors (including
non-employee Directors.) Each non-employee Director will be granted annual awards of restricted stock equal to a $25,000 value on the date of grant. |
||||
(3) Deferred stock awards. | ||||
Deferred stock awards are available to all eligible participants, including independent contractors and Directors (including non-employee Directors.) | ||||
(4) SARS. | ||||
SARS are available to all eligible participants, including independent contractors and non-employee Directors. | ||||
Award Terms | All awards have a term of no longer than 10 years. | |||
162(m) Share Limits: | Section 162(m) of the Tax Code requires among other things that the maximum number of shares awarded to an individual must be approved by stockholders in order for the awards granted under the plan to be eligible for treatment as performance-based compensation that will not be subject to the $1 million limitation on tax deductibility for compensation paid to certain specified senior executives. Accordingly, the 2007 SIP limits awards granted to an individual participant in any calendar year to: | |||
(1) no more than 500,000 shares of Common Stock subject to stock options; and | ||||
(2) no more than 500,000 shares subject to SARS. |
46
Other Share Limitations: | (1) No more than 2,350,000 shares subject to stock options may be granted under the 2007 SIP. | |||
(2) The exercise price of the Non-Employee Director Stock Option awards may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the number of shares of Common Stock covered by such option as of the date of grant. | ||||
(3) No more than 20,000 shares subject to stock options may be granted as a New Non-Employee Director Options Grant. | ||||
(4) Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Grants may not have an aggregate grant date value (the average of the highest and the lowest sale price of the stock on the NYSE Composite Transaction Report on the date granted) of more than $25,000. | ||||
(5) No SAR may be exercised less than 6 months (except in the event of death or disability) after the date granted. | ||||
Vesting: | Determined by the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors within the following limits (subject to exceptions for death, disability or retirement): | |||
(1) Non-Employee Director Stock Option Grants vest, 5,000 shares upon grant, and 5,000 shares on each of the first three annual anniversaries after the date of grant. | ||||
(2) Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Grants vest on the date of the first Annual Meeting of Stockholders following date of grant. | ||||
(3) Performance vesting criteria, if any, will be established by award by the Compensation Committee based on specific criteria as provided in the 2007 SIP. | ||||
Amendments: | Amendments to the 2007 SIP that are required by the NYSE to be approved by the stockholders of the Company will to be submitted for stockholder approval. |
47
48
Number | ||||||||
Name | Dollar Value (1) | of Shares | ||||||
Michael O. Fifer |
n/a | n/a | ||||||
Stephen L. Sanetti |
n/a | n/a | ||||||
Thomas A. Dineen |
n/a | n/a | ||||||
Robert R. Stutler |
n/a | n/a | ||||||
Thomas P. Sullivan |
n/a | n/a | ||||||
Leslie M. Gasper |
n/a | n/a | ||||||
Executive Group |
n/a | n/a | ||||||
Non-Executive Officer Director Group |
$ | 1,500,000 | (2) | n/a | ||||
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group |
n/a | n/a |
(1) | These number and shares are generally not determinable as the Compensation Committee has the authority, within certain plan limits, to determine whether and to what extent any award or combination of awards will be granted under the 2007 SIP within certain plan limits. | |
(2) | Pursuant to the 2007 SIP Each non-employee Director will be granted annual awards of restricted stock equal to a $25,000 value on the date of grant. This number was calculated assuming 6 Directors over the 10 year term of the 2007 SIP. |
49
50
51
| by contacting the Corporate Secretary at Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., 1 Lacey Place, Southport, CT 06890; | ||
| by telephone at (203) 259-7843; | ||
| by fax at (203) 256-3367; or | ||
| by calling the Companys corporate communications telephone hotline at 1-800-826-6762 or emailing the hotline at sturm-ruger@hotlines.com. These hotlines are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
52
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS | ||||
/s/ Leslie M. Gasper | ||||
Corporate Secretary |
53
1 | Under the proposed NYSE rules, independent means that the Board has affirmatively determined that the director has no material relationships with the Company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company). A director cannot be independent if the director (or an immediate family member): |
| receives compensation from the Company that exceeds $100,000 per year (other than director and committee fees, pension or other forms of deferred compensation not contingent on continued service) or compensation from the Company that exceeds $100,000 per year within the previous five-year period; | ||
| is affiliated with or employed by a present or former auditor of the Company until five years after the end of the affiliation or the auditing relationship; | ||
| is employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the Companys present executives serves on the compensation committee until five years after the end of such service or the employment relationship; or | ||
| is an executive officer or an employee of another company (i) that accounts for the greater of $1 million or 2% of the Companys consolidated gross revenues, or (ii) for which the Company accounts for the greater of $1 million or 2% of such other companys consolidated gross revenues, until five years after falling below such threshold. |
In addition, the NYSE has proposed rules that heighten the independence standards for members of the Committee, which distinguish between permitted compensation and payments that would taint the independence of a Committee member disallowed compensation includes fees paid directly or indirectly for services as a consultant or a legal or financial advisor, regardless of the amount. | ||
2 | Under SEC Rule 10A-3, an independent director for purposes of serving on the Committee is one that, except in his or her capacity as a member of the Committee, another Board committee or the Board: (i) does not accept any consulting, advisory or other compensation from the Company (excluding fixed compensation amounts under retirement plans for prior service so long as the compensation is not contingent on continued service) and (ii) is not an affiliated person of the Company. |
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3 | For purposes of Item 401(h), the term audit committee financial expert means a Committee member with the following attributes: |
| an understanding of GAAP and financial statements; | ||
| an ability to assess the general application of GAAP in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; | ||
| experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Companys financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engage in such activities; | ||
| an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and | ||
| an understanding of audit committee functions. | ||
An audit committee financial expert must have acquired these attributes through: | |||
| education and experience as a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant or auditor or experience in one or more positions that involve the performance of similar functions; | ||
| experience actively supervising a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant, auditor or person performing similar functions; | ||
| experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accountants with respect to the preparation, auditing or evaluation of financial statements; or | ||
| other relevant experience. |
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A-3
A-4
A-5
I. | Purpose |
II. | Structure and Operations |
A. | Composition and Qualifications |
1 | A director cannot be independent for NYSE purposes if, during the previous three years, the director was an employee of the Company or an immediate family member of the director was an executive officer of the Company. A director also cannot be independent for NYSE purposes if the director (or an immediate family member is an executive officer position): |
| has received compensation from the Company that exceeds $100,000 per year (other than director and committee fees, pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service) or compensation from the Company that exceeds $100,000 per year within the previous three years; | ||
| is affiliated with or employed by a present or former auditor of the Company until three years after the end of the affiliation or the employment or auditing relationship; | ||
| is employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the Companys present executives serves on the compensation committee until three years after the end of such service or the employment relationship; or | ||
| is an executive officer or, in the case of a director only (i.e., but not immediate family members), an employee of a company (i) that makes payments to, or receives payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any single fiscal year, exceeds the greater of (x) $1 million or (y) 2% of such other companys consolidated gross revenues, until three years after falling below such threshold. |
B-1
B. | Appointment and Removal |
C. | Chairman |
III. | Meetings |
IV. | Duties and Responsibilities |
B-2
A. | CEO Compensation |
(1) | Review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to CEO compensation. | ||
(2) | Evaluate the performance of the CEO in light of such corporate goals and objectives. | ||
(3) | Based on the evaluation, determine and approve the compensation level of the CEO, including salary, benefits, stock options and any other compensation. The Committee may do this as the Committee or in consultation with other independent directors under the rules of the NYSE (as directed by the Board), and nothing herein shall preclude members of the Committee from discussing these matters with the Board. |
B. | Non-CEO Executive and Director Compensation |
(1) | Recommend to the Board for approval the compensation levels for each non-CEO executive officer, including the salary, benefits, stock options and any other compensation. | ||
(2) | Recommend to the Board for approval the compensation levels for the members of the Board, including payment schedules and stock options. |
C. | Principles of Compensation |
(1) | Ensure that all compensation paid by the Company, whether in the form of salaries, benefits, stock options or any other compensation, are internally equitable and externally competitive. | ||
(2) | Ensure that all compensation packages shall include both salary and performance components, and recommended compensation levels have a reasonable relationship to salaries in industry peer groups, if ascertainable. | ||
(3) | Ensure that the Committee is diligent in ascertaining that its compensation recommendations will be adequate to attract, motivate, and retain quality talent, linked to actual performance and responsibilities. |
D. | Company Plans |
(1) | Exercise all rights, authority and functions of the Board under all of the Companys incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans, including without limitation, the authority to interpret the terms thereof, and to make stock awards and grant options thereunder; provided, however, that except as otherwise expressly authorized to do so by a plan |
B-3
or resolution of the Board, the Committee shall not be authorized to amend any such plan. To the extent permitted by applicable law and the provisions of a given incentive-compensation or equity-based plan, and consistent with the requirements of applicable law and such incentive-compensation or equity-based plan, the Committee may delegate to one or more executive officers of the Company the power to make stock awards and grant options pursuant to such incentive-compensation or equity-based plan to employees of the Company who are not directors or executive officers of the Company. | |||
(2) | Review and recommend changes to the Companys incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans (or amendments thereto), and review and recommend any other incentive-compensation or equity-based plans (or amendments thereto) that are not otherwise subject to the approval of the shareholders. |
E. | Investigations, Studies and Reports |
(1) | Conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within the scope of its responsibilities as it shall deem appropriate, including by requesting any officer, employee or advisor of the Company to meet with the Committee or any advisors engaged by the Committee. | ||
(2) | Prepare any studies, as the Committee deems necessary, in order to determine adequate and reasonable compensation for the CEO, the other executive officers of the Company and the members of the Board. | ||
(3) | Prepare all reports required to be included in the Companys proxy statement, in accordance with applicable NYSE and SEC rules and regulations, and any other reports required by applicable rules or regulations. | ||
(4) | Report regularly to the full Board and prepare or cause to be prepared any report requested by the Board. | ||
(5) | Maintain minutes of meetings and other activities of the Committee. |
V. | Reliance on Information Provided |
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VI. | Annual Performance Evaluation |
B-5
I. | Purpose |
II. | Composition and Qualifications |
III. | Meetings |
IV. | Responsibility and Processes |
C-1
A. | Board Selection, Composition and Evaluation |
(1) | Establish criteria for the selection of new Directors, including, but not limited to, career specialization, technical skills, strength of character, independent thought, practical wisdom, mature judgement, gender, and ethnic diversity. | ||
(2) | Identify and vet individuals believed to be qualified to serve on the Board and recommend that the Board select the candidates for all directorships to be filled by the Board or by the shareholders at an annual or special meeting. | ||
(3) | Conduct inquiries into the backgrounds and qualifications of candidates to serve on the Board. In that connection, the Committee is authorized to do its own studies and shall also have sole authority to retain and to terminate any search firm to be used to assist it in identifying candidates, including sole authority to approve the fees payable to such search firm and any other terms of retention. | ||
(4) | Consider questions of independence and possible conflicts of interest of members of the Board and executive officers. | ||
(5) | Consider matters relating to the retirement of members of the Board. | ||
(6) | Review and make recommendations to the Board regarding whether a Director should stand for re-election. | ||
(7) | Review and make recommendations to the Board regarding the composition and size of the Board. | ||
(8) | Oversee evaluation of, at least annually, of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Officers of the Company, and the Directors. |
B. | Committee Selection, Composition and Evaluation |
(1) | Recommend Directors to serve on committees of the Board, giving consideration to the criteria for service on each committee as set forth in the charter for such committee, as well as to any other factors the Committee deems relevant, and where appropriate, make recommendations regarding the removal of any member of the Committee. | ||
(2) | Recommend a Director to serve as chairman of each committee of the Board. | ||
(3) | Establish, monitor and recommend the purpose, structure and operations of the various committees of the Board, the qualifications and criteria for membership on each committee of the Board and, as circumstances dictate, |
C-2
make any recommendations regarding periodic rotation of Directors among the committees and recommend any term limitations of service on any Board committee. | |||
(4) | Periodically review the charter, composition and performance of each committee of the Board and make recommendations to the Board for the creation of additional committees or the elimination of any such committees. |
C. | Corporate Governance |
(1) | Consider the adequacy of the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the Corporation and recommend to the Board any amendments thereto. | ||
(2) | Develop and recommend to the Board a set of corporate governance principles and keep abreast of developments with regard to corporate governance to enable the Committee to make recommendations to the Board in light of such developments. | ||
(3) | Consider policies relating to meetings of the Board. |
D. | Reports |
(1) | Report to the Board, at least annually or as otherwise requested by the Board, concerning any of its meetings, findings or recommendations. | ||
(2) | Maintain minutes of meetings and other activities of the Committee. |
V. | Reliance on Information Provided |
VI. | Annual Performance Evaluation |
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1. | Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is (i) to enable the Company and any Related Company to attract and retain employees and independent contractors who contribute to the Companys success by their ability, ingenuity and industry, and to enable such employees and independent contractors to participate in the long-term success and growth of the Company by giving them an equity interest in the Company and (ii) to compensate non-employee directors and to provide incentives to such directors, which incentives are linked directly to increase in stockholder value and will therefore inure to the benefit of all stockholders of the Company. | |
2. | Definitions |
(a) | Awards shall mean awards under the Plan in the form of (i) Non-Qualified Stock Options, (ii) Incentive Stock Options, (iii) Restricted Stock, (iv) Deferred Stock and (v) Stock Appreciation Rights. | ||
(b) | Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company. | ||
(c) | A Change in Control shall mean: |
(i) | any person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined below), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding securities; or | ||
(ii) | the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of Directors then serving as Directors of the Company: individuals who, on the date hereof, constitute the Board and any new Director (other than a Director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with the settlement of an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of Directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Companys stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors then still in office who either were Directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or | ||
(iii) | a merger or consolidation of the Company is consummated with any other corporation or entity, other than (a) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting |
D-1
securities of the surviving entity or any Parent (as defined below) thereof), at least a majority of the combined voting power of the securities of the Company, such surviving entity or any Parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation or (b) a merger or consolidation effected solely to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding securities; or | |||
(iv) | the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated a sale or disposition by the Company of any assets which individually or as part of a series of related transactions constitute all or substantially all of the Companys consolidated assets; or | ||
(v) | the execution of a binding agreement that if consummated would result in a Change in Control of the type specified in section (i) or (iii) above (an Acquisition Agreement) or of a binding agreement for the sale or disposition of assets that, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control of the type specified in section (iv) above (an Asset Sale Agreement) or the adoption by the Board of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company that, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control of a type specified in section (iv) above (a Plan of Liquidation); provided however, that a Change in Control of the type specified in this section (v) shall not be deemed to exist or to have occurred as a result of the execution of such Acquisition Agreement or Asset Sale Agreement, or the adoption of such a Plan of Liquidation, from and after the Abandonment Date. | ||
(vi) | For the purposes of this definition the term Abandonment Date shall mean the date on which (a) an Acquisition Agreement, Asset Sale Agreement or Plan of Liquidation is terminated (pursuant to its terms or otherwise) without having been consummated, (b) the parties to an Acquisition Agreement or Asset Sale Agreement abandon the transactions contemplated thereby, (c) the Company abandons a Plan of Liquidation or (d) a court or regulatory body having competent jurisdiction enjoins or issues a cease and desist or stop order with respect to or otherwise prevents the consummation of, or a regulatory body notifies the Company that it will not approve, an Acquisition Agreement, Asset Sale Agreement or Plan of Liquidation or the transactions contemplated thereby and such injunction, order or notice has become final and not subject to appeal. | ||
(vii) | For the purposes of this definition, Beneficial Owner shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act. | ||
(viii) | For the purposes of this definition, Parent shall mean any entity that becomes the Beneficial Owner of at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company or of an entity that |
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survives any merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company. |
(d) | Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. | ||
(e) | Committee shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee appointed either by the Board or by such Compensation Committee to administer the Plan. The Committee shall be composed entirely of Directors who meet the qualifications in Section 4 of this Plan. If at any time no Committee shall be in office, then the functions of the Committee specified in this Plan shall be exercised by the Board. | ||
(f) | Company shall mean Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation. | ||
(g) | Deferral Period shall mean the period during which receipt of an award of Deferred Stock shall be deferred. | ||
(h) | Deferred Stock shall mean an award of deferred stock granted to Participant pursuant to the Plan. | ||
(i) | Director shall mean any individual who is a Member of the Board | ||
(j) | Disability shall mean the Participant shall be deemed to have a Permanent Disability if the Participant is unable to engage in the activities required by the Participants job and any other Company job suitable for Participant (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company) by reason of any medically determined physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 120 days (in each case, as determined in good faith by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company, which determination shall be conclusive). | ||
(k) | Effective Date shall mean April 24, 2007. | ||
(l) | Employee shall mean any employee of the Company or any Related Company. | ||
(m) | ERISA shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, or the rules thereunder. | ||
(n) | Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. | ||
(o) | Fair Market Value shall mean, with respect to Stock or other property, the fair market value of such Stock or other property determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Committee. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee in good faith, the per share Fair Market Value of Stock on aparticular date shall mean (i) the closing sale price per share of Stock on the national securities exchange on which the Stock is principally traded for the last preceding date on which there was a sale of such Stock on such |
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exchange, (ii) if the shares of Stock are then traded in an over-the-counter market, the average of the closing bid and asked prices for the shares of Stock in such over-the-counter market for the last preceding date on which there was a sale of such Stock in such market or (iii) if the shares of Stock are not then listed on a national securities exchange or traded in an over-the-counter market, such value as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine. | |||
(p) | Grant Date Value shall mean the mean between the highest and lowest quoted sales price of a share of Stock in the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transaction Report. | ||
(q) | Incentive Stock Option shall mean a Stock Option that is an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code granted to an Employee of the Company pursuant to the Plan. | ||
(r) | Non-Employee Directors shall mean those members of the Board who are not otherwise serving as officers or Employees of the Company or any Related Company at the same time that they are serving as members of the Board. | ||
(s) | Non-Qualified Stock Option shall mean a Stock Option which is not an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant pursuant to the Plan. | ||
(t) | Participant shall mean an Employee, prospective Employee, Director (including Non-Employee Directors), independent contractor, officer, advisor of the Company, its Parent, if any, or any Related Company or other individual as designated by the Committee, in its sole discretion, to the extent such designation does not prevent the Plan and Awards under the Plan from being covered by Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. | ||
(u) | Plan shall mean The Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. | ||
(v) | Plan Year shall mean the period (i) beginning on the date of the Companys Annual Stockholders meeting and (ii) ending on the day immediately prior to the Companys next succeeding Stockholder meeting. The first Plan Year shall begin on the Effective Date. | ||
(w) | Related Company shall mean any company during any period in which it is a subsidiary corporation (as the term is defined in the Code) with respect to the Company. | ||
(x) | Restricted Stock shall mean an award of shares of Stock granted to a Participant pursuant to the Plan. | ||
(y) | Stock shall mean the common stock of the Company. | ||
(z) | Stock Appreciation Rights shall mean award of stock appreciation rights granted to a Participant pursuant to the Plan. |
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(aa) | Stock Option shall mean an option to purchase shares of Stock granted to a Participant pursuant to the Plan, which may be either a Non-Qualified Stock Option or an Incentive Stock Option. |
3. | Types of Awards. Awards under the Plan may be in the form of (a) Non-Qualified Stock Options, (b) Incentive Stock Options, (c) Restricted Stock, (d) Deferred Stock and (e) Stock Appreciation Rights. | |
4. | Administration |
(a) | Composition of Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee; provided, however, that to the extent determined necessary to satisfy the requirements for exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, with respect to the acquisition or disposition of securities hereunder, action by the Committee may be by a committee composed solely of two or more non-employee directors, within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 as promulgated under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, appointed by the Board or by the Committee, and provided further, that to the extent determined necessary to satisfy the requirements for the exception for qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, with respect to Awards hereunder, action by the Committee may be by a committee comprised solely of two or more outside directors, within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), appointed by the Board or by the Committee. Members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. | ||
(b) | Power and Authority of Committee. The Committee shall have the authority to grant Awards to eligible Participants under the Plan, to adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall deem advisable, to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Award granted under the Plan, and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan. In particular, and without limiting its authority and powers, subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority: |
(i) | to determine whether and to what extent any Award or combination of Awards will be granted hereunder; | ||
(ii) | to select the individuals to whom Awards will be granted; | ||
(iii) | to determine the number of shares of Stock to be covered by each Award granted hereunder; | ||
(iv) | to determine the terms and conditions of any Award granted hereunder, including, but not limited to, any vesting or other restrictions based on performance and such other factors as the Committee may determine, and to determine whether the terms and conditions of the Awards are satisfied; | ||
(v) | to determine the treatment of Awards upon an Employees retirement, disability, death or termination of employment, an independent contractors disability, death or termination of service or a Directors |
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disability, death, resignation, removal from the Board or when such Directors successor has been elected; and | |||
(vi) | to determine that amounts equal to the amount of any dividends declared with respect to the number of shares covered by an Award (including Stock Options) (a) will be paid to the holder of the Award currently, (b) will be deferred and deemed to be reinvested, (c) will otherwise be credited to the holder of the Award or (d) that the holder of the Award has no rights with respect to such. |
(c) | Determinations of Committee Final and Binding. All determinations made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final and binding on all persons, including the Company and Participants. | ||
(d) | Board Approval. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, and to the extent determined to be necessary to satisfy an exemption under Rule 16b-3 with respect to the grant of an Award hereunder (and, as applicable, with respect to the disposition to the Company of Stock hereunder), or as otherwise determined advisable by the Committee, the terms of the grant of Awards (and, as applicable, any related disposition to the Company) under the Plan shall be subject to the prior approval of the Board. Any prior approval of the Board, as provided in the preceding sentence, shall not otherwise limit or restrict the authority of the Committee to grant awards under the Plan, including, but not limited to, the authority of the Committee to grant Awards qualifying for the exception for qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code and the treasury regulations thereunder. |
5. | Stock Subject to Plan. |
(a) | Eligibility. Officers, Employees, prospective Employees, Directors (including Non-Employee Directors), independent contractors, officers, advisors of the Company or any Related Company are eligible to be granted Awards under the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 and 11 of this Plan, the Participants under the Plan shall be selected from time to time by the Committee, in its sole discretion, from among those eligible. | ||
(b) | Shares of Stock Subject to Plan. The total number of shares of Stock reserved and available for distribution under the Plan shall be 2,550,000. The shares of Stock hereunder may consist of authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. The Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan shall be available for distribution with respect to any Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no more than 2,350,000 shares of Stock shall be available for distribution under the Plan with respect to any Stock Options awarded, (ii) no more than 500,000 shares of Stock shall be available for distribution under the Plan in any one fiscal year to any single Participant with respect to Stock Options and (iii) no single Participant shall be granted Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan in any one fiscal year related to more than 500,000 shares of Stock. The exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right for cash or the payment of any other award in cash shall not |
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count against either of these share limits, except as may otherwise be provided under Section 162(m) of the Code. Stock reserved and available for distribution under the Plan shall further be subject to adjustment as provided below. | |||
(c) | Cancellation, Surrender or Termination of Awards. To the extent a Stock Option is surrendered, canceled or terminated without having been exercised, or an Award is surrendered, canceled or terminated without the Award holder having received payment of the Award, or shares awarded are surrendered, canceled, repurchased at less than Fair Market Value or forfeited, the shares subject to such Award shall again be available for distribution in connection with future Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, surrender, cancellation, termination, or forfeiture of a stock option, to the extent provided under Section 162(m) of the Code and the treasure regulations thereunder, shall not be disregarded for purposes of applying the individual limit on available shares described in 5(b) of this Plan. At no time will the overall number of shares issued under the Plan plus the number of shares covered by outstanding Awards under the Plan exceed the aggregate number of shares authorized under the Plan. The Committee may provide that any Award may be surrendered for cash upon any terms and conditions established by the Committee. | ||
(d) | Capital and Corporate Changes. Subject to the provisions of Section 15 of this Plan, in the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the Companys assets, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, split-up, split-off, distribution of assets (including cash) or other change in corporate structure affecting the Stock, an equitable substitution or adjustment, as may be determined to be appropriate by the Committee in its sole discretion, shall be made to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of participants under the Plan with respect to the aggregate number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, the identity of the Stock or other securities to be issued under the Plan, the number of shares subject to outstanding Awards and the amounts to be paid by Award holders, the Company or any Related Company, as the case may be, with respect to outstanding Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the changes in corporate structure affecting the Stock described above shall impair the rights of a then-existing Award holder without his or her consent. |
6. | Stock Options. The Stock Options awarded under the Plan may be of two types: (a) Non-Qualified Stock Options and (b) Incentive Stock Options. To the extent that any Stock Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, it shall constitute a Non-Qualified Stock Option. Subject to the following provisions and the provisions of Section 10 of this Plan, Stock Options awarded under the Plan shall be in such form and shall have such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine: |
(a) | Number of Shares Underlying Options and Option Price. The Stock Option Award Agreement shall specify the number of shares of Stock that may be purchased, the exercise price to be paid by the Participant and the date or dates on |
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which, or the conditions upon the satisfaction of which, the Stock Options will vest. The option price per share of Stock purchasable under a Stock Option shall be determined by the Committee. The vesting of Stock Options may be conditioned upon the completion of a specified period of service with the Company or a Related Company, upon the attainment of specified performance goals or upon such other criteria as the Committee may determine. | |||
(b) | Stock Option Term. The term of each Stock Option shall be determined by the Committee. | ||
(c) | Exercisability. Stock Options shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee. If the Committee provides that any Stock Option is exercisable only in installments, the Committee may waive such installment exercise provisions at any time in whole or in part. | ||
(d) | Method of Exercise. Once vested Stock Options may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during the option period by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying the number of shares to be purchased, accompanied by payment of the purchase price. Payment of the purchase price shall be made in such manner as the Committee may provide in the Award, which may include cash (including cash equivalents), delivery of unrestricted shares of Stock owned by the optionee for at least six months or subject to Awards hereunder, any other manner permitted by law as determined by the Committee or any combination of the foregoing. The Committee may provide that all or part of the shares received upon the exercise of a Stock Option which are paid for using Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock shall be restricted or deferred in accordance with the original terms of the Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock so used. | ||
(e) | No Stockholder Rights. An optionee shall have neither rights to dividends (other than amounts credited in accordance with Section 4(b)(vi) of this Plan) nor other rights of a stockholder with respect to shares subject to a Stock Option until vested and the optionee has given written notice of exercise and has paid for such shares. | ||
(f) | Non-transferability. No Stock Option shall be transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or ERISA. During the optionees lifetime, all Stock Options shall be exercisable only by the optionee. Notwithstanding the above, the Committee may in its discretion and subject to such limitations and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate, grant Non-Qualified Stock Options on terms that permit the optionee to transfer the option to the optionees spouse, children, siblings, parents or a trust in which these persons have more than fifty percent of the beneficial interest. | ||
(g) | Special Terms for Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, no Incentive Stock Option shall (i) have an option |
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price which is less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of the award of the Incentive Stock Option (or, in the case of an Employee who owns Stock possessing more than 10% of the total voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or its parent or subsidiary corporation) (a 10% shareholder), have an option price which is less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of grant), (ii) be exercisable more than ten years (or, in the case of a 10% shareholder, five years) after the date such Incentive Stock Option is awarded or (iii) be awarded more than ten years after the date of the adoption of the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, only Employees of the Company or a parent or subsidiary of the Company (as defined in Code Sections 424(e) and 424(f)) shall be eligible to receive awards of Incentive Stock Options. By accepting an Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan, each such optionee agrees, and any agreement or letter evidencing such option grant shall so provide, that he or she will notify the Company in writing immediately after such optionee makes a disqualifying disposition (as provided in Sections 421, 422 and 424 of the Code and the treasury regulations thereunder) of any Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan. |
7. | Restricted Stock. Subject to the following provisions and the provisions of Section 11 of this Plan, all awards of Restricted Stock shall be in such form and shall have such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine: |
(a) | Number of Shares of Restricted Stock. The number of Shares of Restricted Stock awarded shall be determined by the Committee. The Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall specify the number of Restricted Stock and the date or dates on which, or the conditions upon the satisfaction of which, the Restricted Stock will vest. | ||
(b) | Restricted Stock Term. The term of the Restricted Stock Award shall be determined by the Committee. | ||
(c) | Vesting. The vesting of Restricted Stock may be conditioned upon the completion of a specified period of service with the Company or a Related Company, upon the attainment of specified performance goals or upon such other criteria as the Committee may determine. | ||
(d) | Method of Delivery. Stock certificates representing the Restricted Stock awarded to a Participant shall be registered in the Participants name, but the Committee may direct that such certificates be held by the Company on behalf of the Participant until vested. At the time the Restricted Stock vests, a certificate for such vested shares shall be delivered to the Participant (or his or her designated beneficiary in the event of death) free of all restrictions. | ||
(e) | Non-transferability. Except as may be permitted by the Committee, no shares of Restricted Stock may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered by the Participant until such Restricted Stock is fully vested. |
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8. | Deferred Stock Awards. Subject to the following provisions, all awards of Deferred Stock shall be in such form and shall have such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine: |
(a) | Number of Deferred Stock Awards. The number of shares of Deferred Stock awarded shall be determined by the Committee. The Deferred Stock Award shall specify the number of shares of Deferred Stock to be awarded to any Participant and the Deferral Period during which, and the conditions under which, receipt of the shares of Deferred Stock will be deferred. | ||
(b) | Deferred Stock Award Term. The term of the Deferred Stock Award shall be determined by the Committee. | ||
(c) | Exercisability. The award of Deferred Stock, or receipt of Stock or cash at the end of the Deferral Period, may be conditioned upon the completion of a specified period of service with the Company or a Related Company, upon the attainment of specified performance goals or upon such other criteria as the Committee may determine. | ||
(d) | Method of Settlement. At the expiration of the Deferral Period, the Participant (or his or her designated beneficiary in the event of death) shall receive (i) certificates for the number of shares of Stock equal to the number of shares covered by the Deferred Stock award, (ii) cash equal to the Fair Market Value of such Stock or (iii) a combination of shares and cash, as the Committee may determine. | ||
(e) | No Stockholder Rights. A Participant shall have neither rights to dividends (other than amounts credited in accordance with Section 4(b)(vi) of this Plan) nor other rights of a stockholder with respect to the Deferred Stock until the expiration of the Deferral Period. | ||
(f) | Non-Transferability. Except as may be permitted by the Committee, Deferred Stock awards may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered during the Deferral Period. |
9. | Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the following provisions, all awards of Stock Appreciation Rights shall be in such form and shall have such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine: |
(a) | Number of Stock Appreciation Rights. The number of Stock Appreciation Rights Awarded shall be determined by the Committee. The Stock Appreciation Rights Award shall specify the number of shares of Stock to be covered by each Stock Appreciation Rights Award, the reference price thereof and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise thereof. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in tandem with Stock Option Awards, in addition to another Award or unrelated to another Award. Stock Appreciation Rights granted in tandem with or |
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in addition to an Award may be granted either at the same time as the Award or at a later time. | |||
(b) | Term. The term of the Stock Appreciation Rights Award shall be determined by the Committee. No Stock Appreciation Right granted under this Plan may be exercised less than 6 months (except in the event of death or permanent disability of a holder) after the date it is granted. | ||
(c) | Exercisability. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award letter or agreement, the Committee shall determine, at or after the grant of a Stock Appreciation Rights Award, the term, methods of exercise, methods and form of settlement and any other terms and conditions of such Stock Appreciation Rights. The award of stock or cash upon settlement may be conditioned upon the completion of a specified period of service with the Company or a Related Company, upon the attainment of specified performance goals or upon such other criteria as the Committee may determine. Any such determination by the Committee may be changed by the Committee from time to time and may govern the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights granted or exercised prior to such determination as well as Stock Appreciation Rights granted or exercised thereafter. The Committee may impose such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any Stock Appreciation Rights Award as it shall deem appropriate. | ||
(d) | Settlement. Stock Appreciation Rights shall entitle the holder to receive an amount equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock to which the Award relates on the date of exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights over the amount specified by the Committee. The Committee shall determine whether a Stock Appreciation Rights shall be settled in cash, shares of Stock or a combination of cash and Stock. | ||
(e) | Stockholder Rights. A Participant shall have neither rights to dividends (other than amounts credited in accordance with Section 4(b)(vi) of this Plan) nor other rights of a stockholder with respect to the Stock Appreciation Rights unless and until the Stock Appreciation Rights Award is settled in shares of Stock. | ||
(f) | Non-Transferability. Except as may be permitted by the Committee, Stock Appreciation Rights Awards may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered during unless and until the Stock Appreciation Rights Award is settled in shares of Stock. |
10. | Non-Employee Director Stock Option Awards. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6 of this Plan, Stock Options shall be granted to each individual who becomes a Non-Employee Director during the term of the Plan and was not serving as a Non-Employee Director on the Effective Date on the following terms and conditions: |
(a) | Number of Shares Underlying Options and Price. Each eligible Non-Employee Director shall be granted Stock Options to purchase 20,000 shares of Stock. The exercise price per share of Stock purchasable under Stock Options granted |
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pursuant to this Section 10(a) shall be 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of grant. | |||
(b) | Vesting. Stock Options granted pursuant to Section 10(a) shall be exercisable commencing immediately as to 5,000 shares of Stock and on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant as to 5,000 additional shares of Stock. | ||
(c) | Limits for Stock Option Awards. The aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be granted to any Non-Employee Director pursuant to Section 10(a) may not exceed 20,000 shares. | ||
(d) | Method of Exercise. Vested Stock Options granted pursuant to Section 10(a) may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during the option period by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying the number of shares to be purchased, accompanied by payment of the purchase price. Payment of the purchase price shall be made in such manner as the Committee may provide in the Award, which may include cash (including cash equivalents), delivery of unrestricted shares of Stock owned by the optionee for at least six months or subject to Awards hereunder, any other manner permitted by law as determined by the Committee, or any combination of the foregoing. The Committee may provide that all or part of the shares received upon the exercise of a Stock Option which are paid for using Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock shall be restricted or deferred in accordance with the original terms of the Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock so used. Payment of the exercise price with certificates evidencing shares of Stock as provided above shall not increase the number of shares available for the grant of Stock Options under the Plan. | ||
(e) | No Stockholder Rights. An optionee granted Stock Options pursuant to Section 10(a) shall have neither rights to dividends (other than amounts credited in accordance with Section 4(b)(vi) of this Plan) nor other rights of a stockholder with respect to shares subject to such Stock Option until the optionee has given written notice of exercise and has paid for such shares. | ||
(f) | Non-transferability. No Stock Option granted pursuant to Section 10(a) shall be transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or ERISA During the optionees lifetime, all Stock Options granted pursuant to Section 10(a) shall be exercisable only by the optionee. Notwithstanding the above, the Committee may, in its discretion and subject to such limitations and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate, grant Non-Qualified Stock Options on terms that permit the optionee to transfer the option to the optionees spouse, children, siblings, parents or a trust in which these persons have more than fifty percent of the beneficial interest. |
11. | Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Awards. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7 of this Plan, Restricted Stock Awards shall be granted to each individual |
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serving as a Non-Employee Director from time to time during the term of the Plan on the following terms and conditions: |
(a) | Annual Grants. Each Non-Employee Director shall receive a grant of Restricted Stock on the Effective Date and as of the date of each subsequent Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (or, if later, the date which is two business days after the release of the Companys earnings results for the first quarter of the year in which such Annual Meeting of Stockholders is held). | ||
(b) | Amount of Restricted Stock. The Restricted Stock Award granted pursuant to Section 11(a) shall consist of shares of Stock with an aggregate Grant Date Value of $25,000. If an individual becomes a Non-Employee Director during a Plan Year on a date other than the date of the Annual Meeting for such Plan Year, such Non-Employee Director shall be granted a Restricted Stock Award under Section 11(a) on the first business day after he becomes a Non-Employee Director which shall consist of shares of Stock with an aggregate Grant Date Value of $25,000 reduced pro-rata to reflect the portion of the Plan Year that has elapsed prior to the date on which he became a Non-Employee Director. | ||
(c) | Vesting. Restricted Stock granted pursuant to Section 11(a) shall be vested and no longer subject to a risk of forfeiture on the date of the first Annual Meeting of Stockholders following the date of grant. | ||
(d) | Method of Delivery. Stock certificates representing the Restricted Stock awarded to a Non-Employee Director pursuant to Section 11(a) shall be registered in the Non-Employee Directors name, but the Committee may direct that such certificates be held by the Company on behalf of the Non-Employee Director. At the time the Restricted Stock vests, a certificate for such vested shares shall be delivered to the Non-Employee Director (or his or her designated beneficiary in the event of death) free of all restrictions. | ||
(e) | Non-transferability. Except as may be permitted by the Committee, no shares of Restricted Stock awarded pursuant to Section 11(a) may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered by the Non-Employee Director until such Restricted Stock is fully vested. |
12. | Tax Withholding. |
(a) | Withholding. Each Employee shall, no later than the date as of which the value of an Award (or portion thereof) first becomes includible in the Employees income for applicable tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee regarding payment of, any federal, state, local or other taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to the Award (or portion thereof). The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be conditional on such payment or arrangements, and the Company (and, where applicable, any Related Company), shall, to the extent required by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the |
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Employee including, but not limited to, the right to withhold shares of Stock otherwise deliverable to the Employee with respect to any Awards hereunder. | |||
(b) | Use of Stock to Satisfy Withholding Obligations. To the extent permitted by the Committee, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may provide, an Employee may irrevocably elect to have the withholding tax obligation or any additional tax obligation with respect to any Awards hereunder satisfied by (i) having the Company withhold shares of Stock otherwise deliverable to the Employee with respect to the Award, (ii) delivering to the Company shares of unrestricted Stock or (iii) through any combination of withheld and delivered shares of Stock, as described in (i) and (ii). |
13. | Amendments and Termination. The Board or the Committee may discontinue the Plan at any time and may amend it from time to time. No such action of the Board or the Committee shall require the approval of the stockholders of the Company, unless such stockholder approval is required by applicable law or by the rules or regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, or is otherwise determined necessary or desirable, in the sole discretion of the Committee, to enable transactions associated with grants of Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock and purchases of Stock to qualify for an exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or to qualify for the exception for qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code. No amendment or discontinuation of the Plan shall adversely affect any Award previously granted without the Award holders written consent. |
14. | Termination of Employment, Independent Contractor or Board Service. If a Participants employment or service with the Company or a Related Company terminates by reason of death, disability, retirement, voluntary or involuntary termination or otherwise or a Non-Employee Director ceases to be a member of the Board by reason of death, disability, retirement, resignation or otherwise, the Awards granted pursuant to this Plan shall be exercisable to the extent determined by the Committee. The Committee may provide that, notwithstanding a previously determined Award term, an Award which is outstanding on the date of a Participants death shall remain outstanding for an additional period after the date of such death. |
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15. | Change in Control. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant or by amendment (with the holders consent) of such grant, in the event of a Change in Control all outstanding Stock Option Awards under the Plan shall become fully vested and exercisable and the restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to all outstanding Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock awards under the Plan shall lapse and such Awards shall be deemed fully vested immediately prior to the effective date of the Change in Control unless the surviving, continuing, or purchasing corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, as the case may be (the surviving corporation), assumes such Awards or substitutes equivalent Awards therefor. Any Stock Options which are neither assumed or substituted for by the surviving corporation in connection with the Change in Control nor exercised as of the effective date of the Change in Control shall terminate and cease to be outstanding as of the effective date of the Change in Control. | |
16. | General Provisions. |
(a) | Additional Requirements. Each Award under the Plan shall be subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Committee shall determine that (i) the listing, registration or qualification of the Stock subject or related thereto upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or (ii) the consent or approval of any government regulatory body or (iii) an agreement by the recipient of an Award with respect to the disposition of Stock is necessary or desirable (in connection with any requirement or interpretation of any federal or state securities law, rule or regulation) as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting of such Award or the issuance, purchase or delivery of Stock thereunder, such Award shall not be granted or exercised, in whole or in part, unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, approval or agreement shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee. | ||
(b) | Award Agreements. Each Award granted pursuant to the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement executed by the Company and the person to whom such Award is granted or a grant letter executed by the Company. | ||
(c) | Investment Purposes. The Committee may require a Participant to give satisfactory assurances that the shares purchased by him or her pursuant to any Award are being purchased for investment and not with a view to resale or distribution, and will not be transferred in violation of applicable securities laws. | ||
(d) | Registration. The Committee may condition the exercise of an Award upon the listing, registration or qualification of the shares covered by such Award upon a securities exchange or under applicable securities laws. | ||
(e) | Plan Not a Contract of Employment. The Plan is not an employment contract and neither the Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving to a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or a Related Company. The Company or, as applicable, the Related Company may terminate the Participants employment as freely and with the same effect as if the Plan were |
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not in existence. Nothing set forth in the Plan shall prevent the Company or a Related Company from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements. | |||
(f) | Determinations Not Uniform. Determinations by the Committee under the Plan relating to the form, amount, and terms and conditions of Awards need not be uniform, and may be made selectively among persons who receive or are eligible to receive Awards under the Plan, whether or not such persons are similarly situated. | ||
(g) | Indemnification. No member of the Board or the Committee, nor any officer or Employee of the Company or a Related Company acting on behalf of the Board or the Committee, shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation taken or made with respect to the Plan, and all members of the Board and the Committee, and all officers or Employees of the Company and Related Companies acting on their behalf, shall, to the extent permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company in respect of any such action, determination or interpretation. | ||
(h) | Awards Not Includable for Benefit Purposes. Income recognized by an Employee pursuant to the Plan shall not be included in the determination of benefits under any other executive compensation or Employee benefit or other compensatory plan of the Company or a Related Company, or any entity controlled by the Company or a Related Company, except as specifically provided in any such other plan or as otherwise provided by the Committee. | ||
(i) | Severability. If any provision of the Plan is held to be void, illegal, unenforceable or otherwise in conflict with the law governing the Plan, such provision shall be deemed to be restated to reflect as nearly as possible the original intentions of the parties in accordance with applicable law, and the other provisions of the Plan shall remain in full force and effect. | ||
(j) | Headings and Governing Law. The text of the Plan shall control and the headings to the Sections are for reference purposes only and do not limit or extend the meaning of any of the Plans provisions. Except as to matters of federal law, the Plan and all rights hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. | ||
(k) | Unfunded Plan. The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a recipient by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such recipient any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company. | ||
(l) | Applicable Laws. The obligation of the Company to sell or deliver shares with respect to the Awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including all applicable federal and state securities laws, and the obtaining of all such approvals by governmental agencies as may be |
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deemed necessary or appropriate by the Committee. Moreover, each Award is subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Committee determines, in its absolute discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of shares issuable pursuant to an Award is required by any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the grant of an Award, or the issuance of shares thereunder, no Awards shall be granted or shares issued, in whole or in part, unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval has been effected or obtained, free of any conditions, as acceptable to the Committee. In the event that the issuance or disposition of shares acquired pursuant to an Award is not covered by a then current registration statement under the Exchange Act and is not otherwise exempt from such registration, such shares shall be restricted against transfer to the extent required by the Exchange Act or regulations thereunder, and the Committee may require the holder of an Award receiving shares pursuant to that Award, as a condition precedent to receipt of such shares, to make such representations as the Committee deems appropriate, including, without limitation, a representation to the Company in writing that the shares acquired by such Participant are acquired for investment only and not with a view to distribution. |
17. | Effective Date and Duration. The Plan shall be effective on the Effective Date, subject, to the extent required by law, to approval by the Companys stockholders. No awards of Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Deferred Stock or Stock Appreciation Rights shall be made under the Plan after the date that is 10 years from the Effective Date. |
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Electronic Voting Instructions You can vote by lnternet or telephone! Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the hhro voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy. VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. Proxies submitted by the lnternet or telephone must be received by 1:OO a.m., Central Time, on April 24, 2007 Vote by lnternet Log on to the lnternet and go to vww.investorvote.com Follow the steps outlined on the secured website. nVote by telephone *& Call toll free 1-800462-VOTE (8683) within the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico any time on a touch tone telephone. There is NO CHARGE to you for the call. Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message. this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Proposals -The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2 and 3. 1. Election of Directors: For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold I 02 Stephen L Sanetti 03 Michael 0.Fifer 04 -John A. Cosentino. Jr. 05 C Michael Jambi 06 -John M. Kingsh J i [7 rn 07 -Stephen T. Merkel 08 -Ronald C. Whitaker [7 For Against Abstain For Against Abstain 2. Ratification of the Appointment of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP 3. Approval of the Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. 2007 Stock as the Independent Auditors of the Company for the 2007 [7 Incentive Plan. fiscal year. 4. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. 0 0 0 Non-Voting Items Change of Address -Please print new address below. - - - Authorized Signatures -This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. -Date and Sign Below When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as an attorney, as executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. Date (mmlddlyyyy) -Please print date below. Signature 1 -Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 -Please keep signature within the box. |
v IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNETOR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. V STURM, RUGER& COMPANY,INC. Proxy -Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. LACEY PLACE, SOUTHPORT, CONNECTICUT 06890 This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 24,2007 The undersigned hereby appoints Michael 0. Fifer, Stephen L. Sanetti and Leslie M. Gasper as Proxies, each with the full power to appoint his or her substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of Common Stock of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (the Company), held of record by the undersigned on March 2, 2007 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 24,2007 or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of all Directors and FOR Proposals 2 and 3. Please sign exactly as name appears on other side of this proxy form. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY FORM PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. (Continued and to be signed on reverse side.) |