UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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WEIS MARKETS, INC..
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
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Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
WEIS MARKETS, INC.
To Be Held On
APRIL 29, 201026, 2012
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 20102012 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Weis Markets, Inc. (the "Company"), will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2010,26, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at the principal executive offices of the Company, 1000 South Second Street, Sunbury, Pennsylvania 17801, for the following purposes:
1. | Election of Directors: To elect six directors to serve, subject to provisions of the by-laws, until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their respective successors have qualified; |
2. | Ratification of Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm: To approve the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 29, 2012; |
3. |
Other |
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 2, 2010,2012, as the record date for the Annual Meeting. Only holders of shares of Common Stock of record at that time will be entitled to receive notice and vote at the Annual Meeting, and may vote by proxy (i) on the Internet, (ii) by telephone or (iii) by signing and dating a proxy card and returning it to the Company.
This summary is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information contained within the Proxy Statement.
Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials for Weis Markets, Inc.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be Held on April 29, 2010
This Proxy Statement, the form of proxy card, the Notice and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at http://www.weismarkets.com/about-weis/corporate-information/financial.
By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
Jonathan H. Weis | |
Secretary |
March 15, 2012
Sunbury, Pennsylvania
WEIS MARKETS, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to all shareholders of record as of March 2, 2010,2012, the record date of the Company, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) for use at the 20102012 Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2010,26, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, at the principal executive offices of the Company, 1000 South Second Street, Sunbury, Pennsylvania 17801.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SOLICITATION
The Company is sending an “Important Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Weis Markets, Inc.,” (the “Notice”) to ourits shareholders on or about March 11, 2010.15, 2012. The Company is providing access to its proxy materials over the Internet under rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in 2007. All shareholders have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website identified in the Notice or to request a printed copy of proxy materials. The Notice provides instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet, and how to request a printed copy of the proxy materials. This Proxy Statement, the form of proxy card, the Notice and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at http://www.weismarkets.com/about-weis/corporate-information/financial.
Subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, the shares represented by each proxy executed will be voted at the Annual Meeting, or any adjournments or postponements thereof, in accordance with the specifications therein made. Where there is no contrary choice specified, the proxy will be voted "FOR" Proposals No. 1 and No. 2 and “AGAINST” Proposal No. 3each of the proposals as therein specified.
An executed proxy may be revoked by the person signing the same at any time before the authority thereby granted is exercised. The revocation may be exercised at any time before the Annual Meeting by indicating the revocation in writing. This revocation should be directed to the Judge of Elections, Weis Markets, Inc., 1000 South Second Street, Sunbury, Pennsylvania 17801. The proxy may also be revoked by voting in person at the Annual Meeting or by submitting a new proxy with a later date including a proxy given over the Internet or by telephone.
The Company has adopted a procedure called “householding,” which the SEC has approved. Under this procedure, the Company is delivering a single copy of the Notice and, if applicable, this Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K to multiple shareholders who share the same address unless the Company has received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders. This procedure reduces the Company’s printing costs, mailing costs and fees. Shareholders who participate in householding will continue to be able to access and receive separate proxy cards. Upon written or oral request, the Company will deliver promptly a separate copy of the Notice and, if applicable, this Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K to any shareholder at a shared address to which the Company delivered a single copy of any of these documents. To receive a separate copy of the Notice and, if applicable, this Proxy Statement or the Annual Report on Form 10-K, shareholders may write the Company at its address set forth on page 1, by telephoning 1-866-999-WEIS (9347), or via email at financial_reports@weismarkets.com.
VOTING SECURITIES, RECORD DATE AND VOTING RIGHTS
As of March 2, 2010,2012, the record date for the Annual Meeting, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was 26,898,492.26,898,443. The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least 13,449,24613,449,222 shares will constitute a quorum.
Only holders of Common Stock of the Company of record at the close of business on March 2, 20102012 will be entitled to notice of and to vote on all matters at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment thereof. Each holder of Common Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of stock so held and to cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Under cumulative voting, a shareholder, or the shareholder’s proxies, may vote the number of shares of stock owned by the shareholder for as many persons as there are directors to be elected, or may cumulate such votes and give to one or distribute among two or more nominees as many votes as shall equal the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of the shareholder’s shares of stock.
Directors are elected by a plurality vote of all votes cast at the Annual Meeting. The ratification of the appointment of ourthe independent registered public accounting firm (“independent auditors”) requires the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker “non-votes” will be treated as present for purposes of determining a quorum, but will not affect the election of directors or other matters submitted to the vote of shareholders. A broker “non-vote” occurs when a shareholder has not provided voting instructions to its broker for a non-routine item because the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) precludes brokers from giving a proxy to vote on a non-routine item. The election of directors (Proposal No. 1) and the shareholder proposal (Proposal No. 3) are, is a non-routine itemsitem under the NYSE rules. The ratificatinratification of the independent auditors (Proposal No. 2) is a routine matter.
The Company’s by-laws specify that notice of any matter to be brought before an annual meeting by a shareholder must be received at the principal executive offices of the Company no later than the notice deadline described under the caption “Shareholders’ Proposals for Next Annual Meeting.” Management does not intend to bring any other matters before the Annual Meeting, and does not know of any other matter that is eligible for action at the Annual Meeting.
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company believes that the proposed nominees for election as directors are willing to be elected as such, and it is intended that the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy or their substitutes will vote for the election of these nominees, unless specifically instructed to the contrary on the form of proxy. However, if any nominee, at the time of the election, is unable or unwilling to serve, or is otherwise unavailable for election, and in consequence other nominees are designated, the persons named in the proxy or their substitutes shall have discretion or authority to vote or refrain from voting in accordance with their judgment on the other nominees.
The Company requires its directors to possess the experience and skills necessary to oversee the management of the Company in the interest of the Company and its shareholders.The Board will consider for nomination a candidate who:
· | has the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values; |
· | consistently exercises sound and objective business judgment; |
· | has significant appropriate senior management and leadership experience; |
· | is able and willing to devote the required amount of time to the Company’s affairs, including attendance at Board meetings, Board committee meetings and annual shareholder meetings; and |
· | will be committed to building sound, long-term Company growth. |
When considering a person to be recommended for re-nomination as a director, the Board will consider, among other factors, the attendance, preparedness, participation and candor of the individual as well as the individual’s satisfaction of the above-mentioned criteria. The Board believes the current Board members meet these criteria to effectively serve the Company. The description of each nominee set forth below includes biographical information, on a director by director basis, which highlights the specific experience, background and education of each nominee that led the Board to conclude each director should serve on the Board.
The Board recommends a vote “FOR” the election of the nominees named below, each of whom has consented to be named as a nominee and to serve if elected. With the exception of Glenn D. Steele Jr., allAll of the nominees were elected to the Board at the 20092011 Annual Meeting. The following table and accompanying footnotes set forth information about each Board nominee as of March 2, 2010:
2 |
Principal Occupation and any | |||||||
Position with the Company; | Director | ||||||
Name | Other Reporting Company Directorships | Age | Since | ||||
Robert F. Weis | (1) | Chairman of the Board | 92 | 1947 | |||
Jonathan H. Weis | (2) | Vice Chairman and Secretary | 44 | 1996 | |||
David J. Hepfinger | (3) | President and Chief Executive Officer | 53 | 2009 | |||
Harold G. Graber | (4) | Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Development | 56 | 2011 | |||
Gerrald B. Silverman | (5) | President and Chief Executive Officer | 53 | 2010 | |||
The Jewish Federations of North America | |||||||
Glenn D. Steele Jr. | (6) | President and Chief Executive Officer | 67 | 2009 | |||
Geisinger Health System |
Principal Occupation and any | ||||||
Position with the Company; | Director | |||||
Name | Other Reporting Company Directorships | Age | Since | |||
Robert F. Weis (1) | Chairman of the Board | 90 | 1947 | |||
Jonathan H. Weis (2) | Vice Chairman and Secretary | 42 | 1996 | |||
David J. Hepfinger (3) | President and Chief Executive Officer | 51 | 2009 | |||
Richard E. Shulman (4) | Former President | 70 | 1994 | |||
Industry Systems Development Co. | ||||||
Steven C. Smith (5) | President and Chief Executive Officer | 52 | 2001 | |||
K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. | ||||||
Glenn D. Steele Jr. (6) | President and Chief Executive Officer | 65 | 2009 | |||
Geisinger Health System |
(1) | Robert F. Weis. The Company has employed Mr. Weis since 1946. Mr. Weis served as Chairman and Treasurer from 1995 until April 2002, at which time he was appointed Chairman of the Board (“Chairman”). Robert F. Weis is the father of Director Jonathan H. Weis, brother of Ellen W. P. Wasserman who is also a beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s Common Stock and the uncle of Kathryn J. Zox, Thomas H. Platz and James A. Platz who control more than 5% of the Company’s Common Stock through EKTJ Management LLC. |
Mr. Weis’ extensive food retailing career with the Company provides the Board with a unique insight into the Company and its business, and adds a critical perspective to all aspects of the Board’s responsibilities, including strategy, operations, financial considerations, risk management and corporate governance that defines the Company.
(2) | Jonathan H. Weis. The Company has employed Mr. Weis since 1989. Mr. Weis served the Company as Vice President of Property Management and Development from 1996 until April 2002, at which time he was appointed as Vice President and Secretary. In January of 2004, the Board appointed Mr. Weis as Vice Chairman and Secretary (“Vice Chairman”). Jonathan H. Weis is the son of Director Robert F. Weis. |
Mr. Weis has been employed by the Company for more than 20 years. Throughout his employment, he has diverse and extensive experience with the Company in the areas of real estate, property management and procurement. This experience provides him with a vision for the Company’s future as well as in-depth knowledge of the operational risks and strategies facing the Company.
(3) | David J. Hepfinger. Mr. Hepfinger joined the Company on March 1, 2008 as its President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Hepfinger has served the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) since January 1, 2009. Mr. Hepfinger has served as a Director on the Board of the Food Marketing Institute since May 2009. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hepfinger worked for Price Chopper Supermarkets,a chain of supermarkets headquartered inRotterdam, NY, for 32 years in various capacities including his last position as Senior Vice President Retail and Administration. |
Mr. Hepfinger’s experience related to the grocery industry, with emphasis in store operations, marketing, merchandising and sales growth, provides the Company with strategic direction and strong leadership skills. His position as CEO also allows him to provide essential insight and guidance to the Board from an inside perspective of the day-to-day operations.
(4) |
Mr. Shulman’s extensive technical and financial expertise, combined with his international perspective on the food retailing business, provides a unique perspective ofGraber currently oversees the Company’s industry.real estate, property management and maintenance, and lease administration. Mr. ShulmanGraber is also has a background in accounting, which is a valuable skill set for a membercharge of store planning, engineering, architecture, construction, “Not For Resale” procurement and utilities. The Company’s legal activities and sustainability initiatives are also part of Mr. Graber’s management responsibilities. Mr. Graber’s intimate experience with the of Board, as well asCompany’s store development and planning objectives provides important information to the Audit Committee.
(5) |
Mr. Smith’s operational experience related to grocery retailing, as well as his direct financial oversightSilverman is a highly experienced leader in the North American Jewish community and longtime corporate executive, with over 25 years of K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc., gives him insight intoexperience. Mr. Silverman’s extensive executive level management background within other retail industries is a valuable resource for the specific challenges and risks faced by the grocery industry, providing an important perspective and industry experience that is vital to the Board, especially in challenging economic times.
(6) | Glenn D. Steele Jr. Dr. Steele is President and Chief Executive Officer of Geisinger Health System. In this capacity, he serves as a member of the Geisinger Health System Foundation Board of Directors, ex-officio of all Standing Committees of the Board and Chairman of the subsidiary boards. Dr. Steele previously served as the Dean of the Biological Sciences Division of the Pritzker School of Medicine and as Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Chicago, as well as the Richard T. Crane Professor in the Department of Surgery. Dr. Steele serves on several boards including Bucknell University’s Board of Trustees, Temple University School of Medicine’s Board of Visitors, Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians Board. |
Dr. Steele’s extensive background in the health care industry provides the Company with pharmaceutical and healthcare related expertise. Dr. Steele’s experience as a director on other boards and his overall business and financial leadership perspective is a valuable asset to the Board.
On March 1, 2009, the Company hired Kurt A. Schertle as its Vice President of Sales and Merchandising. Mr. Schertle was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising (“SVP”) on February 15, 2010. Prior to being hired by the Company, Mr. Schertle was President and Chief Operating Officer of Tree Top Kids, Inc., a specialty toy retailer. One year and four months after Mr Schertle left the company, on March 11, 2010, an involuntary petition of bankruptcy was filed against Tree Top Kids, Inc.
Independence of Directors
The Board has determined that Directors Shulman, SmithSilverman and Steele are independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE. The Board also determined that Director Matthew Nimetz, who served as a director until October 13, 2009, was an independent director during the portion of 2009 in which he served as a director. An independent director is defined as a director who has no material relationship with the Company, either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company.
Companies listed on the NYSE must comply with certain standards regarding corporate governance, as codified in Section 303A of the Listed Company Manual of the NYSE, with some exceptions. A company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company is not required by the NYSE to comply with the requirements of Sections 303A.01 Independent Directors, 303A.04 Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee or 303A.05 Compensation Committee. Robert F. Weis, Chairman, and Ellen W. P. Wasserman, his sister, control 53.4% of the voting power. They have agreed to act together for the purpose of voting their shares of Common Stock and thus constitute a group within the meaning of these rules.
As permitted by the NYSE rules, the Company does not have a majority of independent directors. As of March 11, 2010,15, 2012, the Company’s Audit Committee is comprised of all independent directors, and the Compensation Committee is comprised of twothree independent directors and one non-independent director.
Board Committees and Meeting Attendance
Board of Directors. The Company's Board held four regular meetings and threeone special meetingsmeeting during fiscal 2009.2011. No director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate meetings of the Board and all Board committees on which the director served. All directors, except Mr. Smith, attended the 20092011 Annual Meeting. Mr. Nimetz resigned from the Board and all committees effective October 13, 2009. In the discussion below, the Company has indicated the committees on which Mr. Nimetz served. At the Board meeting held October 22, 2009, Dr. Steele was appointed to fill an open vacancy.
Under the policies of the Board, directors are expected to attend regular Board meetings, Board committee meetings, the Annual Meeting and any special meetings of the shareholders. Participation is permissible by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment.
Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee is composed of three independent non-employee directors, as required by the NYSE listing standards. The Audit Committee acts independently to review the scope and engagement results of the independent auditors and the adequacy of the Company's internal and financial controls. Information regarding the functions performed by the Audit Committee is set forth in the “Audit Committee Report” included in this Proxy Statement. The Audit Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Board. A copy of this charter is available on the Company’s corporate governance website at http://www.weismarkets.com/category/corporate-governance or by request to the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s address set forth in “Shareholder or Interested Parties Communications.”The 20092011 Audit Committee was composed of Directors Nimetz,Richard E. Shulman, Silverman, Smith and Smith, withSteele.Upon theexpiration of Mr. Nimetz resigningShulman’s term as a director in October 2009. As discussed above, Mr. Nimetz resigned fromApril 2011, Dr. Steele joined the Audit Committee effective October, 13, 2009. Dr. Steele was appointed to provide for three independent directors. Mr. Shulman served as Chairman of the Audit Committee by the Boarduntil his term as the third independenta director effective October 22, 2009.expired, at which point Mr. Smith served asbecame Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee held four regular meetings and fourthree special meetings during fiscal 2009.2011.Upon the
The Board has determined that all Audit Committee members are financially literate under the listing standards of the NYSE. The Board also determined that the Chairman of theall Audit Committee Mr. Smith, and Mr. Shulmanmembers were “audit committee financial experts” in 2009, thatfiscal 2011 and all three Audit Committee members Mr. Smith, Mr. Shulman and Dr. Steele, are “audit committee financial experts” in 2010,fiscal 2012, as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K, and all members of the Audit Committee are “independent” for purposes of Section 10A(m)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the listing standards of the NYSE.
Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee is currently composed ofThe 20092011 Compensation Committee was composed of Directors Nimetz, Shulman, Silverman, Smith, Steele and Jonathan H. WeisWeis. Upon the, withexpiration of Mr. Nimetz resigning in October 2009. As discussed above,Shulman’s term as a director, Mr. Nimetz resigned fromSilverman joined the Compensation Committee effective October 13, 2009. Committee.Mr. Weis served as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Upon theexpiration of Mr. Smith’s term as a director, the Compensation Committee will be comprised ofDirectors Silverman, Steele and Jonathan H. Weis. The Compensation Committee held fourtwo regular meetings and two special meetings during fiscal 2009.2011. The Company’s Chairman and the CEO are not members of the Compensation Committee; however, the Compensation Committee seeks input from them regarding the performance of the other executive officers.All four members of the Compensation Committee reviewed the Company’s senior management compensation for fiscal 2011.In fiscal 2009, the executive management team and the Compensation Committee sought assistance from consulting firms specializing in compensation and benefits, as set forth below in the “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
Corporate Governance Matters
The Company has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines which are available on the Company’s corporate governance website at http://www.weismarkets.com/category/corporate-governance or by request to the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s address set forth in “Shareholder or Interested Parties Communications.”
Board Leadership Structure.
The Company separates the roles of Chairman and CEO in recognition of the differences between the two roles. Article V Section 5.5 of the Company’s by-lawsThe Board’s Role in Risk Oversight.
The Board oversees the management of risks inherent in the operation of the Company’s business. It is management’s responsibility to manage risk and bring to the Board’s attention the most material risks to the Company. The Board has oversight responsibility of the processes established to monitor systems for material risks applicable to the Company. Each of the Board’s Committees also oversees the management of Company risks that fall within theCode of Business Conduct and Ethics.
The Company has adopted a “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” that applies to all of its directors, officers and employees. Separately, the Company also adopted a “Code of Ethics for CEO and CFO” specific to its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, corporate controller and any person performing similar functions. The Company has made both documents available on its corporate governance website at http://www.weismarkets.com/category/corporate-governance or by request to the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s address set forth in “Shareholder or Interested Parties Communications.”Non-Management Independent Directors
. To empower non-management independent directors to serve as a more effective check on management, the non-management independent directors of the Company have met at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. TheBoard Nominations.Based upon the stock ownership of the principal shareholders, the Company determined it would be better served by having the full Board review nominating and corporate governance issues rather than establishing separate committees. Therefore, there is no nominating committee charter.
If the Board determines there is a need to add or replace a director, the following criteria are considered for each recommended candidate. The candidate (a) has the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values; (b) consistently exercises sound and objective business judgment; (c) has significant appropriate senior management and leadership experience; (d) is able and willing to devote the required amount of time to the Company’s affairs, including attendance at Board meetings, Board committee meetings and annual shareholder meetings and (e) will be committed to building sound, long-term Company growth.
The Company does not have a formal policy with respect to considering diversity. However, its Corporate Governance Guidelines state that the Board seeks members from diverse professional and personal backgrounds who combine a broad spectrum of experience and expertise. This assessment will include an individual’s qualification as independent, as well as consideration of diversity, age, skills and experience in the context of the needs of the Board.Chosen candidates are extended invitations to join the Board. If a candidate accepts, he or she is formally nominated.
The Board will consider nominees brought to the attention of the Board by an eligible shareholder, a non-management independent director, the CEO, any other executive officer or other appropriate sources. Any eligibleThe Company’s by-laws require that any shareholder who desiresintending to have an individual considerednominate a candidate for nomination by the Boardelection as a director must submit a recommendation in writinggive written notice, containing specified information, to theCorporate Secretary of the Company, at the Company’s address set forth on page 1,in “Shareholder or Interested Parties Communications,” not lesslater than the notice deadline specified in the by-laws, which is 120 calendar days before the anniversary of the date ofthat the Company’s Proxy Statement was released to shareholders in connection with the previous year’s Annual Meeting. The notice should include the name and address of both the eligible shareholder and the candidate and the qualifications of the candidate being recommended. A copy of the by-law provision concerning shareholder nominations will be furnished to any shareholder upon written request to the
The Board does not have a formal process for identifying and evaluating candidates for director. It is not anticipated that the process for evaluating a nominee would differ based on whether the nominee is recommended by an eligible shareholder.
Board Recommendation and Vote Required
As stated in each nominee’s biography above, the six candidates possess all of the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills appropriate for functioning as a board.No notices from shareholders intending to nominate a candidate for election as a director were received with respect to the 2012 Annual Meeting. Therefore, only the six nominees named above, or a substitute nominee of the Board, will be eligible for election at the Annual Meeting.The six candidates receiving the highest numbers of votes cast by the holders of Common Stock voting in person or by proxy will be elected as directors.The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the election of the six nominees named above.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Throughout this Proxy Statement, the individuals who served as the Company’s CEO and CFO at the end ofduring fiscal 2009,2011, as well as the other individuals included in the “Summary Compensation Table,” are referred to as the “Named Officers.” For purposes of the definition of “Named Officers,” the Former CFO is not included.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The primary objective of the Company’s executive compensation program is to attract and retain qualified executives, which is critical to the ongoing success of the Company. This primary objective is achieved by providing a combination of base salary, annual cash incentives, health and welfare benefits, retirement benefits and perquisites that overall provide a complete compensation package that is competitive with executives at companies of comparable size and position in the retail business, while keeping compensation in line with the financial objectives of the Company.
Compensation Committee Discretion
The Compensation Committee has broad discretion to set the compensation paid to the Company’s Named Officers, subject to Board approval, as it may determine is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. The exercise of discretion is an important feature of the Compensation Committee’s philosophy and provides the Compensation Committee with sufficient flexibility to respond to specific circumstances facing the Company.
Use of Comparable Data in Setting Executive Compensation Levels
The Company is engaged in a highly competitive industry. As a result, the Compensation Committee annually examines compensation levels and trends in the labor market as part of its process in establishing compensation for the Company’s Named Officers.
Throughout each year, theexecutive management team and the Compensation Committeereview publicly available survey data related to general industry executive compensation and peer company compensation programs through a review of proxy statements. TheIn fiscal 2009, the Compensation Committee has also engaged consulting firms specializing in compensation and benefits to assist in evaluating the compensation package the Company offers to its Named Officers.
In 2009,2011, the Compensation Committee used the Stanton Group’s “2009“2011 Wholesale/Retail Group Compensation Survey” to benchmark base salaries for the Senior Vice President of OperationsSales and Merchandising (“SVP”) and the CFO. The Stanton study benchmarksbenchmarked compensation and benefits for management employees for 3533 grocery retailers and wholesalers nationwide without citing specific participants by company name.
Because there were no similar executive positions comparable to the Chairman and Vice Chairman and CEO defined within the surveys provided to the Company for these positions, the Compensation Committee used acontinued to use the 2009 Watson Wyatt Compensation Survey to assist it in determining comparable base salaries. The Watson Wyatt survey benchmarksbenchmarked compensation and benefits for up to 150 retailers nationwide without citing specific participants by company name.
The Compensation Committee believes these are the best available sources within the grocery industry to evaluate executive compensation. Because the Company competes with many larger companies for top executive-level talent, it generally sets compensation for Named Officers at the 75th percentile of compensation paid to similarly situated executives. Variations to the base salary component may occur because of the individual’s
experience level, job responsibilities and market factors. The Compensation Committee also realizes that a primary difference between the Company’s executive compensation program and some of its peers’ compensation programs is the absence of an equity-based incentive plan. This fact is strongly considered when evaluating discretionary contributions to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for the Named Officers.In 2009, the Compensation Committee utilized the services of Hewitt Associates LLC (“Hewitt”) to validate the executive compensation levels benchmarked in the Stanton and Watson Wyatt surveys. Hewitt was instructed to provide a third party review of the approach and methodology used by the Compensation Committee in assessing the Stanton Group’s “2009 Wholesale/Retail Group Compensation Survey,” as well as review and comment on the incentive levels that were proposed based on the findings of the competitive assessment. The Compensation Committee also asked Hewitt to provide a briefing on current trends within the retail and general industry with respect to types of long-term incentives offered, eligibility for such programs, and typical practice with respect to the number and relative mix of vehicles (stock options, restricted stock, performance shares, and/or cash-based long-term incentives). Hewitt concluded that the Company's total direct executive compensation program falls well below market norms. The fees paid to Hewitt for these services did not exceed $120,000 in the aggregate.
2011 Executive Compensation Components
The Compensation Committee annually evaluates the performance of executive officers with the Chairman and CEO. In performing its evaluations, the Compensation Committee relies upon written and verbal evaluations of each officer’s performance for the most recent fiscal year. The Vice Chairman and the CEO meetmeets with the executive officers to discuss their efforts and accomplishments throughout the period from information deemed relevant both internally and in light of the competitive position of the Company in the industry. These evaluations include qualitative factors such as the individual’s decision-making responsibilities, the professional experience required to perform given tasks, and their leadership and team-building skills. Although executive compensation is not specifically related to corporate performance, the overall performance of the Company is a consideration in determining executive compensation.
Compensation for Named Officers is comprised of the following:
· | Base Salary |
· | Non-Equity Incentive Plan |
· | Retirement Plans |
· | Vice Chairman Incentive Award Plan |
· | CEO Incentive Award Plan |
· | Perquisites |
8 |
Base Salary:
The base salary component of the executive compensation program provides the foundation for a fair and competitive compensation package. Although the Compensation Committee generally intends to set compensation for Named Officers at the 75th percentile of compensation paid to similarly situated executives, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to deviate from the 75th percentile of the compensation surveys as it may determine in its discretion. The determination of base salaries is generally independent of the decisions regarding other elements of compensation, but some of the other elements of the compensation program are dependent on base salary, to the extent they are expressed as percentages of base salary. In setting base salaries, the Compensation Committee considers each Named Officers' job responsibilities, value-added contributions to the Company and tenure.Based on consideration of the criteria discussed above and the overall financial and operational success of the Company, the Compensation Committee approved a 21.7%6.0% increase in base salary for the Chairman, Mr. Robert F. Weis, in fiscal 2011. The Compensation Committee approved a 3.4% increase in base salary for the Vice Chairman.Chairman, Mr. Jonathan H. Weis. The Chairman and Vice Chairman base salaries were at 83.4%88.4% and 87.3%98.8%, respectively, of the 75% base salary quartile for similarly situated executives. Upon promotion from Chief Operating Officer to CEO effective January 1, 2009, a base salary increase of 20.0% was awarded, and theThe Compensation Committee later approved a 15.3%3.3% increase in base salary for the CEO, Mr. David J. Hepfinger, in fiscal 2009.2011. The base salary for the CEO was 80.7%89.9% of the 75% base salary quartile for similarly situated executives. The Compensation Committee approved a 9.5%an 11.0% increase in base salary for the SVPCFO, Mr. Scott F. Frost, in fiscal 2009. The base salary for the SVP was 97.8% of the 75% base salary quartile for similarly situated executives. The Company appointed Mr. Frost as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (“CFO”) on October 26, 2009. The Committee granted a 30.2% increase in base salary for the promotion from Controller to Acting CFO on July 9, 2009 and a 58.0% increase in base salary for the promotion from Acting CFO to CFO, in fiscal 2009.2011. The CFO now earns 64.1%61.5% of the 75% quartile for similarly situated executives.
Non-Equity Incentive Plan:
Since 2002, the Company's executive compensation program includes an annual non-equity incentive plan designed to reward certain key employees, including the Named Officers, for meeting specific financial objectives. The Compensation Committee administers the non-equity incentive plan for management to provide the short-term incentive compensation element of the executive compensation program. This short-term incentive is a cash-based performance incentive program designed to motivate and reward key employees for their contributions to factors and business goals that the Company believes drive its earnings and create shareholder value. Incentive payoutThe Chairman, Vice Chairman, CEO, CFO and SVP can earn up to 130%, 104%, 104%, 52% and 52%, respectively, of their base salary in the non-equity incentive plan. The incentive targets for the Chairman, Vice Chairman, CEO, CFO can earn up to 52%and SVP are 100%, 80%, 80%, 40% and 40%, respectively, of thetheir base salary, from the date of appointment as CFO through the end of the fiscal year, and he can earn 26% of the base salary related to the previous position held as Controller in the non-equity incentive plan.salary. For fiscal 2009,2011, 40% of the incentive award was based upon achievement of the budgeted total companyCompany sales and 60% of the incentive award was based upon achievement of the budgeted total companyCompany operating profit for the Named Officers. Company operating profit was defined as the U.S. GAAP “Operating Income,” lessIncome” for the effect ofChairman and Vice Chairman. For the acquisition made in fiscal 2009.CEO, CFO and SVP, Company operating profit was defined as the U.S. GAAP “Operating Income” excluding the expense associated with the Vice Chairman Incentive Award Plan. Threshold and target hurdles were established for the budgeted sales category, which allowed each Named Officer to earn 25% and 100%, respectively, of his total incentive award for achieving the specified results within the sales category. Threshold, target and maximum hurdles were established for the operating profit category, which allowed each Named Officer to earn 25%, 100% and 150%, respectively, of his total incentive award for achieving the specified results within the operating profit category. The operating profit category target hurdle must be met before the sales category incentive award is earned under the plan. For achieving 97% through 100% of the budgeted sales target, the Named Officers can earn 25% to 100% of the sales incentive award. For achieving 97% through 118% of the budgeted operating profit, the Named Officers can earn 25% to 150% of the operating profit incentive award. The threshold and target hurdles for sales in fiscal 20092011 were equal to a sales result of $2.4$2.6 billion and $2.5$2.7 billion, respectively. The threshold, target and maximum hurdles for the operating profit in fiscal 20092011 were equal to an operating profit result of $67.9$105.7 million, $70.0$108.9 million and $82.6$128.5 million, respectively. The Company achieved 97.9%101.3% of the total budgeted sales, and 117.9%earning the Named Officers 40% of their incentive targets (40% Sales multiplied by 100% Achieved). The Company achieved 105.6% of total budgeted operating profit.profit, earning the Chairman and Vice Chairman 69% of their incentive targets (60% Profit multiplied by 115% Achieved). The Named OfficersCompany achieved 106.3% of total budgeted operating profit, excluding the expense associated with the Vice Chairman Incentive Award Plan, earning the CEO, CFO and SVP 72% of their incentive targets (60% Profit multiplied by 120% Achieved). The Chairman and Vice Chairman earned 97.0%109.0% of their total bonus potentialincentive targets in 2009fiscal 2011 (40% Sales plus 69% Profit) based upon total company performance which matchedCompany performance; the 97.0%CEO, CFO and SVP earned 112.0% of their total bonus potentialincentive targets in fiscal 2011 (40% Sales plus 72% Profit) compared to the 79.0% of their total incentive targets earned in 2008.
Retirement Plans:
The Company has a contributory retirement savings plan, the Weis Markets, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, covering substantially all full-time associates. TheAs of December 31, 2006, the Weis Markets, Inc. Employee Stock Bonus Plan (“ESBP”) was terminated, and subsequently all plan assets were distributed to participants or beneficiaries by December 31, 2009.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan:
Company contributions normally made to the qualified plans for the Named Officers are credited instead to the SERP, an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan. The SERP account for each Named Officer is credited annually with the amount, if any, that would have been allocated to the participant’s qualified plans if he had not been excluded from participation in these qualified plans. Although the SERP is primarily a replacement retirement plan, the Compensation Committee may at any time recommend to the Board discretionary amounts to be credited to the account(s) of one or more SERP participants. Substantial risk of benefit forfeiture does exist for participants in the SERP. Effective August 1, 2009, the SERP was revised to reflect the participant’s ability to direct his or her investments.Contributions to the SERP are determined in the same manner as contributions to participants in the Company’s qualified plans except for discretionary contributions. Contribution allocations and earnings for the four components of the SERP are computed as follows:
a. | 401(k) Portion of the Plan: The allocation of the employer 401(k) contribution is equal to 25% of the participant’s contribution for the allocation period, up to 4% of the participant’s |
b. | Profit Sharing Portion of the Plan: The allocation of the employer’s contribution to the |
c. | Employee Stock Bonus Plan: The Weis Markets, Inc. Employee Stock Bonus Plan was terminated as of December 31, 2006, and all contributions under the Weis Markets, Inc. Employee Stock Bonus Plan ceased as of the same date. However, interest earnings and fund value increases or decreases were allocated in proportion to each participant’s account balance. All assets were subsequently distributed from the Weis Markets, Inc. Employee Stock Bonus Plan by December 31, 2009. As of August 1, 2009, each amount credited to a participant’s SERP account for replacement of contributions and interest earnings is invested by the participant in one or more of the investment options made available through the plan. Prior to August 1, 2009, each amount credited to a participant’s SERP account for replacement of contributions and interest earnings normally made to the Weis Markets, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan. |
d. | Discretionary: The Compensation Committee may at any time recommend to the Board discretionary amounts to be credited to the account(s) of one or more SERP participants. Amounts credited to a participant’s SERP account for discretionary Company contributions are invested by the participant in one or more of the investment options made available through the plan. |
The investment funds made available to the participants are managed by independent investment advisors. For more information regarding the Company’s retirement plans, please refer to the “Pension Benefits” and “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” tables below and Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20092011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Deferred Compensation Agreement:
The Company maintains an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation agreement with Robert F. Weis for the payment of specific amounts of annual retirement benefits to him or his spouse over their lifetime, with a guaranteed payment for their actuarially computed life expectancies. The benefits are determined through actuarial calculations dependent on the age of the recipient, as specified in the plan document, using the 1971 Group Annuity Mortality Table (Plus 5 for Males) and an assumed discount rate of 7.5%. The benefit payable on an annual basis to Robert F. Weis would beVice Chairman Incentive Award Plan:On November 3, 2011, the Compensation Committee adopted the Company’s Vice Chairman Incentive Award Plan, with retroactive effect to July 1, 2011. The Vice Chairman Incentive Award Plan was implemented in connection with the new Employment Agreement the Company entered into with Jonathan H. Weis, Vice Chairman of the Company, on November 3, 2011, with retroactive effect to July 1, 2011. The purposes of the Vice Chairman Incentive Award Plan are to provide a strong financial incentive each year for performance of the Company’s Vice Chairman by making a significant percentage of the Vice Chairman’s total cash compensation dependent upon the level of corporate performance attained yearly, and to encourage Vice Chairman retention. Mr. Weis may earn a supplemental cash incentive under the Company’s Vice Chairman Incentive Award Plan. The Vice Chairman Incentive Award consists of a retention award equal to Mr. Weis’s base salary for the fiscal year; provided, however, that for 2011 (and only 2011), the amount of the retention award shall be $334,750 and a profit performance award equal to the base salary for the fiscal year if the “Net Income” of the Company increases by 5% or more from the “Net Income” of the previous fiscal year; provided, however, that for 2011 (and only 2011) the amount of the profit performance award shall be $334,750. “Net Income” is defined as the “Net Income” as set forth in the Company’s consolidated statements of income; provided, however, that in comparing the Net Income for a particular fiscal year (“Current Year”) to the Net Income of the prior fiscal year (“Prior Year”), the comparison shall be done on a “same store profit comparison,” meaning that in calculating Net Income for the Current Year, only the results of stores in the Current Year that also were in operation as of December 31 in the Prior Year shall be included. The maximum amount of the Vice Chairman Incentive Award payable under the Plan in any fiscal year is limited to $1,339,000; provided, however, that for 2011 (and only 2011) the maximum amount of the Incentive Award shall be limited to $669,500. Although the right to receive awards under the plan are measured and determined on an annual basis, the payment of the award is contingent upon Mr. Weis’s continued employment with the Company and no plan award will be paid until after December 31, 2016, except in the case of a termination without cause or death.
CEO Incentive Award Plan:On October 26, 2010, the Compensation Committee adopted the Company’s CEO Incentive Award Plan, with retroactive effect to January 1, 2010. The CEO Incentive Award Plan was implemented in connection with the new Employment Agreement the Company entered into with David J. Hepfinger, CEO, on October 26, 2010, with retroactive effect to March 1, 2010. The purposes of the CEO Incentive Award Plan are to provide a strong financial incentive each year for performance of the Company’s CEO by making a significant percentage of the CEO’s total cash compensation dependent upon the level of corporate performance attained yearly, and to encourage CEO retention. Mr. Hepfinger may earn a supplemental cash incentive under the Company’s CEO Incentive Award Plan. The CEO Incentive Award consists of a retention award equal to Mr. Hepfinger’s base salary for the fiscal year and a profit performance award equal to the base salary for the fiscal year if the “Net Income” of the Company increases by 5% or more from the “Net Income” of the previous fiscal year. “Net Income” is defined as the “Net Income” as set forth in the Company’s consolidated statements of income; provided, however, that in comparing the Net Income for a particular fiscal year (“Current Year”) to the Net Income of the prior fiscal year (“Prior Year”), the comparison shall be done on a “same store profit comparison,” meaning that in calculating Net Income for the Current Year, only the results of stores in the Current Year that also were in operation as of December 31 in the Prior Year shall be included. The maximum amount of the CEO Incentive Award payable under the Plan in any fiscal year is limited to $1,500,000. Although the right to receive awards under the plan are measured and determined on an annual basis, the payment of the award is contingent upon Mr. Hepfinger’s continued employment with the Company and no plan award will be paid until after December 31, 2014, except in the case of a termination without cause or death.
Recoupment Policy: On November 3, 2011, with retroactive effect to July 1, 2011, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company’s Vice Chairman, Jonathan H. Weis. On October 26, 2010, with retroactive effect to March 1, 2010, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company’s CEO, David J. Hepfinger. The Employment Agreements contain a recoupment policy (commonly referred to as a clawback policy), which provides that if the Board determines that Mr. Weis or Mr. Hepfinger has been incompetent or negligent in the performance of his duties or has engaged in fraud or willful misconduct in a manner that caused or contributed to the need for a material restatement of the Company’s financial results, the Board will review all performance-based compensation awarded to or earned by Mr. Weis or Mr. Hepfinger on the basis of performance during fiscal periods affected by the restatement. If the performance-based compensation would have been lower if it had been based on the restated results, the Board and the Company will, to the extent permitted by law, seek recoupment from Mr. Weis or Mr. Hepfinger of any portion of such performance-based compensation deemed appropriate.
Perquisites:
The Company provides the Named Officers with perquisites that the Compensation Committee believes are reasonable and consistent with its overall executive compensation program. The Named Officers are provided use of Company automobiles. For security purposes,12 |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has reviewed the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and has discussed it with the executive management team. Based upon its review and those discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in this Proxy Statement, which will be incorporated by reference in the Company’s 20092011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Jonathan H. Weis, Chairman | |
Gerrald B. Silverman | |
Steven C. Smith | |
Glenn D. Steele Jr. |
COMPENSATION TABLES
Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the compensation of the Company’s principal executive officer, the principal financial officer and three other officers with the highest total compensation paid or earned for fiscal 2009, 20082011, 2010 and 20072009 (the “Named Officers”). The following table also shows the compensation of Mr. Mills, the Company’s Former Chief Financial Officer who ceased serving as the Chief Financial Officer on July 9, 2009. The Company has employment agreements with the Chairman, CEOVice Chairman and Former CFO.CEO. The material terms of these agreements are discussed under “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control” below.
Change in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-Equity | Nonqualified | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incentive Plan | Deferred | All Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and | Salary | Bonus | Compensation | Compensation | Compensation | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal Position | Year | ($) | ($) (1) | ($) (2) | Earnings ($) (3) | ($) (4) | ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | 2011 | 768,542 | — | 837,710 | 164,863 | 147,680 | 1,918,795 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Chairman of the Board | 2010 | 725,000 | — | 572,750 | 657,773 | 143,500 | 2,099,023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 725,000 | — | 703,250 | 386,840 | 169,353 | 1,984,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Jonathan H. Weis | 2011 | 667,875 | — | 1,251,887 | — | 102,040 | 2,021,802 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Vice Chairman | 2010 | 645,833 | — | 408,167 | — | 115,671 | 1,169,671 | |||||||||||||||||||||
and Secretary | 2009 | 590,417 | — | 458,163 | — | 79,423 | 1,128,003 | |||||||||||||||||||||
David J. Hepfinger | 2011 | 770,625 | — | 2,190,480 | — | 139,537 | 3,100,642 | |||||||||||||||||||||
President and | 2010 | 745,833 | — | 1,971,367 | — | 236,912 | 2,954,112 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer | 2009 | 691,667 | — | 536,733 | — | 300,339 | 1,528,739 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Scott F. Frost | 2011 | �� | 322,916 | — | 144,667 | — | 29,490 | 497,073 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Senior Vice President, | 2010 | 290,833 | — | 91,903 | — | 32,163 | 414,899 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer | 2009 | 169,294 | — | 41,973 | — | 7,131 | 218,398 | |||||||||||||||||||||
and Treasurer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kurt A. Schertle | 2011 | 321,876 | — | 144,200 | — | 129,490 | 595,566 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Senior Vice President | 2010 | 262,588 | 47,412 | 82,978 | — | 109,008 | 501,986 | |||||||||||||||||||||
of Sales and Merchandising |
Change in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-Equity | Nonqualified | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incentive Plan | Deferred | All Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and | Salary | Bonus | Compensation | Compensation | Compensation | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Principal Position | Year | ($) | ($) (1) | ($) (2) | Earnings ($) (3) | ($) (4) | ($) | |||||||||||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | 2009 | 725,000 | — | 703,250 | 386,840 | 164,551 | 1,979,641 | |||||||||||||||||||
Chairman of the Board | 2008 | 725,000 | 10,875 | 351,779 | 343,459 | 128,811 | 1,559,924 | |||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 615,000 | 9,225 | 126,864 | 254,249 | 119,980 | 1,125,318 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Jonathan H. Weis | 2009 | 590,417 | — | 458,163 | — | 79,200 | 1,127,780 | |||||||||||||||||||
Vice Chairman | 2008 | 485,000 | 7,275 | 164,730 | — | 78,599 | 735,604 | |||||||||||||||||||
and Secretary | 2007 | 385,000 | 5,775 | 55,593 | — | 78,607 | 524,975 | |||||||||||||||||||
David J. Hepfinger (5) | 2009 | 691,667 | — | 536,733 | — | 300,241 | 1,528,641 | |||||||||||||||||||
President and | 2008 | 416,667 | — | 202,172 | — | 779,361 | 1,398,200 | |||||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John J. Ropietski Jr. (6) | 2009 | 273,750 | — | 106,215 | — | 23,600 | 403,565 | |||||||||||||||||||
Senior Vice President | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scott F. Frost (7) | 2009 | 169,294 | — | 41,973 | — | 7,093 | 218,360 | |||||||||||||||||||
Vice President, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
and Treasurer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
William R. Mills (8) | 2009 | 323,333 | — | 125,670 | — | 116,963 | 565,966 | |||||||||||||||||||
Former Senior Vice | 2008 | 370,000 | 5,550 | 125,670 | — | 25,894 | 527,114 | |||||||||||||||||||
President, Treasurer and | 2007 | 355,000 | 5,325 | 51,261 | — | 20,852 | 432,438 | |||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
(1) |
(2) | Represents the amount earned under the annual non-equity incentive plan described in |
(3) | Represents the amount of the increase in the actuarial present value of Robert F. Weis’ accumulated benefits under the nonqualified deferred compensation agreement described under “Pension Benefits.” |
(4) | “All Other Compensation” consists of contributions by the Company to the SERP, termination benefits reimbursement, supplemental bonus |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table shows the grants of plan-based awards made to the Named Officers infor fiscal 2009.
Estimated Possible Payouts | ||||||||||||||||
Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1) | ||||||||||||||||
Grant | ||||||||||||||||
Name | Date | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) | ||||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | 12/26/2010 | 115,281 | 768,542 | 999,104 | ||||||||||||
Jonathan H. Weis | 12/26/2010 | 80,145 | 534,300 | 694,590 | ||||||||||||
David J. Hepfinger | 12/26/2010 | 92,475 | 616,500 | 801,450 | ||||||||||||
Scott F. Frost | 12/26/2010 | 19,375 | 129,167 | 167,917 | ||||||||||||
Kurt A. Schertle | 12/26/2010 | 19,313 | 128,750 | 167,375 |
Estimated Possible Payouts | ||||||||||||||
Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1) | ||||||||||||||
Grant | ||||||||||||||
Name | Date | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) | ||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | 12/28/2008 | 108,750 | 725,000 | 942,500 | ||||||||||
Jonathan H. Weis | 12/28/2008 | 70,850 | 472,333 | 614,033 | ||||||||||
David J. Hepfinger | 12/28/2008 | 83,000 | 553,333 | 719,333 | ||||||||||
John J. Ropietski Jr. | 12/28/2008 | 16,425 | 109,500 | 142,350 | ||||||||||
Scott F. Frost | 12/28/2008 | 6,491 | 43,271 | 56,252 | ||||||||||
William R. Mills (2) | 12/28/2008 | 38,850 | 90,650 | 129,500 |
(1) | Represents the amounts which could have been earned by the Named Officers |
Number of Securities | Option | Option | |||||||
Underlying Unexercised | Exercise | Expiration | |||||||
Name | Options (#) Exercisable | Price ($) | Date | ||||||
Scott F. Frost | 200 | 35.1250 | 07/31/2010 |
Pension Benefits
The following table provides information concerning the value of Robert F. Weis’ accumulated benefits under the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation agreement.
Number | Present | Payments | ||||||||||||
of Years | Value of | During Last | ||||||||||||
Credited | Accumulated | Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||
Name | Plan Name | Service | Benefit ($) (1) | ($) | ||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | Nonqualified DeferredCompensation Agreement | 65 | 7,249,153 | — |
Number | Present | Payments | ||||||||||||
of Years | Value of | During Last | ||||||||||||
Credited | Accumulated | Fiscal Year | ||||||||||||
Name | Plan Name | Service | Benefit ($) (1) | ($) | ||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | Nonqualified Deferred | 63 | 6,426,517 | — | ||||||||||
Compensation Agreement |
(1) | Although the participant is not eligible to receive a lump-sum payment, the pension benefit table is required to show a lump-sum present value based upon applicable interest rate and mortality assumptions. |
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The Company maintains a SERP for certain of its associates. The plan is designed to provide retirement benefits and salary deferral opportunities because of limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and the Regulations implemented by the Internal Revenue Service. The plan is unfunded and accounted for on an accrual basis. Participants in the plan are excluded from participation in the qualified profit sharing and have limited participation in the 401(k) plan.Retirement Savings Plan. Based upon recommendation from the Compensation Committee, the Board annually determines the amount of the allocation to the plan.
The allocation among the various plan participants is made in relationship to their compensation, years of service and job performance. Plan participants are 100% vested in their accounts after six years of service with the Company. In accordance with the lump-sum or installment election made by the Named Officer prior to the deferral of compensation, benefits are distributed to the participant one year after the date of retirement, assuming the participant has reached normal retirement age. Substantial risk of benefit forfeiture does exist for participants in the plan. The present value of accumulated benefits is included under “Postretirement benefit obligations” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets within the 20092011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Qualified Retirement Plans
Please refer to the “Retirement Plans” section of the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
The following table provides information concerning deferrals by the Named Officers of their earned compensation under the Company’s SERP and Qualified Retirement Plans.
Executive | Company | Aggregate | Aggregate | 2010 | Aggregate | |||||||||||||||||||||
Contributions | Contributions | Earnings | Withdrawals/ | Proxy | Balance at | |||||||||||||||||||||
in 2011 | in 2011 | in 2011 | Distributions | Adjustments | 12/31/2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Plan | ($) (1) | ($) (2) | ($) (3) | ($) | ($) (4) | ($) | |||||||||||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | SERP | — | 102,040 | 26,801 | — | 6 | 971,714 | |||||||||||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | Profit Sharing | — | — | (12,629 | ) | 114,973 | — | 1,102,606 | ||||||||||||||||||
Jonathan H. Weis | SERP | — | 102,040 | (15,272 | ) | — | (19 | ) | 616,182 | |||||||||||||||||
Jonathan H. Weis | Profit Sharing | — | — | (289 | ) | — | — | 13,562 | ||||||||||||||||||
David J. Hepfinger | SERP | 38,531 | 104,490 | (9,107 | ) | — | 31 | 639,004 | ||||||||||||||||||
Scott F. Frost | SERP | 32,291 | 29,490 | (4,797 | ) | — | 13 | 125,203 | ||||||||||||||||||
Scott F. Frost | Profit Sharing | — | — | (4,600 | ) | — | — | 72,386 | ||||||||||||||||||
Kurt A. Schertle | SERP | 25,750 | 129,490 | (4,813 | ) | — | 27 | 217,277 |
Executive | Company | Aggregate | Aggregate | 2008 | Aggregate | |||||||||||||||||||||
Contributions | Contributions | Earnings | Withdrawals/ | Proxy | Balance at | |||||||||||||||||||||
in 2009 | in 2009 | in 2009 | Distributions | Adjustments | 12/31/2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Plan | ($) (1) | ($) (2) | ($) (3) | ($) | ($) (4) | ($) | |||||||||||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | SERP | — | 145,600 | 82,548 | — | (27,783 | ) | 689,119 | ||||||||||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | Profit Sharing | — | — | 254,570 | 87,556 | — | 1,208,939 | |||||||||||||||||||
Robert F. Weis | ESBP (5) | — | — | 268 | 5,752 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Jonathan H. Weis | SERP | — | 79,200 | 51,589 | — | (7,792 | ) | 381,108 | ||||||||||||||||||
Jonathan H. Weis | Profit Sharing | — | — | 2,396 | — | — | 12,365 | |||||||||||||||||||
Jonathan H. Weis | ESBP (6) | — | — | 35 | 458 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
David J. Hepfinger | SERP | 69,167 | 81,050 | 26,536 | — | (373 | ) | 282,587 | ||||||||||||||||||
John J. Ropietski Jr. | SERP | 27,375 | 23,600 | 5,185 | — | — | 73,012 | |||||||||||||||||||
Scott F. Frost | SERP | — | 7,093 | 2,632 | — | — | 20,228 | |||||||||||||||||||
Scott F. Frost | Profit Sharing | — | — | 13,796 | — | — | 65,228 | |||||||||||||||||||
Scott F. Frost | ESBP (7) | — | — | 47 | 4,784 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
William R. Mills | SERP | 8,809 | 25,894 | 50,809 | — | (15,919 | ) | 354,590 | ||||||||||||||||||
William R. Mills | Profit Sharing | — | — | 1,970 | — | — | 10,031 |
(1) | These amounts are reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” as |
(2) | These amounts are reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” under “All Other Compensation.” |
(3) | Earnings on deferred compensation under the Company’s SERP are not above market or preferential. Earnings from all plans are not included in the “Summary Compensation Table.” |
(4) | These amounts represent adjustments to the aggregate earnings estimates made in the |
Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control
The Company has entered into employment agreements with the Chairman, CEOVice Chairman and Former CFO.CEO. These agreements provide for certain benefits for involuntary termination of employment other than for cause, but do not contain a change in control provision.
Chairman of the Board.
The Company has an agreement with its Chairman, Robert F. Weis, which provides that in the event his employment terminates for any reason, including but not limited to retirement, disability or death, the Company will continue to provide him and his spouse through December 31, 2023 with medical, dental, accident, disability and life insurance benefits substantially equivalent to those provided to employees. If Mr. Weis had terminated his employment as of December 31,Vice Chairman and Secretary. On November 3, 2011, with retroactive effect to July 1, 2011, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Jonathan H. Weis, Vice Chairman. The Employment Agreement continues through December 31, 2016.
Mr. Weis’ Employment Agreement provides that if prior to the end of the term, the officer’s employment is terminated without cause or the officer terminates his employment for good reason, the officer will be entitled to receive (1) continuation of base salary payments through the end of the term at the rate then in effect and (2) an incentive bonus for the year of termination and any subsequent remaining year of the term equal to the highest incentive bonus received by the officer for any of the two years preceding termination. If prior to the end of the term the officer’s employment terminates due to death or disability, the officer (or his spouse or estate) is entitled to receive (1) continuation of base salary payments through the end of the term at 50% of the rate then in effect and (2) a prorated bonus for the year of termination only in the amount the Company in good faith determines the officer would have received had his employment continued. All salary continuation and incentive bonus payments would be made at the same time as if employment had continued.
Mr. Weis’ Vice Chairman Incentive Award Plan provides that if prior to the end of the term, the officer’s employment is terminated without cause, the officer will be entitled to receive a payment based upon the date of the termination, as follows:
If the Without Cause Termination occurs | ||
on or between the following dates: | Amount to be Paid ($) | |
January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 | 1,000,000 | |
January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 | 1,500,000 | |
January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 | 2,000,000 | |
January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 | 2,500,000 | |
January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 | 3,000,000 | |
January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 | 3,500,000 |
The amount will be paid in a lump sum cash payment within 2 ½ months from the end of the calendar year in which the termination occurs; provided, however, in the event an amount is conditioned upon a separation from service and not compensation the officer could receive without separating from service, then payment shall be made to the officer who is a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code on the first day following the six-month anniversary of the officer’s separation from service. Furthermore, the Vice Chairman Incentive Award Plan provides that if prior to the end of the term, the officer’s employment terminates due to death, the officer’s spouse or estate is entitled to receive $1,000,000, payable within sixty days of the date of death of the officer.
According to the terms of Mr. Weis’ Employment Agreement, the officer agrees (1) to at all times maintain the confidentiality of information pertaining to the Company’s business, and (2) until four years after termination of employment, not to (A) hire any Company employee or solicit or induce any employee, consultant, vendor or supplier of the Company to terminate or reduce its relationship with the Company or (B) except in the case of a termination by the Company without cause or by the officer for good reason, engage in any business which competes with the Company in the retail grocery business (or in any other business which accounted for more than 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenues) in any county in which the Company operates or any contiguous county. The Company’s obligations to make payments or provide benefits to the officer under the Employment Agreement would cease upon any violation of these covenants.
The following table shows the benefits Mr. Weis would have received under the Employment Agreement if his employment had terminated for the reasons specified as of December 31, 2011.
Non-Equity | Vice Chairman | |||||||||||
Executive Benefits | Salary | Incentive | Incentive | |||||||||
and Payments | Continuation | Compensation | Award | |||||||||
By Covered Circumstance | ($) (1) | Plan ($) (2) | Plan ($) | |||||||||
Without Cause or Good Reason | 3,347,500 | 2,873,204 | 1,000,000 | |||||||||
Disability | 1,673,750 | 582,387 | — | |||||||||
Death | 1,673,750 | 582,387 | 1,000,000 |
(1) | Represents continuation of salary payments through the end of the Employment Agreement term at the rate of 100% in the case of a termination without cause or for good reason and 50% in the case of termination due to disability or death. |
(2) | In the case of a termination without cause or for good reason, the amount represents the incentive bonus for 2012 through 2016 in an amount equal to the highest incentive bonus received for any of the two years preceding 2011 and the amount earned in 2011 and payable in 2012. In the case of disability or death, the amount shown is the incentive bonus earned in 2011 and payable in 2012. |
President and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Hepfinger’s Employment Agreement provides that if prior to the end of the term, the officer’s employment is terminated without cause or the officer terminates his employment for good reason, the officer will be entitled to receive (1) continuation of base salary payments through the end of the term at the rate then in effect and (2) an incentive bonus for the year of termination and any subsequent remaining year of the term equal to the highest incentive bonus received by the officer for any of the two years preceding termination. If prior to the end of the term the officer’s employment terminates due to death or disability, the officer (or his spouse or estate) is entitled to receive (1) continuation of base salary payments through the end of the term at 50% of the rate then in effect and (2) a prorated bonus for the year of termination only in the amount the Company in good faith determines the officer would have received had his employment continued. All salary continuation and incentive bonus payments would be made at the same time as if employment had continued.
Mr. Hepfinger may earnHepfinger’s CEO Incentive Award Plan provides that if prior to the end of the term, the officer’s employment is terminated without cause, the officer will be entitled to receive a supplemental cash incentivepayment based upon the positive increase in per share pricedate of the Company’s Common Stocktermination, as follows:
If the Without Cause Termination occurs | ||
on or between the following dates: | Amount to be Paid ($) | |
January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 | 1,000,000 | |
January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 | 1,500,000 | |
January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 | 2,000,000 | |
January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 | 2,500,000 |
The amount will be paid in each fiscala lump sum cash payment within 2 ½ months from the end of the calendar year multiplied byin which the equivalenttermination occurs; provided, however, in the event an amount is conditioned upon a separation from service and not compensation the officer could receive without separating from service, then payment shall be made to the officer who is a “specified employee” under Section 409A of 20,000 shares. The supplemental cash incentivethe Code on the first day following the six-month anniversary of the officer’s separation from service. Furthermore, the CEO Incentive Award Plan provides that if prior to the end of the term, the officer’s employment terminates due to death, the officer’s spouse or estate is contingent upon Mr. Hepfinger’s continued employment withentitled to receive $1,000,000, payable within sixty days of the Company during each fiscal year.
According to the terms of Mr. Hepfinger’s Employment Agreement, the officer agrees (1) to at all times maintain the confidentiality of information pertaining to the Company’s business, and (2) until four years after termination of employment, not to (A) hire any Company employee or solicit or induce any employee, consultant, vendor or supplier of the Company to terminate or reduce its relationship with the Company or (B) except in the case of a termination by the Company without cause or by the officer for good reason, engage in any business which competes with the Company in the retail grocery business (or in any other business which accounted for more than 2% of the Company’s consolidated revenues) in any county in which the Company operates or any contiguous county. The Company’s obligations to make payments or provide benefits to the officer under the Employment Agreement would cease upon any violation of these covenants.
The following table shows the benefits Mr. Hepfinger would have received under the Employment Agreement if his employment had terminated for the reasons specified as of December 31, 2009.
Non-Equity | CEO | |||||||||||
Executive Benefits | Salary | Incentive | Incentive | |||||||||
and Payments | Continuation | Compensation | Award | |||||||||
By Covered Circumstance | ($) (1) | Plan ($) (2) | Plan ($) | |||||||||
Without Cause or Good Reason | 901,250 | 1,763,947 | 1,000,000 | |||||||||
Disability | 450,625 | 690,480 | — | |||||||||
Death | 450,625 | 690,480 | 1,000,000 |
Non-Equity | ||||||||
Executive Benefits | Salary | Incentive | ||||||
and Payments | Continuation | Compensation | ||||||
By Covered Circumstance | ($) (1) | Plan ($) (2) | ||||||
Without Cause or Good Reason | 116,667 | 738,905 | ||||||
Disability | 58,333 | 536,733 | ||||||
Death | 58,333 | 536,733 |
(1) | Represents continuation of salary payments through the end of the Employment Agreement term at the rate of 100% in the case of a termination without cause or for good reason and 50% in the case of termination due to disability or death. |
(2) | In the case of a termination without cause or for good reason, the amount represents the incentive bonus for |
OTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Compensation of Directors
The following table shows the compensation earned by the Company’s non-management independent directors for services during fiscal 2009.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Fees Earned or | ||||||||
Name | Paid in Cash ($) | Total ($) | ||||||
Richard E. Shulman (1) | 11,500 | 11,500 | ||||||
Gerrald B. Silverman | 40,000 | 40,000 | ||||||
Steven C. Smith | 44,500 | 44,500 | ||||||
Glenn D. Steele Jr. | 40,000 | 40,000 |
Fees Earned or | ||||||||
Name | Paid in Cash ($) | Total ($) | ||||||
Matthew Nimetz | 28,500 | 28,500 | ||||||
Richard E. Shulman | 38,000 | 38,000 | ||||||
Steven C. Smith | 44,000 | 44,000 | ||||||
Glenn D. Steele Jr. | — | — |
(1) | Director Shulman ceased service as a director in April 2011. |
Directors who are not officers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries will receive an annual retainer of $40,000 paid in quarterly installments during the year. The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional $6,000 annual retainer fee paid in quarterly installments during the year. Previously, the Company paid non-employee directors a retainer fee of $9,500 per quarter.
In addition, each non-management independent director is entitled to reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses to attend meetings. There is no additional remuneration for services rendered by directors serving on committees or for participation in the non-management independent director meetings.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Directors Nimetz, Shulman, Silverman, Smith and SmithSteele were not officers or employees of the Company, nor have they had any relationship with the Company requiring disclosure under the SEC regulations. Jonathan H. Weis is a director, employee and officer of the Company and is not considered independent by NYSE listing standards. None of the Company’s Named Officers have served on the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity, which has or had one or more executive officers who served as a member of the Company’s Board or Compensation Committee during fiscal 2009.
Review and Approval of Related Party Transactions
The Company has adopted written “Conflicts of Interest” policies in its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and in its Code of Ethics for CEO and CFO. According to these policies, a conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s private interest interferes, or appears to interfere, in any way with the interests of the Company. In other words, a conflict situation can arise when an employee takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his work effectively. Conflicts of interest also arise when an employee, officer or director, or a member of his family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his position in the Company. Loans to or guarantees of obligations of such persons are likely to pose conflicts of interest, as are transactions of any kind between the Company and any other organization in which such person or any member of their family have an interest.
Under these policies, activities that could give rise to conflicts of interest are prohibited unless specifically approved in advance by the Audit Committee. Because it is not always easy to determine whether a conflict of interest exists, any potential conflicts of interest must be reported immediately to the Executive Committee of the Board. If a member of the Executive Committee of the Board is informed of any potential conflict of interest he must report it immediately to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee Charter specifically grants the Audit Committee the authority to review and approve all related party transactions. These policies cover all Company officers, directors (or nominee), 5%-or-greater shareholders and immediate family member of these persons. All of the related party transactions reported under “Review and Approval of Related Party Transactions” were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the Code of Ethics for CEO and CFO, and the Audit Committee Charter.
The Company’s Related Party Transaction policy that includes the standards included in Section 404(b) of Regulation S-K as well as any other applicable standards under the NYSE rules and regulations.
The policy defines “Related Person Transactions” as a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or series of transactions, arrangements or relationships) since the beginning of the Company’s last fiscal year in which the Company (including its subsidiaries) was, or is a participant and the amount exceeded $120,000, and in which any Related Person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than solely as the result of being a director or a less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity).
Certain transactions are deemed to be pre-approved even if the amount exceeds $120,000:
· | transactions in the ordinary course of business involving payment of no more than |
· | certain charitable contributions that do not exceed $250,000 (or 5% of the charitable organizations annual consolidated gross revenues) to an organization in which the related person is an employee or director; |
· | transactions where the related interest arises solely from the ownership of Weis Markets, Inc. Common Stock and all holders of the common stock receive the same benefits on a pro rata basis; |
· | compensation to an executive officer or director which has to be reported in the proxy statement or compensation to an executive officer which is not an immediate family member of a related person or the compensation committee; and |
· | any transaction involving a Related Person where the rates or charges involved are determined by competitive bids; rendering of services as a common or contract carrier, or public utility, at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority; or involving services as a bank depository of funds, transfer agent, registrar, trustee under a trust indenture or similar services. |
Transactions that are not pre-approved must be presented to the Audit Committee for approval. If the related person transaction is on-going, the Committee may establish guidelines for management for the relationship which must be reassessed on an annual basis. Transactions will be approved if they are in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.
No Director will participate in the discussion or approval of a transaction for which he or a family member is a related party, other than to provide material information.
All related person transactions will be disclosed in the Company’s applicable filings as required by applicable laws.
Central Properties, Inc. ("Central Properties") ownsowned the land under a Company store and an adjacent parking lot in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The Company leased these properties from Central Properties for $101,781$37,020.78 through July 2011 and purchased the property for $444,928 in fiscal 2009.2011. The shareholders of Central Properties include Directors Jonathan H. Weis and Robert F. Weis.
Shareholder or Interested Parties Communications
Weis Markets, Inc. shareholders or interested parties may communicate with the Board by sending a letter to: Weis Markets, Inc. Board of Directors, c/o Corporate Secretary, 1000 South Second Street, Sunbury, PA 17801-0471. The Board has instructed the Secretary to review all communications received, and to exercise his discretion not to forward to the Board correspondence that is inappropriate such as business solicitations, frivolous communications and advertising, routine business matters (i.e. business inquiries, complaints or suggestions) and personal grievances. However, any director may at any time request the Secretary to forward any and all communications received by the Secretary but not forwarded to the directors.
Shareholders or interested parties wishing to communicate directly with the non-management independent directors as a group may do so by sending a letter to Weis Markets, Inc., c/o Non-Management Independent Directors, 1000 South Second Street, Sunbury, PA 17801-0471 or via their email address at nonmanagement@weismarkets.com. nonmanagement@weismarkets.com
Shareholders or interested parties who have concerns regarding accounting, improper use of Company assets, or ethical improprieties may report these concerns to the Audit Committee by sending a letter to Weis Markets, Inc., c/o Audit Committee Chairman, 1000 South Second Street, Sunbury, PA 17801-0471 or via its email address at audit@weismarkets.com.audit@weismarkets.com
Submissions to the non-management independent directors or the Audit Committee will remain confidential and can be made anonymously without fear of reprisal.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process including the systems of internal controls. Management represented to the Audit Committee the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and the SEC disclosure requirements. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed the audited financial statements in the 20092011 Annual Report on Form 10-K with management including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
The Audit Committee reviewed with the independent auditors, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Committee in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). The Audit Committee has received from the independent auditors written disclosures pursuant to Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, and has discussed those matters with the independent auditors. The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosure and the letter from the independent auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’sauditors’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent auditors their independence.
The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s Chief Internal Auditor and the independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee meets with the Chief Internal Auditor and the independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company’s internal controls and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting. In performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee also monitored Company management’s compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by discussing with management, the Chief Internal Auditor and the independent auditors management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2009.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board (and the Board has approved) that the audited financial statements be included in the 20092011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee recommended to the Board, the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for fiscal 2010,2012, subject to shareholder ratification.
Steven C. Smith, Committee Chairman | |
Gerrald B. Silverman | |
Glenn D. Steele Jr. |
STOCK OWNERSHIP
Under regulations of the SEC, a person is considered the “beneficial owner” of a security if the person has or shares with others the power to vote the security (voting power), the power to dispose of the security (investment power) or the ability to acquire the security within 60 days. In the tables below, “beneficial ownership” of the Company’s Common Stock is determined in accordance with these regulations and does not necessarily indicate that the person listed as a “beneficial owner” has an economic interest in the shares indicated as “beneficially owned.”
Beneficial Ownership of Directors and Management
The following table sets forth information regarding the amount and nature of beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock as of March 2, 20102012 by each director, each nominee, each Named Officer listed in the “Summary Compensation Table,” and for all executive officers, operating officers and directors as a group. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, each person named or a member of the group has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares listed. No shares have been pledged as security by the directors or Named Officers.
Name of | Amount and Nature | Percent | ||||||
Directors and | of Beneficial | of | ||||||
Management | Ownership | Class (1) | ||||||
Robert F. Weis | 12,622,216 | (2) | 46.9 | |||||
Jonathan H. Weis | 110,585 | * | ||||||
David J. Hepfinger | 7,913 | * | ||||||
Scott F. Frost | 419 | * | ||||||
Kurt A. Schertle | — | * | ||||||
Harold G. Graber | 1,611 | * | ||||||
Gerrald B. Silverman | — | * | ||||||
Steven C. Smith | 215 | * | ||||||
Glenn D. Steele Jr. | — | * | ||||||
All executive officers and directors, as a group (10 persons) | 12,742,959 | 47.4 |
Name of Directors and Management | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | Percent of Class (1) | ||||||
Robert F. Weis | 12,622,216 | (2) | 46.9 | |||||
Jonathan H. Weis | 110,585 | * | ||||||
David J. Hepfinger | 7,913 | * | ||||||
William R. Mills | 5,994 | * | ||||||
John J. Ropietski Jr. | 115 | * | ||||||
Scott F. Frost | 381 | * | ||||||
Matthew Nimetz | 1,000 | * | ||||||
Richard E. Shulman | 314 | * | ||||||
Steven C. Smith | 215 | * | ||||||
Glenn D. Steele Jr. | — | * | ||||||
All executive officers and directors, including the Former CFO, as a group (22 persons) | 12,753,397 | 47.4 |
* | Owns less than 1% of class. |
(1) | Based on |
(2) | Robert F. Weis has sole voting and dispositive power as to all 12,622,216 shares listed. This amount includes 6,649,087 shares held in trust under the Will of Harry Weis, with Mellon Bank, N.A. and Robert F. Weis as co-trustees. |
5% Beneficial Owners
The following table sets forth information about shareholders who are known by the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of its Common Stock, which is its only class of voting securities, on March 2, 2010.2012. Information contained in the table and footnotes below was derived from filings made with the SEC by the beneficial owners.
Name and Address | Amount and Nature | Percent | ||||||
of | of Beneficial | of | ||||||
5% Beneficial Owner | Ownership | Class (1) | ||||||
Robert F. Weis | 12,622,216 | (2), (4) | 46.9 | |||||
c/o Weis Markets, Inc. | ||||||||
1000 South Second Street | ||||||||
Sunbury, PA 17801 | ||||||||
Ellen W. P. Wasserman | 1,746,424 | (3), (4) | 6.5 | |||||
c/o Weis Markets, Inc. | ||||||||
1000 South Second Street | ||||||||
Sunbury, PA 17801 | ||||||||
EKTJ Management LLC | 1,400,000 | (5) | 5.2 | |||||
c/o George Cox | ||||||||
4 North Park Drive | ||||||||
Suite 121 | ||||||||
Hunt Valley, MD 21030 |
Name and Address | Amount and Nature | Percent | ||||||
of | of Beneficial | of | ||||||
5% Beneficial Owner | Ownership | Class (1) | ||||||
Robert F. Weis | 12,622,216 | (2)(4) | 46.9 | |||||
c/o Weis Markets, Inc. | ||||||||
1000 South Second Street | ||||||||
Sunbury, PA 17801 | ||||||||
Ellen W. P. Wasserman | 1,746,424 | (3)(4) | 6.5 | |||||
c/o Weis Markets, Inc. | ||||||||
1000 South Second Street | ||||||||
Sunbury, PA 17801 | ||||||||
EKTJ Management LLC | 1,400,000 | (5) | 5.2 | |||||
c/o George Cox | ||||||||
4 North Park Drive | ||||||||
Suite 121 | ||||||||
Hunt Valley, MD 21030 |
(1) | Based on |
(2) | Robert F. Weis has sole voting and dispositive power as to all 12,622,216 shares listed. This amount includes 6,649,087 shares held in trust under the Will of Harry Weis, with Mellon Bank, N.A. and Robert F. Weis as co-trustees. |
(3) | Ellen W. P. Wasserman has sole voting and investment power as to all 1,746,424 shares listed. |
(4) | Robert F. Weis and Ellen W. P. Wasserman have agreed to act together for the purpose of voting their shares of Common Stock and thus constitute a group holding voting power over the sum of the shares listed for each of them individually in the table. |
(5) | EKTJ Management LLC has sole voting and dispositive power as to all 1,400,000 shares listed. The Class A members of EKTJ Management LLC have the exclusive authority to manage and control the business and affairs of EKTJ Management LLC. The three Class A Members, Kathryn J. Zox, Thomas H. Platz and James A. Platz, are the children of Ellen W. P. Wasserman. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that directors and officers of the Company and beneficial owners of more than 10% of its Common Stock file reports with the SEC with respect to changes in their beneficial ownership of equity securities of the Company. Based solely upon a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations by certain persons that reports on Form 5 were not required, the Company believes that its directors, officers and greater-than-10% beneficial owners complied with all applicable 20092011 Section 16(a) filing requirements.
22 |
PROPOSAL NO. 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Grant Thornton LLP has served as the independent auditors for the Company since 2004. The Audit Committee appointed Grant Thornton LLP as the independent auditors of the Company with respect to its operations for fiscal 2010,2012, subject to ratification by the holders of Common Stock of the Company.The Board and its Audit Committee recommend that shareholders approve the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent auditors by voting “FOR” proposal number two. If the shareholders do not approve the ratification of Grant Thornton LLP, the selection of such firm as independent auditors for the Company will be reconsidered by the Audit Committee. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent auditor at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
Representatives of Grant Thornton LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement, if they so desire, and to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
According to its Charter, the Audit Committee, comprised of independent members of the Board, is responsible for approving all audit engagement fees, terms and non-audit engagements with the independent auditors on behalf of the Company in advanceCompany. The Audit Committee considered the possible effect of providing any service.non-audit services on the auditors’ independence and approved the type of non-audit services that were rendered. The Company has not adopted a written policy for Audit Committee pre-approval of audit services and non-audit services performed by the independent auditors. In fiscal 2009,2011, all audit and tax fees associated with the independent auditors’ services were pre-approvedapproved by the Audit Committee. No non-audit or tax services were provided by the independent auditors in fiscal 2009.
The following table sets forth Grant Thornton LLP fees billed to the Company for professional services related to 2009fiscal 2011 and 2008:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Services Provided | ($) | ($) | ||||||
Audit (1) | 521,200 | 516,782 | ||||||
Tax (2) | 25,500 | 535,000 | ||||||
Tax Out of Pocket Expenses | — | 14,574 | ||||||
Internal Audit Review (3) | 36,097 | — | ||||||
Total | 582,797 | 1,066,356 |
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Services Provided | ($) | ($) | ||||||
Audit (1) | 464,615 | 447,569 | ||||||
Out of Pocket Expenses | 39,132 | 43,237 | ||||||
Total | 503,747 | 490,806 |
(1) | Represents the fees charged to the Company by Grant Thornton LLP for professional services provided in conjunction with the audit of the Company’s |
(2) | Represents the fees charged to the Company by Grant Thornton LLP for services performed in connection with tax services other than those directly related to the audit of the income tax accrual, as part of the audit of the Company’s financial statements. These tax services and related fees were approved by the Audit Committee after determination by the Audit Committee that such services would not compromise the independence of the auditors. |
(3) | Represents the fees charged to the Company by Grant Thornton LLP for services performed in connection with a review of the Company’s internal audit department other than those directly related to the audit of the Company’s financial statements. These services were approved by the Audit Committee after determination by the Audit Committee that such services would not compromise the independence of the auditors. |
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board is not informed of any matters, other than those stated above, that may be brought before the meeting. The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy or their substitutes will vote with respect to any other matters brought before the Annual Meeting in accordance with their best judgment.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
The Company will provide, without charge, on written request from security holders, copies of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. Written requests should be sent to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at the Company’s address set forth on page 1,in “Shareholder or Interested Parties Communications,” by telephoning 1-866-999-WEIS (9347), or via email at financial_reports@weismarkets.com. The 20092011 Annual Report on Form 10-K is also available for viewing or printing from the Company’s website at http://www.weismarkets.com/about-weis/corporate-information/financial.
SHAREHOLDERS’ PROPOSALS FOR NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
The Company’s by-laws require that any shareholder intending to present a proposal for action at an Annual Meeting must give written notice of the proposal, containing specified information, so that it is received by the Company not later than the notice deadline under the by-laws. This notice deadline will not be less than 120 calendar daysbefore the date of the Company’s Proxy Statement released to shareholders in connection with the previous year’s Annual Meeting, or November 11, 201015, 2012 for the Company’s Annual Meeting in 2011.
The by-law described above does not affect the right of a shareholder to request inclusion of a shareholder proposal in the Company’s Proxy Statement pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8 or to present for action at an Annual Meeting any proposal so included. Rule 14a-8 requires that written notice of a shareholder proposal requested to be included in the Company’s proxy materials pursuant to the Rule must also be received by the Company not less than 120 calendar daysbefore the date of the Company’s Proxy Statement released to shareholders in connection with the previous year’s Annual Meeting. For the Company’s Annual Meeting in 2011,2013, this deadline would also be November 11, 2010.
The notices of shareholder proposals described under this caption must be given to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at the Company’s address set forth on page 1.in “Shareholder or Interested Parties Communications.” A copy of the by-law provision described above will be furnished to any shareholder upon written request to the Secretary at the same address.
EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
All expenses related to the solicitation of the proxies by the Board will be paid by the Company. If proxies are not promptly received, officers, directors and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally by telephone or otherwise, for which they will not receive additional compensation. The Company may reimburse charges of banks, brokers, other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send proxy material to the beneficial owners and to secure their voting instructions, if necessary. It is estimated that such costs will be nominal.
By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
Jonathan H. Weis | |
Secretary |
Dated: March 15, 2012