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                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (RULE 14A-101)
                    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
          PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                             (AMENDMENT NO.      )

Filed by the Registrant  [X]

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  [ ]

Check the appropriate box:

                                            
[ ]  Preliminary Proxy Statement               [ ]  CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION
                                                    ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE 14a-6(e)(2))
[X]  Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ]  Definitive Additional Materials
[ ]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12.
Lancaster Colony CorporationLANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION (NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (NAME OF PERSON(S) FILING PROXY STATEMENT, IF OTHER THAN THE REGISTRANT) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): [X] No fee required. [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: ....... (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: .......... (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): ............ (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: ...................... (5) Total fee paid: ....................................................... [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount Previously Paid: ............................................... (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: ......................... (3) Filing Party: ......................................................... (4) Date Filed: ........................................................... ================================================================================ 2 LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To be held November 15, 199920, 2000 The annual meeting of shareholders of Lancaster Colony Corporation (the "Corporation") will be held at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, November 15, 1999,20, 2000, in the GovernorExecutive A, B and C D and E Meeting Rooms of the Hyatt on Capitol Square, 75 East State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The meeting will be held for the following purposes: 1. To elect three directors for a term which expires in 2002.2003. 2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof. By action of the Board of Directors, only persons who are holders of record of shares of the Corporation at the close of business on September 17, 199922, 2000 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you do not expect to attend the meeting, please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy. A self-addressed envelope which requires no postage is enclosed for your convenience in returning the proxy. Its prompt return would be appreciated. The giving of the proxy will not affect your right to vote in person should you find it convenient to attend the meeting. October 13, 199918, 2000 JOHN B. GERLACH, JR. Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President 1 3 LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION 37 WEST BROAD STREET, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215 PROXY STATEMENT GENERAL INFORMATION This Proxy Statement is furnished to the shareholders of Lancaster Colony Corporation (the "Corporation") in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of the Corporation of proxies to be used in voting at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held November 15, 1999,20, 2000, in the GovernorExecutive A, B and C D and E Meeting Rooms of the Hyatt on Capitol Square, 75 East State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time (the "Annual Meeting"). The enclosed proxy, if completed and forwarded to the Corporation, will be voted in accordance with the instructions contained therein. The proposals referred to therein are described in this Proxy Statement. The proxy may be revoked by the person giving it any time before it is exercised. Such revocation, to be effective, must be communicated to the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Corporation. The presence of a shareholder at the Annual Meeting will not revoke the proxy unless specific notice thereof is given. The Corporation will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies, including any charges and expenses of brokerage firms and others for forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of stock. In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by personal interview, by telephone or through the efforts of officers and regular employees of the Corporation. The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September 17, 199922, 2000 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. At that date the Corporation had outstanding and entitled to vote 40,217,37937,762,417 shares of Common Stock, each share entitling the holder to one vote. The Corporation has no other class of stock outstanding. Under Ohio law, with respect to all matters to be considered, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes either "for" or "against" any matters coming before the Annual Meeting. Exceptexcept for the election of directors, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes against any proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of directors since, under Ohio law, the nominees for election as directors at the Annual Meeting receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected. This Proxy Statement is first being mailed to shareholders on or about October 13, 1999.18, 2000. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors of the Corporation currently consists of nine members and is divided into three classes. The members of the three classes are elected to serve for staggered terms of three years. Pursuant to Section 2.04 of the Code of Regulations, the number of directors constituting each class will, as nearly as practicable, be equal. Thus, the Board of Directors of the Corporation currently consists of three classes of three members each. The names and ages of the "Nominees" and the "Continuing Directors," their principal occupations during the past five years and certain other information together with their beneficial ownership of the Corporation's Common Stock as of September 1, 1999,2000, are listed below. As of September 1, 1999,2000, the Corporation had outstanding and entitled to vote 40,307,10637,772,417 shares of Common Stock. NOMINEES FOR TERM TO EXPIRE IN 2003
NOMINEES FOR TERM TO EXPIRE IN 2002 NAME; OFFICE WITH CORPORATION; DIRECTOR SHARES OWNED AT PERCENT OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AGE SINCE SEPTEMBER 1, 19992000 CLASS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert L. Fox; 50 1991 1,059,934 2.63% InvestmentKerrii B. Anderson; 43 1997 1,750 * Executive for Advest,Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Wendy's International, Inc. (stock brokerage firm) since 1978(2)(3) John B. Gerlach, Jr.; 45 1985 7,619,442 18.90% ChairmanSenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of M/I Schottenstein Homes, Inc. (homebuilders) from 1993 to August 2000(1) Morris S. Halpern; Retired; 70 1963 80,614 * formerly Vice President of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(7)Corporation(2)
2 4 NOMINEES FOR TERM TO EXPIRE IN 2003 (cont.)
NOMINEES FOR TERM TO EXPIRE IN 2002 (CONT.) NAME; OFFICE WITH CORPORATION; DIRECTOR SHARES OWNED AT PERCENT OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AGE SINCE SEPTEMBER 1, 19992000 CLASS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edward H. Jennings; 62 1990 799 Robert S. Hamilton; Retired; 72 1985 13,223 * PresidentVice Chairman Emeritus and Professor of Finance at The Ohio State University; formerly PresidentLiqui-Box Corporation (plastic packaging manufacturer) from April 2000 to October 2000; Vice Chairman of The Ohio State UniversityLiqui-Box Corporation from 19811989 to 1990(6)April 2000(3) - --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- * Less than 1% (1)See footnote 1 under "Continuing Directors" which explanation applies to Mr. Gerlach, Jr. (2)See footnote 2 under "Continuing Directors" which explanation applies to Messrs. Fox and Gerlach, Jr. (3)Mr. Gerlach, Jr., a trustee of Gerlach Foundation, Inc., and Mr. Fox, a trustee of Fox Foundation, Inc., share voting and investment power with their respective foundations, both of which are private charitable foundations. Gerlach Foundation, Inc. holds 450,232 shares and Fox Foundation, Inc. holds 74,569 shares. These shares are included in the above table. Gerlach Foundation, Inc. and Fox Foundation, Inc. together control an additional 620,122 shares held by Lehrs, Inc. The shares held by Lehrs, Inc. are also included in the total number of shares held by Mr. Gerlach, Jr. and Mr. Fox. The trustees each disclaim beneficial ownership of any of these shares in footnote 2 under "Continuing Directors." (4)Mr. Gerlach, Jr. by virtue of his stock ownership and positions with the Corporation may be deemed a "control person" of the Corporation. (5)Mr. Gerlach, Jr. is trustee and his mother, Dareth A. Gerlach, is special trustee of the John B. Gerlach Trust. This trust presently holds 5,633,178 shares of Common Stock of the Corporation which were distributed from the Estate of John B. Gerlach, Deceased. These shares are included in the total number of shares held by Mr. Gerlach, Jr. in the above table. Mr. Gerlach, Jr. has disclaimed beneficial ownership of these shares in footnote 2 under "Continuing Directors." (6)Mr. Jennings is also a director of Borden Chemicals & Plastic Ltd. Partnership. (7)Mr. Gerlach, Jr. is also a director of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.
(1)Ms. Anderson is also a director of M/I Schottenstein Homes, Inc. (2)Mr. Halpern served as an officer of the Corporation until June 1992. The Corporation and Mr. Halpern have entered into a formal consulting agreement discussed under "Compensation of Directors." (3)See footnote 2 under "Continuing Directors" which explanation applies to Mr. Hamilton. All the nominees have indicated a willingness to stand for election and to serve if elected. It is intended that the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted for the election of the above named nominees. Although it is anticipated that each nominee will be available to serve as a director, should any nominee be unable to serve, the proxies will be voted by the proxy holders in their discretion for another person designated by the Board of Directors. CONTINUING DIRECTORS
CONTINUING DIRECTORS NAME; OFFICE WITH CORPORATION; DIRECTOR TERM SHARES OWNED AT PERCENT OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AGE SINCE EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 1, 19992000 CLASS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kerrii B. Anderson; 42 1997 2000 1,250 * Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director of M/I Schottenstein Homes, Inc. (homebuilders) John L. Boylan; 4445 1998 2001 16,24919,605 * Treasurer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer(1)(8) Robert L. Fox; 51 1991 2002 1,765,362 4.67% Investment Executive for Advest, Inc. (stock brokerage firm) since 1978(2)(3)(9) John B. Gerlach, Jr.; 46 1985 2002 7,861,554 20.81% Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President(1)(2)(3)(4) Morris S. Halpern; Retired; 69 1963 2000 114,864(5)(7) Edward H. Jennings; 63 1990 2002 799 * formerly VicePresident Emeritus and Professor of Finance at The Ohio State University; President of the Corporation(3) Robert S. Hamilton; 71 1985 2000 13,223The Ohio State University from 1981 to 1990(6) Henry M. O'Neill, Jr.; 65 1976 2001 19,651 * Vice Chairman and DirectorChief Executive Officer of Liqui-Box Corporation (plastic packaging manufacturer)(2)AGT International, Inc. (voice response systems) since 1988; Chairman of the Board of Evergreen Quality Catering (mobile caterer) since 1987
3 5 CONTINUING DIRECTORS (cont.)
CONTINUING DIRECTORS (CONT.) NAME; OFFICE WITH CORPORATION; DIRECTOR TERM SHARES OWNED AT PERCENT OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AGE SINCE EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 1, 19992000 CLASS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry M. O'Neill, Jr.; 64 1976 2001 19,651 * Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of AGT International, Inc. (voice response systems) since 1988; Chairman of the Board of Evergreen Quality Catering (mobile caterer) since 1987 Zuheir Sofia; 5556 1998 2001 4,0394,130 * Chairman of Sofia & Company, Inc. (investment-banking firm); previously President, Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer and Directordirector of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated from 1986 to 1998 All Directorsdirectors and Executive Officers 8,354,239 20.71%executive officers 9,275,154 24.53% as a group (11 Persons)(1)(4) - --------------------------------------- * Less than 1% (1)Includes shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP") and the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust allocated to the accounts of Lancaster Colony Corporation employees. Employees have the right to direct the voting of the shares held by the ESOP. (2)Holdings include shares owned by spouses, minor children and shares held in custodianship or as trustee. The following persons disclaim beneficial ownership in such holdings with respect to the number of shares indicated: Mr. Fox, 821,057; Mr. John B. Gerlach, Jr., 7,105,961; and Mr. Hamilton, 4,024. (3)Mr. Halpern served as an officer of the Corporation until June 1992. The Corporation and Mr. Halpern have entered into a formal consulting agreement discussed under "Compensation of Directors." (4)Holdings include shares which could be acquired within 60 days upon the exercise of stock options as follows: John L. Boylan - 9,756 shares, and all Directors and Executive Officers as a group - 38,732(8)
- -------------------------------- * Less than 1% (1)Includes shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP") allocated to the accounts of Lancaster Colony Corporation employees. Employees have the right to direct the voting of the shares held by the ESOP. (2)Holdings include shares owned by spouses, minor children and shares held in custodianship or as trustee. The following persons disclaim beneficial ownership in such holdings with respect to the number of shares indicated: Mr. Fox, 821,057; Mr. Gerlach, Jr., 7,347,815; and Mr. Hamilton, 4,024. (3)Mr. Gerlach, Jr., a trustee of Gerlach Foundation, Inc., and Mr. Fox, a trustee of Fox Foundation, Inc., share voting and investment power with their respective foundations, both of which are private charitable foundations. Gerlach Foundation, Inc. holds 450,232 shares and Fox Foundation, Inc. holds 74,569 shares. These shares are included in the above table. Gerlach Foundation, Inc. and Fox Foundation, Inc. together control an additional 620,122 shares held by Lehrs, Inc. The shares held by Lehrs, Inc. are also included in the total number of shares held by Mr. Gerlach, Jr. and Mr. Fox. The trustees each disclaim beneficial ownership of any of these shares in footnote 2. (4)Mr. Gerlach, Jr. by virtue of his stock ownership and positions with the Corporation may be deemed a "control person" of the Corporation. (5)Mr. Gerlach, Jr. is trustee and his mother, Dareth A. Gerlach, is special trustee of the John B. Gerlach Trust. This trust presently holds 5,875,032 shares of Common Stock of the Corporation which were distributed from the Estate of John B. Gerlach, Deceased. These shares are included in the total number of shares held by Mr. Gerlach, Jr. in the above table. Mr. Gerlach, Jr. has disclaimed beneficial ownership of these shares in footnote 2. (6)Mr. Jennings is also a director of Borden Chemicals & Plastic Ltd. Partnership. (7)Mr. Gerlach, Jr. is also a director of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. (8)Holdings include shares which could be acquired within 60 days upon the exercise of stock options as follows: John L. Boylan - 13,008 shares, and all directors and executive officers as a group - 39,378 shares. (9)Includes 16,825 shares of the Common Stock of the Corporation which are held by a trust of which Mr. Fox is the trustee and 688,603 shares of the Common Stock of the Corporation which are held by an estate of which Mr. Fox is the executor. Mr. Fox has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to these shares. The Board of Directors has established an audit committee (the "Audit Committee") currently consisting of Messrs. Hamilton, Jennings and O'Neill and Ms. Anderson. Mr. HamiltonMs. Anderson serves as ChairmanChairperson of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing financial information (both external and internal) about the Corporation and its subsidiaries, so as to assure (i) that the overall audit coverage of the Corporation and its subsidiaries is satisfactory and appropriate to protect the shareholders from undue risks and (ii) that an adequate system of internal financial control has been implemented throughout the Corporation and is being effectively followed. The Audit Committee held two meetings during the fiscal year ended June 30, 19992000 ("fiscal 1999"2000"). The Board of Directors has established a compensation committee (the "Compensation Committee") currently consisting of Messrs. Fox, Hamilton, Jennings and O'Neill as its members. Mr. Jennings serves as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The powers and duties of the Compensation Committee are to consider and formulate recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to all aspects of compensation to be paid to the executive officersChief Executive Officer of the Corporation, to undertake such evaluations and make such reports as are required by the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and to perform and exercise such other duties and powers as shall from time to time be designated by action of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee held two meetingsone meeting during fiscal 1999.2000. The Board of Directors does not have a nominating committee. 4 6 In addition to the committee meetings previously mentioned, the Board of Directors held a total of four meetings during fiscal 1999.2000. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of all meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees on which they served during fiscal 1999.2000, except Mr. O'Neill who was absent for one Board meeting and one Compensation Committee meeting that were held on the same day. SECTION 16 (a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE To the Corporation's knowledge, based solely on its review of copies of forms filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all filing requirements applicable to the officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the outstanding Common SharesStock under Section 16 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, were complied with during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999,2000, except Larry G. Noble, Vice President,Morris S. Halpern, director, was late with respect to two transactionsone transaction affecting twoone Form 4s. 4 64. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS Except as noted below, directors who are not employees of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries received during fiscal 19992000 an annual retainer fee of $14,000 plus $1,000 for each Board meeting attended. DirectorsAdditionally, directors who also serveserved on the Audit Committee and/or Compensation Committeecommittees received $1,000 for each such committee meeting attended. The Corporation has a consulting agreement with Mr. Halpern pursuant to which Mr. Halpern agrees to perform advisory and consulting services for an annual fee of $50,000 per year. Mr. Halpern's compensation as a director is also included in this annual fee. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS The following individuals have beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than five percent of the outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation:
NATURE OF NAME AND BENEFICIAL AMOUNT PERCENT OF ADDRESS OWNERSHIP OWNED OWNERSHIP - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John B. Gerlach, Jr. Direct and 7,619,442(1)7,861,554(1)(2) 18.90%20.81% Lancaster Colony Corporation Indirect 37 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 Dareth A. Gerlach Direct and 6,323,472(2) 15.69%6,291,473(2) 16.66% c/o Lancaster Colony Corporation Indirect 37 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215 Pioneering Management Corporation Direct 4,042,448(3) 10.03%2,947,450(3) 7.80% 60 State Street Boston, Massachusetts 02109 - ----------------------------- (1)See footnotes 1, 2, 3 and 4 under "Nominees for Term to Expire in 2002," which explanations apply to Mr. Gerlach, Jr. (2)Includes 5,633,178 shares of Common Stock of the Corporation which are held by the John B. Gerlach Trust, of which Mrs. Gerlach is special trustee and has sole voting power with respect to the shares. See footnote 5 under "Nominees for Term to Expire in 2002." (3)Based on holdings reported on Schedule 13G as of December 31, 1998.
- ------------------------ (1)See footnotes 1, 2, 3 and 4 under "Continuing Directors," which explanations apply to Mr. Gerlach, Jr. (2)Includes 5,875,032 shares of Common Stock of the Corporation which are held by the John B. Gerlach Trust, of which Mrs. Gerlach is special trustee and has sole voting power with respect to the shares. See footnote 5 under "Continuing Directors." (3)Based on holdings reported on Schedule 13G as of December 31, 1999. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE The following table summarizes compensation earned during the periods indicated by those persons who were the Chief Executive Officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers of the Corporation whose compensation during fiscal 19992000 is required to be reported: 5 7 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE (cont.)
LONG-TERM ANNUAL COMPENSATION (1)COMPENSATION(1) COMPENSATION NAME AND FISCAL --------------------------------------------- ------------ ALL OTHER PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS(#) COMPENSATION(2) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John B. Gerlach, Jr.; 1999 $650,000 $2,6272000 $710,000 $2,780 Chairman of the 1998 590,000 2,3601999 650,000 2,627 Board, Chief Executive 1997 453,333 2,7221998 590,000 2,360 Officer and President Larry G. Noble; 2000 $253,675 $551,700 Vice President(3) 1999 $245,600 $381,890245,600 419,000 15,000 $1,544 Vice President(3) 1998 243,267 318,240381,890 1,380 1997 237,600 244,800 22,500 2,722 John L. Boylan; 1999 $220,000 $65,000 12,500 $2,8802000 $230,000 $120,000 $2,453 Treasurer, Vice President 1999 220,000 65,000 12,500 2,880 and Chief Financial Officer 1998 200,000 40,000 800 and Chief Financial Officer 1997 152,500 30,000 15,000 2,722 Bruce L. Rosa; 2000 $230,000 $120,000 $3,133 Vice President of Development(4) 1999 $220,000 $167,006220,000 167,006 12,500 $3,614 Vice President of Development(4)3,614
5 7- -------------------- (1)The named executive officers received certain perquisites in 2000, 1999 1998 and 1997,1998, the amount of which did not exceed the reportable threshold of the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of any such officer's salary and bonus. (2)Approximate amounts contributed or to be contributed on behalf of such executive officer to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (in 1997) and the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (in 1998Trust. (3)Fiscal year 2000 bonus amount listed for Mr. Noble was generally determined pursuant to a formula involving the operating performance of the Specialty Foods segment for fiscal 2000 and 1999). (3)Bonuswill be paid in fiscal 2001. The bonus amounts listed as paid to Mr. Noble arefor fiscal years 1999 and 1998, which were discretionarily determined and relatepreviously reported based on the fiscal year paid, have been restated to the precedingreflect reporting consistent with that of fiscal year. The bonus relating to fiscal 1999 has not yet been determined but is currently expected to at least equal that paid in fiscal 1999 for fiscal 1998.year 2000. (4)Mr. Rosa was appointed an executive officer of the Corporation on July 1, 1998. GRANTS OF STOCK OPTIONS The following table sets forth information concerning individual grants of stock options made during the 1999 fiscal year to each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table. The Corporation has never granted stock appreciation rights.
OPTIONS GRANTED IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR PERCENT OF POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUES AT TOTAL OPTIONS ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF GRANTED TO STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE EXPIRATION FOR OPTION TERM(2) NAME GRANTED(#)(1) FISCAL YEAR PRICE($/SH) DATE 5% 10% - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Larry G. Noble 15,000 5.1% $27.125 01/31/04 $112,000 $248,000 John L. Boylan 12,500 4.3% $27.125 01/31/05 $115,000 $262,000 Bruce L. Rosa 12,500 4.3% $27.125 01/31/05 $115,000 $262,000 (1)Options were granted with an exercise price equal to the market price at the grant date pursuant to the Corporation's 1995 Key Employee Stock Option Plan. Such options become exercisable in partial amounts through January 1, 2005. (2)The amounts reflected in this table are based upon certain assumed rates of appreciation as specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual realized values, if any, on exercise of the option will be dependent on the actual appreciation in the price of the Common Stock of the Corporation over the term of the option. There can be no assurances that the Potential Realizable Values reflected in this table will be achieved.
STOCK OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS The following table sets forth certain information with respect to stock options exercised during fiscal 19992000 by each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and unexercised stock options held as of June 30, 19992000 by such executive officers:
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
VALUES OF UNEXERCISED UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT UNDERLYING FISCAL YEAR-END(#) FISCAL YEAR-END($)(1)(2) OPTIONS VALUE ---------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- NAME EXERCISED(#) REALIZED($)(1) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Larry G. Noble 20,858 30,005 $212,777 $435,30111,716 $169,885 15,000 24,147 $0 $17,551 John L. Boylan 9,756 17,74413,008 14,492 $0 $ 36,585 $111,8530 Bruce L. Rosa 8,118 19,38211,370 16,130 $0 $ 30,443 $117,996 (1)All values are shown pretax and are rounded to the nearest whole dollar. (2)Based on the 1999 fiscal year-end closing price of $34.500
- -------------------- (1)All values are shown pretax and are rounded to the nearest whole dollar. (2)Based on the 2000 fiscal year-end closing price of $19.50 per share.
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT Messrs. Boylan and Rosa are parties to agreements entitling them to severance benefits equal to (i) full salary paid through the date of their termination plus (ii) an amount equal to the lesser of (a) 100% of the highest annual rate of salary and highest annual bonus paid to Messrs. Boylan and Rosa during the three-year period prior to their respective dates of termination, or (b) twice their annual compensation (salary plus bonus) paid for the full fiscal year immediately preceding the date of their termination, in the event that within a period of one year after a "change of control" (as defined in the agreements) their employment is terminated by the Corporation (other than for cause) or by Messrs. Boylan or Rosa (if there has been any material adverse change in the terms of their employment). 6 8 REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee"("the Committee") consists entirely of outside,independent non-employee directors. TheIt is the obligation of the Committee to establish the compensation of executive officersto be paid to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation other thanand to consult with and advise the chief executive officer ("CEO"), is established annuallyChief Executive Officer with respect to the establishment by the CEO in consultation with the Committee. In establishing the compensation of executive officers, various factors are considered including the scope of responsibilities, the quality of the executive officer's performance in discharging those responsibilities, and in certain cases, the financial performance of the Corporation or of a particular division of the Corporation under that executive officer's supervision. The determinationhim of the compensation of other executive officers is essentially subjectiveofficers. The Committee also reviews matters relating to employee benefit plans and dependent uponstock options and presents its recommendations respecting these matters to the recommendationBoard of the CEO, and no specific weight is given to any of the foregoing factors.Directors. The compensation of the CEOChief Executive Officer for services rendered through June 30, 2000 was established by the Committee based on itsupon an evaluation of the scope of his performance towardmanagement responsibilities, his execution of them, his accomplishment of significant changes in management structure and the achievement of the Corporation's financial, strategic and other goals. In determining the CEO's compensation, the Committee considered the CEO's hands-on oversight of all of the Corporation's operations, his attention to detail, his major role in business development and customer relations, the business and financial results attained under his management,direction. In determining his compensation, the skill exhibited by him in the development of, direction givenamounts paid to and restructuring of management responsibility at, the operating segments of the Corporation as well as competitive chief executive officer pay information.officers of companies of like size in like markets were also considered. The Committee did not consider the payment of any bonus to the Chief Executive Officer for his performance because past compensation reward practices have not included this component. The determination of the CEO'ssuch compensation was subjective, with no specific weight being given to any particular factor. The Committee was advised by the Chief Executive Officer of the base fixed compensation levels and proposed bonus formulae to be applied in setting the compensation of senior management. It concurred that the levels of compensation established were reasonable and appropriate and provided incentives which, if realized, would produce operating results of value to the Corporation's shareholders. Edward H. Jennings, Chairman Robert L. Fox Robert S. Hamilton Henry M. O'Neill, Jr. PERFORMANCE GRAPH COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN OF LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION, THE S&P MANUFACTURING (DIVERSIFIED) INDEX AND THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX The graph set forth below compares the five-year cumulative total return from investing $100 on June 30, 19941995 in each of the Corporation's Common Stock, the S&P Manufacturing (Diversified) Index and the S&P Midcap 400 Index. CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN (DOLLARS) ------------------------------------ 6/94 6/95 6/96 6/97 6/98 6/99 LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION 100 102 109 144 171 159 S&P MIDCAP 400 100 122 149 183 233 263 S&P MANUFACTURING (DIVERSIFIED) 100 132 169 250 270 358[GRAPH]
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN (DOLLARS) -------------------------------------------------------- 6/95 6/96 6/97 6/98 6/99 6/00 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION 100 106 140 167 155 90 S&P MIDCAP 400 100 122 150 191 215 251 S&P MANUFACTURING (DIVERSIFIED) 100 128 189 204 271 244
7 9 INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Deloitte & Touche LLP has acted as independent certified public accountants of the Corporation during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999.2000. Deloitte & Touche LLP is expected to have a representative present at the Annual Meeting who may make a statement, if desired, and will be available to answer appropriate questions. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS Shareholder proposals intended to be in the proxy statement for the 20002001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Corporation at its principal executive offices no later than June 15, 2000.20, 2001. In addition, if a shareholder fails to provide the Corporation notice of any shareholder proposal on or before August 29, 2000,September 4, 2001, then the Corporation may vote in its discretion as to the proposal all of the shares for which it has received proxies for the 20002001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. OTHER MATTERS As of the date of this statement,Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors knows of no other business that will come before the Annual Meeting. Should any other matter requiring the vote of the shareholders arise, the enclosed proxy confers upon the proxy holders discretionary authority to vote the same in respect to the resolution of such other matters as they, in their best judgment, believe to be in the interest of the Corporation. By Order of the Board of Directors October 13, 199918, 2000 JOHN B. GERLACH, JR. Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President 8 10 LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS NOVEMBER 15, 199920, 2000 THIS PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The undersigned hereby appoints Kerrii B. Anderson, Robert S. HamiltonL. Fox, Edward H. Jennings and Henry M. O'Neill, Jr., or any of them, proxies of the undersigned, with power of substitution, to vote all shares of stock of the Corporation which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held November 15, 1999,20, 2000, or at any and all adjournments thereof, and to exercise all of the powers which the undersigned would be entitled to exercise as a shareholder if personally present upon the following matters: (TO BE CONTINUED AND SIGNED ON THE OTHER SIDE) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD BACK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION NOVEMBER 15, 1999 PLEASE DETACH AND MAIL IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED /X/20, 2000 Please Detach and Mail in the Envelope Provided A [X] PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLEEXAMPLE. If no contrary specification is made, this proxy will be voted FOR proposal 1. 1. Election of FOR WITHHELD NOMINEES: For Term expiring 2002: Directors / / / / Robert L. Fox John B. Gerlach, Jr. For, except vote withheld from the Edward H. Jennings following nominee(s): ---------------------------------- 2. The transaction of all other matters as may properly come before the meeting. (Continued from other side) SIGNATURE(S)_____________________________________________DATE___________, 1999 SIGNATURE(S)_____________________________________________DATE___________, 1999 FOR WITHHELD 1. Election of [ ] [ ] NOMINEES: FOR TERM EXPIRING 2003: 2. The transaction of all other matters as may properly Directors. Kerrii B. Anderson come before the meeting. Morris S. Halpern For, except vote withheld from the Robert S. Hamilton following nominee(s): - ---------------------------------- (Continued from other side) SIGNATURES(S) DATE , 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- SIGNATURES(S) DATE , 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. Please date, sign and mail this proxy in the enclosed envelope. No postage is required for mailing in the United States.