SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
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mission Only (as permitted by
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[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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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:
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(Company Logo)
JOHN B. SANFILIPPO & SON, INC.
2299 Busse Road
Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
to be held
on October 26, 2004
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TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:
The annual meeting of stockholders of John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. will be
held on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Wyndham
Hotel Northwest Chicago, 400 Park Boulevard, Itasca, Illinois 60143, for the
following purposes:
1. To elect directors;
2. To amend our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the
number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to
17,000,000;
3. To ratify the action of the Board of Directors in appointing
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2005; and
4. To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the
annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
The annual meeting may be postponed or adjourned from time to time without
any notice other than announcement at the meeting, and any and all business
for which notice is hereby given may be transacted at any such postponed or
adjourned meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September 1, 2004
as the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of
and to vote at the annual meeting. A list of these stockholders will be
available for inspection for 10 days preceding the meeting (at the Wyndham
Hotel Northwest Chicago, 400 Park Boulevard, Itasca, IL) and will also be
available for inspection at the meeting.
Stockholders are requested to complete and sign the enclosed proxy, which is
solicited by the Board of Directors, and promptly return it in the
accompanying envelope whether or not they plan to attend the annual meeting
in person. The proxy is revocable at any time before it is voted. Returning
the proxy will in no way limit your right to vote at the annual meeting if
you should later decide to attend and vote in person.
Because we have two classes of stock outstanding, a separate form of proxy
has been prepared with respect to each class of stock: a white proxy, which
relates to our Common Stock, $.01 par value; and a blue proxy, which relates
to our Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value. Stockholders who own of record
shares of only one class are being furnished only with the proxy relating to
that class. Stockholders who own of record shares of both classes are being
furnished with both proxies (in separate mailings, each of which also
includes a copy of this notice and the proxy statement). Stockholders who
receive both proxies must complete, sign and return both proxies in order for
the shares of both classes to be voted by proxy.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ MICHAEL J. VALENTINE
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MICHAEL J. VALENTINE
Secretary
Elk Grove Village, Illinois
September 8, 2004
JOHN B. SANFILIPPO & SON, INC.
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PROXY STATEMENT
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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
October 26, 2004
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the
Board of Directors of John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
of proxies for use at the annual meeting of our stockholders to be held on
Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Wyndham Hotel
Northwest Chicago, 400 Park Boulevard, Itasca, Illinois 60143, and at any
postponement or adjournment thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). All shares of
our Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Common Stock"), and our Class A Common
Stock, $.01 par value (the "Class A Stock"), entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting which are represented by properly executed proxies will, unless such
proxies have been revoked, be voted in accordance with the instructions given
in such proxies. Any stockholder who has given a proxy may revoke it at any
time prior to its exercise at the Annual Meeting by delivering a written
notice of revocation or duly executed proxy bearing a later date to our
Secretary, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Any
written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy should be delivered to us at
2299 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007-6057, Attention:
Secretary, or hand delivered to the Secretary, before the closing of the
polls at the Annual Meeting. Unless the context otherwise requires,
references herein to "we", "us", or "our company" refer to John B.
Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. and its subsidiary.
This Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy are being mailed to stockholders
on or about September 8, 2004. The mailing address of our principal
executive offices is 2299 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007-6057.
Record Date and Shares Outstanding
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We had outstanding on September 1, 2004, the record date for determination of
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting,
7,961,324 shares of Common Stock (excluding 117,900 treasury shares) and
2,597,426 shares of Class A Stock. The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq
National Market. There is no established public trading market for the Class
A Stock.
Voting and Quorum
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Pursuant to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Restated
Certificate"), so long as the total number of shares of Class A Stock
outstanding is greater than or equal to 12.5% of the total number of shares of
Class A Stock and Common Stock outstanding, the holders of Common Stock
voting as a class are entitled to elect such number (rounded to the next
highest number in the case of a fraction) of directors as equals 25% of the
total number of directors constituting the full Board of Directors and the
holders of Class A Stock voting as a class are entitled to elect the
remaining directors. With respect to all matters other than the election of
directors or any matters for which class voting is required by law, the
holders of Common Stock and the holders of Class A Stock will vote together
as a single class and the holders of Common Stock will be entitled to one
vote per share of Common Stock and the holders of Class A Stock will be
entitled to ten votes per share of Class A Stock.
Our Restated Certificate does not entitle holders of Common Stock to
cumulative voting. However, solely with respect to the election of
directors, the Restated Certificate entitles each holder of Class A Stock, in
person or by proxy, to either (a) vote the number of shares of Class A Stock
owned by such holder for as many persons as there are directors to be elected
by holders of Class A Stock ("Class A Directors"), or (b) cumulate said votes
(by multiplying the number of shares of Class A Stock owned by such holder by
the number of candidates for election as a Class A Director) and either (i)
give one candidate all of the cumulated votes, or (ii) distribute the
cumulated votes among such candidates as the holder sees fit.
The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders of
Common Stock entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes which the
Common Stock is entitled to cast is required in order to establish a quorum
for the purpose of electing the
directors to be elected by holders of Common Stock (the "Common Stock
Directors"). The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of
holders of Class A Stock entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes
which the Class A Stock is entitled to cast is required in order to establish
a quorum for the purpose of electing the Class A Directors. The presence at
the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders of Common Stock and
Class A Stock entitled to cast at least a majority of the aggregate number
of votes which all such stock is entitled to cast on matters other than the
election of directors is required in order to establish a quorum for the
purpose of any other business.
Three proposals are scheduled for stockholder consideration at the Annual
Meeting, each of which is described more fully herein: (i) the election of
eight directors; (ii) an amendment to our Restated Certificate to increase
the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to 17,000,000
shares; and (iii) the ratification of the action of the Audit Committee in
appointing PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent auditors for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 2005. The vote required and method of counting
votes for each of these proposals is as follows:
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
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At the meeting, the holders of Common Stock voting as a class will be
entitled to elect two of the eight directors, and the holders of Class A
Stock voting as a class will be entitled to elect the remaining six
directors. Directors elected by holders of both Common Stock and Class A
Stock are elected by a plurality of the votes cast for each such class. If a
stockholder does not vote for the election of directors because the authority
to vote is withheld, because the proxy is not returned, because the broker
holding the shares does not vote, or because of some other reason, the shares
will not count in determining the total number of votes for each nominee. If
a properly executed, unrevoked proxy does not specifically direct the voting
of the shares covered by such proxy, the proxy will be voted FOR the election
of all nominees for election as director to be elected by holders of the
class of shares covered by such proxy as listed herein.
If any nominee is unable to act as director because of an unexpected
occurrence, the proxy holders may vote the proxies for another person or the
Board of Directors may reduce the number of directors to be elected.
Proposal 2: Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
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To be approved, the amendment to our Restated Certificate to increase the
number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to 17,000,000
shares requires the affirmative vote of the holders of shares representing a
majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of Common Stock and
Class A Stock, voting together as one class. Abstentions will count as a
vote against the proposal. Brokers who hold shares in accounts for their
clients and are not given instructions on how to vote on this proposal do not
have discretion to vote and should return the proxy unmarked on Item 2.
Broker non-votes will count as a vote against the amendment of our Restated
Certificate. With respect to shares not held by brokers, if a properly
executed, unrevoked proxy does not specifically direct the voting of the
shares covered by such proxy, the proxy will be voted FOR the amendment of
the Restated Certificate.
Proposal 3: Ratification of Independent Auditors
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To be approved, the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of shares representing a majority of the
votes present and entitled to vote by the holders of Common Stock and Class A
Stock, voting together as one class. Abstentions will count as a vote
against Item 3. If a properly executed, unrevoked proxy does not
specifically direct the voting of the shares covered by such proxy, the proxy
will be voted FOR Item 3.
Other Proposals
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Management does not intend to present, and does not have any reason to
believe that others will present, any item of business at the Annual Meeting
other than those specifically set forth in the notice of the Annual Meeting.
However, if other matters are properly presented for a vote at the Annual
Meeting, or at any postponements or adjournments thereof, the proxies will be
voted for such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons acting
under the proxies.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
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The following table sets forth information as of September 1, 2004 with
respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock and Class A Stock by (a)
any individuals or entities known by us to be the beneficial owners of more
than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or Class A Stock, (b) each
of our directors, (c) each of the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table below ("Named Executive Officers") who currently serves as
an executive officer of our company, and (d) all of our directors and
executive officers as a group. The information set forth in the table as to
directors and executive officers is based upon information furnished to us by
them in connection with the preparation of this Proxy Statement. Except
where otherwise indicated, the mailing address of each of the stockholders
named in the table is: c/o John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., 2299 Busse Road,
Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007-6057.
% of
No. of Outstanding % of % of Outstanding
Shares Shares of No. of Shares Outstanding Votes on Matters
of Common Common of Class Shares of Class Other than Election
Name Stock(1) Stock A Stock(1)(2) A Stock of Directors
---------------------------------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------------- -------------------
Jasper B. Sanfilippo(3)(4)(5)+- 39,832 * 1,523,776 58.7 44.9
Marian R. Sanfilippo(4)(5) 26,984 * 24,500 0.9 0.7
Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo(4)(5)(6)+- 28,832 * 44,044 1.7 1.4
Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Jr.(5)(6)+ - - 44,044 1.7 1.3
Lisa A. Evon(5)(6) - - 44,044 1.7 1.3
John E. Sanfilippo(5)(6) 28,152 * 44,044 1.7 1.3
James J. Sanfilippo(5)(6) - - 44,044 1.7 1.3
--------- ---- ----
Total Controlling Group(5)(6) 86,136 1.1 1,768,496 68.1 52.2
Michael J. Valentine(7)+- - - 496,342 19.1 14.6
Mathias A. Valentine+- - - 332,588 12.8 9.8
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Total Valentine Group(8) - - 828,930 31.9 24.3
James A. Valentine(9)- 350 * - - *
John W. A. Buyers(10)+ 8,300 * - - *
Timothy R. Donovan(11)+ 1,250 * - - *
Governor Jim Edgar(12)+ 3,500 * - - *
Wellington Management Co., LLP(13) 1,260,200 15.6 - - 3.7
Credit Suisse Asset Mgmt, LLC(14) 640,545 7.9 - - 1.9
Gruber & McBaine Capital Mgmt,LLC(15) 513,350 6.4 - - 1.5
The TCW Group, Inc.(16) 419,178 5.2 - - 1.2
All directors and executive officers
as a group (16 persons all of whom are
stockholders or optionholders)(3)(4)
(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(17) 96,860 1.2 2,440,794 94.0 72.0
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+ Denotes Director.
- Denotes Named Executive Officer.
* Less than one percent.
(1) Except as otherwise indicated below, beneficial ownership means
the sole power to vote and dispose of shares. In calculating each
holder's percentage ownership and beneficial ownership in the table
above, shares of Common Stock which may be acquired by the holder
through the exercise of stock options exercisable on or within 60
days of September 1, 2004 are included.
3
(2) Each share of Class A Stock is convertible at the option of the
holder thereof at any time and from time to time into one share of
Common Stock. In addition, the Restated Certificate provides that
Class A Stock may be transferred only to (a) Jasper B. Sanfilippo or
Mathias A. Valentine, (b) a spouse or lineal descendant of Mr.
Sanfilippo or Mr. Valentine, (c) trusts for the benefit of any of the
foregoing individuals, (d) entities controlled by any of the
foregoing individuals, (e) us, or (f) any bank or other financial
institution as a bona fide pledge of shares of Class A Stock by the
owner thereof as collateral security for indebtedness due to the
pledgee (collectively, the "Permitted Transferees"), and that upon
any transfer of Class A Stock to someone other than a Permitted
Transferee each share transferred will automatically be converted
into one share of Common Stock.
(3) Includes 163,045 shares of Class A Stock held as trustee of
certain trusts, the beneficiaries of which are the children of Jasper
and Marian Sanfilippo (two of whom -- Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Jr. and
Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo are executive officers and directors of our
company).
(4) Includes 18,832 shares of Common Stock held as a co-trustee of a
certain trust, the beneficiaries of which are the grandchildren of
Jasper and Marian Sanfilippo.
(5) On June 21, 2004 a Schedule 13D was filed jointly by the persons
referenced in the stock table (the "Controlling Group"). The
Controlling Group made a single, joint filing to reflect the
formation of a "group" within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
Except as expressly set forth in the Schedule 13D, each member of the
Controlling Group disclaims beneficial ownership of the Common Stock
and Class A Stock beneficially owned by any other member of the
Controlling Group.
By filing the Schedule 13D, the members of the Controlling Group
provided notice (1) that they beneficially own, in the aggregate,
securities controlling in excess of 50% of the voting power of our
common equity and (2) that they intend to act as a group. As a
result, we are a "controlled company" pursuant to Section 4350(c)(5)
of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.
The members of the Controlling Group are deemed to beneficially own
an aggregate of 1,768,496 shares of Class A Stock and 86,136 shares
of Common Stock. This represents 68.1% of the total outstanding
shares of Class A Stock and 18.8% of the total outstanding shares of
Common Stock, assuming the conversion of all such shares of Class A
Stock into an equal number of shares of Common Stock. Based on the
relative voting rights of the Class A Stock and Common Stock, the
Reporting Persons have or share 52.2% of the total outstanding voting
power of our common equity, assuming that the applicable shares of
Class A Stock are not converted into Common Stock.
The beneficial ownership of Jasper B. Sanfilippo and Marian R.
Sanfilippo is described in footnotes (3) and (4) above. The
beneficial ownership of Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo includes includes
18,832 shares of Common Stock held as a co-trustee of a certain
trust, the beneficiaries of which are the grandchildren of Jasper and
Marian Sanfilippo. and 44,044 shares of Class A Stock held as trustee
of the Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo Irrevocable Trust, dated April 7, 2004.
The beneficial ownership of Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Jr. includes 44,044
shares of Class A Stock held as trustee of the Jasper B. Sanfilippo
Irrevocable Trust, dated April 7, 2004. The beneficial ownership of
Lisa A. Evon includes 44,044 shares of Class A Stock held as trustee
of the Lisa A. Evon Irrevocable Trust, dated April 7, 2004. The
beneficial ownership of John E. Sanfilippo includes 44,044 shares of
Class A Stock held as trustee of the John E. Sanfilippo Irrevocable
Trust, dated April 7, 2004. The beneficial ownership of James J.
Sanfilippo includes 44,044 shares of Class A Stock held as trustee of
the James J. Sanfilippo Irrevocable Trust, dated April 7, 2004. The
trustees of each of the foregoing trusts are also the sole
beneficiaries under each respective trust.
(6) Excludes 32,609 shares of Class A Stock held as trustee by Jasper
B. Sanfilippo. (Jasper B. Sanfilippo is our Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer.)
(7) Includes 496,342 shares of Class A Stock held as trustee of the
following three trusts under the Valentine Trust, dated March 26,
1991, the Trust for Michael J. Valentine and the Trust for James A.
Valentine, each of which owns 165,447 shares of Class A Stock, and
the Trust for Mary Jo Carroll which owns 165,448 shares of Class A
Stock. The beneficiaries of these trusts are the children of Mathias
and Mary Valentine, including Michael J. Valentine, an executive
officer and a member of our Board of Directors, and James A.
Valentine, an executive officer.
4
(8) Michael J. Valentine and Mathias A. Valentine have formed a group
as reflected by the Schedule 13Ds filed on June 21, 2004. The total
beneficial ownership of the group consists of 828,930 shares of Class
A Stock, which represents 31.9% of the issued and outstanding Class A
Stock, and 9.3% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock assuming
the conversion of all such shares of Class A Stock into an equal
number of shares of Common Stock.
Based on the relative voting rights of the Class A Stock and Common
Stock, Michael J. Valentine directly or indirectly controls 14.6%
while Mathias A. Valentine directly controls 9.8% of the total
outstanding voting power of our common equity. In addition, the
group directly controls 24.3% of the total outstanding voting power
of our common equity. These percentages assume that the applicable
shares of Class A Stock are not converted into Common Stock, and are
calculated using ten votes per share of Class A Stock.
(9) Excludes 165,447 shares of Class A Stock held as trustee by
Michael J. Valentine (Michael J. Valentine is Executive Vice
President Finance, our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary and a
director of our company.).
(10) Includes options to purchase 500 shares of Common Stock, 1,000
shares of Common Stock, 1,000 shares of Common Stock, 1,000 shares of
Common Stock, 1,000 shares of Common Stock, 1,000 shares of Common
Stock, 1,000 shares of Common Stock, 750 shares of Common Stock, 500
shares of Common Stock and 250 shares of Common Stock at $6.00,
$10.50, $6.625, $6.00, $4.25, $3.4375, $4.0625, $6.05, $7.80 and
$32.30, respectively, per share which are exercisable by John W. A.
Buyers on or within 60 days of September 1, 2004. Mr. Buyers'
mailing address is 26-238 Hawaii Belt Road, Hilo, HI 96720.
(11) Includes options to purchase 250 shares of Common Stock, 250
shares of Common Stock, 250 shares of Common Stock and 250 shares of
Common Stock at $4.0625, $6.05,$7.80 and $32.30, respectively, per
share which are exercisable by Timothy R. Donovan on or within 60
days of September 1, 2004. Excludes (a) 28,838 shares of Common
Stock held by Mr. Donovan's spouse, Elaine Karacic, as trustee of
certain trusts, the beneficiaries of which are the children of Mr.
Donovan and Ms. Karacic, (b) 12,713 shares of Common Stock held by
Ms. Karacic as trustee of a certain trust, the beneficiary of which
is Ms. Karacic's sibling, and (c) 24,913 shares of Common Stock held
by Ms. Karacic in her name, of which Mr. Donovan disclaims beneficial
ownership. Mr. Donovan disclaims beneficial ownership of all of the
foregoing excluded shares of Common Stock. Mr. Donovan's mailing
address is c/o Tenneco Automotive, Inc., 500 North Field Drive, Lake
Forest, IL 60045.
(12) Includes options to purchase 1,000 shares of Common Stock, 1,000
shares of Common Stock, 750 shares of Common Stock, 500 shares of
Common Stock and 250 shares of Common Stock at $3.4375, $4.0625,
$6.05, $7.80 and $32.30, respectively, per share which are
exercisable by Governor Jim Edgar on or within 60 days of September
1, 2004.
(13) The information set forth in the table above and in this footnote
is based solely on Form 13F-HR as of June 30, 2004 filed by
Wellington Management Company, LLP dated August 13, 2004. The
principal business office of Wellington Management Company, LLP is 75
State Street, Boston, MA 02109.
(14) The information set forth in the table above and in this footnote
is based solely on Form 13F-HR as of June 30, 2004 filed by Credit
Suisse Asset Management, LLC dated August 13, 2004. The principal
business office of Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC is 466
Lexington Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10017.
(15) The information set forth in the table above and in this footnote
is based solely on Form 13F-HR as of June 30, 2004 filed by Gruber &
McBaine Capital Management, LLC dated August 3, 2004. The principal
business office of Gruber & McBaine Capital Management, LLC is 50
Osgood Place, San Francisco, CA 94133.
(16) The information set forth in the table above and in this footnote
is based solely on Form 13F-HR as of June 30, 2004 filed by The TCW
Group, Inc. dated August 3, 2004. The principal business office of
The TCW Group, Inc. is 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los
Angeles, CA 90017.
(17) Includes options to purchase a total of 45,025 shares of Common
Stock (including the options referred to in footnotes 10, 11 and 12
above) at prices ranging from $3.4375 to $32.30 per share which are
exercisable by certain of the directors and executive officers on or
within 60 days of September 1, 2004.
5
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
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Eight directors are to be elected to serve until the next annual meeting of
stockholders and until their respective successors shall be elected and
qualified. Two of such directors are to be elected by the holders of Common
Stock voting as a class and the remaining six directors are to be elected by
the holders of Class A Stock voting as a class. While the Board of Directors
does not contemplate that any nominee for election as a director will not be
able to serve, if any of the nominees for election shall be unable or shall
fail to serve as a director, the holders of proxies shall vote such proxies
for such other person or persons as shall be determined by such holders in
their discretion or, so long as such action does not conflict with the
provisions of our Restated Certificate relating to the proportion of
directors to be elected by the holders of Common Stock, the Board of
Directors may, in its discretion, reduce the number of directors to be
elected.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote "FOR" each of
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the nominees listed herein.
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NOMINEES FOR ELECTION BY THE HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK
----------------------------------------------------
The name of and certain information regarding each nominee for election to
our Board of Directors by the holders of Common Stock, as reported to us, is
set forth below.
JOHN W. A. BUYERS, DIRECTOR, age 76 -- Mr. Buyers is Chairman of the Board of
C. Brewer and Company, Limited ("C. Brewer"), a real estate holding company,
where he has served since 1982 and as Chief Executive Officer from 1975 to
2001. Mr. Buyers is also the Chairman of the Board of Buyco, Inc., the
privately held parent company of C. Brewer, and has served in those
capacities since 1986. Mr. Buyers is Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of
D. Buyers Enterprises, LLC ("DBE") since 2001. DBE is a company of
diversified agriculture, frozen juice, real estate development, and
management. In addition, Mr. Buyers currently serves on the board of
directors of First Hawaiian Bank, ML Macadamia Orchards, L.P. and Outrigger
Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Buyers has been a member of the John B. Sanfilippo &
Son, Inc.'s Board of Directors since January 1992 and is a member of our
Audit Committee and our Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee ("CNG Committee").
GOVERNOR JIM EDGAR, DIRECTOR, age 58 -- Governor Edgar is currently a
Distinguished Fellow at the University of Illinois Institute of Government
and Public Affairs where he is also a teacher and lecturer. He has been in
this position since January 1999. He was also a Resident Fellow at the John
F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in the 1999 fall
semester. Gov. Edgar served as governor of Illinois from January 14, 1991
through January 11, 1999. Prior to his election, Gov. Edgar served as
Illinois Secretary of State from 1981 to 1991. Gov. Edgar's retirement from
public office marked 30 years of state government service. Gov. Edgar serves
on the board of directors of Alberto Culver Company, Kemper Insurance
Companies, Scudder Mutual Funds, Horizon Group Properties, Inc., and
Youbet.com. Governor Edgar has been a member of our Board of Directors
since October 1999 and is a member of our Audit Committee and the chairman of
our CNG Committee.
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION BY THE HOLDERS OF CLASS A STOCK
-----------------------------------------------------
The name of and certain information regarding each nominee for election to
our Board of Directors by the holders of Class A Stock, as reported to us, is
set forth below.
JASPER B. SANFILIPPO, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND
DIRECTOR, age 73 -- Mr. Sanfilippo has been employed by us since 1953. Mr.
Sanfilippo served as our President from 1982 to December 1995 and was our
Treasurer from 1959 to October 1991. He became our Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer in October 1991 and has been a member of our Board of
Directors since 1959. Mr. Sanfilippo was also a member of our Compensation
Committee until April 28, 2004 (when that Committee was terminated and its
responsibilities assumed by the CNG Committee) and was a member of the Stock
Option Committee until February 27, 1997 (when that Committee was disbanded).
Mr. Sanfilippo is the father of Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Jr. and Jeffrey T.
Sanfilippo, both of whom are executive officers and directors of our company,
the brother-in-law of Mathias A. Valentine, the President and a director of
our company, the uncle of Michael J. Valentine, a director and an executive
officer of our company, and James A. Valentine, an executive officer of our
company. Mr. Sanfilippo is also the uncle by marriage of Timothy R. Donovan,
a director of our company.
6
MATHIAS A. VALENTINE, PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR, age 71 -- Mr. Valentine has been
employed by us since 1960 and was named its President in December 1995. He
served as our Secretary from 1969 to December 1995, as its Executive Vice
President from 1987 to October 1991 and as its Senior Executive Vice
President and Treasurer from October 1991 to December 1995. He has been a
member of our Board of Directors since 1969. Mr. Valentine was also a member
of our Compensation Committee until April 28, 2004 (when that Committee was
terminated and its responsibilities assumed by the CNG Committee) and was a
member of the Stock Option Committee until February 27, 1997 (when that
Committee was disbanded). Mr. Valentine is the brother-in-law of Jasper B.
Sanfilippo, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, the father
of Michael J. Valentine, a director and an executive officer, and James A.
Valentine, an executive officer. Mr. Valentine is the uncle of Jasper B.
Sanfilippo, Jr. and Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo, both of whom are executive
officers and directors of our company. Mr. Valentine is also the uncle by
marriage of Timothy R. Donovan, a director of our company.
MICHAEL J. VALENTINE, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE, CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER AND SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR, age 45 -- Mr. Valentine has been employed
by us since 1987 and in January 2001 was named Executive Vice President
Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. Mr. Valentine was elected as
a director of our company in April 1997. Mr. Valentine served as our Senior
Vice President and Secretary from August 1999 to January 2001. He served as
Vice President and Secretary from December 1995 to August 1999. He served as
our Assistant Secretary and General Manager of External Operations from June
1987 and 1990, respectively, to December 1995. Mr. Valentine is the son of
Mathias A. Valentine, the President and a director of our company, the
brother of James A. Valentine, an executive officer of our company, the nephew
of Jasper B. Sanfilippo, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer,
and cousin of Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Jr. and Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo, both of
whom are executive officers and directors. Mr. Valentine is also a first
cousin by marriage of Timothy R. Donovan, a director of our company.
JEFFREY T. SANFILIPPO, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT SALES AND MARKETING AND
DIRECTOR, age 41 -- Mr. Sanfilippo has been employed by us since 1991 and was
named its Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing in January 2001. Mr.
Sanfilippo became a director of our company in August 1999. He served as
Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing from August 1999 to January 2001
and as General Manager West Coast Operations from September 1991 to September
1993. He served as Vice President West Coast Operations and Sales from
October 1993 to September 1995. He served as Vice President Sales and
Marketing from October 1995 to August 1999. Mr. Sanfilippo is the son of
Jasper B. Sanfilippo, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer,
the nephew of Mathias A. Valentine, our President and a director, the brother
of Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Jr., an executive officer and director, the cousin
of Michael J. Valentine, an executive officer and director, and James A.
Valentine, an executive officer. Mr. Sanfilippo is also a first cousin by
marriage of Timothy R. Donovan, a director of our company.
TIMOTHY R. DONOVAN, DIRECTOR, age 48 -- In February 2004, Mr. Donovan became a
member of the board of directors of Tenneco Automotive Inc., one of the
world's largest producers of emissions control and ride control systems and
products for the automotive industry. Since December of 2001, Mr. Donovan has
been Tenneco Automotive's Executive Vice President and General Counsel. In
June 2001, Mr. Donovan was appointed to the position of Managing Director of
Tenneco Automotive's International Group, responsible for all of Tenneco
Automotive's business operations in Asia and South America and its Japanese
original equipment parts business throughout the world. Mr. Donovan served as
Tenneco's Senior Vice President and General Counsel from August 1999 to
December 2001. Mr. Donovan was elected as a member of our Board of Directors
in October 1999 and serves as the chairman of the Audit Committee and a
member of the CNG Committee. Mr. Donovan is the nephew by marriage of
Messrs. Jasper B. Sanfilippo and Mathias A. Valentine, both of whom are
executive officers and directors, and the first cousin by marriage of Jasper
B. Sanfilippo, Jr., Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo, Michael J. Valentine and James A.
Valentine, each of whom is an executive officer and certain of whom are also
directors. Mr. Donovan was a partner in the law firm of Jenner & Block LLP
from 1989 until his resignation in September 1999, and from approximately
1997 through 1999 served as the Chairman of the firm's Corporate and
Securities Department and as a member of its Executive Committee. Mr. Donovan
joined Jenner & Block LLP in 1982 after serving as a staff trial attorney at
the Chicago District Counsel's Office of the Internal Revenue Service.
JASPER B. SANFILIPPO, JR., EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS AND
DIRECTOR, age 36 -- Mr. Sanfilippo was appointed as a member
of the Board of Directors in December 2003 upon the recommendation of our
senior management and the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Sanfilippo has been employed by us since 1992 and in 2001 was named
Executive Vice President Operations, retaining his position as Assistant
Secretary, which he assumed in December 1995. He became our Senior Vice
President Operations in August 1999 and served as Vice President Operations
between December 1995 and August 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Sanfilippo was the
General Manager of our Gustine, California facility beginning in October
1995, and from June 1992 to October 1995 he served as Assistant Treasurer and
worked in our Financial Relations department. Mr. Sanfilippo is the son of
Jasper B. Sanfilippo, our
7
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the nephew of Mathias A. Valentine, our
President and a member of the Board of Directors, the brother of Jeffrey T.
Sanfilippo and the cousin of Michael J. Valentine, both of whom are executive
officers and members of the Board of Directors, and James A. Valentine, one
of our executive officers. Mr. Sanfilippo is also a first cousin by marriage
of Timothy R. Donovan, a member of our Board of Directors.
PROPOSAL 2: AMENDMENT OF RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors is requesting stockholder approval of an amendment to
the first paragraph of Article Four of our Restated Certificate to increase
the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance from 10,000,000
to 17,000,000. The additional shares of Common Stock would become part of
the existing class of Common Stock, and the additional shares, when issued,
would have the same rights and privileges as the shares of Common Stock now
issued. There are no preemptive rights relating to the Common Stock. The
par value of our Common Stock will remain at $.01 per share. The proposed
amendment is set forth as Appendix A to this proxy statement.
Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation presently authorizes the issuance
of 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock, 10,000,000 shares of Class A Stock, and
500,000 shares of Preferred Stock, each having a par value of $0.01 per
share. Of the 10,000,000 presently authorized shares of Common Stock,
7,961,324 shares were issued and outstanding on September 1, 2004, the record
date. An aggregate of approximately 331,500 shares of Common Stock have been
reserved for issuance as of the record date pursuant to outstanding options
issued under our 1991 Stock Option Plan and the 1995 and 1998 Equity
Incentive Plans. We issued 1,150,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to its
registered public offering, which was completed on April 5, 2004. As
indicated in the final prospectus for the offering, we entered into
agreements with the holders of Class A Stock pursuant to which such
stockholders agreed to refrain from converting their shares of Class A Stock
into Common Stock until the number of shares of authorized Common Stock are
sufficient to facilitate the conversion of all outstanding shares of Class A
Stock, provided we agreed to seek approval of an increase in the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock. In addition, our Board of Directors
considers it advisable to have additional shares available for issuance under
our employee benefit plans and for acquisitions and other corporate purposes.
We do not currently have any plans to issue the shares in an exchange offer,
merger, consolidation, acquisition or similar transaction.
Certain Effects of the Amendment
---------------------------------
If this amendment is adopted, the additional shares of Common Stock may be
issued at the direction of the Board of Directors at such times, in such
amounts and upon such terms as the Board of Directors may determine, without
further approval of the stockholders unless, in any instance, such approval
is expressly required by applicable law or regulation. The proposal to
increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock may affect the
rights of existing holders of Common Stock to the extent that future
issuances of Common Stock reduce each existing shareholder's proportionate
ownership and voting rights with respect to our stock. In addition, possible
dilution caused by future issuances of Common Stock could lead to a decrease
in our net income per share in the future.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" the approval of the amendment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of
----------------------------------------------------------------------
authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000 to 17,000,000.
----------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
--------------------
The Board of Directors regularly monitors developments in the area of
corporate governance. In November 2003, the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") approved the final corporate governance rules
of the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("Nasdaq").
On June 21, 2004, Jasper B. Sanfilippo, his spouse Marian Sanfilippo and
their five children (two of whom are directors and executive officers of our
company) jointly filed Schedule 13D indicating their intention to act
together as a group. This group beneficially owns shares entitled to cast
52.2% of votes eligible to be cast on matters submitted to stockholders
generally (other than the election of directors which are elected as
described above). Accordingly, under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4350(c)(5), we
qualify as a "controlled company." In accordance with the provisions of the
Nasdaq rules applicable to controlled companies, we are not required to have
(i) a majority of independent directors, (ii) a nominating and corporate
governance committee comprised solely of independent directors, or (iii) a
compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors.
Nevertheless, our CNG Committee is comprised solely of independent directors.
8
COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
-------------------------------------------------
Board Operations
----------------
Our Board of Directors met eleven times during fiscal 2004. All directors
attended at least 75% of such meetings and the committees of the Board of
Directors on which they served, and all directors attended the 2003 annual
meeting of stockholders. Standing committees of the Board of Directors
include the Audit Committee and the CNG Committee. The Audit Committee and
CNG Committee have each adopted a charter which governs their activities.
The Audit Committee Charter is attached hereto as Appendix B. These
committee charters are also available on our website at www.jbssinc.com.
Audit Committee
---------------
The Audit Committee provides oversight on matters relating to accounting,
financial reporting, internal control, auditing and regulatory compliance
activities. The Audit Committee also has sole authority to retain and
terminate the independent auditor that audits our annual consolidated
financial statements, evaluates the independence of the auditors, and
arranges with the auditors the scope of the audit to be undertaken by them.
In addition, this committee reviews our audited financial statements with
management and the independent auditors, recommends whether such audited
financial statements should be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and
prepares a report to shareholders to be included in our proxy statement.
Further, the Audit Committee reviews related party transactions for potential
conflict of interest situations and makes inquiries as to whether such
transactions would stand the test of competitive bids or arms length
negotiations with an independent party. The Audit Committee is comprised of
Timothy R. Donovan, John W. A. Buyers and Governor Jim Edgar. The Audit
Committee held six meetings during fiscal 2004. The Board of Directors has
determined that (i) each member of the Audit Committee is an "independent
director" as defined in Section 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules,
(ii) each member of the Audit Committee is "independent" for purposes of
Section 10A of the Exchange Act, and (iii) Mr. Donovan, the chair of the
Audit Committee, is an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the
Commission.
Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
-----------------------------------------------------------
On April 28, 2004, the Board of Directors approved the termination of the
Compensation Committee and the creation of the CNG Committee. As a
controlled company, we are not required to maintain an independent committee
overseeing our compensation, nominating and corporate governance policies and
practices. However, as a matter of good corporate governance, the Board of
Directors has determined that our best interests are served by adopting such
practices.
The CNG Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors
with respect to the salaries, bonuses and other compensation of officers and
other executives, including matters relating to stock options, which are
determined by the entire Board of Directors. In addition to the duties of
the previously active Compensation Committee, the CNG Committee screens
candidates considered for election to the Board of Directors. The CNG
Committee makes recommendations on matters related to the practices, policies
and procedures of the Board of Directors and takes a leadership role in
shaping our system of corporate governance. As part of its duties, the CNG
Committee assesses the size, structure and composition of the Board of
Directors and committees of the Board, coordinates evaluation of Board
performance and reviews Board compensation.
The CNG Committee is comprised of Governor Jim Edgar, Chairman; John W. A.
Buyers; and Timothy R. Donovan. Prior to the formation of the CNG Committee,
the Compensation Committee consisted of Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Timothy R.
Donovan, John W.A. Buyers and Mathias A. Valentine. Each member of the CNG
Committee is an independent director as defined in Section 4200(a)(15) of the
Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. The CNG Committee held one meeting during fiscal
2004.
Stockholder Communication with Directors
----------------------------------------
We recognize the importance of providing our stockholders with the ability to
communicate with members of the Board of Directors. Accordingly, we have
established a policy for stockholder communications with directors. This
policy is not intended to cover communications of complaints regarding
accounting or auditing matters, with respect to which we have has established
the "Anonymous Incident Reporting System for Accounting and Auditing
Matters," which is posted on our website at www.jbssinc.com. Stockholders
wishing to communicate with the Board of Directors as a whole, or with
certain directors individually, may do so by sending a written communication
to the following address:
9
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.
Stockholder Communications with Directors
Attn: Corporate Secretary
2299 Busse Road
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Each stockholder communication should include an indication of the submitting
stockholder's status as a stockholder and eligibility to submit such
communication. Each such communication will be received for handling by our
Secretary for the sole purpose of determining whether the contents represent
a communication to the Board of Directors or an individual director. The
Secretary will maintain originals of each communication received and provide
copies to the addressee(s) and any appropriate committee(s) or director(s)
based on the expressed desire of the communicating stockholder. The Board of
Directors or the applicable individual director may elect to respond to the
communication as each deems appropriate.
Director Attendance at Meetings
-------------------------------
It is expected that each member of the Board of Directors will be available
to attend all regularly scheduled meetings of the Board and any committees on
which the director may serve, as well as our annual meeting of stockholders,
after taking into consideration the director's other business and
professional commitments, including service on the boards of other companies.
Each director is expected to make his or her best effort to attend all
special Board and Committee meetings.
DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS
--------------------
Director Qualifications
-----------------------
While there is no single set of characteristics required to be possessed by
each member of the Board of Directors the CNG Committee will consider whether
to nominate a candidate for director based on a variety of criteria,
including: (i) the candidate's personal integrity; (ii) whether the candidate
has demonstrated achievement in one or more forms of business, professional,
governmental, communal, scientific or educational endeavor sufficient to
enable the candidate to make a significant and immediate contribution to the
Board's discussion and decision-making in the array of complex issues facing
our company; (iii) the level of familiarity of the candidate with our
business and competitive environment; (iv) the ability of the candidate to
function effectively in an oversight role; (v) the candidate's understanding
of the issues affecting public companies of a size and complexity
commensurate with our business; and (vi) whether the candidate has, and is
prepared to devote, adequate time to the Board of Directors and its
committees. Under exceptional and limited circumstances, the CNG Committee
may approve the candidacy of a candidate notwithstanding the foregoing
criteria if the CNG Committee believes the service of such nominee is in our
best interests and those of our stockholders. In addition, the CNG Committee
will ensure that:
-- at least three of the directors serving at any time on the Board
of Directors are independent, as defined under the rules of the
principal stock market on which our common shares are listed for
trading;
-- at least three of the directors satisfy the financial literacy
requirements required for service on the audit committee under the
rules of the principal stock market on which our common shares are
listed for trading;
-- at least one of the directors qualifies as an audit committee
financial expert under the rules of the Commission; and
-- at least some of the independent directors have experience as
senior executives of a public or substantial private company.
From time to time, the CNG Committee may engage a third party for a fee to
assist in identifying potential director candidates.
10
Nominations of Directors by Stockholders
----------------------------------------
The CNG Committee does not solicit, but will consider, nominees for director
submitted by holders of our Common Stock and Class A Stock. The CNG
Committee follows the same process and uses the same criteria for evaluating
candidates proposed by stockholders as it uses for all other candidates.
Stockholders wishing to nominate a director candidate may do so by sending
the candidate's name, biographical information and qualifications to the CNG
Committee care of the Corporate Secretary, John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.,
2299 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007. In addition to
demonstrating the nominee's compliance with the criteria set forth above, all
director nominations submitted by our stockholders must provide all
information that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement with
respect to the election of directors pursuant to the Exchange Act, along with
a statement of any relationship between the nominating stockholder and the
nominee, the number of shares of stock owned by the nominating stockholder,
and the length of time such shares have been held. To be considered, the
submission must be received by us on or before the date applicable for
stockholder proposals pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, as
described below.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
----------------------
Our Audit Committee has (1) reviewed and discussed the audited financial
statements with management, (2) discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
our independent auditors, the matters required to be discussed by the
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, and (3) received the written
disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, and has discussed the auditors'
independence with the independent auditors. Based upon these discussions and
reviews, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the
audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended June 24, 2004 and filed with the Commission.
Respectfully submitted by the members of the Audit Committee of the Board of
Directors.
Timothy R. Donovan, Chairman
John W. A. Buyers
Governor Jim Edgar
The information contained in the preceding report shall not be deemed to be
"soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the Commission, nor shall such
information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Exchange
Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference in
such filing.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
------------------------------------------------
Compensation of Directors
-------------------------
Compensation to directors who are not employees of our company is paid at the
rate of $26,000 per year plus $1,500 for each Board meeting attended, $500
for each telephonic meeting of the Board of Directors in which they
participate, $1,000 for each committee meeting attended and $500 for each
telephonic committee meeting in which they participate. In addition, the
Audit Committee Chairman and CNG Committee Chairman will receive $5,000 per
year. Directors are also reimbursed for their expenses incurred in attending
such meetings. Directors who are employees of our company receive no
additional compensation for their services as directors.
Under the 1998 Equity Incentive Plan (the "1998 Plan"), a director who is not
an employee of our company, our subsidiary, or any of their affiliates (an
"Outside Director") is granted an option to purchase 1,000 shares of Common
Stock on the date of his or her election to the Board of Directors, and on
each date of his or her re-election to the Board of Directors. Options
granted to Outside Directors under the 1998 Plan are granted at an exercise
price equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in the 1998 Plan) of a share
of Common Stock on the date of grant. Options granted to Outside Directors
will become exercisable in equal increments of 250 shares of Common Stock on
the first four anniversaries of the date of grant and expire 10 years
following the
11
date of grant. On October 29, 2003, Mr. Buyers, Mr. Donovan and Governor
Edgar each were granted an option to purchase up to 1,000 shares of Common
Stock at an exercise price of $32.30 per share under the 1998 Plan.
Executive Compensation
----------------------
The following table sets forth a summary of compensation for services
rendered to us in all capacities during the fiscal year ended June 24, 2004,
the fiscal year ended June 26, 2003 and the fiscal year ended June 27, 2002,
paid to or accrued for (i) our Chief Executive Officer, and (ii) each of our
four additional most highly compensated executive officers, (collectively
the "Named Executive Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
--------------------------
Long Term
Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards
---------------------------- ------------
Securities
Name and Underlying All Other
Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Other(1) Options Compensation
-------------------------- ---- -------- -------- -------- ------------ --------------
Jasper B. Sanfilippo 2004 $556,270 $734,183 $3,775 -- $305,562(2)(3)
Chairman of the 2003 508,029 390,343 3,914 -- 60,801
Board and Chief 2002 477,663 125,800 3,668 -- 144,854
Executive Officer
Mathias A. Valentine 2004 $361,079 $476,342 $2,137 -- $155,129(3)(4)
President 2003 329,721 253,205 2,277 -- 50,882
2002 308,463 81,199 2,005 -- 79,917
Michael J. Valentine 2004 $216,923 $277,888 $5 -- $6,635(5)
Executive Vice President 2003 197,539 142,006 4 -- 4,879
Finance, Chief Financial 2002 181,692 44,807 4 -- 4,712
Officer and Secretary
Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo 2004 $216,923 $277,888 $4 -- $5,585(6)
Executive Vice President 2003 197,539 142,006 4 -- 4,919
Sales and Marketing 2002 181,692 44,807 3 -- 4,764
James A. Valentine 2004 $216,923 $277,888 $14 -- $3,448(7)
Executive Vice President 2003 196,923 141,508 12 -- 3,219
Information Technology 2002 177,692 43,819 6 -- 3,063
-----------------------------------
(1) None of the Named Executive Officers received perquisites in excess of
the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the aggregate of such officer's salary and
bonus. The Other Annual Compensation reflected is our reimbursement to
the named executives for the tax liability incurred by the named
executives for a life insurance benefit as described in the subsequent
footnotes.
(2) Includes $275,695 of premiums paid by us under the amended split-dollar
agreement with Mr. Sanfilippo covering certain joint and survivor life
insurance policies issued on the joint lives of Jasper B. Sanfilippo and
his spouse. Also includes $21,232 of life insurance premiums and $3,250
of matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan. During 2004, we paid $5,385
for the term portions of the split-dollar life insurance premiums of Mr.
Sanfilippo.
(3) On December 23, 2003, the ownership of certain joint and survivor life
insurance policies under equity collateral assignment arrangements was
transferred from Messrs. Sanfilippo and Valentine to us. Prior to
December 23, 2003, Messrs. Sanfilippo and Valentine were the owners of
these policies and we paid the annual insurance premiums in
12
exchange for a collateral assignment of the death benefit under such
policies in an amount equal to the cumulative premiums paid. Following
the transfer of ownership of these policies to us, the collateral
assignments were released and these arrangements were converted into
non-equity endorsement arrangements whereby, upon the death of the
insured, we will receive the proceeds from the death benefit under the
policies up to the amount of the cumulative premiums paid for such
policies, and the beneficiaries named by the insured receive any
remaining death benefit.
(4) Includes $126,152 of premiums paid by us under the amended split-dollar
agreement with Mr. Valentine covering certain joint and survivor life
insurance policies issued on the joint lives of Mathias A. Valentine and
his spouse. Also includes $10,852 of life insurance premiums and $6,249
of matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan. During 2004, we paid $11,876
for the term portions of the split-dollar life insurance premiums of
Mr. Valentine.
(5) Includes $5,879 of matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan and $756
of life insurance premiums paid by us for fiscal 2004.
(6) Includes $4,829 of matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan and $756
of life insurance premiums paid by us for fiscal 2004.
(7) Includes $2,692 of matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan and $756
of life insurance premiums paid by us for fiscal 2004.
Incentive Bonus Program
-----------------------
During 1997, the Compensation Committee established an Incentive Bonus
Program (the "Incentive Bonus Program") to provide qualifying employees,
including executive officers, with cash bonuses. Under the Incentive Bonus
Program, cash bonuses are awarded based on our earnings per share and vary
according to each qualifying employee's job category. For fiscal 2004, we
paid aggregate bonuses under the Incentive Bonus Program of $4,192,127 in
August 2004. For fiscal 2003, we paid bonuses of $2,776,435 in August 2003.
For fiscal 2002, we paid aggregate bonuses of $1,025,546 in August 2002.
JOINT REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE CNG COMMITTEE
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Compensation Principles
---------------------------------
Our Executive Compensation Program is currently overseen by the CNG Committee
which, on April 28, 2004, replaced the Compensation Committee as described
above. As used below, the term "CNG Committee" shall include the actions of
the Compensation Committee prior to April 28, 2004. The Executive
Compensation Program is based on principles designed to align executive
compensation with our company's objectives, management initiatives and business
financial performance. These principles are applied by the Board of
Directors and the CNG Committee to:
-- Attract and retain key executives critical to our success and that of
our subsidiary;
-- Reward executives for long-term strategic management and the
enhancement of stockholder value; and
-- Support a performance-oriented environment that rewards performance
based on our company's goals.
Overview of Executive Compensation Program
------------------------------------------
Our total compensation program for our executive officers consists of both
cash and, except with respect Jasper B. Sanfilippo and Mathias A. Valentine,
equity based compensation. Each executive officer's annual compensation
consists of a base salary, eligibility for matching contributions to the
401(k) Plan and eligibility for an annual bonus under the Incentive Bonus
Program. In addition, we provide life insurance (including split-dollar life
insurance) for certain executive officers.
The CNG Committee determines the level of base salary for key executive
officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, and a base salary range for
other executive officers. The CNG Committee generally determines such
salary or salary range based on a number of factors and criteria, including
the salaries paid by us to our executive officers during the immediately
preceding
13
year, the rate of inflation, our performance during the immediately
preceding fiscal year, the performance of the executive officer during the
immediately preceding fiscal year and the salaries paid to the executive
officers of certain other companies engaged in the food or agricultural
commodity business with annual sales of less than $1.0 billion (the
"Compensation Comparison Group"). The weight and importance given each year
to the foregoing factors, the individual components of each factor and the
decision whether to consider additional factors, lies within the subjective
discretion of the CNG Committee. The compensation levels of our executive
officers are generally below compensation levels that would be affected by
the limitations on the deduction of executive salaries imposed by Section
162(m) of the Code ("Section 162(m)"). However, the CNG Committee recognizes
the need to retain flexibility to make compensation decisions that may not
meet the Section 162(m) limitations when necessary to enable us to meet our
overall objectives, even if we may not deduct all of the compensation.
Accordingly, the CNG Committee may determine that approving non-deductible
compensation in appropriate circumstances is in our best interests. For
fiscal 2004, Jasper B. Sanfilippo received compensation in excess of the $1
million deduction limitation under Section 162(m) primarily as a result of
the amount earned by Mr. Sanfilippo under our Incentive Bonus Program.
Amounts earned under the Incentive Bonus Program are based on an earnings per
share formula approved at the beginning of the fiscal year by the CNG
Committee. Increased amounts paid under the Incentive Bonus Program in
fiscal 2004 resulted from higher earnings per share. The 1998 Plan provides
for certain limits, consistent with Section 162(m) and the regulations
promulgated thereunder, on the maximum number of shares of Common Stock
subject to options that may be granted to any grantee in any one calendar
year.
Fiscal 2004 Executive Compensation
----------------------------------
Our fiscal 2004 year consisted of the fifty-two week period ended June 24,
2004. Our fiscal 2003 year consisted of the fifty-two week period ended June
26, 2003. Our fiscal 2002 year consisted of the fifty-two week period ended
June 27, 2002.
The base salaries and salary ranges for our executive officers are generally
determined at the first meeting of the CNG Committee and Board of Directors
of the fiscal year. Accordingly, fiscal 2004 base salaries and salary ranges
include one-half year of amounts set as of the beginning of calendar 2004.
The CNG Committee primarily based calendar 2002, 2003 and 2004 salaries and
salary ranges of our executive officers, including the Chief Executive
Officer, on the salaries paid to such executive officers in 2001, 2002 and
2003, respectively. For calendar 2002, 2003 and 2004, such base salaries
and salary ranges were generally increased by a percentage slightly greater
than the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index in 2001, 2002 and
2003, respectively. The CNG Committee did not use the salaries of executive
officers of the Compensation Comparison Group to establish base salaries and
salary ranges for our executive officers, including the Chief Executive
Officer, but did compare its determination of such salaries and salary ranges
against the base salaries reported for executive officers of the Compensation
Comparison Group as an independent measure of reasonableness. The calendar
2002, 2003 and 2004 base salaries for our executive officers set by the CNG
Committee were, in general, at the low to medium ranges when compared to the
base salaries of the Compensation Comparison Group executives. However, the
CNG Committee does not currently have an established policy with regard to
the salaries and salary ranges of our executive officers, including the
salary of the Chief Executive Officer, relative to the salaries paid to the
Compensation Comparison Group executive officers.
We award annual bonuses to our executive officers pursuant to the Incentive
Bonus Program. Under the Incentive Bonus Program, each executive officer
receives a set percentage of his or her salary as a bonus if our earnings per
share for the prior fiscal year meet or exceed specified levels, which
percentage increases as our earnings per share increase. The Board of
Directors, when it adopted the Incentive Bonus Program, set the earnings per
share targets and salary percentages for executive officers based on the
subjective judgment of the directors, as well as management's recommendations
regarding a number of factors such as position held and annual performance.
The CNG Committee will be responsible for approving any future changes to the
Incentive Bonus Program. We paid bonuses to our executive officers under the
Incentive Bonus Program of $3,101,711, $1,646,320 and $447,249, in the
aggregate, for fiscal 2004, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively.
We provide long-term incentives to our executive officers through our stock
option plans. Through the award of stock option grants, the objective of
aligning executive officers' long-range interests with those of our
stockholders is met by providing the executive officers with the opportunity
to build a meaningful stake in our company. In fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003,
the Board of Directors awarded stock options under the 1998 Plan to certain
of our executive officers (other than Jasper B. Sanfilippo and Mathias A.
Valentine, who are not currently eligible to participate in the 1998 Plan).
The Board of Directors did not award any stock options to executive officers
during fiscal 2002.
14
Executive officers are eligible to participate in our 401(k) Plan, and may
receive company matching contributions. Executive officers as a group had
$55,924, $34,423 and $22,851 contributed as matching funds under the 401(k)
Plan for fiscal 2004, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively. We provide
certain executive officers with life insurance. We also maintain split-
dollar life insurance policies on the joint lives of Jasper B. Sanfilippo and
his spouse and Mathias A. Valentine and his spouse (see "Executive
Compensation - Summary Compensation Table"). In December 2003, the ownership
of certain of these policies was transferred to us and all existing equity
collateral assignment arrangements were converted into non-equity endorsement
arrangements.
The CNG Committee and the Board of Directors believe that their respective
grants of compensation awards will produce significant long-term compensation
for periods when our performance objectives are met.
Fiscal 2004 Chief Executive Officer Compensation
------------------------------------------------
The Chief Executive Officer's fiscal 2004 base salary increased to $563,673.
The CNG Committee based this increase in the Chief Executive Officer's base
salary on the factors and criteria discussed above with regard to the
establishment of calendar 2002, 2003 and 2004 base salaries and salary ranges
for our executive officers. The Chief Executive Officer's fiscal 2004 base
salary was well within the range of the base salaries of chief executive
officers of the companies in the Compensation Comparison Group. John W. A.
Buyers and Timothy R. Donovan, as the non-employee directors on the CNG
Committee at the beginning of fiscal 2004, assisted in establishing the
increase in the Chief Executive Officer's base salary for fiscal 2004 by
their broad knowledge of executive pay practices in the food industry and the
importance to us of the services provided by the Chief Executive Officer.
The Chief Executive Officer was awarded a bonus of $734,183, $390,343 and
$125,800 for fiscal 2004, fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively, pursuant
to the formula established for him under the Incentive Bonus Program as
described above. In fiscal 2004, we also provided the Chief Executive
Officer with life insurance and split-dollar life insurance as described in
greater detail above.
CNG Committee Board of Directors
------------- ------------------
Governor Jim Edgar, Chairman Jasper B. Sanfilippo
John W. A. Buyers Mathias A. Valentine
Timothy R. Donovan Michael J. Valentine
Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo
Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Jr.
Governor Jim Edgar
John W. A. Buyers
Timothy R. Donovan
The Report of the CNG Committee on Executive Compensation above and the
Performance Graph below shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any
general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement or any
portion hereof into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act,
and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
15
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
-----------------
The following Performance Graph compares the cumulative total stockholder
return on our Common Stock for the period from June 25, 1999 to June 24, 2004
with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index and
a peer group of companies (the "Peer Group") which was selected by us for
purposes of this comparison and identified below.
TOTAL RETURN INDEX
------------------
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return(1)
Among John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., The S&P 500 Index
and a Peer Group(2)
-------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN INDEX
------------------
JOHN B. SANFILIPPO
DATE & SON, INC S & P 500 PEER GROUP
----------------- ------------------ --------- ----------
June 24, 1999 100.00 100.00 100.00
June 29, 2000 80.00 107.25 90.74
June 28, 2001 131.07 91.34 102.51
June 27, 2002 178.95 74.91 117.02
June 26, 2003 421.13 75.10 100.09
June 24, 2004 655.37 89.45 113.02
(1) Assumes $100 was invested on June 25, 1999 in our Common Stock,
S&P 500 Index and Peer Group, and dividends were reinvested.
(2) The Peer Group selected by us is comprised of the following
companies: J&J Snack Foods., Lance, Inc., Sensient Technologies Corp.
and Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. The Peer Group was selected by us in
good faith based upon similarities in the nature of the business of the
companies, total revenues and seasonality of business of the companies.
16
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS, INSIDER PARTICIPATION
AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------
Below is a summary of certain transactions between us and our directors or
executive officers, or persons with whom they are related or entities in
which they have an interest. All such transactions have been approved by our
Audit Committee and have been, and will continue to be, on terms which we
believe to be at least as favorable to us as could be obtained from
unaffiliated parties.
Lease Arrangements
------------------
We lease a warehousing and retail facility in Des Plaines, Illinois (the "Des
Plaines Facility") and our production and office facilities at 2299 Busse
Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois (the "Busse Road Facility") from land
trusts in which the direct and indirect beneficiaries include Jasper B.
Sanfilippo and Mathias A. Valentine, both of whom are stockholders, directors
and executive officers of our company), their respective spouses, Anne
Karacic and Rose Laketa (sisters of Mr. Sanfilippo), Rosalie Sanfilippo (Mr.
Sanfilippo's mother) and Rita Zadurski (Ms. Laketa's daughter). The lease
for the Des Plaines Facility expires on October 31, 2010 and provides for
monthly rent of $24,459, subject to an increase based on increases in the
Consumer Price Index (the "CPI") on June 1, 2005. The lease for the Busse
Road Facility, as amended, expires on May 31, 2015 and provides for monthly
rent of $84,500, subject to CPI increases on each of June 1, 2007 and June 1,
2012. The leases for the Des Plaines Facility and the Busse Road Facility
also require us to pay the real estate taxes on, and to maintain and insure,
the Des Plaines Facility and the Busse Road Facility. During fiscal 2004,
the aggregate amount of real estate taxes on and insurance premiums paid by
us under both leases was approximately $342,000.
We sublease approximately 300 square feet of the Des Plaines facility to
Plasmafuge Systems LLC ("Plasmafuge"). Plasmafuge is owned by John and James
Sanfilippo (both of whom are sons of Jasper B. Sanfilippo), Marian Sanfilippo
and Jasper B. Sanfilippo. Plasmafuge pays rent in an amount equal to the
rent paid by us for such space. This arrangement is on a month to month
basis.
We constructed an addition to the Busse Road Facility (the "Addition") which
is situated on property owned by the land trust that owns the Busse Road
Facility (the "Busse Land Trust") and on property owned by us. Accordingly,
(i) we and the Busse Land Trust entered into a ground lease with a term
beginning January 1, 1995 pursuant to which we lease from the Busse Land
Trust the land on which a portion of the Addition is situated and all related
improvements thereon (the "Busse Addition Property"), and (ii) together with
the Busse Land Trust and the sole beneficiary of the Busse Land Trust, we
entered into a party wall agreement effective as of January 1, 1995, which
sets forth the respective rights and obligations of the parties with respect
to the common wall which separates the existing Busse Road Facility and the
Addition. The ground lease has a term which expires on May 31, 2015 (the
same date on which our lease for the Busse Road Facility expires) and
requires us to pay the Busse Land Trust annual rent of $7,260 subject to CPI
increases on each of June 1, 2005 and June 1, 2010. We have an option to
extend the term of the ground lease for one five-year term, an option to
purchase the Busse Addition Property at its then appraised fair market value
at any time during the term of the ground lease, and a right of first refusal
with respect to the Busse Addition Property. The ground lease also requires
us to pay the real estate taxes on, and to insure, the Busse Addition
Property. The party wall agreement grants us the right to use and the
obligation to participate pro rata with the Busse Partnership (defined below)
in the maintenance of the common wall shared by the Addition and Busse Road
Facility.
The sole beneficiary of the Busse Land Trust is the Arthur/Busse Limited
Partnership (the "Busse Partnership"). The general partner of the Busse
Partnership is Arthur/Busse Properties, Inc. The shareholders of
Arthur/Busse Properties, Inc. and the limited partners of the Busse
Partnership are Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Marian Sanfilippo (Mr. Sanfilippo's
spouse), Mathias A. Valentine, Mary Valentine (Mr. Valentine's spouse), Anne
Karacic and Rose Laketa (sisters of Mr. Sanfilippo), and Rosalie Sanfilippo
(Mr. Sanfilippo's mother).
The Des Plaines Facility is located on property owned by a land trust of
which the sole beneficiary is the 300 East Touhy Limited Partnership (the
"Touhy Partnership"). The general partner of the Touhy Partnership is Touhy
Properties, Inc. The shareholders of Touhy Properties, Inc. and the limited
partners of the Touhy Partnership are Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Marian
Sanfilippo, Mathias A. Valentine, Mary Valentine, Anne Karacic, Rose Laketa
and Rita Zadurski.
17
Supplier, Vendor, Broker and Other Arrangements
-----------------------------------------------
During fiscal 2004, we purchased approximately $8.54 million of raw materials
and $170 thousand of supplies and services from Clear Lam Packaging, Inc.
("Clear Lam") an entity in respect of which Marian Sanfilippo is an officer
and owns 51% of the outstanding stock. Jasper B. Sanfilippo, a stockholder,
director and executive officer of our company, serves as a director of Clear
Lam. The five children of Jasper B. Sanfilippo own the balance of Clear Lam
either directly or as equal beneficiaries of a trust. All of the
beneficiaries are directors of Clear Lam with two of the beneficiaries being
officers of the entity. All five of the beneficiaries are stockholders of
our company. Two of the beneficiaries of the trust are officers and
directors of our company. We anticipate that we will continue to make such
purchases from Clear Lam in fiscal 2005 and thereafter. During fiscal 2004,
we leased 436 square feet of its Selma, Texas facility to Clear Lam on a
month to month basis. Clear Lam pays a rental fee of $196.20 a month, a rate
that is comparable to that of the other tenant (a non-related party) that
leases space at the Selma, Texas facility.
During fiscal 2004, we purchased approximately $490 thousand of raw materials
and $11 thousand of supplies from JRC Color Corp. ("JRC"). We anticipate
that we will continue to purchase raw materials from JRC in fiscal 2005. JRC
is one third owned by Jerome Evon, the son-in-law of Jasper B. Sanfilippo.
During fiscal 2004, we purchased approximately $271 thousand of supplies and
$34 thousand of raw materials from Barak Business Services ("Barak"). We
anticipate that we will continue to purchase supplies from Barak in fiscal
2005. Barak is one third owned by Jerome Evon, the son-in-law of Jasper B.
Sanfilippo.
During fiscal 2004, we compensated the following employees who are related to
our directors or executive officers. Roseanne Christman, Director of
Creative Services, is the sister-in-law of Timothy R. Donovan, a director of
our company. Roseanne Christman's total compensation for fiscal 2004 was
$163,767. Lisa Evon, Industrial Sales Manager, is the daughter of Jasper B.
Sanfilippo, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and the
sister of Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Jr. and Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo, both of whom
are executive officers and directors of our company. Lisa Evon's total
compensation for fiscal 2004 was $104,245. Edward J. Fabsits, Director of
Thrift Store Operations, is the brother-in-law of Jasper B. Sanfilippo, our
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Edward J. Fabsits' total
compensation for fiscal 2004 was $172,471 including $82,165 related to stock
options exercised.
PROPOSAL 3: RATIFY APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting
firm to examine our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2005 and to render other professional services as required,
in accordance with our pre-approval policies and procedures described below.
The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors, as a matter of Company
policy, are submitting the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to
shareholders for ratification.
Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present at the Annual
Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do
so, and are expected to be available to respond to questions.
Aggregate fees billed by our independent registered public accounting firm,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, for audit services related to the most recent two
fiscal years, and for other professional services billed in the most recent
two fiscal years, were as follows:
Type of Service 2004 2003
--------------------- -------- --------
Audit Fees (1) $349,250 $186,200
Audit-Related Fees(2) 54,500 0
Tax Fees (3) 61,600 53,255
All Other Fees 0 0
-------- --------
Total $465,350 $239,455
======== ========
18
(1) Comprised of the audit of our annual financial statements and
reviews of our quarterly financial statements, attest services, comfort
letters and consents to Commission filings. Fees during 2004 also
include services performed in connection with our registered public
offering of Common Stock and the restatement of prior period financial
statements.
(2) Comprised of services related to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404
documentation and consultation in accounting matters.
(3) Comprised of services for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax
service. Tax compliance services include the preparation of our
federal and state income tax returns.
Reports on our independent auditor's projects and services are presented to
the Audit Committee on a regular basis. The Audit Committee is solely
responsible for the engagement of our independent auditors. The Audit
Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures for engaging
our independent auditors to perform all audit services and permitted non-
audit services. The policies and procedures allow for either general pre-
approval of designated services or specific pre-approval, depending on the
type of service. All services not subject to the general pre-approval
framework contained in the policy must be specifically pre-approved by the
Audit Committee. Under the policies and procedures, the Audit Committee may
delegate pre-approval responsibilities to its chairman or any other member or
members. All of the Audit-Related Services, Tax Services and All Other
Services described above were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to our
pre-approval policies and procedures.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" ratification of the
------------------------------------------------------------------
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors for the
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
fiscal year ending June 30, 2005.
---------------------------------
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
-------------------------------------------------------
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors, as
well as persons who are beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of a
registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and
changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the Commission and the Nasdaq
Stock Market, and to furnish us with copies of these forms. To our knowledge,
based solely on our review of the copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 submitted to us,
we believe there was one instance of noncompliance with the filing
requirements imposed by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during fiscal 2004
with respect to the foregoing persons. This instance resulted from the
inadvertent late filing of Form 4 by Timothy R. Donovan, a director, on May
5, 2004, related to the sale of 5,000 shares of Common Stock by a trust, the
trustee of which is Mr. Donovan's spouse.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
--------------------------
Our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 24, 2004 has
been included in the mailing of this Proxy Statement. Stockholders are
referred to the report for financial and other information about us, but such
report is not incorporated in this Proxy Statement and is not to be deemed a
part of the proxy soliciting material.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2005 ANNUAL MEETING
-------------------------------------------------
To be considered, the submission of a stockholder proposal for our 2005
annual meeting of stockholders must be received by a date not later than the
120th calendar day before the anniversary of the date the prior year's annual
meeting proxy statement was released to stockholders. Any stockholder
proposal to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials for our 2005
annual meeting of stockholders must be received at our principal executive
offices no later than May 11, 2005 (or if the annual meeting date has changed
by more than 30 days, a reasonable time before we begin to print and mail our
proxy statement) and must otherwise comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-
8 under the Exchange Act.
With respect to our 2005 annual meeting of stockholders, if we are not
provided notice of a stockholder proposal by July 26, 2005 (which the
stockholder has not previously sought to include in our proxy statement), the
management proxies will be allowed to use their discretionary authority as
outlined above.
PROXY SOLICITATION
-------------------
Proxies will be solicited by mail. Proxies may also be solicited by
directors, officers and a small number of our regular employees personally or
by mail, telephone or telegraph, but such persons will not be specially
compensated for such services. Brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries will be requested to forward the soliciting material to the
beneficial
19
owners of stock held of record by such persons, and we will
reimburse them for their expenses in doing so. The entire cost of the
preparation and mailing of this Proxy Statement and accompanying materials
and the related proxy solicitation will be borne by us.
Stockholders are requested to complete and sign the enclosed proxy, which is
solicited by the Board of Directors, and promptly return it in the
accompanying envelope whether or not they plan to attend the Annual Meeting
in person. The proxy is revocable at any time before it is voted. Returning
the proxy will in no way limit a stockholder's right to vote at the Annual
Meeting if the stockholder attends and chooses to vote in person.
OTHER MATTERS
-------------
Management does not intend to present, and does not have any reason to
believe that others will present, any item of business at the Annual Meeting
other than those specifically set forth in the notice of the Annual Meeting.
However, if other matters are properly presented for a vote, the proxies will
be voted for such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons
acting under the proxies.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ MICHAEL J. VALENTINE
------------------------
MICHAEL J. VALENTINE
Secretary
Elk Grove Village, Illinois
September 8, 2004
20
APPENDIX A
==========
Restated Certificate of Incorporation
Fourth Article
-------------------------------------
If our stockholders approve Proposal Two, the first paragraph of Article
Four of our Restated Certificate shall be amended and restated in its
entirety as follows:
FOURTH: The total number of shares of capital stock which
the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 27,500,000
shares, consisting of:
(1) 17,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share ("Common Stock");
(2) 10,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share ("Class A Stock"); and
(3) 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per
share ("Preferred Stock").
APPENDIX B
==========
JOHN B. SANFILIPPO & SON, INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
Purpose and Authority
---------------------
The purpose of the Audit Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of
Directors (the "Board") of John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (the
"Company") shall be to assist the Board in discharging its
responsibilities relating to (i) oversight of the preparation and
integrity of the financial statements of the Company, (ii) the
independent auditor of the Company and its independence,
qualifications and performance, (iii) the internal audit function and
(iv) compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements.
The Committee shall produce an audit committee report for inclusion in
the annual proxy statement or Form 10-K of the Company that complies
with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") and any other applicable laws, rules and
regulations.
Membership
----------
The members of the Committee (including the Chairperson thereof) shall
be appointed by the Board after considering the recommendation of the
Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Members
may be removed by the Board in accordance with the bylaws of the
Company. If a member of the Committee ceases to be a director, the
individual shall thereupon cease to be a member of the Committee.
The Committee shall be comprised of not less than three members of the
Board, each of whom shall satisfy the independence and financial
understanding requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market and Section
10A(m)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), the related rules and regulations of the Commission
and any other applicable laws, rules and regulations. In addition, at
least one member of the Committee shall have past employment
experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional
certification in accounting, or any other comparable experience or
background which results in the financial sophistication of such
individual. The Board shall also determine whether any and which
members of the Committee possess the requisite accounting or related
financial management experience and expertise necessary to qualify as
an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the Commission.
In addition, all members of the Committee shall have sufficient
financial experience and ability to enable them to discharge their
responsibilities hereunder.
It is the intention of the Company that members of the Committee shall
not simultaneously serve on the audit committee of more than one other
public company.
Meetings
--------
The Committee shall meet at such times as it deems necessary to
fulfill its purpose and responsibilities, but shall meet at least four
times each year. The Committee shall establish its own schedule and
agenda, coordinated by the Chairperson. The Chairperson or any member
of the Committee may call special meetings of the Committee upon
notice as specified in the bylaws of the Company.
In addition, the Committee may meet separately with each of
management, internal auditor and the independent auditor as the
Committee deems appropriate and as otherwise required by applicable
law or regulation.
The Committee shall maintain written minutes of its meetings. The
Committee may meet by telephone or videoconference and may take action
by unanimous written consent. A majority of the Committee members,
but not less than two, shall constitute a quorum. A majority of the
Committee members present at any Committee meeting at which a quorum
is present may act on behalf of the Committee. The Committee may
adopt other procedural rules in addition to the foregoing from time to
time as it shall determine consistent with the bylaws of the Company
and this Charter.
The Committee may request the cooperation, including the attendance at
meetings or portions thereof, and assistance as may be requested from
time to time, of any of the executive officers and other employees of
the Company.
Responsibilities of the Audit Committee
---------------------------------------
Engagement and Oversight of Independent Auditor
-----------------------------------------------
The Committee shall have sole authority to retain and terminate the
independent auditor of the Company, and the independent auditor shall
report directly to the Committee. The Committee shall have the
authority to recommend the independent auditor for stockholder
approval. The Committee shall be solely responsible for approval of
the compensation and other engagement terms and evaluation and
oversight of all work of the independent auditor, whether related to
preparing or issuing an audit report or to any other audit or non-
audit service.
In connection with the retention of the independent auditor, the
Committee shall make inquiries and obtain other disclosures with
respect to the independence of such auditor and such other matters as
required by law, rule or regulation or as otherwise deemed advisable
by the Committee, and discuss any such disclosures with the
independent auditor.
The Committee shall ensure that the audit is conducted in accordance
with the audit partner rotation requirements of Section 10A(j) of the
Exchange Act. At the conclusion of the audit, the Committee shall
review and discuss such audit results, including any comments or
recommendations of the independent auditor and the response of
management to such recommendations.
2
Preapprovals
------------
The Committee shall adopt appropriate procedures and policies to
ensure that all audit services and permitted non-audit services
(including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company
by the independent auditor are approved by the Committee in accordance
with the requirements of Section 10A(i) of the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations of the Commission. Subject to the foregoing,
the Committee may form subcommittees and delegate authority hereunder
as it deems appropriate, including the authority to preapprove audit
and permitted non-audit services, but may not delegate its preapproval
authority to management.
Financial Statements, Disclosure and other Compliance Matters
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee shall review and discuss the annual and quarterly
financial statements with management and the independent auditor as
required by applicable rules of the Commission and The Nasdaq Stock
Market, and as the Committee otherwise deems appropriate or necessary.
Such review shall comply with all applicable requirements of The
Nasdaq Stock Market and any other applicable legal or regulatory
requirements, and shall include a review of significant changes in
accounting principles or the application thereof, the MD&A disclosure,
earnings press releases and financial information and any earnings
guidance provided to analysts and to rating agencies. The Committee
shall recommend to the Board whether or not the audited financial
statements should be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Communications with Independent Auditor
---------------------------------------
Prior to the filing of the report of the independent auditor with the
Commission, the Committee shall also discuss with the independent
auditor:
a) all critical accounting policies and practices, and any
changes therein;
b) all material alternative treatments of financial
information within generally accepted accounting principals that
have been discussed with management, the ramifications of the use
of such alternative treatments and the treatment preferred by the
independent auditor;
c) other material written communications between the
independent auditor and management;
d) any audit problems or difficulties;
e) any material differences or disputes with management
encountered during the course of the audit, along with the
resolution of such differences or disputes;
f) any communications between the audit team and the audit
firm's national office respecting auditing or accounting issues
presented by the engagement;
g) all matters required to be discussed with the Committee by
the independent auditor pursuant to Statement on Auditing
Standards No. 61; and
3
h) such other matters as the Committee deems appropriate or as
required by law, rule or regulation.
Internal Auditor
----------------
The Committee shall oversee and periodically evaluate the performance,
responsibilities, organizational reporting lines, budget and staffing
of the internal audit function of the Company, as well as the internal
audit plan. The Committee shall have the authority to take such
actions as it deems advisable in connection with such evaluation. The
Committee shall review the results of internal audits.
Internal Controls
-----------------
The Committee shall periodically review the adequacy and effectiveness
of internal controls and procedures and may take appropriate action
with respect to any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in
the design or operation of internal controls and procedures, and any
irregularities involving management or other employees with a
significant role in such controls and procedures. The Committee shall
review with management, the independent auditor and the internal
auditor the adequacy of internal controls. The Committee shall also
review with the CEO and CFO how they are meeting their obligations
under the certification requirements of Sections 302 and 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall make recommendations as the
Committee deems necessary. In particular, the Committee shall review
any issues related to the Company's disclosure controls and procedures
and internal control over financial reporting.
Receipt of Complaints
---------------------
The Committee shall establish such procedures as it deems appropriate
or as are required pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Commission and Nasdaq Stock Market regarding the receipt, retention
and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding
accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, as well
as the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company
of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
Retention of Advisors
---------------------
In carrying out its purposes, the Committee is authorized to take all
actions that it deems necessary or appropriate and may draw upon and
direct such internal resources of the Company and may engage such
independent counsel (which may be, but need not be, the regular
corporate counsel to the Company) and other advisors as it shall deem
desirable from time to time, at the cost and expense of the Company.
The Committee shall have sole authority to determine and approve
related fees and retention terms for any such independent counsel or
other advisors.
Internal Investigations
-----------------------
The Committee shall have the authority to conduct or authorize
investigations into any matters within the scope of the enumerated
responsibilities of the Committee. In addition, the Committee shall
review and may investigate matters pertaining to the integrity of
management, including conflicts of interest and adherence to codes of
ethics or business conduct.
4
Furthermore, the Committee shall be designated as the Qualified Legal
Compliance Committee and shall function in such a manner as required of
such a committee to satisfy the requirements of Part 205 in Title 17 of
the Code of Professional Regulations.
Related Party Transactions
--------------------------
The Committee shall review on an ongoing basis related party
transactions as disclosed by management for potential conflict of
interest situations and make inquiries as to reasonableness and
whether the transaction would stand the test of competitive bids or
arms length negotiations with an independent party. The Committee
shall discuss with senior management and the Board any matters that
are of concern to the Committee and shall be responsible for approving
all such transactions.
Policy for Hiring Employees of Independent Auditor
--------------------------------------------------
The Committee may establish a policy and procedure if and as it deems
appropriate for the hiring of current or former employees of the
independent auditor.
Reporting to the Board
----------------------
The Committee shall report regularly to the Board as it deems
appropriate, and as the Board may request.
Performance Evaluation
----------------------
The Committee shall conduct an annual evaluation of its performance in
the manner it deems appropriate.
Audit Committee Charter
-----------------------
The Committee shall periodically review this Charter and shall
recommend any changes to the Board as the Committee deems appropriate.
A copy of this Charter shall be made available on the website of the
Company at www.jbssinc.com.
Limitation on Role of Audit Committee
-------------------------------------
It is not the duty of the Committee to plan or conduct audits or to
determine whether the financial statements of the Company are complete
and accurate and are prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principals. This is the responsibility of management and
the independent auditor of the Company. Members of the Committee
should not be assumed to be accounting experts, and are not deemed to
have accepted a duty of care greater than other members of the Board.
5
Authority of Audit Committee
----------------------------
Any noncompliance by the Committee or any member thereof with the
Exchange Act, rules of the Commission, The Nasdaq Stock Market or this
Charter shall not invalidate the underlying corporate authority of the
Committee.
6
APPENDIX C
==========
COMMON STOCK PROXY CARD
JOHN B. SANFILIPPO & SON, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OCTOBER 26, 2004
Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Mathias A. Valentine, and Michael J. Valentine or any
one or more of them, with power of substitution in each, are hereby appointed
the proxies of the undersigned to vote all shares of the Common Stock of
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (the "Company"), that the undersigned is
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
October 26, 2004 at the hour of 10:00 A.M., local time, at the Wyndham
Hotel Northwest Chicago, 400 Park Boulevard, Itasca, Illinois 60143, and at
all postponements or adjournments thereof, upon such business as may properly
come before the meeting, including the items proposed by the Company that are
listed on the reverse side and more completely described in the enclosed
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement.
(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE)
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
JOHN B. SANFILIPPO & SON, INC.
OCTOBER 26, 2004
Please date, sign and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE [X]
1. Election of Directors
[ ] FOR ALL NOMINEES Nominees: Governor Jim Edgar
John W. A. Buyers
[ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
FOR ALL NOMINEES
[ ] FOR ALL EXCEPT
(See instructions below)
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual
nominee(s) mark "FOR ALL EXCEPT" and fill in the
circle next to each nominee you wish to
withhold, as shown here:
2. AMEND THE COMPANY'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION: To amend
the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the
number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000
to 17,000,000.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
3. RATIFY APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS: Ratify appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2005.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
4. UPON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. In
their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote on such other
matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any
postponements or adjournments thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS
PROXY WILL BE DEEMED TO CONSTITUTE DIRECTION TO VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE
ABOVE PROPOSALS.
Please mark, sign, date and return the proxy card using the enclosed
envelope.
SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER DATE
------------------------------ -----------------
SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER DATE
------------------------------ -----------------
NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy.
When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as
executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full
title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate
name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer
is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
APPENDIX D
==========
CLASS A COMMON STOCK PROXY CARD
JOHN B. SANFILIPPO & SON, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OCTOBER 26, 2004
Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Mathias A. Valentine, and Michael J. Valentine or any
one or more of them, with power of substitution in each, are hereby appointed
the proxies of the undersigned to vote all shares of the Class A Common Stock
of John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (the "Company"), that the undersigned is
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
October 26, 2004 at the hour of 10:00 A.M., local time, at the Wyndham
Hotel Northwest Chicago, 400 Park Boulevard, Itasca, Illinois 60143, and at
all postponements or adjournments thereof, upon such business as may properly
come before the meeting, including the items proposed by the Company that are
listed on the reverse side and more completely described in the enclosed
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement.
(THIS PROXY IS CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE)
[X] Please mark your votes as in this example.
1. Election of Directors by holders of Class A Common Stock
FOR [ ] WITHHELD [ ]
Nominees: Jasper B. Sanfilippo
Mathias A. Valentine
Michael J. Valentine
Jeffrey T. Sanfilippo
Timothy R. Donovan
Jasper B. Sanfilippo, Jr.
For, except vote withheld from the following nominee(s):
--------------------------------
2. AMEND THE COMPANY'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION: To amend
the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the
number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 10,000,000
to 17,000,000.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
3. RATIFY APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS: Ratify appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors for fiscal 2005.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
4. UPON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. In
their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote on such other
matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any
postponements or adjournments thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS
PROXY WILL BE DEEMED TO CONSTITUTE DIRECTION TO VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE
ABOVE PROPOSALS.
Please mark, sign date and return the proxy card using the enclosed
envelope.
SIGNATURE(S) DATE
------------------------------ -----------------
NOTE: Please sign name exactly as name appears on this Proxy. When shares
are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, corporate officer or partnership,
give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in corporate name
by president or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person.