Cohu, Inc.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12 |
COHU, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box) :
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (1) and 0-11. |
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined): |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials: |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a) (2) and
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Date Filed: |
COHU
12367 Crosthwaite Circle
Poway, California 92064-6817
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On May 8, 2007
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu, Inc. (Cohu) will be held at the Cohu corporate
offices, located at 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California 92064-6817 on Tuesday, May 8, 2007,
at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, for the following purposes:
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To elect two directors, each for a term of three years. |
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To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent registered
public accounting firm for 2007. |
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To act upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment thereof. |
Only stockholders of record of Cohu as of the close of business on March 13, 2007 will be
entitled to vote at the meeting.
Since the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Cohu entitled to
vote at the meeting must be represented to constitute a quorum, all stockholders are urged either
to attend the meeting in person or to vote by proxy.
A complete list of the stockholders of record entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in
alphabetical order and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered
in the name of each stockholder, will be available at Cohus corporate offices, for the examination
of any stockholder during normal business hours for a period of ten days immediately prior to the
meeting.
Please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy in the envelope enclosed for your convenience.
Alternatively, stockholders may vote by telephone or electronically via the internet. Please refer
to the instructions included with the proxy for additional details. If you attend the meeting you
may revoke your proxy and vote in person. You may also revoke your proxy by delivering a written
notice to the Secretary of Cohu, or by submitting another duly signed proxy bearing a later date.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Thomas L. Green |
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Secretary |
Poway, California
April 2, 2007
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
IN ORDER TO INSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE,
SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE
PREPAID ENVELOPE OR VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR VIA THE INTERNET.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cohu, Inc.
12367 Crosthwaite Circle
Poway, California 92064-6817
PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of
Directors of Cohu, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Cohu or the Company), of your proxy for use at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time at
the Cohu corporate offices, located at 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California 92064-6817 (the
Meeting). This proxy statement, the accompanying proxy card and the Cohu 2006 Annual Report are
being mailed to all stockholders on or about April 2, 2007.
On March 13, 2007, the record date fixed by our Board of Directors (hereinafter sometimes
referred to as the Board), Cohu had outstanding 22,721,017 shares of Common Stock. Only
stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 13, 2007 will be entitled to vote at
the Meeting and any adjournment thereof.
Voting Procedures
As a stockholder of Cohu, you have a right to vote on certain business matters affecting Cohu.
The proposals that will be presented at the Meeting and upon which you are being asked to vote are
discussed under Proposal No. 1 and Proposal No. 2. Each share of Cohus Common Stock you own
entitles you to one vote for each proposal. For the election of directors, stockholders may
cumulate their votes as described below.
Methods of Voting
You may vote by mail, by telephone, over the Internet or in person at the Meeting. Your
shares will be voted in accordance with the instructions you indicate. If you do not indicate your
voting instructions, your shares will be voted FOR the two named nominees for directors, FOR the
ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent registered public
accounting firm for 2007 and in the discretion of the proxies (as defined below) as to other
matters that may properly come before the Meeting.
Voting by Mail. By signing and returning the proxy card in the enclosed prepaid and addressed
envelope, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card (known as proxies) to vote
your shares at the Meeting in the manner you indicate. We encourage you to sign and return the
proxy card even if you plan to attend the Meeting. In this way, your shares will be voted if you
are unable to attend the Meeting. If you received more than one proxy card, it is an indication
that your shares are held in multiple accounts. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure
that all of your shares are voted.
Voting by Telephone. To vote by telephone, please follow the instructions included on your
proxy card. If you vote by telephone, you do not need to complete and mail your proxy card.
Voting over the Internet. To vote over the Internet, please follow the instructions included
on your proxy card. If you vote over the Internet, you do not need to complete and mail your proxy
card.
Voting in Person at the Meeting. If you plan to attend the Meeting and vote in person, we
will provide you with a ballot at the Meeting. If your shares are registered directly in your
name, you are considered the stockholder of record and you have the right to vote in person at the
Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of your broker or other nominee, you are considered
the beneficial owner of shares held in street name. If you wish to vote such shares at the
Meeting, you will need to bring with you to the Meeting a legal proxy from your broker or other
nominee authorizing you to vote such shares.
Revoking Your Proxy
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the Meeting. In order to do this,
you must:
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enter a new vote over the Internet, by telephone or by signing and returning another
proxy card bearing a later date; |
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provide written notice of the revocation to Cohus Secretary; or |
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attend the Meeting and vote in person. |
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Quorum Requirement
A quorum, which is a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote as of the record
date, March 13, 2007, must be present in order to hold the Meeting and to conduct business. Shares
are counted as being present at the Meeting if you appear in person at the Meeting or if you vote
your shares over the Internet, by telephone or by submitting a properly executed proxy card. If
any broker non-votes (as described below) are present at the Meeting, they will be counted as
present for the purpose of determining a quorum.
Votes Required for the Proposals
The votes required and the method of calculation for the proposals to be considered at the
Meeting are as follows. For Proposal No. 1, the two nominees receiving the highest number of
votes, in person or by proxy, will be elected as directors. You may vote for the nominees for
election as directors or you may withhold your vote with respect to one or both nominees. In the
election of directors, stockholders may, as provided for in the Cohu Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, cumulate their votes, giving one candidate a number of votes equal to
the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to which the stockholders
shares are normally entitled, or distribute the stockholders votes on the same principle among as
many candidates as the stockholder thinks fit. A stockholder may not cumulate his or her votes for
a candidate unless a stockholder has given notice at the Meeting (whether by proxy or in person)
prior to the voting, of his or her intention to cumulate his or her votes. If any stockholder
gives such notice all stockholders may then cumulate their votes. Management of Cohu is hereby
soliciting discretionary authority to cumulate votes represented by proxies if cumulative voting is
invoked.
The affirmative vote of a majority of Cohu common shares, cast at the Meeting, in person or by
proxy, is required for approval of Proposal No. 2, the ratification of the appointment of Ernst &
Young LLP as Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for 2007.
If you return a proxy card that withholds your vote from the election of all directors, your
shares will be counted as present for the purpose of determining a quorum but will not be counted
in the vote on that proposal.
Broker Non-Votes
If your shares are held in the name of a broker and you do not return a proxy card, brokerage
firms have authority to vote your non-voted shares (known as broker non-votes) on certain routine
matters. Consequently, if you do not give a proxy to vote your shares, your brokerage firm may
either leave your shares unvoted or vote your shares on these routine matters. To the extent your
brokerage firm votes shares on your behalf on these proposals, your shares will be included in the
determination of whether a quorum is present at the Meeting. Proposal No. 1 and Proposal No. 2 are
considered routine matters.
Abstentions
If you abstain from voting for or against a proposal, your abstention will, nevertheless,
be included in determining whether or not a quorum is present.
Voting Confidentiality
Proxies, ballots and voting tabulations are handled on a confidential basis to protect your
voting privacy. Information will not be disclosed except as required by law.
Voting Results
Final voting results will be announced at the Meeting and will be posted shortly after the
Meeting on our website at www.cohu.com. Voting results will also be published in Cohus Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. After the report is filed, you may obtain a copy by:
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visiting our website at www.cohu.com; |
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contacting our Investor Relations department at 858-848-8100; or |
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viewing our Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2007 on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. |
Proxy Solicitation Costs
Cohu will bear the entire cost of proxy solicitation, including the preparation, assembly,
printing, mailing and distribution of the proxy materials. Cohu has not engaged an outside
solicitor in connection with this proxy
solicitation. We will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians for their reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding the proxy materials to you.
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PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Cohu Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation divides the directors into three
classes whose terms expire at successive annual meetings over a period of three years. One class
of directors is elected for a term of three years at each annual meeting with the remaining
directors continuing in office. At the Meeting, two Class 3 directors are to be elected for a term
expiring in 2010. It is intended that the shares represented by proxies in the accompanying form
will be voted by the proxy holders for the election of the two nominees named below. In the event
the election of directors is to be by cumulative voting, the proxy holders will vote the shares
represented by proxies in such proportions as the proxy holders see fit. Should the nominees
decline or become unable to accept nomination or election, which is not anticipated, the proxies
will be voted for such substitute nominee as may be designated by a majority of the Board of
Directors. There is no family relationship between the nominees, other directors or any of Cohus
named executive officers. The Board of Directors recommends a vote in favor of the two nominees
named below.
Nominees Whose Terms Expire in 2010 (if elected) Class 3
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Director |
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James W. Barnes
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77 |
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Served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cohu
from 1983 until his retirement in March, 1996.
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1983 |
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James A. Donahue
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58 |
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President and Chief Executive Officer of Cohu since June,
2000; President and Chief Operating Officer of Cohu from
October, 1999 to June, 2000; President of Delta Design, Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Cohu, since May, 1983.
Mr. Donahue is also a director of Standard Microsystems
Corporation.
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1999 |
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INFORMATION CONCERNING OTHER DIRECTORS
Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2008 Class 1
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Director |
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Robert L. Ciardella
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54 |
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Served as President of Asymtek (a subsidiary of Nordson
Corporation) from 1983 until July, 2006.
Asymtek designs, develops, manufactures and sells
semiconductor and circuit board assembly equipment.
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2003 |
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Charles A. Schwan
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67 |
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Chairman of the Board; Retired Chief Executive Officer of
Cohu since June, 2000; Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Cohu from July, 1999 to June, 2000; President
and Chief Executive Officer of Cohu from March, 1996 to
July, 1999; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of Cohu from September, 1995 to March, 1996; Vice
President, Finance of Cohu from 1983 until September, 1995.
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1990 |
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Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2009 Class 2
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Director |
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Harry L. Casari
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70 |
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Retired Partner, Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Casari is also a
director of Meade Instruments Corp., Orange 21 Inc. and
Catcher Holdings, Inc.
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1995 |
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Harold Harrigian
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72 |
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Retired Partner and Director of Corporate Finance,
Crowell, Weedon & Co., a provider of financial services.
Mr. Harrigian is also a former partner, Arthur Young &
Company (predecessor of Ernst & Young LLP).
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1998 |
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PROPOSAL NO. 2
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of the Board has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2007. Ernst & Young LLP
served as Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December
30, 2006 and also provided certain tax and other audit-related services. See Principal Accountant
Fees and Services on page 11. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to attend the
Meeting, where they will be available to respond to appropriate questions and, if they desire, to
make a statement.
Our Board recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as
Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2007.
If the appointment is not ratified, the Board will consider whether it should select another
independent registered public accounting firm.
Required Vote and Board of Directors Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a majority of shares present, in person or by proxy at the Meeting
(provided a quorum is present) is required to approve the ratification of the appointment of Ernst
& Young LLP.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders approve the ratification of the
appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for the
fiscal year ending December 29, 2007.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
Director Independence
Cohu has adopted standards for director independence pursuant to Nasdaq listing standards and
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules. An independent director means a person other
than an officer or employee of Cohu or its subsidiaries, or any other individual having a
relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent
judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. To be considered independent, the
Board must affirmatively determine that neither the director nor an immediate family member of the
director has had any direct or indirect material relationship with Cohu within the last three
years.
The Board considered relationships, transactions and/or arrangements with each of the
directors and concluded that none of the non-employee directors has any relationships with Cohu
that would impair his independence. The Board has determined that each member of the Board, other
than Mr. Donahue, is an independent director under applicable Nasdaq listing standards and SEC
rules. Mr. Donahue is an employee of Cohu and thus did not meet the independence standards. In
addition, the Board has also determined that:
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all directors who serve on the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Governance
Committees are independent under applicable Nasdaq listing standards, Internal Revenue Code
requirements and SEC rules, and |
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all members of the Audit Committee meet the additional independence requirement that
they do not directly or indirectly receive compensation from Cohu other than their
compensation as directors. |
Board Structure and Committee Composition
As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board has six directors and the following three
committees: (1) Audit, (2) Compensation and (3) Nominating and Governance. The membership during
2006 and the function of each of the committees are described below. Each of the committees
operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. All of the committee charters are available
on Cohus website at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance. During 2006, the Board
held ten meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of all Board and applicable Committee
meetings. Directors are encouraged to attend annual meetings of Cohu stockholders. All six
directors attended the last annual meeting of stockholders held on May 9, 2006.
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Nominating and |
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Name of Director |
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Audit |
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Compensation |
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Governance |
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Independent Directors: |
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James W. Barnes |
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Harry L. Casari (1) |
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X |
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* |
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Robert L. Ciardella |
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X |
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X |
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* |
Harold Harrigian (1) |
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* |
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Charles A. Schwan |
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Other Director: |
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James A. Donahue |
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Number of Meetings in 2006 |
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6 |
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12 |
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6 |
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X = Committee member; * = Chair;
(1) Audit Committee financial expert as defined by SEC Rules.
Audit Committee
Cohu has a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with
Section 3(a)(58) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Audit Committee assists
the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight of the integrity of Cohus
financial statements, Cohus compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent
registered public accounting firms qualifications and independence and risk assessment and risk
management. Among other things, the Audit Committee prepares the Audit Committee report for
inclusion in the annual proxy statement; annually reviews the Audit Committee charter and the
committees performance; appoints, evaluates and approves the fees of Cohus independent registered
public accounting firm; reviews and approves the scope of the annual audit, the audit fee and the
financial statements; reviews Cohus disclosure controls and procedures, internal controls
including such controls over financial reporting, information security policies and corporate
policies with respect to financial information and earnings guidance; oversees investigations into
complaints concerning financial matters; and reviews other risks that may have a significant impact
on Cohus financial statements. The Audit Committee works closely with management as well as
Cohus independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has the authority to
obtain advice and assistance from, and receive appropriate funding from Cohu for, outside legal,
accounting or other advisors as the Audit Committee deems necessary in order to carry out its
duties.
The report of the Audit Committee is included herein on page 10 and the charter of the Audit
Committee is available at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee discharges the Boards responsibilities relating to compensation of
Cohus executives and directors and among other things; reviews and discusses the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis with management and produces an annual compensation committee report for
inclusion in Cohus proxy statement; provides general oversight of Cohus compensation structure,
including Cohus equity compensation plans and benefits programs and retains and approves the terms
of the retention of any compensation consultants and other compensation experts. Other specific
duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include; reviewing and approving
objectives relevant to executive officer compensation, evaluating performance and determining the
compensation of executive officers in accordance with those objectives; approving employment
agreements for executive officers; approving and amending Cohus equity and non-equity incentive
compensation and related performance goals and measures and stock-related programs (subject to
stockholder approval, if required); approving any changes to non-equity based benefit plans
involving a material financial commitment by Cohu; recommending to the Board director compensation;
monitoring director and executive stock ownership; and annually evaluating its performance and its
charter.
The report of the Compensation Committee is included herein on page 18. The charter of the
Compensation Committee is available at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance.
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Nominating and Governance Committee
The Nominating and Governance Committee identifies individuals qualified to become Board
members, consistent with criteria approved by the Board; oversees the organization of the Board to
discharge the Boards duties and responsibilities properly and efficiently; and identifies best
practices and recommends corporate governance principles, including giving proper attention and
making effective responses to stockholder concerns regarding corporate governance. Other specific
duties and responsibilities of the Nominating and Governance Committee include: annually assessing
the size and composition of the Board; developing membership qualifications for Board committees;
defining specific criteria for director independence; monitoring compliance with Board and Board
committee membership criteria; annually reviewing and recommending directors for continued service;
coordinating and assisting management and the Board in recruiting new members to the Board;
annually, and together with the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, evaluating the performance
of the Chairman of the Board and CEO and presenting the results of the review to the Board and to
the Chairman and CEO; reviewing and recommending proposed changes to Cohus charter or Bylaws and
Board committee charters; periodically assessing and recommending action with respect to
stockholder rights plans or other stockholder protections; recommending Board committee
assignments; reviewing and approving any employee director standing for election for outside
for-profit boards of directors; reviewing governance-related stockholder proposals and recommending
Board responses; overseeing the evaluation of the Board and management and conducting a preliminary
review of director independence and the financial literacy and expertise of Audit Committee
members. The Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives communications directed to
non-employee directors.
The charter of the Nominating and Governance Committee is available at
www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance.
Stockholder Nominees
The policy of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to consider properly submitted
stockholder nominations for candidates for membership on the Board as described below under
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors. In evaluating such nominations, the Nominating and Governance
Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the Board and to
address the membership criteria set forth under Director Qualifications. Any stockholder
nominations proposed for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee should include
the nominees name and qualifications for Board membership and should be addressed to:
Corporate Secretary
Cohu, Inc.
12367 Crosthwaite Circle
Poway, CA 92064-6817
In addition, the Bylaws of Cohu permit stockholders to nominate directors for consideration at
an annual stockholder meeting. For a description of the process for nominating directors in
accordance with Cohus Bylaws, see Stockholder Proposals 2008 Annual Meeting on page 25.
Director Qualifications
Cohus Corporate Governance Guidelines are available at
www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance and contain Board membership criteria that apply
to the nominees recommended by the Nominating and Governance Committee for a position on Cohus
Board. Under these criteria, members of the Board should have the highest professional and personal
ethics and values, consistent with longstanding Cohu values and standards. They should have broad
experience at the policy-making level in business, government, education, technology and/or public
interest. They should also be committed to enhancing stockholder value and should have sufficient
time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on experience.
Their service on other boards of public companies should be limited to a number that permits them,
given their individual circumstances, to perform responsibly all director duties. Each director
must represent the interests of all stockholders.
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors
Our Nominating and Governance Committee uses a variety of methods for identifying and
evaluating nominees for director. The Nominating and Governance Committee assesses the appropriate
size of the Board, and whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to retirement or
otherwise. In the event that vacancies
are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers various
potential candidates for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the Nominating and
Governance Committee through current Board members,
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professional search firms, stockholders or
other persons. These candidates are evaluated at regular or special meetings of the Nominating and
Governance Committee, and may be considered at any point during the year. As described above, the
Nominating and Governance Committee also considers properly submitted stockholder nominations for
candidates for the Board. Following verification of the stockholder status of persons proposing
candidates, recommendations are aggregated and considered by the Nominating and Governance
Committee at a regularly scheduled meeting. If any materials are provided by a stockholder in
connection with the nomination of a director candidate, such materials are forwarded to the
Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee also reviews
materials provided by professional search firms or other parties in connection with a nominee who
is not proposed by a stockholder. In evaluating such nominations, the Nominating and Governance
Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the Board.
Executive Sessions
Executive sessions of independent directors, without management present, are held at least
three times a year. The sessions may be scheduled or held on an impromptu basis and are chaired by
the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. Any independent director can request that an
additional executive session be initiated or scheduled.
Communications with the Board
Individuals may communicate with the Board, including the non-employee directors, by
submitting an e-mail to Cohus Board at corp@cohu.com or by sending a letter to the Cohu
Board of Directors, c/o Corporate Secretary, Cohu, Inc., 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway,
California 92064-6817.
Compensation of Directors
Cash Compensation
Directors who are employees of Cohu do not receive any additional compensation for their
services as directors. During fiscal 2006, non-employee directors received an annual retainer and
Board committee Chairs and members received annual fees, all paid quarterly, as set forth below.
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Annual Retainer: |
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Chairman of the Board |
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$ |
50,000 |
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Other Directors |
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$ |
30,000 |
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Annual Fees for Committee Chairs: |
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Audit Committee |
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$ |
7,500 |
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Nominating and Governance Committee |
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$ |
7,500 |
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Compensation Committee |
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$ |
7,500 |
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Annual Fee for Committee members |
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$ |
3,500 |
|
On August 17, 2006, the Compensation Committee approved changes to the cash compensation to be
paid to the non-employee directors. The changes were approved by the Compensation Committee after
examination of market data and on the recommendation of the Compensation Committees independent
compensation consultant, Compensia, and the changes take effect in fiscal 2007. The annual
retainers for the Chairman of the Board and each non-employee Board member were increased to
$60,000 and $40,000, respectively. The annual fees for the Chair of the Audit, Nominating and
Governance and Compensation Committees were increased to $16,000, $8,000 and $10,000, respectively.
The annual fees for membership on the Audit, Nominating and Governance and Compensation Committees
were increased to $8,000, $4,000 and $5,000, respectively.
In addition to the retainers and fees noted above, non-employee directors are reimbursed for
out-of-town travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to attendance at Board and
committee meetings.
Equity Compensation
Non-employee directors participate in the Cohu, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2005
Plan) that provides for grants of non-qualified stock options or other forms of equity
compensation to non-employee directors, as authorized by the Board.
On August 17, 2006, the Compensation Committee, after examination of market data and on the
recommendation of Compensia, recommended and the Board approved the following equity compensation
for non-employee directors:
7
Initial appointment to the Board:
10,000 Stock Options
3,300 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Annual grants:
5,000 Stock Options
2,000 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of Cohu Common Stock upon vesting.
The exercise price for all options granted to non-employee directors is 100% of the fair market
value of the shares on the grant date. Assuming continued service on the Board, the stock options
and RSUs granted to non-employee directors upon their initial appointment to the Board will vest
and become exercisable or shares are issued, as the case may be, in three equal annual installments
beginning one year after the date of grant. The annual option and RSU awards vest and become
exercisable or shares are issued, as applicable, upon the one-year anniversary of the award.
Exercisability of some or all options or RSUs may be accelerated upon a change in control, as
defined. The options expire no later than ten years after the date of grant.
On August 17, 2006, stock options to purchase 5,000 shares of Cohu Common Stock and 2,000 RSUs
were awarded to each of Messrs. Barnes, Casari, Ciardella, Harrigian and Schwan. The stock options
vest and become exercisable one-year after the grant date, have an exercise price of $16.40 per
share, the fair market value of Cohu Common Stock on the date of grant, and expire ten years from
the grant date. Cohu will issue to each recipient, assuming continued service as a director, 2,000
shares of Cohu Common Stock after the one-year RSU vesting period.
Medical Benefits
Cohu directors, who are retired officers of Cohu and certain other retired Cohu officers, and
their spouses receive medical benefits that consist of reimbursement of health insurance premiums
and other medical costs not covered by insurance. These benefits are not offered to other retired
Cohu employees.
2006 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table provides information on compensation for Cohus non-employee directors for fiscal 2006.
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Change in |
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Pension |
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Fees |
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Non-Equity |
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Value and |
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Earned |
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Incentive |
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Non-qualified |
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or Paid |
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Stock |
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Option |
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Plan |
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Deferred |
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All Other |
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in Cash |
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Awards |
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Awards |
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Compensation |
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Compensation |
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Compensation |
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Name |
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($) |
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($) (1) |
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($) (2) |
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($) |
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Earnings ($) |
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($) (3) |
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Total ($) |
|
James W. Barnes |
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30,000 |
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|
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11,842 |
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|
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12,386 |
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
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12,555 |
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|
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66,783 |
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Harry L. Casari |
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44,500 |
|
|
|
11,842 |
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|
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43,689 |
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|
|
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|
|
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|
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100,031 |
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Robert L. Ciardella |
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44,500 |
|
|
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11,842 |
|
|
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87,184 |
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|
|
|
|
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|
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143,526 |
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Harold Harrigian |
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44,500 |
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11,842 |
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43,689 |
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100,031 |
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Charles A. Schwan |
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50,000 |
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11,842 |
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|
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12,386 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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23,013 |
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|
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97,241 |
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(1) |
|
Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the directors. Instead, the
amounts shown above are the compensation costs recognized by Cohu in fiscal 2006 for stock
awards issued in the form of restricted stock units as determined under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123(R) (FAS 123R) and include amounts from awards granted in fiscal
2006. There were no stock awards in prior years. The assumptions used to calculate the value
of the stock awards and the related compensation expense are set forth in Note 5 of the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 30, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As of
December 30, 2006 Messrs. Barnes, Casari, Ciardella, Harrigian and Schwan each had 2,000 RSUs
outstanding. |
|
(2) |
|
Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the directors. Instead, the
amounts shown above are the compensation costs recognized by Cohu in fiscal 2006 for option
awards as determined under FAS 123R and include amounts from awards granted in fiscal 2006 and
prior years. The assumptions used to calculate the value of the option awards and the related
compensation expense are set forth in Notes 11 and 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included in Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2004
and December 30, 2006, respectively, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As of
December 30, 2006 Messrs. Barnes, Casari, Ciardella, Harrigian and Schwan had options to
purchase 5,000, 30,000, 35,000, 40,000 and 5,000 shares of common stock |
8
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outstanding, respectively. |
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(3) |
|
Amounts reflect payment of health insurance premiums and reimbursement of other medical costs
not covered by health insurance. |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Cohu has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines (the Guidelines) that outline, among other
matters, the role and functions of the Board, the responsibilities of various Board committees,
selection of new directors and director independence. The Guidelines are available, along with
other important corporate governance materials, on our website at
www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance. As the operation of the Board is a dynamic
process, the Board regularly reviews new or changing legal and regulatory requirements, evolving
best practices and other developments and the Board may modify the Guidelines, as appropriate, from
time to time.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Cohu has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code). The Code applies to all
of Cohus directors and employees including its principal executive officer, principal financial
officer and principal accounting officer. The Code, among other things, is designed to promote:
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1. |
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Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent
conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
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2. |
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Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents
that Cohu files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by
Cohu; |
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3. |
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Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; |
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4. |
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The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or
persons identified in the Code; and |
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5. |
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Accountability for adherence to the Code. |
The Code is available at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance and is included as
Exhibit 14 to Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006.
9
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of Cohus
Common Stock as of February 22, 2007 or as of December 31, 2006 for certain stockholders by (i)
each person known by Cohu, based on information provided by such person, to own more than 5% of
Cohus Common Stock; (ii) each director of Cohu; (iii) each named executive officer included in the
2006 Summary Compensation Table; and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group.
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Beneficially owned |
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Common stock |
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Percent |
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Name and address of beneficial owner |
|
common stock |
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|
equivalents (1) |
|
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Total |
|
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of class (2) |
|
Franklin Resources, Inc. (3) |
|
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1,855,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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1,855,000 |
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|
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8.16 |
% |
One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403 |
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Nick Cedrone (4) |
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1,286,138 |
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1,286,138 |
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5.66 |
% |
One Monarch Drive, Littleton, MA 01460 |
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Barclays Global Investors Japan Limited (5) |
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1,179,543 |
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1,179,543 |
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5.19 |
% |
1-1-39 Hiroo Shibuya-Ku, |
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Tokyo 150-8402 Japan |
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Rutabaga Capital Management (6) |
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1,149,382 |
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1,149,382 |
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5.06 |
% |
64 Broad Street, Boston MA 02109 |
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
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John H. Allen |
|
|
18,528 |
|
|
|
182,501 |
|
|
|
201,029 |
|
|
|
* |
|
James W. Barnes |
|
|
290,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
290,819 |
|
|
|
1.28 |
% |
Harry L. Casari |
|
|
1,600 |
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
24,100 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Robert L. Ciardella |
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
James A. Donahue |
|
|
68,600 |
|
|
|
417,501 |
|
|
|
486,101 |
|
|
|
2.10 |
% |
Harold Harrigian |
|
|
2,600 |
|
|
|
32,500 |
|
|
|
35,100 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Thomas G. Lightner |
|
|
1,702 |
|
|
|
55,001 |
|
|
|
56,703 |
|
|
|
* |
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
18,168 |
|
|
|
108,752 |
|
|
|
126,920 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Colin P. Scholefield |
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|
3 |
|
|
|
97,001 |
|
|
|
97,004 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Charles A. Schwan |
|
|
33,584 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,584 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All directors and executive officers
as a group (10 persons) |
|
|
435,604 |
|
|
|
938,256 |
|
|
|
1,373,860 |
|
|
|
5.81 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1% |
|
(1) |
|
Shares issuable upon exercise of stock options held by directors and executive officers that
were exercisable on or within 60 days of February 22, 2007. |
|
(2) |
|
Computed on the basis of 22,719,517 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 22,
2007, plus, with respect to each person holding options to purchase common stock exercisable
within 60 days of February 22, 2007, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon
exercise thereof. |
|
(3) |
|
According to Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5,
2007, Franklin Resources, Inc. reported that Franklin Advisory Services, LLC had sole voting
and dispositive power with respect to 1,837,500 and 1,855,000 shares, respectively, and no
shared voting or dispositive power with respect to these shares. |
|
(4) |
|
According to Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 25,
2007. |
|
(5) |
|
According to Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23,
2007, Barclays Global Investors Japan Limited reported that its affiliated companies
collectively had sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 1,118,671 and 1,179,543
shares, respectively, and no shared voting or dispositive power with respect to these shares. |
|
(6) |
|
According to Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 24,
2007, Rutabaga Capital Management reported that it had sole voting and dispositive power with
respect to 852,733 and 1,149,382 shares, respectively, and shared voting power with respect to
296,649 shares. |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or
filed with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) except to the extent that Cohu specifically incorporates it
by reference into a document filed under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) or the Exchange Act.
10
Composition
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of three independent directors, as
defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board
of Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Harold Harrigian (Chairman), Harry L.
Casari and Robert L. Ciardella.
Responsibilities
The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight
of the integrity of Cohus financial statements, Cohus compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements, the independent registered public accounting firms qualifications and independence
and risk assessment and risk management. The Audit Committee manages Cohus relationship with its
independent registered public accounting firm (who report directly to the Audit Committee). The
Audit Committee has the authority to obtain advice and assistance from outside legal, accounting or
other advisors as the Audit Committee deems necessary to carry out its duties and receive
appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit Committee, from Cohu for such advice and
assistance.
Cohus management has primary responsibility for preparing Cohus financial statements and
Cohus financial reporting process. Cohus independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst &
Young LLP, is responsible for expressing an opinion on (i) the conformity of Cohus audited
financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and (ii)
managements assessment and their own as to the effectiveness of Cohus internal control over
financial reporting.
Review with Management and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
In this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated
financial statements contained in Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30,
2006 and Cohus effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, together and
separately, with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit
Committee also discussed with Ernst & Young LLP matters required to be discussed by Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees.
Ernst & Young LLP also provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter
required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees. The Audit Committee discussed with Ernst & Young LLP any relationships that may impact
their objectivity and independence, and satisfied itself as to Ernst & Youngs independence.
Summary
Based upon the Audit Committees discussions with management and Ernst & Young LLP and the
Audit Committees review of the representations of management, and the reports of Ernst & Young LLP
to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board
approved, that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in Cohus Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006, for filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
This report is submitted by the Audit Committee.
Harold Harrigian (Chairman) |
Harry L Casari |
Robert L. Ciardella |
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table shows the fees billed to Cohu for the audit and other services provided by
Ernst & Young LLP for the years ended December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 (in thousands).
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Audit Fees(1) |
|
$ |
649 |
|
|
$ |
603 |
|
Audit-Related Fees(2) |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Tax Fees: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Compliance(3) |
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
Tax Planning and Advice |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
All Other Fees |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total |
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$ |
740 |
|
|
$ |
685 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures concerning the
engagement of Cohus
11
independent registered public accounting firm to perform any services. These
policies require that all services rendered by Cohus independent registered public accounting firm
be pre-approved by the Audit Committee within specified, budgeted fee amounts. In addition to the
approval of all audit fees in 2006 and 2005, 100% of the non-audit fees were pre-approved by the
Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee has delegated to the Chair of the Audit Committee the authority to
pre-approve audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by Cohus
independent registered public accounting firm with associated fees up to a maximum of $10,000 for
any one non-audit service, provided that the Chair shall report any decisions to pre-approve such
audit-related or non-audit services and fees to the full Audit Committee at its next regular
meeting.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Audit fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit
of Cohus financial statements and review of Cohus quarterly financial statements and audit
services provided in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings. In addition,
audit fees include those fees related to Ernst & Young LLPs audit of the effectiveness of
Cohus internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
(2) |
|
Audit-related fees consisted primarily of accounting consultation services related to
business acquisitions and divestitures and other attestation services. |
|
(3) |
|
Tax compliance fees consisted primarily of assistance with (i) preparation of Cohus federal,
state and foreign tax returns; (ii) tax return examinations and (iii) expatriate tax return
filings. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview of Compensation Program and Philosophy
Cohus compensation program is intended to meet three principal objectives: (1) attract,
reward and retain officers and other key employees; (2) motivate these individuals to achieve
short-term and long-term corporate goals that enhance stockholder value; and (3) support Cohus
core values and culture, by promoting internal equity and external competitiveness. To meet these
objectives, Cohu has adopted the following overriding policies:
|
|
|
Pay compensation that is competitive with the practices of other leading high
technology companies; and |
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|
Pay for performance by: |
|
- |
|
setting challenging performance goals for our officers and providing a
short-term incentive through an incentive compensation plan that is based upon
achievement of these goals; and |
|
|
- |
|
providing long-term, significant incentives in the form of restricted stock
units (RSUs) and/or stock options, in order to retain those individuals with the
leadership abilities necessary for increasing long-term stockholder value while
aligning the interests of our officers with those of our stockholders. |
The above policies guide the Compensation Committee (the Committee) in assessing the proper
allocation between long-term compensation, current cash compensation and short-term incentive
compensation. Other considerations include Cohus business objectives, its fiduciary and corporate
responsibilities (including internal equity considerations and affordability), competitive
practices and trends and regulatory requirements.
In determining the particular elements of compensation that will be used to implement Cohus
overall compensation policies, the Committee takes into consideration a number of factors related
to Cohus performance, such as Cohus earnings per share, profitability, revenue growth and
business-unit-specific operational and financial performance, as well as competitive practices
among our peer group.
Cohus executive compensation program is overseen and administered by the Committee, which is
comprised entirely of independent directors, as determined in accordance with various Nasdaq, SEC
and Internal Revenue Code (IRC) rules.
Role of Compensation Consultant in Advising the Committee
The Committee has the authority to engage its own independent advisors to assist in carrying
out its responsibilities and has done so. During 2006, the Committee retained an independent
compensation consulting firm, Compensia, to assist in reviewing and recommending certain Cohu
compensation policies.
Compensia, advised the Committee on certain aspects of executive and director compensation,
including base salaries and annual and long-term incentives and participated in several meetings of
the Committee and also
12
communicated with the Committee outside of meetings. Compensia reports to
the Committee rather than to management, although they met with management for purposes of
gathering information on proposals that management made to the Committee. The Committee is free to
replace Compensia or hire additional consultants at any time. Compensia does not provide any other
services to Cohu and receives compensation only with respect to the services provided to the
Committee.
Role of Management in Setting Compensation
The Committee on occasion meets with Cohus President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr.
Donahue, and/or other executives to obtain feedback and recommendations with respect to Company
compensation programs, practices and packages for executives, other employees and directors.
Management makes recommendations to the Committee on the base salary, cash incentive targets and
equity compensation for the executive team and other employees. The Committee considers, but is not
bound by and does not always accept, managements recommendations with respect to executive
compensation. The Committee has significantly changed several of managements compensation
proposals in recent years, including fiscal 2006. The Committee also typically seeks input from its
independent compensation consultant prior to making any final determinations.
Mr. Donahue attends some of the Committees meetings, but the Committee also regularly holds
executive sessions not attended by any members of management or non-independent directors. The
Committee discusses Mr. Donahues compensation package with him, but makes decisions with respect
to Mr. Donahues compensation without him present. The Committee has the ultimate authority to make
decisions with respect to the compensation of our named executive officers, but may, if it chooses,
delegate any of its responsibilities to subcommittees. The Committee has authorized Mr. Donahue to
make salary adjustments and short-term cash incentive (bonus) decisions for all employees other
than the named executive officers. The Committee has not delegated any of its authority with
respect to the compensation of named executive officers.
Elements of Compensation
There are six major elements that comprise Cohus compensation program: (i) base salary; (ii)
annual incentive opportunities, including bonuses; (iii) long-term incentives, such as equity
awards; (iv) deferred compensation benefits; (v) retirement benefits provided under a 401(k) plan;
and (vi) executive perquisites and other benefit programs generally available to all employees.
Cohu has selected these elements because each is considered useful and/or necessary to meet one or
more of the principal objectives of our compensation policy. For instance, base salary and bonus
target percentages are set with the goal of attracting employees and adequately compensating and
rewarding them on a day-to-day basis for the time spent and the services they perform, while our
equity programs are geared toward providing an incentive and reward for the achievement of
long-term business objectives and retaining key talent. Cohu believes that these elements of
compensation, when combined, are effective, and will continue to be effective, in achieving the
objectives of our compensation program.
The Committee reviews the compensation program on an annual basis, including each of the above
elements, other than deferred compensation and retirement benefits, which are reviewed from time to
time to ensure that benefit levels remain competitive but are not included in the annual
determination of an executives compensation package. In setting compensation levels for a
particular executive, the Committee takes into consideration the compensation package as a whole,
and each element individually, and the executives past and expected future contributions to our
business. With the exception of Mr. Donahue and Mr. Allen, Cohu does not have an employment or
severance agreement with its executive officers. Mr. Donahues and Allens agreements are discussed
below under the section entitled Potential Payments Upon Termination Or Change In Control.
Base Salary and Annual Incentive Opportunities
Cohu makes base salaries and incentive bonuses a significant portion of the executive
compensation package in order to remain competitive in attracting and retaining executive talent.
Annual incentive bonuses are paid in order to motivate the achievement of our business goals. The
Committee determines each officers target total annual cash compensation (salary and bonuses)
after reviewing comparable compensation information from a
group of similarly sized technology companies. For fiscal 2006, this review occurred in July
and in prior years has occurred at other times as determined by the Committee. The peer group was
selected based on recommendations from our independent compensation consultant with input from
management and the Committee and included a broad range of companies in the high technology
industry with whom Cohu may compete for executive talent. For fiscal 2006, the Committee considered
high technology competitors for executive talent and companies of at least a similar size and scope
as Cohu, as measured by market capitalization, revenue and net income. The Committee currently
intends to continue using,
13
subject to modification, a similar group of companies for fiscal 2007.
The peer group used in 2006 consisted of the following companies:
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|
|
Asyst Technologies
|
|
GSI Group |
ATMI
|
|
LTX |
Axcelis Technologies
|
|
Mattson Technology |
Credence Systems
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|
Photronics |
Cree
|
|
Semitool |
Cymer
|
|
Ultra Clean Holdings |
Electro Scientific Industries
|
|
Veeco Instruments |
FormFactor |
|
|
Data on the compensation practices of the above-mentioned peer group is generally gathered
through searches of publicly available information, including publicly available databases. Cohu
relies upon compensation surveys and information provided in various public filings to benchmark
target cash compensation levels against the above peer group. Peer group data is gathered with
respect to base salary, bonus targets and all equity awards (including stock options, restricted
stock and restricted stock units and long-term, cash-based awards). It does not include deferred
compensation benefits or generally available benefits, such as 401(k) plans or health care
coverage.
Cohus goal is to target base pay and total cash compensation near the median level (that is,
50th to 60th percentile) among its peer group. However, in determining base
salary, the Committee also considers other factors such as job performance, skill set, prior
experience, the executives time in his position and/or with Cohu, internal consistency regarding
pay levels for similar positions or skill levels within the Company, external pressures to attract
and retain talent, and market conditions generally. Base pay and target cash compensation are
analyzed by management to determine variances to our compensation targets using the combination of
publicly available information and survey data as described above. Mr. Donahue uses the market data
in making his recommendations to the Committee for his direct reports.
Effective in July, 2006, after taking into consideration the above compensation targets and
Mr. Donahues recommendations, the Committee increased the base salaries of each of the named
executive officers except for Mr. Donahue and Mr. Allen whose salaries were deemed to be at market
as a result of their last salary increases that occurred in February, 2006.
Payment of bonus amounts, and therefore total cash compensation, depends on the achievement of
specified performance goals. Achievement of the targeted goals would result in total cash
compensation for fiscal 2006 at approximately the targeted 50th to 60th
percentile of Cohus peer group, which the Committee believes is an appropriate range to enable
Cohu to attract and retain key personnel and to motivate our executives to meet Cohus business
goals. As a result, the bonuses are targeted at a level that if achieved, and when combined with
base salary, would typically result in total cash compensation to the executive in the
50th to 60th percentile of Cohus peer companies. For fiscal 2006, Mr.
Donahue made recommendations to the Committee with respect to target bonus amounts, expressed as a
percentage of base salary, for each of the named executive officers. These recommended bonus
amounts were consistent with our intention to target total cash compensation at the 50th
to 60th percentile level and were approved by the Committee as proposed.
Executive Incentive Bonus Plan
Cohu maintains an annual incentive bonus program for senior executives to encourage and award
achievement of Cohus business goals and to assist Cohu in attracting and retaining executives by
offering an opportunity to earn a competitive level of compensation. Based on these and the
objectives described above, the Committee developed and approved specific performance targets for
use during fiscal 2006 under our stockholder-approved 2005 Plan, in which our named executive
officers listed in the 2006 Summary Compensation Table participated during fiscal 2006. The 2005
Plan covers both cash and equity related compensation paid to officers and directors.
Incentive bonuses are paid under the 2005 Plan only if the performance goals that the
Committee sets at or near the beginning of the fiscal year are achieved. The Committee establishes
a bonus formula that is applied to the achieved performance. The bonus formula is based on the
anticipated difficulty and relative importance of achieving the performance goals. Accordingly, the
bonuses paid, if any, for any given fiscal year will vary depending on actual performance. To help
achieve Cohus goal of retaining key talent, an executive must remain an employee for the entire
fiscal 2006 year in order to be eligible for any bonus under the 2005 Plan that relates to fiscal
2006. The Committee does not have discretion to increase bonuses under the 2005 Plan, but retains
the discretion to decrease bonuses paid
14
even if the performance goals are achieved.
Historically, bonuses have been payable in cash unless the executive has elected to defer all
or part of the bonus into our Cohu, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.
The Committee can choose a range of performance measures as specified in the 2005 Plan.
Bonuses paid under the 2005 Plan are designed to reward progress toward and achievement of the
performance goals. For fiscal 2006, the Committee determined that it would be appropriate to choose
different performance measures for different executives. For fiscal 2006, the Committee chose three
primary measures: (1) sales (weighted at 25%); (2) pretax income (weighted at 25%); and (3) certain
other management objectives (weighted at 50%), which included, among other things, new customers,
business development and acquisitions, new product development and customer satisfaction. For Mr.
Donahue and Mr. Allen the sales and pretax income targets were based on Cohu, Inc. consolidated
results and for the other named executive officers the sales and pretax income targets were for
Cohus primary business, Delta Design.
In addition, to further motivate executives to help Cohu achieve its goals in light of
anticipated business conditions, the Committee determined that for the 50% portion of the bonus
related to sales and pretax income, no amount would be paid under the 2005 Plan for fiscal 2006
unless Cohu achieved 70% or greater of a specified level of sales or pretax income. Also, to
further reward executives for achievement of Cohus overall goals, if the actual 2006 results
exceeded the targeted sales and pretax amounts by 20% and 50%, the portion of the bonus related to
these factors would be increased by a factor of two times and three times, respectively. However,
to ensure that the bonuses serve the objective of increasing stockholder value and because the
Committee wanted to pay maximum bonuses only upon achievement of aggressive targets, the Committee
determined that the maximum bonus for any officer would be payable only if actual performance
significantly exceeded our targeted operating results. The Committee intentionally set a high bar,
which required very strong performance to earn a maximum bonus under the 2005 Plan. No named
executive officer earned the maximum bonus under the 2005 Plan for fiscal 2006.
The potential bonus for which Mr. Donahue was eligible under the 2005 Plan for fiscal 2006
ranged from zero to a maximum of 200% of his annual base salary. The potential bonus for each of
the other named executive officers under the 2005 Plan ranged from zero to a maximum of 100% of his
annual base salary, except for Mr. Allen, whose potential bonus ranged from zero to a maximum of
150% of his annual base salary. The 2005 Plan provides that no performance bonus may exceed $1
million in any fiscal year. As noted above, we target total compensation to the 50th to
60th percentile of our peer group companies. As a result, the target bonuses are
generally determined such that the combination of the bonus and base salary meet this targeted
percentile.
Following the end of fiscal 2006, the Committee compared Cohus actual performance to the
targeted performance for the year as specified by the Committee in early fiscal 2006, and applied
the fiscal 2006 bonus formula under the 2005 Plan to this actual performance. In fiscal 2006, Cohu
and Delta Design exceeded specified performance targets for sales and pretax income. However, Cohu
and Delta Design did not achieve all of the management objectives specified by the Committee in
early fiscal 2006. Applying the pre-established bonus formula to our achieved financial
performance and management objectives resulted in bonuses at approximately 118% of target levels.
Bonuses paid to our named executive officers under the 2005 Plan for fiscal 2006 were:
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Percentage of Salary |
Named Executive Officer |
|
Amount |
|
|
Earned in Fiscal 2006 |
Mr. Donahue |
|
$ |
531,050 |
|
|
|
116 |
% |
Mr. Allen |
|
$ |
243,973 |
|
|
|
87 |
% |
Mr. Lightner |
|
$ |
115,277 |
|
|
|
61 |
% |
Mr. McFarlane |
|
$ |
123,727 |
|
|
|
61 |
% |
Mr. Scholefield |
|
$ |
129,913 |
|
|
|
61 |
% |
In March 2007, the Committee set the bonus formula and performance goals that will be used to
determine bonuses, if any, under the 2005 Plan for fiscal 2007. Whether any bonuses will be paid
depends on actual performance during fiscal 2007 versus the predetermined goals. The fiscal 2007
target bonus formula and percentages for the named executive officers are the same as those used in
fiscal 2006. The performance measures include, among other things, sales, pretax income, strategic
growth and business development, customer satisfaction, cost reduction and margin improvement.
15
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Cohu provides long-term incentive compensation through awards of stock options and RSUs that
generally vest over multiple years. Cohus equity compensation program is intended to align the
interests of our officers with those of our stockholders by creating an incentive for our officers
to maximize stockholder value. The equity compensation program is also designed to encourage our
officers to remain employed with Cohu despite a very competitive labor market. Cohu targets the
value of its equity awards to be in the 50th percentile of the peer group mentioned
above, based on the information gathered from publicly available sources.
Equity-based incentives are granted to our officers under Cohus stockholder-approved 2005
Plan. All stock option grants have a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value of
Cohus common stock on the grant date. The Committee has not granted, nor does it intend in the
future to grant, equity compensation awards to executives in anticipation of the release of
material nonpublic information that is likely to result in changes to the price of Cohu Common
Stock, such as a significant positive or negative earnings announcement. Similarly, the Committee
has not timed, nor does it intend in the future to time, the release of material nonpublic
information based on equity award grant dates. Also, because equity compensation awards typically
vest over a four-year period, the value to recipients of any immediate increase in the price of
Cohus stock following a grant will be minimized.
Our Committee regularly monitors the environment in which Cohu operates and makes changes to
our equity compensation program to help us meet our goals, including achieving long-term
stockholder value. In order to continue to attract and retain highly skilled employees, the
Committee, based in part on recommendations from Compensia, a consulting firm engaged by the
Committee, approved changes to Cohus equity compensation program for fiscal 2006 that were
designed to incentivize Cohus employees for their hard work and commitment to the long-term
success and growth of Cohu. Beginning in fiscal 2006, both stock options and RSUs were granted.
Cohu granted stock options because they can be an effective tool for meeting Cohus compensation
goal of increasing long-term stockholder value by tying the value of the stock options to Cohus
performance in the future. Employees are able to profit from stock options only if Cohus stock
price increases in value over the stock options exercise price. Cohu believes the options that
were granted provide effective incentives to option holders to achieve increases in the value of
Cohus stock. In 2006, Cohu began granting RSUs because they provide a more predictable value to
employees than stock options, and therefore are efficient tools in retaining and motivating
employees, while also serving as an incentive to increase the value of Cohus stock. RSUs also may
be efficient with respect to the use of our equity plan share reserves because fewer RSU shares are
needed to provide a retention and incentive value similar to stock options. In granting options and
RSUs in 2006, the Committee generally used a ratio of one RSU (resulting in the potential issuance
of one share of Cohu Common Stock) to stock options to purchase three shares of Cohu Common Stock.
For purposes of determining the total number of options and RSUs to be granted, the Committee set a
goal of generally maintaining approximately the same level of proforma expense against earnings for
accounting purposes as in previous fiscal years while also taking into consideration the small
number of stock option grants that were made in 2005.
The number of options and RSUs our Committee grants to each named executive officer and the
vesting schedule for each grant is determined based on a variety of factors, including market data
collected regarding the equity grant ranges for the peer companies listed above and Cohus goal to
award grants in line with the 50th percentile of this group, as well as the officers
overall responsibilities.
In August 2006, the Committee relied upon the above-mentioned factors to approve stock option
and RSU awards for the named executive officers and for other employees. Management made
recommendations to the Committee with respect to equity award grants based on guidelines that
include award ranges for employees at specific job responsibility levels and performance ratings.
The 2006 stock option and RSU awards for all employees vest as to 25% per year over four years and
stock options typically have a ten-year term.
Deferred Compensation Plan
Cohu maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, the Cohu, Inc. Deferred
Compensation Plan (the Deferred Compensation Plan). Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, Cohu
corporate officers or other employees designated by the Committee, may elect to voluntarily defer
up to 25% of their base salary and/or up to 100% of their incentive bonus thereby allowing the
participating employee to defer taxation on such amounts.
Cohu matches participant contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan up to 4% of the
participants
annual salary in excess of the specified annual compensation limit allowed under the Internal
Revenue Code for contributions under our 401(k) plan. The annual limit, which is indexed, was
$220,000 for 2006 and is $225,000 for 2007. The Cohu matching contributions and any deemed
investment earnings attributable to these contributions will be 100% vested
16
when the participant
has two years of service with Cohu. Prior to that time, such amounts are unvested. Participant
contributions and deemed investment earnings are 100% vested at all times. For additional
information on the Deferred Compensation Plan see 2006 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
included elsewhere herein.
Retirement Benefits Under the 401(k) Plan, Executive Perquisites and Generally Available Benefits
The Cohu Employees Retirement Plan, a tax qualified 401(k) plan, was implemented on January
1, 1978. The majority of Cohus employees, including the named executive officers, who are at
least 21 years of age and complete six months of service are eligible to enroll in this Plan. The
participant may contribute a percentage of his or her annual compensation subject to maximum annual
contribution limitations. Cohu may match participant contributions up to 4% of annual employee
compensation not to exceed specified annual limits. The amounts contributed by Cohu are vested 10%
after one year of participation, another 10% after two years and an additional 20% each year
thereafter to the full 100%. Generally, the maximum annual amount that any participant could
contribute in 2006 was $15,000 and the maximum employer matching contribution based on the 2006
Internal Revenue Code compensation limitation of $220,000 was $8,800.
In fiscal 2006, the named executive officers were eligible to receive health care insurance
coverage and additional benefits that are generally available to other Cohu employees. These
benefits programs include the employee stock purchase plan, restricted stock unit awards, medical,
dental and vision insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, life and accidental
death and dismemberment insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, business
travel insurance, relocation/expatriate programs and services, educational assistance, employee
assistance and certain other benefits.
Commencing in 1989, Cohu began paying Cohu executive officers and certain retired board
members health care related costs, including insurance premiums and non-insurance covered costs
including drug prescription, copays and other health care costs. In fiscal 2006 Cohu paid (i) the
entire cost of Mr. Donahues health care premiums and (ii) out of pocket medical costs such as
participant drug prescription copays and other non-insurance covered health care costs for Mr.
Donahue and Mr. Allen. These medical benefits continue after retirement if certain length of
service and age requirements are satisfied at the time of retirement. In fiscal 2006, Cohu also
provided Messrs. Donahue, Allen, Lightner, McFarlane and Scholefield with automobile expense
allowances.
The 401(k) Plan and other generally available benefit programs allow Cohu to remain
competitive for employee talent and Cohu believes that the availability of the benefit programs
generally enhances employee productivity and loyalty to Cohu. The main objectives of Cohus
benefits programs are to give our employees access to quality healthcare, financial protection from
unforeseen events, assistance in achieving retirement financial goals, enhanced health and
productivity and to provide support for global workforce mobility, in full compliance with
applicable legal requirements. These generally available benefits typically do not specifically
factor into decisions regarding an individual executives total compensation or equity award
package.
On an informal, annual basis, Cohu benchmarks its overall benefits programs against our peers.
We also evaluate the competitiveness of our 401(k) Plan as related to similar plans of our peer
group members by analyzing the dollar value to an employee and the dollar cost to Cohu for the
benefits under the applicable plan using a standard population of employees. We analyze changes to
our benefits programs in light of the overall objectives of the program, including the
effectiveness of the retention and incentive features of such programs and our targeted percentile
range.
In 2006, Cohu provided certain relocation and other benefits to Mr. Lightner and Mr. McFarlane
related to temporary overseas assignments. These relocations were made at the request of Cohu.
These benefits, that are customary benefits provided to other employees on such assignments,
included (i) housing, transportation, moving and other living expense allowances; (ii) assistance
in preparation of tax returns and tax equalization such that the employee will not pay any more (or
less) income tax had they not accepted the assignment.
Compensation of Chief Executive Officer
During fiscal 2006, Mr. Donahue received a salary of $457,010. In setting Mr. Donahues
salary, target bonus and equity compensation awards, the Committee relied on market-competitive pay
data and the strong belief that
the Chief Executive Officer significantly and directly influences Cohus overall performance.
The Committee also took into consideration the overall compensation policies discussed above. As
explained under Executive Incentive Bonus Plan above, applying the bonus formula put into place
at the beginning of fiscal 2006 to Cohus actual performance for the year resulted in a bonus to
Mr. Donahue of $531,050. Mr. Donahue was also granted (i) an option to purchase 62,750 shares of
Cohu Common Stock at an exercise price of $16.40, the fair market value of Cohu Common Stock on the
date of grant, and (ii) 21,750 RSUs.
17
Accounting and Tax Considerations
In designing its compensation programs, Cohu takes into consideration the accounting and tax
effect that each element will or may have on Cohu and the executive officers and other employees as
a group. Cohu aims to keep the expense related to its compensation programs as a whole within
certain levels. When determining how to apportion between differing elements of compensation, the
goal is to meet Cohus objectives while maintaining cost neutrality. For instance, if Cohu
increases benefits under one program resulting in higher compensation expense, Cohu may seek to
decrease costs under another program in order to avoid compensation expense that is above the
desired level. As a further example, in determining whether to grant RSUs instead of stock options,
Cohu considered the accounting impact and has tried to keep the overall equity compensation cost
generally the same as when Cohu granted only stock options. Cohu recognizes a charge to earnings
for accounting purposes when either stock options or RSUs are granted. Since RSUs provide immediate
value to employees once vested, while the value of stock options is dependent on future increases
in the value of Cohu stock, Cohu may be able to realize the same retention value from a smaller
number of RSUs, as compared to stock options. Cohu also considered that the 401(k) Plan and the
Deferred Compensation Plan provide tax-advantaged retirement planning vehicles for our executives
and took into account that Cohu generally may not take a deduction with respect to amounts deferred
under the Deferred Compensation Plan until such amounts are paid out.
In addition, Cohu has not provided any executive officer or director with a gross-up or other
reimbursement for tax amounts the executive might pay pursuant to Section 280G or Section 409A of
the Internal Revenue Code. Section 280G and related Internal Revenue Code sections provide that
executive officers, directors who hold significant stockholder interests and certain other service
providers could be subject to significant additional taxes if they receive payments or benefits in
connection with a change in control of Cohu that exceeds certain limits, and that Cohu or its
successor could lose a deduction on the amounts subject to the additional tax.
In determining which elements of compensation are to be paid, and how they are weighted, Cohu
also takes into account whether a particular form of compensation will be considered
performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under
Section 162(m), Cohu generally receives a federal income tax deduction for compensation paid to any
of its named executive officers only if the compensation is less than $1 million during any fiscal
year or is performance-based under Section 162(m). The 2005 Plan permits our Committee to pay
compensation that is performance-based and thus fully tax-deductible by Cohu. Our Committee
currently intends to continue seeking a tax deduction for all of Cohus executive compensation, to
the extent we determine it is in the best interests of Cohu. The restricted stock units granted to
our executive officers in 2006 do not qualify as performance-based compensation, but the stock
options we grant to executives are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under
Section 162(m).
Compensation Committee Report
The Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and
Analysis for fiscal 2006. Based on the review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the
Board, and the Board has approved, that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in
Cohus Proxy Statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
This report is submitted by the Committee.
Harry L. Casari (Chairman) |
Robert L. Ciardella |
Harold Harrigian |
18
2006 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table shows compensation information for fiscal 2006 for the named executive officers.
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Change in |
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Pension |
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Value and |
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Non-Equity |
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Nonqualified |
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Incentive |
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Deferred |
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Stock |
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Option |
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Plan |
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Compensation |
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All Other |
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Salary |
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Bonus |
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Awards |
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Awards |
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Compensation |
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Earnings |
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Compensation |
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Total |
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Name and Principal Position |
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Year |
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($) |
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($)(1) |
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($) (2) |
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($)(3) |
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($)(4) |
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($) (5) |
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($) (6) (7) |
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($) |
|
James A. Donahue |
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2006 |
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457,010 |
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30,843 |
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516,969 |
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531,050 |
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45,495 |
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1,581,367 |
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President and
Chief Executive Officer |
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John H. Allen |
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2006 |
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279,929 |
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15,008 |
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228,565 |
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243,973 |
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20,645 |
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788,120 |
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Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer |
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Thomas G. Lightner |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
190,086 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,685 |
|
|
|
100,375 |
|
|
|
115,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,321 |
|
|
|
442,744 |
|
Vice President, Manufacturing
Delta Design |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
204,238 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,685 |
|
|
|
86,579 |
|
|
|
123,727 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
79,465 |
|
|
|
501,694 |
|
Senior Vice President
Delta Design |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colin P. Scholefield |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
214,450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,685 |
|
|
|
110,857 |
|
|
|
129,913 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,996 |
|
|
|
477,901 |
|
Senior Vice President,
Sales and Service
Delta Design |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The annual cash incentive paid to Cohus named executive officers is included in the column
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. |
|
(2) |
|
Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the named executive officers.
Instead, the amounts shown above are the compensation costs recognized by Cohu in fiscal 2006
for stock awards issued in the form of restricted stock units as determined under FAS 123R and
include amounts from awards granted in fiscal 2006. There were no stock awards in prior
years. The assumptions used to calculate the value of the stock awards and the related
compensation expense are set forth in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
included in Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
|
(3) |
|
Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the named executive officers.
Instead, the amounts shown above are the compensation costs recognized by Cohu in fiscal 2006
for option awards as determined under FAS 123R and include amounts from awards granted in
fiscal 2006 and prior years. The assumptions used to calculate the value of the option awards
and the related compensation expense are set forth in Notes 11 and 5 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years
ended December 31, 2004 and December 30, 2006, respectively, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. |
|
(4) |
|
Amounts consist of performance-based incentive cash bonuses received by the named executive
officers earned for services rendered in fiscal 2006. Such amounts were paid under the Cohu
2005 Equity Incentive Plan. |
|
(5) |
|
There are no nonqualified deferred compensation earnings reflected in this column as no named
executive officer received above-market or preferential earnings on such compensation during
2006. For further information on 2006 activity in deferred compensation accounts for named
executive officers see 2006 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation included elsewhere herein. |
|
(6) |
|
The amounts shown in this column reflect the following for each named executive officer: |
|
(a) |
|
Cohus matching contributions in fiscal 2006 under the Cohu tax-qualified 401(k) plan
(which is more fully described elsewhere herein under the heading Retirement Benefits
Under the 401(k) Plan, Executive Perquisites and Generally Available Benefits |
|
|
(b) |
|
The value attributable to life insurance benefits provided by Cohu (such amount is
taxable to the recipient) |
|
|
(c) |
|
Monthly automobile expense allowance paid by Cohu (such amount is taxable to the
recipient) |
|
|
(d) |
|
Payment of medical insurance premiums and non covered medical expenses for Mr. Donahue
and non covered medical expenses for Mr. Allen |
|
|
(e) |
|
Cohus matching contributions made in fiscal 2006 for deferred compensation
contributions made by messrs. Allen and Donahue (which is more fully described elsewhere
herein under the heading Deferred Compensation Plan) |
|
|
(f) |
|
Payment of certain relocation benefits to Mr. Lightner, including estimated tax
gross-up, for a temporary foreign assignment consisting of moving expenses, living
allowances and apartment rental. |
The amount attributable to each such perquisite or benefit for each named executive officer does
not exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of perquisites and personal
benefits received by such named executive officer.
19
(7) |
|
In addition to the items noted in footnote (6) above, the amount in this column for Mr.
McFarlane includes certain relocation benefits, including estimated tax gross-up, for a
foreign assignment. These benefits included $30,000 paid for a living expense allowance.
Other benefits, none of which exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of
perquisites and personal benefits, consisted of apartment rental and use of a
company automobile. |
2006 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The following table shows all plan-based awards granted to the named executive officers during
fiscal 2006, which ended on December 30, 2006. The option and stock awards identified in the table
below are also reported in the Outstanding Equity Awards at December 30, 2006 table included
elsewhere herein.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future |
|
|
Estimated Future |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payouts Under Non- |
|
|
Payouts Under |
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
or Base |
|
|
Date Fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Incentive |
|
|
Equity Incentive |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards (1) |
|
|
Plan Awards (2) |
|
|
Shares of |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
of |
|
|
Stock and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thres- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maxi- |
|
|
Thres- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maxi- |
|
|
Stock or |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
Grant |
|
|
hold |
|
|
Target |
|
|
mum |
|
|
hold |
|
|
Target |
|
|
mum |
|
|
Units |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Awards |
|
Name |
|
Date |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
(#) (3) |
|
|
(#) (4) |
|
|
($/sh) (5) |
|
|
($) (6) |
|
James
A. Donahue |
|
|
8/17/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,750 |
|
|
|
62,750 |
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
757,624 |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
462,000 |
|
|
|
924,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John
H. Allen |
|
|
8/17/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,583 |
|
|
|
29,250 |
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
360,050 |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
212,250 |
|
|
|
424,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas
G. Lightner |
|
|
8/17/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,417 |
|
|
|
13,750 |
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
176,111 |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
92,500 |
|
|
|
185,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James
G. McFarlane |
|
|
8/17/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,417 |
|
|
|
13,750 |
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
176,111 |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colin
P. Scholefield |
|
|
8/17/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,417 |
|
|
|
13,750 |
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
176,111 |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
105,000 |
|
|
|
210,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The threshold, target and maximum amounts to be paid in fiscal 2006 are based on the
achievement of certain performance goals and measures established annually by the Compensation
Committee in accordance with the Cohu 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. The threshold amount, which
is 35% of the target amount, is the amount to be paid if a prescribed minimum level of sales
and pretax income were achieved in fiscal 2006. No bonus related to these factors would be
paid if the threshold amount of sales and pretax income were not achieved and, accordingly,
the threshold amount disclosed above is 0. The maximum amount is 200% of the target amount.
These amounts are based on the individuals 2006 salary and position. |
|
(2) |
|
The Company did not grant any equity awards where estimated future payouts are tied to
performance in fiscal 2006. |
|
(3) |
|
The amounts reflect the number of restricted stock units awarded to each named executive
officer under the Cohu 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. |
|
(4) |
|
The amounts reflect the number of stock options awarded to each named executive officer under
the Cohu 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. |
|
(5) |
|
The exercise price of all stock options granted to the named executive officers is 100% of
the fair market value of the shares on the grant date which is the closing price of Cohu
Common Stock on August 17, 2006. |
|
(6) |
|
The value of the restricted stock units and stock options as of the grant date of such award
as determined pursuant to FAS 123R. The option exercise price has not been deducted from the
amounts indicated above. Regardless of the value ascribed to a stock option on the grant date,
the actual value of the option will depend on the market value of the Cohu Common Stock at
such future date when the option is exercised. |
20
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 30, 2006
The following table shows all outstanding equity awards held by each named executive officer at the
end of fiscal 2006, which ended on December 30, 2006. The options with an expiration date of
August 17, 2016 and the stock awards are also reported in the 2006 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
table included elsewhere herein.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPTION AWARDS |
|
|
|
|
STOCK AWARDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
|
or Payout |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of |
|
|
Shares, |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Shares or |
|
|
Units or |
|
|
Shares, |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Shares |
|
|
Units of |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Units or |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Units |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Rights |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Stock |
|
|
that |
|
|
that |
|
|
Rights |
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Option |
|
|
that Have |
|
|
Have Not |
|
|
Have Not |
|
|
that |
|
|
|
Options (#) (1) |
|
|
(#) (1) |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Expiration |
|
|
Not |
|
|
Vested |
|
|
Vested |
|
|
Have Not |
|
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
(#) (2) |
|
|
Price ($) |
|
|
Date |
|
|
Vested (#) |
|
|
($) (3) |
|
|
(#) (2) |
|
|
Vested ($) |
|
James A. |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.50 |
|
|
|
5/6/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Donahue |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.88 |
|
|
|
4/16/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.07 |
|
|
|
3/10/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.88 |
|
|
|
10/20/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.20 |
|
|
|
1/23/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,501 |
|
|
|
17,499 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.27 |
|
|
|
1/28/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,002 |
|
|
|
34,998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.50 |
|
|
|
4/19/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,500 |
|
|
|
82,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.89 |
|
|
|
1/6/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
8/17/2016 |
|
|
|
21,750 |
|
|
|
438,480 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John H. |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.50 |
|
|
|
5/6/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allen |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21.75 |
|
|
|
1/29/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.07 |
|
|
|
3/10/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.88 |
|
|
|
10/20/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.20 |
|
|
|
1/23/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,501 |
|
|
|
7,499 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.27 |
|
|
|
1/28/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,002 |
|
|
|
14,998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.50 |
|
|
|
4/19/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.89 |
|
|
|
1/6/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
8/17/2016 |
|
|
|
10,583 |
|
|
|
213,353 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas G. |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.50 |
|
|
|
4/4/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lightner |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.68 |
|
|
|
10/2/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.66 |
|
|
|
10/14/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,001 |
|
|
|
4,999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.35 |
|
|
|
12/11/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.04 |
|
|
|
10/27/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
8/17/2016 |
|
|
|
5,417 |
|
|
|
109,207 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.07 |
|
|
|
3/10/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
McFarlane |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.88 |
|
|
|
10/20/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.68 |
|
|
|
10/2/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.66 |
|
|
|
10/14/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,251 |
|
|
|
3,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.35 |
|
|
|
12/11/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,501 |
|
|
|
7,499 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.04 |
|
|
|
10/27/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
8/17/2016 |
|
|
|
5,417 |
|
|
|
109,207 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colin P. |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.82 |
|
|
|
12/15/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scholefield |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.07 |
|
|
|
3/10/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.88 |
|
|
|
10/20/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.68 |
|
|
|
10/2/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.66 |
|
|
|
10/14/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,001 |
|
|
|
4,999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.35 |
|
|
|
12/11/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.04 |
|
|
|
10/27/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
8/17/2016 |
|
|
|
5,417 |
|
|
|
109,207 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
All stock options listed above vest at a rate of 25% per year over the first four years of
the ten-year option term. |
|
(2) |
|
The Company did not grant any performance-based equity incentive awards in fiscal 2006. |
|
(3) |
|
Based on a closing price of Cohus Common Stock of $20.16 as reported on the Nasdaq Global
Select Market on December 29, 2006. |
21
2006 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
The following table shows all stock options exercised and the value realized upon exercise and all
stock awards vested and the value realized upon vesting by the named executive officers during
fiscal 2006 which ended on December 30, 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Value |
|
|
of Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of Shares |
|
|
Realized |
|
|
Acquired |
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
Acquired on |
|
|
on Exercise |
|
|
on Vesting |
|
|
Realized on |
|
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
|
($) (1) |
|
|
(#) (2) |
|
|
Vesting ($) |
|
James A. Donahue |
|
|
5,696 |
|
|
|
67,782 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John H. Allen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas G. Lightner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colin P. Scholefield |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
28,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Based on the difference between the market price of Cohus Common Stock on the date of
exercise and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares for which the option was
exercised. |
|
(2) |
|
No stock awards vested in fiscal 2006. |
2006 NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The Deferred Compensation Plan, as summarized in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
above, permits eligible participants to defer compensation from salary and bonuses. The Deferred
Compensation Plan limits the amount of participant deferrals to 25% of salary and 100% of bonuses.
Cohu also makes matching contributions as summarized in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
Participant and employer contributions, distributions and deemed investment earnings and
losses are accumulated in individual deferral investment accounts as established by the Deferred
Compensation Plan. The deemed investment gains or losses credited to a participants account are
based on investment elections made by the participant from prescribed mutual fund investment
options. The table below shows the current investment options selected by participants in the
Deferred Compensation plan and the annual rate of return for fiscal 2006, as reported by the
administrator of the Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Fund |
|
Rate of Return |
|
Fidelity VIP Growth |
|
|
4.44 |
% |
T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth |
|
|
10.82 |
% |
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income |
|
|
17.43 |
% |
Harris Oakmark Focused Value |
|
|
11.09 |
% |
FI Mid Cap Opportunities |
|
|
10.02 |
% |
T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth |
|
|
2.04 |
% |
MFS Research International |
|
|
22.46 |
% |
Morgan Stanley EAFE Index |
|
|
21.48 |
% |
Participants may elect to receive payment of their deferral account in ten or fifteen annual
installments upon retirement and in lump sum or five, ten or fifteen annual installments upon
disability, death, termination or change in control, as defined in the Deferred Compensation Plan.
The following table shows certain information for fiscal 2006 for the named executive officers
under the Deferred Compensation Plan.
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive |
|
|
Registrant |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
Contributions |
|
|
Contributions |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Balance |
|
|
|
In Last Fiscal |
|
|
in Last Fiscal |
|
|
in Last Fiscal |
|
|
Withdrawals/ |
|
|
at Last Fiscal |
|
Name |
|
Year ($) (1) |
|
|
Year ($) (1) |
|
|
Year ($) (2) |
|
|
Distributions ($) |
|
|
Year-End ($) (3) |
|
James A. Donahue |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
9,047 |
|
|
|
151,981 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,350,763 |
|
John H. Allen |
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
2,215 |
|
|
|
29,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
201,443 |
|
Thomas G. Lightner |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colin P. Scholefield |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Executive and Cohu contributions in fiscal 2006 reflect amounts paid in fiscal 2006 based on
compensation earned in 2005. Amounts attributable to 2006 compensation will be paid in 2007
and are not reflected in the amounts noted above. Cohu contributions to be made in 2007 for
2006 compensation deferred are $9,480 for Mr. Donahue and $2,397 for Mr. Allen and these
amounts are included in the All Other Compensation column in the 2006 Summary Compensation
Table included elsewhere herein. |
|
(2) |
|
Aggregate earnings reflect the net gains and losses on mutual fund investment options as
provided for under the Cohu Deferred Compensation Plan. These amounts are not included in the
2006 Summary Compensation table as such amounts are not deemed above-market or preferential
earnings. |
|
(3) |
|
The aggregate balance is included in accrued compensation and benefits in the Cohu December
30, 2006 Consolidated Balance Sheet included in the 2006 Cohu Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table summarizes information with respect to equity awards under Cohus equity
compensation plans at December 30, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
available for future |
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
Weighted average |
|
|
issuance under equity |
|
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
|
exercise price of |
|
|
compensation plans |
|
|
|
exercise of outstanding |
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
|
(excluding securities |
|
|
|
options, warrants and |
|
|
warrants and rights |
|
|
reflected in column |
|
Plan category |
|
rights (a) (1) |
|
|
(b) (2) |
|
|
(a)) (c) |
|
(In thousands, except per share amounts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders |
|
|
2,683 |
|
|
$ |
15.88 |
|
|
|
2,037 |
(3) |
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,683 |
|
|
$ |
15.88 |
|
|
|
2,037 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes options and restricted stock units (RSUs) outstanding under Cohus equity incentive
plans, as no stock warrants or other rights were outstanding as of December 30, 2006. |
|
(2) |
|
The weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights does not take
RSUs into account as RSUs have a de minimus purchase price. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 685 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the Cohu 1997 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan. |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
None of the Compensation Committees members has at any time been an officer or employee of
Cohu. During fiscal 2006, no member of the Compensation Committee had any relationship with Cohu
requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. None of Cohus executive officers serves, or
in fiscal 2006 has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any
entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving on Cohus Board or Compensation
Committee.
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
Cohu has entered into Termination Agreements with Mr. Donahue and Mr. Allen pursuant to which
those executives would be entitled to a payment in the event of a termination of employment for
specified reasons
following a change in control of Cohu. For this purpose, a change in control of Cohu means
(i) a merger or consolidation of Cohu
23
with or into another entity (except with a wholly owned
subsidiary) without regard to whether Cohu or the other party is the surviving entity; (ii) a sale
by Cohu of all or substantially all of its assets; (iii) the acquisition of beneficial ownership of
a majority of the outstanding voting stock of Cohu by any person, entity or affiliated group; (iv)
a change in the identities of a majority of the directors of Cohu within a period of thirty (30)
consecutive months resulting in whole or in part from the election of persons who were not
management nominees or (v) any other agreement or event that has substantially the same effect on
control of Cohu. Termination of employment for purposes of these agreements means a discharge of
the executive within five (5) years of the change in control event, other than for specified causes
including death, disability, wrongful acts, habitual intoxication, habitual neglect of duties or
normal retirement. Termination also includes resignation following the occurrence of an adverse
change in the executives position, duties, compensation or work conditions. The amount of the
payment, excluding any payment for accrued and unused vacation pay that would be paid to any
employee upon termination, is the sum equal to three times the average taxable compensation paid to
the executive over the most recent five years ending before the date of the change in control.
Such amount is limited to that amount which would not result in an Excess Parachute Payment under
IRC Section 280G. The amounts payable under the agreements will change from year to year based on
the executives compensation. In the event of a termination as of December 30, 2006 following a
change in control, the amounts payable to Mr. Donahue and Mr. Allen would have been approximately
$1,555,000 and $1,466,000, respectively.
Upon termination as of December 30, 2006, Mr. Donahue and his spouse would be entitled to
receive health care benefits with an estimated lump-sum present value of $400,000 as of December
30, 2006. In addition, the Deferred Compensation Plan provides that payment of the participants
account balance shall commence within thirty (30) days of a change in control, as defined in the
Deferred Compensation Plan. The payment of the deferred compensation account balance would be in
accordance with the payment method selected by the participant (i.e. lump sum, or five, ten or
fifteen annual installments).
The 2005 Plan provides that in the event of a change in control, as defined in the 2005 Plan,
should the acquiring corporation not assume or substitute for the outstanding equity awards of
Cohu, the exercisability and vesting of all such equity awards will be accelerated, effective as of
a date prior to the change in control. The intrinsic value of the unexercisable equity awards,
representing the difference between the exercise price of the award and $20.16, the closing price
of Cohus Common Stock on December 29, 2006, but prior to the payment of associated taxes, held by
Messrs. Donahue, Allen, Lightner, McFarlane and Scholefield as of December 30, 2006 was
approximately $1,140,000, $530,000, $221,000, $206,000, $221,000, respectively.
Other than as described above, there are no other benefits or payments that would be paid to
the Cohu named executive officers upon resignation, severance, retirement, termination or a change
in control.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Board is committed to upholding the highest legal and ethical conduct in fulfilling its
responsibilities and recognizes that related party transactions can present a heightened risk of
potential or actual conflicts of interest. Accordingly, as a general matter, it is Cohus
preference to avoid related party transactions.
Cohus Audit Committee Charter requires that members of the Audit Committee, all
of whom are independent directors, review and approve all related party transactions for which such
approval is required under applicable law, including SEC and Nasdaq rules. Current SEC rules define
a related party transaction to include any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which Cohu
is a participant and in which any of the following persons has or will have a direct or indirect
interest:
|
|
|
an executive officer, director or director nominee of Cohu; |
|
|
|
|
any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Cohus Common Stock; |
|
|
|
|
any person who is an immediate family member (as defined under Item 404 of
Regulation S-K) of an executive officer, director or director nominee or beneficial owner
of more than 5% of Cohus Common Stock; |
|
|
|
|
any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is
employed or is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person,
together with any other of the foregoing persons, has a 5% or greater beneficial
ownership interest. |
In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and investigating any
matters pertaining to the integrity of management, including conflicts of interest and adherence to
Cohus Code of Business Conduct and
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Ethics. Under this code, directors, officers and all other
employees are expected to avoid any relationship, influence or activity that would cause or even
appear to cause a conflict of interest. Cohus Corporate Governance Guidelines require a director
to promptly disclose to the Board any potential or actual conflict of interest. Under these
Guidelines, the Board will determine an appropriate resolution on a case-by-case basis. All
directors must recuse themselves from any discussion or decision affecting their personal, business
or professional interests.
All related party transactions shall be disclosed in Cohus applicable filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as required under SEC rules.
There were no such reportable relationships or related party transactions during fiscal 2006.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that Cohus executive officers and directors and
persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of Cohus equity securities, file an initial
report of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or 5 with the SEC. Such officers,
directors and 10% stockholders are also required by SEC rules to furnish Cohu with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written
representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required for such persons, Cohu
believes that during the year ended December 30, 2006 its executive officers, directors and 10%
stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is unaware of any other business to be presented for consideration at
the Meeting. If, however, such other business should properly come before the Meeting, the proxies
will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the proxy holders. The shares represented by
proxies received in time for the Meeting will be voted and if any choice has been specified the
vote will be in accordance with such specification.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS 2008 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholders are entitled to present proposals for action, including nominations for
candidates for membership on Cohus Board of Directors, at a forthcoming stockholders meeting if
they comply with the requirements of the proxy rules and Cohus Bylaws. Any proposals intended to
be presented at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu must be received at Cohus offices
on or before December 1, 2007 in order to be considered for inclusion in Cohus proxy statement and
form of proxy relating to such meeting.
If a stockholder intends to submit a proposal at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Cohu, which proposal is not intended to be included in Cohus proxy statement and form of proxy
relating to such meeting, the stockholder should provide Cohu with appropriate notice no later than
December 1, 2007. If Cohu fails to receive notice of the proposal by such date, any such proposal
will be considered untimely and Cohu will not be required to provide any information about the
nature of the proposal in its proxy statement and the proposal will not be submitted to the
stockholders for approval at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Copies of Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006, as filed
with the SEC are available to stockholders without charge upon written request addressed to
Investor Relations, Cohu, Inc., 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California 92064. The Annual
Report on Form 10-K is also available at www.cohu.com and www.sec.gov.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Thomas L. Green |
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Secretary |
Poway, California
April 2, 2007
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
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Mark Here
for Address
Change or
Comments
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PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE |
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WITHHELD |
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FOR ALL |
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1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
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Nominees: |
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01 James W. Barnes
02 James A. Donahue |
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To
withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s) mark For All
Except and write that nominees name in the space
provided below.
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FOR |
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2. TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST
& YOUNG LLP AS COHUS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2007
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Choose MLinkSM for fast, easy and
secure 24/7 online access to your
future proxy materials, investment
plan statements, tax documents and
more. Simply log on to Investor
ServiceDirect® at www.melloninvestor.com/isd where
step-by-step instructions will prompt
you through enrollment. |
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Signature
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Signature
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Date
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NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When
signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give full title as such.
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5FOLD AND DETACH HERE5
Vote by Internet or Telephone or Mail
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern
Time
the day prior to May 8, 2007.
Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your
shares in the same manner
as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
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Internet
http://www.proxyvoting.com/cohu
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Telephone
1-866-540-5760
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Mail
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Use the internet to vote your
proxy. Have your proxy card in hand when
you access the web site. |
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OR |
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Use any touch-tone telephone to
vote your proxy. Have your proxy
card in hand when you call, and
follow the instructions. |
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OR |
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Mark, sign and date
your proxy card
and return it in the
enclosed postage-paid
envelope.
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If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone,
you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.
You can view the Annual Report and Proxy Statement
on the internet at www.cohu.com
PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
COHU, INC.
The undersigned hereby appoints CHARLES A. SCHWAN, JAMES A. DONAHUE and JOHN
H. ALLEN, and each of them, with full power to act without the other and with
power of substitution, as proxies and attorneys-in-fact and hereby authorizes
them to represent and vote, as provided on the other side, all the shares of
COHU, INC. Common Stock which the undersigned is entitled to vote, and, in
their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may properly come
before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu to be held May 8, 2007 or
at any adjournment or postponement thereof, with all powers which the
undersigned would possess if present at the Meeting.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL
BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSALS.
(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side)
5 FOLD AND DETACH HERE 5
You can now access your COHU, INC. account online.
Access your Cohu, Inc. shareholder/stockholder account online via Investor ServiceDirect®
(ISD).
Mellon Investor Services LLC, Transfer Agent for Cohu, Inc., now makes it easy and convenient to get current information on your shareholder account.
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View account status
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View payment history for dividends |
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View certificate history
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Make address changes |
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View book-entry information
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Obtain a duplicate 1099 tax form |
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Establish/change your PIN |
Visit us on the web at http://www.melloninvestor.com
For Technical Assistance Call 1-877-978-7778 between 9am-7pm
Monday-Friday Eastern Time
Investor ServiceDirect® is a registered trademark of Mellon Investor Services LLC