SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 1)
Filed by the Registrant (X)
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ( )
Check the appropriate box:
Preliminary Proxy Statement (X)
Definitive Proxy Statement ( )
Definitive Additional Materials ( )
Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 ( )
PANHANDLE ROYALTY COMPANY
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the registrant)
Payment of Filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
No fee required. (X)
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) and 0-11. ( )
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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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 identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously.
Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or
Schedule and the date of its filing. ( )
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING
TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 27, 2004
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the shareholders of Panhandle
Royalty Company (the "Company") will be held at the Hilton Oklahoma City
Northwest, 2945 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on February 27,
2004, at 9:00 a.m. for the following purposes:
1. TO ELECT THREE DIRECTORS FOR TERMS OF THREE YEARS;
2. TO CONSIDER AND VOTE UPON A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF
AUTHORIZED SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK ("COMMON STOCK") FROM
6,000,000 SHARES TO 12,000,000 SHARES.
3. TO CONSIDER AND VOTE UPON A PROPOSAL TO EFFECT A TWO-FOR-ONE STOCK
SPLIT OF THE OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK ENTITLING EACH SHAREHOLDER TO
RECEIVE ONE ADDITIONAL SHARE OF COMMON STOCK FOR EACH ONE SHARE OWNED.
4. TO CONSIDER AND ACT UPON ANY OTHER MATTER AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE
THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT OR POSTPONEMENT THEREOF.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on January 20, 2004, shall be
entitled to vote at the meeting.
IF YOU DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE MARK, DATE AND SIGN
THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE PREPAID ENVELOPE ENCLOSED FOR YOUR
CONVENIENCE.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. REMEMBER THAT ANY UNRETURNED PROXY WILL HAVE
THE SAME EFFECT AS A NEGATIVE VOTE ON PROPOSALS TWO AND THREE.
PLEASE VOTE!
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Michael C. Coffman
-------------------------------------
Michael C. Coffman, Secretary
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
January 27, 2004
Panhandle Royalty Company
Grand Centre, Suite 210
5400 N. Grand Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5688
JANUARY 27, 2004
PROXY STATEMENT
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of
Panhandle Royalty Company (the "Company") for use at the annual meeting of
shareholders (the "meeting") to be held Friday, February 27, 2004, and at any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
When the proxy is properly executed and returned, the shares it
represents will be voted at the meeting in accordance with any directions noted
thereon. If no direction is indicated, the persons named on the enclosed proxy
will vote the proxy for the nominees for Director set forth thereon and for
Proposals No. 2 and 3. Should other matters come before the meeting, the proxy
will be voted as the Board of Directors of the Company may, in its discretion,
determine.
If the enclosed form of proxy is executed and returned, it nevertheless
may be revoked at any time before it is exercised, by signing and sending to the
Company a later dated proxy or a written revocation, or by attending the meeting
and voting in person.
The mailing address of the Company is Grand Centre, Suite 210, 5400 N.
Grand Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112. It is anticipated that the proxies and
proxy statements will be mailed to shareholders on or about January 27, 2004.
The cost of the soliciting proxies for the meeting will be borne by the
Company. In addition to solicitation by mail, arrangements may be made with
brokerage firms, banks and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send
proxy material to their principals. The Company will reimburse these
institutions for their reasonable costs. No solicitation is to be made by
specially engaged employees or other paid solicitors.
VOTING SECURITIES
The Amended Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides for
one vote for each share of Common Stock. At the meeting, each holder of Common
Stock shall be entitled to cast one vote per share of stock owned. Votes may be
cast by shareholders either in person or by proxy.
All holders of Common Stock of record at the close of business on
January 20, 2004, shall be eligible to vote. As of January 20, 2004, there were
2,089,101 shares of the Company's Common Stock of outstanding owned by
approximately 2,800 shareholders.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of
the shares entitled to vote is necessary for a quorum at the meeting. Directors
are elected by a plurality of the votes of shares present in person or
represented by proxy at the meeting. The approval of proposal No. 2 requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. The
approval of proposal No. 3 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares
present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting.
Abstentions will be counted for the purpose of determining the
existence of a quorum and will have the same effect as a negative vote on
matters other than the election of directors. If a nominee holding shares for a
beneficial owner indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary
authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter or otherwise does
not vote such shares, these shares will not be considered as present and
entitled to vote in respect to that matter, but will be counted for the purpose
of determining the existence of a quorum.
A proxy is enclosed for your signature. Please return it immediately,
dated and signed exactly as the Common Stock appears in your name.
(2)
Please note that if you hold shares in "street name" (that is, through
a bank, broker or other nominee) and would like to attend the annual meeting and
vote in person, you will need to bring a proxy signed by the person in whose
name your shares are registered and bring it to the annual meeting.
The Company knows of no arrangements which would result in a change in
control of the Company at any future date.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth information with respect to the shares
of Common Stock owned beneficially as of January 20, 2004 by all persons who own
or are known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding
Common Stock, by each director, nominee for director and executive officer and
by all directors and executive officers as a group. To the Company's knowledge,
unless otherwise stated, each person named below has sole authority to vote and
invest the shares shown.
NAME OF AMOUNT OF SHARES PERCENT OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED CLASS
---------------- ------------------ ----------
MANAGEMENT
Michael A. Cawley (1) 300 *
Ben D. Hare (1) 500 *
E. Chris Kauffman (1) 6,600 *
Robert O. Lorenz (1) 300 *
H W Peace II (1) (2) 39,209 1.8%
Robert A. Reece (1) 12,796 *
Jerry L. Smith (1) 9,372 *
H. Grant Swartzwelder (1) 664 *
Michael C. Coffman (2) 25,994 1.2%
Wanda C. Tucker (2) 21,000 1.0%
All directors and 115,567 5.5%
officers as a
group (10 persons)
* Less than 1% owned
(1) Director
(2) Executive Officer
OTHER BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Robert Robotti
c/o Robotti & Company
Incorporated, 122,064 5.9%
52 Vanderbilt Avenue,
New York, NY 10017
(3)
PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The following persons are the present directors of the Company:
POSITIONS AND OFFICES SERVED AS
PRESENTLY HELD WITH DIRECTOR PRESENT
NAME AGE THE COMPANY SINCE TERM ENDS
-------------------------------- --- --------------------- --------- -----------
Michael A. Cawley (1) 56 Director 1991 Feb. 2004
Ben D. Hare (1) 57 Director 2002 Feb. 2004
E. Chris Kauffman (1)(3) 63 Director 1991 Feb. 2006
Robert O. Lorenz (2) 57 Director 2003 Feb. 2004
H W Peace II 68 Director, 1991 Feb. 2005
Robert A. Reece (2)(3)(4) 59 Director 1986 Feb. 2005
Jerry L. Smith 63 Director, 1987 Feb. 2005
Chairman of the Board
H. Grant Swartzwelder (2)(3)(4) 40 Director 2002 Feb. 2006
(1) Member of the Compensation Committee
(2) Member of the Audit Committee
(3) Member of the Retirement Committee
(4) Member of the Nominating Committee
There are three vacancies for three year terms beginning February 2004.
Nominees for the vacancies are Michael A. Cawley, Ben D. Hare and Robert O.
Lorenz. These nominees were recommended by the Nominating Committee and approved
by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of the Company has no reason
to believe that any of the nominees will be unable to serve as director.
However, if any nominee should be unable for any reason to accept nomination or
election, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote
those proxies for the election of such other person or persons as the Board of
Directors of the Company may in its discretion determine.
The election of directors requires a plurality of the votes cast for
the election of directors. Accordingly, the three directorships to be filled at
the annual meeting will be filled by the three nominees receiving the highest
number of votes. In the election of directors, votes may be cast in favor of or
withheld with respect to any or all nominees. Votes that are withheld will be
excluded entirely from the vote and will have no effect on the outcome of the
vote.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS ELECT
MICHAEL A. CAWLEY, BEN D. HARE AND ROBERT O. LORENZ
(4)
PROPOSAL TWO: INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK
The Board has unanimously approved and recommends that the shareholders
adopt an amendment to the Company's Amended Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 6,000,000 shares
to 12,000,000 shares. The increase in the number of authorized shares of Common
Stock is conditional upon the approval by the shareholders of the 2-for-1 stock
split described in Proposal No. 3. If the 2-for-1 stock split is not approved,
the number of authorized shares of Common Stock will not be increased.
As of January 20, 2004, there were 2,089,101 shares of Common Stock
issued and outstanding leaving 3,910,899 authorized shares available for
issuance by the Board. After giving effect to be proposed increase in the number
of authorized shares to 12,000,000 and the 2-for-1stock split described in
Proposal No. 3, there will be a total of 4,178,202 post-split shares of Common
Stock issued and outstanding leaving 7,821,798 authorized shares available for
issuance by the Board.
The proposed increase in the number of authorized shares of Common
Stock would permit the 2-for-1 stock split and would allow the remaining
unissued shares to be used by the Board in the future for proper corporate
purposes without further shareholder action (subject to applicable statutes or
the rules of the American Stock Exchange). For example, the shares may be issued
in strategic transactions intended to encourage the growth of the Company such
as acquisitions of oil and gas reserves or business combinations in which Common
Stock may be issued for all or part of the purchase price. The Company does not
have any current plans or intentions to issue any of the proposed additional
authorized shares of Common Stock other than as required in connection with the
2-for-1 stock split.
The increase in the number of authorized shares will not alter any
existing rights, powers or privileges of the holders of the Common Stock.
A brief summary of the rights, powers and privileges of the Common
Stock follows: the Common Stock has no redemption, conversion, sinking fund
provisions or other similar rights. On liquidation of the Company, the holders
of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably together with the holders of
non-voting Class B Common Stock (500 shares outstanding) in the net assets of
the Company available for distribution. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to
such dividends as may be declared by the Board from funds legally available
therefore. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote with respect to
matters presented to the shareholders. The Common Stock does not have preemptive
rights, which means they do not have the right to purchase any new issuance of
Common Stock in order to maintain their proportionate interests in the Company.
Accordingly, the issuance of authorized shares may dilute the percentage
interests of current shareholders.
The Board reserves the right not to proceed with the increase in the
authorized number of shares and the 2-for-1 stock split described in Proposal
No. 3 if, subsequent to shareholder approval but prior to the effectiveness of
such increase and the stock split, the Board determines that these transactions
are no longer advisable based on market conditions or other factors. In no event
will the number of authorized shares of Common Stock be increased unless the
2-for-1 stock split is effected.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"
PROPOSAL TWO TO APPROVE THE INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK
REMEMBER THAT ANY UNRETURNED PROXY WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT
AS A NEGATIVE VOTE
PLEASE VOTE!
(5)
PROPOSAL THREE: APPROVE 2-FOR-1 STOCK SPLIT
The Board has unanimously approved and recommends that the shareholders
adopt an amendment to the Company's Amended Certificate of Incorporation to
effect a 2-for-1 stock split of the outstanding Common Stock. The 2-for-1 stock
split will entitle each shareholder to receive an additional share of Common
Stock for each share currently owned. In connection with the 2-for-1 stock
split, the par value per share of the Common Stock will be reduced from $.03333
to $.01666. The Board does not believe there would be a sufficient number of
authorized but unissued shares available for proper corporate purposes
subsequent to a 2-for-1 stock split. Therefore, the 2-for-1 stock split is
contingent upon the approval of the increase in the number of authorized shares
of Common Stock described in Proposal No. 2. If Proposal No. 2 is not approved,
the 2-for-1 stock split will not be effected.
The Board believes that the 2-for-1 stock split is in the best
interests of the Company and its shareholders and that it will help to broaden
interest in the Common Stock by reducing the market price per share and
increasing the shares available for trading. However, there is no assurance that
the 2-for-1 stock split will have a positive effect on the market price of the
Common Stock.
If the shareholders approve both the increase in the authorized shares
and the 2-for-1 stock split, the stock split will be effected as of the record
date for the split, which is currently expected to be April 1, 2004.
Stockholders of record as of the close of business on the record date will be
entitled to receive one additional share of Common Stock for each share that
they hold as of that date. Stock certificates representing shares issued prior
to the stock split will continue to represent the same number of shares of
Common Stock after the stock split. For example, if a shareholder holds 100
shares of the Common Stock prior to the stock split, the Company will mail to
him or her a stock certificate for 100 shares so that the stockholder will then
hold 200 shares of Common Stock.
DO NOT DESTROY YOUR EXISTING STOCK CERTIFICATES
Stockholders Should Not Destroy Their Existing Certificates and Should
Not Return Them to the Company or its Transfer Agent. The Existing
Certificates and the Certificates for the Additional Shares That Will
Be Mailed to Stockholders Together Will Represent the Correct Number of
Shares after the 2-for-1 Stock Split Becomes Effective.
The Company believes that the 2-for-1 stock split will not result in
any taxable income or in any gain or loss to shareholders for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Immediately after the 2-for-1 stock split, the income tax
basis of each share of Common Stock will be one-half of the income tax basis
before the 2-for-1 stock split. For federal income tax purposes, each new share
will be deemed to have been acquired at the same time as the original shares
prior to the 2-for-1 stock split.
The laws of jurisdictions other than the United States may impose
income taxes on the receipt of the additional shares. Stockholders should
consult their own advisors with respect to any possible tax consequences of the
stock split.
The 2-for-1 stock split will not alter any existing rights, powers or
privileges of the holders of Common Stock. After giving effect to the proposed
increase in the number of authorized shares described in Proposal No. 2 and the
2-for-1 stock split, there will be a total of 4,178,202 post-split shares of
Common Stock outstanding out of a total of 12,000,000 authorized shares. This
will leave 7,821,798 shares available for subsequent issuance by the Board of
Directors.
The Board reserves the right not to proceed with the 2-for-1 stock
split and the increase in the authorized number of shares described in Proposal
No. 2, if subsequent to shareholder approval but prior to the effectiveness of
such stock split and increase, the Board determines that such transactions are
no longer advisable based on market conditions or other factors. In no event
will the 2-for-1 stock split be effected unless the increase in the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock is also effected.
(6)
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"
PROPOSAL THREE APPROVING THE 2-FOR-1 STOCK SPLIT
REMEMBER THAT ANY UNRETURNED PROXY WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT
AS A NEGATIVE VOTE
PLEASE VOTE!
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following is a list of the current executive officers of the
Company, all of whom hold office at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Any officer may be removed from office, with or without cause, at any time by
the Board of Directors.
POSITIONS AND OFFICES
PRESENTLY HELD WITH OFFICER
NAME AGE THE COMPANY SINCE
-------------------- --- ------------------------- -------
Jerry L. Smith 63 Chairman of the Board 1997
H W Peace II 68 Director, Chief Executive 1991
Officer and President
Michael C. Coffman 50 Vice-President, Chief 1990
Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
Wanda C. Tucker 67 Vice-President of Land 1990
All those named above also hold office in the Company's subsidiary,
Wood Oil Company.
INFORMATION REGARDING NOMINEES, DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Michael A. Cawley is an attorney and is the president and chief executive
officer of the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc., Ardmore, OK. He has been
employed by the Noble Foundation for the last nine years. He is also a director
of Noble Drilling Corporation and Noble Affiliates, Inc.
Ben D. Hare holds bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. degrees in geology. Since 2000,
he has been president of Cazador Enterprises, LLC and a vice president of
Legends Exploration LP, Houston, Texas, involved in management consultation and
oil and gas exploration and production. From 1994 to 2000, he was employed by
Vastar Resources, Inc., an oil and gas exploration and production company, with
his last assignment being chief geologist.
E. Chris Kauffman is a vice-president of Campbell-Kauffman, Inc., an independent
insurance agency in Oklahoma City. He has been involved with the agency since it
was formed in 1981. He is also chairman of the Central Oklahoma Transportation &
Parking Authority Trust.
Robert O. Lorenz retired from Arthur Andersen LLP in 2002. He was employed by
Arthur Andersen from 1969 through retirement. He became managing partner of the
Oklahoma City office in 1994 and managing partner of the Oklahoma practice in
2000. He is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor of business
administration degree. He is also a director of Infinity Inc.
(7)
H W Peace II holds bachelors and masters degrees in geology. For thirty-nine
years, he has been employed as a geologist, in management or as an officer
and/or director with companies in the petroleum industry. He has been employed
by Union Oil Company of California, Cotton Petroleum and Hadson Petroleum
Corporation. He has been president of the Company since 1991.
Robert A. Reece is an attorney, and for more than five years has been of counsel
with the law firm of Crowe & Dunlevy. He is active in the management of his
family's investments. He is also a director of National Bank of Commerce. He
also holds a Master in Business Administration degree.
Jerry L. Smith for the last thirteen years has been the owner of Smith Capital
Corporation, in Dallas, Texas, a private investment firm focusing on commercial
real estate and securities. Mr. Smith is also a past Treasurer and Director of
the Association of Graduates of the United States Air Force Academy. He is a
graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and also holds a Master in
Business Administration degree.
H. Grant Swartzwelder is president of Petrogrowth Advisors, Dallas Texas, an
investment banking firm he founded in 1998. Prior to founding Petrogrowth
Advisors, he was vice-president of Principal Financial Securities, Inc. of
Dallas, Texas, a financial brokerage firm. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree
in Petroleum Engineering and a Master in Business Administration degree.
Michael C. Coffman is a certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in business administration. Since 1975, he has worked in public
accounting and as a financial officer of three publicly owned companies involved
in the oil and gas industry. He has been an officer of the Company since 1990.
Wanda C. Tucker has been a full-time employee of the Company since 1978, being
vice-president of land since 1990.
None of the organizations described in the business experiences of the
Company directors and officers are parents, subsidiaries or affiliates of
Panhandle Royalty Company.
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, the Board of Directors
held five meetings. At each meeting a quorum of directors were present. No
director attended less than 75% of the total number of meetings held during the
period.
The Board of Directors has four committees: Audit, Compensation,
Nominating and Retirement.
The Compensation Committee, composed of Michael A. Cawley, E. Chris
Kauffman and HW Peace II (President and CEO), met one time during fiscal 2003.
In February 2003, Mr. Peace was replaced on the committee by Ben D. Hare. The
current Compensation Committee is composed entirely of independent directors.
The Committee reviews officer performance and recommends to the Board of
Directors compensation amounts for officers and directors.
The Retirement Committee composed of E. Chris Kauffman, Robert A.
Reece, and H. Grant Swartzwelder, oversees the administration of the Company's
Employee Stock Ownership and 401(k) Plan and Trust. This Committee met once
during the year.
The Company has an Audit Committee. Information regarding the functions
performed by this Committee, its membership and the number of meetings held
during the fiscal year is set forth in the "Report of The Audit Committee",
included in this proxy statement.
In December, 2003, the Board of Directors appointed Robert A. Reece and
H. Grant Swartzwelder to the Nominating Committee. This Committee will be
developing its duties and responsibilities in fiscal 2004. The principal
functions of the Nominating Committee are expected to be: identifying
individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors; recommend to
the Board when new members should be added to the Board; recommend to the Board
individuals to fill vacant Board positions and recommend to the Board nominees
for election as directors at the annual meeting of Stockholders. The Nominating
Committee will consider nominees proposed by stockholders of the Company. To
recommend a prospective nominee for the Committee's consideration, stockholders
should submit the candidate's name and qualifications to the
(8)
Company's Secretary in writing to the following address: Panhandle Royalty
Company, Attention: Secretary, 5400 North Grand Boulevard, Suite 210, Oklahoma
City, OK 73112. Any such submission must be accompanied by the written consent
of the proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director
if elected.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the compensation received by the
Company's executive officers for services, in all capacities, during fiscal
years ended September 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
SUMMARY ANNUAL COMPENSATION TABLE
NAME AND ALL
PRINCIPAL FISCAL OTHER
POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION
------------------------ ------- ---------- -------- --------------
H W Peace II
President,
Chief Executive Officer 2003 $ 167,500 $ 20,600 $ 28,215 (1)
2002 $ 155,502 $ 40,600 $ 25,500 (1)
2001 $ 138,756 $ 25,600 $ 24,653 (1)
Michael C. Coffman
Vice-President,
Chief Financial Officer 2003 $ 116,250 $ 10,600 $ 19,028 (2)
2002 $ 108,750 $ 25,600 $ 20,153 (2)
2001 $ 92,250 $ 15,600 $ 16,628 (2)
(1) Represents value of 1,243 shares for fiscal 2003, 1,752 shares for
2002, and 1,541 shares for 2001, of Company stock contributed to the
Panhandle Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) on Mr. Peace's behalf.
(2) Represents the value of 838 shares for fiscal 2003, 1,385 shares for
2002, and 1,039 shares for 2001 of Company stock contributed to the
Panhandle Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) on Mr. Coffman's behalf.
The ESOP is a defined contribution plan, non-voluntary and
non-contributory, and serves as the retirement plan for the Company's employees.
Contributions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and, to date, all
contributions have been made in shares of Company Stock. Contributions are
allocated to all participants in proportion to their salaries for the plan year
and 100% vesting occurs after three years of service.
Effective January 1, 2003, outside directors are paid a yearly retainer
of $5,000, plus $1,000 and travel expenses for attending each meeting of the
Board of Directors and $500 for attending each committee meeting of the Board.
Any director who travels in excess of 50 miles to attend a meeting receives an
additional $100 for each meeting. In addition to the above, Jerry Smith,
Chairman of the Board of Directors, who is not an employee of the Company, is
entitled to receive a $100 per hour fee for time spent on Company business other
than attending Board or committee meetings. During fiscal 2003 and 2002, Mr.
Smith elected to receive no payments under this arrangement. Mr. Lorenz,
Chairman of the Audit Committee, receives a $150 per hour fee for time spent on
Audit Committee business other than attending Board or Audit Committee meetings.
During fiscal 2003, Mr. Lorenz received $2,175 under this arrangement.
(9)
Outside directors can elect to be included in the Panhandle Royalty
Company Deferred Compensation Plan For Non-Employee Directors (the "Plan"). The
Plan provides that each eligible director can individually elect to receive
shares of Company stock rather than cash for the yearly retainer, Board meeting
fees or Board committee meeting fees. These unissued shares are credited to each
directors deferred fee account at the fair market value of the shares on the
date of the meeting. Upon retirement, termination or death of the director or
upon a change in control of the Company, the shares accrued under the Plan will
be either issued to the director or may be converted to cash, at the directors'
discretion, at the fair market value of the shares on the conversion date. All
directors are participating in the Plan.
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the performances of the Company's common
stock to the Standard & Poor's Small Cap 600 Index ("S&P Small Cap 600 Index")
and to the Standard & Poor's Oil & Gas Exploration and Production Index ("S&P
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production"). The graph assumes that the amount of
investment was $100 on September 30, 1998 and that all dividends were
reinvested.
TOTAL RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS
(INCLUDES REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS)
ANNUAL RETURN PERCENTAGE
YEARS ENDING
COMPANY / INDEX SEP99 SEP00 SEP01 SEP02 SEP03
------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
PANHANDLE ROYALTY CO -10.12 89.74 10.68 -2.26 58.31
S&P SMALLCAP 600 INDEX 17.54 24.17 -10.62 -1.79 26.86
S&P 500 OIL & GAS - 11.67 31.89 -22.97 11.40 9.05
EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION
INDEXED RETURNS
YEARS ENDING
BASE
PERIOD
COMPANY / INDEX SEP98 SEP99 SEP00 SEP01 SEP02 SEP03
------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
PANHANDLE ROYALTY CO 100 89.88 170.54 188.75 184.49 292.06
S&P SMALLCAP 600 INDEX 100 117.54 145.95 130.46 128.12 162.53
S&P 500 OIL & GAS - 100 111.67 147.28 113.45 126.39 137.82
EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
(10)
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has oversight over
Panhandle's executive compensation program and recommends for approval by the
full board the base salaries and bonuses of the Company's officers.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Kauffman, Cawley
and Hare. No current member of the Compensation Committee is an officer or
employee of the Company.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: PHILOSOPHY AND PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The Company's philosophy is to provide a compensation program that will
attract, retain and reward the officers who contribute to the Company's success
and to motivate the officers to develop and execute current and long-term
business strategies and goals. The components of officer compensation are base
salary and yearly cash bonuses. Officers also participate in benefit plans which
are available to all employees. The Company believes that a portion of officer
compensation should be based on performance of both the officer and the Company,
thus, the yearly cash bonus is considered performance based compensation. The
Company does not offer stock options to employees or officers and has no
employment contracts or change-in-control arrangements with any of its employees
or officers.
BASE SALARY AND BONUS
In 2003, base salaries and bonuses for officers were based upon the
individual's responsibilities and experience, taking into account, among other
items, the individuals' initiative, contribution to the Company's overall
performance, handling of special projects or events during the year and yearly
financial and operating results comparison to the Company's business plan. Base
salaries for officers are reviewed yearly and are compared to similar employees
in the Company's industry. The Company has made a concerted effort in the last
few years, to bring its compensation levels up to those of comparable sized
companies in the oil and gas industry.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
The Board of Directors awarded Mr. Peace, President and Chief Executive
Officer, a base salary of $170,000 for calendar year 2003. In addition, a
performance bonus of $20,000 was awarded to Mr. Peace in December, 2002. The
increase in salary and the reduction in bonus from the prior year's $40,000
performance bonus was based on fiscal 2002 financial operating results. Fiscal
2002 saw a modest increase in total revenues, but a decrease in net income of
the Company. The decline in net income resulted from the 46% decrease in the
average sales price for natural gas in fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001.
The Company was able to more than replace oil and gas produced during fiscal
2002 with reserves from new wells drilled and completed in 2002. Based on these
factors, the Committee felt positive adjustments were warranted but at a lesser
level than the prior year.
By the Compensation Committee:
E. Chris Kauffman, Chairman
Michael A. Cawley
Ben D. Hare
(11)
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee is composed of three independent directors. During
the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, Robert A. Reece and H. Grant
Swartzwelder were members of the Audit Committee for the entire year. Jerry L.
Smith was a member of the Audit Committee from October 1, 2002 through May 2,
2003. Robert O. Lorenz was elected to the Board by the Board of Directors
effective May 2, 2003, and he was appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee. The
Board of Directors has determined that all committee members are independent and
that Mr. Lorenz is an audit committee financial expert, as defined by the
Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines and the rules of the American
Stock Exchange.
In fiscal 2000, the Committee and the Board of Directors adopted a
written charter. In fiscal 2003, the Committee adopted a revised and updated
charter which is attached hereto as Appendix A and can be viewed on the
Company's website at www.panra.com. Two meetings of the Committee were held
during fiscal 2003. In addition to the full Committee meetings, the Chairman of
the Audit Committee met with Ernst & Young LLP and management subsequent to the
end of each of the first three fiscal quarters. At these meetings, Ernst & Young
LLP's review results were presented and discussed and discussions were held with
management concerning the quarterly results. The Chairman then reported a
summary of these discussions to the entire Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee's primary responsibility is to oversee the
Company's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors and
report the results of its activities to the Board. Management has the primary
responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process including
the systems of internal controls.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Committee reviewed with
management the audited financial statements, included in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003, including a
discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting
principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of
disclosures in the financial statements. The Committee reviewed with the
independent auditors, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the
conformity of those audited financial statements with generally accepted
accounting principles, their judgments as to the quality, not just the
acceptability, of the Company's accounting principles and such other matters as
are required to be discussed with the Committee by Statement on Auditing
Standards No. 61 (Communications with Audit Committees) as amended by Statement
on Auditing Standards No. 90 (Audit Committee Communications). In addition, the
Committee discussed with the independent auditors its independence from
management and the Company, including matters in the written disclosures
received from the independent auditors as required by the Independence Standards
Board No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committee).
The Committee met with the independent auditors, with and without
management present, to discuss the overall scope and plans for their audit, the
results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company's internal
controls, and the overall quality of the Company's financial reporting.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors (and the Board approved) that
the audited financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003 for filing with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S FEES AND SERVICES
The following sets forth fees for the audit and other services provided
by Ernst & Young LLP for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2003 and 2002:
FEE CATEGORY FISCAL 2003 FEES FISCAL 2002 FEES
----------------------- ---------------- ----------------
AUDIT FEES (1) $ 116,990 $ 96,615
AUDIT-RELATED FEES (2) $ -- $ 26,350
TAX FEES $ -- $ --
ALL OTHER FEES $ -- $ --
(1) includes fees for audit of annual financial statements and reviews of the
related quarterly financial statements.
(12)
(2) includes fees for audit-related services in connection with the Company's
acquisition of Wood Oil Company.
All services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP were permissible under
applicable laws and regulations, and were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee's pre-approval policy is set forth in the Audit Committee
Charter attached hereto as Appendix A.
For fiscal 2004, the Audit Committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP to
conduct quarterly reviews for the first three fiscal quarters, and expects to
select Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditor for the fiscal 2004 audit.
A representative of Ernst & Young LLP is expected to be present at the
meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will have an opportunity to make
a statement if so desired.
By the Audit Committee
Robert O. Lorenz - Chairman
Robert A. Reece
H. Grant Swartzwelder
CODE OF ETHICS
During 2003, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors adopted a
Code of Ethics For Senior Financial Officers. The Company's President and Chief
Executive Officer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Controller
were required to sign the code and will be held to the standards outlined. The
Code of Ethics for Senior Financials Officers is attached hereto as Appendix B.
In addition, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors adopted a code of
ethics applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the Company.
Copies of both codes of ethics are available at the Company's website at
www.panra.com.
SECURITY HOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH PANHANDLE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Panhandle provides an informal process for shareholders to send
communications to our Board of Directors. Shareholders who wish to contact the
Board of Directors or any of its individual members may do so by writing to
Panhandle Royalty Company, 5400 North Grand Blvd., Suite 210, Oklahoma City, OK
73112. Correspondence directed to any individual Board member is referred,
unopened, to that member. Correspondence not directed to a particular Board
member is referred, unopened, to the Chairman of the Board.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
Copies of the Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2003 are being mailed simultaneously with this proxy statement.
FORM 10-K
A copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is available, free of charge, upon written
request made to the Company at the address set forth below, or can be viewed on
the Company's website at www.panra.com.
Michael C. Coffman, Secretary
Panhandle Royalty Company
5400 N. Grand Blvd. - Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5688
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's directors and executive officers and persons who own more than ten
percent of the Company's Common Stock (collectively), "Reporting Persons") to
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership
and reports of changes in ownership of the Common Stock, and to furnish the
Company with copies of such reports. To the Company's knowledge, during the
fiscal year ended September, 2003, all reporting persons complied with all
applicable filing requirements.
(13)
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the next annual
meeting of stockholders in February, 2005, and to be included in the Proxy
statement and form of proxy pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, must be received by the Company on or before October 31, 2004. Any
such proposals should be in writing and be sent by certified mail; return
receipt requested, to the Company's principal office address shown above.
OTHER MATTERS
Management knows of no other matters to be brought before the meeting.
However, if any other matters do properly come before the meeting, it is
intended that the shares represented by the proxies in the accompanying form
will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the person voting the
proxy. Whether stockholders plan to attend the meeting or not, they are
respectfully urged to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy which will, of
course, be returned to them at the meeting if they are present and so request.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Michael C. Coffman
----------------------------------------
Michael C. Coffman, Secretary
January 27, 2004
(14)
APPENDIX A
PANHANDLE ROYALTY COMPANY
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
ORGANIZATION
This Charter governs the operations of the Audit Committee ("Committee") of
Panhandle Royalty Company ("Company"). The Committee shall review and reassess
this Charter at least annually and obtain the approval of the Charter by the
Board of Directors ("Board"). The Committee shall consist of three or more
directors appointed annually by the Board, each of whom are independent of
management and the Company. Members of the Committee shall be considered
independent as long as they do not accept any consulting, advisory, or other
compensatory fees from the Company other than for Board service and are not an
affiliated person of the Company, or its subsidiaries, and meet such
independence and expertise requirements as are applicable under U.S. law, and
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
exchange where the Company is listed. At least one member of the Committee shall
be an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by SEC regulations.
PURPOSE
The Committee shall provide assistance to the Board in fulfilling its oversight
responsibility to the shareholders, potential shareholders, the investment
community, and others relating to: the integrity of the Company's financial
statements; the financial reporting process; the systems of internal accounting
and financial controls; the performance of the Company's independent auditors;
the independent auditor's qualification and independence; and the Company's
compliance with ethics policies and legal and regulatory requirements. In so
doing, it is the responsibility of the Committee to maintain free and open
communication among the Committee, independent auditors and management of the
Company.
In discharging its oversight role, the Committee is empowered to investigate any
matter brought to its attention with full access to all books, records,
facilities and personnel of the Company and has the authority to engage, without
Board approval and at the Company's expense, independent counsel and other
advisors as it determines appropriate to carry out its duties.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary responsibility of the Committee is to oversee the Company's
financial reporting process on behalf of the Board and report the results of
their activities to the Board. While the Committee has the responsibilities and
powers set forth in this Charter, it is not the duty of the Committee to plan or
conduct audits or to determine that the Company's financial
statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. Management is responsible for the preparation,
presentation and integrity of the Company's financial statements and for the
appropriateness of the accounting principles and reporting policies that are
used by the Company. The independent auditors are responsible for auditing the
Company's financial statements and for reviewing the Company's unaudited interim
financial statements. The Committee, in carrying out its responsibilities,
believes its policies and procedures should remain flexible in order to best
react to changing conditions and circumstances. The Committee should take
appropriate actions to set the overall corporate "tone" for quality financial
reporting, sound business risk practices and ethical behavior. The following
shall be the principal duties and responsibilities of the Committee. These are
set forth as a guide with the understanding that the Committee may supplement
them from time to time as appropriate.
o The Committee shall be directly responsible for the appointment, termination,
compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditors. The
Committee shall pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the
independent auditors and the fees to be paid for those services and shall not
engage the independent auditors to perform any non-audit services prohibited by
law or regulation. The Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to a member
of the Committee. The decisions of any Committee member to whom pre-approval
authority is delegated must be presented to the full Committee at its next
scheduled meeting.
o Evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent
auditors on the basis of such factors as it shall deem appropriate. Obtain and
review a report from the independent auditor at least annually regarding (a) the
auditor's internal quality-control procedures, (b) any material issues raised by
the most recent quality-control review, or peer review, of the firm, or by any
inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the
preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by
the firm, (c) any steps taken to deal with any such issues, and (d) all
relationships between the independent auditor and the Company. Discuss with
corporate management the qualifications, independence and performance of the
independent auditors. The independent auditors shall report directly to the
Audit Committee and are ultimately accountable to the Audit Committee and the
Board of Directors.
o The Committee shall establish policies for hiring employees or former
employees of the independent auditors.
o The Committee shall discuss with the independent auditors the overall scope
and plans for their audits, including the adequacy of staffing and compensation.
Also, the Committee shall discuss with management and the independent auditors
the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and financial controls,
including the Company's policies and procedures to assess, monitor and manage
business risk and legal and ethical compliance programs (including the Company's
Code of Ethics and Business Practices).
o Provide sufficient opportunity for the independent auditors to meet with the
members of the Audit Committee without members of management present. Among the
items to be discussed in these meetings are the independent auditors' evaluation
of the Company's financial and accounting personnel, the cooperation that the
independent auditors received during the course of audit, any difficulties
encountered, any restrictions on
their work, significant disagreements with corporate management and their
findings and recommendations. Discuss certain matters required to be
communicated to the Audit Committee in accordance with AICPA SAS 61.
o The Committee shall receive annual reports from the independent auditor on the
critical policies and practices of the Company, and all alternative treatments
of financial information within generally accepted accounting principles that
have been discussed with management.
o The Committee shall review and discuss earnings press releases, as well as any
financial information and earnings guidance that might be provided to analysts
and rating agencies. The chairman of the committee may represent the entire
committee for the purposes of these reviews.
o The Committee shall review the interim financial statements and disclosures
under Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations with management and the independent auditors prior to the filing of
the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Also, the Committee shall discuss
the results of the quarterly review and any other matters required to be
communicated to the Committee by the independent auditors under generally
accepted auditing standards. The chair of the Committee may represent the entire
Committee for the purposes of this review.
o The Committee shall review with management and the independent auditors the
financial statements and disclosures under Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to be included in the Company's
annual report on Form 10-K, including their judgment about the quality, as well
as the acceptability, of accounting principles, the reasonableness of
significant judgments, and the clarity of the disclosures in the financial
statements. Also, the Committee shall discuss the results of the annual audit
and any other matters required to be communicated to the Committee by the
independent auditors under generally accepted auditing standards.
o The Committee shall establish procedures for the receipt, retention and
treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal
accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential anonymous
submission by employees of the issuer of concerns regarding questionable
accounting or auditing matters.
o The Committee shall receive corporate attorney's reports of evidence of a
material violation of securities laws or breaches of fiduciary duty.
o The Committee shall prepare its report to be included in the Company's annual
proxy statement as required by SEC regulations.
o The Committee shall evaluate its performance at least annually to determine
whether it is functioning effectively.
o The chair of the committee shall be responsible for keeping accurate minutes
of committee meetings, reviews, activities and reports. The Committee shall
regularly report its activities to the Board.
COMPLIANCE MATTERS
o Discuss with management the Company's compliance with applicable laws and
regulations and any material reports, correspondence or inquiries from
regulatory or government agencies and any employee complaints or published
reports which raise material issues regarding the Company's financial statements
or accounting policies.
o Obtain reports from management that the Company and its subsidiary entities
are in conformity with applicable legal requirements, legal business policies,
regulatory requirements and the Company's Code of Ethics and Business Practices.
Review reports and disclosures of insider and affiliated party transactions.
Advise the Board with respect to the Company's policies and procedures regarding
compliance with applicable laws and regulations and with the Company's Code of
Ethics and Business Practices.
APPENDIX B
PANHANDLE ROYALTY COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CODE OF ETHICS FOR SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS
Panhandle Royalty Company ("the Company") has a Code of Ethics and Business
Practices applicable to all employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller of the Company
(the "Senior Financial Officers") are bound by the provisions set forth therein
relating to ethical conduct, conflicts of interest and compliance with law.
Because of the important and elevated role in our corporate governance held by
the Senior Financial Officers, they are subject to the following additional
policies set forth in this Code of Ethics:
1. The Senior Financial Officers will exhibit and promote the highest
standards of honest and ethical conduct through the establishment and operation
of policies and procedures that encourage and reward professional integrity in
all aspects of our financial organization, by eliminating inhibitions and
barriers to responsible behavior, such as coercion, fear of reprisal, or
alienation from our financial organization or our Company. The Senior Financial
Officers will demonstrate their personal support for such policies and
procedures through periodic communication reinforcing these ethical standards
throughout our finance organization.
2. The Senior Financial Officers are responsible for full, fair,
accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the periodic reports required
to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Therefore, Senior Financial Officers are required to familiarize themselves with
the disclosure requirements applicable to the Company as well as the business
and financial operations of the Company. It is the responsibility of each Senior
Financial Officer to promptly bring to the attention of the Audit Committee of
the Board of Directors any material information of which he or she may become
aware that affects the disclosures made by the Company in its public filings or
otherwise assist the Audit Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities as
specified in the Audit Committee Charter.
3. Each Senior Financial Officer shall promptly bring to the attention
of the Audit Committee any information he or she may have concerning (i)
significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which
could adversely affect the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial data or (ii) any fraud, whether or
not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant
role in the Company's financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls.
4. Each Senior Financial Officer shall promptly bring to the attention
of our outside legal counsel and/or to the Audit Committee any information he or
she may have concerning any violation of the Company's Code of Ethics and
Business Practices, including any actual or apparent conflicts of interest
between personal and professional relationships, involving any management or
other employees who have a significant role in the Company's financial
reporting, disclosures or internal controls.
5. Each Senior Financial Officer shall promptly bring to the attention
of our outside general counsel and/or to the Audit Committee any information he
or she may have concerning evidence of a material violation of the securities or
other laws, rules or regulations applicable to the Company and the operation of
its business, by the Company or any agent thereof.
6. The Board of Directors shall determine, or designate appropriate
persons to determine, appropriate actions to be taken in the event of violations
of the Company's Code of Ethics and Business Practices or this Code of Ethics by
the Senior Financial Officers. Such actions shall be reasonably designed to
deter wrongdoing and to promote accountability for adherence to the Code of
Ethics and Business Practices and this Code of Ethics, and shall include written
notices to the individual involved that the Board has determined that there has
been a violation. In determining what action is appropriate in a particular
case, the Board of Directors or such designee shall take into account all
relevant information, including the nature and severity of the violation,
whether the violation was a single occurrence or repeated occurrences, whether
the violation appears to have been intentional or inadvertent, whether the
individual in question had been advised prior to the violation as to the proper
course of action and whether or not the individual in question had committed
other violations in the past.
PROXY
Panhandle Royalty Company
Grand Centre, Suite 210, 5400 North Grand Blvd.
Oklahoma City, Ok 73112-5688
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Diane M. Coleman, Dorretta K. Moore and Wanda C.
Tucker, or any of them, as proxies each with full power of substitution, to
represent and vote all of the shares of Class A Common Stock of Panhandle
Royalty Company held of record by the undersigned on January 20, 2004, at the
annual meeting of stockholders to be held on February 27, 2004, or any
adjournment or postponement thereof. Should other matters properly come before
the meeting, the proxies are further authorized to vote thereon, in their
discretion.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (Three vacancies, each for a 3-year term)
Michael A. Cawley [ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR
Ben D. Hare [ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR
Robert O. Lorenz [ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR
2. INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK FROM
6,000,000 TO 12,000,000 SHARES.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR
3. EFFECT A 2-FOR-1 STOCK SPLIT OF THE OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK (Entitling each
shareholder to receive one additional share of Common Stock for each share
owned)
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR
(PLEASE SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE)
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN
BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED FOR ALL PROPOSALS.
PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS BELOW
DATED: , 2004
-------------------------
--------------------------------------
SIGNATURE
--------------------------------------
SIGNATURE, IF HELD JOINTLY
WHEN SHARES ARE HELD BY JOINT TENANTS, BOTH SHOULD SIGN. WHEN SIGNING AS
ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE FULL TITLE
AS SUCH. IF A CORPORATION, PLEASE SIGN IN FULL CORPORATE NAME BY PRESIDENT OR
OTHER AUTHORIZED OFFICER. IF A PARTNERSHIP, PLEASE SIGN IN PARTNERSHIP NAME BY
AUTHORIZED PERSON.