def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o |
|
Preliminary Proxy Statement |
o |
|
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
þ |
|
Definitive Proxy Statement |
o |
|
Definitive Additional Materials |
o |
|
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
MEADOW VALLEY CORPORATION
(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):
þ |
|
No fee required. |
o |
|
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
|
(1) |
|
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was
determined): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Total fee paid: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o |
|
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
|
o |
|
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its
filing. |
|
(1) |
|
Amount Previously Paid: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Filing Party: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Date Filed: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MEADOW VALLEY CORPORATION
4602 E. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
Telephone: (602) 437-5400
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 11, 2007
To the Shareholders of Meadow Valley Corporation:
The 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Meadow Valley Corporation, a Nevada corporation
(the Company), will be held at 4602 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona, at 12:00 p.m., Arizona
time, on June 11, 2007, for the following purposes:
|
1. |
|
To elect two Class C directors to serve for three-year terms; |
|
|
2. |
|
To ratify the selection of Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP as the independent
registered public accounting firm for the Company for 2007; |
|
|
3. |
|
To consider a proposal introduced by a shareholder to act in the most
expeditious manner, consistent with effective tax considerations, to liquidate the
Companys investment in Ready Mix, Inc. and distribute the proceeds to the Companys
shareholders; and |
|
|
4. |
|
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
Details relating to the above matters are set forth in the attached Proxy Statement. All
shareholders of record of the Company as of the close of business on April 4, 2007, will be
entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Management of the Company cordially invites you to attend the annual meeting. Your attention
is directed to the attached proxy statement for a discussion of the foregoing proposals and the
reasons why the board of directors encourages you to vote for approval of proposals 1 and 2 and
against proposal 3. A copy of the Companys 2006 Annual Report, which includes audited financial
statements, was mailed with this notice and proxy statement to all shareholders of record on the
record date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
|
|
|
/s/ Bradley E. Larson
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bradley E. Larson
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
May 9, 2007
IMPORTANT: IF YOU DO NOT PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU ARE URGED TO SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY. A REPLY CARD IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. THE GIVING OF A PROXY
WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING.
MEADOW VALLEY CORPORATION
4602 E. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
Telephone: (602) 437-5400
PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 11, 2007
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board
of Directors of Meadow Valley Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the Company), to be used at the
2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (Annual Meeting) to be held at 4602 East
Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona, at 12:00 p.m., Arizona time, on June 11, 2007, or at any adjournment
or postponement thereof. The Company anticipates that this Proxy Statement and the accompanying
form of proxy will be first mailed or given to shareholders of the Company on or about May 9, 2007.
Meeting Agenda
At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to elect two Class C directors to serve for
three-year terms, ratify the selection of Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP as the independent
registered public accounting firm for the Company for 2007, consider the shareholder proposal to
act in the most expeditious manner, consistent with effective tax considerations, to liquidate the
Companys investment in Ready Mix, Inc. and distribute the proceeds to the Companys shareholders
(the Shareholder Proposal), and transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof.
Record Versus Beneficial Ownership of Shares
If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Corporate Stock
Transfer, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record. If you
are a shareholder of record, we sent our Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement,
Proxy Card and Annual Report to Shareholders directly to you.
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other holder of record,
you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name. In that case, our Notice
of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Annual Report to Shareholders
have been forwarded to you by your broker, bank or other holder of record who is considered, with
respect to those shares, the shareholder of record. Your broker, bank or other holder of record
will also send you instructions on how to vote. If you have not heard from your broker, bank or
other holder of record who holds your stock, please contact them as soon as possible.
Record Date and Number of Votes
The record date for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is April 4, 2007. If you were a
shareholder of record at the close of business on April 4, 2007, you may vote at the Annual
Meeting. At the close of business on the record date, there were 5,125,760 shares of our common
stock, par value $.001 per share (Common Stock), outstanding and entitled to vote and
approximately 1,000 beneficial and shareholders of record. Each shareholder is entitled to one
vote per share.
How You Can Vote
The shares represented by all proxies that are properly executed and submitted will be voted
at the meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated thereon. Unless otherwise directed,
votes will be cast (i) for the election of the nominees for directors hereinafter named; (ii)
for the ratification of Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP as the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm; (iii) against the Shareholder Proposal; and (iv) to transact such other
business as may properly come before the meeting. Shareholders who hold their shares in street
name (i.e., in the name of a bank, broker or other record holder) must vote their shares in the
manner prescribed by their brokers.
Changing Your Vote
You can revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised in one of three ways:
|
(1) |
|
by delivering to the Secretary of the Company a written instrument of
revocation bearing a date later than the date of the proxy. |
|
|
(2) |
|
by duly executing and delivering to the Secretary of the Company a subsequent
proxy relating to the same shares. |
|
|
(3) |
|
by attending the meeting and voting in person, provided that the shareholder
notifies the Secretary at the meeting of his or her intention to vote in person at any
time prior to the voting of the proxy. |
Required Votes
A plurality of votes cast by shareholders who are either present in person or represented by
proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting is required to elect the two Class C nominees for
Director under Proposal 1. Approval of Proposals 2 and 3 requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares present and entitled to vote on these proposals at the Annual Meeting. The
total number of votes that could be cast at the meeting is the number of votes actually cast plus
the number of abstentions. Abstentions are counted as shares present at the meeting for purposes
of determining whether a quorum exists and have the effect of a vote against any matter as to
which a specific proportion of affirmative votes is required for approval. Proxies submitted by
brokers that do not indicate a vote for some or all of the proposals because they do not have
discretionary voting authority and have not received instructions as to how to vote on these
proposals (so-called broker non-votes) are counted for the purpose of determining the presence of
or absence of a quorum but are not counted for determining the number of votes cast for or against
a proposal.
Dissenters Rights or Appraisal
Pursuant to applicable Nevada law, there are no dissenters or appraisal rights relating to
the matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting.
Other Matters to Be Acted Upon at the Meeting
We do not know of any matters other than the election of directors, the ratification of
independent registered public accounting firm and the Shareholder Proposal that are expected to be
presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly presented at
the meeting, the shares represented by proxies will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the
persons voting those shares.
2
MATTERS TO BE VOTED ON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Companys By-Laws provide for directors with staggered terms of office, to be divided as
equally as possible. Nominees of each class of directors serve for terms of three years (unless a
nominee is changing to a different class) and until election and qualification of their successors
or until their resignation, death, disqualification or removal from office.
The Board of Directors currently consists of five members, including two Class A Directors
whose terms expire in 2009, one Class B Director whose term expires in 2008, and two Class C
Directors whose terms expire in 2007. At the Annual Meeting, the two Class C Directors are to be
elected to three-year terms expiring in 2010. The three nominees receiving a plurality of votes by
shares represented at the Annual Meeting, if a quorum is present, will be elected as Directors of
the Company.
The nominees for the Class C Directors are Charles R. Norton and Bradley E. Larson, both of
whom presently serve on the Board of Directors.
Recommendation of the Board
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the election of the nominees for
Director.
Cumulative voting is not permitted for the election of directors. In the absence of
instructions to the contrary, the person named in the accompanying proxy will vote in favor of the
election of each of the persons named below as the Companys nominees for directors of the Company.
Each of the nominees has consented to be named herein and to serve if elected. It is not
anticipated that any nominee will become unable or unwilling to accept nomination or election, but
if such should occur, the person named in the proxy intends to vote for the election in his stead
of such person as the Board of Directors of the Company may recommend. Biographical information
concerning the director nominees is set forth beginning at page 20 of this Proxy Statement.
PROPOSAL NO. 2 THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF SEMPLE, MARCHAL & COOPER, LLP AS THE
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM OF THE COMPANY FOR 2007.
Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP has been selected by the Audit Committee as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm for 2007. The Board of Directors recommends to the
shareholders the ratification of the selection of Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, to audit the financial statements of the Company. Unless
otherwise specified, the proxies solicited herein will be voted in favor of the ratification of
Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company
for 2007.
Ratification of the appointment of Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2007 will require the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Common Stock represented in person or by proxy at
the Annual Meeting. All of the directors and executive officers of the Company have advised the
Company that they will vote their shares of Common Stock FOR the ratification of the appointment
of Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for
fiscal year 2007. If the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Common Stock fail to
ratify the appointment of Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP as the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm, the Audit Committee will consider such failure at a subsequent meeting of
the Audit Committee and determine, in its discretion, what actions it should take, if any.
Recommendation of the Board
The board recommends a vote FOR the ratification of Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP as
the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2007.
3
PROPOSAL NO. 3 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL RELATING TO THE LIQUIDATION OF THE
COMPANYS INVESTMENT IN READY MIX, INC.
One of the Companys shareholders has given notice of his intention to introduce the following
proposal for consideration and action by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. The proposed
resolution and accompanying supporting statement has been provided by the shareholder/proponent.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present or represented by proxy
and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for approval of the proposal.
This shareholder proposal is submitted by Walter Schenker of TCMP3 Partners at 7 Century
Drive, Suite 201, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054. Mr. Schenker has represented to the Company that
TCMP3 Partners has held at least $2,000.00 in market value of the Companys securities for the past
year and intends to hold at least $2,000.00 in the Companys securities through the 2007 annual
meeting.
Resolved, the Board of Directors and management should act in the most expeditious manner,
consistent with effective tax considerations, to liquidate the investment in Ready Mix, Inc. and
distribute the proceeds (cash, stock or other financial instruments) to Meadow Valley shareholders.
Shareholder Supporting Statement:
There is no business synergy between Meadow Valley Corp. and Ready Mix Inc. Management has
taken the first step in realizing value by creating Ready Mix as a public company. TCMP3 Partners
believes the current environment of active acquisition activity in the concrete industry provides
an outstanding window to complete the process of creating additional shareholder value.
Furthermore, based on the 2006 equity raise (which diluted Meadow Valley shareholders proportional
ownership of Ready Mix) Meadow Valley now has the financial strength to grow its business based
solely on its own balance sheet.
Your Directors Position:
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote AGAINST adoption of this proposal
for the following reasons:
The Board of Directors believes it is currently in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders to retain its investment in Ready Mix, Inc. (RMI) and that the proposed liquidation
of its investment in RMI would significantly and adversely affect shareholder value in the Company
by materially reducing the Companys revenue, profitability and its ability to compete for
contracts. Additionally, the Companys investment in RMI is subject to pledge agreements whereby
the Companys RMI investment serves as collateral for obtaining substantial bonding, and borrowing
capacity, the absence of which would be materially detrimental to the value of the Company.
Prior to RMIs initial public offering in 2005, it was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. The Company has retained stock in RMI as a strategic business decision and management of
the Company evaluates the use of that asset in its ongoing day to day management of the Company.
The retention of RMI stock plays a significant role in the day to day operations of the Company
because (1) the RMI stock owned by the Company is pledged as collateral and used to support and
increase the Companys bonding capacity (surety credit provided by an insurance company
guaranteeing the Companys completion of work and payment of bills) when making bids for contracts,
(2) RMI provides a significant amount of revenue and profit to the Company and (3) the RMI stock is
pledged to the Companys primary lender as collateral under the Companys credit lines.
Negative Effect of an RMI Stock Sale on Company Bonding Capacity, Revenue and Profits. A
significant portion of the Companys current bonding capacity is provided because the RMI stock has
been pledged as collateral. The Board of Directors believes that a sale of the RMI stock would
significantly reduce the Companys bonding capacity and materially and adversely affect the size
and number of projects on which the Company could bid.
The Companys bonding company has provided the Company with a letter that states, in part,
that it considers the Ready Mix, Inc. asset of Meadow Valley Corporation to be a key material
asset factored in establishing surety credit for Meadow Valley Contractors, Inc.
4
If the shareholder proposal was executed, the Board of Directors believes that the Companys
bonding capacity would be materially reduced and the Companys ability to compete for new contracts
would be so severely compromised so as to likely render it incapable of sustaining itself at an
operating level commensurate with being a public company with its remaining assets. The Board of
Directors believes executing this shareholder proposal would, with a high degree of likelihood,
lead to a significant reduction in the Companys revenue and net income. In 2006, RMI accounted
for 43% of the Companys revenue and 48% of the Companys gross profit. The Board of Directors
believes that the Companys current total bonding capacity of $200 million could likely decrease to
a total capacity of between approximately $50-$75 million, thus, the Board of Directors believes it
is reasonable to expect the revenue generating capacity of the remaining assets would be reduced by
approximately 50-75%, which would have likely had the affect of shrinking 2006 total revenue to an
unaudited pro forma total revenue of between approximately $55-$75 million from $195.5 million, or
a revenue reduction of between approximately 62-72%.
In addition to the material adverse result the loss of bonding capacity would have on the
Company, the Board of Directors believes that such a sale simply cannot be made for some time. The
Companys obligations under the terms of the pledge agreements entered into to obtain its surety
credit require that the Company eliminate all of the liabilities secured by the bonds before it can
sell the RMI stock that has been pledged to secure the bonds, unless the bonding company consents
to the sale of the stock. The Board of Directors believes that it is highly unlikely that the
bonding company will agree to any reduction of the collateral. Based on the currently existing
bonds, the Board of Directors believes that it would take more than one year to eliminate such
liabilities. During that time, the Company would be unable to compete for any new contracts
secured by the RMI stock.
The Board of Directors believes that the probable reduction in the value of the Company after
a sale of the RMI stock would negate any short term gain to shareholders that might be obtained by
the sale of the stock. In addition, while the Board of Directors has not quantified the tax
implications of a RMI sale, it believes that these tax implications, including corporate taxes to
be paid upon the sale of the stock and income taxes to be paid by each shareholder for the
dividend, would likely reduce any possible shareholder gain even further. For these reasons, the
Board of Directors believes that the liquidation of the Companys RMI stock would result in an
overall reduction in shareholder value as well as a reduction in the value of the Company as a
whole.
The Companys Two Complimentary Segments, Services and Materials, Protect the Company from
Industry Sector or Operational Downturns. Currently, the Board of Directors believes that the
Company is better able to protect itself from swings in certain sectors of the construction
industry or unexpected operational impacts through the diversification offered by its two lines of
different, yet complimentary businesses. A sale of RMI would likely end this mutually beneficial
protection and expose both companies and their shareholders to certain sector or operational
downturns from time to time. For example, the Board of Directors believes that what the Company was
able to accomplish in the second half of 2006 to have the services segment offset declines in the
materials segment was directly connected to the services segments ability to capture new work
with its added bonding capacity. Much of the increase in bonding capacity during 2006 was directly
related to the value of the stock pledged as collateral following RMIs IPO at the end of 2005.
The Board of Directors believes that the Companys historical performance has demonstrated the
support that one segment or the other has provided during periods where the other segments
performance was negatively impacted for one reason or another. For example, the decline in the
housing sector caused a noticeable shift in the Companys business from the first half to the
second half of 2006. This shift illustrates the importance of the Companys diversification away
from sole dependence upon either the services or the materials segment alone. As found in the
Companys periodic reports, from the first half to the second half of 2006, revenue increased
approximately 7.9% due to a 24.3% increase from the services segment, which helped offset the
materials segments decline of 11.4%. Consolidated gross profit during the same comparable period
increased approximately 2.9%, but this increase resulted from a 51.9% increase in gross profit from
the services segment that offset a 33.0% decline in the materials segment gross profit. On the
other hand, in fiscal year 2004, the materials segment mitigated the impact of the services
segments operational downturn by generating $6.6 million in gross profit compared to $.3 million
in gross profit from the services segment. The Board of Directors believes that the current
benefits of this diversification are in the best interests of the Companys shareholders and that
the effects of the shareholder proposal would materially diminish the Companys ability to
withstand the effects of downturns of a particular segment of the Company or construction industry
sector.
5
Ready Mix Stock is Pledged as Collateral for the Companys Borrowings. Similar to the pledge
to the Companys surety provider, RMI stock is also pledged as collateral to obtain borrowing
capacity from the Companys primary lender. The Board of Directors believes the loss of this
collateral would materially and unfavorably alter not only the terms available to the Company for
borrowing, but also the level of borrowing capacity. The Board of Directors believes that the loss
of pledged RMI stock would result in an increase in the Companys cost of capital, a material
decrease in the Companys borrowing ability, and a material negative impact on the value of the
Company to its shareholders.
The Board of Directors Should Have Flexibility to Control a Sale, if any. If, in the future,
the Board of Directors determines that it is in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders to liquidate its investment in RMI, it should have the flexibility to control both the
timing of such a sale and the use of any proceeds. For example, the Board of Directors may decide
in the future to affect such a sale but may decide to reinvest the proceeds of a sale into
acquiring another company, building Meadow Valleys existing operations, or entering into a new
product area.
The of Board of Directors Believes it is Currently in the Best Interests of the Company and
its Shareholders to Retain the Investment in Ready Mix, Inc.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors recommends that you vote AGAINST this Shareholder
Proposal.
PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS SHAREHOLDERS SPECIFY
OTHERWISE IN THEIR PROXIES.
6
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Independence
We are authorized by our Bylaws to maintain a Board of Directors comprised of a minimum of
three directors and no more than nine directors. Our Board currently consists of five directors,
three of whom, Messrs. Norton, Patterson and Cowan, are independent as defined under rules
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nasdaq Capital Market. In
accordance with the independence standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market, a director must be
determined to have no personal, professional, familial or other relationship with our company other
than as a director. Our directors are elected for three year terms, or until an earlier
resignation, death or removal. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or
officers.
Board of Directors and Board Committees
The Board of Directors held four regularly scheduled meetings during the last full fiscal year
and three special meetings. No director attended less than 75% of the aggregate of such meetings
and meetings held by committees of the Board on which he served. We do not have a formal policy
regarding attendance by members of the Board of Directors at our annual meeting of shareholders,
but strongly encourage directors to attend. All members of our Board of Directors attended the 2006
Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The standing committees of the Board are as follows: Audit, Nominating and Governance, and
Compensation Committee. The Board has adopted a charter for its Audit Committee and its Nominating
and Governance Committee, which are available on our website at www.meadowvalley.com by following
the link Investor Information. The Compensation Committee is not operating under a written
charter. Shareholders may also receive a free copy of the committee charters by sending a written
request to 4602 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018, Attention: Secretary, or calling (602)
437-5400.
Members of the Companys Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance
Committee are footnoted below.
|
|
|
Name |
|
Positions and Offices with the Company |
Charles E. Cowan (1) (2) (3)
|
|
Director |
Charles R. Norton (1) (2) (3)
|
|
Director |
Don A. Patterson (1) (2) (3)
|
|
Director |
Bradley E. Larson
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Kenneth D. Nelson
|
|
Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Director |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Member of the Compensation Committee |
|
(2) |
|
Member of the Audit Committee |
|
(3) |
|
Member of the Nominating and Governance Committee |
The Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Patterson, Cowan and Norton. Mr. Patterson is our
Audit Committee Chairman and has been determined by the Board to be a financial expert as defined
by the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of the Board and as independent is
defined under current standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market, these directors are independent of
management and free of any relationship that would interfere with their exercise of independent
judgment as a member of this committee. The Audit Committee reviews in detail and recommends
approval by the Board of our annual and quarterly financial statements, recommends approval of the
remuneration of our auditors to the Board, reviews the scope of the audit procedures and the final
audit report prepared by our auditors and reviews our overall accounting practices, procedures and
internal controls with our auditors.
7
The Nominating and Governance Committee
The Nominating and Governance Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Cowan, Norton and
Patterson, our independent directors. Mr. Cowan is our Nominating and Governance Committee
Chairman. The committee met four times during fiscal 2006. The purpose of the Nominating and
Governance Committee is as follows:
|
|
|
identify, consider and nominate candidates for membership on the Board, including any nominees properly received by the Secretary of the Corporation from any shareholder; |
|
|
|
|
develop, recommend and evaluate corporate governance guidelines and a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to the Company; |
|
|
|
|
make recommendations regarding the structure and composition of the Board and Board committees; and |
|
|
|
|
advise the Board on corporate governance matters. |
All members of our Nominating and Governance Committee are independent, as defined under
applicable law and the listing standards for companies traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Nominations of candidates for election as Directors may be made by the Board of Directors upon
recommendation by the Nominating and Governance Committee, or by shareholders. Shareholders may
nominate candidates for election as directors if they follow the procedures and conform to the
deadlines specified in our By-laws. For more information, see the disclosure in our Proxy Statement
for our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the caption Shareholder Proposals for the 2008
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC and mailed to our shareholders on
approximately May 9, 2007.
In evaluating the suitability of potential nominees for membership on the Board, the
Nominating and Governance Committee will consider the Boards current composition, including
expertise, diversity, and balance of inside, outside and independent directors, and consider the
general qualifications of the potential nominees, such as:
|
|
|
Unquestionable integrity and honesty; |
|
|
|
|
The ability to exercise sound, mature and independent business judgment in the best interests of the shareholders as a whole; |
|
|
|
|
Recognized leadership in business or professional activity; |
|
|
|
|
A background and experience that will complement the talents of the other Board members; |
|
|
|
|
Willingness and capability to take the time to actively participate in Board and Committee meetings and related activities; |
|
|
|
|
Ability to work professionally and effectively with other Board members and the Companys management; |
|
|
|
|
An age to enable the Director to remain on the Board long enough to make an effective contribution; and |
|
|
|
|
Lack of realistic possibilities of conflict of interest or legal prohibition. |
The Committee will also see that all necessary and appropriate inquiries are made into the
backgrounds of such candidates. Other than the foregoing, there are no stated minimum criteria for
director nominees, although the Nominating and Governance Committee may also consider such other
factors as it may deem to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
The Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation
Our Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Patterson, Cowan and Norton. Mr. Norton is our
Compensation Committee Chairman. The purpose of the Compensation Committee is to determine the
compensation to be paid to the Companys executive officers, and to approve any incentive
compensation plans. The Compensation Committee will recommend approval to the Board of the
compensation of our executive officers, the annual compensation budget for all other employees,
bonuses, grants of stock options and any changes to our benefit plans. The committee met four times
during fiscal 2006.
8
Shareholder Communications with Directors
Shareholders may communicate with any and all members of the Companys Board of Directors by
transmitting correspondence by mail or facsimile addressed to one or more directors by name or, for
a communication to the entire board, to the President at the following address and fax number:
Meadow Valley Corporation, 4602 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018; main, (602) 437-5400;
facsimile, (602) 437-1681.
Communications from our shareholders to one or more directors will be collected and organized
by our Corporate Secretary under procedures adopted by our independent directors. The Corporate
Secretary will forward all communications to the President or to the identified director(s) as soon
as practicable, although communications that are abusive, in bad taste or that present safety or
security concerns may be handled differently. If multiple communications are received on a similar
topic, the Corporate Secretary may, in his direction, forward only representative correspondence.
The President will determine whether any communication addressed to the entire Board of
Directors should be properly addressed by the entire Board of Directors or a committee thereof. If
a communication is sent to the Board of Directors or a committee, the Chairman of the Board or the
chairman of that committee, as the case may be, will determine whether a response to the
communication is warranted. If a response to the communication is warranted, the content and method
of the response may be coordinated with our counsel.
Other Corporate Governance Policies
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our directors and senior management.
Amendments to and waivers, if any, from our Code of Ethics will be disclosed on our website. Our
Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.meadowvalley.com by following the links Investor
Information Code of Ethics. Shareholders may also receive a free copy of this document by
sending a written request to 4602 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018, Attention: Secretary, or
calling (602) 437-5400.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
We use a combination of cash and long-term equity incentive awards to compensate members of
our board of directors. The following table provides information regarding compensation earned in
2006 by each individual who served as a nonemployee member of our board of directors in 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid in |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name (1) |
|
Cash (2) |
|
Awards |
|
Awards (3) |
|
Compensation |
|
Earnings |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
|
Charles E. Cowan |
|
$ |
13,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
48,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
61,100 |
|
Charles R. Norton |
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,100 |
|
Don A. Patterson |
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
39,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
144,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
183,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Bradley E. Larson, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kenneth D. Nelson,
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, are not included in this table as they are
employees of our Company and receive no additional compensation for their service as
directors. Their compensation is shown in the Summary Compensation Table. |
|
(2) |
|
Directors receive $7,000 per year for being a member of the Board of Directors and
$2,000 for each committee upon which they serve and are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
The above amounts do not include out-of-pocket expenses. Directors who are employed by the
Company are not compensated for their service on the Board. |
|
(3) |
|
Directors are entitled to participate in our equity incentive plan, and each director was
issued 10,000 stock options on November 30, 2006, for their service on the Board during 2006.
This column represents the aggregate dollar amount of the awards granted in 2006. Therefore,
the values shown here are not representative of the amounts that may eventually be realized by
a director. Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we have provided
a grant date fair value for Stock Awards in accordance with the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-based Payments. At December 31, 2006,
there were no restricted stock units, deferred stock units or dividend equivalent units
accumulated in any director accounts. |
9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview of Executive Compensation Program
The Compensation Committee of Meadow Valley Corporations Board is responsible for assisting
the Board in defining and overseeing Meadow Valleys general compensation practices. During fiscal
2006, the Compensation Committee engaged FMI Management Consulting to assist it in evaluating
executive compensation matters and to revise the executive compensation package for the fiscal year
ending 2007.
The persons who served as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during 2006,
as well as other individuals named in our Summary Compensation Table for 2006, are referred to as
the named executive officers through this Proxy Statement.
Executive Summary
As discussed in more detail below, the following actions concerning the compensation of Meadow
Valley Corporations named executive officers were taken for fiscal 2006:
|
|
|
Clint Tryon resigned as Principal Accounting Officer, Secretary and Treasurer and was appointed Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Companys majority owned subsidiary Ready Mix,
Inc. |
|
|
|
|
David D. Doty was appointed Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, Secretary and Treasurer. |
|
|
|
|
Bradley E. Larson, Kenneth D. Nelson, Alan A. Terril and David D. Doty received incentives pursuant to the Companys Annual Non-Equity Incentive Plan (the Incentive Plan). |
|
|
|
|
Clint Tryon received incentives pursuant to Meadow Valley Corporations Incentive Plan as it related to the portion of 2006 spent as Principal Accounting Officer of the Company and the subsequent subsidiary transition. |
|
|
|
|
Bradley E. Larson, Kenneth D. Nelson, Alan A. Terril, David D. Doty and Clint Tryon, each received 10,000 stock options issued from the Companys equity incentive plan (the Equity Incentive Plan). |
Oversight of Executive Compensation Program and Role of Executive Officers in Compensation
Decisions
While the Compensation Committee approves all aspects of our executive compensation program,
it reports to the full Board of Directors on a regular basis and seeks approval for certain
actions. The Committee coordinates with its consultants and management to obtain marketplace and
internal data analyses, project reports and program recommendations to assist the Committee in
making executive compensation decisions. Our Chief Executive Officer and, in some cases, other
executive officers make recommendations to the Committee with respect to various elements of
executive compensation.
Compensation Objectives and Philosophy
The Companys primary objectives when determining compensation for its named executive
officers are to:
|
|
|
set levels of annual salary, non-equity incentives and equity compensation that are competitive and that will attract and retain superior executives, taking into account the difficult industry conditions and competitive environment that the
Company faces, |
|
|
|
|
incorporate a performance-based component to executive compensation by linking the incentive compensation to the Companys financial and operational performance, and |
|
|
|
|
provide long-term equity-based compensation, thereby further aligning the interests of the Companys executives with those of its other stockholders. |
These objectives are designed to reward each executives (1) past individual performance and
contribution to the Companys corporate performance, (2) level and scope of responsibility and
experience, and (3) ability to influence the Companys future growth and profitability.
10
Components of 2006 Executive Compensation
Our executive compensation has three main parts: a salary paid in cash, an annual non-equity
cash incentive plan, in which payment is contingent on the financial performance of the Company,
and a long-term equity incentive that the Company provides through the award of options to purchase
the Companys common stock. The salary component is intended to reward executives for their
current, day-to-day work. The cash incentive bonus is intended to be a reward for the executives
contribution to the financial success of the Company in a given year. Awards of equity are intended
to create longer-term incentive for the executive to remain with the Company since the benefit is
realized, if the Company is successful, over a multi-year period similar to our shareholders.
Annual Salary
Because an executives annual salary is meant to reflect his value to the Company on a
day-to-day basis, it is a fixed, predetermined element of his compensation. When the Compensation
Committee reviews the level of an executives salary for a possible increase at the end of the term
of his employment agreement or annual basis if no employment agreement is in place, that review is
based on two main factors: his prior salary and the salary range of executives in comparable
companies at a comparable level of responsibility. The Compensation Committee members take an
executives prior salary into account because they believe that it reflects the assessment of prior
boards and/or compensation committees of the executives value to the Company. Compensation levels
of comparable companies are obtained from industry trade publications, management consulting firms
such as FMI Management Consulting and other public companies similar to our size and industry. In
addition, the Compensation Committee provides their knowledge of construction industry compensation
levels gained in the course of the work each independent director performs in their daily business
activity.
Non-Equity Cash Incentive Plan
The level of compensation that an executive can earn under the Companys cash incentive plan
is based on the Companys attainment of financial success when compared to a predetermined amount,
which the Board of Directors has approved in advance. Financial performance that exceeds
expectations can enable the Companys management team including its CEO, CFO, Vice-Presidents and
other management personnel to earn a cash incentive. The amount of the cash incentive earned in a
given year, if any, is derived from a formula based principally on the Companys income before tax,
by the managers primary geographic area of responsibility. The amount of income before tax for
each year must be approved by the Board of Directors, which has a majority of directors who are not
employees of the Company and are independent. The cash incentive bonus plan has a discretionary
element. In exercising this discretion, members of the Compensation Committee use their personal
judgment of appropriate amounts after taking into account information about the executives work
during the year, his past compensation, his current cash incentive amount, his perceived
contribution to the Company generally, his level of responsibility, and any notable individual
achievements or failings in the year in question.
The Compensation Committee authorizes the payment of incentive amounts and, if applicable,
makes any decisions on discretionary amounts, when the results for the year in question are known,
typically in late February of the following year. Bonuses for 2006 were approved in March, 2007.
The Summary Compensation Table for 2006, below, shows the total 2006 cash incentive amounts of each
named executive officer.
Equity Incentive Plan
The award of an option to buy the Companys common stock is a long-term element of
compensation since on the date of the award, the exercise price, or purchase price, of the shares
subject to the option is the same as the price of those shares on the open market. The recipient of
a stock option will only realize its value if the market price of the shares increases over the
life of the option, the award gives the executive an incentive to remain with the Company and
aligns his interests with those of our shareholders.
The Company calculates the value of a stock option award on the date of its grant under
accounting requirements that involve the use of a complex formula consisting of estimates about the
Company, its stock price and the likelihood of the option holder forfeiting the stock option.
Beginning in fiscal year 2006, recording stock option awards as an expense was required of all
companies under Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (revised 2004), or FAS 123R. The dollar
amount shown in the Summary Compensation Table for 2006, below, for stock option awards is the
value of the options computed under FAS 123R.
11
In determining the size of a stock option award, the Compensation Committee takes into account
both the value of the award to the recipient and the corresponding accounting cost to the Company.
Other Compensation
The only other forms of compensation for our executive officers are the personal use of
company vehicles, disability and term life insurance and other benefits made available to all
salaried employees and the perquisites shown in the Summary Compensation Table for 2006, below, in
the column labeled All Other Compensation. A detailed description of the perquisites is shown in
footnote 3 to the table. The payment of Messrs. Larson, Terril and Nelsons term life insurance
premiums is a benefit that has been provided to them by the Company for many years and was
established when the Company determined to carry a key officer life policy on each of the
executives in the same amounts as the policy provided each officer. This benefit is also applicable
to Mr. Doty; however, no amounts were paid in 2006 for term life insurance on his behalf.
Overall Compensation Levels
As with salary, the Company attempts to provide its executives with a total compensation
package that is comparable to their peers in the industry and that the members of the Compensation
Committee believe in their personal judgment based on their business experience is fair and
appropriate for the executives level of responsibility and contribution to the Company. The
Compensation Committee, which consists of only our independent members of the Board of Directors,
makes the final determination of the compensation of the named executive officers. However, the
Committee discusses their compensation recommendations for each executive officer with the Chief
Executive Officer in advance of making a decision.
Employment Agreements
Messrs. Larson, Doty, Terril and Nelson currently are employed by the Company through
employment agreements. In November 2006, the Company entered into three-year employment agreements
with Messrs. Larson, Doty and Nelson providing for an annual base salary. These individuals are
also eligible to receive incentive amounts based upon performance as determined by our Compensation
Committee and approved by our Board of Directors. In the event the Company terminates any of these
individuals without cause (as defined in the agreements) or the Company is the subject of a change
of control, all options held by the individual will vest and the Company will be required to pay
compensation to these individuals for the remaining terms of the agreements.
Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer
Employment Agreement and Compensation Elements
Mr. Larsons 2006 compensation was determined according to the above compensation components
per his applicable employment agreement. Amounts paid to or due to Mr. Larson for 2006
compensation are shown below in the Summary Compensation Table for 2006.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion
and Analysis with management. Based on our review and discussions with management, we have
recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy
Statement.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
|
|
|
|
|
Charles R. Norton
|
|
Don A. Patterson
|
|
Charles E. Cowan |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of our previous filings under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that
incorporates future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the foregoing
Compensation Committee Report shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.
12
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently adopted enhanced executive compensation
disclosure requirements for public companies. As a result, the following disclosure regarding the
compensation of our executive officers and directors will be somewhat different in content and
format from previous years.
Summary Compensation Table for 2006
The following table provides information regarding the total compensation earned in 2006 by
the named executive officers, which include the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer,
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, who are the only other executive officers
whose compensation for 2006 exceeded $100,000. The named executive officers who also serve on the
board of directors are not compensated for their services rendered to the Board of Directors. The
Company pays compensation to these executive officers according to the terms of their employment
agreements or as determined by the Compensation Committee when no employment agreement is in place.
The amounts include any compensation that was deferred by the executive through contributions to
his defined contribution plan account under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All
amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Deferred |
|
All Other |
|
|
Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Stock Awards |
|
Awards(1) |
|
Compensation(2) |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation(3) |
|
Total |
Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Earnings ($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Bradley E. Larson, |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,100 |
|
|
|
363,785 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,889 |
|
|
|
677,774 |
|
President and Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David D. Doty, |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
140,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,100 |
|
|
|
216,664 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
412,264 |
|
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Secretary and Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clint Tryon, |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,100 |
|
|
|
88,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
136,300 |
|
Former Principal Accounting
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alan A. Terril, |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,100 |
|
|
|
230,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,935 |
|
|
|
439,435 |
|
Vice-President and Chief
Operating Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth D. Nelson, |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
140,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,100 |
|
|
|
216,664 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,875 |
|
|
|
419,639 |
|
Vice-President and Chief
Administrative Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This column represents the aggregate dollar amount of the awards granted in 2006. Therefore,
the values shown here are not representative of the amounts that may eventually be realized by
an executive. Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we have
provided a grant date fair value for option awards in accordance with the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-based Payments. For option
awards, the fair value is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model, which requires the use of certain assumptions, including the risk-free interest
rate, dividend yield, volatility and expected term. The risk-free interest rate is based on
the yield at the date of grant of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity period equal to or
approximating the options expected term. The dividend yield assumption is based on our
historical dividend payouts, which is zero. The volatility assumption is based on the
historical volatility of our common stock over a period equal to the options expected term or
trading stocks trading history which ever is shorter. The expected term of options granted
is based on expectations about future exercises and represents the period of time that options
granted are expected to be outstanding. |
|
(2) |
|
The non-equity incentive plan payments were made on March 9, 2007. See discussion of
non-equity incentive plans under the heading Compensation Discussion and Analysis above.
None of the named executive officers elected to defer their 2006 non-equity incentive plan
payment. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes company-paid disability and life insurance premiums, and defined contribution plan
payments for the fiscal year ended 2006, as set forth in the following table: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company Paid |
|
Company Paid |
|
Defined |
|
|
|
|
Disability |
|
Life |
|
Contribution |
|
|
Name |
|
Insurance |
|
Insurance |
|
Plan |
|
Total |
|
Bradley E. Larson |
|
$ |
7,744 |
|
|
$ |
645 |
|
|
$ |
7,500 |
|
|
$ |
15,889 |
|
David D. Doty |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
7,500 |
|
|
$ |
7,500 |
|
Alan A. Terril |
|
$ |
1,905 |
|
|
$ |
1,530 |
|
|
$ |
7,500 |
|
|
$ |
10,935 |
|
Kenneth D. Nelson |
|
$ |
6,620 |
|
|
$ |
755 |
|
|
$ |
7,500 |
|
|
$ |
14,875 |
|
13
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2006
The following table provides information regarding cash incentive awards and options granted
under our equity incentive plan to the named executive officers in 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payouts Under |
|
Estimated Future |
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan |
|
Payouts Under |
|
All Other Stock |
|
Awards: Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards |
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
|
Awards: Number of |
|
Securities |
|
Exercise or Base |
|
|
Grant |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Shares of Stock or |
|
Underlying Options |
|
Price of Option |
Name |
|
Date |
|
($) |
|
($)(1) |
|
($)(2) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Units (#) |
|
(#) |
|
Awards ($/Sh) |
|
Bradley E. Larson |
|
|
11/30/2006 |
|
|
$ |
37,500 |
|
|
$ |
363,785 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
10.11 |
|
David D. Doty |
|
|
11/30/2006 |
|
|
$ |
21,000 |
|
|
$ |
216,664 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
10.11 |
|
Clint Tryon |
|
|
11/30/2006 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
88,200 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
10.11 |
|
Alan A. Terril |
|
|
11/30/2006 |
|
|
$ |
22,500 |
|
|
$ |
230,400 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
10.11 |
|
Kenneth D. Nelson |
|
|
11/30/2006 |
|
|
$ |
21,000 |
|
|
$ |
216,664 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
10.11 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The non-equity incentive plan payments were made on March 9, 2007 and related to the
achievement of specified financial performance objectives, as discussed under the heading
Compensation Discussion and Analysis above. |
|
(2) |
|
No individual maximum is applicable since the payments were made under the Non-Equity
Incentive Plan, which has no individual cap. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information regarding all outstanding equity awards held by the
named executive officers as of December 31, 2006. The Company did not issue any stock awards
during fiscal 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
|
Options (#) |
|
Options (#) |
|
Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Expiration |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Options (#) |
|
Price ($)(2) |
|
Date |
|
Bradley E. Larson, |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.8750 |
|
|
|
04/16/2008 |
|
President and Chief Executive |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.8750 |
|
|
|
10/21/2009 |
|
Officer (Principal Executive |
|
|
33,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.4600 |
|
|
|
11/19/2013 |
|
Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10.1100 |
|
|
|
11/30/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David D. Doty, |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
9.3800 |
|
|
|
11/01/2010 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10.1100 |
|
|
|
11/30/2011 |
|
(Principal Financial Officer)
Secretary and Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clint Tryon, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10.1100 |
|
|
|
11/30/2011 |
|
Former Principal Accounting Officer
Secretary and Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alan A. Terril, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10.1100 |
|
|
|
11/30/2011 |
|
Vice-President and Chief
Operating Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth D. Nelson, |
|
|
5,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.8750 |
|
|
|
04/16/2008 |
|
Vice-President and Chief |
|
|
5,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.8750 |
|
|
|
10/21/2009 |
|
Administrative Officer |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.4375 |
|
|
|
03/08/2011 |
|
|
|
|
32,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.4600 |
|
|
|
11/19/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
10.1100 |
|
|
|
11/30/2011 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Outstanding options vest in one-third increments on each anniversary date of grant. |
|
(2) |
|
Pursuant to the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, the exercise price for all outstanding options is
based on the grant date fair market value, which is the market closing price of our Common
Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant. |
14
Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2006
The following table provides information regarding each exercise of stock options, if any, by
the named executive officers in 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Shares Acquired |
|
Value Realized |
|
Shares Acquired |
|
Value Realized |
Name |
|
on Exercise (#) |
|
on Exercise ($) |
|
on Exercise (#) |
|
on Exercise ($) |
|
|
|
Bradley E. Larson |
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
143,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
David D. Doty |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clint Tryon |
|
|
13,334 |
|
|
|
117,873 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alan A. Terril |
|
|
11,775 |
|
|
|
103,942 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth D. Nelson |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
87,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retirement Plans
Pension Benefits
During the fiscal year 2006 we did not have a pension benefit plan. We do not intend on
implementing a pension plan in the near future.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
During the fiscal year 2006 we did not have a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. We do
not intend on implementing a nonqualified deferred compensation plan in the near future.
Equity Incentive Plans
Meadow Valley Corporation Equity Incentive Plan:
In 2005, the 2004 Plan was ratified by the shareholders. The 2004 Plan permits the granting
of any or all of the following types of awards: (1) incentive and nonqualified stock options, (2)
stock appreciation rights, (3) stock awards, restricted stock and stock units, and (4) other stock
or cash-based awards. In connection with any award or any deferred award, payments may also be made
representing dividends or their equivalent.
The 2004 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 1,200,000 shares of Common Stock, all of which
were previously reserved for issuance under the Companys prior plan. Shares of Common Stock
covered by an award granted under the 2004 Plan will not be counted as used unless and until they
are actually issued and delivered to a participant. Shares relating to awards granted under the
2004 Plan that are forfeited, settled for cash or otherwise terminated and shares withheld by or
tendered to the Company in connection with the exercise of an option or other award granted under
the 2004 Plan or in connection with the satisfaction of tax withholding obligations relating to
awards or exercises of options or other awards are available for grant under the 2004 Plan. Awards
made or adjusted to assume or convert awards in connection with acquisition transactions will not
reduce the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2004 Plan. The shares of stock
deliverable under the 2004 Plan will consist of authorized and unissued shares. The plan
administrator may adjust the aggregate number of shares or the awards under the plan in the event
of a change affecting shares of Common Stock, such as stock dividends, recapitalization,
reorganization or mergers.
The 2004 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors which
was comprised of non-employee directors. The 2004 Plan has no fixed termination date. The
Companys Board of Directors or the committee may generally amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or
terminate all or a portion of the 2004 Plan at any time, as long as the rights of a participant are
not materially impaired without the participants consent, subject to shareholder approval to the
extent necessary to comply with applicable law, stock exchange rule or regulatory requirements or,
as determined by the committee, to qualify with tax requirements.
15
In 2006, we granted, under the 2004 Plan, an aggregate of 85,000 stock options to officers and
directors at an exercise price of $10.11.
We have reserved 1,200,000 shares of our common stock for issuance under the 2004 Plan. As of
December 31, 2006, 90,149 shares were available for future grant under the 2004 Plan. The term of
the stock options is five or ten years and may be exercised after issuance as follows: 33.3% after
one year of continuous service, 66.6% after two years of continuous service and 100% after three
years of continuous service. The exercise price of each option is equal to the market closing
price of the Companys common stock on the date of grant.
Ready Mix, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan:
In January 2005, RMI adopted an equity incentive plan, which we refer to as RMIs Plan, which
provides for the grant of options intended to qualify as incentive stock options and
non-statutory stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, together with the grant of bonus stock and stock appreciation rights at the
discretion of RMIs Board of Directors. Incentive stock options are issuable only to RMIs
eligible officers, directors and key employees. Non-statutory stock options are issuable only to
RMIs non-employee directors and consultants.
RMIs Plan is administered by RMIs Compensation Committee. Currently, RMI has 675,000 shares
of common stock reserved for issuance under RMIs Plan. Under RMIs Plan, the Board of Directors
determines which individuals shall receive options, grants or stock appreciation rights, the time
period during which the rights may be exercised, the number of shares of common stock that may be
purchased under the rights and the option price.
With respect to stock options, the per share exercise price of the common stock may not be
less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date the option is granted. No person
who owns, directly or indirectly, at the time of the granting of an incentive stock option, more
than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock is eligible to receive
incentive stock options under RMIs Plan unless the option price is at least 110% of the fair
market value of the common stock subject to the option on the date of grant. The option price for
non-statutory options is established by RMIs Board and may not be less than 100% of the fair
market value of RMIs common stock subject to the option on the date of grant.
No options may be transferred by an optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and during the lifetime of an optionee, the option may only be exercisable by the
optionee. Options may be exercised only if the option holder remains continuously associated with
us from the date of grant to the date of exercise, unless extended under RMIs Plan grant. Options
under RMIs Plan have no expiration date and the exercise date of an option cannot be longer than
10 years from the date of grant, but can be shorter when established by RMIs plan administrator.
Any options that expire unexercised or that terminate upon an optionees ceasing to be employed by
RMI become available once again for issuance. Shares issued upon exercise of an option rank
equally with other shares then outstanding.
RMI has reserved 675,000 shares of common stock for issuance to officers, directors and
employees under RMIs equity incentive plan described above. Options will be issued to employees
and executive officers based on the recommendation of RMIs Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors according to the following:
|
|
|
employees holding positions of responsibility with RMI whose performance can have a significant effect on RMIs success; and |
|
|
|
|
non-employee directors. |
Currently, RMI has granted under RMIs Plan an aggregate of 348,125 stock options to officers,
directors and employees at an exercise price from $10.35 to $12.50. From the grant date 33% of the
options are exercisable after one year of continuous service to RMI, 66% after two years of
continuous service and 100% after three years of continuous service.
16
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2006 regarding compensation plans
(including individual compensation arrangements) under which equity securities of the Company are
authorized for issuance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Compensation Plan Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available |
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
for future issuance |
|
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
|
Weighted-average |
|
|
under equity |
|
|
|
exercise of |
|
|
exercise price of |
|
|
compensation plans |
|
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
|
(excluding securities |
|
Plan category |
|
warrants and rights |
|
|
warrants and rights |
|
|
reflected in column (a)) |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
(b) |
|
|
(c) |
|
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
|
|
434,542 |
|
|
|
4.86 |
|
|
|
90,149 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
434,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,149 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMI also maintains an equity compensation plan as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Compensation Plan Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available |
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
for future issuance |
|
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
|
Weighted-average |
|
|
under equity |
|
|
|
exercise of |
|
|
exercise price of |
|
|
compensation plans |
|
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
|
(excluding securities |
|
Plan category |
|
warrants and rights |
|
|
warrants and rights |
|
|
reflected in column (a)) |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
(b) |
|
|
(c) |
|
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders (1)(2) |
|
|
466,875 |
|
|
|
11.47 |
|
|
|
324,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
466,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
324,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes an individual compensation agreement for 116,250 warrants issued to RMIs
underwriters as a portion of their compensation in connection with RMIs initial public
offering. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 350,625 stock options issued to employees, directors and consultants from
RMIs 2005 equity incentive plan. |
17
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company sold its minority interest in a related
party, LAM Contracting, LLC (LAM) to LAMs majority owner. During the year ended December 31,
2005, the Company provided construction materials to LAM in the amount of $152,630. Included in
accounts receivable at December 31, 2005 was $15,146 that was due from the related party.
LAM provided materials, services and equipment used in the Companys construction service
business during the year ended December 31, 2005 in the amount of $7,740. At December 31, 2005
there were no liabilities due to related parties from subcontracts and supplies.
In January 2005, we entered into a three-year Administrative Services Agreement with Ready
Mix, Inc. (RMI), our 53% owned subsidiary. Under the terms of the agreement, RMI pays us $22,000
per month for all such administrative services including the time of our Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Administrative Officer who perform similar services for RMI. Notwithstanding the
agreement, each company has its own separate field facilities, operating management and employees.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCK AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Compensation Committee currently consists of the following three members of the Board of
Directors: Messrs. Cowan, Norton and Patterson. No member of this Committee was at any time during
the Companys 2006 fiscal year, or at any other time, an officer or employee of the Company.
No executive officer of the Company has served on the compensation committee of any other
entity that has, or has had, one or more executive officers serving as a member of the Companys
Board of Directors.
Three of our independent Directors, Messrs. Cowan, Norton and Patterson, are also members of
the Board of Directors of Ready Mix, Inc.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information concerning the holdings of Common Stock by each
person who, as of April 4, 2007, holds of record or is known by the Company to hold beneficially or
of record, more than 5% of the Companys Common Stock, by each director, named executive officer,
and by all directors and executive officers as a group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and |
|
|
|
|
Nature of |
|
|
|
|
Beneficial |
|
Percent |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Ownership (1) |
|
of Class (1) |
Bradley E. Larson (2) |
|
|
144,796 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
% |
Kenneth D. Nelson (3) |
|
|
140,018 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
% |
Alan A. Terril |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
* |
|
David D. Doty (4) |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Don A. Patterson (5) |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Charles E. Cowan |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Charles R. Norton (6) |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Cyrus W. Spurlino (7) |
|
|
498,870 |
|
|
|
9.5 |
% |
North Atlantic Value LLP (8) |
|
|
400,124 |
|
|
|
7.6 |
% |
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and |
|
|
|
|
Nature of |
|
|
|
|
Beneficial |
|
Percent |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Ownership (1) |
|
of Class (1) |
Kim A. Lewis, Trustee of Richard C. Lewis GST Marital |
|
|
392,000 |
|
|
|
7.5 |
% |
Sub Trust and Kim A. Lewis Survivors Trust (9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Praesidium Investment Management Company, LLC (10) |
|
|
327,701 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
% |
Tontine Capital Partners, LP (11) |
|
|
344,452 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
% |
Hoak Public Equities, LP (12) |
|
|
273,924 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
% |
CD Capital Management LLC (13) |
|
|
257,531 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
% |
All executive officers and directors as a group (7 persons) |
|
|
307,814 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1%. |
|
(1) |
|
Beneficial ownership includes direct and indirect ownership of shares of our Common
Stock, including rights to acquire beneficial ownership of shares upon the exercise of stock
options exercisable as of April 4, 2007 and that would become exercisable within 60 days of
such date. To our knowledge and unless otherwise indicated, each shareholder listed below has
sole voting and investment power over the shares listed as beneficially owned by such
shareholder, subject to community property laws where applicable. Percentage of ownership is
based on 5,125,760 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 4, 2007 and options
exercisable within 60 days. Unless otherwise indicated, all shareholders listed below have an
address in care of our principal executive offices which are located at 4602 E. Thomas Road,
Phoenix, Arizona 85018. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes vested portion of stock options to purchase 47,334 shares of Common Stock. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes vested portion of stock options to purchase 64,100 shares of Common Stock. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes vested portion of stock options to purchase 2,500 shares of Common Stock. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes vested portion of stock options to purchase 2,500 shares of Common Stock. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes vested portion of stock options to purchase 18,000 shares of Common Stock. |
|
(7) |
|
Based solely on a Form 3 filed with the SEC on January 7, 2004. According to this
filing, the address of this holder is 4005 Industrial Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. |
|
(8) |
|
Based solely on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on September 15, 2006. According to
this filing, the address of this holder is Ryder Court, 14 Ryder Street, London SW1Y 6QB,
England. |
|
(9) |
|
Based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on March 30, 2004. According to
this filing, the address of this holder is 630 Butte Falls Highway, Prospect, Oregon 97536. |
|
(10) |
|
Based solely on a Form 13F-HR filed with the SEC on February 14, 2007. According to
this filing, the address of this holder is 747 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017. |
|
(11) |
|
Based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2006. According to
this filing, the address of this holder is 55 Railroad Avenue, 3rd Floor, Greenwich,
Connecticut 06830. |
|
(12) |
|
Based solely on a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on March 6, 2007. According to this
filing, the address of this holder is 500 Crescent Court, Suite 230, Dallas, Texas 75201. |
|
(13) |
|
Based solely on a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on March 15, 2007. According to this
filing, the address of this holder is 2 North Riverside Plaza, Suite 720, Chicago, Illinois
60606. |
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and executive
officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our Common Stock to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of change in their
ownership of our Common Stock. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations require our
directors, executive officers and greater than 10% shareholders to furnish us with copies of these
reports. Based solely upon a review of such reports and related information furnished to us, we
believe that, during the 2006 fiscal year, each person who served as a director or executive
officer of our company or held more than 10% of our Common Stock complied with the Section 16(a)
filing requirements.
19
Executive Officers and Directors
Information concerning our directors and executive officers is set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officer or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
|
Since |
Bradley E. Larson |
|
52 |
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
|
1994 |
Alan A. Terril |
|
66 |
|
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
|
1993 |
Kenneth D. Nelson |
|
49 |
|
Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Director |
|
1993 |
David D. Doty |
|
42 |
|
Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, Secretary and Treasurer |
|
2006 |
Don A. Patterson |
|
53 |
|
Director |
|
2005 |
Charles R. Norton |
|
65 |
|
Director |
|
1999 |
Charles E. Cowan |
|
60 |
|
Director |
|
1995 |
Business Experience of Each Executive Officer and Director
Information concerning the directors and executive officers of the Company who serve until our
2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is set forth below:
Charles E. Cowan has been a director of the Company since November 1995. Since 1993, he has
been President of Charles Cowan & Associates, Ltd. and has an extensive background in government
and heavy construction industry consulting. From 1991 to 1993, he held CEO positions in Arizonas
Department of Transportation and Department of Economic Security. He graduated with a Bachelor of
Economics Degree from St. Martins College in Olympia, Washington, and a Masters Degree in Public
Administration from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Missouri.
Charles R. Norton has been a director of the Company since March 1999. Since 1963, Mr. Norton
has been involved in the highway construction industry as a construction foreman, subcontractor,
general manager and vice president. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham
Young University in 1968. From 1968 to 1972, he was General Manager of Quaker Empire Construction
in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. From 1972 to 1992, Mr. Norton was Sales Manager, General Manager
and Vice President of Syro Steel Company, headquartered in Girard, Ohio. Since 1992, Mr. Norton
has been Vice President of Trinity Industries, which purchased Syro in 1972.
Don A. Patterson has been a director of the Company since November 2005. He began his career
in public accounting, working for eight years at Arthur Andersen where he developed an extensive
background in accounting for the construction and construction material industry. He left to
become the managing partner of Mansperger, Patterson & McMullin CPAs where he worked for 19 years,
continuing to provide accounting service and consultation to clients in both the construction
materials and contracting industries. During that period he founded Legacy Window Coverings, LLC,
an importing and distribution business where he currently serves as CEO. He has devoted his full
time attention to Legacys operations since 2004. Mr. Patterson graduated with a degree in
accounting from Arizona State University in 1978 and received his Certified Public Accountants
certificate in 1983.
Bradley E. Larson has been a director of the Company since 1994 and was appointed President in
July 1995 and Chief Executive Officer in November 1995. Mr. Larson was employed by Tanner
Companies, a contracting and material company located in Phoenix, Arizona, from 1976 until December
1994. He was Division President of the Western Arizona region for Tanner from 1984 to 1988, Vice
President of Operations from 1988 to 1989 and President of Tanners Construction Division from 1989
until he joined the Company in December 1994. Mr. Larson earned a BSE degree in Industrial
Engineering from Arizona State University in 1979. He has been active in several construction
industry associations and is past Chairman and Director of The Arizona Rock Products Association
and past Director of the Arizona Heavy Highway Chapter of the Associated General Contractors.
Kenneth D. Nelson has been a director of the Company since 1993 and has been involved in the
financial reporting and operations management areas of the construction industry since 1982. He
joined the Company in
20
April 1989, became Vice President of Finance in February 1992 and Vice
President and Chief Administrative Officer in April 1996. From August 1986 until April 1989, he
was operations manager for Builders Unlimited, a construction firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. Mr.
Nelson earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration from Arizona State
University in 1984.
Alan A. Terril joined the Company in May 1992, became its Vice President Nevada Operations
in October 1993 and its Chief Operating Officer in March 2001. From February 1979 until April
1992, he was general superintendent, responsible for on site construction management, for Ron Lewis
Construction Company, a heavy construction firm.
David D. Doty joined the Company in August 2005 and was named Secretary, Treasurer, Chief
Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer in April 2006. He received his Bachelor of
Science degree with a major in Accounting from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
in 1992. He received his Certified Public Accountants certificate from the State of California in
2003. From 1991 to 1994, he was a supervisor at Brabo, Carlsen & Cahill, CPAs in Palm Springs
California. From 1994 to 2000, he was Vice President of Operations and Controller for a
hospitality and tourism firm in Rancho Mirage California and from 2000 to 2005 he was first
Corporate Controller and then Vice President of Administration, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer of Star Markets, Ltd. in Honolulu, Hawaii.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee oversees the Companys financial reporting process on behalf of the Board
of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the
reporting process including the systems of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities, the Committee reviewed the audited financial statements in the Annual Report with
management including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting
principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the
financial statements.
The 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 Companys
accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Committee
under generally accepted auditing standards. In addition, the Committee has discussed with the
independent auditors the auditors independence from management and the Company including the
matters in the written disclosures required by the Independence Standards Board and considered the
compatibility of nonaudit services with the auditors independence.
The Committee discussed with the Companys independent auditors the overall scope and plans
for their audit. The Committee meets with the independent auditors, with and without management
present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Companys internal
controls, and the overall quality of the Companys financial reporting. The Committee held four
meetings during fiscal 2006.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the
Board of Directors (and the Board has approved) that the audited financial statements be included
in the Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee and the Board have also recommended and approved
the selection of the Companys independent auditors.
Don A. Patterson, Audit Committee Chair
Charles R. Norton, Audit Committee Member
Charles E. Cowan, Audit Committee Member
Dated: March 6, 2007
21
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED ACCOUNTANTS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP to
continue as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2007. A representative of Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP is expected to be present at
the Annual Meeting. He will not make a statement but will respond to appropriate questions.
Disclosure of Audit and Non-Audit Fees
The following table shows consolidated fees paid or accrued by the Company and its majority
owned subsidiary for the audits and other services provided by the Companys accountants for the
years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Audit fees for the years ended December 31 and
fees for the review of financial statements included
in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q |
|
$ |
169,000 |
|
|
$ |
129,000 |
|
Audit related fees (1) |
|
|
4,322 |
|
|
|
182,670 |
|
Tax fees |
|
|
30,008 |
|
|
|
27,603 |
|
Other service fees |
|
|
36,284 |
|
|
|
1,160 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Fees paid in 2006 were associated with the registration of our majority owned
subsidiarys common stock shares underlying the equity incentive plan. Fees paid in 2005
included fees that were associated with our majority owned subsidiarys initial public offering. |
The Audit Committee has concluded that the provision of services by Semple, Marchal & Cooper,
LLP are compatible with maintaining their independence and has approved the above mentioned
services performed.
Audit Committee Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Service
The Audit Committee has a Pre-approval Policy (Policy) governing the approval of all audit
and non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accountants in order to
ensure that the performance of such services does not impair the independent registered public
accountants.
According to the Policy, the Audit Committee will annually review and pre-approve the services
and fees that may be provided by the independent registered public accountants during the following
year. The Policy specifically describes the services and fees related to the annual audit, other
services that are audit-related, preparation of tax returns and tax related compliance services and
all other services that have the pre-approval of the Audit Committee. The term of any general
pre-approval is 12 months from the date of pre-approval, unless the Audit Committee specifically
provides for a different period.
Any service to be provided by the independent registered public accountants that has not
received general pre-approval under the Policy is required to be submitted to the Audit Committee
for approval prior to the commencement of a substantial portion of the engagement. Any proposed
service exceeding pre-approved cost levels is also required to be submitted to the Audit Committee
for specific approval.
The Audit Committee will revise the list of general pre-approved services from time to time
based on subsequent determinations. The Committee does not delegate its responsibilities to
pre-approve services performed by the independent registered public accountant to management.
22
Code of Ethics
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our executive officers,
senior financial officers and directors of our company. We have posted the Code of Ethics on our
website.
In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the listing standards of the Nasdaq
Capital Market, we have adopted procedures to facilitate the submission, on a confidential and
anonymous basis, of complaints, reports and concerns by any person regarding (1) accounting,
internal accounting controls or auditing matters, (2) actual or potential violations of laws, rules
or regulations, and (3) other suspected wrongdoing, including in connection with our Code of
Ethics.
OTHER INFORMATION
Solicitation
All of the expenses involved in preparing, assembling and mailing this Proxy Statement and the
materials enclosed herewith and all costs of soliciting proxies will be paid by the Company. In
addition to the solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited by officers and regular employees of
the Company by telephone, facsimile, or personal interview. Such persons will receive no
compensation for their services other than their regular salaries. Arrangements will also be made
with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation
materials to the beneficial owners of the shares held of record by such persons, and the Company
may reimburse such persons for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in so doing.
Shareholder Proposals for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
If you wish to submit a proposal for possible inclusion in our 2008 proxy materials, we must
receive your notice, in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, on or
before December 30, 2007. The proposal should be sent in writing to the Companys principal
executive offices, Attention: Secretary.
Director Nominations
A Director nomination must be accompanied by a Notice of Nomination and proposals of
shareholder business must be accompanied by a Notice of Business. Each such Notice must include
(i) the name and record address of the shareholder and/or beneficial owner proposing such
shareholder business or nomination, as they appear on the Companys books, (ii) the class and
number of shares of stock held of record and beneficially by such shareholder and/or such
beneficial owner, (iii) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of stock of the
Company entitled to vote at the meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting
to propose such business or nomination, and (iv) all other information that would be required to be
filed with the SEC if the person proposing such shareholder business or nomination were a
participant in a solicitation subject to Section 14 of the Exchange Act.
Notices of Nominations must also include all information regarding each shareholder nominee
that would be required to be set forth in a definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC pursuant
to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and the written consent of each such shareholder nominee to
being named in a proxy statement as a nominee and to serve if elected. Notices of Business must
include a brief description of the shareholder business desired to be brought before the annual
meeting, the text of the proposal including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration
and, in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the By-laws, the language of the
proposed amendment, and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting and any
material interest of the shareholder and/or beneficial owner in such shareholder business. The
proponent must be a record or beneficial shareholder entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of
shareholders on the proposal and must continue to own the securities through the date on which the
meeting is held and attend the annual meeting to present the shareholder business or Director
nomination.
23
OTHER BUSINESS
Management of the Company is not aware of any other matters which are to be presented at the
Annual Meeting, nor has it been advised that other persons will present any other proposals.
However, if other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the individual named in the
accompanying proxy shall vote on such matters in accordance with his best judgment.
The above notice and Proxy Statement are sent by order of the Board of Directors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Bradley E. Larson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bradley E. Larson |
|
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Phoenix, Arizona
May 9, 2007
24
PROXY
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
MEADOW VALLEY CORPORATION
TO BE HELD JUNE 11, 2007
The undersigned hereby appoints Bradley E. Larson as the lawful agent and Proxy of the
undersigned (with all the powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, including
full power of substitution), and hereby authorizes him to represent and to vote, as designated
below, all the shares of Meadow Valley Corporation held of record by the undersigned on April 4,
2007, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held June 11, 2007, or any adjournment or
postponement thereof.
|
1. |
|
Election of Class C directors: |
|
|
|
|
___ FOR |
|
|
|
|
___ AGAINST |
|
|
|
|
___ WITHHOLD AUTHORITY |
|
|
|
|
NOMINEES: Bradley E. Larson and Charles R. Norton |
INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for individual nominees, write their names in the
space provided:
|
2. |
|
Proposal to ratify the selection of Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP as
independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
___ FOR |
|
|
|
|
___ AGAINST |
|
|
|
|
___ WITHHOLD AUTHORITY |
|
|
3. |
|
Proposal introduced by a shareholder to act in the most expeditious manner,
consistent with effective tax considerations, to liquidate the Companys investment in
Ready Mix, Inc. and distribute the proceeds to the Companys shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
___ FOR |
|
|
|
|
___ AGAINST |
|
|
|
|
___ WITHHOLD AUTHORITY |
4. In his discretion, the Proxy is authorized to vote upon any matters which may properly come
before the Annual Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
It is understood that when properly executed, this proxy will be voted in the manner directed
herein by the undersigned shareholder. WHERE NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED BY THE SHAREHOLDER, THE PROXY
WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS NAMED IN ITEM 1 AND THE RATIFICATION OF SEMPLE,
MARCHAL & COOPER, LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND
AGAINST THE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL RELATING TO THE LIQUIDATION OF THE COMPANYS INVESTMENT IN READY
MIX, INC.
The undersigned hereby revokes all previous proxies relating to the shares covered hereby and
confirms all that said Proxy may do by virtue hereof.
Please sign exactly as name appears below. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature, If Held Jointly
|
|
|
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY BY FOLDING THIS CARD IN HALF, SEAL WITH
THE MAILING ADDRESS SHOWING, ATTACH CORRECT POSTAGE AND MAIL.
PLEASE CHECK IF YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING:
MEADOW VALLEY CORPORATION
Attention: David D. Doty
4602 E. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85018