UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrantþ
Filed by a Party other than the Registranto
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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 Rule 14a-12 |
ALON USA ENERGY, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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o | | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Our Stockholders:
The Board of Directors has determined that the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Alon USA Energy, Inc., or Alon, will be held on May 2, 2008 at 9:00 a.m., Dallas, Texas time, at The Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75209, for the following purposes:
(1) To elect ten directors to serve until the 2009 annual meeting or until their respective successors are elected and have been qualified;
(2) To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as Alon’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2008; and
(3) To transact any other business properly brought before the meeting.
Information concerning the matters to be voted upon at the meeting is set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement. Holders of record of Alon’s common stock as of the close of business on March 14, 2008 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting.
We urge you to sign and date the enclosed proxy and return it promptly by mail in the enclosed envelope, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person. No postage is required if mailed in the United States. If you do attend the meeting in person, you may withdraw your proxy and vote personally on all matters brought before the meeting.
By order of the Board of Directors,

Harlin R. Dean
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Alon USA Energy, Inc.
7616 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300
Dallas, Texas 75251
April 4, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ALON USA ENERGY, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
May 2, 2008
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Proxy Statement is being mailed to stockholders beginning on or about April 4, 2008 in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Alon USA Energy, Inc., or Alon, to be voted at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Alon to be held May 2, 2008 and at any postponement or adjournment thereof. The accompanying notice describes the time, place and purposes of the Annual Meeting.
Holders of record of Alon’s common stock, $0.01 par value, at the close of business on March 14, 2008, the record date, are entitled to vote on the matters presented at the annual meeting. On the record date, 46,808,444 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding and entitled to one vote per share. The common stock is the only outstanding class of voting securities of Alon.
Action may be taken at the annual meeting on May 2, 2008 or on any date or dates to which the meeting may be adjourned. Holders of shares of common stock representing a majority of the voting power, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. Unless instructions to the contrary are given, shares will be voted as indicated on the proxy card. A stockholder who has given a proxy may revoke it as to any proposal on which a vote has not already been taken by signing a proxy bearing a later date or by a written notice delivered to the Secretary of Alon USA Energy, Inc. in care of Mellon Investor Services, Attention: Proxy Department, at 480 Washington Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07310-1900 or at the executive offices of Alon USA Energy, Inc., 7616 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75251, at any time up to the meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof, or by delivering it to the Chairman of the meeting. If no instructions are indicated, such shares will be voted FOR the director nominees identified below and FOR ratification of the appointment of Alon’s independent accountants.
The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock as of the record date will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meeting. For purposes of determining whether a quorum exists, abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in determining the number of shares present or represented at the annual meeting. However, with respect to any matter brought to a vote at the annual meeting, abstentions and broker non-votes will be treated as shares not voted for purposes of determining whether the requisite vote has been obtained. In order to obtain approval of any matter brought to a vote at the annual meeting, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (or, in the case of the election of any nominee as a director, a plurality) of the shares of common stock represented at the annual meeting and actually voted is required. Consequently, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors but will have the effect of a vote against all other proposals. If the persons present or represented by proxy at the annual meeting constitute the holders of less than a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock as of the record date, the annual meeting may be adjourned to a subsequent date for the purpose of obtaining a quorum.
Alon pays for the cost of soliciting proxies for the annual meeting. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, proxies may be solicited by telephone and or otherwise by directors, officers or employees of Alon, none of whom will be specially compensated for such activities. Alon also intends to request that brokers, banks and other nominees solicit proxies from their principals and will reimburse such brokers, banks and other nominees for reasonable expenses incurred by them in connection with such activities.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
The Board of Directors
At the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board consists of nine members. Ten director nominees have been nominated for election at the annual meeting to serve for a one-year term expiring at Alon’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2009.
During 2007, the Board held six meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and committees on which he served. Eight of our directors attended Alon’s annual meeting of stockholders held in 2007. Under Alon’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, each director is expected to devote the time necessary to appropriately discharge his or her responsibilities and to rigorously prepare for, and attend and participate in, Board meetings and meetings of Board committees on which he or she serves. Each director is expected to ensure that other commitments do not materially interfere with his or her service on the Board of Alon.
The age, principal occupation and certain other information for each director nominee are set forth below:
David Wiessman, 53, has served as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alon since July 2000 and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Alon from its formation in 2000 until May 2005. Mr. Wiessman has over 25 years of oil industry and marketing experience. Since 1994, Mr. Wiessman has been Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of Alon Israel Oil Company, Ltd., or Alon Israel, Alon’s parent company. In 1992, Bielsol Investments (1987) Ltd. acquired a 50% interest in Alon Israel. In 1987, Mr. Wiessman became Chief Executive Officer of, and a stockholder in, Bielsol Investments (1987) Ltd. In 1976, after serving in the Israeli Air Force, he became Chief Executive Officer of Bielsol Ltd., a privately owned Israeli company that owns and operates gasoline stations and owns real estate in Israel. Mr. Wiessman is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Blue Square-Israel, Ltd., which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange; Chairman of Blue Square Real Estate Ltd., which is listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange; Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of Blue Square Investments and Property Chain, Ltd., which is listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange; and Chairman of the Board and President of Dor Alon Energy Israel (1988) Ltd, which is listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, and all of which are subsidiaries of Alon Israel.
Itzhak Bader, 62, has served as a director of Alon since August 2000. Mr. Bader has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alon Israel since 1993. He is Chairman of Granot Cooperative Regional Organization Corporation, a purchasing organization of the Kibbutz movement, a position he has held since 1995. In addition, he is also Chairman of Gat Givat Haim Agricultural Cooperative for Conservation of Agricultural Production Ltd., an Israeli beverage producer, a position he has held since 1999. Mr. Bader is also a director of Blue Square-Israel, Ltd., Blue Square Real Estate Ltd. and Blue Square Investments and Property Chain, Ltd., and all of which are subsidiaries of Alon Israel.
Boaz Biran, 44, has served as director of Alon since May 2002. Mr. Biran has been a director of Bielsol Investments (1987) Ltd., an investment company that owns 37.2% of Alon Israel, since 1998, and a partner in Shraga F. Biran & Co., a law firm in Israel, since 1999. Mr. Biran has also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rosebud Medical Ltd., an investment company in Israel listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, since November 2003.
Ron Fainaro, 40, has served as a director of Alon since January 2008. Mr. Fainaro currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Africa Israel Investments Ltd., a holding company that owns through a subsidiary 26.14% of Alon Israel. Prior to joining Africa Israel, Mr. Fainaro served as the Chief Financial Officer of ECtel Ltd., a software company, from June 2005 to July 2007. From September 2001 to May 2005, Mr. Fainaro served as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Technomatics, Inc. Mr. Fainaro also serves as a director of Blue Square-Israel, Ltd., a subsidiary of Alon Israel, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Mr. Fainaro is a certified public accountant licensed in Israel.
Avinadav Grinshpon, 35, has served as a director and consultant for Africa Israel Investments Ltd. since 2005. In January 2008, Mr. Grinshpon became Africa Israel’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Grinshpon is the Chief Executive Officer of Memorand Management (1997) Ltd., an affiliate of Africa Israel, a position he has held since 2006, and served as its Chief Financial Officer from 2002 until 2006. Mr. Grinshpon is a certified public accountant licensed in Israel.
Ron W. Haddock, 67, has served as a director of Alon since December 2000. Mr. Haddock also served as a consultant to Alon and certain of its subsidiaries from September 2000 to May 2005. From December 1989 to July 2000, Mr. Haddock served as Chief Executive Officer of Fina, Inc. Mr. Haddock currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of AEI Services, LLC, an international power generation and natural gas distribution company, Rubicon Offshore International, an offshore oil
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storage and production well servicing company, and Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc., a waste management, oil recycling and refining company. Mr. Haddock also serves as a director of Trinity Industries, Inc., a diversified transportation, industrial and construction company, and Adea Solutions, Inc., a high-tech personnel and consulting firm.
Jeff D. Morris, 56, has served as a director and as Alon’s President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2005 and has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Alon’s subsidiary, Alon USA, Inc., since its inception in August 2002 and of Alon’s other operating subsidiaries since July 2000. Prior to joining Alon, he held various positions at Fina, Inc., where he began his career in 1974. Mr. Morris served as Vice President of Fina’s SouthEastern Business Unit from 1998 to 2000 and as Vice President of its SouthWestern Business Unit from 1995 to 1998. In these capacities, he was responsible for both the Big Spring refinery and Fina’s Port Arthur refinery and had responsibility for crude gathering assets and marketing activities for both business units.
Yeshayahu Pery, 74, has served as a director of Alon since August 2003. Mr. Pery has also served as a director of Alon Israel since 1997. He is Chairman of MIGAL INC., a technology institute in the biotechnology field, a position he has held since 1998. From 1997 until 2004, Mr. Pery served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Galilee Cooperative Organization, a purchasing and finance organization of the Kibbutz movement. In addition, Mr. Pery served as Chairman of Agricultural Insurance Association and the Atudot pension fund between 1995 and 2004.
Zalman Segal, 71, has served as a director of Alon since July 2005. Mr. Segal has served as Chairman of the board of directors of Bank Leumi Romania, a financial services company, since August 2006. Mr. Segal served from 1989 through April 2006 as Vice Chairman of the board of directors of Bank Leumi USA and its subsidiary, Leumi Investment Services. Mr. Segal served from 1989 through 2004 as Chief Executive Officer and as director of Bank Leumi USA, where he was responsible for the commercial banking business of Bank Leumi USA in the Western Hemisphere.
Avraham Shochat, 71, has served as a director of Alon since October 2005. From 1988 to January 2006 he served as a member of the Israeli Parliament, where he chaired or was a member of various committees including economics, finance, defense, foreign affairs and education. From 1992 to 1996 and 1999 to 2001, Mr. Shochat served as Israel’s Minister of Finance and from October 2000 to March 2001 as the country’s Minister of Infrastructure. Mr. Shochat also serves as a director of Israel Chemicals Ltd., a company engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of fertilizers and industrial and performance products traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange; and Bank Mizrahi Tefahot Ltd., Israel’s fourth largest bank traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, and Direct Insurance Financial Investments Ltd., an insurance company traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
Independent Directors
The Board has determined that Alon is a “controlled company” for the purposes of Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, Listed Company Manual because more than 50% of the voting power of Alon is held by Alon Israel. As such, Alon relies on exemptions from the provisions of Section 303A that would otherwise require it, among other things, to have a board of directors composed of a majority of independent directors.
Under the NYSE’s listing standards, a director will not be deemed independent unless the Board affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with Alon. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning their background, employment and affiliations, including commercial, industrial, banking, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and familial relationships, the Board has determined that each of Messrs. Segal, Haddock and Shochat has no material relationship with Alon, either directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with Alon, and is therefore independent of Alon and its management under the NYSE’s listing standards.
Committees of the Board
The Board has a standing Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. As a controlled company, Alon relies on exemptions from the provisions of Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual that would otherwise require it, among other things, to have a Compensation Committee composed of independent directors and to have a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Currently, Messrs. Segal, Haddock and Shochat serve on the Audit Committee, and Messrs. Morris and Wiessman serve on the Compensation Committee.
The Board does not believe that it is necessary to have a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or a committee performing the functions thereof, and does not have such a committee or charter. The entire Board (including Messrs. Wiessman, Bader, Biran, Fainaro, Morris and Pery, Alon’s non-independent directors) participates in the nomination
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of candidates for election to the Board. In accordance with Alon’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board identifies individuals qualified to become Board members. In identifying candidates, the Board considers such factors as it deems appropriate, including the individual’s education, experience, reputation, judgment, skill, integrity, industry knowledge, the degree to which the individual’s qualities and attributes complement those of other Board members, and the extent to which the candidate would be a desirable addition to the Board and any committees of the Board.
Audit Committee. The purposes of the Audit Committee are to assist the Board in its oversight of (i) the integrity of Alon’s financial statements, (ii) Alon’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, and (iv) the performance of Alon’s internal audit function, and to prepare an audit committee report for inclusion in Alon’s annual proxy statement. The Audit Committee met six times during 2007. The Audit Committee Charter, which, among other things, sets forth the Audit Committee’s responsibilities, is available in the Corporate Governance section of Alon’s website (www.alonusa.com).
The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Segal, Haddock and Shochat. The Board has determined that (i) each of Messrs. Segal, Haddock and Shochat meets the audit committee independence criteria specified in the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and the NYSE’s listing standards, (ii) each of Messrs. Segal, Haddock and Shochat has a basic understanding of finance and accounting and is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, (iii) each of Messrs. Segal, Haddock and Shochat has accounting or related financial management expertise, and (iv) Mr. Segal, the Chairperson of the Audit Committee, is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K.
Compensation Committee. The purpose of the Compensation Committee is to establish and administer Alon’s policies, programs and procedures for determining compensation for Alon’s executive officers and Board members. The Compensation Committee reviews and reports to the Board on matters related to compensation strategies, policies and programs, including management development, incentive compensation and employee benefit programs. For further information regarding the Compensation Committee’s processes and procedures for consideration of executive compensation, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” below. The Compensation Committee Charter, which, among other things, sets forth Compensation Committee’s responsibilities, is available in the Corporate Governance section of Alon’s website (www.alonusa.com).
Messrs. Wiessman and Morris are members of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee met two times during 2007.
Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Committee Charters
The full texts of Alon’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as well as the charters for the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee, are available in the Corporate Governance section of Alon’s website (www.alonusa.com). In addition, you may request a copy of any of these documents by writing to Alon’s Investor Relations Department at Alon USA Energy, Inc., 7616 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75251. Alon intends to post any waivers of its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (to the extent applicable to its directors or executive officers) at this location on its website.
Presiding Director
The NYSE’s listing standards require Alon’s non-management directors to meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. Alon’s non-management directors met three times in such executive sessions in 2007. Mr. Pery presided over each such session.
Communication with Directors
Any stockholder or other interested party who wishes to communicate directly with the Board or any committee thereof, or any member or group of members of the Board or any committee thereof, may do so by writing to the Board or the applicable committee thereof (or one or more named individuals) in care of the Secretary of Alon USA Energy, Inc., 7616 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75251. All communications received will be collected by the Secretary of Alon and forwarded to the appropriate director or directors.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL HOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table presents information regarding the number of shares of Alon common stock beneficially owned as of March 1, 2008, by each of Alon’s directors, each executive officer of Alon named in the Summary Compensation Table, and all directors and executive officers of Alon as a group. In addition, the table presents information about each person known to Alon to beneficially own 5% or more of Alon’s outstanding common stock. Unless otherwise indicated by footnote, the beneficial owner exercises sole voting and investment power over the shares. The percentage of outstanding shares is calculated on the basis of 46,808,444 shares of Alon common stock outstanding as of March 1, 2008.
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| | Beneficial Share Ownership |
| | Number | | Percent of |
Directors, Executive Officers and 5% Stockholders | | of Shares | | Outstanding Shares |
Directors and Executive Officers | | | | | | | | |
David Wiessman (1) | | | 2,106,374 | | | | 4.50 | % |
Itzhak Bader | | | — | | | | — | |
Boaz Biran | | | — | | | | — | |
Ron Fainaro | | | — | | | | — | |
Ron W. Haddock | | | 15,305 | | | | * | |
Jeff D. Morris (2) | | | 100 | | | | * | |
Yeshayahu Pery | | | — | | | | — | |
Zalman Segal | | | 2,805 | | | | * | |
Avraham Shochat | | | 1,418 | | | | * | |
Joseph A. Concienne III (2) | | | 2,000 | | | | * | |
Harlin R. Dean | | | 7,446 | | | | * | |
Joseph Israel | | | 4,708 | | | | * | |
Shai Even | | | 3,790 | | | | * | |
All directors and executive officers as a group (17 persons) (1)(2) | | | 2,151,946 | | | | 4.60 | % |
Other 5% or more Stockholders | | | | | | | | |
Alon Israel Oil Company, Ltd. (3) | | | 33,831,015 | | | | 72.28 | % |
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* | | Indicates less than 1% |
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(1) | | Includes: (a) a right to exchange a 2% ownership interest in Alon Israel held in trust by Eitan Shmueli, as trustee, of which Mr. Wiessman is the sole beneficiary, for a 2% ownership interest in certain subsidiaries of Alon Israel, including Alon, which if exercised in full as of the date of this Proxy Statement for Alon’s common stock would represent 936,169 shares; (b) 234,113 shares of Alon common stock held in trust by Eitan Shmueli, as trustee, of which Mr. Wiessman is the sole beneficiary; and (c) 936,092 shares of Alon common stock held by Mr. Wiessman. |
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(2) | | Jeff D. Morris, Joseph A. Concienne, III and Claire A. Hart (an executive officer of Alon) each own shares of non-voting stock of Alon Assets, Inc., or Alon Assets, and Alon USA Operating, Inc., or Alon Operating. Alon Assets and Alon Operating are subsidiaries of Alon through which Alon conducts substantially all of its business. As of March 1, 2008, there were 202,722.5 shares of capital stock of Alon Assets outstanding and 76,125.2 shares of capital stock of Alon Operating outstanding. Messrs. Morris, Hart and Concienne each own shares of non-voting stock of Alon Assets and Alon Operating as set forth in the following table: |
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| | Alon Assets | | Alon Operating |
| | Non-voting | | Percent of all | | Non-voting | | Percent of all |
Name of Beneficial Owner | | Common Stock | | Common Stock | | Common Stock | | Common Stock |
Jeff D. Morris | | | 9,073.7 | | | | 4.5 | % | | | 3,407.3 | | | | 4.5 | % |
Claire A. Hart | | | 2,268.3 | | | | 1.1 | | | | 851.7 | | | | 1.1 | |
Joseph A. Concienne | | | 1,009.5 | | | | 0.5 | | | | 379.0 | | | | 0.5 | |
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Total | | | 12,351.5 | | | | 6.1 | % | | | 4,638.0 | | | | 6.1 | % |
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| | The individuals named in the table above hold options to purchase an aggregate of 5,216.9 shares of Alon Assets and 1,959.4 shares of Alon Operating. Subject to the satisfaction of specified performance targets and certain acceleration events, these options vest in full by 2010 (assuming the continued employment of the individuals). |
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(3) | | Alon Israel filed a Form 4 with the SEC on June 9, 2006 reporting that Alon Israel beneficially owned 33,831,015 shares of Alon common stock, of which it had sole investment and voting power over 33,600,000 shares and shared investment and voting power over |
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| | 231,015 shares owned by Tabris Investments Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alon Israel). The address of Alon Israel and Tabris is Europark (France Building), Kibbutz Yakum 60972, Israel. |
As of March 1, 2008, Alon Israel had 8,415,613 ordinary shares outstanding, which were owned of record as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Percent of |
| | Number of | | Outstanding |
Record Holder | | Shares | | Shares |
Bielsol Investments (1987) Ltd. (a) | | | 3,131,375 | | | | 37.21 | % |
Africa Israel Trade & Agencies Ltd. (b) | | | 2,200,428 | | | | 26.14 | |
Several Purchase Organizations of the Kibbutz Movement (c) | | | 2,915,497 | | | | 34.65 | |
Mr. Eitan Shmueli, as trustee (d) | | | 168,313 | | | | 2.00 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 8,415,613 | | | | 100.00 | % |
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(a) | | Bielsol Investments (1987) Ltd. is a privately held Israeli limited liability company that is beneficially owned (1) 80.0% by Shebug Ltd., an Israeli limited liability company that is wholly owned by the family of Shraga Biran, the father of Boaz Biran, one of Alon’s directors, and (2) 20.0% by David Wiessman, the Executive Chairman of Alon’s Board. The address of Bielsol Investments (1987) Ltd. is 1 Denmark St., Petak-Tivka, Israel. |
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(b) | | Africa Israel Trade & Agencies Ltd. is an Israeli limited liability company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Africa Israel Investments Ltd., a publicly held Israeli limited liability company that is listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Based on information available to us, Africa Israel Investments Ltd. is beneficially owned (1) 74.94% by Lev Leviev, an Israeli citizen, and (2) 25.06% by public shareholders. Messrs. Avinadav Grinshpon, a director nominee, and Ron Fainaro, a director of Alon, are the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, of Africa Israel Investments Ltd. The address of Africa Israel Investments Ltd. is 4 Derech Hahoresh, Yahud, Israel. |
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(c) | | The Kibbutz Movement is a combination of approximately 270 economic cooperatives, or purchase organizations, engaged in agriculture, industry and commerce in Israel. The shares of Alon Israel shown in the table above as owned by several purchase organizations of the Kibbutz Movement are owned of record by nine such purchase organizations. Each of the purchase organizations that owns of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of Alon Israel is shown on the following table: |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Percent of |
| | Number of | | Outstanding |
Purchase Organization | | Shares | | Shares |
Granot Cooperative Regional Organization Corporation | | | 505,172 | | | | 6.0 | % |
Mishkey Emek Hayarden Ltd. | | | 489,012 | | | | 5.8 | |
Miskey Hanegev Export Ltd. | | | 476,209 | | | | 5.7 | |
| | Itzhak Bader, one of Alon’s directors, is Chairman of Granot Cooperative Regional Organization Corporation. |
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| | The purchase organizations of the Kibbutz Movement have granted to Delek Holdings (Established by the Kibbutz Organizations) Ltd., or Delek Holdings, an irrevocable power of attorney to vote all of the shares of Alon Israel held by such purchase organizations. Delek Holdings is an Israeli limited liability company that is owned by nine organizations of the Kibbutz Movement, some of which are also stockholders of Alon Israel. One of Alon’s directors, Mr. Bader, is Chairman of Delek Holdings. The address of Delek Holdings is Derech Lod 298 Shalem Ranch, Tel Aviv, Israel. |
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(d) | | The shares of Alon Israel held by Mr. Eitan Shmueli are held by him as trustee of a trust which David Wiessman, the Executive Chairman of Alon’s Board, is the sole beneficiary. These shares are treated as non-voting shares. |
Bielsol Investments (1987) Ltd., Africa Israel Trade & Agencies Ltd., the purchase organizations of the Kibbutz Movement and Delek Holdings are parties to a shareholders agreement. Under that agreement:
| • | | Certain major decisions made by Alon Israel require the approval of more than 75.0% of the voting interests in Alon Israel or of more than 75% of the board of directors of Alon Israel, as applicable. The provisions of the shareholders agreement relating to approval of major transactions involving Alon Israel also apply to approval of major transactions involving significant subsidiaries of Alon Israel, including Alon. |
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| • | | The number of directors of Alon Israel must be between three and 12, with each 8.0% of the shares of Alon Israel entitling the holder thereof to elect one director. This provision currently allows Bielsol Investments (1987) Ltd. to elect four directors, Africa Israel Trade & Agencies Ltd. to elect three directors, and the purchase organizations of the Kibbutz Movement to elect four directors. |
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| • | | There are various rights of first refusal among the shareholders who are party to the agreement. |
6
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and regulations of the SEC thereunder require Alon’s executive officers and directors and persons who own more than ten percent of Alon’s common stock, as well as certain affiliates of such persons, to file initial reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Executive officers, directors and persons owning more than ten percent of Alon’s common stock are required by SEC regulations to furnish Alon with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based solely on its review of the copies of such reports received by it and written representations that no other reports were required for those persons, Alon believes that, during the year ended December 31, 2007, all filing requirements applicable to its executive officers, directors and owners of more than ten percent of Alon’s common stock were satisfied.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Introduction
The Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides a description of the objectives of Alon’s executive compensation policies, a description of the Compensation Committee and a discussion of the material elements of the compensation of each of the executive officers listed below, who are referred to as Alon’s named executive officers:
| | |
Name | | Title |
Jeff D. Morris | | President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Shai Even | | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
|
Joseph A. Concienne | | Senior Vice President of Refining and Transportation |
|
Harlin R. Dean | | Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
|
Joseph Israel | | Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions |
Objectives of Compensation Policies
The objectives of Alon’s compensation policies are to attract, motivate and retain qualified management and personnel who are highly talented while ensuring that executive officers and other employees are compensated in a manner that advances both the short and long-term interests of stockholders. In pursuing these objectives, the Compensation Committee believes that compensation should reward executive officers and other employees for both their personal performance and Alon’s performance. In determining compensation levels for Alon’s executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers the scope of an individual’s responsibilities, external competitiveness of total compensation, an individual’s performance, prior experience and current and prior compensation, the performance of Alon and the attainment of financial and strategic objectives.
Alon’s management provides compensation recommendations to the Compensation Committee; however, the final determination of a compensation package (other than annual bonuses under the Bonus Plans, as described below) is made solely by the Compensation Committee. Alon does not currently engage any consultants relating to executive and/or director compensation practices. The Compensation Committee may consider the compensation practices of other companies when making a determination; however, Alon does not benchmark its compensation packages to any particular company or group of companies.
Compensation Program Elements
Alon compensates its employees and named executive officers through a combination of base salary, annual bonuses and awards granted pursuant to the Alon USA Energy, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, or the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan. The Compensation Committee considers each element of Alon’s overall compensation program applicable to an employee or named executive officer when making any decision affecting that employee’s or named executive officer’s compensation. The particular elements of Alon’s compensation program are explained below.
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Base Salaries.Base salary levels are designed to attract and retain highly qualified individuals. In establishing salary levels, the Compensation Committee takes into account the scope of an individual’s responsibilities and experience and makes a subjective assessment of the nature of each individual’s performance and contribution to Alon. The Compensation Committee may also consider available information on prevailing compensation levels for executive-level employees at comparable companies in Alon’s industry. Base salaries are reviewed annually and adjustments are made based primarily on the individual’s performance in the prior annual period. The 2007 salaries of the most highly compensated executive officers of Alon are included in “Executive Compensation — Summary Compensation Table.”
During 2007, Messrs. Even, Concienne, Dean and Israel received a base salary increase as a result of the Compensation Committee’s annual review process. Base salaries for Alon’s named executive officers in 2007 and the amount of base salary increase from 2006 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Amount of Base Salary | | |
Name | | Increase from 2006 | | 2007 Base Salary |
Jeff D. Morris | | | — | | | $ | 289,675 | |
|
Shai Even | | $ | 17,861 | | | $ | 227,942 | |
|
Joseph A. Concienne | | $ | 19,677 | | | $ | 202,223 | |
|
Harlin R. Dean | | $ | 20,988 | | | $ | 303,923 | |
|
Joseph Israel | | $ | 19,431 | | | $ | 211,896 | |
Annual Bonuses.Executive officers and key employees may be awarded bonuses outside the plans described herein based on individual performance and contributions.
Bonus Plans.On May 9, 2007, Alon’s Board approved two annual bonus plans pursuant to Alon’s 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (collectively, the “Bonus Plans”), which replace the Annual Incentive Cash Bonus Plan and the Annual 10% Bonus Plan (described below for comparative purposes). Annual cash bonuses under the Bonus Plans are anticipated to be distributed to eligible employees in the first quarter of each year based on the previous year’s performance, commencing in the first quarter of 2008 based on performance during Alon’s 2007 fiscal year. Each of the two Bonus Plans contains the same plan elements, which are described below. Alon’s refining and marketing employees (which group includes Alon’s named executive officers) are eligible to participate in one plan based primarily on the performance of Alon’s Big Spring refinery and the employees of Alon’s Paramount Petroleum Corporation subsidiary are eligible to participate in the second plan based primarily on the performance of Alon’s California refineries. Under each of the newly-approved Bonus Plans, bonus payments are based 37.5% on meeting or exceeding target reliability measures, 37.5% on meeting or exceeding target free cash flow measures and 25% on meeting or exceeding target safety and environmental objectives. The bonus pool available under each Bonus Plan will be equal to 20% of the aggregate direct salary expenses of the employees eligible to participate in such plan for the applicable year. The bonus potential for Alon’s named executive officers ranges from 65% to 100% of the respective executive officer’s base salary, as established in each executive officer’s employment agreement.
The Compensation Committee believes that the Bonus Plans provide motivation for the eligible employees to attain Alon’s financial objectives as well as those for refinery reliability and environmental and safety objectives which have been designed to benefit Alon in both the long- and short-term. The Compensation Committee believes that the newly-approved Bonus Plans place a greater emphasis on the efficiency of operating Alon’s refining assets than the plans that were replaced and reduces the potential impact of refining margins which are beyond the control of Alon and the participants in the Bonus Plans.
Prior to the adoption of the Bonus Plans described above, Alon’s refining and marketing employees, including Alon’s named executive officers, were eligible to participate in the two bonus plans described below.
Annual Incentive Cash Bonus Plan.Bonuses paid under Alon’s Annual Incentive Cash Bonus Plan, which was replaced upon the approval of the Bonus Plans in May 2007, were typically distributed to eligible employees in the first quarter of each year based on the previous year’s performance. Each bonus payment was based 75% on meeting or exceeding financial objectives and 25% on meeting or exceeding safety and environmental objectives, with the final bonus payment is subject to review and approval by the Board. The bonus pool used to pay these bonuses was funded on a calendar basis and started over at zero after each calendar year. This fund consisted of one-third of Alon’s after-tax cash flow, after all planned
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capital expenditures and certain principal and interest payments under Alon’s indebtedness had been made. The funds available for total bonus payments under this plan were capped at $4.0 million per year. Fines for environmental or safety violations were deducted from the bonus pool. The bonus targets for Alon’s named executive officers under Alon’s Annual Incentive Cash Bonus Plan ranged from 50% to 100% of the respective executive officer’s base salary.
Annual 10% Bonus Plan.Bonuses paid under the Annual 10% Bonus Plan, which was replaced upon the approval of the Bonus Plans in May 2007, were distributed to Alon’s non-union refining and marketing employees in the second quarter of each year based on the previous year’s performance. Each participating employee was eligible to receive a bonus up to a maximum of 10% of his or her salary under the plan. Each participating employee was eligible to receive a bonus amount equal to 40% of the maximum bonus if Alon met or was below its fixed costs operating budget. Each refinery employee was eligible to receive a bonus amount equal to 30% of the maximum bonus if certain refining margins were achieved. Each non-refinery employee was eligible to receive a bonus amount equal to 30% of the maximum bonus if certain wholesale marketing margins were achieved. All participating employees were eligible to receive a bonus amount of up to 30% of the maximum bonus at the discretion of senior management.
2005 Incentive Compensation Plan. In July 2005, the Board and stockholders approved the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan. Following Alon’s initial public offering in July 2005, the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan was submitted to and approved by Alon’s stockholders at Alon’s 2006 annual meeting of stockholders. Alon’s 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan is a component of Alon’s overall executive incentive compensation program. The 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan permits the granting of awards in the form of options to purchase common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares of common stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units and senior executive plan bonuses to Alon’s directors, officers and key employees. The Compensation Committee believes that the grant of options, stock appreciation rights, and similar equity-based awards aligns executive and stockholder long-term interests by creating a strong and direct link between executive compensation and stockholder return. The grant of restricted shares of common stock and similar equity-based awards also allows Alon’s directors, officers and key employees to develop and maintain a long-term ownership position in Alon.
The 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan is currently administered, in the case of awards to participants subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act, by the Board and, in all other cases, by the Compensation Committee. Subject to the terms of the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, the Compensation Committee and the Board have the full authority to select participants to receive awards, determine the types of awards and terms and conditions of awards, and interpret provisions of the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan. Awards may be made under the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan to eligible directors, officers and employees of Alon and its subsidiaries, provided that awards qualifying as incentive stock options, as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, may be granted only to employees.
Option Plans. On August 1, 2000, the board of directors of each of Alon Operating and Alon Assets adopted a stock option plan (collectively, the “Option Plans”) which were approved by the stockholders of Alon Operating and Alon Assets in June 2001. The Option Plans authorized grants of options to purchase up to 16,154 shares of Alon Assets and 6,066 shares of Alon Operating. No further options may be granted under the Option Plans. All stock options granted under the Option Plans had ten-year terms. Each year a portion of the options are subject to accelerated vesting and become fully exercisable if Alon achieves certain financial performance and debt service criteria. Upon exercise, Alon will reimburse the optionholder for the exercise price of the shares and under certain circumstances the related federal and state taxes (gross up-liability).
Perquisites. During 2007, Messrs. Morris, Even and Israel received vehicle allowances. Alon’s use of perquisites as an element of compensation is limited in scope and amount. Alon does not view perquisites as a significant element of compensation but does believe that in certain circumstances they can be used in conjunction with base salary to attract, motivate and retain qualified management and personnel in a competitive environment.
Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits to Alon’s senior management, including Alon’s named executive officers, are currently provided through Alon’s 401(k) plan and the Alon USA GP, LLC Pension Plan, which are available to most Alon employees, and the Benefits Restoration Plan, which provides additional pension benefits to Alon’s highly compensated employees. The Alon USA GP, LLC Pension Plan and Benefits Restoration Plan are discussed more fully below in the “2007 Pension Benefits” table included in this Proxy Statement.
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Employment Agreements
As discussed more fully below in “Employment Agreements and Change of Control Arrangements,” Alon has entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Morris, Even, Concienne, Dean and Israel. Alon’s decision to enter into employment agreements and the terms of those agreements were based on the facts and circumstances at the time and an analysis of competitive market practices.
Methodology of Establishing Compensation Packages
The Compensation Committee does not adhere to any specified formula for determining the apportionment of executive compensation between cash and non-cash awards. The Compensation Committee attempts to design each compensation package to provide incentive to achieve Alon’s performance objectives, appropriately compensate individuals for their experience and contributions and secure the retention of qualified employees. This is accomplished through a combination of the compensation program elements and, in certain instances, through specific incentives not generally available to all Alon employees.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
The annual compensation of Alon’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeff D. Morris, is determined by Mr. Wiessman in consultation with the Board based on the compensation principles and programs described above. In establishing Mr. Morris’ annual compensation, Mr. Morris’ stock ownership and eligibility for equity awards in Alon Assets and Alon Operating, two subsidiaries of Alon, are taken into account. These awards were granted to Mr. Morris in August 2000 in consideration of his role in the formation of Alon and are described in footnote 2 to the “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Holders and Management” table included in this Proxy Statement.
All cash compensation paid to Mr. Morris in 2007 is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table set forth in this Proxy Statement. Mr. Morris did not receive grants or other awards under Alon’s 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan in 2007.
Stock Ownership Policy
Alon does not require its directors or executive officers to own shares of Alon stock.
Section 162(m)
Under Section 162(m) of the Code, compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer or any of the other four most highly compensated individuals in excess of $1,000,000 may not be deducted by Alon in determining its taxable income. This deduction limitation does not apply to certain “performance based” compensation. The Board does not currently intend to award levels of non-performance based compensation that would exceed $1,000,000, however, it may do so in the future if it determines that such compensation is in the best interest of Alon and its stockholders.
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides a summary of the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to Messrs. Morris and Even, Alon’s principal executive officer (PEO) and principal financial officer (PFO), and Messrs. Concienne, Dean and Israel, Alon’s three other most highly compensated executive officers. Alon refers to these individuals as its named executive officers.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Change in | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Pension Value | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | and | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nonqualified | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Non-Equity | | Deferred | | All Other | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Stock | | Option | | Incentive Plan | | Compensation | | Compensa- | | |
| | | | | | Salary | | Bonus | | Awards | | Awards | | Compensation | | Earnings | | tion | | Total |
Name and Principal Position | | Year | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) (1) | | ($) (2) | | ($) (3) | | ($) | | ($) |
Jeff D. Morris
| | | 2007 | | | $ | 289,675 | | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 150,710 | | | | — | | | $ | 354,176 | | | $ | 253,656 | (4) | | $ | 1,048,217 | |
President and Chief Executive Officer (PEO) | | | 2006 | | | | 289,675 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 230,780 | | | $ | 262,301 | | | | 491,784 | | | | 71,320 | | | | 1,345,860 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shai Even
| | | 2007 | | | | 227,942 | | | | — | | | $ | 140,002 | (5) | | | 81,569 | | | $ | 47,220 | | | | 23,493 | | | | 33,245 | (6) | | | 553,471 | |
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (PFO) | | | 2006 | | | | 210,081 | | | $ | 175,068 | | | | 106,281 | | | | — | | | | 125,361 | | | | 18,713 | | | | 33,387 | | | | 668,891 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph A. Concienne
| | | 2007 | | | | 202,223 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 956,656 | | | | 64,413 | | | | 80,387 | | | | 27,770 | (7) | | | 1,331,449 | |
Senior Vice President of Refining and Transportation | | | 2006 | | | | 182,546 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,752,380 | | | | 165,051 | | | | 75,658 | | | | 21,689 | | | | 2,197,324 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Harlin R. Dean
| | | 2007 | | | | 303,923 | | | | — | | | | 192,937 | (8) | | | 81,569 | | | | 146,887 | | | | 53,183 | | | | 44,998 | (9) | | | 823,497 | |
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | | | 2006 | | | | 282,935 | | | | 170,252 | | | | 146,505 | | | | — | | | | 805,730 | | | | 59,006 | | | | 44,998 | | | | 1,509,426 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph Israel
| | | 2007 | | | | 211,896 | | | | 10,000 | | | | 162,026 | (10) | | | 81,569 | | | | 43,878 | | | | 19,104 | | | | 33,923 | (11) | | | 562,396 | |
Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions | | | 2006 | | | | 192,465 | | | | 242,195 | | | | 131,293 | | | | — | | | | 115,119 | | | | 30,617 | | | | 33,971 | | | | 745,660 | |
| | |
(1) | | This column reflects the value of the awards based on the compensation cost of the award recognized during Alon’s 2006 and 2007 fiscal years determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board No. 123 (revised 2004), Shares-Based Payment, which we refer to as SFAS No. 123R. The compensation cost of the option awards is based on the intrinsic value of the shares of Alon Assets and Alon Operating subject to the options which we determined through an analysis of the two companies’ respective cash flows. See also Note 19 to Alon’s 2007 audited financial statements contained in Alon’s annual report on Form 10-K. Pursuant to the Option Plans, Messrs. Morris and Concienne hold (a) 3,365.9 and 1,009.7 unexercised options to purchase shares of Alon Assets, respectively, and (b) 1,264.1 and 379.2 unexercised options to purchase shares of Alon Operating, respectively, none of which are currently vested and exercisable. |
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| | Pursuant to the Alon USA Energy, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, on March 7, 2007 the Company made grants of 33,333 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) to each of Messrs. Even, Dean and Israel. The SARs granted on March 7, 2007 vest as follows: 50% on March 7, 2009, 25% on March 7, 2010 and 25% on March 7, 2011 and are exercisable during the 365-day period following the date of vesting. When exercised, SARs are convertible into shares of Alon Common Stock, the number of which will be determined at the time of exercise by calculating the difference between the closing price of Alon Common Stock on the date immediately prior to the exercise date and the grant price of the SARs ($28.46 per share) (the “Spread”), multiplying the Spread by the number of SARs being exercised and then dividing the product by the closing price of Alon Common Stock on the date immediately prior to the exercise date. The compensation cost associated with the SARs grants and recognized by the Company under FAS 123R was $81,569 for each of Messrs. Even, Dean and Israel. |
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(2) | | The amounts shown under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation reflect earnings by the named executive officers under Alon’s Non-Equity Incentive Plans for the fiscal year in which such amounts are earned, regardless of when paid. Bonuses under Alon’s Annual 10% Bonus Plan and Alon’s Annual Incentive Cash Bonus Plan were paid for performance in 2006 during the second fiscal quarter of 2007. Bonuses under Alon’s Bonus Plans are expected to continue to be paid during the first quarter of the fiscal year following the end of the fiscal year in which they are earned. With respect to Mr. Dean, incentive transaction bonuses as a result of the consummation of certain business transactions under the Amended and Restated Management Employment Agreement, dated August 9, 2006, between Mr. Dean and Alon USA GP, LLC are paid in the same fiscal year in which they are earned. As described above, in May 2007 Alon replaced the Annual 10% Bonus Plan and Annual Incentive Cash Bonus Plan with the Bonus Plans. The following table reflects the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation earned by the named executive officers in 2006 and 2007 under each of the above-described plans. |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Total Non- |
| | | | | | | | | | Annual | | | | | | | | | | Equity |
| | | | | | Annual 10% | | Incentive Cash | | | | | | Employment | | Incentive Plan |
| | Year Earned | | Bonus Plan | | Bonus Plan | | Bonus Plans | | Agreement | | Compensation |
Jeff D. Morris | | | 2007 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | 2006 | | | $ | 8,691 | | | $ | 253,610 | | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 262,301 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shai Even | | | 2007 | | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 47,220 | | | | — | | | | 47,220 | |
| | | 2006 | | | | 6,302 | | | | 119,059 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 125,36 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph A. Concienne | | | 2007 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 64,413 | | | | — | | | | 64,413 | |
| | | 2006 | | | | 5,476 | | | | 159,575 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 165,051 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Harlin R. Dean | | | 2007 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 96,887 | | | $ | 50,000 | | | | 146,887 | |
| | | 2006 | | | | 8,488 | | | | 246,837 | | | | — | | | | 550,405 | | | | 805,730 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph Israel | | | 2007 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 43,878 | | | | — | | | | 43,878 | |
| | | 2006 | | | | 5,773 | | | | 109,346 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 115,119 | |
| | |
(3) | | Reflects the aggregate change in actuarial present value of the named executive officer’s accumulated benefit under the Alon USA GP, LLC Pension Plan and Benefits Restoration Plan calculated by (a) assuming mortality according to RP-2000 Combined Mortality Table published by the Society of Actuaries and (b) applying a discount rate of 5.75% per annum to determine the actuarial present value of the accumulated benefit at December 31, 2006, and a discount rate of 6.46% per annum to determine the actuarial present value of the accumulated benefit at December 31, 2007. |
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(4) | | Reflects a car allowance of $11,498; aggregate tax gross-up payments of $84,758 made in connection with the vesting and exercise of options to purchase shares of Alon Assets and Alon Operating under the Option Plans; and $157,400 of cash payments made on behalf of Mr. Morris under the Option Plans for reimbursement of the exercise price of options to purchase shares of Alon Assets and Alon Operating exercised during the 2007 fiscal year. |
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(5) | | Pursuant to the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, Mr. Even was awarded 11,369 restricted shares of common stock on November 7, 2005, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which 3,790 shares were unvested as of December 31, 2007 and 7,580 shares were unvested as of December 31, 2006. This column reflects the value of the awards based on the compensation cost of the award with respect to Alon’s 2007 and 2006 fiscal years determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. The compensation cost associated with the restricted stock awards is based on the intrinsic value for such shares which we determined by reference to the trading price of Alon common stock at the time such restricted shares of common stock were granted. See also Note 19 to Alon’s 2007 audited financial statements contained in Alon’s annual report on Form 10-K. |
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(6) | | Reflects a car allowance of $593 and aggregate tax gross-up payment of $32,652 made to Mr. Even in connection with the vesting of shares of Alon common stock under the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan in 2007. |
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(7) | | Reflects $27,770 of cash payments made on behalf of Mr. Concienne under the Option Plans for reimbursement of the exercise price of options to purchase shares of Alon Assets and Alon Operating exercised during the 2007 fiscal year. |
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(8) | | Pursuant to the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, Mr. Dean was awarded 15,669 restricted shares of common stock on November 7, 2005, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which 5,223 and 10,446 shares were unvested as of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. This column reflects the value of the awards based on the compensation cost of the award with respect to Alon’s 2007 and 2006 fiscal years determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. The compensation cost associated with the restricted stock awards is based on the intrinsic value for such shares which we determined by reference to the trading price of Alon common stock at the time such restricted shares of common stock were granted. See also Note 19 to Alon’s 2007 audited financial statements contained in Alon’s annual report on Form 10-K. |
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(9) | | Reflects aggregate tax gross-up payments of $44,998 made to Mr. Dean in connection with the vesting of shares of Alon common stock under the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan in 2007. |
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(10) | | Pursuant to the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, Mr. Israel was awarded (a) 2,666 restricted shares of common stock awarded on August 17, 2005, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which 893 and 1,786 shares were unvested as of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, and (b) 11,456 restricted shares of common stock awarded on November 7, 2005, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which 3,838 and 7,676 shares are unvested as of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. This column reflects the value of the awards based on the compensation cost of the award with respect to Alon’s 2007 and 2006 fiscal years determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. The compensation cost associated with the restricted stock awards is based on the intrinsic value for such shares which we determined by reference to the trading price of Alon common stock at the time such restricted shares of common stock were granted. See also Note 19 to Alon’s 2007 audited financial statements contained in Alon’s annual report on Form 10-K. |
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(11) | | Reflects a car allowance of $1,020 and aggregate tax gross-up payments of $32,903 made to Mr. Israel in connection with the vesting of shares of Alon common stock under the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan in 2007. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table provides a summary of the grants of plan-based awards made to Alon’s named executive officers during Alon’s last completed fiscal year.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | All Other Option | | | | |
| | | | | | Awards: Number of | | Exercise or Base Price | | Grant Date Fair Value |
| | | | | | Securities Underlying | | of Option Awards | | of Stock and Option |
Name | | Grant Date | | Options (1) | | ($/Sh) | | Awards (2) |
Jeff D. Morris
| | | — | | | | | | | | — | | | | — | |
President and Chief Executive Officer (PEO) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shai Even
| | March 7, 2007 | | | 33,333 | | | $ | 28.46 | | | $ | 81,569 | |
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (PFO) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph A. Concienne
| | | — | | | | | | | | — | | | | — | |
Senior Vice President of Refining and Transportation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Harlin R. Dean
| | March 7, 2007 | | | 33,333 | | | | 28.46 | | | $ | 81,569 | |
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph Israel
| | March 7, 2007 | | | 33,333 | | | | 28.46 | | | $ | 81,569 | |
Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | Reflects SARs granted pursuant to the Alon USA Energy, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan to each of Messrs. Even, Dean and Israel on March 7, 2007, as more fully described in Note 1 to the Summary Compensation Table above. |
|
(2) | | Reflects the compensation cost associated with the SARs grants and recognized by Alon under FAS 123R. |
Employment Agreements and Change of Control Arrangements
Jeff D. Morris. Alon is party to an Executive Employment Agreement with Jeff Morris which provides for Mr. Morris to serve as Alon’s President and Chief Executive Officer through April 30, 2010 and which automatically renews for one-year terms unless terminated by either party. Mr. Morris currently receives a base salary of $289,675 per year and is eligible for annual merit increases. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Morris is entitled to participate in Alon’s annual cash bonus plans, pension plan and benefits restoration plan and the Option Plans. Additionally, Alon is required to provide Mr. Morris with additional benefits to the extent such benefits are made available to other employees, including disability, hospitalization, medical and retiree health benefits and life insurance. Mr. Morris is subject to a covenant not to compete during the term of his employment and for nine months after the date of his termination. This agreement also prohibits Mr. Morris from disclosing Alon’s proprietary information received through his employment.
In the event of a change in control of Alon Assets or Alon Operating in which the equity securities owned by Mr. Morris in Alon Assets or Alon Operating (whether actually or contingently owned) are included, which occurs either (i) prior to the earlier of July 31, 2010 or the date of vesting of Mr. Morris’ shares of common stock of Alon Assets and Alon
13
Operating or (ii) after the termination of Mr. Morris’ employment by us without cause or by Mr. Morris for good reason, Mr. Morris is entitled to receive a cash bonus in the amount of 8% of the amount by which the aggregate implied equity value of Alon Assets and Alon Operating exceeds $20.0 million. The percentage due to Mr. Morris is subject to adjustment based on the number of shares of common stock owned by Mr. Morris that vest prior to any change of control transaction, and the implied equity value of Alon Assets or Alon Operating, as the case may be, is subject to a minimum estimated value based on the year in which the change of control occurs.
Shai Even. Alon is a party to an Executive Employment Agreement with Shai Even which provides for Mr. Even to serve as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer through August 1, 2006, and which automatically renews for one-year terms unless terminated by either party. Mr. Even currently receives a base salary of $227,942 per year and is eligible for annual merit increases. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Even is entitled to participate in Alon’s annual cash bonus plans, pension plan and benefits restoration plan and the Option Plans. Additionally, Alon is required to provide Mr. Even with additional benefits to the extent such benefits are made available to other employees, including disability, hospitalization, medical and retiree health benefits and life insurance. Mr. Even is subject to a covenant not to compete during the term of his employment and for nine months after the date of his termination. In the event that Mr. Even is terminated without Cause (as defined in the agreement) or resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), he will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to three months’ base salary. This agreement also prohibits Mr. Even from disclosing Alon’s proprietary information received through his employment.
Joseph A. Concienne. Alon is party to an Executive Employment Agreement with Joseph Concienne which provides for Mr. Concienne to serve as Senior Vice President of Refining and Transportation through April 30, 2010 and which automatically renews for one-year terms unless terminated by either party. Mr. Concienne currently receives a base salary of $202,223 per year and is eligible for annual merit increases. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Concienne is entitled to participate in Alon’s annual cash bonus plans, pension plan and benefits restoration plan and the Option Plans. Additionally, Alon is required to provide Mr. Concienne with additional benefits to the extent such benefits are made available to other employees, including disability, hospitalization, medical and retiree health benefits and life insurance. Mr. Concienne is subject to a covenant not to compete during the term of his employment and for nine months after the date of his termination. In the event that Mr. Concienne is terminated without Cause (as defined in the agreement) or resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), he will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to nine months’ base salary. This agreement also prohibits Mr. Concienne from disclosing Alon’s proprietary information received through his employment.
Harlin R. Dean. Alon is party to a Management Employment Agreement with Harlin Dean which provides for Mr. Dean to serve as Alon’s Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary through April 30, 2010 and which automatically renews for one-year terms unless terminated by either party. Mr. Dean currently receives a base salary of $303,923 per year and is eligible for annual merit increases. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Dean is entitled to participate in Alon’s annual cash bonus plans, pension plan and benefits restoration plan. Mr. Dean is also entitled to receive, upon the consummation of any merger, acquisition, disposition or financing transaction led by Mr. Dean, an incentive bonus under the Alon USA Energy, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan. The amount of such bonus will be equal to one-tenth of one percent of the total consideration paid or received by the Company and its affiliates in such transaction; provided that such bonus or bonuses shall not be less than $50,000 in the aggregate in any fiscal year. Additionally, Alon is required to provide Mr. Dean with additional benefits to the extent such benefits are made available to other employees, including disability, hospitalization, medical and retiree health benefits and life insurance. Mr. Dean is subject to a covenant not to compete during the term of his employment and for nine months after the date of his termination. In the event that Mr. Dean is terminated without Cause (as defined in the agreement) or resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), he will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to nine months’ base salary. This agreement also prohibits Mr. Dean from disclosing Alon’s proprietary information received through his employment.
Joseph Israel. Alon is party to a Management Employment Agreement with Joseph Israel which provides for Mr. Israel to serve as Alon’s Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions through April 30, 2010 and which automatically renews for one-year terms unless terminated by either party. Mr. Israel currently receives a base salary of $211,186 per year and is eligible for annual merit increases. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Israel is entitled to participate in Alon’s annual cash bonus plans, pension plan and benefits restoration plan. Additionally, Alon is required to provide Mr. Israel with additional benefits to the extent such benefits are made available to other employees, including disability, hospitalization, medical and retiree health benefits and life insurance. Mr. Israel is subject to a covenant not to compete during the term of his employment and for nine months after the date of his termination. In the event that Mr. Israel is terminated without Cause (as defined in the agreement) or resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement), he will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to nine months’ base salary. This agreement also prohibits Mr. Israel from disclosing Alon’s proprietary information received through his employment.
14
The following table sets forth the payments that each of the named executive officers could receive upon the occurrence of any of the events described below. The payments set forth in the table are based on the assumption that the event occurred on December 31, 2007, the last business day of 2007. The amounts shown in the table do not include payments and benefits, such as accrued salary, accrued vacation and insurance benefits, to the extent that they are provided on a non-discriminatory basis to salaried employees generally upon termination of employment.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Acceleration of Equity- | | |
| | | | | | | | Based Awards | | |
| | | | Cash | | Restricted | | | | |
| | | | Severance | | Stock | | SARs | | Total |
Name | | Event | | ($) | | ($) (1) | | ($) (2) | | ($) |
| | Death, Disability | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jeff D. Morris | | or Retirement | | $ | 2,461,705 | (3)(4) | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 2,461,705 | (4) |
| | Change of Control | | | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Death, Disability | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shai Even | | or Retirement | | | — | | | $ | 103,012 | | | $ | 0 | | | | 103,012 | |
| | Change of Control | | | 56,986 | (5) | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | | 56,986 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Death, Disability | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph A. Concienne | | or Retirement | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | Change of Control | | | 151,667 | (6) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 151,667 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Death, Disability | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Harlin R. Dean | | or Retirement | | | — | | | | 141,961 | | | | 0 | | | | 141,961 | |
| | Change of Control | | | 227,942 | (7) | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | | 227,942 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Death, Disability | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph Israel | | or Retirement | | | — | | | | 117,268 | | | | 0 | | | | 117,268 | |
| | Change of Control | | | 58,922 | (8) | | | 0 | | | | 0 | | | | 58,922 | |
| | |
(1) | | Represents the market value of restricted shares of common stock granted to the named executive officers 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan assuming that all such shares vested on December 31, 2007, on which date the closing market price was $27.18 per share, net of any amounts paid by the named executive officers to acquire such shares. Shares of restricted stock vest upon the named executive officer’s retirement (after age 60), disability or death. The individual awards of restricted stock underlying the amounts shown this column are more fully described below in “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End.” |
|
(2) | | Reflects the value of SARs granted pursuant to the Alon USA Energy, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan assuming that all such SARs became vested and exercisable on December 31, 2007. SARs granted to named executive officers vest immediately upon the executive’s termination due to disability or death. The closing market price of Alon’s common stock on December 31, 2007 was $27.18, which was lower than the $28.46 exercise price for the SARs and, as a result, a value of $0 is reflected for the SARs. |
|
(3) | | As of December 31, 2007, Jeff D. Morris, Alon’s President and Chief Executive Officer, was eligible for early retirement under the Alon Pension Plan. If Mr. Morris were to elect early retirement under the pension plan, he would be eligible to receive annual benefits in the amount of $251,241 or an annual benefit of $87,942 and a lump sum payment in the amount of $2,461,705. |
|
(4) | | In the event of a change in control of Alon Assets or Alon Operating in which the equity securities owned by Mr. Morris in Alon Assets or Alon Operating (whether actually or contingently owned) are included which occurs either (i) prior to the earlier of July 31, 2010 or the date of vesting of Mr. Morris’ shares of common stock of Alon Assets and Alon Operating or (ii) after the termination of Mr. Morris’ employment by us without cause or by Mr. Morris for good reason, Mr. Morris is entitled to receive a cash bonus in the amount of 8% of the amount by which the aggregate implied equity value of Alon Assets and Alon Operating exceeds $20.0 million. The percentage due to Mr. Morris is subject to adjustment based on the number of shares of common stock owned by Mr. Morris that vest prior to any change of control |
15
| | |
| | transaction, and the implied equity value of Alon Assets or Alon Operating, as the case may be, is subject to a minimum estimated value based on the year in which the change of control occurs. |
|
(5) | | Pursuant to his employment agreement, in the event that Mr. Even is terminated without Cause (as defined in the agreement), resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement) or, if upon a Change in Control his employment agreement is not assumed by the acquiring person, he will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to three months’ base salary. |
|
(6) | | Pursuant to his employment agreement, in the event that Mr. Concienne is terminated without Cause (as defined in the agreement), resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement) or, if upon a Change in Control his employment agreement is not assumed by the acquiring person, he will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to nine months’ base salary. |
|
(7) | | Pursuant to his employment agreement, in the event that Mr. Dean is terminated without Cause (as defined in the agreement), resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement) or, if upon a Change in Control his employment agreement is not assumed by the acquiring person, he will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to nine months’ base salary. |
|
(8) | | Pursuant to his employment agreement, in the event that Mr. Israel is terminated without Cause (as defined in the agreement), resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the agreement) or, if upon a Change in Control his employment agreement is not assumed by the acquiring person, he will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to nine months’ base salary. |
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides a summary of equity awards to Alon’s named executive officers that were outstanding at the end of Alon’s last completed fiscal year, and includes, if applicable, any unexercised options, stock that has not vested and equity incentive plan awards.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2007
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
| | | | | | Number of | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of | | Securities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Securities | | Underlying | | | | | | | | | | Number of | | Market Value of |
| | Underlying | | Unexercised | | Option | | | | | | Shares or Units | | Shares or Units of |
| | Unexercised Options | | Options | | Exercise | | Option | | of Stock That | | Stock That Have |
| | (#) | | (#) | | Price | | Expiration | | Have Not Vested | | Not Vested |
Name | | Exercisable | | Unexercisable (1) | | ($) | | Date (2) | | (#) (3) | | ($) |
Jeff D. Morris | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
President and Chief Executive Officer (PEO) (4) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shai Even | | | — | | | | 33,333 | | | $ | 28.46 | | | | | | | | 3,790 | | | $ | 103,012 | (5) |
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (PFO) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph A. Concienne | | | | | | | — | | | | — | | | | | | | | — | | | | — | |
Senior Vice President of Refining and Transportation (6) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Harlin R. Dean | | | — | | | | 33,333 | | | | 28.46 | | | | | | | | 5,223 | | | | 141,961 | (7) |
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph Israel | | | — | | | | 33,333 | | | | 28.46 | | | | | | | | 4,707 | | | | 117,268 | (8) |
Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | Reflects SARs granted pursuant to the Alon USA Energy, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan to each of Messrs. Even, Dean and Israel on March 7, 2007, as more fully described in Note 1 to the Summary Compensation Table above. Of the 33,333 SARs granted to each of Messrs. Even, Dean and Israel on March 7, 2007, 16,667 will vest on March 7, 2009, and 8,333 will vest on each of March 7, 2010 and 2011. |
|
(2) | | SARs may be exercised during the 365-day period following the date of vesting. |
|
(3) | | Reflects the vested number of shares of restricted stock received by Alon’s named executive officers pursuant to awards granted under the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan. To the extent dividends are declared on Alon’s common stock, dividends will be paid on the restricted stock granted pursuant to these awards. |
|
(4) | | Pursuant to the Alon Assets Option Plan, Mr. Morris holds 3,365.9 unexercised options to purchase shares of Alon Assets, none of which are currently vested and exercisable. These options have an exercise price of $100 per share and a ten-year term. Pursuant to the Alon Operating Option Plan, Mr. Morris holds 1,264.1 unexercised options to purchase shares of Alon Operating, none of which are currently vested and exercisable. These options have an exercise price of $100 per share and a ten-year term. The options granted under the Option Plans are not reflected in the above table. A determination as to the satisfaction of the conditions to the vesting of these options under the Option Plans cannot be made at this time. |
|
(5) | | Reflects the aggregate market value of 3,790 shares of restricted stock determined based on a per share price of $27.18, the reported closing price for Alon’s common stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2007, which was the last trading day of 2007. These shares will vest on November 7, 2008. |
|
(6) | | Pursuant to the Alon Assets Option Plan, Mr. Concienne holds 1,009.7 unexercised options to purchase shares of Alon Assets, none of which are currently vested and exercisable. These options have an exercise price of $100 per share and a ten-year term. Pursuant to the Alon Operating Stock Option Plan, Mr. Concienne holds 379.2 unexercised options to purchase shares of Alon Operating, none of which are currently vested and exercisable. These options have an exercise price of $100 per share and a ten-year term. The options |
17
| | |
| | granted under the Option Plans are not reflected in the above table. Pursuant to the Option Plans, a determination as to the satisfaction of the conditions to the vesting of these options cannot be made at this time. |
|
(7) | | Reflects the aggregate market value of 5,223 shares of restricted stock determined based on a per share price of $27.18, the reported closing price for Alon’s common stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2007, which was the last trading day of 2007. These shares will vest on November 7, 2008. |
|
(8) | | Reflects the aggregate market value of (a) 889 shares of restricted stock determined based on a per share price of $27.18, the reported closing price for Alon’s common stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2007, which was the last trading day of 2007, less the $12.00 per share purchase price paid by Mr. Israel on the date of grant, and (b) 3,818 shares of restricted stock determined based on a per share price of $27.18, the reported closing price for Alon’s common stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2007, which was the last trading day of 2007. The 889 shares will vest on August 17, 2008. The 3,818 shares will vest on November 7, 2008. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table provides a summary of each vesting of stock, including restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar instruments, during Alon’s last completed fiscal year for each of the named executive officers on an aggregated basis. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and except as described in note 1 to the table below, there were no exercises of stock options, SARs or similar instruments.
2007 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
| | | | | | | | | | Number of Shares | | |
| | Number of Shares | | Value Realized on | | Acquired | | Value Realized on |
| | Acquired on Exercise | | Exercise | | on Vesting | | Vesting |
Name | | (#) | | ($) (1) | | (#) (2) | | ($) |
Jeff D. Morris | | | — | | | $ | 150,710 | | | | — | | | | — | |
President and Chief Executive Officer (PEO) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shai Even | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3,790 | | | $ | 140,003 | (3) |
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (PFO) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph A. Concienne | | | — | | | | 956,656 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Senior Vice President of Refining and Transportation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Harlin R. Dean | | | — | | | | — | | | | 5,223 | | | | 192,938 | (4) |
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph Israel | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4,707 | | | | 161,991 | (5) |
Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | Pursuant to the Option Plans, Mr. Morris exercised options to purchase 1,144.4 and 429.7 shares of Alon Assets and Alon Operating, respectively, during 2007. Pursuant to the Option Plans, Mr. Concienne exercised options to purchase 201.9 and 75.8 shares of Alon Assets and Alon Operating, respectively, during 2007. Each option to purchase a share of Alon Assets and Alon Operating has an exercise price of $100. Because there is no public market for these shares, the value provided in the table above reflects the compensation expense recognized by Alon during 2007 in respect of these options, as determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. |
|
(2) | | Reflects the number of shares of restricted common stock received by Alon’s named executive officers pursuant to awards granted under Alon’s 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan vesting during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. |
|
(3) | | Reflects the aggregate market value of 3,790 shares of restricted common stock determined based on a per share price of $36.94, the reported closing price for Alon’s common stock on the NYSE on November 7, 2007, the date on which such shares of restricted common stock vested. |
|
(4) | | Reflects the aggregate market value of 5,223 shares of restricted common stock determined based on a per share price of $36.94, the reported closing price for Alon’s common stock on the NYSE on November 7, 2007, the date on which such shares of restricted common stock vested. |
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| | |
(5) | | Reflects the aggregate market value of (a) 889 shares of restricted common stock determined based on a per share price of $35.57, the reported closing price for Alon’s common stock on the NYSE on August 17, 2007, the date on which such shares of restricted common stock vested, less the $12.00 per share purchase price paid by Mr. Israel on the date of grant and (b) 3,818 shares determined based on a per share price of $36.94, the reported closing price for Alon’s common stock on the NYSE on November 7, 2007, the date on which such shares of restricted common stock vested. |
Pension Benefits
The following table provides a summary of each plan that provides for payments or other benefits at, following, or in connection with retirement, for each of the named executive officers as of December 31, 2007.
2007 PENSION BENEFITS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Present | | |
| | | | Number of Years Credited | | Value of Accumulated | | Payments During Last |
| | | | Service | | Benefit | | Fiscal Year |
Name | | Plan Name | | (#) | | ($) | | ($) |
Jeff D. Morris | | Alon USA GP, LLC | | | 33.7 | | | $ | 955,391 | | | | 0 | |
President and Chief Executive Officer (PEO) | | Pension Plan | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Benefits Restoration Plan | | | 33.7 | | | | 1,800,229 | | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shai Even | | Alon USA GP, LLC | | | 4.4 | | | | 43,361 | | | | 0 | |
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (PFO) | | Pension Plan | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Benefits Restoration Plan | | | 4.4 | | | | 15,239 | | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph A. Concienne | | Alon USA GP, LLC | | | 6.8 | | | | 206,106 | | | | 0 | |
Senior Vice President of Refining and Transportation | | Pension Plan | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Benefits Restoration Plan | | | 6.8 | | | | 94,424 | | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Harlin R. Dean | | Alon USA GP, LLC | | | 5.3 | | | | 58,720 | | | | 0 | |
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | | Pension Plan | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Benefits Restoration Plan | | | 5.3 | | | | 102,074 | | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Joseph Israel | | Alon USA GP, LLC | | | 7.3 | | | | 59,591 | | | | 0 | |
Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions | | Pension Plan | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Benefits Restoration Plan | | | 7.3 | | | | 28,978 | | | | 0 | |
Employees who participate in the Alon USA GP, LLC Pension Plan, referred to as the pension plan, make no contributions to the pension plan. A participating employee becomes vested in the pension plan once that employee has completed five full years of employment, assuming a minimum of 1,000 hours of service per year. After becoming vested, a participating employee has a non-forfeitable right to his vested retirement benefit. A participant’s compensation for purposes of determining benefits under the pension plan includes salary, bonus and overtime pay. The bonus amount does not include bonuses paid to Alon’s executives in connection with the Option Plans of Alon Assets or Alon Operating. The normal retirement age under the pension plan is 65.
Alon also provides additional pension benefits to Alon’s highly compensated employees through Alon’s Benefits Restoration Plan. If an employee is a participant in Alon’s Pension Plan and is subject to the limitation on compensation pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) or 415 of the Code, then the employee can participate in the benefits restoration plan and is eligible for a benefit equal to the benefit that would be payable under Alon’s Pension Plan but for the limitations on compensation less the benefit actually payable under Alon’s Pension Plan. The Benefits Restoration Plan is unfunded and vests on the same schedule as Alon’s Pension Plan.
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For purposes of Alon’s Pension Plan, Mr. Morris was credited with additional years of service based on his employment history with Atofina Petrochemicals, Inc., or Fina. Fina was the prior owner and operator of the refinery located in Big Spring, Texas which was acquired by Alon in 2000.
The following table provides the estimated annual benefits payable to eligible employees upon retirement under Alon’s Pension Plan, based on the eligible employee’s average annual compensation level at retirement and credited years of service. The average annual compensation level is based on averaging the highest 36 months of pay out of the 10 years prior to the employee leaving Alon.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension Plan Table (1) (2) |
| | Years of Service |
Compensation Level | | 15 | | 20 | | 25 | | 30 | | 35 |
$125,000 | | $ | 30,938 | | | $ | 41,250 | | | $ | 51,563 | | | $ | 61,875 | | | $ | 72,188 | |
150,000 | | | 37,125 | | | | 49,500 | | | | 61,875 | | | | 74,250 | | | | 86,625 | |
175,000 | | | 43,313 | | | | 57,750 | | | | 72,188 | | | | 86,625 | | | | 101,063 | |
200,000 | | | 49,500 | | | | 66,000 | | | | 82,500 | | | | 99,000 | | | | 115,500 | |
225,000 | | | 55,688 | | | | 74,250 | | | | 92,813 | | | | 111,375 | | | | 129,938 | |
250,000 | | | 61,875 | | | | 82,500 | | | | 103,125 | | | | 123,750 | | | | 144,375 | |
300,000 | | | 74,250 | | | | 99,000 | | | | 123,750 | | | | 148,500 | | | | 173,250 | |
400,000 | | | 99,000 | | | | 132,000 | | | | 165,000 | | | | 198,000 | | | | 231,000 | |
450,000 | | | 111,375 | | | | 148,500 | | | | 185,625 | | | | 222,750 | | | | 259,875 | |
500,000 | | | 123,750 | | | | 165,000 | | | | 206,250 | | | | 247,500 | | | | 288,750 | |
| | |
(1) | | Pension plan benefits are computed on a straight-line annuity basis. |
|
(2) | | The benefits listed in the pension plan table above are subject to a deduction for Social Security benefits. |
The compensation covered by Alon’s Pension Plan and the credited years of service with respect to Messrs. Morris, Even, Hart, Concienne, Dean and Israel as of December 31, 2007 are set forth in the table below, assuming retirement at the normal retirement age under Alon’s Pension Plan.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Compensation Covered | | Credited Years |
Name | | by the Pension Plan | | of Service |
Jeff D. Morris | | $ | 358,038 | | | | 33.7 | |
Shai Even | | | 277,342 | | | | 4.4 | |
Joseph A. Concienne | | | 245,246 | | | | 6.8 | |
Harlin R. Dean | | | 370,490 | | | | 5.3 | |
Joseph Israel | | | 245,246 | | | | 7.3 | |
As of December 31, 2007, Jeff D. Morris, Alon’s President and Chief Executive Officer, was eligible for early retirement under the pension plan. If Mr. Morris were to elect early retirement under the pension plan, he would be eligible to receive annual benefits in the amount of $251,241 or an annual benefit of $87,942 and a lump sum payment in the amount of $2,461,705. These benefit amounts are calculated based on an assumed average annual compensation level of $585,757.
Compensation of Directors
Non-employee directors receive an annual fee of $50,000 and receive an additional fee of $1,500 per meeting attended. Mr. Segal, the chairperson of the Audit Committee also receives an additional annual fee of $10,000, and each member of the Audit Committee receives an additional fee of $1,500 per Audit Committee meeting attended. In addition, each independent director and each other non-employee director who is not affiliated with Alon Israel receives $25,000 per year in restricted stock which vests in three equal installments on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.
Mr. Wiessman’s position as Executive Chairman of the Board of Alon is an executive officer position. Alon entered into an agreement with Mr. Wiessman, effective January 1, 2005, pursuant to which he will serve as Alon’s Executive Chairman of the Board through December 31, 2009. Pursuant to this agreement, Alon will pay Mr. Wiessman, through a company owned by him, a fee of $24,000 per month, and Mr. Wiessman will be entitled to participate in Alon’s employee bonus plan at the same level as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Wiessman will be entitled to a 5% fee increase at the end of each of the second, third and fourth year of the agreement. Alon will also pay the maintenance and utility costs associated with Mr. Wiessman’s Dallas, Texas residence, will provide medical insurance benefits to Mr. Wiessman and will reimburse Mr. Wiessman for airfare incurred to transport his family members between Israel and the United States (up to a maximum of eight
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tickets per year). Alon may terminate this agreement on six months notice and Mr. Wiessman will be entitled to receive his full compensation and benefits during the notice period. Upon termination of this agreement following the notice period, Alon will be required to pay Mr. Wiessman a fee equal to the product of (1) 200% of his monthly fee multiplied by (2) the number of years of Mr. Wiessman’s service with Alon since August 2000. Alon will also be required to pay Mr. Wiessman 12 months of severance. Mr. Wiessman receives no additional compensation for his services as a director of Alon.
Mr. Morris, Alon’s President and Chief Executive Officer, does not receive any compensation in respect of his service as a director of the Company. Mr. Morris’ compensation is described in the Summary Compensation Table above.
The following table provides a summary of the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the directors of Alon, other than Messrs. Wiessman and Morris, during the last completed fiscal year.
2007 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | | Stock Awards ($) (1) | | Total ($) |
Itzhak Bader | | $ | 57,800 | | | | — | | | $ | 57,800 | |
|
Boaz Biran | | | 57,800 | | | | — | | | | 57,800 | |
|
Shaul Gliksberg (2) | | | 55,400 | | | | — | | | | 55,400 | |
|
Ron W. Haddock | | | 65,900 | | | $ | 50,230 | (3) (7) | | | 116,130 | |
|
Erez Meltzer (4) | | | 51,500 | | | | — | | | | 51,500 | |
|
Yeshayahu Pery | | | 57,800 | | | | — | | | | 57,800 | |
|
Zalman Segal | | | 72,900 | | | | 24,805 | (5) (7) | | | 97,705 | |
|
Avraham Shochat | | | 66,800 | | | | 19,934 | (6) (7) | | | 84,734 | |
| | |
(1) | | This column reflects the value of the awards based on the compensation cost of the award with respect to Alon’s 2007 fiscal year computed in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. The compensation cost associated with the restricted stock awards is based on the intrinsic value for such shares which we determined by reference to the trading price of Alon common stock at the time such restricted shares of common stock were granted. See also Note 19 to Alon’s 2007 audited financial statements contained in Alon’s annual report on Form 10-K. |
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(2) | | Mr. Gliksberg ceased serving on the Board effective December 3, 2007. |
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(3) | | Pursuant to the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, Mr. Haddock was awarded (a) 667 restricted shares of common stock on May 8, 2007, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which all 667 shares are unvested as of December 31, 2007, (b) 751 restricted shares of common stock awarded on May 9, 2006, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which 501 shares are unvested as of December 31, 2007, (c) 1,387 restricted shares of common stock awarded on August 2, 2005, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which 462 shares are unvested as of December 31, 2007, and (d) 12,500 restricted shares of common stock that were awarded on November 7, 2005 at a purchase price of $12.00 per share, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which 4,166 shares are unvested as of December 31, 2007. |
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(4) | | Mr. Meltzer ceased serving on the Board effective December 31, 2007. |
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(5) | | Pursuant to the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, Mr. Segal was awarded (a) 667 restricted shares of common stock on May 8, 2007, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which all 667 shares are unvested as of December 31, 2007, (b) 751 restricted shares of common stock awarded on May 9, 2006, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which 501 shares are unvested as of December 31, 2007, and (c) 1,387 restricted shares of common stock awarded on August 2, 2005, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which 462 shares are unvested as of December 31, 2007. |
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(6) | | Pursuant to the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, Mr. Shochat was awarded (a) 667 restricted shares of common stock on May 8, 2007, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which all 667 shares are unvested as of December 31, 2007 and (b) 751 restricted shares of common stock awarded on May 9, 2006, which shares vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and of which 462 shares are unvested as of December 31, 2007. |
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| | |
(7) | | The grant date fair value of the restricted shares of common stock granted to each of Messrs. Haddock, Segal and Shochat in 2007 was $25,000 for each director. |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Alon established a compensation committee in 2005 consisting of Jeff D. Morris, Alon’s President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2005, and David Wiessman, Alon’s Executive Chairman of the Board since July 2000. Mr. Morris was President and Chief Executive Officer of Alon’s subsidiary Alon USA, Inc. since its inception in August 2002 and of Alon’s other operating subsidiaries since July 2000. Mr. Wiessman was Alon’s President and Chief Executive Officer since its formation in 2000 until May 2005.
Compensation for Alon’s executive officers other than Messrs. Wiessman and Morris is determined by Messrs. Wiessman and Morris, with Mr. Morris’ compensation being determined by Mr. Wiessman in consultation with the Board. Mr. Wiessman’s compensation is determined by the Board, excluding Mr. Wiessman. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” for information regarding relationships and transactions involving Alon in which Messrs. Wiessman and Morris had interests.
None of Alon’s executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of the Board.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
As of December 31, 2007, the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan was the only compensation plan under which securities of the Company were authorized for issuance. The table below provides information as of December 31, 2007.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Number of shares of |
| | | | | | | | | | common stock remaining |
| | Number of shares of | | | | | | available for future |
| | common stock to be issued | | Weighted-average exercise | | issuance under equity |
| | upon exercise of | | price of outstanding | | compensation plans |
| | outstanding options, | | options, warrants and | | (excluding securities |
| | warrants and rights (1) | | rights | | reflected in column (a)) |
Plan Category | | (a) | | (b) | | (c) |
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders | | | — | | | | n/a | | | | 2,122,676 | |
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders | | | — | | | | n/a | | | | — | |
Total | | | — | | | | n/a | | | | 2,122,676 | |
| | |
(1) | | As described in Note 1 to the Summary Compensation Table, SARs granted to employees are convertible into shares of Alon common stock, the number of which will be determined at the time of exercise and based in part on the difference between the grant price and the price of Alon common stock at the time of exercise. Based on the closing price of Alon’s common stock on December 31, 2007, no shares would have been issuable in respect of the SARs assuming that all such SARs had been exercisable and as a result, no shares are reflected in this column in respect of the SARs. The table above also does not reflect 5,217 and 1,959.3 shares of Alon Assets and Alon Operating, respectively, that are issuable upon the exercise of options granted under the Option Plans, each of which has an exercise price of $100 per share. |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing and administering Alon’s policies, programs and procedures for determining compensation for its executive officers and Board members. The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the contents of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on this review and discussion, all of the members of the Compensation Committee, whose names are listed below, have recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Alon’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 or proxy statement on Schedule 14A for filing with the SEC.
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The foregoing report was submitted by the Compensation Committee and shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A promulgated by the SEC or Section 18 of the Exchange Act.
Members of the Compensation Committee
| | |
David Wiessman | | Jeff D. Morris |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Management is responsible for Alon’s system of internal controls and the overall financial reporting process. Alon’s independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of Alon’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), and to issue a report thereon. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing management’s conduct of the financial reporting process and systems of internal accounting and financial controls.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with both management and Alon’s independent registered public accounting firm all annual and quarterly financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 prior to their issuance. During 2007, management advised the Audit Committee that each set of financial statements reviewed had been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and reviewed significant accounting and disclosure issues with the Audit Committee. These reviews included discussion with the independent registered public accounting firm of matters required to be discussed pursuant to Statement on Auditing Standards No.114 (The Auditor’s Communications with Those Charged with Governance), the successor to Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), including the quality of Alon’s accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements. The Audit Committee also discussed with KPMG LLP matters relating to its independence, including a review of audit and non-audit fees and the written disclosures and letter from KPMG LLP to the Audit Committee pursuant to Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees). Additionally, the Audit Committee reviewed key initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of Alon’s internal and disclosure control structure, including its internal control over financial reporting.
Taking all of these reviews and discussions into account, all of the Audit Committee members, whose names are listed below, recommended to the Board that it approve the inclusion of Alon’s audited financial statements in Alon’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, for filing with the SEC.
The foregoing report was submitted by the Audit Committee and shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A promulgated by the SEC or Section 18 of the Exchange Act.
Members of the Audit Committee
| | | | |
Ron W. Haddock | | Zalman Segal | | Avraham Shochat |
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INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed by KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) for professional services rendered for the audit of Alon’s annual financial statements, the review of the financial statements included in Alon’s annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q were $1,350,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $2,187,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006. In 2006, audit activities included audit services related to the acquisition of Paramount Petroleum Corporation.
Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed by KPMG for assurance and related services related to the performance of audits or review of Alon’s financial statements and not described above under “Audit Fees” were $0 for 2007 and $35,000 for 2006.
Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed by KPMG for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $0 for 2007 and $144,980 for 2006.
All Other Fees. The aggregate fees billed by KPMG for products and services not described above were $0 for 2007 and $148,900 for 2006. In 2006, these fees related to due diligence performed by KPMG in connection with our acquisition of Paramount Petroleum Corporation.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. In general, all engagements of Alon’s outside auditors, whether for auditing or non-auditing services, must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. During 2007, all of the services performed for Alon by KPMG were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has considered the compatibility of non-audit services with KPMG’s independence.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
Alon’s corporate governance guidelines, which were adopted by the Board on July 7, 2005, require that the Board exercise appropriate oversight with respect to all related-party transactions. The Board has not adopted specific policies or procedures for review or approval of related-party transactions. The Board believes that the following transactions and relationships during 2007 were reasonable and in the best interest of Alon.
Transactions with Management and Others
Management and Consulting Agreement with Alon Israel
Alon Israel provides strategic planning and management consulting services to Alon pursuant to a management and consulting agreement dated as of August 1, 2003. In particular, Alon Israel advises Alon’s management regarding policy initiatives, financial planning and strategic planning relating to Alon’s operations. The management and consulting agreement had an initial term of three years and provided that Alon pay Alon Israel an annual management and consulting fee. Upon completion of Alon’s initial public offering, the term of the agreement was extended until December 31, 2009, and Alon’s payment obligations under the agreement were terminated in exchange for an aggregate payment by Alon to Alon Israel of $6.0 million, $2.0 million of which was paid upon completion of Alon’s initial public offering and the remaining $4.0 million of which was paid on January 19, 2006. Alon Israel’s obligations to provide consulting services under the amended agreement will remain in effect through the end of the term of the agreement.
As of March 1, 2008, Alon Israel was the beneficial owner of approximately 72.3% of Alon’s outstanding common stock. David Wiessman, Alon’s Executive Chairman of the Board, is the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of Alon Israel. Mr. Wiessman also is the sole beneficiary of a trust which owns 2.0% of Alon Israel in the form of non-voting shares. Mr. Wiessman owns 20% of Bielsol Investments (1987) Ltd., which owns 37.2% of Alon Israel. The remaining 80% of Bielsol Investments (1987) Ltd. is owned by Shebug Ltd., which is wholly-owned by the family of Shraga Biran, the father of Boaz Biran, one of Alon’s directors.
Registration Rights Agreement with Alon Israel
Pursuant to the terms of a Registration Rights Agreement with Alon Israel, Alon has provided Alon Israel with registration rights, including demand registration rights and “piggy-back” registration rights, with respect to Alon common
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stock owned by Alon Israel. Alon’s obligations are subject to limitations relating to a minimum amount of common stock required for registration, the timing of registration and other similar matters. Alon is obligated to pay all expenses incidental to such registration, excluding underwriters’ discounts and commissions and certain legal fees and expenses.
SCS Beverage
On February 29, 2004, Alon sold 17 licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages at 17 stores in New Mexico to SCS Beverage, Inc., a corporation treated as a pass-through entity that is wholly owned by Jeff D. Morris, Alon’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Under rules and regulations of the New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division, a holder of a license to sell alcoholic beverages in New Mexico must provide substantial documentation in the application for and annual renewal of the license, including detailed questionnaires and fingerprints of the officers and directors of each entity beneficially owning 10% or more of the holder of the license. Alon engaged in this transaction to expedite the process of renewing the licenses by limiting the required disclosures to one individual stockholder. The purchase price paid by SCS Beverage consisted of approximately $2.6 million for the 17 licenses and approximately $0.2 million for the inventory of alcoholic beverages on the closing date. The purchase price was paid by SCS Beverage issuing to Alon a demand promissory note in the amount of $2.8 million. The demand note is payable solely by transferring the licenses and inventory existing at the time of payment back to Alon. The demand note is secured by a pledge of the licenses and the inventory and a pledge of 100% of the stock of SCS Beverage. Pursuant to the purchase and sale agreement, SCS Beverage granted Alon an option to re-acquire the licenses at any time at a purchase price equal to the same purchase price paid by SCS Beverage to acquire the licenses.
As the holder of the New Mexico licenses, SCS Beverage is the only party entitled to purchase alcoholic beverages to be sold at the locations covered by the licenses and to receive revenues from the sale of alcoholic beverages at those locations. Simultaneously with the transfer of the licenses, SCS Beverage entered into a premises lease with Alon to lease space at each of the locations covered by the licenses for the purpose of conducting the alcoholic beverages concessions. The total annual payments by SCS Beverage to Alon under this premises lease agreement are approximately $1.85 million, subject to adjustment by Alon based on the volume of sales of alcoholic beverages at the locations covered by the licenses. To date, the profits realized by SCS Beverage from the sale of alcoholic beverages at these locations have not exceeded lease payments by SCS Beverage to Alon and it anticipates that this will continue to be the case in the future. As a result, Mr. Morris has not received any economic benefit from the ownership of SCS Beverage, and Alon does not anticipate that Mr. Morris will derive any economic benefit from his ownership of SCS Beverage in the future.
Alon Assets and Alon Operating Dividends
In connection with dividend payments by Alon to its stockholders in 2007, Messrs. Morris, Hart and Concienne were paid dividends on the shares held by them in Alon Operating. The total dividends paid to Messrs. Morris, Hart and Concienne in 2007 from Alon Operating were $344,198, $86,039 and $37,555, respectively. In 2007, no dividend payments were made by Alon Assets.
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PROPOSAL 1.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The following nominees have been selected by the Board for submission to the stockholders: David Wiessman, Itzhak Bader, Boaz Biran, Ron Fainaro, Avinadav Grinshpon, Ron W. Haddock, Jeff D. Morris, Yeshayahu Pery, Zalman Segal, and Avraham Shochat, each to serve a one-year term expiring at the annual meeting in 2009.
The Board believes that each director nominee will be able to stand for election. If any nominee becomes unable to stand for election, proxies in favor of that nominee will be voted in favor of the remaining nominees and in favor of any substitute nominee named by the Board. If you do not wish your shares voted for one or more of the nominees, you may so indicate when you vote.
Your Board Recommends a Vote “FOR” the Above Nominees.
PROPOSAL 2.
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has appointed KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the consolidated financial statements of Alon for the year ending December 31, 2008. The Board is asking stockholders to ratify this appointment. Although SEC regulations and the NYSE listing requirements require Alon’s independent registered public accounting firm to be engaged, retained and supervised by the Audit Committee, the Board considers the selection of an independent registered public accounting firm to be an important matter to stockholders and considers a proposal for stockholders to ratify such appointment to be an opportunity for stockholders to provide input to the Audit Committee and the Board on a key corporate governance issue. If the appointment of KPMG LLP is not ratified, the matter of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm will be considered by the Audit Committee.
Representatives of KPMG LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting and will be offered the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire. They will also be available to answer questions.
Your Board Recommends a Vote “FOR” Proposal 2.
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OTHER MATTERS
The Board does not know of any other matters that are to be presented for action at the annual meeting. If, however, any other matters properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, it is intended that the enclosed proxy will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting the proxy.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder Recommendations for Nomination of Directors
The Board will consider nominees for directors recommended by stockholders of Alon and will evaluate such nominees using the same criteria used to evaluate director candidates otherwise identified by the Board. Stockholders wishing to make such recommendations should write to the Board in care of the Secretary of Alon USA Energy, Inc., 7616 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75251. Persons making submissions should include the full name and address of the recommended nominee, a description of the proposed nominee’s qualifications and other relevant biographical information.
Stockholder Proposals for Annual Meeting in 2009
To be considered for inclusion in Alon’s proxy statement for Alon’s 2009 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act, stockholder proposals must be in writing and submitted to the Secretary of Alon USA Energy, Inc., 7616 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75251, and must otherwise comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8. The proposal must be received no later than 120 days prior to April 4, 2009 for Alon to consider it for inclusion.
Stockholders who desire to present business at Alon’s 2009 annual meeting of stockholders, without inclusion in the proxy statement for such meeting, including a nomination of a candidate for election as director at such meeting, must notify Alon’s Secretary of such intent in accordance with Alon’s bylaws by writing to the Secretary of Alon USA Energy, Inc., 7616 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75251. To be timely, such notice must be received not later than 60 days prior to April 4, 2009 nor earlier than 90 days prior to April 4, 2009; provided that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 calendar days prior to or delayed by more than 30 calendar days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th calendar day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th calendar day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such meeting is first made. The advance notice must also meet the other requirements of Section 8(c) of Alon’s bylaws. You may obtain a copy of Alon’s bylaws on Alon’s website (www.alonusa.com) or by writing to Alon’s Secretary at the address above.
The above Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement are sent by order of the Board.
Harlin R. Dean
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
April 4, 2008
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