UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant x
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨
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¨ | | Preliminary Proxy Statement | | ¨ | | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
x | | Definitive Proxy Statement | | |
¨ | | Definitive Additional Materials | | |
¨ | | Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 | | |
SUSSER HOLDINGS CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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¨ | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT
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| | 4433 Baldwin Boulevard Corpus Christi, TX 78408 |
April 13, 2007
To our fellow shareholders:
You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders of Susser Holdings Corporation to be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 11:00 a.m., Central Time, at the Omni Marina Hotel, 707 North Shoreline Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401.
Details regarding the meeting and the business to be conducted are more fully described in the accompanying notice of annual meeting and proxy statement.
We hope you plan to attend the annual meeting, but even if you are planning to do so, we strongly encourage you to vote as soon as possible by completing and returning in the pre-addressed envelope the enclosed proxy card.Your vote is very important and returning the proxy card will ensure that your vote is counted at the meeting, even if you are present.Additional information about proxy voting can be found in the enclosed proxy statement.
Thank you for your continuing support of Susser Holdings Corporation. We look forward to your participation in the annual meeting.
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Sincerely, | | | | |
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Bruce W. Krysiak | | | | Sam L. Susser |
Non-executive Chairman of the Board | | | | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Susser Holdings Corporation
4433 Baldwin Boulevard
Corpus Christi, Texas 78408
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Date and Time: | | 11:00 a.m. Central Time, Tuesday, May 8, 2007 |
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Place: | | Omni Marina Hotel, 707 North Shoreline Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 |
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Items of Business: | | (1) To elect 2 Class I directors to serve terms expiring at the 2010 annual shareholder meeting of shareholders (2) To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2007 (3) To consider such other business as may properly come before the meeting |
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Adjournments and Postponements: | | Any action on the items of business described above may be considered at the annual meeting at the time and on the date specified above or at any time and date to which the annual meeting may be properly adjourned or postponed |
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Record Date: | | You are entitled to vote only if you were a Susser shareholder as of the close of business on April 4, 2007 |
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Voting: | | Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, we encourage you to read this proxy statement and submit your proxy or voting instructions as soon as possible. You may submit your proxy or voting instruction card for the annual meeting by completing, signing, dating and returning your proxy or voting instruction card in the pre-addressed envelope provided. For specific instructions on how to vote your shares, please refer to the section entitled Questions and Answers—Voting Information beginning on page 3 of this proxy statement and the instructions on the proxy or voting instruction card. |
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By order of the Board of Directors, |
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E.V. BONNER, JR. |
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel |
This notice of annual meeting and proxy statement and form of proxy are first being distributed on or
about April 13, 2007.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Proxy Materials
1. Why am I receiving these materials?
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Susser Holdings Corporation (“Susser” or the “Company”) is providing these proxy materials for you in connection with Susser’s annual meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”), which will take place on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. As a shareholder, you are invited to attend the Meeting and are entitled to and requested to vote on the items of business described in this proxy statement.
2. What information is contained in this proxy statement?
The information in this proxy statement relates to the proposals to be voted on at the Meeting, the voting process, Susser's Board and Board committees, the compensation of directors and certain executive officers for fiscal 2006, and other required information.
3. How may I obtain Susser’s Form 10-K and other financial information?
A copy of our 2006 Annual Report, which includes our 2006 Form 10-K, is enclosed.
Shareholders may request another free copy of our 2006 Annual Report, which includes our 2006 Form 10-K, from:
Susser Holdings Corporation
Attn: Investor Relations
P.O. Box 9036
Corpus Christi, TX 78469-9036
(361) 884-2463
Alternatively, current and prospective investors can access the 2006 Annual Report, which includes our 2006 Form 10-K and other financial information, on our Investor Relations web site at:
http://investor.susser.com/
We will also furnish any exhibit to the 2006 Form 10-K if specifically requested.
4. How may I obtain a separate set of proxy materials?
If you share an address with another shareholder, you may receive only one set of proxy materials (including our 2006 Annual Report with our 2006 Form 10-K and proxy statement) unless you have provided contrary instructions. If you wish to receive a separate set of proxy materials now, please request the additional copies by contacting our Investor Relations department at the address and/or phone number specified in question 3 above. A separate set of proxy materials will be sent promptly following receipt of your request.
If you are a shareholder of record and wish to receive a separate set of proxy materials in the future, please call Computershare Investor Services, LLC (“Computershare”) at (303) 262-0600.
5. How may I request a single set of proxy materials for my household?
If you share an address with another shareholder and have received multiple copies of our proxy materials, you may write us at the address specified in question 3, above, to request delivery of a single copy of these materials.
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6. What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?
You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you may receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a shareholder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive.
Voting Information
7. What items of business will be voted on at the annual meeting?
The items of business scheduled to be voted on at the Meeting are:
| • | | The election of 2 directors |
| • | | The ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2007 fiscal year |
We also will consider any other business that properly comes before the Meeting. See question 18 “What happens if additional matters are presented at the annual meeting?” below.
8. How does the Board recommend that I vote?
Our Board recommends that you vote your shares “FOR” each of the nominees to the Board and “FOR” the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2007 fiscal year.
9. How many shares must be present or represented to conduct business at the annual meeting?
The quorum requirement for holding the Meeting and transacting business is that holders of a majority of shares of Susser common stock entitled to vote must be present in person or represented by proxy. Both abstentions and broker non-votes described in question 17 are counted for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.
10. What shares can I vote?
Each share of Susser common stock issued and outstanding as of the close of business on April 4, 2007 (the “Record Date”), is entitled to be voted on a one vote per share basis on all items being voted upon at the Meeting. You may vote all shares owned by you as of this time, including shares held directly in your name as the shareholder of record, and shares held for you as the beneficial owner through a broker, trustee or other nominee such as a bank (i.e., in ‘street name’). On the Record Date, Susser had approximately 16,831,662 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
11. How can I vote my shares in person at the annual meeting?
Shares held in your name as the shareholder of record may be voted in person at the Meeting. Shares held beneficially in street name may be voted in person at the Meeting only if you obtain a legal proxy from the broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares.Even if you plan to attend the Meeting, we recommend that you also submit your proxy or voting instructions as described below so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the meeting.
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12. How can I vote my shares without attending the annual meeting?
Whether you hold shares directly as the shareholder of record or beneficially in street name, you may direct how your shares are voted without attending the Meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote by submitting a proxy. If you hold shares beneficially in street name, you may vote by submitting voting instructions to your broker, trustee or nominee.
Shareholders of record may submit proxies by completing, signing and dating their proxy cards and mailing them in the accompanying pre-addressed envelopes. Susser shareholders who hold shares beneficially in street name may vote by mail by completing, signing and dating the voting instruction cards provided and mailing them in the accompanying pre-addressed envelopes.
13. What is the deadline for voting my shares?
If you hold shares as the shareholder of record, your vote by proxy must be received before the polls close at the Meeting. If you hold shares beneficially in street name with a broker, trustee or nominee, please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, trustee or nominee.
14. May I change my vote?
You may change your vote at any time prior to the vote at the Meeting. If you are the shareholder of record, you may change your vote by granting a new proxy bearing a later date (which automatically revokes the earlier proxy), by providing a written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary prior to your shares being voted, or by attending the Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the Meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically make that request. For shares you hold beneficially in street name, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, trustee or nominee, or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your broker or nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the Meeting and voting in person.
15. Is my vote confidential?
Proxy instructions, ballots and voting tabulations that identify individual shareholders are handled in a manner that protects your voting privacy. Your vote will not be disclosed either within Susser or to third parties, except: (1) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements, (2) to allow for the tabulation of votes and certification of the vote, and (3) to facilitate a successful proxy solicitation.
16. How are votes counted?
In the election of directors, you may vote “FOR” or “WITHHOLD” with respect to each of the nominees. In tabulating the voting results for the election of directors, only “FOR” votes are counted. For the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, and any other items of business that may be properly brought before the Meeting, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN.” If you elect to “ABSTAIN,” the abstention has the same effect as a vote “AGAINST.”
If you provide specific instructions with regard to certain items, your shares will be voted as you instruct on such items. If you sign your proxy card or voting instruction card without giving specific instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board (“FOR” both of the proposals).
17. What is the voting requirement to approve each of the proposals?
In the election of directors, each director will be elected by the vote of a plurality of “FOR” votes cast with respect to that director nominee. For the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public
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accounting firm, and any other items of business that may be properly brought before the meeting, the affirmative vote of a majority of those shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote is required.
If you hold shares beneficially in street name and do not provide your broker with voting instructions, your shares may constitute “broker non-votes.” Generally, broker non-votes occur on a matter when a broker is not permitted to vote on that matter without instructions from the beneficial owner and instructions are not given. In tabulating the voting result for any particular proposal, shares that constitute broker non-votes are not considered entitled to vote on that proposal. Thus, broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of any matter being voted on at the Meeting, assuming that a quorum is obtained. Abstentions have the same effect as votes against the matter except in the election of directors, as described above.
18. What happens if additional matters are presented at the annual meeting?
Other than the two items of business described in this proxy statement, we are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, E.V. Bonner, Jr. and Mary E. Sullivan, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the Meeting. If for any reason any of our nominees is not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board.
19. Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the annual meeting?
Susser is making this solicitation and will pay the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and distributing these proxy materials and soliciting votes. In addition to the mailing of these proxy materials, the solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person, by telephone or by electronic communication by our directors, officers and employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such solicitation activities.
20. Where can I find the voting results of the Meeting?
We intend to announce preliminary voting results at the Meeting and publish final results in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
Stock Ownership Information
21. What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
Most Susser shareholders hold their shares through a broker or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.
22. Shareholder of Record
If your shares are registered directly in your name with Susser’s transfer agent, Computershare, you are considered, with respect to those shares, theshareholder of record, and these proxy materials are being sent directly to you by Susser. As theshareholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to Susser or to a third party, or to vote in person at the Meeting. Susser has enclosed a proxy card for you to use.
23. Beneficial Owner
If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by another nominee, you are considered thebeneficial owner of shares heldin street name and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you together with a voting
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instruction card on behalf of your broker, trustee or nominee. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, trustee or nominee how to vote and you also are invited to attend the Meeting. Your broker, trustee or nominee has enclosed or provided voting instructions for you to use in directing the broker, trustee or nominee how to vote your shares.
Because a beneficial owner is not theshareholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from the broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote the shares at the Meeting.
24. What if I have questions for Susser’s transfer agent?
Please contact our transfer agent, at the phone number or address listed below, with questions concerning stock certificates, transfer of ownership or other matters pertaining to your stock account.
Computershare Investor Services
350 Indiana Street, Suite 800
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 262-0600
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth, as of April 4, 2007, information regarding the beneficial ownership of the common stock of Susser Holdings Corporation and shows the number and percentage owned by:
| • | | each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding equity interests (based solely on public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of such date); |
| • | | each member of our Board; |
| • | | each of our executive officers; and |
| • | | all members of our Board and executive officers as a group. |
Beneficial ownership for the purposes of the following table is determined in accordance with the rules and regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These rules generally provide that a person is the beneficial owner of securities if they have or share the power to vote or direct the voting thereof, or to dispose or direct the disposition thereof, or have the right to acquire such powers with sixty (60) days. Accordingly, the foregoing table does not include options to purchase our shares of common stock by any of such persons which are not exercisable within the next sixty (60) days.
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| | Shares Beneficially Owned | |
Name and Address | | Number | | % | |
Wellspring Capital Partners III, L.P. and affiliates(1)(2) | | 6,604,882 | | 39.3 | % |
Sam L. Susser(3) | | 2,278,130 | | 13.5 | % |
FMR Corp.(4) | | 1,912,032 | | 11.4 | % |
Lord Abbett & Co. LLC(5) | | 1,165,439 | | 6.9 | % |
E.V. Bonner, Jr. | | 131,574 | | * | |
Roger D. Smith | | 183,991 | | 1.1 | % |
Rocky B. Dewbre | | 53,240 | | * | |
Mary E. Sullivan | | 45,265 | | * | |
William F. Dawson, Jr.(6) | | 6,604,882 | | 39.3 | % |
Bruce W. Krysiak | | 31,458 | | * | |
Armand S. Shapiro | | 5,874 | | * | |
Sam J. Susser | | 27,458 | | * | |
Jerry E. Thompson | | 10,000 | | * | |
Ronald D. Coben | | 4,000 | | * | |
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All executive officers and directors as a group (11 persons)(7) | | 2,770,990 | | 16.5 | % |
(1) | The address of each such person and/or entity is c/o Wellspring Capital Management LLC, Lever House, 390 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022. |
(2) | The following natural persons have investment or voting power over the shares held by Wellspring Capital Partners III, L.P. and its affiliates: Greg S. Feldman, William F. Dawson, Jr., Carl M. Stanton and David C. Mariano. |
(3) | The total number of shares of common stock include shares held in trust in which Mr. Susser acts as Trustee. The address for Mr. Susser is P.O. Box 9036, Corpus Christi, TX 78469. |
(4) | The information contained in the table and this footnote with respect to FMR Corp. is based solely on a filing on Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2007. The business address of the reporting party is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. |
(5) | The information contained in the table and this footnote with respect to Lord Abbott & Co. is based solely on a filing on Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2007. The business address of the reporting party is 90 Hudson Street, 11th Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302. |
(6) | Mr. Dawson is a partner of Wellspring Capital Management LLC, an affiliate of Wellspring Capital Partners III, L.P. and Stripes Holdings, L.P. and may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of common stock held of record by such entities. Mr. Dawson disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares of common stock except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. |
(7) | Includes shares of common stock held in trust in which Mr. Susser acts as trustee. Does not include 6,604,882 shares of common stock held of record by Wellspring Capital Partners III, L.P. and Stripes Holdings, L.P. of which Mr. Dawson may be deemed to be the beneficial owner by virtue of his relationship with affiliates of those entities. Mr. Dawson disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares of common stock except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. |
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INFORMATION ABOUT OUR BOARD
General
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide for an authorized number of directors of between six and nine members (as determined by the Board) and for a classified Board consisting of three classes of directors, each serving staggered three-year terms. The Board currently consists of six members, three of whom have been determined by the Board to be independent under the rules and regulations of the NASDAQ Global Market. Directors of each class are chosen for three-year terms upon the expiration of their current terms, and one class of directors will be elected by the shareholders each year. We believe that classification of our Board helps to assure the continuity and stability of our business strategies and policies as determined by the Board. Holders of common stock will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of shareholders, the holders of a plurality of shares of common stock will be able to elect all of the successors of the class of directors whose term expires at that meeting.
Our Board of Directors held six meetings in the 2006 fiscal year, following our formation in May of 2006. Directors are expected, but are not required, to attend all Board meetings and meetings of the Board committees on which they serve. In the 2006 fiscal year, each of our Directors attended 75% or more of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and of the meetings of the Board committees on which he served. Directors are also requested, but are not required, to attend each annual meeting of security holders.
Board Independence
NASDAQ Global Market rules require that our board be comprised of a majority of independent directors within one year of our listing thereon. The Board has determined that, of its current members, each of Messrs. Shapiro, Krysiak and Thompson qualify as an “independent director” within the meaning of that term under the rules and regulations of the NASDAQ Global Market. We expect that the Board will elect at least one additional “independent director” to serve on our board within the time prescribed for compliance with the NASDAQ Global Market’s rules. In accordance with NASDAQ Global Market rules, our Board holds executive sessions of the non-management directors regularly.
Director Compensation
Each of our non-employee directors who are not affiliated with Wellspring currently receives an annual retainer ranging between $36,000 to $75,000. Messrs. Shapiro, Krysiak and Sam J. Susser were also granted 14,408 class B units of Stripes Holdings LLC on December 21, 2005 for their services as directors. Concurrently with the consummation of our initial public offering, those class B units were converted into 1,874 restricted shares of our common stock and options to purchase 14,158 shares of our common stock at the initial public offering price of $16.50. Mr. Thompson, who was elected to our board in May 2006, received options to purchase 14,158 shares of our common stock at the initial public offering price of $16.50. These director shares and options vest over five years, withone-third vesting on the third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the original grant date. Other directors receive no additional compensation for serving as a director. All directors are entitled to reimbursement for their expenses incurred in attending meetings.
Committees of Our Board of Directors
Audit Committee. Our board of directors has formed an audit committee currently chaired by Mr. Shapiro, who has been determined to be an independent board member, and qualifies as the audit committee financial expert. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Krysiak also serve on the audit committee. The audit committee reviews and monitors our internal controls, financial reports and accounting practices, as well as the scope and extent of the audits performed by both the independent and internal auditors, reviews the nature and scope of our internal audit program and the results of internal audits, and meets with the independent auditors. The audit committee operates
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under a written charter adopted by the Board, a current copy of which is available on our website athttp://investor.susser.com/governance.cfm. The audit committee met once following our corporate restructuring and initial public offering in October of last year. The audit committee of the board of directors of our predecessor, Stripes Holdings LLC, met four times during the year.
Compensation Committee. Our board of directors has formed a compensation committee currently chaired by Mr. Krysiak. Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Thompson also serve on the compensation committee. The compensation committee oversees our compensation and employee benefit plans and practices and produces a report on executive compensation. The compensation committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board, a current copy of which is available on our website athttp://investor.susser.com/governance.cfm.The compensation committee met twice following our corporate restructuring and initial public offering in October of last year. The compensation committee of the board of directors of our predecessor, Stripes Holdings LLC met once during the year.
Nominating and Governance Committee. Our board of directors has formed a nominating and governance committee which is chaired by Mr. Thompson. Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Krysiak also serve on the nominating and governance committee. The primary purpose of the nominating and corporate governance committee is to identify and to recommend to the board individuals qualified to serve as directors of our company and on committees of the board, advise the board with respect to the board composition, procedures and committees, develop and recommend to the board a set of corporate governance principles and guidelines applicable to us; and oversee the evaluation of the board and our management.
Other Committees. Our board of directors may on occasion establish other committees as it deems necessary or required.
Procedure for Nominations of Directors
Shareholder Recommendations and Nominations. Our nominating and corporate governance committee will consider properly submitted shareholder recommendations of candidates for membership on the Board. In evaluating such recommendations, the nominating and corporate governance committee seeks to achieve a balance of independence, sound judgment, business specialization, technical skills, diversity and other desired qualities within the membership criteria described below and the Board composition requirements of the NASDAQ Global Market rules. Any shareholder recommendations proposed for consideration by the nominating and corporate governance committee should include the candidate’s name and qualifications for Board membership and should be addressed to:
Corporate Secretary
Susser Holdings Corporation
P.O. Box 9036
Corpus Christi, TX 78469-9036
Our Bylaws also provide procedures for the nomination of directors directly by our shareholders. Our Bylaws provide that nominations for the election of directors may be made, if certain procedures are followed, by any shareholder who is entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. Any shareholder of record entitled to vote generally in the election of directors may nominate one or more persons for election as directors at a meeting of shareholders only if written notice of such shareholder’s intent to make such nomination or nominations has been delivered to our Secretary at our principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting (provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 70 days after such anniversary date, notice by the shareholder must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which we first publicly announce the date of such meeting). Each such notice of a shareholder’s intent to nominate a director must set forth certain information as specified in our Bylaws.
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Director Selection Criteria and Procedures. Although our nominating and corporate governance committee does not believe in setting specific minimum qualifications for candidates for membership on the Board, the nominating and corporate governance committee is committed to the belief that candidates for membership on the Board should have the highest professional and personal ethics and values—consistent with the Company’s longstanding values and standards—and should have broad experience at the policy-making level in business, government, education, the retail industry or public service. They should be committed to enhancing shareholder value and should have sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on experience. Their service on other boards of public companies should be limited to a number that permits them, given their individual circumstances, to perform responsibly all director duties. Each director must represent the interests of all shareholders of the Company.
The nominating and corporate governance committee intends to use a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director and to regularly assess the appropriate size of the Board and to recommend to the Board any appropriate changes. The Company’s bylaws provide for a minimum of six and a maximum of nine directors. In the event that vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the nominating and corporate governance committee will consider various potential candidates for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the nominating and corporate governance committee through current Board members, professional search firms, shareholders or other persons. Identified candidates will be evaluated at regular or special meetings of the nominating and corporate governance committee and may be considered at any point during the year. As described above, the nominating and corporate governance committee will consider properly submitted shareholder recommendations for candidates for the Board to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement. Following verification of the shareholder status of people proposing candidates, recommendations will be considered together by the nominating and corporate governance committee at a regularly scheduled meeting. The nominating and corporate governance committee may also engage the services of a professional search firm to identify and assist in evaluating and conducting due diligence on potential director nominees.
Shareholder Communications
Our shareholders may communicate directly with the members of the Board or the individual chairperson of standing Board committees by writing directly to those individuals at the following address: Susser Holdings Corporation, P.O. Box 9036, Corpus Christi, Texas 78469. Our general policy is to forward, and not to intentionally screen, any mail received at our corporate office that is sent directly to an individual unless we believe the communication may pose a security risk.
Code of Ethics
Our Board has approved Susser’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the company, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website athttp://investor.susser.com/governance.cfmand in print without charge to any shareholder who sends a written request to the Company's Secretary at our principal executive offices. The Company intends to post any amendments to or waivers of this code for its directors and executive officers, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, at this location on its website.
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Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee of the Susser Holdings Corporation Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) is comprised of three independent directors and operates under a written charter. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Compensation Committee reviewed the section of this Proxy Statement entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” (“CD&A”), with Susser management and provided comments on its content.
Based on the review and discussions described above, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the CD&A be included in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Submitted by our Compensation Committee
Bruce Krysiak (Chair)
Armand Shapiro
Jerry Thompson
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of our compensation committee was formerly an officer or employee of the Company or is a “related person” as defined by the regulations to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. None of our executive officers has served as a director or member of a compensation committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity whose executive officers serve as a director of the Company or member of our compensation committee.
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
General Philosophy
Our compensation setting process consists of establishing targeted compensation levels for each member of senior management and then allocating that compensation among base salary and incentive compensation. Our incentive compensation program is designed to reward company-wide performance by tying short-term and long-term awards to (i) the achievement of targeted company financial objectives, (ii) the achievement of specific operational goals within the purview of an individual’s scope of responsibilities, as applicable and (iii) growth in shareholder value. Our executive officers are also eligible to participate in benefit plans generally available to our other employees. We believe our approach to compensation will enable us to achieve several key objectives necessary to promote growth in shareholder value while practicing good corporate governance, including the following:
| • | | Aligning the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders by tying incentive compensation to actual measurements of company and segment performance and the performance of our stock price over the long term; |
| • | | Providing compensation to our executives that is competitive for our industry, region and size to enable us to recruit and retain key individuals; and |
| • | | Communicating and reinforcing the importance of achieving growth and productivity targets, which drive performance to our business plan, while reserving compensation committee discretion to reward merit outside of a rigid structural framework. |
Process and Timing of Compensation Decisions. The compensation committee reviews and approves all compensation targets and payments for the named executive officers. The Chief Executive Officer evaluates the performance of the other named executive officers and develops individual recommendations. Both the Chief Executive Officer and the compensation committee may make adjustments to the recommended compensation based upon an assessment of an individual’s performance and contributions to the Company. The compensation for the Chief Executive Officer is reviewed and approved by the compensation committee and by the Board, based upon their independent evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer’s performance and contributions.
In the first quarter of each fiscal year, the compensation committee establishes the target levels of annual incentive compensation for the current fiscal year and recommends, and subsequently approves, new salary rates to become effective approximately two weeks thereafter. The compensation committee may, however, review salaries at other times during the year because of new appointments or promotions during the year. The compensation committee may also consider recommendations and grant long-term incentive awards from time to time as deemed appropriate during the year.
The following table summarizes the approximate timing of some of our more significant compensation events:
| | |
Event | | Timing |
• Determine annual incentive bonus for preceding fiscal year | | First quarter |
| |
• Consider base salary adjustments for executive officers for current fiscal year | | First quarter |
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• Establish financial performance objectives for annual incentive bonus for next fiscal year | | Fourth quarter |
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• Consider long-term incentive compensation awards | | From time to time |
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Components of Executive Compensation. The following is a summary description of the key components of our executive compensation program:
| • | | Base salary—Component of pay based on an individual’s competencies, skills, experience, responsibility and performance, as well as internal equity considerations. Base salary is designed to provide a fixed level of competitive pay as well as a foundation upon which incentive opportunities and benefit levels are established. |
| • | | Annual incentives—Performance-based component of pay based on achievement of annual internal financial goals, the achievement of individual-specific operational goals and/or business unit performance. Our annual incentive bonuses are primarily designed to focus our executives on attainment of key annual financial performance measures that we believe drive the long-term financial growth of the Company. |
| • | | Long-term incentives—Performance-based component of pay based on achievement of long-term internal financial goals and stock price performance. |
| • | | Severance benefits—Provides pay and benefits in the event an executive’s job is eliminated or employment is terminated in certain circumstances. |
| • | | Other benefits and perquisites—Provides enhanced benefits for executives, which vary by executive level. |
Determination of Executive Compensation. Each of our named executive officers is party to an employment agreement that sets each such executive’s annual salary and target bonus level, in either case, subject to annual review and discretionary increase by our compensation committee to reflect changes in job responsibility or to reward individual performance. The table below presents the 2006 base salary level and target bonus level (expressed as a percentage of base salary) for each of our named executive officers, as well as our Chief Marketing Officer, after giving effect to increases by the compensation committee from the levels otherwise specified in their employment agreements:
| | | | | | |
Executive Officer | | 2006 Base Salary(a) | | 2006 Target Bonus Percentage | |
Sam L. Susser President and Chief Executive Officer | | $ | 500,000 | | 40 | % |
| | |
E.V. Bonner, Jr. Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel | | $ | 279,537 | | 33 | % |
| | |
Roger D. Smith Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Retail | | $ | 240,240 | | 33 | % |
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Rocky B. Dewbre Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Wholesale | | $ | 188,405 | | 33 | % |
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Mary E. Sullivan Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | | $ | 165,000 | | 33 | % |
| | |
Ronald D. Coben Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer | | $ | 300,000 | | 33 | %(b) |
(a) | Annualized 2006 base salary, which, to the extent of any increase from 2005, became effective on February 13, 2006, except for that of Mr. Coben, who joined the Company on November 28, 2006 and whose salary became effective as of that date. |
(b) | As an inducement to join the Company, Mr. Coben’s employment agreement provides for a guaranteed bonus of $25,000 in 2006 and of $100,000 in 2007. |
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Relative Size of Major Compensation Elements. In setting executive compensation, the compensation committee considers the aggregate amount of compensation payable to an executive officer and the form of the compensation. The compensation committee seeks to achieve an appropriate balance between immediate cash rewards for the achievement of Company and personal objectives and equity awards and other long-term incentives designed to align the interests of executive officers with those of shareholders. The level of incentive compensation typically corresponds to an executive officer’s responsibilities within the Company, with the level of incentive compensation for more senior executive officers being a greater percentage of total compensation than for less senior executive officers. Through a combination of personal investment and prior equity awards, our named executive officers have acquired a significant equity stake in the Company. In view of this, the compensation committee determined to pay 2006 bonuses solely in cash to all of our named executive officers other than our President and Chief Executive Officer who, in lieu of a cash award and in consultation with the compensation committee, received a 2006 bonus in the form of 7,500 shares of restricted common stock subject to a five year vesting schedule.
Annual Incentive Compensation. Annual incentive compensation is intended to motivate and reward the Company’s named executive officers by tying annual bonuses to the achievement of Company and segment-specific financial goals for the performance year, while reserving discretion in the compensation committee to adjust annual bonus payments based upon certain subjective performance criteria. Bonus dollars available are determined in accordance with the target percentages specified in each of the named executive officers’ employment agreements; which range from 40% of annual salary, in the case of our Chief Executive Officer, to 33% of annual salary, in the case of our other named executive officers. Actual award determinations are made by multiplying bonus dollars available by a weighted index reflecting company performance based upon one or more categories of financial or operational metrics.
For the 2006 performance year, incentive target levels amounts for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel consisted of a weighted index based 90% upon actual performance relative to internal target levels of consolidated adjusted EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent) and 10% upon achieving levels of employee turnover below targeted thresholds. Annual incentive target for our Chief Operating Officer—Wholesale was based on a weighted index based 80% upon performance of our wholesale segment relative to internal target levels of wholesale segment adjusted EBITDAR and 20% on company-wide performance relative to internal target levels of consolidated adjusted EBITDAR. This initial bonus level was subject to further adjustment based upon actual wholesale gallons sold such that (i) no bonus would be awarded upon reaching only 0%-90% of targeted gallonage, (ii) a downward adjustment would be made based upon reaching 91% to 95% of target, (iii) no adjustment would be made based upon gallons sold between 96% and 102% of target and (iv) and an upward adjustment of 25%-50% would be made upon reaching gallonage within 103%-105% of target. The incentive target level for our Chief Operating Officer—Retail for the 2006 performance year was based on a weighted index based (i) 40% upon performance of our retail segment relative to internal target levels of retail segment adjusted EBITDAR, (ii) 40% upon achieving minimum target levels of positive variance (an internal metric that compares annual non-fuel gross profit percentage increases with percentage cost increases in store level operating expenses), (iii) 10% upon achieving levels of employee turnover below targeted thresholds and (iv) 10% upon actual Company performance relative to internal target levels of consolidated adjusted EBITDAR. The compensation committee considered these target levels along with other factors impacting our business performance during 2006 in determining the actual amount of incentive compensation paid to our executive officers, which is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table.
For fiscal 2007, incentive target levels for our Chief Operating Officer—Retail and Chief Operating Officer—Wholesale, will each be based 66.7% on achievement of targeted consolidated EBITDAR with the remaining 33.3% being based on achieving targeted levels of retail segment EBITDAR and wholesale segment EBITDAR, respectively. Incentive target levels for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel will be based upon performance of the Company relative to internal target levels of consolidated adjusted EBITDAR. The following table reflects the correlation between (i) achievement of internal target levels of these metrics and (ii) corresponding bonus levels for our named executive officers (expressed as a percentage of base salary) for the 2007 fiscal year.
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2007 Management Bonus Program
Relationship of Bonus (As Percentage of Annual Salary)
To Achievement of Internal EBITDAR Target
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Actual Annual EBITDAR as a Percentage of Internal Target | |
Name | | 90.0% | | | 95.0% | | | 100.0% | | | 103.4% | | | 106.8% | | | 110.3% | | | 113.7% | | | 117.1% | | | 120.5% | | | 124.0% | |
Sam L. Susser(1) President and Chief Executive Officer | | * | | | * | | | 40.0 | % | | * | | | * | | | * | | | * | | | * | | | * | | | * | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Mary E. Sullivan(1) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | | 3.0 | % | | 10.0 | % | | 33.0 | % | | 41.5 | % | | 51.5 | % | | 64.0 | % | | 80.0 | % | | 97.5 | % | | 120.0 | % | | 150.0 | % |
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E.V. Bonner, Jr.(1) Executive Vice President and General Counsel | | 3.0 | % | | 10.0 | % | | 33.0 | % | | 41.5 | % | | 51.5 | % | | 64.0 | % | | 80.0 | % | | 97.5 | % | | 120.0 | % | | 150.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Roger D. Smith(2) Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Retail | | 3.0 | % | | 10.0 | % | | 33.0 | % | | 41.5 | % | | 51.5 | % | | 64.0 | % | | 80.0 | % | | 97.5 | % | | 120.0 | % | | 150.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Rocky Dewbre(3) Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Wholesale | | 3.0 | % | | 10.0 | % | | 33.0 | % | | 41.5 | % | | 51.5 | % | | 64.0 | % | | 80.0 | % | | 97.5 | % | | 120.0 | % | | 150.0 | % |
* | Mr. Susser’s Employment Agreement specifies a bonus of 40% of base salary when the Company achieves its target, but the compensation committee has the discretion and flexibility to set appropriate bonus payments for performance below or above the internal target level. |
(1) | Bonus payment expressed as a percentage of annual salary based upon percentile level at which actual annual consolidated adjusted EBITDAR of Susser Holdings Corporation corresponds to internal target. |
(2) | Bonus payment expressed as a percentage of annual salary based (i) 66.7% upon percentile level at which actual annual consolidated adjusted EBITDAR of Susser Holdings Corporation corresponds to internal target and (ii) 33.3% upon percentile level at which actual annual EBITDAR of retail segment of Susser Holdings Corporation corresponds to internal target, after neutralizing effects of differences between targeted and actual retail fuel margins. |
(3) | Bonus payment expressed as a percentage of annual salary based (i) 66.7% upon percentile level at which actual annual consolidated adjusted EBITDAR of Susser Holdings Corporation corresponds to internal target and (ii) 33.3% upon percentile level at which actual annual EBITDAR of Susser Petroleum Company (which operates our wholesale segment) corresponds to internal target. |
For purposes of making annual bonus determinations, the compensation committee selects internal target levels that it believes are achievable while also indicative of strong company-wide or, as the case may be, segment-specific performance. While the Company believes our target levels are reasonably attainable, they are necessarily based on certain assumptions as to variables beyond the Company’s control, including future weather patterns, commodity price levels and the impact of outside competition—all of which have historically had a significant impact on our business. Consequently, while the compensation committee looks generally to these objective performance measures when making bonus determinations, it may also consider any number of individual, subjective factors, as discussed below, in making final bonus determinations.
Individual Performance and Contributions. In making salary and bonus determinations, the compensation committee evaluates the individual performance and contributions of the Chief Executive Officer and our other named executive officers. Compensation for our Chief Executive Officer is reviewed and approved by the compensation committee and, ultimately, by the Board. For officers other than the Chief Executive
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Officer, individual performance is evaluated with the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer. Individual performance objectives are specific to each officer position and may relate to the following matters, among others:
| • | | Customer/Frontline Employee Experience |
| • | | Financial Performance/Acumen |
| • | | Planning, Execution and Problem Solving |
| • | | Strategic Vision/Direction |
| • | | Leadership Development/Succession Planning |
| • | | Internal Controls/Risk Management |
| • | | Board Relations and Operations |
This evaluation information is used to supplement our objective compensation criteria for purposes of assisting the compensation committee in making decisions with respect to increases in annual base salary above the level specified in an individual’s employment agreement and/or increases or decreases in an individual’s annual performance bonus above or below the level called for by reference to achievement of specific financial targets.
Long Term Incentive Awards
In connection with our initial public offering, we adopted the Susser Holdings Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which governs the terms of equity awards granted to our management team prior to our initial public offering as well as any future equity awards granted by us. The Plan is intended to provide incentives that will attract, retain and motivate highly competent persons as directors and employees of, and consultants to, the Company and our subsidiaries, by providing them with opportunities to acquire shares of our common stock or to receive monetary payments. Additionally, the Plan provides us a means of directly tying our executives’ financial reward opportunities to our shareholders’ return on investment.
Administration. The Plan is administered by our compensation committee. Among the committee’s powers are to determine the form, amount and other terms and conditions of awards, establish such rules as it deems necessary or desirable for the proper administration of the Plan and to take such action in connection with the Plan and any awards granted thereunder as it deems necessary.
Shares Available. The Plan makes available an aggregate of 2,637,277 shares of our common stock, subject to adjustments. In the event that any outstanding award expires, is forfeited, cancelled or otherwise terminated without consideration, the shares of our common stock allocable to such award, including the unexercised portion of such award, shall again be available for the purposes of the Plan. If any award is exercised by tendering shares of our common stock to us, either as full or partial payment, in connection with the exercise of such award under this Plan or to satisfy our withholding obligation with respect to an award, only the number of shares of our common stock issued net of the shares of our common stock tendered will be deemed delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of shares of our common stock then available for delivery under the Plan.
Eligibility for Participation. Employees and directors of, and consultants to, us or any of our subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the Plan. The selection of participants is within the sole discretion of the compensation committee.
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Types of Awards. The Plan provides for the grant of stock options, including incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, shares of restricted stock, and other stock-based awards. The committee determines, with regard to each type of award, the terms and conditions of the award, including the number of shares subject to the award, the vesting terms of the award, and the purchase price for each award. Awards may be made in assumption of or in substitution for outstanding awards previously granted by us or our affiliates, or a company acquired by us or with which we combine.
Award Agreement. Awards granted under the Plan are evidenced by award agreements (which need not be identical) that provide additional terms, conditions restrictions and/or limitations covering the grant of the award as determined by the compensation committee in its sole discretion; provided, however, that in the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan and any such agreement, the provisions of the Plan shall prevail.
Options. An option granted under the Plan enables the holder to purchase a number of shares of our common stock on set terms. Options are generally nonqualified stock options unless the award agreement specifies that an option is intended to be an incentive stock option. An option granted as an incentive stock option will, to the extent it fails to qualify as an incentive stock option, be treated as a nonqualified option. Each option will be subject to such terms and conditions, including exercise price, vesting and conditions and timing of exercise, consistent with the Plan and as the compensation committee may impose from time to time. No option holder has any rights to dividends or other shareholder rights with respect to shares of our common stock subject to an option until the holder has given written notice of exercise of the option, paid in full for such shares of our common stock and, if applicable, has satisfied any other conditions imposed by the compensation committee pursuant to the Plan.
Restricted Stock. The compensation committee may grant awards of restricted stock. Restricted stock awards may be subject to such terms and conditions, including vesting, as the compensation committee determines appropriate, including, without limitation, restrictions on the sale or other disposition of such shares of our common stock and our right to reacquire such shares for no consideration upon termination of the participant’s service with us within specified periods of time. The award agreement with respect to the restricted stock sets forth a participant’s rights, if any, as a shareholder.
Other Stock-Based Awards. The compensation committee may also grant awards of shares of our common stock and awards that are valued by reference to, or are otherwise based on the fair market value of, shares of our common stock. These other stock-based awards will be in a form and subject to conditions determined by the compensation committee. The compensation committee determines to whom and when other stock-based awards are made, the number of shares of our common stock awarded under (or otherwise related to) such other stock-based awards, whether such other stock-based awards are settled in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and such shares, and all other terms and conditions of such awards.
Performance-Based Awards. Certain other stock-based awards granted may be granted in a manner which is intended to be deductible by us under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). A participant’s performance-based award is determined based on the attainment of written performance goals approved by the compensation committee for an established performance period. The performance goals, which must be objective, may be based upon various business performance criteria. The criteria may relate to the Company, an individual, any of our subsidiaries or one or more of our divisions or units, or any combination of the foregoing, and may be applied on an absolute basis and/or be relative to one or more peer group companies or indices, or any combination thereof. The maximum amount of a performance-based award during a calendar year to any participant is limited to 75,000 shares of our common stock, or the cash equivalent to the extent awards are payable in cash or property. The compensation committee will determine whether, with respect to a performance period, the applicable performance goals have been met with respect to a given participant. The amount of the performance-based award actually paid to a given participant may be less than the amount determined by the applicable performance goal formula, at the discretion of the compensation committee.
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Transferability. Unless otherwise determined by the compensation committee, awards are not transferable other than by beneficiary designation, will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Adjustment of Awards. In the event of any corporate event or transaction such as a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, or other like change in capital structure (other than normal cash dividends) or similar corporate event or transaction, the compensation committee will determine whether and to what extent it should substitute or adjust, as applicable, the number and kind of shares of stock that may be issued under the Plan or under particular form and conditions of such awards.
In the event we are a party to a merger or consolidation or similar transaction (including a change of control), the compensation committee is authorized (but not obligated) to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of outstanding awards, including, without limitation, that at any time prior to such transaction, all then outstanding awards shall become immediately exercisable or vested and any restrictions on any awards shall immediately lapse. In addition, the compensation committee may provide that all awards held by participants who are at the time of the event in our service or the service of any of our subsidiaries or affiliates shall remain exercisable for the remainder of their terms notwithstanding any subsequent termination of a participant’s service or that all awards will be substituted with awards that will substantially preserve the otherwise applicable terms of affected awards previously granted hereunder, in each case, as determined by the compensation committee in its sole discretion.
Amendment and Termination. The compensation committee has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time, provided that no amendment may adversely affect in any material respect any participant’s rights under any award grant previously made or granted under the Plan without the participant’s consent. Also, no amendment of the Plan may be made without approval of our shareholders if the approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement applicable to the Plan.
Compliance with Code Section 409A. In the event that the compensation committee determines that the Plan and/or awards are subject to Code Section 409A, the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion and without a participant’s prior consent, amend the Plan and/or awards, adopt policies and procedures, or take any other actions (including amendments, policies, procedures and actions with retroactive effect) as are necessary or appropriate to (i) exempt the Plan and/or any award from the application of Code Section 409A, (ii) preserve the intended tax treatment of any such award, and (iii) comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, including any regulations or other interpretive guidance that may be issued after the grant of any award. However, neither the Company nor the compensation committee is obligated to ensure that awards comply with Code Section 409A or to take any actions to ensure such compliance.
Perquisites and Other Benefits
We provide certain perquisites to our executive officers. Executives are eligible to receive annual health examinations and personal administrative and financial services support from corporate staff.In addition, we provide our President and Chief Executive Officer with a company vehicle and reimburse him for his business use of private aircraft.
We do not provide executive officers with supplemental executive medical benefits or coverage. In addition, we generally do not reimburse executives for aircraft time relating to personal use, such as travel to and from vacation destinations. However, spouses (or other family members) occasionally accompany executives when executives are traveling on private aircraft for business purposes, such as attending an industry business conference at which spouses are invited and expected to attend.
We provide other benefits, including medical, life, dental, and disability insurance in line with competitive market conditions. Our named executive officers are eligible for the same benefit plans provided to our other non-store employees, including insurance plans and supplemental plans chosen and paid for by employees who wish additional coverage.
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We have established a 401(k) benefit plan for the benefit of our employees. All full-time employees who are over 21 years of age and have greater than six months tenure are eligible to participate. Under the terms of the 401(k) plan, employees can contribute up to 100% of their wages, subject to IRS limitations, which, for 2006, were generally a maximum contribution amount of $15,000 on maximum compensation of $220,000. We match 20% of the first 6% of salary that the employee contributes as a “guaranteed” match. Additionally, we may make a discretionary match that we determine in the first quarter of each year, based on the prior year’s financial performance against internal targets. For fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004, we made a discretionary match of 0%, 30% and 40%, respectively, of the first 6% of salary that each employee contributed in addition to the 20% match.
We have also implemented a nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan for key executives, officers, and certain other employees to allow compensation deferrals in addition to that allowable under the 401(k) plan limitations, in that the contribution limits and compensation limits of the 401(k) plan do not apply to the NQDC plan. Participants in the NQDC plan may defer up to 75% of their salary. We match a portion of the participant’s contribution each year on the first 6% of salary deferred, using the same percentage of guaranteed and discretionary matches that are used for its 401(k) plan. The investment options available in the NQDC plan are identical to those offered in the 401(k) plan. Plan benefits are paid from our assets.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
Our Board, the compensation committee and our executives recognize that ownership of our common stock is an effective means by which to align the interests of our directors and executives with those of our shareholders. We have long emphasized the importance of stock ownership among our executives and directors. We believe the existing ownership positions of our named executive officers combined with Plan-based equity awards issued in 2005 and 2006 create a strong incentive to achieve long-term growth in the price of our common stock. We encourage our management team to continue to invest in our stock and intend to continue to use Plan-based equity awards to promote the further alignment of management and shareholder interests.
Prohibition on Insider Trading
We have established policies prohibiting our officers, directors, and employees from purchasing or selling Susser securities while in possession of material, nonpublic information, or outside of certain “window periods” following the release of annual and quarterly financial results, or otherwise using such information for their personal benefit or in any manner that would violate applicable laws and regulations.
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides a summary of total compensation paid for 2006 to our named executive officers, and the base salary, bonus and other compensation for 2005 and 2004. The table shows amounts earned by such persons for services rendered to Susser in all capacities in which they served. The elements of compensation listed in the table are more fully described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this proxy statement and in the footnotes that follow this table.
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Name | | Year | | Salary ($) (1) | | Bonus ($) (2) | | Stock Awards ($) (4) | | Option Awards ($) (5) | | All Other Compensation ($) (6) | | Total ($) (7) |
Sam L. Susser President and Chief Executive Officer | | 2006 2005 2004 | | 496,154 503,846 500,000 | | Note(3) 242,500 242,500 | | 181,525 — — | | 145,435 — — | | 195,952 22,390 18,000 | | 1,019,066 — — |
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Mary E. Sullivan Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | | 2006 2005 2004 | | 156,843 118,561 114,640 | | 16,500 45,784 46,288 | | 43,864 — — | | 35,143 — — | | 11,862 4,889 4,127 | | 264,212 — — |
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E.V. Bonner, Jr. Executive Vice President and General Counsel | | 2006 2005 2004 | | 276,197 272,974 264,776 | | 25,000 105,414 132,021 | | 43,864 — — | | 35,143 — — | | 21,881 12,000 9,532 | | 402,085 — — |
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Roger D. Smith Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Retail | | 2006 2005 2004 | | 238,392 240,408 218,400 | | 25,000 7,207 168,209 | | 43,864 — — | | 35,143 — — | | 20,688 10,845 28,508 | | 363,087 — — |
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Rocky B. Dewbre Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Wholesale | | 2006 2005 2004 | | 186,025 182,161 165,235 | | 247,069 259,121 119,945 | | 43,864 — — | | 35,143 — — | | 19,083 5,413 9,216 | | 531,184 — — |
(1) | Includes base salary paid to each named executive officer during the fiscal year. 2005 base salary for each of the named executive officers includes a timing difference of 2 days of pay that would have normally been paid during 2006. Effective with the December 2005 recapitalization, members of our management team that chose to invest in Stripes Holdings LLC became “members” instead of employees, and we cut off 2005 salary for these members on December 20, 2005, rather than December 18, 2005, as for all other “non-member” employees. The first payment that members received in 2006 was reduced by the 2 days already paid in 2005. Effective with the IPO and corporation formation transactions completed on October 24, 2006, the named executive officers reverted back to “employee” status. |
(2) | Amounts included in bonus column are the amounts earned for each fiscal year, but such amounts were paid in March of the following year. |
(3) | Sam L. Susser was granted 7,500 shares of restricted stock on March 27, 2007, in lieu of a cash bonus for 2006. The shares vest over five years, with one-third of such shares vesting on the third, fourth, and fifth anniversary of grant date. The fair value of the grant is $134,400 based on the closing price of $17.92 per share on March 27, 2007, and compensation cost will be recognized over the five-year vesting period in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R). |
(4) | Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), which requires companies to expense the fair value of equity awards over the period in which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the awards. The reported amounts represent the amount of compensation expense recognized by Susser in 2006 pertaining to restricted units of Stripes Holdings LLC originally granted in December 2005, and converted to equivalent unvested restricted shares of Susser concurrent with the IPO. See the “Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2006” table for more information on restricted shares granted. |
The amounts stated in the table reflect Susser’s accounting expense for these awards, and do not correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the named executive officers. The amounts shown exclude the
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impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to the restricted shares, refer to Note 19—Share Based Compensation of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC. Amounts have not been presented for 2004 or 2005 fiscal years.
(5) | Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123(R), which requires companies to expense the fair value of equity awards over the period in which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the awards. The reported amounts represent the amount of compensation expense recognized by Susser in 2006 pertaining to stock options granted in 2006. See the “Grants of Plan Based Awards” table for more information on stock options granted. |
The amounts stated in the table reflect Susser’s accounting expense for these awards, and do not correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the named executive officers. The amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to the stock options, refer to Note 19—Share Based Compensation of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC. Amounts have not been presented for 2004 or 2005 fiscal years.
(6) | The details of amounts listed as “All Other Compensation” are presented in the “All Other Compensation Table” below. |
(7) | Total compensation is not being presented for 2004 and 2005, as the components of compensation presented for these years are not consistent with those required to be presented for 2006. |
All Other Compensation Table
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Name | | Year | | Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits ($) (1) | | Tax Reimbursements ($) (2) | | Company Contributions to 401(k) and Deferred Compensation Plans ($) (3) | | Management Fees ($) (4) | | Total ($) |
Sam L. Susser | | 2006 | | 33,605 | | 15,259 | | 9,047 | | 138,041 | | 195,952 |
| | 2005 | | — | | — | | 22,390 | | — | | 22,390 |
| | 2004 | | — | | — | | 18,000 | | — | | 18,000 |
| | | | | | |
Mary E. Sullivan | | 2006 | | — | | 7,818 | | 2,433 | | 1,611 | | 11,862 |
| | 2005 | | — | | — | | 4,889 | | — | | 4,889 |
| | 2004 | | — | | — | | 4,127 | | — | | 4,127 |
| | | | | | |
E. V. Bonner, Jr. | | 2006 | | — | | 10,326 | | 4,654 | | 6,901 | | 21,881 |
| | 2005 | | — | | — | | 12,000 | | — | | 12,000 |
| | 2004 | | — | | — | | 9,532 | | — | | 9,532 |
| | | | | | |
Roger D. Smith | | 2006 | | — | | 8,466 | | 3,019 | | 9,203 | | 20,688 |
| | 2005 | | — | | — | | 10,845 | | — | | 10,845 |
| | 2004 | | 21,956 | | — | | 6,552 | | — | | 28,508 |
| | | | | | |
Rocky B. Dewbre | | 2006 | | — | | 11,393 | | 5,389 | | 2,301 | | 19,083 |
| | 2005 | | — | | — | | 5,413 | | — | | 5,413 |
| | 2004 | | — | | — | | 9,216 | | — | | 9,216 |
(1) | Perquisites and other personal benefits for 2006 are included for each named executive officer only to the extent the aggregate value is equal to or greater than $10,000 in any year. Amounts shown for 2005 and 2004 have not been restated to reflect the new requirements effective for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. For Sam L. Susser, 2006 perquisites consisted of $29,739 estimated value of personal financial and administrative services provided by Susser personnel and $3,875 for personal use of company-provided vehicle. For Roger D. Smith, 2004 perquisites consisted of relocation assistance. |
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(2) | Tax reimbursements for 2006 are tax gross-up amounts paid to each named executive officer prior to the IPO, during which time we were organized as a partnership and each of our named executive officers was considered a member, rather than an employee, for Federal tax purposes as each had made an investment in Stripes Holdings LLC. We paid to each member an amount equal to the amount of payroll tax that we would have otherwise incurred had that member been considered an employee, and each member was then responsible for paying taxes as if self-employed. Effective with the IPO and corporate formation transactions completed October 24, 2006, each named executive officer became an employee of Susser Holdings Corporation and the tax reimbursements ceased. |
(3) | Each of our named executive officers is eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan that is generally available to all employees. Additionally, certain highly compensated employees, including our named executive officers, are eligible to participate in our NQDC plan. The investment options in the NQDC plan mirror those available in our 401(k) plan, and do not contain any above-market or preferential earnings. The Company’s contributions to the 401(k) and NQDC plans accrued for fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004 included a discretionary match of 0%, 30% and 40%, respectively, on the first 6% of salary deferred in addition to the 20% guaranteed match. |
(4) | We entered into a management services agreement, or the “Services Agreement”, with Wellspring Capital Management LLC and Sam L. Susser concurrently with the December 2005 recapitalization. Wellspring Capital Management LLC and Sam L. Susser provided general advice and counsel to us in connection with our long-term strategic plans, financial management, strategic transactions and other business matters. Sam L. Susser assigned his rights to receive a portion of the compensation under the Services Agreement to certain other members of our senior management and board of directors. The Services Agreement terminated upon the completion of the IPO. |
Grants of Plan Based Awards
For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006
| | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Grant Date | | Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock (#) | | Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) (1) | | Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) (1) | | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($) (2) |
Sam L. Susser | | 10/18/2006 | | — | | 353,953 | | 16.50 | | 2,573,238 |
Mary E. Sullivan | | 10/18/2006 | | — | | 85,531 | | 16.50 | | 621,810 |
E.V. Bonner, Jr. | | 10/18/2006 | | — | | 85,531 | | 16.50 | | 621,810 |
Roger D. Smith | | 10/18/2006 | | — | | 85,531 | | 16.50 | | 621,810 |
Rocky Dewbre | | 10/18/2006 | | — | | 85,531 | | 16.50 | | 621,810 |
(1) | In connection with the 2005 recapitalization, the named executive officers were awarded class B units in Stripes Holdings LLC. To give effect to the corporate restructuring that took place upon our IPO, and the effective redemption and cancellation of these class B units, the Board of Directors approved certain option grants to the named executive officers under the Susser Holdings Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, to be awarded concurrent with the IPO and with an exercise price equal to the IPO price. The number of options granted was determined by a formula designed to provide a similar economic benefit as the class B units being extinguished. Susser’s IPO was declared effective on October 18, 2006, and an initial offering price was set at $16.50. The options expire on December 20, 2015, and one-third of each grant vests on December 21, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. For additional information on the options granted under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, refer to Note 19—Share Based Compensation of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC. |
(2) | The reported grant date fair value of the options was estimated in compliance with SFAS no. 123(R), utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The estimated values under the Black-Scholes model were calculated using an expected average option life of 6.2 years, risk free rate of return of 4.7%, average volatility rate for the 6.2 year period of 36.1%, and a 0% expected dividend yield. The actual value of stock |
22
| options depends upon the actual future performance of our common stock, the continued employment of the option holder throughout the vesting period, and the timing of the exercise of the option. Accordingly, the values set forth in this table may not be achieved. The options are more fully described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and in Note 19—Share Based Compensation of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2006
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Option Awards (1) | | Stock Awards (2) |
Named Executive Officer | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) | | Option Exercise Price ($) | | Option Expiration Date | | Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested (#) | | Market Value of Shares or Units that Have Not Vested ($) |
| Exercisable | | Unexercisable | | | | |
Sam L. Susser | | — | | 353,953 | | 16.50 | | 12/20/2015 | | 46,863 | | 843,534 |
Mary E. Sullivan | | — | | 85,531 | | 16.50 | | 12/20/2015 | | 11,324 | | 203,832 |
E.V. Bonner, Jr. | | — | | 85,531 | | 16.50 | | 12/20/2015 | | 11,324 | | 203,832 |
Roger D. Smith | | — | | 85,531 | | 16.50 | | 12/20/2015 | | 11,324 | | 203,832 |
Rocky B. Dewbre | | — | | 85,531 | | 16.50 | | 12/20/2015 | | 11,324 | | 203,832 |
(1) | In connection with the 2005 recapitalization, the named executive officers were awarded class B units in Stripes Holdings LLC. To give effect to the corporate restructuring that took place upon our IPO, and the effective redemption and cancellation of these class B units, the Board of Directors approved certain option grants to the named executive officers under the Susser Holdings Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, to be awarded concurrent with the IPO and with an exercise price equal to the IPO price. The number of options granted was determined by a formula designed to provide a similar economic benefit as the class B units being extinguished. Susser’s IPO was declared effective on October 18, 2006, and an initial offering price was set at $16.50. The options expire on December 20, 2015, and one-third vest each on December 21, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. For additional information on the options granted under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, refer to Note 19—Share Based Compensation of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC. |
(2) | Represent shares of unvested stock that were initially granted as Class B units in Stripes Holdings LLC in December 2005, and were converted to equivalent shares of Susser common stock concurrent with the IPO. The shares vest one-third each on December 21, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The closing market price on December 29, 2006, the last trading day in 2006, was $18.00 per share. For additional information on the unvested stock, refer to Note 19—Share Based Compensation of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vesting
No options were exercised by any named executive officer, and no options or shares of restricted stock owned by any named executive officer vested in fiscal 2006.
Pension Benefits
Other than our 401(k) and non-qualified deferred compensation plans described elsewhere in this proxy, we do not maintain any other plan that provides for payments or other benefits at, following, or in connection with retirement.
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Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
The following table provides information regarding contributions by Susser and each named executive officer under our non-qualified deferred compensation plan during 2006. The table also presents each named executive officer’s earnings and year-end balances in the plan. Our non-qualified deferred compensation plan is described above in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the caption “Perquisites and Other Benefits.”
| | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Executive Contributions in 2006 ($) (1) | | Registrant Contributions in 2006 ($) (2) | | Aggregate Earnings in 2006 ($) (3) | | Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions ($) | | Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year-End ($) |
Sam L. Susser | | 147,958 | | 9,047 | | 47,292 | | — | | 721,443 |
Mary E. Sullivan | | 10,137 | | 2,027 | | 3,202 | | — | | 43,830 |
E.V. Bonner | | 17,897 | | 2,986 | | 12,074 | | — | | 114,535 |
Roger Smith | | 9,762 | | 1,706 | | 3,970 | | — | | 64,260 |
Rocky Dewbre | | 30,761 | | 4,851 | | 6,372 | | — | | 130,888 |
(1) | The amounts shown are included in the salary and incentive compensation numbers shown in the Summary Compensation Table. |
(2) | All of the amounts included in this column are included within the amounts reported as “All Other Compensation” for 2006 in the Summary Compensation Table. |
(3) | These amounts do not constitute above market interest or preferential earnings. |
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
Employment agreements with each of the named executive officers provide for severance payments upon certain events of termination. Generally, if we terminate any of our named executive officers “without cause,” or the executive elects to terminate employment “for good reason,” he or she is entitled to two times (three times in the case of Mr. Susser) base salary paid out in five installments over two years, plus any earned and accrued but unpaid bonus and any accrued vacation pay, 24 months of continued health insurance coverage for the executive and his or her family, and the reimbursement of any expenses. For purposes of these employment agreements, “good reason” includes, among other things, the acquisition by a financial or strategic buyer of 51% of the outstanding equity interests of the company, provided the executive negotiates to provide continued transition services for a reasonable period. Under these employment agreements, our named executive officers are also entitled to various “gross-up” payments for certain excise taxes they may incur in connection with annual compensation or any severance payments. The employment agreements contain non-competition agreements prohibiting the named executive officers from working (or maintaining anything other than a de minimis ownership interest in a company operating in) the convenience store or wholesale fuel distribution industry—in any county in which the Company operates at the date of termination of employment—as well as non-solicitation agreements prohibiting the named executive officers from hiring Company employees, for a period of two years from the date of termination.
In connection with our December, 2005 recapitalization, our named executive officers received restricted class B units in Stripes Holdings LLC that converted into a proportionate number of shares of our restricted stock, and a number of stock options determined by a formula designed to provide a similar economic benefit to the class B units, as a result of the corporate restructuring transactions that took place concurrently with our initial public offering. These shares and options are ordinarily subject to a five-year vesting period, with one third of the shares and options vesting ratably over each of the final three years in the vesting period. However, all of the shares and options will vest immediately upon a change of control in the Company, irrespective of whether the employment of any named executive officer is terminated, or upon the termination of the executive due to death or disability.
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The following table shows the amount of incremental value received by each of the named executive officers upon certain events of termination or a change of control in the Company on December 31, 2006.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Benefit | | Termination Due to Death or Disability ($) (1) | | Termination by Executive for “Good Reason” except Change of Control, or by Company Other than for “Cause” ($) (2) | | Change of Control Followed by Termination for “Good Reason” ($) (3) | | Change of Control with Continued Employment ($) (4) |
Sam L. Susser President and Chief Executive Officer | | Salary | | — | | 1,500,000 | | 1,500,000 | | — |
| Health/Medical | | 12,682 | | 16,015 | | 16,015 | | — |
| Option Vesting | | 530,930 | | — | | 530,930 | | 530,930 |
| Stock Vesting | | 843,534 | | — | | 843,534 | | 843,534 |
| Tax Gross-Up | | — | | 453,889 | | 771,449 | | — |
| | | | | |
Mary E. Sullivan Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | | Salary | | — | | 330,000 | | 330,000 | | — |
| Health/Medical | | — | | 7,092 | | 7,092 | | — |
| Option Vesting | | 128,297 | | — | | 128,297 | | 128,297 |
| Stock Vesting | | 203,832 | | — | | 203,282 | | 203,282 |
| Tax Gross-Up | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | | | |
E.V. Bonner, Jr. Executive Vice President and General Counsel | | Salary | | — | | 559,074 | | 559,074 | | — |
| Health/Medical | | 10,568 | | 16,374 | | 16,374 | | — |
| Option Vesting | | 128,297 | | — | | 128,297 | | 128,297 |
| Stock Vesting | | 203,832 | | — | | 203,282 | | 203,282 |
| Tax Gross-Up | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | | | |
Roger D. Smith Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Retail | | Salary | | — | | 480,480 | | 480,480 | | — |
| Health/Medical | | — | | 7,114 | | 7,114 | | — |
| Option Vesting | | 128,297 | | — | | 128,297 | | 128,297 |
| Stock Vesting | | 203,832 | | — | | 203,282 | | 203,282 |
| Tax Gross-Up | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| | | | | |
Rocky Dewbre Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Wholesale | | Salary | | — | | 367,810 | | 367,810 | | — |
| Health/Medical | | 10,568 | | 16,044 | | 16,044 | | — |
| Option Vesting | | 128,297 | | — | | 128,297 | | 128,297 |
| Stock Vesting | | 203,832 | | — | | 203,282 | | 203,282 |
| Tax Gross-Up | | — | | — | | — | | — |
(1) | Health care benefits do not continue upon an executive’s disability; upon death, spouse and dependents of executives are entitled to continuation of health coverage for one year; amounts reflected represent portion of annualized 2006 premiums attributable to spouse/dependent coverage, before giving effect to executive contributions. Any unvested options or restricted stock fully vests upon death or disability. The amounts stated for option vesting represent the assumed cash value of the accelerated options derived by multiplying the difference between $18.00 (the closing price of our common stock on December 29, 2006) and the options’ exercise prices, times the number of options. The amounts stated for stock vesting represent the product of the number of shares whose restrictions lapsed and $18.00. |
(2) | Amount of health care benefits represents two times annualized premiums after giving effect to executive contributions. If any payment or benefit is determined to be subject to an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the executive is entitled to receive an additional payment (tax gross-up) to adjust for the incremental tax cost of the payment or benefit. An excise tax is not payable if the present value of the payments and benefits to be received is less than three times the average compensation for the prior five years. |
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In the event an executive resigns for reasons other than death, disability or “good reason,” our employment agreements do not provide for any special payments or benefits.
(3) | In the case an executive terminates employment for “good reason” related to a change of control event, in addition to the payments that would be due for salary and health care benefits, any unvested options or restricted stock would also fully vest. The amounts stated for option vesting represent the assumed cash value of the accelerated options derived by multiplying the difference between $18.00 (the closing price of our common stock on December 29, 2006) and the options’ exercise prices, times the number of options. The amounts stated for stock vesting represent the product of the number of shares whose restrictions lapsed and $18.00. The present value of the benefit attributed to early vesting of options and restricted stock is included in the payments or benefits subject to potential excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. |
(4) | Any unvested options or restricted stock fully vests upon a change of control event. The amounts stated for option vesting represent the assumed cash value of the accelerated options derived by multiplying the difference between $18.00 (the closing price of our common stock on December 29, 2006) and the options’ exercise prices, times the number of options. The amounts stated for stock vesting represent the product of the number of shares whose restrictions lapsed and $18.00. |
Compensation of Directors
The following table provides a summary of compensation paid to members of our Board of Directors during 2006.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) (1) | | Stock Awards ($) (2) | | Option Awards ($) (3) | | All Other Compensation ($) | | Total ($) |
William F. Dawson, Jr. | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — |
Bruce W. Krysiak | | 75,000 | | 13,557 | | 10,864 | | — | | 99,421 |
Armand S. Shapiro | | 36,000 | | 7,259 | | 5,817 | | — | | 49,076 |
Sam J. Susser | | 60,000 | | 13,557 | | 10,864 | | — | | 84,421 |
Sam L. Susser | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — |
Jerry E. Thompson | | 24,000 | | — | | 4,935 | | — | | 28,935 |
(1) | Each of our non-employee directors who are not affiliated with Wellspring currently receives an annual retainer ranging between $36,000 to $75,000. Messrs. Dawson and Sam L. Susser receive no compensation for their service as directors. Mr. Thompson joined our Board in May 2006 and receives a $36,000 annual retainer. |
(2) | Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123(R), which requires companies to expense the fair value of equity awards over the period in which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the awards. The reported amounts represent the amount of compensation expense recognized by Susser in 2006 pertaining the unvested restricted stock granted in 2005 that is held by our directors. Additional information regarding the restricted stock is presented in the table of outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2006. |
(3) | Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123(R), which requires companies to expense the fair value of equity awards over the period in which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the awards. The reported amounts represent the amount of compensation expense recognized by Susser in 2006 pertaining to stock options granted in 2006. |
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The following table presents additional information regarding stock options granted to our non-employee directors during 2006:
| | | | | | | | |
Name | | Grant Date | | Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) (a) | | Exercise Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) (1) | | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($) (b) |
Bruce W. Krysiak | | 10/18/2006 | | 26,441 | | 16.50 | | 192,226 |
Armand S. Shapiro | | 10/18/2006 | | 14,158 | | 16.50 | | 102,929 |
Sam J. Susser | | 10/18/2006 | | 26,441 | | 16.50 | | 192,226 |
Jerry E. Thompson | | 10/18/2006 | | 14,158 | | 16.50 | | 113,406 |
(a) | Messrs. Krysiak, Shapiro, Sam J. Susser and Thompson were granted options to purchase 14,158 shares of our common stock on October 18, 2006, at the initial offering price of $16.50 per share. Messrs. Krysiak and Sam J. Susser were granted an additional 12,283 options in recognition of the cash investment they had made in Stripes Holdings LLC in December 2005, which was converted to shares in Susser. The options held by Messrs. Krysiak, Shaprio and Sam J. Susser expire on December 20, 2015, and one-third of each grant vests on December 21, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The options held by Mr. Thompson expire December 17, 2016, and one-third of the options vest each on October 18, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. |
(b) | The reported grant date fair value of the options was estimated in compliance with SFAS no. 123(R), utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The options are more fully described in Note 19—Share Based Compensation of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC. |
The following table presents the outstanding equity awards held by our non-employee directors as of December 31, 2006:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Option Awards (1) | | Stock Awards (2) |
Name | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) | | Option Exercise Price ($) | | Option Expiration Date | | Number of Shares that Have Not Vested (#) | | Market Value of Shares that Have Not Vested ($) |
| Exercisable | | Unexercisable | | | | |
William F. Dawson, Jr. | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — |
Bruce W. Krysiak | | — | | 26,441 | | 16.50 | | 12/20/2015 | | 3,500 | | 63,000 |
Armand S. Shapiro | | — | | 14,158 | | 16.50 | | 12/20/2015 | | 1,874 | | 33,732 |
Sam J. Susser | | — | | 26,441 | | 16.50 | | 12/20/2015 | | 3,500 | | 63,000 |
Jerry E. Thompson | | — | | 14,158 | | 16.50 | | 10/17/2016 | | — | | — |
(1) | Represent stock options granted on October 18, 2006, concurrent with our IPO. The exercise price was set equal to the initial offering price of $16.50 per share. Refer to the option grant table above for more information regarding these options. |
(2) | Represent shares of unvested stock that were initially granted as Class B units in Stripes Holdings LLC in December 2005, and were converted to equivalent shares of Susser common stock concurrent with the IPO. Messrs. Krysiak and Sam J. Susser received additional shares in recognition of their investment in Stripes Holdings LLC in December 2005. The shares vest one-third each on December 21, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The closing market price on December 29, 2006, the last trading day in 2006, was $18.00 per share. For additional information on the unvested stock, refer to Note 19—Share Based Compensation of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC. |
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PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
General
Pursuant to our Bylaws, our Board has fixed the size of our board of directors at six members: two Class I directors with terms expiring at this year’s annual meeting of shareholders, two Class II directors with terms expiring at the 2008 annual meeting of shareholders and two Class III directors with terms expiring at the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders. At this year’s annual meeting, Susser shareholders will vote for the two nominees for Class I directors listed below, each of whom has been approved by the Board for nomination for reelection at the annual meeting, to serve until the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders or until the election and qualification of their successors.
| | |
Name, Age, Position and Committee Memberships | | Term of Office and Business Experience |
SAM L. SUSSER Age 43; President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | | Mr. Susser has served as a director since 1988 and our President and Chief Executive Officer since 1992. From 1988 to 1992, Mr. Susser served as General Manager and Vice President of Operations. From 1985 through 1987, Mr. Susser served in the corporate finance division and the mergers and acquisitions group with Salomon Brothers Inc, an investment bank. Mr. Susser currently serves as a director of a number of charitable, educational and civic organizations. Sam L. Susser is the son of Sam J. Susser, who is also a member of our board of directors. |
| |
ARMAND S. SHAPIRO Age 65; Director, Audit Committee (Chair), Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee | | Mr. Shapiro has served as our director since 1997 and also chairs the audit committee. Mr. Shapiro serves as a business consultant/mentor to chief executive officers of private companies to develop strategies to improve growth and profitability of the company. He served from October 2001 through January 2006 on the board of directors of Bindview Development Corporation, then a publicly traded corporation that provided software for proactively managing information technology security compliance operations. Mr. Shapiro was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Garden Ridge Corporation from 1990 until June 1999. During the 1980’s, Mr. Shapiro also served as President, a member of the executive management team, and a director of ComputerCraft, Inc., then a publicly traded retailer of computer products. He was previously a partner and Chief Operating Officer of Modern Furniture Rentals, Inc., a family-owned and operated business. Mr. Shapiro is a graduate of Renesselaer Polytechnic Institute and has served as an officer in the United States Army. |
Our Board has no reason to believe that the persons named above as nominees will be unable or will decline to serve if elected. In the event of death or disqualification of any nominee or the refusal or inability of any nominee to serve as a director, proxies voted for that nominee may be voted with discretionary authority for a substitute or substitutes as shall be designated by our Board.
OURBOARDOFDIRECTORSRECOMMENDSTHATSHAREHOLDERSVOTE “FOR”THEELECTIONOFTHESENOMINEES.
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Continuing Directors
The following describes current members of our board of directors whose terms will continue beyond the Meeting.
| | | | |
Name, Age, Position and Committee Memberships | | Class (Term Expiration) | | Term of Office and Business Experience |
WILLIAM F. DAWSON, Jr. Age 42; Director | | II (2008) | | Mr. Dawson has been a partner at Wellspring Capital Management LLC, a private equity firm, since 2001 and has served as director since December 2005. Mr. Dawson previously chaired the middle-market buyout group at J.H. Whitney & Co., a private equity firm, and, from 1986 until 2000, was with Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, an investment bank, where he most recently served as Managing Director. Mr. Dawson serves on several private company boards controlled by Wellspring. |
| | |
JERRY E. THOMPSON Age 57; Director, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (Chair), Compensation Committee, Audit Committee | | II (2008) | | Mr. Thompson has served as a member of our board of directors since May 2006. Mr. Thompson is President and Chief Executive Officer of the general partner of TEPPCO Partners, L.P., a publicly traded master limited partnership operating in segments including refined petroleum products, liquified petroleum gases and petrochemical transportation and storage. Mr. Thompson joined TEPPCO in April 2006 after a 35-year career with CITGO Petroleum Corporation. At the time of his retirement from CITGO in March 2006, Mr. Thompson had served as Chief Operating Officer of CITGO since 2003 and had served as Senior Vice President since 1998. Mr. Thompson also serves on the board of Texas Eastern Products Pipeline Company, LLC. |
| | |
BRUCE W. KRYSIAK Age 56; Director and non-executive Chairman, Compensation Committee (Chair), Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Audit Committee | | III (2009) | | Mr. Krysiak has served as our director and Non-Executive Chairman since 2000. Mr. Krysiak has been Chairman of EDABB, Inc., a personal investment company, since 1999. Prior to 1999, Mr. Krysiak served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Toys”R”Us, Inc. from 1998 to 1999, of Dollar General Corporation from 1996 to 1997 and of Circle K Corporation from 1995 to 1996. Currently, Mr. Krysiak serves as the non-executive chairman of the board of directors of La Dove, Inc., a hair care products manufacturer, and Quantum Health, an offeror of coordinated health care plans for self-insured employers. In addition, Mr. Krysiak serves as a member of the board of directors of several privately held entities. Mr. Krysiak also served on our board of directors in 1995 and 1996. |
| | |
SAM J. SUSSER Age 66; Director | | III (2009) | | Mr. Sam J. Susser has served as a member of our board of directors since 1988 and was our chairman from 1988-1992. Mr. Susser was also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Plexus Financial Services, a holding company based in Dallas, Texas, from 1987 through 1991. Mr. Susser’s experience includes various positions with The Southland Corporation (7-Eleven, Inc.), Plexus Financial Services and CITGO Petroleum Corporation, where he served as President. Mr. Susser is a director and past chairman of the Audit Committee of Alberto-Culver Company, a manufacturer and marketer of personal care and household brands. Mr. Susser previously has served on the board of directors of Garden Ridge Pottery and Computer Craft, Inc. Sam J. Susser is the father of Sam L. Susser, our President and Chief Executive Officer and a director. |
29
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
General
The following table presents fees for audit services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”) for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, and fees billed for services rendered by Ernst & Young during the same periods.
| | | | | | |
| | Fiscal 2006 | | Fiscal 2005 |
Audit Fees | | $ | 805,906 | | $ | 428,102 |
Audit-Related Fees | | | — | | | 166,965 |
Tax | | | 200,000 | | | 151,171 |
All Other Fees | | | — | | | — |
| | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 1,005,906 | | $ | 746,238 |
| | | | | | |
Fees for audit services billed or expected to be billed related to both years consisted of:
| • | | Audit of our and our predecessor’s annual financial statements ($394,151 in 2006 and $212,775 in 2005) |
| • | | Reviews of our and our predecessor’s interim financial statements |
| • | | Comfort letters, consents and other services related to SEC matters |
Fees for audit-related services provided during fiscal 2005 consisted of advice regarding the application of generally accepted accounting principles to specific transactions.
Fees for tax services provided during fiscal 2006 and 2005 related primarily to U.S. tax compliance and related planning and assistance with federal, state and franchise income tax returns.
In considering the nature of services provided by Ernst & Young, the audit committee determined that such services are compatible with the provisions of independent audit services. The audit committee discussed these services with Ernst & Young and our management to determine that they are permitted under the rules and regulations concerning auditor independence promulgated by the SEC to implement the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Policy for Approval of Audit and Non-audit Services
Our audit committee charter requires that all services provided by our independent public accountants, both audit and non-audit, must be pre-approved by the audit committee. The pre-approval of audit and non-audit services may be given at any time up to a year before commencement of the specified service.
In determining whether to approve a particular audit or permitted non-audit service, the audit committee will consider, among other things, whether such service is consistent with maintaining the independence of the independent public accountants. The audit committee will also consider whether the independent public accountants are best positioned to provide the most effective and efficient service to us and whether the service might be expected to enhance our ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality.
We became subject to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to qualification of accountants, including provisions regarding pre-approval of audit and non-audit services, on October 18, 2006, the effective date of our registration statement for our initial public offering. All audit and non-audit services provided by our independent public accountants after that point in time were pre-approved by our audit committee.
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Audit Committee Report
In the performance of its oversight function, the audit committee has met and held discussions with management, who represented to the audit committee that our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The audit committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with both management and the independent public accountants. The audit committee also discussed with the independent public accountants matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), as currently in effect.
Our independent public accountants also provided to the audit committee the written disclosures and the letter required by the current version of Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and the audit committee discussed their independence with the independent public accountants. In connection with that, the audit committee has considered whether the provision of non-auditing services (and the aggregate fees billed for these services) in fiscal 2006 by Ernst & Young LLP to us is compatible with maintaining the independent public accountants’ independence.
The members of the audit committee are not professionally engaged in the practice of auditing or accounting and are not experts in the fields of accounting or auditing, including in respect of auditor independence. Management is responsible for our internal control over financial reporting and the financial reporting process. Our independent public accountants are responsible for performing an independent audit of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and to issue a report thereon. The audit committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes, including our system of internal control over financial reporting and the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, and members of the audit committee rely without independent verification on the information provided to them and on the representations made by management and the independent public accountants. The audit committee also hires and sets the compensation for our independent public accountants.
The audit committee’s oversight does not provide it with an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or policies, or appropriate internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the audit committee’s considerations and discussions with management and the independent public accountants do not assure that our financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, that the audit of our financial statements has been carried out in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or that our independent accountants are in fact “independent.”
Based upon the reports and discussions described in this report, and subject to the limitations on the role and responsibilities of the audit committee referred to above and in the audit committee charter, the audit committee recommended to our board of directors that our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. The audit committee also retained Ernst & Young LLP as our independent public accountants for the 2007 fiscal year.
Submitted by our audit committee
Armand S. Shapiro (Chair)
Bruce W. Krysiak
Jerry E. Thompson
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PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The audit committee of our board of directors is solely responsible for selecting our independent public accountants. The audit committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2007. Although shareholder approval is not required to appoint Ernst & Young as our independent public accountants, we believe that submitting the appointment of Ernst & Young to our shareholders for ratification is a matter of good corporate governance. If our shareholders do not ratify the appointment, the appointment will be reconsidered by the audit committee. The proxy will be voted as specified, and if no specification is made, the proxy will be cast “FOR” this proposal.
During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, there were no disagreements with Ernst & Young on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which if not resolved to their satisfaction would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with their opinion.
The audit report of Ernst & Young on our consolidated financial statements for the years ended January 2, 2005, January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006, did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
Representatives of Ernst & Young will be present at the Meeting and available to answer shareholder questions.
OURBOARDOFDIRECTORSRECOMMENDSTHATTHESHAREHOLDERSVOTE ‘FOR’THERATIFICATIONOFTHEAPPOINTMENTOF ERNST & YOUNG LLPFORFISCALYEAR 2007.
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OTHER MATTERS
Other Business
We have not received notice as required under our bylaws of any other matters to be proposed at the Meeting. Consequently, the only matters to be acted on at the Meeting are those described in this proxy statement, along with any necessary procedural matters related to the Meeting. As to procedural matters, or any other matters that are determined to be properly brought before the Meeting calling for a vote of the shareholders, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy, unless otherwise directed in that proxy, to vote on those matters in accordance with their best judgment.
Transactions with Affiliates
Leasing Transactions. We lease 12 of our convenience stores and two of our dealer locations from related parties, including: Sam L. Susser, our President and Chief Executive Officer and a director; Sam J. Susser, a director; Jerry Susser; and various entities affiliated with Sam L. Susser, Sam J. Susser, E.V. Bonner, Jr. and members of their immediate families. In connection with the leasing of these properties, we made rental payments during the previous fiscal year to the persons set forth below and in the amounts set forth opposite such person’s name.
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Susser Holdings II, L.P.(1) | | $ | 1,568,063 |
Susser Company, Ltd.(2) | | | 189,000 |
S.J. Susser Family Partnership, L.P.(3) | | | 170,000 |
Sam L. Susser | | | 143,577 |
McPherson Street Partners, L.P.(4) | | | 39,000 |
ETLA, Ltd.(5) | | | 36,000 |
Sam J. Susser | | | 26,400 |
(1) | Susser Holdings II, L.P. is wholly owned by Sam L. Susser. |
(2) | Sam J. Susser and Jerry Susser each own a 7.41% general partner interest Susser Company, Ltd. SSP Partners, our indirect subsidiary, owns the remaining 85.18% limited partnership interest. |
(3) | Sam J. Susser and Pat Susser each own a 48% limited partnership interest in the S.J. Susser Family Partnership, L.P; Sam L. Susser, Sherry Thum and Steven Susser each own a 1.0% limited partnership interest and SJS Management LLC, which is 100% owned by Sam J. Susser and Pat Susser, owns a 1% general partnership interest. |
(4) | Sam L. Susser owns a 45.0% interest in McPherson Street Partners, L.P. |
(5) | ETLA, Ltd. is wholly owned by E.V. Bonner, Jr. and members of his immediate family. |
Generally, we have the option to renew these leases. We believe the market lease rates for comparable space in the areas in which such leased properties are located were no less favorable to us than we could have obtained in an arm’s length transaction at the lease commencement dates.
Use of Private Aircraft. Sam L. Susser owns an aircraft that we use for business purposes in the course of our operations. We pay Mr. Susser a fee of $1,700 per flight hour, plus the cost of pilots and their related expenses, for our use of the aircraft. In connection with this arrangement, we made payments to Sam L. Susser totaling $0.4 million in 2006. Based on current market rates for chartering of private aircraft, we believe that the terms of this arrangement are no worse than we could obtain in an arm’s length transaction.
Services Agreement. We entered into a management services agreement with Wellspring Capital Management LLC and Sam L. Susser concurrently with our December 2005 recapitalization. Wellspring Capital Management LLC and Sam L. Susser provided general advice and counsel to us in connection with our long term strategic plans, financial management, strategic transactions and other business matters. Sam L. Susser has
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assigned his rights to receive a portion of the compensation under the management services agreement to certain other members of our senior management and board of directors. During 2006, Wellspring Capital Management LLC and Sam L. Susser were paid $423,077 and $138,040, respectively, pursuant to the terms of this agreement. The management services agreement terminated upon the completion of our initial public offering.
Employment of Jerry Susser. Jerry Susser acts as Vice President of Real Estate for us and, for services performed during 2006, received annual compensation of $120,000 and a bonus of $12,000. Effective February 17, 2007, Mr. Susser’s annual salary was increased to $124,200. Mr. Susser is the brother of Sam J. Susser, one of our directors, and an uncle of Sam L. Susser, our President and Chief Executive Officer.
Susser Company Ltd. Our subsidiary, Susser Company Ltd, a Texas limited partnership, is 85.18% owned by its limited partner SSP Partners, 7.41% owned by its general partner Sam J. Susser and 7.41% owned by its general partner Jerry Susser. Sam J. Susser and Jerry Susser have agreed that they have no right to distributions from Susser Company Ltd. and no management or voting control and have given their proxy for all partnership matters to SSP Partners.
Policy Regarding Transactions with Affiliates. In accordance with the rules of the NASDAQ Global Market, our audit committee monitors and reviews related party transactions on an ongoing basis and, pursuant to the audit committee’s charter, the Company is required to seek the approval of the audit committee prior to entering into any such transaction.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Each director, executive officer (and, for a specified period, certain former directors and executive officers) and each holder of more than ten percent of a class of our equity securities is required to report to the SEC his or her pertinent position or relationship, as well as transactions in those securities, by specified dates. Based solely upon a review of reports on Forms 3 and 4 (including any amendments) furnished to us during our most recent fiscal year and reports on Form 5 (including any amendments) furnished to us with respect to our most recent fiscal year, and written representations from officers and directors that no Form 5 was required, we believe that all filings applicable to our officers, directors and beneficial owners required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act were filed on a timely basis during 2006.
2008 Annual Meeting
Any shareholder who wants to present a proposal at the 2008 annual meeting of shareholders and to have that proposal set forth in the proxy statement and form of proxy mailed in conjunction with that annual meeting must submit the proposal in writing to the Secretary of the company at our principal executive offices by December 16, 2007 to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting.
Our bylaws require that for nominations of persons for election to the board of directors or the proposal of businessnot included in our notice of the meeting to be considered by the shareholders at an annual meeting, a shareholder must give timely written notice thereof. To be timely for the 2008 annual meeting of shareholders, that notice must be delivered to the Secretary of the company at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days and not more than 120 days prior to May 8, 2008. However, if the 2008 annual meeting of shareholders is advanced by more than 30 days, or delayed by more than 30 days, from May 8, 2008, then the notice must be delivered not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the earlier of the day on which notice of the meeting is first mailed or public announcement of the date of the meeting is first made. The notice must contain and be accompanied by certain information as specified in the bylaws. We recommend that any shareholder desiring to make a nomination or submit a proposal for consideration obtain a copy of our bylaws, which may be obtained without charge from the Secretary of the company upon written request addressed to the Secretary at our principal executive offices.
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Incorporation by Reference
To the extent that this Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference into any other filing we make under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the sections of this Proxy Statement entitled “Audit Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Report” (to the extent permitted by the applicable rules of the SEC) will not be deemed incorporated, unless specifically provided otherwise in such filing.
EVENIFYOUPLANTOATTENDTHE MEETING,PLEASESIGN,DATEANDMAILPROMPTLYTHEENCLOSEDPROXY.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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E.V. Bonner, Jr. |
Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel |
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Corpus Christi, Texas |
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Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas.
Annual Meeting Proxy Card
PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
A Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposal 2.
1. Election of Directors:
01—Sam L. Susser
For Withhold
02—Armand S. Shapiro
For Withhold
2. Ratification of the Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Susser’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2007
For Against Abstain
B Non-Voting Items
Change of Address — Please print new address below.
C Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below
I (we) hereby revoke all proxies previously given to vote at the meeting or any adjournments thereof and acknowledge receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement. If shares are held by joint tenants, or as community property, all holders must sign. If signing for a corporation or partnership or as agent, attorney or fiduciary, indicate full title or capacity in which you are signing.
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below.
Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box.
Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.
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PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Proxy — Susser Holdings Corporation — May 8, 2007 Annual Meeting
Proxy Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has determined that the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Susser Holdings Corporation will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 11:00 a.m., Central Time, at the Omni Marina Hotel, 707 North Shoreline Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401.
By signing on the reverse side, I (we) hereby appoint each of E.V. Bonner, Jr. and Mary E. Sullivan as proxies (with full power to act without the other and with full power of substitution) to attend, represent and vote my (our) shares entitled to vote at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 8, 2007, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, in the manner stated on the reverse side hereof, and in their discretion on any other matter that may properly come before the meeting.
Sign, date and return this card promptly using the enclosed envelope. The shares represented by this proxy will be voted in accordance with the instructions designated on the reverse side. If this proxy is signed and returned without specific instructions as to any item or both items, it will be voted FOR the election of each of the two directors named and FOR the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm.