DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY
ONE COTTON ROW
SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI 38772 USA
(601) 742-4000
January 3, 1997
To Our Stockholders:
You are cordially invited to attend the 1997 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders
of Delta and Pine Land Company, which will be held on Thursday, February 27,
1997, at 10:30 a.m., Central Standard Time, at the Peabody Hotel, 149 Union
Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. All stockholders of record as of January 10, 1997
are entitled to vote at the annual meeting.
We appreciate your confidence in the Company and hope you will attend this
year's Annual Meeting in person.
Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please complete, sign, date and
promptly return the enclosed proxy card to ensure that your shares will be
represented at the meeting. If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person
even if you have sent in your proxy card.
Sincerely,
Roger D. Malkin
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY
ONE COTTON ROW
SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI 38772 USA
(601) 742-4000
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 27, 1997
To the Stockholders of
Delta and Pine Land Company:
The Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Delta and Pine Land Company will be
held at the Peabody Hotel, 149 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, on Thursday,
February 27, 1997, at 10:30 a.m., Central Standard Time, for the following
purposes:
1. to elect two Class I members to the Board of Directors, each to serve
until the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;
2. to amend the Company's 1995 Long-term Incentive Plan ("LTIP");
3. to ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as the independent
public accountants for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1997;
4. to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournments thereof.
The accompanying Proxy Statement contains further information with respect to
these matters.
The stockholders of record at the close of business on January 10, 1997, are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The list of
stockholders will be available for examination for the 10 days prior to the
meeting at Delta and Pine Land Company's Corporate office, One Cotton Row,
Scott, Mississippi 38772.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE,
SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED
IN THE UNITED STATES, IN THE ENCLOSED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jerome C. Hafter
Secretary
January 3, 1997
DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY
ONE COTTON ROW
SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI 38772
(601) 742-4000
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
FEBRUARY 27, 1997
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies
by the Board of Directors (the "Board" or "Board of Directors") of Delta and
Pine Land Company ("D&PL" or the "Company") from stockholders holding shares of
Delta and Pine Land Company Common Stock ("Shares") for use at its Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on February 27, 1997, and at any adjournment
or adjournments thereof. To assure adequate representation at the Annual
Meeting, stockholders are requested to promptly sign and return the enclosed
proxy.
Any stockholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it
is voted. Revocation of a proxy is effective upon receipt by the Secretary of
the Company of either: (i) an instrument revoking it or (ii) a duly-executed
proxy bearing a later date. In addition, a stockholder who is present at the
meeting may revoke the stockholder's proxy and vote in person if the stockholder
so desires. Proxies furnished by stockholders pursuant hereto will be voted;
and, if the person solicited specifies in the proxy a choice with respect to
matters to be acted upon, the Shares will be voted in accordance with such
specification. If no choice is specified, the proxy will be voted FOR approval
of the nominees for directors, FOR the amendment of the LTIP, FOR the
appointment of the independent public accountants named herein, and in the
discretion of the proxy holders with regard to such other business as may come
before the meeting.
The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the
Shares outstanding on January 10, 1997, will constitute a quorum. The Proxy
Statement and the accompanying form of proxy were mailed on or about January 15,
1997 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on January 10,
1997. The transfer agent, Harris Trust and Savings Bank ("Harris"), will
tabulate the votes received prior to the meeting. The Secretary of the Company
and W. Thomas Jagodinski, Vice President-Finance and Treasurer of the Company,
will be appointed as inspectors of the Annual Meeting to count all votes and
ballots and perform the other duties required of inspectors.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on January 10, 1997, are
entitled to vote at the meeting. At that date approximately 21,140,000 Shares
were outstanding. All share references herein reflect stock splits in 1996
having an aggregate effect of a 2:1 stock split. The affirmative vote of the
holders of a plurality of the Shares that are represented in person or by proxy
at the meeting and entitled to vote is required to approve the election of
directors. All matters other than the election of directors submitted to the
stockholders shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast with respect to
such matters. Each Share is entitled to one vote. The Company's stock is traded
on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DLP.
All references herein to a particular year refer to the Company's fiscal
year, which ends or ended on August 31 of the year indicated.
Share Ownership by Principal Stockholders and Management
To the best knowledge of the Company based on information filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the Company's stock records, the
following table sets forth as of November 30, 1996, Shares beneficially owned by
each director, each nominee for director, certain executive officers, any person
owning more than 5% of the Shares individually and by all officers and directors
as a group.
Shares Beneficially Owned
Amount of Percentage
Beneficial of
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Ownership Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (1) .................................................. 2,551,030 12.1
Stephens Group, Inc. (2) ........................................................................ 1,617,692 7.7
Capital Research and Management Company(3) ...................................................... 1,125,400 5.3
Roger D. Malkin (4)(5) .......................................................................... 529,735 2.5
Joseph M. Murphy (6) ............................................................................ 363,899 1.7
F. Murray Robinson (5) ......................................................................... 112,915 *
Jon E.M. Jacoby (7) ............................................................................. 83,153 *
Charles R. Dismuke, Jr. (5) ..................................................................... 51,188 *
Rudi E. Scheidt (8) ............................................................................. 46,188 *
William P. Arnold (5) ........................................................................... 44,079 *
Donald L. Kimmel (5) ............................................................................ 39,922 *
Nam-Hai Chua (9) ................................................................................ 25,599 *
Stanley P. Roth (10) ............................................................................ 15,469 *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group ................................................. 1,433,342 6.8
[15 persons] (11)(12)
* Less than one percent
(1) The mailing address for John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
("Hancock") is: John Hancock Place, 57th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02117.
(2) Certain persons and entities with relations to affiliates of Stephens
Group, Inc., own, in the aggregate, an additional 478,172 Shares. Stephens
Group, Inc., has advised the Company that it does not act in concert with any
such persons or entities and has declined to provide share data with respect to
such other shareholders of the company who were treated by the company as
affiliates in prior years. In addition, Mr. Jacoby, a director of Stephens
Group, Inc., and its subsidiary, Stephens, Inc. owns 83,153 shares . See Note 7
below. The mailing address for Stephens Group, Inc. and affiliates is: 111
Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201.
(3) The mailing address for Capital Research and Management Company is: 333
South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071.
(4) Includes: 521,689 Shares owned beneficially by Roger D. Malkin and
8,046 Shares owned by the estate of Gertrude Malkin, Roger D. Malkin's mother.
Roger D. Malkin and Peter L. Malkin are the executors of Gertrude Malkin's
estate. Roger D. Malkin has shared voting and shared power of disposition
associated with these shares.
(5) The mailing address for Messrs. Malkin, Robinson, Kimmel, Arnold and
Dismuke is: One Cotton Row, Scott, Mississippi 38772.
(6) The Shares indicated are owned by Mr. Murphy's wife. Mr. Murphy
disclaims beneficial ownership of the 363,899 Shares owned by his wife. The
mailing address for Mr. Murphy is: 2687 North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton,
Florida 33431.
(7) Includes:63,921 Shares owned by Jacoby Enterprises, Inc., as to which
Mr. Jacoby has sole power to vote and sole power of disposition; 12,214 Shares
owned by Coral Partners in which Mr. Jacoby is a general partner, as to which
Mr. Jacoby has shared power to vote and shared power of disposition, and 7,018
Shares owned beneficially by Mr. Jacoby. Does not include Shares owned by
Stephens Group, Inc., or other of its affiliates, except Jacoby Enterprises,
Inc., and Coral Partners. See Note 2 above. The mailing address for Coral
Partners, Jacoby Enterprises, Inc., and Mr. Jacoby is: 111 Center Street, Little
Rock, Arkansas 72201.
(8) The mailing address for Mr. Scheidt is: 54 South White Station Road,
Memphis, Tennessee 38117.
(9) These shares are owned by Dr. Chua's wife who is acting as the trustee
for a minor child, and he disclaims beneficial ownership of those Shares. The
mailing address for Dr. Chua is: c/o Laboratory of Plant Molecular Biology,
Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10021-6399.
(10) Consists of 15,469 Shares owned by North American Capital Corporation
("NACC") as to which Mr. Roth has sole power to vote and sole power of
disposition. The mailing address for Mr. Roth is: 510 Broad Hollow Road, Suite
206, Melville, New York 11747.
(11) Includes: 363,899 Shares owned by the wife of Joseph M. Murphy and
8,046 Shares owned by the Gertrude Malkin Estate.
(12) Excludes options for 573,500 shares pursuant to the 1993 Delta and Pine
Land Company Stock Option Plan and options for 263,500 shares pursuant to the
1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
Offices Held with Company;
Name (Age) (1) Position Principal Occupation for Past Five Years
- -------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------
Roger D. Malkin Chairman and Chief Mr. Malkin has served as Chairman and Chief Executive
(65) Executive Officer Officer of D&PL since 1978. Also, he served as Chairman of Southwide,
Inc. ("Southwide"), a Delaware corporation and the former parent of
D&PL, from 1971 through its liquidation in 1993.
F. Murray Robinson President and Chief Mr. Robinson has been employed by D&PL since April
(62) Operating Officer 1988, and he has served as President and Chief Operating Officer since
February 1989. From 1988 until 1989, Mr. Robinson was Executive Vice
President of D&PL. From 1987 to 1988, he directed the International
Division of Agrigenetics Corporation, an agribusiness company with
various seed divisions and biotechnology plant operations. From 1986
to 1987, he was Senior Vice President and acting General Manager of
Agrigenetics. For the period 1981 through 1986, Mr. Robinson served
as Chief Financial Officer of Agrigenetics.
William P. Arnold Vice President- Mr. Arnold has served as the Vice President-International
(50) International since February 1996 and from December 1995 until February 1996 as
Vice President-International Development. From 1992 to 1995, he
served as Vice-President-Corporate Development. From 1985 until 1992,
Mr. Arnold was the company's Vice President- Finance and Chief
Financial Officer. From 1981 to 1985, he served as the Company's
corporate controller.
Harry B. Collins Vice President- Dr. Collins has served as Vice President-Research of
(55) Research D&PL since 1985. Prior to that time, he was a senior soybean breeder
for the Company. Dr. Collins joined D&PL in 1974.
Charles R. Dismuke, Jr. Vice President- Mr. Dismuke has served as Vice President-Operations
(41) Operations since 1989. Mr. Dismuke was a General Manager of one of the
Company's subsidiaries, Greenfield Seed Company, from 1982 until
1989. Mr. Dismuke has been employed by D&PL or one of its
subsidiaries since June 1977.
Edward A. Drummond Vice President- Mr. Drummond has served as Vice President-Quality
(49) Quality Assurance Assurance, since September 1993, and Director of Quality Assurance from
May 1991 to September 1993. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Drummond was
employed from 1989 to 1991 by Terral-Norris Seed Company and by Louisiana State
University from 1980 to 1989.
W. Thomas Jagodinski Vice President- Mr. Jagodinski has served as Vice President-Finance and
(40) Finance and Treasurer since February 1993 and Treasurer and Chief
Treasurer Financial Officer from May 1992 to February 1993. From October 1991 to May
1992, Mr. Jagodinski served as Director of Corporate Accounting, Financial
Reporting and Income Taxes. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Jagodinski
was employed by Arthur Andersen LLP in various capacities since 1983.
Donald L. Kimmel Vice President- Mr. Kimmel has served as Vice President-Marketing
(58) Marketing of D&PL since 1986 and from 1985 to 1986 as its Marketing Manager.
Donald A. Pallin Vice President Mr. Pallin has served as Vice President since February
(59) 1996. Before then he served as Vice President-International from 1989 until
1996. From 1988 until 1989, he served as Vice President-Operations. Prior to
1988, Mr. Pallin served in various capacities with the Company since joining
D&PL in 1981.
Thomas A. Kerby Vice President- Dr. Kerby has served as Vice President-Technical
(52) Technical Services Services since September 1994 and Director of Technical Services from
November 1993, when he joined D&PL, until 1994. Prior to joining the
Company, Dr. Kerby served the cotton industry of California and the
University of California as Extension Cotton Agronomist from 1981
through October 1993.
Jerome C. Hafter Secretary Mr. Hafter has served as Secretary of D&PL since July
(51) 1993, and he served as Assistant Secretary from April 1990 until July
1993. Since 1976, Mr. Hafter has been a partner in Lake Tindall LLP,
D&PL's general counsel; and he has performed legal services for D&PL
since 1983.
(1) As of August 31, 1996.
Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to be Acted Upon
Employees, officers and directors of the Company have an interest in
certain matters being presented for stockholder approval. See Proposal No. 2,
"Amendment to the Company's 1995 LTIP".
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The number of directors is established by the Board of Directors and is
currently set at six (subject to the rights of the holders of any series of
Preferred Stock [of which 450,000 shares of Series M is currently outstanding]
to elect additional directors, under specified circumstances). The Company's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws provide that the Board of
Directors shall be divided into three classes (Class I, Class II, and Class
III), with each class containing one-third, or as close to one-third as
possible, of the total number of directors. Directors are elected at each annual
meeting to succeed those directors whose terms then expire. Directors serve for
terms of three years and until their successors have been duly elected. The
directors chosen to succeed those whose terms are expiring are of the same class
as the director they succeed. Class I Directors were elected at the 1994 Annual
Meeting to serve a term expiring at the 1997 Annual Meeting. Class II Directors
were elected at the 1995 Annual Meeting to serve a term expiring at the 1998
Annual Meeting. Class III Directors were elected at the 1996 Annual Meeting to
serve a term expiring at the 1999 Annual Meeting.
The term of the Class I Directors expires at this 1997 Annual Meeting. The Class
I Directors are to be elected by the stockholders to serve until the 2000 Annual
Meeting and until their successors are elected, and they have agreed so to
serve. The Board of Directors proposes the re-election of the two Class I
Directors listed below:
Offices Held with Company;
Name Principal Occupation
(Year First Elected a Director) for Past Five Years
CLASS I
Nominees for three-year terms expiring at the 2000 Annual Meeting
Stanley P. Roth (1988) Mr. Roth controls and is the Chairman of NACC, a private merchant banking firm,
and has been its President since 1976. Since 1988, Mr. Roth has served as the
Chairman of Royal-Pioneer Industries, Inc., and a director of Hollis
Corporation. Mr. Roth became the Vice Chairman of CPG International, Inc., in
1990 and the Chairman of GPC International, Inc., its successor corporation, in
1994. Mr. Roth is 59 years of age.
Nam-Hai Chua (1993) Dr. Chua has acted as a consultant to D&PL since April 1991. Dr. Chua is the
Andrew W. Mellon Professor and Head of the Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory
of Rockefeller University, New York, New York, and has been with the University
for over 20 years. Also, he is member of the Board of Directors of
BioInnovations of America, an entity owned by the Government of Singapore,
which invests in United States biotechnology companies. Dr. Chua is also a
member of the Board of Directors of DNAP Holdings (formerly DNA Plant
Technology Corporation), whose stock trades on NASDAQ. Dr. Chua also acted as
a scientific consultant to Monsanto Company for matters relating to plant
biology through 1995. Dr. Chua is 52 years of age.
Class II
Directors serving for three-year terms expiring at the 1998 Annual Meeting
Joseph M. Murphy (1992) Since 1987 and February 1993, respectively, Mr. Murphy has been the Chairman of
Value Investors, Inc., a closely-held real estate investment company, and the
Chairman of Country Bank, White Plains, New York. In 1976, Mr. Murphy became a
director of Drexel Burnham Lambert Group, Inc. ("DBLGI") and certain
subsidiaries; and, commencing in 1976, he also served as the president of
Drexel Burnham Lambert Realty, Inc. ("DBLRI"). From 1980 until 1990, when he
resigned, Mr. Murphy was a director and a member of the Executive Committee of
Groupe Bruxelles Lambert. In 1989, Mr. Murphy resigned his various positions
with DBLGI and DBLRI. In 1990, DBLGI filed for reorganization in bankruptcy
and emerged in 1992. DBLRI filed for reorganization in bankruptcy in 1991 and
emerged in 1993. Mr. Murphy was the sole owner and an officer and director of
Hotel Syracuse, Inc., which filed for reorganization in bankruptcy in 1990 and
emerged in June 1993. Mr. Murphy is 61 years of age.
Rudi E. Scheidt (1993) Since 1990, Mr. Scheidt has been a private investor. From 1973 to 1989, he
served as President of Hohenberg Bros. Co., a worldwide cotton merchant,
headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and as its Chairman during 1990. Mr.
Scheidt is a Director of National Commerce Bancorporation, a bank holding
company, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Scheidt is 71 years of age.
CLASS III
Directors Serving three-year terms expiring at the 1999 Annual Meeting
Roger D. Malkin (1978) (See the description of Mr. Malkin's offices with the Company and principal
occupation on Page 5, under "Officers of the Company".)
Jon E.M. Jacoby (1992) Mr. Jacoby has been employed by Stephens, Inc. and Stephens Group, Inc.,
companies that engage in investment banking activities, since 1963 and is
presently a director and officer for each of these companies. Stephens Inc.
and Stephens Group, Inc. are stockholders of D&PL. Mr. Jacoby has been a
director of Beverly Enterprises, Inc., Medicus Systems Corp. and the American
Classic Voyages Co. since 1987, 1991 and 1992, respectively. Mr. Jacoby is 58
years of age.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF
EACH OF THE INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS CLASS I DIRECTORS.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
Board Meetings and Attendance of Directors
The Board of Directors had nine meetings in 1996. All Directors attended at
least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of
Directors held while they were members, and (ii) the total number of meetings
held by all Committees of the Board on which they served as members. The Company
did not have a Nominating Committee in 1996.
Director's Compensation
Each Director receives an annual fee of $25,000 and participation fees of $1,000
for each meeting of the Board of Directors attended. Directors are reimbursed
for actual expenses incurred in connection with attending Board or Committee
meetings. In addition, under the 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended, each
present director was granted an option to purchase 30,000 shares at the fair
market price at the date of grant (June 24, 1994 for present directors and the
date of election for future directors). If Proposal No. 2 is adopted by the
stockholders of the Company, the initial option granted to each new (and
present) director of the Company shall increase by 5,000 shares, and each
director shall be granted options for an additional 1,500 shares in each of the
second through sixth year each director serves as such (or the second through
sixth years from this meeting, for present directors).
Committees of the Board
The Board of Directors has an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee and a
Compensation Committee. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of
the Board of Directors.
Executive Committee
The members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Malkin, Murphy and Roth. This
Committee did not meet during 1996. During the intervals between meetings of the
Board of Directors, the Executive Committee has and may exercise all of the
powers and authority of the Board of Directors, except as limited by law and
except for the power to change the membership or to fill vacancies in the Board
or said Committee. Action taken by the Executive Committee is reported to the
Board of Directors at its first meeting following such action.
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Murphy and Roth. This Committee
met one time in 1996. This Committee: (1) recommends annually to the Board of
Directors the independent public accountants for the Company and its direct and
indirect subsidiaries; (2) meets with the independent public accountants
concerning their audit, their evaluation of the Company's financial statements,
accounting developments that may affect the Company and their nonaudit services;
(3) meets with management concerning similar matters and (4) makes
recommendations to all of the aforesaid groups that it deems appropriate.
Compensation Committee (Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation)
The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Jacoby and Murphy. The
Company is not aware of any conflicts of interests which might be required to be
disclosed. This Committee met one time during 1996. This Committee reviews and
approves annual compensation, including bonuses, for senior management of the
Company and administers the Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended, and
the 1995 Long-term Incentive Plan, including the grant of options thereunder.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee is composed entirely of independent, outside
directors. The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving
the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Malkin, and the other
executive officers of the Company and reviewing and approving stock-based awards
when recommended, including stock options, for each executive officer.
The Company's policy is to pay cash compensation (salary and bonus) in
sufficient amounts so that the Company's officers receive compensation that is
competitive with that paid by other companies of similar size within the seed
industry, after considering cost-of-living factors such as location, as well as
providing long-term incentives based on the performance of the Company. The
long-term incentives are designed to attract and retain key executives by
providing rewards for outstanding performance relative to peer companies. The
Company has followed this policy since 1989.
Salary and Bonus
Salary ranges of executive officers are based on a written job responsibility
measurement system created by an independent, outside salary consultant. This
system is adjusted annually and the results are reviewed by the salary
consultant. This system applies to all employees of the Company, and not just to
the executive officers. Each job responsibility has an established salary range
based on skill level and experience required to perform the duties, along with
the position's level of importance to overall Company operations. Individual
salary ranges are established at levels that provide internal equity, as well as
competitiveness with similar positions in other companies with similar
businesses. Merit salary increases are determined annually based on job
performance and current salary level within the salary range set for that
position. Each executive officer's performance review includes achievement
against an established set of management responsibilities, as well as specific
individual objectives. Objectives relate to the business function of that
respective officer and may include financial performance objectives (i.e.,
achievement of budget goals), as well as other objectives relating to the
individual's particular role in the Company (i.e., market share goals, unit cost
improvement, plant safety record, new product introductions, etc.). The
objectives of each executive officer are set by the Chief Operating Officer
after consultation with the Chief Executive Officer. Each executive officer's
performance is rated by the Chief Operating Officer and is subject to review and
approval by the Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee.
Non-merit increases are a function of inflation and, as a result, in recent
years have been modest.
The method of salary measurement described above also applies to the Chief
Operating Officer and the Chief Executive Officer. Objectives for the Chief
Operating Officer are set by the Chief Executive Officer, and objectives for the
Chief Executive Officer are set by the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive
Officer recommends to the Compensation Committee the salary for the Chief
Operating Officer based on this system. The salary of the Chief Executive
Officer is discussed by the Chief Executive Officer with the Compensation
Committee. Based on such discussions and the salary ranges and objectives
discussed above, the Compensation Committee determines the Chief Executive
Officer's pay.
A bonus pool is created annually based on a specified percentage of pre-tax,
pre-bonus, and pre-pension earnings. Under the Company's incentive bonus
program, the total of bonuses paid in any year is limited to the lowest of two
limitations: (1) the bonus pool reduced by pension costs and (2) the sum of all
performance-based maximum individual awards. The Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Operating Officer can reduce, but may not increase, the overall bonus pool
from the amount calculated using the pre-established formula. The Compensation
Committee, upon the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief
Operating Officer, may also adjust the size of the bonus pool. All positions
eligible for bonus are placed in one of four categories that govern the maximum
bonus available as a percentage of the mid-point of the job's salary range.
These four categories include: (1) Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating
Officer, (2) other executive officers, (3) senior managers and (4) all other
bonus-eligible positions. This maximum is based on the potential impact on the
Company's profit of the job's responsibilities.
Each executive officer's bonus is based on his performance and achievement
against individual goals as described for merit salary increase review.
Performance is expressed as a percentage which, when multiplied by the maximum
bonus available for that job, results in an adjusted performance-based maximum
individual award for that year. All bonus awards to eligible employees are
calculated in this manner, and actual awards are effectively the pro rata share
of the available bonus pool or the performance-based maximum, whichever is less.
Thus, the bonus of each executive officer is dependent on the achievement of the
Company's earnings and the level of performance of each officer against
established managers performance criteria and personal objectives.
The bonus for the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer are
similarly set, based on the individual's job performance. The Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Operating Officer recommend their bonuses to the Compensation
Committee. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the bonus amounts for
the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the other executive
officers and senior management.
Stock Awards
Awards of stock options for each executive officer and other key employees must
first be approved by the Compensation Committee and are granted at the sole
discretion of the Committee. Based on an assessment of competitive factors, the
Compensation Committee determines a suitable award that provides an incentive
for both performance and employee retention purposes.
Chief Executive Officer's Compensation
Mr. Malkin's salary is based on his contribution to the Company. He is entitled
to merit salary increases. These merit increases are determined in accordance
with the procedures and guidelines described above. The Compensation Committee
approved Mr. Malkin's 1996 bonus based on his achievement with respect to the
targeted earnings goal for the Company. Other factors in the Compensation
Committee's decision were Mr. Malkin's leadership in developing the Company's
acquisition strategy (including his active involvement with the purchase of
Hartz Cotton, Inc. and the Sure Grow Companies [Arizona Processing, Inc., Ellis
Brothers Seed, Inc., Mississippi Seed, Inc.]) and international business
activities and his contribution made in developing the market for
biotechnology-enhanced seed. For fiscal 1996, Mr. Malkin's base salary was
$290,000, with a bonus of $220,000.
Compensation Committee
Jon E.M. Jacoby
Joseph M. Murphy
PERFORMANCE OF DELTA AND PINE LAND COMPANY SHARES
The Company's Shares were first publicly traded on June 29, 1993. The following
table shows a comparison of cumulative total return to stockholders for D&PL
Common Stock, the NYSE/AMEX/NASDAQ Market Index and a peer group composed of the
following companies: Pioneer HiBred International, Inc.; DeKalb Genetics Corp.,
Mycogen Corp. and Calgene, Inc. The table assumes $100 invested on June 29,
1993, and the reinvestment of dividends.
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE)
NYSE/AMEX/
Measurement Period ..............................................................Delta and Pine NASDAQ Self-Determined
(Fiscal Year Covered) ...........................................................Land Company Market Index Peer Group
FYE 1991 ........................................................................ -- 80.74 64.55
FYE 1992 ........................................................................ -- 87.45 93.77
FYE 1993 ........................................................................ 121.43 103.87 112.65
FYE 1994 ........................................................................ 148.26 108.38 109.86
FYE 1995 ........................................................................ 273.77 132.12 141.31
FYE 1996 ........................................................................ 472.54 154.76 187.68
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Annual Compensation
The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation paid
to, or accrued for, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Company's four
other most highly-compensated executive officers (the "Named Officers") during
the year ended August 31, :
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long-Term
Name and Compensation All Other
Principal Position Annual Compensation Awards Compensation
Securities
Underlying
Year Salary($) Bonus($) Options (1)
---- --------- -------- ----------------
Roger D. Malkin 1996 290,000 220,000 - $29,000(2)
Chief Executive Officer 1995 250,000 235,000 - 24,000(2)
1994 250,000 180,000 300,000(3) 21,000(2)
F. Murray Robinson 1996 220,000 120,000 - -
President and 1995 170,000 135,000 - -
Chief Operating Officer 1994 170,000 80,000 120,000 -
Donald L. Kimmel 1996 140,000 30,000 - -
Vice President-Marketing 1995 125,000 27,000 - -
1994 125,000 14,400 20,000 -
Charles R. Dismuke, Jr. 1996 140,000 40,000 10,000 -
Vice President-Operations 1995 115,000 35,000 - -
1994 115,000 15,000 30,000 -
William P. Arnold 1996 130,000 35,000 - -
Vice President- 1995 115,000 30,000 - -
International 1994 115,000 20,000 15,000 -
(1) All stock options reflected on a post-split basis.
(2) Directors and attendance fees for service as a director of the Company.
(3) Includes options for 30,000 shares granted by formula to Mr. Malkin in his
capacity as a director of the Company, concurrently with identical grants to all
directors of the Company.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
The only options exercisable into securities of the Company are those
outstanding under the 1993 Stock Option Plan adopted in April 1993 (the A1993
Plan@) and the 1995 Long-term Incentive Plan (the ALTIP@). The Company granted
options for 301,000 shares under the 1993 Plan (such plan now being fully
exhausted), and granted options for 122,499 Shares under the LTIP in 1996. All
options granted under both plans vest 20% per annum commencing on the first day
of the second and each succeeding year following each grant and expire ten years
from the date of grant.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning stock options
granted during 1996:
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1996
Potential Realized Value at
Assumed Annual Rates of Stock
Price Appreciation
Individual Grants for Option Term(1)
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
Percentage of
Number of Total Options
Securities Granted to
Underlying Employees in Exercise Expiration
Name (2) Options Fiscal Year Price Date 0% 5% 10%
- -------- ------------- ------------------------ -------------- ---- -------- -------
Charles R. Dismuke, Jr. 10,000 2.3 $19.00 9/25/06 - $119,000 $303,000
- ------------------------------
(1) The dollar amount under these columns are the result of calculations at 5%
and 10% rates arbitrarily set by the Securities and Exchange Commission and,
therefore, are not intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of
the Company's stock price. Any actual gain or exercise of options are dependent
on the future performance of the Company's stock. (2) No other named officers
were granted options in 1996.
OPTIONS EXERCISED IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth certain information concerning stock option
exercises during 1996 and unexercised options held as of August 31, 1996 for
each of the Named Officers:
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
Number of Securities Underlying Value of Unexercised
Unexercised Options In-The-Money
Shares Gain FY-End Options FY-End(1)
----------- -----------
Acquired on Realized on # # $ $
Exercise Exercise Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
Roger D. Malkin 114,000 $ 2,347,000 6,000 180,000 $ 117,000 $ 3,603,000
F. Murray Robinson 36,000 $ 1,207,000 12,000 72,000 $ 241,000 $ 1,445,000
William P. Arnold -- -- 6,000 9,000 $ 120,000 $ 181,000
Donald L. Kimmel -- -- 8,000 12,000 $ 161,000 $ 241,000
Charles R. Dismuke, Jr. -- -- 12,000 28,000 $ 241,000 $ 455,000
- --------------------
(1) Based on $28 3/8 per share, the August 31, 1996 closing value as quoted
by the New York Stock Exchange.
COMPENSATION PURSUANT TO PLANS
Pension Plan
The Company maintains a noncontributory defined benefit plan (the "Pension
Plan") that covers substantially all full-time employees, including the Named
Officers. All employees of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries, who have
both attained age 21 and completed one year of eligibility service, are eligible
to participate in the Pension Plan. The Pension Plan provides a normal
retirement benefit (if employment terminates on or after age 65) equal to the
sum of: (i) 22.75% of the average compensation [the average of the participant's
five highest consecutive calendar years of earnings, including overtime but
excluding bonuses] reduced by 1/25th for each year of credited service less than
25 at normal retirement; and (ii) 22.75% of average compensation exceeding the
greater of one-half of average social security covered compensation and $10,000,
reduced by 1/35th for each year of credited service less than 35 at normal
retirement.
The following table shows the estimated benefits payable in the form of a
single-life annuity upon retirement in specified average compensation and years
of credited service classifications:
PENSION PLAN TABLE
Years of Credited Service
------- ------- ------- -------
Compensation 15 20 25 30 35
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
25,000 $ 4,505 $ 6,006 $ 7,508 $ 7,872 $ 8,236
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
50,000 10,355 13,806 17,258 18,434 19,611
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
75,000 16,205 21,606 27,008 28,997 30,986
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
100,000 22,055 29,406 36,758 39,559 42,361
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
150,000 33,755 45,006 56,258 60,684 65,111
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
200,000 33,755 45,006 56,258 60,684 65,111
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
250,000 33,755 45,006 56,258 60,684 65,111
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
300,000 33,755 45,006 56,258 60,684 65,111
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
400,000 33,755 45,006 56,258 60,684 65,111
- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
The above estimated annual benefits were calculated by the actuary for the
Pension Plan. Benefit amounts shown are the annual pension benefits payable in
the form of a single-life annuity for an individual attaining the age of 65 in
1996. In addition, such amounts reflect the 1996 maximum compensation limitation
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and are not subject to any
deduction for social security or other amounts.
The estimated years of credited service and eligible average compensation for
each of the Named Officers as of January 1, 1996, the most recent Pension Plan
valuation date, are as follows:
Years of Average Plan
Name Credited Service Compensation
Roger D. Malkin................................ 26 $150,000
F. Murray Robinson............................. 8 148,000
William P. Arnold.............................. 16 104,000
Donald L. Kimmel............................... 10 111,000
Charles R. Dismuke, Jr. ....................... 19 103,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
The Company adopted a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"),
which became effective January 1, 1992, and covers certain management personnel,
including certain of the Named Officers. The SERP provides for payments to
participants in the form of a single-life annuity, or as otherwise provided by
the SERP commencing at age 65 or the participant's postponed retirement date.
The following table sets forth the scheduled estimated annual benefits expected
to be paid pursuant to the SERP to the Named Officers who are currently
participants:
Name Annual Cash Benefit
Roger D. Malkin............................. $12,000
F. Murray Robinson.......................... 29,000
Donald L. Kimmel............................ 12,000
The SERP also provides that on the death of an active employee, the Company will
pay a death benefit to the participant's surviving spouse equal to the actuarial
equivalent of the participant's accrued benefit, which is based upon the
participant's years of service with the Company and the years of service the
participant would have had at age 65, if employment had continued. If a
participant's employment with the Company is terminated prior to age 65 for
reasons other than death, then the participant shall be paid a vested percentage
of his accrued benefit equal to the participant's annual cash benefit above
multiplied by a fraction (not greater than one), the numerator of which is the
participant's years of service as of the date of termination of employment and
the denominator of which is the participant's projected years of service as of
age 65, if employment had not terminated.
Each participant's vested percentage in the SERP is determined as follows:
Number of Years of Service Vested Percentage
1 but less than 2.................................... 20%
2 but less than 3.................................... 40%
3 but less than 4.................................... 60%
4 but less than 5.................................... 80%
5 or more............................................ 100%
Under the terms of the SERP, the Company may discontinue additional eligibility
and planned payments under the SERP at any time.
Defined Contribution Plan
Effective April 1, 1994, the Company established a defined contribution plan
under the rules of Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) [the "401(k) Plan"]. The
401(k) Plan covers substantially all full-time employees. Eligible employees of
the Company and its domestic subsidiaries, who have both attained age 21 and
completed one year of service, may participate in the 401(k) Plan. A participant
may elect to contribute up to 18% of their eligible earnings to the 401(k) Plan.
The 401(k) Plan allows the Company to match a maximum of six percent of eligible
employee contributions. As of August 31, 1996 , the Company has elected not to
match such contributions.
Incentive Plans
The Company maintains two incentive plans that compensate key employees and
directors through the grant of options to buy shares of Common Stock. In July of
1993, the Company adopted the 1993 Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Plan") of which
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors have granted the maximum
number of shares permitted (1,440,000). On October 17, 1995, the Company's Board
of Directors adopted the 1995 Long-term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP") which the
shareholders ratified at the 1996 Annual Meeting. Pursuant to the LTIP, the
Board of Directors may award stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted shares of Common Stock and performance units to officers, key
employees and directors. Under the LTIP, 1,440,000 common shares are available
for grant. As of August 31, 1996, options for 122,499 shares have been granted
under the LTIP.
Under both plans, all options for stock granted vest 20% per annum commencing on
the first day of the second and each succeeding year following each grant and
expire ten years from the date of grant. Shares subject to options and awards
under the LTIP which expire unexercised are available for new option grants and
awards. The number of shares available for grant under the 1993 Plan upon lapses
of options outstanding thereunder will be reduced to zero and the granting of
options thereunder has ceased.
It is proposed that the LTIP be amended in certain respects. See Proposal
No. 2, "Amendment to the Company's 1995 LTIP."
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Consulting Agreement
Nam-Hai Chua earned approximately $6,000 in consulting fees in 1996 associated
with the Company's effort to enter into joint ventures with parties in the
People's Republic of China.
Registration Rights
Hancock has a one-time right to register, under the Act, Shares owned by it on
June 28, 1993, less the number of Shares sold by Hancock in the Company's
initial public offering. All of the expenses of such registration, except for
the cost of printing and Hancock's counsel, will be paid by the Company.
Hancock's registration rights are conditioned on Hancock providing the Company
with a legal opinion that its Shares may not otherwise be publicly sold.
The holder of the convertible Series M Non-Voting Preferred Stock has certain
registration rights associated with the Common Stock into which the Preferred
Stock is convertible. The Preferred Stock is convertible into Common Stock
beginning upon the seventh anniversary of the date on which it was issued or the
occurrence of certain specified events, whichever occurs first.
Future Transactions with Affiliates and Advances
The Company will require that any future transactions between the Company and
persons or entities affiliated with officers, directors, employees or
stockholders of the Company be on terms no less favorable to the Company than
could be obtained in an arm's-length transaction with an unaffiliated party.
Such transactions will also be subjected to approval by a majority of the
non-employee directors of the Company. The Board of Directors has adopted
resolutions prohibiting advances without its approval, except for ordinary
business and travel advances in accordance with the Company's policy.
Section 16(a) Reporting Compliance
Based solely on review of the copies of reporting forms furnished to the
Company, or written representations that no forms were required, the Company
believes that during 1996, all required events of its officers, directors and
10% stockholders to the Securities and Exchange Commission of their ownership
and changes in ownership of Shares [as required pursuant to Section 16(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934] have been filed, except that the following
individuals filed the following number of late events with respect to the
following number of transactions: for Roger D. Malkin, five events; Jon E.M.
Jacoby, four events; F. Murray Robinson, three events; Earl E. Dykes, one
report; Watt A. Ellis, III, one report; W.T. Jagodinski, one report; Thomas A.
Kerby, two events; Edward A. Drummond, two events; and Charles R. Dismuke, one
report. These events were primarily related to gifts of stock and stock option
grants.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S 1995 LTIP
For additional information with respect to the 1995 Long-term Incentive Plan
(the "LTIP"), see above the tables which reflect Option Grants in Fiscal 1996
and Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-end Option
Values, and also Compensation Pursuant to Plans -- Incentive Plans. (Prior
tables in this Proxy Statement include information as to both the Company's 1993
Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Plan")[under which no more option grants can be
made] and the LTIP.) Under the LTIP, stock options have been awarded to key
employees (approximately 107 persons). Pursuant to the LTIP, stock options,
stock appreciation rights, restricted shares of Common Stock and performance
units may be awarded to officers, key employees and directors. Shares subject to
options and awards which expire unexercised are available for new option grants
and awards. Under the existing option plans, each present director was granted a
one-time option exercisable for the purchase of 30,000 Shares, at the market
price for such Shares on the date of grant. If Proposal No. 2 is adopted by the
stockholders of the Company, (i) each present director of the Company shall be
granted an additional option under the LTIP for 5,000 Shares at the date of the
forthcoming Annual Meeting of Stockholders and each present director shall be
granted options for an additional 1,500 Shares at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders in each of the next five years each director serves as such (i.e.,
in the second through sixth years from this meeting), and (ii) each new director
of the Company elected after the adoption of the proposed amendments shall be
granted an initial option under the LTIP for 35,000 Shares at the date of the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders at which such director is first elected, and each
new director shall be granted options for an additional 1,500 Shares at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders in each of the second through sixth years in
which each new director serves as such. These grants would be automatic in each
year, and the options so granted would be Nonqualified Stock Option and would
have exercise prices at the market price established on the date of each future
grant.
The table below indicates grants of stock options under the LTIP as of November
30, 1996 to the Named Executives and others, all of which options are
exercisable at the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant.
LTIP BENEFITS GRANTED TO DATE
Name Position (1) Number of Shares (2)
- ---- ------------ --------------------
Roger D. Malkin Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive 30,000
F. Murray Robinson President and Chief Operating Officer 54,500
Donald L. Kimmel Vice President-Marketing 5,000
Charles R. Dismuke, Jr. Vice President-Operations 14,000
William P. Arnold Vice President-International 20,000
All Current Executives as a Group ( 9 persons) 173,500
Non-Executive Officers Employees as a Group ( 98 persons) 531,999
- -------------------
(1) All employees as a group were granted 263,500 options.
(2) The exercise price of these options is greater than the price of the
Company's common stock at January 10, 1997, for each of the named officers and
in the aggregate for each of the groups.
The following summary of the LTIP is qualified in its entirety by the full text
of the LTIP, a copy of which may be obtained by shareholders of the Company upon
request directed to the Secretary of the Company at the address on the cover of
this Proxy Statement.
The LTIP is to be administered by the Compensation Committee (the "Committee").
Key employees of the Company who are in positions in which their decisions,
actions and counsel who can make substantial contributions to the Company's
profitability and success are eligible to participate in the LTIP.
Stock options may be granted under the LTIP at the discretion of the Committee.
No cash consideration will be received by the Company for the granting of any
option. Stock options may be options which are intended to qualify as incentive
stock options ("Incentive Stock Options") within the meaning of Section 422(b)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or options which
are not intended to so qualify ("Nonqualified Stock Options"). The Committee has
discretion to fix the exercise price of the options, however, the exercise price
for Incentive Stock Options cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value as
of the date of grant. The option exercise price may be satisfied in cash or by
exchanging shares of Common Stock owned by the optionee, or a combination of
cash and shares. The Company may facilitate the cashless exercise of options
through customary brokerage arrangements. If the exercise price is paid by
tendering shares, the Committee, in its discretion, may grant the optionee a new
stock option for the number of shares used to pay the exercise price, the
Committee has broad discretion as to the terms and conditions upon which options
granted shall be exercised. Options have a maximum term of ten years from date
of grant. Options granted to date have a ten-year term and become exercisable on
a cumulative basis in annual installments over a five year period.
Also as provided under the LTIP, persons who become directors of the Company in
the future will receive a one-time formula grant of an option for 30,000 shares
under the LTIP (if Proposal No. 2 is adopted 35,000 Shares initially and 1,500
Shares for next five years).
Stock appreciation rights ("SARs") are rights to receive cash or shares, or a
combination thereof, as the Committee may determine, in an amount equal to the
excess of (i) the fair market value of the shares with respect to which the SAR
is exercised, over (ii) a specified price which must not be less than 100% of
the fair market value of the shares at the time the SAR is granted, or, if the
SAR is granted in connection with a previously issued stock option, not less
than 100% of the fair market value of shares at the time such option is granted.
SARs may be granted in connection with a previously or contemporaneously granted
stock option or independently. No cash consideration will be received by the
Company for the granting of any SAR. If a SAR is granted in relation to a stock
option, (i) the SAR will be exercisable only at such times and by such persons
as the related option is exercisable, and (ii) the grantee's right to exercise
either the related option or the SAR will be canceled to the extent that the
other is exercised. No SAR may be exercised earlier than six months or later
than ten years after the date of grant. The Committee may provide in the SAR
agreement circumstances under which SARs will become immediately exercisable of
any SAR at any time.
Awards of restricted shares under the LTIP may be made at the discretion of the
Committee and consist of shares of stock granted to a participant and subject to
a stock restriction agreement. At the time of an award, a participant has the
benefits of ownership in respect of such shares, including the right to vote
such shares and receive dividends thereon and other distributions subject to the
restrictions set forth in the LTIP and in the stock restriction agreement. The
shares are legended and may not be sold, transferred or disposed of until such
restrictions have elapsed. Upon the expiration, lapse or removal of
restrictions, shares free of restrictive legend will be issued to the grantee.
The Committee has broad discretion as to the specific terms and conditions of
each award, including applicable rights upon certain terminations of employment.
Performance unit awards entitle grantees to future payments based upon the
achievement of pre-established long-term performance objectives. A performance
unit agreement will establish with respect to each unit award (i) a performance
period of not fewer than two years, (ii) a value for each unit which will not
thereafter change or which may vary thereafter pursuant to criteria specified by
the Committee and (iii) maximum and minimum performance targets to be achieved
during the applicable performance period. Under each agreement, the grantee will
be entitled to full value of a unit award for achievement of maximum targets and
a portion of a unit award for performance exceeding minimum targets but less
than maximum targets. The Committee has discretion to determine the participants
to whom performance unit awards are to be made, the times in which such awards
are to be made, the size of such awards and all other conditions of such awards,
including any restrictions, deferral periods or performance requirements.
The Committee has the discretion to provide financing to a participant in a
principal amount sufficient for the purchase of shares pursuant to an award. The
participant, prior to the issuance or transfer of Shares under the LTIP, shall
satisfy any tax withholding obligations, in whole or in part, and may elect to
have the Company withhold shares for the value equal to the amount of taxes
required by law to be withheld.
If a change in control of the Company, as defined in the LTIP, occurs, any SAR
outstanding for at least six months and any stock options awarded and not
previously exercisable and vested will become fully exercisable and vested and
all restrictions applicable to any restricted stock, performance units or other
stock-based awards will lapse.
In the event of any change in the outstanding common stock of the Company by
reason of a stock dividend or distribution, recapitalization, merger,
consolidation, reorganization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or the
like, the Board of Directors, in its discretion, may adjust proportionately the
number of shares which may be issued under the LTIP, the number of shares
subject to outstanding awards and/or the option exercise price of each
outstanding option. (The Board of Directors may also make such other changes in
outstanding options, SAR's, performance units and restricted stock awards as it
deems equitable in its absolute discretion to prevent dilution or enlargement of
the rights of grantees, provided that any fractional shares resulted from such
adjustments will be eliminated.)
The Board of Directors may terminate, amend, modify or suspend the LTIP at any
time, except that the Board of Directors may not, without the authorization of
the holders of a majority of the company's outstanding shares, increase the
maximum number of shares which may be issued under the LTIP (other than
adjustments pursuant to the LTIP), extend the last date on which awards may be
granted under the LTIP, extend the date on which the LTIP expires, change the
class of persons eligible to receive awards, or change the minimum option price.
As previously provided under the LTIP, the LTIP provides that each option
automatically received by each director will be a Nonqualified Stock Option,
which option becomes exercisable twenty percent (20%) per year commencing on the
first day of the second and each succeeding year.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
(1) Options: No income will be realized by an optionee upon the optionee's
purchase of shares pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option. In
order to avail himself of this tax benefit, the optionee must not dispose of the
shares before he has held such shares for at least one year after the date of
exercise and at least two years after the date of grant. Assuming compliance
with this and other applicable tax provisions, an optionee will recognize
long-term capital gain or loss when the optionee disposes of the shares,
measured by the difference between the option price and the amount realized for
the shares at the time of disposition. If the optionee disposes of shares
purchased upon the exercise of the option before the expiration of the
above-noted periods, any amount realized from such disqualifying disposition
will be taxable as ordinary income in the year of disposition to the extent of
the lesser of the amount realized by the optionee in excess of the option price,
or the spread between the option price and the fair market value of the shares
at the time the option is exercised. Any amount realized in excess of the fair
market value of the shares on the date of exercise will be treated as long- or
short-term capital gain, depending upon the holding period of the shares. No
deduction will be allowed to the Company for federal income tax purposes at the
time of the grant or exercise of an Incentive Stock Option. At the time of a
disqualifying disposition by an optionee, the Company will be entitled to a
deduction for the amount taxable to the optionee as ordinary income.
The exercise of a Nonqualified Stock Option will result in the recognition of
ordinary income by the optionee for federal income tax purposes in an amount
equal to the difference between the option price and the fair market value of
the shares acquired upon the exercise of the option. The Company will be
entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of income recognized by the
optionee. Upon the later sale of any shares acquired upon the exercise of a
Nonqualified Stock Option, any amount recognized by the optionee in excess of
the adjusted tax basis (the exercise price) will be treated as long- or
short-term capital gain to the optionee, depending upon the holding period of
the shares.
(2) SARs: A grantee of a SAR will realize ordinary income upon the exercise of a
SAR equaling the amount of cash received or the current fair market value of
stock acquired, and the Company will receive a corresponding deduction. Upon
subsequent disposition of any shares received, any gain or loss will be a long-
or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon the applicable holding period.
(3) Restricted Stock: The federal income tax consequences of restricted stock
awards will depend on the facts and circumstances of each restricted stock
award, and in particular, the nature of the restrictions imposed with respect to
the stock which is the subject of the award. In general, if the stock is subject
to a "substantial risk of forfeiture", i.e., if rights to full enjoyment of the
benefit of ownership of the stock are conditioned upon the future performance of
substantial services by the grantee, a taxable event occurs only when the risk
of forfeiture ceases. At such time, the grantee will realize ordinary income to
the extent of the excess of the fair market value of the stock on the date the
risk ceases over the grantee's cost for such stock, and the Company will be
entitled to a deduction in the same amount. Under certain circumstances, the
grantee can accelerate the taxable event with respect to the stock, in which
event the ordinary income amount and the Company's deduction will be measured as
of the date stock is deemed to have been transferred to the grantee. If the
restrictions with respect to stock which is the subject of a restricted stock
award do not subject the grantee to a "substantial risk of forfeiture" of the
stock, then the grantee will realize ordinary income with respect to the stock
to the extent of the difference at the time of the transfer of the stock to the
grantee between the fair market value of the stock and the grantee's cost
therefor, and the Company will be entitled to a deduction in the same amount.
Subsequent to the determination and satisfaction of the ordinary income tax
consequences, any further gain or loss realized on the subsequent disposition of
such stock will be a long- or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon the
applicable holding period.
(4) Performance Unit Awards: A grantee of a performance unit award will realize
ordinary income upon receipt equaling the amount of cash or the current value of
the stock received, and the Company will receive a corresponding deduction. Upon
subsequent disposition of any shares received, any gain or loss will be a long-
or short-term gain or loss depending upon the applicable holding period.
The foregoing description of tax consequences is based upon present federal
income tax laws and is subject to change as the laws change. The summary does
not cover any State or local tax consequences of participation in the LTIP.
Other Amendments
In order to permit the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors to
conform to current regulations with maximum flexibility under the LTIP, there
are also recommended to the stockholders of the Company the adoption of
amendments to the LTIP which would (i) conform the restrictions on the
composition of the Compensation Committee to both Internal Revenue Service
Regulations requirements and to Securities and Exchange Commission regulations
adopted in 1996, (ii) remove restriction on the amendment of the LTIP as
frequently as necessary (subject to any required stockholder approvals) to
change the nature or amount of automatic grants, and (iii) remove restriction on
the grant of options which are transferable from optionees to their immediate
family members, to trusts for the benefit of family members and to charitable
organizations.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2 TO ADOPT THE AMENDMENT
TO THE LTIP.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Subject to ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting, the Board of
Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has appointed Arthur
Andersen LLP to serve as the Company's independent public accountants for 1997.
Arthur Andersen LLP has served the Company as its independent public accounting
firm since 1984. A representative of Arthur Andersen LLP will be present at the
meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement, if so desired, and
will be available to respond to appropriate questions. If the appointment is not
ratified or if Arthur Andersen LLP becomes incapable of serving in this capacity
or if their employment is terminated, the Board will appoint independent public
accountants whose continued employment after the next Annual Meeting shall be
subject to ratification by the stockholders.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Shares that are
represented in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote is
required to approve this appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF
THE APPOINTMENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANTS FOR 1997.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors knows of no
matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting other
than those mentioned in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters are properly
brought before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the person named in the
proxy will act in respect thereof in accordance with their best judgment.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND COST THEREOF
The expense of soliciting proxies and the cost of preparing, assembling and
mailing material in connection with the solicitation of proxies will be paid by
the Company. In addition to the use of mails, certain directors, officers or
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, who receive no compensation for
their services other than their regular salaries, may solicit proxies. The
Company will reimburse brokerage firms, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries for
their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy materials to
beneficial owners and seeking instruction with respect thereto.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any stockholder proposals to be presented at the 1998 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders must be received by the Company not later than September 17, 1997,
and the proposal must meet certain eligibility requirements of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. Proposals may be mailed to: Secretary, Delta and Pine
Land Company, One Cotton Row, Scott, Mississippi 38772.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Stockholders may obtain a copy of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K
("Report 10-K"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, without
charge (except for exhibits), by contacting: W.T. Jagodinski, Vice
President-Finance, Delta and Pine Land Company, One Cotton Row, Scott,
Mississippi 38772.
Financial Statements meeting the requirements of Regulation S-X are
incorporated herein by reference and can be found in the Company's Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jerome C. Hafter
Secretary