def14a
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 þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Peoples
Financial Corporation
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS:
NOTICE IS GIVEN that, pursuant to a call of its Directors, the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Peoples Financial Corporation (the Company) will be held at The Peoples Bank, Suite 201, 727
Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi, 39530 on April 16, 2008, at 7:00 P. M., local time, for the
purpose of considering and voting upon the following matters:
1. |
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To elect five (5) Directors to hold office for a term of one (l) year, or until their
successors are elected and shall have qualified. |
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To approve the appointment of Porter Keadle Moore, LLP as the independent public accountants
of the Company. |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments
thereof. |
Only those shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2008, shall be entitled
to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND RETURN PROMPTLY THE
ACCOMPANYING PROXY. IF YOU DO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON. THE
PROXY ALSO MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE SECRETARY OF
THE COMPANY OR BY EXECUTION OF A SUBSEQUENTLY DATED PROXY.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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Chevis C. Swetman
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Dated and Mailed at
Biloxi, Mississippi
March 17, 2008
1
PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
I. General
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of
Peoples Financial Corporation (the Company) of Proxies for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to
be held at The Peoples Bank, Suite 201, 727 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi, 39530 on April 16,
2008, at 7:00 P.M., local time, and any adjournment thereof, for the purposes stated in the
foregoing Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Annual Meeting is being held in the
new extension of the Companys principal executive offices, which address is 152 Lameuse Street,
Biloxi, Mississippi, 39530.
Shareholders of record of the Companys Common Stock, at the close of business on February 15,
2008, (the Record Date) are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or
any adjournments thereof. On the Record Date, the Company had outstanding 5,396,415 shares entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting. A majority of the outstanding shares constitutes a quorum. Except in
the election of directors, each share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on
each matter presented at the Annual Meeting for Shareholder approval. Action on a matter is
approved if the votes cast in favor of the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action.
Abstentions are counted for purposes of determining a quorum, but are otherwise not counted.
Any person giving a Proxy has the right to revoke it at any time before it is exercised. A
shareholder may revoke his Proxy (l) by revoking it in person at the Annual Meeting, (2) by
written notification to the Secretary of the Company which is received prior to the exercise of the
Proxy, or (3) by a subsequent Proxy presented to the Company prior to the exercise of the Proxy.
All properly executed Proxies, if not revoked, will be voted as directed. If the shareholder does
not direct to the contrary, the shares will be voted FOR the nominees listed thereon and
FOR each of the proposals described. Solicitation of Proxies will be primarily by mail. Officers,
directors, and employees of The Peoples Bank (the Bank) also may solicit Proxies personally. The
Company will reimburse brokers and other persons holding shares in their names, or in the names of
nominees, for the expense of transmitting Proxy materials. The cost of soliciting Proxies will be
borne by the Company.
The Board of Directors is not aware of any matters other than as set forth herein which are likely
to be brought before the meeting. If other matters do come before the meeting, the person named in
the accompanying Proxy or his substitute will vote the shares represented by such Proxies in
accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors of the Company.
II. Election of Directors
The following nominees have been designated by the Nominating Committee and are proposed by the
Board of Directors for election at the Annual Meeting. The shares represented by properly
executed Proxies will, unless authority to vote is withheld, be voted in favor of these
persons. In the election of directors, each shareholder may vote his shares cumulatively by
multiplying the number of shares he is entitled to vote by the number of directors to be elected.
This product shall be the number of votes the shareholder may cast for one nominee or by distributing this number of votes among any number of nominees. If a shareholder
withholds authority for one or more nominees and does not direct otherwise, the total number of
votes that the shareholder is entitled
2
to cast will be distributed equally among the remaining nominees. Should any of these nominees be unable to accept the nomination, the shares voted in
favor of the nominee will be voted for such other persons as the Board of Directors shall
nominate. Each director is elected to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders
and until his successor is elected and qualified.
The persons who will be elected to the Board of Directors will be the five nominees receiving
the largest number of votes.
Drew Allen
An independent director of the Company since 1996 and of the Bank since 1993. President of Allen
Beverages, Inc., a beverage distributor headquartered in Gulfport, MS. Age: 56
Rex E. Kelly
An independent director of the Company since 2002 and of the Bank since 1996. Retired Business
Executive. Director of Corporate Communications of Mississippi Power Company, a subsidiary of The
Southern Company, Gulfport, MS until 2005. Age: 60
Dan Magruder
An independent director of the Company since 2000 and of the Bank since 1993. Vice Chairman of the
Company board since 2003. President of Rex Distributing Co., a beverage distributor headquartered
in Gulfport, MS. Age: 60
Lyle M. Page
A director of the Company since 2000 and of the Bank since 1973. Partner in law firm of Page,
Mannino, Peresich & McDermott, PLLC, headquartered in Biloxi, MS. Age: 76
Chevis C. Swetman
A director of the Company since 1984 and of the Bank since 1975. Chairman of the Company board
since 1994. President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. Mr. Swetman has
been employed with the Bank since 1971. Age: 59
A majority of the Companys directors are independent as defined in NASDAQ listing standards. No
family relationship exists between any director, executive officer or person nominated to become a
director of the Company with the exception of Messrs. Page and Swetman, who are cousins.
3
III. Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof
On February 15, 2008, the Company had outstanding 5,396,415 shares of its Common Stock, $1.00 par
value, owned by approximately 584 shareholders. The following is certain information about the
shareholders beneficially owning more than five percent of the outstanding shares of the Company.
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Amount and Nature of |
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Name & Address of Beneficial Owner |
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Beneficial Ownership |
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Percent of Class |
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Ella Mae Barq
P. O. Box 1347
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484,891 |
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8.99% |
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Biloxi, MS 39533-1347 |
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Hovde Capital Advisors LLC (1)
1826 Jefferson Place, N.W. |
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273,046 |
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5.06% |
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Washington, D.C. 20036 |
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Peoples Financial Corporation Employee
Stock Ownership Plan (2) |
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450,086 |
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8.34% |
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P. O. Box 529
Biloxi, MS 39533-0529
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Andrew Tanner Swetman (3)
P.O. Box 529 |
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338,858 |
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6.28% |
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Biloxi, MS
39533-0529 |
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Chevis C. Swetman (4)
P. O. Box 529 |
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843,747 |
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15.64% |
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Biloxi, MS 39533-0529 |
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Based upon information contained in Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) on February 12, 2008, Hovde Capital Advisors LLC has shared voting power and
shared dispositive power over shares held by various accounts managed by Hovde Capital Advisors
LLC. |
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Shares held by the ESOP are allocated to the participants account. The participants retain
voting rights and the trustee of the ESOP, The Asset Management and Trust Services Division of The
Peoples Bank, Biloxi, Mississippi, has dispositive powers. |
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Includes shares allocated to Mr. Swetmans Employee Stock Ownership Plan account, of which Mr.
Swetman has voting rights but no dispositive powers, shares allocated to Mr. Swetmans 401(k)
account, of which Mr. Swetman has both voting rights and dispositive powers, shares owned by Mr.
Swetman and his wife jointly, shares owned by Mr. Swetmans IRA account and shares owned by a
private company, in which Mr. Swetman has a 94% ownership interest. |
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Includes shares allocated to Mr. Swetmans Employee Stock Ownership Plan account, of which Mr.
Swetman has voting rights but no dispositive powers, shares allocated to Mr. Swetmans 401(k)
account, of which Mr. Swetman has both voting rights and dispositive powers, shares owned by Mr.
Swetman and his wife jointly, shares owned by Mr. Swetmans IRA account, shares owned by the IRA account of Mr.
Swetmans wife and shares owned by a private company, in which Mr. Swetman and his wife have a 6%
ownership interest. |
4
IV. Ownership of Equity Securities by Directors and Executive Officers
The table below sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Companys Common Stock as of February
15, 2008, by persons who are currently serving as directors, persons nominated for election at the
Annual Meeting and all executive officers named in Section V hereof. Also shown is the ownership
by all directors and executive officers as a group. The persons listed have sole voting and
dispositive power as to all shares except as indicated. Percent of outstanding shares of Common
Stock owned is not shown where less than one percent.
Beneficial Ownership of Equity Securities by Directors and Executive Officers
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Amount and Nature of |
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Percent of Outstanding |
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Beneficial Ownership of |
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Shares of Common |
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Common Stock |
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Stock |
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Drew Allen |
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5,440 |
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A. Wes Fulmer |
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5,577 |
(1 |
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Ann F. Guice |
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12,159 |
(1 |
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Rex E. Kelly |
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1,843 |
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Dan Magruder |
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6,972 |
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(4) |
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Lyle M. Page |
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109,447 |
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(5) |
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2.03% |
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Jeannette E. Romero |
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13,217 |
(1 |
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Thomas J. Sliman |
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21,296 |
(1 |
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Chevis C. Swetman |
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843,747 |
(1 |
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15.64% |
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Robert M. Tucei |
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23,920 |
(1 |
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Lauri A. Wood |
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6,047 |
(1 |
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All directors and
executive officers
of the Company |
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1,049,665 |
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19.45% |
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Participants with shares allocated to their Peoples Financial Corporation Employee Stock
Ownership Plan (ESOP) Account have voting rights but no dispositive powers. Participants with
shares allocated to their Peoples Financial Corporation 401(k) (401(k)) Account have voting
rights and dispositive powers. |
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Includes shares allocated to Mr. Fulmers ESOP account and shares allocated to Mr. Fulmers
401(k) account. |
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Includes shares allocated to Ms. Guices ESOP account and shares owned by Ms. Guices IRA
account. |
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Includes shares owned by Mr. Magruders wife. |
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Includes shares owned by Mr. Page and his daughters jointly, shares owned by Mr. Pages IRA
account and shares held in a trust of which Mr. Page, as trustee, has voting rights and dispositive
powers. |
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Includes shares allocated to Mrs. Romeros ESOP account. |
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Includes shares allocated to Mr. Slimans ESOP account and shares allocated to Mr. Slimans
401(k) account. |
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See Note (4) at Section III. |
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Includes shares allocated to Mr. Tuceis ESOP account. |
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Includes shares allocated to Miss Woods ESOP account. |
5
V. Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The Compensation Committee determines the salaries, bonuses and all other compensation of all
executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer.
The primary responsibility of the Compensation Committee is to aid the Board in discharging its
duties by recommending to the full Board the compensation of the Companys Chief Executive Officer
and other officers of the Company, including the executive officers identified in the Summary
Compensation Tables and other tables on the following pages of this Proxy Statement. The
Compensation Committees goal is to maintain executive compensation that is fair, reasonable, and
consistent with the Companys size and the compensation practices of the financial services
industry. The objective is to attract, develop, and retain high caliber executives who are capable
of optimizing the Companys performance for the benefit of its shareholders while maintaining the
ideals of a community bank offering the highest quality products and services to its customers.
The Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer each provide
information and analysis to the Compensation Committee that is used in determining the executive
officers compensation.
The Compensation Committees considerations consist of, but are not limited to, analysis of the
following factors: financial performance of the Company, including return on assets, return on
equity, and management of assets, liabilities, capital, and risk. Additionally, the Compensation
Committee uses annual compensation surveys to compare the compensation of positions in similar
financial institutions of comparable asset size. Specifically, the Bank Administration Institute
Bank Cash Compensation Survey and the Mississippi Bankers Association Salary Survey are used as
reference material in evaluating the compensation of the executive officers. In determining total
compensation, the Committee also considers performance of the individual executives in areas such
as: the scope of responsibility of the executive; leadership within the Company, the community,
and the financial services industry; achievement of work goals; and whether the Company, under the
executives leadership, has been a good corporate citizen while enhancing shareholder value. All
of these factors are considered in the context of the complexity and the difficulty of managing
business risks in the prevailing economic conditions and regulatory environment. The analysis is
conducted with respect to each of the executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer.
The executive officers compensation for current performance is primarily through cash-based
salaries and bonuses. Other deferred compensation elements, including the Executive Supplemental
Income Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan, are also provided to retain the services of the
executive officers until retirement.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of the Company has reviewed and discussed with management the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement. Based on the Committees
review of and the discussions with management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and
Analysis, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and
Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2007, for filing with the SEC.
This report is presented by the Compensation Committee, consisting of the following persons:
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Rex E. Kelly, Chairman
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Drew Allen
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Dan Magruder
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Chevis C. Swetman (non-voting) |
6
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation
During 2007, no executive officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries served as a member of
the compensation committee (or other board or committee performing similar functions) or the board
of directors of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation
Committee or board of directors of the Company.
Chevis C. Swetman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, serves as a non-voting
member of the Compensation Committee. The independent members of the Committee meet in executive
session, outside of the presence of management, to consider and decide on the compensation for all
executive officers of the Company. There are no employment contracts with the Executive Officers.
Summary Compensation Table
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Change In |
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Pension Value |
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and |
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Nonqualified |
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All Other |
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Compensation |
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Compensation |
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Name and Principal Position |
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Salary |
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Bonus |
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Earnings |
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(1) |
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Total |
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Chevis C. Swetman |
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2007 |
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$ |
255,756 |
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$ |
59,577 |
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$ |
189,940 |
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11,157 |
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$ |
516,430 |
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President and Chief
Executive Officer |
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2006 |
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222,449 |
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58,839 |
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128,201 |
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13,381 |
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422,870 |
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Lauri A. Wood |
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2007 |
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115,454 |
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28,643 |
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26,826 |
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7,819 |
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178,742 |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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2006 |
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105,387 |
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28,288 |
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19,433 |
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7,879 |
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160,987 |
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A. Wes Fulmer |
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2007 |
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140,629 |
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32,080 |
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41,960 |
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8,604 |
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223,273 |
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Executive Vice President |
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2006 |
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119,963 |
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31,683 |
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29,623 |
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8,500 |
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189,769 |
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Thomas J. Sliman |
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2007 |
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116,043 |
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28,643 |
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57,520 |
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7,206 |
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209,412 |
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First Vice President |
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2006 |
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110,199 |
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28,288 |
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40,169 |
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7,602 |
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186,258 |
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Jeannette E. Romero |
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2007 |
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114,826 |
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28,643 |
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85,939 |
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7,160 |
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236,568 |
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Second Vice President |
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2006 |
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108,944 |
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28,288 |
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66,342 |
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7,776 |
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211,350 |
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Includes contributions and allocations to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and the 401(k) Plan. |
7
Salaries and Bonus
In establishing the salary of the Chief Executive Officer for 2007, the Committee primarily
considered Mr. Swetmans performance and the performance of the Company during 2006 and the
compensation levels of chief executive officers of comparable financial institutions. In
considering the performance of the Company, the Committee considered the Companys return on
average assets and asset growth, but utilized no objective criteria. The Committee utilized asset
size peer group compensation data as provided by the Mississippi Bankers Association (MBA) and
the Bank Administration Institute (BAI).
For other executive officers, the Committees recommendation concerning salaries was based upon the
compensation levels of executive officers of comparable financial institutions, the performance of
the Company during 2006 and the individual performance of these officers. The performance of the
Company for purposes of establishing salaries was evaluated based on return on average assets.
Individual performance was measured using criteria such as level of job responsibility,
achievement of work goals and management skills. The Committee also considered asset size peer
group compensation data as provided by the MBA and BAI for executive officers with similar duties
and responsibilities.
The Chief Executive Officer and all other executive officers are eligible to receive a bonus which
is based on the financial performance of the Company. The formula was established by the
Compensation Committee using the Companys return on assets. This bonus is an objective
calculation that is approved by the Compensation Committee.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
The Company maintains an Employee Stock Ownership Plan covering all eligible employees of the
Company. The Board determines the total contribution to the Plan, which is allocated to all participants
based on their compensation.
401(k) Plan
The Company maintains a 401(k) Plan in which eligible employees of the Company may choose to
participate. The Board determines the formula for the matching contribution to the Plan, which is
currently 75% of the employees contribution (up to 6% of compensation).
8
Pension Benefits Table
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Number of |
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Years |
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Present Value of |
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Credited |
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Accumulated |
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Year |
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Plan Name |
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Service |
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Benefit |
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Chevis C. Swetman |
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2007 |
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Executive Supplemental Income Agreement |
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19 |
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$850,902 |
President and Chief
Executive
Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Executive Supplemental Income Agreement |
|
|
18 |
|
|
660,962 |
Lauri A. Wood |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Executive Supplemental Income Agreement |
|
|
15 |
|
|
87,911 |
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan |
|
|
13 |
|
|
6,836 |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Executive Supplemental Income Agreement |
|
|
14 |
|
|
62,112 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan |
|
|
12 |
|
|
5,810 |
A. Wes Fulmer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Executive Supplemental Income Agreement |
|
|
12 |
|
|
116,975 |
Executive Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan |
|
|
11 |
|
|
7,266 |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Executive Supplemental Income Agreement |
|
|
11 |
|
|
76,305 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan |
|
|
10 |
|
|
5,975 |
Thomas J. Sliman |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Executive Supplemental Income Agreement |
|
|
19 |
|
|
559,197 |
First Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan |
|
|
13 |
|
|
68,641 |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Executive Supplemental Income Agreement |
|
|
18 |
|
|
501,677 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan |
|
|
12 |
|
|
68,641 |
Jeannette E. Romero |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Executive Supplemental Income Agreement |
|
|
19 |
|
|
384,617 |
Second Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan |
|
|
13 |
|
|
48,557 |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
Executive Supplemental Income Agreement |
|
|
18 |
|
|
304,265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan |
|
|
12 |
|
|
42,970 |
Executive Supplemental Income Plan
The Company maintains an Executive Supplemental Income Plan (ESI) which provides executives
salary continuation benefits upon their retirement, or death benefits to their named beneficiary in
the event of their death. Executives of the Company and its subsidiary, The Peoples Bank, are
selected to participate in the plan at the discretion of the Board of Directors. All named
executive officers of the Company have been selected to participate in the plan. ESI benefits are
based upon position and salary of the executive at retirement, disability or death. Normal
retirement benefits under the plan are equal to 67% of salary for the President and Chief Executive
Officer, 58% of salary for the Executive Vice President and 50% of salary for the other named
executives at the time of normal retirement, and are payable monthly over a period of 15 years. The
ESI is administered by Clark Consulting, who also provides guidance to the Company relating to the
valuation method and assumptions.
The ESI was established in 1988, at which time Mrs. Romero and Messrs. Swetman and Sliman became
participants. Miss Wood and Mr. Fulmer became participants after their date of hire at the
discretion of the Board.
9
Reduced benefits are available in the event of death, disability, or early retirement. If
separation from service occurs on or after the early retirement date and prior to the normal
retirement date, the Company will pay the executive a reduced benefit. The annual benefit set forth
for normal retirement will be reduced by one-half percent (0.5%) for each month or partial month
between separation from service and the normal retirement date. The benefit will be paid monthly
over a period of 15 years. Benefits will commence on the last day of the month following the
executives separation from service. The early retirement date means the date the executive attains
at least age 55, has at least 15 years of employment at the Company, and has participated in this
plan for a minimum of 5 years. The normal retirement date means the date the executive attains age
65. As of December 31, 2007, Mr. Sliman is the only named executive officer eligible to receive
normal retirement benefits, and Mr. Swetman and Mrs. Romero are the only named executive officers
eligible to receive early retirement benefits, under the ESI Plan.
If separation from service occurs prior to the early retirement date or prior to the normal
retirement date, the Company will pay the executive his or her executive benefit accrual balance as
of his or her separation from service. The benefit will be paid in a single lump-sum within 60 days
of separation from service. As of December 31, 2007, Miss Wood and Mr. Fulmer are the only named
executive officers eligible to receive this benefit.
If an executive becomes disabled prior to the normal retirement date, the Company will pay the
executive his or her annual benefit as defined under normal retirement. The benefit will begin the
last day of the month commencing with the month following the executives normal retirement date
and the benefits will be paid monthly over a period of 15 years.
Upon a change of control prior to separation from service, the Company will pay the executive his
or her annual benefit as defined under normal retirement. The benefit will begin the last day of
the month commencing with the month following the executives normal retirement date, or, for
executives who have already attained their normal retirement date, their separation from service,
and the benefits will be paid monthly over a period of 15 years.
Each named executive officers agreement under the ESI Plan may be terminated by the Company. In
the event the executives agreement under the ESI Plan is terminated, the Company will pay the
executive his or her executive accrual balance as of the termination of the agreement, or, if a
change of control has occurred, the normal retirement benefit. The benefit will begin on the first
date allowable under the ESI Plan and the benefit will be paid over a period of 15 years, or, in
some special circumstances, paid in one lump sum.
If any amount is required to be included in the income of an executive due to a failure of his or
her ESI Agreement to meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, the
executive may petition the plan administrator for a distribution of that portion of his or her
executive benefit accrual that is required to be included in the executives income. Upon the grant
of such a petition, which will not be unreasonably withheld, the Company will distribute to the
executive an amount equal to the portion of the executive benefit accrual required to be included
in his or her income, which amount cannot exceed the executives unpaid executive benefit accrual.
Any distribution will affect and reduce the executives benefits to be paid under his or her ESI
Agreement.
The benefits will be paid out of the general assets of the Company. The Company has elected to
purchase life insurance contracts, more specifically Bank Owned Life Insurance, each of which it
may use as a source to fund these future benefits. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of
these life insurance policies, which is a general asset of the Company.
10
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company maintains a Deferred Compensation Plan for those executives of the Bank holding the
title of vice president, senior vice president or executive vice president and approved for
participation in the plan by the Board of Directors. The Plan provides each selected executive a
fixed benefit upon his or her early retirement, normal retirement or disability, or a death benefit
to a named beneficiary in the event of the executives death. The benefits under the plan are
$10,000 per year for 10 years, payable annually, upon the executives early retirement, normal
retirement or disability and, in the event of an executives death, the benefits will be paid to
his or her beneficiary in annual payments. Should the executive separate from service prior to his
or her early retirement, normal retirement, disability or death, he or she forfeits all benefits
under the plan. In addition, if within three years following his or her termination of employment,
an executive becomes engaged in the banking business within a certain geographic area around the
Company, the executive will forfeit all benefits under the plan.
The Company has purchased life insurance contracts which it may use as a source to fund these
future benefits. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of these life insurance policies, each of
which is a general asset of the Company.
The Deferred Compensation Plan was established in 1992, at which time Miss Wood, Mr. Sliman and
Mrs. Romero became participants. Mr. Fulmer became a participant in 1996 when he was promoted to
Vice President of the Bank.
If separation from service occurs prior to an executives normal retirement date, the executive
will be entitled to full benefits provided he or she has met the early retirement eligibility. The
early retirement date means the date the executive attains at least age 55 and has at least 10
years of employment at the Company. The normal retirement date means the date the executive attains
age 65. As of December 31, 2007, Mr. Sliman and Mrs. Romero are the only named executive officers
eligible to receive benefits under the Deferred Compensation Plan.
If an executive becomes disabled, the executive is entitled to full benefits under the Deferred
Compensation Plan.
In the event of a change of control, unless the Deferred Compensation Plan is terminated by the
transferee, purchaser or successor entity within 120 days of the change of control, no executive
will be entitled to a distribution under this plan as a result of the change in control. If the
Deferred Compensation Plan is terminated within 120 days of a change of control, then each
executive will become immediately eligible to receive the present value of his or her benefits
under this plan. In addition, in the event the Deferred Compensation Plan is continued but an
executive is involuntarily terminated within 180 days of a change of control, the terminated
executive will be eligible to receive his or her benefits under this plan. Such benefits shall be
calculated by taking the present value of the benefits provided and such benefits will be paid in a
lump sum within 180 days of the change in control.
Split Dollar Agreement
The Company owns endorsement split dollar policies, of which the Bank is the owner and beneficiary,
which provides a guaranteed death benefit of $150,000 to Chevis Swetmans beneficiaries. At December 31,
2007, the Company had not accrued a liability for this benefit.
11
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registrant |
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions |
|
Earnings |
|
Balance at |
Name |
|
Year |
|
During Year |
|
During Year |
|
December 31, |
|
Chevis C. Swetman |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
145,116 |
|
|
$ |
44,824 |
|
|
$ |
850,902 |
(1) |
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
86,844 |
|
|
|
41,357 |
|
|
|
660,962 |
(1) |
Lauri A. Wood |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
21,372 |
|
|
|
4,427 |
|
|
|
87,911 |
(1) |
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,027 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,837 |
(2) |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
14,880 |
|
|
|
3,635 |
|
|
|
62,112 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
918 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,810 |
(2) |
A. Wes Fulmer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
34,980 |
|
|
|
5,690 |
|
|
|
116,975 |
(1) |
Executive Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,290 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,265 |
(2) |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
24,240 |
|
|
|
4,248 |
|
|
|
76,305 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,135 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,975 |
(2) |
Thomas J. Sliman |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
25,860 |
|
|
|
31,660 |
|
|
|
559,197 |
(1) |
First Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,641 |
(2) |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
6,588 |
|
|
|
33,581 |
|
|
|
501,677 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,641 |
(2) |
Jeannette E. Romero |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
59,916 |
|
|
|
20,436 |
|
|
|
384,617 |
(1) |
Second Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,587 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,557 |
(2) |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
42,288 |
|
|
|
18,957 |
|
|
|
304,265 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,970 |
(2) |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Executive Supplemental Income Plan |
|
(2) |
|
Deferred Compensation Plan |
Directors Compensation
During 2007, directors who are employees of the Bank did not receive any compensation for serving
on the Board of the Bank or the Company or on any Board committee. All non-employee directors received
an annual retainer of $3,500. Non-employee directors additionally receive $500 per board meeting
attended and $300 per committee meeting attended. The chairman of the audit committee received
$500 per audit committee meeting attended. The chairman of all other committees received $400 per
committee meeting attended. The Company offers a Directors Deferred Income Plan whereby directors
of the Company and the Bank are given an opportunity to defer receipt of their annual directors
fees until age sixty-five. For those
12
who choose to participate, benefits are payable monthly for
10 years beginning on the first day of the month following the later of the directors normal
retirement age or separation from service. Normal retirement age is 65. The amount of the benefit
will vary depending on the fees the director has deferred and the length of time the fees have been
deferred. Interest on deferred fees accrues at an annual rate of 10%, compounded annually. After
payments have commenced, interest accrues at an annual rate of 7.50%, compounded monthly. In the
event of the directors death, benefits are payable to the directors named beneficiary. The
Company has purchased life insurance contracts which it may use as a source to fund these future
benefits. The Company is the owner and beneficiary of these life insurance policies, each of which
is a general asset of the Company.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned |
|
Nonqualified Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid In |
|
Compensation |
|
|
Name |
|
Year |
|
Cash |
|
Earnings |
|
Total |
|
Drew Allen |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
22,600 |
|
|
$ |
7,010 |
|
|
$ |
29,610 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
15,400 |
|
|
|
4,916 |
|
|
|
20,316 |
|
Rex E. Kelly |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
23,600 |
|
|
|
10,920 |
|
|
|
34,520 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
13,400 |
|
|
|
8,616 |
|
|
|
22,016 |
|
Dan Magruder |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
20,200 |
|
|
|
13,873 |
|
|
|
34,073 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
12,100 |
|
|
|
11,558 |
|
|
|
23,658 |
|
Lyle M. Page |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
21,200 |
|
|
|
13,939 |
|
|
|
35,139 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
15,500 |
|
|
|
15,908 |
|
|
|
31,408 |
|
Chevis C. Swetman |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,282 |
|
|
|
32,282 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,030 |
|
|
|
30,030 |
|
In prior years, Mr. Swetman had received fees for serving on the Board of Directors and had
deferred such fees under the Directors Deferred Income Plan.
VI. Transactions With Management
No officer, director, their related entities, or their immediate family members have been indebted
to the Company at any time during 2007. However, the Bank has had in the past, now has, and expects
to have in the future, banking transactions in the ordinary course of its business with directors,
officers, principal shareholders and their related entities and immediate family members. These
transactions are on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the same time for
comparable transactions with others, and do not involve more than normal risks of collectability or
present other unfavorable features. Other than these transactions, there were no material
transactions with any such persons during the year ended December 31, 2007.
Lyle M. Page is a partner with Page, Mannino, Peresich & McDermott, PLLC, which provides legal
counsel to the Company.
13
VII. Other Information Concerning Directors
The Company has an Audit Committee, which is currently composed of independent directors (as
the term independent is defined by NASDAQ listing standards) Drew Allen, Rex E. Kelly and Dan
Magruder. The Companys Board of Directors has determined that Drew Allen is an audit committee
financial expert as that term is defined in pertinent NASDAQ listing standards. The Board based
its determination on the experience of Mr. Allen as the chief executive officer of his company.
Mr. Allen also serves as chairman of the Audit Committee, which met eight times during 2007. The
Audit Committee may, from time to time, call upon certain advisors or consultants as it deems
necessary. The Audit Committee acts pursuant to its Audit Committee Charter. The Audit Committee
submits its report to the shareholders at Section XI below. The Audit Committees Charter is
available for review on the Companys website at
www.thepeoples.com.
The Compensation Committee determines the salary and benefits for the executive officers of the
Company. The Committee, composed of independent Company directors Drew Allen, Rex E. Kelly and Dan
Magruder and non-voting member Chevis C. Swetman, met two times during 2007 to review the executive
officers performance and approve bonuses for the preceding year and salaries for the upcoming
year. Mr. Kelly serves as chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee
submits its report to the shareholders at Section V above. The Compensation Committees Charter is
available for review on the Companys website at
www.thepeoples.com.
The Company has a Nominating Committee composed of independent directors Drew Allen, Rex E. Kelly
and Dan Magruder. Mr. Magruder serves as chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating
Committee acts pursuant to a charter which is available on the Companys website
www.thepeoples.com. The Nominating Committee did not meet during 2007, but met one time
during 2008 to nominate individuals to stand for election as directors of the Company.
Since the Company was founded in 1984, there has never been a conflict or dispute regarding
director nominations. Accordingly, the Company does not feel that it is necessary at this time to
provide a process whereby nominations may be made directly to the Nominating Committee, and the
Committee does not have a policy for considering candidates recommended by shareholders. However,
in accordance with the Companys by-laws, shareholders may make nominations for election to the
Board by delivering written nominations to the Companys President not less than 14 days or more
than 50 days prior to the meeting when the election is to be held. If the Company does not give at
least 21 days notice of the meeting, shareholders are allowed to make nominations by mailing or
delivering same to the President not later than the close of business on the seventh day following
the day on which the notice of meeting is mailed. The Company welcomes nominations from its
shareholders; however, nominations not made in accordance with the by-laws may be disregarded by
the Chairman of the meeting. The Company has never received nominations from shareholders.
Shareholder nominations shall include 1) the name, age, business address and residence address of
the nominee, 2) the principal occupation or employment of the nominee, 3) the number of shares of
the Companys common stock which are beneficially owned by the nominee, 4) written consent from the
potential nominee, and 5) other information relating to the nominee that may be required under
federal law and regulations governing such interests. The written notice shall also include the 1)
name and address of the shareholder making the nomination, and 2) the number of shares of the
Companys common stock which are beneficially owned by the shareholder making the nomination.
In its Nominating Committee Charter, the Company sets forth the criteria for selecting individuals
to be nominated for election to the Board of Directors. It is the Companys intention that all
nominees, including those recommended by shareholders, be considered using this same criteria.
Further, it is the Companys
14
intention that
the minimum qualifications for nominees be those individuals who have an understanding of the
Companys role in the local economy and who have demonstrated integrity and good business judgment.
The Committee is encouraged to consider geographic and demographic diversity among candidates with
financial, regulatory and/or business experience, but not so as to compromise the goal of
attracting the most qualified individual candidates.
There were four meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company held during 2007. All directors
attended 75% or more of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the total number
of meetings held by the committees on which they served.
The Company has implemented a shareholder communication process to facilitate communications
between shareholders and the Board of Directors. Any shareholder of the Company who wishes to
communicate with the Board of Directors, a committee of the Board, the independent directors as a
group, or any individual member of the Board, may send correspondence to Greg M. Batia, Vice
President and Auditor, P. O. Box 1172, Biloxi, MS 39533-1172, or at his e-mail address:
gbatia@thepeoples.com. Mr. Batia will compile and submit on a periodic basis all
shareholder correspondence to the entire Board of Directors, or, if and as designated in the
communication, to a committee of the Board, the independent directors as a group or an individual
Board member.
The Company does not have a written policy that members of the Board of Directors attend the annual
meeting of shareholders, but they are encouraged to do so. Three of the directors of the Company
were in attendance at the 2007 annual meeting.
VIII. Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Directors, executive officers of the Company and holders of more than 10 percent of the Companys
outstanding shares are required to file reports under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. Federal regulations require disclosure of any failures to file these reports on a timely
basis. The Company believes that during 2007 its officers, directors and greater than 10 percent
beneficial owners complied with all filing requirements.
15
IX. Executive Officers
The following sets forth certain information with respect to the executive officers of the Company
who are not also directors as of December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
Name (Age) |
|
Position |
|
A. Wes Fulmer (48)
|
|
Executive Vice-President, Peoples Financial
Corporation since 2006; Vice President and
Secretary, Peoples Financial Corporation 1997 -
2006; Executive Vice President, The Peoples Bank,
since 2006; Senior Vice President, The Peoples
Bank, 1997 2006 |
|
|
|
Thomas J. Sliman (71)
|
|
First Vice President, Peoples Financial
Corporation, since 2000; Second Vice President,
Peoples Financial Corporation 1985 1999; Senior
Vice President, The Peoples Bank, since 1988 |
|
|
|
Jeannette E. Romero (62)
|
|
Second Vice President, Peoples Financial
Corporation since 2000; First Vice President,
Peoples Financial Corporation 1994 1999; Senior
Vice President, The Peoples Bank, since 1990 |
|
|
|
Robert M. Tucei (61)
|
|
Vice President, Peoples Financial Corporation
since 1995; Senior Vice President, The Peoples
Bank, since 1988 |
|
|
|
Lauri A. Wood (46)
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Controller, Peoples
Financial Corporation since 1994; Senior Vice
President/Cashier, The Peoples Bank since 1996 |
|
|
|
Ann F. Guice (60)
|
|
Vice President and Secretary, Peoples Financial Corporation, since 2006; Senior
Vice President, The Peoples Bank, since 2006 |
X. Independent Public Accountants
Piltz, Williams, LaRosa & Company (Piltz) had served as the independent accounting firm for the
Company from 1984 and had been appointed for 2006. In April of 2006, Piltz notified the Company of
their intention to resign from our engagement as a result of internal staffing issues. Piltz
officially resigned as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company on August
9, 2006. The audit report of Piltz, Williams, LaRosa & Company on the consolidated financial
statements of Peoples Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December
31, 2005 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or
modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. In connection with the audit of
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, and the subsequent interim period through August 9, 2006,
there were no disagreements with Piltz on any matter of accounting principles or practices,
financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements if not
resolved to their satisfaction would have caused them to make reference in connection with their
opinion to the subject matter of the disagreement.
16
Piltz provided a letter of concurrence, pursuant
to Item 304(a)(3) of Regulation S-K, stating their agreement with the above statements
as an exhibit to Form 8-K filed by us on August 9, 2006.
Porter Keadle Moore, LLP (PKM) of Atlanta, Georgia, has served as the independent accounting firm
for the Company since August of 2006. The Board of Directors has appointed PKM as auditors for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.
The Company has been advised that neither the firm nor any of its partners has any direct or any
material indirect financial interest in the securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
except as auditors and consultants on accounting procedures and tax matters. The Board does not
anticipate that representatives of PKM will attend the Annual Meeting.
Although not required to do so, the Board of Directors has chosen to submit its appointment of
Porter Keadle Moore, LLP for ratification by the Companys shareholders. It is the intention of the
persons named in the PROXY to vote such Proxy FOR the ratification of this appointment. If this
proposal does not pass, the Board of Directors will reconsider the matter.
XI. Audit Committee Report
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, whose responsibilities are set forth in
the Audit Committee Charter. All members of the Audit Committee are deemed to be independent, as
such term is defined in the NASDAQ listing standards. The Audit Committee oversees the operation
of the Companys Audit Department. The Audit Committee also periodically meets with the
independent public accountants for the Company and its subsidiaries, and makes recommendations to
the Board of Directors concerning any matters related to the independent public accountants.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management.
The Audit Committee has also discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be
discussed by SAS 61, as amended by SAS 90. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent
auditors the auditors independence, and has received the written disclosures and the letter from
the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board, Standard No. 1. The Audit
Committee has considered whether the independent auditors provision of non-audit services is
compatible with maintaining the auditors independence.
The Audit Committee has discussed with management and the independent auditors the process used for
certifications by the Companys chief executive officer and chief financial officer which are
required for certain periodic filings by the Company with the SEC. The Board of Directors
maintains an Audit Committee Charter, which meets the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, and rules promulgated by the SEC.
Based upon the reviews and discussions with management and the independent auditors as referenced
above, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the financial statements
be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 for
filing with the SEC.
This report is presented by the Audit Committee, consisting of the following persons:
Drew Allen, Chairman Rex E. Kelly Dan Magruder
17
XII. Independent Accountants Fees
The Companys Audit and Non-Audit Service Pre-Approval Policy stipulates that all services provided
by the independent accountants are subject to specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. During
2007, the Company was in compliance with this Policy.
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by PKM for the years ended December 31,
2007 and 2006 for professional services rendered for: Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees and
All Other Fees. Audit Fees includes aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by
PKM for the audit of the Companys annual consolidated financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006, including the audit of internal controls over financial reporting,
review of the annual report on Form 10-K and reviews of quarterly consolidated financial statements
included in periodic reports filed with the SEC during 2007 and 2006, including out of pocket
expenses. Audit-Related Fees include fees billed for professional services rendered by PKM during
the year ended December 31, 2007, which relate to the audit of the Companys employee stock
ownership and 401(k) plans for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. Tax Fees include the
aggregate fees billed for tax services rendered by PKM during the year ended December 31, 2007.
These services consisted of tax compliance and tax consultation services. There were no other fees
paid to PKM during 2007 and 2006.
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Audit Fees |
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Audit-Related Fees |
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Tax Fees |
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2007 |
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$ |
244,126 |
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$ |
28,500 |
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$ |
19,950 |
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2006 |
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208,158 |
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XIII. Proposals of Shareholders
In order for a shareholder proposal to be included in a Proxy Statement and form of Proxy prepared
by the Board of Directors, it must meet the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and be received at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than 120
days in advance of the date the previous years Proxy Statement and form of Proxy were mailed to
shareholders. Thus, a shareholder proposal must be received before November 18, 2008 in order to
be included in the Proxy Statement and form of Proxy for the 2009 annual meeting.
In accordance with the Companys by-laws, shareholders may make proposals for consideration at the
annual meeting by delivering their written proposal to the Companys President not less than 14
days or more than 50 days prior to the 2009 annual meeting. If the Company does not give at least
21 days notice of the meeting, shareholders are allowed to make proposals by mailing or delivering
their proposal to the President not later than the close of the business on the seventh day
following the day on which the notice of meeting is mailed.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Chevis C. Swetman |
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Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
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18
PROXY
PEOPLES FINANCIAL CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
April 16, 2008
The undersigned hereby appoint(s) Chevis C. Swetman, the true and lawful attorney-in-fact for
the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote as proxy for the undersigned at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Peoples Financial Corporation (the Company) to be held at
The Peoples Bank, Suite 201, 727 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi, 39530, at 7:00 P.M., local
time, on April 16, 2008, and at any and all adjournments thereof, the number of shares which the
undersigned would be entitled to vote if then personally present, for the following purposes:
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1. |
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The election of the following five persons as directors.
(INSTRUCTIONS: AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY NOMINEE MAY BE WITHHELD BY LINING THROUGH
OR OTHERWISE STRIKING OUT THE NAME OF ANY NOMINEE.) |
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Drew Allen |
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Rex E. Kelly |
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Dan Magruder |
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Lyle M. Page |
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Chevis C. Swetman |
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For all nominees except as indicated |
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Against all nominees |
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2. |
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To approve the appointment of Porter Keadle Moore, LLP as the independent
registered public accounting firm for the Company. |
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Approve |
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Disapprove |
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Abstain |
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3. |
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Transaction of such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournments thereof. |
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Approve |
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Abstain |
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THIS PROXY, WHICH IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY, WILL BE VOTED
FOR THE ABOVE PROPOSALS, UNLESS A CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED, IN WHICH CASE IT WILL BE
VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF AUTHORITY IS GRANTED PURSUANT TO PROPOSAL 3 ABOVE, THE PROXIES INTEND TO
VOTE ON ANY OTHER BUSINESS COMING BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTION OF
A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY.
Please date the Proxy and sign your name exactly as it appears on the stock records of the
Company. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full titles as such. If signed as a
corporation or other entity, please sign in entitys name by authorized person.
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Signature |
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Signature |
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Date |
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Number of Shares |
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