Worthington Industries, Inc. DEF 14A
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant x
Filed by a Party other than the Registranto
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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 |
WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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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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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state
how it was determined): |
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Total fee paid: |
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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 filing. |
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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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Filing Party: |
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Date Filed: |
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August 23, 2006
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200 Old Wilson Bridge Road |
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Columbus, OH 43085 |
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
The 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Worthington Industries, Inc. (the Company) will
be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2006, at Worthington Industries Headquarters, 200 Old Wilson
Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085, beginning at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, for the
following purposes:
(1) To elect four directors, each to serve for a term of three years;
(2) To approve the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for
Non-Employee Directors;
(3) To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public
accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2007; and
(4) To transact any other business which properly comes before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on August 1, 2006, the record date, are
entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.
Please read the enclosed Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the accompanying Proxy
Statement carefully. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, I urge you to
participate by completing, signing, dating, and returning your proxy card in the enclosed envelope.
The prompt return of your proxy card will help ensure that as many Common Shares as possible are
represented at the Annual Meeting. Alternatively, registered shareholders may transmit voting
instructions for their Common Shares electronically through the Internet or by telephone by
following the simple instructions on the proxy card. For those shareholders unable to attend the
Annual Meeting, a live audio webcast will be available via Internet link at
www.worthingtonindustries.com.
Your continuing interest in our Company is greatly appreciated and, on behalf of the Board of
Directors and management, I look forward to personally greeting those shareholders able to attend
the Annual Meeting.
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Sincerely, |
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/s/ John P. McConnell |
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JOHN P. McCONNELL |
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Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held On Wednesday, September 27, 2006
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Worthington
Industries, Inc. (the Company) will be held at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on Wednesday,
September 27, 2006, at Worthington Industries Headquarters located at 200 Old Wilson Bridge Road,
Columbus, Ohio 43085. For those shareholders unable to attend in person, a live audio webcast will
be available via Internet link at www.worthingtonindustries.com. The Annual Meeting is being held
for the following purposes:
(1) To elect four directors, each to serve for a term of three years;
(2) To approve the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for
Non-Employee Directors;
(3) To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public
accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2007; and
(4) To transact any other business which properly comes before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment.
Only shareholders of record, as shown by the transfer books of the Company, at the close of
business on August 1, 2006, are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.
A copy of the Companys 2006 Annual Report accompanies this notice.
Please use this opportunity to take part in the affairs of the Company by voting on the
business to come before the Annual Meeting. WHETHER YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OR NOT,
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID
ENVELOPE. ALTERNATIVELY, REFER TO THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROXY CARD TO TRANSMIT YOUR VOTING
INSTRUCTIONS ELECTRONICALLY VIA THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE. Returning the proxy card or
transmitting your voting instructions electronically does not deprive you of your right to attend
the Annual Meeting and to vote your Common Shares in person in respect of the matters to be acted
upon at the Annual Meeting.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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/s/ Dale T. Brinkman |
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Dale T. Brinkman |
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Secretary |
August 23, 2006
WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
200 Old Wilson Bridge Road
Columbus, Ohio 43085
(614) 438-3210
PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Proxy Statement, along with the enclosed proxy card, are being furnished to shareholders
of Worthington Industries, Inc. (the Company) in connection with the solicitation of proxies, on
behalf of the Board of Directors (the Board), for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
held on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 (the Annual Meeting), or any adjournment. The Annual
Meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at Worthington Industries Headquarters
located at 200 Old Wilson Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085. Only shareholders of record at the
close of business on August 1, 2006 (the Record Date) are entitled to receive notice of, and to
vote at, the Annual Meeting. The Company is first sending or delivering this Proxy Statement and
the accompanying proxy card to those shareholders on or about August 23, 2006. The total number of
issued and outstanding Common Shares on the Record Date entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting was
88,807,354. Each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each Common Share held, and there are no
cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
As used herein, the term Company means Worthington Industries, Inc. or, where appropriate,
Worthington Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The term Common Shares means the Companys
common shares, without par value.
To ensure your Common Shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting, please complete, sign, date
and promptly return the enclosed proxy card. A return envelope, which requires no postage if
mailed in the United States, has been provided for your use. Alternatively, shareholders may
transmit voting instructions electronically via the Internet or by using the toll-free telephone
number listed on the proxy card. The deadline for transmitting voting instructions electronically
via the Internet or telephonically is 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on September 26, 2006.
The Internet and telephone voting procedures are designed to authenticate shareholders identities,
to allow shareholders to give their voting instructions, and to confirm that shareholders voting
instructions have been properly recorded. Shareholders voting through the Internet should
understand that there may be costs associated with electronic access, such as usage charges from
Internet access providers and telephone companies, that they will bear.
Those Common Shares represented by properly executed proxy cards or properly authenticated
voting instructions recorded electronically via the Internet or by telephone, that are received
prior to the Annual Meeting and not revoked, will be voted as directed by the shareholder. The
Common Shares represented by all valid forms of proxy received prior to the Annual Meeting which do
not specify how the Common Shares should be voted will be voted as recommended by the Board, except
in the case of broker non-votes, where applicable, as follows: (i) FOR the election of each of the
four nominees of the Board listed below under the caption PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS;
(ii) FOR the approval of the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for
Non-Employee Directors described below under the caption PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF THE WORTHINGTON
INDUSTRIES, INC. 2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS; and (iii) FOR the
ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting
firm for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2007, described below under the caption PROPOSAL 3:
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM. No appraisal rights
exist for any action proposed to be taken at the Annual Meeting.
2
Proxies will be solicited by mail and may be further solicited by additional mailings,
personal contact, telephone, electronic mail, facsimile or telegraph by directors, officers and
employees of the Company, none of whom will receive additional compensation for such solicitation
activities. In addition, the Company has retained Morrow & Company, Inc. to aid in the
solicitation of proxies with respect to Common Shares held by broker/dealers, financial
institutions and other custodians, fiduciaries and nominees, for a fee of approximately $2,000 plus
out-of-pocket expenses. The Company will reimburse its transfer agent, National City Bank, as well
as broker/dealers, financial institutions and other custodians, fiduciaries and nominees, who are
record holders of Common Shares not beneficially owned by them, for their reasonable costs in
forwarding proxy materials to, and obtaining proxies from, the beneficial owners of the Common
Shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The Company will bear the costs of preparing,
assembling, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement, the accompanying proxy card and any other
related materials, as well as all other costs incurred in connection with the solicitation of
proxies on behalf of the Board, other than the Internet access fees and telephone service fees
described above.
If you hold your Common Shares in street name with a broker/dealer, financial institution or
other holder of record, you may be eligible to appoint your proxy electronically via the Internet
or telephonically, but are urged to carefully review the information provided to you by the holder
of record. This information will describe the procedures to be followed in instructing the holder
of record how to vote the street name Common Shares and how to revoke previously-given
instructions. If you hold your Common Shares in street name and do not provide voting
instructions to your broker/dealer, within the required time frame before the Annual Meeting, your
broker/dealer will have the discretion to vote your Common Shares on matters that the New York
Stock Exchange (NYSE) has determined are routine such as the uncontested election of directors
and the ratification of the selection of the Companys independent registered public accounting
firm. Your broker/dealer cannot, however, vote your Common Shares in respect of the proposal to
approve the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors
without instructions from you.
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is actually voted at the Annual Meeting by
giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Company, by accessing the Internet site
or using the toll-free number stated on the proxy card and electing revocation as instructed or, if
you are a registered shareholder, by attending the Annual Meeting and giving notice of revocation
in person. You may also change your vote by choosing one of the following options: executing and
returning to the Company a later-dated proxy card; voting in person at the Annual Meeting (but only
if you are the registered shareholder); submitting a later-dated electronic vote through the
Internet site; or voting by telephone using the toll-free telephone number stated on the proxy card
at a later date. Attending the Annual Meeting will not, in and of itself, constitute revocation of
a previously-appointed proxy.
The results of shareholder voting for the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by the inspectors
of election appointed by the Board for the Annual Meeting. Common Shares represented by
properly-executed proxies returned to the Company prior to the Annual Meeting or represented by
properly-authenticated electronic votes recorded through the Internet or by telephone will be
counted toward the establishment of a quorum for the Annual Meeting even though they are marked
Abstain, Against, For, For All Nominees, Withheld From All Nominees, For All Nominees
Except the Individual(s) Named on the Line Above, or not at all. Broker non-votes are Common
Shares held of record by broker/dealers which are present in person or by proxy at the Annual
Meeting, but which are not voted because instructions have not been received from the beneficial
owner with respect to a particular matter over which the broker/dealer does not have discretionary
voting authority. Broker non-votes are counted toward the establishment of a quorum.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table furnishes information regarding the number and percentage of outstanding
Common Shares beneficially owned by: (a) each current director of the Company; (b) each of the
nominees of the Board for election as a director of the Company; (c) each individual named in the
Summary Compensation Table; (d) all current directors and executive officers of the Company as a
group; and (e) each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than five percent of the
outstanding Common Shares, in each case as of the Record Date (except as otherwise noted). The
address of each of the current executive officers and directors of the Company is c/o Worthington
Industries, Inc., 200 Old Wilson Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085.
3
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Amount and Nature of Beneficial |
Ownership(1) |
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Number of Common Shares Presently Held |
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and Which Can Be Acquired upon Exercise of |
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Options Currently Exercisable or Which Will |
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First Become Exercisable within 60 Days and |
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Theoretical Common Shares Credited to |
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Percent of |
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Accounts in the Companys Deferred |
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Outstanding |
Name of Beneficial Owner |
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Compensation Plans |
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Common Shares (2) |
John B. Blystone |
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20,130 |
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John S. Christie (4) |
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388,094 |
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William S. Dietrich, II |
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22,000 |
(6) |
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Michael J. Endres |
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103,207 |
(7) |
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Joe W. Harden (4) |
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70,351 |
(8) |
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* |
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Peter Karmanos, Jr. |
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97,926 |
(9) |
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* |
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John R. Kasich |
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32,023 |
(10) |
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* |
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John P. McConnell (4) |
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2,503,559 |
(11) |
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2.8 |
% |
Carl A. Nelson, Jr. |
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10,000 |
(12) |
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* |
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Edmund L. Ponko, Jr. (4) |
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123,072 |
(13) |
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* |
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Sidney A. Ribeau |
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20,460 |
(14) |
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* |
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Mary Schiavo |
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24,011 |
(15) |
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* |
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George P. Stoe (4) |
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55,175 |
(16) |
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All Current Directors and
Executive Officers as a
Group (19 people) |
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4,159,278 |
(17) |
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4.5 |
% |
John H. McConnell
200 Old Wilson Bridge Road
Columbus, OH 43085 |
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14,058,582 |
(18) |
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15.8 |
% |
Snow Capital Management, L.P.
2100 Georgetowne Drive
Suite 400
Sewickley, PA 15143 |
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5,905,125 |
(19) |
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6.6 |
% |
Capital Research and
Management Company
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071 |
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5,341,600 |
(20) |
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6.0 |
% |
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less than 1% |
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Unless otherwise stated, the beneficial owner has sole voting and
investment power over the listed Common Shares or shares such power with his or her
spouse. |
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The Percent of Outstanding Common Shares is based on the sum of (a)
88,807,354 Common Shares outstanding on the Record Date; and (b) the number of
Common Shares as to which the named person or group has the right to acquire
beneficial ownership upon the exercise of options which are currently exercisable or
which will first become exercisable within 60 days after August 1, 2006
(collectively, Currently Exercisable Options). The theoretical Common Shares
credited to the accounts of executive officers of the Company participating in the
Worthington Industries, Inc. 2005 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as
amended, and the Worthington Industries, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
Plan, effective March 1, 2000 (collectively, the Employee Deferral Plans) or of
directors of the Company participating in the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2005
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors and the Worthington Industries, Inc.
Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, as |
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Amended and Restated, effective June 1,
2000 (collectively, the Director Deferral Plans) are not included in the
calculation of the Percent of Outstanding Common Shares figures in the table. |
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Includes 10,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options. |
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Individual named in the Summary Compensation Table. |
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Includes 352,500 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options.
Also includes 2,908 theoretical Common Shares credited to the accounts of Mr.
Christie in the Employee Deferral Plans, the terms of which are described more fully
in note (17) below. |
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Includes 12,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options. |
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Includes 20,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options.
Also includes 10,000 Common Shares held by Mr. Endres wife, who has sole voting and
investment power as to the 10,000 Common Shares. Beneficial ownership of these
10,000 Common Shares is disclaimed by Mr. Endres. Also includes 21,107 theoretical
Common Shares credited to the accounts of Mr. Endres in the Director Deferral Plans,
the terms of which are described more fully in note (17) below. |
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Includes 60,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options.
Also includes 7,133 Common Shares held by Mr. Hardens wife, who has sole voting and
investment power as to the 7,133 Common Shares. Beneficial ownership of these 7,133
Common Shares is disclaimed by Mr. Harden. |
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Includes 20,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options.
Also includes 50,000 Common Shares held by Mr. Karmanos as trustee for a living
trust. Also includes 27,926 theoretical Common Shares credited to the accounts of
Mr. Karmanos in the Director Deferral Plans, the terms of which are described more
fully in note (17) below. |
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Includes 20,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options.
Also includes 12,023 theoretical Common Shares credited to the accounts of Mr.
Kasich in the Director Deferral Plans, the terms of which are described more fully
in note (17) below. |
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Includes 777,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options
and 61,262 Common Shares held by John P. McConnell as custodian for his children.
Also includes 554 Common Shares held by Mr. McConnells wife as custodian for her
son. Mrs. McConnell has sole voting and investment power as to the 554 Common
Shares. Beneficial ownership of these 554 Common Shares is disclaimed by Mr.
McConnell. Includes 118,000 Common Shares held by The McConnell Family Trust of
which Mr. McConnell is co-trustee and has sole voting and investment power. Also
includes 511,750 Common Shares held in the estate of Margaret R. McConnell, John P.
McConnells mother and John H. McConnells wife. John P. McConnell is the executor
of the estate and, in that capacity, has sole voting and investment power as to the
511,750 Common Shares. Also includes 130,000 Common Shares held in The McConnell
Educational Foundation for the benefit of third parties, of which John P. McConnell
is one of the five directors and shares voting and investment power. Beneficial
ownership of these 130,000 Common Shares is disclaimed by John P. McConnell. Does
not include 2,428,312 Common Shares (2.7% of the Common Shares outstanding) held by
an independent trustee in trust for the benefit of John P. McConnell and his sister,
John H. McConnells adult daughter, over which Common Shares the independent trustee
has voting power and investment power. Beneficial ownership of these 2,428,312
Common Shares is disclaimed by John P. McConnell. John P. McConnell is the son of
John H. McConnell. |
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Includes 9,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options. |
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Includes 112,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options.
Also includes 11,072 theoretical Common Shares credited to the accounts of Mr. Ponko
in the Employee Deferral Plans, the terms of which are described more fully in note
(17) below. |
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Includes 16,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options.
Also includes 460 theoretical Common Shares credited to the accounts of Mr. Ribeau
in the Director Deferral Plans, the terms of which are described more fully in note
(17) below. |
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Includes 20,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options. |
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(16) |
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Includes 48,000 Common Shares subject to Currently Exercisable Options.
Also includes 5,765 theoretical Common Shares credited to the accounts of Mr. Stoe
in the Employee Deferral Plans, the terms of which are described more fully in note
(17) below. |
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(17) |
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The number of Common Shares shown as beneficially owned by the Companys
current directors and executive officers as a group includes 2,022,700 Common Shares
subject to Currently Exercisable Options granted to them under the 1990 Stock Option
Plan, the 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the 2000 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
Directors, and the 2003 Stock Option Plan. Such number also includes an aggregate
of 83,458 theoretical Common Shares credited to the respective accounts of the
Companys directors and executive officers in the Director Deferral Plans and the
Employee Deferral Plans (collectively, the Deferral Plans). Under the terms of
the Deferral Plans, participants do not beneficially own, nor do they have voting or
investment power with respect to, theoretical Common Shares held in accounts under
the respective Deferral Plans, and payouts are made in cash. See PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Compensation of Directors Director Deferral Plans for
further information concerning the Director Deferral Plans and EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION Employee Deferral Plans for further information concerning the
Employee Deferral Plans. |
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(18) |
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These 14,058,582 Common Shares include 12,415,982 Common Shares held of
record by JDEL, Inc. (JDEL), a Delaware corporation. The directors of JDEL have
given John H. McConnell sole voting and investment power with respect to these
Common Shares. JDEL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JMAC, Inc. (JMAC), a private
investment company substantially owned, directly or indirectly, by John H.
McConnell, John P. McConnell and a family partnership of John H. McConnell, John P.
McConnell and their families (collectively, the McConnell Family). See
TRANSACTIONS WITH CERTAIN RELATED PARTIES. The table does not include 2,428,312
Common Shares (2.7% of the Common Shares outstanding) held by an independent trustee
in trust for the benefit of Mr. McConnells adult daughter and his son, John P.
McConnell, over which Common Shares the independent trustee has voting and
investment power. John H. McConnell has the right to change the trustee.
Beneficial ownership of these 2,428,312 Common Shares is disclaimed by John H.
McConnell. |
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(19) |
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In a Form 13F Holdings Report, filed by Snow Capital Management, L.P.
(Snow), a registered investment adviser, with the SEC on August 11, 2006, Snow
reported that as of June 30, 2006, it had sole investment discretion and sole voting
authority as to 5,905,125 Common Shares. Snow disclaimed beneficial ownership of
the reported Common Shares. |
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(20) |
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In a Schedule 13G amendment, dated February 6, 2006 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), on February 10, 2006, Capital
Research and Management Company (Capital) reported that it was deemed to be the
beneficial owner of 5,341,600 Common Shares as of December 31, 2005, as a result of
acting as investment adviser to various registered investment companies. Capital, a
registered investment adviser, reported that it had sole investment power over
5,341,600 Common Shares and sole voting power over 3,639,800 Common Shares. Capital
disclaimed beneficial ownership of the reported Common Shares. |
6
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
There are currently ten individuals serving as members of the Board: four in the class whose
terms expire at the 2006 Annual Meeting, three in the class whose terms expire at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders in 2007, and three in the class whose terms expire at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders in 2008. The Board has reviewed, considered and discussed each directors
relationships, either directly or indirectly, with the Company and its
subsidiaries, including those listed under TRANSACTIONS WITH CERTAIN RELATED PARTIES, and
the compensation each director receives, directly or indirectly, from the Company and its
subsidiaries in order to determine whether such director meets the independence requirements of the
applicable sections of the NYSE Listed Company Manual (the NYSE Rules) and the applicable rules
and regulations of the SEC (the SEC Rules). The Board has determined that eight of the ten
directors qualify as independent under the NYSE Rules and guidelines set by the Board and described
below under Independence of Directors: John B. Blystone, William S. Dietrich, II, Michael J.
Endres, Peter Karmanos, Jr., John R. Kasich, Carl A. Nelson, Jr., Sidney A. Ribeau and Mary
Schiavo. John S. Christie and John P. McConnell, who currently serve as executive officers of the
Company, do not qualify as independent under NYSE Rules.
Pursuant to the Worthington Industries, Inc. Board of Directors Corporate Governance
Guidelines adopted by the Board (the Corporate Governance Guidelines), a copy of which is
available on the Corporate Governance page of the Investor Relations section of the Companys
web site located at www.worthingtonindustries.com, a director is determined to be independent if he
or she is independent of management and has no material relationship with the Company either
directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has such a relationship
with the Company, as affirmatively determined by the Board. The Board will observe any additional
criteria for independence established by NYSE or other governing laws and regulations.
The Board has designated John B. Blystone, William S. Dietrich, II, Carl A. Nelson, Jr. and
Sidney A. Ribeau, as nominees for re-election as directors of the Company at the Annual Meeting.
Each individual was recommended by the Nominating and Governance Committee. Messrs. Blystone,
Dietrich, Nelson and Ribeau are currently serving as directors of the Company for terms that expire
at the upcoming Annual Meeting, and each has served continuously as a director of the Company since
1997, 1996, 2004, and 2000, respectively.
Upon recommendation by the Nominating and Governance Committee, Carl A. Nelson, Jr. was
elected by the Board as a director on November 18, 2004. Mr. Nelson had been recommended by Peter
Karmanos, Jr., as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, along with John S. Christie
(the President and Chief Financial Officer and a director of the Company), Michael J. Endres (a
director of the Company) and John P. McConnell (the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company).
Each individual elected as a director at the Annual Meeting will hold office for a three-year
term, expiring at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or until the earlier of (a) his
successor being duly elected and qualified, or (b) his death, resignation or removal from office.
The individuals named as proxies in the form of proxy solicited by the Board intend to vote the
Common Shares represented by the proxies received under this solicitation for the Boards nominees,
unless otherwise instructed on the form of proxy. If any nominee who would otherwise receive the
requisite number of votes becomes unable or unwilling to serve as a candidate for election as a
director, the individuals designated to vote the proxies reserve full discretion to vote the Common
Shares represented by the proxies they hold for the election of the remaining nominees and for the
election of any substitute nominee designated by the Board, upon recommendation by the Nominating
and Governance Committee. The Board has no reason to believe that any of the nominees of the Board
will be unavailable or unable to serve as a director of the Company if elected.
The following information, as of August 1, 2006, concerning the age, principal occupation,
other affiliations and business experience of each director during the last five years has been
furnished to the Company by such director. Except where indicated, each director has had the same
principal occupation for the last five years. John P. McConnell is the son of John H. McConnell,
the Companys founder, who beneficially owns more than 5% of the Companys outstanding Common
Shares. There are no family relationships among any of the current directors and executive
officers of the Company.
7
Nominees Standing for Re-Election to the Board of Directors
John B. Blystone
John B. Blystone, age 53, has served continuously as a director of the Company since 1997, is
Chair of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee, and is a member of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Blystone served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of SPX Corporation, a global
provider of technical products and
systems, industrial products and services, flow technology, cooling technologies and services,
and service solutions, for more than five years prior to December 2004, when he retired.
William S. Dietrich, II
William S. Dietrich, II, age 68, has served continuously as a director of the Company since
1996. Mr. Dietrich served as Chairman of Dietrich Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company,
for more than five years prior to May 2003, when he retired.
Carl A. Nelson, Jr.
Carl A. Nelson, Jr., age 61, has served continuously as a director of the Company since 2004,
and is Chair of the Audit Committee. Mr. Nelson has served as an independent business consultant
since March 2002, when he retired as a partner from Arthur Andersen, LLP after 31 years of service.
Mr. Nelson served as Managing Partner of the Arthur Andersen Columbus, Ohio, office from 1994
until his retirement, and was the leader of the firms consulting services for the products
industry in the United States. Mr. Nelson is also a director of Dominion Homes, Inc. and serves as
Chair of its Audit Committee.
Sidney A. Ribeau
Sidney A. Ribeau, age 58, has served continuously as a director of the Company since 2000, and
is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. Mr. Ribeau has
served as President of Bowling Green State University for more than five years. Mr. Ribeau serves
as a director of The Andersons, Inc. and Convergys Corporation. Mr. Ribeau serves as a member of
the Compensation Committee and Governance/Nominating Committee for The Andersons, Inc.; and as a
member of the Audit Committee and Finance Committee for Convergys Corporation.
Directors Whose Terms Continue Until the 2007 Annual Meeting
John R. Kasich
John R. Kasich, age 54, has served continuously as a director of the Company since 2001 and is
a member of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee and the Nominating and Governance
Committee. Mr. Kasich has been Managing Director of the Investment Banking Group of Lehman
Brothers Holdings Incorporated, in Columbus, Ohio, since January 2001. For more than five years
prior to that time, Mr. Kasich was a member of the U. S. House of Representatives. Mr. Kasich is
the host of Heartland on the Fox News Channel. Mr. Kasich is also a director of Invacare
Corporation and serves as Chair of its Nominating Committee.
John P. McConnell
John P. McConnell, 52, has served continuously as the Companys Chief Executive Officer since
June 1993, as a director of the Company continuously since 1990, and as Chairman of the Board of
the Company since September 1996. Mr. McConnell also serves as the Chair of the Executive
Committee. Mr. McConnell is also a director of Alltel Corporation and serves as Chair of its
Compensation Committee and as a member of its Audit Committee.
8
Mary Schiavo
Mary Schiavo, age 50, has served continuously as a director of the Company since 1998 and is a
member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. Ms. Schiavo has been a
partner in the law firm of Motley Rice LLC, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, since October 2003.
From 2002 to October 2003, Ms. Schiavo was an attorney with Baum, Hedlund, Aristei, Guilford &
Schiavo, P.C., a law firm in Los Angeles, California. From 1997 to 2002, Ms. Schiavo served as a
professor at The Ohio State University and as a consultant for NBC News. Ms. Schiavo served as
Inspector General for the U. S. Department of Transportation from 1991 to 1997.
Directors Whose Terms Continue Until the 2008 Annual Meeting
John S. Christie
John S. Christie, age 56, has served continuously as a director of the Company since 1999 and
as President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since January 2004. He served as interim
Chief Financial Officer of the Company from September 2003 until he became Chief Financial Officer
in January 2004. He also served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from June
1999 until September 2003.
Michael J. Endres
Michael J. Endres, age 58, has served continuously as a director of the Company since 1999 and
is a member of the Executive Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Compensation and Stock Option
Committee. Mr. Endres is a partner in Stonehenge Financial Holdings, Inc., a private equity
investment firm he co-founded in August 1999. Mr. Endres also serves as a director of Huntington
Bancshares Incorporated, ProCentury Corporation and Tim Hortons, Inc. Mr. Endres serves as a
member of the Executive Committee and the Risk Committee for Huntington Bancshares Incorporated; as
a member of the Compensation Committee and the Executive Committee for ProCentury Corporation; and
as a member of the Audit Committee for Tim Hortons, Inc.
Peter Karmanos, Jr.
Peter Karmanos, Jr., age 63, has served continuously as a director of the Company since 1997,
is Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, and is a member of the Executive Committee and
the Compensation and Stock Option Committee. Mr. Karmanos has held the position of Chairman of the
Board, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Compuware Corporation, a software development
company, for more than five years. Mr. Karmanos also serves as a director of Compuware Corporation
and Taubman Centers, Inc. Mr. Karmanos serves as a member of the Audit Committee for Taubman
Centers, Inc.
Recommendation and Vote
Under Ohio law and the Companys Code of Regulations, the four nominees for election to the
Board receiving the greatest number of votes FOR election will be elected as directors of the
Company.
Common Shares represented by properly-executed, returned proxy cards or properly-authenticated
electronic voting instructions recorded through the Internet or by telephone will be voted FOR the
election of the Boards nominees, unless authority to vote for one or more of the nominees is
withheld. Common Shares as to which the authority to vote is withheld will not be counted toward
the election of directors or the election of the individual nominees specified on the form of
proxy. Proxies may not be voted for more than four nominees.
The Companys Board Recommends That Shareholders Vote For the Election of All of the Nominees
Named Above.
Communications with the Board
The Board believes it is important for shareholders and other interested parties to have a
process by which to send communications to the Board and its individual members. Accordingly,
shareholders and other interested
9
parties who wish to communicate with the Board, the
non-management directors as a group, or a particular director may do so by addressing such
correspondence to the name(s) of the specific director(s) or to the Board of Directors as a
whole, and sending it in care of the Company, to the Companys executive offices at 200 Old Wilson
Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085. The mailing envelope must contain a clear notation indicating
that the enclosed letter is a Shareholder/Interested Party Non-Management Director
Communication, Shareholder/Interested Party Board Communication, or Shareholder/Interested
Party Director Communication, as appropriate. All such letters must identify the author as a
shareholder or other interested party (identifying such interest) and clearly indicate whether the
communication is directed to all members of the Board, to the non-management directors as a group
or to a certain specified individual director(s). Copies of all such letters will be circulated to
the appropriate director(s). Correspondence marked personal and confidential will be
delivered to the intended recipient without opening. There is no screening process in respect
of communications from shareholders or other interested parties. This process for forwarding
communications to the appropriate Board member(s) has been approved by our independent directors.
Questions, complaints and concerns may also be submitted to our directors by telephone through
our Business Ethics Help Line by calling 877-263-9893 inside the United States and 770-613-6395
outside the United States.
Meetings of the Board and Attendance at Annual Meetings of Shareholders
The Board held four meetings during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006 (Fiscal 2006),
including regularly scheduled and special meetings. Each incumbent director, with the exception of
Mr. Karmanos, attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (a) the total number of meetings held by
the Board during the period he or she served as a director, and (b) the total number of meetings
held by all committees of the Board on which such director served during the period he or she
served.
In accordance with the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines and applicable NYSE Rules,
non-management directors of the Company meet (without management present) at regularly scheduled
executive sessions at least twice per year and at such other times as the directors deem necessary
or appropriate. The non-management directors may select who will lead the executive sessions and,
absent selection, the non-management director who is a member of the Executive Committee with the
most seniority presides at the executive sessions of the non-management directors. The
non-management directors met in executive session after each of the four regularly scheduled Board
meetings held in Fiscal 2006. The non-management directors all qualify as independent directors of
the Company.
Historically, the Company has not required attendance by the members of the Board at annual
meetings of the shareholders since there had been no Board meeting scheduled at that time.
Directors and nominees who were in Columbus at the time of the Companys Annual Meeting were
encouraged to attend. Four of the ten incumbent directors attended the Companys 2005 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders held on September 29, 2005. The Board has recently changed the schedule
for its quarterly meetings so that those quarterly meetings fall in March, June, September, and
December. It is anticipated that the September meeting will occur on or about the date of the
Annual Meeting, and directors are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting.
Independence of Directors
The Board has been advised of the nature and extent of any personal and business relationships
between the Company and John B. Blystone, William S. Dietrich, II, Michael J. Endres, Peter
Karmanos, Jr., John R. Kasich, Carl A. Nelson, Jr., Sidney A. Ribeau or Mary Schiavo, individually
(the Independent Directors), or any entities for which an Independent Director is a partner,
officer, employee or shareholder. The Board has reviewed such relationships, including those
listed under TRANSACTIONS WITH CERTAIN RELATED PARTIES, and has affirmatively determined that, in
the judgment of the Board, none of the Independent Directors has any relationship to the Company,
either directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any commercial, industrial, banking,
consulting, legal, accounting, charitable or familial relationship, which: (a) may interfere with
his or her independence from management and the Company or the exercise of his or her independent
judgment; (b) would be a material relationship with the Company so as to disqualify such director
from being independent under applicable NYSE Rules; or (c) would impair his or her independence
under the guidelines discussed below.
10
Under guidelines adopted by the Board, barring any unusual circumstances, a directors
independence would not be impaired if: (a) the director is an executive officer or an employee (or
his or her immediate family member is an executive officer) of a company that makes payments to, or
receives payments from, the Company and its subsidiaries for property or services performed in the
ordinary course of business in an amount which, in any single fiscal year, does not exceed the
greater of $1 million or 2% of the Companys or such other companys consolidated gross revenues;
or (b) the Company and its subsidiaries makes contributions to a charitable organization for which
the director (or his or her immediate family member) serves as an executive officer if the
contributions, in any single fiscal year, do not exceed the greater of $1 million or 2% of such
charitable organizations consolidated gross revenues.
The Board determined that Mr. Dietrich qualified as an Independent Director effective as of
June 1, 2006 as he retired from his employment with the Company three years prior to that date.
Committees of the Board
The Board has four standing committees: the Executive Committee, the Audit Committee, the
Compensation and Stock Option Committee, and the Nominating and Governance Committee. The charter
for each committee has been reviewed and approved by the Companys Board and is available on the
Corporate Governance page of the Investor Relations section of the Companys web site located
at www.worthingtonindustries.com. These documents are also available in print, without charge, by
writing to the Investor Relations Department of the Company at Worthington Industries, Inc., 200
Old Wilson Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085, Attention: Allison M. Sanders, Director of Investor
Relations.
Committees of the Board
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Compensation and |
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Nominating and |
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Executive |
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Audit |
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Stock Option |
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Governance |
John B. Blystone* |
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John S. Christie |
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William S. Dietrich, II* |
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Michael J. Endres* |
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Peter Karmanos, Jr.* |
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John R. Kasich* |
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John P. McConnell |
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Carl A. Nelson, Jr.* |
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Sidney A. Ribeau* |
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Mary Schiavo* |
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Audit Committee Financial Expert |
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee acts in place of and on behalf of the Board during times when the
Board is not in session. The Executive Committee may exercise, to the fullest extent permitted by
law and not delegated to another committee of the Board, all of the powers and authority granted to
the Board other than the authority to fill vacancies on the Board or on any committee of the Board.
Audit Committee
The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee qualifies as an independent
director under the applicable NYSE Rules and under SEC Rule 10A-3. The Board believes each member
of the Audit Committee is qualified to discharge his or her duties on behalf of the Company and
satisfies the financial literacy requirement of the NYSE Rules. The Board has also determined that
each of Messrs. Nelson and Endres qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as that term
is defined in Item 401(h)(2) of SEC Regulation S-K by virtue of
11
his experience described on pages 7
and 8, respectively. No member of the Audit Committee serves on the audit committee of more than
two other public companies.
At least annually, the Audit Committee evaluates its performance, reviewing and assessing the
adequacy of its charter and recommending any proposed changes to the full Board, as necessary, to
reflect changes in regulatory requirements, authoritative guidance and evolving practices.
The Audit Committee is organized and conducts its business pursuant to a written charter
adopted by the Board which sets forth the Audit Committees duties and responsibilities. The
primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in the oversight of the financial
and accounting functions, controls, reporting processes, and audits of the Company. Specifically,
the Audit Committee, on behalf of the Board, monitors and evaluates: (a) the integrity and quality
of the Companys financial statements; (b) the Companys compliance with
legal and regulatory requirements, including the financial reporting process; (c) the
Companys system of internal disclosure controls and its accounting and financial reporting
controls; (d) the independent auditors qualifications and independence; (e) the performance of the
Companys internal audit function and its independent auditors; and (f) the annual independent
audit of the Companys financial statements. The Audit Committees specific responsibilities
include: (i) selecting the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for each fiscal
year and determining the terms of the audit engagement, including fees, and all other audit or
non-audit engagements of the independent registered public accounting firm; (ii) reviewing the
independence, qualifications and performance of the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm; (iii) reviewing and approving in advance both audit and permitted non-audit
services; (iv) setting hiring policies for employees or former employees of the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm; (v) monitoring the partner rotation of the
independent registered public accounting firm; (vi) reviewing the Companys accounting procedures
and policies, including staffing, professional services to be provided, audit procedures to be used
and fees to be charged by the Companys independent registered public accounting firm; (vii)
reviewing the activities of the internal auditors and the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm; (viii) preparing an annual report for inclusion in the Companys proxy statement;
(ix) establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the
Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters; and (x) other
matters required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants, the SEC, NYSE, and other similar bodies or agencies. Pursuant to its charter,
the Audit Committee has the authority to engage and compensate such counsel and other advisors as
the Audit Committee deems necessary to carry out its duties.
The Audit Committee met nine times during Fiscal 2006. The Audit Committees report relating
to Fiscal 2006 begins on page 34.
Compensation and Stock Option Committee
The Board has determined that each member of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee (the
Compensation Committee) qualifies as an independent director under the applicable NYSE Rules; and
as a non-employee director for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the Exchange Act). All members other than Mr. Karmanos also qualify as outside
directors for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Internal Revenue Code), and Mr. Karmanos abstains from voting on matters where such
classification is relevant.
The Compensation Committees charter sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the
Compensation Committee, which include: (a) discharging the Boards responsibilities relating to
compensation of the Companys executive management; (b) preparing an annual report on executive
compensation for inclusion in the Companys proxy statement; (c) reviewing and advising the Board
with respect to Board compensation; (d) administering the Companys stock option and long-term
incentive programs and any other plans and programs; (e) carrying out such other roles and
responsibilities as the Board may designate; and (f) carrying out such other responsibilities
delegated to it by the Board. Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee has the
authority to retain compensation consultants, legal counsel, and other consultants as it deems
appropriate to carry out its functions and to approve the fees and other retention terms for any
such consultants. The Compensation Committee will periodically review and reassess the adequacy of
its charter and recommend changes to the full Board, as necessary, to reflect changes in
12
regulatory requirements, authoritative guidance and evolving practices. The Compensation
Committee evaluates its performance at least annually.
The Compensation Committee met two times during Fiscal 2006. The Report of the Compensation
Committee on Executive Compensation for Fiscal 2006 begins on page 23.
Nominating and Governance Committee
The Board has determined that each member of the Nominating and Governance Committee qualifies
as an independent director under the applicable NYSE Rules. The Nominating and Governance
Committee will periodically review and assess the adequacy of its charter and recommend any
proposed changes to the full Board, as necessary, to reflect changes in regulatory requirements,
authoritative guidance, and evolving practices.
The purpose of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to provide oversight on a broad
range of issues surrounding the composition and operation of the Board. The primary
responsibilities of the Nominating and Governance Committee include: (a) ensuring that the Board
is comprised of members with the appropriate skills, qualities and experience; (b) identifying and
recommending individuals to be nominated for election as directors by the shareholders and to fill
vacancies on the Board; (c) developing and recommending to the Board corporate governance
principles of the Company; (d) authorizing the retention and termination of such search firms,
legal counsel and other consultants as it deems appropriate to carry out its functions, including
sole authority to approve the fees and other terms of such consultants retention; (e) periodically
reviewing the Amended Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations of the Company and
recommending changes to the Board, if necessary; (f) reviewing the composition and size of the
Board in order to ensure that the Board has the proper expertise and diversity in its members; (g)
recommending criteria for the selection of Board members and Board committee members; (h) reviewing
and recommending Board policies on age and term limits for Board members; (i) identifying and
recruiting, along with the Chairman of the Board, candidates for Board membership; (j) providing,
along with the Compensation Committee, for an annual review of succession plans for the Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer in the case of his resignation, retirement or death; (k)
evaluating the performance of current Board members proposed for re-election and recommending to
the Board whether or not members should stand for re-election; (l) reviewing and recommending to
the Board an appropriate course of action upon the resignation of a current Board member or upon
other vacancies on the Board; (m) leading an annual evaluation of the Board as a whole and
overseeing the evaluation of the Board committees and of management; and (n) to the extent not
otherwise delegated to the Audit Committee, reviewing the relationships between the Company and a
director for conflicts of interest and addressing any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
The Nominating and Governance Committee met two times during Fiscal 2006.
Nominating Procedures
As described above, the Company has a standing Nominating and Governance Committee which has
responsibility for providing oversight on a broad range of issues surrounding the composition and
operation of the Board, including, but not limited to, identifying candidates qualified to become
directors and recommending director nominees to the Board.
When considering candidates for the Board, the Nominating and Governance Committee evaluates
the entirety of each candidates credentials but does not have specific eligibility requirements or
minimum qualifications which must be met by a Nominating and Governance Committee-recommended
nominee. However, in general, the retirement age for directors is 70, and a director is to submit
his or her resignation to be effective at the conclusion of the three-year term immediately after
attaining age 70. The Nominating and Governance Committee considers those factors it deems
appropriate, including, but not limited to, judgment, skill, diversity, strength of character,
experience with businesses and organizations of comparable size or scope, experience as an
executive of or adviser to public and private companies, experience and skill relative to other
Board members, specialized knowledge or experience, and the desirability of the candidates
membership on the Board and any committees of the Board. Depending on the current needs of the
Board, the Nominating and Governance Committee may weigh certain factors more or less heavily. The
Nominating and Governance Committee does, however, believe that all members of the
13
Board should have strong character and integrity, a reputation for working constructively with
others, sufficient time to devote to Board matters, and no conflict of interest that would
interfere with his or her performance as a director.
The Nominating and Governance Committee considers candidates for the Board from any reasonable
source, including shareholder recommendations, but does not evaluate candidates differently based
on the source of the recommendation. As previously discussed, the Nominating and Governance
Committee has the authority to retain consultants and search firms to assist with the process of
identifying and evaluating director candidates and to approve the fees and other retention terms
for any such consultant or search firm. The Nominating and Governance Committee has never used a
consultant or search firm, and, accordingly, the Company has paid no such fees.
Shareholders may recommend director candidates for consideration by the Nominating and
Governance Committee by sending the recommendation to the Chair of the Nominating and Governance
Committee, in care of the Company, to the Companys executive offices at 200 Old Wilson Bridge
Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085. The recommendation should include the candidates name, age, business
address, residence address, and principal occupation. The recommendation should also describe the
qualifications, attributes, skills, or other qualities possessed by the recommended director
candidate. A written statement from the candidate consenting to serve as a director, if elected,
and a commitment by the candidate to meet personally with Nominating and Governance Committee
members should accompany any such recommendation.
The Board, taking into account the recommendations of the Nominating and Governance Committee,
selects nominees for election as directors at each annual meeting of shareholders. In addition,
shareholders wishing to nominate directors for election may do so, provided they comply with the
nomination procedures set forth in the Companys Code of Regulations. In order to nominate an
individual for election as a director at a meeting, a shareholder must give written notice of the
shareholders intention to make such nomination. The notice must be sent to the Companys
Secretary, either delivered in person, or mailed to and received at, the Companys principal
executive offices at 200 Old Wilson Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085 not less than 14 days or more
than 50 days prior to any meeting called for the election of directors. However, if notice or
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made less than 21 days prior to the
meeting, the shareholder notice must be received by the Companys Secretary not later than the
close of business on the seventh day following the day on which notice of the date of the meeting
was mailed or publicly disclosed. The Companys Secretary will deliver any shareholder notice
received in a timely manner to the Nominating and Governance Committee for review. Each
shareholder notice must include the following information as to each individual the shareholder
proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director: (a) the name, age, business
address and, if known, residence address of the proposed nominee; (b) the principal occupation or
employment of the proposed nominee; (c) the number of Common Shares of the Company beneficially
owned by the proposed nominee; and (d) any other information relating to the proposed nominee that
is required to be disclosed concerning nominees in proxy solicitations under applicable SEC Rules,
including the individuals written consent to be named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to
serve as a director, if elected. The nominating shareholder must also provide (i) the name and
address of the nominating shareholder, and (ii) the number of Common Shares of the Company
beneficially owned by the nominating shareholder. No individual may be elected as a director
unless he or she has been nominated by a shareholder in the manner described herein or by the Board
or the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee, in accordance with
applicable NYSE Rules, the Board has adopted the Corporate Governance Guidelines to promote the
effective functioning of the Board and its committees and to reflect the Companys commitment to
the highest standards of corporate governance. The Board, with the assistance of the Nominating
and Governance Committee, periodically reviews the Corporate Governance Guidelines to ensure they
are in compliance with all applicable requirements. In May 2006, the Board amended the Corporate
Governance Guidelines to reflect the change in the schedule for regular Board meetings, which will
now occur in June, September, December and March.
The Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on the Corporate Governance page of the
Investor Relations section of the Companys web site at www.worthingtonindustries.com.
Shareholders and other interested parties may also obtain a copy of the Corporate Governance
Guidelines, without charge, by writing to the Investor
14
Relations Department of the Company at Worthington Industries, Inc., 200 Old Wilson Bridge
Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085, Attention: Allison M. Sanders, Director of Investor Relations.
Business Code of Conduct
In accordance with applicable NYSE Rules and SEC Rules, the Board has adopted the Worthington
Industries, Inc. Business Code of Conduct (the Business Code of Conduct) which is available on
the Corporate Governance page of the Investor Relations section of the Companys web site at
www.worthingtonindustries.com. Alternatively, you may obtain a copy of the Business Code of
Conduct, without charge, by writing to the Investor Relations Department of the Company at
Worthington Industries, Inc., 200 Old Wilson Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085, Attention: Allison
M. Sanders, Director of Investor Relations.
Compensation of Directors
Cash Compensation
On May 19, 2006, the Compensation Committee recommended and on May 20, 2006, the Board
approved changes in the cash compensation for the directors who are not employees of the Company or
its subsidiaries (non-employee directors), based on the market information. Directors who are
employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for serving as members of the Board or
as members of Board committees. Directors are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with their serving as directors, including travel expenses. The following changes were
made to cash compensation, effective June 1, 2006:
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior to |
|
Effective |
|
|
June 1, 2006 |
|
June 1, 2006 |
Annual Retainer |
|
$ |
35,000 |
|
|
$ |
45,000 |
|
Attendance at a Board Meeting (including telephonic meetings) |
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
Audit Committee Chair Annual Retainer |
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
Committee Chair Other Than Audit Annual Retainer |
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,500 |
|
Attendance at a Board Committee Meeting (including telephonic meetings) |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
Director Deferral Plans
Under the Companys Director Deferral Plans, non-employee directors are able to defer payment
of all or a portion of their directors fees until a specified date or until they are no longer
associated with the Company. Any fees deferred are credited to the directors account at the time
the fees would have otherwise been paid. Participants in the Director Deferral Plans may elect to
have their accounts invested at a rate reflecting (a) the increase or decrease in the fair market
value per share of the Companys Common Shares with dividends reinvested, (b) a fixed rate set
annually, or (c) rates of return on any of the funds available for investment under the Companys
Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP). The Director Deferral Plans are administered by the
Compensation Committee. All accounts are fully vested. The Compensation Committee may permit
hardship withdrawals from a participants account under defined guidelines. In the event of a
defined change of control, participants accounts under the Director Deferral Plans will be
accelerated and paid out as of the date of change of control unless otherwise determined by
three-fourths of the members of the Board. The Worthington Industries, Inc. Deferred Compensation
Plan for Directors, as Amended and Restated, effective June 1, 2000 (the Directors 2000 Plan)
governs deferrals prior to January 1, 2005. Deferrals with respect to the period on or after
January 1, 2005, are governed by the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan
for Directors which was adopted in order to comply with new requirements imposed by newly-adopted
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to non-qualified deferred compensation plans
beginning January 1, 2005. Among other things, the applicable provisions of Section 409A generally
are more restrictive with respect to the timing of deferral elections and the ability of
participants to change the time and manner in which accounts will be paid.
15
Equity-Based Compensation
Under the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (as
amended, the 2000 Directors Option Plan), each non-employee director will receive an initial
option grant to purchase 5,000 Common Shares on the date he or she first becomes a director. Each
non-employee director who had served as a director of the Company for more than six months as of
the date of each annual meeting of shareholders, and continues to serve as a member of the Board
after that date, received and will receive an option grant to purchase 4,000 Common Shares as of
the date of the annual meeting. Each option has an exercise price equal to the fair market value
of the Common Shares on the date of grant. In accordance with the terms of the 2000 Directors
Option Plan, each non-employee director serving at the time of the 2005 Annual Meeting was granted
an option to purchase 4,000 Common Shares with an exercise price of $21.00 per share.
Each option granted to a non-employee director has a ten-year term and becomes vested and
fully exercisable on the first to occur of (i) the first anniversary of the grant date, or (ii) as
to any option granted as of the date of an annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, the date
on which the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company is held following the grant date.
Vesting accelerates upon death, total disability, change in control, or retirement after a
non-employee director attains age 65 or has served at least nine years as a member of the Board.
If a non-employee director becomes totally disabled or dies while in service as a member of the
Board, he or she (or, in the event of death, his or her beneficiary) has three years from the date
of occurrence to exercise any vested options, subject to the stated term of the options. In the
event a non-employee director retires after he or she has attained age 65 or has served at least
nine years as a member of the Board, the non-employee director may exercise any vested options for
a period of three years after the date of retirement, subject to the stated term of the options.
If a non-employee director ceases to be a member of the Board for cause, all options terminate
immediately. If a non-employee director ceases to be a member of the Board for any reason other
than those listed above, the non-employee directors options may be exercised (to the extent then
exercisable) for a period of one year following the date of termination, subject to the stated term
of the options.
If the shareholders of the Company approve the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2006 Equity
Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the 2006 Directors Equity Plan), no further options
would be granted to non-employee directors under the 2000 Directors Option Plan. Outstanding
options under the 2000 Directors Option Plan would remain in effect in accordance with their
respective terms.
If the 2006 Directors Equity Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company, each
individual then serving as a non-employee director will be granted, effective as of the date of the
Annual Meeting: (a) an option to purchase 5,000 Common Shares, with an exercise price equal to the
fair market value of the Common Shares on the grant date and the remaining terms of the option
would be the same as those applicable to options granted under the 2000 Directors Option Plan; and
(b) an award of 1,300 shares of restricted stock. Each share of restricted stock granted to a
non-employee director would vest upon the first to occur of: (i) the first anniversary of the grant
date; or (ii) the date on which the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company is held. In
the case of death, total disability, change in control or retirement, all shares of restricted
stock would immediately become fully vested. During the time between the grant date and the vesting
date, dividends paid to the Companys shareholders of record would be accrued and paid in respect
of the shares of restricted stock upon the vesting date as described above.
Please see the discussion under PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF THE WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS for more information concerning the 2006
Directors Equity Plan.
If the shareholders of the Company do not approve the 2006 Directors Equity Plan, the
non-employee directors of the Company will continue to receive the automatic annual grants of
options under the 2000 Directors Option Plan described above.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of John B. Blystone (Chair), Michael J.
Endres, Peter Karmanos, Jr., and John R. Kasich. Each of Messrs. Blystone, Endres, Karmanos and
Kasich also served on the Compensation Committee throughout Fiscal 2006. With respect to Fiscal
2006 and through the date of this Proxy
16
Statement, there were no interlocking relationships between any executive officer of the
Company and any entity whose directors or executive officers served on the Companys Board or the
Compensation Committee of the Companys Board.
During Fiscal 2006, the Company paid Compuware Corporation (Compuware), of which Mr.
Karmanos is Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a 6.2% shareholder, approximately
$2,920,000, primarily for Compuwares services as the Companys project coordinator in connection
with the Companys Oracle ERP system project. Compuware was selected for this position from a
number of competing service providers which had responded to the Companys request for proposal and
were interviewed by the Company. Compuwares selection was based on a number of factors including
price, experience and capabilities. In this position, Compuware supplies resources and tools for
project coordination, organization and testing, and, in general, assists the Company in ensuring
that the Oracle ERP system is installed, tested, operated and integrated with the Worthington IT
system in a proper manner. Compuware also provides general IT consulting services, as requested by
the Company. The payment to Compuware for Fiscal 2006 amounted to approximately 0.25% of
Compuwares revenues for its most recent fiscal year, and approximately 0.1% of the Companys
consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2006.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Please see the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006,
for information about the Companys executive officers.
Summary of Cash and Other Compensation
The following table provides certain compensation information for the Companys Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) and the Companys four other most highly compensated executive officers
(collectively, the Named Executives) for Fiscal 2006, the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005 (Fiscal
2005) and the fiscal year ended May 31, 2004 (Fiscal 2004).
Summary Compensation Table
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Long-Term |
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Compensation |
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Fiscal |
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Annual Compensation |
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Awards |
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Payouts |
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Year |
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Other Annual |
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Securities |
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LTIP |
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All Other |
Name and Principal |
|
Ended |
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|
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|
Compensation |
|
Underlying |
|
Payouts |
|
Compen- |
Position in Fiscal 2006 |
|
May 31 |
|
Salary ($) |
|
Bonus ($) |
|
($)(3) |
|
Options (#) |
|
($)(4) |
|
sation ($) |
John P. McConnell
Chairman of the |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
485,000 |
|
|
|
541,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
1,440,000 |
|
|
|
26,502 |
(5) |
Board and Chief |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
485,000 |
|
|
|
710,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
|
1,095,000 |
|
|
|
66,527 |
|
Executive Officer (1) |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
485,000 |
|
|
|
640,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
521,235 |
|
|
|
42,419 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John S. Christie |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
469,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
720,000 |
|
|
|
42,485 |
(6) |
President and Chief |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
720,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
547,500 |
|
|
|
77,994 |
|
Financial Officer (1) |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
277,500 |
|
|
|
574,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
255,150 |
|
|
|
33,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
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|
George P. Stoe
Executive Vice |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
233,333 |
|
|
|
535,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
228,665 |
|
|
|
38,052 |
(7) |
President and Chief |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
445,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
40,540 |
|
Operating Officer (2) |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
360,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
55,538 |
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
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Joe W. Harden
President, The |
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|
2006 |
|
|
|
230,000 |
|
|
|
350,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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60,000 |
|
|
|
243,750 |
|
|
|
27,836 |
(8) |
Worthington Steel |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
230,000 |
|
|
|
538,500 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
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|
N/A |
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50,457 |
|
Company (1) |
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2004 |
|
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200,000 |
|
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463,000 |
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45,000 |
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N/A |
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1,668 |
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Edmund L. Ponko, Jr. |
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2006 |
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220,000 |
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|
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395,250 |
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50,000 |
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|
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405,000 |
|
|
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24,285 |
(9) |
President, Dietrich |
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2005 |
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|
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220,000 |
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|
|
495,750 |
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|
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|
50,000 |
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240,000 |
|
|
|
28,548 |
|
Industries, Inc. (1) |
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2004 |
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|
200,000 |
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245,000 |
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30,000 |
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172,748 |
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11,987 |
|
17
|
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(1) |
|
Messrs. McConnell, Christie, Harden and Ponko served in these positions
during each of the three fiscal years listed. |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. Stoe has served in his present position since December 2005 and
previously served as President of Worthington Cylinder Corporation from January 2003
to December 2005. |
|
(3) |
|
The aggregate incremental cost to the Company of perquisites and other
personal benefits paid to each Named Executive for each of the three fiscal years
presented did not exceed the reporting threshold set forth in the SEC Rules in
effect for disclosures required to be made in this Proxy Statement (i.e., the lesser
of $50,000 or 10% of the total of annual salary and bonus reported for such Named
Executive). |
|
(4) |
|
Reflects payouts for performance levels achieved for the three-year
performance periods ended May 31, 2006, May 31, 2005 and May 31, 2004, respectively.
Messrs. Harden and Stoe were not employees of the Company at the time the
performance awards were granted for the three-year periods ended May 31, 2005 and
May 31, 2004 and, as a result, were not granted awards for those three-year
performance periods. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes $6,300 of Company contributions under the DPSP, $18,270 of Company
contributions under the Employee Deferral Plans, and $1,932 for term life insurance
premiums attributable to Fiscal 2006. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes $10,454 of Company and Company matching contributions under the
DPSP, $28,419 of Company contributions under the Employee Deferral Plans, and $3,612
for term life insurance premiums attributable to Fiscal 2006. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes $8,333 of Company and Company matching contributions under the
DPSP, $24,175 of Company contributions under the Employee Deferral Plans, and $5,544
for term life insurance premiums attributable to Fiscal 2006. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes $7,803 of Company and Company matching contributions under the
DPSP, $16,420 of Company contributions under the Employee Deferral Plans, and $3,612
for term life insurance premiums attributable to Fiscal 2006. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes $7,950 of Company and Company matching contributions under the
Dietrich Industries, Inc. Profit Sharing Incentive Plan, $14,139 of Company
contributions under the Employee Deferral Plans, and $2,196 for term life insurance
premiums attributable to Fiscal 2006. |
Bonuses
The Named Executives, and certain other key employees of the Company participate in an
executive bonus program (the Bonus Plan) in which bonuses are paid to participants based largely
on corporate, business unit or operating unit results and individual performance. Although
corporate, business unit or operating unit results is the largest variable in determining the
amount of the bonus, an individuals bonus may be adjusted up or down based on the individuals
performance as determined by the individuals manager, the CEO or the Compensation Committee.
Bonuses may also be paid pursuant to performance awards under the Worthington Industries, Inc. 1997
Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 1997 LTIP) based on achieving performance criteria set by the
Compensation Committee. Bonuses are paid quarterly and generally account for in excess of 50% of a
participants total cash compensation.
Deferred Profit Sharing Plan
The Named Executives, except Mr. Ponko, participate in the DPSP, together with most other
full-time, non-union employees of the Company. Annual contributions made by the Company to
participant accounts under the DPSP are generally based on profits and are allocated to employee
accounts based on eligible compensation (subject to certain limitations) and length of service,
provided that Company contributions must, at a minimum,
18
equal 3% of the participants eligible compensation. Eligible compensation includes base
wages, profit sharing and bonus payments, overtime and commissions, up to the IRS maximum limit set
from year to year ($220,000 for calendar 2006). In addition, the Named Executives and other
participants in the DPSP may elect to make voluntary contributions up to set IRS limits. These
voluntary contributions are matched by Company contributions of 50% of the first 4% of eligible
compensation contributed by the participant. Distributions under the DPSP are generally deferred
until retirement, death or total and permanent disability. Mr. Ponko participates in the Dietrich
Industries, Inc. Salaried Employees Profit Sharing Plan which is a 401(k) plan similar to the DPSP
and includes most full-time, non-union employees of Dietrich Industries, Inc.
Employee Deferral Plans
Under the Companys non-qualified deferred compensation plans (the Employee Deferral Plans),
executive officers of the Company may defer the payment of up to 50% of their base salary and
quarterly bonus. Amounts so deferred are credited to the participants accounts under the Employee
Deferral Plans at the time the base salary or bonus compensation would have otherwise been paid.
In addition, the Company may make discretionary employer contributions to the participants
accounts in the Employee Deferral Plans. Participants in the Employee Deferral Plans may elect to
have their accounts invested at a rate reflecting (a) the increase or decrease in the fair market
value per share of the Companys Common Shares with dividends reinvested, (b) a fixed rate which is
set annually by the Compensation Committee, or (c) returns on any funds available for investment
under the DPSP. Employee accounts are fully vested under the Employee Deferral Plans. Payouts
under the Employee Deferral Plans are made in cash, as of a specified date selected by the
participant or when the participant is no longer employed by the Company, either in a lump sum or
installment payments, all as chosen by the participant at the time the deferral is elected. The
Compensation Committee may permit hardship withdrawals from a participants accounts under defined
guidelines. In the event of a defined change of control, the participants accounts under the
Employee Deferral Plans will be paid out as of the date of the change of control, unless otherwise
determined by three-fourths of the members of the Board.
Contributions or deferrals for the period before January 1, 2005, are maintained under the
Worthington Industries, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, effective March 1, 2000 (the
2000 Plan). Contributions and deferrals for periods on or after January 1, 2005, are maintained
under the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2005 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, which was
adopted to replace the 2000 Plan in order to comply with the provisions of newly-adopted Section
409A of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to non-qualified deferred compensation plans and
effective beginning January 1, 2005. Among other things, the provisions of Section 409A generally
are more restrictive with respect to the timing of deferred elections and the ability of
participants to change the time and manner in which accounts will be paid.
Grants of Options
The following table summarizes information concerning individual grants of options made to the
Named Executives during Fiscal 2006. No stock appreciation rights were granted during Fiscal 2006.
Option Grants In Fiscal 2006
|
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Number of |
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Percentage of |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potential Realizable Value at |
|
|
Common Shares |
|
Total Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed Annual Rates of |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Granted to |
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
Share Price Appreciation for |
|
|
Options Granted |
|
Employees in |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Option Term (2) |
Name |
|
(#) (1) |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
($/Share) |
|
Date |
|
5% ($) |
|
10% ($) |
J. P. McConnell |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
27.2 |
% |
|
|
17.01 |
|
|
|
05/31/2015 |
|
|
|
2,139,500 |
|
|
|
5,421,912 |
|
J. S. Christie |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
% |
|
|
17.01 |
|
|
|
05/31/2015 |
|
|
|
641,850 |
|
|
|
1,626,574 |
|
G. P. Stoe |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
% |
|
|
17.01 |
|
|
|
05/31/2015 |
|
|
|
427,900 |
|
|
|
1,084,382 |
|
J. W. Harden |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
% |
|
|
17.01 |
|
|
|
05/31/2015 |
|
|
|
641,850 |
|
|
|
1,626,574 |
|
E. L. Ponko, Jr. |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
% |
|
|
17.01 |
|
|
|
05/31/2015 |
|
|
|
534,875 |
|
|
|
1,355,478 |
|
19
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|
|
(1) |
|
All reported options were granted as of June 1, 2005, under the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan (the 2003 Stock Option Plan) with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the underlying Common Shares on the date of grant. The options become exercisable in increments of 20% per year on each anniversary of their grant date. In the event an optionees employment terminates as a result of retirement, death or total disability,
any options outstanding and exercisable on that date will remain exercisable by the Named Executive, or, in the event of death, by his beneficiary, until the earlier of either the fixed expiration date, as stated in the option award agreement, or 36 months after the last day of employment due to retirement, death or disability. Should termination occur for any other reason than retirement, death or disability, all options will be forfeited immediately. In the event of a change
in control of the Company (as defined in the 2003 Stock Option Plan), all options then outstanding will become fully vested and exercisable as of the date of the change in control, unless the Compensation Committee explicitly provides otherwise or unless expressly provided otherwise in respect of any change in control by a three-fourths vote of the total authorized number of directors, but only if a majority of the members of the Board then in office and acting upon the proposal
qualify as continuing directors under the 2003 Stock Option Plan. The
Compensation Committee may allow an optionee to elect, during the 60-day period following a change in control, to surrender any option granted under the 2003 Stock Option Plan or a portion thereof in exchange for a cash payment equal to the excess of the change in control price per share over the exercise price per share. However, if the Compensation Committee determines that the optionee will receive a new award or that the option will be honored or assumed in a manner which
preserves its value, no acceleration or cash-out of the option will occur as a result of a change in control. |
|
(2) |
|
The dollar amounts reflected in this table are the result of calculations at the 5% and 10% annual appreciation rates set by the SEC for illustrative purposes and assume the options are held until their respective expiration dates. These dollar amounts are not intended to forecast future financial performance or possible future appreciation in the price of the Companys Common Shares. Shareholders are, therefore, cautioned against drawing any conclusions from the appreciation data shown, aside
from the fact that the Named Executives will realize value from the option grants shown only if the price of the Companys Common Shares appreciates, which benefits all shareholders commensurately. |
As of June 1, 2006, the Company also granted
options to employees under the 2003 Stock Option Plan covering an aggregate of 656,000 Common Shares, of which options covering an aggregate
of 295,000 Common Shares were granted to the Named Executives as follows: Mr. McConnell 130,000 Common Shares; Mr. Christie
45,000 Common Shares; Mr. Stoe 45,000 Common Shares; Mr. Harden 40,000 Common Shares; and Mr. Ponko
35,000 Common Shares. The exercise price of these options is $18.17, the fair market value of the underlying Common Shares on June 1, 2006.
The other terms of these options are as described in note (1) to the Option Grants in Fiscal 2006 table above. Information concerning
these option grants will be included in the appropriate executive compensation tables in the Companys Proxy Statement for the
2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Option Exercises and Holdings
The following table provides information regarding Common Shares acquired upon exercise of options by the Named Executives during Fiscal 2006, as well as information regarding the total number of unexercised options held by the Named Executives as of May 31, 2006.
20
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 2006 AND
FISCAL 2006 YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Common Shares |
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
Value of Unexercised In-the- |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Value |
|
Options at Fiscal Year End |
|
Money Options at Fiscal |
|
|
Options |
|
Realized |
|
(#) (2) |
|
Year End ($) (3) |
Name |
|
Exercised (#) |
|
($) (1) |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
J. P. McConnell |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
642,000 |
|
|
|
480,000 |
|
|
|
1,832,010 |
|
|
|
260,600 |
|
J. S. Christie |
|
|
62,000 |
|
|
|
525,026 |
|
|
|
292,500 |
|
|
|
198,000 |
|
|
|
1,076,007 |
|
|
|
150,740 |
|
G. P. Stoe |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
|
96,000 |
|
|
|
28,320 |
|
|
|
43,280 |
|
J. W. Harden |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
2,960 |
|
|
|
27,000 |
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
26,550 |
|
|
|
48,990 |
|
E. L. Ponko, Jr. |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
98,000 |
|
|
|
124,000 |
|
|
|
260,520 |
|
|
|
62,940 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The value realized is calculated based on the excess of the closing price
of the Companys Common Shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price of
each option exercised, multiplied by the number of Common Shares acquired on
exercise, and does not necessarily indicate that the optionee sold such Common
Shares. |
|
(2) |
|
All options outstanding as of May 31, 2006, were granted under the
Worthington Industries, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan (the 1990 Stock Option Plan),
the 1997 LTIP, or the 2003 Stock Option Plan with exercise prices equal to the fair
market value of the underlying Common Shares on the date of grant. The options
become exercisable in increments of 20% per year on each anniversary of their grant
date for the first five years. In the event of a change in control of the Company
(as defined in each of the Plans), unless the Board or the Compensation Committee
explicitly provides otherwise, all options outstanding before the date of such
change in control become fully exercisable. In the event an optionees employment
terminates as a result of retirement, death or total disability, any options
outstanding and exercisable on that date will remain exercisable by the Named
Executive, or, in the event of death, by his beneficiary, until the earlier of
either the fixed expiration date, as stated in the option award agreement, either 12
or 36 months depending on the option, or after the last day of employment due to
retirement, death or disability. Should termination occur for any other reason than
retirement, death or disability, all options will be forfeited immediately. |
|
(3) |
|
Pre-tax value based on the spread between the exercise price and $17.03 per
share, the closing price of the Companys Common Shares on May 31, 2006, the last
business day of Fiscal 2006. |
Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards
The following table summarizes information concerning cash performance awards made to the
Named Executives during Fiscal 2006 under the 1997 LTIP.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN CASH PERFORMANCE AWARDS MADE IN FISCAL 2006
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|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
|
|
Performance or Other Period |
|
Non-Stock Price-Based Plans |
Name |
|
Until Maturation or Payout |
|
Threshold ($) |
|
Target ($) |
|
Maximum ($) |
J. P. McConnell
|
|
Three-year period ending 5/31/09
|
|
|
550,000 |
|
|
|
1,100,000 |
|
|
|
1,650,000 |
|
J. S. Christie
|
|
Three-year period ending 5/31/09
|
|
|
230,000 |
|
|
|
460,000 |
|
|
|
690,000 |
|
G. P. Stoe
|
|
Three-year period ending 5/31/09
|
|
|
230,000 |
|
|
|
460,000 |
|
|
|
690,000 |
|
J. W. Harden
|
|
Three-year period ending 5/31/09
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
E. L. Ponko, Jr.
|
|
Three-year period ending 5/31/09
|
|
|
167,500 |
|
|
|
335,000 |
|
|
|
502,500 |
|
21
The following table summarizes information concerning performance share awards made to the
Named Executives during Fiscal 2006 under the 1997 LTIP.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARDS MADE IN FISCAL 2006
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts |
|
|
Performance or Other Period |
|
Number of Common Shares |
Name |
|
Until Maturation or Payout |
|
Threshold (#) |
|
Target (#) |
|
Maximum (#) |
J. P. McConnell
|
|
Three-year period ending 5/31/09
|
|
|
17,500 |
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
52,500 |
|
J. S. Christie
|
|
Three-year period ending 5/31/09
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
18,750 |
|
G. P. Stoe
|
|
Three-year period ending 5/31/09
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
18,750 |
|
J. W. Harden
|
|
Three-year period ending 5/31/09
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
13,500 |
|
E. L. Ponko, Jr.
|
|
Three-year period ending 5/31/09
|
|
|
4,250 |
|
|
|
8,500 |
|
|
|
12,750 |
|
Payouts of cash performance awards and performance share awards are generally tied to
achieving specified levels (threshold, target and maximum) of corporate economic value added and
earnings per share growth for the performance period, with each performance measure carrying a 50%
weighting. For business unit executives, including Messrs. Harden and Ponko, corporate economic
value added and earnings per share measures together carry a 50% weighting, and business unit
operating income targets are weighted 50%. If the performance level falls between threshold and
target or between target and maximum, the award is prorated. Under the 1997 LTIP, any payouts
would generally be made in July or August following the end of the applicable performance period.
Cash performance awards may be paid in cash, Common Shares of the Company, other property, or any
combination thereof, at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee at the time of payment.
Performance share awards will be paid in Common Shares of the Company. In general, termination of
employment terminates awards, but on termination for reasons of death, disability or retirement, a
pro rata payout will be made for performance periods ending 24 months or less after termination of
employment based on the number of months of employment completed by the participant during the
performance period before the effective date of termination. No payout will be made for
performance periods ending more than 24 months after termination of employment. Unless the Board
specifically provides otherwise, in the event of a change in control of the Company, all
performance awards would be considered to be earned, payable in full, and immediately settled or
distributed.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The Company maintains four equity compensation plans (the Equity Plans) under which Common
Shares are authorized for issuance to eligible directors, officers and employees: (a) the 1990
Stock Option Plan; (b) the 1997 LTIP; (c) the 2000 Directors Option Plan; and (d) the 2003 Stock
Option Plan. Each Equity Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company.
The following table shows for the Equity Plans, as a group, the number of Common Shares
issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and upon payout of outstanding performance share
awards, the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, and the number of Common Shares
remaining available for future issuance, excluding Common Shares issuable upon exercise of
outstanding options or upon payout of outstanding performance share awards, in each case as of May
31, 2006.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
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|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Common Shares |
|
|
Common Shares to |
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Available for |
|
|
Be Issued upon |
|
Weighted-average |
|
Future Issuance under |
|
|
Exercise of |
|
Exercise Price of |
|
Equity Compensation |
|
|
Outstanding |
|
Outstanding |
|
Plans |
|
|
Options, Warrants |
|
Options, Warrants |
|
[excluding Common Shares |
Plan Category |
|
and Rights |
|
and Rights |
|
reflected in column (a)] |
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
Equity compensation
plans approved by
shareholders |
|
|
7,142,350 |
(1) |
|
|
$ 16.09 |
(2) |
|
|
6,000,402 |
(3) |
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
7,142,350 |
(1) |
|
|
$ 16.09 |
(2) |
|
|
6,000,402 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes 1,157,000 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding
options granted under the 1990 Stock Option Plan, 1,790,500 Common Shares issuable
upon exercise of outstanding options granted under the 1997 LTIP, 131,000 Common
Shares issuable upon exercise of the outstanding options granted under the 2000
Directors Option Plan, and 2,508,800 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of
outstanding options granted under the 2003 Stock Option Plan. Also includes
1,555,050 Common Shares which represents the maximum number of Common Shares which
may be paid out in respect of outstanding performance share awards granted under the
1997 LTIP. Does not include 656,000 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of options
granted under the 2003 Stock Option Plan on June 1, 2006, after the end of Fiscal
2006. |
|
|
|
Does not include Common Shares which may be paid out in respect of outstanding
cash performance awards granted under the 1997 LTIP, as to date all such awards have
been paid in cash. If all cash performance awards granted under the 1997 LTIP which
were outstanding as of May 31, 2006 (excluding the cash performance awards paid in
August 2006, in cash), were paid out at their maximum amount and the Compensation
Committee were to elect to make all payments in the form of Common Shares, then,
based on the closing price of the Companys Common Shares on May 31, 2006 ($17.03),
the maximum number of Common Shares which would be issued upon payout of the cash
performance awards would be 1,055,197 Common Shares. The number of Common Shares,
if any, actually issued with respect to cash performance awards granted under the
1997 LTIP would be based on (i) the percentage of the cash performance awards
determined by the Compensation Committee to be paid in Common Shares rather than
cash, (ii) the actual performance level used to determine the payout in respect of
each cash performance award and (iii) the price of the Companys Common Shares at
the time of payout. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents weighted-average exercise price of options outstanding under the
Equity Plans as of May 31, 2006. Please also see the discussion in note (1) above
with respect to performance share awards and cash performance awards granted under
the 1997 LTIP. The weighted-average exercise price does not take these awards into
account. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 798,450 Common Shares available under the 1990 Stock Option Plan,
649,552 Common Shares available under the 1997 LTIP (which number excludes the
1,555,050 Common Shares representing the maximum number of Common Shares which may
be paid out in respect of outstanding performance share awards granted under the
1997 LTIP as described in note (1) above), 97,000 Common Shares available under the
2000 Directors Option Plan, and 4,455,400 Common Shares available under the 2003
Stock Option Plan. In addition to options, performance share awards and cash
performance awards, the 1997 LTIP authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant
awards in the form of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance
units, dividend equivalents, and other stock unit awards that are valued in whole or
in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, Common Shares or other property. |
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following line graph compares the five-year cumulative return on the Companys Common
Shares, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P Midcap 400 Index, and the S&P Steel Index (formerly, Iron &
Steel Index), in each case assuming that $100 were invested at May 31, 2001, and that dividends
were reinvested when received. The S&P Steel Index, of which the Company is a component, is the
most specific index relative to the Companys largest line of business. The Company became part of
the S&P Midcap 400 Index on December 17, 2004, and, accordingly, has included this index in the
comparison in lieu of the S&P Industrials Index.
23
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC., THE S&P 500 INDEX,
THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX AND THE S&P STEEL INDEX
|
|
|
* |
|
$100 invested on 5/31/01 in stock or index including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending May 31. |
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5/01 |
|
5/02 |
|
5/03 |
|
5/04 |
|
5/05 |
|
5/06 |
WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
139.17 |
|
|
|
141.93 |
|
|
|
189.41 |
|
|
|
171.24 |
|
|
|
180.45 |
|
S & P 500 INDEX |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
86.15 |
|
|
|
79.21 |
|
|
|
93.72 |
|
|
|
101.44 |
|
|
|
110.21 |
|
S & P MIDCAP 400 INDEX |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
102.39 |
|
|
|
93.03 |
|
|
|
117.90 |
|
|
|
134.39 |
|
|
|
155.32 |
|
S & P STEEL INDEX |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
119.27 |
|
|
|
87.01 |
|
|
|
134.02 |
|
|
|
193.89 |
|
|
|
399.21 |
|
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Role of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is comprised of four directors who qualify as independent under the
applicable NYSE Rules and as non-employee directors for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange
Act. Messrs. Blystone, Endres and Kasich also qualify as outside directors for purposes of Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Since Mr. Karmanos may not qualify as an outside director
under the definition of Section 162(m), he abstains from voting on Section 162(m)-related matters.
The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. The Compensation
Committee is responsible for, among other things, setting and administering the policies that
govern executive compensation.
Compensation Philosophy
A basic philosophy of the Company is that employees should have a meaningful portion of their
total compensation tied to performance. Therefore, the Company uses incentives, profit sharing or
otherwise, whenever possible. In furtherance of this philosophy, most full-time, non-union
employees participate in some form of
24
incentive compensation program. These programs include cash profit sharing, which is computed
as a fixed percentage of profits, as well as bonus programs under which bonuses are paid quarterly
based on operating results and individual performance.
With respect to senior executives, the Companys practice is that executive compensation is
highly leveraged. Base salaries are deliberately set at levels below market competitive levels for
base salary. When the Company performs well, bonuses tied to Company performance are intended to
put Company officers in the upper range of total cash compensation paid to officers of comparable
companies. When Company performance falls below that of comparable companies, total cash
compensation falls below the median range of total cash compensation paid.
The Company believes it is appropriate to provide a balance between incentives for current
short-term performance and incentives to assure the continued long-term profitability of the
Company. The Companys executive compensation program therefore includes both forms of incentive
compensation. Individual components of executive pay are discussed below.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Compensation Committee annually reviews information
regarding compensation paid by other manufacturing companies of similar size to officers with
similar responsibilities. This review process includes meeting directly with independent,
non-employee compensation consultants retained by the Compensation Committee to review and evaluate
market comparison information with respect to the base salaries, bonuses, and long-term incentive
programs offered by the Company. The Company and the Compensation Committee are committed to
reviewing compensation for market competitiveness and employing incentive compensation vehicles and
practices that continue to be aligned with shareholder interests.
In order to further emphasize the stake directors and officers have in fulfilling the goal of
building and increasing shareholder value, and to deepen the resolve of executive leadership to
fulfill that goal, in August 2004, the Company established stock ownership guidelines for directors
and senior executives. Target ownership levels are structured as a multiple of annual cash
compensation or retainer, with directors and the CEO set at five times, the Chief Financial Officer
and the Chief Operating Officer set at two times, business unit presidents set at one-and-a-half
times, and other executives set at one time, annual cash compensation. The officer or director is
expected to attain the targeted level within five years of the adoption of the policy or the date
he or she starts in the position.
The Company has a policy of not entering into employment agreements, and neither the CEO nor
any of the other executive officers are subject to any employment agreements providing for any
fixed duration of employment.
Base Salaries
Base salaries for the CEO and other executive officers are set to reflect the duties and
responsibilities inherent to each position, individual level of experience, performance, and market
compensation information. In Fiscal 2006, there were no base salary increases for the Named
Executives. However, based upon changes in the external market, the relative relationship between
the base salaries of the following Named Executives to the market data, and Mr. Stoes promotion to
Chief Operating Officer, the Compensation Committee approved the following base salary increases
effective June 1, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
John P. McConnell
|
|
|
|
from $485,000 to $550,000 |
John S. Christie
|
|
|
|
from $300,000 to $350,000 |
George P. Stoe
|
|
|
|
from $280,000 to $340,000 |
In recent years, the Compensation Committee has recommended that Mr. McConnells base salary
be increased, but Mr. McConnell refused such increases. This year, the Compensation Committee
reinforced its position that Mr. McConnell accept the recommended increase effective June 1, 2006.
This is the first base salary increase Mr. McConnell has accepted since June 1, 2002.
25
Incentive Compensation
Bonuses
The Named Executives, and certain other key employees of the Company participate in an
executive bonus program (the Bonus Plan) in which bonuses are paid to participants based largely
on corporate, business unit or operating unit results and individual performance. Although
corporate, business unit or operating unit results is the largest variable in determining the
amount of the bonus, an individuals bonus may be adjusted up or down based upon the individuals
performance as determined by the individuals manager, the CEO or the Compensation Committee.
Quarterly bonuses may also be paid pursuant to performance awards under the 1997 LTIP based upon
achieving earnings per share results for the quarter. Bonuses are paid quarterly and generally
account for in excess of 50% of a participants total cash compensation. Bonuses are determined
and paid within a reasonable time after quarterly results become known and are finalized.
Long-Term Incentives
The Compensation Committee has implemented a long-term incentive program for the CEO and the
other executive officers which anticipates consideration of (a) annual option grants, (b) long-term
performance share grants, and (c) long-term performance awards based upon achieving measurable
financial criteria over a multiple-year period, with payment in cash, Common Shares, other property
or any combination thereof based upon fair market value on date of payment upon achievement of
specified performance levels.
The Compensation Committee believes using a blend of options, performance shares and
performance awards represents a particularly appropriate and balanced method of motivating and
rewarding senior executives. Options align the interests of employee option holders with those of
shareholders by providing value tied to stock price appreciation. Performance shares and
performance awards motivate long-term results because the value is tied to sustained financial
achievement over a multiple-year period. The use of performance shares is less dilutive than using
options to deliver the equivalent value. The Compensation Committee believes the combination of
the three forms of incentives is superior to a reliance upon only one form.
For a number of years, it has been the practice of the Compensation Committee to approve
option grants with a strike price equal to the fair market value on the first day of the month
following the Compensation Committee meeting in which the grants were approved. Neither the
Company nor the Compensation Committee has back-dated option grants. Options granted to the CEO
and the other Named Executives during Fiscal 2006 are shown in the table under the heading Option
Grants in Fiscal 2006.
Long-term performance awards granted to the CEO and the other Named Executives during Fiscal
2006 are shown in the table under the heading Long-Term Incentive Plan Cash Performance Awards
Made In Fiscal 2006, and the performance share awards granted to those individuals during Fiscal
2006 are shown in the table under the heading Long-Term Incentive Plan Performance Share Awards
Made In Fiscal 2006.
CEO Compensation
The Company had its second best year ever in Fiscal 2006, surpassed only by the results of the
previous year. Both the Pressure Cylinders segment and the WAVE joint venture had record sales and
earnings. The Companys consolidated balance sheet remains very strong and, therefore, the Company
remains well-positioned to take advantage of appropriate acquisition and joint venture
opportunities, and continues to explore such opportunities in each of its business segments.
Additionally, the Company made continued progress towards a number of its strategic goals including
optimizing the Companys existing operations, developing and commercializing new products and
applications and pursuing acquisitions and joint ventures. Positive strides were made in
diversifying the Companys customer base and taking advantage of opportunities to provide processed
steel products downstream to other business operations.
Consistent with its highly-leveraged, incentive-based compensation philosophy, which is
designed to reward management in good years and reduce compensation in weak years, total
compensation for the CEO decreased in Fiscal 2006 compared to Fiscal 2005. Mr. McConnells bonus
compensation decreased 23.7% and total cash compensation decreased 14.1%.
26
Based upon information received from its independent compensation advisors, the Compensation
Committee believes the total compensation paid to Mr. McConnell is below market median levels for
comparably situated individuals. This is due in part to Mr. McConnells refusal to accept base
salary increases previously recommended by the Compensation Committee. Even with the base salary
increase effective June 1, 2006 noted above, the Compensation Committee believes total compensation
for Mr. McConnell continues to be below market median levels.
Mr. McConnell and other members of management received a payout with respect to the
performance awards granted under the 1997 LTIP for performance levels achieved for the three-year
period ended May 31, 2006. This represents the third consecutive year in which a payment was
received, after four consecutive years in which no payments were earned. The details of the
payouts under the 1997 LTIP are described on page 16 in the table under the heading Summary
Compensation Table.
Tax Deductibility
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits deductions for compensation paid to a
publicly-held corporations five most highly compensated executive officers to $1,000,000 per year
per executive officer, excluding performance-based compensation meeting certain requirements.
Treasury regulations issued under Section 162(m) define the provisions which compensatory plans
must contain to qualify for the performance-based exemption under Section 162(m). The Companys
1990 Stock Option Plan and 2003 Stock Option Plan qualify for the exemption. The Compensation
Committee intends to tailor the incentive programs under the 1997 LTIP to also qualify them for the
exemption. Although bonuses are driven by financial and individual performance, awards under the
Bonus Plan, which has been in effect since 1966, do not meet the technical requirements for the
performance-based exemption under Section 162(m). In Fiscal 2006, John P. McConnell was granted
certain quarterly bonus awards under the 1997 LTIP which were tied to the Companys earnings per
share performance for the quarter and which the Compensation Committee believes qualify for the
performance-based exemption under Section 162(m). The Compensation Committee intends to continue
to examine the best method to pay quarterly bonuses to Mr. McConnell and other executive officers,
which will include consideration of the application of Section 162(m). In all cases, whether or
not some portion of a covered executive officers compensation is tax deductible, the Compensation
Committee will continue to carefully consider the net cost and value to the Company of its
compensation policies.
Compensation and Stock Option Committee
John B. Blystone, Chair
Michael J. Endres
Peter Karmanos, Jr.
John R. Kasich
TRANSACTIONS WITH CERTAIN RELATED PARTIES
The Company is a party to certain agreements relating to the rental of aircraft to and from
JMAC and McAir, Inc. (McAir), a corporation wholly-owned by John H. McConnell. Under the
agreement with McAir, the Company is allowed to lease an aircraft as needed for a rental fee per
flight. Under the agreement with JMAC, (a) the Company leases from JMAC, on a net basis, an
aircraft for a rental fee of $74,725 per month; and (b) the Company allows JMAC to lease aircraft
operated by the Company, on a per-flight basis, when the Company is not using the aircraft. The
Company also makes its pilots available to JMAC for a per-day charge. The rental fees paid to and
by the Company under the per-flight rental agreement are set based on Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) regulations. The Company believes the rental fees set per such FAA
regulations for Fiscal 2006 exceeded the direct operating costs of the aircraft for such flights.
Also, based on quotes for similar services provided by unrelated third parties, the Company
believes that the rental rates paid to McAir and JMAC are no less favorable to the Company than
those that could be obtained from unrelated third parties.
27
For Fiscal 2006, (a) the Company paid an aggregate amount of $896,950 under the JMAC lease
agreement and $261,894 under the McAir lease agreement; and (b) the Company received an aggregate
amount of $175,594 from JMAC for aircraft rental and pilot charges.
During Fiscal 2006, the Company, either directly or through business expense reimbursement,
paid approximately $66,516 to Double Eagle Club, a private golf club owned by the McConnell Family
(the Club). The Company uses the Clubs facilities for Company functions and meetings, and for
meetings, entertainment and overnight lodging for customers, suppliers and other business
associates. Amounts charged by the Club to the Company are no less favorable to the Company than
those that are charged to unrelated members of the Club.
During Fiscal 2006, the Company paid Compuware Corporation, of which Mr. Karmanos is Chairman
of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a 6.2% shareholder, approximately $2,920,000, primarily
for Compuwares services as the Companys project coordinator in connection with the Companys
Oracle ERP system project. Compuware was selected for this position from a number of competing
service providers which had responded to the Companys request for proposal and were interviewed by
the Company. Compuwares selection was based on a number of factors including price, experience
and capabilities. In this position, Compuware supplies resources and tools for project
coordination, organization and testing, and, in general, assists the Company in ensuring that the
Oracle ERP system is installed, tested, operated and integrated with the Worthington IT system in a
proper manner. Compuware also provides general IT consulting services, as requested by the
Company. The payment to Compuware for Fiscal 2006 amounted to approximately 0.25% of Compuwares
consolidated revenues for its most recent fiscal year, and approximately 0.1% of the Companys
consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2006.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
To the Companys knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of the forms furnished to
the Company and written representations that no other forms were required, the Company believes
that, during Fiscal 2006, all directors, officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the
Companys outstanding Common Shares timely filed the forms required by Section 16(a) of the
Exchange Act except: Michael J. Endres filed two late Forms 4 (reporting one transaction each),
Peter J. Karmanos filed one late Form 4 (reporting one transaction), John R. Kasich filed one late
Form 4 (reporting one transaction), and George P. Stoe filed one late Form 4 (reporting four
transactions). Each of the above-listed late filings was reporting theoretical Common Shares
credited to the reporting persons accounts under the applicable Deferral Plans. Deferral Plan
accounts hold no actual Common Shares, and payouts from such accounts are made in cash.
PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF THE WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. 2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN FOR
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
Proposal
The Board proposes that the shareholders approve the adoption of the Worthington Industries,
Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the 2006 Directors Equity Plan). On
May 19, 2006, the Board adopted the 2006 Directors Equity Plan, subject to approval by the
shareholders. The following is a brief summary of the material terms of the 2006 Directors Equity
Plan. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2006
Directors Equity Plan, which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix 1.
Purpose
The purpose of the 2006 Directors Equity Plan is to foster and promote the long-term financial
success of the Company and its related entities and to increase shareholder value by (1) providing
participants an opportunity to acquire and maintain an ownership interest in the Company, and (2)
encouraging participants to remain as directors of the Company and to put forth maximum efforts for
the success of the Company and its related entities.
Although non-employee directors of the Company are currently eligible to receive non-qualified
stock options under the 2000 Directors Option Plan, the Board believes that the various types of
awards available under
28
the 2006 Directors Equity Plan will provide the Company with greater flexibility to respond to
market changes in equity compensation practices relating to director compensation. The 2006
Directors Equity Plan permits the grant of non-qualified stock options to purchase Common Shares
(options), restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights (SARs) and whole
Common Shares to non-employee directors of the Company.
Eligibility
Only non-employee directors of the Company are eligible to receive awards under the 2006
Directors Equity Plan. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, there were eight non-employee
directors of the Company. Following the election of four directors at the Annual Meeting, assuming
that the nominees of the Board identified in PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS are re-elected,
there will initially be eight directors of the Company eligible to receive awards under the 2006
Directors Equity Plan.
As discussed under PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Compensation of Directors
Equity-Based Compensation, the non-employee directors of the Company have received automatic
annual grants of options under the 2000 Directors Option Plan. Awards under the 2006 Directors
Equity Plan will be made by the Board in its discretion.
If the 2006 Directors Equity Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company, each
individual then serving as a non-employee director will be granted, effective as of the date of the
Annual Meeting: (a) an option to purchase 5,000 Common Shares, with an exercise price equal to the
fair market value of the Common Shares on the grant date and the remaining terms of the option
would be the same as those applicable to options granted under the 2000 Directors Option Plan; and
(b) an award of 1,300 shares of restricted stock. Each share of restricted stock granted to a
non-employee director would vest upon the first to occur of: (i) the first anniversary of the grant
date; or (ii) the date on which the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company is held. In
the case of death, total disability, change in control or retirement, all shares of restricted
stock would immediately become fully vested. During the time between the grant date and the vesting
date, dividends paid to the Companys shareholders of record would be accrued and paid in respect
of the shares of restricted stock upon the vesting date as described above.
The following table shows the number of Common Shares subject to options and the number of
shares of restricted stock that will be granted, effective as of the date of the Annual Meeting, to
each of the non-employee directors of the Company and to the non-employee directors of the Company
as a group if the 2006 Directors Equity Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company, and
the Boards nominees are re-elected as directors of the Company, at the Annual Meeting:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Common Shares |
|
Number of Shares of |
Name and Position |
|
Subject to Option |
|
Restricted Stock |
John B. Blystone (1) |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
William S. Dietrich, II (1) |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
Michael J. Endres |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
Peter Karmanos, Jr. |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
John R. Kasich |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
Carl A. Nelson, Jr. (1) |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
Sidney A. Ribeau (1) |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
Mary Schiavo |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All current directors who
are not executive officers
(or employees)
as a group |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
10,400 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Nominee for re-election as a director of the Company at the Annual Meeting. None
of the executive officers or other employees of the Company is eligible to participate in
the 2006 Directors Equity Plan. |
29
Replacement of 2000 Directors Option Plan
If the 2006 Directors Equity Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company, the options
to be granted to non-employee directors will be granted under the 2006 Director Equity Plan and no
additional options will be granted under the 2000 Directors Option Plan. However, outstanding
options granted under the 2000 Directors Option Plan will remain outstanding and will remain in
effect in accordance with their terms. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, an aggregate of
131,000 Common Shares were subject to outstanding options granted under the 2000 Directors Option
Plan. Unless the Board otherwise determines, options granted under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan
will have the same terms as those set forth in the 2000 Directors Option Plan.
Administration
The 2006 Directors Equity Plan is administered by the Board, which may delegate any
ministerial duties to any person it deems appropriate. The Board has the sole discretion to
determine which non-employee directors will be granted awards and to establish the types of awards
to be granted and the terms and conditions of those awards. Consistent with the 2006 Directors
Equity Plans objectives, the Board has the authority to adopt, amend and rescind rules and
regulations relating to the 2006 Directors Equity Plan and complete discretion to make all other
decisions necessary or advisable for the administration and interpretation of the 2006 Directors
Equity Plan.
Common Shares Available Under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan
The aggregate number of Common Shares that may be subject to awards under the 2006 Directors
Equity Plan will be: (1) 200,000 Common Shares, which will be available for any awards under the
2006 Directors Equity Plan, plus (2) the following aggregate number of Common Shares, which will be
available only for options: (a) 200,000 Common Shares; plus (b) the number of Common Shares that,
on the date the 2006 Directors Equity Plan is approved by shareholders, are authorized and
available for grant under the 2000 Directors Option Plan, but which are not subject to awards under
the 2000 Directors Option Plan (97,000 Common Shares); plus (c) the number of Common Shares that,
on the date the 2006 Directors Equity Plan is approved by shareholders, are subject to options
granted under the 2000 Directors Option Plan, but which are subsequently forfeited under the terms
of the 2000 Directors Option Plan without receipt of any consideration. The Common Shares
available under clause (2) above will only be used for options, while those under clause (1) may be
used for any awards under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan, including options.
The number of Common Shares available for grant under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan (as well
as the appropriate terms of outstanding awards) will be adjusted to take into account share
dividends, share splits, recapitalizations, mergers, consolidations, combinations, spin-offs,
distributions of assets to shareholders, exchanges of shares or other similar corporate changes
affecting shares. Common Shares available for delivery under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan may
consist of treasury shares or authorized but unissued shares. Common Shares covered by awards that
are forfeited, cancelled, terminated, relinquished or otherwise settled without issuing Common
Shares or without the payment of cash or any other consideration will be available again for grant
under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan.
On August 1, 2006, the closing price of the Common Shares on the NYSE was $20.00 per share.
Prohibition on Repricing
The 2006 Directors Equity Plan expressly prohibits repricing an award.
Awards Subject to the 2006 Directors Equity Plan
Options
The Board may grant options to purchase Common Shares to non-employee directors under the 2006
Directors Equity Plan. Each grant of an option will be evidenced by an award agreement that
describes the exercise
30
price, the expiration date of the option, when the option may be exercised and any other terms
and conditions affecting the option. The Board will determine the exercise price for each option,
but the exercise price must be at least equal to the fair market value (as defined in the 2006
Directors Equity Plan) of a Common Share on the date the option is granted. In addition, the Board
will determine the term of the option, which may not exceed ten years. A participant may exercise
an option by completing an exercise notice and paying the exercise price, each as described in the
applicable award agreement. Generally, a participant will not have any voting or dividend rights
with respect to Common Shares covered by any options.
Unless the Board otherwise determines, options granted under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan
will have the same terms as set forth in the 2000 Directors Option Plan.
Restricted Stock
The Board may grant shares of restricted stock to non-employee directors under the 2006
Directors Equity Plan. Each grant of shares of restricted stock will be evidenced by an award
agreement that describes the restriction period, the terms and conditions that must be met during
the restriction period and any other terms and conditions affecting the restricted stock.
Restricted stock will be held by the Company as escrow agent and will be (1) forfeited if the
applicable terms and conditions are not met, or (2) released from escrow and distributed to the
participant as soon as administratively feasible after the last day of the restriction period if
the applicable terms and conditions have been met. Unless otherwise provided in a participants
award agreement, a participant who has been granted shares of restricted stock may exercise full
voting rights with respect to those shares during the restriction period. In addition, unless
otherwise provided in a participants award agreement, any dividends and other distributions paid
with respect to shares of restricted stock will be held by the Company as escrow agent during the
restriction period and subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as
the shares of restricted stock with respect to which they were paid.
Restricted Stock Units
The Board may grant restricted stock units to non-employee directors under the 2006 Directors
Equity Plan. Restricted stock units are unfunded, unsecured rights to receive Common Shares (or
cash equal to the fair market value of those Common Shares) in the future. Each grant of
restricted stock units will be evidenced by an award agreement that describes the restriction
period, the terms and conditions that must be met during the restriction period, whether the
restricted stock units will be settled in cash and/or Common Shares and any other terms and
conditions affecting the restricted stock units. Restricted stock units will be forfeited if the
applicable terms and conditions are not met. If the applicable terms and conditions are met, the
restricted stock units will be settled in (1) a number of Common Shares equal to the number of
whole restricted stock units covered by the award (any fractional restricted stock unit will be
settled in cash), (2) cash equal to the number of restricted stock units covered by the award,
multiplied by the fair market value of a Common Share on the settlement date, or (3) a combination
of Common Shares and cash. Generally, a participant will not have any voting or dividend rights
with respect to Common Shares covered by any restricted stock units.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Board may grant stock appreciation rights (SARs) to non-employee directors under the
2006 Directors Equity Plan. Each grant of SARs will be evidenced by an award agreement that
describes the exercise price, the expiration date of the SARs, when the SARs may be exercised,
whether the SARs will be settled in Common Shares or cash and any other terms and conditions
affecting the SARs. The Board will determine the exercise price for each SAR, but the exercise
price must be at least equal to the fair market value of a Common Share on the date the SAR is
granted. In addition, the Board will determine the term of the SARs, which may not exceed ten
years. A participant may exercise SARs by completing an exercise notice. As soon as
administratively feasible after the SARs are exercised, the participant will be entitled to an
amount equal to (1) the difference between the fair market value of a Common Share on the date of
the SARs are exercised and the exercise price, multiplied by (2) the number of SARs being
exercised. The SARs may be settled in Common Shares and/or cash as described in the applicable
award agreement. Generally, a participant will not have any voting or dividend rights with respect
to Common Shares covered by any SARs.
31
Whole Common Shares
The Board may grant whole Common Shares to non-employee directors under the 2006 Directors
Equity Plan on any basis and subject to any terms and conditions that the Board believes to be
appropriate.
Effect of Termination on Awards
Unless the award agreement provides otherwise, the following rules apply to awards granted
under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan:
Death, Disability or Retirement
If a participants service on the Board terminates due to the participants death, disability
(as defined in the 2006 Directors Equity Plan) or retirement (as defined in the 2006 Directors
Equity Plan), (1) all options and SARs will become fully vested and exercisable and will remain
exercisable until the earlier of the expiration date specified in the applicable award agreement or
the third anniversary of the participants termination of service, (2) all restricted stock and
restricted stock units will become fully vested, and (3) all whole Common Shares will be subject to
the terms and conditions provided in the applicable award agreement. In general, retirement is
defined in the 2006 Directors Equity Plan to mean retirement of a director from service on the
Board after having attained age 65 or served at least nine years as a member of the Board (or a
shorter period specified by the Board that may not be less than six years).
Cause
If a participants service on the Board is terminated for cause (as defined in the 2006
Directors Equity Plan), all awards that are outstanding (whether or not exercisable) will be
forfeited on the termination date.
Other Types of Termination
If a participants service on the Board terminates for any reason not described above, (1) all
options and SARs that are outstanding and vested and exercisable on the termination date will
remain exercisable until the earlier of the expiration date specified in the applicable award
agreement or the first anniversary of the participants termination of service, and (2) all options
and SARs that are not vested and exercisable and all other awards will be forfeited on the
termination date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board will have the right to accelerate the
vesting or exercisability of any award upon a participants termination of service.
Buy Out of Awards
In general, the Board has the authority under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan to offer to buy
any outstanding awards for cash or by substitution of another award. Any buy out will be completed
as soon as administratively feasible after a participants acceptance of a buy out offer.
Business Combination or Change in Control
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, upon a business combination or
change in control (as defined in the 2006 Directors Equity Plan), all of a participants awards
will become fully vested and exercisable.
Term of the Plan
Subject to approval by the shareholders, the effective date of the 2006 Directors Equity Plan
is the date of the Companys 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, September 27, 2006. Unless
earlier terminated or suspended by the Board, the 2006 Directors Equity Plan will continue until
the day after the Companys 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
32
Amendment and Termination
The Board may terminate, suspend or amend the 2006 Directors Equity Plan at any time without
shareholder approval, except as required by applicable law or to satisfy the requirements imposed
by any securities exchange, market or other quotation system on or through which the Companys
securities are listed or traded. In addition, no termination, suspension or amendment may
adversely affect any awards previously granted to a participant without his or her consent.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may amend the 2006 Directors Equity Plan and any award
agreement without additional consideration to the affected participants to the extent necessary to
avoid penalties arising under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
Transferability
In general, awards are not transferable, except by will or the laws of descent and
distribution and, during a participants lifetime, may be exercised only by the participant or his
or her guardian or legal representative. However, with the permission of the Board, a participant
may transfer an award to a revocable inter vivos trust of which he or she is the settlor or certain
other permitted transferees (as defined in the 2006 Directors Equity Plan).
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a brief summary of the general U.S. federal income tax consequences relating
to the 2006 Directors Equity Plan. This summary is based on U.S. federal tax laws and regulations
in effect on the date of this Proxy Statement and does not purport to be a complete description of
the U.S. federal income tax laws.
Options
All options granted under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan will be non-qualified stock options.
A participant will not recognize any taxable income when an option is granted and the Company will
not receive a deduction at that time. However, in general, when an option is exercised, a
participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of
the Common Shares that the participant purchased on the date of exercise over the exercise price.
When an option is exercised, the Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the ordinary
income that the participant recognizes.
Restricted Stock
Unless a participant makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (a
Code §83(b) election), the participant will not recognize taxable income when restricted stock is
granted and the Company will not receive a deduction at that time. Instead, a participant will
recognize ordinary income when the shares of restricted stock vest (e.g., the underlying Common
Shares are freely transferable or are not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture) equal to the
fair market value of the underlying Common Shares at such time, less any consideration paid for the
shares of restricted stock. The Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the ordinary
income that the participant recognizes. If a participant makes a Code §83(b) election, the
participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the Common Shares
subject to the restricted stock award on the grant date, and the Company will be entitled to a
deduction equal to the ordinary income that the participant recognizes at that time. However, the
participant will not recognize taxable income at the time the restricted stock vests. In addition,
a participant may not take a tax deduction in connection with any forfeiture of restricted stock
subject to a Code §83(b) election.
Restricted Stock Units
A participant will not recognize taxable income when restricted stock units are granted and
the Company will not receive a deduction at that time. Instead, a participant will recognize
ordinary income equal to the cash and/or fair market value of the Common Shares actually received
in settlement of the restricted stock units, less any consideration paid for Common Shares
received. The Company generally will be entitled to a deduction equal to the ordinary income that
the participant recognizes at that time.
33
SARs
A participant will not recognize any taxable income when a SAR is granted and the Company will
not receive a deduction at that time. When a SAR is exercised, a participant will recognize
ordinary income equal to the cash and/or fair market value of the Common Shares actually received
in settlement of the SAR. The Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the ordinary income
that the participant recognizes at that time.
Whole Common Shares
In general, a participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the
Common Shares actually received and the Company will receive a deduction equal to the ordinary
income that that participant recognizes at that time.
Disposition of Common Shares Issued Under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan
Generally, if a participant disposes of Common Shares issued under the 2006 Directors Equity
Plan, the participant will recognize long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the
length of time that the participant held the Common Shares. The Company will not have any tax
consequences as a result of the participants disposition of such Common Shares.
Section 409A
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (Code §409A), which was enacted in 2004, imposes
certain restrictions on amounts deferred under non-qualified deferred compensation plans and a 20
percent excise tax on amounts that are subject to, but do not comply with, Code §409A. Code §409A
includes a broad definition of non-qualified deferred compensation plans, which may extend to
various types of awards granted under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan. However, the Internal
Revenue Service has not finalized regulations describing the effect of Code §409A on the types of
awards that may be issued under the 2006 Directors Equity Plan. The Board intends to administer
the 2006 Directors Equity Plan and any award agreements to avoid or minimize the effect of Code
§409A and, if necessary, will amend the 2006 Directors Equity Plan and any award agreement to
comply with Code §409A before December 31, 2006 (or a later date specified by the U.S. Internal
Revenue Service).
IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: In order to ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the
U.S. Internal Revenue Service, readers are advised that any federal tax advice contained in this
communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be
used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the
Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another person, any
transaction or other matter addressed herein.
Other Matters
The Company is seeking shareholder approval of the 2006 Directors Equity Plan to comply with
the requirements of applicable laws and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC and NYSE.
If such shareholder approval is not obtained, the 2006 Directors Equity Plan will be null and void.
Recommendation and Vote to Approve the 2006 Directors Equity Plan
The proposal to approve the 2006 Directors Equity Plan will be submitted to the shareholders
in the form of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2006 Equity
Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the 2006 Directors
Equity Plan) as set forth in Appendix I to the Proxy Statement of
the Company for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on September
27, 2006 be, and the same hereby is, approved.
34
RESOLVED, that upon approval of the 2006 Directors Equity Plan,
no additional awards will be granted under the Worthington
Industries, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
The Companys Board Recommends That Shareholders Vote For the Approval of the Worthington
Industries, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
Shareholder approval of the 2006 Directors Equity Plan will require the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all then outstanding
Common Shares, present in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote on the proposal; provided that
the total vote cast on the proposal represents over 50% in interest of all Common Shares entitled
to vote on the proposal. The effect of an abstention is the same as a no vote. Broker non-votes
will not be counted in determining the number of Common Shares necessary for approval.
PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of the Companys Board has selected KPMG LLP to serve as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2007, and
recommends that the shareholders vote for the ratification of that selection. KPMG LLP audited the
Companys consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting as of and
for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2006 and May 31, 2005. Representatives of KPMG LLP are expected
to be present at the Annual Meeting and will be given the opportunity to make a statement if they
so desire and to respond to appropriate questions.
The selection of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm is made annually
by the Audit Committee. The Company has determined to submit the selection of the independent
registered public accounting firm to the shareholders for ratification. Before selecting KPMG LLP,
the Audit Committee carefully considered that firms qualifications as the independent registered
public accounting firm for the Company and the audit scope.
Recommendation and Vote
The Audit Committee and the Board Recommend that Shareholders Vote For This Proposal.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the
holders of all then outstanding Common Shares, present in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote
on the proposal, is required to ratify the selection of the independent registered public
accounting firm. The effect of an abstention is the same as a no vote. Even if the selection of
KPMG LLP is ratified by the shareholders, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, could decide to
terminate the engagement of KPMG LLP and to engage another firm if the Audit Committee determines
such action necessary or desirable. If the selection of KPMG LLP is not ratified, the Audit
Committee of the Companys Board will reconsider the selection.
AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS
In accordance with the applicable SEC Rules, the Audit Committee has issued the following
report:
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR FISCAL 2006
The Audit Committee oversees the Companys financial and accounting functions, controls,
reporting processes, and audits on behalf of the Board in accordance with the Audit Committees
written charter and is responsible to provide independent, objective oversight of the integrity and
quality of the Companys consolidated financial statements, the qualifications and independence of
the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, the performance of the Companys
internal auditors and independent registered public accounting firm and the annual independent
audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements. Management has the primary
responsibility for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Companys consolidated
financial statements and the reporting process, including the establishment and maintenance of
adequate internal control over
35
financial reporting, and for the preparation of the annual report on managements assessment
of the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. The Companys
independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP (KPMG), is responsible for auditing the
Companys annual consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of
those statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, issuing an
attestation report on managements assessment of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting, and reviewing the Companys unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed with management the
Companys audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended May 31,
2006 and discussed with management the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting
principles as applied in the Companys financial reporting, the reasonableness of significant
judgments, and the clarity and completeness of disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements.
The Audit Committee reviewed with KPMG the judgments of KPMG as to the quality, not just the
acceptability, of the Companys accounting principles; the consistency of the Companys accounting
principles and their application; the reasonableness of significant judgments; the clarity and
completeness of the disclosures in the consolidated financial statements; and such other matters as
are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee by auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States, including those described in Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61,
Communication With Audit Committees, as modified. In addition, the Audit Committee has discussed
with KPMG the independence of that firm from management and the Company, including the matters in
the written disclosures required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence
Discussions with Audit Committees, as modified. The Audit Committee has discussed with KPMG any
relationships with or services to the Company that may impact the objectivity and independence of
KPMG and the Audit Committee has satisfied itself as to the independence of KPMG.
The Audit Committee discussed with the Companys internal auditors and KPMG the overall scope
and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee has also met with the internal auditors
and KPMG, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their
evaluations of the Companys internal control over financial reporting, and the overall quality of
the Companys financial reporting.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above and the Audit Committees review
of the report of KPMG to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the
audited consolidated financial statements be included (and the Board approved such inclusion) in
the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006 for filing with the SEC. The
Audit Committee has also selected KPMG as the Companys independent registered public accounting
firm for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2007, and recommends that the shareholders ratify such
selection.
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Audit Committee |
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Carl A. Nelson, Jr., Chair |
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Michael J. Endres |
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Sidney A. Ribeau |
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Mary Schiavo |
PRE-APPROVAL OF SERVICES PERFORMED BY THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Under applicable SEC Rules, the Audit Committee is to pre-approve the audit and non-audit
services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm in order to ensure that
they do not impair the firms independence from the Company. The SEC Rules specify the types of
non-audit services that independent registered public accounting firms may not provide to their
audit clients and establish the Audit Committees responsibility for administration of the
engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm.
36
Consistent with applicable SEC Rules, the charter of the Audit Committee requires that the
Audit Committee review and pre-approve all audit services and permitted non-audit services provided
by the independent registered public accounting firm to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more members of the Audit
Committee, and, if it does, the decision of that member or members must be presented to the full
Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
All requests or applications for services to be provided by the independent registered public
accounting firm must be submitted to the Audit Committee by both the independent registered public
accounting firm and the Chief Financial Officer and must include a joint statement as to whether,
in their view, the request or application is consistent with the SEC Rules governing auditor
independence.
FEES OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Fees billed for services rendered by KPMG for each of Fiscal 2006 and Fiscal 2005 were as
follows:
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Type of Fees |
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Fiscal 2006 |
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Fiscal 2005 |
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Audit Fees |
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$ |
1,815,624 |
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$ |
1,955,778 |
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Audit-Related Fees |
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Tax Fees |
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55,298 |
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47,500 |
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All Other Fees |
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$ |
1,870,922 |
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$ |
2,003,278 |
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All of the services rendered by KPMG to the Company and its subsidiaries during Fiscal 2006
and Fiscal 2005 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
In accordance with the SECs definitions and rules, Audit Fees are fees for professional
services rendered for the audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements; the review of
the interim consolidated financial statements included in the Companys Form 10-Qs; the audit of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting with the objective of obtaining reasonable
assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects; the attestation of managements report on the effectiveness of internal control
over financial reporting; and services that are normally provided by the independent registered
public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those
fiscal years.
Tax Fees are for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax
planning, and in Fiscal 2006 and Fiscal 2005 included fees for an international tax project.
Audit-Related Fees are for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the
performance of the audit or review of the Companys consolidated financial statements that are not
reported under Audit Fees. All Other Fees are for products and services not included in the
first three categories.
HOUSEHOLDING OF ANNUAL MEETING MATERIALS
The SEC has implemented rules regarding the delivery of proxy materials (i.e., annual reports
and proxy statements, proxy statements combined with a prospectus, or any information statements
provided to shareholders) to households. This method of delivery, often referred to as
householding, would permit the Company to send a single annual report and/or a single proxy
statement to any household at which two or more different registered shareholders reside if the
Company reasonably believes such shareholders are members of the same family or otherwise share the
same address or that one shareholder has multiple accounts. In each case, the shareholder(s) must
consent to the householding process in accordance with applicable SEC Rules. Each shareholder
would continue to receive a separate notice of any meeting of shareholders and proxy card. The
householding procedure reduces the volume of duplicate information shareholders receive and reduces
the Companys expenses. The
37
Company may institute householding in the future and will notify registered shareholders
affected by householding at that time.
Many broker/dealers and other holders of record have instituted householding. If your family
has one or more street name accounts under which you beneficially own Common Shares of the
Company, you may have received householding information from your broker/dealer, financial
institution, or other nominee in the past. Please contact the holder of record directly if you
have questions, require additional copies of this Proxy Statement or the Companys 2006 Annual
Report, or if you wish to revoke your decision to household and thereby receive multiple copies.
You should also contact the holder of record if you wish to institute householding. These options
are available to you at any time.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholders of the Company seeking to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders
(an annual meeting) or to nominate candidates for election as directors at an annual meeting must
provide timely notice thereof in writing to the Companys Secretary. Under Section 1.08(A) of the
Companys Code of Regulations, to be timely, a shareholders notice with respect to business to be
brought before an annual meeting must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal
executive offices of the Company not less than 30 days prior to an annual meeting. However, if
less than 40 days notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to
shareholders, the shareholders notice must be received no later than the close of business on the
tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such
public disclosure was made. In order for a shareholders notice to be in proper form, it must
include: (a) a brief description of the business the shareholder desires to bring before an annual
meeting; (b) the reasons for conducting the proposed business at an annual meeting; (c) the name
and address of the proposing shareholder; (d) the number of Common Shares beneficially owned by the
proposing shareholder; and (e) any material interest of the proposing shareholder in the business
to be brought before an annual meeting. The requirements applicable to nominations are described
above in PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Nominating Procedures.
A shareholder seeking to bring business before an annual meeting must also comply with all
applicable SEC Rules. Under SEC Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, proposals of shareholders
intended to be presented at the Companys 2007 Annual Meeting must be received by the Company no
later than April 25, 2007 to be eligible for inclusion in the Companys proxy materials relating to
the 2007 Annual Meeting. Upon receipt of a shareholder proposal, the Company will determine
whether or not to include the proposal in the proxy materials in accordance with applicable SEC
Rules.
The SEC has promulgated rules relating to the exercise of discretionary voting authority
pursuant to proxies solicited by the Board. Generally, a proxy may confer discretionary authority
to vote on any matters brought before an annual meeting, if the Company did not have notice of the
matter at least 45 days before the date on which the Company first mailed its proxy materials for
the prior years annual meeting, and a specific statement to that effect is made in the proxy
statement or proxy card. If during the prior year, the Company did not hold an annual meeting, or
if the date of the meeting has changed more than 30 days from the prior year, then notice must not
have been received a reasonable time before the Company mails its proxy materials for the current
year. Any written notice required as described in this paragraph must be given by July 9, 2006.
Any written notice to be given with respect to matters set forth in the three prior paragraphs
of this SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS section should be sent to the Companys Secretary, Dale T.
Brinkman, Worthington Industries, Inc., 200 Old Wilson Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085 or by fax
to (614) 840-3706.
The Companys 2007 Annual Meeting is currently scheduled to be held on September 26, 2007.
FUTURE ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO PROXY MATERIALS AND ANNUAL REPORT
Registered shareholders can further save the Company expense by consenting to electronically
access, as appropriate, the proxy statement and annual report relating to future meetings of
shareholders on the Investor Relations section of the Companys web site at
www.worthingtonindustries.com. You can choose this option by
38
marking the Electronic Access box on your proxy card or by following the instructions
provided when you submit your voting instructions electronically via the Internet or by telephone.
If you choose this option, prior to each shareholder meeting, you will receive your proxy card in
the mail, along with a notice of the meeting, instructions for electronically accessing the proxy
statement and annual report, and instructions for voting via mail, telephone or the Internet. You
may select the Electronic Access option for each account held in your name. Your choice will
remain in effect unless you revoke it by contacting the Companys transfer agent, National City
Bank, at 1-800-622-6757 or by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Companys web site
at www.worthingtonindustries.com. You will be responsible for any fees or charges that you would
typically pay for access to the Internet.
10-K REPORT
Audited consolidated financial statements for Worthington Industries, Inc. and its
subsidiaries for Fiscal 2006 are included in the 2006 Annual Report which is being delivered with
this Proxy Statement. Additional copies of these financial statements and the Companys Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006 (excluding exhibits) may be obtained,
without charge, from the Companys Investor Relations Department at 200 Old Wilson Bridge Road,
Columbus, Ohio 43085, Attention: Allison M. Sanders, Director of Investor Relations. The Form 10-K
is also available on the Companys web site at www.worthingtonindustries.com and is on file with
the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549.
OTHER BUSINESS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board knows of no business that will be presented
for action by the shareholders at the 2006 Annual Meeting other than that discussed in this Proxy
Statement. However, if any other matter requiring a vote of the shareholders properly comes before
the 2006 Annual Meeting, the individuals acting under the proxies solicited by the Board will vote
and act according to their best judgment in light of the conditions then prevailing, to the extent
permitted under applicable law.
The proxy card and this Proxy Statement have been approved by the Board and are being mailed
and delivered to shareholders by its authority.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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/s/ Dale T. Brinkman, |
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Dated: August 23, 2006
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Dale T. Brinkman, |
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Secretary |
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39
APPENDIX I
WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
1.00 PURPOSE
The Plan is intended to foster and promote the long-term financial success of the Company and
Related Entities and to increase shareholder value by [1] providing Participants an opportunity to
acquire and maintain an ownership interest in the Company and [2] encouraging Participants to
remain as directors of the Company and put forth the maximum efforts for the success of the Company
and Related Entities.
2.00 DEFINITIONS
When used in the Plan, the following words, terms and phrases have the meanings given to them
in this section unless another meaning is expressly provided elsewhere in this document or clearly
required by the context. When applying these definitions and any other word, term or phrase used
in the Plan, the form of any definition or of any word, term or phrase will include any and all of
its other forms.
Act. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute of similar
effect, even if the Company is not subject to the Act.
Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Companys shareholders.
Award. Any Option, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Stock Appreciation Right or Whole
Share granted under the Plan.
Award Agreement. The written or electronic agreement between the Company and each Participant
that describes the terms and conditions of each Award. If there is a conflict between the terms of
the Plan and the terms of any Award Agreement, the terms of the Plan will govern.
Board. The Companys board of directors.
Business Combination. A change in control as defined under Code §409A.
Cause. Unless otherwise specified in the associated Award Agreement, removal from office for
cause in accordance with Article SIXTH of the Companys Amended Articles of Incorporation and the
Ohio General Corporation Law.
Change in Control. Unless otherwise specified in the associated Award Agreement, a Change in
Control will occur when any Person (other than [1] the Company or any Related Entity, [2] any
employee benefit plan of the Company or any Related Entity or any trustee of or fiduciary with
respect to any such plan when acting in such capacity, or [3] any Person who, on the Effective
Date, is an Affiliate of the Company and owning in excess of ten percent of the outstanding Shares
and the respective successors, executors, legal representatives, heirs and legal assigns of such
Person), alone or together with its Affiliates and Associates, has acquired or obtained the right
to acquire the beneficial ownership of 25 percent or more of Shares then outstanding. For purposes
of this definition, Affiliate and Associate will have the respective meanings ascribed to such
terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Act.
I-1
Code. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended or superseded after the Effective Date,
and any applicable rulings or regulations issued under the Code.
Company. Worthington Industries, Inc., an Ohio corporation, and any and all successors to it.
Director. A person who, on an applicable Grant Date, [1] is an elected member of the Board
(or has been appointed to the Board to fill an unexpired term and will continue to serve at the
expiration of that term only if elected by shareholders) and [2] is not a person who performs
services for the Company or any Related Entity as a common-law employee. A persons status as a
Director will be determined as of the Grant Date of each Award made to that person.
Disability. Unless otherwise specified in the associated Award Agreement:
[1] With respect to the payment, exercise or settlement of any Award that is (or becomes)
subject to Code §409A, disabled as defined under Code §409A; and
[2] With respect to a Participants right to exercise or receive settlement of any Award or
with respect to the payment, exercise or settlement of any Award not described in subsection
[1] of this definition, the inability, by reason of a medically determinable physical or
mental impairment, to engage in substantial gainful activity, for a period of 180 days after
its commencement and such condition, in the opinion of a physician selected by the Company
and reasonably acceptable to the Participant or the Participants legal representative, is
total and permanent.
Effective Date. The date the Plan is approved by the Companys shareholders. If the
Companys shareholders do not approve the Plan, this document will have no force or effect.
Exercise Price. The amount, if any, a Participant must pay to exercise an Option or the
amount upon which the value of a Stock Appreciation Right is based.
Expiration Date. The last date that an Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised.
Fair Market Value. The value of one Share on any relevant date, determined under the
following rules:
[1] If the Shares are traded on an exchange or recognized market or quotation system on
which closing prices are reported, the reported closing price on the relevant date, if
it is a trading day, otherwise on the next trading day;
[2] If the Shares are traded over-the-counter with no reported closing price, the mean
between the highest bid and the lowest asked prices on the relevant date, if it is a trading
day, otherwise on the next trading day; or
[3] If neither subsections [1] or [2] of this definition apply, the fair market value as
determined by the Board in good faith and consistent with any applicable provisions under
the Code.
Grant Date. The date an Award is granted.
Option. An Award granted under Section 6.00.
Participant. Any Director to whom an Award has been granted and which is still outstanding.
Person. Any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association,
joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or political subdivision
thereof or other entity.
Plan. The Worthington Industries, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
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Prior Plan. The Worthington Industries, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
Directors, as amended September 25, 2003. Upon approval of the Plan by the Companys shareholders,
no further awards will be issued under the Prior Plan, although awards may be granted under the
Prior Plan up to the date that the Companys shareholders approve the Plan and the Prior Plan will
remain in effect after the Companys shareholders approve the Plan for purposes of determining any
grantees right to awards issued under the Prior Plan before that date. If the Companys
shareholders do not approve the Plan, the Prior Plan will remain in effect until the expiration
date, if any, specified in its governing documents.
Related Entity. Any entity that is or becomes related to the Company through common ownership
as determined under Code §414(b) or (c) but modified as permitted under rules issued under any Code
section relevant to the purpose for which the definition is applied.
Restricted Stock. An Award granted under Section 8.00.
Restricted Stock Unit. An Award granted under Section 9.00.
Restriction Period. The period over which the Board will determine if a Participant has met
conditions placed on Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.
Retirement. Unless otherwise specified in the associated Award Agreement, the retirement of a
Director from service on the Board after having [1] attained the age of 65 or [2] served at least
nine years as a member of the Board, unless the Board specifies a shorter period of required
service which will in no event be fewer than six years.
Separation from Service. A separation from service as defined under Code §409A.
Shares. Common shares, without par value, of the Company or any security of the Company
issued in substitution, exchange or in place of these common shares.
Stock Appreciation Right (SAR). An Award granted under Section 10.00.
Termination. A termination of the Directors service on the Board for any reason.
Whole Share. An Award granted under Section 7.00.
3.00 PARTICIPATION
3.01 Awards.
[1] Consistent with the terms of the Plan and subject to Section 3.01[2], the Board will [a]
decide which Directors will be granted Awards and [b] establish the types of Awards to be
granted and the terms and conditions relating to those Awards.
[2] The Board may establish different terms and conditions [a] for each type of Award, [b]
for each Participant receiving the same type of Award and [c] for the same Participant for
each Award received, whether or not those Awards are granted at different times.
[3] Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 4.04, in the sole discretion of the
Board, and consistent with the terms and conditions of the Plan and applicable law, Awards
also may be made in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously
granted by the Company or any Related Entity or a company acquired by the Company or with
which the Company combines.
3.02 Conditions of Participation. By accepting an Award, each Participant agrees:
[1] To be bound by the terms of the Award Agreement and the Plan and to comply with other
terms and conditions imposed on the Award; and
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[2] That the Board may amend the Plan and any Award Agreement without any additional
consideration to the extent necessary to avoid penalties arising under Code §409A, even if
those amendments reduce, restrict or eliminate rights granted under the Plan or an
outstanding Award Agreement.
4.00 ADMINISTRATION
4.01 Duties. The Board is responsible for administering the Plan and has all powers
appropriate and necessary to that purpose. Consistent with the Plans objectives, the Board may
adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan and has complete discretion to
make all other decisions necessary or advisable for the administration and interpretation of the
Plan. Any action by the Board will be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes and upon all
persons.
4.02 Delegation of Duties. In its sole discretion, the Board may delegate any ministerial
duties associated with the Plan to any person that it deems appropriate. However, the Board may
not delegate any discretionary duties assigned to it or those duties that the Board is required to
discharge to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
4.03 Award Agreement. As soon as administratively feasible after the Grant Date, the Board
will prepare and deliver an Award Agreement to each affected Participant. The Award Agreement will
describe:
[1] The terms of the Award, including, to the extent applicable, [a] the type of Award, [b]
when and how the Award may be exercised, [c] any Exercise Price associated with the Award
and [d] how the Award will or may be settled; and
[2] To the extent different from the terms of the Plan, any other terms and conditions
affecting the Award.
4.04 Restriction on Repricing. No Award (including Options and SARs) may be repriced. For
purposes of this restriction, repricing means any of the following or any other action that has
the same effect: [1] lowering the Exercise Price of an Option or SAR after it is granted; [2] any
other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles; [3]
canceling an Option or SAR at a time when its Exercise Price exceeds the Fair Market Value of the
underlying Shares, in exchange for another Option, SAR, Restricted Stock or other Award, unless the
cancellation and exchange occurs in connection with a merger, acquisition, spin-off or other
similar corporate transaction; or [4] any other action that has the effect of repricing an Award,
as defined under the rules of the securities exchange or other recognized market or quotation
system on which the Shares are then listed or traded.
5.00 LIMITS ON SHARES SUBJECT TO AWARDS
5.01 Number of Authorized Shares. Subject to Section 5.03, the aggregate number of Shares
reserved and available for Awards or which may be used to provide a basis of measurement for or to
determine the value of an Award shall be:
[1] 200,000 Shares, which Shares shall be available for any Award; and
[2] The sum of the following, which shall be available only for Options:
[a] 200,000 Shares; plus
[b] The number of Shares that, on the Effective Date, are authorized and
available to be granted under the Prior Plan, but which are not then subject to
outstanding awards under the Prior Plan; plus
I-4
[c] The number of Shares that, on the Effective Date, are subject to awards
issued under the Prior Plan, but which are subsequently forfeited under the terms of
the Prior Plan without receipt of any consideration.
Shares described Section 5.01[1] may be subject to any Awards issued under the terms and
conditions described in the Plan and Award Agreements issued under the Plan. Shares described
Section 5.01[2] may only be subject to Options issued under the terms and conditions described in
the Plan and Award Agreements issued under the Plan. Shares subject to Options shall be allocated
to the Shares reserved and available for Options under Section 5.01[2] to the extent they are still
available prior to being allocated to Shares available under Section 5.01[1].
The Shares to be delivered under the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of treasury Shares
or authorized but unissued Shares not reserved for any other purpose.
5.02 Adjustment in Number of Authorized Shares. As appropriate, the limits imposed under
Sections 5.01 will be:
[1] Conditionally reduced by the number of Shares underlying each Award; and
[2] Absolutely reduced by [a] the number of Shares issued upon the exercise or settlement of
an Award other than a SAR, [b] the number of Shares subject to each SAR however settled and
[c] a number of Shares equal to [i] the cash amount paid by the Company upon the exercise or
settlement of an Award (other than an Option or SAR) that, under the applicable Award
Agreement, was originally to be settled in Shares, divided by [ii] the Fair Market Value of
a Share on the date of that exercise or settlement transaction; and
[3] Increased by the number of Shares subject to (or associated with) any Award (or part of
an Award) that, for any reason, is forfeited, cancelled, terminated, relinquished, exchanged
or otherwise settled without issuing Shares or without the payment of cash or any other
consideration.
The number of Shares (if any) withheld to pay any Exercise Price or to satisfy any tax
withholding obligation associated with the exercise or settlement of an Award (or part of an Award)
will not be recredited to the number of authorized Shares.
5.03 Adjustment in Capitalization. If, after the Effective Date, there is a Share dividend or
Share split, recapitalization (including payment of an extraordinary dividend), merger,
consolidation, combination, spin-off, distribution of assets to shareholders, exchange of Shares or
other similar corporate change affecting Shares, the Board will appropriately adjust [1] the number
of Shares that may be issued subject to Awards that may or will be granted to Participants during
any period, [2] the aggregate number of Shares available for Awards or subject to outstanding
Awards (as well as any Share-based limits imposed under the Plan), [3] the respective Exercise
Price, number of Shares and other limitations applicable to outstanding or subsequently granted
Awards and [4] any other factors, limits or terms affecting any outstanding or subsequently granted
Awards.
6.00 OPTIONS
6.01 Nature of Award. An Option gives a Participant the right to purchase a specified number
of Shares if the terms and conditions described in the Plan and the associated Award Agreement
(including paying the Exercise Price) are met before the Expiration Date. However, an Option will
be forfeited to the extent that the applicable terms and conditions have not been met before the
Expiration Date or to the extent that the Option is not exercised before the Expiration Date. All
Options granted under this Section 6.00 will be nonqualified stock options and are not intended to
meet the requirements of Code §422.
6.02 Granting Options. At any time during the term of the Plan, the Board may grant Options
to Directors. The Award Agreement associated with each Option grant will describe the Exercise
Price, the Expiration Date (which may never be later than the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date),
the first date that the Option may be exercised, procedures for exercising the Option and any other
terms and conditions affecting the Option.
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6.03 Exercise Price. Except to the extent necessary to implement Section 3.01[3], each Option
will bear an Exercise Price at least equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date.
6.04 Exercising Options. An Option may be exercised only if all applicable terms and
conditions have been met before the Expiration Date and only by sending to the Board (or its
designee) a completed exercise notice (in the form prescribed by the Board) along with payment of
the Exercise Price in accordance with the method or methods described in the associated Award
Agreement.
6.05 Rights Associated With Options. Unless otherwise specified in the associated Award
Agreement, a Participant will have no voting or dividend rights with respect to the Shares
underlying an unexercised Option.
7.00 WHOLE SHARES
At any time during the term of the Plan, the Board may grant Whole Shares to Directors. Whole
Shares may be granted on any basis and subject to any terms and conditions that the Board believes
to be appropriate.
8.00 RESTRICTED STOCK
8.01 Nature of Award. Restricted Stock are Shares issued on the Awards Grant Date which are
subject to specified restrictions on transferability and forfeitability. Any restrictions on
transferability and forfeitability will lapse at the end of the associated Restriction Period only
if the terms and conditions specified in the Plan and the associated Award Agreement are met during
the Restriction Period. However, Restricted Stock will be forfeited to the extent that applicable
terms and conditions have not been met before the end of the Restriction Period.
8.02 Granting Restricted Stock. At any time during the term of the Plan, the Board may grant
Restricted Stock to Directors. The Award Agreement associated with each Restricted Stock grant
will describe the terms and conditions that must be met during the Restriction Period if the Award
is to be earned and settled and any other terms and conditions affecting the Restricted Stock.
8.03 Earning Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock will be held by the Company as escrow agent
and will be:
[1] Forfeited, if the applicable terms and conditions have not been met; or
[2] Released from escrow and distributed to the Participant as soon as administratively
feasible after the last day of the Restriction Period, if the applicable terms and
conditions have been met.
Any fractional Share of Restricted Stock will be settled in cash.
8.04 Rights Associated With Restricted Stock. During the Restriction Period and unless
otherwise specified in the associated Award Agreement:
[1] Each Participant to whom Restricted Stock has been issued may exercise full voting
rights associated with that Restricted Stock; and
[2] Any dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Restricted Stock will be
held by the Company as escrow agent during the Restriction Period. At the end of the
Restriction Period, such dividends or other distributions will be distributed to the
affected Participant or forfeited as provided in Section 8.03 with respect to the Restricted
Stock as to which they were paid. No interest or other accretion will be credited with
respect to any dividends or other distributions held in this escrow account. If any
dividends or other distributions are paid in Shares, those Shares will be subject to the
same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock
with respect to which such dividends or other distributions were paid.
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9.00 RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
9.01 Nature of Award. Restricted Stock Units give a Participant the unfunded, unsecured right
to receive a specified number of Shares (or cash equal to the Fair Market Value of those Shares) in
the future if the terms and conditions described in the Plan and the associated Award Agreement are
met during the Restriction Period. However, Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the extent
that applicable terms and conditions have not been met before the end of the Restriction Period.
9.02 Granting Restricted Stock Units. At any time during the term of the Plan, the Board may
grant Restricted Stock Units to Directors. The Award Agreement associated with each Restricted
Stock Unit grant will describe the terms and conditions that must be met during the Restriction
Period if the Award is to be earned and settled, the form in which the Award will be settled if it
is earned and any other terms and conditions affecting the Restricted Stock Units.
9.03 Earning Restricted Stock Units. Restricted Stock Units will be:
[1] Forfeited, if the applicable terms and conditions have not been met; or
[2] Settled in the manner described in Section 9.04, if the applicable terms and conditions
have been met.
9.04 Settling Restricted Stock Units. As soon as administratively feasible after the
applicable terms and conditions have been met, Restricted Stock Units will be settled [1] in full
Shares equal to the number of Restricted Stock Units to be settled plus cash equal to the Fair
Market Value of any fractional Share subject to a Restricted Stock Unit being settled, [2] for cash
equal to the number of Restricted Stock Units to be settled, multiplied by the Fair Market Value of
a Share on the settlement date, or [3] in a combination of Shares and cash computed under
subsections 9.04[1] and [2]. The method of settling Restricted Stock Units will be described in
the associated Award Agreement.
9.05 Rights Associated With Restricted Stock Units. Unless specified otherwise in the
associated Award Agreement, a Participant will have no voting or dividend rights with respect to
the Shares underlying Restricted Stock Units that have not been settled.
10.00 STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
10.01 Nature of Award. A SAR gives a Participant the right to receive the difference between
the Exercise Price of the SAR and the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the SAR is
exercised, but only if the terms and conditions described in the Plan and the associated Award
Agreement are met before the Expiration Date. However, a SAR will be forfeited to the extent that
applicable terms and conditions have not been met before the Expiration Date or to the extent that
the SAR is not exercised before the Expiration Date.
10.02 Granting SARs. At any time during the term of the Plan, the Board may grant SARs to
Directors. The Award Agreement associated with each SAR grant will describe the Exercise Price,
the Expiration Date (which may never be later than the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date), the
first date that the SAR may be exercised, procedures for exercising the SAR, the form in which the
SAR will be settled if the SAR is earned and any other terms and conditions affecting the SAR.
10.03 Exercise Price. Except to the extent necessary to implement Section 3.01[3], each SAR
will bear an Exercise Price at least equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date.
10.04 Exercising and Settling SARs. SARs may be exercised only if all applicable terms and
conditions have been met before the Expiration Date and only by sending to the Board (or its
designee) a completed exercise notice (in the form prescribed by the Board). As soon as
administratively feasible after the SARs are exercised, SARs will be settled in [1] full Shares
equal to [a][i] the difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the SARs are
exercised and the Exercise Price, multiplied by [ii] the number of SARs being exercised, and
divided by [iii] the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the SARs are exercised, plus [b] cash
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equal to the Fair Market Value of any fractional Share subject to the SAR being exercised, [2]
cash equal to [a] the difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the SARs are
exercised and the Exercise Price, multiplied by [b] the number of SARs being exercised or [3] a
combination of full Shares and cash computed under subsections 10.04[1] and [2]. The method of
settling SARs will be specified in the associated Award Agreement.
10.05 Rights Associated With SARs. Unless specified otherwise in the associated Award
Agreement, a Participant will have no voting or dividend rights with respect to the Shares
underlying an unexercised SAR.
11.00 TERMINATION/BUY OUT
11.01 Effect of Termination on Awards. Unless specified otherwise in the associated Award
Agreement or the Plan, the following treatment will apply to Awards upon a Termination:
[1] Death, Disability or Retirement. If a Participant Terminates due to death, Disability
or Retirement:
[a] All Options and SARs then held by the Participant (whether or not then
exercisable) will become fully vested and exercisable on the Termination date and
may be exercised at any time before the earlier of [i] the Expiration Date specified
in the Award Agreement or [ii] the third anniversary of the Termination date.
[b] All Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted to the Participant will
become fully vested on the Termination date.
[c] All Whole Shares granted to the Participant will be subject to the terms and
conditions, if any, described in the associated Award Agreement.
[2] Termination for Cause. If a Participant Terminates for Cause, all Awards that are
outstanding (whether or not then exercisable) will be forfeited on the Termination date.
[3] Termination for any Other Reason. If a Participant Terminates for any reason not
described in Section 11.01[1] or [2], [a] all Options and SARs that are outstanding on the
Termination date and which are then vested and exercisable may be exercised at any time
before the earlier of [i] the Expiration Date specified in the Award Agreement or [ii] the
first anniversary of the Termination date and [b] all Options and SARs that are not then
vested and exercisable and all other Awards that are outstanding will be forfeited on the
Termination date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board will have the right, in its sole
discretion, to accelerate the vesting or exercisability of any Award upon a Participants
Termination.
11.02 Code §409A. Regardless of any other provision in the Plan or any Award Agreement, if a
Participants Termination is not a Separation from Service, the payment, exercise or settlement of
any Award subject to Code §409A will not be made or permitted before the Participant Separates from
Service.
11.03 Other Limits on Exercisability or Settlement. Unless otherwise specified in the
associated Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Participant and the Company or
any Related Entity and regardless of any other Plan provision, all Awards granted to a Participant
that have not been exercised or settled will be forfeited if the Participant:
[1] Without the Boards written consent, which may be withheld for any reason or for no
reason, serves (or agrees to serve) as an officer, director, consultant or employee of any
proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity or
becomes the owner of a business or a member of a partnership that competes with the Company
or a Related Entity or renders any service to entities that compete with the Company or a
Related Entity or;
[2] Deliberately engages in any action that the Board concludes could harm the Company or
any Related Entity.
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11.04 Buy Out of Awards. The Board, in its sole discretion, may offer to buy for cash or by
substitution of another Award (but only to the extent that the offer and the terms of the offer do
not, and on their face are not likely to, generate penalties under Code §409A, violate any other
applicable law or violate the provisions of Section 4.04) any or all outstanding Awards held by any
Participant, whether or not exercisable, by providing to that Participant written notice (Buy Out
Offer) of its intention to exercise the rights reserved in this section and other information, if
any, required to be included under applicable securities laws. If a Buy Out Offer is made, the
Company will transfer to each Participant accepting the offer the value (determined under
procedures adopted by the Board) of the Award to be purchased or exchanged. The Company will
complete any buy out made under this section as soon as administratively feasible after the date of
the Participants acceptance of the Buy Out Offer.
12.00 EFFECT OF BUSINESS COMBINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
Upon a Business Combination or a Change in Control, and unless otherwise specified in the
associated Award Agreement, all of a Participants Awards will become fully vested and exercisable.
13.00 AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF PLAN AND AWARD AGREEMENTS
13.01 Termination, Suspension or Amendment of the Plan. The Board may terminate, suspend or
amend the Plan at any time without shareholder approval except to the extent that shareholder
approval is required to satisfy requirements imposed by [1] applicable law or [2] any securities
exchange, market or other quotation system on or through which the Companys securities are listed
or traded. Also, no termination, suspension or amendment may, without the consent of the affected
Participant (and except as specifically provided in the Plan or the Award Agreement), adversely
affect any Award granted before the termination, suspension or amendment. However, nothing in this
section will restrict the Boards right to amend the Plan without any additional consideration to
affected Participants to the extent necessary to avoid penalties to the Participants arising under
Code §409A, even if those amendments reduce, restrict or eliminate rights granted under the Plan or
any Award Agreement before those amendments are adopted.
13.02 Amendment and Termination of Award Agreements. Without the mutual, written consent of
both the Company and the affected Participant, once issued, an Award Agreement may not be amended
except as specifically provided in the Plan or the Award Agreement. However, nothing in this
section will restrict the Boards right to amend an Award Agreement without additional
consideration to the affected Participant to the extent necessary to avoid penalties to the
Participant arising under Code §409A, even if those amendments reduce, restrict or eliminate rights
granted under the Award Agreement before those amendments are adopted.
14.00 MISCELLANEOUS
14.01 Assignability. Except as described in this section or as provided in Section 14.02, an
Award may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated,
except by will or the laws of descent and distribution and, during a Participants lifetime, may be
exercised only by the Participant or the Participants guardian or legal representative. However,
with the permission of the Board, a Participant or a specified group of Participants may transfer
Awards to a revocable inter vivos trust of which the Participant is the settlor, or may transfer
Awards to any member of the Participants immediate family, any trust, whether revocable or
irrevocable, established solely for the benefit of the Participants immediate family, any
partnership or limited liability company whose only partners or members are members of the
Participants immediate family or an organization described in Code §501(c)(3) (Permissible
Transferees). Any Award transferred to a Permissible Transferee will continue to be subject to
all of the terms and conditions that applied to the Award before the transfer and to any other
rules prescribed by the Board. A Permissible Transferee may not retransfer an Award except by will
or the laws of descent and distribution and then only to another Permissible Transferee.
14.02 Beneficiary Designation. Each Participant may name a beneficiary or beneficiaries (who
may be named contingently or successively) to receive or to exercise any vested Award that is
unpaid or unexercised at the Participants death. Unless otherwise provided in the beneficiary
designation, each designation made will revoke all prior designations made by the same Participant,
must be made on a form prescribed by the Board and will be effective only when filed in writing
with the Board. If a Participant has not made an effective beneficiary
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designation, the deceased Participants beneficiary will be his or her surviving spouse or, if
none, the deceased Participants estate. The identity of a Participants designated beneficiary
will be based only on the information included in the latest beneficiary designation form completed
by the Participant and will not be inferred from any other evidence.
14.03 No Guarantee of Continuing Services. Except as otherwise specified in the Plan, nothing
in the Plan may be construed as:
[1] Conferring on any Participant any right to continue as a Director;
[2] Guaranteeing that any Director will be selected to be a Participant; or
[3] Guaranteeing that any Participant will receive any future Awards.
14.04 Tax Withholding. The Company will withhold or collect any amount required to be
remitted by the Company in advance payment of any taxes associated with the vesting, exercise or
settlement of any Award. Subject to Code §409A, this amount may be [1] withheld from other amounts
due to the Participant, [2] withheld from the value of any Award being settled or any Shares being
transferred in connection with the exercise or settlement of an Award or from any compensation or
other amount owing to the Participant or [3] collected directly from the Participant.
14.05 Indemnification. Each individual who is or was a member of the Board (or to whom any
duties have been delegated under Section 4.02) is entitled, in good faith, to rely on or to act
upon any report or other information furnished by any executive officer, other officer or other
employee of the Company or any Related Entity, the Companys independent auditors, consultants or
any other agents assisting in the administration of the Plan. Board members (and any person to
whom any duties have been delegated under Section 4.02) and any officer of the Company or any
Related Entity acting at the direction or in behalf of the Board or a delegee will not be
personally liable for any action or determination taken or made in good faith with respect to the
Plan and will, to the extent permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company
with respect to any act or determination just described.
14.06 No Limitation on Compensation. Nothing in the Plan is to be construed to limit the
right of the Company or any Related Entity to establish other plans or to pay compensation to its
directors, in cash or property, in a manner not expressly authorized under the Plan.
14.07 Requirements of Law. The grant of Awards and the issuance of Shares will be subject to
all applicable laws, rules and regulations (including applicable federal and state securities laws)
and to all required approvals of any governmental agencies or national securities exchange, market
or other quotation system. Certificates for Shares delivered under the Plan may be subject to any
stock transfer orders and other restrictions that the Board believes to be advisable under the
rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities
exchange or other recognized market or quotation system upon which the Shares are then listed or
traded, or any other applicable federal or state securities law. The Board may cause a legend or
legends to be placed on any certificates issued under the Plan to make appropriate reference to
restrictions within the scope of this section.
14.08 Governing Law. The Plan, and all agreements and notices hereunder, will be construed in
accordance with and governed by the laws (other than laws governing conflicts of laws) of the State
of Ohio.
14.09 No Impact on Benefits. Awards are not compensation for purposes of calculating a
Participants rights under any employee benefit plan that does not specifically require the
inclusion of Awards in calculating benefits.
14.10 Term of the Plan. The Plan will be effective on the Effective Date. Subject to Section
13.00, the Plan will terminate on the date following the tenth Annual Meeting at which Directors
are elected succeeding the Effective Date; provided, however, that any Award outstanding on the day
the Plan is terminated will continue to have force and effect in accordance with the provisions of
the Plan and the Award Agreement.
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14.11 Rights as Shareholders. Unless otherwise specified in the associated Award Agreement or
as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, Shares acquired through an Award [1] will bear all
dividend and voting rights associated with all Shares and [2] will be transferable, subject to
applicable federal securities laws, the requirements of any national securities exchange or other
recognized market or quotation system on which Shares are then listed or traded or any blue sky or
state securities laws.
14.12 Successors. The Plan will be binding on all successors and assigns of the Company and a
Participant, including without limitation, the estate of the Participant and the executor,
administrator or trustee of the estate, or any receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or representative
of the Participants creditors.
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c/o National City Bank
Shareholder Services Operations
LOC 5352
P. O. Box 94509
Cleveland, OH 44101-4509
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Have your Proxy Card available when you call the Toll-Free number 1-888-693-8683
using a touch-tone telephone and follow the simple instructions to record your vote.
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Have your Proxy Card available when you access the web site www.cesvote.com and follow the simple instructions to record your
vote.
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Please mark, sign and date your Proxy Card and return it in the postage-paid envelope
provided or return it to: National City Bank, P.O. Box 535300, Pittsburgh, PA 15253.
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Vote by Telephone
Call toll-free using a
touch-tone telephone:
1-888-693-8683
Vote by Internet
Access the web site and
record your vote:
www.cesvote.com
Vote by Mail
Return your Proxy Card
in the postage-paid
envelope provided
Vote 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Your telephone or Internet vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time,
on September 26, 2006, to be counted in the final tabulation.
If you vote by telephone or Internet, please do not mail your Proxy Card.
To Vote by Mail, you must sign and date the Proxy Card below.
ê Please fold and detach card at perforation before mailing. ê
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Worthington Industries, Inc.
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Proxy |
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY CARD ON THE LINES BELOW AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints John P. McConnell, John S. Christie and Dale T.
Brinkman, and each of them, the lawful agents and proxies of the undersigned to attend the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of Worthington Industries, Inc. (the Company), to be held at Worthington
Industries Headquarters located at 200 Old Wilson Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085, on Wednesday,
September 27, 2006, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, and any adjournment, and to vote all of
the Common Shares of the Company that the undersigned is entitled to vote at such Annual Meeting or
any adjournment.
All Proxies previously given or executed by the undersigned are hereby revoked. The undersigned
acknowledges receipt of the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy
Statement for the September 27, 2006 meeting and the Companys 2006 Annual Report.
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Signature |
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Joint Owner Signature |
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Date:
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2006 |
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Please sign your name exactly as it
appears on this Proxy Card. Executors,
administrators, trustees, guardians, attorneys
and agents should give their full titles. If
shareholder is a corporation, an authorized
officer should sign in full corporate name. If
shareholder is a partnership or other entity,
an authorized person should sign in the
entitys name. If the Common Shares
represented by this Proxy are held in joint
tenancy, both holders must sign this Proxy
Card. |
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2006, AT 2:00 P.M. EDT
WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
200 OLD WILSON BRIDGE ROAD
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43085
A live audio webcast will be available via Internet link at
www.worthingtonindustries.com and will be archived for 90 days.
ê Please fold and detach card at perforation before mailing. ê
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Worthington Industries, Inc.
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Proxy |
The Common Shares represented by this Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted or not voted
as specified. If no choice is indicated, the Common Shares represented by this Proxy, when
properly executed, will be voted FOR each of Proposals 1 and 3 and, if permitted by applicable law,
FOR Proposal 2. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, or if any
nominee for election as a director named in the Proxy Statement is unable to serve, or for good
cause will not serve, as a candidate for election as a director, the Common Shares represented by
this Proxy will be voted in the discretion of the individuals designated to vote this Proxy, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, on such matters or for such substitute nominee(s) as the
directors may recommend.
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Election of four directors, each for a term of three years, expiring in 2009. |
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For All Nominees |
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Withheld From All Nominees |
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Nominees:
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(1) John B. Blystone
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(2) William S. Dietrich, II |
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For All Nominees Except the Individual(s) Named on the Line Above |
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(3) Carl A. Nelson, Jr. |
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(4) Sidney A. Ribeau |
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2.
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Approval of the Worthington Industries, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
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Against
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Abstain |
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for Non-Employee Directors. |
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3.
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Ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as the independent registered
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Abstain |
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public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending May 31, |
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2007. |
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The undersigned shareholder(s) authorize the individuals designated to vote this Proxy, to vote, in
their discretion, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on such other business (none known by
the Company at the time of solicitation of this Proxy) as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting and any adjournment.
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Mark here if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.
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Electronic Access: Mark here if you consent to access future annual reports and proxy |
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statements via the Internet. |
CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE