def14a
|
|
|
|
|
OMB
APPROVAL |
|
|
OMB Number: |
3235-0059 |
|
|
Expires: |
January 31, 2008
|
|
|
Estimated
average burden hours per response |
14.
|
|
|
|
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant To
Section 14(a) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment
No. )
Filed by the
Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the
Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o |
Preliminary Proxy Statement |
o |
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
þ |
Definitive Proxy Statement |
o |
Definitive Additional Materials |
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the
Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ |
Fee not required. |
o |
Fee computed on table
below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. |
|
|
(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which
transaction applies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction
applies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3) |
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): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5) |
Total fee paid: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEC 1913 (04-05) |
|
Persons who are to respond to the
collection of information contained in this form are not required to
respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number. |
|
o |
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
o |
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. |
|
|
(1) |
Amount Previously Paid: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3) |
Filing Party: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4) |
Date Filed: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held May 3, 2006
To: The Shareholders of LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of shareholders of LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. will
be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at 10:00 A.M., Pacific Time, at LaCrosse Footwear, Inc., 18550
NE Riverside Parkway, Portland, Oregon, for the following purposes:
1. To elect three directors to hold office until the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders
and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
2. To consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
The close of business on March 3, 2006, has been fixed as the record date for the
determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
A proxy for the meeting and a proxy statement are enclosed herewith.
|
|
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC. |
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
Secretary |
Portland, Oregon
March 31, 2006
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL YOUR HOLDINGS MAY BE. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN
TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, WE URGE YOU TO VOTE AND SUBMIT YOUR PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE TO
ENSURE THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM. TO ASSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND
DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY EXACTLY AS YOUR NAME APPEARS THEREON AND RETURN IMMEDIATELY.
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
18550 NE Riverside Parkway
Portland, Oregon 97230
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held May 3, 2006
This proxy statement is being furnished to shareholders by the Board of Directors (the
Board) of LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. (the Company) beginning on or about April 4, 2006, in
connection with a solicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the annual meeting of
shareholders to be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at 10:00 A.M., Pacific Time, at LaCrosse
Footwear, Inc., 18550 NE Riverside Parkway, Portland, Oregon and all adjournments or
postponements thereof (the Annual Meeting) for the purposes set forth in the attached Notice of
Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Execution of a proxy given in response to this solicitation will not affect a shareholders
right to attend the Annual Meeting and to vote in person. Presence at the Annual Meeting of a
shareholder who has signed a proxy does not in itself revoke a proxy. Any shareholder giving a
proxy may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by giving notice thereof to the Company in
writing or in open meeting.
A proxy, in the enclosed form, which is properly executed, duly returned to the Company and
not revoked will be voted in accordance with the instructions contained therein. The shares
represented by executed but unmarked proxies will be voted FOR the three persons nominated for
election as directors referred to herein.
Only holders of record of the Companys common stock (the Common Stock) at the close of
business on March 3, 2006, are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. On that date, there were
6,003,191 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Holders of shares of Common
Stock are entitled to cast one vote per share on all matters at the Annual Meeting.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.
Abstentions and broker non-votes (shares held by a broker or nominee that does not have the
authority, either express or discretionary, to vote on a particular matter and has not received
voting instructions from the beneficial owner with respect to the particular matter) will be
counted as shares present for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present, but will not
be counted for or against any proposal including the election of directors. If a quorum is
present, (i) directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, and
(ii)
approval of all other matters that properly come before the meeting requires that the votes cast in
favor of such proposals exceed the votes cast against such proposals.
1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Companys By-Laws provide that the directors shall be divided into three classes, with
staggered terms of three years each. At the Annual Meeting, the shareholders will elect three
directors to hold office until the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors
are duly elected and qualified. Unless shareholders otherwise specify, the shares represented by
the proxies received will be voted in favor of the election of the three persons named as nominees
herein. The Board has no reason to believe that any of the listed nominees will be unable or
unwilling to serve as a director if elected. However, in the event that any nominee should be
unable to serve or will not serve, the shares represented by proxies received will be voted for
another nominee selected by the Board. Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast
at the Annual Meeting (assuming a quorum is present). Consequently, any shares not voted at the
Annual Meeting, whether due to abstentions, broker non-votes or otherwise, will have no impact on
the election of directors. Votes will be tabulated by an inspector of election appointed by the
Board.
The following sets forth certain information, as of March 3, 2006, about the Boards nominees
for election at the Annual Meeting and each director of the Company whose term will continue after
the Annual Meeting.
Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting
Terms expiring at the 2009 Annual Meeting
Luke E. Sims, 56, has served as a Director of the Company since December 1985. Mr. Sims has
been a partner in the law firm of Foley & Lardner LLP, Milwaukee, Wisconsin since 1984 and has been
an attorney with such firm since 1976. Foley & Lardner LLP acted as general counsel for the
Company from 1982 to 2004. Mr. Sims is a Director of NAIC Growth Fund, Inc. and Wilson-Hurd Mfg.
Co.
John D. Whitcombe, 50, has served as a Director of the Company since March 1998. Mr.
Whitcombe has been a partner in the law firm of Greenberg, Fields & Whitcombe, Torrance,
California, since November 1994. From 1992 until November 1994 he was a partner in the law firm of
Whitcombe, Makin & Pentis. Mr. Whitcombe is a Director of the Oarsmen Foundation and Little
Company of Mary Hospital. Mr. Whitcombe is also a Director and Treasurer for both GLS Building
Corp and Schuler Investment Corp.
William H. Williams, 57, was elected as a Director in January 2006. Mr. Williams is President
and CEO of Harry & David Holdings, Inc, a leading multi-channel specialty retailer and producer of
branded premium gift-quality fruit and gourmet food products and gifts. Mr. Williams served as
President and CEO of Harry & David for 12 years before being promoted in 2000 to President and COO
of Yamanouchi Consumer, Inc. (YCI), the holding company for Harry & David and Shaklee. He was
named CEO of YCI in 2002, and in 2004 returned as
President and CEO of Harry & David following the sale of the company to Wasserstein & Co.
Prior to joining Harry & David, he held several senior executive positions at Neiman Marcus. Mr.
Williams has served on the Oregon Economic Development Commission, the Oregon International Trade
Commission and the Oregon Board of Higher Education. He has also served on the boards of directors
of several corporations and not-for-profit groups and currently serves on the board of Shop.com.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THE FOREGOING NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS AND URGES EACH SHAREHOLDER TO
VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES. SHARES OF COMMON STOCK REPRESENTED BY EXECUTED BUT UNMARKED PROXIES WILL
BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES.
2
Directors Continuing in Office
Terms expiring at the 2007 Annual Meeting
Joseph P. Schneider, 46, has served as a Director of the Company since March 1999 and as
President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2000. Prior thereto, Mr. Schneider served as
Executive Vice President-Danner of the Company since May 1999; as President and Chief Executive
Officer of Danner, Inc. (Danner), a subsidiary of the Company, since October 1998; as Vice
President of the Company since June 1996; as President and Chief Operating Officer of Danner since
December 1997; as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Danner since June 1996
and as Vice PresidentRetail Sales of the Company from January 1993 until June 1996. From 1985,
when he joined the Company, until January 1993, Mr. Schneider held various sales management
positions.
Charles W. (Wally) Smith, 58, has served as a Director of the Company since May 2004. Mr.
Smith served as President and CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retailer of
outdoor gear and clothing, for 17 years before retiring in February 2000. During his 35-year
tenure with REI, Mr. Smith served in a variety of sales, operations and management positions
including Senior Vice President Operations, Vice President Retail, and distribution manager. He was
elected to the National Sporting Goods Associations Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame in 2001,
and was co-founder and first President of Outdoor Industry Conservation Alliance.
Terms expiring at the 2008 Annual Meeting
Richard A. Rosenthal, 73, has served as Chairman of the Board of the Company since March 2005
and as a Director of the Company since June 1990. Prior to his appointment as Chairman, Mr.
Rosenthal served as Vice Chairman of the Board beginning in May 2000. Mr. Rosenthal was the Chief
Executive Officer of Saint Joseph Bank Corporation from 1962 until 1986. Mr. Rosenthal was the
Director of Athletics at the University of Notre Dame from 1987 until August 1, 1995. Mr.
Rosenthal is a Director of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. and
Toefco Engineering, Inc., and is a member of the advisory board of CID Investment Partners and RFE
Investment Partners.
3
Stephen F. Loughlin, 55, has served as a Director of the Company since November 2002. Mr.
Loughlin is the Vice President of Finance for FEI Company, a manufacturer of production and
analytical equipment for the semiconductor and data storage industries. Mr. Loughlin served as the
acting Chief Financial Officer of FEI Company from 2001 to 2004. From 1999 until 2001, he served
as the Chief Financial Officer of RadiSys Corporation, a provider of advanced embedded solutions
for the commercial, enterprise, and service provider systems markets.
No family relationship exists between any director or executive officer.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Independent Directors
Of the seven directors currently serving on the Board of Directors, the Board has determined
that Messrs. Loughlin, Rosenthal, Sims, Smith, Williams and Whitcombe are independent directors
as defined in the listing standards of the Nasdaq National Market. The Board has also determined
that Messrs. Rosenthal, Loughlin, Smith, Williams and Whitcombe meet the additional independence
standards applicable for audit committee members.
Committees
The Board has standing Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Governance Committees. The
Board has adopted, and may amend from time to time, a written charter for each of the Audit,
Compensation, and Nominating and Governance Committees. The Company makes available on its
corporate website at www.lacrossefootwearinc.com, free of charge, current copies of each of these
charters. The Company is not including the information contained on or available through its
website as a part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Proxy Statement.
The Audit Committee presently consists of Messrs. Loughlin (Chairman), Rosenthal and
Whitcombe. The Board has determined that Mr. Loughlin qualifies as an audit committee financial
expert, as defined by applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The principal
functions performed by the Audit Committee are to assist the Board in monitoring the integrity of
the Companys financial statements, the qualifications, independence and performance of the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm, the performance of the Companys internal
audit function, and the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit
Committee has the sole authority to appoint, retain, compensate and terminate the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm and to approve the compensation paid to the
independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee held nine meetings in 2005.
4
The Compensation Committee presently consists of Messrs. Loughlin (Chairman),
Rosenthal and Smith. The principal function of the Compensation Committee is to review and
recommend to the Board the compensation structure for the Companys directors, officers and other
managerial personnel, including salary rates, participation in incentive compensation and benefit
plans, fringe benefits, non-cash perquisites and other forms of compensation. The Compensation
Committee also administers the Companys 1993 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (the 1993 Plan), 1997
Employee Stock Incentive Plan (the 1997 Plan) and 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2001 Plan, and
together with the 1993 Plan and 1997 Plan, the Plans). The Compensation Committee held nine
meetings in 2005 and took action pursuant to one unanimous written consent.
The Nominating and Governance Committee presently consists of Messrs. Smith (Chairman),
Loughlin and Whitcombe. The principal functions performed by the Nominating and Governance
Committee are: identifying individuals qualified to become directors and recommending to the Board
candidates for all directorships to be filled by the Board of Directors or by the shareholders of
the Company, identifying directors qualified to serve on the committees established by the Board
and recommending to the Board members for each committee to be filled by the Board, and developing
and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Company.
The Nominating and Governance Committee held five meetings in 2005.
Nominations of Directors
The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider persons recommended by shareholders to
become nominees for election as directors. Recommendations for consideration by the Nominating and
Governance Committee should be sent to the Secretary of the Company in writing together with
appropriate biographical information concerning each proposed nominee.
In identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the Nominating and Governance Committee
seeks to ensure that the Board possesses, in the aggregate, the strategic, managerial and financial
skills and experience necessary to fulfill its duties and to achieve its objectives, and seeks to
ensure that the Board is comprised of directors who have broad and diverse backgrounds and possess
knowledge in areas that are of importance to the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee
evaluates each nominee on a case-by-case basis regardless of who recommended the nominee. In
assessing the qualifications of each candidate to determine if his or her election would further
the goals described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee takes into account all factors
it considers appropriate, which may include strength of character, mature judgment, career
specialization, relevant technical skills or financial acumen, diversity of viewpoint and industry
knowledge. However, the Board believes that, to be recommended as a director nominee, each
candidate must:
|
|
|
display the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values; |
|
|
|
|
have the ability to exercise sound business judgment; |
5
|
|
|
be highly accomplished in his or her respective field, with superior credentials and
recognition and broad experience at the administrative and/or policy-making level in
business, government, education, technology or public interest; |
|
|
|
|
have relevant expertise and experience, and be able to offer advice and guidance to the
Chief Executive Officer based on that expertise and experience; |
|
|
|
|
be independent of any particular constituency, be able to represent all shareholders of
the Company and be committed to enhancing long-term shareholder value; and |
|
|
|
|
have sufficient time available to devote to activities of the Board and to enhance his
or her knowledge of the Companys business. |
The Board also believes at least one director should have the requisite experience and expertise to
be designated as an audit committee financial expert as defined by applicable rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Communications with the Board of Directors
Shareholders may communicate with the Board of Directors by writing to the Secretary of the
Company at LaCrosse Footwear, Inc., c/o the Board of Directors (or, at the shareholders option,
c/o a specific director), 18550 NE Riverside Parkway, Portland, Oregon 97230. The Secretary will
ensure that this communication (assuming it is properly marked c/o the Board of Directors or c/o a
specific director) is delivered to the Board of Directors or the specified director, as the case
may be.
Meeting and Attendance
The Board of Directors held eleven meetings in 2005 and took action pursuant to three written
unanimous consents. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (a) the total number
of meetings of the Board held in 2005 and (b) the total number of meetings held by all committees
of the Board on which the director served during the period.
Directors are expected to attend the Companys annual meeting of shareholders each year. All
of the current directors serving on the Board at the time of the Companys 2005 annual meeting of
shareholders attended that meeting.
Director Compensation
Directors who are executive officers of the Company receive no compensation for service as
members of either the Board or any committees thereof. Directors who are not executive officers of
the Company or the Chairman of the Board of Directors receive an annual retainer of $20,000, an
annual fee of $6,000 for each committee on which the director serves, an annual fee of $5,000 for
serving as chairman of the Audit Committee, an annual fee of $3,000 for serving as chairman of the
Compensation Committee, and an annual fee of $3,000 for serving as chairman of the Nominating and
Governance Committee, all payable quarterly. The Chairman of the Board receives an annual retainer
of $68,000 and $6,000 for each committee on which the
director serves. Each director also receives an annual allowance of $750 to purchase Company
merchandise.
On January 1, 2006, Messrs. Loughlin, Rosenthal, Sims, Smith, Williams, and Whitcombe were
each automatically granted an option to purchase 5,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock
pursuant to the Companys Director Plan, which options become exercisable in 20% increments over a
five-year period from the date of grant.
6
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of the Board is composed of three directors, each of whom is independent
as defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the listing standards of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. The Audit Committee is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight of
the Companys accounting functions and internal controls.
The Companys management (management) is responsible for the Companys internal controls and
the financial reporting process, including the system of internal controls. The Companys
independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for expressing an opinion on the
conformity of the Companys audited consolidated financial statements with U.S. generally accepted
principles. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial
statements with management and the independent accounting firm. The Audit Committee has discussed
with the independent accounting firm those matters required to be discussed by Statement on
Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 61 (Communication With Audit Committees), as amended by SAS 89 and
SAS 90.
The Companys independent accounting firm has provided to the Audit Committee the written
disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence
Discussions with Audit Committees), and the Audit Committee discussed with the independent
accounting firm their independence. The Committee considered whether the independent auditors
provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the independent accounting firms
independence.
The Audit Committee discussed with the Companys independent accounting firm the overall scope
and plans for the audit. The Audit Committee meets with the independent accounting firm, with and
without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluation of the
Companys internal controls and overall quality of the Companys financial reporting.
Based on the Audit Committees reviews and discussions with management and the independent
accounting firm referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited
consolidated financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2005, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not be
deemed filed under such Acts.
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Stephen F. Loughlin, Chairman
Richard A. Rosenthal
John D. Whitcombe
7
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of
Common Stock as of March 3, 2006, by: (i) each director and nominee; (ii) each of the executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth below; (iii) all of the directors,
nominees and executive officers (including the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation
Table) as a group; and (iv) each person or other entity known by the Company to own beneficially
more than 5% of the Common Stock. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes, each of the
holders listed below has sole voting and investment power over the shares beneficially owned.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of |
|
Percent of |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
Common Stock |
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Beneficially Owned (1) |
|
Beneficially
Owned |
Virginia F. Schneider |
|
|
1,196,115 |
(2) |
|
|
19.9 |
% |
George W. and Virginia F. Schneider Trust U/A |
|
|
1,147,116 |
(2) |
|
|
19.1 |
% |
Loeb Partners Corporation |
|
|
470,590 |
(3) |
|
|
7.8 |
% |
U.S. Bancorp and U.S. Bank, National Association |
|
|
318,370 |
(4) |
|
|
5.3 |
% |
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
322,633 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
% |
David P. Carlson |
|
|
58,813 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
% |
Richard A. Rosenthal |
|
|
56,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Luke E. Sims |
|
|
42,777 |
(5) |
|
|
* |
|
Charles W. Smith |
|
|
34,600 |
|
|
|
* |
|
John D. Whitcombe |
|
|
29,156 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Stephen F. Loughlin |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Darrin S. McClintock |
|
|
3,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
William H. Williams |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Aaron G. Atkinson |
|
|
1,800 |
|
|
|
* |
|
David M. Strouse |
|
|
1,636 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All directors, nominees and executive officers as a group |
|
|
559,415 |
|
|
|
9.3 |
% |
|
|
|
1) |
|
Includes the following shares subject to stock options which are exercisable within 60
days of March 3, 2005: Joseph P. Schneider, 95,180 shares; David P. Carlson, 55,813
shares; Richard A. Rosenthal, 22,000 shares; Luke E. Sims, 4,000 shares; Charles W. Smith,
1,600 shares, John D. Whitcombe, 9,400 shares; Stephen F. Loughlin, 2,200 shares; Darrin S.
McClintock, 3,500 shares; Aaron G. Atkinson 1,800 shares; and David M. Strouse, 1,000
shares; and all directors, nominees and executive officers as a group, 196,493 shares. |
|
2) |
|
Shares of Common Stock reported as beneficially owned by Virginia F. Schneider include
(a) 1,147,116 shares which are deposited in the George W. and Virginia F. |
8
|
|
|
|
|
Schneider Trust U/A dated September 1, 1987 over which Mrs. Schneider, as trustee, has
voting and investment power and (b) 48,999 shares which are held by a charitable foundation
in which Mrs. Schneider is trustee (Mrs. Schneider disclaims beneficial ownership of these
48,999 shares). The address of Virginia F. Schneider is 18550 NE Riverside Parkway,
Portland, Oregon 97230. The address of the George W. and Virginia F. Schneider Trust U/A
dated September 1, 1987 is 18550 NE Riverside Parkway, Portland, Oregon, 97230. |
|
3) |
|
The information is based on Amendment No. 2 to a report on Schedule 13D, dated
September 9, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Loeb Partners
Corporation and its affiliates. The address of Loeb Partners Corporation is 61 Broadway,
New York, New York 10006. |
|
4) |
|
The information is based on Amendment No. 8 to a report on Schedule 13G, dated January
31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by U.S. Bancorp and its
subsidiary, U.S. Bank, National Association The address of U.S. Bancorp and U.S. Bank,
National Association is 800 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. |
|
5) |
|
Includes 6,000 shares held for the benefit of Mr. Sims one minor child. |
9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table sets forth certain information, as of March 3, 2006, regarding the executive
officers of the Company.
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
46 |
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
David P. Carlson |
|
50 |
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
David M. Strouse |
|
46 |
|
Vice President of Product Development |
Darrin S. McClintock |
|
40 |
|
Vice President of Sales, Safety and Industrial Division |
Aaron G. Atkinson |
|
37 |
|
Corporate Controller and Assistant Secretary |
For information on Joseph P. Schneiders business background, see Election of Directors
above.
David P. Carlson was named Executive Vice President in August 2001 and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company in April 2002. Mr. Carlson has also served as President and Chief Operating
Officer of Danner from August 2000 to August 2001. Prior thereto, he served as Vice
President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Danner from March 1998, when he joined Danner,
until August 2000.
David M. Strouse was named Vice President of Product Development in August 2005. Prior to
that, Mr. Strouse served as the Vice President Apparel Development since joining the Company in
February of 2005. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Strouse held various positions for Gander
Mountain, a leading retailer of outdoor equipment, accessories, apparel and footwear, including
Vice President of Product Development from 2003 to 2005, Divisional Vice President of Merchandising
from 2002 to 2003, and other management roles from 1994 to 2002.
Darrin S. McClintock was named Vice President of Sales for the Safety and Industrial
Division of the Company in August 2005. Prior to that, Mr. McClintock served as the National Sales
Director for the same division since he joined the Company in August 2002. Prior to joining
LaCrosse Footwear, Mr. McClintock held various positions with the Halton Company, an authorized
dealer of Caterpillar Equipment, including sales and service management positions from 1988 to
2002.
Aaron G. Atkinson has served as the Corporate Controller and Assistant Secretary since
joining the Company in November 2004. Prior to joining LaCrosse Footwear, Mr. Atkinson was the
Director of Accounting for the USA and Global Operations of Nike, Inc, a worldwide leader in
athletic footwear, apparel and equipment, from January 1999 to November 2004.
Each of the executive officers were elected to serve until the first meeting of the Board of
Directors held after the annual meeting of the shareholders and until their respective successors
are elected.
10
Summary Compensation Information
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the compensation earned in each
of the last three fiscal years by the Companys Chief Executive Officer and each of the Companys
other most highly compensated executive officers whose total cash compensation exceeded $100,000 in
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. The persons named in the table are sometimes referred to
herein as the named executive officers.
Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
Awards |
|
Payouts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Annual |
|
Securities |
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
Underlying |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary($) |
|
Bonus($) |
|
($)(1) |
|
Stock Options(#) |
|
Payouts($) |
|
Compensation($) |
|
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
373,462 |
|
|
|
110,246 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,597 |
(2) |
President and Chief |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
338,754 |
|
|
|
347,049 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,543 |
|
Executive Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
256,923 |
|
|
|
150,058 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,168 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
258,846 |
|
|
|
50,941 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,184 |
(3) |
Executive Vice President |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
234,842 |
|
|
|
158,916 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,960 |
|
and Chief Financial |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
180,192 |
|
|
|
77,411 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,227 |
|
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David M. Strouse |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
140,827 |
|
|
|
23,857 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,314 |
(4) |
Vice President of |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product Development |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Darrin S. McClintock |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
130,846 |
|
|
|
12,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,462 |
(5) |
Vice President of |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
121,535 |
|
|
|
40,219 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,136 |
|
Safety and Industrial |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
10,313 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aaron G. Atkinson |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
11,808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,784 |
(6) |
Corporate Controller |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
9,692 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Certain personal benefits provided by the Company and its subsidiary to the named executive
officers are not included in the table. The aggregate amount of such personal benefits for
each named executive officer in each year reflected in the table did not exceed the lesser of
$50,000 or 10% of the sum of such executive officers salary and bonus in each respective
year. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes $5,266 for 2005 Company discretionary profit sharing contribution under the
Companys 401(k) Plan, $3,612 for term life insurance premiums, $350 for personal tax
preparation fees, $3,500 for legal and consulting, and a $2,869 matching contribution under
the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
11
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Includes $3,650 for 2005 Company discretionary profit sharing contribution under the
Companys 401(k) Plan, $2,568 for term life insurance premiums, and a $3,966 matching
contribution under the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes $1,986 for 2005 Company discretionary profit sharing contribution under the
Companys 401(k) Plan, $25,694 for relocation expenses paid by the Company in 2005, and a
$2,634 matching contribution under the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes $1,845 for 2005 Company discretionary profit sharing contribution under the
Companys 401(k) Plan, and a $2,617 matching contribution under the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes $1,692 for 2005 Company discretionary profit sharing contribution under the
Companys 401(k) Plan and a $92 matching contribution under the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
Stock Options
The Company has in effect the 1997 Plan and the 2001 Plan pursuant to which options to
purchase Common Stock may be granted to officers and other key employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries. The following table presents certain information as to grants of stock options made
during 2005 to Joseph P. Schneider, David P. Carlson, David M. Strouse, Darrin S. McClintock, and
Aaron G. Atkinson.
12
Option Grants in 2005 Fiscal Year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potential Realizable Value at Assumed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Rates of Stock Price |
|
|
Individual Grants |
|
Appreciation for Option Term (1) |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Percent of Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
Granted to |
|
Exercise or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted(#) |
|
Employees in |
|
Base Price |
|
Expiration |
|
At 5% Annual |
|
At 10% Annual |
Name |
|
(2) |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
($/Share) |
|
Date |
|
Growth Rate |
|
Growth Rate |
|
|
|
Joseph P. Schneider |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
9.7 |
% |
|
$ |
10.83 |
|
|
|
1/3/2015 |
|
|
$ |
136,219 |
|
|
$ |
345,205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
9.7 |
% |
|
$ |
10.83 |
|
|
|
1/3/2015 |
|
|
$ |
136,219 |
|
|
$ |
345,205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David M. Strouse |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
% |
|
$ |
10.30 |
|
|
|
1/28/2015 |
|
|
$ |
32,388 |
|
|
$ |
82,078 |
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
% |
|
$ |
10.83 |
|
|
|
8/1/2015 |
|
|
$ |
17,027 |
|
|
$ |
43,151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Darrin S. McClintock |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
$ |
10.83 |
|
|
|
1/3/2015 |
|
|
$ |
27,244 |
|
|
$ |
69,041 |
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
$ |
12.15 |
|
|
|
4/19/2015 |
|
|
$ |
22,810 |
|
|
$ |
57,805 |
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
% |
|
$ |
12.09 |
|
|
|
8/18/2015 |
|
|
$ |
15,282 |
|
|
$ |
38,728 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aaron G. Atkinson |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
$ |
10.83 |
|
|
|
1/3/2015 |
|
|
$ |
27,244 |
|
|
$ |
69,041 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This presentation is intended to disclose the potential value which would accrue to the
optionee if the option were exercised the day before it would expire and if the per share
value had appreciated at the compounded annual rate indicated in each column. The assumed
rates of appreciation of 5% and 10% are prescribed by the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission regarding disclosure of executive compensation. The assumed annual rates of
appreciation are not intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any, with respect
to the price of the Common Stock. |
|
(2) |
|
The options (which are nonstatutory options for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code) were
granted in 2005, and became or will become exercisable in 20% increments on the anniversary of
the date of grant in January 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. |
13
The following table sets forth information with respect to the named executive officers, concerning
the exercise of options during fiscal year 2005 and fiscal year end option values:
Aggregated Option Exercises in Fiscal Year 2005 and Fiscal Year End Option Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Value of Unexercised |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
In-the-Money Options |
|
|
Acquired |
|
Value |
|
Options at Fiscal Year End |
|
at Fiscal Year End (2) |
Name |
|
on Exercise |
|
Realized (1) |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
Schneider, Joseph P. |
|
|
3,500 |
|
|
$ |
6,475 |
|
|
|
67,510 |
|
|
|
84,340 |
|
|
$ |
407,407 |
|
|
$ |
341,758 |
|
Carlson, David P. |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
37,251 |
|
|
|
63,562 |
|
|
$ |
214,052 |
|
|
$ |
220,708 |
|
McClintock, Darrin S. |
|
|
3,900 |
|
|
$ |
34,694 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
18,400 |
|
|
$ |
1,658 |
|
|
$ |
44,776 |
|
Atkinson, Aaron G. |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,090 |
|
|
$ |
4,360 |
|
Strouse, David M. |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amount equal to the sales price minus the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares exercised. |
|
(2) |
|
Amount equal to market value of underlying securities at fiscal year-end, minus the exercise price. The market value is
the average of the highest and lowest trading values of LaCrosse common stock on December 31, 2005. |
14
Pension Plan
The LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. Retirement Plan (the Salaried Plan) covers a portion of the
salaried employees of the Company. The table set forth below illustrates the estimated annual
benefits payable as a single life annuity upon retirement pursuant to the current Salaried Plan
formula for various levels of compensation and years of service, assuming retirement after
attainment of age 65 during 2006.
Pension Plan Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years of Service |
Average Annual |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
15 |
|
20 |
|
25 |
|
30 |
|
35 |
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
12,750 |
|
|
$ |
17,000 |
|
|
$ |
21,250 |
|
|
$ |
25,500 |
|
|
$ |
29,750 |
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
15,938 |
|
|
|
21,250 |
|
|
|
26,563 |
|
|
|
31,875 |
|
|
|
37,188 |
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
19,125 |
|
|
|
25,500 |
|
|
|
31,875 |
|
|
|
38,250 |
|
|
|
44,625 |
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
22,313 |
|
|
|
29,750 |
|
|
|
37,188 |
|
|
|
44,625 |
|
|
|
52,063 |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
25,500 |
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
42,500 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
59,500 |
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
28,688 |
|
|
|
38,250 |
|
|
|
47,813 |
|
|
|
57,375 |
|
|
|
66,938 |
|
The Salaried Plan is a qualified noncontributory plan that provides for fixed benefits to
participants and their survivors in the event of normal (age 65) or early (age 55) retirement.
Compensation covered by the Salaried Plan is a participants total remuneration, including
salary and bonus, as shown in the Summary Compensation Table, but excluding deferred compensation
and fringe and welfare benefits. Benefits are based on a participants average monthly
compensation for the 60 consecutive calendar months of the 120 calendar months preceding
termination of employment for which his or her compensation was the highest. Under the Salaried
Plan, only compensation up to the limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code is taken into
account. Benefits are not subject to any deduction for Social Security or other offset amounts.
The number of credited years of service under the Salaried Plan for each of the named executive
officers as of December 31, 2005 are as follows: Joseph P. Schneider, 13 years.
The Company froze the Salaried Plan, effective as of August 30, 2002, such that participants
will not accrue any additional benefits regardless of any increases in their compensation or
completion of additional years of credited service after such date. Participants are fully vested
in their accrued benefits under the Salaried Plan as of August 30, 2002, which are based upon their
then average monthly compensation and years of credited service.
15
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information about the Companys equity compensation plans as of
December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for |
|
|
Number of securities |
|
Weighted-average |
|
future issuance under |
|
|
to be |
|
exercise |
|
equity compensation |
|
|
issued upon the |
|
price of |
|
plans (excluding |
|
|
exercise of |
|
outstanding |
|
securities reflected |
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
options, |
|
in the |
Plan Category |
|
warrants and rights(1) |
|
warrants and rights |
|
first column) (2) |
|
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
|
|
650,798 |
|
|
$ |
7.01 |
|
|
|
423,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
650,798 |
|
|
$ |
7.01 |
|
|
|
423,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents options to purchase the Companys Common Stock granted under the
Plans and the Companys 2001 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the
Director Plan). |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 390 shares of the Companys Common Stock available for issuance
under the 1997 Plan; 352,235 shares of the Companys Common Stock available for
issuance under the 2001 Plan; and 71,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock
available for issuance under the Director Plan. |
16
Report on Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee of the Board is responsible for all aspects of the Companys
compensation package offered to its corporate officers, including the named executive officers.
The Compensation Committee prepared the following report:
The Companys executive compensation program is designed to link to the corporate performance.
To this end, the Company has developed an overall compensation strategy and specific compensation
plans that tie a significant portion of executive compensation to the Companys success in meeting
specified performance goals. The overall objectives of this strategy are to attract and retain
outstanding executive talent and to motivate these executives to achieve aggressive goals linked to
the Companys business strategy and provide a compensation package that recognizes individual
contributions as well as overall business results.
Base Salaries. Base salaries are initially determined by evaluating the responsibilities of
the position, the experience of the individual and the salaries for comparable positions in the
competitive marketplace. Base salary levels for the Companys executive officers are generally
positioned at market competitive levels for comparable positions in footwear and apparel companies
of similar size. In determining annual salary adjustments for executive officers, the Compensation
Committee considers various factors including the individuals performance and contribution,
competitive salary increase levels provided by the marketplace, the relationship of an executive
officers salary to the market competitive levels for comparable positions, and the Companys
performance. The Compensation Committee, where appropriate, also considers nonfinancial
performance measures including improvements in product quality, relations with customers, suppliers
and employees. Nonfinancial measures used for executive officers are determined on a case-by-case
basis and the Compensation Committee does not assign any specific weight to any one of these
factors.
Incentive Compensation. The Companys executive officers are eligible for annual incentive
compensation. For 2005, executive officers were eligible for incentive compensation based on
financial performance. Financial performance, for purposes of determining incentive compensation,
was based 50% on sales growth, 40% on operating profit and 10% on targeted inventory turns. For
the 2005 incentive compensation plan year, executive officers received 39% of their eligible
incentive compensation. For 2006, the incentive compensation formula will be based 40% on sales
growth, 40% on operating profit, and 20% on inventory turns.
Stock Options. The Companys stock option plans are designed to encourage and create
ownership of Common Stock by key executives, thereby promoting a close identity of interests
between the Companys management and its shareholders. The Plans are designed to motivate and
reward executives for long-term strategic management and the enhancement of shareholder value. The
Compensation Committee determined that annual stock option grants to the Companys key employees,
including key executive officers, are consistent with the Companys best interest and the Companys
overall compensation program.
17
In determining the number of stock options to be granted, the Compensation Committee considers a
variety of factors, including the executives level of responsibility, relative contributions to
the Company and existing level of ownership of Common Stock. Consideration is also given to an
executives potential for future responsibility and contributions to the Company, as well as the
aggregate number of stock options proposed to be granted with a view towards ensuring that
aggregate compensation for Company executives is appropriate. Stock options are granted with an
exercise price equal to the market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Stock options
granted in 2005 vest and become exercisable in 20% increments over a five-year period from the date
of grant. Vesting schedules are designed to encourage the creation of shareholder value over the
long-term since the full benefit of the compensation package cannot be realized unless stock price
appreciation occurs over a number of years and the executive remains in the employ of the Company.
The Board, acting on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, granted stock options during
2005 to key employees under the Plans, which provide annual grants of stock options to key
employees.
Section 162(m) Limitation. The Company anticipates that all 2005 and 2006 compensation to
executives will be fully deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore,
the Compensation Committee determined that a policy with respect to qualifying compensation paid to
executive officers for deductibility is not necessary.
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Stephen F. Loughlin, Chairman
Richard A. Rosenthal
Charles W. (Wally) Smith
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The current members of the Compensation Committee are identified above. All members of this
committee are considered to be independent.
18
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The following graph compares on a cumulative basis changes since December 31, 2000, in (a) the
total shareholder return on the Common Stock with (b) the total return on the Nasdaq Market Index
and (c) the total return on the Hemscott Textile-Apparel Footwear/Accessories Industry Group Index
(the Hemscott Group Index). Such changes have been measured by dividing (a) the sum of (i) the
amount of dividends for the measurement period, assuming dividend reinvestment, and (ii) the
difference between the price per share at the end of and the beginning of the measurement period,
by (b) the price per share at the beginning of the measurement period. The graph assumes $100 was
invested on December 31, 2000 in Common Stock, the Nasdaq Market Index and the Hemscott Group
Index.
COMPARE 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.,
NASDAQ MARKET INDEX AND HEMSCOTT GROUP INDEX
ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON DEC. 31, 2000
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
2000 |
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC. |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
102.40 |
|
|
$ |
83.20 |
|
|
$ |
251.84 |
|
|
$ |
344.96 |
|
|
$ |
346.56 |
|
HEMSCOTT GROUP INDEX |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
98.28 |
|
|
|
96.92 |
|
|
|
141.40 |
|
|
|
189.05 |
|
|
|
203.52 |
|
NASDAQ MARKET INDEX |
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
79.71 |
|
|
|
55.60 |
|
|
|
83.60 |
|
|
|
90.63 |
|
|
|
92.62 |
|
19
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys directors and
executive officers to file reports concerning their ownership of Company equity securities with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the Company. Based solely on a review of copies of such
forms furnished to us and written representations from executive officers, directors and 10%
shareholders, we believe that all Section 16(a) filing requirements during 2005 were met, except
that (1) John D. Whitcombe failed to timely file a Form 4 with respect to a single transaction in
2003 involving the disposition of 1,244 shares of the Companys common stock; (2) Dave Strouse
failed to file a Form 4 with respect to a single transaction in 2005 involving the acquisition of
636 shares of the Companys common stock; (3) Virginia F. Schneider (as trustee) and the George W.
& Virginia F. Schneider Trust failed to timely file a Form 4 with respect to two 2005 gifts by the
Trust of 900 and 30,500 shares of the Companys common stock; and (4) two Form 4s timely filed with
respect to 19 transactions in 2005 involving the acquisition of an aggregate of 12,882 shares of
the Companys common stock were mistakenly filed solely by Virginia F. Schneider; these filings
were subsequently amended in February 2006, reflecting a joint filing by the George W. & Virginia
F. Schneider Trust (direct owner) and Virginia F. Schneider (indirect owner, as trustee).
20
MISCELLANEOUS
Independent Auditors
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP acted as the independent auditors for the Company in 2005 and will be
similarly appointed to act in 2006. Representatives of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP are expected to be
present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire. Such
representatives are also expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Independent Auditors Fees
In connection with the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
and its related entity RSM McGladrey, Inc., provided various audit and non-audit services to the
Company and billed the Company for these services as follows:
|
(a) |
|
Audit Fees. Fees for audit services totaled $232,180 and $239,467 in 2005 and
2004, respectively, including fees for the annual audits and the reviews of the
Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Audit-Related Fees. Fees for audit-related services totaled $14,650 and
$17,090 in 2005 and 2004, respectively. These services related to responding to
technical and accounting questions and the related research, and meetings with
management and Company consultants related to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 matters. |
|
|
(c) |
|
Tax Fees. Fees for tax services, including preparation of the corporate income
tax returns and related filings and other tax compliance assistance, totaled $20,000
and $29,050 in 2005 and 2004, respectively. |
|
|
(d) |
|
All Other Fees. There were no other services provided by McGladrey & Pullen,
LLP or RSM McGladrey, Inc., not included above, in either 2005 or 2004. |
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the
independent auditors on a case-by-case basis. In connection with the approval of the annual audit
services and related Audit Fees, the Audit Committee also pre-approves certain Audit-Related Fees
relating to the independent auditors responding to and researching technical accounting questions
and other matters related to the financial statements under audit. All of the services provided by
the independent auditors during 2005 and 2004, including services related to the Audit-Related Fees
and Tax Fees, have been approved by the Audit Committee under its pre-approval process. The Audit
Committee has considered whether the provision of services related to the Audit-Related Fees, Tax
Fees and All Other Fees was compatible with maintaining the independence of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
and determined that such services did not adversely affect the independence of McGladrey & Pullen,
LLP.
21
Shareholder Proposals
Proposals which shareholders of the Company intend to present at and have included in the
Companys proxy statement for the 2007 annual meeting of shareholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Rule 14a-8), must be received by the Company by
the close of business on December 1, 2006. Additionally, if the Company receives notice of a
shareholder proposal submitted otherwise than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (i.e., proposals shareholders
intend to raise at the 2007 annual meeting of shareholders but do not intend to have included in
the Companys proxy statement for such meeting) after February 14, 2007, the persons named in the
proxies solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company for the 2007 annual meeting of
shareholders may exercise discretionary voting power with respect to such proposal.
Other Matters
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to soliciting
proxies by mail, proxies may be solicited personally and by telephone by certain officers and
regular employees of the Company. The Company will reimburse brokers and other nominees for their
reasonable expenses in communicating with the persons for whom they hold Common Stock.
|
|
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors |
|
|
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC. |
|
|
|
|
|
David P. Carlson |
|
|
Secretary |
March 31, 2006
22
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
2006 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints Joseph P. Schneider and David P. Carlson, and
each of them, as Proxies with the power of substitution (to act jointly or if
only one acts then by that one) and hereby authorizes them to represent and to
vote as designated below all of the shares of Common Stock of LaCrosse Footwear,
Inc. held of record by the undersigned on March 3, 2006, at the annual meeting
of shareholders to be held on May 3, 2006, and any adjournment or postponement
thereof.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by
the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted
FOR the election of the Boards nominees.
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC. 2006 ANNUAL MEETING
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.
|
|
ELECTION OF
|
|
1 - Luke E. Sims
|
|
o
|
|
FOR all nominees listed to the left (except as specified
|
|
o
|
|
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY |
|
|
DIRECTORS:
|
|
2 - John D. Whitcombe
|
|
|
|
below).
|
|
|
|
to vote for all nominees listed |
|
|
Terms expiring at the
|
|
3 - William H. Williams
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to the left. |
|
|
2009 Annual Meeting |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, write
the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
|
IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date , 2006 |
|
NO. OF SHARES
|
Check appropriate box Indicate changes below:
|
|
|
|
|
Address Change? o |
|
Name Change? o |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature(s) in Box |
|
|
|
|
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please
sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
|
|
|
|
|