BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
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.
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Filed by the Registrant
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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Check the appropriate box:
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o Preliminary
Proxy Statement |
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o Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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þ Definitive
Proxy Statement
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o Definitive
Additional Materials
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o Soliciting
Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
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BROWN-FORMAN
CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if
other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
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(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which
transaction applies:
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(2) |
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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(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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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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(1) |
Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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June 30, 2006
Dear Brown-Forman Stockholder:
It is my pleasure to invite you to attend our Annual Stockholders Meeting:
Thursday, July 27, 2006
9:30 A.M. (Eastern Daylight Time)
Brown-Forman Conference Center
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, Kentucky
I hope to see you on July 27. All Class A Stockholders are urged to complete and return to us the
enclosed Proxy (voting) Card, whether or not you can attend in person. Your vote is very important
to us.
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Sincerely, |
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BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION 850 DIXIE HIGHWAY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40210
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS
Brown-Forman Corporation will hold its annual meeting for holders of our Class A Common
Stock in the Conference Center at our corporate offices, 850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky,
at 9:30 A.M., Louisville (Eastern Daylight) time, on Thursday, July 27, 2006.
We are holding this meeting to:
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elect a board of thirteen directors to hold office until the next annual stockholders
meeting; and |
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transact any other appropriate business. |
Only Class A stockholders of record at the close of business on June 19, 2006 are entitled to vote
at the meeting. Holders of Class B Common Stock may attend the meeting but may not vote. We will
not close the stock transfer books in advance of the meeting. Class A stockholders may vote either
in person or by proxy, which means you designate someone else to vote your shares.
For Class A stockholders, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, PLEASE:
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complete, sign, and date the enclosed proxy card; and |
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return it promptly in the enclosed envelope. |
Submitting a proxy will not affect your right to vote your shares if you attend the meeting in
person and decide to vote differently. We are not asking for proxy cards from holders of Class B
Common Stock.
We enclose separately a copy of our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2006 for you
to review.
Louisville, Kentucky
June 30, 2006
By Order of the Board of Directors
Michael B. Crutcher, Secretary
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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Why am I receiving these materials? |
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The Board of Directors provides you these materials so that you may cast your vote
knowledgeably on the matters being considered at the annual meeting of stockholders of
Brown-Forman Corporation. The meeting will take place on July 27, 2006. |
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What information is contained in this Proxy Statement? |
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The information in this Proxy Statement relates to the election of directors at the annual
meeting, the voting process, our corporate governance, the compensation of our directors and
most highly paid executive officers, and other required disclosures. |
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What is the record date and what does it mean? |
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The Board has set June 19, 2006, as the record date for the annual meeting. Holders of our
Class A Common Stock at the close of business on the record date are entitled to receive
notice of the meeting and to vote at the meeting. If you purchase Class A Common Stock after
the record date, you may vote those shares only if you receive a proxy to do so from the
person who held the shares on that date. |
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May Class B Common Stock vote at the meeting? |
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Holders of shares of Class B Common Stock are not entitled to vote on any of the matters
to be considered at this meeting. |
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How will my dividend reinvestment and employee stock purchase plan shares be voted? |
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Shares of Class A Common Stock held by participants in Brown-Formans dividend reinvestment
and employee stock purchase plans are included in your other holdings as reflected on the
proxy cards. |
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The only matter to be voted upon this year is the election of our Board of Directors. Class A
stockholders may also vote on any other matter that is properly brought before the meeting. |
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Who are the nominees for directors? |
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We have thirteen directors who are standing for election. We describe each director
briefly in this Proxy Statement. |
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How does the Board recommend I vote? |
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Our Board recommends that you vote your shares FOR each of the nominees to the Board. |
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What is the proxy card for? |
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By completing and signing the proxy card, you authorize the individuals named on the card to
vote your shares for you. If you grant a proxy, the person(s) named as proxy holder(s) will
also have the discretion to vote your shares on any other matter properly presented for a
vote at the meeting. If for any unforeseen reason a director nominee is not available to
serve, the persons named as proxy holders may vote your shares for another nominee. |
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How many shares must be present or represented to conduct business at the annual meeting? |
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A majority of the outstanding shares of our Class A Common Stock must be present in person
or represented by proxy in order to have a quorum to conduct business at the annual meeting.
Shares voted as abstaining from any particular matter will be counted as present for purposes
of determining the presence of a quorum. |
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How are votes counted? |
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In the election of directors, you may vote FOR all of the nominees or your vote may be
WITHHELD for some or all of the nominees. |
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What is the voting requirement to elect the directors? |
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A nominee is elected if he or she receives a majority of the votes cast at the meeting. |
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What happens if additional matters are presented at the annual meeting? |
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We are not aware of any business other than the election of directors to be acted upon at
the annual meeting. If you grant a proxy, the person(s) named as proxy holder(s) will have
the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at
the meeting. |
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What is the difference between a stockholder of record and a street name holder? |
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If your shares are registered directly in your name with our stock transfer agent,
National City Bank, you are considered a stockholder of record and the beneficial owner of
those shares. As a stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy
directly to Brown-Forman Corporation, or to vote in person at the meeting. If your shares are
held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank, you are still considered the beneficial owner
of those shares, but your shares are said to be held in street
name. Only stockholders with shares registered directly in their name with our transfer agent may vote in person at the
meeting. |
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How do I vote if my shares are held in street name? |
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If your shares are held in street name, you will receive a form from your broker
seeking instruction as to how your shares should be voted. |
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What should I do if I receive more than one set of proxy materials? |
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It is important that you complete, sign, and date each proxy card and each voting
instruction card that you receive because they represent different shares. |
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What if I submit a proxy card and then change my mind on how I want to vote? |
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If you are a stockholder of record, you may change your vote by granting a new proxy bearing
a later date, by providing our Corporate Secretary with written notice of revocation of your
proxy, or by attending the meeting and casting your vote in person.
To change your vote for shares you hold in street name, you will need to follow the instructions in the materials
your broker or bank provides you. |
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Where can I find the voting results of the annual meeting? |
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We intend to announce the results at the annual meeting and to issue a press release on
the same day as the annual meeting. |
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Whom may I call with a question about the annual meeting? |
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For information about your stock ownership or for other stockholder services, please contact
Linda Gering, our Stockholder Services Manager, at 502-774-7690 or Linda_Gering@b-f.com. For
information about the meeting itself, please contact Michael B. Crutcher, our Corporate
Secretary, at 502-774-7631 or Michael_Crutcher@b-f.com. |
4
INTRODUCTION
This section describes the purpose of this Proxy Statement, who can vote, and how to vote.
Purpose.
The Board of Directors of Brown-Forman Corporation is sending you this
Proxy Statement to solicit proxies for use at the Annual Stockholders Meeting, which will be held
Thursday, July 27, 2006, at 9:30 A.M. Louisville (Eastern Daylight) time at Brown-Forman
Corporation, 850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky. We are mailing this Proxy Statement and
accompanying materials on or about June 30, 2006 to holders of record of our Class A Common Stock
at the close of business on June 19, 2006, the record date for our annual meeting. Beginning on
June 30, 2006, our employees may solicit proxies by mail, phone, fax, the Internet or in person.
We will pay all solicitation costs. We will reimburse banks, brokers, nominees, and other
fiduciaries for their reasonable charges and expenses incurred in forwarding our proxy materials
to the beneficial owners of our stock held in street name.
The Board requests that you please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card at your
earliest convenience.
Voting Stock.
We have two classes of common stock, Class A and Class B. Only holders of
Class A Common Stock may vote at this meeting. As of the close of business on the record date,
June 19, 2006, we had outstanding 56,870,114 shares of Class A Common Stock.
Voting Rights.
If you were a Class A stockholder on June 19, 2006, and the books of our
transfer agent reflect your stock ownership, you may cast one vote for each share recorded in your
name. You may vote your shares either in person or by proxy. To vote by proxy, please complete,
sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy card.
Granting a proxy will not affect your right to vote shares registered in your name if you attend
the meeting and want to vote in person. You may revoke a proxy at any time before it is voted by
sending our Secretary written notice of your revocation. For any shares you hold in street name,
you must submit voting instructions to the street name holder in accordance with the instructions
they provide and comply with their directions to revoke those instructions. We will vote all
shares represented by effective proxies in accordance with the terms stated in the proxy.
A quorum to conduct business at the meeting consists of a majority of the outstanding Class A
shares. To be elected, a director must receive a majority of the votes cast at a meeting at which
there is a quorum. Likewise, a majority of the shares represented at the meeting must approve any
other matters brought to a vote at the meeting. We will count shares voted as abstaining as
present for purposes of determining the number of shares represented at the meeting, but as votes
withheld in the election of a director. If a broker holding your shares in street name indicates
to us that he or she lacks discretionary authority to vote your shares, we will not consider your
shares as present or voting for any purpose.
5
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
This section gives biographical information about our Director nominees.
At the annual meeting, you and our other stockholders will elect thirteen directors. Once
elected, a director holds office until the next annual meeting or until his or her successor is
elected and qualified, unless he or she first resigns, reaches retirement age, or is removed. The
proxy holders will vote the enclosed proxy FOR the election of all nominees below, unless you
direct them on the proxy card to withhold your vote as to all or some of the nominees. If any
nominee becomes unable to serve before the meeting, the persons named as proxies may vote for a
substitute.
Here are the director nominees, their ages as of April 30, 2006, the years they began serving as
directors, their business experience for the last five years, and their other directorships:
Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, age 48, director since May 2005. Group
President of the Estée Lauder Companies Inc. since July 2001; President of
Estée Lauder International, Inc. from 1998 to 2001.
Barry D. Bramley, age 68, director since 1996. Non-Executive
Chairman of Lenox, Incorporated (a former subsidiary of Brown-Forman) from
1998 through April 2004; Non-Executive Chairman of Cornwell Parker, PLC,
High Wycombe, England from 1998 to 2000; Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of British-American Tobacco Company Ltd., London, England from 1988
to 1996.
Geo.
Garvin Brown IV*, age 36, director since May 2006, joined
Brown-Forman in 1996. Vice President of Brown-Forman Beverages, Europe,
Ltd., Jack Daniels Brand Director for Europe, Africa and Eurasia since
2004; Director of the Office of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Brown-Forman Corporation from 2002 to 2004; Corporate Development Analyst,
Brown-Forman Corporation from 2001 to 2002.
Martin S. Brown, Jr.*, age 42, director since May 2006. Partner, Adams and Reese
LLP, a law firm, since 2005; Partner, Stokes & Bartholomew, P.A. (a
predecessor firm to Adams and Reese LLP) since 1999.
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Directors Owsley Brown II and Dace Brown Stubbs are first cousins. Director Martin S.
Brown, Jr. is the nephew of Owsley Brown II. Director Geo. Garvin Brown IV is the nephew of
Dace Brown Stubbs. |
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Owsley Brown II*, age 63, director since 1971, a thirty-eight year
employee of Brown-Forman. Our Chief Executive Officer from 1993 until July
2005 and our Chairman since 1995; our President from 1987 to 1995. Other
directorships: NACCO Industries, Inc.
Donald G. Calder, age 68, director since 1995. President and Chief Financial
Officer of G.L. Ohrstrom & Co., Inc., a private investment firm, since 1997;
Vice President of Ohrstrom & Co. from 1996 to 1997; Partner of predecessor
partnership, G.L. Ohrstrom & Co. from 1970 to 1996; Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Harrow Industries from 1997 to 1999. Other
directorships: Carlisle Companies Incorporated, Roper Industries, Inc.;
Central Securities Corporation.
Sandra A. Frazier, age 33, director since May 2006. Founder and Member,
Tandem Public Relations, LLC since 2005; Public Relations Account Manager at
Doe Anderson, Inc. from 2002 to 2005; Project Assistant at Schneider and
Associates Public Relations from 2000 to 2001. Other directorships:
Commonwealth Bank and Trust Company.
Richard P. Mayer, age 66, director since 1994. Former Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Kraft General Foods North America (now Kraft Foods Inc.) from 1989
to 1996.
Stephen E. ONeil, age 73, director since 1978. Principal of The ONeil Group
from 1991 to present. Other directorships: Alger American Fund, Inc.; Alger
Fund, Inc.; Castle Convertible Fund, Inc.; Spectra Fund, Inc.
Matthew R. Simmons, age 63, director since 2002. Founder and Chairman of Simmons
& Company International since 1974; Chief Executive Officer of Simmons &
Company International from 1974 through 2005.
William M. Street, age 67, director since 1971. Our former President from
November 2000 through September 2003; our Vice Chairman from 1987 to 2000;
President and Chief Executive Officer of Brown-Forman Beverages Worldwide (a
division of Brown-Forman) from 1994 through 2003. Other directorships: Papa
Johns International, Inc.
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Directors Owsley Brown II and Dace Brown Stubbs are first cousins. Director Martin S.
Brown, Jr. is the nephew of Owsley Brown II. Director Geo. Garvin Brown IV is the nephew of
Dace Brown Stubbs. |
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Dace Brown Stubbs*, age 59, director since 1999. Private investor.
Paul C. Varga, age 42, director since 2003, a nineteen
year employee of Brown-Forman. Our President and Chief Executive Officer
since August 2005; President and Chief Executive Officer of Brown-Forman
Beverages (a division of Brown-Forman) from August 2003 through July 2005;
Global Chief Marketing Officer for Brown-Forman Spirits from 2000 through
2003.
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Directors Owsley Brown II and Dace Brown Stubbs are first cousins. Director Martin S.
Brown, Jr. is the nephew of Owsley Brown II. Director Geo. Garvin Brown IV is the nephew of
Dace Brown Stubbs. |
8
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
This section describes our corporate governance practices in light of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the corporate governance rules
of the New York Stock Exchange.
Brown-Forman has long believed that good corporate governance is essential to maintaining
our integrity in the marketplace and enhancing long-term value for our shareholders. We
continually review and refine our corporate governance plan to address the changing regulatory
environment and adopt what we believe are best practices in our industry. The Board has adopted
Corporate Governance Guidelines, which provide a framework for the conduct of the Boards business
and assist the Board in the exercise of its duties. These guidelines include director
responsibilities and qualification standards, director compensation, management succession
policies and principles, director access to management and, as appropriate, independent advisors,
and an annual performance self-evaluation of the Board.
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct and Compliance Guidelines which sets forth standards of
ethical behavior applicable to all Company employees and directors. The Company has a Code of
Ethics which applies specifically to our senior financial officers. Each of these governance
documents is published on the Companys website (www.brown-forman.com) and copies are available by
writing to our Corporate Secretary, Michael B. Crutcher, 850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky
40210 or e-mailing him at Michael_Crutcher@b-f.com.
Our Board and management team are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards,
especially with respect to our financial reporting. We have developed and use an effective
financial review process so that our CEO and CFO can certify our quarterly and annual financial
reports with confidence. We have established a Disclosure Control Committee comprised of
representatives of senior management to oversee the accuracy and timeliness of our public
disclosures and the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting. We believe that we
have an effective corporate compliance program.
Our Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors is the policy-making body that is ultimately responsible for the
Companys financial well-being, business success and ethical climate. Management reports to the
Board and is responsible for developing the strategic direction of our business, the success of our
brands, and financial and accounting systems that accurately reflect our financial condition.
Management proposes to the Board business strategies, including the annual plan for operating and
capital expenditures, and major undertakings such as acquisitions and divestitures, which the Board
approves and oversees. Our Board currently has the following committees: the Audit Committee, the
Compensation Committee, the Executive Committee and the Nominating Committee. The Board and its
committees have the power to hire independent advisors, including attorneys and accountants, as
they deem appropriate.
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Meetings of the Board of Directors and the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating Committees.
The Board held eight meetings during fiscal 2006, two of which were special meetings held
by conference telephone call. Owsley Brown Frazier was absent for three regular meetings and one
special meeting of the Board of Directors. Matthew Simmons was absent for two regular meetings.
Geo. Garvin Brown III was absent for one special telephonic meeting.
During fiscal 2006, the Audit Committee held four regular meetings and two special telephonic
meetings, the Compensation Committee held two regular meetings, and the Nominating Committee held
eight regular meetings. All committee members attended all committee meetings, except Director
Donald Calder missed one Nominating Committee meeting due to a plane delay.
Attendance of Directors at Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Under a practice in place for many years and adopted formally as a policy by the Board of
Directors in 2004, each director is expected to use his or her best efforts to attend the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders. All of the then-incumbent directors attended the 2005 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders.
Changes to Our Board Since the 2005 Annual Meeting.
Effective May 8, 2006, three members of the fifth generation of the Brown family were
elected to the Board of Directors, and each is standing for election at the annual meeting. The
new directors are Geo. Garvin Brown IV, Martin S. Brown, Jr. and Sandra A. Frazier.
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Geo. Garvin Brown IV is a Vice President of Brown-Forman Beverages, Europe, Ltd., and
is the
Jack Daniels Brand Director for Europe, Africa and Eurasia. He holds Masters Degrees
from the London Business School and the University of British Columbia and a Bachelors
Degree from McGill University. |
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Martin S. Brown, Jr. is a partner in the Nashville office of the law firm of Adams and Reese
LLP. He holds a J.D. Degree from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelors Degree from Yale
University. |
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Sandra A. Frazier is a founding member of Tandem Public Relations, LLC, a public
relations
firm based in Louisville. She holds a Masters Degree from Boston University and a
Bachelors
Degree from Hollins College. |
Effective May 7, 2006, Owsley Brown Frazier retired from the Board of Directors. Mr. Frazier, who
had been a director since 1964 and formerly served as our Vice Chairman, reached the mandatory
retirement age for directors on that date. Sandra A. Frazier is Owsley Brown Fraziers niece.
Geo. Garvin Brown IIIs and Ina Brown Bonds terms as director expire immediately preceding the
2006 Annual Meeting, and neither is standing for re-election. Geo. Garvin Brown III has been a
director since 1971. Ina Brown Bond has served on the Board of Directors since 2002. Geo. Garvin
Brown IV is the son of Geo. Garvin Brown III. Martin S. Brown, Jr. is Ina Brown Bonds nephew.
10
We are a Controlled Company.
The Board of Directors has determined that Brown-Forman is controlled by the Brown
family, despite the absence of a voting agreement. This finding exempts Brown-Forman from the
requirement to have a majority of independent directors. The Brown family control group owns
substantially more than a majority of the Class A voting stock, the vast majority of which has
historically voted in favor of the directors proposed by the Board.
Our Independent Directors.
The Exchange rules require the Board to make an annual determination as to which directors
are independent under the rales. A director qualifies as independent if the board of directors
affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the company. While
the focus of the inquiry is independence from management, the board is required to broadly
consider all relevant facts and circumstances in making an independence determination. The Board
has determined that five of our directors are independent according to Exchange standards. These
are Directors Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, Donald G. Calder, Richard P. Mayer, Stephen E. ONeil,
and Matthew R. Simmons. Geo. Garvin Brown IV, Owsley Brown II, and Paul C. Varga are not
independent because they are in management. William M. Street is not independent because he was
employed by the Company within the past three years. Barry D. Bramley also is not independent
because within the past three years he served as Non-Executive Chairman of Lenox, Incorporated, a
former Company subsidiary. Geo. Garvin Brown III, Ina Brown Bond and Dace Brown Stubbs are not
independent because each has an immediate family member employed by the Company. The Board elected
not to make any determination with respect to the independence of Martin S. Brown, Jr. and Sandra
A. Frazier.
This is not to suggest that only the five independent directors serve as an effective check upon
management. Directors Geo. Garvin Brown IV, Owsley Brown II, Martin S. Brown, Jr., Sandra A.
Frazier, and Dace Brown Stubbs, all members of the Brown family, are themselves significant
stockholders or exercise significant voting control of Brown-Forman. Each of these individuals has
an obvious and deep interest in ensuring the appropriate long term management of the Company.
While, for one reason or another, these persons may not meet tests for being independent, they
nevertheless provide real and effective oversight of management on behalf of all stockholders.
Directors Stephen E. ONeil, Matthew R. Simmons, and Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne serve on the
Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. As such, each of these individuals is required
to satisfy an independence test set forth in regulations adopted under Section 162 of the Internal
Revenue Code. Each member of the Compensation Committee satisfies this test. Directors Donald G.
Calder and Richard P. Mayer, each of whom served on the Compensation Committee through July 31,
2005, similarly met this test for independence.
Directors Richard P. Mayer, Donald G. Calder, and Stephen E. ONeil serve on the Audit Committee of
our Board of Directors. In order to serve on that Committee, each director must be independent as
defined in Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and in the regulations issued by the
Securities and Exchange Commission under that provision. Each member of the Audit Committee
satisfies this test.
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Our Audit Committee and Compensation Committee charters are posted on our website
(www.brown-forman.com) and are also available by writing to our Corporate Secretary, Michael B.
Crutcher, 850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40210 or e-mailing him at
Michael_Crutcher@b-f.com.
Nominating Committee.
The Company has a Nominating Committee made up of four outside directors: Richard P. Mayer
(Chairman), Donald G. Calder, Stephen E. ONeil and Barry D. Bramley. All are considered
independent under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange except for Mr. Bramley, who, within
the past three years, served as the Non-Executive Chairman of a former subsidiary of the Company.
The Nominating Committee does not have a charter.
In evaluating candidates for Board membership, the Nominating Committee seeks directors who will
represent the best long term interests of all Brown-Forman stockholders. As articulated in the
Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Boards view is that all Brown-Forman directors should
possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity, and values. The Board also
believes that qualities which the Companys directors ideally should possess include judgment,
skill, independence, civility, business courage, lack of possible conflicts of interest, and
experience with businesses and other organizations of comparable size or character. The Board does
not think every director must have all of these qualities. The Board places significant importance
on having Brown family members on the Board.
The Nominating Committee has no policy regarding stockholder-nominated candidates for the Board
because the Nominating Committee believes that the processes used to date are appropriate for
identifying and selecting future Board members.
At the request of the Brown family, the Nominating Committee solicited interest from younger
members of the Brown family in serving on the Board of Directors. With the assistance of an
outside executive search firm (which was compensated for these services), the Committee reviewed
the qualifications of interested family members and conducted personal interviews. Based upon that
process, the Committee recommended to the Board the nomination of Geo. Garvin Brown IV, Martin S.
Brown, Jr. and Sandra A. Frazier. All three were elected to fill vacancies on the Board and are
standing for election.
The Nominating Committee will continue to serve this function on behalf of the
Board.
Mandatory Retirement for Our Directors.
Our By-laws provide that a director may serve on the Board through his or her 70th year, and may
continue to serve if the Board finds that such service would significantly benefit Brown-Forman.
The Board must make this decision without the participation of the director involved and upon
approval of two-thirds of the remaining Board members.
The Board has determined that Stephen E. ONeils continued service as a director is a significant
benefit to Brown-Forman. Thus, the Board requested and Mr. ONeil agreed to stay on the Board and
stand for re-election.
12
Executive Sessions of Our Non-Management and Our Independent Directors.
The Exchange requires non-management directors to meet at regularly scheduled executive
sessions without management. Our non-management directors held such a meeting in fiscal 2006. A
majority of the directors in attendance selected a presiding director for the meeting.
The Exchange also requires companies whose group of non-management directors includes directors
who are not independent within the Exchange rules to hold an executive session of just the
independent directors at least once a year. Our independent directors had one such meeting in
fiscal 2006.
Charitable Giving.
The Exchange requires us to disclose certain charitable contributions the Company has made
to charities with which one of our independent directors serves as an executive officer. We have
made no charitable contributions that require disclosure under this rule.
Our Equity Compensation Plans.
We maintain the 2004 Omnibus Compensation Plan for our employees and our non-employee
directors. This plan provides for equity-based compensation that includes stock options, stock
appreciation rights (SARs), and restricted stock awards that are disclosed each year in the Proxy
Statement. One element of the recent corporate scandals has been the repricing of options/SARs to
allow executives to benefit even as the stock price has fallen. We never repriced options under
our previous plans, and the 2004 Omnibus Compensation Plan specifically prohibits the practice
(section 3.1(b)). Another element of the corporate governance debate has been the accounting
disclosure of the effect of options/SARs and whether they should be expensed when granted. We
adopted FASB 123R in the fourth quarter of 2005 and began expensing employee stock options/SARs.
Prior periods were adjusted to reflect this change, and all appropriate financial statements in
the Companys 2006 Annual Report reflect this change.
How Can You Communicate With Our Board of Directors?
Brown-Forman stockholders and other interested parties may communicate with Brown-Formans
directors, including the non-management directors as a group, by sending written communications to
the Corporate Secretary, at 850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40210 or by e-mail at
Michael_Crutcher@b-f.com. Copies of written communications received at such address will be
provided to the individual director or group of directors to whom they are addressed, and copies of
such communications will be provided to all other directors; provided, however, that any such
communications that are considered to be improper for submission to the intended recipients will
not be provided to the directors. Examples of the communications that would be considered improper
for submission include, without limitation, customer complaints, solicitations, communications on
matters not normally considered at a Board level or communications that relate to irrelevant
topics.
13
STOCK OWNERSHIP
This section describes (a) people who own beneficially 5% or more of our voting stock and (b) how
much stock our directors and executive officers own. Under the SECs definition of beneficial
ownership, some shares are considered to be owned by more than one person and are therefore
counted more than once.
Voting Stock Owned By 5% Beneficial Owners.
This table shows each beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Class A Common Stock, our only
class of voting stock, as of April 30, 2006. The Securities and Exchange Commission defines
beneficial ownership to include shares over which a person has sole or shared voting or
investment power, as well as all shares underlying options or stock appreciation rights that are
exercisable within sixty days. Under this definition, beneficial owners may or may not receive an
economic benefit (such as receiving either dividends or sale proceeds) from the shares attributed
to them. Using this definition, some shares shown below are owned by more than one person. Some
beneficial owners share voting and investment powers as members of advisory committees of certain
trusts of which corporate fiduciaries are the trustees. Counting each share only once, the
aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by the people in this table
is 40,303,855 shares, or 70.92% of the outstanding shares of that class.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Sole and |
|
|
|
|
Sole Voting and |
|
Shared Voting and |
|
Shared Voting and |
|
Percent of |
Name and Address |
|
Investment Power |
|
Investment Power |
|
Investment Power |
|
Class |
Owsley Brown II
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, Kentucky 40210 |
|
|
653,002 |
|
|
|
12,085,986 |
|
|
|
12,738,988 |
|
|
|
22.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ina Brown Bond
8215 West U.S. Highway 42
Skylight, Kentucky 40026 |
|
|
1,866,749 |
|
|
|
7,883,132 |
|
|
|
9,749,881 |
|
|
|
17.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. L. Lyons Brown, Jr.
501 So. Fourth Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40202 |
|
|
1,024,038 |
|
|
|
7,489,297 |
|
|
|
8,513,335 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owsley Brown Frazier
829 W. Main Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202 |
|
|
760,214 |
|
|
|
5,289,221 |
|
|
|
6,049,435 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. McCauley Brown
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, Kentucky 40210 |
|
|
257,542 |
|
|
|
5,888,902 |
|
|
|
6,146,444 |
|
|
|
10.8 |
% |
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Sole and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sole Voting and |
|
Shared Voting and |
|
Shared Voting and |
|
Percent of |
|
|
|
|
Name and Address |
|
Investment Power |
|
Investment Power |
|
Investment Power |
|
Class |
|
|
|
|
Geo. Garvin Brown III
6009 Brownsboro Park Blvd., Suite B
Louisville, Kentucky 40207 |
|
|
104,018 |
|
|
|
5,578,874 |
|
|
|
5,682,892 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Laura Lee Brown
710 West Main Street, Suite 201
Louisville, Kentucky 40202 |
|
|
63,853 |
|
|
|
5,580,837 |
|
|
|
5,644,690 |
|
|
|
9.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Laura Frazier
3115 Arden Road
Louisville, Kentucky 40222 |
|
|
58,532 |
|
|
|
5,289,221 |
|
|
|
5,347,753 |
|
|
|
9.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jean W. Frazier
4810 Cherry Valley Road
Prospect, Kentucky 40059 |
|
|
276,110 |
|
|
|
4,888,985 |
|
|
|
5,165,095 |
|
|
|
9.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sandra A. Frazier
815 West Market Street, #705
Louisville, Kentucky 40202 |
|
|
13,456 |
|
|
|
4,888,985 |
|
|
|
4,902,441 |
|
|
|
8.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alanson B. Houghton
60 East 42nd Street, Suite 3410
New York, New York 10165 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
4,888,985 |
|
|
|
4,888,985 |
|
|
|
8.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Martin S. Brown, Sr.
5214 Maryland Way, Suite 405
Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,536,286 |
|
|
|
3,536,286 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garvin Brown Deters
710 West Main Street, Suite 201
Louisville, Kentucky 40202 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,119,202 |
|
|
|
3,119,202 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Campbell P. Brown
1200 Abernathy Road, NE, Suite 100
Atlanta, Georgia 30328 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,087,453 |
|
|
|
3,087,453 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Laura Lee Gastis
710 West Main Street, Suite 201
Louisville, Kentucky 40202 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,039,544 |
|
|
|
3,039,544 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geo. Garvin Brown IV
Regent Arcade House
19-25 Argyll Street
London, W1F 7TS United Kingdom |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
2,997,744 |
|
|
|
2,997,744 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Sole and |
|
|
|
|
Sole Voting and |
|
Shared Voting and |
|
Shared Voting and |
|
Percent of |
Name and Address |
|
Investment Power |
|
Investment Power |
|
Investment Power |
|
Class |
Dace Brown Stubbs
135 Sago Palm Road
Vero Beach, Florida 32963 |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,885,323 |
|
|
|
2,887,323 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marshall Farrer
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, Kentucky 40210 |
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
2,885,323 |
|
|
|
2,885,433 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dace Polk Maki
PO Box 91206
Louisville, Kentucky 40291 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
2,885,323 |
|
|
|
2,885,323 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
% |
16
Stock Owned by Directors and Executive Officers.
The following table shows the
beneficial ownership as of April 30, 2006, by each director nominee, by each executive officer
named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 29, and by all directors and executive officers as
a group, of our Class A and Class B Common Stock. Some shares shown below are owned by more than
one person. However, in computing the aggregate number of shares and percentages owned by all
directors and executive officers as a group, which includes shares owned by persons not named in
the table, we counted each share only once.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Common Stock |
|
Class B Common Stock |
|
|
Voting & Investment |
|
Sole & Shared Voting & |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sole & Shared |
|
|
Power |
|
Investment Power |
|
Investment Power |
|
Investment Power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of |
Name |
|
Sole |
|
Shared |
|
Total |
|
Class |
|
Sole |
|
Shared |
|
Total |
|
Class |
James L. Bareuther |
|
|
7,508 |
(1) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
7,508 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
84,678 |
(1),(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
84,678 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Ina Brown Bond |
|
|
1,866,749 |
|
|
|
7,883,132 |
|
|
|
9,749,881 |
|
|
|
17.2 |
% |
|
|
21,853 |
|
|
|
10,324,022 |
|
|
|
10,345,875 |
|
|
|
15.8 |
% |
Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
5,471 |
(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
5,471 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Barry D. Bramley |
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,200 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
41,257 |
(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
41,257 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Geo. Garvin Brown III |
|
|
104,018 |
|
|
|
5,578,874 |
|
|
|
5,682,892 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
|
|
38,851 |
(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
38,851 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Geo. Garvin Brown IV |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
2,997,744 |
|
|
|
2,997,744 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
% |
|
|
4,794 |
(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
4,794 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Martin S. Brown, Jr. |
|
|
75,618 |
|
|
|
1,259,497 |
(3) |
|
|
1,335,115 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
% |
|
|
1,514 |
|
|
|
2,030,758 |
(3) |
|
|
2,032,272 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
% |
Owsley Brown II |
|
|
653,002 |
|
|
|
12,085,986 |
|
|
|
12,738,988 |
|
|
|
22.4 |
% |
|
|
408,286 |
(2) |
|
|
11,260,721 |
|
|
|
11,669,007 |
|
|
|
17.8 |
% |
Donald G. Calder |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
22,135 |
(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
22,135 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Michael B. Crutcher |
|
|
21,392 |
(1) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
21,392 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
39,014 |
(1),(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
39,014 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Sandra A. Frazier |
|
|
13,456 |
|
|
|
4,888,985 |
|
|
|
4,902,441 |
|
|
|
8.6 |
% |
|
|
1,638 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,638 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Richard P. Mayer |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
28,135 |
(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
28,135 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Stephen E. ONeil |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
25,275 |
(2) |
|
|
1,000 |
(4) |
|
|
26,275 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Matthew R. Simmons |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
10,035 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
21,453 |
(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
21,453 |
|
|
|
* |
|
William M. Street |
|
|
1,121,098 |
|
|
|
552,276 |
|
|
|
1,673,374 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
% |
|
|
203,263 |
(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
203,263 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Dace Brown Stubbs |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,885,323 |
|
|
|
2,887,323 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
30,405 |
(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
30,405 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Paul C. Varga |
|
|
17,173 |
(1) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
17,173 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
61,203 |
(1),(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
61,203 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Phoebe A. Wood |
|
|
4,257 |
(1) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
4,257 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
76,425 |
(1),(2) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
76,425 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All Directors and Executive
Officers as a Group(5) |
|
|
3,814,305 |
|
|
|
25,851,535 |
|
|
|
29,665,840 |
|
|
|
52.2 |
% |
|
|
1,166,728 |
|
|
|
14,424,227 |
|
|
|
15,590,955 |
|
|
|
23.8 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1%. |
|
(1) |
|
Includes restricted stock; restricted stock may not be sold before vesting and is subject to
further vesting requirements. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes stock options (options) and stock appreciation rights (SARs) which are exercisable
as of June 29, 2006 (60 days after April 30, 2006) as follows: James L. Bareuther 79,462
options; Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne 440 options, 5,071 SARs; Barry D. Bramley 34,186
options, 5,071 SARs; Geo. Garvin Brown III 31,104 options, 5,071 SARs; Geo. Garvin Brown IV
1,536 options; Owsley Brown II 405,928 options; Donald G. Calder 19,404 options, 2,731
SARs; Michael B. Crutcher 27,852 options; Richard P. Mayer 19,404 options, 2,731 SARs;
Stephen E. ONeil 22,544 options, 2,731 SARs; Matthew R. Simmons 10,382 options, 5,071
SARs; William M. Street 201,132 |
17
|
|
options, 2,731 SARs; Dace Brown Stubbs 27,674 options, 2,731 SARs; Paul C. Varga 53,616
options; and Phoebe A. Wood 71,186 options. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 30 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by Mr. Browns wife and 8,690 shares of
Class A Common Stock and 1,200 shares of Class B Common Stock owned in trusts for the benefit
of Mr. Browns children. Mr. Brown disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares. |
|
(4) |
|
Owned by The ONeil Foundation, of which Mr. ONeil is President. Mr. ONeil disclaims
beneficial ownership of these shares. |
|
(5) |
|
In computing the aggregate number of shares and percentages owned by all directors and
executive officers as a group, which includes shares owned by persons not named in the table,
we counted each share only once. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance. Executive officers, directors, and beneficial owners of more than 10%
of our Class A Common Stock must file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our stock
pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We have reviewed the reports and
written representations we received from these persons. Based solely on that review, we believe
that during fiscal 2006 these persons reported all transactions on a timely basis, except: Stephen
E. ONeil did not report in a timely fashion the acquisition of 2,731 SARs for Class B Common
Stock; Matthew R. Simmons did not report in a timely fashion the acquisition of 5,071 SARs for
Class B Common Stock; and Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne did not report in a timely fashion the
acquisition of 440 stock options for Class B Common Stock.
18
AUDIT COMMITTEE
This section is a report from the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. It explains the role
of the Audit Committee and sets forth the fees paid to our independent auditor.
Audit Committee Report
Composition. The Audit Committee consists of three non-employee directors, Mr. Mayer
(Chairman), Mr. ONeil, and Mr. Calder. The Board has determined that each Committee member meets
the standards of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange (the
Exchange) to be considered an independent director. In addition, the Board has also found that
each member is financially literate and meets Exchange standards to serve on our Audit Committee.
The Board has also determined that while more than one member of the Companys Audit Committee
qualifies as an audit committee financial expert under Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K, Mr. Mayer
is the designated audit committee financial expert. Mr. ONeil also sits on the audit committees
of more than three other public companies. Our Board has determined that his service on other audit
committees does not impair, but indeed enhances, his ability to sit on our Audit Committee.
Function. The Committee has a Charter, which is reviewed annually and was last amended by
the Board on March 25, 2004. The Charter describes what the Committee does and meets the standards
of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Exchange. You can review the Charter on the
Companys website, www.brown-forman.com. The Committee has retained PricewaterhouseCoopers (the
independent auditor) to perform the audit. The independent auditor reports directly to the
Committee. The Audit Committee has authority to retain independent legal, accounting or other
advisors at the Companys expense.
As described more fully in its Charter, the Committee monitors and oversees the financial reporting
process, the system of internal controls, the audit process, and the Companys program for legal
and regulatory compliance. To place the Committees role in perspective, management is responsible
for the Companys internal controls, the financial reporting process, and the Companys compliance.
The independent auditor is responsible for performing an audit of the Companys financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and issuing a report on its
audit. The independent auditor also issues a report on the effectiveness of the Companys internal
control over financial reporting and managements assessment of internal control over financial
reporting. The Committee reviews the work of management and has direct responsibility for
retention of the independent auditor on behalf of the Board of Directors.
The Committee also considers reports from the Companys internal audit department, which
investigates the adequacy of internal controls. The Committee reviews reports from the Companys
legal department on compliance with the Companys internal Code of Conduct and with laws and
regulations.
The Committee met six times throughout the year, during which the committee members had discussions
with management and the independent auditor. Management has represented to the
19
Committee that the Companys consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. The Committee discussed those statements and the
Companys system of internal controls with management and the independent auditor, including
discussions with the independent auditor in executive session with representatives of management
excluded.
The Committee discussed with the independent auditor matters required to be discussed by Statement
on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees) and No. 90 (Audit Committee
Communications). The independent auditor gave to the Committee the written disclosures required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees). The
Committee discussed with the independent auditor its independence and ability to conduct the audit.
The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of the non-audit services described below is
compatible with maintaining auditor independence.
Fees Paid to Independent Auditor.
The following table shows the fees that the Company paid or accrued for the audit and non-audit
services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers for fiscal years 2005 and 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
2,124,700 |
(1) |
|
$ |
977,400 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
105,200 |
|
|
|
277,000 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
272,400 |
|
|
|
64,900 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
2,502,300 |
|
|
$ |
1,319,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This amount replaces and corrects the amount of $2,081,000 which appeared in our 2005 Proxy
Statement. |
|
(2) |
|
Amount includes $29,900 (46% of Tax Fees) approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with
Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. |
Audit Fees. This category includes the audit of the Companys annual
financial statements, attestation services relating to the report on internal controls in
accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, review of financial statements
included in the Companys Form 10-Q Quarterly Reports, advice on audit and accounting matters that
arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements, and
statutory audits where those are required by foreign jurisdictions.
Audit-Related Fees. This category consists principally of advisory
services related to the Companys preparation for compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, dealing with adequacy of the Companys system of internal controls,
acquisition/divestiture activities, and audits of employee benefit plans.
Tax Fees. This category consists principally of tax return preparation for
expatriate employees and tax advice and returns for foreign subsidiaries.
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditor.
The Audit Committee approved the fiscal 2006 audit and non-audit services
provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The non-audit services approved by the Audit Committee were
also reviewed to ensure compatibility with maintaining the auditors independence.
20
The Audit Committee pre-approves both the type of service to be provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers
and their estimated fees. In addition, the Committee must pre-approve PricewaterhouseCoopers
rendering personal financial and tax advice to any of the Companys designated Executive Officers.
During the approval process, the Audit Committee considers the impact of the types of services on
the independence of the auditor. The services and fees must be deemed compatible with the
maintenance of the auditors independence, including compliance with SEC rules and regulations.
Throughout the year, the Audit Committee will review any revisions to the estimates of audit and
non-audit fees initially approved.
Conclusion. Based on the foregoing, we recommended to the Board of Directors that the
Companys audited financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ending April 30, 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
Richard P. Mayer, Chairman
|
|
Donald G. Calder
|
|
Stephen E. ONeil |
21
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
This section is a report from the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The report
explains our compensation philosophy, how compensation decisions are made for our most senior
executives, and how we comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) (which governs our ability
to deduct for tax purposes compensation to our most highly paid officers).
Compensation Committee Report
This report sets forth the Companys compensation programs for executive officers and details
compensation for the Chairman and for the Chief Executive Officer for fiscal 2006.
The Compensation Committee at the beginning of fiscal 2006, when
executive compensation matters for fiscal 2006 were being considered, consisted of three
non-employee directors, Mr. ONeil (Chairman), Mr. Calder and Mr. Mayer, each of whom qualified as
an independent director under the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. Effective August 1,
2005, as part of the Companys restructuring of committees and committee members, Mr. Calder and
Mr. Mayer were replaced by Mr. Simmons and Mr. Bousquet-Chavanne, each of whom is a non-employee
director and each of whom qualifies as an independent director under the New York Stock Exchange
listing standards. Mr. ONeil remained Chairman of the Committee throughout fiscal 2006. The Board
of Directors has delegated to the Compensation Committee the responsibility to oversee the
compensation of the Companys directors and officers. The Committee sets the overall direction of
the Companys pay programs for all salaried employees.
Committee Charter. The Board of Directors has adopted a Compensation Committee
Charter, a copy of which is posted on the Companys corporate web-site, www.brown-forman.com.
Among other things, the Committees charter requires that each Committee member be independent of
management, that the Committee is empowered to hire its own advisors, and that the Committee will
conduct an annual self-evaluation of its performance.
The primary goals of the Companys pay programs are to:
|
|
|
attract, retain, and motivate talented and diverse employees within a culture that
values integrity, respect, trust, teamwork, and excellence; |
|
|
|
|
support business strategies that promote growth in brand equity, earnings and total
shareholder return over the long-term; |
|
|
|
|
encourage a pay for performance environment through the use of pay at risk subject
to the achievement of short-term and long-term goals; and |
|
|
|
|
provide linkage to shareholders through the use of equity-based awards. |
22
To ensure that the Companys compensation programs are providing appropriate levels of pay, the
Committee uses surveys of manufacturing and consumer products companies that include companies with
which we may compete for executive talent, companies of comparable size, and companies that are
recognized for their brand leadership. These surveys provide salary and bonus data from many
companies, including Coca-Cola, Diageo, H. J. Heinz, Hershey Foods Corporation, Fortune Brands, and
Wm. Wrigley Corporation.
In cooperation with managements Compensation and Benefits Committee (formerly the Management
Compensation Review Committee), the Committee applies the Companys pay philosophy to the Companys
senior executives, who are referred to as Executive Officers. During fiscal 2006, the Executive
Officer group was divided into three sub groups:
|
|
|
the Chairman, Owsley Brown II; |
|
|
|
|
the Chief Executive Officer, Paul Varga; and |
|
|
|
|
all other Executive Officers |
The Committee sets the salary and administers the short-term and long-term bonuses for Messrs.
Brown and Varga. The Committee shares responsibility with the Compensation and Benefits Committee
for the compensation of all other Executive Officers. The Committee sets goals and determines the
achievement of the short-term and long-term bonuses for Executive Officers, while the Compensation
and Benefits Committee determines their base salaries.
The Compensation Committee met twice in fiscal 2006. The Committees compensation philosophy is to
set total compensation at a level that is somewhat above the mid-market level, with the ability to
attain third quartile or top quartile total compensation if business performance exceeds targeted
goals (or conversely to receive below market compensation for periods of business
underperformance). In reviewing compensation, the Committee evaluates a number of factors,
including the recommendations from the Compensation and Benefits Committee based on market survey
data, the individual performance of the executive, any change or evolution of duties, and any other
unusual circumstances that would suggest appropriate adjustments to incentive compensation.
Compensation in General. There are three major elements to the Companys overall
pay program: base salary, annual short-term bonus and long-term incentives that include both equity
and cash elements. An overview of each of the three major elements follows.
Base Salary. Each year the Committee determines the base salary for the Chairman
and for the Chief Executive Officer and reviews the salaries of the Executive Officers reporting to
the Chairman or Chief Executive Officer.
Annual Short-Term Bonus. The short-term bonus is paid in cash.
The Company provides annual incentive opportunities based on the achievement of short-term
financial, business, and strategic results supporting the sustainable growth of our brands. Target
short-term bonus opportunities are set at the beginning of each year for each executive, along with
goals that define the relationship between potential payments and performance. For fiscal 2006,
goals for short-term bonus were based on individual, business unit, brand, and corporate
performance. The factors used to evaluate business
23
unit, brand, and corporate financial performance are generally based on some aspect of income
generation and/or asset management, while individual performance goals vary by unit and function.
For those executives whose compensation is subject to the deductibility limitations of Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, annual incentive awards are based on business unit and
corporate financial performance goals.
Long-Term
Incentives
The long-term bonus is initially determined in cash, but can be delivered via three different
elements: stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and long-term cash units based on three-year
business performance. The 2004 Omnibus Compensation Plan approved by shareholders at the 2004
Annual Meeting enables the Company to grant various forms of equity awards denominated in the
Companys common stock, as well as other performance-based, long-term incentives denominated in
cash or units convertible to cash. Long-Term incentives are intended to focus executives on the
long-term growth of our business, as opposed to making short-term decisions that produce benefits
in a specific year. We want employees to make the right decisions over a number of years to grow
our brands while increasing shareholder returns. Target long-term bonus opportunities are set at
the beginning of each year for each executive, and then divided into the long-term elements
currently being utilized.
|
|
|
Stock-settled Stock Appreciation Rights. Prior to fiscal 2006, the Committee granted
non-qualified stock options. Beginning in fiscal 2006, the Committee began granting
stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) to senior executives by converting a portion
of their target long-term opportunity (originally designated as cash) through the use of a
Black-Scholes pricing model. In essence, executives are purchasing SARs with dollars that
would otherwise be denominated as a long-term cash incentive. These SARs are not
exercisable until the end of the third fiscal year after the grant, and are exercisable for
seven fiscal years thereafter. Not more than half of any executives total long-term bonus
opportunity is converted to a combination of SARs and restricted stock. To minimize
dilution, stock to cover exercises is generally purchased from other shareholders. |
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock. The Committee grants performance-based restricted stock to further
align the interests of senior executives with those of the Companys shareholders. These
incentives are initially denominated in cash for a one-year performance period, with the
resulting performance-adjusted cash being converted into shares that are restricted from
sale for a multi-year period and forfeitable should the executive voluntarily terminate
employment. Not more than half of any senior executives total long-term bonus opportunity
is converted to a combination of restricted stock and SARs. |
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Cash Units. The third element of long-term incentives is a cash bonus
opportunity, with awards based on three years performance against business goals. |
Compensation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Overview. In fiscal 2006, the Company split the duties of Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer into two separate and distinct roles:
24
|
|
|
A Chief Executive Officer of Brown-Forman Corporation, reporting to the Board, who
is the highest ranking decision maker in management. The CEO is responsible to the Board
for carrying out the Companys business strategy and achieving the Companys financial
goals. |
|
|
|
|
A Chairman of Brown-Forman Corporation, who is an employee of the Company, and who
is the chief advocate of the long-term interests of all of the shareholders. The Chairman
reports to the Board on matters concerning the long-term interests of shareholders. |
The following Projected Target Compensation table shows the fiscal 2006 compensation of the
Chairman and the CEO that was set by the Committee on a target basis; that is, fiscal 2006
salary, the annual bonus that would be paid for fiscal 2006 performance if we attain targeted
performance goals, and the targeted dollars used to determine the initial value of long-term
incentives (even though those long-term incentives will be earned through various incentives over a
period of years), along with the expected fiscal 2006 cash cost of benefits and expected cost of
available perquisites (whether or not fully utilized).
PROJECTED TARGET COMPENSATION
FOR FISCAL 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Varga, |
|
Mr. Brown, |
Pay Element |
|
CEO |
|
Chairman |
Salary(1) |
|
$ |
801,000 |
|
|
$ |
959,600 |
|
Fiscal 2006 Annual Bonus at Target(1) |
|
|
624,383 |
|
|
|
957,273 |
|
Fiscal 2006-2008 LT Cash Bonus at Target(1) |
|
|
605,685 |
|
|
|
658,151 |
|
Stock Appreciation Right Award Value(1) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Restricted Stock Award Value at Target(1) |
|
|
605,685 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
SUBTOTAL Direct Compensation |
|
$ |
2,636,753 |
|
|
$ |
2,575,024 |
|
Pension(2) |
|
|
61,427 |
|
|
|
108,896 |
|
Co. Paid Soc. Security & Medicare Tax(2) |
|
|
33,287 |
|
|
|
61,643 |
|
Dividends on Restricted Stock |
|
|
21,671 |
|
|
None |
401K Company Match(2) |
|
|
10,500 |
|
|
|
10,500 |
|
Co. Paid Medical, Life, Dental, LTD(2) |
|
|
11,912 |
|
|
|
9,623 |
|
Financial Planning Perquisite (Available) |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
Company Leased Car |
|
|
19,000 |
|
|
None |
GRAND TOTAL |
|
$ |
2,798,550 |
|
|
$ |
2,769,686 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Varga assumed the position of CEO effective August 1, 2005. Amounts for the fiscal
year are comprised of a proration between compensation that was in effect through July 31,
2005, and revised compensation effective August 1, 2005. |
|
(2) |
|
Messrs. Varga and Brown participate in the same group benefits offered other salaried
employees. Amounts shown above are Company contributions per the most recent Pay & Benefits
Statement distributed to employees. |
25
Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer. In setting
the pay of the CEO, the Committee considers the pay philosophy of the Company, pertinent survey
data, the experience and performance of the incumbent, and the performance of the Company. This
year the Committee also considered that Mr. Varga was being promoted to the position of CEO.
Salary for the CEO. Effective August 1, 2005, which is the normal annual date for
executive salary adjustments, the Committee increased Mr. Vargas salary to $850,000, a combined
merit increase, promotional increase for promotion to CEO, and market adjustment increase of 32%
over his prior salary. Because this increase was effective beginning in the fourth month of the
fiscal year, fiscal 2006 salary is $801,000.
Annual Bonus for the CEO. With respect to short-term bonus, during fiscal 2006
two events occurred:
|
(1) |
|
payment of fiscal 2005 bonus was made very early in fiscal 2006 in the amount of
$800,000, which was an amount above target produced by the excellent fiscal 2005
performance of the Company against pre-set operating income goals; and |
|
|
(2) |
|
the target amount of bonus for fiscal 2006 was designated as $624,383, tied to the
attainment of fiscal 2006 operating income goals set by the Committee at the beginning of
fiscal 2006. |
Long-Term Incentives for the CEO. With respect to long-term bonus,
during fiscal 2006, several events occurred:
|
(1) |
|
payment of the cash unit cycle which began May 1, 2002 and ended April 30, 2005 was
made very early in fiscal 2006 in the amount of $362,168. This amount was above target
because of Company performed in excess of the three-year operating income goals set in at
the beginning of the performance period. |
|
|
(2) |
|
the target amount of cash unit bonus for fiscal 2006 was designated as $605,685 tied to
the attainment of three-year operating income goals for fiscal years 2006 through 2008 set
by the Committee at the beginning of fiscal 2006. |
|
|
(3) |
|
the Company granted Mr. Varga a Restricted Stock Award of $605,685. Under this award,
the amount of $605,685 is adjusted for operating income performance during fiscal 2006 and
converted into shares of Brown-Forman Corporation Class A common stock that are restricted
from sale or transfer through April 30, 2010. |
CEOs Total Compensation. As a result of these compensation
actions, Mr. Vargas fiscal 2006 total Direct Compensation is targeted to be $2,636,753 assuming
all bonus targets for the Company are met, including the target value for long-term incentives that
will be earned over future years. Because of Mr. Vargas recent entry into this position, the
compensation is slightly below the median of the survey data. Mr. Vargas actual compensation will
vary from this amount, up or down, depending upon the actual performance of the Company. Please see
the Summary Compensation Table on page 29 for actual compensation paid to Mr. Varga for fiscal
2006.
26
Compensation of the Employee-Chairman . The term Employee Chairman
indicates that our Chairman remains both an active executive employee of the Company as well as
Chairman of the Board. In setting the pay of the Chairman, the Committee considers the pay
philosophy of the Company, pertinent survey data, the experience and performance of the incumbent,
and the performance of the Company. This year the Committee also considered the Chairmans
decreased workload as a result of splitting the roles of CEO and Chairman. Because of this decrease
in workload, the Company appropriately reduced Mr. Browns targeted fiscal 2006 compensation as
Chairman by 30% from the compensation he would have otherwise received as both Chairman and CEO.
Salary for the Chairman. Effective August 1, 2005, which is the normal annual
date for executive salary adjustments, the Committee decreased Mr. Browns salary to $950,000.
Because this decrease was effective beginning in the fourth month of the fiscal year, fiscal 2006
salary is $959,600.
Annual Bonus for the Chairman. With respect to short-term bonus, during
fiscal 2006 two events occurred:
|
(1) |
|
payment of fiscal 2005 bonus was made very early in fiscal 2006 in the amount of
$1,750,000, which was an amount above target produced by the excellent fiscal 2005
performance of the Company against pre-set operating income goals; and |
|
|
(2) |
|
the target amount of bonus for fiscal 2006 was designated as $957,273, tied to the
attainment of fiscal 2006 operating income goals set by the Committee at the beginning of
fiscal 2006. |
Long-Term Incentives for the Chairman. With respect to
long-term bonus, during fiscal 2006, several events occurred:
|
(1) |
|
payment of the cash unit cycle which began May 1, 2002 and ended April 30, 2005 was
made very early in fiscal 2006 in the amount of $1,129,490. This amount was above target
because of Company performance in excess of the three-year operating income goals set at
the beginning of the performance period. |
|
|
(2) |
|
the target amount of cash unit bonus for fiscal 2006 was designated as $658,151 tied to
the attainment of three-year operating income goals for fiscal years 2006 through 2008 set
by the Committee at the beginning of fiscal 2006. |
|
|
(3) |
|
no equity awards were granted to Mr. Brown for fiscal 2006. |
Chairmans Total Compensation. As a result of these
compensation actions, Mr. Browns fiscal 2006 total Direct Compensation is targeted to be
$2,575,024 assuming all bonus targets for the Company are met, including the target value for
long-term incentives that will be earned over future years, and using annualized salary at the
August 1, 2005 decrease date. Mr. Browns actual compensation will vary from this amount, up or
down, depending upon the actual performance of the Company. Please see the Summary Compensation
Table on page 29 for actual compensation paid to Mr. Brown for fiscal 2006.
27
Compliance with Tax Law Limits on Deductibility of Compensation. Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) limits to $1 million the amount of annual compensation an employer may deduct
when paid to a Named Executive Officer (those Executive Officers shown on the Summary Compensation
Table). The law does, however, allow employers to deduct compensation over $1 million if it is
performance based and paid under a formal compensation plan that meets the Codes requirements.
The Company took appropriate steps in setting goals under the Companys 2004 Omnibus Compensation
Plan to assure the deductibility of all compensation paid to Named Executive Officers. The
Committee expects the Company to be able to deduct all fiscal 2006 compensation.
Conclusion. The Committee believes that its overall executive compensation program has
been successful in providing competitive compensation to attract and retain highly qualified
executives, while at the same time encouraging a performance level that creates additional
shareholder value.
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen E. ONeil, Chairman
|
|
Matthew R. Simmons
|
|
Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne |
28
This section contains charts that show the amount of compensation earned by our Named
Executive Officers.
Summary
Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual |
|
Long Term |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards |
|
Payouts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
Underlying |
|
Long Term |
|
All Other |
|
|
Fiscal Year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Options/ |
|
Incentive |
|
Compen- |
|
|
Ended |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus(1) |
|
Award(s) |
|
SARs(2) |
|
Payments(3) |
|
sation(4) |
Name and Principal Positions |
|
April 30, |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Owsley Brown II |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
959,600 |
|
|
|
1,732,665 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
4,495,542 |
|
|
|
14,370 |
|
Chairman of the Board |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
980,256 |
|
|
|
1,750,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
63,381 |
|
|
|
2,987,621 |
|
|
|
12,970 |
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
940,664 |
|
|
|
922,064 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
79,210 |
|
|
|
544,725 |
|
|
|
13,360 |
|
Paul C. Varga |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
801,000 |
|
|
|
1,130,134 |
|
|
|
1,096,290 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
782,022 |
|
|
|
32,620 |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
603,333 |
|
|
|
800,000 |
|
|
|
800,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
362,168 |
|
|
|
27,958 |
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
425,750 |
|
|
|
248,000 |
|
|
|
297,600 |
|
|
|
9,416 |
|
|
|
163,494 |
|
|
|
25,180 |
|
Phoebe A. Wood |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
547,942 |
|
|
|
434,400 |
|
|
|
199,100 |
|
|
|
8,581 |
|
|
|
552,575 |
|
|
|
31,400 |
|
Executive Vice President and Chief |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
515,916 |
|
|
|
460,000 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
14,085 |
|
|
|
511,146 |
|
|
|
25,728 |
|
Financial Officer |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
492,396 |
|
|
|
265,465 |
|
|
|
148,955 |
|
|
|
14,500 |
|
|
|
226,098 |
|
|
|
211,180 |
|
James L. Bareuther |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
501,917 |
|
|
|
414,128 |
|
|
|
332,055 |
|
|
|
9,541 |
|
|
|
894,871 |
|
|
|
30,945 |
|
Executive Vice President and Chief |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
467,250 |
|
|
|
440,000 |
|
|
|
352,800 |
|
|
|
11,043 |
|
|
|
692,572 |
|
|
|
25,538 |
|
Operating Officer, Brown-Forman Beverages |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
425,631 |
|
|
|
236,971 |
|
|
|
204,600 |
|
|
|
13,278 |
|
|
|
290,294 |
|
|
|
25,430 |
|
Michael B. Crutcher |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
467,825 |
|
|
|
432,952 |
|
|
|
268,242 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,270,583 |
|
|
|
31,165 |
|
Vice Chairman, General Counsel and |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
448,300 |
|
|
|
460,000 |
|
|
|
285,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
632,799 |
|
|
|
25,540 |
|
Secretary |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
417,083 |
|
|
|
265,466 |
|
|
|
169,447 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
471,583 |
|
|
|
28,764 |
|
We award up to 50% of long term bonus compensation as stock options/SARs and/or restricted
stock, with the balance in cash to be paid at the end of each three-year performance period (it
will then appear on this table as a long term compensation payout). Stock option/SAR and restricted
stock values can increase or decrease; the present values (as of the grant date) of the stock
option/SAR awards in the Long Term Compensation Awards column appear in the table on page 30. Restricted stock information appears in the table on page 30.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents cash payments under the annual incentive plan. |
|
(2) |
|
The Company began issuing stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) in fiscal 2006.
Prior to fiscal 2006, the Company issued non-qualified stock options. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents cash payments under the long term incentive plan and value realized by exercise of
stock options. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents our contributions to the Savings Plan; our payment of group term life insurance
premiums on behalf of the Named Executive Officers; our cost of providing leased Company
automobiles to Named Executive Officers other than Mr. Brown; for Ms. Wood, a delayed signing
bonus paid in 2004; for Mr. Varga in 2005, Mr. Crutcher in 2004 and 2006, Mr. Bareuther in
2006, and Ms. Wood in 2006, the Companys reimbursement under its financial planning
perquisite. |
29
Restricted Stock Grants Relating to Fiscal 2006.
The Omnibus Compensation Plan provides the ability to deliver long term incentives as restricted
stock awards. Awards are based on performance against corporate or business unit goals, and are
expressed as a dollar amount that is converted to a number of restricted shares using the closing
stock price for Class A Common Stock as of the date of the award. Generally, restricted shares may
not be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of during the restriction period
specified by each award agreement.
In early June 2006, we awarded approximately 41,000 shares of restricted stock to selected key
executives with respect to fiscal 2006 performance. The table below summarizes grants to the Named
Executive Officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested During Year |
|
Outstanding End of Year |
|
|
Shares |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Name |
|
Awarded |
|
Shares |
|
Value |
|
Shares |
|
Value* |
Brown |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Varga |
|
|
17,769 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
42,381 |
|
|
|
3,190,787 |
|
Wood |
|
|
3,227 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
11,281 |
|
|
|
847,619 |
|
Bareuther |
|
|
5,382 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
18,106 |
|
|
|
1,361,271 |
|
Crutcher |
|
|
4,348 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
14,734 |
|
|
|
1,107,680 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Based on $75.46 and $74.50 per share, the closing prices of our Class A and B Common Stock,
respectively, on April 28, 2006 (the last trading day before the end of fiscal 2006). (Prior
grants were of both Class A and Class B stock; 2006 awards are of Class A stock.) |
SAR Grants under the Omnibus Compensation Plan in Fiscal 2006.
The Omnibus Compensation Plan also provides the ability to deliver long term incentives in the form
of stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs).
We grant SARs with an exercise price of the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date
of grant. Generally, SARs become exercisable three years after grant and must be exercised within
ten years of grant. This year, we granted stock-settled SARs for approximately 475,000 shares of
our stock for long term bonus awards to management participants. The table below summarizes the
grants to the Named Executive Officers in fiscal 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares of Class B |
|
Percent of total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
SARs granted to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
underlying SARs |
|
employees in |
|
Per share |
|
|
|
|
|
Present Value as |
Name |
|
granted |
|
fiscal year |
|
exercise price |
|
Expiration date |
|
of grant date* |
Brown |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
59.18 |
|
|
April 30, 2015 |
|
|
0 |
|
Varga |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
59.18 |
|
|
April 30, 2015 |
|
|
0 |
|
Wood |
|
|
8,581 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
59.18 |
|
|
April 30, 2015 |
|
|
110,000 |
|
Bareuther |
|
|
9,541 |
|
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
59.18 |
|
|
April 30, 2015 |
|
|
122,304 |
|
Crutcher |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
59.18 |
|
|
April 30, 2015 |
|
|
0 |
|
30
|
|
|
* |
|
We used a modified Black-Scholes pricing model to determine present value. We assumed a
risk-free interest rate of 4.3%, a term of ten years, stock price volatility of 18%, a yield
of 1.7%, and reductions of approximately 12% to reflect the probability of forfeiture due to
termination prior to vesting, or the probability of a shortened term due to termination of
employment after vesting. |
Aggregated
Value of All Outstanding Options/SARs
Granted From
May 1, 1996 Through
Fiscal 2006.
The following table summarizes all option/SAR grants that have been made to the Named Executive
Officers through and including fiscal 2006 and all option/SAR exercises in fiscal 2006 by the Named
Executive Officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares |
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of unexercised |
|
|
acquired in |
|
realized in |
|
Number of shares underlying |
|
options/SARs at |
|
|
fiscal 2006 by |
|
fiscal 2006 by |
|
unexercised options/SARs |
|
end of fiscal year* |
|
|
option/SAR |
|
option/SAR |
|
Exercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Name |
|
exercise |
|
exercise |
|
May 1, 2006 |
|
Unexercisable |
|
May 1, 2006 |
|
Unexercisable |
Brown |
|
|
54,306 |
|
|
|
2,986,167 |
|
|
|
405,928 |
|
|
|
63,381 |
|
|
|
17,177,156 |
|
|
|
1,769,598 |
|
Varga |
|
|
818 |
|
|
|
50,622 |
|
|
|
53,616 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
2,242,480 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Wood |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
71,186 |
|
|
|
22,666 |
|
|
|
2,866,389 |
|
|
|
524,714 |
|
Bareuther |
|
|
5,060 |
|
|
|
262,371 |
|
|
|
79,462 |
|
|
|
20,584 |
|
|
|
3,446,220 |
|
|
|
454,489 |
|
Crutcher |
|
|
13,706 |
|
|
|
537,225 |
|
|
|
27,852 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,220,834 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
This value is the total difference between the outstanding options/SARs exercise price and
$74.50, the closing price of our Class B Common Stock on April 28, 2006. |
31
RETIREMENT PLAN DESCRIPTIONS
This section describes the retirement and savings plans for our executives.
Retirement
Plans: We maintain both tax-qualified retirement plans and
nonqualified supplemental excess retirement plans. Most salaried employees participate in the
Salaried Employees Retirement Plan. This plan provides monthly retirement benefits based on age at
retirement, years of service and the average of the five highest consecutive years compensation
during the final ten years of employment. These retirement benefits are not offset by Social
Security benefits and are normally payable at age 65. A participants interest vests after five
years of service. The following table shows the estimated annual benefits (straight life annuity)
payable upon retirement at age 65 to participants at specified levels of compensation and years of
service:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
Annual Highest 5 |
|
|
Consecutive
Years |
|
|
Compensation
During |
|
Years of Service Classification |
Final
10 Years |
|
10 Years |
|
20 Years |
|
30 Years |
$ 400,000 |
|
$ |
67,694 |
|
|
$ |
135,387 |
|
|
$ |
203,081 |
|
$ 800,000 |
|
$ |
137,694 |
|
|
$ |
275,387 |
|
|
$ |
413,081 |
|
$1,200,000 |
|
$ |
207,694 |
|
|
$ |
415,387 |
|
|
$ |
623,081 |
|
$1,600,000 |
|
$ |
277,694 |
|
|
$ |
555,387 |
|
|
$ |
833,081 |
|
$2,000,000 |
|
$ |
347,694 |
|
|
$ |
695,387 |
|
|
$ |
1,043,081 |
|
$2,400,000 |
|
$ |
417,694 |
|
|
$ |
835,387 |
|
|
$ |
1,253,081 |
|
$2,800,000 |
|
$ |
487,694 |
|
|
$ |
975,387 |
|
|
$ |
1,463,081 |
|
$3,200,000 |
|
$ |
557,694 |
|
|
$ |
1,115,387 |
|
|
$ |
1,673,081 |
|
For example, an executive retiring at age 65 with 10 years of service whose average annual
compensation for the five highest of the executives ten years of service was $400,000 would
receive an estimated $67,694 annually for the remainder of the executives life.
Federal tax law limits the benefits we might otherwise pay to key employees under qualified plans
such as the Salaried Employees Retirement Plan. Therefore, for certain key employees, we maintain a
nonqualified Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan (SERP). The SERP provides retirement benefits to
make up the difference between a participants accrued benefit calculated under the Salaried
Employees Retirement Plan and the ceiling imposed by federal tax law. The SERP also provides
accelerated vesting of a portion of retirement benefits for certain key employees who join us in
mid-career.
For the Named Executive Officers, covered compensation for fiscal 2006 for these plans and service
credited as of April 30, 2006, were as follows: Owsley Brown II, $2,709,600 and 30 years; Paul C.
Varga, $1,601,000 and 19 years; Phoebe A. Wood, $1,007,942 and 5 years; James L. Bareuther,
$941,917 and 11 years; and Michael B. Crutcher, $927,825 and 17 years.
Savings
Plan: Subject to a maximum the IRS sets annually ($15,000 for calendar
2006), most participants in our Savings Plan may contribute between 1% and 50% of their
compensation to their Savings Plan accounts. Our match of participants contributions is currently
5% (on the first 5% of the employees contribution), and vests fully after four years of service.
32
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
This section describes how we compensate our Directors.
Directors who are not employees are paid an annual retainer of $30,000, payable in six
installments over the year. A director may elect to receive the retainer, or part of it, in stock
appreciation rights of equivalent value in lieu of cash. Under the 2004 Omnibus Compensation Plan,
each non-employee director also receives $35,000 worth of stock-settled stock appreciation rights.
All stock appreciation rights are based upon Class B Common Stock.
In addition to the retainer, non-employee directors receive a meeting fee of $4,000 per Board
meeting attended in person (or $2,000 if attended by conference telephone call). A committee member
receives $4,000 per committee meeting attended in person (or $2,000 if attended by conference
telephone call). A committee chairman receives an additional fee of $4,000 for chairing the
committee meeting ($2,000 if attendance is by conference telephone call).
On behalf of the Audit Committee, its Chairman conducts a quarterly review of the Companys
financial statements with the independent auditor. For each review, he receives a $3,000 fee.
We reimburse all directors for reasonable and necessary expenses they incur in performing their
duties as directors, and provide an additional travel allowance of $3,000 to directors who must
travel to Board meetings from outside the United States.
We do not pay our three employee directors (Messrs. Geo. Garvin Brown IV, Owsley Brown II and Paul
C. Varga) any compensation in addition to their employee compensation for serving on our Board, any
of its committees, or on the boards or equivalent bodies of any of our subsidiaries.
33
FIVE-YEAR PERFORMANCE GRAPH
This chart shows how Brown-Forman Class B Common Stock has performed against three stock indexes
over the last five years.
This graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our Class B Common Stock
against three indexes which include that stock: the Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index, the Dow
Jones Consumer Non-Cyclical Index (110 companies) and the Dow Jones Food and Beverage Makers Index
(38 companies). We included the Dow Jones Consumer Non-Cyclical Index as a diversified index, even
though portions of our business are cyclical. The Dow Jones Food and Beverage Index provides you
with the opportunity to compare our performance against the performance of other producers of
consumer branded products (e.g., Campbell Soup, Hershey Foods, PepsiCo). Overall, we believe it is
best to compare the cumulative total stockholder return on our Class B Common Stock not to a single
index, but rather to trends shown by a review of several indexes.
These numbers assume that $100 was invested in our Class B Common Stock and in a hypothetical stock
fund consisting of all the shares in the comparative index on April 30, 2001 It also assumes that,
for such investments, all quarterly dividends were reinvested at the average of the closing stock
prices at the beginning and end of the quarter. The cumulative returns shown on the graph
represent the value that these investments would have had on April 30 in the years since 2001.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
Brown-Forman Corporation |
$100 |
$132.04 |
$131.22 |
$163.65 |
$197.42 |
$269.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S&P 500 |
$100 |
$87.37 |
$75.75 |
$93.08 |
$98.97 |
$114.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dow Jones US Consumer, Goods |
$100 |
$116.63 |
$97.58 |
$130.42 |
$134.47 |
$145.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dow Jones US Food & Beverage |
$100 |
$123.24 |
$104.38 |
$132.10 |
$130.44 |
$135.79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
34
OTHER INFORMATION
This section sets out other information you should know before you cast your vote.
Transactions with Management.
Directors Owsley Brown II and Paul C. Varga are employees and officers of Brown-Forman, and are
compensated as detailed in this Proxy Statement. Director Geo. Garvin Brown IV is a Vice President
of Brown-Forman Beverages, Europe, Ltd. and is brand director for Jack Daniels for Europe, Africa
and Eurasia. During fiscal 2006, Mr. Brown received a base salary of $133,625 and performance
bonuses of $81,833. The Company paid Mr. Brown a net amount of $300,686 during fiscal 2006 for
certain costs associated with living abroad, including housing costs and a cost of living
allowance. His total compensation, including $41,674 in Company-paid group benefits and
perquisites, was $557,818. During fiscal 2006, Mr. Brown also received stock appreciation rights
(SARs) with respect to 515 shares of the Companys Class B Common Stock, with an exercise price of
$59.18. The SARs expire April 30, 2015. Mr. Browns compensation is consistent with that of our
similarly situated employees.
With the exception of the compensation and reimbursement they receive as directors (disclosed on
page 33), none of our other directors receives any compensation from Brown-Forman or engages in any
financial transactions with us, except as follows:
Laura Lee Lyons Brown, who is not a director, is the sister of Directors Dace Brown Stubbs and Geo.
Garvin Brown III. Ms. Brown owns a parking garage in downtown Louisville, next to Company offices
at West Main Street. We lease, at market rates, a number of parking positions in this garage, and
pay additional amounts for validations of parking for customers and visitors. In fiscal 2006 the
total expense under this arrangement was $187,634. In addition, Ms. Brown is an investor in the 21c
Museum Hotel. We rented hotel rooms and provided meals and entertainment at 21c, at market rates,
to various corporate guests. The amount paid to 21c for these expenses in fiscal 2006 was $230,311.
It should be emphasized that none of our directors has any investment in the parking garage or 21c
Museum Hotel.
As a family controlled company, Brown-Forman employs individuals who are related to our directors,
executive officers and major shareholders. Currently we employ eight individuals (including
Directors Geo. Garvin Brown IV, Owsley Brown II and Paul C. Varga) who are either beneficial owners
of more than 5% of our Class A Common stock, or family members of directors, executive officers, or
beneficial owners of more than 5% of our Class A Common Stock. The aggregate compensation paid by
the Company to each of these employees exceeds $60,000. We compensate these individuals in a manner
consistent with our policies that apply to all employees. We employ no immediate family member of
an independent director.
Appointment of Independent Accountants.
Our Audit Committee has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent certified public
accountants to audit our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending April 30,
2007.
35
Through its predecessor, Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has served us in this
capacity continuously since 1933. We know of no direct or material indirect financial interest that
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has in us or any of our subsidiaries, or of any connection with us or
any of our subsidiaries by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in the capacity of promoter, underwriter,
voting trustee, director, officer or employee.
A PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP representative will attend the annual meeting, will be given the
opportunity to make a statement should he or she so desire, and will be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
Other Proposed Action.
As of June 30, 2006, we know of no business to come before the meeting other than the election of
directors. If any other business should properly be presented to the meeting, however, the proxies
will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons holding them.
Stockholder Proposals for 2007 Annual Meeting.
Under SEC rules, if a shareholder wants us to include a proposal in our Proxy Statement and form of
proxy for presentation at our 2007 Annual Meeting, the proposal must be received by us at our
principal executive offices at 850 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40210 not later than March
3, 2007. The proposal should be sent to the attention of our Corporate Secretary. Stockholder
proposals received after May 16, 2007 will be considered untimely, and the proxies solicited by us
for next years annual meeting will confer discretionary authority to vote on any such matters
without a description of them in the proxy statement for that annual meeting.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
Michael B. Crutcher
Secretary
Louisville, Kentucky June 30, 2006
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36
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P R O X Y |
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BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION |
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This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors. |
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For Use by Holders of Shares of Class A Common Stock |
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Annual Stockholders Meeting, July 27, 2006 |
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THE UNDERSIGNED hereby appoint(s) Owsley Brown II, Michael B. Crutcher, and Paul C. Varga, and
each of them attorneys and proxies, with power of substitution, to vote all of the shares of Class A Common
Stock of Brown-Forman Corporation standing of record in the name of the undersigned at the close of business on June 19,
2006, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation, to be held on July 27, 2006, and at all adjourned sessions
thereof, in accordance with the Notice and the Proxy Statement received, for the election of directors of the Corporation and upon
such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. |
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1.
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, NOMINEES:
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(change of address) |
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Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne; Barry D. Bramley; Geo. Garvin
Brown IV; Martin S. Brown, Jr.; Owsley Brown II; Donald G.
Calder; Sandra A. Frazier; Richard P. Mayer; Stephen E. ONeil;
Matthew R. Simmons; William M. Street; Dace Brown Stubbs;
Paul C. Varga |
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(If you have written in the above space, please mark the
corresponding box on the reverse side of this card.) |
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You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes, SEE REVERSE SIDE,
but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors
recommendations. The Proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this card. |
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SEE REVERSE SIDE |
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X |
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Please mark
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your votes as in
this example.
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0000 |
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This proxy, when
properly executed and returned, will be voted in the manner directed below by the undersigned stockholder(s). |
If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of the directors named. |
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FOR*
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WITHHELD
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1.
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Election of
Directors
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2. |
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In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon
such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
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Change of Address on Reverse Side |
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(see reverse) |
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*For all nominee(s), except vote withheld from the following: |
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For votes to be counted,
card must be signd.
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SIGNATURE(S)
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DATE:
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2006 |
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NOTE: Please mark, sign, date and return the proxy card promptly using the enclosed envelope. This
proxy must be signed exactly as the name or names appear above. If
you are signing as a trustee, executor, etc., please so indicate. |