PICO HOLDINGS, INC. DEF 14A
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE
14A 101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14 (a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. )
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CONFIDENTIAL, FOR THE USE OF THE
COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED
BY
RULE 14a-6 (e) (2) ) |
PICO HOLDINGS, INC.
(NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
(NAME OF PERSON (S) FILING PROXY STATEMENT, IF OTHER THAN THE REGISTRANT)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PICO HOLDINGS, INC.
875 Prospect Street, Suite 301
La Jolla, California 92037
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of PICO Holdings, Inc., a California corporation, will be
held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Coast Room, 700 Prospect Street, La Jolla, California 92037
on Friday, August 3, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. (PDT) for the following purposes:
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To elect two directors, for which positions the Board of Directors has nominated Carlos C.
Campbell and Kenneth J. Slepicka to serve for three years until the annual meeting of
shareholders in the year 2010 and until their respective successors have been duly elected and
qualified. |
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To transact such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting and any
adjournment thereof. |
Shareholders of record at the close of business on June 5, 2007 will be entitled to notice of and
to vote at the meeting and any adjournment thereof.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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/s/ Ronald Langley
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Ronald Langley |
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Chairman of the Board |
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Dated: June 18, 2007
TO ASSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE VOTE BY
TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET, OR FILL IN, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. THE GIVING OF A PROXY WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO
REVOKE SUCH PROXY BY APPROPRIATE WRITTEN NOTICE OR BY VOTING IN PERSON AT THE MEETING. PLEASE NOTE
THAT IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD OF RECORD BY A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE AND YOU WISH TO VOTE AT
THE MEETING, YOU MUST BRING TO THE MEETING A LETTER FROM THE BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE
CONFIRMING YOUR BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE SHARES AND YOU MUST OBTAIN FROM THE RECORD HOLDER A
PROXY ISSUED IN YOUR NAME.
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
PICO HOLDINGS, INC.
875 Prospect Street, Suite 301
La Jolla, California 92037
PROXY STATEMENT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 3, 2007
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the Board) of PICO Holdings,
Inc., a California corporation (the Company), to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of the Company (the Annual Meeting) to be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Coast Room, 700
Prospect Street, La Jolla, California at 9:00 a.m. (PDT) on Friday, August 3, 2007 and at any
adjournment thereof. The proxy may be revoked by appropriate written notice at any time before it
is exercised or by voting in person at the meeting.
At the Annual Meeting, the following matters will be considered:
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To elect two directors, for which positions the Board has nominated Carlos C. Campbell and
Kenneth J. Slepicka to serve for three years until the annual meeting of shareholders in the
year 2010 and until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified. |
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To transact such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting and any
adjournment thereof. |
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the election as director of the nominees named
herein.
The Companys principal executive office is located at 875 Prospect Street, Suite 301, La Jolla,
California 92037, and its telephone number is (858) 456-6022.
SOLICITATION AND VOTING
A copy of the Companys Annual Report to Shareholders for 2006 accompanies this Proxy Statement.
The Annual Report and these proxy solicitation materials are being mailed on or about June 18, 2007
to all shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting. In most cases, only one annual report and
proxy statement is being delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless the Company
has received a written or oral request for a separate copy of the annual report and proxy
statement. A separate copy of the annual report and proxy statement can be requested by calling
the Company at (858) 456-6022 or by sending a written request to the Company at 875 Prospect
Street, Suite 301, La Jolla, California 92037. Stockholders sharing an address who are receiving
multiple copies of the annual report and proxy statement may request delivery of a single copy of
the annual report and proxy statement by either calling the Company at the number listed above or
by sending a written request to the Company at the address listed above.
Voting Securities. As of June 5, 2007, the record date for the determination of shareholders
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, 18,833,737 shares of Common Stock of the Company were
issued and outstanding, excluding 3,219,243 treasury shares held by the Companys subsidiaries.
Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 5, 2007 are entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof. Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder to one
vote on all matters brought before the Annual Meeting, except for the shares held by the Companys
subsidiaries, which may not be voted. Our Bylaws provide that the presence in person or by proxy
of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.
Cumulative Voting. In voting for the election of directors, shareholders have cumulative voting
rights. Accordingly, each shareholder may cumulate such voting power as such shareholder possesses
and give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied
by the number of shares held by the shareholder, or distribute such shareholders votes on the same
principle among two or more candidates, as such shareholder sees fit. However, no shareholder is
entitled to cumulate votes (in other words, cast for any candidate a number of votes greater than
the number of shares of stock held by such shareholder) unless at least one shareholder has given
notice, at the Annual Meeting prior to the voting, of the shareholders intention to cumulate
votes. If any shareholder has given such notice, all shareholders may cumulate their votes for
nominated candidates. Management is hereby soliciting discretionary authority to cumulate votes
represented by proxies if cumulative voting is invoked.
Voting of Proxies. The proxy, if returned properly executed and not subsequently revoked, will be
voted in accordance with the choice made by the shareholder thereon. If a choice is not made with
respect to any issue, the proxy will be voted in favor of the items described in this Proxy
Statement. If cumulative voting is permitted in the election of directors at the Annual Meeting,
the proxy holders shall have discretion as to the manner in which votes represented by the proxy
are to be cumulated, unless the proxy indicates the manner in which such votes shall be cumulated.
A shareholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke his or her proxy by written notice delivered
to the Secretary of the Company or by the shareholder voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
Stockholders whose shares are registered in their own names may vote (1) by returning a proxy card,
(2) via the Internet, or (3) by telephone. Specific instructions to be followed by any registered
stockholder interested in voting via the Internet or by telephone are set forth on the enclosed
proxy card. The Internet and telephone voting procedures are designed to authenticate the
stockholders identity and to allow the stockholder to vote his or her shares and confirm that his
or her voting instructions have been properly recorded. If you do not wish to vote via the
Internet or telephone, please complete, sign and return the proxy card in the postage paid envelope
provided.
Inspection of Votes. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by
the inspector of election appointed for the meeting who will also determine whether or not a quorum
is present. The inspector of election will treat abstentions, and any shares as to which a broker
or nominee has indicated that it does not have discretionary authority to vote on a particular
matter, as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of
a quorum for the election of directors.
PROPOSAL NO. 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees and Continuing Directors
The Board is divided into three classes, with the terms of office of each class ending in
successive years. Pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Companys Bylaws, the total number of directors
has been established as seven. Two directors of the Company are to be elected for terms ending at
the Annual Meeting in the year 2010 or until their respective successors have been duly elected and
qualified.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders named on the enclosed form of proxy intend to
distribute the votes represented by proxies in such proportions as they deem desirable to elect the
two nominees named below or their substitutes. Although it is not contemplated that any nominee
will decline or be unable to serve, if either occurs prior to the Annual Meeting, a substitute
nominee will be recommended to the Board by the Nominating Committee. See Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management for the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially
owned by these nominees.
The Nominating Committee has recommended that Carlos C. Campbell and Kenneth J. Slepicka be
nominated for election as directors at the Companys Annual Meeting on August 3, 2007 for terms
ending in 2010. A majority of the independent directors approved the nomination for election to
the Board of Carlos C. Campbell and Kenneth J. Slepicka. The following table sets forth
information regarding the nominees for election as directors and the other directors whose terms of
office as directors will continue after the Annual Meeting, including their ages, a brief
description of their business experience, certain directorships held by each of them and the year
in which each became a director of the Company.
If a quorum is present and voting, the nominees for election as directors receiving the highest
numbers of votes shall be elected. Abstentions and broker nonvotes have no effect on the vote.
2
THE COMPANYS BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES FOR ELECTION
LISTED BELOW.
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Director Name |
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Business Experience |
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Age |
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Since |
Nominees Standing for terms ending in 2010: |
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Carlos C. Campbell
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President, C. C. Campbell &
Co.; Director of Resource
America, Inc. since 1990;
Director of Herley
Industries, Inc. since
2005. Mr. Campbell was a
Director of HyperFeed
Technologies, Inc., an 80%
owned subsidiary of the
Company; on November 29,
2006 HyperFeed
Technologies, Inc. filed a
petition for bankruptcy
under Chapter 7 of the U. S.
Bankruptcy Code with the U. S.
Bankruptcy Court, District
of Delaware.
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1998 |
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Kenneth J.
Slepicka
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Chief Executive Officer of
Synthonics Inc., an early
stage biotechnology
company; held Risk Advisor
and Portfolio Manager
positions in the financial
service industry; President
and Treasurer of SBC
Warburg Futures Inc. from
1994 to 1998; Executive of
Fixed Income Trading for
OConnor & Associates from
1985 to 1994; former member
of the Chicago Board of
Trade, Chicago Mercantile
Exchange, Chicago Board of
Options exchange, and
Pacific Options Exchange;
served as a Governor of the
Board of Trade Clearing
Corporation; member of the
FIA Steering Committee and
the Federal Reserve FCM
Working Group; and the
Illinois Fatherhood
Initiative. Mr. Slepicka
was a Director of HyperFeed
Technologies, Inc., an 80%
owned subsidiary of the
Company; on November 29,
2006 HyperFeed
Technologies, Inc. filed a
petition for bankruptcy
under Chapter 7 of the
U. S.
Bankruptcy Code with the U. S.
Bankruptcy Court, District
of Delaware.
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2005 |
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Directors with terms ending in 2009: |
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S. Walter Foulkrod, III,
Esq.
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Attorney; President and
Chairman of Foulkrod,
Reynolds & Havas, PC, from
1984 to 1994; sole owner
of S. Walter Foulkrod,
III & Associates,
Attorneys at Law,
Harrisburg, PA from 1994
through 2000; owner of one
third of the issued and
outstanding capital stock
of Foulkrod Ellis
Professional Corporation,
Attorneys at Law,
Harrisburg, PA from 2000
to 2006.
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1996 |
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Richard D. Ruppert, MD
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Physician; President of
Medical College of Ohio
from 1978 to 1993;
President of American
Society of International
Medicine from 1992 to
1993; Director of
Physicians Insurance Company of Ohio since 1988.
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1996 |
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Directors with terms ending in 2008: |
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John R. Hart
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Director of Physicians Insurance Company
of Ohio since 1993 and President and CEO
since 1995; Director, President and CEO
of Global Equity Corporation from 1995 to
1998 when it was combined with the
Company; Director of Vidler Water
Company, Inc. since 1995, Chairman since
1997, and CEO since 1998; Director,
President and CEO of PICO Holdings, Inc.
since 1996; Director and Chairman of
Citation Insurance Company since 1996;
Director, Chairman, and CEO of Nevada
Land & Resource Company, LLC since 1997.
Mr. Hart was a Director of HyperFeed
Technologies, Inc., an 80%- owned
subsidiary of the Company; on November
29, 2006 HyperFeed filed a petition for
bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the U. S.
Bankruptcy Code with the U. S. Bankruptcy
Court, District of Delaware.
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1996 |
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Ronald Langley
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Director of Physicians Insurance Company
of Ohio since 1993 and Chairman since
1995; Director and Chairman of Global
Equity Corporation from 1995 to 1998 when
it was combined with the Company;
Director of Vidler Water Company, Inc.
since 1995; Chairman and Director of PICO
Holdings, Inc. since 1996; Director of
Citation Insurance Company since 1996;
Director of Nevada Land & Resource
Company, LLC since 1997; Director of
Jungfraubahn Holding AG since 2000. Mr.
Langley was a Director of HyperFeed
Technologies, Inc., an 80%- owned
subsidiary of the Company; on November
29, 2006 HyperFeed filed a petition for
bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the U. S.
Bankruptcy Code with the U. S. Bankruptcy
Court, District of Delaware.
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1996 |
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On May 7, 2007, Mr. Langley
announced his retirement as Chairman of the Companys Board,
effective December 31, 2007. He will remain as a member of the Board
at least through December 31, 2008; see Form 8-K filed by the Company
with the SEC on May 9, 2007.
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John D. Weil
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President, Clayton Management Company, an
investment company since 1978; Director
of Allied Health Products, Inc. since
1997 and Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. since
1997.
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1996 |
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On May 7, 2007, the Board elected
Mr. Weil as Lead Director effective
May 7, 2007; see Form 8-K filed
by the Company with the SEC on May 9, 2007.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Independence
The Board has determined that Carlos C. Campbell, S. Walter Foulkrod, III, Esq., Richard D.
Ruppert, MD, Kenneth J. Slepicka, and John D. Weil are independent directors as defined by
listing standards for the Nasdaq Global Market. The independent directors have regularly
scheduled executive session meetings at which only the independent directors are present.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The following table sets forth the three standing committees of the Board, the members of each
committee during the last fiscal year and the number of meetings held by each committee.
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Name of Director |
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Audit |
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Compensation |
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Nominating |
Carlos C. Campbell
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ü
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S. Walter Foulkrod, III, Esq.
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ü
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John R. Hart
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ü
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Richard D. Ruppert, MD
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Chair
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ü
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Ronald Langley
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Chair
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Kenneth J. Slepicka
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John D. Weil
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Chair
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Number of Committee
Meetings in 2006
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6 |
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2 |
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1 |
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The Board of the Company has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating
Committee.
The Audit Committee consists of Dr. Ruppert (Chairman) and Messrs. Campbell , Foulkrod, and
Slepicka, none of whom has been or is an officer or employee of the Company. Each member of the
Committee in the judgment of the Board is independent as that term is defined in the listing
standards for the Nasdaq Global Market. In 2006, this Committee met six times. The functions of
the Audit Committee include reviewing the accounting principles and practices employed by the
Company and its subsidiaries; meeting with the Companys independent auditors to review their
reports on their audits of the Companys financial statements, their comments on the internal
accounting controls of the Company and the action taken by management with regard to such comments;
reviewing auditor independence; issuing an Audit Committee report to shareholders; and the
appointment of the Companys independent auditors. The Audit Committee has the authority, in its
discretion, to order interim and unscheduled audits and to perform such other duties as may be
assigned to it from time to time by the Board. A copy of the Committees Charter is posted on the
Companys website at www.picoholdings.com.
The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Weil (Chairman), Slepicka and Campbell, and Dr.
Ruppert. None of its members is or has been an officer or employee of
the Company, and the Board
has determined that each member of the Committee is independent as that term is defined in the
listing standards for the Nasdaq Global Market. The Compensation Committee met two times in 2006.
The functions of the Compensation Committee include reviewing and approving the overall executive
compensation program for officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, considering and reviewing
compensation levels for services as a member of the Board, approving individual executive officer
compensation packages and recommending to the Board modifications of the compensation package for
the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committees goals are to attract and retain
qualified directors and key executives critical to the long-term success of the Company, to reward
executives for the long-term success of the Company and the enhancement of shareholder value, and
to integrate executive compensation with both annual and long-term financial results of the
Company. A copy of the Committees Charter is posted on the Companys website at
www.picoholdings.com. Additional information on the Compensation Committees processes and
procedures for consideration of executive compensation are addressed in the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis below.
The Nominating Committee met one time in 2006. Its members consist of Messrs. Langley (Chairman),
Campbell and Hart. Mr. Campbell is not and has not been an officer or employee of the Company.
In the judgment of the Board, Mr. Campbell is independent as that term is defined in the listing
standards for the Nasdaq Global Market. Mr. Langley and Mr. Hart are employees of the Company.
The Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders; such recommendations must be
submitted in writing to the Committee. A copy of the Committees Charter is posted on the
Companys website at www.picoholdings.com.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Pursuant to Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Board of the Company has determined
that Richard D. Ruppert, MD is qualified as an audit committee financial expert as defined in
Regulation S-K, Item 407 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Dr. Ruppert is independent as
defined in Regulation S-K, Item 407, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Directors Attendance
In 2006, there were 7 meetings of the Board of the Company. All of the directors attended 75% or
more of the aggregate of their respective Board and Committee meetings.
It is the policy of the Board that each director, in the absence of extenuating circumstances,
should attend the Companys Annual Meeting in person. All directors attended the Companys 2006
Annual Meeting.
Shareholder Nomination of Directors
Nominations other than those made by the directors of the Company must be in writing and be
delivered or mailed to the Secretary of the Company not less than 60 days prior to the Annual
Meeting. Such nominations must include the information regarding each nominee required by the
Bylaws of the Company. Nominations not made according to these procedures will be disregarded.
The Nominating Committee will consider candidates recommended by shareholders, when submitted in
writing along with the candidates resume and any other relevant information. A copy of the
Nominating Committees Charter is posted on the Companys website at www.picoholdings.com.
5
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview
Our compensation programs are designed to support our business goals and promote both short-term
and long-term growth. This section of the proxy statement explains how our compensation programs
are designed and operate in practice with respect to the
Companys Named Executive Officers (NEOs). Our
NEOs are the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and the three
most highly compensated executive officers in a particular year.
The Compensation Committee of the Board determines the compensation for our executive officers.
Our executive officers have broad job responsibilities. The Committee reviews and determines all
components of executive officers compensation including making individual compensation decisions
and reviewing and revising executive officer compensation as appropriate.
Our Compensation Philosophy and Programs
Our compensation philosophy centers around the principle of aligning pay and performance. Total
compensation varies with individual performance and the Companys performance in achieving
objectives. The PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan is designed to ensure that
executive compensation is aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders. The
Compensation Committee and our management team believe that compensation should help to recruit,
retain and motivate the employees upon whom we will depend for current and future success. The
following key design priorities that govern compensation decisions reflect our compensation
philosophy:
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pay for performance |
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recruitment, retention and motivation of the highest quality employees |
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alignment with the interests of our various constituencies including shareholders and employees |
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promoting excellent corporate governance |
Each element of compensation reflects one or more of the above designed priorities. Total
compensation for the NEOs consists of the following components: (i) base
salary, (ii) annual incentive awards, (iii) long-term incentives, (iv) retirement benefits, and (v)
insurance and other benefits.
The Role of the Compensation Committee in Determining Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee of the Company is a standing committee. The Committee is composed
entirely of independent Directors, determined in accord with Nasdaq Global Market listing rules.
John D. Weil is Chairman of the Committee, and the other Committee members are Carlos C. Campbell,
Richard D. Ruppert, MD, and Kenneth J. Slepicka.
The Committee oversees and administers the Companys executive compensation program. The role of
the Committee is to oversee the Companys compensation and benefit plans and policies, administer
the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (including reviewing and approving grants of
awards under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan), and to review and approve annually the
compensation and incentive awards paid to the Companys officers. The Committee is responsible for
assuring that all of the executive compensation decisions of the Company are developed,
implemented, and administered in a way that support the Companys fundamental philosophy that a
significant portion of executive compensation should be linked to Company performance.
The Committee recognizes the importance of maintaining sound principles for the development,
maintenance, and administration of compensation and benefit programs, and has taken steps to
enhance the Companys ability to carry out its responsibilities. Examples of these steps include:
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The Committee has periodically retained independent compensation experts, when deemed
necessary by the Committee. The Committee has in the past retained William M. Mercer,
Incorporated and The Bankers Bank as independent compensation experts. |
6
These independent compensation experts do not advise the Companys management, and do not
receive any fees from the Company other than consulting fees for advice rendered to the
Committee.
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In March 2007 the Committee adopted a Charter. This was unanimously approved by the
Board. A copy of the Compensation Committees Charter is posted
on the Companys website at
www.picoholdings.com. |
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The Committees members are appointed annually by the Chairman, and the appointments are
ratified by the full Board. |
The Committee meets on a regularly scheduled basis and as required. It reviews and approves the
executive compensation program, including base salary and incentive awards. It reviews and
approves individual executive officer compensation packages based on recommendations of the
Companys Chief Executive Officer. As discussed below, the Committee, after consulting with The
Bankers Bank in 2005, recommended that Ronald Langley, Chairman, and John R. Hart, President and
Chief Executive Officer, be offered new employment agreements with the Company beginning January 1,
2006 for a period of five years. These Employment Agreements provide for the base salary, and a
formula to determine an annual incentive award, for both
Mr. Langley and Mr. Hart. No other NEO of the Company has an employment agreement.
Goals of Compensation Program
The
Compensation Committee attempts to align compensation of the NEOs with the
value achieved by the NEOs for the Companys shareholders. The
Companys compensation program for the NEOs consists of a combination of (i) base salary, (ii)
annual incentive awards, and (iii) long-term incentives designed to attract, retain, and motivate
executives who will maximize shareholder value. The Committee considers individual and Company
performance, as well as compensation paid by comparable companies.
The NEOs also participate in other employee benefit programs at the same levels
of benefits which are available to all of the Companys employees, including health insurance,
group life insurance, and the Companys 401(k) Plan.
Elements of Compensation
As stated previously, the Compensation Committee, in consultation with The Bankers Bank, an
independent compensation expert, developed new employment agreements for Ronald Langley, Chairman,
and John R. Hart, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Langley and Mr. Hart entered into
these new Employment Agreements (together, the Employment Agreements) beginning January 1, 2006
for a period of five years, i.e., through and including December 31, 2010. The base salary for the
initial year, i.e., 2006, of each Employment Agreement was $1,075,000, subject to annual adjustment
in January of each subsequent year. |
|
The $1,075,000 base salary in each Employment Agreement is subject to annual adjustment in January
of each year in the same percentage applicable to the Companys other staff members in an amount
deemed adequate to provide for cost of living, subject to the Committees approval, based on
several major compensation studies. |
|
The Employment Agreements provide that if the employee is terminated for any reason other than
cause, death, or disability prior to January 1, 2008, the employee shall be paid a lump sum equal
to $3,225,000 minus applicable tax withholdings. If the employee is terminated for any reason
other than cause, death, or disability on or after January 1, 2008, and prior to December 31, 2010,
the employee shall be paid a lump sum equal to $3,225,000 minus applicable tax withholdings, and
minus the amount previously paid to the employee as base salary from January 1, 2008 to the date of
termination. In addition to the amount set forth above, the employee shall receive the pro rata
portion of the annual incentive award that would have been payable to employee under the Employment
Agreement for the year in which termination occurs. |
|
If the employee terminates employment as a result of death or permanent and total disability before
January 1, 2008, the employee or his designated heir shall be paid a lump sum in amount equal to
$3,225,000 minus applicable tax withholdings. If the employee terminates employment as a result of
death or permanent and total disability on or after January 1,
2008 and prior to December 31, 2010,
the employee or his designated heir shall be paid a lump sum equal to $3,225,000 minus applicable
tax withholdings and minus the amount previously paid to the employee as base salary under the
Employment Agreement from January 1, 2008 to the |
7
date of termination of employment. In addition to the amount set forth above, the employee shall
receive the pro rata portion of the annual incentive award that would have been payable to employee
under the Employment Agreement for the year in which termination occurs. |
|
If the employee terminates employment for any reason prior to December 31, 2010, the employee will
receive a lump sum payment (minus applicable tax withholdings) of $500,000 if the employee
terminates employment during calendar year 2006. The lump sum amount payable to the employee will
decrease by $100,000 each calendar year after 2006. |
|
These Employment Agreements do not include change in control clauses. |
|
The base salary for the other three NEOs Richard H. Sharpe, Chief Operating Officer, Maxim C. W.
Webb, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and W. Raymond Webb,
Vice President, Investments is recommended to the Committee on an annual basis by the Companys Chief Executive Officer. None of
Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Maxim C. W. Webb, or Mr. Raymond Webb has an employment agreement. The Chief
Executive Officers recommendation is based on base salaries for comparable companies paid for
positions of similar scope and responsibilities. |
|
On May 7, 2007, the Board approved a new employment agreement
for Mr. Hart, effective May 7, 2007 through December 31, 2012; see Form 8-K filed by the Company with the SEC on May 9, 2007. |
|
|
|
Annual Incentive (Bonus) Awards |
As
recommended by the Committees independent compensation consultant, The Bankers Bank, in 2005,
the Employment Agreements of Mr. Langley and Mr. Hart each contain an identical incentive award, or
bonus, provision. The incentive award is based on the growth of book value per share each fiscal
year. An incentive award is earned by Mr. Langley and Mr. Hart when a pre-determined threshold is
surpassed. Each Employment Agreement establishes this threshold as 80% of the S&P 500s annualized
total return for the previous five calendar years. If the growth in book value per share of the
Company in a fiscal year exceeds this threshold, the incentive award
under each Employment Agreement is equal to 5% of the increase in book value per share multiplied by the number of shares
outstanding at the beginning of the fiscal year.
For the
incentive award based on 2006 performance, which was paid in March 2007, the threshold,
i.e., 80% of the S&Ps annualized total return for the five previous calendar years, including
2006, was 4.95%. Since the Companys book value per share increased by 14% in 2006 prior to the
accrued of bonus incentive compensation and 7/8 of expenses related to stock appreciation rights, a
bonus of $2,115,635 each was paid in March 2007 for 2006 to Mr. Langley and Mr. Hart.
As previously stated, the three other NEOs Richard H. Sharpe, Chief Operating Officer, Maxim C.
W. Webb, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and W. Raymond Webb,
Vice President, Investments do
not have employment agreements. However, each year that an incentive award is earned under the
Employment Agreements of Mr. Langley and Mr. Hart, the Companys Chief Executive Officer recommends
to the Committee that a discretionary incentive award be paid to
Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Maxim C. W. Webb, and
Mr. Raymond Webb.
The Chief Executive Officers recommendation for past years has been that Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Maxim
C. W. Webb, and Mr. Raymond Webb each receive an incentive award based on the incentive formula in the
Employment Agreements described above and in the same ratio of salary to bonus as paid to Mr.
Langley and Mr. Hart. The Chief Executive Officers recommendations for incentive awards to Mr.
Sharpe, Mr. Maxim C. W. Webb, and Mr. Raymond Webb are discretionary with the Chief Executive Officer and
are subject to approval by the Committee.
As
recommended by the Committee, the Company utilized cash-settled stock appreciation rights
beginning with the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Appreciation Rights Program (the Program) as
approved by the Companys shareholders on July 17, 2003 to incentivize directors, officers,
consultants, and certain employees. The primary purpose of these stock appreciation rights was to
encourage the holders of stock appreciation rights to increase shareholders equity by providing a
mechanism whereby the holders could participate in increased shareholders equity.
The Bankers Bank recommended to the Compensation Committee amending the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2003
Stock Appreciation Rights Program and instituting the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive
Plan. The PICO Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Appreciation Rights Program was amended on September 21,
2005 by the Compensation Committee. Pursuant to the Compensation Committees action on September
21, 2005, all outstanding cash-settled stock appreciation rights were monetized to stop future
appreciation; as a result, there are no outstanding cash-settled stock appreciation rights under
the PICO Holdings, Inc.
8
2003 Stock Appreciation Rights Program. Prior to the Committees September 21, 2005 action to
amend the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2003 Stock Appreciation Rights Program, all the cash-settled stock
appreciation rights granted in the Program were fully vested.
The PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Plan) was recommended by the Committee
after consulting with The Bankers Bank. It was approved by the Companys shareholders on December
8, 2005. The Plan permits awards to be made by the Committee to participants in various forms
including freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights, stock options, restricted stock,
performance awards, deferred compensation awards, and other stock-based awards. On December 12,
2005, the Committee awarded grants of freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights to the
NEOs, the nonemployee directors, and various other employees; see Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End. The Committee believes that the Plan will closely align the
interests of management with shareholders by incentivizing management to increase shareholders
equity and book value per share.
The purpose of the Plan is to advance the interests of the Company and its shareholders by
providing a variety of incentives for employees, officers (including the NEOs), consultants, and
nonemployee directors to increase shareholders equity and provide a mechanism whereby the
participants in the Plan will be able to participate in an increase in share price. The Plan seeks
to achieve this by providing for grants of awards in various forms including stock options,
freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares,
performance units, restricted stock units, deferred compensation awards, and other forms of
stock-based awards, although it is not anticipated that all these forms of awards will be granted
simultaneously.
The Committee awarded Mr. Langley and Mr. Hart the same number of freestanding stock-settled stock
appreciation rights under the 2005 Plan as they had cash-settled stock appreciation rights under
the 2003 Program, i.e., 838,356 each. The Committee, as recommended by the Companys Chief
Executive Officer, increased the number of freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights
awarded under the 2005 Plan to the other NEOs compared to the number of cash-settled stock
appreciation rights under the 2003 Program.
The
Company maintains the PICO Holdings, Inc. 401(k) Employees Retirement Plan and Trust, which
complies with the provisions of the Employment Retirement Income
Security Act. The NEOs have the opportunity to participate in this 401(k) Plan on the same basis as all other
employees.
|
|
|
Insurance and Other Benefits |
The Company maintains health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and
disability insurance for all employees, including the NEOs, on a
nondiscriminatory basis. The Company also provides paid parking for employees in its La Jolla,
California office.
The Compensation Committee has considered the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code and related income tax regulations which restrict the deductibility of certain compensation
paid to the Companys Chief Executive Officer and each of the four most highly compensated officers
holding office at the end of any year. In view of the Companys
compensation structure, the
Committee believes that any amount of salary and bonus paid in excess of $1,000,000 to any one
individual will not qualify for a corporate tax deduction for the amount over $1,000,000. The
Compensation Committee will continue to monitor this.
The Committee has never established guidelines or requirements for ownership of the Companys
stock. Therefore there is no policy relative to lodging the economic risk of such stock ownership.
The Committee has never engaged in benchmarking either total compensation or any material element
of compensation.
The Committee meets as appropriate to discuss compensation, incentive awards, and grants under the
PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The
Companys Secretary, who is not an NEO, usually attends for the purpose of documenting the meeting.
Once the Committee makes a decision, e.g., to institute a long-term incentive plan, the Companys
NEOs will become involved and will work with outside legal and tax experts to design a plan,
subject to the Committees approval.
9
The
Company has a severance policy applicable to all officers in which each
officer who is terminated for other than cause will receive a severance payment equal to two weeks
of salary for each full year of employment. However, this severance payment is not applicable to
Mr. Langley and Mr. Hart; pursuant to the terms of their January 1, 2006 Employment Agreements, the
termination payment provisions in each Employment Agreement are in lieu of the Companys standard
severance payment.
All the Companys NEOs have the opportunity to defer compensation into deferred compensation plans
established by the Company; see Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis of
this Executive Compensation Report with management. Based on that
review and discussion, the
Committee has recommended to the Board, and the Board has approved, that this Report be included in
the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and the
Companys 2007 proxy statement.
|
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Compensation Committee: |
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John D. Weil, Chairman
Carlos C. Campbell
Richard D. Ruppert, MD
Kenneth J. Slepicka |
10
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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CHANGE IN |
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PENSION VALUE |
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AND NON- |
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QUALIFIED |
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NON-EQUITY |
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DEFERRED |
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NAME AND |
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INCENTIVE PLAN |
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COMPENSATION |
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ALL OTHER |
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PRINCIPAL |
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SALARY |
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BONUS |
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STOCK |
|
OPTION |
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COMPENSATION |
|
EARNINGS |
|
COMPENSATION |
|
TOTAL |
POSITION |
|
YEAR |
|
($) |
|
($)(2) |
|
AWARDS($) |
|
AWARDS($) |
|
($)(2) |
|
($)(1) |
|
($) |
|
COMPENSATION($) |
Ronald Langley(8)(9) |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
1,075,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,115,635 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
2,115,635 |
|
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|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
29,000 |
(4) |
|
$ |
3,219,635 |
|
Chairman |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
932,988 |
|
|
$ |
3,013,326 |
|
|
$ |
11,024,381 |
(3) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
3,013,326 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,643,670 |
(5) |
|
$ |
30,614,365 |
|
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|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
908,460 |
|
|
$ |
619,094 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
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0 |
|
|
$ |
619,094 |
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|
|
|
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|
$ |
29,250 |
(6) |
|
$ |
1,556,804 |
|
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John R. Hart(7)(8) |
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2006 |
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|
$ |
1,075,000 |
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$ |
2,115,635 |
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$ |
0 |
|
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0 |
|
|
$ |
2,115,635 |
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N/A |
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$ |
29,000 |
(4) |
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$ |
3,219,635 |
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President & CEO |
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2005 |
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|
$ |
932,988 |
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$ |
3,013,326 |
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$ |
11,024,381 |
(3) |
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0 |
|
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$ |
3,013,326 |
|
|
|
|
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$ |
17,872,467 |
(5) |
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$ |
32,843,162 |
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2004 |
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|
$ |
908,460 |
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|
$ |
619,094 |
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|
$ |
0 |
|
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0 |
|
|
$ |
619,094 |
|
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|
|
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$ |
29,250 |
(6) |
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$ |
1,556,804 |
|
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Richard H.
Sharpe(10) |
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2006 |
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$ |
311,504 |
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$ |
613,052 |
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$ |
0 |
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0 |
|
|
$ |
613,052 |
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N/A |
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$ |
29,000 |
(4) |
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$ |
953,556 |
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COO |
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2005 |
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|
$ |
295,265 |
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$ |
953,635 |
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$ |
2,504,740 |
(3) |
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0 |
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$ |
953,635 |
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$ |
2,583,321 |
(5) |
|
$ |
6,336,961 |
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2004 |
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$ |
283,909 |
|
|
$ |
193,477 |
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|
$ |
0 |
|
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0 |
|
|
$ |
193,477 |
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|
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$ |
26,603 |
(6) |
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$ |
503,989 |
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Maxim C. W. Webb(11) |
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2006 |
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$ |
255,000 |
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$ |
501,848 |
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$ |
0 |
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|
0 |
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$ |
501,848 |
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N/A |
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$ |
29,000 |
(4) |
|
$ |
785,848 |
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CFO & Treasurer |
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2005 |
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$ |
204,599 |
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$ |
660,805 |
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$ |
2,153,956 |
(3) |
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0 |
|
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$ |
660,805 |
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$ |
1,342,525 |
(5) |
|
$ |
4,361,885 |
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2004 |
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$ |
196,730 |
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|
$ |
134,066 |
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|
$ |
0 |
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0 |
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$ |
134,066 |
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$ |
25,984 |
(6) |
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$ |
356,744 |
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W. Raymond Webb(12) |
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2006 |
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$ |
200,000 |
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$ |
393,607 |
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|
$ |
0 |
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0 |
|
|
$ |
393,607 |
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|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
26,363 |
(4) |
|
$ |
619,970 |
|
VP, Investments |
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|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
160,680 |
|
|
$ |
518,958 |
|
|
$ |
789,000 |
(3) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
518,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
604,591 |
(5) |
|
$ |
2,273,229 |
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
154,500 |
|
|
$ |
52,644 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
52,644 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
20,378 |
(6) |
|
$ |
227,522 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Company does not maintain a defined benefit plan or an actuarial pension plan.
The Company does not provide above market or preferential earnings on nonqualified deferred
compensation. |
|
(2) |
|
This refers to the incentive awards paid to the NEOs; please see the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis in the Executive Compensation Report. |
|
(3) |
|
This refers to awards granted by the Compensation Committee on December 12, 2005 under the
PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incentive Plan). The Incentive Plan was
approved by the Companys shareholders on December 8, 2005. On December 12, 2005, the
Compensation Committee granted the following number of freestanding stock-settled stock
appreciation rights to the NEOs: Ronald Langley, 838,356; John R. Hart,
838,356; Richard H. Sharpe, 190,454; Maxim C. W. Webb, 163,799; and W. Raymond Webb, 60,000.
The exercise price was established by the Compensation Committee as $33.76 for each
freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation right, which was the closing price for the
Companys stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on December 12, 2005. Each freestanding
stock-settled stock appreciation right was fully vested on December 12, 2005 and each expires
on December 12, 2015. The dollar values shown in the Stock Awards column represent the full
FAS 123R grant date fair value of the freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights
awarded to the NEOs by the Compensation Committee on December 12, 2005.
The number of shares to be issued to a NEO who exercises freestanding
stock-settled stock appreciation rights will be based on the net exercise value (i.e., the
market value price per share of the Companys stock on the date of exercise, minus the
exercise price of $33.76) times the number of freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation
rights exercised, minus applicable taxes. |
|
(4) |
|
This represents contributions made by the Company for the NEOs to the
PICO Holdings, Inc. 401(k) Employees Retirement Plan and Trust. None of the life insurance
premiums paid by the Company for any one NEO exceeded $10,000 in 2006,
2005, or 2004 and the Companys health insurance plans do not discriminate in favor of the
NEOs and are available to all employees. |
|
(5) |
|
This represents amounts attributable to cash-settled stock appreciation rights granted to the
NEOs on July 17, 2003, pursuant to shareholder of the PICO Holdings, Inc.
2003 Stock Appreciation-Rights Program (the Program). On September 21, 2005, the
Compensation Committee decided that amending the Program was in the best interest of the
Company and its shareholders. Under the terms of the September 21, 2005 amendment to the
Program, each holder of cash-settled stock appreciation rights,
including the NEOs, monetized the difference between his or her exercise prices for the cash-settled
stock appreciation rights and the September 21, 2005 closing price of $33.23 for the Companys
stock on the Nasdaq Global Market. Prior to the Compensation Committees September 21, 2005
action to amend the Program, all cash-settled stock appreciation rights were fully vested.
After September 21, 2005, no cash-settled stock appreciation rights were outstanding or
available for grant under the Program. Based on the September 21, 2005 closing price on the
Nasdaq Global Market for the Companys common stock, the NEOs realized the
following values when the cash-settled stock appreciation rights in the Program were monetized
on September 21, 2005:
Ronald Langley, $15,625,170; John R. Hart, $17,851,842; Richard H. Sharpe, $2,559,120; Maxim |
11
|
|
|
|
|
C. W. Webb, $1,315,491; and W. Raymond Webb, $583,360. Of
these amounts the NEOs elected to defer the following amounts: Ronald Langley, $15,625,170; John R. Hart,
$17,851,842; Richard H. Sharpe, $2,047,296; Maxim C. W. Webb, $1,315,491; W. Raymond Webb,
$583,360. Also included are amounts contributed by the Company for the NEOs to the PICO Holdings, Inc. 401(k) Employees Retirement Plan and Trust in the
following amounts: Ronald Langley, $18,500; John R. Hart, $20,625; Richard H. Sharpe,
$24,201; Maxim C. W. Webb, $27,034; W. Raymond Webb, $21,231. |
|
(6) |
|
This represents contributions made by the Company for the NEOs to the
PICO Holdings, Inc. 401(k) Employees Retirement Plan and Trust. |
|
(7) |
|
Mr. Hart became President and CEO of the Company on November 20, 1996. He became President
and CEO of Physicians Insurance Company of Ohio on July 15, 1995. |
|
(8) |
|
On January 1, 2006, Mr. Langley and Mr. Hart each signed employment agreements with the
Company. Each Employment Agreement provides for annual compensation of $1,075,000, subject to
annual adjustment in January of each year in the same percentage applicable to the Companys
other staff members in an amount deemed adequate to provide for cost of living, subject to the
Compensation Committees approval, based on several major compensation studies; see Executive
Compensation Report. |
|
(9) |
|
Mr. Langley became Chairman of the Board of Physicians Insurance Company of Ohio on July 15,
1995. He became Chairman of the Board of the Company on November 20, 1996. |
|
(10) |
|
Mr. Sharpe became Chief Operating Officer of Physicians Insurance Company of Ohio on June 3,
1994. He became Chief Operating Officer of the Company on November 20, 1996. |
|
(11) |
|
Mr. Maxim C. W. Webb became Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on May 14, 2001. Prior to
that he was Vice President, Investments of the Company. |
|
(12) |
|
Mr. W. Raymond Webb became Vice President, Investments of the Company on April 18, 2003.
Prior to that he was Chief Investment Analyst. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
No grants of awards were made by the Company in 2006 pursuant to the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005
Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Last Fiscal Year
No freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights, granted to the NEOs on
December 12, 2005 pursuant to the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, were exercised
in 2006. All freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights granted to the NEOs on December 12, 2005 were fully vested on December 12, 2005.
Pension Benefits
The Company does not maintain a defined benefit plan or an actuarial pension plan, and has not
done so in 2004, 2005, or 2006.
12
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AGGREGATE |
|
AGGREGATE |
|
|
EXECUTIVE |
|
COMPANY |
|
AGGREGATE |
|
WITHDRAWALS/ |
|
BALANCE ON |
|
|
CONTRIBUTIONS |
|
CONTRIBUTIONS |
|
EARNINGS |
|
DISTRIBUTIONS |
|
DECEMBER 31, |
NAME |
|
IN 2006($)(1)(2) |
|
IN 2006($)(3) |
|
IN 2006($)(2)(4) |
|
($)(5) |
|
2006($)(6) |
|
Ronald Langley |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
1,002,292 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
16,756,810 |
|
John R. Hart |
|
$ |
1,615,635 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
1,408,234 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
26,762,617 |
|
Richard H. Sharpe |
|
$ |
613,052 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
177,897 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
3,094,086 |
|
Maxim C.W. Webb |
|
$ |
501,848 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
87,990 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
2,076,147 |
|
W. Raymond Webb |
|
$ |
413,607 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
94,944 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
2,017,891 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Company permits the NEOs to defer salary, bonus, and other cash
compensation, pursuant to federal rules. In 2006 Ronald Langley chose not to defer any
compensation including the March 2007 bonus paid based on 2006 performance; John R. Hart chose
to receive $500,000 in cash immediately and to defer the remainder of the March 2007 bonus
paid based on 2006 performance; Richard H. Sharpe chose to defer all of the March 2007 bonus
paid based on 2006 performance; Maxim C. W. Webb chose to defer all of the March 2007 bonus
paid based on 2006 performance; and W. Raymond Webb chose to defer 10% of his 2006 salary and
all of the March 2007 bonus paid based on 2006 performance. |
|
(2) |
|
Amounts deferred by the NEOs attributable to 2006 compensation, i.e.,
2006 salary and bonuses payable in March 2007 based on 2006 performance, as reported in the
Executive Contributions in 2006 column, are reported as compensation in the Summary
Compensation Table for 2006. Amounts reported in the Aggregate Earnings in 2006 column are
not reported as compensation for 2006 in the Summary Compensation Table. Amounts reported in
the Aggregate Balance on December 31, 2006 column consist of deferred compensation which has
been reported as compensation in prior years. The earnings on deferred compensation have not
been reported as compensation in 2006, 2005, or 2004. |
|
(3) |
|
The only contributions to deferred compensation for the NEOs are from
their voluntary deferrals of salary, bonus, and other cash compensation. The Company does not
make additional contributions. |
|
(4) |
|
The Company does not have above-market or preferential earnings on its nonqualified deferred
compensation. |
|
(5) |
|
Each NEO who chooses to defer compensation has the option, pursuant to
federal rules, to receive a lump sum payment on a date certain or on separation from service,
or to receive up to ten substantially equal payments beginning on a certain date. |
|
(6) |
|
This includes bonuses paid in March 2007 based on the Companys performance in 2006. |
13
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table provides information on the outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2006 for our Named Executive Officers.
|
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|
EQUITY |
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
INCENTIVE |
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PLAN |
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|
EQUITY |
|
AWARDS |
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INCENTIVE |
|
MARKET |
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PLAN |
|
OR PAYOUT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AWARDS: |
|
VALUE OF |
|
|
NUMBER OF |
|
NUMBER OF |
|
INCENTIVE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER OF |
|
UNEARNED |
|
|
SECURITIES |
|
SECURITIES |
|
PLAN AWARDS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARKET |
|
UNEARNED |
|
SHARES, |
|
|
UNDERLYING |
|
UNNDERLYING |
|
NUMBER OF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
|
VALUE OF |
|
SHARES, UNITS |
|
UNITS |
|
|
UNEXERCISED |
|
UNEXERCISED |
|
SECURITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OF SHARES |
|
SHARES |
|
OR OTHER |
|
OR OTHER |
|
|
OPTIONS- |
|
OPTIONS |
|
UNDERLYING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OR UNITS OF |
|
OR UNITS OF |
|
RIGHTS |
|
RIGHTS |
|
|
NUMBER |
|
NUMBER |
|
UNEXERCISED |
|
OPTION |
|
OPTION |
|
STOCK THAT |
|
STOCK THAT |
|
THAT HAVE |
|
THAT |
|
|
EXERCISABLE |
|
UNEXERCISABLE |
|
UNEARNED |
|
EXERCISE |
|
EXPIRATION |
|
HAVE NOT |
|
HAVE NOT |
|
NOT |
|
HAVE NOT |
NAME |
|
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
OPTIONS (2) |
|
PRICE (3) |
|
DATE |
|
VESTED (2) |
|
VESTED (2) |
|
VESTED (2) |
|
VESTED (2) |
|
Ronald Langley |
|
|
838,356 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
33.76 |
|
|
December 12, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John R. Hart |
|
|
838,356 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
33.76 |
|
|
December 12, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard H. Sharpe |
|
|
190,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
33.76 |
|
|
December 12, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maxim C. W. Webb |
|
|
163,799 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
33.76 |
|
|
December 12, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. Raymond Webb |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
33.76 |
|
|
December 12, 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This applies to freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights granted pursuant to
the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incentive Plan). The Incentive Plan
was approved by the Companys shareholders on December 8, 2005. On December 12, 2005, the
Compensation Committee granted freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights to various
employees, nonemployee directors, and the NEOs. A total of 2,090,965
freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights were granted to the NEOs on December 12, 2005. The Incentive Plan provides that the number of shares issued,
upon exercise of freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights, will be based on the
net exercise value (i.e., the market value price per share on the date of exercise, minus the
exercise price of $33.76) times the number of freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation
rights exercised, minus applicable taxes. |
|
(2) |
|
All of the freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights granted on December 12, 2005
in the Incentive Plan were fully vested on December 12, 2005. |
|
(3) |
|
The exercise price for each of the freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights
granted on December 12, 2005 is $33.76, the closing price of the Companys stock on the Nasdaq
Global Market on December 12, 2005, the date the freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation
rights were awarded by the Compensation Committee. |
14
DIRECTORS COMPENSATION
At its March 14, 2005 meeting, the Board increased Board and Committee compensation as follows,
retroactive to January 1, 2005. Directors who are not officers or employees of the Company or its
subsidiaries receive an annual retainer of $35,000. The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives
an additional annual retainer of $10,000, and the other members of the Audit Committee each receive
an additional annual retainer of $5,000. Each director who is not an officer or employee of the
Company or its subsidiaries also receives a $2,000 fee for each Board and Committee meeting
attended in person or by telephone. There is a limit of $4,000 per day in Board and Committee fees
to any one director. Any nonemployee director attending an educational activity or seminar on
behalf of the Company receives a fee of $1,000 per day plus expenses.
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned during the last
fiscal year by each individual who served as a director at any time during 2006:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE FOR 2006
|
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|
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|
|
CHANGES IN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PENSION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
FEES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALUE AND NON- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
EARNED |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NON-EQUITY |
|
QUALIFIED |
|
|
|
|
|
|
OR |
|
STOCK |
|
OPTION |
|
INCENTIVE PLAN |
|
DEFEERRED |
|
ALL OTHER |
|
|
|
|
PAID IN CASH |
|
AWARDS |
|
AWARDS |
|
COMPENSATION |
|
COMPENSATION |
|
COMPENSATION |
|
TOTAL |
NAME |
|
($)(1) |
|
($)(2) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
EARNINGS (3) (4) |
|
($)(5) |
|
($) |
|
Carlos C. Campbell |
|
$ |
71,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
71,000 |
|
S. Walter Foulkrod,
III, Esq. |
|
$ |
64,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
64,000 |
|
Richard D. Ruppert, MD |
|
$ |
77,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
77,000 |
|
Kenneth J. Slepicka |
|
$ |
51,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
51,000 |
|
John D. Weil |
|
$ |
53,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
$ |
53,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
At its March 14, 2005 meeting, the Board approved the recommendation of the Compensation
Committee and increased Board and Committee compensation as follows, retroactive to January 1,
2005. Directors who are not officers or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries receive
an annual retainer of $35,000. The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional
annual retainer of $10,000 and the other members of the Audit Committee each receive an
additional annual retainer of $5,000. Each director who is not an officer or employee of the
Company or its subsidiaries also receives a $2,000 fee or each Board and Committee meeting
attended in person or by telephone. There is a limit of $4,000 per day in Board and Committee
fees to any one director. Any nonemployee director attending an educational activity or
seminar on behalf of the Company receives a fee of $1,000 per day plus expenses. |
|
|
|
On May 7, 2007, John D. Weil was elected by the Board as Lead
Director. He will be compensated in the amount of $40,000 in 2007
for serving as Lead Director, in addition to other Board and
Committee fees. |
|
(2) |
|
On December 8, 2005 the Companys shareholders approved the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005
Long-Term Incentive Plan. On December 12, 2005, the Compensation Committee awarded grants
under the PICO Holdings, Inc. in the form of freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation
rights to various officers, employees, and nonemployee directors. This included grants of
5,000 freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights each to the following nonemployee
directors: Carlos C. Campbell, S. Walter Foulkrod, III, Esq., Richard D. Ruppert, MD, Kenneth
J. Slepicka, and John D. Weil. The exercise price for each freestanding stock-settled stock
appreciation right granted to the nonemployee director is $33.76 each, which was the closing
price of the Companys stock on December 12, 2005. All freestanding stock-settled stock
appreciation rights granted on December 12, 2005 were fully vested on that date, and each
expires on December 12, 2015. The number of shares to be issued to a nonemployee director who
exercises freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights will be based on the net
exercise value (i.e., the market value price per share of the Companys stock on the date of
exercise, minus the exercise price of $33.76) times the number of freestanding stock-settled
stock appreciation rights exercised, minus applicable taxes. No awards were granted in 2006
pursuant to the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan. |
|
(3) |
|
The Companys deferred compensation plans do not provide for above-market or preferential
earnings. |
15
|
|
|
(4) |
|
The Company does not have an actuarial pension plan or a defined benefit pension plan. |
|
(5) |
|
The Companys nonemployee directors do not participate in the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The
following table sets forth information, as of June 5, 2007, with respect to the beneficial
ownership of the Companys Common Stock by (i) each person known by the Company to be the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of Common Stock, (ii) each director and director nominee, (iii)
each NEO, i.e., the Companys principal executive officer (Mr. John R. Hart),
the Companys principal financial officer (Mr. Maxim C. W. Webb), and the Companys three most
highly compensated executive officers other than the principal executive officer and the principal
financial officer, and (iv) all executive officers and directors as a group. Except as otherwise
indicated, each person has sole investment and voting power, subject to community property laws.
Unless otherwise indicated, the business address for each person is 875 Prospect Street, Suite 301,
La Jolla, CA 92037.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares and |
|
Percentage |
|
|
Nature of Beneficial |
|
Ownership |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Ownership(1)(13)(14) |
|
of Shares |
|
|
|
Ronald Langley(2)
|
|
|
1,684,693 |
|
|
|
8.94 |
% |
John R. Hart(3)
|
|
|
1,685,750 |
|
|
|
8.95 |
% |
Carlos C. Campbell(4)
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
S. Walter Foulkrod, III, Esq.
|
|
|
2,903 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Richard D. Ruppert, MD(5)
|
|
|
6,298 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Kenneth J. Slepicka
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
* |
|
John D. Weil(6)
|
|
|
2,561,666 |
|
|
|
13.60 |
% |
Richard H. Sharpe(7)
|
|
|
8,504 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Maxim C. W. Webb(8)
|
|
|
1,672 |
|
|
|
* |
|
W. Raymond Webb
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
* |
|
PICO Equity Investors, L.P.(9)
|
|
|
1,666,667 |
|
|
|
8.84 |
% |
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.(10)
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401
|
|
|
1,331,610 |
|
|
|
7.07 |
% |
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership, Artisan Investment
Corporation, Andrew A. Ziegler, and Carlene
Murphy Ziegler (11)
1000 N. Water Street, Suite 1770, Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
|
|
1,136,531 |
|
|
|
6.03 |
% |
FMR
Corp., 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109(12)
|
|
|
2,382,000 |
|
|
|
12.64 |
% |
Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (12 persons)
|
|
|
2,624,891 |
|
|
|
13.93 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than one percent (1%) |
|
(1) |
|
Sole voting and investment power unless otherwise indicated. |
|
(2) |
|
17,986 of these shares are held in the Companys 401(k) Plan. Mr. Langley owns a membership
interest in PICO Equity Investors Management, LLC, which has voting
control of 1,666,667
shares of the Company. |
|
(3) |
|
19,083 of these shares are held in the Companys 401(k) Plan. Mr. Hart owns a membership
interest in PICO Equity Investors Management, LLC, which has voting
control of 1,666,667
shares of the Company. The number of shares shown above does not include 19,940 shares of the
Company held in a deferred compensation plan Rabbi Trust for Mr. Hart. |
16
|
|
|
(4) |
|
The number of shares shown above does not include 2,644 shares held in a deferred
compensation plan Rabbi Trust for Mr. Campbell. |
|
(5) |
|
Dr. Ruppert shares voting and investment power with his wife. The number of shares shown
above does not include 1,670 shares held in a deferred compensation plan Rabbi Trust for Dr.
Ruppert. |
|
(6) |
|
Of these shares 894, 999 are owned by a partnership which Mr. Weil controls. Mr. Weil owns a
membership interest in PICO Equity Investors Management, LLC, which has voting control of
1,666,667 shares of the Company. The number of shares shown above does not include 8,084
shares of the Company held in a deferred compensation plan Rabbi Trust for Mr. Weil. |
|
(7) |
|
The number of shares shown includes 3,586 shares held in the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
|
(8) |
|
The number of shares shown includes 1,291 shares held in the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
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(9) |
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Pursuant to a rights offering conducted by the Company in March 2000, an investment
partnership named PICO Equity Investors, L.P. acquired on March 28, 2000, 3,333,333 newly
issued shares which were not subscribed for in the rights offering. PICO Equity Investors,
L.P. is managed by PICO Equity Investors Management, LLC. PICO Equity Investors Management,
LLC is owned by Mr. Langley, Mr. Hart and Mr. Weil. PICO Equity Investors Management, LLC
will exercise all voting and investment decisions with respect to the Companys shares owned
by PICO Equity Investors, L.P. for up to ten years. The interest of PICO Investors
Management, LLC in any profits and losses earned on this investment will be proportional to
the capital contributions made to PICO Equity Investors, L.P. by the partners, i.e.,
1,000/50,001,000. There are no other fees or other management compensation of any kind
payable to Mr. Langley, Mr. Hart, and Mr. Weil. Effective May 23, 2006, the limited partner
and the general partner of PICO Equity Investors, L.P. made a capital withdrawal totaling
833,333 shares of the Company. On May 29, 2007, the limited partner
and the general partner of PICO Equity Investors, L.P. made another
capital withdrawal of 833,333 shares of the Company. |
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(10) |
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The Company received a Schedule 13G filing from Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. in 2007 for
calendar year 2006. |
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(11) |
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The Company received a Schedule 13G filing from Artisan Partners Limited Partnership, Artisan
Investment Corporation, Andrew A. Ziegler, and Carlene Murphy Ziegler in 2007 for calendar
year 2006. |
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(12) |
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The Company received a Schedule 13G filing from
FMR Corp. in 2007 for calendar year 2006. |
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(13) |
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No shares are pledged as security by any director, nominee for director, or NEO. |
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(14) |
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The Company does not have a requirement for directors qualifying shares. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
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Number of |
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Securities Remaining |
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Equity Compensation |
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Equity Compensation Plans
approved by security holders (1) |
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2,185,965 |
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$ |
33.76 |
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468,035 |
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Equity Compensation Plans not approved by
security holders (2) |
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-0- |
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(1) |
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This refers to freestanding, stock-settled stock appreciation rights granted to employees and
directors on December 12, 2005 by the Compensation Committee, pursuant to approval on December
8, 2005 by the Companys shareholders of the PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive
Plan. Each freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation right was fully vested on December
12, 2005 and each expires on December 12, 2015. The exercise price for each free standing
stock-settled stock appreciation right granted on December 12,
2005 is $33.76, the closing
price for the Companys common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on December 12, 2005. The
number of shares to be issued to a grantee who |
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exercises freestanding stock-settled stock
appreciation rights will be based on the net exercise value (i.e., the market value price per
share of the Companys stock on the date of exercise, minus the exercise price of $33.76)
times the number of freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights exercised, minus
applicable taxes. |
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On May 7, 2007, the expiration date for Mr. Langleys
838,356 freestanding stock-settled stock appreciation rights was
changed from December 12, 2015 to December 31, 2008; see Form 8-K
filed by the Company with the SEC on May 9, 2007. On May 16,
2007, Mr. Langley exercised all of his freestanding
stock-settled stock appreciation rights and, after applicable
withholding taxes,
received 129,444 newly issued shares of the Company. |
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(2) |
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The Company has no equity compensation plans which have not been approved by the Companys
shareholders. |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSONS TRANSACTIONS
Related Persons Transactions
Pursuant to a rights offering conducted by the Company in March 2000, an investment partnership
named PICO Equity Investors, L.P. acquired on March 28, 2000, 3,333,333 newly issued shares which
were not subscribed for in the rights offering. PICO Equity Investors, L.P. is managed by PICO
Equity Investors Management, LLC. PICO Equity Investors Management, LLC is owned by Mr. Langley,
Mr. Hart and Mr. Weil. PICO Equity Investors Management, LLC will exercise all voting and
investment decisions with respect to the Companys shares owned by PICO Equity Investors, L.P.
until December 8, 2009. The interest of PICO Investors Management, LLC in any profits and losses
earned on this investment will be proportional to the capital contributions made to PICO Equity
Investors, L.P. by the partners, i.e., 1,000/50,001,000. There are no other fees or other
management compensation of any kind payable to Mr. Langley, Mr. Hart and Mr. Weil. Effective May
23, 2006, the limited partner and the general partner of PICO Equity Investors, L.P. made a capital
withdrawal totaling 833,333 shares of the Company. Effective May 29,
2007 the limited partner and the general partner of PICO Equity
Investors, L.P. made another capital withdrawal totaling 833,333
shares of the Company.
Procedures for Approval of Relation Persons Transactions
To ensure the broadest possible compliance with the Nasdaq Global Market listing standards and
Regulation S-K, Item 404, the Audit Committee has adopted a policy in which it will review for
approval all transactions or proposed transactions (1) in which the Company or a subsidiary of the
Company is a participant, (2) in which the value of the transaction or proposed transactions
exceeds $1,000, and (3) any director or nominee for director of the Company or subsidiary of the
Company, any officer of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, any 5% shareholder of the
Company or a subsidiary of the Company and any consultant, director or employee of the Company or a
subsidiary of the Company will have an interest which need not be material. After reviewing a
particular transaction or proposed transaction, management and the Audit Committee will determine
if disclosure in the Companys filings is necessary and appropriate under Item 404.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION IN COMPENSATION DECISIONS
Messrs. Weil, Campbell, and Slepicka and Dr. Ruppert, serve as members of the Compensation
Committee. None of these individuals is, or has been, an employee or officer of the Company. Each
is independent as defined by Nasdaq Global Market listing standards.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The following is a report of the Audit Committee with respect to the Companys audited financial
statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
The Audit Committee of the Board assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight
of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and reporting practices of the Company.
The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written Charter adopted by the Board. A copy of this
Charter is posted on the Companys website at www.picoholdings.com. The members of the Committee as
of December 31, 2006 are listed at the end of this report. The Audit Committee has discussed with
the Board the level of financial expertise of its members and the Board has determined that the
Committee possesses the requisite expertise in the interpretation of financial statements.
Pursuant to Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Board of the Company has determined
that Richard D. Ruppert, MD is qualified as an audit committee financial expert as defined in
Regulation S-K, Item 407 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
18
Management is responsible for the Companys internal controls, the financial reporting process and
the representations set forth in the statements regarding the financial condition of the Company.
The independent auditor of the Company is responsible for both auditing the financial statements
presented by management and verifying that such statements are produced in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. The Committee is responsible for those matters set forth
in its Charter. In this regard, the Committee meets separately with management, including the
Chief Financial Officer and the auditor. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit
Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements in the Companys
Annual Report on Form 10-K, its accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments
and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
In the foregoing context, the Committee has reviewed with the auditor both the engagement letter
and its fees. The Committee has also discussed with the auditor, with and without management
present, the auditors evaluations of the Companys internal accounting controls and the Companys
financial reporting systems, policies, procedures and processes. The Committee also discussed with
the auditor other matters required by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication
with Audit Committees, as amended by SAS No. 90, Audit
Committee Communications and Rule 207 of
Regulation S-X. The Committee has also reviewed and discussed the Companys audited financial
statements with management.
In 2006, the Committee continued to pay particular attention to the implementation dates and the
requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
The auditor provided to the Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees. The
Committee discussed the auditors independence with both management and the auditor.
Based upon the independent representations of management and the auditor, the Committees review of
such representations and the report of the auditor to the Committee, the Committees review of the
audited financial statements of the Company and its discussions with management and the auditor,
the Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
The undersigned members of the Audit Committee have submitted this Report of the Audit Committee:
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Richard D. Ruppert, MD, Chairman |
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Carlos C. Campbell |
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S. Walter Foulkrod, III, Esq. |
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Kenneth J. Slepicka |
19
FEES PAID TO DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Aggregate fees billed to the Company and its subsidiaries for the fiscal years ended December 31,
2005 and December 31, 2006 by the Companys principal accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, the
member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates were as follows.
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2005 |
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2006 |
Audit Fees (a) |
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$ |
1,089,323 |
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$ |
843,228 |
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Tax Fees (b) |
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$ |
776,343 |
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$ |
380,135 |
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Audit-Related Fees (c) |
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$ |
31,850 |
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$ |
26,723 |
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All Other Fees
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-0- |
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-0- |
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(a) |
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Fees for audit services billed in 2006 consisted of: |
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Audit of the Companys annual financial statements |
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Reviews of the Companys quarterly financial statements |
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Statutory and regulatory audits and consents |
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Audit of internal control over financial reporting, as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 404 |
Fees for audit services billed in 2005 consisted of:
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Audit of the Companys annual financial statements |
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Reviews of the Companys quarterly financial statements |
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Statutory and regulatory audits, consents and other services related to
Securities and Exchange Commission matters |
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Audit of internal control over financial reporting, as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 404 |
(b) |
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Fees for tax services billed in 2005 and 2006 consisted of tax
compliance and tax planning and advice: |
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Fees for tax compliance services totaled $210,200 in 2005 and $279,020
in 2006, respectively. Tax compliance services are services rendered based
upon facts already in existence or transactions that have already occurred
to document, compute, and obtain government approval for amounts to be
included in tax filings and consisted of: |
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i. |
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Federal, state and local income tax return assistance |
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ii. |
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Assistance with tax return filings in certain foreign jurisdictions |
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iii. |
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Assistance with tax audits and appeals |
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Fees for tax planning and advice services totaled $566,143 in 2005 and
$101,115 in 2006, respectively. Tax planning and advice are services
rendered with respect to proposed transactions or that alter a transaction
to obtain a particular tax result. Such services consisted of : |
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i. |
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Tax advice related to structuring certain
proposed mergers, acquisitions and disposals |
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ii. |
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Tax advice related to the alteration of employee benefit plans
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iii. |
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Tax advice related to an intra-group restructuring |
(c) |
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This represents audit-related fees for the PICO Holdings, Inc.
Employees 401(k) Retirement Plan and Trust. |
In considering the nature of services provided by the independent auditor, the Audit Committee
determined that such services are compatible with the provision of independent audit services. The
Audit Committee discussed these services with the independent auditor and Company management to
determine that they are permitted under the rules and regulations concerning auditor independence
promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) to implement the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
20
Independent Auditor
Deloitte & Touche LLP was the Companys independent auditing firm (Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm) for fiscal year 2006. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be
present at the meeting, will have the opportunity to make any statements they desire, and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
The Audit
Committee has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Companys independent auditing firm for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2007.
Pre-Approval Policy
Pursuant to Sections 201 and 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Audit Committee has
recommended and the Board has approved pre-approval guidelines for all audit and non-audit services
to be provided by the Companys independent auditing firm. These pre-approval guidelines are:
(1) |
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At the earliest possible date, management shall inform the Audit Committee of each audit or
non-audit service which management desires the Companys independent auditing firm to perform. |
(2) |
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Management shall promptly provide to the Audit Committee detailed information about the
particular services to be provided by the Companys independent auditing firm. |
(3) |
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The supporting documentation provided to the Audit Committee by management shall be
sufficiently detailed so that the Audit Committee knows precisely what services it is being
asked to pre-approve. |
(4) |
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As permitted by Section 202(3), the Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to
the Chairman of the Audit Committee. All such pre-approvals shall be presented to the full
Audit Committee at the Audit Committees next scheduled meeting. |
CODE OF ETHICS
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all directors, officers, and employees. A
copy may be obtained without charge by writing to the Secretary of the Company, and it is posted on
the Companys web site at www.picoholdings.com.
PROCESS FOR SHAREHOLDERS TO COMMUNICATE WITH BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of the Company has established the following process whereby shareholders may communicate
with the Board. Any shareholder wishing to communicate with the Board as a whole, or with a
specific director or directors, may send a letter or communication to the Secretary of the Company.
The Secretary will immediately forward said letter or communication to the Board, or to the
directors or director specified. If no director is specified, the Secretary of the Company will
immediately forward said letter or communication to the Chairman of the Board.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The Board is not aware of any matters other than those specifically stated in the Notice of Annual
Meeting which are to be presented for action at the meeting. However, should any further matter
requiring a vote of the shareholders arise, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy
to vote the proxy in accordance with their judgment.
The cost of this solicitation of proxies is being borne by the Company. In addition to the
solicitation of proxies by use of the mail, the Company may use the services of one or more
directors, officers or other regular employees of the Company (who will receive no additional
compensation for their services in such solicitation) to solicit proxies personally and by
telephone. Arrangements will be made with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries to forward solicitation material to the beneficial owners of the stock held of record
by such persons, and the Company will reimburse such firms or persons for reasonable expenses
actually incurred by them in so doing.
21
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys executive officers,
directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Companys Common Stock to file
initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). Such persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with
copies of all Section 16(a) forms filed by such persons.
Based on a review of the copies of these reports received by the Company and written
representations from certain reporting persons that they have complied with the relevant filing
requirements, the Company believes that all filing requirements have been complied with on a timely
basis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED AT NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the next annual meeting of the stockholders
of the Company must be received by the Company at its offices no later than February 20, 2008, and
satisfy the conditions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission for stockholder
proposals to be included in the Companys Proxy Statement for that meeting. Should a stockholder
proposal be brought before the 2008 annual meeting of shareholders, regardless of whether it is
included in our proxy materials, our management proxy holders will be authorized by our proxy form
to vote for or against the proposal, in their discretion, if we do not receive notice of the
proposal, addressed to the Secretary at our principal executive offices, prior to the close of
business on May 5, 2008.
TRANSACTION OF OTHER BUSINESS
At the date of this Proxy Statement, the only business that the Board intends to present or knows
that others will present at the meeting is as set forth above. If any other matter or matters are
properly brought before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof, it is the intention of the persons
named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the proxy on such matters in accordance with their
best judgment.
June 18, 2007
22
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PICO
Holdings, Inc.
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000004 |
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000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext |
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000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext
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MR A SAMPLE
DESIGNATION (IF ANY)
ADD 1
ADD 2
ADD 3
ADD 4
ADD 5
ADD 6
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Electronic
Voting Instructions
You can vote by Internet or telephone!
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the two voting
methods outlined below to vote your proxy.
VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR.
Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by
1:00 a.m., Central Standard Time, on August 3, 2007. |
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Vote by Internet
Log on to the Internet and go to
www.investorvote.com
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Follow the steps outlined on the secured
website. |
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Vote by telephone
Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the United
States, Canada & Puerto Rico any time on a touch tone
telephone. There is NO CHARGE to you for the call. |
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Follow the instructions provided by the
recorded message. |
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Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in
this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. |
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Annual Meeting Proxy Card
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C0123456789
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12345 |
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6
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE,
FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION,
DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
6
A
Election of Directors The Board of Directors
recommends a vote FOR the listed nominees.
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1. Nominees:
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01 - Carlos C. Campbell
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02 - Kenneth J. Slepicka
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B Non-Voting
Items Change of Address Please print your new address below.
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C Authorized
Signatures This section must be completed for your vote to be
counted. Date and Sign Below |
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NOTE: Please sign
exactly as name appears on this card. Joint owners should each sign.
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title.
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Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below. |
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Signature 1 Please keep signature within the box. |
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Signature 2 Please keep signature within the box. |
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C 1234567890
2 0 A V
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J N T
0 1 2 7 5 8 1
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MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO
ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A
SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE
AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND
MR A SAMPLE
AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND
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<STOCK#>
00PS5B |
6
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION,
DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
6
Proxy PICO Holdings, Inc.
Proxy Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints John R. Hart and James F. Mosier, or either of them acting
alone, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to
represent, and to vote as designated below, all the shares of Common Stock of PICO Holdings, Inc.
(the Company) held of record by the undersigned on June 5, 2007 at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of the Company to be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Coast Room, 700 Prospect
Street, La Jolla, California 92037 on August 3, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. (PDT), and at any adjournment
thereof.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Item 1.
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1. |
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Election of two Directors for terms of three years ending in 2010. The nominees are Carlos C.
Campbell and Kenneth J.
Slepicka. |
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To transact such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting and any
adjournment thereof. |
When properly executed, these instructions will be voted in the manner directed on the reverse side
of this card; if you do not provide direction, this proxy will be voted FOR item 1.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
PLEASE VOTE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE
OR VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET PURSUANT TO THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE REVERSE SIDE.