def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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COHU, INC.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COHU
12367 Crosthwaite Circle
Poway, California 92064-6817
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On May 11, 2010
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu, Inc. (Cohu) will be held at the Cohu corporate
offices, located at 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California 92064-6817 on Tuesday, May 11,
2010, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time, for the following purposes:
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To elect two directors, each for a term of three years. |
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To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent registered
public accounting firm for 2010. |
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To act upon such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof. |
Only stockholders of record of Cohu as of the close of business on March 16, 2010 will be
entitled to vote at the meeting.
Since the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Cohu entitled to
vote at the meeting must be represented to constitute a quorum, all stockholders are urged either
to attend the meeting in person or to vote by proxy.
A complete list of the stockholders of record entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in
alphabetical order and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered
in the name of each stockholder, will be available at Cohus corporate offices, for the examination
of any stockholder during normal business hours for a period of ten days immediately prior to the
meeting.
Please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy in the envelope enclosed for your convenience.
Alternatively, stockholders may vote by telephone or electronically via the internet. Please
refer to the instructions included with the proxy for additional details. If you attend the
meeting you may revoke your proxy and vote in person. You may also revoke your proxy by delivering
a written notice to the Secretary of Cohu, or by submitting another duly signed proxy bearing a
later date.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Jeffrey D. Jones
Secretary
Poway, California
April 5, 2010
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
IN ORDER TO INSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, SIGN
AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PREPAID
ENVELOPE OR VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR VIA THE INTERNET.
Cohu, Inc.
12367 Crosthwaite Circle
Poway, California 92064-6817
PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of
Directors of Cohu, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Cohu or the Company), of your proxy for use at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time
at the Cohu corporate offices, located at 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California 92064-6817
(the Meeting). This proxy statement, the accompanying proxy card and the Cohu 2009 Annual Report
are being mailed to all stockholders on or about April 5, 2010.
On March 16, 2010, the record date fixed by our Board of Directors (hereinafter sometimes
referred to as the Board), Cohu had outstanding 23,553,498 shares of Common Stock. Only
stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 16, 2010 will be entitled to vote at
the Meeting and any adjournment thereof.
Voting Procedures
As a stockholder of Cohu, you have a right to vote on certain business matters affecting Cohu.
The proposals that will be presented at the Meeting, and upon which you are being asked to vote,
are discussed under Proposal No. 1 and Proposal No. 2. Each share of Cohus Common Stock you
own entitles you to one vote for each proposal. For the election of directors, stockholders may
cumulate their votes as described below.
Methods of Voting
You may vote by mail, by telephone, over the Internet or in person at the Meeting. Your
shares will be voted in accordance with the instructions you indicate. If you return your proxy
card but do not specify how you want to vote your shares, your shares will be voted FOR the two
named nominees for directors, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as
Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for 2010, and in the discretion of the proxies
(as defined below) as to other matters that may properly come before the Meeting.
Voting by Mail. By signing and returning the proxy card in the enclosed prepaid and addressed
envelope, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card (known as proxies) to vote
your shares at the Meeting in the manner you indicate. We encourage you to sign and return the
proxy card even if you plan to attend the Meeting. In this way, your shares will be voted if you
are unable to attend the Meeting. If you receive more than one proxy card, it is an indication
that your shares are held in multiple accounts. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure
that all of your shares are voted.
Voting by Telephone. To vote by telephone, please follow the instructions included on your
proxy card. If you vote by telephone, you do not need to complete and mail your proxy card.
Voting over the Internet. To vote over the Internet, please follow the instructions included
on your proxy card. If you vote over the Internet, you do not need to complete and mail your proxy
card.
Voting in Person at the Meeting. If you plan to attend the Meeting and vote in person, we
will provide you with a ballot at the Meeting. If your shares are registered directly in your
name, you are considered the stockholder of record and you have the right to vote in person at the
Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of your broker or other nominee, you are considered
the beneficial owner of shares held in street name. If you wish to vote such shares at the
Meeting, you will need to bring with you to the Meeting a legal proxy from your broker or other
nominee authorizing you to vote such shares.
Revoking Your Proxy
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the Meeting. In order to do this,
you must:
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enter a new vote over the Internet, by telephone or by signing and returning another
proxy card bearing a later date; |
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provide written notice of the revocation to Cohus Secretary; or |
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attend the Meeting and vote in person. |
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Quorum Requirement
A quorum, which is a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote as of the record
date, March 16, 2010, must be present in order to hold the Meeting and to conduct business. Shares
are counted as being present at the Meeting if you appear in person at the Meeting or if you vote
your shares over the Internet, by telephone or by submitting a properly executed proxy card. If
any broker non-votes (as described below) are present at the Meeting, they will be counted as
present for the purpose of determining a quorum.
Votes Required for the Proposals
For Proposal No. 1, the two nominees receiving the highest number of votes, in person or by
proxy, will be elected as directors. You may vote for the nominees for election as directors or
you may withhold your vote with respect to one or both nominees. In the election of directors,
stockholders may, as provided for in the Cohu Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
cumulate their votes, giving one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be
elected multiplied by the number of votes to which the stockholders shares are normally entitled,
or distribute the stockholders votes on the same principle among as many candidates as the
stockholder thinks fit. A stockholder may not cumulate his or her votes for a candidate unless a
stockholder has given notice at the Meeting (whether by proxy or in person) prior to the voting, of
his or her intention to cumulate his or her votes. If any stockholder gives such notice, all
stockholders may then cumulate their votes. Management of Cohu is hereby soliciting discretionary
authority to cumulate votes represented by proxies if cumulative voting is invoked.
The affirmative vote of a majority of Cohu common shares, cast at the Meeting, in person or by
proxy, is required for approval of Proposal No. 2, the ratification of the appointment of Ernst &
Young LLP as Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for 2010.
If you return a proxy card that withholds your vote from the election of all directors, your
shares will be counted as present for the purpose of determining a quorum, but will not be counted
in the vote on that proposal.
Broker Non-Votes
If you do not provide your broker or other nominee with instructions on how to vote your
street name shares, your broker or nominee will not be permitted to vote them on non-routine
matters (a broker non-vote). Please note that this year the rules regarding how brokers may vote
your shares have changed. Brokers may no longer vote your shares on the election of directors
(Proposal No. 1) in the absence of your specific instructions as to how to vote. Accordingly,
shares subject to a broker non-vote will not be considered entitled to vote with respect to
Proposal No. 1, and will not affect the outcome. We encourage you to provide instructions to your
broker regarding the voting of your shares.
Abstentions
Abstentions will have no effect on the election of directors (Proposal No. 1). Abstentions
will be treated as being present and entitled to vote on the other proposals presented at the
annual meeting and, therefore, will have the effect of votes against such proposals.
Voting Confidentiality
Proxies, ballots and voting tabulations are handled on a confidential basis to protect your
voting privacy. Such information will not be disclosed except as required by law.
Voting Results
Final voting results will be announced at the Meeting and will be posted shortly after the
Meeting on our website at www.cohu.com. Voting results will also be published in a Current
Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within four
business days of the annual meeting. After the report is filed, you may obtain a copy by:
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visiting our website at www.cohu.com; |
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contacting our Investor Relations department at 858-848-8100; or |
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viewing our Form 8-K on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. |
2
Proxy Solicitation Costs
Cohu will bear the entire cost of proxy solicitation, including the preparation, assembly,
printing, mailing and distribution of the proxy materials. Cohus officers, directors and regular
employees will not receive additional compensation for such proxy solicitation services. Cohu has
not engaged an outside solicitor in connection with this proxy solicitation. We will reimburse
brokerage firms and other custodians for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding the
proxy materials to you.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 11, 2010
This Proxy Statement and Cohus Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Report are both available at
www.proxydocs.com/cohu.
3
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Cohu Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation divides the directors into three
classes whose terms expire at successive annual meetings over a period of three years. One class
of directors is elected for a term of three years at each annual meeting with the remaining
directors continuing in office. At the Meeting, the Class 3 directors are to be elected for a term
expiring in 2013. The shares represented by proxies in the accompanying form will be voted by the
proxy holders for the election of the two nominees named below. In the event the election of
directors is to be by cumulative voting, the proxy holders will vote the shares represented by
proxies in such proportions as the proxy holders see fit. Should the nominees decline or become
unable to accept nomination or election, which is not anticipated, the proxies will be voted for
such substitute nominee as may be designated by a majority of the Board of Directors. There is no
family relationship between the nominees, other directors or any of Cohus named executive
officers.
The following paragraphs provide information as of the date of this proxy statement about each
member of our Board, including the nominees. The information presented includes information each
director has given us about his age, all positions he holds, his principal occupation and business
experience for the past five years, and the names of other publicly-held companies on which he
currently serves as a director or has served as a director during the past five years. In addition
to the information presented below regarding each nominees specific experience, qualifications,
attributes and skills that led our Board to the conclusion that he should serve as a director, we
also believe that all of our director nominees have a reputation for integrity, honesty and
adherence to high ethical standards. They each have demonstrated business acumen and an ability to
exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment of service to Cohu and our Board.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the two nominees named below.
Director Whose Term Expires in 2013 (if elected) Class 3
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Director |
Name |
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Principal Occupation |
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James A. Donahue
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61 |
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Chairman, President
and Chief Executive
Officer of Cohu
since March 12,
2010; President and
Chief Executive
Officer of Cohu
from June, 2000 to
March 2010;
President and Chief
Operating Officer
of Cohu from
October, 1999 to
June, 2000;
President of Delta
Design, Inc., a
wholly owned
subsidiary of Cohu,
since May, 1983.
Mr. Donahue is also
a director of
Standard
Microsystems
Corporation (SMSC)
(since 2003). We
believe Mr.
Donahues
qualifications to
sit on our Board of
Directors include
his more than
thirty years of
executive
experience in the
semiconductor
equipment industry
and broad knowledge
of business
development and
strategy, corporate
governance and
operations.
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1999 |
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Steven J. Bilodeau
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51 |
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Chairman and
retired President
and Chief Executive
Officer of SMSC, a
semiconductor
manufacturer, from
1999 until October,
2008. Mr. Bilodeau
currently serves as
the Non-Executive
Chairman of SMSC
and is a director
of Conexant
Systems, Inc.
(since 2004),
NuHorizons
Electronics Corp.
(since 2009) and
Gennum Corporation
(since 2008). We
believe Mr.
Bilodeaus
qualifications to
sit on our Board of
Directors include
his 25 years of
executive
experience in the
high technology and
semiconductor
industries and his
knowledge of
international
operations,
business strategy
and corporate
governance.
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2009 |
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INFORMATION CONCERNING OTHER DIRECTORS
Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2011 Class 1
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Director |
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Principal Occupation |
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Since |
Robert L. Ciardella
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57 |
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Cofounder and
retired President
of Asymtek (a
subsidiary of
Nordson
Corporation) from
1983 until 2006.
Asymtek designs,
develops,
manufactures and
sells semiconductor
and circuit board
assembly equipment.
We believe Mr.
Ciardellas
qualifications to
sit on our Board of
Directors include
his more than 20
years of executive
experience in the
semiconductor
equipment industry,
including his
knowledge of
operations, product
development and
business strategy.
Mr. Ciardella was
appointed Lead
Independent
Director of the
Board on March 12,
2010.
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2003 |
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Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2012 Class 2
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Director |
Name |
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Principal Occupation |
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Since |
Harry L. Casari
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73 |
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Retired Partner, Ernst & Young
LLP. Mr. Casari is also a
director of Orange 21 Inc. (since
2004). We believe Mr. Casaris
qualifications to sit on our Board
of Directors include his
background in public accounting,
auditing and his experience with
financial accounting matters for
complex global organizations as
well as his knowledge of business
strategy. Mr. Casari qualifies as
an audit committee financial
expert under SEC guidelines.
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1995 |
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Harold Harrigian
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75 |
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Retired Partner and Director of
Corporate Finance, Crowell, Weedon
& Co., a provider of financial
services. Mr. Harrigian is also a
former partner, Arthur Young &
Company (predecessor of Ernst &
Young LLP). We believe Mr.
Harrigians qualifications to sit
on our Board of Directors include
his knowledge and experience with
financial accounting matters,
finance, capital structure and his
years of experience providing
strategic advisory services to
complex organizations. Mr.
Harrigian qualifies as an audit
committee financial expert under
SEC guidelines.
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PROPOSAL NO. 2
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of the Board has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 25, 2010. Ernst & Young LLP
served as Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December
26, 2009 and also provided certain tax and other audit-related services. See Principal Accounting
Fees and Services on page 14. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to attend the
Meeting, where they will be available to respond to appropriate questions and, if they desire, to
make a statement.
Our Board recommends that the stockholders approve the ratification of the appointment of
Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year
ending December 25, 2010. If the appointment is not ratified, the Board will consider whether it
should select another independent registered public accounting firm.
Required Vote and Board of Directors Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a majority of shares present, in person or by proxy at the Meeting
(provided a quorum is present) is required to approve the ratification of the appointment of Ernst
& Young LLP.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst &
Young LLP as Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending
December 25, 2010.
5
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
Director Independence
Cohu has adopted standards for director independence pursuant to NASDAQ listing standards and
SEC rules. An independent director means a person other than an officer or employee of Cohu or
its subsidiaries, or any other individual having a relationship that, in the opinion of the Board,
would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a
director. To be considered independent, the Board must affirmatively determine that neither the
director nor an immediate family member of the director has had any direct or indirect material
relationship with Cohu within the last three years.
The Board has considered relationships, transactions and/or arrangements with each of the
directors, and has concluded that none of the non-employee directors has any relationships with
Cohu that would impair his independence. The Board has determined that each member of the Board,
other than Mr. Donahue, is an independent director under applicable NASDAQ listing standards and
SEC rules. Mr. Donahue is an employee of Cohu and, as such, he did not meet the independence
standards. In addition, the Board has also determined that:
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all directors who serve on the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Governance
committees are independent under applicable NASDAQ listing standards, Internal Revenue
Code requirements and SEC rules, and |
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all members of the Audit Committee meet the additional independence requirement that
they do not directly or indirectly receive compensation from Cohu other than their
compensation as directors. |
Board Structure and Committee Composition
As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board has five directors and the following three
committees: (1) Audit, (2) Compensation and (3) Nominating and Governance. The membership during
2009 and the function of each of the committees are described below. Each of the committees
operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. All of the committee charters are available
on Cohus website at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance. During 2009, the Board
held ten meetings. Each director attended at least 75% of all Board and applicable committee
meetings, with the exception of Mr. Bilodeau who was elected to our Board in November, 2009.
Directors are encouraged to attend
annual meetings of Cohu stockholders. Four of our five directors attended the last annual
meeting of stockholders held on May 12, 2009.
The Cohu, Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that if the Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer are the same person, the Cohu Nominating and Governance Committee shall
nominate an independent director to serve as the Lead Independent Director, the selection of whom
shall be subject to approval by a vote of the majority of the independent directors.
The table below breaks down 2009 committee membership for each committee and each director.
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Nominating and |
Name of Director |
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Audit |
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Compensation |
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Governance |
Independent Directors: |
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Steven J. Bilodeau
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X |
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X |
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X |
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Harry L. Casari
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X |
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Chair
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X |
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Robert L. Ciardella (1)
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X |
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X |
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Chair
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Harold Harrigian
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Chair
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X |
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Charles A. Schwan (2) |
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Other Director: |
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James A. Donahue (3) |
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Number of Meetings in 2009
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6 |
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11 |
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5 |
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Appointed Lead Independent Director of the Board on March 12, 2010. |
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Resigned from the Board on March 12, 2010. |
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Appointed Chairman of the Board on March 12, 2010. |
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Audit Committee
Cohu has a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with
Section 3(a)(58) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Audit Committee assists
the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight of the integrity of Cohus
financial statements, Cohus compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent
registered public accounting firms qualifications and independence, risk assessment and risk
management. Among other things, the Audit Committee prepares the Audit Committee report for
inclusion in the annual proxy statement; annually reviews the Audit Committee charter and the
committees performance; appoints, evaluates and approves the fees of Cohus independent registered
public accounting firm; reviews and approves the scope of the annual audit, the audit fee and the
financial statements; reviews Cohus disclosure controls and procedures, internal controls,
including such controls over financial reporting, information security policies and corporate
policies with respect to financial information and earnings guidance; oversees investigations into
complaints concerning financial matters; and reviews other risks that may have a significant impact
on Cohus financial statements. The Audit Committee works closely with management as well as
Cohus independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has the authority to
obtain advice and assistance from, and receive appropriate funding from Cohu for, outside legal,
accounting or other advisors as the Audit Committee deems necessary in order to carry out its
duties.
The report of the Audit Committee is included herein on page 13 and the charter of the Audit
Committee is available at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee discharges the Boards responsibilities relating to compensation of
Cohus executives and directors and, among other things, reviews and discusses the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis with management, and produces an annual compensation committee report for
inclusion in Cohus proxy statement; provides general oversight of Cohus compensation structure,
including Cohus equity compensation plans and benefits programs; and retains and approves the
terms of the retention of any compensation consultants and other compensation experts. Other
specific duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include reviewing and approving
objectives relevant to executive officer compensation, evaluating performance and determining the
compensation of executive officers in accordance with those objectives; approving employment
agreements for executive officers; approving and amending Cohus equity and non-equity incentive
compensation and related performance goals and measures and stock-related programs (subject to
stockholder approval, if required); approving any changes to non-equity based benefit plans
involving a material financial commitment by Cohu; recommending director compensation to the Board;
monitoring director and executive stock ownership; and annually evaluating its performance and its
charter.
The report of the Compensation Committee is included herein on page 23. The charter of the
Compensation Committee is available at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance.
Nominating and Governance Committee
The Nominating and Governance Committee identifies individuals qualified to become Board
members and recommends to the Board candidates to be nominated for election as directors at Cohus
annual meeting consistent with criteria the Committee deems appropriate, as approved by the Board;
develops Cohus Corporate Governance Guidelines for approval by the Board, and reviews and
recommends updates to such Guidelines, as appropriate; oversees the organization of the Board to
discharge the Boards duties and responsibilities properly and efficiently; identifies best
practices; and recommends corporate governance principles, including giving proper attention and
making effective responses to stockholder concerns regarding corporate governance. Other specific
duties and responsibilities of the Nominating and Governance Committee include annual assessment of
the size and composition of the Board; developing membership qualifications for Board committees;
defining specific criteria for director independence; monitoring compliance with Board and Board
committee membership criteria; annually reviewing and recommending directors for continued service;
coordinating and assisting management and the Board in recruiting new members to the Board;
annually, and together with the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and Lead Independent
Director, evaluating the performance of the Chairman of the Board and CEO and presenting the
results of the review to the Board and to the Chairman and CEO; reviewing and recommending proposed
changes to Cohus charter or Bylaws and Board committee charters; periodically assessing and
recommending action with respect to stockholder rights plans or other stockholder protections;
recommending Board committee assignments; reviewing and approving any employee director or
executive officer standing for election for outside for-profit boards of directors; reviewing
governance-related stockholder proposals and recommending Board responses; overseeing the
evaluation of the Board and management and conducting a preliminary review of director independence
and the financial literacy and expertise of Audit Committee
7
members. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives communications
directed to non-employee directors.
The charter of the Nominating and Governance Committee is available at
www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance.
Board Leadership Structure, Risk Oversight
Board Leadership Structure
Our Board is currently comprised of four independent directors and one employee director. Mr.
Donahue was appointed Chairman of the Board on March 12, 2010, upon the resignation of Charles A.
Schwan. Mr. Donahue has been a member of our Board since 1999 and Chief Executive Officer since
2000. In connection with Mr. Donahues appointment as Chairman, the Board has designated Mr.
Ciardella as Lead Independent Director. We believe that the number of independent, experienced
directors that make up our Board, along with the independent oversight by our Lead Independent
Director, benefits Cohu and our stockholders.
We believe having a single leader for both the Company and the Board provides clear leadership
for Cohu and is optimal for us because it demonstrates to our employees, suppliers, customers, and
other stakeholders that Cohu is under strong leadership, with a single person setting the tone and
having primary responsibility for managing our operations. We believe Cohu, is well-served by this
leadership structure.
The Cohu, Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that if the Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer are the same person, the Cohu Nominating and Governance Committee shall
nominate an independent director to serve as the Lead Independent Director, the selection of whom
shall be subject to approval by a vote of the majority of the independent directors. Although
annually elected, the Lead Independent Director is generally expected to serve for more than one
year.
The specific responsibilities of the Lead Independent Director include presiding at executive
sessions of directors and at board meetings where the Chairman is not present, calling meetings of
Independent Directors, serving as a liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman/CEO
and performing such other duties and responsibilities as the Board may determine.
Risk Oversight
Our Board oversees our risk management process. The Board focuses on general risk management
strategy, the most significant risks facing Cohu, and ensures that appropriate risk mitigation
strategies are implemented by management. The Board is also apprised of particular risk management
matters in connection with its general oversight and approval of corporate matters. Cohus
management is responsible for day-to-day risk management. This responsibility includes
identifying, evaluating, and addressing potential risks that may exist at the enterprise,
strategic, financial, operational, and compliance and reporting levels.
Stockholder Nominees
The policy of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to consider properly submitted
stockholder nominations for candidates for membership on the Board as described below under
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors. In evaluating such nominations, the
Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and
capability on the Board and to address the membership criteria set forth under Director
Qualifications. Any stockholder nominations proposed for consideration by the Nominating and
Governance Committee should include the nominees name and qualifications for Board membership and
should be addressed to:
Corporate Secretary
Cohu, Inc.
12367 Crosthwaite Circle
Poway, CA 92064-6817
In addition, the Bylaws of Cohu permit stockholders to nominate directors for consideration at
an annual stockholder meeting. For a description of the process for nominating directors in
accordance with Cohus Bylaws, see Stockholder Proposals 2011 Annual Meeting on page 31.
Director Qualifications
Cohus Corporate Governance Guidelines are available at
www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance and contain Board membership criteria that apply
to nominees recommended by the Nominating and Governance Committee for a position on Cohus Board.
Under these criteria, members of the Board should have the highest professional and personal
8
ethics and values, consistent with longstanding Cohu values and standards. They should have
broad experience at the policy-making level in business, government, education, technology and/or
public interest. They should also be committed to enhancing stockholder value and should have
sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom, based on
their experience. Their service on other boards of public companies should be limited to a number
that permits them, given their individual circumstances, to responsibly perform all director
duties. Each director must represent the interests of all stockholders.
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors
Our Nominating and Governance Committee uses a variety of methods for identifying and
evaluating nominees for director. The Nominating and Governance Committee assesses the appropriate
size of the Board, and whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to retirement or
otherwise. In the event that vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the Nominating and
Governance Committee considers various potential candidates for director. Candidates may come to
the attention of the Nominating and Governance Committee through current Board members,
professional search firms, stockholders or other persons. These candidates are evaluated at
regular or special meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee, and may be considered at
any point during the year. As described above, the Nominating and Governance Committee also
considers properly submitted stockholder nominations for candidates for the Board. Following
verification of the stockholder status of persons proposing candidates, recommendations are
aggregated and considered by the Nominating and Governance Committee at a regularly scheduled
meeting. If any materials are provided by a stockholder in connection with the nomination of a
director candidate, such materials are forwarded to the Nominating and Governance Committee. The
Nominating and Governance Committee also reviews materials provided by professional search firms or
other parties in connection with a nominee who is not proposed by a stockholder. In evaluating
such nominations, the Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge,
experience and capability on the Board. While we do not have a formal diversity policy, the Board
believes it is important for the Board to have diversity of knowledge base, professional experience
and skills, and the Board and Nominating and Governance Committee takes these qualities into
account when considering director nominees.
Executive Sessions
Executive sessions of independent directors, without management present, are held at least
three times a year. The sessions may be scheduled or held on an impromptu basis, and are chaired by
the Lead Independent Director or in the absence of the Lead Independent Director the Chairman of
the Nominating and Governance Committee or another independent director. Any independent director
can request that an additional executive session be initiated or scheduled.
Communications with the Board
Individuals may communicate with the Board, including the non-employee directors, by
submitting an e-mail to Cohus Board at corp@cohu.com or by sending a letter to the Cohu
Board of Directors, c/o Corporate Secretary, Cohu, Inc., 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway,
California 92064-6817.
Compensation of Directors
Cash Compensation
Directors who are employees of Cohu do not receive any additional compensation for their
services as directors. During fiscal 2009, non-employee directors received an annual retainer, and
Board committee Chairs and members received annual fees, all paid quarterly, as set forth below.
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Retainer: |
|
|
|
|
Chairman of the Board |
|
$ |
60,000 |
|
Other Directors |
|
$ |
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fees for Committee Chairs: |
|
|
|
|
Audit Committee |
|
$ |
16,000 |
|
Compensation Committee |
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
Nominating and Governance Committee |
|
$ |
8,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fees for Committee Members: |
|
|
|
|
Audit Committee |
|
$ |
8,000 |
|
Compensation Committee |
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
Nominating and Governance Committee |
|
$ |
4,000 |
|
9
In addition to the retainers and fees noted above, non-employee directors are reimbursed for
out-of-town travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to attendance at Board and
committee meetings. On March 12, 2010, the Board established the position of Lead Independent
Director who will receive an additional annual retainer of $10,000.
Under the terms and conditions of the Cohu, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan)
members of the Board may make an annual irrevocable election to defer receipt of all or a portion
of their cash-based non-employee director fees (including, as applicable, any annual retainer fee,
committee fee and any other compensation payable with respect to their service as a member of the
Board). In the event that a director makes such an election, the Company will grant deferred stock
awards in lieu of cash, with an initial value equal to the deferred cash, which will be settled at
a future date through the issuance of Cohu Common Stock.
Equity Compensation
Non-employee directors participate in the 2005 Plan that provides for grants of non-qualified
stock options or other forms of equity compensation to non-employee directors, as authorized by the
Board. Cohus stock ownership guidelines provide that independent directors should accumulate over
time a minimum of 10,000 shares of Cohu stock.
On August 17, 2006, the Compensation Committee, after examination of market data, including an
analysis prepared by the compensation consulting firm Compensia, recommended and the Board approved
the following equity compensation for non-employee directors:
Initial appointment to the Board:
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
Stock Options |
|
3,300 |
|
|
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) |
Annual grants:
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
Stock Options |
|
2,000 |
|
|
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) |
On March 12, 2010, after examination of market data, including an analysis prepared by
Compensia, the Compensation Committee recommended and the Board approved an increase in the annual
equity compensation for non-employee directors. In fiscal 2010, the annual equity compensation for
non-employee directors will be as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
Stock Options |
|
5,000 |
|
|
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) |
Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of Cohu Common Stock upon vesting.
The exercise price for all options granted to non-employee directors is 100% of the fair market
value of the shares on the grant date. Assuming continued service on the Board, the stock options
and RSUs granted to non-employee directors upon their initial appointment to the Board will vest
and become exercisable or shares are issued, as the case may be, in three equal annual installments
beginning one year after the date of grant. The annual option and RSU awards vest and become
exercisable or shares are issued, as applicable, upon the one-year anniversary of the award.
Exercisability of some or all options or RSUs may be accelerated upon a change in control, as
defined in the 2005 Plan. The options expire no later than ten years after the date of grant.
On May 12, 2009, stock options to purchase 5,000 shares of Cohu Common Stock and 2,000 RSUs
were awarded to each of Messrs. Casari, Ciardella, Harrigian and Schwan. The stock options vest and
become exercisable one-year after the grant date, have an exercise price of $8.87 per share, the
fair market value of Cohu Common Stock on the date of grant, and expire ten years from the grant
date. On November 30, 2009, stock options to purchase 10,000 shares of Cohu Common Stock and 3,300
RSUs were awarded to Mr. Bilodeau upon his election to the Board. The stock options vest and
become exercisable over three years after the grant date, have an exercise price of $11.78 per
share, the fair market value of Cohu Common Stock on the date of grant, and expire ten years from
the grant date. Cohu will issue to each recipient, assuming continued service as a director, shares
of Cohu Common Stock over the RSU vesting period.
Medical Benefits
Cohu directors who are retired officers of Cohu and certain other retired Cohu officers and
their spouses receive medical benefits consisting of reimbursement of health insurance premiums and
other medical costs not covered by insurance. These benefits are not offered to other retired Cohu
employees.
10
2009 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table provides information on compensation for Cohus non-employee directors for
fiscal 2009.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
Non-qualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Plan |
|
Deferred |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
in Cash |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
|
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) (1) |
|
($) (2) |
|
($) |
|
Earnings ($) |
|
($) (3) |
|
Total ($) |
Steven J. Bilodeau |
|
|
14,250 |
|
|
|
36,564 |
|
|
|
47,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
98,014 |
|
Harry L. Casari |
|
|
62,000 |
|
|
|
17,260 |
|
|
|
15,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
94,760 |
|
Robert L. Ciardella |
|
|
61,000 |
|
|
|
17,260 |
|
|
|
15,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93,760 |
|
Harold Harrigian |
|
|
65,000 |
|
|
|
17,260 |
|
|
|
15,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97,760 |
|
Charles A. Schwan |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
17,260 |
|
|
|
15,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,000 |
|
|
|
135,760 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the directors. Instead,
the amounts shown above are the grant date fair value for stock awards issued in the form of
RSUs granted in fiscal 2009. The assumptions used to calculate the grant date fair value of
the stock awards are set forth in Note 4, Employee Benefit Plans, included in Part IV, Item
15(a) of Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2009 filed with the
SEC. The derived grant fair value for the stock award is recognized, for financial statement
purposes, over the number of days of service required for the award to vest in full. As of
December 26, 2009, Messrs. Casari, Ciardella, Harrigian and Schwan each had 2,000 RSUs
outstanding, and Mr. Bilodeau had 3,300 RSUs outstanding. |
|
(2) |
|
Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the directors. Instead, the
amounts shown above are the grant date fair value for stock awards issued in the form of
option awards granted in fiscal 2009. The assumptions used to calculate the grant date fair
value of the option awards are set forth in Note 4, Employee Benefit Plans, included in Part
IV, Item 15(a) of Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2009 filed
with the SEC. The derived grant fair value for the stock options is recognized, for financial
statement purposes, over the number of days of service required for the option to vest in
full. As of December 26, 2009, Messrs. Bilodeau, Casari, Ciardella, Harrigian and Schwan had
options to purchase 10,000, 45,000, 50,000, 45,000 and 20,000 shares of Cohu Common Stock
outstanding, respectively. |
|
(3) |
|
Amounts reflect payment of health insurance premiums and reimbursement of other medical costs
not covered by health insurance. |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Cohu has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines (the Guidelines) that outline, among other
matters, the role and functions of the Board, the responsibilities of various Board committees,
selection of new directors and director independence. The Guidelines are available, along with
other important corporate governance materials, on our website at
www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance. As the operation of the Board is a dynamic
process, the Board regularly reviews new or changing legal and regulatory requirements, evolving
best practices and other developments, and the Board may modify the Guidelines, as appropriate,
from time to time.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Cohu has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code). The Code applies to all
of Cohus directors and employees including its principal executive officer, principal financial
officer and principal accounting officer. The Code, among other things, is designed to promote:
|
1. |
|
Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent
conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
|
|
2. |
|
Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents
that Cohu files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by
Cohu; |
|
|
3. |
|
Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; |
|
|
4. |
|
The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or
persons identified in the Code; and |
|
|
5. |
|
Accountability for adherence to the Code. |
The Code is available at www.cohu.com/investors/corporategovernance and is included as
Exhibit 14 to Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2009.
11
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of Cohus
Common Stock as of February 19, 2010 by (i) each stockholder who has reported or is known by Cohu
to have beneficial ownership of more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) each director of Cohu; (iii)
each named executive officer included in the 2009 Summary Compensation Table; and (iv) all
directors and executive officers as a group.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficially owned |
|
Common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
Name and address of beneficial owner |
|
common stock |
|
equivalents (1) |
|
Total |
|
of class (2) |
Franklin Resources, Inc. (3) |
|
|
2,533,464 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,533,464 |
|
|
|
10.76 |
% |
One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (4) |
|
|
1,932,091 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,932,091 |
|
|
|
8.20 |
% |
6300 Bee Cave Road, Austin, TX 78746 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BlackRock, Inc. (5) |
|
|
1,869,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,869,046 |
|
|
|
7.94 |
% |
40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. |
|
|
1,511,727 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,511,727 |
|
|
|
6.42 |
% |
250 Park Ave South, Winter Park, FL 32789 (6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nick Cedrone (7) |
|
|
1,286,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,286,138 |
|
|
|
5.46 |
% |
10 Hawthorne Road, Wellesley, MA 02481 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven J. Bilodeau |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Harry L. Casari |
|
|
7,600 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
47,600 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Robert L. Ciardella |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
James A. Donahue |
|
|
104,952 |
|
|
|
501,439 |
|
|
|
606,391 |
|
|
|
2.52 |
% |
Harold Harrigian |
|
|
18,608 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
58,608 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Roger J. Hopkins |
|
|
780 |
|
|
|
8,438 |
|
|
|
9,218 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Jeffrey D. Jones |
|
|
3,533 |
|
|
|
33,439 |
|
|
|
36,972 |
|
|
|
* |
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
22,263 |
|
|
|
127,313 |
|
|
|
149,576 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Charles A. Schwan |
|
|
39,584 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
54,584 |
|
|
|
* |
|
James P. Walsh |
|
|
3,031 |
|
|
|
34,813 |
|
|
|
37,844 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All directors and executive officers
as a group (10 persons) |
|
|
206,351 |
|
|
|
845,442 |
|
|
|
1,051,793 |
|
|
|
4.31 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1% |
|
(1) |
|
Shares issuable upon exercise of stock options held by directors and executive officers that
were exercisable on or within 60 days of February 19, 2010. |
|
(2) |
|
Computed on the basis of 23,547,748 shares of Cohu Common Stock outstanding as of February
19, 2010, plus, with respect to each person holding options to purchase Cohu Common Stock
exercisable within 60 days of February 19, 2010, the number of shares of Cohu Common Stock
issuable upon exercise thereof. |
|
(3) |
|
According to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 27, 2010, Franklin Resources, Inc.
reported that Franklin Advisory Services, LLC had sole voting and dispositive power with
respect to 2,447,100 and 2,533,464 shares, respectively, and no shared voting or dispositive
power with respect to these shares. |
|
(4) |
|
According to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 8, 2010, Dimensional Fund Advisors
LP reported that it had sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 1,876,136 and
1,932,091 shares, respectively, and no shared voting or dispositive power with respect to
these shares. |
|
(5) |
|
According to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 29, 2010, BlackRock, Inc. reported
that its affiliated companies collectively had sole voting and dispositive power with respect
to 1,869,046 shares and no shared voting or dispositive power with respect to these shares. |
|
(6) |
|
According to Schedule 13G filed with the Securities SEC on February 11, 2010, DePrince, Race
& Zollo, Inc. reported that
it had sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 1,511,727 shares and no shared voting
or dispositive power with respect to these shares. |
|
(7) |
|
According to Schedule 13G filed with the Securities SEC on January 29, 2010. |
12
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or
filed with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) except to the extent that Cohu specifically incorporates it
by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities
Act) or the Exchange Act.
Composition
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of four independent directors, as
defined in the NASDAQ listing standards, and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board
of Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Harold Harrigian (Chairman), Steven
J. Bilodeau, Harry L. Casari and Robert L. Ciardella.
Responsibilities
The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight
of the integrity of Cohus financial statements, Cohus compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements, the independent registered public accounting firms qualifications and independence,
and risk assessment and risk management. The Audit Committee manages Cohus relationship with its
independent registered public accounting firm (who report directly to the Audit Committee). The
Audit Committee has the authority to obtain advice and assistance from outside legal, accounting or
other advisors as the Audit Committee deems necessary to carry out its duties and receive
appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit Committee, from Cohu for such advice and
assistance.
Cohus management has primary responsibility for preparing Cohus financial statements and
Cohus financial reporting process. Cohus independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst &
Young LLP, is responsible for expressing an opinion on (i) the conformity of Cohus audited
financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and (ii)
the effectiveness of Cohus internal control over financial reporting.
Review with Management and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
In this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated
financial statements contained in Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26,
2009 and Cohus effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, together and
separately, with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit
Committee also discussed with Ernst & Young LLP matters required to be discussed by Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 114 (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1, AU Section 380) as adopted by
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T.
Ernst & Young LLP also provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter
required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding
Ernst & Youngs communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The Audit
Committee discussed with Ernst & Young LLP any relationships that may impact their objectivity and
independence, and satisfied itself as to Ernst & Youngs independence.
Summary
Based upon the Audit Committees discussions with management and Ernst & Young LLP and the
Audit Committees review of the representations of management, and the reports of Ernst & Young LLP
to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board
approved, that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in Cohus Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2009, for filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
The Audit Committee appointed Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent registered public
accounting firm for fiscal 2010 and recommends to stockholders that they ratify the appointment of
Ernst & Young LLP as Cohus independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2010.
This report is submitted by the Audit Committee.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Harold Harrigian (Chairman)
|
|
Steven J. Bilodeau
|
|
Harry L. Casari
|
|
Robert L. Ciardella |
13
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The following table shows the fees billed to Cohu for the audit and other services provided by
Ernst & Young LLP for the years ended December 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Audit Fees(1) |
|
$ |
839 |
|
|
$ |
992 |
|
Audit-Related Fees(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Compliance(3) |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
Tax Planning and Advice(4) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
220 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
871 |
|
|
$ |
1,278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures concerning the
engagement of Cohus independent registered public accounting firm to perform any services. These
policies require that all services rendered by Cohus independent registered public accounting firm
be pre-approved by the Audit Committee within specified, budgeted fee amounts. In addition to the
approval of all audit fees in 2009 and 2008, 100% of the non-audit fees were pre-approved by the
Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee has delegated to the Chair of the Audit Committee the authority to
pre-approve audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by Cohus
independent registered public accounting firm with associated fees up to a maximum of $10,000 for
any one such service, provided that the Chair shall report any decisions to pre-approve such
audit-related or non-audit services and fees to the full Audit Committee at its next regular
meeting.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Audit fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit
of Cohus financial statements and review of Cohus quarterly financial statements and audit
services provided in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings. In addition,
audit fees include those fees related to Ernst & Young LLPs audit of the effectiveness of
Cohus internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
(2) |
|
Audit-related fees consisted primarily of accounting consultation services related to
business acquisitions and divestitures and other attestation services. |
|
(3) |
|
Tax compliance fees consisted primarily of assistance with (i) review or preparation of
Cohus federal, state and foreign tax returns; (ii) tax return examinations and (iii)
expatriate tax return filings. |
|
(4) |
|
Decrease in tax planning and advice due primarily to services provided in conjunction with
the acquisition of Rasco in fiscal 2008. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview of Compensation Program and Philosophy
Cohus compensation program is intended to meet three principal objectives: (1) attract,
reward and retain officers and other key employees; (2) motivate these individuals to achieve
short-term and long-term corporate goals that enhance stockholder value; and (3) support Cohus
core values and culture by promoting internal equity and external competitiveness. To meet these
objectives, Cohu has adopted the following overriding policies:
|
|
|
Pay compensation that is competitive with the practices of other leading high
technology companies; and |
|
|
|
|
Pay for performance by: |
|
- |
|
setting challenging performance goals for our officers, and providing a
short-term incentive through an incentive compensation plan that is based upon
achievement of these goals; and |
|
|
- |
|
providing long-term, significant incentives in the form of restricted stock
units (RSUs) and/or stock options in order to retain those individuals with the
leadership abilities necessary for increasing long-term stockholder value while,
aligning the interests of our officers with those of our stockholders. |
14
The above policies guide the Compensation Committee (the Committee) in assessing the proper
allocation between long-term compensation, current cash compensation and short-term incentive
compensation. Other considerations include Cohus business objectives, its fiduciary and corporate
responsibilities (including internal equity considerations and affordability), competitive
practices and trends and regulatory requirements.
In determining the particular elements of compensation that will be used to implement Cohus
overall compensation policies, the Committee takes into consideration a number of factors related
to Cohus performance, such as Cohus earnings per share, profitability, revenue growth and
business-unit-specific operational and financial performance, strategic initiatives as well as
competitive practices among our peer group.
Cohus executive compensation program is overseen and administered by the Committee, which is
comprised entirely of independent directors, as determined in accordance with applicable NASDAQ,
SEC and Internal Revenue Code (IRC) rules.
Throughout this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the individuals who served as Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during fiscal 2009, as well as the other individuals
who are included in the 2009 Summary Compensation Table below are referred to as the named
executive officers.
Executive Summary
During fiscal 2009, the continued deterioration in the global economy, turmoil in financial
markets and industry downturns affected Cohus primary business, semiconductor equipment. In
response, Cohu management implemented cost-cutting measures which included, among other thin
gs, the reduction of base salaries of employees in certain operations and of the named executive
officers. In January 2009, Mr. Donahues base salary was reduced by 10% and the base salaries of
Messrs. Jones, McFarlane, Hopkins and Walsh were reduced by 5%. These reductions were in addition
to base salary reductions of 10% for Mr. Donahue and 5% for Messrs. Jones, McFarlane, Hopkins and
Walsh which were implemented in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. As discussed more completely
below, the base salary reductions described herein were lifted at the beginning of fiscal 2010
resulting in such salaries returning to their fiscal 2008 levels.
Role of Compensation Consultant in Advising the Committee
The Committee has the authority to engage its own independent advisors to assist in carrying
out its responsibilities and has done so. In prior years, Compensia, an independent compensation
consulting firm, has advised the Committee on various aspects of executive and director
compensation, including base salaries and annual and long-term incentives. As a result of
deteriorating business conditions and managements decision to reduce salaries as described above,
the role of Compensia for fiscal 2008 was limited to a review of executive incentive bonuses and a
discussion of incentive bonus practices of other high technology companies. No further interaction
took place with Compensia until the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, when the Committee requested
Compensia to prepare an assessment of Cohus executive management and Board compensation levels and
policies as compared to similarly sized technology companies for consideration in determining
compensation in future years. Total fees and expenses incurred during fiscal 2009 as a result of
the Compensia assessment were approximately $23,000.
Compensia reports to the Committee rather than to management, although they met with
management for purposes of gathering information on proposals that management made to the
Committee. The Committee is free to replace Compensia or hire additional consultants at any time.
Compensia does not provide any other services to Cohu and receives compensation only with respect
to the services provided to the Committee.
Role of Management in Setting Compensation
The Committee, on occasion, meets with Cohus President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr.
Donahue, and/or other of Cohus executives to obtain feedback and recommendations with respect to
Company compensation programs, practices and packages for executives, other employees and
directors. Management makes recommendations to the Committee on the base salary, cash incentive
targets and equity compensation for the executive team and other employees. The Committee
considers, but is not bound by and does not always accept, managements recommendations with
respect to executive compensation. The Committee has changed several of managements compensation
proposals in recent years and periodically seeks input from its independent compensation consultant
prior to making any final determinations.
15
Mr. Donahue attends some of the Committees meetings, but the Committee also holds regular
executive sessions not attended by any members of management or non-independent directors. The
Committee discusses Mr. Donahues compensation package with him, but makes decisions with respect
to Mr. Donahues compensation without him present. The Committee has the ultimate authority to make
decisions with respect to the compensation of our named executive officers, but may, if it chooses,
delegate any of its responsibilities to subcommittees. The Committee has authorized Mr. Donahue to
make salary adjustments and short-term cash incentive (bonus) decisions for all employees other
than the named executive officers. The Committee has not delegated any of its authority with
respect to the compensation of named executive officers.
Elements of Compensation
There are six major elements that comprise Cohus compensation program: (i) base salary; (ii)
annual incentive opportunities, including bonuses; (iii) long-term incentives, such as equity
awards; (iv) deferred compensation benefits; (v) retirement benefits provided under a 401(k) plan;
and (vi) executive perquisites and other benefit programs generally available to all employees.
Cohu has selected these elements because each is considered useful and/or necessary to meet one or
more of the principal objectives of our compensation policy. For instance, base salary and bonus
target percentages are set with the goal of attracting employees and adequately compensating and
rewarding them on a day-to-day basis for the time spent and the services they perform, while our
equity programs are geared toward providing an incentive and reward for the achievement of
long-term business objectives and retaining key talent. Cohu believes that these elements of
compensation, when combined, are effective, and will continue to be effective, in achieving the
objectives of our compensation program.
The Committee reviews the compensation program on an annual basis, including each of the above
elements, other than deferred compensation and retirement benefits, which are reviewed from time to
time to ensure that benefit levels remain competitive but are not included in the annual
determination of an executives compensation package. In setting compensation levels for a
particular executive, the Committee takes into consideration the compensation package as a whole,
and each element individually, and the executives past and expected future contributions to our
business. With the exception of Mr. Donahue and Mr. Jones, Cohus Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer, Cohu does not have an employment or severance agreement with its executive
officers. Messrs. Donahues and Jones agreements are discussed below under the section entitled
Potential Payments Upon Termination Or Change In Control.
Base Salary and Annual Incentive Opportunities
Cohu makes base salaries and incentive bonuses a significant portion of the executive
compensation package in order to remain competitive in attracting and retaining executive talent.
Annual incentive bonus objectives are structured in order to motivate the achievement of our
business goals. The Committee determines each officers target total annual cash compensation
(salary and bonuses) after reviewing comparable compensation information from a group of similarly
sized technology companies. The peer group is selected based on recommendations from our
independent compensation consultant with input from management and the Committee and includes a
broad range of companies in the high technology industry with whom Cohu may compete for executive
talent. For fiscal 2008, the Committee considered high technology competitors for executive talent
and companies of at least a similar size and scope as Cohu, as measured by market capitalization,
revenue and net income, and as it has done in past fiscal years. Consistent with companies in our
industry, during the first quarter of fiscal 2009, base salaries were reduced as part of Cohus
actions to reduce costs and conserve cash in light of the growing global recession and
deteriorating business conditions. These reduced salary levels were maintained throughout fiscal
2009. The peer group used in fiscal 2007 and 2008 consisted of the following companies:
|
|
|
Asyst Technologies
|
|
GSI Group |
ATMI
|
|
LTX Credence |
Axcelis Technologies
|
|
Mattson Technology |
Cree
|
|
Photronics |
Cymer
|
|
Semitool |
Electro Scientific Industries
|
|
Ultra Clean Holdings |
FormFactor
|
|
Veeco Instruments |
For fiscal 2010, the Committee currently intends to re-establish the peer group comparison
process using, subject to modification, a similar group of companies as listed above.
16
Data on the compensation practices of the above-mentioned peer group is generally gathered
through searches of publicly available information, including publicly available databases. In
prior years, Cohu relied upon compensation surveys and information provided in various public
filings to benchmark target cash compensation levels against the above peer group. Peer group data
is gathered with respect to base salary, bonus targets and all equity awards (including stock
options, restricted stock and restricted stock units and long-term, cash-based awards). It does not
include deferred compensation benefits or generally available benefits, such as 401(k) plans or
health care coverage.
Cohus goal is to target base pay and total cash compensation near the median level (that is,
50th to 60th percentile) among its peer group. However, in determining base
salary, the Committee also considers other factors such as job performance, skill set, prior
experience, the executives time in his position and/or with Cohu, internal consistency regarding
pay levels for similar positions or skill levels within the Company, external pressures to attract
and retain talent, and market conditions generally. Base pay and target cash compensation are
analyzed by management to determine variances to our compensation targets using the combination of
publicly available information and survey data as described above. Mr. Donahue uses the market data
in making his recommendations to the Committee for his direct reports.
The base salary reductions described above that were implemented in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2008 and January 2009 were intended as temporary measures. By the fourth quarter of fiscal
2009, orders for Cohus semiconductor equipment products had increased 81% over the second quarter.
Order improvement for Cohus products coupled with industry growth forecasts for 2010 led the
Committee, after consultation with Mr. Donahue, to determine on December 29, 2009 that the
temporary salary reductions for the semiconductor equipment operations and the named executive
officers should be lifted for fiscal 2010 and the base salaries returned to their fiscal 2008
levels.
Effective with the first full pay period in fiscal 2010, the annual base salary for each of
the named executive officers is as follows, which is also equal to their base salary amounts for
fiscal 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
Named Executive Officer |
|
Salary |
James A. Donahue |
|
$ |
505,003 |
|
Jeffrey D. Jones |
|
$ |
225,014 |
|
Roger J. Hopkins |
|
$ |
180,024 |
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
$ |
218,504 |
|
James P. Walsh |
|
$ |
215,010 |
|
Payment of bonus amounts, and therefore total cash compensation, depends on the achievement of
specified performance goals. Typically, achievement of the targeted goals would result in total
cash compensation at approximately the targeted 50th to 60th percentile of
Cohus peer group, which the Committee believes is an appropriate range to enable Cohu to attract
and retain key personnel and to motivate our executives to meet Cohus business goals. As a result,
the bonuses are targeted at a level that if achieved, and when combined with base salary, would
typically result in total cash compensation to the executive in the 50th to
60th percentile of Cohus peer companies. For fiscal 2009, Mr. Donahue made
recommendations to the Committee with respect to target bonus amounts, expressed as a percentage of
base salary, for each of the named executive officers. The recommended bonus amounts were approved
by the Committee as proposed, however we believe our total cash compensation was below the targeted
50th to 60th percentile level due to the base salary reductions effective
throughout fiscal 2009.
Executive Incentive Bonus Plan
Cohu maintains an annual incentive bonus program for senior executives to encourage and award
achievement of Cohus business goals and to assist Cohu in attracting and retaining executives by
offering an opportunity to earn a competitive level of compensation. Based on these and the
objectives described above, the Committee developed and approved specific performance targets for
use during fiscal 2009 under our stockholder-approved 2005 Plan, in which certain of our named
executive officers listed in the 2009 Summary Compensation Table participated during fiscal 2009.
The 2005 Plan covers both cash and equity related compensation paid to officers and directors.
17
Incentive bonuses are paid under the 2005 Plan only if the performance goals established by
the Committee for the fiscal year are achieved. The Committee establishes a bonus formula that is
applied to the achieved performance. The bonus formula is based on the anticipated difficulty and
relative importance of achieving the performance goals. Accordingly, the bonuses paid, if any, for
any given fiscal year will vary depending on actual performance. To help achieve Cohus goal of
retaining key talent, an executive must remain an employee for the entire fiscal 2009 year in order
to be eligible for any bonus under the 2005 Plan that relates to fiscal 2009. To the extent
necessary to comply with Section 162(m) of the IRC, the Committee does not have discretion to
increase bonuses under the 2005 Plan, but retains the discretion to decrease bonuses paid even if
the performance goals are achieved.
Historically, bonuses have been payable in cash unless the executive has elected to defer all
or part of the bonus into the Cohu, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.
The Committee can choose a range of performance measures as specified in the 2005 Plan.
Bonuses paid under the 2005 Plan are designed to reward progress toward and achievement of the
performance goals. For fiscal 2009, the Committee determined that it would be appropriate to choose
different performance measures for different executives. For fiscal 2009, the Committee chose two
primary measures: (1) non-GAAP pretax income equivalent to 5% of total sales (weighted at 50%); and
(2) certain other management objectives (weighted at 50%), which included, among other things, new
customers, business development, operating performance and new products. For Mr. Donahue and Mr.
Jones, the non-GAAP pretax income target was based on Cohus consolidated results, and for the
other named executive officers the non-GAAP pretax income target was for Cohus primary business,
Delta Design, with the exception of Mr. Hopkins whose non-GAAP pretax income target was Cohus
semiconductor equipment segment, which is comprised of both Delta Design and Rasco GmbH.
In addition, to further motivate executives to help Cohu achieve its goals in light of
anticipated business conditions, the Committee determined that for the 50% portion of the bonus
related to non-GAAP pretax income, no amount would be paid under the 2005 Plan for fiscal 2009
unless such non-GAAP pretax income was 3.5% (70% of target) or greater of total sales. To ensure
that the bonuses serve the objective of increasing stockholder value and because the Committee
wanted to pay maximum bonuses only upon achievement of aggressive targets, the Committee determined
that the maximum bonus for any officer would be payable only if actual performance significantly
exceeded our targeted operating results. The Committee intentionally set a high bar, which
required very strong performance to earn a maximum bonus under the 2005 Plan. Accordingly, to
further reward executives for achievement of Cohus overall goals, if the actual 2009 results
exceeded the targeted pretax income amount by 20% and 50%, the portion of the bonus related to this
factor would increase by a factor of two times and three times, respectively. The following table
reflects the fiscal 2009 target bonus amount and the range of the potential bonus, as a percentage
of base salary, for which each named executive officer was eligible under the executive incentive
bonus plan for fiscal 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Range of |
|
|
Target |
|
Potential Fiscal |
Named Executive Officer |
|
2009 Bonus |
|
2009 Bonus |
James A. Donahue |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Zero to 200% |
Jeffrey D. Jones |
|
|
60 |
% |
|
Zero to 120% |
Roger J. Hopkins |
|
|
50 |
% |
|
Zero to 100% |
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
50 |
% |
|
Zero to 100% |
James P. Walsh |
|
|
50 |
% |
|
Zero to 100% |
Annual base salaries restored to the level prior to their initial reduction in 2008 were used
to compute the fiscal 2009 incentive bonus. The 2005 Plan provides that no performance bonus may
exceed $1 million in any fiscal year. As noted above, we target total compensation to the
50th to 60th percentile of our peer group companies. As a result, the target
bonuses are generally determined such that the combination of the bonus and base salary meet this
targeted percentile.
18
The following table describes the applicable performance measures (including relative
weightings) under the executive incentive bonus plan for fiscal 2009.
Fiscal 2009 Incentive Bonus Plan Performance Measures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2009 Performance Measures |
Named Executive Officer |
|
|
(and Relative Weightings) |
James A. Donahue
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
Achieve Cohu non-GAAP pretax income objective (weighted at 50%) |
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
Achieve objectives relating to (a) operational
performance at Broadcast Microwave Services and
Cohu Electronics Division, (b) successful
integration of Rasco, and (c) other liquidity
and operational objectives for Cohu (weighted at
50%). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey D. Jones
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
Achieve Cohu non-GAAP pretax income objective (weighted at 50%); |
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
Achieve objectives relating to (a) operational
performance at Broadcast Microwave Services and
Cohu Electronics Division, (b) successful
integration of Rasco, and (c) other liquidity
and operational objectives for Cohu (weighted at
50%). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roger J. Hopkins
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
Achieve Delta Design and Rasco non-GAAP pretax income objective (weighted at 50%); |
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
Achieve individual objectives relating to (a)
business development objectives, (b) market
share, and (c) successful integration of the
Delta Design and Rasco global sales and service
organizations (weighted at 50%). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. McFarlane
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
Achieve Delta Design non-GAAP pretax income objective (weighted at 50%); |
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
Achieve individual objectives relating to (a)
product gross margins (b) cost reductions and
(c) manufacturing capacity expansion (weighted
at 50%). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James P. Walsh
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
Achieve Delta Design non-GAAP pretax income objective (weighted at 50%) |
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
Achieve individual objectives relating to (a)
manufacturing transition to Asia, (b) product
gross margin, (c) product on-time delivery, and
(d) inventory reductions (weighted at 50%) |
The performance measures and their respective weightings for fiscal 2009 were chosen to
reflect the named executive officers roles and responsibilities at Cohu. The Committee determined
that a goal for Cohus pretax income was appropriate for both Mr. Donahue and Mr. Jones because
this measure and the other performance measures applicable to them reflect the company-wide scope
of the positions held by them. The performance measures that applied to Messrs. McFarlane and
Walsh included strategic and financial objectives for the Delta Design business unit, and the
performance measures that applied to Mr. Hopkins included strategic and financial objectives for
Cohus semiconductor equipment segment which consists of Delta Design and Rasco. The Committee
determined that business unit-specific measures were more appropriate for these officers as they
provided closer correlation between the executives performance and his reward as opposed to
performance measures based on company-wide performance.
Likelihood of Achieving Targets. Cohu did not undertake a detailed statistical analysis of
how difficult it would be for Cohu, Delta Design, Rasco and the named executive officers to achieve
the relevant target levels of performance for each performance measure. However, both the Committee
and management considered the likelihood of the achievement of target levels of performance when
recommending and approving the performance measures and target bonuses. At the time the performance
measures were set, the Committee believed that the goals would be challenging and difficult, but
achievable with significant effort and skill. For fiscal 2009, it was expected
19
that the target levels of performance would be particularly difficult to achieve because it
would require delivery of growth in challenging market conditions, adroitly executing Cohus and
Delta Designs strategy, the development by Delta Design and acceptance by customers of new
products, and successful entry into certain new markets in a highly competitive and volatile
environment.
Following the end of fiscal 2009, the Committee compared Cohus actual performance to the targeted
performance for the year as specified by the Committee in early fiscal 2009, and applied the fiscal
2009 bonus formula under the 2005 Plan to this actual performance. In fiscal 2009, Cohu, Delta
Design and Rasco did not meet specified performance targets for non-GAAP pretax income. Certain of
the management objectives specified by the Committee were met during fiscal 2009. Additionally,
based on individual contributions during fiscal 2009 not reflected in the management objectives,
the Committee approved discretionary bonuses in addition to amounts earned under the bonus formula
described above. Such amounts were $5,000, $15,000, $25,000 and $20,000 for Messrs. Jones,
Hopkins, McFarlane and Walsh, respectively. Bonuses paid to our named executive officers under the
2005 Plan for fiscal 2009 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
Bonus |
|
Percentage of |
|
Percentage Below |
Named Executive Officer |
|
Bonus |
|
Earned |
|
Fiscal 2009 Salary |
|
Target Bonus |
Mr. Donahue |
|
$ |
505,000 |
|
|
$ |
252,500 |
|
|
|
62 |
% |
|
|
50 |
% |
Mr. Jones |
|
$ |
135,000 |
|
|
$ |
72,500 |
|
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
46 |
% |
Mr. Hopkins |
|
$ |
90,000 |
|
|
$ |
51,000 |
|
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
43 |
% |
Mr. McFarlane |
|
$ |
109,250 |
|
|
$ |
68,600 |
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
37 |
% |
Mr. Walsh |
|
$ |
107,500 |
|
|
$ |
43,000 |
|
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
60 |
% |
Changes to Bonus Structure for Fiscal 2010. In March 2010, the Committee set the bonus
formula and performance goals that will be used to determine bonuses, if any, under the 2005 Plan
for fiscal 2010, which differ from the fiscal 2009 formula. Whether any bonuses will be paid
depends on actual performance during fiscal 2010 versus the predetermined goals. The target bonus
for fiscal 2010, if all goals are met, was determined by the Committee for each individual. Mr.
Donahues target bonus is 100% of base salary; Mr. Jones target bonus is 60% of base salary; all
other named executive officer target bonuses are 50% of base salary.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Cohu provides long-term incentive compensation through awards of stock options and RSUs that
generally vest over multiple years. Cohus equity compensation program is intended to align the
interests of our officers with those of our stockholders by creating an incentive for our officers
to maximize stockholder value. The equity compensation program is also designed to encourage our
officers to remain employed with Cohu despite a very competitive labor market. Cohu targets the
value of its equity awards to be in the 50th percentile of the peer group mentioned
above, based on the information gathered from publicly available sources.
Equity-based incentives are granted to our officers under Cohus stockholder-approved 2005
Plan. All stock option grants have a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value of
Cohus Common Stock on the grant date. The Committee has not granted, nor does it intend in the
future to grant, equity compensation awards to executives in anticipation of the release of
material nonpublic information that is likely to result in changes to the price of Cohu Common
Stock, such as a significant positive or negative earnings announcement. Similarly, the Committee
has not timed, nor does it intend in the future to time, the release of material nonpublic
information based on equity award grant dates. Also, because equity compensation awards typically
vest over a four-year period, the value to recipients of any immediate increase in the price of
Cohus Common Stock following a grant will be minimized.
Our Committee regularly monitors the environment in which Cohu operates and makes changes to
our equity compensation program to help us meet our goals, including achieving long-term
stockholder value. In order to continue to attract and retain highly skilled employees, the
Committee, based in part on recommendations from Compensia, approved changes to Cohus equity
compensation program for fiscal 2006 and subsequent years that were designed to incentivize Cohus
employees for their hard work and commitment to the long-term success and growth of Cohu. Beginning
in fiscal 2006, both stock options and RSUs were granted. Cohu granted stock options because they
can be an effective tool for meeting Cohus compensation goal of increasing long-term stockholder
value by tying the value of the stock options to Cohus performance in the future. Employees are
able to profit from stock options only if the price of Cohus Common Stock increases in value over
the stock options exercise price. Cohu believes that options can provide effective incentives to
option holders to achieve increases in the value of Cohus Common Stock. In 2006, Cohu began
granting RSUs because they provide a more predictable value to employees than stock options,
and therefore are
20
efficient tools in retaining and motivating employees, while also serving as an
incentive to increase the value of Cohus Common Stock. RSUs may also be efficient with respect to
the use of our equity plans share reserve because fewer RSU shares are needed to provide a
retention and incentive value similar to stock options. In granting options and RSUs, the Committee
generally uses a ratio of one RSU (resulting in the potential issuance of one share of Cohu Common
Stock) to stock options to purchase three shares of Cohu Common Stock. For purposes of determining
the total number of options and RSUs to be granted, the Committee considers the level of accounting
expense charged against Cohu earnings compared to other companies in Cohus peer group. The 2005
Plan provides the Committee with the discretion to determine whether grants in a particular year
will be options, RSUs or a combination thereof.
The number of options and RSUs our Committee grants to each named executive officer, and the
vesting schedule for each grant, is determined based on a variety of factors, including market data
collected regarding the equity grant ranges for the peer companies listed above and Cohus goal to
award grants in line with the 50th percentile of this group, as well as the officers
overall responsibilities.
On March 20, 2009, to maintain Cohus outstanding equity awards for the named executive
officers at the 50th percentile for their peer group, based on the recommendation of Mr.
Donahue, the Committee approved the granting of 192,000, 50,000, 20,000, 45,000, and 45,000 options
to purchase Cohu Common Stock at an exercise price of $7.32, the fair market value of Cohu Common
Stock on the date of grant, to Messrs. Donahue, Jones, Hopkins, McFarlane and Walsh, respectively.
It was later determined that Mr. Hopkins option grant was below market for his position, so on
April 21, 2009 the Committee approved the granting of an additional 10,000 options to purchase Cohu
Common Stock at an exercise price of $8.15 to Mr. Hopkins. Consistent with other employee equity
awards, these stock options vest at the rate of 25% per year.
The Committee periodically assesses the appropriateness of stock ownership guidelines for
executive officers, including whether and to what extent executives should be restricted from
selling stock acquired through equity compensation. Currently, Cohus stock ownership guidelines
provide that, over a reasonable period of time, (i) the chief executive officer should accumulate a
minimum of 40,000 shares of Cohu stock and (ii) all other executive officers 10,000 shares of Cohu
stock. The Committee determines the reasonable amount of time and monitors compliance with these
stock ownership guidelines.
Deferred Compensation Plan
Cohu maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, the Cohu, Inc. Deferred
Compensation Plan (the Deferred Compensation Plan). Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, Cohus
executive officers or other employees designated by the Committee may elect to voluntarily defer up
to 25% of their base salary and/or up to 100% of their incentive bonus, thereby allowing the
participating employee to defer taxation on such amounts.
Cohu may match participant contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan on up to 4% of the
participants annual salary in excess of the specified annual compensation limit allowed under the
Code for contributions under our 401(k) plan. The annual limit, which is indexed, was $245,000 for
2009 and $230,000 for 2008. The Cohu matching contributions and any deemed investment earnings
attributable to these contributions will be 100% vested when the participant has two years of
service with Cohu. Prior to that time, such amounts are unvested. Participant contributions and
deemed investment earnings are 100% vested at all times. Due to the severe global recession and
resulting deterioration of business conditions in the semiconductor equipment industry, Cohu did
not match any participant contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan made for fiscal 2009. For
additional information on the Deferred Compensation Plan see 2009 Nonqualified Deferred
Compensation included below.
Retirement Benefits Under the 401(k) Plan, Executive Perquisites and Generally Available Benefits
The Cohu Employees Retirement Plan, a tax qualified 401(k) plan (the 401(k) Plan), was
implemented on January 1, 1978. The majority of Cohus employees, including the named executive
officers, who are at least 21 years of age, are eligible to enroll in the 401(k) Plan. The
participant may contribute a percentage of his or her annual compensation subject to maximum annual
contribution limitations. Cohu may match participant contributions on up to 4% of annual employee
compensation not to exceed specified annual limits. The amounts contributed by Cohu are vested 10%
after one year of participation, another 20% after two years, another 20% after three years and an
additional 50% after 4 years. In January 2009, Cohu suspended the employer matching contribution
under the 401(k) Plan for all employees due to the severe global recession and resulting
deterioration of business conditions in the semiconductor equipment industry. Generally, the
maximum annual amount that any participant could contribute to the 401(k) Plan in 2009 was $16,500
and the maximum employer matching contribution based on the 2009 IRC compensation limitation of
$245,000 was $9,800.
21
In fiscal 2009, the named executive officers were eligible to receive health care insurance
coverage and additional benefits that are generally available to other Cohu employees. These
benefit programs include the employee stock purchase plan, medical, dental and vision insurance,
long-term and short-term disability insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment
insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, business travel insurance,
relocation/expatriate programs and services, educational assistance, employee assistance and
certain other benefits.
Commencing in 1989, Cohu began paying certain health care related costs of Cohus executive
officers and certain retired Board members, including insurance premiums and non-insurance covered
costs, such as prescription copays and other health care costs. In fiscal 2009, Cohu paid for Mr.
Donahue (i) the entire cost of his health care premiums and (ii) his out-of-pocket medical costs,
such as prescription copays and other non-insurance covered health care costs. These medical
benefits continue after retirement if certain length of service and age requirements is satisfied
at the time of retirement. In fiscal 2009, Cohu also provided Messrs. Donahue, Jones, Hopkins and
McFarlane with automobile expense allowances.
The 401(k) Plan and other generally available benefit programs allow Cohu to remain
competitive for employee talent and Cohu believes that the availability of the benefit programs
generally enhances employee productivity and loyalty to Cohu. The main objectives of Cohus
benefits programs are to give our employees access to quality healthcare, financial protection from
unforeseen events, assistance in achieving retirement financial goals, enhanced health and
productivity and to provide support for global workforce mobility, in full compliance with
applicable legal requirements. These generally available benefits typically do not specifically
factor into decisions regarding an individual executives total compensation or equity award
package.
On an informal, annual basis, Cohu benchmarks its overall benefits programs against its peers.
We also evaluate the competitiveness of our 401(k) Plan as related to similar plans of our peer
group members by analyzing the dollar value to an employee and the dollar cost to Cohu for the
benefits under the applicable plan using a standard population of employees. We analyze changes to
our benefits programs in light of the overall objectives of the program, including the
effectiveness of the retention and incentive features of such programs and our targeted percentile
range.
In 2009, Cohu provided certain benefits to Mr. McFarlane related to an extended overseas
assignment. This assignment was made at the request of Cohu. These benefits, that are customary
benefits provided to other employees on such assignments, included (i) housing, transportation,
moving and other living expense allowances; and (ii) assistance in preparation of tax returns and
tax equalization such that Mr. McFarlane will not pay any more (or less) income tax had he not
accepted the assignment.
Compensation of Chief Executive Officer
During fiscal 2009, Mr. Donahue received a salary of $405,941. As a result of deteriorating
business conditions and managements decision to reduce salaries, Mr. Donahues annual base salary
was reduced by 10% effective in the fourth quarter of 2008 and was subsequently reduced by another
10% in the first quarter of 2009. Effective with the first full pay period in fiscal 2010, Mr.
Donahues annual base salary was restored to $505,003, the amount prior to the initial reduction
made in 2008. In setting Mr. Donahues salary and target bonus award, the Committee relies on
market-competitive pay data and the strong belief that the Chief Executive Officer significantly
and directly influences Cohus overall performance. The Committee also considers the overall
compensation policies discussed above. As explained under Executive Incentive Bonus Plan above,
applying the bonus formula put into place at the beginning of fiscal 2009 to Cohus actual
performance for the year resulted in a bonus to Mr. Donahue of $252,500.
Mr. Donahues compensation is higher than the compensation of other named executive officers
due to the nature and broad scope of a chief executive officers leadership responsibilities, the
unique accountability a chief executive officer carries with respect to the companys performance,
and the particularly competitive market for attracting and retaining highly talented chief
executive officers.
Accounting and Tax Considerations
In designing its compensation programs, Cohu takes into consideration the accounting and tax
effect that each element will or may have on Cohu and the executive officers and other employees as
a group. Cohu aims to keep the expense related to its compensation programs as a whole within
certain levels. When determining how to apportion between differing elements of compensation, the
goal is to meet Cohus objectives while maintaining cost neutrality. For instance, if Cohu
increases benefits under one program resulting in higher compensation expense, Cohu may seek to
decrease costs under another program in order to avoid compensation expense that is above the
desired level. As a further example, in determining whether to grant RSUs instead of stock options,
Cohu considers the accounting impact
and has tried to keep the overall equity compensation cost generally the same as when Cohu
granted only stock options. Cohu recognizes a charge to earnings for accounting purposes when
either stock options or RSUs are granted. Since
22
RSUs provide immediate value to employees once
vested, while the value of stock options is dependent on future increases in the value of Cohu
Common Stock, Cohu may be able to realize the same retention value from a smaller number of RSUs,
as compared to stock options. Cohu also considers that the 401(k) Plan and the Deferred
Compensation Plan provide tax-advantaged retirement planning vehicles for our executives and takes
into account that Cohu generally may not take a deduction with respect to amounts deferred under
the Deferred Compensation Plan until such amounts are paid out.
In addition, Cohu has not provided any executive officer or director with a gross-up or other
reimbursement for tax amounts the executive might pay pursuant to Section 280G or Section 409A of
the IRC. Section 280G and related IRC sections provide that executive officers, directors who hold
significant stockholder interests and certain other service providers could be subject to
significant additional taxes if they receive payments or benefits in connection with a change in
control of Cohu that exceeds certain limits, and that Cohu or its successor could lose a deduction
on the amounts subject to the additional tax.
In determining which elements of compensation are to be paid, and how they are weighted, Cohu
also takes into account whether a particular form of compensation will be considered
performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the IRC. Under Section 162(m),
Cohu generally receives a federal income tax deduction for compensation paid to any of its named
executive officers only if the compensation is less than $1 million during any fiscal year or is
performance-based under Section 162(m). The 2005 Plan permits our Committee to pay compensation
that is performance-based and thus fully tax-deductible by Cohu. Our Committee currently intends
to continue seeking a tax deduction for all of Cohus executive compensation, to the extent we
determine it is in the best interests of Cohu. The stock options we grant to executives are
intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m).
Compensation Committee Report
The Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and
Analysis for fiscal 2009. Based on such review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the
Board, and the Board has approved, that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in
Cohus Proxy Statement for its 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
This report is submitted by the Committee.
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Harry L. Casari (Chairman)
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Steven J. Bilodeau
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Robert L. Ciardella
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Harold Harrigian |
23
2009 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table shows compensation information for fiscal 2009 for the named executive
officers.
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Change in |
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Pension |
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Value and |
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Non-Equity |
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Nonqualified |
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Incentive |
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Deferred |
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Stock |
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Option |
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Plan |
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Compensation |
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All Other |
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Salary |
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Bonus |
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Awards |
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Awards |
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Compensation |
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Earnings |
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Compensation |
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Total |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
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($) |
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($)(1) |
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($) (2) |
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($)(3) |
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($)(4) |
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($) (5) |
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($) (6) (7) |
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($) |
James A. Donahue |
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2009 |
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405,941 |
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451,200 |
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252,500 |
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52,192 |
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1,161,833 |
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President and |
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2008 |
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512,811 |
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247,845 |
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55,323 |
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815,979 |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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2007 |
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483,890 |
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268,336 |
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270,608 |
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348,610 |
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57,966 |
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1,429,410 |
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Jeffrey D. Jones (8) |
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2009 |
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202,942 |
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117,500 |
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72,500 |
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6,275 |
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399,217 |
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Vice President, Finance and |
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2008 |
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231,074 |
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55,213 |
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14,235 |
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300,522 |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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2007 |
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174,239 |
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59,327 |
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78,926 |
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70,538 |
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8,962 |
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391,992 |
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Roger J. Hopkins (9) |
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2009 |
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162,377 |
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75,500 |
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51,000 |
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6,974 |
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295,851 |
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Vice President, |
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2008 |
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115,329 |
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28,000 |
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91,114 |
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83,600 |
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4,731 |
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322,774 |
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Sales and Service |
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Delta Design/Rasco |
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James G. McFarlane |
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2009 |
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197,083 |
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105,750 |
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68,600 |
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109,384 |
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480,817 |
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Senior Vice President |
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2008 |
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223,406 |
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66,423 |
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121,256 |
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411,085 |
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Delta Design |
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2007 |
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210,000 |
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67,998 |
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58,995 |
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71,063 |
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123,626 |
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531,682 |
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James P. Walsh (8) |
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2009 |
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193,916 |
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105,750 |
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43,000 |
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173 |
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342,839 |
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Vice President, |
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2008 |
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213,102 |
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53,147 |
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9,163 |
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275,412 |
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Manufacturing Delta Design |
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2007 |
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186,126 |
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58,750 |
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67,998 |
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58,995 |
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9,076 |
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380,945 |
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(1) |
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Amounts included in this column represent discretionary cash bonuses not based on
predetermined performance criteria. |
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(2) |
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Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the named executive officers.
Instead, the amounts shown above are the grant date fair value for stock awards issued in the
form of RSUs granted in fiscal 2008 and 2007. The assumptions used to calculate the grant
date fair value of the stock awards are set forth in Note 4, Employee Benefit Plans,
included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 26, 2009 filed with the SEC. The derived grant fair value for the stock award is
recognized, for financial statement purposes, over the number of days of service required for
the award to vest in full. |
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(3) |
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Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the named executive officers.
Instead, the amounts shown above are the grant date fair value for stock awards issued in the
form of option awards granted in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007. The assumptions used to
calculate the grant date fair value of the option awards are set forth in Note 4, Employee
Benefit Plans, included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 26, 2009 filed with the SEC. The derived grant fair value for the stock
options is recognized, for financial statement purposes, over the number of days of service
required for the option to vest in full. |
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(4) |
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Amounts consist of performance-based incentive cash bonuses received by the named executive
officers earned for services rendered in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007. Such amounts were paid
under the 2005 Plan in February of the following fiscal year. |
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(5) |
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There are no nonqualified deferred compensation earnings reflected in this column as no named
executive officer received above-market or preferential earnings on such compensation during
2009, 2008 or 2007. For further information on 2009 activity in deferred compensation accounts
for named executive officers see 2009 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation included below. |
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(6) |
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The amounts shown in this column reflect the following for each named executive officer: |
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(a) |
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Cohus matching contributions in fiscal 2008 and 2007 under the Cohu 401(k) Plan (which
is more fully described elsewhere herein under the heading Retirement Benefits Under the
401(k) Plan, Executive Perquisites and Generally Available Benefits). There were no
matching contributions in fiscal 2009. |
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(b) |
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The value attributable to life insurance benefits provided by Cohu (such amount is
taxable to the recipient). |
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(c) |
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Monthly automobile expense allowance paid by Cohu (such amount is taxable to the
recipient). |
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(d) |
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Payment of medical insurance premiums and non-covered medical expenses for Mr. Donahue
($33,173 and $26,290 in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively). |
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(e) |
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Cohus matching contributions made in fiscal 2007 for deferred compensation
contributions made by Mr. Donahue (which is more fully described elsewhere herein under the
heading Deferred Compensation Plan) |
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Except as noted above, the amount attributable to each such perquisite or benefit for each named
executive officer does not exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of
perquisites and personal benefits received by such named executive officer. |
24
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(7) |
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In addition to the items noted in footnote (6) above, the amount in this column for Mr.
McFarlane includes certain relocation benefits, including an estimated tax gross-up, for a
foreign assignment. In fiscal 2009, these benefits included a living expense allowance of
$45,000, $29,290 for a home rental and $26,000 for tax equalization. In fiscal 2008 these
benefits included a living expense allowance of $45,000, $29,773 for a home rental and $26,171
for tax equalization. In fiscal 2007 Mr. McFarlane received a living expense allowance of
$45,000 and other benefits, none of which exceed the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total
amount of perquisites and personal benefits, which consisted of home rental and use of a
company automobile. |
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(8) |
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Messrs. Jones and Walsh became named executive officers on November 2, 2007 and October 8,
2007, respectively. |
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(9) |
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Mr. Hopkins was hired by Delta Design on April 25, 2008. |
2009 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The following table shows all plan-based awards granted to the named executive officers during
fiscal 2009, which ended on December 26, 2009. The option and stock awards identified in the table
below are also reported in the Outstanding Equity Awards at December 26, 2009 table included
below.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future |
|
Estimated Future |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Exercise |
|
Grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payouts Under Non- |
|
Payouts Under |
|
Awards: |
|
Awards: |
|
or Base |
|
Date Fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Incentive |
|
Equity Incentive |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Price |
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards (1) |
|
Plan Awards (2) |
|
Shares of |
|
Securities |
|
of |
|
Stock and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thres- |
|
|
|
|
|
Maxi- |
|
Thres- |
|
|
|
|
|
Maxi- |
|
Stock or |
|
Underlying |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
|
Grant |
|
hold |
|
Target |
|
mum |
|
hold |
|
Target |
|
mum |
|
Units |
|
Options |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
Name |
|
Date |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
(#) (3) |
|
(#) (4) |
|
($/sh) (5) |
|
($) (6) |
James
A. Donahue |
|
|
3/20/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
192,000 |
|
|
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
451,200 |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
505,000 |
|
|
|
1,010,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey
D. Jones |
|
|
3/20/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
117,500 |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
270,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roger
J. Hopkins |
|
|
3/20/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
47,000 |
|
|
|
|
4/21/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
8.15 |
|
|
|
28,500 |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James
G. McFarlane |
|
|
3/20/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
105,750 |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
109,250 |
|
|
|
218,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James
P. Walsh |
|
|
3/20/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
105,750 |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
107,500 |
|
|
|
215,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts shown are estimated possible payouts for fiscal 2009 under the executive
incentive bonus plan. These amounts are based on the individuals fiscal 2008 base salary
amounts, prior to the reductions at the end of 2008 and early 2009, and position. The maximum
amount shown is two times the target amount for each of the named executive officers. Actual
bonuses received by the named executive officers for fiscal 2009 are reported in the Summary
Compensation Table under
the column entitled Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. |
|
(2) |
|
The Company did not grant any equity awards where estimated future payouts are tied to
performance in fiscal 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
During fiscal 2009 no RSUs were awarded to named executive officers under the 2005 Plan. |
|
(4) |
|
The amounts reflect the number of stock options awarded to each named executive officer under
the 2005 Plan. |
|
(5) |
|
The exercise price of all stock options granted to the named executive officers is 100% of
the fair market value of the shares on the grant date, which is the closing price of Cohu
Common Stock on the date of grant. |
|
(6) |
|
The amounts shown above are the grant date fair value for stock options issued in fiscal
2009. The assumptions used to calculate the grant date fair value of the awards are set forth
in Note 4, Employee Benefit Plans, included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of Cohus Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2009, filed with the SEC. |
25
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 26, 2009
The following table shows all outstanding equity awards held by each named executive officer
at the end of fiscal 2009, which ended on December 26, 2009. The options with an expiration date
of March 20, 2019 and April 21, 2019 are also reported in the 2009 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
table included elsewhere herein.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPTION AWARDS |
|
STOCK AWARDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
Market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
or Payout |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
Unearned |
|
Unearned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of |
|
Shares, |
|
Shares, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Shares or |
|
Units or |
|
Units or |
|
|
Number of |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Shares |
|
Units of |
|
Other |
|
Other |
|
|
Securities |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Units |
|
Stock |
|
Rights |
|
Rights |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Stock |
|
That |
|
That |
|
That |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Options |
|
Unearned |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
That Have |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
|
Options (#) (1) |
|
(#) (1) |
|
Options |
|
Exercise |
|
Expiration |
|
Not |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
(#) (2) |
|
Price ($) |
|
Date |
|
Vested (#) |
|
($) (3) |
|
(#) (2) |
|
($) (2) |
James A. Donahue |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.88 |
|
|
|
10/20/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.20 |
|
|
|
1/23/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.27 |
|
|
|
1/28/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.50 |
|
|
|
4/19/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.89 |
|
|
|
1/6/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,063 |
|
|
|
15,687 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
8/17/2016 |
|
|
|
5,437 |
|
|
|
75,629 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,376 |
|
|
|
26,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.50 |
|
|
|
12/4/2017 |
|
|
|
9,208 |
|
|
|
128,083 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
192,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
3/20/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey D. Jones |
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.47 |
|
|
|
7/6/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,563 |
|
|
|
2,187 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
8/17/2016 |
|
|
|
937 |
|
|
|
13,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,876 |
|
|
|
6,874 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.50 |
|
|
|
12/4/2017 |
|
|
|
2,708 |
|
|
|
37,668 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
3/20/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roger J. Hopkins |
|
|
3,438 |
|
|
|
10,312 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.75 |
|
|
|
5/5/2018 |
|
|
|
4,062 |
|
|
|
56,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
3/20/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.15 |
|
|
|
4/21/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.88 |
|
|
|
10/20/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.68 |
|
|
|
10/2/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.66 |
|
|
|
10/14/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.35 |
|
|
|
12/11/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.04 |
|
|
|
10/27/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,313 |
|
|
|
3,437 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
8/17/2016 |
|
|
|
1,354 |
|
|
|
18,834 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,750 |
|
|
|
5,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.50 |
|
|
|
12/4/2017 |
|
|
|
2,333 |
|
|
|
32,452 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
3/20/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James P. Walsh |
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.30 |
|
|
|
6/15/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.04 |
|
|
|
10/27/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,563 |
|
|
|
2,187 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.40 |
|
|
|
8/17/2016 |
|
|
|
937 |
|
|
|
13,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,750 |
|
|
|
5,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.50 |
|
|
|
12/4/2017 |
|
|
|
2,333 |
|
|
|
32,452 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.32 |
|
|
|
3/20/2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
All stock options listed above vest at a rate of 25% per year over the first four years
of the five or ten-year option term. |
|
(2) |
|
The Company has not granted any performance-based equity incentive awards. |
|
(3) |
|
Based on a closing price of Cohus Common Stock of $13.91 as reported on the NASDAQ Global
Select Market on December 24, 2009. All RSUs vest and shares are issued in four equal annual
installments beginning one year after the date of grant. |
26
2009 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
The following table shows all stock options exercised and the value realized upon exercise and
all stock awards vested and the value realized upon vesting by the named executive officers during
fiscal 2009 which ended on December 26, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Value |
|
of Shares |
|
|
|
|
of Shares |
|
Realized |
|
Acquired |
|
Value |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
on Exercise |
|
on Vesting |
|
Realized on |
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) (1) |
|
Vesting ($) (2) |
James A. Donahue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,041 |
|
|
|
120,734 |
|
Jeffrey D. Jones |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,291 |
|
|
|
28,066 |
|
Roger J. Hopkins |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,355 |
|
|
|
13,144 |
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,521 |
|
|
|
30,332 |
|
James P. Walsh |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,104 |
|
|
|
25,645 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Number of shares acquired on vesting is before reduction for shares withheld to
cover tax withholding. Cohu withheld the following number of shares for tax withholding:
Mr. Donahue, 3,633 shares; Mr. Jones, 832 shares; Mr. Hopkins, 575 shares; Mr. McFarlane,
914 shares; and Mr. Walsh, 764 shares. |
|
(2) |
|
The value realized equals the number of units that vested multiplied by the per-share
closing price of Cohus Common Stock on the vesting date. Amounts presented are gross
amounts before required tax withholding. |
2009 NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The Deferred Compensation Plan, as summarized in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
above, permits eligible participants to defer compensation from salary and bonuses. The Deferred
Compensation Plan limits the amount of participant deferrals to 25% of salary and 100% of bonuses.
Cohu also makes matching contributions as summarized in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
Participant and employer contributions, distributions and deemed investment earnings and
losses are accumulated in individual deferral investment accounts as established by the Deferred
Compensation Plan. The deemed investment gains or losses credited to a participants account are
based on investment elections made by the participant from prescribed mutual fund investment
options. The table below shows the current investment options selected by participants in the
Deferred Compensation plan and the annual rate of return for fiscal 2009, as reported by the
administrator of the Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Fund |
|
Rate of Return |
T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth |
|
|
42.44 |
% |
Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation |
|
|
43.02 |
% |
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income |
|
|
29.30 |
% |
Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value |
|
|
40.58 |
% |
FI Mid Cap Opportunities |
|
|
32.87 |
% |
T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth |
|
|
38.00 |
% |
MFS Research International |
|
|
31.01 |
% |
Morgan Stanley EAFE Index |
|
|
27.78 |
% |
General Account |
|
|
5.25 |
% |
Participants may elect to receive payment of their deferral account in ten or fifteen annual
installments upon retirement and in lump sum or five, ten or fifteen annual installments upon
disability, death, termination or change in control, as defined in the Deferred Compensation Plan.
27
The following table shows certain information for fiscal 2009 for the named executive officers
under the Deferred Compensation Plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive |
|
Registrant |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Contributions |
|
Contributions |
|
Earnings |
|
Aggregate |
|
Balance |
|
|
In Last Fiscal |
|
in Last Fiscal |
|
in Last Fiscal |
|
Withdrawals/ |
|
at Last Fiscal |
Name |
|
Year ($) (1) |
|
Year ($) (1) |
|
Year ($) (2) |
|
Distributions ($) |
|
Year-End ($) (3) |
James A. Donahue |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
434,318 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,435,887 |
|
Jeffrey D. Jones |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roger J. Hopkins |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James P. Walsh |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Executive contributions in fiscal 2009 reflect amounts paid in fiscal 2009 based on
compensation earned in 2008. Cohu did not make any contributions in fiscal 2009. |
|
(2) |
|
Aggregate earnings reflect the net gains and losses on mutual fund investment options as
provided for under the Cohu Deferred Compensation Plan. These amounts are not included in the
2009 Summary Compensation Table as such amounts are not deemed above-market or preferential
earnings. |
|
(3) |
|
The aggregate balance is included in accrued compensation and benefits in the Cohu December
26, 2009 Consolidated Balance Sheet included in the 2009 Cohu Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table summarizes information with respect to equity awards under Cohus equity
compensation plans at December 26, 2009 (in thousands, except per share amounts) :
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
Number of securities |
|
Weighted average |
|
available for future |
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
exercise price of |
|
issuance under equity |
|
|
exercise of outstanding |
|
outstanding options, |
|
compensation plans |
|
|
options, warrants and |
|
warrants and |
|
(excluding securities |
Plan category |
|
rights (a) (1) |
|
rights (b) (2) |
|
reflected in column (a)) (c) |
|
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders |
|
|
3,376 |
|
|
$ |
12.87 |
|
|
|
2,201 |
(3) |
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,376 |
|
|
$ |
12.87 |
|
|
|
2,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes options and RSUs outstanding under Cohus equity incentive plans, as no stock
warrants or other rights were outstanding as of December 26, 2009. |
|
(2) |
|
The weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights does not take
RSUs into account as RSUs have a de minimus purchase price. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 370,339 shares of Cohu Common Stock reserved for future issuance under the Cohu 1997
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
None of the Compensation Committees members have, at any time, been an officer or employee of
Cohu. During fiscal 2009, no member of the Compensation Committee had any relationship with Cohu
requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. None of Cohus executive officers serves, or
in fiscal 2009 has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any
entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving on Cohus Board or Compensation
Committee.
28
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
Cohu has entered into Change in Control Agreements with Mr. Donahue and Mr. Jones pursuant to
which those executives would be entitled to a payment in the event of a termination of employment
for specified reasons following a change in control of Cohu. For this purpose, a change in control
of Cohu means the occurrence of any of the following, in one or a series of related transactions:
(i) Any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (Person) acquires ownership of
the Companys securities that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than
fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the Companys then outstanding stock.
(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority
of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by members of the Board
whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to
the date of the appointment or election; or
(iii) The closing of any transaction involving a change in ownership of a substantial portion
of the Companys assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during
any twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or
Persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than
fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company
immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term Change in Control shall not include a consolidation,
merger, or other reorganization if upon consummation of such transaction all of the outstanding
voting stock of the Company is owned, directly or indirectly, by a holding company, and the holders
of the Companys common stock immediately prior to the transaction have substantially the same
proportionate ownership and voting control of such holding company after such transaction.
A transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a
change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A of the IRC, and the final regulations
and any guidance promulgated thereunder (Section 409A).
Termination of employment for purposes of these agreements means a discharge of the executive
within twenty-four (24) months of the change in control event, other than for specified causes
including death, disability, wrongful acts, habitual intoxication, habitual neglect of duties or
normal retirement. Termination also includes resignation following the occurrence of an adverse
change in the executives position, duties, compensation or work conditions. The amount of the
payment, excluding any payment for accrued and unused vacation pay that would be paid to any
employee upon termination, is an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of the executives base
salary rate (as in effect immediately prior to (1) the Change in Control, or (2) executives
termination, whichever is greater), an amount equal to two times the executives target annual
incentive established for the year prior to the year of executives termination of employment, plus
an amount equal to a pro-rated portion of the executives annual incentive for the year of the
executives termination of employment. The executive would also be entitled to receive
reimbursement of payments made for the continuation of the executives health coverage pursuant to
COBRA, for a period of up to twenty-four (24) months. The payment of such severance benefits,
including the reimbursement of payments for COBRA continuation coverage, is limited to that amount
which would not result in an Excess Parachute Payment under IRC Section 280G. The amounts
payable under their Change in Control Agreements may change from year to year based on the
executives compensation at the time of termination.
In addition, all outstanding and unvested awards relating to Cohu common stock as of the
executives date of termination of employment (Equity Awards) will vest and be exercisable and
remain subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Equity Award and the post-termination
exercise period for any outstanding stock options shall be extended so as to terminate on the first
to occur of twelve (12) months or the stock options original term expiration.
Additionally, the 2005 Plan provides that in the event of a change in control, as defined in
the 2005 Plan, should the acquiring corporation not assume or substitute for the outstanding equity
awards of Cohu, the exercisability and vesting of all such equity awards will be accelerated,
effective as of a date prior to the change in control.
Further, the Deferred Compensation Plan provides that payment of the participants account
balance shall commence within thirty (30) days of a change in control, as defined in the Deferred
Compensation Plan. The payment of the deferred compensation account balance would be in accordance
with the payment method selected by the participant (i.e. lump sum, or five, ten or fifteen annual
installments).
29
In the event of the occurrence of both a Change in Control and the subsequent termination of
employment (as applicable) as of December 26, 2009 following a change in control, the amounts
payable to certain executive officers would have been as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual |
|
Medical |
|
Stock |
|
Restricted |
|
|
Total |
|
Severance(1) |
|
Bonus(1) |
|
Benefits(2) |
|
Options(3) |
|
Stock Units(4) |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
James A. Donahue |
|
|
4,025,992 |
|
|
|
1,010,000 |
|
|
|
1,010,000 |
|
|
|
537,000 |
|
|
|
1,265,280 |
|
|
|
203,712 |
|
Jeffrey D. Jones |
|
|
1,128,120 |
|
|
|
450,000 |
|
|
|
270,000 |
|
|
|
27,918 |
|
|
|
329,500 |
|
|
|
50,702 |
|
Roger J. Hopkins |
|
|
245,902 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
189,400 |
|
|
|
56,502 |
|
James G. McFarlane |
|
|
347,836 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
296,550 |
|
|
|
51,286 |
|
James P. Walsh |
|
|
342,036 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
296,550 |
|
|
|
45,486 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Reflects the cash severance benefits payable in the event of a qualifying termination
under the Change in Control Agreements for Messrs. Donahue and Jones. These amounts are based
on the individuals fiscal 2010 base salary. |
|
(2) |
|
Upon termination as of December 26, 2009, Messrs. Donahue and Jones would have been entitled
to receive reimbursement for continued health care benefits pursuant to COBRA for a period of
twenty-four (24) months. In addition, Mr. Donahue would have been entitled to receive medical
benefits pursuant to the Cohu Retiree Medical Benefit Plan, with the net present value of such
benefits for life included in the table above. |
|
(3) |
|
The 2005 Plan provides that in the event of a change in control, as defined in the 2005 Plan,
should the acquiring corporation not assume or substitute for the outstanding equity awards of
Cohu, the exercisability and vesting of all such equity awards will be accelerated, effective
as of a date prior to the change in control. Amounts presented above for stock options
represent the difference between the exercise price of the award and $13.91, the closing price
of Cohus Common Stock on December 24, 2009 (intrinsic value) of unexercisable in-the-money
awards, prior to the payment of associated taxes, held by Messrs. Donahue, Jones, Hopkins,
McFarlane, and Walsh as of December 26, 2009. |
|
(4) |
|
The 2005 Plan provides that in the event of a change in control, as defined in the 2005 Plan,
should the acquiring corporation not assume or substitute for the outstanding equity awards of
Cohu, the exercisability and vesting of all such equity awards will be accelerated, effective
as of a date prior to the change in control. Amounts presented above for RSUs have been
calculated based on the total unvested RSUs and the closing price of Cohus Common Stock on
December 24, 2009 of $13.91, prior to the payment of associated taxes, held by Messrs.
Donahue, Jones, Hopkins, McFarlane, and Walsh as of December 26, 2009. |
Other than as described above, there are no other benefits or payments that would be paid
to the named executive officers upon resignation, severance, retirement, termination or a change in
control.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Board is committed to upholding the highest legal and ethical conduct in fulfilling its
responsibilities and recognizes that related party transactions can present a heightened risk of
potential or actual conflicts of interest. Accordingly, as a general matter, it is Cohus
preference to avoid related party transactions.
Cohus Audit Committee Charter requires that members of the Audit Committee, all of whom are
independent directors, review and approve all related party transactions for which such approval is
required under applicable law, including SEC and NASDAQ rules. Current SEC rules define a related
party transaction to include any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which Cohu is a
participant and in which any of the following persons has or will have a direct or indirect
interest:
|
|
|
an executive officer, director or director nominee of Cohu; |
|
|
|
|
any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Cohus Common Stock; |
|
|
|
|
any person who is an immediate family member (as defined under Item 404 of
Regulation S-K) of an executive officer, director or director nominee or beneficial owner
of more than 5% of Cohus Common Stock; |
|
|
|
|
any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is
employed or is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person,
together with any other of the foregoing persons, has a 5% or greater beneficial
ownership interest. |
30
In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and investigating any matters
pertaining to the integrity of management, including conflicts of interest and adherence to Cohus
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Under this Code, directors, officers and all other employees
are expected to avoid any relationship, influence or activity that would cause or even appear to
cause a conflict of interest. Cohus Corporate Governance Guidelines require a director to promptly
disclose to the Board any potential or actual conflict of interest. Under these Guidelines, the
Board will determine an appropriate resolution on a case-by-case basis. All directors must recuse
themselves from any discussion or decision affecting their personal, business or professional
interests.
All related party transactions will be disclosed in Cohus applicable filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as required under SEC rules.
Related Party Transactions
Cohu has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and certain
executive officers. These agreements require Cohu to indemnify such individuals, to the fullest
extent permitted by Delaware law, for certain liabilities to which they may become subject as a
result of their affiliation with Cohu.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that Cohus executive officers, directors and
persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of Cohus equity securities, file an initial
report of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on Form 4 or 5 with the SEC. Such officers,
directors and 10% stockholders are also required by SEC rules to furnish Cohu with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely upon its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written
representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required for such persons, Cohu
believes that during the year ended December 26, 2009 its executive officers, directors and 10%
stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is unaware of any other business to be presented for consideration at
the Meeting. If, however, such other business should properly come before the Meeting, the proxies
will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the proxy holders. The shares represented by
proxies received in time for the Meeting will be voted and if any choice has been specified the
vote will be in accordance with such specification.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS 2011 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholders are entitled to present proposals for action, including nominations for
candidates for membership on Cohus Board of Directors, at a forthcoming stockholders meeting if
they comply with the requirements of the proxy rules and Cohus Bylaws. Any proposals intended to
be presented at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu must be received at Cohus offices
on or before December 6, 2010 in order to be considered for inclusion in Cohus proxy statement and
form of proxy relating to such meeting.
If a stockholder intends to submit a proposal at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Cohu, which proposal is not intended to be included in Cohus proxy statement and form of proxy
relating to such Meeting, the stockholder should provide Cohu with appropriate notice no later than
December 6, 2010. If Cohu fails to receive notice of the proposal by such date, any such proposal
will be considered untimely, Cohu will not be required to provide any information about the nature
of the proposal in its proxy statement, and the proposal will not be submitted to the stockholders
for approval at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu.
31
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Copies of Cohus Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2009, as filed
with the SEC are available to stockholders without charge upon written request addressed to
Investor Relations, Cohu, Inc., 12367 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, California 92064. The Annual
Report on Form 10-K is also available at www.cohu.com and www.sec.gov.
By Order of the Board Directors,
Jeffrey D. Jones
Secretary
Poway, California
April 5, 2010
32
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
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Please
Mark Here
For Address
Change or
Comments
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o |
SEE REVERSE SIDE |
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FOR |
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WITHHELD |
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ALL |
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FOR ALL |
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*EXCEPTIONS |
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FOR |
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AGAINST |
|
ABSTAIN |
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS |
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o |
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o |
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o |
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2. |
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TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT |
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o |
Nominees: |
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OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS |
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01 Steven J. Bilodeau |
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COHUS INDEPENDENT |
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02 James A. Donahue |
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REGISTERED PUBLIC |
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ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2010 |
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(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark the Exceptions
box above and write that nominees name in the space provided below.)
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COMBINED AREA MUST BE BLANK FOR COMBINED CARDS |
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é FOLD AND DETACH HERE é
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING,
BOTH ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time
the day prior to May 11, 2010.
Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner
as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
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Internet
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Telephone |
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http://proxyvoting.com/cohu
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1-866-540-5760 |
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Use the internet to vote
your proxy. Have your proxy card
in hand when you access the web
site.
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OR
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Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your
proxy. Have your proxy in
hand when you call, and
follow the instructions. |
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If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy
card.
To vote by mail, mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid
envelope.
Choose MLinkSM for fast, easy and secure 24/7 online access to your
future proxy materials, investment plan statements, tax documents and more.
Simply log on to Investor ServiceDirect® at www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/isd
where step-by-step instructions will prompt you through enrollment.
You can view the Annual Report and Proxy Statement
on the internet at www.cohu.com
Notice & Access site www.proxydocs.com/cohu
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CONTROL NUMBER
RESTRICTED AREA |
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PROXY
COHU, INC.
Annual Meeting of Stockholders May 11, 2010
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints JAMES A. DONAHUE and JEFFREY D. JONES, and each of
them, with full power to act without the other and with power of substitution, as
proxies and attorneys-in-fact and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as
provided on the other side, all the shares of Cohu, Inc. Common Stock which the
undersigned is entitled to vote, and, in their discretion, to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cohu to be
held May 11, 2010 or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, with all powers which
the undersigned would possess if present at the Meeting. |
(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
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Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side) |
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é
FOLD AND DETACH HERE é
You can now access your COHU, INC. account online.
Access your Cohu, Inc. shareholder/stockholder account online via Investor
ServiceDirect® (ISD).
The transfer agent for Cohu, Inc., now makes it easy and convenient to get current information on
your shareholder account.
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View account status
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View payment history for dividends |
View certificate history
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Make address changes |
View book-entry information
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Obtain a duplicate 1099 tax form |
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Establish/change your PIN |
Visit us on the web at http://www.bnymellon.com/shareowner
For Technical Assistance Call 1-877-978-7778 between 9am-7pm
Monday-Friday Eastern Time