def14a
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OMB APPROVAL |
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OMB Number:
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3235-0059 |
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Expires:
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February 28, 2006 |
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12.75 |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Filed by the Registrant o |
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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o Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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þ Definitive Proxy Statement |
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o Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Panhandle Royalty Company
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy
Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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þ No fee required. |
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o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and
0-11. |
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1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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1) Amount Previously Paid: |
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2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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SEC 1913 (11-01) |
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information
contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid
OMB control number. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Notice
of Annual Shareholders Meeting
To be held February 24, 2006
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the shareholders of Panhandle Royalty
Company will be held at the Waterford Marriott, 6300 Waterford Boulevard (63rd and
North Pennsylvania), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on February 24, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., local time, for
the following purposes:
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To elect two directors for terms of three years; and |
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To consider and act upon any other matter as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof. |
Shareholders of record at the close of business on January 19, 2006 shall be entitled to vote
at the meeting and any adjournments.
If you do not expect to attend the meeting in person, please mark, date and sign the enclosed
proxy card and return it in the prepaid envelope enclosed for your convenience.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND
MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
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PLEASE VOTE! |
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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/s/ Michael C. Coffman |
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Michael C. Coffman, Vice President, Chief |
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Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer |
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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
January 25, 2006
Panhandle Royalty Company
5400 N. Grand Boulevard, Suite 305
Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5688
January 25, 2006
Proxy Statement
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Panhandle Royalty
Company, an Oklahoma corporation (the Company), for use at the annual meeting of shareholders
(the meeting) to be held Friday, February 24, 2006, and at any adjournment or postponement
thereof.
When the proxy is properly executed and returned, the shares it represents will be voted at
the meeting in accordance with any directions noted thereon. If no direction is indicated, the
persons named on the enclosed proxy will vote the proxy for the nominees for director set forth
thereon. Should other matters come before the meeting, the proxy will be voted as the Board of
Directors of the Company may, in its discretion, determine.
If the enclosed form of proxy is executed and returned, it nevertheless may be revoked at any
time before it is exercised, by signing and sending to the Company a later dated proxy or a written
revocation, or by attending the meeting and voting in person.
The mailing address of the Company is 5400 N. Grand Boulevard, Suite 305, Oklahoma City, OK
73112-5688. It is anticipated that the proxies and proxy statements will be mailed to shareholders
beginning on or about January 25, 2006.
The cost of soliciting proxies for the meeting will be borne by the Company. In addition to
solicitation by mail, arrangements may be made with brokerage firms, banks and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries to send proxy material to their principals. The Company will reimburse
these institutions for their reasonable costs. No solicitation is to be made by specially engaged
employees or other paid solicitors.
Voting Securities
The Amended Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides for one vote for each
share of Common Stock outstanding. At the meeting, each holder of Common Stock will be entitled to
cast one vote per share of stock owned. Votes may be cast by shareholders either in person or by
proxy.
All holders of Common Stock of record at the close of business on January 19, 2006 will be
eligible to vote. As of January 19, 2006, there were 8,410,886 shares of Common Stock outstanding
owned by approximately 3,500 shareholders.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the shares entitled to vote is necessary
for a quorum at the meeting. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes of shares present
in person or represented by proxy at the meeting.
Abstentions will be counted for the purpose of determining the existence of a quorum and will
have the same effect as a negative vote on matters other than the election of directors. If a
nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner indicates on the proxy that it does not have
discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter or otherwise does not
vote such shares, these shares will not be considered as present and entitled to vote in respect to
that matter, but will be counted for the purpose of determining the existence of a quorum.
(1)
A proxy is enclosed for your signature. Please return it immediately, dated and signed.
Please note that if you hold shares in street name (that is, through a bank, broker or other
nominee) and would like to attend the annual meeting and vote in person, you will need to bring a
proxy signed by the person in whose name your shares are registered and bring it to the annual
meeting.
The Company knows of no arrangements which would result in a change in control of the Company
at any future date.
Election of Directors
The following persons are the present directors of the Company:
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Positions and Offices |
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Served As |
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Presently Held with |
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Director |
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Present |
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Age |
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the Company |
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Since |
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Term Ends |
Bruce M.
Bell (2)(3)(4) |
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Director |
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2004 |
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Feb. 2007 |
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E. Chris
Kauffman (4) |
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Director, Chairman of the Board |
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1991 |
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Feb. 2006 |
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Robert O.
Lorenz (1)(2) |
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Director |
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2003 |
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Feb. 2007 |
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HW Peace II |
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Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
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1991 |
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Feb. 2008 |
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Robert A.
Reece (1)(3)(4) |
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Director |
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1986 |
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Feb. 2008 |
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Robert E.
Robotti (1)(2) |
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Director |
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2004 |
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Feb. 2007 |
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H. Grant
Swartzwelder (1)(2)(3) |
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Director |
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2002 |
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Feb. 2006 |
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Member of the Audit Committee |
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Member of the Compensation Committee |
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Member of the Nominating Committee |
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Member of the Retirement Committee |
There are two vacancies for three-year terms beginning February 2006. Nominees for the
vacancies are E. Chris Kauffman and H. Grant Swartzwelder. These nominees were recommended by the
Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has no reason
to believe that either of the nominees will be unable to serve as director. However, if either
nominee should be unable for any reason to accept nomination or election, it is the intention of
the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote those proxies for the election of such other person
or persons as the Board of Directors may in its discretion determine.
The election of directors requires a plurality of the votes cast for the election of
directors. Accordingly, the two directorships to be filled at the annual meeting will be filled by
the two nominees receiving the highest number of votes. In the election of directors, votes may be
cast in favor of or withheld with respect to any or all nominees. Votes that are withheld will be
excluded entirely from the vote and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
(2)
Effective March 1, 2006, HW Peace II will retire as President and CEO of the Company. He
will resign from the Board of Directors at its meeting on February 24, 2006. Michael C. Coffman,
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, and Ben D. Hare, Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer, have been elected Co-Presidents to succeed Mr. Peace. The Nominating
Committee has recommended increasing the size of the Board of Directors from seven to eight members
and electing Messrs. Coffman and Hare as Board members. The Board of Directors will consider this
recommendation at its meeting following the annual meeting of shareholders.
The Board of Directors Recommends That The Shareholders Elect
E. Chris Kauffman and H. Grant Swartzwelder
Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors In 2006
E. Chris Kauffman is a vice president of Campbell-Kauffman, Inc., an independent
insurance agency in Oklahoma City. He has been involved with the agency since its formation in
1981. He is chairman of the Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority Trust. He has
served as Chairman of the Board of the Company since February 2005.
H. Grant Swartzwelder is president of PetroGrowth Advisors, Irving, Texas, an
investment-banking firm he founded in 1998. Prior to founding PetroGrowth Advisors, he was vice
president of Principal Financial Securities, Inc. of Dallas, Texas, an investment-banking firm. He
holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering and a MBA degree.
Directors Whose Terms Continue Beyond the 2006 Annual Meeting and Who Are Not Subject to
Election This Year
Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2007
Robert O. Lorenz retired from Arthur Andersen LLP in 2002. He was employed by Arthur Andersen
from 1969 through retirement. He became managing partner of the Oklahoma City office in 1994 and
managing partner of the Oklahoma practice in 2000. He is a certified public accountant and holds a
bachelor of business administration degree. He is also a director of Infinity Inc. and Kerr- McGee
Corporation, both of which are in the oil and gas exploration and production business, and OGE
Energy Corp., a regulated electric utility which is in the natural gas transportation business.
Robert E. Robotti for the past five years has been the CEO of Robotti & Company, LLC, a
registered broker-dealer; CEO of Robotti & Company Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor;
and managing member of the Ravenswood Investment Company, LP, an investment partnership; all
located in New York City. Mr. Robotti is a certified public accountant and holds a MBA degree. He
is a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts.
Bruce M. Bell has during the past five years has been CEO and chairman of Post Oak Oil Company
(oil and gas exploration and production); chairman and president of Edrio Oil Co. Inc. (oil and gas
exploration and production); and is past chairman of Southwestern Bank (commercial
banking); all of
(3)
Oklahoma City, OK. He also is past chairman of the Mid-Continent Oil & Gas
Association (oil and gas trade association). Dr. Bell holds a Ph.D. degree in paleontology.
Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2008
Robert A. Reece is an attorney and for more than five years has been of counsel with the law
firm of Crowe & Dunlevy and active in the management of his familys investments. He is also a
director of NbnC Bank, Oklahoma City, OK. He holds a MBA degree.
HW Peace II, President and CEO of the Company since 1991, will retire effective March 1, 2006.
He will resign from the Board of Directors at its meeting on February 24, 2006.
None of the organizations described in the business experiences of the Companys directors and
officers are parents, subsidiaries or affiliates of the Company.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, the Board of Directors held five
meetings. At each meeting, a quorum of directors was present. No director attended less than 75%
of the total number of meetings held during the period. The Company expects all of its directors
to attend each annual meeting of shareholders. All directors attended the 2005 annual meeting.
The Board has determined that under the rules of the American Stock Exchange the following
directors are independent: Messrs. Bell, Lorenz, Reece, Robotti and Swartzwelder.
The Board of Directors has four committees: Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Retirement.
The Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees are comprised entirely of independent directors.
Information regarding the functions performed by the Audit Committee, its membership and the
number of meetings held during the fiscal year is set forth in the Report of The Audit Committee
included in this proxy statement. Each member of the Audit Committee meets all the applicable
independence and financial literacy requirements of the American Stock Exchange and the Securities
and Exchange Commission. Robert O. Lorenz has been determined by the Board to meet the audit
committee financial expert requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the American
Stock Exchange. In December 2005, the Board reaffirmed the Audit Committee Charter adopted in
December, 2004 which is attached hereto as Appendix A.
The Compensation Committee, comprised of Bruce M. Bell, Robert O. Lorenz, Robert E. Robotti
and H. Grant Swartzwelder, met twice during fiscal 2005. The Committee reviews officer performance
and recommends to the Board of Directors compensation amounts for officers and directors. The
Compensation Committee Charter can be viewed at the Companys
website: www.panra.com.
The Nominating Committee is comprised of Bruce M. Bell, Robert A. Reece and H. Grant
Swartzwelder. The Nominating Committee Charter outlining its duties and responsibilities can be
viewed on the Companys website at: www.panra.com. The principal functions of the Nominating
Committee are to: identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors;
recommend to the Board when new members should be added to the Board; recommend to the
Board individuals to fill vacant Board positions; and recommend to the Board nominees for
election as directors at the annual meeting of shareholders. The Nominating Committee will
consider nominees
(4)
proposed by shareholders of the Company. Those nominations must include
sufficient biographical information so that the Committee can appropriately assess the proposed
nominees background and qualifications. In its assessment of potential candidates, the Nominating
Committee will review the candidates character, wisdom, acumen, business experiences and
understanding of the Companys business environment, and ability to devote the time and effort
necessary to fulfill his or her responsibilities. To recommend a prospective nominee for the
Committees consideration, shareholders should submit the above information in writing to Panhandle
Royalty Company, Attention: Secretary, 5400 N. Grand Boulevard, Suite 305, Oklahoma City, OK
73112-5688. Any such submission must be accompanied by the written consent of the proposed nominee
to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.
The Retirement Committee, comprised of Bruce M. Bell, E. Chris Kauffman and Robert A. Reece,
oversees the administration of the Companys Employee Stock Ownership and 401(k) Plan and Trust
(ESOP). This Committee met twice during the year.
Compensation of Directors
The following outlines the compensation plan for the Companys directors for services in
all capacities.
Effective January 1, 2005, outside directors were paid annual retainers of $10,000, plus a
$1,000 fee and travel expenses for attending each meeting of the Board of Directors and a $1,000
fee for attending each committee meeting. The chairmen of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating
Committees received additional annual retainers of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. Any
director who traveled over 50 miles to attend a meeting received an additional $100 for each
meeting. Prior to January 1, 2005, Robert O. Lorenz, Chairman of the Audit Committee, was entitled
to receive a $150 per hour fee for time spent on Audit Committee business other than attending
meetings. During fiscal 2004, Mr. Lorenz received $2,775.
Effective January 1, 2006, outside directors are paid an annual retainer of $10,000, plus a
$1,000 fee and travel expenses for attending each meeting of the Board of Directors and a $1,000
fee for attending each committee meeting. Any director who travels over 50 miles to attend a
meeting receives an additional $500 for each meeting. The Chairman of the Board of Directors (who
is not an employee of the Company) and the chairmen of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating
Committees receive additional annual retainers of $15,000, $10,000, $2,500 and $1,000,
respectively. These retainers and fees will be frozen for two years. The annual retainers are
paid to the directors on January 15 of each year.
Outside directors may elect to be included in the Panhandle Royalty Company Deferred
Compensation Plan For Non-Employee Directors (the Plan). The Plan provides that each eligible
director can individually elect to receive shares of Company stock rather than cash for the yearly
retainer, Board meeting fees or Board committee meeting fees. These unissued shares are credited
to each directors deferred fee account at the fair market value of the shares (i) on the date of
the meeting for Board and committee meetings, and (ii) on January 15 of each year for the annual
retainers. Upon retirement, termination or death of the director or upon a change in control of
the Company, the shares accrued under the Plan will be issued to the director. All directors are
participating in the Plan.
(5)
Transactions With Directors
The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and executive
officers.
During fiscal 2005, the Company purchased directors and officers liability and other
miscellaneous insurance policies through the Campbell-Kauffman, Inc. insurance agency for premiums
aggregating $109,000. The Company believes that the premiums and terms of the insurance policies
were at market rates and on market terms.
Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock
The following table sets forth information with respect to the shares of Common Stock
owned beneficially as of January 19, 2006 by all persons who own or are known by the Company to own
beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, by each director, nominee for director
and executive officer and by all directors and executive officers as a group. To the Companys
knowledge, unless otherwise stated, each person named below has sole authority to vote and invest
the shares shown.
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Amount of Shares |
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Beneficially |
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Beneficial Owner |
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Owned(3)(4) |
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of Class |
Bruce M.
Bell (1) |
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600 |
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* |
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E. Chris
Kauffman (1)(2) |
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26,400 |
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* |
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Robert O.
Lorenz (1) |
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1,200 |
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* |
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HW Peace II (1)(2) |
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151,138 |
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1.8 |
% |
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Robert A. Reece (1) |
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50,176 |
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* |
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H. Grant
Swartzwelder (1) |
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2,672 |
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* |
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Michael C.
Coffman (2) |
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110,120 |
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1.3 |
% |
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Ben D. Hare (2) |
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6,346 |
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Ben
Spriestersbach (2) |
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3,732 |
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* |
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Robert E.
Robotti (1) |
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468,232 |
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5.6 |
% |
c/o Robotti & Company, LLC |
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52 Vanderbilt Avenue |
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New York, NY 10017 |
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All directors and officers as a
group (10 persons) |
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820,616 |
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9.8 |
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Less than 1% owned |
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Director |
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Executive Officer |
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All share amounts reflect the Companys 2-for-1 stock split affected
in January 2006. |
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The number of shares shown includes shares that are individually or
jointly owned, as well as shares over which the individual has either sole or
shared investment or voting authority. |
(6)
Report of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is currently composed of four independent directors. During the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, Robert O. Lorenz, Robert A. Reece and H. Grant Swartzwelder
were members of the Audit Committee for the entire year and Robert E. Robotti was a member since
March 2005. The Board of Directors has determined that all committee members are independent and
that Mr. Lorenz is an audit committee financial expert, as defined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission guidelines and the rules of the American Stock Exchange.
The Audit Committee Charter was reaffirmed by the Board of Directors in December, 2005, and
was last revised and adopted on December 16, 2004. A copy is attached hereto as Appendix A and can
be viewed on the Companys website at www.panra.com. Five meetings of the Committee were held
during fiscal 2005.
The Audit Committees primary responsibility is to oversee the Companys financial reporting
process on behalf of the Board of Directors and report the results of its activities to the Board.
Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process
including the systems of internal control over financial reporting.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Committee reviewed with management the audited
financial statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2005,
including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles,
the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the financial
statements. The Committee reviewed with the independent auditors, who are responsible for
expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with generally
accepted accounting principles, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of
the Companys accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the
Committee by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communications with Audit Committees) as
amended by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 90 (Audit Committee Communications). In addition,
the Committee discussed with the independent auditors its independence from management and the
Company, including matters in the written disclosures received from the independent auditors as
required by the Independence Standards Board No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committee).
The Committee met with the independent auditors, with and without management present, to
discuss the overall scope and plans for their audit, the results of their examinations, their
evaluations of the Companys internal control over financial reporting and the overall quality of
the Companys financial reporting.
The Committee also met with the independent auditors and management subsequent to the end of
each of the first three fiscal quarters. At these meetings, the independent auditors review
results were presented and discussed and discussions were held with management concerning the
quarterly results.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the
Board of Directors (and the Board approved) that the audited financial statements be included in
the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2005 for filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
(7)
Independent Accountants Fees and Services
The following sets forth fees for the audit and other services provided by Ernst & Young LLP
for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2004:
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Fee Category |
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Fiscal 2005 Fees (2) |
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Fiscal 2004 Fees |
Audit Fees (1) |
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$ |
249,825 |
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$ |
125,240 |
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Audit-Related Fees |
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$ |
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$ |
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Tax Fees |
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$ |
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$ |
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All Other Fees |
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$ |
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$ |
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Includes fees for audit of annual financial statements and reviews of
the related quarterly financial statements. |
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(2) |
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2005 fees include fees for the Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 internal
control audit. |
All services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP were permissible under applicable laws and
regulations and were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committees pre-approval policy
is set forth in the Audit Committee Charter attached hereto as Appendix A which can also be viewed
on the Companys website: www.panra.com.
For fiscal 2006, the Audit Committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP to conduct quarterly
reviews for the first three fiscal quarters, and expects to select Ernst & Young LLP as independent
auditor for the fiscal 2006 audit.
A representative of Ernst & Young LLP is expected to be present at the meeting to respond to
appropriate questions and will have an opportunity to make a statement if so desired.
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Audit Committee |
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Robert O. Lorenz Chairman |
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Robert A. Reece |
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Robert E. Robotti |
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H. Grant Swartzwelder |
(8)
Executive Officers
The following is a list of the current executive officers of the Company. All officers
hold office at the discretion of the Board of Directors and may be removed from office, with or
without cause, at any time by the Board of Directors.
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Positions and Offices Presently Held |
|
Officer |
Name |
|
Age |
|
With The Company |
|
Since |
E. Chris Kauffman |
|
65 |
|
Chairman of the Board |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HW Peace II |
|
70 |
|
Director, President, Chief Executive Officer |
|
1991 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael C. Coffman |
|
52 |
|
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer |
|
1990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ben D. Hare |
|
60 |
|
Vice President, Chief Operating Officer |
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ben Spriestersbach |
|
54 |
|
Vice President of Land |
|
2005 |
All those named above also hold office in the Companys subsidiary, Wood Oil Company.
As discussed under Election of Directors, Mr. Peace will retire on March 1, 2006 and Messrs.
Coffman and Hare have been elected Co-Presidents to succeed him.
Michael C. Coffman is a certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
business administration. Since 1975, he has worked in public accounting and as a financial officer
with companies involved in the oil and gas industry. He has been an officer of the Company since
1990.
Ben D. Hare was elected Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company in May 2004.
From 2000 to May 2004, he was president of Cazador Enterprises, LLC and a vice president of
Legends Exploration LP, Houston, Texas, involved in management consultation and oil and gas
exploration and production. From 1994 to 2000, he was employed by Vastar Resources, Inc, an oil
and gas exploration and production company, with his last assignment being chief geologist. He
holds a Ph.D. degree in geology. Mr. Hare was a director of the Company from December 2002 through
April 2004.
Ben Spriestersbach was elected Vice President of Land of the Company in January 2005. From
January 2002 through December 2004, he served as Land Manager of the Company. From 1989 to 2001,
he worked for Farmers Union Cooperative Royalty Company (an oil and gas royalty company), last
serving as assistant secretary-treasurer. Mr. Spriestersbach holds a Bachelor of Science degree
and is a certified professional landman.
Executive Compensation
The table below sets forth information for the three most recently completed fiscal years
concerning compensation paid in those fiscal years for services in all capacities.
(9)
Summary Annual Compensation Table
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All Other |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Compensation |
HW Peace II |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
195,000 |
|
|
$ |
35,600 |
|
|
$ |
34,590 |
(1) |
President, Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
177,500 |
|
|
$ |
25,600 |
|
|
$ |
30,465 |
(1) |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
167,500 |
|
|
$ |
20,600 |
|
|
$ |
28,215 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael C. Coffman |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
136,500 |
|
|
$ |
25,600 |
|
|
$ |
24,315 |
(2) |
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
125,000 |
|
|
$ |
15,600 |
|
|
$ |
21,090 |
(2) |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
116,250 |
|
|
$ |
10,600 |
|
|
$ |
19,028 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ben D. Hare |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
136,500 |
|
|
$ |
20,600 |
|
|
$ |
23,565 |
(3) |
Vice President, Chief Operating Officer |
|
|
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(1) |
|
Represents the value of 1,616 shares for fiscal 2005, 3,542 shares for fiscal 2004, and
4,972 shares for fiscal 2003, of Company stock contributed to the ESOP on Mr. Peaces behalf.* |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the value of 1,136 shares for fiscal 2005, 3,452 shares for fiscal 2004, and 3,352
shares for fiscal 2003, of Company stock contributed to the ESOP on Mr. Coffmans behalf.* |
|
(3) |
|
Represents the value of 1,100 shares for fiscal 2005 of Company stock contributed to the ESOP on
Mr. Hares behalf.* |
|
* |
|
Share amounts for fiscal 2003 are adjusted for the Companys 2-for-1 stock split
affected in April 2004, and share amounts for fiscal 2003, 2004 and 2005 are adjusted for the
Companys 2-for-1 stock split affected in January 2006. |
The ESOP is a non-voluntary, non-contributory defined contribution plan, and serves as
the retirement plan for the Companys employees. Contributions are at the discretion of the Board
of Directors and, to date, all contributions have been made in shares of Company stock.
Contributions are allocated to all participants in proportion to their salaries for the plan year
and 100% vesting occurs after three years of service.
Report of Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee oversees the Companys executive compensation program. In
December of each year, base salaries of officers are set for the next calendar year and bonuses are
determined based on the Companys most recently completed fiscal year. The Compensation Committee
makes recommendations to the Board of Directors which makes the final decisions.
The Compensation Committee has prepared the following report on the Companys policies with
respect to the compensation of executive officers for fiscal 2005.
Philosophy and Program Components
The Companys philosophy is to provide a compensation program that will attract, retain and
reward the officers who contribute to the Companys success and to motivate the officers to develop
and execute current and long-term business strategies and goals. The components of officer
compensation are base salary and annual cash bonuses. Officers also participate in benefit plans
which are available to all employees. The Company believes that a portion of officer compensation
should be based on performance of both the officer and the Company, thus, the annual cash bonus
is considered performance based compensation. The Company does not offer stock options to
officers or employees
(10)
and has no employment contracts or change-in-control arrangements with any of
its officers or employees.
Base Salary and Bonus
Base salaries and bonuses for officers were based upon the individuals responsibilities and
experience, taking into account, among other factors, the individuals initiative, contribution to
the Companys overall performance, handling of special projects or events during the year and
yearly financial and operating results comparison to the Companys business plan. Base salaries
for officers are reviewed and compared to similar positions in the Companys industry. The Company
has made a concerted effort in the last few years to bring its compensation levels up to those of
comparably-sized companies in the oil and gas industry.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
During fiscal 2005, the Board of Directors awarded Mr. Peace, President and Chief Executive
Officer, a base salary of $200,000 for calendar year 2005 and a performance bonus of $35,000. The
increases in salary and the bonus were based on fiscal 2004 financial operating results. Fiscal
2004 saw increases in total revenues and net income of the Company. The Company was able to more
than replace oil and gas produced during fiscal 2004 with reserves from new wells drilled and
completed in fiscal 2004. However, because of revisions to older well reserves, net oil and gas
reserves remained basically flat compared to fiscal year 2003. Production on a mcf equivalent
basis for fiscal 2004 was essentially equivalent to fiscal 2003. Based on these factors, the
Committee recommended these increases.
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Committee |
|
|
|
|
|
H. Grant Swartzwelder Chairman |
|
|
Bruce M. Bell |
|
|
Robert O. Lorenz |
|
|
Robert E. Robotti |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No current member of the Compensation Committee is an officer or employee of the Company and
all members are independent directors.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the performances of the Companys Common Stock to the
Standard & Poors Small Cap 600 Index (S&P Small Cap 600 Index) and to the Standard & Poors Oil
& Gas Exploration and Production Index (S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production). The graph
assumes that the amount of investment was $100 on September 30, 2000 and that all dividends were
reinvested.
(11)
Total Return to Shareholders
(Includes reinvestment of dividends)
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ANNUAL RETURN PERCENTAGE |
|
|
Years Ending |
Company / Index |
|
Sep01 |
|
Sep02 |
|
Sep03 |
|
Sep04 |
|
Sep05 |
|
PANHANDLE ROYALTY CO |
|
|
10.68 |
|
|
|
-2.26 |
|
|
|
58.31 |
|
|
|
53.52 |
|
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151.02 |
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|
S&P
SMALLCAP 600 INDEX |
|
|
-10.62 |
|
|
|
-1.79 |
|
|
|
26.86 |
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|
24.58 |
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21.22 |
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S&P 500 OIL & GAS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION |
|
|
-22.97 |
|
|
|
11.40 |
|
|
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9.05 |
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51.76 |
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78.13 |
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INDEXED RETURNS |
|
|
Base |
|
|
|
|
Period |
|
Years Ending |
Company / Index |
|
Sep00 |
|
Sep01 |
|
Sep02 |
|
Sep03 |
|
Sep04 |
|
Sep05 |
|
PANHANDLE ROYALTY CO |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
110.68 |
|
|
|
108.18 |
|
|
|
171.26 |
|
|
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262.91 |
|
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|
659.96 |
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|
S&P
SMALLCAP 600 INDEX |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
89.38 |
|
|
|
87.78 |
|
|
|
111.36 |
|
|
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138.73 |
|
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|
168.16 |
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|
S&P 500 OIL & GAS
EXPLORATION
& PRODUCTION |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
77.03 |
|
|
|
85.81 |
|
|
|
93.58 |
|
|
|
142.01 |
|
|
|
252.96 |
|
(12)
Code of Ethics
The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics for senior financial officers. The
Companys President and Chief Executive Officer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
Controller were required to sign the code and will be held to the standards outlined. In addition,
the Board of Directors adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Practices applicable to all directors,
officers and employees of the Company. Copies of both codes of ethics are available at the
Companys website: www.panra.com.
Shareholder Communications with the Board of Directors
The Company provides an informal process for shareholders to send communications to its
Board of Directors. Shareholders who wish to contact the Board of Directors or any of its
individual members may do so by writing to: The Board of Directors, Panhandle Royalty Company,
5400 N. Grand Boulevard, Suite 305, Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5688. Correspondence directed to any
individual Board member is referred, unopened, to that member. Correspondence not directed to a
particular Board member is referred, unopened, to the Chairman of the Board.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys directors and
executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of the Companys Common Stock
(collectively reporting persons) to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial
reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of the Common Stock, and to furnish the
Company with copies of such reports. Based upon a review of the filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and representations that no other reports were filed, the Company believes that
during fiscal 2005 all directors and executive officers complied with the reporting requirements of
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, with the exception of Robert A. Reece who
filed a late report on June 30, 2005 relating to 3,000 shares sold on June 24, 2005.
Shareholder Proposals
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the next annual meeting of
shareholders in February 2007, and to be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy pursuant
to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, must be received by the Company on or
before September 27, 2006. Any such proposals should be in writing and be sent by certified mail,
return receipt requested, to the Companys principal office address shown above.
Annual Financial Report
Copies of the Annual Report to Shareholders for fiscal 2005 are being mailed
simultaneously with this proxy statement.
Form 10-K
A copy of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2005 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is included in the Annual Report to Shareholders enclosed
herewith. Should you
(13)
wish, a separate Form 10-K is available, free of charge, upon written request made
to the Company at the address set forth below, or can be viewed on the Companys website:
www.panra.com.
|
|
|
|
|
Michael C. Coffman, Secretary |
|
|
Panhandle Royalty Company |
|
|
5400 N. Grand Boulevard, Suite 305 |
|
|
Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5688 |
Other Matters
Management knows of no other matters to be brought before the meeting. However, if any
other matters do properly come before the meeting, it is intended that the shares represented by
the proxies in the accompanying form will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the
person voting the proxy. Whether shareholders plan to attend the meeting or not, they are
respectfully urged to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy, which will be returned to them at
the meeting if they are present and so request.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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|
/s/ Michael C. Coffman |
|
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|
Michael C. Coffman, Vice President, Chief |
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|
|
Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer |
|
|
January 25, 2006
(14)
PANHANDLE ROYALTY COMPANY
AUDIT
COMMITTEE CHARTER
(As Adopted December 16, 2004)
Organization
This Charter governs the operations of the Audit Committee (Committee) of Panhandle Royalty
Company (Company). The Committee shall review and reassess this Charter at least annually and
obtain the approval of the Charter by the Board of Directors (Board). The Committee shall consist
of three or more directors appointed annually by the Board, each of whom is independent of
management and the Company. Members of the Committee shall be considered independent as long as
they do not accept any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fees from the Company other than
for Board service and are not an affiliated person of the Company, or its subsidiaries, and meet
such independence and expertise requirements as are applicable under U.S. law, and the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the exchange where the Company is listed.
At least one member of the Committee shall be an audit committee financial expert as defined by
SEC regulations.
Purpose
The Committee shall provide assistance to the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility to
the shareholders, potential shareholders, the investment community, and others relating to: the
integrity of the Companys financial statements; the financial reporting process; the systems of
internal accounting and financial controls; the performance of the Companys independent auditors;
the independent auditors qualification and independence; and the Companys compliance with ethics
policies and legal and regulatory requirements. In so doing, it is the responsibility of the
Committee to maintain free and open communication among the Committee, independent auditors and
management of the Company.
In discharging its oversight role, the Committee is empowered to investigate any matter brought to
its attention with full access to all books, records, facilities and personnel of the Company and
has the authority to engage, without Board approval and at the Companys expense, independent
counsel and other advisors as it determines appropriate to carry out its duties.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the Committee is to oversee the Companys financial reporting process
on behalf of the Board and report the results of their activities to the Board. While the Committee
has the responsibilities and powers set forth in this Charter, it is not the duty of the Committee
to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Companys financial statements are complete and
accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management is
responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Companys financial statements
and for the appropriateness of the accounting principles and reporting policies that are used by
the Company. The independent auditors are responsible for auditing the Companys financial statements
and for reviewing the Companys unaudited interim financial statements.
A-1
The Committee, in carrying out its responsibilities, believes its policies and procedures should
remain flexible in order to best react to changing conditions and circumstances. The Committee
should take appropriate actions to set the overall corporate tone for quality financial
reporting, sound business risk practices and ethical behavior. The following shall be the principal
duties and responsibilities of the Committee. These are set forth as a guide with the understanding
that the Committee may supplement them from time to time as appropriate.
The Committee shall be directly responsible for the appointment, termination, compensation and
oversight of the work of the independent auditors. The Committee shall pre-approve all audit and
nonaudit services provided by the independent auditors and the fees to be paid for those
services and shall not engage the independent auditors to perform any non-audit services prohibited
by law or regulation. The Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to a member of the
Committee. The decisions of any Committee member to whom pre-approval authority is delegated must
be presented to the full Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
Evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent auditors on the
basis of such factors as it shall deem appropriate. Obtain and review a report from the independent
auditors at least annually regarding (a) the auditors internal quality-control procedures, (b) any
material issues raised by the most recent quality-control review, or peer review, of the firm, or
by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the preceding
five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm, (c) any steps taken
to deal with any such issues, and (d) all relationships between the independent auditors and the
Company. Discuss with corporate management the qualifications, independence and performance of the
independent auditors. The independent auditors shall report directly to the Audit Committee and are
ultimately accountable to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.
The Committee shall establish policies for hiring employees or former employees of the
independent auditors.
The Committee shall discuss with the independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their
audits, including the adequacy of staffing and compensation. Also, the Committee shall discuss with
management and the independent auditors the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and
financial controls, including the Companys policies and procedures to assess, monitor and manage
business risk and legal and ethical compliance programs (including the Companys Code of Ethics and
Business Practices).
Provide sufficient opportunity for the independent auditors to meet with the members of the Audit
Committee without members of management present. Among the items to be discussed in these meetings
are the independent auditors evaluation of the Companys financial and accounting personnel, the
cooperation that the independent auditors received during the course of audit, any difficulties
encountered, any restrictions on their work, significant disagreements with corporate management
and their findings and recommendations. Discuss certain matters required to be communicated to the
Audit Committee in accordance with AICPA SAS 61.
The Committee shall receive annual reports from the independent auditors on the critical policies
and practices of the Company, and all alternative treatments of financial information within
generally accepted accounting principles that have been discussed with management.
The Company shall review managements assertion on its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal controls and the independent auditors report on managements assertion.
A-2
The Committee shall review and discuss earnings, press releases, as well as any financial
information and earnings guidance that might be provided to analysts and rating agencies. The
chairman of the Committee may represent the entire Committee for the purposes of these reviews.
The Committee shall review the interim financial statements and disclosures under Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations with management and the
independent auditors prior to the filing of the Companys quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Also, the
Committee shall discuss the results of the quarterly review and any other matters required to be
communicated to the Committee by the independent auditors under generally accepted auditing
standards. The chair of the Committee may represent the entire Committee for the purposes of this
review.
The Committee shall review with management and the independent auditors the financial statements
and disclosures under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations to be included in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K, including their judgment
about the quality, as well as the acceptability, of accounting principles, the reasonableness of
significant judgments, and the clarity of the disclosures in the financial statements. Also, the
Committee shall discuss the results of the annual audit and any other matters required to be
communicated to the Committee by the independent auditors under generally accepted auditing
standards.
The Committee shall establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints
received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and
the confidential anonymous submission by employees of the issuer of concerns regarding questionable
accounting or auditing matters.
The Committee shall receive corporate attorneys reports of evidence of a material violation of
securities laws or breaches of fiduciary duty.
The Committee shall prepare its report to be included in the Companys annual proxy statement as
required by SEC regulations.
The Committee shall evaluate its performance at least annually to determine whether it is
functioning effectively.
The chair of the Committee shall be responsible for keeping accurate minutes of Committee
meetings, reviews, activities and reports. The Committee shall regularly report its activities to
the Board.
Compliance Matters
Discuss with management the Companys compliance with applicable laws and regulations and any
material reports, correspondence or inquiries from regulatory or government agencies and any
employee complaints or published reports which raise material issues regarding the Companys
financial statements or accounting policies.
Obtain reports from management that the Company and its subsidiary entities are in conformity
with applicable legal requirements, legal business policies, regulatory requirements and the
Companys Code of Ethics and Business Practices. Review reports and disclosures of insider and
affiliated party transactions. Advise the Board with respect to the Companys policies and
procedures regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations and with the Companys Code of
Ethics and Business Practices.
A-3
PROXY
Panhandle Royalty Company
Grand Centre, Suite 305, 5400 North Grand Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112-5688
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints L. Kelly Harris and Linda K. Schwartz, or any of
them, as proxies each
with full power of substitution, to represent and vote all of the shares of Class A Common
Stock of Panhandle Royalty Company
held of record by the undersigned on January 19, 2006, at the annual meeting of
shareholders to be held on February 24, 2006, or
any adjournment or postponement thereof. Should other matters properly come before the
meeting, the proxies are further
authorized to vote thereon, in their discretion.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (Two vacancies, each for a 3-year term)
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E. Chris Kauffman
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o
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FOR
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o
|
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR |
H. Grant Swartzwelder
|
|
o
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FOR
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|
o
|
|
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR |
(Please Sign on Reverse Side)
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE
UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL PROPOSALS.
PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS BELOW
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DATED:
|
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|
, 2006 |
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SIGNATURE |
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SIGNATURE, IF HELD JOINTLY |
WHEN SHARES ARE HELD BY JOINT TENANTS, BOTH SHOULD SIGN. WHEN SIGNING AS ATTORNEY,
EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR,
TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE FULL TITLE AS SUCH. IF A CORPORATION, PLEASE SIGN IN
FULL CORPORATE NAME BY PRESIDENT
OR OTHER AUTHORIZED OFFICER. IF A PARTNERSHIP, PLEASE SIGN IN PARTNERSHIP NAME BY
AUTHORIZED PERSON.