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 (Amendment No. )
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Filed by the Registrant þ |
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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Check the appropriate box: |
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o Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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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 |
Deluxe Corporation
(Name
of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name
of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the
Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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þ No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) 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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Deluxe Corporation
3680 Victoria Street N.
Shoreview, MN 55126-2966
P.O. Box 64235
St. Paul, MN 55164-0235
www.deluxe.com |
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 30, 2008
To the Shareholders of Deluxe Corporation:
The 2008 annual meeting of shareholders will be held at the Deluxe Corporation headquarters
located at 3680 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at 2:00
p.m. Central Time for the following purposes:
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To elect ten directors to hold office until the 2009 annual meeting of shareholders. |
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To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31,
2008. |
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To consider and act upon a proposal to approve the Deluxe Corporation 2008 Annual
Incentive Plan so that Deluxe can treat payments under this plan as tax-deductible
performance-based compensation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
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To consider and act upon a proposal to approve the Deluxe Corporation 2008 Stock
Incentive Plan. |
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To take action on any other business that may properly come before the meeting and any
adjournment thereof. |
Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2008, are entitled to vote at the
meeting and at any adjournment thereof.
This year, we are furnishing proxy materials to our shareholders over the Internet. This
process expedites the delivery of proxy materials and saves the
company expense. In addition, materials remain
easily accessible to shareholders, and shareholders receive clear
instructions for requesting paper copies of these materials and voting.
We are mailing the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (Internet Notice) to
shareholders on or about March 17, 2008. The Internet Notice contains instructions for your use of
this new process, including how to access our Proxy Statement and Annual Report and how to vote
online. In addition, the Internet Notice contains instructions on how you may (i) receive a paper
copy of the Proxy Statement and Annual Report, if you received only an Internet Notice this year,
or (ii) elect to receive your Proxy Statement and Annual Report only over the Internet, if you
received them by mail this year.
It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you
plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please return your vote as soon as possible to ensure
the presence of a quorum and save Deluxe further expense. You may vote your shares over the
Internet. If you received a paper copy of the proxy card by mail, you may sign, date and mail the
proxy card in the envelope provided. Instructions regarding the methods of voting are contained in
the Internet Notice and in the Proxy Statement. Voting over the Internet or by mailing a proxy
card will not limit your right to vote in person or to attend the Annual Meeting.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anthony C. Scarfone
Secretary
March 10, 2008
DELUXE CORPORATION
3680 Victoria Street N., Shoreview, Minnesota 55126-2966
Proxy Statement
2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 30, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
What is the purpose of the meeting?
At our annual meeting, shareholders will act on the matters disclosed in the Notice of Annual
Meeting of Shareholders that preceded this proxy statement. The four proposals scheduled to be
voted on at the meeting are to:
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Elect ten directors; |
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Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Deluxes independent
registered public accounting firm; |
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Approve the Annual Incentive Plan; and |
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Approve the Stock Incentive Plan. |
We will also consider any other business that may be properly presented at the meeting
(although we are not expecting any other matters to be presented), and management will report on
Deluxes performance during the last fiscal year and respond to questions from shareholders.
The Board of Directors of Deluxe is asking you to vote on the proposed items of business.
How does the Board recommend that I vote?
The Board of Directors recommends a vote:
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FOR all of the nominees for director; |
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FOR the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Deluxes
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2008; |
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FOR approval of the Annual Incentive Plan; and |
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FOR approval of the Stock Incentive Plan. |
Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?
The Board has set March 5, 2008, as the record date for the meeting. If you were a
shareholder of record at the close of business on March 5, 2008, you are entitled to vote at the
meeting. You have one vote for each share of common stock you held on the record date.
As of the record date, 51,524,764 shares of Deluxe common stock were outstanding. Deluxe does
not have any other class of capital stock outstanding.
How many shares must be present to hold the meeting?
A quorum is necessary to hold the meeting and conduct business. The presence of shareholders
who can direct the vote (with respect to the election of directors) of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of common stock as of the record date is considered a quorum. A shareholder is
counted present at the meeting if:
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the shareholder is present and votes in person at the meeting; or |
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the shareholder has properly submitted a proxy or voted by telephone or through the
Internet. |
What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a street name holder?
If your shares are registered directly in your name, you are considered the shareholder of
record with respect to those shares.
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are
still considered the beneficial owner of the shares, but your shares are held in street name.
How do I vote my shares?
We are mailing the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the Internet Notice)
to shareholders of record on or about March 17, 2008. You will not receive a printed copy of the
proxy materials unless you request to receive these materials in hard copy by following the
instructions provided in the Internet Notice. Instead, the Internet Notice will instruct
- 5 -
you how you may access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy
materials. The Internet Notice also instructs you how you may submit your proxy via the Internet.
If you received an Internet Notice by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy
materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the
Internet Notice.
Via the Internet You can simplify your voting by voting your shares via the Internet as
instructed in the Internet Notice. The Internet procedures are designed to authenticate your
identity to allow you to vote your shares and confirm that your instructions have been property
recorded.
Internet voting facilities for shareholders of record are available 24 hours a day and will
close at 11:59 p.m. (CT) on April 29, 2008. You may access this Proxy Statement and related
materials by going to http://www.investoreconnect.com and entering the control number as shown on
your Internet Notice. You will then be directed to select a link to www.proxyvote.com where you
will be able to vote on the proposals presented here.
By Mail Shareholders who receive a paper proxy card may elect to vote by mail and should
complete, sign and date their proxy card and mail it in the pre-addressed envelope that accompanies
the delivery of paper proxy cards. Proxy cards submitted by mail must be received by the time of
the Annual Meeting in order for your shares to be voted. Shareholders who hold shares beneficially
in street name may vote by mail by requesting a paper proxy card according to the instructions
contained in the Internet Notice received from your broker or other agent, and then completing,
signing and dating the voting instructions card provided by the brokers or other agents and mailing
it in the pre-addressed envelope provided.
By Telephone Shareholders may elect to vote over the telephone by calling 800-690-6903
(toll-free). The telephone voting procedures have been set up for your convenience. The
procedures have been designed to verify your identity, to allow you to give voting instructions and
to confirm that those instructions have been recorded properly.
What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials?
It means you hold shares registered in more than one account. To ensure that all of your
shares are voted, if you vote by telephone or through the Internet, vote once for each Internet
Notice you receive. If you wish to consolidate your accounts, please contact our stock transfer
agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., at P.O. Box 64854, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164 or by telephone at
800-468-9716 (toll-free).
You may also receive a voting instructions card which looks very similar to a proxy card.
Voting instructions are prepared by brokers, banks or other nominees for shareholders who hold
shares in street name.
Can I vote my shares in person at the meeting?
Yes. If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote your shares at the meeting by
completing a ballot at the meeting. However, even if you currently plan to attend the meeting, we
recommend that you submit your proxy ahead of time so that your vote will be counted if, for
whatever reason, you later decide not to attend the meeting.
If you hold your shares in street name, you may vote your shares in person at the meeting only
if you obtain a signed proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee giving you the right to vote
such shares at the meeting.
What vote is required to elect directors?
In accordance with Minnesota law, directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast. This
means that the ten nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected, provided that a
quorum is present at the meeting.
What vote is required on proposals other than the election of directors?
With respect to each item of business to be voted on at the meeting other than the election of
directors, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote with
respect to that item is required for the approval of the item (provided that the total number of
shares voted in favor of the proposal constitutes more than 25 percent of the outstanding shares).
How are votes counted?
Shareholders may either vote FOR or WITHHOLD authority to vote for the nominees for the
Board of Directors. Shareholders may also vote FOR, AGAINST or ABSTAIN on the other
proposals.
If you vote WITHHOLD or ABSTAIN, your shares will be counted as present at the meeting for the
purposes of determining a quorum.
- 6 -
If you WITHHOLD authority to vote for one or more of the directors, this has the same effect
as a vote against the director or directors for which you WITHHOLD your authority. If you ABSTAIN
from voting on the proposals, your abstention has the same effect as a vote against those
proposals.
If you hold your shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions to your broker,
your shares will be counted as present at the meeting for purpose of determining a quorum. Your
shares may be voted on Item 1: Election of Directors and Item 2: Ratification of Appointment of
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, at the discretion of your broker. Your shares will
not be voted on any proposal for which your broker does not have discretionary authority to vote,
in this case Item 3: Approval of the Annual Incentive Plan and Item 4: Approval of the Stock
Incentive Plan. As a result, please be sure to provide instructions to your broker so your shares
can be voted on Items 3 and 4.
What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?
If you vote your shares directly (as opposed to voting through a broker or other intermediary)
and do not specify on your proxy card (or when giving your proxy by telephone or via the Internet)
how you want to vote your shares, we will vote them:
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FOR the election of all of the nominees for director; |
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FOR the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Deluxes
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2008; |
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FOR the approval of the Annual Incentive Plan; and |
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FOR the approval of the Stock Incentive Plan. |
Can I change my vote?
Yes. You may change your vote and revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the
meeting in any of the following ways:
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by sending a written notice of revocation to Deluxes Corporate Secretary; |
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by submitting another properly signed proxy card at a later date to the Corporate
Secretary; |
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by submitting another proxy by telephone or through the Internet at a later date; or |
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by voting in person at the meeting. |
Who pays the cost of proxy preparation and solicitation?
Deluxe pays for the cost of proxy preparation and solicitation, including the charges and
expenses of brokerage firms or other nominees for forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.
We have retained Georgeson Shareholder Communications, Inc., a proxy solicitation firm, to assist
in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of approximately $7,500, plus associated costs and
expenses.
We are soliciting proxies primarily by use of the Internet. In addition, proxies may be
solicited by mail, telephone or facsimile, or personally by directors, officers and regular
employees of Deluxe. These individuals receive no additional compensation beyond their regular
salaries for these services.
STOCK OWNERSHIP AND REPORTING
Director and Executive Officer Ownership Guidelines
The Board has established stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers.
These guidelines set ownership targets for each director and officer, with the expectation that the
target be achieved within five years of the later of the date the ownership guidelines were
implemented or the individual first became a director or officer, whichever is applicable. The
Board also maintains guidelines restricting a directors or officers ability to sell shares
received upon the exercise of options or vesting of other stock-based awards until they have
achieved their ownership targets. The ownership target for non-employee directors is shares having
a value of at least five times the current Board retainer. Executive officers have targets based
on a multiple of their annual base salary. The ownership target for the Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) is five times his annual base salary, the target for the Companys Senior Vice Presidents
is two times their annual base salary, and the target for the Companys Vice Presidents who are
members of the Companys Executive Leadership Team is one and one-half times their annual base
salary.
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table shows, as of March 5, 2008 (unless otherwise noted), the number of shares
of common stock beneficially owned by (1) each person who is known by Deluxe to beneficially own
more than five percent of Deluxes outstanding common stock, (2) each director and nominee for
director of Deluxe, (3) each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table that appears
on page 28 in this proxy statement (each, a Named Executive Officer), and (4) all of the current
directors, nominees and executive officers of Deluxe as a group. Except as otherwise indicated,
the shareholders listed in the table have sole voting and investment powers with respect to the
common stock owned by them.
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Amount and |
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Nature of |
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Beneficial |
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Name of Beneficial Owner |
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Ownership |
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Percent of Class |
Barclays 1
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6,541,900 |
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12.41 |
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State Street Bank and Trust Co. 2
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4,565,974 |
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8.86 |
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Lee J. Schram 3
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315,966 |
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Richard S. Greene 4
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41,379 |
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Anthony C. Scarfone 5
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164,020 |
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Luann E. Widener 6
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89,039 |
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Terry D. Peterson 7
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26,406 |
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Ronald C. Baldwin
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1,000 |
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Charles A. Haggerty 8
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48,179 |
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Isaiah Harris, Jr. 9
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9,494 |
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Don J. McGrath 10
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1,955 |
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Cheryl E. Mayberry McKissack 11
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15,382 |
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Neil J. Metviner
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Stephen P. Nachtsheim 12
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30,006 |
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Mary Ann ODwyer 13
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16,676 |
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Martyn R. Redgrave 14
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22,225 |
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All directors, nominees and executive officers
as a group (18 persons) 15
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867,181 |
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1.67 |
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Less than 1 percent. |
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Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 10,
2008, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2007 by Barclays Global Investors,
NA., (4,397,258 shares, 3,874,436 shares to which it holds sole voting power), Barclays Global
Fund Advisors (1,757,664 shares), Barclays Global Investors, Ltd. (290,750 shares, 248,649
shares to which it holds sole voting power), Barclays Global Investors Japan Limited (80,853
shares), and Barclays Global Investors Canada Limited (15,375 shares). These entities report
their ownership as a group and are, collectively, the beneficial owners of 6,541,900 shares of
common stock. |
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Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12,
2008, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2007 by State Street Bank and Trust
Company. |
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Includes 185,733 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that will become exercisable
within 60 days, and 98,838 shares of restricted stock. |
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Includes 19,300 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that will become exercisable
within 60 days, and 17,687 shares of restricted stock. |
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Includes 127,925 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that are currently
exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days, and 14,130 shares of restricted stock. |
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Includes 54,903 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable
or will become exercisable within 60 days, and 16,350 shares of restricted stock. |
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Includes 14,484 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable
or will become exercisable within 60 days, and 5,630 shares of restricted stock. |
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Includes 4,000 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable
or will become exercisable within 60 days, 1,320 shares of restricted stock, 32,727 shares
held by the Haggerty Family Trust, and 7,861 restricted stock units received in lieu of
directors fees pursuant to the deferral option under the Deluxe Corporation Non-Employee
Director Stock and Deferral Plan (the Director Plan). |
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Includes 1,000 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable
or will become exercisable within 60 days, 1,320 shares of restricted stock, and 3,903
restricted stock units received in lieu of directors fees pursuant to the deferral option
under the Director Plan. |
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Includes 955 restricted stock units received in lieu of directors fees pursuant to the
deferral option under the Director Plan. |
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Includes 4,000 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable
or will become exercisable within 60 days, and 1,320 shares of restricted stock. |
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Includes 4,000 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable
or will become exercisable within 60 days, 1,320 shares of restricted stock, 2,000 shares held
by the Nachtsheim Family Trust and 17,029 restricted stock units received in lieu of
directors fees pursuant to the deferral option under the Director Plan. |
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Includes 2,000 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable
or will become exercisable within 60 days, 1,320 shares of restricted stock, and 10,085
restricted stock units received in lieu of directors fees pursuant to the deferral option
under the Director Plan. |
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Includes 4,000 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable
or will become exercisable within 60 days, 1,320 shares of restricted stock, and 11,634
restricted stock units received in lieu of directors fees pursuant to the deferral option
under the Director Plan. |
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Includes 477,031 shares receivable upon the exercise of options that are currently
exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days, 182,281 shares of restricted stock, and
51,467 restricted stock units received in lieu of directors fees pursuant to the deferral
option under the Director Plan. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and
related regulations, require Deluxes directors and executive officers, and any persons holding
more than ten percent of Deluxes common stock (collectively, Reporting Persons), to report their
initial ownership of Deluxe securities and any subsequent changes in that ownership to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Based on our review of the reports filed and written
representations submitted by the Reporting Persons, we believe that all Reporting Persons timely
filed all required Section 16(a) reports for the most recent fiscal year.
ITEM 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees for Election
There are currently ten individuals serving on the Board of Directors. As of the date of the
meeting the Board has set the size of the Board at ten directors and recommends that the ten
individuals presented on the following pages be elected to serve on the Board until the 2009 annual
meeting of shareholders. All of the nominees are current directors. In addition, with the
exception of Mr. Schram, who serves as Deluxes CEO and therefore cannot be deemed independent, all
nominees have been determined by the Board to meet the independence standards of the New York Stock
Exchange (see the discussion of Director Independence in the BOARD STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE
section of this proxy statement).
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Each of the ten individuals listed has consented to being named as a nominee in this proxy
statement and has indicated a willingness to serve if elected. However, if any nominee becomes
unable to serve before the election, the shares
represented by proxies may be voted for a substitute designated by the Board, unless a
contrary instruction is indicated on the proxy.
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RONALD C. BALDWIN
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Age 61 |
Director Since June 2007 |
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Vice Chairman (Retired), Huntington Bancshares Inc. |
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Mr. Baldwin served as Vice Chairman of Huntington Bancshares Inc. from April
2001 until his retirement in December 2006. Huntington is a regional bank
holding company, and Mr. Baldwin was responsible for overseeing Huntingtons
regional banking line of business, which provided both commercial and retail
financial products and services through nearly 400 regional banking offices.
Mr. Baldwin is a 35-year veteran of the banking and financial services
industry. |
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CHARLES A. HAGGERTY
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Age 66 |
Director Since December 2000 |
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Chairman (Retired), Western Digital Corporation
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Mr. Haggerty was Chairman of the Board of Western Digital Corporation from July
1993 until his retirement in June 2000. Mr. Haggerty was also Chief Executive
Officer of Western Digital from July 1993 to January 2000, and was President
from June 1992 to July 1993. Western Digital is a manufacturer of hard disk
drives. Mr. Haggerty is also a director of Beckman Coulter, Inc., Pentair,
Inc., Imation Corp and LSI Corporation. |
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ISAIAH HARRIS, JR.
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Age 55 |
Director Since August 2004 |
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President (Retired), BellSouth Advertising & Publishing Group
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Prior to the December 29, 2006, acquisition of BellSouth Corporation
(BellSouth) by AT&T Corp., Mr. Harris served as President of BellSouth
Advertising & Publishing Group (A&P), a subsidiary of BellSouth, a position
he assumed in December 2004. A&P was responsible for the marketing and
publishing of The Real Yellow Pages® from BellSouth, and included BellSouth
Advertising & Publishing Corporation, The Berry Company, Stevens Graphics and
IntelliVentures. Mr. Harris also was responsible for the corporations Asian
and South American wireless telecommunications operations. Effective February
7, 2007, Mr. Harris resigned from AT&T. He joined BellSouth in 1997, and
during his tenure there held various executive positions, including President
of BellSouth Enterprises from January to December 2004, President of Consumer
Services from September 2000 to December 2003, and Vice President of Finance
from January to September 2000. Mr. Harris also serves as a director of CIGNA
Corporation. |
- 10 -
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DON J. McGRATH
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Age 59 |
Director Since June 2007 |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BancWest Corporation
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BancWest is a $70 billion bank holding company serving nearly four million
households and businesses, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas, a
European leader in banking and financial services. Mr. McGrath has served as
BancWests Chairman and CEO since January 2005 and as a director since 1998.
Prior to becoming CEO, he served as BancWests President and Chief Operating
Officer, from November 1998 to December 2004. Mr. McGrath served as CEO of
Bank of the West from 1996 through the end of 2007 and currently serves as
Chairman of the Bank of the West and Vice Chairman of First Hawaiian Bank, both
of which are subsidiaries of BancWest. In 2008, Mr. McGrath received a
Presidential appointment to the Presidents Council on Financial Literacy. He
has nearly 40 years of experience in the banking and financial services
industry. |
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CHERYL E. MAYBERRY McKISSACK
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Age 52 |
Director Since December 2000 |
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President and Chief Executive Officer, Nia Enterprises, LLC
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Nia Enterprises, LLC is an interactive communications company for research
services and diversity marketing, which Ms. Mayberry McKissack founded in 2000.
From November 1997 to November 2000, Ms. Mayberry McKissack served as Senior
Vice President and General Manager of worldwide sales and marketing for Open
Port Technology, Inc., a provider of Internet infrastructure messaging
solutions. Ms. Mayberry McKissack also serves as a director of Private
Bancorp, Inc. |
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NEIL J. METVINER
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Age 49 |
Director Since June 2007 |
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Executive Vice President and President, Global Mailstream, Europe, Pitney Bowes, Inc.
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Mr. Metviner joined Pitney Bowes in 2000, and maintains full oversight
responsibility for the companys European mailing operations. Serving over two
million customers worldwide from the largest global enterprise to the
smallest home office Pitney Bowes is a global mailstream technology company,
offering hardware, software and services to help companies optimize the flow of
physical and electronic mail, documents and packages across their operations. |
- 11 -
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STEPHEN P. NACHTSHEIM
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Age 63 |
Director Since November 1995 |
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Non-Executive Chairman of Deluxe and Vice President (Retired), Intel Corporation
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In November 2005, Mr. Nachtsheim was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the
Board of Deluxe. Prior to that, he served as the Boards Lead Independent
Director, a role he had assumed in December 2003. Mr. Nachtsheim was a
Corporate Vice President of Intel Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of
integrated circuits, microprocessors and other electronic components, and the
co-director of Intel Capital from 1998 until his retirement in August 2001. |
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MARY ANN ODWYER
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Age 52 |
Director Since October 2003 |
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Senior Vice President Finance and Operations and Chief Financial Officer, Wheels, Inc.
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Ms. ODwyer joined Wheels, Inc. in 1991 and has been their Chief Financial
Officer since 1994. She also has held the position of Senior Vice President
Finance and Operations since 2000. Wheels, Inc. is a major provider of
automotive fleet management services. Ms. ODwyer also serves as a director of
Wheels, Inc. |
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MARTYN R. REDGRAVE
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Age 55 |
Director Since August 2001 |
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Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Limited Brands, Inc.
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Mr. Redgrave has been serving as Executive Vice President and Chief
Administrative Officer of Limited Brands, Inc., since March 2005, and also
served as Chief Financial Officer from January 2006 to May 2007. Limited
Brands is one of the worlds leading personal care, beauty, intimate apparel
and apparel specialty retailers. Prior to joining Limited Brands, Mr. Redgrave
served for eleven years as the Executive Vice President-Finance and Chief
Financial Officer of Carlson Companies, Inc., a worldwide provider of
hospitality, travel and marketing services. |
- 12 -
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LEE J. SCHRAM
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Age 46 |
Director Since May 2006 |
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Chief Executive Officer of Deluxe
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Mr. Schram became CEO of Deluxe Corporation on May 1, 2006. Prior to joining
Deluxe, Mr. Schram served as senior vice president of NCR Corporations Retail
Solutions Division, with responsibilities for NCRs global retail store
automation and point-of-sale solutions business, including development,
engineering, marketing, sales, and support functions. Mr. Schram began his
professional career with NCR Corporation in 1983, where he held a variety of
positions of increasing responsibility that included both domestic and
international assignments. From September 2000 to January 2002, he served as
chief financial officer for the Retail and Financial Group. Thereafter, he
became vice president and general manager of Payment and Imaging Solutions in
NCRs Financial Services Division, a position he held until March 2003, when he
became senior vice president of the Retail Solutions Division. |
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the election of each nominee named above.
BOARD STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE
Board Oversight and Director Independence
Deluxes business, property and affairs are managed under the general direction of our Board
of Directors. In providing this oversight, the Board adheres to a set of Corporate Governance
Guidelines designed to ensure that the Board has access to relevant information, and is structured
and operates in a manner allowing it to exercise independent business judgment. The complete text
of Deluxes Corporate Governance Guidelines is posted on the Investor Relations page of the
Investors section of our website at www.deluxe.com under the Corporate Governance
caption.
A critical component of our corporate governance philosophy is that a majority of our
directors, and preferably a substantial majority, be individuals who meet strict standards of
independence, meaning that they have no relationship with Deluxe, directly or indirectly, that
could impair their ability to make objective and informed judgments regarding all matters of
significance to Deluxe and its shareholders. The listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) require that a majority of our directors be independent, and that our Corporate
Governance, Audit and Compensation Committees be comprised entirely of independent directors. In
order to be deemed independent, a director must be determined by the Board to have no material
relationship with Deluxe other than as a director. In accordance with the NYSE listing standards,
our Board has adopted formal Director Independence Standards setting forth the specific criteria by
which the independence of our directors will be determined, including restrictions on the nature
and extent of any affiliations directors and their immediate family members may have with Deluxe,
its independent registered public accounting firm, or any commercial or not-for-profit entity with
which Deluxe has a relationship. Consistent with regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC), our Director Independence Standards also prohibit Audit Committee members from
accepting, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from Deluxe,
other than in their capacity as Board or committee members. The complete text of our Director
Independence Standards is posted on the Investor Relations page of the Investors section of our
website at www.deluxe.com under the Corporate Governance caption.
The Board has determined that every director and nominee, with the exception of Mr. Schram,
satisfies our Director Independence Standards. The Board also has determined that every member of
its Corporate Governance, Audit and Compensation Committees is an independent director.
- 13 -
Related Party Transaction Policy and Procedures
The Board maintains written procedures under which the Corporate Governance Committee is
responsible for reviewing potential or actual conflicts of interest, including any proposed related
party transactions and interlocking relationships between executives and Board members. The
Committee will determine whether any such potential or actual conflicts would require disclosure
under securities laws, cause a director to be disqualified from being deemed independent, or cause
a transaction being considered by the Board to be voidable if the conflict were not disclosed. The
Committee also will consider whether the proposed transaction would result in a violation of any
law or be inappropriate in light of the nature and magnitude of any interest of the director or
executive in the entity or transaction giving rise to the potential conflict.
The Committee may take those actions it deems necessary, with the assistance of any advisors
it deems appropriate, in considering potential conflicts of interest. While it is expected that in
most instances the Committee can make the necessary determination, where required by state law or
due to the significance of the issue, the matter will be referred to the full Board for resolution.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
There were seven meetings of the Board of Directors in 2007, six of which were regular
meetings. Each director attended, in person or by telephone, at least 75 percent of the aggregate
of all meetings of the Board and its committees on which he or she served during the year. It is
our policy that directors attend our annual shareholder meetings and all such directors are
expected to be in attendance at this years meeting. Seven of the eight directors then serving on
the Board attended last years annual meeting of shareholders.
The Board of Directors has four standing committees:
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Audit Committee; |
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Compensation Committee; |
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Corporate Governance Committee; and |
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Finance Committee. |
Each of the Board committees has a written charter, approved by the Board, establishing the
authority and responsibilities of the committee. Each committees charter is posted on the
Investor Relations page of the Investors section of our website at www.deluxe.com under the
Corporate Governance caption. A copy of each charter is available in print free of charge to any
shareholder who submits a request to: Corporate Secretary, Deluxe Corporation, 3680 Victoria
Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.
The following tables provide a summary of each committees responsibilities, the number of
meetings held by each committee during the last fiscal year and the names of the directors
currently serving on the committee.
Audit Committee
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Responsibilities
Appoints and replaces the independent
registered public accounting firm, subject to
ratification by our shareholders, and oversees
the work of the independent registered public
accounting firm.
Pre-approves all auditing services and
permitted non-audit services to be performed by
the independent registered public accounting
firm, including related fees.
Reviews and discusses with management and
the independent registered public accounting firm
our annual audited financial statements and
recommends to the Board whether the audited
financial statements should be included in
Deluxes Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Reviews and discusses with management and
the independent registered public accounting firm
our quarterly financial statements and the
associated earnings news releases.
Reviews and discusses with management and
the independent registered public accounting firm
significant reporting issues and judgments
relating to the preparation of our financial
statements, including the adequacy of internal
controls.
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|
Number of meetings in
2007: 10
Directors who serve on the
committee:
Martyn R. Redgrave, Chair
Ronald C. Baldwin
Isaiah Harris, Jr.
Cheryl E. Mayberry McKissack
Mary Ann ODwyer
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- 14 -
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Reviews and discusses with the
independent registered public accounting firm our
critical accounting policies and practices,
alternative treatments of financial information
within generally accepted accounting principles
that have been discussed with management, and
other material written communications between the
independent registered public accounting firm and
management.
Oversees the work of our internal
auditors.
Reviews the effectiveness of Deluxes
legal and ethical compliance programs and
maintains procedures for receiving, retaining and
handling complaints by employees regarding
accounting, internal controls and auditing
matters. |
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Compensation Committee
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Responsibilities
Develops our executive compensation philosophy.
Evaluates and recommends incentive compensation plans for
executive officers and other key managers, and all equity-based
compensation plans, and oversees the administration of these and
other employee compensation and benefit plans.
Reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives
relating to the CEOs compensation, leads an annual evaluation of
the CEOs performance in light of those goals and objectives, and
determines, in conjunction with the Board, the CEOs compensation
based on this evaluation.
Reviews and approves other executive officers
compensation.
Establishes and certifies attainment of incentive
compensation goals and performance measurements applicable to our
executive officers.
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|
Number of meetings in
2007: 6
Directors who serve on the
committee:
Charles A. Haggerty, Chair
Don J. McGrath
Neil J. Metviner
Stephen P. Nachtsheim
|
Corporate Governance Committee
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|
Responsibilities
Reviews and recommends the size and composition of the
Board, including the mix of management and independent
directors.
Establishes criteria and procedures for identifying and
evaluating potential Board candidates.
Reviews nominations received from the Board or
shareholders, and recommends candidates for election to the
Board.
Establishes policies and procedures to ensure the
effectiveness of the Board, including policies regarding term
limits, review of qualifications of incumbent directors, and
conflicts of interest.
Establishes guidelines for conducting Board meetings.
Oversees the annual assessment of the Boards
performance.
In consultation with the Compensation Committee, reviews
and recommends to the Board the amount and form of all
compensation paid to directors.
Recommends to the Board the size, composition and
responsibilities of all Board committees.
Reviews and recommends candidates for key executive
officer positions and monitors management succession plans.
Develops and recommends corporate governance guidelines,
policies and procedures.
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|
Number of meetings in
2007: 4
Directors who serve on the
committee:
Cheryl E. Mayberry McKissack,
Chair
Isaiah Harris, Jr.
Don J. McGrath
Stephen P. Nachtsheim
|
- 15 -
Finance Committee
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Responsibilities
Evaluates acquisitions,
divestitures and capital projects
in excess of $5 million, and
reviews other material financial
transactions outside the scope of
normal on-going business activity.
Reviews and approves the
Companys annual financing plans,
as well as credit facilities
maintained by the Company.
Reviews and recommends
policies concerning corporate
finance matters, including
capitalization, investment of
assets and debt/equity guidelines.
Reviews and recommends
dividend policy and approves
declarations of regular
shareholder dividends.
Reviews and makes
recommendations to the Board
regarding financial strategy and
proposals concerning the sale,
repurchase or split of Deluxe
securities.
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|
Number of meetings in
2007: 6
Directors who serve on the
committee:
Mary Ann ODwyer, Chair
Ronald C. Baldwin
Charles A. Haggerty
Neil J. Metviner
Martyn R. Redgrave
|
Corporate Governance Principles
As indicated above, our Board has adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines to assist
it in carrying out its oversight responsibilities. These Guidelines address a broad range of
topics, including director qualifications, director nomination processes, term limits, Board and
committee structure and process, Board evaluations, director education, CEO evaluation, management
succession planning and conflicts of interest. The complete text of the Guidelines is posted on
the Investor Relations page of the Investors section of our website at www.deluxe.com under the
Corporate Governance caption. A copy of the Guidelines is available in print free of charge to
any shareholder who submits a request to: Corporate Secretary, Deluxe Corporation, 3680 Victoria
Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
All of our directors and employees, including our CEO, Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Accounting Officer and other executives, are required to comply with our Code of Ethics and
Business Conduct (Code of Ethics) to help ensure that our business is conducted in accordance
with the highest legal and ethical standards. Our Code of Ethics requires strict adherence to the
letter and spirit of all laws and regulations applicable to our business and covers all areas of
professional conduct, including customer relationships, respect for co-workers, conflicts of
interest, insider trading, the integrity of our financial recordkeeping and reporting, and the
protection of our intellectual property and confidential information. Employees are required to
bring any violations and suspected violations of the Code of Ethics to Deluxes attention through
management or Deluxes law department, or by using our confidential compliance hotline.
The full text of our Code of Ethics is posted on the Investor Relations page of the Investors
section of our website at www.deluxe.com under the Corporate Governance caption. The
Code of Ethics is available in print free of charge to any shareholder who submits a request to:
Corporate Secretary, Deluxe Corporation, 3680 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.
Board Composition and Qualifications
Our Corporate Governance Committee oversees the process for identifying and evaluating
candidates for the Board of Directors. Directors and nominees for director should have diverse
backgrounds and possess the qualifications, experience and knowledge to enable them to contribute
effectively to the evaluation of our business strategies and to the Boards oversight role. The
Corporate Governance Committee believes that a predominance of Board members should have a
background in business and should include both actively employed and retired senior corporate
officers, and that directors should range in age so as to maintain a sound balance of board tenure
and experience, as well as staggered retirement dates.
The Board of Directors has established the following specific guidelines for nominees to the
Board:
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A majority of the Board must be comprised of independent directors, the current
standards for which are discussed above under Board Oversight and Director
Independence. |
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As a general rule, non-employees should not be nominated for re-election to the Board
after their 72nd birthday or having served for 12 years from their initial
election to the Board, although the Board retains the ability to grant exemptions to
these limits where it determines that such an exemption will serve the interests of
Deluxe and its shareholders. |
- 16 -
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A non-employee director who ceases to hold the employment position held at the time
of election to the Board, or who has a significant change in position, should offer to
resign. The Corporate Governance Committee will then consider whether the change of
status is likely to impact the directors qualifications and make a recommendation to
the Board as to whether the resignation should be accepted. |
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Management directors who terminate employment with Deluxe should offer to resign.
The Board will then decide whether to accept the directors resignation, provided that
no more than one former CEO should serve on the Board at any one time. |
Other selection criteria used to evaluate potential candidates may include successful senior
level business management experience or experience that fulfills a specific need, prior experience
and proven accomplishment as a director of a public company, commitment to attending Board and
committee meetings, a reputation for honesty and integrity, interest in serving the needs of
shareholders, employees and communities in which we operate, and compatibility with existing
directors.
Director Selection Process
All Board members are elected annually by our shareholders, subject to the Boards right to
fill vacancies in existing or new director positions on an interim basis. Based on advice from the
Corporate Governance Committee, each year the Board will recommend a slate of directors to be
presented for election at the annual meeting of shareholders.
The Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates submitted by members of the Board
and our shareholders, and the Committee will review such candidates in accordance with our bylaws
and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Candidates nominated by shareholders are
evaluated in accordance with the same criteria and using the same procedures as candidates
submitted by Board members or the CEO.
When a vacancy or a new position on the Board needs to be filled, the CEO, in consultation
with the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee, will draft a profile of the candidate he or
she believes would provide the most meaningful contributions to the Board as a whole. The profile
will be submitted to the Corporate Governance Committee for approval. In order to properly staff
its various committees and support its succession planning initiatives, the Board currently
believes that a Board consisting of nine to eleven directors is the optimal size. The Corporate
Governance Committee has made it a practice in recent years to engage third-party search firms to
assist it in identifying suitable candidates. The firms selected, as well as the specific terms of
the engagement, are based on the specific search criteria established by the Committee. Members of
the Board also are given the opportunity to submit names of potential candidates based on the
profile developed. Each candidate will be subject to an initial screening process after which the
Corporate Governance Committee will select the candidates that it wishes to interview. The Chair
of the Board, CEO and at least a majority of the Corporate Governance Committee will interview each
candidate and, concurrently with the interviews, the candidate will confirm his or her availability
for regularly scheduled Board and committee meetings. The Committee will also assess each
candidates potential conflicts of interest. The Committee will review the interviewers reports
and recommendations, and make the final determination as to which candidates will be recommended
for election to the Board. Depending on when suitable candidates are identified, the Board may
decide to appoint a new director to serve on the Board until the next annual meeting of
shareholders.
Our bylaws stipulate that if a shareholder wishes to nominate a candidate at the annual
meeting of shareholders, the shareholder must give written notice of the nomination to our CEO or
Corporate Secretary no later than the deadline for submitting shareholder proposals for the
applicable annual meeting. The shareholder must attend the meeting with the candidate and propose
the candidates nomination for election to the Board at the meeting. The shareholders notice must
set forth as to each nominee: (1) the name, age, business address and residence address of the
person, (2) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (3) the number of shares of our
stock owned by the person, (4) the written and acknowledged statement of the person that such
person is willing to serve as a director, and (5) any other information relating to the person that
would be required to be disclosed in a solicitation of proxies for election of directors pursuant
to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if the candidate had been
nominated by or on behalf of the Board. No shareholders submitted director nominations in
connection with this years meeting. Any shareholders desiring to present a candidate at the 2009
annual meeting of shareholders must do so prior to November 10, 2008.
Non-Executive Chairman; Executive Sessions
Mr. Nachtsheim is the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board and is expected to serve until such
time as a new Chair is elected by the Board. He has been re-nominated to a thirteenth term on the
Board to provide continuity in the Chairman position in light of the recent addition of several new
Board members, and to minimize the risk of distraction from a change in the Board leadership as Mr.
Schram continues to transition into his role as CEO. Mr. Nachtsheims duties include moderating
- 17 -
meetings or executive sessions of the independent directors and acting as the principal
liaison between the independent directors and the CEO with respect to Board governance issues. Our
independent directors make it a practice to meet in executive session without management present at
each Board meeting. Likewise, all Board committees regularly meet in executive session without
management.
Communications with Directors
Any interested party having concerns about our governance or business practices, or otherwise
wishing to communicate with our independent directors, may submit their concerns in writing to the
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board or the independent directors as a group in the care of the
office of: Corporate Secretary, Deluxe Corporation, 3680 Victoria Street North, Shoreview,
Minnesota 55126.
Audit Committee Expertise; Complaint-Handling Procedures
In addition to meeting the independence requirements of the NYSE and the SEC, all members of
the Audit Committee have been determined by the Board to meet the financial literacy requirements
of the NYSEs listing standards. The Board also has determined that at least one member of the
Audit Committee, including Martyn Redgrave, the Committee Chair, is an audit committee financial
expert as defined by SEC regulations.
In accordance with federal law, the Audit Committee has adopted procedures governing the
receipt, retention and handling of complaints regarding accounting and auditing matters. These
procedures include a means for employees to submit concerns on a confidential and anonymous basis,
through Deluxes compliance hotline.
Compensation Committee Processes and Procedures
The authority and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are governed by its charter,
a copy of which can be found on Deluxe Corporations website at www.deluxe.com, together with
applicable laws, rules, regulations and NYSE listing standards.
The Compensation Committee is authorized to review and approve corporate goals and objectives
related to the CEOs compensation, lead the Boards evaluation of the CEOs performance in light of
those goals and objectives, and determine the CEOs compensation based on the evaluation and input
from the Board as a whole. The Committee is expected to engage the entire Board in its evaluation
of the CEOs performance and appropriate level of compensation.
The Committee also reviews and approves each executive officers base pay and incentive
compensation levels, stock ownership targets, employment-related agreements and any special benefit
plans or programs for executives. As part of this responsibility, the Committee evaluates and
makes recommendations to the Board regarding the Companys compensation philosophy and structure,
the design of incentive compensation plans in which executives participate and all equity plans.
It establishes incentive compensation goals and performance measurements for executives and
determines the levels of achievement of each executive relative to the goals and measurements.
Subject to limits imposed by the plans, applicable law and the Board, the Committee also oversees
administration of equity-based plans, deferred compensation plans, benefit plans, retirement and
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) excess plans, and also is responsible for
determining the formula used to calculate contributions to the companys current profit sharing
plan. The Committee has delegated to management committees the responsibility to administer
broad-based benefit plans and the responsibility to oversee investment options and management of
retirement and deferred compensation programs.
Although matters of director compensation ultimately are the responsibility of the full Board,
the Compensation Committee works in conjunction with the Boards Corporate Governance Committee and
its independent compensation consultants in evaluating director compensation levels, making
recommendations regarding the structure of director compensation, and developing a director pay
philosophy that is aligned with the interests of the Companys shareholders.
The Committee has the authority to engage compensation consultants to assist it in conducting
the activities within its general scope of responsibility. Since 2001, the committee has retained
Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc. as its independent consultant. The Committee has the sole authority
to retain, terminate and approve the fees of a compensation consultant for the purpose of assisting
in the evaluation of director, CEO and executive compensation.
- 18 -
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors. No member of the
Compensation Committee has been an officer or employee of Deluxe. None of our executives serve as
a member of the Compensation Committee of any other company that has an executive serving as a
member of the Deluxe Board of Directors. None of our executives serve as a member of the board of
directors of any other company that has an executive serving as a member of the Compensation
Committee.
Non-Employee Director Compensation
Directors who are employees of Deluxe do not receive compensation for their service on the
Board other than their compensation as employees. Non-employee directors each receive a $50,000
annual Board retainer, payable quarterly. For 2007, the Non-Executive Chairman received an
incremental $100,000 annual retainer, payable quarterly.
In order to fairly compensate non-employee directors for their service on Board committees,
the elements and responsibilities of which will fluctuate from time to time, committee members are
paid fees for each committee meeting attended, with the chair of each committee also receiving an
annual retainer for serving as the chair.
For 2007, the committee fee structure was as follows:
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Audit Committee |
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Other Standing Committees |
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($) |
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($) |
Chair Retainer |
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15,000 |
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5,000 |
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In-Person Meeting Attendance |
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2,000 |
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1,500 |
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Telephonic Meeting Attendance |
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1,000 |
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750 |
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Non-employee directors also receive $1,500 for each approved site visit and director education
program attended, up to a maximum of five per year, in the aggregate. Directors also may receive
additional compensation for the performance of duties assigned by the Board or its committees that
are considered beyond the scope of the ordinary responsibilities of directors or committee members.
Deluxe maintains a Non-Employee Director Stock and Deferral Plan (the Director Plan), which
was approved by shareholders as part of Deluxes 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the Stock
Incentive Plan). The purpose of the Director Plan is to provide an opportunity for non-employee
directors to increase their ownership of Deluxes common stock and thereby align their interest in
the long-term success of Deluxe with that of other shareholders. Under the Director Plan, each
non-employee director may elect to receive, in lieu of cash retainers and fees, shares of Deluxe
common stock. The shares of common stock receivable pursuant to the Director Plan are issued
quarterly or, at the option of the director, credited to the director in the form of deferred
restricted stock units. These restricted stock units vest and are converted into shares of common
stock on the earlier of the tenth anniversary of February 1st of the year following the year in
which the non-employee director ceases to serve on the Board or such other objectively determinable
date as is elected by the director in his or her deferral election (for example, upon termination
of service as a director). Each restricted stock unit entitles the holder to receive dividend
equivalent payments equal to the dividend payment on one share of common stock. Any restricted
stock units issued pursuant to the Director Plan will vest and be converted into shares of common
stock in connection with certain defined changes of control of Deluxe. All shares of common stock
issued pursuant to the Director Plan are issued under Deluxes Stock Incentive Plan and must be
held by the non-employee director for a minimum period of six months from the date of issuance.
Under the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan, non-employee directors also are eligible to
receive other equity-based awards to further align their interests with shareholders and assist
them in achieving and maintaining their established share ownership targets. Any stock options
granted to non-employee directors must have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of
Deluxes common stock on the date of grant, and no more than 5,000 options may be granted to a
non-employee director in any one year. Non-employee directors did not receive any option grants in
2007, but each non-employee director re-elected to the Board at last years annual meeting did
receive a grant of 1,320 shares of restricted stock on April 25, 2007, with an approximate grant
date value of $50,000, which shares vest one year from the grant date. Equity grants to directors
are determined by the Compensation Committee, in consultation with the Corporate Governance
Committee, as required by the Boards governance processes.
- 19 -
Non-employee directors who were elected to the Board prior to October 1997 also are eligible
for certain retirement payments under the terms of a Board retirement plan that has since been
replaced by the Director Plan. Under this predecessor plan, non-employee directors with at least
five years of Board service who retire, resign or otherwise are not nominated for re-election are
entitled to receive an annual payment equal to the annual Board retainer in effect on July 1, 1997
($30,000 per year) for the number of years during which he or she served on the Board prior to
October 31, 1997. As a result, no further benefits are accruing under this plan. In calculating a
directors eligibility for benefits under this plan, partial years of service are rounded up to the
nearest whole number. Retirement payments do not extend beyond the lifetime of the retiree and are
contingent upon the retirees remaining available for consultation with management and refraining
from engaging in any activity in competition with Deluxe. Mr. Nachtsheim is the only current
director eligible for benefits under this plan.
The following table summarizes the compensation earned by each non-employee director during
2007.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
Paid in Cash1 |
|
Awards2 |
|
Awards3 |
|
Compensation4 |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Ronald C. Baldwin5 |
|
|
39,500 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
39,500 |
|
T. Michael Glenn6 |
|
|
31,750 |
|
|
|
42,262 |
|
|
|
2,042 |
|
|
|
651 |
|
|
|
76,705 |
|
Charles A. Haggerty |
|
|
73,000 |
|
|
|
71,540 |
|
|
|
2,874 |
|
|
|
2,693 |
|
|
|
150,107 |
|
Isaiah Harris, Jr. |
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
76,313 |
|
|
|
2,042 |
|
|
|
2,777 |
|
|
|
151,132 |
|
William A. Hawkins, III7 |
|
|
44,250 |
|
|
|
76,246 |
|
|
|
2,874 |
|
|
|
2,447 |
|
|
|
125,817 |
|
Cheryl E. Mayberry McKissack |
|
|
77,500 |
|
|
|
71,540 |
|
|
|
2,874 |
|
|
|
2,693 |
|
|
|
154,607 |
|
Don J. McGrath5 |
|
|
31,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
31,000 |
|
Neil J. Metviner5 |
|
|
35,500 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
35,500 |
|
Stephen P. Nachtsheim |
|
|
165,000 |
|
|
|
71,540 |
|
|
|
2,874 |
|
|
|
2,693 |
|
|
|
242,107 |
|
Mary Ann ODwyer |
|
|
75,750 |
|
|
|
71,540 |
|
|
|
2,874 |
|
|
|
2,693 |
|
|
|
152,857 |
|
Martyn R. Redgrave |
|
|
89,000 |
|
|
|
71,540 |
|
|
|
2,874 |
|
|
|
2,693 |
|
|
|
166,107 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Under the Non-Employee Director Stock and Deferral Plan (the Director Plan), directors may
elect to receive their fees in the form of stock, including the right to defer such stock into
restricted stock units. Amounts reflected are the total fees earned by the directors,
including amounts elected to be received in the form of stock or restricted stock units. |
|
2 |
|
Amounts in the table reflect dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. As a result, amounts
reported may reflect expense recognized in 2007 with respect to awards made in prior years.
Each director then serving on the Board received a restricted stock grant of 1,320 shares on
April 25, 2007, which shares vest one year from the date of grant. The grant date value of
the April 2007 grants was approximately $50,000. As of December 31, 2007, the following board
members each held 1,320 shares of restricted stock: Haggerty, Harris, Mayberry McKissack,
Nachtsheim, ODwyer and Redgrave. |
|
3 |
|
No options were granted to the non-employee directors in 2007. Amounts in the table reflect
dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007, in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), for options granted in prior years. As
of December 31, 2007, the number of outstanding options held by each director was as follows:
T. Michael Glenn, 1,000; Charles A. Haggerty, 4,000; Isaiah Harris, Jr., 1,000; William A.
Hawkins, III, 2,000; Cheryl E. Mayberry McKissack, 4,000; Stephen P. Nachtsheim, 6,000; Mary
Ann ODwyer, 2,000, and Martyn R. Redgrave, 4,000. All outstanding options expire seven years
from the grant date, vest in equal 1/3 |
- 20 -
|
|
|
|
|
increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, and carry exercise prices
equal to the closing price of the Companys common stock on the grant date. |
|
4 |
|
Amounts reflect dividends paid in 2007 on unvested restricted stock awards. |
|
5 |
|
Messrs. Baldwin, Metviner and McGrath were elected to the Board on July 1, 2007. |
|
6 |
|
Mr. Glenn retired from the Board on April 25, 2007. |
|
7 |
|
Mr. Hawkins retired from the Board on August 23, 2007. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Introduction
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the various tables and
accompanying narrative disclosure appearing in this proxy statement. Those tables and narrative
provide more detailed information regarding the compensation and benefits awarded to, earned by, or
paid to our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the other executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table appearing on page 28 (collectively the Named Executive Officers), as well as
the plans in which such officers are eligible to participate.
Compensation Objectives and Philosophy
Deluxe is committed to providing executive compensation that attracts, motivates and retains
the best possible executive talent for the benefit of our shareholders, supports Deluxes business
objectives, and aligns the interests of the executive officers, including our Named Executive
Officers, with the long-term interests of our shareholders. We believe these objectives are
achieved by:
|
|
|
Continually evaluating the competitiveness of our compensation programs relative to
comparable organizations; |
|
|
|
|
Emphasizing performance-based pay through annual incentive opportunities that are based
on the achievement of specific business objectives (i.e., pay for performance); |
|
|
|
|
Providing equity-based incentives that promote the creation of long-term shareholder
value; |
|
|
|
|
Delivering a significant portion of total compensation through performance-based pay
linked to financial results and shareholder return; and |
|
|
|
|
Ensuring that the Named Executive Officers hold meaningful equity stakes in Deluxe. |
Roles of Committee, Outside Compensation Advisors and Management in Compensation Decisions
The Deluxe compensation program is designed to align all components of pay opportunity (base
pay, annual incentive pay, long-term incentive pay, and benefits) at or near the median of the
market, for each component and as a whole, and reward performance that meets or exceeds performance
goals that are established, reviewed and approved each year by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors (sometimes referred to in this section as the Committee). In arriving at the
appropriate levels of pay and incentive opportunities, the Committee also considers the overall
cost of the compensation program so as to achieve proper balance between the need to reward
employees and to deliver returns to Deluxes shareholders. Accordingly, the Committee annually
reviews the proportion of operating income used to reward employee performance through incentive
plan payments.
The Committee has responsibility for guiding our executive compensation philosophy and
overseeing the design of executive compensation programs. The Committee also recommends the
compensation to be paid to the CEO (with approval from the full Board of Directors) and reviews and
approves the compensation paid to other executive officers. The Committee is composed entirely of
independent directors as defined by the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules.
- 21 -
The Committee has engaged, and regularly meets with, an independent compensation consultant
regarding executive compensation levels and practices. Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc. has served as
the Committees independent consultant since 2001. This consultant is deemed independent in that
it is selected by and reports directly to the Committee with its primary contact being the Chair of
the Committee. Watson Wyatt did not provide to the Company any consulting services on subjects
other than executive compensation during 2007.
Management supports the work of the Committee and its independent consultant by providing
company information and data, as requested. Company executives also make recommendations with
respect to incentive plan targets in the context of managements business and operational plans.
The CEO attends each Committee meeting, meets with the Committee and independent consultant as
necessary to discuss business strategy, and also meets with the Committee annually to discuss each
executives individual performance and make recommendations on incentive awards and adjustments to
base salary for those executives. The Boards non-employee directors evaluate the CEO each year
and the Committee provides advice to the Board regarding the CEOs compensation based on that
evaluation and current market data provided by the independent consultants.
Competitive Market Review
For 2007, the Committee commissioned Watson Wyatt to provide a competitive market review of
Deluxes executive compensation program in comparison to relevant benchmarks. The data presented
by Watson Wyatt was used for analyzing each pay component; the mix of base pay, annual incentive
compensation, and long-term incentive values for the Named Executive Officers; and other
benefit-related decisions. Based on the recommendation of its compensation consultant, the
Committee reviewed two benchmarks for assessing executive pay at Deluxe: published survey data
representing companies similar in size to Deluxe, and companies comprising the S&P Mid-Cap 400.
The Committee endorsed the use of the S&P Mid-Cap 400 for executive pay analysis based on the fact
that Deluxe is a member of the S&P Mid-Cap 400 index, together with its conclusion that this index
is representative of companies similar to Deluxe in terms of market capitalization, revenue, and
total assets. In addition to using the S&P Mid-Cap 400, market data is drawn from multiple
published surveys of broader general industry practices, with a particular focus on industrial
companies with revenues comparable to Deluxe. Three survey sources were combined to create the
published survey benchmark. The three surveys were: 2007/2008 Watson Wyatt Top Management Survey;
2007 Mercer Executive Compensation Survey; and 2007 Towers Perrin Executive Compensation Survey.
The S&P Mid-Cap 400 benchmark data is based on proxy statement disclosures for the index companies
Named Executive Officers, and the published surveys provide data for the Named Executive Officers
and broader executive leadership team.
Executive Officer Compensation Program
In constructing an overall compensation program, the Committee balances those components that
are guaranteed (such as salary and benefits) against components that are at risk and require the
achievement of certain levels of performance. The Committee also strives for a balance between
compensation tools that reward the executives for the achievement of short-term goals, while also
focusing on the long-term growth of the Company. Compared to Deluxes general employee population,
the Committee believes that executives, including the Named Executive Officers, should have a
greater percentage of their total compensation dependant upon reaching performance targets, a
higher percentage of which is oriented toward long-term objectives rather than short-term
performance. Long-term incentive compensation typically has been awarded in the form of equity,
while short-term incentive compensation has been paid in cash. Each year the Committee reviews the
form and amount of equity grants to ensure alignment with the Companys overall compensation
philosophy and to reward attainment of Company goals.
Elements of Compensation
For 2007, the principal components of our executive compensation program consisted of the
following:
|
|
|
base salary; |
|
|
|
|
annual incentive plan; |
|
|
|
|
long-term equity incentives in the form of stock options and performance accelerated
restricted stock; |
|
|
|
|
non-qualified deferred compensation plan; |
|
|
|
|
broad-based retirement plans; and |
|
|
|
|
cash allowance perquisite program. |
- 22 -
Compensation Mix
The primary components of executive compensation (base salary, and performance-based pay in
the form of annual incentives and long-term incentives) for our Named Executive Officers for 2007
were allocated, at targeted levels of performance, with a higher percentage of performance-based
pay compared to base salary. The average target percentage of performance-based pay for the Named
Executive Officers is 63% of total compensation, with a higher percentage for the CEO and a lower
percentage for the Vice Presidents. Of the total performance-based compensation for the Named
Executive Officers, approximately 66% is targeted to be long-term compensation as opposed to annual
compensation. Pay practices for the Named Executive Officers emphasize pay for performance and a
longer term focus than pay practices for the general employee population.
Base Salaries
The Committee annually reviews the base salaries of Deluxes Named Executive Officers. The CEO
makes recommendations for changes to base salaries based on each executives individual performance
and the market data presented by the Committees independent compensation consultants. The
Committee performs the same analysis with respect to the CEOs salary. During 2007, base salaries
of our executive officers generally were set at or near the median of salaries paid to executive
officers of the S&P Mid-Cap 400 companies in similar positions. Deviations from the median can be
the result of experience in the position, individual performance exceeding or falling short of
expectations, or the individuals scope of responsibilities. For the most recent fiscal year, the
average base salary increase for the Named Executive Officers was 4.3%. The actual change for each
Named Executive Officer is illustrated in the summary compensation table. The increase in base
salaries included merit adjustments, a base adjustment for Mr. Peterson in recognition of his
expanded role as Chief Accounting Officer, Controller and Vice President, Investor Relations, and a
market adjustment for Mr. Scarfone to better align his pay to the market for General Counsel
positions in companies in the S&P Mid-Cap 400.
Annual Incentive Plan
Named Executive Officers and other officers and management employees selected by the Committee
participate in the Deluxe Corporation Annual Incentive Plan (the Annual Incentive Plan), which
has been approved by our shareholders. The 2007 target amounts approved by the Committee under the
Annual Incentive Plan were intended to provide annual cash compensation (i.e., base salary plus
bonus) approximating the median of the cash compensation offered to executive officers in similar
positions. Bonuses earned may exceed the target amount if performance goals are exceeded, and are
less than the target amount if the performance goals are not fully attained, with no bonus payouts
if Deluxes performance is below certain minimum thresholds. Although the Committee retains the
discretion to adjust payouts under the Annual Incentive Plan, in accordance with Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code (Section 162(m)), the Committee may not increase the payouts to the CEO
and other Named Executive Officers under the Annual Incentive Plan. To promote stock ownership by
the Named Executive Officers and other participants and further align their interests with those of
our shareholders, participants may choose to receive up to 100 percent of their Annual Incentive
Plan payout in restricted stock units, in which case the Company will provide a 50 percent match on
the amounts so elected to be received in restricted stock units. The restricted stock units vest
on the second anniversary of the date of the grant. We believe the 50% match and two-year vesting
period encourages executive stock ownership and drives employee retention. For the 2007 plan year
payout, three of the Named Executive Officers elected to defer all or a portion of their bonus
payout into restricted stock units.
Performance Measures and Objectives
For the Named Executive Officers, the two performance factors that were considered in
determining incentive compensation for 2007 under the Annual Incentive Plan were consolidated
revenue and adjusted operating income. Adjusted operating income is based on operating income
as publicly reported by the Company in its consolidated financial statements, but includes
pre-defined adjustments (as permitted by Section 162(m)) to eliminate the effects of items
outside the control of management that may create a windfall or shortfall in attainment of
operating income targets, such as the adoption of new accounting principles, asset impairments,
mergers and acquisitions, restructuring charges, etc. As indicated above, the Committee also
retains discretion to make other adjustments to these calculations, provided such adjustments do
not result in any increase to amounts payable to the Named Executive Officers, and did, in fact,
make an adjustment to the Companys revenue results due to a price increase not factored into
the original revenue target approved at the beginning of the year, which had the effect of
reducing the payouts under the Annual Incentive Plan in 2007. We believe revenue and operating
income are critical drivers of our strategy to achieve profitable and sustainable growth, and
thereby create long-term value for our shareholders. Each component was weighted equally, with
target performance set in line with the Companys annual operating plan (AOP) targets. These
AOP targets also served as the basis for the financial performance expectations communicated
publicly at the beginning of the year.
- 23 -
In establishing the metrics and payout scales under the Annual Incentive Plan, although
revenue and operating income are weighted equally, a minimum threshold of adjusted operating
income must be achieved before any incentive can be paid out. Operating income and revenue
targets for the Annual Incentive Plan in 2007 had been set at aggressive but realistic levels,
and required year-over-year operating income growth to achieve the targeted payout levels. The
minimum payout threshold under the operating income metric had been set at 80 percent of the
target to provide a reasonable opportunity to achieve some level of payout in light of the
aggressive nature of such goals. The scale had been expanded compared to 2006 to require a
higher level of operating income performance (compared to the target) in order to achieve the
maximum payout. The payout scale for the revenue component of the plan was essentially the same
as in 2006, and required achievement of at least 95 percent of the target to earn a minimum
payout.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted Operating |
|
|
|
Percent of |
|
|
Income |
|
Revenue |
|
Target Award |
Performance Level |
|
(50%) |
|
(50%) |
|
(%) |
Maximum |
|
120% of operating plan |
|
103% of revenue plan |
|
|
200 |
|
Target |
|
Operating plan |
|
Revenue plan |
|
|
115 |
|
Threshold |
|
80% of operating plan |
|
95% of revenue plan |
|
|
40 |
|
Below Threshold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
Actual award payments
Deluxes actual performance in 2007 exceeded the targets for both adjusted operating income and revenue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
Actual |
|
Weighting |
|
Payout Percent |
Measures (Millions) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
(%) |
|
(% of target) |
Adjusted Operating Income |
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
139 |
|
Revenue |
|
|
1,597 |
|
|
|
1,601 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
Blended Payout Percentage |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
130 |
|
This performance resulted in actual award payments to the Named Executive Officers that exceeded
each individuals target award opportunity. For each Named Executive Officer, the payouts based on
2007 performance exceeding both the adjusted operating income and revenue targets were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target Annual |
|
2007 Actual |
|
|
Incentive |
|
Incentive |
Name |
|
(% of salary) |
|
(% of salary) |
Lee Schram |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
Richard S. Greene |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
Luann E. Widener |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
Anthony C. Scarfone |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
Terry D. Peterson |
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
After analyzing a variety of approaches for delivering long-term incentive value to the
executives and other key employees who participate in the Companys long-term incentive program,
beginning in 2006 the Committee endorsed a strategy that employs a combination of stock options and
performance accelerated restricted stock. Given that cash flow is viewed by the Company as another
key financial performance metric, the partial vesting accelerator utilized in these restricted
stock grants is a threshold measure of operating cash flow. Named Executive Officers, together
with other designated key employees, received grants of stock options and performance accelerated
restricted stock in 2007. The Company believes this strategy achieves several critical objectives,
including:
|
|
|
Supporting and rewarding the achievement of Deluxes long-term business strategy and
objectives; |
|
|
|
|
Encouraging decisions and behavior that will increase shareholder value; |
|
|
|
|
Reinforcing the pay-for-performance orientation of the overall executive compensation
program; |
|
|
|
|
Allowing Deluxe to attract and retain key executive talent by providing competitive
incentive and total compensation opportunities; and |
- 24 -
|
|
|
Promoting share ownership and facilitating achievement of the ownership guidelines. |
The target value of the long-term incentive compensation for 2007 approximated the median of
the long-term incentive compensation provided to executive officers in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 group of
companies where such comparisons were possible and otherwise relied on the median reported in
published surveys. All long-term incentive awards to executives and other key employees are
granted on the same date, with the exception of awards made in conjunction with an individuals
promotion or hire into the Company or as necessary to facilitate broader retention of key
employees. For 2007, the grant date for the equity awards coincided with the regularly scheduled
February Compensation Committee meeting. The timing of the annual grants also aligns with the
employee performance evaluation process and is outside any regular stock trading blackout period.
The exercise price of all 2007 option grants is the closing price of Deluxe stock on the grant
date.
For 2007, the long-term incentive value was divided equally between stock options and
performance accelerated restricted stock. The 50 percent delivered in stock options vests in three
equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and focuses the
executives on share price appreciation. The remainder of the long-term incentive value is
delivered in performance accelerated restricted stock. The performance accelerated restricted
stock vests three years from the grant date, but vesting on 50 percent of the stock can be
accelerated to the first anniversary of the grant date, based on achievement of a threshold level
of operating cash flow. The Company achieved the minimum cash flow target of $227 million in 2007,
delivering actual net operating cash flows of $245 million. The performance accelerated restricted
stock focuses the executive on making decisions that deliver cash flows and otherwise support
long-term shareholder value, and also encourages stock ownership. On February 13, 2007, in
recognition of Mr. Schrams individual performance and leadership, and the fact that his 2006 bonus
was adversely affected by an unforeseen write-off of a software project that had been initiated
prior to his joining the Company, he was granted 2,000 shares of restricted stock valued at $65,200
on the grant date, subject to two-year cliff vesting.
Deferred Compensation Plan
Deluxe maintains a deferred compensation plan under which executives and other key employees
may choose to defer up to 100 percent of base salary (less applicable deductions) and up to 50
percent of any bonus payout into multiple investment options. The investment options match, or are
similar to, the investment options available to employees in the Companys broad-based retirement
plans.
Retirement Program
The Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in the same qualified retirement
plans available to most employees. The program consists of three components, including a defined
contribution pension plan, an annual profit sharing plan (under which contributions, if any, are
based on Deluxes performance), and a 401(k) plan. The retirement program is regularly benchmarked
against companies that are in businesses similar to Deluxe and/or are located in geographic areas
from which we recruit talent to ensure that it is competitive in the market. The incremental value
of benefits provided to the Named Executive Officers under this program is included in the All
Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.
Deluxe also has a non-qualified defined contribution plan which restores benefits lost under
the foregoing qualified plans due to Internal Revenue Code limits, also known as an ERISA excess
plan. Contributions for the Named Executive Officers under this plan for 2007 are also reflected
in the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.
Cash Allowance Perquisite Program
In 2007, all Named Executive Officers, with the exception of Mr. Schram, participated in the
executive officer Personal Choice Program. The Personal Choice Program changed in 2007 to provide
a fixed cash allowance to Named Executive Officers in lieu of any other perquisites. The quarterly
cash allowance of $7,500 for Senior Vice Presidents and $5,000 for Vice Presidents on the Executive
Leadership Team is intended to cover personal expenses typically incurred by executives as a result
of their positions (such as vehicle expenses, personal security systems, financial and tax
planning, etc.). As with the other compensation components, this program is compared to market
benchmarks of other perquisite programs on an annual basis. The Company chose this program as
being more flexible for the executives, less administratively burdensome, and less costly to the
organization because there are no tax gross-ups on the amounts provided under this program.
- 25 -
Stock Ownership Guidelines
Deluxe has established stock ownership guidelines for its executive officers and independent
Board members, and the Compensation Committee regularly reviews each executive officers and
directors progress toward attaining his or her ownership target. The current guideline for the
CEO is five times annual base salary, for all senior vice presidents is two times annual base
salary and for vice presidents who are members of the executive leadership team is one and one-half
times annual base salary. The guidelines call for the targeted level of ownership to be achieved
within five years of the later of the date the ownership guidelines were implemented, or the time
the individual becomes an executive officer. For purposes of calculating an executives stock
ownership under these guidelines, stock options are not included. While restricted shares and
restricted stock units convertible into shares are included, only 60 percent of their value is
counted toward the ownership target prior to vesting, based on the rationale that approximately 40
percent of such shares or units will be withheld or surrendered by the executive upon vesting to
cover taxes. At the time of the 2007 review, executives were either at their share ownership
target or had increased their actual share ownership over the previous year. The Committee,
therefore, determined that the executives were continuing toward their ownership targets at an
appropriate pace, and it will review their progress again in 2008.
In addition to the stock ownership guidelines, executive officers and directors are subject to
share retention and holding period requirements. Under this policy, individuals who have not
achieved their ownership targets must retain 75 percent of the net shares (i.e., shares remaining
after exercise costs and applicable taxes are covered) upon the exercise of stock options and
vesting of other equity awards, and are required to hold the shares until the ownership targets are
met. The Company also maintains a general policy against transactions by directors and executive
officers intended to hedge the economic risk of ownership in Deluxe stock, and requires any such
hedging transactions to be pre-approved by the Boards Corporate Governance Committee.
Severance, Retention and Change of Control Arrangements
Deluxe has entered into severance arrangements or agreements with each of its Named Executive
Officers (collectively arrangements). The arrangements are intended to facilitate the
executives attention to the affairs of Deluxe and to recognize their key role within the Company.
If their employment is terminated without cause by Deluxe or by the executive with good reason,
he or she is eligible to receive severance benefits. The Severance Calculation table appearing
later in this proxy statement, together with the accompanying narrative to that table, explains in
detail the benefits provided under these arrangements and the circumstances under which a Named
Executive Officer would be eligible for severance benefits. Receipt of these benefits is
conditioned upon the Named Executive Officer entering into a release and agreeing to maintain the
confidentiality of Company confidential information for a period of two years after their
termination. Mr. Schrams employment agreement also requires that for two years after he ceases to
be employed by Deluxe he will not engage in any business that competes with Deluxe, will not hire
any employee or induce an employee to provide confidential information to a third party, and will
not induce any customer or supplier to stop doing business with the Company.
The Company also has entered into retention agreements (Retention Agreements) with Mr.
Schram and the Named Executive Officers that are designed to ensure that Deluxe will receive the
continued service of the Executive in the event of the possibility or occurrence of a change of
control, by reducing the distraction that could be caused by personal uncertainty about their
compensation and benefits under those circumstances. These Retention Agreements are addressed in
greater detail in the narrative accompanying the Change in Control Calculations table appearing
later in this proxy statement. Generally speaking, however, these Retention Agreements provide
incentives for the Named Executive Officer to remain with Deluxe through a contemplated change of
control, and provide certain benefits in the event the Named Executive Officers employment is
negatively impacted as a result of, or following, a change of control. In other words, benefits
are not paid out automatically upon a change of control, but only if the Named Executive Officers
employment is negatively affected (i.e., a double trigger). Moreover, the severance arrangements
described above do not apply if the Named Executive Officers employment is terminated following a
change of control under circumstances that would entitle them to receive benefits under the
Retention Agreements. In 2007, the Committee delivered to the CEO and each Senior Vice President
then party to a Retention Agreement a notice of non-renewal under the current Retention Agreements,
such that they will terminate by their terms on December 18, 2009. Coinciding with the notices of
non-renewal, the Committee authorized the execution of new Retention Agreements that take effect
upon expiration of the current agreements. In addition to amending the current agreements to
comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, the new Retention Agreements reduce the renewable
term from three years to two years, place a limit on tax gross-up payments, and reduce the payment
multiple for the senior vice presidents from three times to two times salary and bonus. Retention
Agreements also were entered into with the vice presidents on the executive leadership team. The
terms of these agreements are addressed in the narrative accompanying the Change in Control
Calculations table appearing later in this proxy statement.
- 26 -
Compliance with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of compensation in excess
of $1 million paid to certain executive officers, unless such compensation qualifies as
performance-based compensation. Among other things, in order to be deemed performance-based
compensation for Section 162(m) purposes, the compensation must be based on the achievement of
pre-established, objective performance criteria and must be pursuant to a plan that has been
approved by Deluxes shareholders. With the exception of a portion of the compensation paid to Mr.
Schram, which included certain one-time awards and benefits as part of his hiring package that do
not qualify as performance-based compensation, we expect that all compensation paid in 2007 to the
executive officers under the plans and programs described above will qualify for deductibility,
either because the compensation is below the threshold for non-deductibility provided in Section
162(m) or because the payment of such compensation complies with the performance-based compensation
provisions of Section 162(m).
The Company believes that it is important to continue to be able to take all available tax
deductions with respect to the compensation paid to its executive officers, and has taken such
actions as may be necessary to continue to qualify significant portions of executive compensation
as performance-based under Section 162(m).
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the foregoing
Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on our review and discussion with management, we have
recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in
this proxy statement and be incorporated by reference into Deluxe Corporations Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2007.
MEMBERS OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Charles A. Haggerty, Chair
Don J. McGrath
Neil J. Metviner
Stephen P. Nachtsheim
Executive Compensation Tables
The Summary Compensation Table, Other Compensation Supplemental Table, and Grants of
Plan-Based Award Table presented on the following pages summarize the total compensation paid to or
earned by each of the individuals who served as Deluxes Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial
Officer during any part of 2007, and the next three most highly compensated executive officers for
2007 (collectively, the Named Executive Officers). The following narrative is provided to help
you understand the information presented in those tables.
In accordance with the employment agreement executed at the time of his hiring, and to replace
forfeited compensation earned at his previous employer, Mr. Schram was granted 59,575 shares of
restricted stock on May 1, 2006, the date he commenced his employment with the Company. Fifty
percent of the grant vested on May 1, 2007 with the remaining 50 percent scheduled to vest on May
1, 2008. As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of the proxy statement,
in February 2007, in addition to receiving grants of stock options and performance accelerated
restricted stock under the Companys long-term incentive program, Mr. Schram received a
supplemental grant of 2,000 shares of restricted stock, which is subject to two-year cliff vesting.
The base salaries of executives were generally set at or near the median for executive
officers of the S&P Mid-Cap 400 companies in similar positions. The executives participate in the
Companys Annual Incentive Plan, under which bonuses can be earned based on pre-established
performance criteria. For 2007, these criteria included adjusted operating income and revenue.
The performance criteria under the Plan were exceeded in 2007 which resulted in payments to the
Named Executive Officers as outlined in the tables.
All of the Named Executive Officers participate in a long-term incentive compensation program,
pursuant to which they were awarded stock options and performance accelerated restricted stock in
2007. The target value of the program approximates the median of long-term incentive compensation
provided to executive officers in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 group of companies. The awards to executives
under the program were granted on the same day as awards to all eligible employees. The exercise
price for each option grant is the closing price of Deluxes stock on the grant date. The options
vest annually in one-third increments, and performance accelerated restricted stock awards vest
after three years, except that 50 percent of the performance accelerated stock awards could vest
within one year if a 2007 cash flow target were
achieved. The cash flow target was met and acceleration did occur on 50% of the performance
accelerated restricted stock.
- 27 -
Dividend or dividend equivalents for these equity-related awards are
paid at the same rate and time as regularly scheduled dividends, although no dividend equivalents
are paid on options.
The Named Executive Officers, other than the CEO, also participate in a program that provides
a quarterly cash allowance for personal expenses typically incurred by executives, and was
discussed previously in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Bonus1 |
|
Stock Awards2 |
|
Awards3 |
|
Compensation4 |
|
Compensation5 |
|
Total |
Name |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Lee J. Schram6 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
745,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
2,673,387 |
|
|
$ |
582,814 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
121,249 |
|
|
$ |
4,122,450 |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
483,333 |
|
|
$ |
541,667 |
|
|
$ |
606,631 |
|
|
$ |
152,992 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
146,768 |
|
|
$ |
1,931,391 |
|
Richard S. Greene7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sr. Vice President & Chief |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
354,167 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
203,142 |
|
|
|
105,575 |
|
|
|
230,739 |
|
|
|
127,083 |
|
|
|
1,020,706 |
|
Financial Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
87,500 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
10,938 |
|
|
|
5,197 |
|
|
|
116,135 |
|
Luann E. Widener |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sr. Vice President & |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President Financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services & Small Business |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
345,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
561,019 |
|
|
|
149,588 |
|
|
|
56,211 |
|
|
|
80,739 |
|
|
|
1,192,557 |
|
Segments |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
304,948 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
194,808 |
|
|
|
61,485 |
|
|
|
38,119 |
|
|
|
67,718 |
|
|
|
667,078 |
|
Anthony C. Scarfone |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sr. Vice President, General |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
320,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
404,116 |
|
|
|
132,793 |
|
|
|
145,962 |
|
|
|
85,026 |
|
|
|
1,087,897 |
|
Counsel & Secretary |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
290,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
203,799 |
|
|
|
53,688 |
|
|
|
36,250 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
|
|
652,664 |
|
Terry D. Peterson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vice President & Chief |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
282,200 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
152,426 |
|
|
|
47,917 |
|
|
|
147,083 |
|
|
|
53,447 |
|
|
|
683,073 |
|
Accounting Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
240,158 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
95,983 |
|
|
|
16,471 |
|
|
|
24,016 |
|
|
|
42,880 |
|
|
|
419,508 |
|
1 |
|
Mr. Schrams 2006 bonus payment included a guaranteed bonus of $241,667 (representing 50
percent of his target bonus eligibility for the year), and a signing bonus of $300,000, both
of which payments were provided for in his employment agreement dated April 10, 2006. |
2 |
|
The amounts in this column reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement
reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, in accordance with
SFAS 123(R), of awards or forfeitures under the long-term incentive program, and thus may
include amounts attributable to awards granted prior to the reported years. Assumptions used
in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 10 to the Companys Consolidated
Financial Statements filed as part of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years
ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2007. As described in the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis section of this proxy statement, in addition to restricted stock awards issued
under the Companys long-term incentive program, recipients of awards under the Annual
Incentive Plan (AIP) may elect to receive all or a portion of their incentive compensation in
the form of restricted stock units. If an election is made to receive restricted stock units,
the amount of the cash foregone is increased (or matched) at a rate established by the
Compensation Committee in determining the number of units awarded. For 2007 the match rate
was 50%. For awards earned during 2007, restricted stock units were granted on January 22,
2008 in lieu of cash compensation as follows: 56,945 units ($1,456,084) to Mr. Schram; 9,889
units ($252,862) to Ms Widener; and 3,668 units ($93,791) to Mr. Scarfone. The 2007 SFAS
123(R) expense for these awards also is listed in this column and the restricted stock units
received by such persons is based on the closing price of the Companys common stock on the
date of grant of such units ($25.57 on January 22, 2008). The portion of their AIP
compensation paid in cash is listed in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column.
The threshold, target, and maximum values for the AIP, including the 50% match percentage
based on the individual elections made by each Named Executive Officer prior to the start of
the plan period, are listed on the table titled Grants of Plan-Based Awards. |
3 |
|
The amounts in this column reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement
reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, in accordance with
SFAS 123(R), of awards or forfeitures under the long-term incentive program, and thus may
include amounts attributable to awards granted prior to the reported years. Assumptions used
in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 10 to the Companys Consolidated
Financial Statements filed as part of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years
ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2007. |
- 28 -
4 |
|
The amounts listed in this column for 2007 reflect cash amounts paid to the Named Executive
Officers under the AIP. As described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and
note 2 to this table, recipients of awards under the AIP may elect to receive all or a portion
of their incentive compensation in the form of restricted stock units. If an election is made
to receive restricted stock units, the amount of the cash foregone is increased (or matched)
at a rate established by the Compensation Committee in determining the number of units
awarded. The 2007 SFAS 123(R) expense attributable to awards taken as restricted stock units
is listed in the Stock Awards column, while the portion of AIP compensation paid in cash is
listed in this column. The threshold, target, and maximum values for the AIP, including the
50% match percentage based on the individual elections made by each Named Executive Officer
prior to the start of the plan period, are listed on the table titled Grants of Plan-Based
Awards. The amounts listed in this column for 2006 reflect the dollar amounts paid to the
Named Executive Officers for achievement of the operating income performance metric
established under the 2006 Supplemental Performance Program. |
5 |
|
A detailed description of the amounts listed in this column is contained in the Other
Compensation Supplemental Table immediately following this table. |
|
6 |
|
Mr. Schram commenced his employment with Deluxe on May 1, 2006. |
|
7 |
|
Mr. Greene commenced his employment with Deluxe on October 2, 2006. |
OTHER COMPENSATION SUPPLEMENTAL TABLE
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Perks and |
|
|
|
|
|
Payments/ |
|
Company |
|
Dividends or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
Tax |
|
Accruals on |
|
Contributions |
|
Earnings on |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personal |
|
Reimburse- |
|
Termination |
|
to Defined |
|
Stock or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits1 |
|
ment2 |
|
Plans |
|
Contribution |
|
Option |
|
Other5 |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Plans3 ($) |
|
Awards4($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Lee J. Schram |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,102 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
18,225 |
|
|
|
93,335 |
|
|
|
8,587 |
|
|
|
121,249 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard S. Greene |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
36,655 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
10,428 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
127,083 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Luann E. Widener |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
18,225 |
|
|
|
24,450 |
|
|
|
8,064 |
|
|
|
80,739 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony C. Scarfone |
|
|
34,500 |
|
|
|
3,299 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
18,225 |
|
|
|
22,388 |
|
|
|
6,694 |
|
|
|
85,026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terry D. Peterson |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
18,225 |
|
|
|
11,080 |
|
|
|
4,142 |
|
|
|
53,447 |
|
1 |
|
Amounts include Personal Choice Program cash allowances and, for Mr. Scarfone, reimbursement
of approved 2006 tax and financial planning expenses which were paid in 2007. The tax
gross-up for the tax and financial planning reimbursement is included in the Tax Reimbursement
column. There is no tax gross-up for the Personal Choice Program. |
2 |
|
Amounts for Mr. Schram and Mr. Greene reflect tax gross-up on reimbursement of the relocation
expenses recorded in the Other column. The amount listed for Mr. Scarfone includes the tax
gross-up for approved tax and financial planning expenses recorded in the first column. |
3 |
|
Amounts listed in this column reflect Company contributions up to applicable ERISA limits,
with ERISA excess amounts included in the Other column of this table. |
4 |
|
Amounts reflect dividends and dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock and restricted
stock units, respectively. Dividend equivalents are paid at the same rate and at the same
time as regularly declared dividends. |
5 |
|
Amounts listed are ERISA excess and benefit plan equivalent amounts for the year, which
generally are contributed to the Named Executive Officers non-qualified deferred compensation
account within 90 days after the end of the year. The amounts for Mr. Schram and Mr. Greene
also reflect reimbursement of relocation expenses, as provided for in their employment
agreements. |
- 29 -
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
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All Other |
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All Other |
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Stock |
|
Option |
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Awards: |
|
Awards: |
|
Exercise |
|
Grant Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Number |
|
Number of |
|
or Base |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity |
|
of Shares |
|
Securities |
|
Price of |
|
of Stock |
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards1 |
|
Incentive Plan Awards1 |
|
of Stock |
|
Underlying |
|
Option |
|
and Option |
|
|
Grant |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
or Units |
|
Options2 |
|
Awards |
|
Awards3 |
Name |
|
Date |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
($/Sh) |
|
($) |
Lee J. Schram
|
|
2/13/07
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
447,000 |
|
|
|
1,117,500 |
|
|
|
2,235,000 |
|
|
26,9004
2,0005
|
|
|
193,200 |
|
|
|
32.65 |
|
|
1,201,704
878,286
65,300 |
Richard S. Greene
|
|
2/13/07
|
|
|
70,833 |
|
|
|
177,084 |
|
|
|
354,167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,0004
|
|
|
57,900 |
|
|
|
32.65 |
|
|
360,138
261,200 |
Luann E. Widener
|
|
2/13/07
|
|
|
17,250 |
|
|
|
43,125 |
|
|
|
86,250 |
|
|
|
77,625 |
|
|
|
194,063 |
|
|
|
388,125 |
|
|
7,1004
|
|
|
51,500 |
|
|
|
32.65 |
|
|
320,330
231,816 |
Anthony C. Scarfone
|
|
2/13/07
|
|
|
44,800 |
|
|
|
112,000 |
|
|
|
224,000 |
|
|
|
28,800 |
|
|
|
72,000 |
|
|
|
144,000 |
|
|
6,2004
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
32.65 |
|
|
279,900
202,430 |
Terry D. Peterson
|
|
2/13/07
|
|
|
45,152 |
|
|
|
112,880 |
|
|
|
225,760 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,1004
|
|
|
15,400 |
|
|
|
32.65 |
|
|
95,788
68,566 |
1 |
|
The amounts listed reflect the estimated payouts under the Annual Incentive Plan for 2007
based on each executives election to receive any such payout in cash (i.e., non-equity),
restricted stock units (i.e., equity), or a combination of the two. Amounts reported in the
Equity Incentive column include the 50% match provided on that portion of the AIP payout
elected to be received in the form of restricted stock units. Restricted stock units vest on
the second anniversary of the grant date. The actual payouts earned under the Annual
Incentive Plan for 2007 are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table. |
2 |
|
Stock options have seven-year terms and vest 33-1/3 percent per year over three years. The
exercise price of all options is the closing price of the Companys stock on the grant date. |
3 |
|
The grant date fair value of options is based on the stock price at the time of grant
multiplied by the Black-Scholes value of 19.0505 percent. |
4 |
|
Performance accelerated restricted stock grants that vest on the third anniversary of the
award date. The restricted stock award agreements provided that 50 percent of the shares
would vest on the first anniversary if the Company achieved a 2007 cash flow performance
threshold. The performance threshold was achieved, so partial vesting occurred on February
13, 2008. |
|
5 |
|
Restricted stock grant that vests on the second anniversary of the grant date. |
- 30 -
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Market Value of |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
or Units of Stock |
|
Shares or Units of |
|
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
Exercise |
|
Option |
|
Held That Have |
|
Stock That Have Not |
|
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Not Vested |
|
Vested1 |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Lee J. Schram |
|
|
|
|
|
|
193,200 |
2 |
|
|
32.65 |
|
|
|
2/13/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,900 |
4 |
|
|
884,741 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
5 |
|
|
65,780 |
|
|
|
|
60,667 |
|
|
|
121,333 |
3 |
|
|
23.50 |
|
|
|
5/1/13 |
|
|
|
29,788 |
6 |
|
|
979,727 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,200 |
7 |
|
|
894,608 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard S. Greene |
|
|
|
|
|
|
57,900 |
8 |
|
|
32.65 |
|
|
|
2/13/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,000 |
9 |
|
|
263,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,787 |
10 |
|
|
190,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Luann E. Widener |
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,500 |
11 |
|
|
32.65 |
|
|
|
2/13/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,100 |
15 |
|
|
233,519 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,133 |
12 |
|
|
24.99 |
|
|
|
3/1/13 |
|
|
|
2,200 |
16 |
|
|
72,358 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,600 |
13 |
|
|
26.58 |
|
|
|
2/14/13 |
|
|
|
2,300 |
17 |
|
|
75,647 |
|
|
|
|
2,667 |
|
|
|
1,333 |
14 |
|
|
39.63 |
|
|
|
4/27/12 |
|
|
|
2,600 |
18 |
|
|
85,514 |
|
|
|
|
2,870 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42.35 |
|
|
|
5/4/11 |
|
|
|
9,100 |
19 |
|
|
299,299 |
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38.54 |
|
|
|
3/10/10 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
20 |
|
|
32,890 |
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47.67 |
|
|
|
3/14/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony C. Scarfone |
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
21 |
|
|
32.65 |
|
|
|
2/13/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,200 |
24 |
|
|
203,918 |
|
|
|
|
8,700 |
|
|
|
17,400 |
22 |
|
|
26.58 |
|
|
|
2/14/13 |
|
|
|
3,900 |
25 |
|
|
128,271 |
|
|
|
|
3,200 |
|
|
|
1,600 |
23 |
|
|
39.63 |
|
|
|
4/27/12 |
|
|
|
11,000 |
26 |
|
|
361,790 |
|
|
|
|
4,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42.35 |
|
|
|
5/4/11 |
|
|
|
1,030 |
27 |
|
|
33,877 |
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38.54 |
|
|
|
3/10/10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47.67 |
|
|
|
3/14/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.42 |
|
|
|
10/26/10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terry D. Peterson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,400 |
28 |
|
|
32.65 |
|
|
|
2/13/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,100 |
31 |
|
|
69,069 |
|
|
|
|
3,600 |
|
|
|
7,200 |
29 |
|
|
26.58 |
|
|
|
2/14/13 |
|
|
|
1,600 |
32 |
|
|
52,624 |
|
|
|
|
1,433 |
|
|
|
717 |
30 |
|
|
39.63 |
|
|
|
4/27/12 |
|
|
|
7,000 |
33 |
|
|
230,230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
380 |
34 |
|
|
12,498 |
|
1 |
|
Based on the closing price of Deluxe common stock on December 31, 2007 ($32.89 per share). |
Lee J. Schram: 2 Stock options granted on 2/13/2007 vest in three equal installments on
2/13/2008, 2/13/2009, and 2/13/2010. 3 Stock options granted on 5/1/06 with the remainder
of the unvested options vesting in two equal installments on 5/1/08 and 5/1/09. 4
Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock (PARS) granted on 2/13/2007, of which 50% vested on
2/13/2008 with the remainder vesting on 2/13/2010. 5 Restricted stock granted on 2/13/07
which vests on 2/13/09. 6 Restricted stock granted on 5/1/06 vests on 5/1/08. 7 PARS
granted on 5/1/06 vests on 5/1/09.
Richard S. Greene: 8 Stock options granted on 2/13/2007 vest in three equal installments on
2/13/2008, 2/13/2009, and 2/13/2010. 9 - PARS granted on 2/13/2007, of which 50% vested on
2/13/2008 with the remainder vesting on 2/13/2010. 10 Restricted stock granted on 10/2/06
vests on 10/2/08
- 31 -
Luann E. Widener: 11 Stock options granted on 2/13/2007 vest in three equal installments on
2/13/2008, 2/13/2009, and 2/13/2010. 12 Stock options granted on 3/1/06 with the remainder
of the unvested options vesting in two equal installments on 3/1/08, and 3/1/09. 13 Stock
options granted on 2/14/06 with the remainder of the unvested options vesting in two equal
installments on 2/14/08, and 2/14/09. 14 Stock options granted on 4/27/05 with the
remainder of the unvested options vesting on 4/27/08. 15 PARS granted on 2/13/2007, of
which 50% vested on 2/13/2008 with the remainder vesting on 2/13/2010. 16 PARS granted on
3/1/06 vests on 3/1/09. 17 Restricted stock granted on 3/1/06 vests on 3/1/08. 18 PARS
granted on 2/14/06 vests on 2/14/09. 19 Restricted stock granted on 2/14/06 vests on
2/14/08. 20 Restricted stock granted on 4/27/05 vests on 4/27/08.
Anthony C. Scarfone: 21 Stock options granted on 2/13/2007 vest in three equal installments on
2/13/2008, 2/13/2009, and 2/13/2010. 22 Stock options granted on 2/14/06 with the
remainder of the unvested options vesting in two equal installments on 2/14/08, and 2/14/09.
23 Stock options granted on 4/27/05 with the remainder vesting on 4/27/08. 24 - PARS
granted on 2/13/2007, of which 50% vested on 2/13/2008 with the remainder vesting on
2/13/2010. 25 PARS granted on 2/14/06 vests on 2/14/09. 26 Restricted stock granted on
2/14/06 vests on 2/14/08. 27 Restricted stock granted on 4/27/05 vests on 4/27/08.
Terry D. Peterson: 28 Stock options granted on 2/13/2007 vest in three equal installments on
2/13/2008, 2/13/2009, and 2/13/2010. 29 Stock options granted on 2/14/06 with the
remainder of the unvested options vesting in two equal installments on 2/14/08, and 2/14/09.
30 Stock options granted on 4/27/05 with the remainder of the unvested options vesting on
4/27/08. 31 - PARS granted on 2/13/2007, of which 50% vested on 2/13/2008 with the remainder
vesting on 2/13/2010. 32 PARS granted on 2/14/06 vests on 2/14/09. 33 Restricted stock
granted on 2/14/06 vests on 2/14/08. 34 Restricted stock granted on 4/27/05 vests on
4/27/08.
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Value |
|
Shares |
|
Value |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Realized on |
|
Acquired on |
|
Realized on |
|
|
Exercise |
|
Exercise |
|
Vesting |
|
Vesting |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Lee J. Schram1 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
29,787 |
|
|
|
1,145,012 |
|
Richard S. Greene |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Luann E. Widener2 |
|
|
10,867 |
|
|
|
152,087 |
|
|
|
4,490 |
|
|
|
136,180 |
|
Anthony C. Scarfone3 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
5,553 |
|
|
|
171,823 |
|
Terry D. Peterson |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
1 |
|
For Mr. Schram, 29,787 shares of restricted stock vested on May 1, 2007 at a value of $38.44
per share. |
2 |
|
Ms Widener exercised 5,800 stock options on May 7, 2007, and 5,067 stock options on May 8,
2007. The fair market value of the Companys stock on the date of exercise was $39.80 and
$39.8637, respectively. On January 25, 2007, 3,890 restricted stock units vested at a value of
$28.75 per share and on May 4, 2007, 600 shares of restricted stock vested at a value of
$40.57 per share. |
3 |
|
For Mr. Scarfone, 4,523 restricted stock units vested on January 25, 2007 at a value of
$28.75 per share and on May 4, 2007, 1,030 shares of restricted stock vested at a value of
$40.57 per share. |
Deferred Compensation Plan
Deluxes Deferred Compensation Plan permits eligible employees to defer annually receipt of up
to 100 percent of base salary, and up to 50 percent of bonuses. In connection with this plan,
Deluxe has created a non-qualified grantor trust (commonly known as a Rabbi Trust), through which
Deluxes obligations under the plan are funded. No assets are set aside for individual participants
in the plan, and the trust assets remain subject to the claims of Deluxes creditors.
- 32 -
Amounts deferred under the plan are payable on the earliest to occur of a change of control of
Deluxe, the participants termination of employment, disability or death, or the date for payment
selected by the participant, unless a delay in payments is otherwise required by Section 409A of
the Internal Revenue Code (Section 409A). Deferred amounts are credited with gains and losses
based on the performance of deemed investment options (i.e., phantom funds) selected by the
participant. Deluxe also may make ERISA excess payments and/or contributions of benefit plan
equivalents to participants accounts if IRS limits or the deferrals made by a participant under
this plan have the effect of reducing the contributions they otherwise would receive from Deluxe
under the Companys qualified benefit plans.
NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive |
|
Company |
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Contributions |
|
Contributions |
|
Earnings in |
|
Withdrawals/ |
|
Balance at |
|
|
in Last FY |
|
in Last FY1 |
|
Last FY2 |
|
Distributions |
|
Last FYE3 |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Lee J. Schram |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Richard S. Greene |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Luann E. Widener |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,398 |
|
|
|
2,327 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
41,317 |
|
Anthony C. Scarfone |
|
|
96,000 |
|
|
|
2,800 |
|
|
|
27,249 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
432,625 |
|
Terry D. Peterson |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
806 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
846 |
|
1 |
|
Amounts represent ERISA excess and benefit plan equivalent payments to restore retirement
plan contributions that could not be made to the executives qualified retirement plan
accounts due to IRS wage limits or that were lost due to the executives election to defer
compensation. These payments are made after the end of the year to which they relate. As a
result, amounts shown in this table would be reported for the preceding fiscal year in the
All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table. |
2 |
|
Participants in this plan allocate their deferrals into phantom funds similar to the funds
available under the Companys qualified retirement plans. Amounts reported reflect the
performance of these phantom funds. |
3 |
|
The amounts reported in previous years Summary Compensation Tables were: $5,098 for Ms.
Widener; $195,711 for Mr. Scarfone, and $806 for Mr. Peterson. |
Severance, Retention and Change of Control Arrangements
Deluxe has entered into severance arrangements or agreements with each of its Named Executive
Officers. Mr. Schrams employment agreement contains provisions with respect to severance, and the
other Named Executive Officers are subject to separate severance agreements (collectively
arrangements). The arrangements are intended to facilitate the executives attention to the
affairs of Deluxe and to recognize their key role within the Company. Under Mr. Schrams
arrangement, he would be eligible to receive severance benefits if his employment is terminated
without cause by Deluxe or by him with Good Reason. Under his employment agreement, Good Reason
includes (1) a material reduction in authority, duties or responsibilities without his written
consent; (2) a material reduction in his total compensation or a failure by the Company to comply
with his employment agreement; (3) a termination of his employment by the Company in a manner that
does not comply with his employment agreement; or (4) a request by the Company that he act or omit
to act in a way that violates the Companys ethical guidelines or practices. Mr. Schrams
employment agreement provides the following benefits if he is terminated by Deluxe without cause or
he terminates his employment for Good Reason: (1) 12 monthly payments of his then current monthly
base salary; (2) for a period of 12 months following completion of the initial 12 months of salary
continuation, an additional monthly payment equal to the amount, if any, that his monthly base pay
as of termination exceeds any monthly compensation he may earn from subsequent employment in that
month; (3) executive level outplacement services for up to 12 months; and (4) an additional
lump-sum payment of $13,000 to assist with expenses incurred in connection with his transition.
The severance arrangements with the other Named Executive Officers contain a similar
definition of Good Reason and add, as an additional basis for resigning with Good Reason, a
requirement to relocate more than 50 miles from his or her then current location. If these
executives are terminated by Deluxe without cause or the executive terminates his or her employment
for Good Reason, he or she will receive payments calculated on the same basis as the
- 33 -
payments that Mr. Schram would receive, except that any additional monthly payment following the
first 12 months of salary continuation would last for only six months. Receipt of these benefits
by Mr. Schram or any other Named Executive Officers is conditioned upon the executive entering into
a release. The Named Executive Officers are required by their severance arrangements to maintain
the confidentiality of Company confidential information for a period of two years after their
termination. Mr. Schrams employment agreement also requires that for two years after he ceases to
be employed by Deluxe he will not engage in any business that competes with Deluxe, will not hire
any Company employee or induce an employee to provide confidential information to a third party,
and will not induce any customer or supplier to stop doing business with the Company.
The severance arrangements are not effective if the executives employment is terminated
following a change of control under circumstances that would entitle them to receive benefits under
the retention agreements described below (Retention Agreements).
The Company has entered into Retention Agreements with Mr. Schram, the Senior Vice Presidents
and select Vice Presidents who are members of the executive leadership team (hereinafter,
Executives) that are designed to ensure that Deluxe will receive the continued service of the
Executive in the event of a change of control, by reducing the distraction that could be caused by
personal uncertainty about their compensation and benefits under those circumstances. Under the
Retention Agreements, each of the participating Executives agrees to remain employed by Deluxe, and
Deluxe agrees to continue to employ each Executive, until the second anniversary following a
Change of Control (as that term is defined in the Retention Agreements). During the two-year
period (the Employment Period), each Executive is entitled to maintain a position, authority,
duties and responsibilities at least commensurate with the most significant of those held by the
Executive during the 180-day period prior to the date (the Effective Date) of the Change of
Control. The annual base salary of an Executive may not be reduced below that earned by the
Executive during the twelve-month period preceding the Effective Date, provided, however, that the
annual base salary may be reduced to an amount that is not less than 90 percent of the base salary
in effect on the Effective Date pursuant to an across-the-board reduction of base salary similarly
affecting all executive officers of Deluxe. In determining any increase in an Executives base
salary during the Employment Period, the Executive is to be treated in a manner consistent with
other peer executives. The Executives are also entitled to receive annual incentive payments during
the Employment Period on the same objective basis as other peer executives, although in no event
may an Executives annual target bonus opportunity be less favorable to the Executive than that
provided by Deluxe in the last fiscal year prior to the Effective Date, and if the bonuses payable
to other peer executives during the Employment Period are not wholly based on objective criteria,
the Executives annual incentive payment must be at least equal to an amount determined with
reference to the Executives average annual incentive payments for certain periods ending prior to
the Effective Date. During the Employment Period, each Executive is also entitled to participate in
Deluxes stock incentive, retirement, and other benefit plans on the same basis as Deluxes other
Executives, and the benefits to the Executives under such plans generally may not be reduced from
those provided during the one-year period prior to the Effective Date.
If, during the Employment Period, Deluxe terminates a participating Executives employment
other than for Cause or Disability, or the Executive terminates his or her employment for Good
Reason (as those terms are defined in the Retention Agreements), the Executive is entitled to a
lump-sum payment equal to the sum of any unpaid base salary, deferred compensation and accrued
vacation pay through the date of termination, plus a pro-rated annual incentive payment for the
year of termination based on the greater of (1) the Executives target
bonus under Deluxes annual incentive plan in respect of the year in which the termination occurs
or, if greater, for the year in which the Change of Control occurs (the Target Bonus) and (2) the
annual incentive payment that the Executive would have earned for the year in which the termination
occurs based upon projecting to the end of that year Deluxes actual performance through the
termination date. In addition, the Executive is entitled to receive a lump-sum payment equal to
three times for Mr. Schram and the Senior Vice Presidents, and one time for Vice Presidents, the
sum of the Executives annual base salary and the higher of the Target Bonus or the average of the
Executives annual incentive payments for the last three full fiscal years prior to the Effective
Date, plus three times for Mr. Schram and the Senior Vice Presidents, and one time for Vice
Presidents, the amount that would have been contributed by Deluxe or its affiliates to the
retirement and supplemental retirement plans in which the Executive participated prior to his or
her termination. Certain resignations and terminations in anticipation of Changes of Control also
constitute qualifying terminations. The Executives are also entitled to the continuation of their
medical, disability, life and other health insurance benefits for up to a three-year period for Mr.
Schram and the Senior Vice Presidents, and one-year period for Vice Presidents, after a qualifying
termination and to certain out-placement services.
The Retention Agreements also provide that if any payment or benefit received or to be
received by an Executive, whether or not pursuant to his or her Retention Agreement, would be
subject to the federal excise tax on parachute payments as defined in Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code, Deluxe will pay to the Executive an additional amount so that the Executive
realizes, after the payment of such excise tax and any income tax or excise tax on such additional
amount, the amount of such compensation.
- 34 -
In 2007, the Boards Compensation Committee delivered to the CEO and each Senior Vice
President then party to a Retention Agreement a notice of non-renewal under the current Retention
Agreements, such that they will terminate by their terms on December 18, 2009. Coinciding with the
notices of non-renewal, the Committee authorized the execution of new Retention Agreements that
take effect upon expiration of the current agreements. In addition to amending the current
agreements to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, the new Retention Agreements reduce
the renewable term of the agreements from three years to two years, place a limit on tax gross-up
payments, and also include a reduction in the salary and bonus payment multiple for the Senior Vice
Presidents from three times to two times. The Retention Agreements with the Vice Presidents were
entered into at the same time the new agreements were executed with the CEO and Senior Vice
Presidents.
Deluxe also utilizes standard forms of stock option and restricted stock award agreements in
conjunction with its long-term incentive program. These agreements provide for accelerated vesting
of the awards, in whole or in part, upon certain events, including termination of the employee
without cause or a change of control. Generally speaking, for awards issued prior to 2007, stock
options vest in full, and restricted stock vests pro rata, upon termination without cause or a
change of control. For awards issued in 2007, vesting upon a change of control will only be
accelerated if the acquiring or surviving entity fails to honor the award agreements with
comparable equity, or if the employee is terminated without cause or resigns for Good Reason (as
defined in the agreements) following the change of control.
The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of Mr.
Schrams Employment Agreement, and the forms of Retention Agreement, severance agreement and equity
award agreements, all of which are filed as exhibits to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The following table illustrates the benefits that would be received by the named executives
under the severance arrangements described above, assuming a hypothetical severance occurring on
the last business day of the prior fiscal year.
SEVERANCE CALCULATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Option |
|
Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuation1 |
|
Outplacement2 |
|
Acceleration 3 |
|
Acceleration 4 |
|
Other 5 |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Lee J. Schram |
|
|
1,510,000 |
|
|
|
9,500 |
|
|
|
1,185,685 |
|
|
|
1,224,495 |
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
3,942,680 |
|
Richard S. Greene |
|
|
532,500 |
|
|
|
9,500 |
|
|
|
13,896 |
|
|
|
191,716 |
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
760,612 |
|
Luann E. Widener |
|
|
517,500 |
|
|
|
9,500 |
|
|
|
156,622 |
|
|
|
799,227 |
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
1,495,849 |
|
Anthony C. Scarfone |
|
|
480,000 |
|
|
|
9,500 |
|
|
|
109,810 |
|
|
|
502,987 |
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
1,115,297 |
|
Terry D. Peterson |
|
|
426,360 |
|
|
|
9,500 |
|
|
|
44,295 |
|
|
|
279,269 |
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
772,424 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Salary continuation benefits include twelve months of full salary, plus the difference in
compensation otherwise earned by the individual and their base salary at termination from
Deluxe for (a) an additional twelve months for the CEO, and (b) an additional six months for
the other executives. Amounts shown assume no employment is secured after the initial twelve
months, and therefore reflect maximum amounts payable. |
|
2 |
|
Estimated cost of outplacement services for twelve months. |
|
3 |
|
Accelerated vesting on stock options at the time of termination, with three months to
exercise. The value is based on the closing price of Deluxe common stock on December 31, 2007
($32.89 per share). |
|
4 |
|
Pro-rata acceleration of vesting on restricted stock based on the date of termination. Value
based on the closing price of Deluxe common stock on December 31, 2007 ($32.89 per share).
The amount for Mr. Schram includes full vesting |
- 35 -
|
|
|
|
|
of the unvested shares attributed to a one-time grant made upon hire to replace forfeited equity
compensation from his prior employer. The amount listed for Ms. Widener assumes approved
retiree status at the time of severance, which requires at least 20 years of services and more
than 75 points (age plus years of service) with the Company, as well as Compensation Committee
approval, and results in full vesting of awards. |
|
5 |
|
Lump-sum payment in lieu of benefits continuation. |
The following table illustrates the benefits that would be received by the Named Executive
Officers under the Retention Agreements described above, assuming a hypothetical triggering event
occurring on the last business day of the prior fiscal year.
CHANGE OF CONTROL CALCULATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due on Change of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Control followed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
by termination by |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company without |
|
Due on |
|
|
|
|
cause or by |
|
Change of |
|
|
|
|
Executive for |
|
Control |
Name |
|
Type of Compensation |
|
Good Reason ($) |
|
($) |
Lee J. Schram |
|
Severance 1 |
|
4,530,000 |
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Options 2 |
|
1,185,688 |
|
1,139,320 |
|
|
Vesting of Restricted Stock 3 |
|
2,039,749 |
|
1,377,240 |
|
|
Benefit Continuation 4 |
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
Retirement Plan Contribution 5 |
|
231,030 |
|
|
|
|
Outplacement 6 |
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
Total Payments Before Excise Tax |
|
8,056,467 |
|
2,516,560 |
|
|
Excise Tax Gross-Up 7 |
|
2,158,620 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
10,215,087 |
|
2,516,560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due on Change of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Control followed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
by termination by |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company without |
|
Due on |
|
|
|
|
cause or by |
|
Change of |
|
|
|
|
Executive for |
|
Control |
Name |
|
Type of Compensation |
|
Good Reason ($) |
|
($) |
Richard S. Greene |
|
Severance 1 |
|
1,597,500 |
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Options 2 |
|
13,896 |
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Restricted Stock 3 |
|
257,921 |
|
71,864 |
|
|
Benefit Continuation 4 |
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
Retirement Plan Contribution 5 |
|
81,473 |
|
|
|
|
Outplacement 6 |
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
Total Payments Before Excise Tax |
|
2,020,790 |
|
71,864 |
|
|
Excise Tax Gross-Up 7 |
|
782,512 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
2,803,302 |
|
71,864 |
- 36 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due on Change of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Control followed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
by termination by |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company without |
|
Due on |
|
|
|
|
cause or by |
|
Change of |
|
|
|
|
Executive for |
|
Control |
Name |
|
Type of Compensation |
|
Good Reason ($) |
|
($) |
Luann E. Widener |
|
Severance 1 |
|
1,552,500 |
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Options 2 |
|
165,609 |
|
153,249 |
|
|
Vesting of Restricted Stock 3 |
|
253,622 |
|
88,497 |
|
|
Benefit Continuation 4 |
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
Retirement Plan Contribution 5 |
|
79,178 |
|
|
|
|
Outplacement 6 |
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
Total Payments Before Excise Tax |
|
2,120,909 |
|
241,746 |
|
|
Excise Tax Gross-Up 7 |
|
728,672 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
2,849,581 |
|
241,746 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due on Change of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Control followed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
by termination by |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company without |
|
Due on |
|
|
|
|
cause or by |
|
Change of |
|
|
|
|
Executive for |
|
Control |
Name |
|
Type of Compensation |
|
Good Reason ($) |
|
($) |
Anthony C. Scarfone |
|
Severance 1 |
|
1,440,000 |
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Options 2 |
|
120,594 |
|
109,794 |
|
|
Vesting of Restricted Stock 3 |
|
218,245 |
|
74,051 |
|
|
Benefit Continuation 4 |
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
Retirement Plan Contribution 5 |
|
73,440 |
|
|
|
|
Outplacement 6 |
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
Total Payments Before Excise Tax |
|
1,922,279 |
|
183,845 |
|
|
Excise Tax Gross-Up 7 |
|
645,217 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
2,567,496 |
|
183,845 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due on Change of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Control followed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
by termination by |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company without |
|
Due on |
|
|
|
|
cause or by |
|
Change of |
|
|
|
|
Executive for |
|
Control |
Name |
|
Type of Compensation |
|
Good Reason ($) |
|
($) |
Terry D. Peterson |
|
Severance 1 |
|
397,936 |
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Options 2 |
|
49,128 |
|
45,432 |
|
|
Vesting of Restricted Stock 3 |
|
84,112 |
|
35,272 |
|
|
Benefit Continuation 4 |
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
Retirement Plan Contribution 5 |
|
|
|
20,295 |
|
|
Outplacement 6 |
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
Total Payments Before Excise Tax |
|
591,471 |
|
80,704 |
|
|
Excise Tax Gross-Up 7 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
591,471 |
|
80,704 |
- 37 -
|
|
|
1 |
|
Severance is equal to three times for Mr. Schram and the Senior Vice Presidents, and one time
for Mr. Peterson, the total of (a) the current base salary, plus (b) the higher of the
individuals target annual bonus or the average actual bonus earned for each of the prior
three years. |
|
2 |
|
The amount listed in the column titled Due on Change of Control followed by termination by
Company without cause or by Executive for Good Reason reflects full acceleration of options.
The amount listed in the column titled Due on Change of Control reflects full acceleration
of options for grants made prior to 2007 and no acceleration on stock options granted in 2007. |
|
3 |
|
The amount listed in the column titled Due on Change of Control followed by termination by
Company without cause or by Executive for Good Reason reflects pro-rated acceleration of
restricted stock. The amount listed in the column titled Due on Change of Control reflects
pro-rated acceleration of restricted stock granted prior to 2007 and no acceleration on
restricted stock granted in 2007. |
|
4 |
|
Assumes $15,000 annually for three years for Mr. Schram and the Senior Vice Presidents, and
for one year for Mr. Peterson. |
|
5 |
|
Assumes 4 percent defined contribution and 1.1 percent profit sharing payment annually for
three years. |
|
6 |
|
Assumes full use of the 12-month executive outplacement program at an amount not to exceed
$25,000. |
|
7 |
|
The excise tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (Code) on excess parachute payments
is 20 percent. This excise tax, together with any corresponding tax gross-up, applies only if
the total value of change in control payments calculated under Section 280G of the Code equals
or exceeds three times the average annual compensation attributable to the executives
employment with Deluxe over the prior five-year period. As a result, the gross-up amount
shown reflects the executives unique earnings history with Deluxe and can vary significantly
from year to year. |
FISCAL YEAR 2007 AUDIT
AND INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Audit Committee Report
The following is the report of the Audit Committee with respect to Deluxes audited financial
statements presented in its Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007, which include the consolidated balance sheets of Deluxe as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and
the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, and the notes thereto. The information
contained in this Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by
reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that Deluxe specifically incorporates it by
reference in such filing.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors currently is comprised of the five undersigned
directors, all of whom have been determined by the Board to be independent under the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange. The Audit Committee acts under
a written charter approved by the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee reviews the adequacy of
that charter on an annual basis. A complete copy of the Committees charter is posted on the
Investor Relations page of the Investors section of Deluxes website at www.deluxe.com
under the Corporate Governance caption.
As stated in its charter, the Audit Committee assists the Board in monitoring the integrity of
Deluxes financial statements, the effectiveness of the internal audit function and independent
registered public accounting firm, and Deluxes compliance systems. In carrying out these
responsibilities, the Audit Committee met with Deluxe management periodically during the year to
consider the adequacy of Deluxes internal controls and the objectivity of its financial reporting.
The Audit Committee discussed these matters with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Deluxes independent
registered public accounting firm, and with the appropriate financial personnel and internal
auditors, and met privately on a regular basis with both the independent registered public
accounting firm and with the internal auditors, each of whom reports and has unrestricted access to
the Audit Committee.
- 38 -
The Audit Committee reviewed with management and the independent registered public accounting
firm Deluxes 2007 audited financial statements and met separately with both management and the
independent registered public accounting firm to discuss and review those financial statements and
reports prior to issuance. Management has the primary responsibility for Deluxes financial
statements and the overall reporting process, including Deluxes system of internal controls.
Management has represented, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has indicated in its opinion to the
Audit Committee, that Deluxe maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over
its financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, and that the financial statements were prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and fairly present, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Deluxe.
The Audit Committee also received from, and discussed with, the independent registered public
accounting firm the written disclosures and letter required by Independence Standards Board
Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees). These items relate to that firms
independence from Deluxe. As part of its efforts to ensure the independence of Deluxes
independent registered public accounting firm, the Committee maintains a policy requiring the
pre-approval by the Committee of all services to be provided by the independent registered public
accounting firm, and reviews all services actually performed by the independent registered public
accounting firm in connection with its discussions regarding the independent registered public
accounting firms continued independence. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent
registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing
Standards Nos. 61 and 90 (Communication with Audit Committees), which include, among other items,
matters related to the conduct of the audit of Deluxes financial statements.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to Deluxes
Board of Directors that Deluxes audited financial statements be included in Deluxes Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Martyn R. Redgrave, Chair
Ronald C. Baldwin
Isaiah Harris, Jr.
Cheryl E. Mayberry McKissack
Mary Ann ODwyer
Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Aggregate fees for professional services rendered for Deluxe by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
1,685,554 |
|
|
$ |
1,768,706 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fees |
|
$ |
1,693,554 |
|
|
$ |
1,781,206 |
|
The Audit Fees billed for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were for professional
services rendered for audits of the annual consolidated financial statements and the Companys
internal controls over financial reporting, reviews of the related quarterly financial statements
included in Deluxes quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, services in connection with
the filing of SEC registration statements, and consultations regarding accounting or disclosure
treatment of transactions which were directly part of the audit.
The Audit-Related Fees billed in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 were for employee
benefit plan audits. All Other Fees in 2007 and 2006 consist of fees incurred by the Company for
Human Resource benchmarking data provided by Saratoga, an affiliate of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP.
- 39 -
The Audit Committee approved all of the services and fees described above.
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Accounting Firm Fees and Services
In order to assure that our independent registered public accounting firm is engaged only to
provide audit and non-audit services that are compatible with maintaining their independence, the
Audit Committee has adopted a policy which requires the Audit Committee to review and approve all
services to be provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP before the firm is engaged to provide such
services. The Audit Committee may delegate its pre-approval authority to one or more members of
the Audit Committee; provided, however, that a full report of any such delegated approvals must be
given at the next Audit Committee meeting. The Audit Committee is required to specifically approve
the fee levels for all services. Requests for approval of services must be jointly submitted to
the Audit Committee by the independent registered public accounting firm, Deluxes Chief Financial
Officer and Deluxes Vice President of Internal Audit, and must include (1) a joint statement as to
whether, in their view, the request is consistent with the SECs rules on auditor independence and
(2) a reasonably detailed description of the proposed services. The complete text of our Audit and
Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy is posted on the Investor Relations page of the Investors
section of our website at www.deluxe.com under the Corporate Governance caption. A copy
of the Policy is available in print free of charge to any stockholder who submits a request to:
Corporate Secretary, Deluxe Corporation, 3680 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.
ITEM 2: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Deluxes independent
registered public accounting firm to examine Deluxes financial statements and internal controls
over financial reporting for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
has acted as Deluxes independent registered public accounting firm since 2001.
Pursuant to the Audit Committees charter, the Board of Directors is submitting the
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Deluxes independent registered public accounting firm
for fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 to the shareholders for ratification. Shareholder approval
of this appointment is not required, but the Board is submitting the selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for ratification in order to obtain the views of the Companys
shareholders. If the appointment is not ratified, the Audit Committee will reconsider its
selection. Deluxe anticipates that representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present
at the meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be able to
respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the ratification of the selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Deluxes independent registered
public accounting firm.
ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF THE 2008 ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN
GENERAL
As explained in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement,
annual incentive compensation is an integral part of our compensation program. In recent years,
our management and highly compensated employees have received awards under Deluxes 2004 Annual
Incentive Plan, which expires on December 31, 2008. The proposed plan, if approved, would become
effective on January 1, 2009. The purpose of these annual incentive plans is to advance the
interests of Deluxe and its shareholders by attracting and retaining key employees through
competitive compensation packages, and to provide employees with an opportunity to increase their
ownership of our common stock, which will align their personal interests to Deluxes long-term
success. As in the case of the current plan, the proposed 2008 Annual Incentive Plan (the 2008
Incentive Plan or Plan) is designed to reward executive officers and key employees only if
specific, objective, predetermined performance goals are achieved during a performance period.
Subject to shareholder approval, the 2008 Incentive Plan is designed so that compensation paid
under the Plan will be tax deductible by Deluxe under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the Code). Section 162(m) of the Code generally limits to $1,000,000 the
amount that Deluxe is allowed each year to deduct for
- 40 -
compensation paid to our chief executive officer and our three most highly compensated
executive officers other than our chief financial officer (sometimes referred to as 162(m)
officers). However, qualified performance-based compensation is not subject to this
deductibility limit. The 2008 Incentive Plan contains provisions necessary for the incentive
payments made under the Plan to qualify as performance-based compensation, including the
requirement that Deluxes shareholders approve the business criteria upon which performance goals
are based and a limit on the maximum amount that may be paid to an executive officer with respect
to any performance period.
In accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, the 2008 Incentive Plan is
being presented to shareholders for their approval. If the shareholders approve the Plan, all
incentive payments under the Plan would be deductible under Section 162(m) of the Code for the next
five fiscal years. If the Plan is not approved by shareholders, no awards would be paid to the
162(m) officers under the Plan. In such event, the Compensation Committee could use an alternative
framework for the annual incentive program, but such alternative likely would not comply with
Section 162(m).
The complete text of the 2008 Incentive Plan is attached as Appendix A to this proxy
statement. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to Appendix A.
SUMMARY OF THE 2008 INCENTIVE PLAN
Eligibility
Participation in the Plan would be limited to executive officers and other key employees
selected by the Compensation Committee. As of the date of this proxy statement, approximately 150
employees would be expected to be participants in the 2008 Incentive Plan.
Administration
The Plan would be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board, which consists
solely of individuals who qualify as non-employee directors within the meaning of Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act and outside directors within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
On or prior to the 90th day of each performance period under the Plan, the Compensation Committee
must designate the participants, set the performance goals for the awards for the applicable
performance period, determine the percentage of any match to be provided on that portion of awards
participants elect to receive in the form of equity as opposed to cash, and determine the other
terms and conditions of the awards. Before March 15 of the year following a performance period,
the Compensation Committee would be required to certify the extent to which the applicable
performance goals have been achieved and the payments to be made based on that certification. The
Compensation Committee also would have the authority to interpret the Plan, and to establish rules
and make any determinations for the administration of the Plan in accordance with applicable law.
The Compensation Committee would have the authority to delegate any of its powers and duties
under the 2008 Incentive Plan to one or more of Deluxes officers or a committee of such officers,
unless such delegation would cause the Plan to fail to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m)
of the Code. In addition, the Compensation Committee would be prohibited from delegating its power
to make determinations regarding awards for executive officers.
Determination of Incentive Awards; Payment
Awards granted to participants under the Plan would be specified as a dollar amount or
percentage of annual base salary, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The right to
receive payment of any award would be based solely on the attainment of one or more specific,
objective, predetermined performance goals selected by the Compensation Committee within the first
90 days of a performance period. For the chief executive officer and other 162(m) officers,
performance goals would be based solely on one or more of the following business criteria: sales
values; margins; volume; cash flow; stock price; market share; revenue; sales; earnings per share;
profits; earnings before interest expense and taxes; earnings before interest expense, interest
income and taxes; earnings before interest expense, taxes, and depreciation and/or amortization;
earnings before interest expense, interest income, taxes, and depreciation and/or amortization;
return on equity or costs; return on invested or average capital employed; economic value; or
cumulative total return to shareholders. The Compensation Committee could designate other
performance criteria for awards to participants who are not 162(m) officers of Deluxe. Performance
goals could be set to relate to a particular individual, an identifiable business unit or Deluxe as
a whole.
- 41 -
The maximum amount of any payment that could be made to an individual participant pursuant to
the Plan for any performance period could not exceed $5,000,000. Once awards have been calculated
under the predetermined criteria, the Compensation Committee could not make an adjustment that
would increase the payment to any 162(m) officer for any performance period, but would have
discretion to reduce the payment that would otherwise be payable under the performance criteria.
The Compensation Committee would have the discretion to increase or decrease the amount of an award
otherwise payable to any participant who is not a 162(m) officer.
The Compensation Committee could permit participants to elect to receive all or portion of
their incentive payment in the form of cash, shares of common stock, restricted stock units or a
combination of these. All equity compensation paid to participants would be granted under and
governed by the terms and conditions of Deluxes 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, a copy of which is
attached to this proxy statement and also is being submitted for shareholder approval (see Item 4
below). The Compensation Committee could also award additional shares of common stock or
restricted stock units to participants who elect to receive their incentive payment in the form of
equity (i.e., provide an equity match), provided that the value of all such shares and restricted
stock units, combined with other awards payable to an individual participant under the Plan, would
not exceed $5,000,000 for any performance period. Shares of common stock and restricted stock
units would be granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of Deluxes 2008 Stock
Incentive Plan. We expect that a participant who receives restricted stock units would also
receive cash payments equivalent to any cash dividends paid on a corresponding number of shares of
Deluxe common stock until such time the restricted stock units are forfeited or exchanged for
shares of common stock. Participants may also elect to defer any cash incentive payments in
accordance with any available deferred compensation plan.
Amendment and Termination
The Board of Directors would have the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the 2008
Incentive Plan without the approval of Deluxes shareholders unless, in the absence of shareholder
approval, such action would violate the rules or regulations of the New York Stock Exchange or any
other securities exchange that are applicable to Deluxe. The Plan would terminate by its terms on
December 31, 2013. No awards could be granted under the Plan after it terminates, but outstanding
awards could extend beyond the termination unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan.
Federal Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of the principal federal income tax consequences generally
applicable to incentive payments that could be made under the 2008 Incentive Plan.
The amount of any cash or the dollar value of any common stock received outright and not
subject to forfeiture, or common stock received upon vesting of restricted stock units granted in
connection with the Plan, would be taxable as ordinary income to a participant. Subject to the
usual rules concerning reasonable compensation, and assuming that, as expected, compensation paid
under the Plan is qualified performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m)
of the Code, Deluxe would be entitled to a corresponding tax deduction no later than the time a
participant recognizes ordinary income from an award under the Plan.
Participants who received shares of common stock pursuant to the Plan that were not
transferable and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture would be required, unless a special
election were made pursuant to the Code, to recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market
value of such securities, determined as of the first time such securities become transferable or
were not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, whichever occurred earlier. Deluxe would
expect to be entitled to a corresponding tax deduction. It is not anticipated that there would be
any tax consequences to Deluxe in connection with a subsequent disposition of any securities
acquired by a participant.
BOARD VOTING RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the proposal to approve the Deluxe
Corporation 2008 Annual Incentive Plan.
- 42 -
ITEM 4: APPROVAL OF THE 2008 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
GENERAL
Deluxes shareholders approved the Companys current Stock Incentive Plan in 2000 and approved
amendments to that plan in 2002 and 2004 (the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan). The 2000 Stock
Incentive Plan expires on December 31, 2008. The Company proposes to replace the 2000 Stock
Incentive Plan with the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan or Plan),
subject to shareholder approval. If approved, the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan would immediately
become effective and the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan would simultaneously terminate. The Plan
provides for grants of various types of stock-based awards that are designed to align the interests
of our executive officers and other key employees with the long-term interests of our shareholders
and to support Deluxes business objectives. We intend to continue to rely on a combination of
options and other stock-based awards to achieve our compensation objectives. This strategy is
outlined in further detail in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy
statement. Accordingly, the Board of Directors recommends approval of the 2008 Stock Incentive
Plan, as described below.
The 2008 Stock Incentive Plan would make 4,000,000 shares available for awards under the Plan.
In accounting for usage of this authorized pool of shares, however, certain awards such as
restricted stock and performance awards (referred to as Full Value Awards) would have the effect
of reducing the available pool more than other awards, as further described below and in the Plan.
The proposed Plan also would permit performance awards paid under it to be tax deductible to Deluxe
under Section 162(m) of the Code, as qualified performance-based compensation, as did the 2000
Stock Incentive Plan.
If the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan is not approved by shareholders, Deluxe will continue to use
the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan in its current form as the framework for its equity-based incentive
compensation program until its expiration date. However, after its expiration date, we would not
be able to continue to offer a long-term incentive program that employs equity awards, which could
put us at a competitive disadvantage in recruiting and retaining talent, and also make it more
difficult for us to align employee interests with those of our shareholders through a program that
includes stock ownership. Without shareholder approval, Performance Awards and similar long-term
cash incentives also would not be tax deductible to the Company under Section 162(m) of the Code.
The following is a summary of the material terms of the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan. The
complete text of the Plan is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement. The following summary
is qualified in its entirety by reference to Appendix B.
SUMMARY OF THE 2008 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
Shares Available For Awards
The 2008 Stock Incentive Plan would provide for the issuance of up to 4,000,000 shares of
common stock, subject to adjustment for any dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, stock
split, merger or other similar corporate transaction or event affecting our shares of common stock.
The Plan would provide that no participant may be granted an award of more than 500,000 shares in
the aggregate in any calendar year, the value of which award or awards is based solely on an
increase of the value of shares after the date of grant of the award or awards.
If any shares of common stock subject to any award or to which an award related were not
purchased or are forfeited, or if any such award terminated without the delivery of any shares, the
shares previously set aside for such awards would be available for future awards under the Plan.
Shares delivered to the Company or withheld from an award for payment of an exercise price or tax
withholding would not be available for future grants under the Plan. Shares underlying awards that
allowed the holder to receive or purchase shares would be counted against the aggregate number of
shares available under the Plan. If an award or a portion of it provided for receipt of shares
without payment of an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares at the time of the grant
(referred to as Full Value Awards), the aggregate number of shares available for grants under the
Plan would be reduced by the number of shares underlying such Full Value Award multiplied by 2.29,
or if such an award were forfeited or terminated without delivery of the shares, the number of
shares that again became eligible for grants would be multiplied by 2.29.
Administration
The Compensation Committee would administer the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan and have full power
and authority to determine when and to whom awards would be granted and the type, amount, form of
payment and other terms and
- 43 -
conditions of each award, consistent with the provisions of the Plan and applicable law.
Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Compensation Committee could amend or waive the terms
and conditions of an outstanding award, but would be prohibited from repricing outstanding stock
options or changing the time or form of payment of an outstanding award in a way that would cause
the Plan to fail to comply with Section 409A of the Code. The Compensation Committee would have
authority to interpret the Plan and establish rules and regulations for its administration. In the
event of a merger or similar transactions, the Compensation Committee could cause shares underlying
outstanding awards to be converted into stock of the resulting entity or could cause the awards to
be settled by a cash payment equal to the fair market value of the resulting shares reduced by the
exercise price of the award or cancelled without payment if the fair market value did not exceed
the exercise price. The Compensation Committee could delegate its powers and duties to one or more
of Deluxes officers, except that the Compensation Committee could not delegate any of its powers
and duties with respect to individuals who were subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or in a
way that would cause the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan to fail to comply with any of the requirements
of Section 162(m) of the Code.
Eligible Employees
Any employee or non-employee director of Deluxe or its affiliates selected by the Compensation
Committee would be eligible to receive an award under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan. As of the
date of this proxy statement, if the Plan were in effect, approximately 225 employees, officers and
directors would be eligible as a class to be selected by the Compensation Committee to receive
awards under the Plan.
Types of Awards and Terms and Conditions
The 2008 Stock Incentive Plan would permit the granting of:
|
|
|
stock options; |
|
|
|
|
stock appreciation rights (SARs); |
|
|
|
|
restricted stock and restricted stock units; |
|
|
|
|
performance awards; |
|
|
|
|
dividend equivalents; and |
|
|
|
|
other stock-based awards valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise based
upon the value of the Companys common stock. |
Awards could be granted alone, in addition to, in combination with or in substitution for any
other award granted under the Plan or any other compensation plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
although a stock appreciation right could be granted in tandem with a non-qualified stock option,
the recipient could exercise only one or the other and the shares would be counted only once toward
reduction of the authorized share pool. Awards could be granted for no cash consideration or for
such minimal cash consideration as might be required by applicable law, and could provide that upon
the grant or exercise thereof, the holder would receive cash, shares of common stock or other
securities, awards or property, or any combination of these. The exercise price per share under
any stock option, the grant price of any SAR and the purchase price of any security which could be
purchased under any other stock-based award could not be less than the fair market value on the
date of grant of such option, SAR or award. Determinations of fair market value under the Plan
would be made in accordance with methods and procedures established by the Compensation Committee,
but the fair market value of Deluxe shares always would be based on the closing price of those
shares on the relevant date.
Stock Options. Options granted under the Plan could not have terms longer than ten years,
except that in the event the recipient of an incentive stock option owned more than ten percent of
the Companys stock, the term of the option could be no longer than five years. Option recipients
could exercise their options by tendering cash, shares of common stock or other consideration
having a fair market value on the date the option was exercised equal to the exercise price, or
110% of the fair market value if the payment were in exercise of an incentive stock option by a
participant who owned more than ten percent of the Companys stock. The Plan would not permit the
grant of additional options to purchase shares of common stock to participants who exercised their
options by delivery of shares in payment of the exercise price. The fair market value of incentive
stock options granted to an individual in any one year could not exceed $100,000, and no options
could be granted at an exercise price less than the fair market value of the underlying shares on
the date of grant.
Stock Appreciation Rights. The holder of a SAR would be entitled to receive the excess of the
fair market value, calculated as of the exercise date, of a specified number of shares of common
stock over the grant price of the SAR, which can be no less than the fair market value of the
underlying shares on the grant date.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Shares of restricted stock and restricted stock
units would be subject to such restrictions as the Compensation Committee might impose (including
any limitations on the right to vote or
- 44 -
the right to receive dividends). These restrictions could lapse separately or in combination
at any time, in installments or otherwise as the Compensation Committee determined. Restricted
stock and restricted stock units could not be transferred by the holder until the restrictions
established by the Compensation Committee lapsed. Holders of restricted stock units would have the
right, subject to any terms and conditions imposed by the Compensation Committee, to receive shares
of common stock at some future date. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, upon
termination of the holders employment (as determined under criteria established by the
Compensation Committee) during the applicable restriction period, shares of restricted stock and
restricted stock units would be forfeited. The Compensation Committee also would retain the
authority, when it found that a waiver would be in the best interests of Deluxe, to waive all or
part of any remaining restrictions.
Performance Awards. Performance awards granted under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan would be
intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Code. Performance awards would give participants the right to receive payments based solely upon
the achievement of certain performance goals during a specified performance period. With respect
to performance awards intended to qualify as performance-based compensation, the Compensation
Committee would establish the performance criteria and target awards for each award recipient
within the first 90 days of each performance period. Performance goals would be based solely on
one or more of the following business criteria: sales values; margins; volume; cash flow; stock
price; market share; revenue; sales; earnings per share; share price; profits; earnings before
interest expense and taxes; earnings before interest expense, interest income and taxes; earnings
before interest expense, taxes, and depreciation and/or amortization; earnings before interest
expense, interest income, taxes, and depreciation and/or amortization; return on equity; assets or
costs; return on invested or average capital employed; economic value; or cumulative total return
to shareholders.
The measure of performance would be set by reference to an absolute standard or a comparison
with specified companies or groups of companies and would be applied at individual or
organizational levels. Following the close of a performance period and prior to payment of any
amount with respect to a performance award, the Compensation Committee would certify the attainment
of applicable goals and such certification would occur in sufficient time to permit payment to be
made by the fifteenth day of the third month following the end of the performance period. The
aggregate dollar value of performance awards paid to any recipient in any calendar year could not
exceed $5,000,000. If a participant died, became permanently and totally disabled or if such
participants employment were terminated for some other reason, the Compensation Committee could
provide for a pro rata payment of the award for periods leading up to the termination of
employment.
Other Stock-Based Awards. Under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, dividend equivalents could be
authorized by the Compensation Committee with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units
or Performance Awards payable in stock, but not with respect to options or stock appreciation
rights, which provide for payments (in cash, shares of common stock or otherwise, as determined by
the Compensation Committee) equivalent to the amount of cash dividends to other shareholders with
respect to a number of shares of common stock determined by the Compensation Committee. These
dividend equivalents would be paid at the same time as dividends paid to the Companys
shareholders, unless the Compensation Committee were to specify otherwise in the applicable award
agreements. The Compensation Committee would also be authorized to establish the terms and
conditions of other stock-based awards.
Certain Awards to Non-Employee Directors. Each non-employee director would be eligible to
receive or elect to receive his or her fees for service on the Board and its committees in shares
of common stock or restricted stock units, and to defer the receipt of any such shares by filing
with the Company an election to do so no later than December 31 of the year preceding the year to
which the election would apply. Any director whose initial appointment to the Board occurred
during the year would have 30 days from such appointment to file an election which would then apply
to the remainder of the year. Each non-employee director also would be eligible to receive
non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock or restricted stock
units.
If a participating director left the Board prior to the end of a fiscal quarter, the director
would be paid the quarterly installment of the fees for the quarter in accordance with the
directors previously filed election provided that the director would not continue or resume
providing services to the Company.
In the event of a change of control as defined by Section 409A of the Code, the stock units
deferred by a participating director as of the last business day prior to the change of control
would be converted into an equal number of shares of the resulting entity, and such shares would be
issued or distributed to the participating director as soon as practical.
Duration, Termination and Amendment. Unless earlier discontinued or terminated by the Board
of Directors, the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan would expire on December 31, 2018. No awards could be
made after that date. However,
- 45 -
unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or an applicable award agreement, any award
granted under the Plan prior to its expiration could extend beyond the end of such period.
The Board of Directors could amend, alter or discontinue the Plan at any time, although
shareholder approval would be required for any action that would increase the number of shares
available or the award limits under the Plan, or cause Deluxe to be unable, under the Code, to
grant incentive stock options. Shareholder approval also would be required for any action that,
absent such approval, would violate the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, any
other securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. applicable to
Deluxe.
Federal Tax Consequences
The grant of an option or SAR under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan would not be expected to
result in any taxable income to the recipient. The holder of an incentive stock option generally
would have no taxable income upon exercising the option (except that a liability might arise
pursuant to the alternative minimum tax), and Deluxe would not be entitled to a tax deduction when
an incentive stock option was exercised. Upon exercising a non-qualified stock option,
participants would recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the
shares of common stock acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price, and Deluxe would
be entitled at that time to a tax deduction in the same amount. Upon exercising a SAR, the amount
of any cash received and the fair market value on the exercise date of any shares of common stock
received would be taxable to the recipient as ordinary income and deductible by Deluxe. The tax
consequence to a participant upon a disposition of shares acquired through the exercise of an
option or SAR would depend on how long the shares were held and whether such shares were acquired
by exercising an incentive stock option or by exercising a non-qualified stock option or SAR.
Generally, there would be no tax consequence to Deluxe in connection with disposition of shares
acquired under an option, except that Deluxe might be entitled to a tax deduction in the case of a
disposition of shares acquired under an incentive stock option before the applicable incentive
stock option holding periods set forth in the Code have been satisfied.
With respect to other awards that would be payable either in cash or shares of common stock
and were either transferable or not subject to substantial risk of forfeiture, the holder of such
an award would recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of (1) the cash or the fair market
value of the shares of common stock received (determined as of the date of such receipt) over (2)
the amount (if any) paid for such shares of common stock by the holder of the award, and Deluxe
would be entitled at that time to a deduction for the same amount. With respect to an award that
would be payable in shares of common stock that were restricted as to transferability and subject
to substantial risk of forfeiture, unless a special election were made pursuant to the Code, the
holder of the award would recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of (a) the fair market
value of the shares of common stock received (determined as of the first time the shares become
transferable or not subject to substantial risk of forfeiture, whichever occurs earlier) over (b)
the amount (if any) paid for such shares of common stock by the holder, and Deluxe would be
entitled at that time to a tax deduction in the same amount. Subject to the usual rules concerning
reasonable compensation, and assuming that, as expected, performance awards paid under the Plan
were qualified performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code,
Deluxe would be entitled to a corresponding tax deduction at the time a participant recognized
ordinary income.
Special rules might apply in the case of individuals subject to Section 16 of the Exchange
Act. In particular, unless a special election were made pursuant to the Code, shares received
pursuant to the exercise of a stock option or SAR, or when restricted stock units vested, might be
treated as restricted as to transferability and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for a
period up to six months after the date of exercise or vesting. Accordingly, the amounts of any
ordinary income recognized, and the amount of Deluxes tax deduction, would be determined as of the
end of such period.
Under the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee could permit participants
receiving or exercising awards, upon such terms and conditions as it may impose, to surrender
shares of common stock (either shares received upon the receipt or exercise of the award or shares
previously owned by the participant) or other property to Deluxe to satisfy federal and state tax
obligations.
BOARD VOTING RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the proposal to approve the Deluxe
Corporation 2008 Stock Incentive Plan.
- 46 -
The following
table provides information concerning all of our equity compensation plans as of
December 31, 2007:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
securities to be |
|
Weighted-average |
|
|
|
|
issued upon |
|
exercise price of |
|
Number of securities remaining |
|
|
exercise of |
|
outstanding |
|
available for future issuance |
|
|
outstanding |
|
options, warrants |
|
under equity compensation |
|
|
options, warrants |
|
and rights |
|
plans (excluding securities |
Plan category |
|
and rights |
|
($) |
|
reflected in the first column) |
Equity compensation
plans approved by
shareholders |
|
|
3,337,339 |
(1) |
|
|
36.26 |
(1) |
|
|
7,152,380 |
(2) |
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by shareholders |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
3,337,339 |
|
|
|
36.26 |
|
|
|
7,152,380 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Includes awards granted under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and our
previous stock incentive plan, adopted in 1994. The number of securities to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights includes 3,284,229 outstanding stock
options and 53,110 restricted stock unit awards. In addition, as of December 31, 2007,
there were 504,133 unvested restricted stock awards. As of February 20, 2008, and taking
into account the 2008 annual grants made on that day, there were
outstanding 3,778,662 options,
with a weighted average exercise price of 34.73 and a weighted average
remaining term of 3.83 years, and 533,596 unvested shares of
restricted stock. With the
exception of an estimated 4,191 shares allocated to first quarter director fee payments
(see footnote 2 below), no further grants are anticipated before the annual meeting of
shareholders on April 30, 2008, and we anticipate that
2,024,620 shares will remain available for future issuance under our 2000 Stock Incentive
Plan as of that date. If the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan is approved at the annual meeting, the 2000 Stock
Incentive Plan will be terminated and none of these shares will remain available for future
issuance. |
|
2 |
|
Includes 4,357,348 shares reserved for issuance under our Amended and Restated 2000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. As of December 31, 2007, of the total available for future
issuance, 2,566,976 shares remained available, in the aggregate, for grants of restricted
stock, restricted stock units and performance awards under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan.
Since December 31, 2007, an estimated aggregate of 856,623 additional shares have been
allocated to awards made under the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, consisting of the following:
81,132 shares for restricted stock units issued on January 22, 2008, in connection with
elections made by employees to receive a portion of their 2007 annual incentive
compensation in the form of equity; 175,600 shares for performance accelerated restricted
stock and 595,700 shares for stock options granted on February 20, 2008, as part of the
grants made under the Companys long-term incentive program; and an estimated 4,191 shares
to be allocated on March 15, 2008, pursuant to elections made by certain non-employee
directors to receive a portion of their quarterly compensation in equity. This estimate is
based upon non-employee directors first quarter compensation of $94,381.32 divided by the
closing price of Deluxe common stock of $22.52 on February 20, 2008. Dividend equivalents
are not paid on outstanding options. |
2009 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any shareholder proposals intended to be included in the proxy statement for the annual
meeting of shareholders in 2009 must be received by Deluxes Corporate Secretary at 3680 Victoria
Street N., Shoreview, Minnesota 55126-2966 no later than the close of business on November 10,
2008. Proposals received by that date will be included in Deluxes 2008 proxy statement if the
proposals are proper for consideration at an annual meeting and are required for inclusion in the
proxy statement by, and conform to, the rules of the SEC.
Deluxes Bylaws provide that a shareholder may present a proposal at the 2009 annual meeting
of shareholders that is not included in Deluxes proxy statement if proper written notice is given
to Deluxes Chief Executive Officer or
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Corporate Secretary at the Companys principal executive offices no later than the close of
business on November 10, 2008. The proposal must contain the information required by Deluxes
Bylaws. You may obtain a copy of the Bylaws by writing to Deluxes Corporate Secretary.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board of Directors does not intend to present any business at the meeting other than the
matters specifically set forth in this proxy statement and knows of no other business scheduled to
come before the meeting. If any other matters are brought before the meeting, the persons named as
proxies will vote on such matters in accordance with their judgment of the best interests of Deluxe
and its shareholders. The proxies solicited by Deluxe will confer discretionary authority on the
persons named therein as proxies to vote on any matter presented at the meeting of which the Board
of Directors did not have knowledge a reasonable time before Deluxe printed and mailed these proxy
materials.
ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS AND FORM 10-K
Shareholders who wish to obtain a copy of our 2007 Annual Report and/or a copy of the Form
10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2007, may do so without charge by viewing
these documents on our website at www.deluxe.com or by writing to: Corporate Secretary, Deluxe
Corporation, 3680 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.
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By order of the Board of Directors |
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Anthony C. Scarfone |
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Secretary |
March 10, 2008
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APPENDIX A
DELUXE CORPORATION
2008 ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN
1. ESTABLISHMENT. On February 20, 2008, the Board of Directors of Deluxe Corporation
(Deluxe), upon recommendation by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, approved
an incentive plan for executives and key employees of the Company as described herein, which plan
shall be known as the Deluxe Corporation 2008 Annual Incentive Plan. This Plan shall be
submitted for approval by the shareholders of Deluxe at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
and no benefits shall be paid to Executives pursuant to this Plan unless and until this Plan has
been approved by the shareholders.
2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Plan is to advance the interests of Deluxe and its shareholders
by attracting and retaining key employees, and by stimulating the efforts of such employees to
contribute to the continued success and growth of the business of the Company. This Plan is
further intended to provide employees with an opportunity to increase their ownership of the
Deluxes common stock and, thereby, to increase their personal interest in the long-term success of
the business in a manner designed to increase shareholder value.
3. DEFINITIONS. When the following terms are used herein with initial capital letters, they
shall have the following meanings:
3.1 Base Salary - a Participants annualized base salary, as determined by the Compensation
Committee, as of the last day of a Performance Period.
3.2 Code - the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time, and any
proposed, temporary or final Treasury Regulations or other authoritative administrative guidance
promulgated thereunder.
3.3 Common Stock - the common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Deluxe.
3.4 Company - Deluxe Corporation, a Minnesota corporation, and its subsidiaries or affiliates,
whether now or hereafter established.
3.5 Compensation Committee - the Compensation Committee, a standing committee of the Board of
Directors of Deluxe, or such other committee as may be designated by the Board of Directors to
administer the Plan; provided that if any committee other than the Compensation Committee is
designated, such committee shall have at least two members, and shall consist exclusively of
members of the Board of Directors each of whom is both independent as defined by Section 3.03A.02
of the Listed Company Manual of the New York Stock Exchange and a non-employee director within
the meaning of Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), or any successor rule or regulation.
At least two members of the Compensation Committee shall be outside directors within the meaning
of Treasury Regulations §1.162-27(e)(3), and if there are other members of the Compensation
Committee that are not outside directors as so defined, any grant to, or determination with respect
to, an Executive shall be made by a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee composed only of the
outside directors as so defined.
3.6 Deferred Compensation Plan - the Deluxe Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan, as
amended and restated effective October 26, 2000, and thereafter amended from time to time, or such
other deferred compensation plan as may be designated by the Compensation Committee for
purposes of making deferral elections pursuant to Section 6.1 for any Performance Period.
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3.7 Executives - all Participants for a given Performance Period designated by the
Compensation Committee as Executives for purposes of this Plan. The Compensation Committee shall
designate as Executives all Participants it reasonably believes may be covered employees under
Treasury Regulations §1.162-27(c)(2), as interpreted by IRS Notice 2007-49, for that Performance
Period.
3.8 Match Percentage - the percentage established by the Compensation Committee pursuant to
the Plan as provided in Section 6.1 below.
3.9 Maximum Award Percentage - a percentage, which may be greater or less than 100%, as
determined by the Compensation Committee for each Participant with respect to each Performance
Period and with respect to each Performance Factor.
3.10 Other Participants - all Participants for a given Performance Period who are not
designated as Executives by the Compensation Committee for such Performance Period.
3.11 Participants any management or highly compensated employees of the Company who are
designated by the Compensation Committee prior to the start of a Performance Period as Participants
in this Plan. Directors of the Company who are not also employees of the Company are not eligible
to participate in the Plan. Participants shall be designated as either Executives or Other
Participants by the Compensation Committee as provided in Section 4.3 below.
3.12 Performance Factor - the pre-established, objective performance goals selected by the
Compensation Committee for each Participant with respect to each Performance Period and which shall
be determined solely on account of the attainment of one or more pre-established, objective
performance goals selected by the Compensation Committee in connection with the grant of an award
hereunder; provided, however, that in the case of Other Participants, such performance goals need
not be objective and may be based on such business criteria as the Compensation Committee may
determine to be appropriate, which may include financial and nonfinancial performance goals that
are linked to such individuals business unit or the Company as a whole or to such individuals
areas of responsibility. The objective performance goals for Executives shall be based solely on
one or more of the following business criteria, which may apply to the individual in question, an
identifiable business unit or the Company as a whole, and on an annual or other periodic or
cumulative basis: sales values, margins, volume, cash flow, stock price, market share, revenue,
sales, earnings per share, profits, earnings before interest expense and taxes, earnings before
interest expense, interest income and taxes, earnings before interest expense, taxes, and
depreciation and/or amortization, earnings before interest expense, interest income, taxes, and
depreciation and/or amortization, return on equity, costs or assets, return on invested or average
capital employed, economic value, or cumulative total return to shareholders (in each case, whether
compared to pre-selected peer groups or not).
3.13 Performance Period - each consecutive twelve-month period commencing on January 1 of each
year during the term of this Plan, beginning with January 1, 2009.
3.14 Plan - this Deluxe Corporation 2008 Annual Incentive Plan.
3.15 Stock Incentive Plan - the Deluxe Corporation 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from
time to time.
3.16 Target Award - a dollar amount or a percentage of Base Salary, which may be greater or
less than 100%, as determined by the Compensation Committee with respect to each Participant for
each Performance Period.
3.17 Units - Restricted Stock Units, as defined in the Stock Incentive Plan.
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4. ADMINISTRATION.
4.1 Power and Authority of Compensation Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall have full power and authority, subject to
all the applicable provisions of the Plan and applicable law, to (a) establish, amend, suspend or
waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it deems necessary or advisable for the
proper administration of the Plan, (b) construe, interpret and administer the Plan and any
instrument or agreement relating to the Plan, (c) determine, from time to time, whether shares of
Common Stock and/or Units will be made available to Participants under the Plan, and (d) make all
other determinations and take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration of
the Plan. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, each determination made and each action
taken by the Compensation Committee pursuant to the Plan or any instrument or agreement relating to
the Plan shall be (i) within the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, (ii) may be made
at any time and (iii) shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes on all persons,
including, but not limited to, Participants, and their legal representatives and beneficiaries, and
employees of the Company.
4.2 Delegation. The Compensation Committee may delegate its powers and duties under the Plan
to one or more officers of the Company or a committee of such officers, subject to such terms,
conditions and limitations as the Compensation Committee may establish in its sole discretion;
provided, however, that the Compensation Committee shall not delegate its power (a) to make grants
to or determinations (including certification pursuant to Section 4.4) regarding officers or
directors of the Company who are subject to Section 16 of the 1934 Act or (b) in such a manner as
would cause the Plan not to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code.
4.3 Determinations made prior to each Performance Period. On or before the 90th day of each
Performance Period, the Compensation Committee shall:
(a) designate all Participants (including designation as Executives or Other Participants) for
such Performance Period;
(b) establish a Target Award and a Match Percentage for each Participant; and
(c) with respect to each Participant, establish one or more Performance Factors and a
corresponding Maximum Award Percentage for each Performance Factor.
4.4 Certification. Following the close of each Performance Period and prior to payment of any
amount to any Participant under the Plan, the Compensation Committee must certify in writing which
of the applicable Performance Factors for that Performance Period (and the corresponding Maximum
Award Percentages) have been achieved and certify as to the attainment of all other factors upon
which any payments to a Participant for that Performance Period are to be based. Such
certification shall be made in time to permit payments to be made not later than the fifteenth day
of the third month following the end of the Performance Period.
4.5 Shareholder Approval. The material terms of this Plan shall be disclosed to and submitted
for approval by shareholders of the Company in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code. No
amount shall be paid to any Executive under this Plan unless such shareholder approval has been
obtained.
5. INCENTIVE PAYMENT.
5.1 Formula. Each Participant shall receive an incentive payment for each Performance Period
in an amount not greater than:
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(a) the Participants Target Award for the Performance Period, multiplied by
(b) the Participants Maximum Award Percentage for the Performance Period that corresponds to
the Performance Factor achieved by the Participant for that Performance Period.
5.2 Limitations.
(a) Discretionary Increase or Reduction. The Compensation Committee shall retain sole and
absolute discretion to increase or reduce the amount of any incentive payment otherwise payable to
any Participant under this Plan, but may not increase the payment to any Executive for any
Performance Period.
(b) Continued Employment. Except as otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, no
incentive payment under this Plan with respect to a Performance Period shall be paid or owed to a
Participant whose employment terminates prior to the last day of such Performance Period.
(c) Maximum Payments. No Participant shall receive a payment under this Plan for any
Performance Period in excess of $5.0 million, including the value of any Match Percentage.
6. BENEFIT PAYMENTS
6.1 Time and Form of Payments. Prior to a date specified by the Compensation Committee, but
in no event later than the date immediately preceding the first day of the Performance Period
unless otherwise permitted by the Deferred Compensation Plan in accordance with Section 409A of the
Code, each Participant shall elect whether to receive benefits which may be paid under the Plan in
cash or in the form of shares of Common Stock or Units (whichever is made available by the
Compensation Committee to such Participant in the Compensation Committees sole discretion) or some
combination thereof. Participants who elect to receive some percentage of the incentive payment in
the form of cash shall be entitled to elect, at the same time as the cash election is made, to
defer such receipt in accordance with the terms of the Deferred Compensation Plan, in which event
the time and form of payment of the deferred amount shall be governed exclusively by the terms of
the Deferred Compensation Plan. In the event a Participant has elected to receive some percentage
of the incentive payment in the form of cash, and subject to any such deferred compensation
election, such cash incentive shall be paid as soon as administratively feasible after the
Compensation Committee has made the certifications provided for in Section 4.4 above and otherwise
determined the amount of such Participants incentive payment payable under this Plan, but in no
event later than the fifteenth day of the third month following the end of the Performance Period.
In the event that a Participant chooses to receive some percentage of the incentive payment in the
form of shares or Units (as the case may be), in lieu of cash (the Share Dollar Amount), the
Participant shall be entitled to receive shares of restricted Common Stock or Units (as the case
may be) equal to a percentage (the Match Percentage) of the Share Dollar Amount established by
the Compensation Committee pursuant to this Plan. The number of shares or Units issued or granted
pursuant to this Section 6.1 shall be determined based on the fair market value of a share of
Common Stock (as determined in accordance with the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan) as of the
date specified by the Compensation Committee that such shares or Units are to be issued or awarded,
after the Compensation Committee has made the certifications required by Section 4.4 above and
otherwise determined the amount of a Participants incentive payment payable under this Plan.
In the event a Participant has elected to receive some percentage of the incentive payment in
the form of shares of Common Stock or Units (as the case may be), such shares or Units shall be
issued or awarded, respectively, pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan, which shares or Units shall
be subject to such forfeiture rights and to such restrictions regarding transfer as may be
established by the Compensation Committee; provided, however, that the individual share limitations
contained in Section 4(d)(i) and (ii) of the Stock Incentive Plan shall not apply to shares issued
under this Plan, but the aggregate value of any cash, shares and Units paid or granted to any
Participant for any Performance Period shall be subject to Section 5.2(c) of this Plan.
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6.2 Nontransferability. Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, no
right to any incentive payment hereunder, whether payable in cash, shares or other property, shall
be transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution;
provided, however, that if so determined by the Compensation Committee, a Participant may, in the
manner established by the Compensation Committee designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to
exercise the rights of the Participant and receive any cash, shares or property hereunder upon the
death of the Participant. No right to any incentive payment hereunder may be pledged, attached or
otherwise encumbered, and any purported pledge, attachment or encumbrance thereof shall be void and
unenforceable against the Company.
6.3 Tax Withholding. In order to comply with all applicable federal or state income, social
security, payroll, withholding or other tax laws or regulations, the Compensation Committee may
establish such policy or policies as it deems appropriate with respect to such laws and
regulations, including without limitation, the establishment of policies to ensure that all
applicable federal or state income, social security, payroll, withholding or other taxes, which are
the sole and absolute responsibility of the Participant, are withheld or collected from such
Participant. In order to assist a Participant in paying all or part of the federal and state taxes
to be withheld or collected upon receipt or payment of (or the lapse of restrictions relating to)
an incentive payment payable hereunder, the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion and
subject to such additional terms and conditions as it may adopt, may permit the Participant to
satisfy such tax obligation by (a) electing to have the Company withhold a portion of the shares of
Common Stock otherwise to be delivered upon payment of (or the lapse of restrictions relating to)
an incentive payment hereunder with a fair market value equal to the amount of such taxes or (b)
delivering to the Company shares of Common Stock other than the shares issuable upon payment of (or
the lapse of restrictions relating to) such incentive payment with a fair market value equal to the
amount of such taxes. The election, if any, must be made on or before the date that the amount of
tax to be withheld is determined.
7. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION; AND ADJUSTMENTS.
Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law and unless otherwise expressly provided in
the Plan:
(a) Amendments to the Plan. The Board of Directors of the Company may amend, alter, suspend,
discontinue or terminate the Plan, without the approval of the shareholders of the Company, except
that no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made that,
absent such approval, would violate the rules or regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, any
other securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. that are
applicable to the Company.
(b) Waivers of Incentive Payment Conditions or Rights. The Compensation Committee may waive
any conditions of or rights of the Company under any right to an incentive payment hereunder,
prospectively or retroactively.
(c) Limitation on Amendments to Incentive Payment Rights. Neither the Compensation Committee
nor the Company may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate any rights to an incentive
payment, prospectively or retroactively, without the consent of the Participant or holder or
beneficiary thereof, except as otherwise herein provided.
(d) Correction of Defects, Omissions and Inconsistencies. The Compensation Committee may
correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan in the manner
and to the extent it shall deem desirable to carry the Plan into effect.
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8. MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 Effective Date. This Plan shall be deemed effective, subject to shareholder approval, as
of January 1, 2009.
8.2 Term of the Plan. Unless the Plan shall have been discontinued or terminated, the Plan
shall terminate on December 31, 2013. No right to receive an incentive payment shall be granted
with respect to a Performance Period that will end after the termination of the Plan. However,
unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, any right to receive an incentive payment
theretofore granted may extend beyond the termination of the Plan, and the authority of the Board
of Directors and Compensation Committee to amend or otherwise administer the Plan shall extend
beyond the termination of the Plan.
8.3 Headings. Headings are given to the Sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a
convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or
relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision thereof.
8.4 Applicability to Successors. This Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the Company and each Participant, the successors and assigns of the Company, and the beneficiaries,
personal representatives and heirs of each Participant. If the Company becomes a party to any
merger, consolidation or reorganization, this Plan shall remain in full force and effect as an
obligation of the Company or its successors in interest (except to the extent modified by the terms
of the Stock Incentive Plan with respect to the shares of restricted Common Stock or Units (as the
case may be) issued pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof).
8.5 Employment Rights and Other Benefit Programs. The provisions of this Plan shall not give
any Participant any right to be retained in the employment of the Company. In the absence of any
specific agreement to the contrary, this Plan shall not affect any right of the Company, or of any
affiliate of the Company, to terminate, with or without cause, any Participants employment at any
time. This Plan shall not replace any contract of employment, whether oral or written, between the
Company and any Participant, but shall be considered a supplement thereto. This Plan is in
addition to, and not in lieu of, any other employee benefit plan or program in which any
Participant may be or become eligible to participate by reason of employment with the Company. No
compensation or benefit awarded to or realized by any Participant under the Plan shall be included
for the purpose of computing such Participants compensation under any compensation-based
retirement, disability, or similar plan of the Company unless required by law or otherwise provided
by such other plan.
8.6 No Trust or Fund Created. This Plan shall not create or be construed to create a trust or
separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any affiliate and a
Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive
payments from the Company or any affiliate pursuant to this Plan, such right shall be no greater
than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or of any affiliate.
8.7 Governing Law. The validity, construction and effect of the Plan or any incentive payment
payable under the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota.
8.8 Severability. If any provision of the Plan is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to
conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the
determination of the Compensation Committee, materially altering the purpose or intent of the Plan,
such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, and the remainder of the Plan shall
remain in full force and effect.
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8.9 Certain Tax Matters. All of the terms and conditions of the Plan shall be interpreted in
such a fashion as to qualify all compensation paid hereunder as qualified performance-based
compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, and so that no payments constitute
deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code unless a Participant elects to defer a
payment pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
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APPENDIX B
DELUXE CORPORATION 2008 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
Section 1. Purpose; Shareholder Approval; Termination of 2000 Plan.
(a) The purpose of the Plan is to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders by
aiding the Company in attracting management personnel capable of assuring the future success of the
Company, by offering such personnel incentives to put forth maximum efforts for the success of the
Companys business, and by affording such personnel an opportunity to acquire a proprietary
interest in the Company.
(b) The Plan shall be submitted to the shareholders of the Company at the annual meeting of
shareholders for 2008, and shall take effect upon approval by the shareholders. Awards may be made
by the Committee prior to the date of shareholder approval, but all such Awards shall be subject to
shareholder approval and, if the Plan is not approved by the shareholders, shall be null and void.
(c) This Plan supersedes the Deluxe Corporation 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as approved by the
shareholders of the Company at the annual meeting of the shareholders held on August 4, 2000, and
as previously amended (the 2000 Plan). The 2000 Plan is hereby terminated, effective on the date
of shareholder approval of this Plan, and subject to such approval. No additional awards shall be
granted under the 2000 Plan following the effective date of termination; provided that the 2000
Plan shall remain in effect with respect to awards previously granted under the 2000 Plan in
accordance with Section 12 thereof.
Section 2. Definitions.
As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) Affiliate shall mean (i) any entity that, directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries, is controlled by the Company and (ii) any entity in which the Company has a
significant equity interest, in each case as determined by the Committee.
(b) Annual Incentive Plan shall mean the Deluxe Corporation 2008 Annual Incentive Plan. The
Annual Incentive Plan allows designated employees of the Company and its Affiliates to elect to
receive annual incentive payments in the form of Shares or Restricted Stock Units as determined by
the Committee. All Shares and Restricted Stock Units issued pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plans
constitute Awards under this Plan and are subject to all terms of this Plan (including without
limitation Section 4(a), (b), and (c)), except as otherwise provided herein.
(c) Award shall mean any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted
Stock Unit, Performance Award or Dividend Equivalent granted under the Plan.
(d) Award Agreement shall mean any written agreement, contract or other instrument or
document evidencing any Award granted under the Plan.
(e) Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any
Treasury Regulations or other authoritative administrative guidance promulgated thereunder.
(f) Committee shall mean the Compensation Committee, a standing committee of the board of
directors of the Company, or such other committee as may be designated by the board of directors to
administer the Plan; provided that if any committee other than the Compensation Committee is
designated such committee shall have at least two members, and shall consist exclusively of members
of the board of directors each of whom is both independent as defined by Section 3.03A.02 of the
Listed Company Manual of the New York Stock Exchange and a non-employee director within the
meaning of Rule 16b-3. At least two members of the Committee shall be outside directors within
the meaning of
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Treasury Regulations §1.162-27(e)(3), and if there are other members of the Committee that are not
outside directors as so defined, the following determinations shall be made be made by a
subcommittee of the Committee composed only of the outside directors as so defined: (i) any grant
of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right to a person who either is at the time of grant, or the
Committee determines is likely to become, a covered employee as defined by Treasury Regulations
§1.162-27(c)(2), as interpreted by IRS Notice 2007-49, or (ii) any grant to, or determination with
respect to, a Performance Award that is intended to be a qualified performance-based compensation
within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(g) Company shall mean DELUXE CORPORATION, a Minnesota corporation, and any successor
corporation.
(h) Dividend Equivalent shall mean any right granted under Section 6(e) of the Plan.
(i) Eligible Person shall mean a Non-Employee Director and any employee (as determined by
the Committee) providing services to the Company or any Affiliate who the Committee determines to
be an Eligible Person.
(j) Fair Market Value of a Share shall be equal to the closing price of one Share on the New
York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on the relevant date as reported by the Wall Street Journal, Midwest
Edition (or, if such publication is no longer available, such other authoritative source as may be
designated by the Committee); provided that if, on such date, the NYSE is not open for business or
there are no Shares traded on such date, the Fair Market Value of a Share shall be equal to the
closing price of one Share on the first day preceding such date on which the NYSE is open for
business and has reported trades in the Shares. With respect to any property other than Shares
(including, without limitation, any other securities), the Fair Market Value of such property
determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the
Committee.
(k) Full Value Award shall mean a grant of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, a
Performance Award, the matching portion of an Award (if any) under the Annual Incentive Plan, and
any Award (or portion thereof) that provides for a Participant to receive Shares, or the value
thereof, without payment of an amount at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the Shares at the
time of grant.
(l) Incentive Stock Option shall mean an Option granted under Section 6(a) of the Plan that
is intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision.
(m) Non-Employee Director shall have the meaning provided in Section 7(a) of the Plan.
(n) Non-Qualified Stock Option shall mean an Option granted under Section 6(a) of the Plan
that is not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option.
(o) Option shall mean an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
(p) Participant shall mean an Eligible Person designated to be granted an Award under the
Plan.
(q) Performance Award shall mean any right granted under Section 6(d) of the Plan.
(r) Person shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, association or trust.
(s) Plan shall mean this 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
(t) Restricted Stock shall mean any Share granted under Section 6(c) of the Plan.
(u) Restricted Stock Unit shall mean any unit granted under Section 6(c) of the Plan
evidencing the right to receive a Share (or a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of a
Share) at some future date.
(v) Rule 16b-3 shall mean Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor rule or regulation.
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(w) Section 162(m) shall mean Section 162(m) of the Code and the applicable Treasury
Regulations or other authoritative administrative guidance promulgated thereunder.
(x) Shares shall mean shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, of the Company or such other
securities or property as may become subject to Awards pursuant to an adjustment made under Section
4(c) of the Plan.
(y) Stock Appreciation Right shall mean any right granted under Section 6(b) of the Plan.
Section 3. Administration.
(a) Power and Authority of the Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee.
Except as provided in Section 8 and subject to the express provisions of the Plan and to applicable
law, the Committee shall have full power and authority to: (i) designate Participants; (ii)
determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each Participant under the Plan; (iii)
determine the number of Shares to be covered by (or with respect to which payments, rights or other
matters are to be calculated in connection with) each Award; (iv) determine the terms and
conditions of any Award or Award Agreement; (v) amend the terms and conditions of any Award or
Award Agreement and accelerate the exercisability of Options or the lapse of restrictions relating
to Restricted Stock or other Awards, provided that no such revision shall violate subsection (c) of
this Section, extend the term of any Award beyond 10 years from the original grant date, or
otherwise include any feature in the Award that could not have been included at the original grant
date; (vi) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be exercised
in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited or
suspended; (vii) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other
securities, other Awards, other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under
the Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or the
Committee; (viii) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or
Award made under, the Plan; (ix) establish, amend, suspend or waive such rules and regulations and
appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and (x)
make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or
desirable for the administration of the Plan. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all
designations, determinations, interpretations and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan
or any Award shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and
shall be final, conclusive and binding upon any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Award
and any employee of the Company or any Affiliate.
(b) Delegation. The Committee may delegate its powers and duties under the Plan to one or
more officers of the company or an Affiliate or a committee of such officers, subject to such
terms, conditions and limitations as the Committee may establish in its sole discretion; provided,
however, that the Committee shall not delegate its powers and duties under the Plan (i) with
regard to officers or directors of the Company or any Affiliate who are subject to Section 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if the effect of such delegation would make the
exemption under Rule 16b-3 unavailable or (ii) in such a manner as would cause the Plan not to
comply with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(c) Prohibition on Repricing. The Committee may not amend any Option or Stock Appreciation
Right to reduce its exercise price, or authorize or permit the exchange of any Option or Stock
Appreciation Right for a new Option or Stock Appreciation Right with a lower exercise price or any
other transaction which has the effect of reducing the exercise price of an outstanding Option or
Stock Appreciation Right, without obtaining the consent of the shareholders of the Company.
(d) Compliance with Section 409A. The Plan shall be administered in accordance with Section
409A of the Code, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, in no event shall the Committee permit any change to the time or form of payment of
any portion of an Award that constitutes a form of deferred compensation subject to Section 409A
(including the payment of any Dividend Equivalents) unless the Committee determines that such
change is permitted by Section 409A.
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Section 4. Shares Available for Awards.
(a) Shares Available. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c), the number of Shares
available for granting Awards under the Plan shall be 4,000,000. Shares to be issued under the
Plan may be either Shares reacquired or authorized but unissued Shares. If any Shares covered by an
Award or to which an Award relates are not purchased or are forfeited, or if an Award otherwise
terminates without delivery of any Shares, then the number of Shares counted against the aggregate
number of Shares available under the Plan with respect to such Award, to the extent of any such
forfeiture or termination, shall again be available for grants under the Plan. Shares which are
delivered to the Company, or withheld from an Award, for payment of the exercise price of an Option
or Stock Appreciation Right, or for payment of tax withholding, shall not again be available for
grant. The limits of this Section 4(a) shall not apply to a Performance Award payable solely in
cash, in which the amount of the Award is not determined directly or indirectly by reference to the
value of Shares.
(b) Accounting for Awards; Fungible Shares. For purposes of this Section 4, an Award other
than a Full Value Award shall reduce the aggregate number of Shares available for grants under the
Plan by the total number of Shares covered by the Award, without reduction for shares that are
withheld for payment of the exercise price or withholding taxes. A Full Value Award shall reduce
the aggregate number of Shares available for grants under the Plan by the number of Shares covered
by the Full Value Award multiplied by 2.29. If any Full Value Award is forfeited or terminates
without delivery of the Shares, so that the Shares covered by the Full Value Award are again
available for grants pursuant to subsection (a), the number of Shares that again becomes eligible
for grants shall also be multiplied by 2.29.
(c) Adjustments. In the event that the Committee shall determine that any dividend or other
distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities or other property),
recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation,
split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the
Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company
or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares such that an adjustment is
determined by the Committee to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the
benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee
shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of (i) the number and type of
Shares (or other securities or other property) which thereafter may be made the subject of Awards,
(ii) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or other property) subject to outstanding
Awards and (iii) the purchase or exercise price with respect to any Award; provided, however, that
the number of Shares covered by any Award or to which such Award relates shall always be a whole
number. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the case of a merger or consolidation
of the Company or similar transaction, the Committee may cause the Shares underlying outstanding
Awards to be converted into stock or securities of the entity resulting from the merger or
consolidation, or may cause such Awards to be settled by a cash payment equal to the Fair Market
Value of the Shares as a result of the transaction reduced by the exercise price of the Award, if
any, or to be cancelled without payment of consideration if the Fair Market Value does not exceed
the exercise price.
(d) Awards Limitation Under the Plan.
(i) Section 162(m) Limitation for Certain Types of Awards. No Eligible Person may be granted
Options, Stock Appreciation Rights or any other Award or Awards under the Plan, the value of which
Award or Awards is based solely on an increase in the value of the Shares after the date of grant
of such Award or Awards, for more than 500,000 Shares (subject to adjustment as provided in Section
4(c) of the Plan) in the aggregate in any calendar year. The foregoing limitation shall not
include any Shares acquired pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan.
(ii) Section 162(m) Limitation for Performance Awards. The maximum amount payable pursuant to
all Performance Awards to any Participant in the aggregate in any calendar year shall be $5.0
million in value, whether payable in cash, Shares or other property. This limitation does not
apply to any Award subject to the limitation contained in Section 4(d)(i) of the Plan and shall not
include any Shares acquired pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan.
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Section 5. Eligibility.
Any Eligible Person, including any Eligible Person who is an officer or director of the
Company or any Affiliate, shall be eligible to be designated a Participant. In determining which
Eligible Persons shall receive an Award and the terms of any Award, the Committee may take into
account the nature of the services rendered by the respective Eligible Persons, their present and
potential contributions to the success of the Company, and such other factors as the Committee, in
its discretion shall deem relevant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Incentive Stock Options may only
be granted to full or part-time employees (which term as used herein includes, without limitation,
officers and directors who are also employees) and an Incentive Stock Option shall not be granted
to an employee of an Affiliate unless such Affiliate is also a subsidiary corporation of the
Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code or any successor provision.
Section 6. Awards.
(a) Options. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Options to Participants with the
following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with
the provisions of the Plan as the Committee shall determine:
(i) Exercise Price. The purchase price per Share purchasable under an Option shall be
determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such purchase price shall not be less than 100
percent of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of such Option. In the case of an
Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who owns stock possessing more than 10 percent of
the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or any parent or subsidiary), the
purchase price shall not be less than 110 percent of the Fair Market Value.
(ii) Option Term. The term of each Option shall be fixed by the Committee but shall not be
longer than 10 years from the date of grant. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a
Participant who owns stock possessing more than 10 percent of the combined voting power of all
classes of stock of the Company (or any parent or subsidiary), the term shall not be longer than
five years from the date of grant.
(iii) Time and Method of Exercise. The Committee shall determine the time or times at which
an Option may be exercised in whole or in part and the method or methods by which, and the form or
forms (including, without limitation, cash, Shares, promissory notes, other securities, other
Awards or other property, or any combination thereof, having a Fair Market Value on the exercise
date equal to the relevant exercise price) in which, payment of the exercise price with respect
thereto may be made or deemed to have been made.
(iv) No Reload Option Features. Options shall not include a reload feature, or any comparable
feature that provides for the automatic grant of additional Options to a Participant upon exercise
of the Option.
(v) Designation as Incentive Stock Option. Each Option that is intended to qualify as an
Incentive Stock Option shall so provide in the Award Agreement, and any Option that is not
specifically designated an Incentive Stock Option shall be a Non-Qualified Stock Option. The
maximum Fair Market Value (measured at the date of grant) of Shares subject to Incentive Stock
Options granted to any one Participant that may vest in any year shall not exceed $100,000. An
Option may be designated as an Incentive Stock Option in part, and if an Option that was designated
an Incentive Stock Option vests prematurely, so that the number of Shares vesting in a year exceeds
the limitation set forth in the prior sentence, such Option shall be considered an Incentive Stock
Option with respect to the number of Shares that do not exceed such limit and a Non-Qualified Stock
Option with respect to the balance of the Shares subject to the Option.
(b) Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Stock Appreciation
Rights to Participants subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement.
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A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall confer on the holder thereof a right to
receive upon exercise thereof the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of
exercise over (ii) the grant price of the Stock Appreciation Right as specified by the Committee,
which price shall not be less than 100 percent of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of
grant of the Stock Appreciation Right. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award
Agreement, the grant price, term, methods of exercise, dates of exercise, methods of settlement and
any other terms and conditions of any Stock Appreciation Right shall be as determined by the
Committee. The Committee may impose such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any Stock
Appreciation Right as it may deem appropriate. A Stock Appreciation Right may be granted in tandem
with a Non-Qualified Stock Option for the same number of Shares, in which case the Participant may
exercise either the Option or the Stock Appreciation Right, but not both, and each Share subject to
either the Option or the Stock Appreciation Right shall be counted once for purposes of Section 4.
(c) Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant
Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units to Participants with the following terms and
conditions and with such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of
the Plan as the Committee shall determine:
(i) Restrictions. Shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to
such restrictions as the Committee may impose (including, without limitation, any limitation on the
right to vote a Share of Restricted Stock or the right to receive any dividend or other right or
property with respect thereto or with respect to a Restricted Stock Unit), which restrictions may
lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise as the
Committee may deem appropriate.
(ii) Stock Certificates. Any Restricted Stock granted under the Plan may be evidenced by
issuance of a stock certificate or certificates or by the creation of a book entry at the Companys
transfer agent. Any such certificate or certificates shall be held by the Company. Such
certificate or certificates or book entry shall be registered in the name of the Participant and
any such certificate or certificates shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms,
conditions and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock. A similar notation shall be made
in the records of the transfer agent with respect to any Shares evidenced by a book entry. In the
case of Restricted Stock Units, no Shares shall be issued at the time such Awards are granted.
(iii) Forfeiture; Delivery of Shares. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee or
provided in a Plan governed by this Plan, upon termination of employment (as determined under
criteria established by the Committee) or, in the case of a director, service as a director during
the applicable restriction period, all Shares of Restricted Stock and all Restricted Stock Units at
such time subject to restriction shall be forfeited and reacquired by the Company; provided,
however, that the Committee may, when it finds that a waiver would be in the best interest of the
Company, waive in whole or in part any or all remaining restrictions with respect to Shares of
Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units. Any Share representing Restricted Stock that is no
longer subject to restrictions shall be delivered to the holder thereof promptly after the
applicable restrictions lapse or are waived. Upon the lapse or waiver of restrictions and the
restricted period relating to Restricted Stock Units evidencing the right to receive Shares, such
Shares shall be issued and delivered to the holders of the Restricted Stock Units, subject to the
provisions of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement.
(d) Performance Awards. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Performance Awards to
Participants which may be qualified performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section
162(m). A Performance Award granted under the Plan may be payable in cash or in Shares (including,
without limitation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units). Performance Awards shall, to the
extent required by Section 162(m), be conditioned solely on the achievement of one or more
objective performance goals, and such performance goals shall be established by the Committee
within the time period prescribed by, and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of, Section
162(m). Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, the performance goals
to be achieved during any performance period, the length of any performance period, the amount of
any Performance Award granted, the amount of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any
Performance Award, and any
61
other terms and conditions of any Performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the following additional
requirements shall apply to all Performance Awards made to any Participant under the Plan:
(i) Business Criteria. Unless and until the Committee proposes for shareholder approval and
the Companys shareholders approve a change in the general business criteria set forth in this
section, the attainment of which may determine the amount and/or vesting with respect to
Performance Awards, the business criteria to be used for purposes of establishing performance goals
for such Performance Awards shall be selected from among the following alternatives, each of which
may be based on absolute standards or comparisons versus specified companies or groups of companies
and may be applied at individual or various organizational levels (e.g., the Company as a whole or
identified business units, segments or the like): sales values, margins, volume, cash flow, stock
price, market share, revenue, sales, earnings per Share, Share price, profits, earnings before
interest expense and taxes, earnings before interest expense, interest income and taxes, earnings
before interest expense, taxes, and depreciation and/or amortization, earnings before interest
expense, interest income, taxes, and depreciation and/or amortization, return on equity, assets or
costs, return on invested or average capital employed, economic value, or cumulative total return
to shareholders.
(ii) Target Award; Maximum Amount Payable. The target Award shall be a dollar amount or a
percentage of a Participants annualized base salary, which may be greater or less than 100%, as
determined by the Committee with respect to each Participant for each performance period. The
maximum amount payable pursuant to all Performance Awards to any Participant in the aggregate in
any calendar year is specified in Section 4(d)(ii) of the Plan.
(iii) Payment of Performance Awards. Performance Awards shall be paid no later than the
fifteenth day of the third month following the conclusion of the applicable performance period.
The Committee may, in its discretion, reduce the amount of a payout otherwise to be made in
connection with a Performance Award, but may not exercise discretion to increase such amount.
(iv) Certain Events. If a Participant dies, becomes permanently and totally disabled or
otherwise terminates employment with the approval of the Committee before the end of a performance
period or after the performance period and before a Performance Award is paid, the Committee may,
in its discretion, determine that the Participant shall be paid all or a portion of the Award that
the Participant would have received but for such death, disability or other approved termination of
employment.
(v) Designations. For a Performance Award, the Committee shall, not later than 90 days after
the beginning of each performance period, (A) designate all Participants for such performance
period, (B) establish the objective performance goals for each Participant for that performance
period on the basis of one or more of the criteria set forth in (i) above and (C) determine target
Awards for each Participant.
(vi) Certification. Following the close of each performance period and prior to payment of
any amount to a Participant with respect to a Performance Award, the Committee shall certify in
writing as to the attainment of all goals (including the performance goals for a Participant) upon
which any payments to a Participant for that performance period are to be based. Such
certification shall be made in sufficient time to permit payment to be made by the fifteenth day of
the third month following the end of the performance period.
(c) Dividend Equivalents. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant to Participants with
respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards payable in Shares, but
not with respect to Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents under which such
Participants shall be entitled to receive payments (in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards
or other property as determined in the discretion of the Committee) equivalent to the amount of
cash dividends paid by the Company to holders of Shares with respect to a number of Shares
determined by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement,
such Dividend Equivalents may have such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine.
Dividend Equivalents shall be paid at the same
62
time that dividends are paid to shareholders, unless the Award Agreement specifies that Dividend
Equivalents with respect to Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units that have not yet vested
shall be accumulated and paid as soon as practical after the underlying Award vests.
(f) Vesting. As part of making any Award, the Committee may determine the time and conditions
under which the Award will vest. Vesting may, in the Committees discretion, be based solely upon
continued employment for a specified period of time, or may be based upon the achievement of
specific performance goals which are established by the Committee in its discretion. For all
purposes of this Plan, vesting of an Award shall mean (i) in the case of an Option or Stock
Appreciation Right, the time at which the Participant has the right to exercise the Award; (ii) in
the case of Restricted Stock, the end of the restriction period; (iii) in the case of a Restricted
Stock Unit, the time at which a Participant is entitled to have the Restricted Stock Unit settled
by transfer of the Shares, and (iv) in the case of a Performance Award the time at which the
Participant has satisfied the requirements to receive payment of such Award.
(g) General
(i) Consideration for Awards. The consideration for Awards shall be services rendered or to
be rendered to the Company, and for no cash consideration (or only such minimal cash consideration
as may be required by applicable law) shall be required for the grant of Awards; provided that the
foregoing shall not apply to the purchase price for Shares to be issued upon the exercise of an
Option, Stock Appreciation Right, or other Award requiring payment (including foregoing receipt of
cash compensation) for Shares.
(ii) Awards May Be Granted Separately or Together. Awards may, in the discretion of the
Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or in substitution for any
other Award or any Award granted under any Plan of the Company or any Affiliate other than the
Plan. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards or in addition to or in tandem
with Awards granted under any such other Plan of the Company or any Affiliate, may be granted
either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Award or Awards.
(iii) Forms of Payments Under Awards. Subject to the terms of the Plan and of any applicable
Award Agreement, payments or transfers to be made by the Company or an Affiliate upon the grant,
exercise or payment of an Award may be made in such form or forms as the Committee shall determine
(including, without limitation, cash, Shares, promissory notes, other securities, other Awards or
other property or any combination thereof), and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in
installments or on a deferred basis, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures
established by the Committee. Such rules and procedures may include, without limitation, provisions
for the payment or crediting of reasonable interest on installment or deferred payments or the
grant or crediting of Dividend Equivalents with respect to installment or deferred payments.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Award, or portion of an Award (including any right to
Dividend Equivalents), by its terms is or may be payable after the fifteenth day of the third month
following the year in which the Participants right to the Award is no longer subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture, as defined in Section 409A of the Code, the time and form of
payment of the Award shall be specified in the Award Agreement, and shall not thereafter be subject
to change unless the Committee determines that the change is permissible under Section 409A of the
Code.
(iv) Limits on Transfer of Awards. No Award and no right under any such Award shall be
transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution;
provided, however, that if so determined by the Committee, a Participant may, in the manner
established by the Committee, (x) designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to exercise the rights
of the Participant and receive any property distributable with respect to any Award upon the death
of the Participant, or (y) transfer an Award (other than an Incentive Stock Option) to any member
of such Participants immediate family (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(e) promulgated by
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or
any successor rule or regulation) or to a trust whose beneficiaries are members of such
Participants immediate family. Each Award or right under any Award shall be exercisable during
the Participants lifetime only by the
63
Participant, or by a member of such Participants immediate family or a trust for members of such
immediate family pursuant to a transfer as described above, or if permissible under applicable law,
by the Participants guardian or legal representative. No Award or right under any such Award may
be pledged, alienated, attached or otherwise encumbered, and any purported pledge, alienation,
attachment or encumbrance thereof shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any
Affiliate. No Awards may be transferred for value.
(v) Term of Awards. The term of each Award shall be for such period, not longer than 10 years
from the date of grant, as may be determined by the Committee.
(vi) Restrictions; Securities Exchange Listing. All certificates for Shares or other
securities delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject
to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the
Plan or the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
any applicable federal or state securities laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to
be placed on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. If the
Shares or other securities are traded on a securities exchange, the Company shall not be required
to deliver any Shares or other securities covered by an Award unless and until such Shares or other
securities have been admitted for trading on such securities exchange.
(vii) Attestation. Where the Plan or any applicable Award Agreement provides for or permits
delivery of Shares by a Participant in payment with respect to any Award or grant under this Plan
or for taxes, such payment may be made constructively through attestation in the discretion of and
in accordance with rules established by the Committee.
(viii) Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Committee shall not permit any Participant who is an executive
officer or director of the Company to pay the exercise price for any Award, or any other amount
owed to the Company, by a promissory note if such promissory note would constitute a personal loan
prohibited by Section 13(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Section 7. Awards to Non-Employee Directors.
(a) Eligibility for Awards. Each Participant who is a member of the board of directors and is
not an employee of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company (a Non-Employee Director) may
receive grants of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, or
Restricted Stock Units, as described in Section 6. Awards to Non-Employee Directors shall be made
annually, at the meeting of the board of directors that immediately follows each annual meeting of
shareholders, and at such other times as the Committee shall determine. The number and type of
Awards to Non-Employee Directors shall be determined by the Committee.
(b) Stock and Deferral Plan. Each Non-Employee Director shall be eligible to receive or elect
to receive his or her fees for service on the Companys board of directors and the committees
thereof in Shares or Restricted Stock Units and to defer the receipt of such Restricted Stock
Units, all as described in the Deluxe Corporation Non-Employee Director Stock and Deferral Plan
attached hereto as Annex I and hereby made a part hereof.
Section 8. Amendment and Termination; Adjustments.
Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law and unless otherwise expressly provided in
an Award Agreement or in the Plan:
(a) Amendments to the Plan. The board of directors of the Company may amend, alter, suspend,
discontinue or terminate the Plan; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other provision of
the Plan or any Award Agreement, without the approval of the shareholders of the Company, no such
amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made that:
64
(i) would amend section 4(a), 4(b) or 4(d) of the Plan;
(ii) would permit Options or Stock Appreciation Rights to be granted with an exercise price
that is less than Fair Market Value on the date of grant;
(iii) absent such approval, would violate the rules or regulations of the New York Stock
Exchange, any other securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
that are applicable to the Company; or
(iv) absent such approval, would cause the Company to be unable, under the Code, to grant
Incentive Stock Options under the Plan.
The board of directors shall be entitled to delegate to the Committee the power to amend such
terms of the Plan and for such purposes as the board of directors shall from time to time
determine.
(b) Waivers. The Committee may waive any conditions of or rights of the Company under any
outstanding Award, prospectively or retroactively; provided that such waiver does not have the
effect of amending an Award in a manner that would not be permitted by the Plan.
(c) Limitations on Amendments. Neither the Committee nor the Company may amend, alter,
suspend, discontinue or terminate any outstanding Award, prospectively or retroactively, without
the consent of the Participant or holder or beneficiary thereof, except as otherwise provided
herein or in the Award Agreement.
(d) Correction of Defects, Omissions and Inconsistencies. The Committee may correct any
defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award in the manner
and to the extent it shall deem desirable to carry the Plan into effect.
Section 9. Income Tax Withholding.
In order to comply with all applicable federal or state income tax laws or regulations, the
Committee may establish such policy or policies as it deems appropriate with respect to such laws
and regulations, including without limitation the establishment of policies to ensure that all
applicable federal or state payroll, withholding, income or other taxes, which are the sole and
absolute responsibility of a Participant, are withheld or collected from such Participant. In order
to assist a Participant in paying all or a portion of the federal and state taxes to be withheld or
collected upon exercise or receipt of (or the lapse of restrictions relating to) an Award, the
Committee, in its discretion and subject to such additional terms and conditions as it may adopt,
may permit the Participant to satisfy such tax obligation by (i) electing to have the Company
withhold a portion of the payment or transfer otherwise to be made upon exercise or receipt of (or
the lapse of restrictions relating to) such Award with a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of
such taxes or (ii) delivering to the Company Shares or other property other than Shares issuable
upon exercise or receipt of (or the lapse of restrictions relating to) such Award with a Fair
Market Value equal to the amount of such taxes. The election, if any, must be on or before the date
that the amount of tax to be withheld is determined.
Section 10. General Provisions.
(a) No Rights to Awards. No Eligible Person, Participant or other person shall have any claim
to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of
Eligible Persons, Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards under the Plan. The terms and
conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to any Participant or with respect to
different Participants.
(b) Award Agreements. No Participant will have rights under an Award granted to such
Participant unless and until an Award Agreement shall have been duly approved on behalf of the
Company and, if requested by the Company, accepted by the Participant.
(c) No Limit on Other Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in the Plan shall
65
prevent the Company or any Affiliate from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional
compensation arrangements, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable
only in specific cases.
(d) No Right to Employment. The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a
Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any Affiliate, nor will it
affect in any way the right of the Company or the Affiliate to terminate such employment at any
time, with or without cause. In addition, the Company or an Affiliate may at any time dismiss a
Participant from employment free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise
expressly provided in the Plan or in any Award Agreement.
(e) Governing Law. The validity, construction and effect of the Plan or any Award, and any
rules and regulations relating to the Plan or any Award, shall be determined in accordance with the
laws of the State of Minnesota.
(f) Severability. If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or would disqualify the Plan or any Award
under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed
amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without,
in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the purpose or intent of the Plan or the
Award, such provision shall be stricken as to the Plan or such jurisdiction or Award, and the
remainder of the Plan or any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
(g) No Trust or Fund Created. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to
create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any
Affiliate and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to
receive payments from the Company or any Affiliate pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no
greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any Affiliate.
(h) No Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the
Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash shall be paid in lieu of any
fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be canceled,
terminated or otherwise eliminated.
(i) Headings. Headings are given to the sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a
convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or
relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision thereof.
(j) Other Benefits. No compensation or benefit Awarded to or realized by any Participant
under the Plan shall be included for the purpose of computing such Participants compensation under
any compensation-based retirement, disability, or similar Plan of the Company unless required by
law or otherwise provided by such other Plan.
Section 11. Effective Date of the Plan.
The Plan shall be effective on the date on which it is approved by the shareholders of the
Company.
Section 12. Term of the Plan.
Unless the Plan shall have been discontinued or terminated as provided in Section 8(a), the
Plan shall terminate on December 31, 2018. No Award shall be granted after the termination of the
Plan. However, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award
Agreement, any Award theretofore granted may extend beyond the termination of the Plan, and the
authority of the Committee provided for hereunder with respect to the Plan and any Awards, and the
authority of the board of directors of the Company to amend the Plan, shall extend beyond the
termination of the Plan.
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ANNEX I
DELUXE CORPORATION
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK AND DEFERRAL PLAN
(PLAN)
1. Purpose of the Plan. The purpose of the Deluxe Corporation Non-Employee Director
Stock and Deferral Plan (the Plan) is to provide an opportunity for non-employee members of the
Board of Directors (the Board) of Deluxe Corporation (Deluxe or the Company) to increase
their ownership of Deluxe Common Stock, $1.00 par value (Common Stock), and thereby align their
interest in the long-term success of the Company with that of the other shareholders. This will be
accomplished by allowing each participating director to elect voluntarily to receive all or a
portion of his or her Fees (as hereinafter defined) in the form of shares of Common Stock and to
allow each of them to defer the receipt of such shares until a later date pursuant to elections
made by him or her under this Plan.
2. Eligibility. Directors of the Company who are not also officers or other employees
of the Company or its subsidiaries are eligible to participate in this Plan (Eligible Directors).
3. Administration. This Plan will be administered by or under the direction of the
Secretary of the Company (the Administrator). Since the issuance of shares of Common Stock
pursuant to this Plan is based on elections made by Eligible Directors, the Administrators duties
under this Plan will be limited to matters of interpretation and administrative oversight. All
questions of interpretation of this Plan will be determined by the Administrator, and each
determination, interpretation or other action that the Administrator makes or takes pursuant to the
provisions of this Plan will be conclusive and binding for all purposes and on all persons. The
Administrator will not be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to
this Plan.
4. Election to Receive Stock and Stock Issuance.
4.1. Election to Receive Stock in Lieu of Cash. On forms provided by the Company and
approved by the Administrator, each Eligible Director may irrevocably elect (Stock Election) to
receive, in lieu of cash, shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value, as defined in
Section 4.6, equal to any specified percentage of the cash compensation payable to that director
for services rendered as a director (including all Board and committee retainers, meeting fees and
extraordinary service fees, the Fees). All Eligible Directors who have made such a Stock Election
to receive shares of Common Stock with respect to any specified percentage of such Fees shall be
deemed to be a participating director under this Plan (Participating Director) to at least such
extent. To be effective, any Stock Election must be filed with the Company (the date of such filing
being the date of such election) no later than December 31 of the year preceding the year to which
such Stock Election shall apply and shall apply only with respect to services as a director
provided for the period of January 1 through December 31 of the following year (Plan Year);
provided, however, that an Eligible Director whose initial election to the Board of Directors
occurs during the Plan Year, shall have 30 days following such election to make a Stock Election,
which shall apply only with respect to services as a director provided following the filing of such
Stock Election with the Company during the then current Plan Year, as specified in the Stock
Election. Any Stock Election made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.1 shall be
irrevocable for the period to which such election applies.
4.2. Issuance of Stock in Lieu of Cash. Shares of Deluxe Common Stock having a Fair
Market Value equal to the amount of the Fees so elected shall (i) be issued to each Participating
Director or (ii) at the Participating Directors election pursuant to Section 4.3, be credited to
such directors account (a Deferred Stock Account), on March 15, June 15, September 15 and
December 15 for the calendar quarter ending on the last day of each such month (each such payment
date, a Payment Date). The Company shall not issue fractional shares. Whenever, under the terms
of this Plan, a fractional share would be required to be issued, the Company will round the number
of shares (up or down) to the nearest integer. In the event that a Participating Director elects to
receive less than 100% of each quarterly installment of the Fees in shares of Common Stock (or
Stock Units as defined and provided in Section 4.4), that Participating Director shall receive the
balance of the quarterly installment in cash.
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4.3. Manner of Making Deferral Election. A Participating Director may elect to defer
payment of the Fees otherwise payable in shares of Common Stock pursuant to this Plan by filing
(the date of such filing being the date of such election), no later than December 31 of each year
with respect to payments in the ensuing Plan Year, an irrevocable election with the Administrator
on a form (the Deferral Election Form) provided by the Administrator for that purpose (Deferral
Election); provided, however, that an Eligible Director whose initial election to the Board of
Directors occurs during the Plan Year, shall have 30 days following such election to make a
Deferral Election, which shall apply only with respect to services as a director provided following
the filing of such Deferral Election with the Company during the then current Plan Year, as
specified in the Deferral Election. Any portion of the Fees to be paid in cash may not be deferred
pursuant to the Plan. Failure to timely file a Deferral Election shall conclusively be deemed to
mean that no election to defer has been made for the applicable period. The Deferral Election shall
be effective for the Fees payable (i) during the ensuing Plan Year with respect to elections made
on or before December 31 of each year as aforesaid and (ii) for the portion of the Plan Year after
the date the Deferral Election is made or the ensuing Plan Year as specified in the Deferral
Election with respect to Deferral Elections made by new directors. Any Deferral Election made in
accordance with the provisions of this Section shall be irrevocable for the period to which such
election applies. The Deferral Election form shall specify the amount to be deferred expressed as a
percentage of the Participating Directors Fees.
4.4. Credits to Deferred Stock Account for Elective Deferrals. On each Payment Date, a
Participating Director who has made a then effective Deferral Election shall receive a credit in
the form of restricted stock units (Stock Units) to his or her Deferred Stock Account. Each Stock
Unit shall represent the right to receive one share of Common Stock. The number of Stock Units
credited to a Participating Directors Deferred Stock Account shall be determined by dividing an
amount equal to the Participating Directors Fees payable on the Payment Date for the current
calendar quarter and specified for deferral pursuant to Section 4.3, by the Fair Market Value of a
share of Common Stock on such Payment Date. If that computation would result in a fractional Stock
Unit being credited to a Participating Directors Deferred Stock Account, the Company will round
the number of Stock Units so credited (up or down) to the nearest integer.
4.5. Dividend Equivalent Payments. Each time a dividend is paid on the Common Stock,
the Participating Director who has a Deferred Stock Account shall receive a dividend equivalent
payment on the dividend payment date equal to the amount of the dividend payable on a single share
of Common Stock multiplied by the number of Stock Units credited to the Participating Directors
Deferred Stock Account on the dividend record date.
4.6. Fair Market Value. The Fair Market Value of each share of Common Stock shall be
equal to the closing price of one share of Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on
the relevant date as reported by the Wall Street Journal, Midwest Edition (or, if such publication
is no longer available, such other authoritative source as may be designated by the Committee);
provided that if, on such date, the NYSE is not open for business or there are no shares of Common
Stock traded on such date, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock shall be equal to the
closing price of one share of Common Stock on the first day preceding such date on which the NYSE
is open for business and has reported trades in the Common Stock.
4.7. Separation from Service as a Director. If a Participating Director leaves the
Board before the conclusion of any quarter of a Fiscal Year, he or she will be paid the quarterly
installment of the Fees entirely in cash or Common Stock on the applicable Payment Date in
accordance with such Participating Directors then effective Stock Election or an amount shall be
deferred in accordance with a Deferral Election on file with the Company. The date of separation of
a Participating Directors service as a director of the Company will be deemed to be the date of
separation from service recorded on the personnel or other records of the Company; provided that
there is no understanding or expectation that the Participating Director will continue or resume
providing services for the Company, or any entity that would be aggregated with the Company
pursuant to Section 414(b) or (c) of the Internal Revenue Code (determined without reducing the 80%
ownership requirement to 50%).
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5. Shares Available for Issuance. This Plan constitutes part of the Deluxe Corporation
2008 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the SIP), and is subject to the terms
and conditions of the SIP. Any shares of Common Stock issued under this Plan shall be issued
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the SIP, and any such shares so issued shall be subject to
the limits set forth in the SIP, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
limits contained in Section 4(a) of the SIP.
6. Deferral Payment
6.1. Deferral Payment Election. At the time of making the Deferral Election and as a
part thereof, each Participating Director shall make and file with the Company, a deferral payment
election on the Deferral Election Form specifying one of the payment options described in Section
6.2. If a Participating Director fails to make a deferral payment election at the time any Deferral
Election is made in accordance with this Plan, the Participating Director shall conclusively be
deemed to have elected to receive the Common Stock represented by the Stock Units earned during the
period covered by the Deferral Election in a lump sum payment at the time of the Participating
Directors separation from service on the Board as provided in Section 6.2. Except as otherwise
provided in Section 6.2, the deferral payment election shall be irrevocable as to all amounts
credited to the Participating Directors Deferred Stock Account during the period covered by the
relevant Deferral Election.
6.2. Payment of Deferred Stock Accounts in a Lump Sum. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 12 with respect to a Change of Control, Stock Units credited to a Participating Directors
Deferred Stock Account shall be converted to an equal number of shares of Common Stock and issued
in full to the Participating Director on the earlier of the tenth anniversary of February 1 of the
year following the Participating Directors separation from service on the Board (or the first
business day thereafter) or such other date as elected by the Participating Director by making a
deferral payment election in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.1. All payments shall be
made in whole shares of Common Stock (rounded as necessary to the nearest integer). A Participating
Director may change the date upon which he has elected to have his Deferred Stock Account
distributed by filing a new deferral payment election, provided that such new deferral payment
election is received by the Administrator at least one year prior to the Participating Directors
separation from service (and, if the separation from service occurs within one year after the new
deferral payment election is filed, it shall be null and void), that the new payment date is not
less than five years later than the original payment date, and that the change meets any other
requirements imposed by the Administrator in order to comply with Section 409A of the Internal
Revenue Code.
6.3. Payment to Estate. In the event that a Participating Director shall die before
full distribution of his or her Deferred Stock Account, any shares that issue therefrom shall be
issued to such Directors estate or beneficiaries, as the case may be, as soon as practical after
the date of the Participating Directors death.
7. Holding Period. All shares of Common Stock issued under this Plan, including shares
that are issued as a result of distributions of a Participating Directors Deferred Stock Account,
shall be held by the Participating Director receiving such shares for a minimum period of six
months from the date of issuance or such longer period as may be required for compliance with Rule
16b-3, as amended or any successor rule (Rule 16b-3), promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). The
Administrator may, in his or her discretion, require that shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to
this Plan contain a suitable legend restricting trading in such shares during such holding period.
8. Limitation on Rights of Eligible and Participating Directors.
8.1. Service as a Director. Nothing in this Plan will interfere with or limit in any
way the right of the Companys Board or its shareholders not to nominate for re-election, elect or
remove an Eligible or Participating Director from the Board. Neither this Plan nor any action taken
pursuant to it will constitute or be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or
implied, that the Company or its Board or shareholders have retained or will retain an Eligible or
Participating Director for any period of time or at any particular rate of compensation.
69
8.2. Nonexclusivity of the Plan. Nothing contained in this Plan is intended to affect,
modify or rescind any of the Companys existing compensation plans or programs or to create any
limitations on the power of the Companys officers or Board to modify or adopt compensation
arrangements as they or it may from time to time deem necessary or desirable.
9. Plan Amendment, Modification and Termination. The Board may suspend or terminate
this Plan at any time. The Board may amend this Plan from time to time in such respects as the
Board may deem advisable in order that this Plan will conform to any change in applicable laws or
regulations or in any other respect that the Board may deem to be in the Companys best interests;
provided, however, that no amendments to this Plan will be effective without approval of the
Companys shareholders, if shareholder approval of the amendment is then required to exempt
issuance or crediting of shares of Common Stock or Stock Units from Section 16 of the Exchange Act
under Rule 16b-3, or pursuant to the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The amendment or
termination of the Plan shall not affect Deferral Elections made for the Plan Year in which the
amendment or termination occurs, and all Deferred Stock Accounts shall continue to be held and
distributed in accordance with existing Deferral Elections, unless the Board, in connection with a
Plan termination, also amends the Plan to provide for the distribution of all Deferred Stock
Accounts to the extent permitted by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
10. Effective Date and Duration of the Plan. This Plan shall become effective on the
date on which the SIP is approved by the shareholders of the Company and shall continue, unless
terminated by action of the Board, until the expiration or termination of the SIP, provided that
the expiration or termination of this Plan shall not affect any rights of Participating Directors
with respect to their Deferral Accounts which shall continue to be governed by the provisions of
this Plan until the final distribution of all Deferral Accounts established under this Plan.
11. Participants are General Creditors of the Company. The Participating Directors and
beneficiaries thereof shall be general, unsecured creditors of the Company with respect to any
payments to be made pursuant to this Plan and shall not have any preferred interest by way of
trust, escrow, lien or otherwise in any specific assets of the Company. If the Company shall, in
fact, elect to set aside monies or other assets to meet its obligations hereunder (there being no
obligation to do so), whether in a grantors trust or otherwise, the same shall, nevertheless, be
regarded as a part of the general assets of the Company subject to the claims of its general
creditors, and neither any Participating Director nor any beneficiary thereof shall have a legal,
beneficial or security interest therein.
12. Change of Control. A Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred upon the
completion of any transaction or series of transactions that results in a change in control event
as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder. In the
event of the occurrence of a Change of Control, then, notwithstanding any contrary deferral payment
election, the Stock Units credited to a Participating Directors Deferred Stock Account as of the
business day immediately prior to the effective date of the Change of Control shall be converted to
an equal number of shares of Common Stock (rounded as necessary to the nearest integer), or, if as
a result of the Change of Control Common Stock is converted into stock or securities of another
entity, or other property (including cash), then the Stock Units shall be converted into the number
of shares, or amount of property, into which such number of whole shares of Common Stock would be
converted. Such whole number of shares of Common Stock shall be issued, or such other securities
or property shall be distributed, to the Participating Director as soon as practical following the
effective date of the Change of Control.
13. Miscellaneous.
13.1. Securities Law and Other Restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Plan or any Stock Election or Deferral Election delivered pursuant to this Plan, the Company
will not be required to issue any shares of Common Stock under this Plan and a Participating
Director may not sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock issued
pursuant to this Plan, unless (a) there is in effect with respect to such shares a registration
statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) and any applicable
state securities laws or an exemption from such registration under the Securities Act and
applicable state securities laws, and (b) there has been obtained
70
any other consent, approval or permit from any other regulatory body that the Administrator,
in his or her sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable. The Company may condition such
issuance, sale or transfer upon the receipt of any representations or agreements from the parties
involved, and the placement of any legends on certificates representing shares of Common Stock, as
may be deemed necessary or advisable by the Company, in order to comply with such securities law or
other restriction.
13.2 Section 409A. The Plan shall be administered in accordance with Section 409A of
the Internal Revenue Code, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, in no event shall the Committee permit any change to the time or form
of payment of any portion of a Participating Directors Deferred Stock Account (including the
payment of any dividend equivalents) unless the Committee determines that such change is permitted
by Section 409A.
13.3. Governing Law. The validity, construction, interpretation, administration and
effect of this Plan and any rules, regulations and actions relating to this Plan will be governed
by and construed exclusively in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota.
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THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDSDETACH
AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLYTO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:DELUXE
CORPORATIONDELXE1VOTE BY INTERNET www.proxyvote.comUse the Internet to transmit your voting
instructions up until 11:59 P.M. (CT)on April 29, 2008. Have your proxy card in hand when you
access the web siteand follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an
electronicvoting instruction form.ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONSIf you
would like to reduce the costs incurred by Deluxe Corporation in mailingproxy materials, you can
consent to receiving all future proxy statements,proxy cards and annual reports electronically via
e-mail or the Internet. To signup for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to
vote usingthe Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive oraccess shareholder
communications electronically in future years.VOTE BY PHONE 1-800-560-1965Use any touch-tone
telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until11:59 P.M. (CT) on April 29, 2008. Have your
proxy card in hand when youcall and then follow the instructions.VOTE BY MAILMark, sign and date
your proxy card and return it in the postage-paidenvelope we have provided or return it to Deluxe
Corporation, c/o Broadridge,51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.DELUXE CORPORATION3680 VICTORIA
STREET NORTHSHOREVIEW, MINNESOTA 55126-2966To withhold authority to vote for any
individualnominee(s), mark For All Except and write thenumber(s) of the nominee(s) on the line
below.ForAgainstAbstain4.Approval of the Deluxe Corporation 2008 Stock Incentive
Plan.2.Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Deluxe Corporatons
independent registered public accounting firm for the yearending December 31, 2008.3.Approval of
the Deluxe Corporation 2008 Annual Incentive Plan.5.Take action on any other business that may
properly come before the meeting and any adjournment thereof.ForAllWithholdAllFor
AllExcept000000000000Vote On Directors01)Ronald C. Baldwin02)Charles A. Haggerty03)Isaiah Harris,
Jr.04)Don J. McGrath05)Cheryl E. Mayberry McKissack06)Neil J. Metviner07)Stephen P.
Nachtsheim08)Mary Ann ODwyer09)Martyn R. Redgrave10)Lee J. Schram1.Election of
DirectorsNominees:Vote On Proposalsi |
Deluxe CorporationThis proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors.The undersigned
appoints Stephen P. Nachtsheim, Lee J. Schram and Anthony C. Scarfone as proxies(the Named
Proxies), each with the power to act alone and to appoint his substitute, and authorizes each
ofthem to represent and to vote, as designated on the other side of this proxy card, all shares of
common stock ofDeluxe Corporation held of record by the undersigned on March 5, 2008, at the annual
meeting of shareholdersto be held on April 30, 2008, and at any adjournment thereof.This proxy,
when properly executed, will be voted as designated on the other side. If no choice isspecified,
this proxy will be voted FOR each of the nominees for the Board of Directors listed inItem 1 on
the other side and FOR Proposals 2 through 4. Also, by signing this proxy, you revoke allprior
proxies and authorize the above Named Proxies to vote in their discretion upon such otherbusiness
as may properly come before the meeting. Deluxe Corporation anticipates
that no otherbusiness will be conducted at the meeting. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt
of the proxystatement for the annual meeting of shareholders. |