<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12
RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.
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(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):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.
(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):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] 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.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE> 2
RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.
800 MARKET STREET
[RALCORP LOGO] ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63101
January 19, 2001
DEAR RALCORP SHAREHOLDER:
It is my pleasure to invite you to the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. We will hold the meeting on Monday, February 26, 2001,
at 10:00 a.m. at the Gateway Center, One Gateway Drive, Collinsville, Illinois.
This booklet includes the Notice of Annual Meeting and the Proxy Statement.
The Proxy Statement describes the business we will conduct at the meeting and
provides information about Ralcorp.
Your vote is important. Whether you plan to attend the meeting or not,
please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy card promptly. If you
attend the meeting and prefer to vote in person, you may do so.
We are again offering shareholders the option of voting by telephone or via
the Internet instead of by mailing in the proxy card. If you are interested,
your enclosed proxy card tells you how.
We look forward to seeing you on February 26.
/S/J.R.MICHELETTO
Joe R. Micheletto
Chief Executive Officer
and President
<PAGE> 3
RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
January 19, 2001
DEAR SHAREHOLDERS:
The 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. will be
held at the Gateway Center, One Gateway Drive, Collinsville, Illinois on Monday,
February 26, 2001, at 10:00 a.m.
At our Annual Meeting, we will ask you to:
-- Elect two directors; and
-- Transact any other business that may properly be presented at the
Annual Meeting.
If you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on January 3,
2001, you may vote at the Annual Meeting.
This Proxy Statement, Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the
enclosed proxy card along with Ralcorp's 2000 Annual Report to Shareholders are
being distributed on or about January 19, 2001.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ ROBERT W. LOCKWOOD
Robert W. Lockwood
Secretary
<PAGE> 4
RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE
2001 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
INFORMATION ABOUT ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING
WHY DID YOU SEND ME THIS PROXY STATEMENT?
We sent you this Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card because
Ralcorp's Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2001 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders. This Proxy Statement summarizes the information you
need to know to vote at the Annual Meeting. However, you do not need to attend
the Annual Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign
and return the enclosed proxy card or, if you prefer, you may designate a proxy
by telephone or on the Internet. The person you appoint as your proxy will then
vote your shares as you have instructed.
WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
Shareholders as of the close of business on January 3, 2001, are entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting. On this record date, there were 29,859,907 shares
of Ralcorp common stock issued and outstanding.
ON WHAT AM I VOTING?
Two directors will be elected at this year's Annual Meeting to serve
three-year terms. The Board has nominated Richard A. Liddy and William P.
Stiritz. Mr. Stiritz, whose current term as a director will expire at our Annual
Meeting, has consented to serve for a new term. Mr. Liddy was nominated by the
Board and has consented to serve for a three-year term, if elected. If either
nominee should be unable to serve as a director, which we do not expect, proxies
granting discretionary authority may be voted for any other person the Board
nominates, unless the Board reduces the number of directors.
HOW MANY VOTES DO I HAVE?
Each share of Ralcorp common stock that you own entitles you to one vote.
Ralcorp shareholders do not have the right to vote cumulatively in electing
directors.
HOW CAN I VOTE MY SHARES?
You can vote on matters presented at the Annual Meeting in two ways:
BY PROXY--You can vote by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy
card. If you do this, the persons named on the card will vote your shares
as your proxies in the manner you indicate. You may specify on your proxy
card whether your shares should be voted for Messrs. Liddy and Stiritz as
directors, or you may withhold your vote which acts as a vote against such
nominee or nominees. If you sign the card but do not indicate a specific
choice, your shares will be voted "FOR" the election of Messrs. Liddy and
Stiritz. If any other matter is presented, your proxies will vote your
shares in accordance with their best judgment. At the time this Proxy
Statement was printed, we knew of no matters that needed to be acted on at
the Annual Meeting other than the election of directors.
IN PERSON--You can come to the Annual Meeting and cast your vote there.
Please bring the admission ticket, which is included as a part of your
proxy card. If your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank or
other nominee and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must bring an
account statement or letter from the nominee indicating that you were the
beneficial owner of the shares on January 3, 2001, the record date for
voting.
1
<PAGE> 5
CAN I VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR ON THE INTERNET?
Yes. You can vote by telephone by calling toll-free 1-877-PRX-VOTE
(1-877-779-8683) and by following the instructions given at that telephone
number. You can vote on the Internet at http://www.eproxyvote.com/rah. If you
vote by telephone or on the Internet, you should have your proxy card available
when you begin voting. If you vote by telephone or on the Internet, you should
not mail in your proxy card. The Internet and telephone voting facilities will
be available until midnight on February 25, 2001, the day before the Annual
Meeting.
CAN I STILL ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IF I GIVE MY PROXY?
Yes.
HOW DO I VOTE MY RALCORP COMMON STOCK HELD IN THE EMPLOYEE SAVINGS INVESTMENT
PLAN?
If you are both a registered shareholder of the Company and an employee
participant in the Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. Savings Investment Plan, you will
receive a single proxy card that covers shares of Ralcorp common stock credited
to your plan account as well as shares of record registered in exactly the same
name. Consequently, when you vote either by returning your proxy card or
electronically, your vote will also serve as a voting instruction to the trustee
of the Savings Investment Plan. If your plan account is not carried in exactly
the same name as your shares of record, you will receive separate proxy cards
for individual and plan holdings. If you own shares through the plan and we have
not received your vote by February 21, 2001, the trustee will vote your shares
in the same proportion as the shares that are voted on behalf of the other
participants in the plan. The trustee will also vote unallocated shares of
Ralcorp common stock held in the plan in direct proportion to the voting of
allocated shares in the plan as to which voting instructions have been received,
unless doing so would be inconsistent with the trustee's duties.
WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?
A majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at this Annual
Meeting represented in person or by proxy will constitute a quorum. Abstentions
and broker non-votes are counted as present for establishing a quorum. A broker
non-vote occurs when a broker votes on some matters on the proxy card but not on
others because they do not have the authority to do so. Shares represented by
proxies that are marked "withheld" with respect to the election of any one or
more of the nominees for election as directors will be counted as present in
determining whether there is a quorum.
WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE EACH PROPOSAL?
If a quorum is present at our Annual Meeting, the following vote is
required for approval:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Election of Directors A majority of the shares entitled to vote and present in
(Proposal 1) person or by proxy at the meeting must be voted "FOR"
Messrs. Liddy and Stiritz.
Other Matters Generally, a majority of the shares entitled to vote and
present in person or by proxy at the meeting must be voted
"FOR" such other matter. However, the Board does not know of
any other matter that will be presented at this Annual
Meeting other than the election of directors.
</TABLE>
Shares represented by proxies that are marked "withheld" with respect to
the election of a director or which are marked "abstain" with respect to other
issues will be treated as shares present and entitled to vote. This will have
the same effect as a vote against Messrs. Liddy and Stiritz or such other
matters. If a broker indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary
authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter, the shares will
not be considered as present and entitled to vote with respect to that matter.
2
<PAGE> 6
MAY I REVOKE MY PROXY?
If you give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time before your shares are
voted. You may revoke your proxy in one of three ways:
-- Send in another proxy or vote again electronically after your
original vote;
-- Notify Ralcorp's Corporate Secretary in writing before the Annual
Meeting that you have revoked your proxy; or
-- Vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
ARE THERE OTHER MATTERS TO BE ACTED ON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?
Under the Company's Bylaws, no nominations or other business could properly
be brought before the Annual Meeting by a shareholder unless the shareholder had
given notice of their intention to do so by November 29, 2000. Since no notice
was received by the Company by that date, no shareholder proposals will be
considered at the Annual Meeting. The Company does not intend to submit any
other matters to the shareholders for a vote. However, if a vote is taken on any
procedural or other matter at the Annual Meeting, the shares represented by
proxy will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the person or persons
holding those proxies.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF SOLICITING THESE PROXIES AND WHO WILL PAY THEM?
The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be paid by Ralcorp. We hired
Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc. to assist in the solicitation of
proxies for a fee of $6,500, plus expenses. In addition to the use of the mail,
solicitations may be made by regular employees of the Company, by telephone or
personal contact. Ralcorp will reimburse banks, brokerage firms and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for costs reasonably incurred by them in
sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of Ralcorp's common stock.
WHO ARE RALCORP'S OUTSIDE ACCOUNTANTS AND WILL THEY ATTEND THE MEETING?
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP acted as Ralcorp's independent accountants for
fiscal year 2000 and has served in this capacity since 1994. The Board, upon the
recommendation of the Audit Committee, appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as
independent accountants for the current fiscal year. A representative of that
firm will be present at the Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a
statement, if they desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
PROXY STATEMENT PROPOSAL
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL 1 ON PROXY CARD
WHAT IS THE BOARD'S PROPOSAL FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS?
Our Board is currently divided into three classes, with two classes
consisting of two members and one class consisting of one member. The Board
nominated Richard A. Liddy for election as a director at the February 2001
Annual Meeting of Shareholders. With the retirement of William D. George, Jr.
from the Board, Mr. Liddy was nominated to the class of directors of which Mr.
George was a member. The Board also nominated William P. Stiritz for re-election
as a director. Both Messrs. Liddy and Stiritz would serve three-year terms. If
Messrs. Liddy and Stiritz are elected, from and after the 2001 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, the Board will consist of five members organized into three
classes, with two classes consisting of two members and one class consisting of
one member and with each Director elected to serve for a three-year term. Mr.
George was one of Ralcorp's original directors. We wish to express our gratitude
to him for his diligent and effective service and for his many contributions to
Ralcorp and its shareholders.
If either nominee should be unable to serve as a director, which we do not
expect, proxies granting discretionary authority may be voted "FOR" any other
person the Board nominates, unless the Board reduces the number of directors.
Other directors are not up for election this year and will continue in office
for the remainder of their terms or until their death, resignation or removal.
3
<PAGE> 7
Biographical information on Messrs. Liddy and Stiritz, and the Directors
continuing in office, is set forth below. Directors' ages are as of December 31,
2000.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
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JACK W. GOODALL--Continuing in office--Term Expiring 2003
Age: 62
Director Since: March, 1994
Principal Occupation: Chairman of the Board of Jack in the Box Inc. since April,
1996.
Recent Business Mr. Goodall served as Chairman, President and Chief
Experience: Executive Officer of Foodmaker, Inc. (now Jack in the Box
Inc.) from April, 1985 to April, 1996.
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DAVID W. KEMPER--Continuing in office--Term Expiring 2002
Age: 50
Director Since: October, 1994
Principal Occupation: Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce
Bancshares, Inc. since October, 1991.
Other Directorships: Tower Properties Company
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RICHARD A. LIDDY--Standing for election at this meeting for a term expiring 2004
Age: 65
Principal Occupation: Chairman of the Board of GenAmerica Financial Corporation
since January, 2000. Also serves as Chairman of the Board of
General American Life Insurance Company since January, 1995
and as Chairman of the Board of Reinsurance Group of
America, Incorporated since May, 1993.
Recent Business Mr. Liddy served as President of GenAmerica Financial
Experience: Corporation from May, 1988 to September, 2000 and as Chief
Executive Officer of General American Life Insurance Company
from May, 1992 to September, 2000.
Other Directorships: Ameren Corporation, Brown Shoe Company, Inc., Energizer
Holdings, Inc., and Ralston Purina Company
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOE R. MICHELETTO--Continuing in office--Term Expiring 2003
Age: 64
Director Since: January, 1994
Principal Occupation: Chief Executive Officer and President of Ralcorp Holdings,
Inc. since September, 1996.
Recent Business Mr. Micheletto served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and
Experience: Chief Financial Officer of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. from
March, 1994 to September, 1996. He served as Vice President
and Controller of Ralston Purina Company from January, 1984
to March, 1994 and as Chief Executive Officer of Ralston
Resorts from May, 1991 to January, 1997.
Other Directorships: Agribrands International, Inc., Energizer Holdings, Inc.,
and Vail Resorts, Inc.
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WILLIAM P. STIRITZ, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD--Standing for election at this meeting for a
term expiring 2004
Age: 66
Director Since: January, 1994
Principal Occupation: Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
of Agribrands International, Inc. since April, 1998. Also
serves as Chairman of the Board of Ralston Purina Company
since January, 1982 and as Chairman of the Board of
Energizer Holdings, Inc. and Chairman of the Energizer
Holdings, Inc. Management Strategy and Finance Committee
since April, 2000.
Recent Business Mr. Stiritz served as Chief Executive Officer and President
Experience: of Ralston Purina Company from January, 1981 to September,
1997.
Other Directorships: Ball Corporation, The May Department Stores Company, Ralston
Purina Company, Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated,
and Vail Resorts, Inc.
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</TABLE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" MESSRS. LIDDY AND STIRITZ.
4
<PAGE> 8
INFORMATION ON CERTAIN SHAREHOLDERS
WHICH SHAREHOLDERS OWN MORE THAN 5% OF RALCORP COMMON STOCK?
The following table shows, as of December 1, 2000, all persons we know to
be "beneficial owners" of more than five percent of Ralcorp.(A)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES % OF
NAME AND ADDRESS TITLE OF BENEFICIALLY SHARES EXPLANATORY
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER CLASS OWNED OUTSTANDING NOTES
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.L. Kaplan Associates, LLC Common Stock 1,766,580 5.9% (B)
222 Berkeley Street, Suite 2010
Boston, MA 02116
Shapiro Capital Management Company, Inc. Common Stock 4,014,950 13.4% (C)
One Buckhead Plaza, Suite 1555
3060 Peachtree Road, N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30305
Southeastern Asset Management, Inc. Common Stock 2,020,900 6.8% (D)
6410 Poplar Avenue, Suite 900
Memphis, TN 38119
</TABLE>
---------------
(A) "Beneficial ownership" is a technical term broadly defined by the SEC to
mean more than ownership in the usual sense. So, for example, you
"beneficially" own Ralcorp common stock not only if you hold it directly,
but also if you indirectly (through a relationship, a position as a director
or trustee, or a contract or understanding), have or share the power to vote
the stock, or to sell it, or you have the right to acquire it within 60
days.
(B) Of these shares, J.L. Kaplan Associates, LLC has voting and investment
powers with respect to 1,323,600 shares.
(C) Of these shares, Shapiro Capital Management Company, Inc. has sole voting
and investment powers with respect to all these shares.
(D) Southeastern Asset Management, Inc. shares voting and investment powers with
respect to 1,819,800 shares with Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund, an
open-end management investment company. With respect to the remaining
201,100 shares, Southeastern has sole investment power.
5
<PAGE> 9
HOW MUCH RALCORP STOCK DO DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OWN?
The following table shows, as of December 1, 2000, Ralcorp common stock
beneficially owned by Ralcorp directors and executive officers under SEC rules.
Except as noted, all such persons possess sole voting and investment powers with
respect to the shares listed. An asterisk in the column listing the percentage
of shares outstanding indicates the person owns less than 1% of the common stock
as of December 1, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES % OF
DIRECTORS BENEFICIALLY SHARES EXPLANATORY
AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OWNED OUTSTANDING NOTES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Jack W. Goodall 30,900 *
David W. Kemper 9,000 *
Richard A. Liddy 0 *
Joe R. Micheletto 85,617 * (A)(H)
William P. Stiritz 876,459 2.9% (B)
Kevin J. Hunt 11,719 * (C)(H)
Robert W. Lockwood 19,168 * (D)(H)
James A. Nichols 41,410 * (E)(H)
David P. Skarie 11,885 * (F)(H)
All directors and executive officers as a group
(11 persons) 1,090,614 3.7% (G)(H)
</TABLE>
---------------
(A) Includes 43,527 shares of common stock held under Ralcorp's Savings
Investment Plan. Mr. Micheletto has only voting power with respect to 2,257
of these shares.
(B) Includes 18,333 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Stiritz's wife.
(C) Includes 4,675 shares of common stock held under Ralcorp's Savings
Investment Plan. Mr. Hunt has only voting power with respect to 3,514 of
these shares.
(D) Includes 12,535 shares of common stock as to which Mr. Lockwood shares
voting and investment powers. Also includes 6,633 shares of common stock
held under Ralcorp's Savings Investment Plan. Mr. Lockwood has only voting
power with respect to 2,428 of these shares.
(E) Includes 5,410 shares of common stock held under Ralcorp's Savings
Investment Plan. Mr. Nichols has only voting power with respect to 3,031 of
these shares.
(F) Includes 132 shares of common stock as to which Mr. Skarie shares voting and
investment powers. Also includes 3,266 shares of common stock held under
Ralcorp's Savings Investment Plan. Mr. Skarie has only voting power with
respect to 2,277 of these shares.
(G) With respect to all executive officers except those named in the above
table: includes 2,456 shares of common stock held under the Company's
Savings Investment Plan (the executive officers have only voting power with
respect to 1,401 of these shares).
(H) Shares of common stock held in the Company's Savings Investment Plan are not
directly allocated to individual participants but instead are held in a
separate fund in which participants acquire units. The fund also holds
varying amounts of cash and short-term investments. The number of shares of
common stock reported as being held in the Savings Investment Plan with
respect to the executive officers is an approximation of the number of
shares in the fund allocable to each of the executive officers. The number
of shares allocable to a participant in the fund will vary on a daily basis
based upon the cash position of the fund and the market price of the common
stock.
6
<PAGE> 10
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
DID DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND GREATER-THAN-10% STOCKHOLDERS COMPLY WITH
SEC BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING REQUIREMENTS IN 2000?
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors
and executive officers, and greater-than-10% stockholders to file reports with
the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange on changes in their beneficial ownership
of Ralcorp common stock and to provide Ralcorp with copies of the reports. Based
on our review of these reports and of certifications furnished to us, we believe
that all of these reporting persons complied with their filing requirements for
2000.
INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
HOW MANY TIMES DID THE BOARD MEET IN 2000?
The Board currently has four regular meetings scheduled per year, and holds
special meetings when necessary to review significant matters affecting the
Company and to act upon matters requiring Board approval. During fiscal year
2000, there were four regular meetings and three special telephonic meetings.
HOW DOES RALCORP COMPENSATE ITS DIRECTORS?
All directors, with the exception of Mr. Micheletto, receive an annual
retainer of $20,000. They are also paid $1,000 for attending each regular or
special Board meeting, committee meeting, telephonic meeting and consent to
action without a meeting. Ralcorp also pays the premiums on directors' and
officers' liability and travel accident insurance policies insuring directors.
Mr. Micheletto receives no remuneration for his services as a director.
Ralcorp has a Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Management Directors.
Under this plan, any non-management director may elect to defer, with certain
limitations, their retainer and fees until retirement or other termination of
his directorship. Deferrals may be made in common stock equivalents in an Equity
Option (stock equivalents) or may be made in cash under a number of funds
operated by The Vanguard Group Inc. with a variety of investment strategies and
objectives. Deferrals in the Equity Option receive a 33 1/3% Company matching
contribution. All directors have elected to defer their retainer and fees.
DOES THE BOARD HAVE ANY COMMITTEES?
Yes. The Board has three standing committees--an Audit Committee, an
Executive Committee and a Nominating and Compensation Committee. In addition,
during fiscal year 2000, a Special Independent Committee of the Board was
created to consider the merger with Agribrands International, Inc.
WHAT DID THE SPECIAL INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE DO AND WHO WERE ITS MEMBERS?
The Special Independent Committee considered and negotiated a merger
agreement with Agribrands International, Inc. That agreement was subsequently
terminated by Agribrands, as permitted by the agreement, upon their receipt of
what they considered to be a superior proposal from a third party. This
Committee met eight times in fiscal year 2000. Its members were Messrs. George,
Goodall and Kemper. Mr. Goodall served as Committee Chairman.
WHAT DOES THE AUDIT COMMITTEE DO AND WHO ARE ITS MEMBERS?
The Audit Committee consists of four non-management directors. It reviews
auditing, accounting, financial reporting and internal control functions. The
Audit Committee also recommends the Company's independent accountants and
reviews their services. Full text of the Audit Committee Charter is set forth in
Appendix A. This Committee met twice in fiscal year 2000. Its members as of the
date of this Proxy Statement are Messrs. George, Goodall, Kemper and Stiritz.
Mr. Kemper serves as Committee Chairman.
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<PAGE> 11
WHAT DOES THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DO AND WHO ARE ITS MEMBERS?
The Executive Committee consists of two directors and may exercise all of
the authority of the Board in the management of the Company in the intervals
between meetings of the Board. This Committee met three times in fiscal year
2000. Its members as of the date of this Proxy Statement are Messrs. Micheletto
and Stiritz. Mr. Stiritz serves as Committee Chairman.
WHAT DOES THE NOMINATING AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE DO AND WHO ARE ITS MEMBERS?
The Nominating and Compensation Committee consists of four non-management
directors. It recommends to the Board nominees for election as directors and
executive officers of the Company. Additionally, it makes recommendations to the
Board regarding election of directors to positions on committees of the Board
and compensation and benefits for directors. The Nominating and Compensation
Committee also sets the compensation of all executive officers and administers
the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan for Key Employees and Incentive Stock
Plan, including the granting of awards under the latter plan. It also reviews
the competitiveness of management compensation and benefit programs and
principal employee relations policies and procedures. This Committee met once in
fiscal year 2000. Its members as of the date of this Proxy Statement are Messrs.
George, Goodall, Kemper and Stiritz. Mr. Goodall serves as Committee Chairman.
HOW DOES A SHAREHOLDER NOMINATE SOMEONE TO BE A DIRECTOR OF RALCORP?
The Nominating and Compensation Committee will consider suggestions from
shareholders regarding possible director candidates. Such suggestions, together
with appropriate biographical information, should be submitted to the Secretary
of the Company.
DID EACH DIRECTOR ATTEND AT LEAST 75% OF ITS MEETINGS?
During fiscal year 2000, all directors attended 75% or more of the
aggregate of the meetings of the Board and of the Board committees to which they
were appointed.
8
<PAGE> 12
INFORMATION ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
HOW DOES RALCORP COMPENSATE ITS OFFICERS?
The following tables and narrative text discuss compensation paid in fiscal
year 2000 to the Named Executive Officers, i.e., the Company's Chief Executive
Officer and President and the Company's four other most highly compensated
executive officers. This information is followed by the report of the Board's
Nominating and Compensation Committee that describes the Committee's philosophy
on executive compensation.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION (AWARDS)
----------------------------------- ------------
SECURITIES
OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION OPTIONS COMPENSATION
NAME & PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) ($) (#) ($)(1)
------------------------- ---- --------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. R. Micheletto 2000 $475,000 $400,000 $10,099 0 $27,438
Chief Executive Officer 1999 $425,000 $250,000 $ 8,311 75,000 $76,313
and President 1998 $350,000 $200,000 $10,213 100,000 $60,750
K. J. Hunt 2000 $192,500 $115,500 $ 708 0 $ 8,858
Vice President; and 1999 $175,000 $105,000 $ 532 28,000 $18,362
President, Bremner, Inc. 1998 $165,000 $ 87,500 $ 739 30,000 $15,888
R. W. Lockwood 2000 $210,000 $110,000 $ 1,486 0 $33,800
Vice President, General 1999 $200,000 $ 93,600 $ 1,910 23,000 $29,400
Counsel and Secretary 1998 $190,000 $ 89,500 $ 0 25,000 $28,392
J. A. Nichols 2000 $208,500 $126,800 $ 4,516 0 $24,181
Vice President; and President, 1999 $198,500 $115,500 $ 3,757 28,000 $29,913
The Carriage House Companies, Inc. 1998 $189,000 $ 95,000 $ 304 30,000 $29,460
D. P. Skarie 2000 $179,240 $ 98,600 $ 2,034 0 $24,899
Vice President and President, 1999 $167,500 $ 83,700 $ 1,828 23,000 $19,376
Ralston Foods 1998 $159,600 $ 79,000 $ 0 25,000 $18,337
</TABLE>
---------------
(1) The amounts shown in this column for fiscal year 2000 consist of the
following: (i) Company matching contributions or accruals to the Company's
Savings Investment Plan and Executive Savings Investment Plan. Such amounts
are $27,438, $8,858, $6,300, $8,331, and $7,749, respectively, for Messrs.
Micheletto, Hunt, Lockwood, Nichols and Skarie; and, (ii) Company 25%
matching contributions on deferrals under the Equity Option of the Deferred
Compensation Plan for Key Employees. Such amounts are $27,500, $15,850, and
$17,150, respectively, for Messrs. Lockwood, Nichols and Skarie.
9
<PAGE> 13
STOCK OPTIONS
There were no stock options awarded to the Company's Named Executive
Officers during fiscal year 2000. The following table sets forth fiscal year-end
option values. None of the options reflected in the table were exercisable on
September 30, 2000, the end of fiscal year 2000. No options were exercised by
any of the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year. The Company has
never granted Stock Appreciation Rights.
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS AT FY-END(#) OPTIONS AT FY-END($)
---------------------------- ----------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. R. Micheletto 0 271,000 $0 $204,000
K. J. Hunt 0 101,000 $0 $ 91,375
R. W. Lockwood 0 83,000 $0 $ 74,375
J. A. Nichols 0 101,000 $0 $ 91,375
D. P. Skarie 0 83,000 $0 $ 74,375
</TABLE>
COMPENSATION PURSUANT TO PLANS
During fiscal year 2000, Ralcorp maintained certain plans that provided
benefits to executive officers and other employees of the Company. Descriptions
of some of those plans follow. The descriptions provided are in summary form and
are contained in this Proxy Statement solely in order to meet SEC requirements
regarding disclosure of the compensation of the Named Executive Officers and
should not be used for any other purpose.
SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS
The Company has Management Continuity Agreements with the Named Executive
Officers. The agreements provide severance compensation to each covered
executive officer in the event of the officer's voluntary or involuntary
termination after a change-in-control of the Company. The compensation provided
would be in the form of a lump sum payment equal to the present value of
continuing the executive officer's salary and bonus for a specified period
following the executive officer's termination of employment, the continuation of
other executive benefits for the same period, and certain pension bridging
payments. The initial applicable period is two years (three years in the case of
the CEO) in the event of an involuntary termination of employment (including a
constructive termination) and one year, in the event of a voluntary termination
of employment. These periods are subject to reduction for each complete year the
executive officer remains employed following the change-in-control. No payments
would be made if the executive officer's termination is due to death, disability
or normal retirement, or is "for cause", nor would any payments continue beyond
the executive officer's normal retirement date. Contracts governing stock
options provide that upon a change-in-control of the Company, any unexercised,
unvested, unearned or unpaid shares become 100% vested.
RETIREMENT PLAN
The Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. Retirement Plan may provide pension benefits in
the future to the Named Executive Officers. Certain regular U.S. employees
having one year of service with the Company, or certain Company subsidiaries,
are eligible to participate in the Retirement Plan. Employees become vested
after five years of service. Normal retirement is at age 65; however, employees
who work beyond age 65 may continue to accrue benefits.
Annual benefits are computed by multiplying the participant's Final Average
Earnings (average of participant's five highest consecutive annual earnings
during ten years prior to retirement or earlier termination) by the product of
1.5% times the participant's years of service (to a maximum of 40 years) and by
subtracting from that amount up to one-half of the participant's primary social
security benefit at retirement (with the actual amount of offset determined by
age and years of service at retirement).
10
<PAGE> 14
The following table shows the estimated annual retirement benefits that
would be payable from the Retirement Plan to salaried employees, including the
Named Executive Officers, assuming age 65 retirement. To the extent an
employee's compensation or benefits exceed certain limits imposed by the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the table also includes benefits
payable from an unfunded supplemental retirement plan. The table reflects
benefits prior to the subtraction of social security benefits as described
above.
PENSION PLAN TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REMUNERATION YEARS OF SERVICE
(FINAL AVERAGE --------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS) 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
-------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$100,000 $ 15,000 $ 22,500 $ 30,000 $ 37,500 $ 45,000 $ 52,500 $ 60,000
$200,000 $ 30,000 $ 45,000 $ 60,000 $ 75,000 $ 90,000 $105,000 $120,000
$300,000 $ 45,000 $ 67,500 $ 90,000 $112,500 $135,000 $157,500 $180,000
$400,000 $ 60,000 $ 90,000 $120,000 $150,000 $180,000 $210,000 $240,000
$500,000 $ 75,000 $112,500 $150,000 $187,500 $225,000 $262,500 $300,000
$600,000 $ 90,000 $135,000 $180,000 $225,000 $270,000 $315,000 $360,000
$700,000 $105,000 $157,500 $210,000 $262,500 $315,000 $367,500 $420,000
$800,000 $120,000 $180,000 $240,000 $300,000 $360,000 $420,000 $480,000
$900,000 $135,000 $202,500 $270,000 $337,500 $405,000 $472,500 $540,000
$1,000,000 $150,000 $225,000 $300,000 $375,000 $450,000 $525,000 $600,000
$1,100,000 $165,000 $247,500 $330,000 $412,500 $495,000 $577,500 $660,000
</TABLE>
For the purpose of calculating retirement benefits, the Named Executive
Officers had, as of September 30, 2000, the following years of credited service,
calculated to the nearest year: Mr. Micheletto--38 years; Mr. Hunt--15 years;
Mr. Lockwood--24 years; Mr. Nichols--25 years; and, Mr. Skarie--15 years.
Credited service includes service with Ralston Purina Company, the Company's
former parent corporation. Earnings used in calculating benefits under the
Retirement Plan and any unfunded supplemental retirement plan previously
described are approximately equal to amounts included in the Salary and Bonus
columns in the Summary Compensation Table on page 9.
OTHER BENEFIT PLANS
Beneficiaries of eligible retired executive officers will be provided a
death benefit in an amount equal to 50% of the earnings recognized under the
Company's benefit plans for the executive officer during the last full year of
employment. This benefit is not presently insured or funded.
In addition, the Executive Long-Term Disability Plan would provide benefits
to its corporate officers, including certain executive officers, in the event
they become disabled. The Long-Term Disability Plan, which is available to
certain regular employees of the Company and in which officers must participate
at their own expense in order to be eligible for the Executive Long-Term
Disability Plan, imposes a limit of $10,000 per month (60% of a maximum annual
salary of $200,000) on the amount paid to a disabled employee. The Executive
Long-Term Disability Plan will provide a supplemental benefit equal to 60% of
the difference between the executive officer's previous year's earnings
recognized under the Company's benefit plans and $200,000, with appropriate
taxes withheld.
11
<PAGE> 15
NOMINATING AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Nominating and Compensation Committee consists entirely of
non-management directors. It approves direct and indirect compensation of all
executive officers and administers, and makes awards under, the Incentive Stock
Plan which was approved by shareholders in January, 1998. Stock-based awards
such as stock options and restricted stock may be granted under that Plan to
officers and other key employees of the Company.
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
The Company's executive compensation program is designed to provide total
compensation that can attract, retain and motivate key employees. The
Committee's intent is to provide overall cash compensation packages that have a
greater "at risk" element than competitive norms, i.e., salaries below industry
medians and performance-based bonuses which may permit recipients to achieve
total cash compensation packages exceeding medians. The Committee generally
reviews executive officer compensation including salaries, bonuses and any
long-term compensation such as stock options each September near the end of the
Company's fiscal year.
SALARIES
The Committee establishes the salaries of executive officers based on its
assessment of the individual's responsibilities, experience, individual
performance and contribution to the Company's performance. The Committee also
takes into account compensation data from other companies; historical
compensation levels at the Company; the competitive environment for attracting
and retaining executives; and, in the case of executive officers other than Mr.
Micheletto, the recommendation of Mr. Micheletto. The Company attempts to set
base salary levels at or below the median level for executives holding positions
of similar responsibility and complexity at corporations as reflected in
published surveys. The salaries for Named Executive Officers are set forth in
the Summary Compensation Table on page 9.
BONUSES
On September 21, 2000, the Committee awarded bonuses to the Named Executive
Officers for the Company's 2000 fiscal year. The amount of each bonus was based
on the officer's total compensation package including salary, bonus and stock
options; the financial performance of the officer's business unit relative to
the business plan (including such measures as sales volume, revenues, costs,
cash flow and operating profit), Company financial performance (including the
measures of business unit performance listed above and, in addition, earnings
per share, return on equity and total return to the shareholders); the officer's
individual performance (including the quality of strategic plans, organizational
and management development, participation in evaluations of potential
acquisitions and similar manifestations of individual performance); the business
environment for the officer's business unit; and, in the case of officers other
than Mr. Micheletto, on the recommendations of Mr. Micheletto. The
recommendations of Mr. Micheletto were, in turn, based on bonus targets (as a
percent of salary) set prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.
Although the foregoing factors were weighed heavily by the Committee,
individual bonuses and the total bonus pool were not based on application of a
strict numerical formula developed prior to the fiscal year but were based on
the Committee's exercise of subjective judgment and discretion in light of the
quantitative and qualitative factors listed above. Mr. Micheletto's bonus was
based on the Committee's general assessment of the factors described above and
in particular, his leadership in accomplishing several significant acquisitions
during the fiscal year which contributed to making the Company a $1 billion
company (in annualized sales) for the first time since the major restructuring
that took place in 1997. The Committee also considered Mr. Micheletto's role in
evaluating and taking steps to implement a proposed merger with Agribrands
International, Inc., a merger that will not be consummated because Agribrands
received what their Board of Directors perceived to be a superior offer from a
third party.
12
<PAGE> 16
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
Long-term compensation currently consists of stock options which entitle
the recipient to purchase a specified number of shares of the Company's common
stock after a specified period of time at an option price which is ordinarily
equal to the fair market value of the common stock at the time of grant. They
provide executives with an opportunity to buy and maintain an equity interest in
the Company while linking the executive's compensation directly to shareholder
value since the executive receives no benefit from the option unless all
shareholders have benefited from an appreciation in the value of the common
stock. In addition, since the options "vest" serially over a period of time
after the date of grant, they enhance the ability of the Company to retain the
executive while encouraging the executive to take a longer-term view on
decisions impacting the Company.
DEDUCTIBILITY OF CERTAIN EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
A feature of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 sets a limit on
deductible compensation of $1,000,000 per person, per year for the Chief
Executive Officer and the next four highest-paid executives. It is not
anticipated that any portion of the compensation to be received during the 2001
fiscal year by the Named Executive Officers would exceed the limit on
deductibility by the Company. With respect to future years, while it is the
general intention of the Committee to meet the requirements for deductibility,
the Committee may, in the exercise of its judgment, approve payment of
compensation from time to time that may not be fully deductible. The Committee
believes this flexibility will enable it to respond to changing business
conditions, or to an executive's exceptional individual performance. The
Committee will continue to review and monitor its policy with respect to the
deductibility of compensation.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
J. W. Goodall--Chairman D. W. Kemper
W. D. George, Jr. W. P. Stiritz
</TABLE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Mr. Stiritz is Chairman of the Board of Ralston Purina Company. During the
fiscal year, the Company paid Ralston approximately $1.4 million for research
facilities and quality assurance services, telecommunications, and other
administrative services. These arrangements were, and for any services
continuing in fiscal year 2001 will be, conducted in the ordinary course of
business at competitive prices and terms.
Mr. Kemper is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce
Bancshares, Inc. which is one of six banks participating in the Company's
committed credit facility. Commerce Bancshares' lending commitment under that
facility is limited to $16 million out of a total syndicate commitment of $125
million. In addition, the Company has an uncommitted line of credit with
Commerce Bancshares in an amount not exceeding $8 million. During the fiscal
year, the Company paid Commerce approximately $740,000 in interest under both
arrangements. The Company also has a $200 million committed credit facility used
to fund the acquisition of The Red Wing Company, Inc. Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
does not participate in that facility.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors consists entirely
of non-management directors who, except for Mr. Stiritz, are independent, as
defined in Sections 303.01(B)(2)(a) and 303.01(B)(3) of the New York Stock
Exchange Listing Standards. Mr. Stiritz would not be considered independent
under these rules but is "grandfathered" under them until this Annual Meeting of
Shareholders at which time he will resign from the Audit Committee. The Audit
Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, a
copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
Management is responsible for the Company's internal controls, financial
reporting process and compliance with laws and regulations and ethical business
standards. The independent accountants are responsible for performing an
independent audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements in
accordance with
13
<PAGE> 17
generally accepted auditing standards and issuing a report thereon. The
independent accountants also assist the Company in evaluating its internal
controls. The Committee's responsibility is to monitor and oversee these
processes.
With respect to the Company's audited financial statements for the
Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2000, management of the Company has
represented to the Committee that the financial statements were prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the Committee has
reviewed and discussed those financial statements with management. The Audit
Committee has also discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company's
independent accountants, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees) as modified or
supplemented.
The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures from
PricewaterhouseCoopers required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1
(Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), as modified or supplemented,
and has discussed the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers with members of
that firm.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee
recommended to the Company's Board of Directors that the audited consolidated
financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000 be included in
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission for that year.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
D. W. Kemper--Chairman J. W. Goodall
W. D. George, Jr. W. P. Stiritz
</TABLE>
COMPARATIVE INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE
HOW DOES RALCORP COMPARE WITH OTHER COMPANIES IN RETURN ON A SHAREHOLDER'S
INVESTMENT?
The graph displayed below is presented in accordance with SEC requirements.
The graph begins on February 3, 1997, the first day of trading for Ralcorp
common stock following the reorganization that took place in 1997. Shareholders
are cautioned against drawing any conclusions from the data contained therein,
as past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. This graph
in no way reflects the Company's forecast of future financial performance.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company's
previous filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange
Act, that might incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in
whole or in part, the following Performance Graph and the Nominating and
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation set forth above shall
not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.
14
<PAGE> 18
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total shareholder
return for Ralcorp's common stock with the cumulative total return of the stocks
in the Russell 2000 and Russell 2000 Consumer Staples Indices.
[CRC Performance Graph]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RUSSELL 2000
RALCORP RUSSELL 2000 INDEX CONSUMER STAPLES INDEX
------- ------------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
2/3/97................................................ 100.00 100.00 100.00
9/30/97............................................... 151.01 123.85 132.38
9/30/98............................................... 113.13 100.86 121.70
9/30/99............................................... 142.93 119.67 118.54
9/30/00............................................... 114.14 146.90 117.13
</TABLE>
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2002 ANNUAL MEETING
HOW DO I MAKE A PROPOSAL FOR THE 2002 ANNUAL MEETING?
Under the Company's Bylaws, shareholders who desire to nominate a director
or present any other business at an Annual Meeting of Shareholders must follow
certain procedures. Generally, to be considered at the 2002 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, a shareholder nomination or proposal not to be included in the
Proxy Statement and Notice of Meeting must be received by the Company's
Secretary between November 28, 2001 and December 28, 2001. However, if the
shareholder desires that the proposal be included in the Company's Proxy
Statement and Notice of Meeting for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders then
it must be received by the Secretary of the Company no later than September 21,
2001 and must also comply in all respects with the rules and regulations of the
SEC and the laws of the State of Missouri. A copy of the Bylaws will be
furnished to any shareholder without charge upon written request to the
Company's Secretary.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ ROBERT W. LOCKWOOD
15
Robert W. Lockwood
Secretary
January 19, 2001
<PAGE> 19
APPENDIX A
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
PURPOSE
The Audit Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors (the
"Board") shall assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee
management's conduct of the Company's financial reporting process, including the
overview of the financial reports and other financial information provided by
the Company to any governmental or regulatory body, the public or other users
thereof, the Company's systems of internal accounting and financial controls,
the annual independent audit of the Company's financial statements, and the
Company's legal compliance and ethics programs as established by management and
the Board.
In discharging its oversight role, the Committee is empowered to
investigate any matter brought to its attention with full access to all books,
records, facilities and personnel of the Company and the power to retain outside
counsel, auditors or other experts for this purpose. The Board and the Committee
are in place to represent the Company's shareholders; accordingly, the
independent auditor is ultimately accountable to the Board and the Committee.
MEMBERSHIP AND INDEPENDENCE
The Committee shall consist of such members, including a Chairman and, if
deemed appropriate, a Secretary, as the Board shall appoint. The Committee shall
be comprised of not less than three members of the Board, and the Committee's
composition will meet the requirements of the Audit Committee Policy of the New
York Stock Exchange.
Accordingly, all of the members will be directors:
1. Who have no relationship to the Company that may interfere with the
exercise of their independence from management and the Company; and
2. Who are financially literate (or who become financially literate within
a reasonable period of time after appointment to the Committee). In
addition, at least one member of the Committee will have accounting or
related financial management expertise.
QUORUM
A majority of the members of the Audit Committee shall constitute a quorum
for all purposes and the act of a majority of the members present at any meeting
at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Committee.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEE
The Committee's job is one of oversight. The Committee recognizes that the
Company's management is responsible for preparing the Company's financial
statements and that the independent auditor is responsible for auditing those
financial statements.
The following duties shall be the common recurring activities of the
Committee in carrying out its oversight function. These duties are set forth as
a guide with the understanding that the Committee may diverge from this guide as
appropriate given the circumstances. The Committee's duties are to:
1. Recommend to the Board the independent auditor to be nominated; review
and approve the compensation of the independent auditor and review and
approve the discharge of the independent auditor;
<PAGE> 20
2. Periodically meet with the independent auditor to review the scope of
audits, fees therefor, and the results of audits performed;
3. Inform the Company's independent auditor that the auditor may meet or
correspond with the Committee directly and without the presence or
involvement of management;
4. Discuss with management and the independent auditor the quality and
adequacy of the Company's internal controls, as well as the Company's
accounting policies and principles regarding financial and accounting
matters, internal audits, legal compliance, and ethical and responsible
business conduct; and review the adequacy of programs and procedures
for compliance with such policies;
5. Review the effect of new or proposed auditing, accounting or reporting
standards with management and the independent auditor;
6. Review with management and the independent auditor the audited
financial statements to be included in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K (or the Annual Report to Shareholders if distributed prior to
the filing of Form 10-K) and review and consider with the independent
auditor the matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing
Standards (SAS) No. 61;
7. Inform management and the independent auditor that during the
preparation of the interim financial statements by management and the
review thereof by the independent auditor, each should notify the
Committee or the Chair of the Committee regarding matters required to
be disclosed by SAS No. 61. The Committee should advise each that such
disclosure should be made as soon as possible upon becoming aware of
the disclosure requirement and prior to the filing of the applicable
interim statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission, if
possible;
8. Request from the independent auditor annually, a formal written
statement delineating all relationships between the independent auditor
and the Company consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard
No. 1; discuss with the independent auditor any such disclosed
relationships and their impact on the auditor's independence; and
recommend that the Board take appropriate action in response to the
independent auditor's report to satisfy itself of the auditor's
independence;
9. Review information concerning environmental, legal, regulatory and
other matters which may represent material financial exposure;
10. Consider any other matters related to the oversight responsibilities of
the Committee, as deemed advisable or necessary by Company management,
the Board or the Committee; and
11. Review and assess, at least annually, the adequacy of this charter and
submit the charter for approval to the Board at least every three
years.
May 25, 2000
<PAGE> 21
RFG 0345
<PAGE> 22
RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 26, 2001 AT 10:00 A.M.
GATEWAY CENTER, ONE GATEWAY DRIVE, COLLINSVILLE, ILLINOIS
The undersigned appoints Joe R. Micheletto and Robert W. Lockwood, and each of
them, lawful attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with power of
substitution, to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. to be held on February 26, 2001, and at any
adjournments thereof, and to vote in accordance with the instructions on the
reverse side all shares of Common Stock of the Company which the undersigned is
entitled to vote.
TRUSTEE'S AUTHORIZATION. The undersigned also authorizes Vanguard Fiduciary
Trust Company to vote any shares of Common Stock of the Company credited to the
undersigned's account under the Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. Savings Investment Plan
at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in accordance with the instructions on the
reverse side.
IMPORTANT-PLEASE SIGN AND DATE ON BACK OF CARD.
RETURN PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE;
NO POSTAGE NECESSARY.
SEE REVERSE
SIDE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* DETACH AND RETURN PROXY CARD *
IMPORTANT
PLEASE VOTE THE ABOVE PROXY CARD TODAY!
YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE WILL SAVE
THE EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL MAILINGS.
IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO PARTICIPATE AT THIS MEETING,
PLEASE CONTACT THE COMPANY'S SHAREHOLDER SERVICES DEPARTMENT
AT (314) 877-7046 PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE BE SURE TO NOTIFY
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PROMPTLY
* FOLD HERE *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADMISSION TICKET
FOR PRE-REGISTRATION, PLEASE SIGN BELOW.
PRESENT THIS CARD AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE MEETING ROOM.
RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.
2001 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
GATEWAY CENTER
ONE GATEWAY DRIVE, COLLINSVILLE, ILLINOIS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2001
10:00 A.M.
SIGNATURE
-----------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 23
Please mark your
X vote as in this
example.
THE PROXIES ARE DIRECTED TO VOTE AS SPECIFIED BELOW AND IN THEIR DISCRETION ON
ALL OTHER MATTERS COMING BEFORE THE MEETING. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THE
PROXIES WILL VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED BELOW.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ALL NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS
DIRECTORS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S><C>
FOR WITHHELD
1. Election of 01. Richard A. Liddy ANNUAL REPORT
Directors: 02. William P. Stiritz Mark here to discontinue annual report
mailing for this account (for multiple-
account holders only).
-----
For, except vote withheld from the following nominee:
ANNUAL MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------------ Mark here if you plan to attend the annual
meeting.
-----
</TABLE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint
owners should each sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee or guardian,
please give full title as such.
-----------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE(S) DATE
-----------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE(S) DATE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* FOLD AND DETACH HERE *
RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.
Dear Shareholder:
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. encourages you to take advantage of new and convenient
ways by which you can vote your shares. You can vote your shares electronically
by telephone or via the Internet, which eliminates the need to return the proxy
card.
To vote your shares electronically you must use the control number printed
in the box above, just below the perforation.
1. To vote over the Internet:
- Log on to the Internet and go to the web site
http://www.eproxyvote.com/rah
2. To vote over the telephone:
- On a touch-tone telephone call 1-877-PRX-VOTE
(1-877-779-8683). If you are calling from outside the United
States, please call 1-201-536-8073.
The Internet and telephone voting facilities will be available until midnight on
February 25, 2001, the day before the Annual Meeting.
Your electronic vote authorizes the named proxies in the same manner as if you
marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card.
If you choose to vote your shares electronically, there is no need for you to
mail back your proxy card.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. THANK YOU FOR VOTING.
