<PAGE>
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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))
[_] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
FISHER COMPANIES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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)(4) 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):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[_] 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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Notes:
<PAGE>
March 27, 1998
To the Shareholders of Fisher Companies Inc:
You are cordially invited to attend the 1998 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders
of Fisher Companies Inc. ("Company"). In connection with the meeting, enclosed
are a detailed Notice of the Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, and a form of
proxy. Admission to the meeting will be by admission card only. If you plan to
attend, please complete and return the enclosed request form, and an admission
card will be sent to you.
WHEN IS THE MEETING?
The meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 1998.
WHERE IS THE MEETING?
The meeting is being held in the Theater, located on the second floor of the
Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th Street, Bellevue. Parking will be available in
the Center's garage.
WHAT MATTERS WILL BE PRESENTED FOR A VOTE AT THE MEETING?
You will be asked to vote on two items: (i) the election of directors, and (ii)
the ratification of independent accountants.
WHY DOES THE PROXY STATEMENT LOOK DIFFERENT THIS YEAR?
During 1997, the Company was required to register its common stock as a class
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") since the Company had
attained over 500 shareholders of record. One effect of this registration is
that the Company is now subject to certain periodic reporting requirements and
must disclose certain information with respect to the Company, its directors,
officers and significant shareholders (shareholder's owning five percent or more
of the Company's common stock). As a result of the enhanced disclosure
requirements, the Proxy Statement contains more information than in previous
years.
It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting. Whether or not
you plan to attend the meeting, you are requested to complete, date, sign and
return your Proxy in the envelope provided. An affirmative vote of at least a
majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock is required to
elect directors and ratify accountants.
We look forward to your early response and to seeing you at the meeting.
Sincerely,
/s/ William W. Krippaehne, Jr.
<PAGE>
FISHER COMPANIES INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 30, 1998
To the Shareholders of Fisher Companies Inc:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Fisher
Companies Inc. (the "Company") will be held in the Theater, located on the
second floor of the Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th Street, Bellevue,
Washington, at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 30, 1998, for the purpose of
considering and voting upon the following matters:
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. To elect five (5) directors for a term of
three years or until their successors have been elected and qualified.
2. RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. To consider and act upon a
resolution to ratify the action of the Board of Directors in
appointing Price Waterhouse LLP as independent accountants for 1998.
3. WHATEVER OTHER BUSINESS may properly come before the Annual Meeting or
any adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has established the close of business on March 13,
1998, as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to
receive notice and to vote at the annual meeting.
Further information regarding voting rights and the business to be
transacted at the Annual Meeting is given in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
Family members are welcome to accompany you at the meeting.
March 27, 1998 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David D. Hillard, Secretary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please sign and date your
Proxy and return it in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope. It is important
that your shares be represented and that a quorum is present. If you attend the
meeting in person, your Proxy may be revoked and you may personally vote your
shares even though you have previously returned your Proxy.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
FISHER COMPANIES INC.
1525 ONE UNION SQUARE
600 UNIVERSITY STREET
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101
(206) 624-2752
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy are being sent to
shareholders on or about March 27, 1998, for use in connection with the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of Fisher Companies Inc. (the "Company" or
"Corporation") to be held on Thursday, April 30, 1998. Only those shareholders
of record at the close of business on March 13, 1998, will be entitled to vote
at the meeting, either in person or by proxy. The number of shares of the
Company's common stock (the "Common Stock"), outstanding on the record date and
entitled to vote at the Annual Shareholders' Meeting is 8,535,432.
The enclosed Proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors
of the Company, with the cost of solicitation borne by the Company. Solicitation
may be made by directors and officers of the Company. Solicitation may be made
by use of the mails, by telephone, facsimile and personal interview. The Company
does not expect to pay any compensation for the solicitation of proxies, except
to brokers, nominees and similar recordholders for reasonable expenses in
mailing proxy materials to beneficial owners.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least a majority of the total
number of outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote is necessary to
constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions will be counted as shares
present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining
the existence of a quorum. Broker non-votes will not be considered shares
present and will not be included in determining whether a quorum is present.
Shares of Common Stock represented by properly executed proxies, if such
proxies are received in time and not revoked, will be voted in accordance with
the instructions indicated on the proxies. If no instructions are indicated, it
is the intention of the persons named in the Proxy to vote the shares
represented by the Proxy FOR the five nominees listed in this Proxy Statement
and FOR the ratification of independent accountants. The affirmative vote of at
least a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company is
required to elect directors and ratify accountants. Any proxy given by a
shareholder may be revoked before its exercise by notice to the Company in
writing, by a subsequently dated proxy, or at the Meeting prior to the taking of
the shareholder vote. The shares represented by properly executed, unrevoked
proxies will be voted in accordance with the specifications in the Proxy.
Shareholders have one vote for each share of Common Stock held except for the
election of directors, in which case a shareholder may either (i) cumulate his
or her shares and give one nominee (or divide among less than all nominees) as
many votes as the number of shares that such shareholder holds, multiplied by
the number of nominees; or (ii) vote his or her shares, multiplied by the number
of nominees, equally among the nominees for election.
1
<PAGE>
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
There are two matters being presented for
consideration by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting.
PROPOSAL NO. 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
--------------------------------------
GENERAL
The Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation ("Articles") provide that
the number of directors must fall within a range of 9 and 19, the exact number
to be determined pursuant to the Company's Bylaws. The Bylaws currently provide
that the Board will consist of 14 directors. The number of directors that the
Board may consist of may be changed by amending the Bylaws. The Articles also
provide that the Board of Directors may fill vacancies created on the Board,
provided that the number of directors shall at no time exceed 19.
Directors are elected for terms of three years and until their successors
have been elected and qualified. The Company's Articles and Bylaws require that
the terms of the directors be staggered such that approximately one-third of the
directors is elected each year.
In accordance with the above, the Board of Directors has nominated Carol H.
Fratt, Donald G. Graham, Jr., Donald G. Graham, III, W. W. Krippaehne, Jr., and
John D. Mangels, for election as directors for three-year terms to expire in the
year 2001. All five nominees are presently directors of the Company standing for
re-election. If either Messrs. D. Graham, Jr., D. Graham, III, Krippaehne or
Mangels or Ms. Fratt should refuse or be unable to serve, your Proxy will be
voted for such person as shall be designated by the Board of Directors to
replace any such nominee. The Board of Directors presently has no knowledge that
any of the nominees will refuse or be unable to serve.
2
<PAGE>
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES AND
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS CONTINUE
The following tables set forth certain information with respect to nominees
for director and for directors whose terms continue. The table below includes
(i) principal occupations during the past five years; (ii) the year first
elected or appointed a director; and (iii) the number and percentage of shares
of Common Stock beneficially owned by each individual on December 31, 1997. The
number of shares beneficially owned by each stockholder is determined according
to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and the information
is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose.
Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the
individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power. As a
consequence, several persons may be deemed to be the "beneficial owners" of the
same shares. Where beneficial ownership is less than one percent of all
outstanding shares, the percentage is not reflected in the table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES AND PERCENTAGE OF
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION COMMON STOCK BENEFICIALLY
NAME, AGE AND OF DIRECTOR DURING OWNED AS OF
TENURE AS DIRECTOR LAST FIVE YEARS DECEMBER 31, 1997
- ----------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------------
/1/
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR FOR THREE YEAR TERM EXPIRING 2001
-------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Carol H. Fratt, 53 Landscape design and community 600 /2/
Since 1993 affairs
Donald G. Graham, Jr., 74 Chairman of the Board; retired 968,288 /3/
Since 1972 Chairman & CEO of the Corporation (11.3%)
Donald G. Graham, III, 43 Commercial photography 480,032 /4/
Since 1993 (5.6%)
W. W. Krippaehne, Jr., 47 President & CEO of the Corporation; 5,876 /5/
Since 1982 Chairman of the Board, Fisher
Properties Inc.
John D. Mangels, 72 Retired Chairman & CEO, Security 800
Since 1990 Pacific Bancorporation Northwest &
Security Pacific Bank Washington
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
FOR THE NOMINEES TO BE ELECTED AS DIRECTORS
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES AND PERCENTAGE OF
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION COMMON STOCK BENEFICIALLY
NAME, AGE AND OF DIRECTOR DURING OWNED AS OF
TENURE AS DIRECTOR LAST FIVE YEARS DECEMBER 31, 1997
- ----------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------------
/1/
CONTINUING DIRECTORS WITH TERM EXPIRING IN 1999
-----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Jean F. McTavish, 75 Community affairs, including Totem 70,600 /6/
Since 1979 Girl Scout Council; Children's
Hospital & Medical Center & Child
Hearing Language
Jacklyn F. Meurk, 76 Community and business affairs, 91,274 /7/
Since 1973 including director of Virginia
Mason Medical Center Boards
W. W. Warren, 86 Retired Chairman & CEO, Fisher 825,152 /8/
Since 1979 Broadcasting Inc. (9.7%)
W. W. Warren, Jr., 59 Professor of Physics; director, W. 930 /9/
Since 1992 M. Keck Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Laboratory, Oregon State University
CONTINUING DIRECTORS WITH TERM EXPIRING IN 2000
-----------------------------------------------
Robin E. Campbell, 52 Owner of jewelry design and 921,560 /10/
Since 1996 appraisal business (10.8%)
James W. Cannon, 70 Retired Executive Vice President, 300
Since 1993 SAFECO Corporation and President of
its Property and Casualty Insurance
Companies
George D. Fisher, 49 Vice President and Secretary, 725,936 /11/
Since 1996 Hunting, Fisher & Co., P.S., C.P.A.s (8.5%)
Phelps K. Fisher, 63 Executive Vice President 268,942 /12/
Since 1979 -Marketing, Fisher Broadcasting Inc. (3.2%)
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES AND PERCENTAGE OF
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION COMMON STOCK BENEFICIALLY
NAME, AGE AND OF DIRECTOR DURING OWNED AS OF
TENURE AS DIRECTOR LAST FIVE YEARS DECEMBER 31, 1997
- ----------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------------
/1/
<S> <C> <C>
William O. Fisher, 47 Partner, Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro 481,408 /13/
Since 1993 LLP (5.6%)
</TABLE>
/1/ Shares held directly with sole voting and sole investment power, unless
otherwise indicated. Share amounts have been adjusted to reflect a 2-for-1
stock split effective March 6, 1998.
/2/ Mrs. Fratt owns 200 shares, and her husband owns 400 shares.
/3/ Mr. Donald G. Graham, Jr. owns 73,920 shares. In addition, he has sole
voting power and shared investment power as to the 465,632 shares owned by
the O. D. Fisher Investment Company. Additionally, Mr. Graham has voting
power as to a total of 428,736 shares held by (i) two trusts under the
will of Nellie Hughes Fisher, and (ii) two trusts under the will of O. D.
Fisher.
/4/ Mr. Donald G. Graham, III, owns 14,400 shares. In addition, he shares
investment power as to 465,632 shares owned by the O. D. Fisher Investment
Company (see footnote under the table entitled "Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management").
/5/ Mr. Krippaehne holds 456 shares in an Individual Retirement Account and
owns 2,780 shares jointly with his wife. Includes 2,640 shares subject to
purchase within sixty days upon the exercise of stock options.
/6/ Ms. McTavish owns 240 shares. In addition, she shares voting and
investment power, as one of three trustees, as to 70,360 shares held by a
trust under the will of Vivien S. Fisher. Ms. McTavish is also one of two
income beneficiaries under such trust.
/7/ Ms. Meurk owns 2,200 shares jointly with her husband. She also has sole
voting power, as trustee under the will of Ethyln Gaige Fisher, as to
18,568 shares held by that trust. She is also a general partner in the
Meurk Family Limited Partnership, which owns 11,440 shares, and shares
voting and investment power with respect to such shares. Ms. Meurk also
shares voting and investment power, as a trustee of the Revocable Living
Trust of Elaine Fisher Gourlie, as to the 59,066 shares held by that
trust.
/8/ Mr. W. W. Warren owns 24,840 shares. In addition, he shares voting and
investment power, as one of several trustees, as to 480,368 shares owned
by the Lula Fisher Warren Trust and is an income beneficiary of such
trust. Mr. Warren also has sole voting power and shares investment power
with respect to 319,944 shares owned by Warren Investment Company, of
which he is President and a director.
/9/ Mr. W. W. Warren, Jr. owns 930 shares jointly with his wife.
/10/ Ms. Campbell owns 228,288 shares. In addition, she shares voting power, as
co-trustee, as to 14,080 shares held by Trust A Under the Will of Peggy
Locke Newman and 213,560 shares held by Trust B Under the Will of Peggy
Locke Newman. Additionally, Ms. Campbell shares investment power as to the
465,632 shares held by the O. D. Fisher Investment Company (see footnote 2
under the table entitled "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management").
5
<PAGE>
/11/ Mr. George D. Fisher owns 4,800 shares. In addition, he shares voting and
investment power as one of three trustees of the D. R. Fisher Trust, as to
the 477,008 shares held by such trust. Mr. Fisher is also President and a
director of the D. R. Fisher Company, which owns 232,928 shares, and has
sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares. Mr. Fisher
is also considered the beneficial owner of 11,200 shares owned by Mr.
Fisher's mother or subject to an estate for which she is the beneficiary.
/12/ Mr. Phelps K. Fisher owns 83,034 shares. In addition, he has sole voting
power and shared investment power as to 134,872 shares owned by K. R.
Fisher Investment Company, and has sole voting power, pursuant to a power
of attorney, as to 14,072 shares and 14,192 shares, respectively, owned by
two of his adult sons. Mr. Fisher's wife owns 22,772 shares.
/13/ Mr. William O. Fisher owns 4,400 shares. In addition, he shares voting and
investment power as one of three trustees of the D. R. Fisher Trust, as to
the 477,008 shares held by such trust.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
---------------------------------------------------------------
The following sets forth information concerning the Board of Directors and
Committees of the Company during the fiscal year ended 1997.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Company held six Board meetings in 1997. Each director attended at
least 75 percent of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the
Board of Directors, and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees
on which he or she served.
CERTAIN COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The standing committees of the Board of Directors of the Company are the
Executive Committee, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the
Nominating Committee. The Company also has a Stock Purchase Committee, although
such committee does not currently meet regularly.
The Executive Committee has authority to exercise all of the authority of
the Board of Directors, as permitted under Washington law. Additionally, the
Executive Committee has the power and duty to vote the stock of all subsidiaries
of the Company and to make all decisions and determinations with respect to such
subsidiaries. The Committee held one meeting during the year. For fiscal year
1997 members of the Executive Committee consisted of Messrs. D. Graham, Jr.,
Krippaehne and W. W. Warren and Ms. Meurk.
The Audit Committee reviews the Company's audit plan, the scope of
activities of the Company's independent accountants, the results of the audit
after completion, and the fees for related services performed during the year.
The Audit Committee also recommends to the Board of Directors the firm to be
appointed as independent accountants. At times, the Audit Committee meets with
representatives of the Company's independent accountants without any officers or
employees of the Company present. The Committee held two meetings during the
year. For fiscal year 1997 members of the Audit Committee consisted of Messrs.
D. Graham, Jr., Mangels and W. W. Warren, Jr., Ms. McTavish and Ms. Meurk.
6
<PAGE>
The Compensation Committee reviews and approves, in advance, the Company's
retirement and benefit plans, determines the compensation of officers of the
Company and in certain circumstances, key management employees of the
subsidiaries, and authorizes and approves bonus and incentive programs for
executive personnel. The Compensation Committee also reviews and recommends
changes in compensation for members of the Board of Directors and its Chairman,
and administers the Fisher Companies Incentive Plan of 1995. The Committee held
four meetings during the year. For fiscal year 1997 members of the Compensation
Committee consisted of Messrs. Cannon, D. Graham, Jr., Mangels and W. W. Warren.
The Nominating Committee considers and recommends to the Board of Directors
nominees for possible election to the Board of Directors and considers other
matters pertaining to the size and composition of the Board of Directors and its
Committees. The Committee did not meet during the year. For fiscal year 1997
members of the Nominating Committee consisted of Messrs. P. Fisher, D. Graham,
Jr., W. W. Warren, Ms. McTavish and Ms. Meurk.
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
The Board of Directors of the Company is comprised of fourteen directors,
two of whom are salaried employees of the Company or one of its subsidiaries.
The members of the Company's Board of Directors who are not officers of the
Company, or its subsidiaries, receive an annual retainer of $12,000. The
Chairman of the Board of Directors receives a total annual retainer of $55,000.
In addition, every director receives a fee of $1,000 for each Board of Directors
or Committee meeting attended. The Company also pays the Chairmen of the Audit
Committee and the Compensation Committee an additional annual retainer of
$3,000. Directors are reimbursed for travel expenses incurred, and receive a
per diem payment of $200, in connection with travel to and from Board of
Directors or Committee meetings.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following information is provided regarding the compensation paid by
the Company or its subsidiaries, as the case may be, to the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and the four most highly compensated executive officers
of the Company or its subsidiaries in fiscal year 1997.
7
<PAGE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
-------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
SECURITIES
OTHER ANNUAL RESTRICTED UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME & POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS(1) COMPENSATION(2)(3) STOCK AWARDS(4) OPTIONS (5) COMPENSATION(6)
- ---------------------------- ---- --------- ------------ ------------------ --------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
W. W. KRIPPAEHNE, JR. 1997 $426,667 $305,000 $3,810 $85,150 14,400 $4,800
President and CEO
1996 410,000 250,000 2,000 96,025 14,000 4,500
PATRICK M. SCOTT 1997 $391,250 $215,000 $2,207 $78,600 13,000 $4,800
President and CEO,
Fisher Broadcasting Inc. 1996 385,000 185,000 1,709 78,775 11,300 4,500
MARK A. WEED 1997 $201,667 $ 75,000 $ 867 $26,200 4,500 $4,800
President and CEO,
Fisher Properties Inc. 1996 193,500 72,000 387 28,750 4,110 4,500
TERRY L. BARRANS 1997 $185,000 $ 34,200 $ 875 $13,100 2,400 $4,800
President and CEO,
Fisher Mills Inc. 1996 172,500 85,000 290 24,150 3,490 4,500
DAVID D. HILLARD 1997 $167,667 $ 65,000 $ 715 $14,410 2,400 $4,800
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer 1996 147,917 39,000 355 20,125 2,860 4,500
</TABLE>
______________________________
(1) Includes bonuses paid during the subsequent year but attributable to the
year indicated.
(2) Does not include amounts attributable to miscellaneous benefits received by
executive officers, including an automobile allowance and the payment of
certain club dues. In the opinion of management, the costs to the Company
of providing such benefits to any individual executive officer during the
year ended December 31, 1997 did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of
the total annual salary and bonuses reported for the individual.
(3) This column reflects dividends paid on stock rights awarded under the
Fisher Companies Incentive Plan of 1995. See footnote (4) below.
(4) Amounts shown are restricted stock awards made to Messrs. Krippaehne,
Scott, Weed, Barrans and Hillard for performance in the fiscal year 1997
pursuant to the Fisher Companies Incentive Plan of 1995. Such awards were
made on March 4, 1998 and are valued on that date at a per share price of
$65.50. The aggregate market value of unvested restricted stock rights
held by such individuals on December 31, 1997 (not including the awards
described above) total $249,000, $209,400, $58,800, $46,800 and $47,400,
respectively. The Fisher Companies Incentive Plan of 1995 provides for the
annual payment of additional compensation to persons holding restricted
stock rights in an amount equal to any dividend that would have been
payable to the holder of such rights if the holder had owned the stock
subject to such rights.
(5) This column reflects the number of shares of Company Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of stock options that were granted on March 4, 1998 for the
fiscal year 1997, pursuant to the Fisher Companies Incentive Plan of 1995.
The share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split
effective March 6, 1998.
(6) This column reflects Company contributions during 1997 to the Fisher
Broadcasting 401(k) Retirement Plan or the Fisher 401(k) Retirement Plan.
8
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTIONS
Option Grants. The following table sets forth stock options granted during
1997 to the executive officers named in the "Summary Compensation Table" above,
pursuant to the Fisher Companies Incentive Plan of 1995. All such stock options
were granted on March 5, 1997. The share amounts and option exercise price have
been adjusted to reflect a 2-for-1 stock split effective March 6, 1998.
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED ANNUAL
RATES OF STOCK PRICE
APPRECIATION FOR
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS OPTION TERM(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED(1) FISCAL YEAR ($/SH)(2) DATE 5% 10%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
W. W. Krippaehne, Jr. 14,000 20% $57.50 3/5/07 $506,260 $1,282,963
Patrick M. Scott 11,300 16% $57.50 3/5/07 $408,624 $1,035,534
Mark A. Weed 4,110 6% $57.50 3/5/07 $148,624 $ 376,641
Terry L. Barrans 3,490 5% $57.50 3/5/07 $126,203 $ 319,824
David D. Hillard 2,860 4% $57.50 3/5/07 $103,422 $ 262,091
</TABLE>
_____________________
(1) The options are non-qualified stock options and become exercisable in five
equal annual installments beginning March 15, 1998.
(2) The per-share option exercise price represents the fair market value of the
Company's Common Stock at the date of grant, based on the average of the
high and low price of such Common Stock on such date.
(3) The dollar amounts under these columns result from calculations at 5% and
10% assumed appreciation rates and, therefore, are not intended to forecast
possible future appreciation, if any, of the Company's Common Stock price.
Option Exercises. The following table sets forth certain information
concerning exercises of stock options pursuant to stock option plans by the
named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 1997 and stock
options held at year end. The share amounts and valuation price have been
adjusted to reflect a 2-for-1 stock split effective March 6, 1998.
9
<PAGE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND YEAR END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF VALUE OF
UNEXERCISED UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT
SHARES OPTIONS AT YEAR END YEAR END (1)
ACQUIRED VALUE ----------------------------- ------------------------------
NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
W. W. Krippaehne, Jr. 0 $0 2,640 24,560 $60,060 $275,240
Patrick M. Scott 0 $0 2,280 20,420 $51,870 $235,730
Mark A. Weed 0 $0 520 6,190 $11,830 $ 57,595
Terry L. Barrans 0 $0 380 5,010 $ 8,645 $ 43,305
David D. Hillard 0 $0 0 2,860 $ 0 $ 7,150
</TABLE>
(1) On December 31, 1997, the closing price of Common Stock was $60.00. For
purposes of the foregoing table, stock options with an exercise price less
than that amount are considered to be "in-the-money" and are considered to
have a value equal to the difference between this amount and the exercise
price of the stock option multiplied by the number of shares covered by the
stock option.
FISHER COMPANIES INCENTIVE PLAN OF 1995
The Fisher Companies Incentive Plan of 1995 ("Plan") was adopted by the
Company and approved by the shareholders, effective April 27, 1995 and will
continue through April 27, 2002.
Purpose of the Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to provide selected
eligible key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries with an inducement to
remain in the employ of the Company and to participate in the ownership of the
Company and to provide them with additional incentive to advance the interests
of the Company and increase the value of the Company's common stock. The Plan
is not subject to the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and is not a qualified plan under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.
The Plan authorizes the grant of (i) incentive stock options, (ii) non-
statutory stock options, (iii) restricted stock rights and (iv) performance
stock rights. A maximum of 560,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock are
available for issuance under the Plan.
Eligibility. Participation in the Plan is limited to salaried key
management employees of the Company and its subsidiaries (including officers and
directors who are also salaried employees) who, in the judgment of the committee
appointed by the Board of Directors that administers the Plan, will perform
services of special importance in the management, operation and development of
the business of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Committee consists of not
less than three members of the Board, all of whom are non-employee directors.
10
<PAGE>
Vesting Schedule. The restricted stock awards and stock options vest
pursuant to a schedule determined by the Committee. Stock options are awarded
at the fair market value of the Common Stock on the grant date and typically
vest in 20% increments on each of five annual target dates designated in the
written agreement granting such awards and options, conditioned on the continued
employment of the awardee through such target dates. The Plan provides for the
annual payment of additional compensation to persons holding restricted stock
rights, whether or not vested, in an amount equal to any dividend that would
have been payable to the holder of such rights if the holder had owned the stock
subject to such rights.
RETIREMENT PLANS
Fisher Broadcasting Inc. Retirement Plan. Mr. Patrick M. Scott, one of the
named executive officers, is covered by the Fisher Broadcasting Inc. Retirement
Plan (the "Fisher Broadcasting Pension Plan"), which is a funded, qualified,
non-contributory, defined benefit plan that covers employees of Fisher
Broadcasting. The Fisher Broadcasting Pension Plan provides benefits based on
the participant's highest 3-year annual average salary and the participant's
length of service. The amounts payable under the Fisher Broadcasting Pension
Plan are in addition to any Social Security benefit to be received by a
participant. The Fisher Broadcasting Pension Plan benefit vests 20% after 3
years of service with Fisher Broadcasting, and an additional 20% for each year
of service thereafter until 7 years of service, when the benefits are 100%
vested. As of December 31, 1997, Mr. Scott had 29 years of credited service
under the terms of the Fisher Broadcasting Pension Plan.
The amount of retirement benefits payable to Mr. Scott will be determined
pursuant to the supplemental retirement plan in which he participates. Because
the Fisher Broadcasting Pension Plan is a qualified pension plan, the amount of
covered compensation thereunder was limited by applicable tax laws to $160,000
per year in 1997. Retirement benefits payable to Mr. Scott under the Fisher
Broadcasting Pension Plan will constitute a portion of the total retirement
benefits payable to him under the supplemental pension plan in which he
participates; such percentage will vary depending on subsequent changes to the
limitations imposed by tax laws and actual years of service, but will not affect
the total retirement benefits due him under the supplemental pension plan. The
supplemental pension plan in which Mr. Scott participates is described below.
Fisher Mills Inc. Retirement Plan. All named executive officers except Mr.
Scott are covered by the Retirement Plan for Certain Employees of Fisher Mills
Inc. (the "Retirement Plan"). The Retirement Plan is a funded, qualified, non-
contributory defined benefit plan that covers all employees of the Company,
Fisher Properties Inc. ("FPI") and Fisher Mills Inc. ("FMI"). The Retirement
Plan provides benefits based on a participant's length of service. The amounts
payable under the Retirement Plan are in addition to any Social Security benefit
to be received by a participant. The Retirement Plan benefit vests 100% upon
completion of five years of service with the Company, FPI, or FMI, as the case
may be. As of December 31, 1997, the following named executive officers have
the following years of credited service under the terms of the Retirement Plan:
Mr. Krippaehne, 16 years; Mr. Weed, 10 years; Mr. Barrans, 21 years; and Mr.
Hillard, 19 years.
11
<PAGE>
Supplemental Retirement Plans. The Company and its subsidiaries have
supplemental retirement plans ("SRPs") for certain executive and management
personnel of the Company, Fisher Broadcasting, FPI and FMI. The SRPs are non-
funded, non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit plans. The SRPs do not
require funding, but generally the companies have acquired annuity contracts and
life insurance on the lives of the individual participants to assist in payment
of retirement benefits. The companies are the owners and beneficiaries of such
policies. The SRPs require continued employment through the date of expected
retirement. The SRPs provide that the SRP benefits, together with all other
pension and retirement benefits provided by the employing entity, including an
amount equal to one-half of the participant's Social Security benefits, will
represent a specified percentage (between 50% and 70%) of the participant's
average annual compensation. "Average annual compensation" for purposes of the
SRPs is determined by averaging the participant's base salary over a period of
the three consecutive years that will provide the highest average. The SRPs
provide for payment of accrued benefits in the event of involuntary termination
prior to age 65, and for death or disability benefits in the event of death or
permanent disability prior to age 65. Each of Messrs. Krippaehne, Scott, Weed,
Barrans and Hillard is a participant in a SRP.
Fisher Broadcasting 401(k) Retirement Plan. Fisher Broadcasting has
established a 401(k) Retirement Plan (the "Fisher Broadcasting 401(k) Plan") to
provide a savings incentive for employees. The Fisher Broadcasting 401(k) Plan
involves a contribution by Fisher Broadcasting, matching participant
contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to a maximum of 3% of participant
compensation. Fisher Broadcasting contributions to the Fisher Broadcasting
401(k) Plan vest at the rate of 20% per year of service, commencing with the
third year of completed service. Employees who have completed at least one year
of service with Fisher Broadcasting, including Mr. Patrick M. Scott, are
eligible to participate in the Fisher Broadcasting 401(k) Plan.
A plan entitled Fisher 401(k) Retirement Plan (the "Fisher 401(k) Plan") has
been established for employees of the Company, FMI, and FPI. The Fisher 401(k)
Plan has the same levels of employer contributions, vesting schedule, and
standards of eligibility as the Fisher Broadcasting 401(k) Plan described above.
Messrs. Krippaehne, Weed, Barrans, and Hillard are eligible to participate in
the Fisher 401(k) Plan.
12
<PAGE>
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
--------------------------------
Four outside directors of the Company, none of whom is an employee of the
Company and all of whom qualify as "non-employee directors" for purposes of
administering the Company's stock incentive program under Section 16 of the
Exchange Act, comprise the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee").
The Company's broadcasting, milling and real estate subsidiaries each have
a compensation committee. As stated below, certain actions taken by the
subsidiaries' compensation committees are subject to review and approval of the
Compensation Committee of the Company.
The Committee is responsible for: (i) reviewing and establishing the salary
of officers and selected other key management employees of the Company, as well
as reviewing and considering for approval, prior to their effective date, the
salaries of key management employees of subsidiaries set by the subsidiaries'
Compensation Committees, where a salary exceeds an amount set from time to time
by the Committee; (ii) reviewing and establishing all cash bonuses under and
pursuant to the Fisher Companies Management Incentive Plan, as well as reviewing
and considering for approval, prior to their effective date, bonuses established
under and pursuant to Management Incentive Plans of subsidiaries; (iii)
reviewing and recommending changes in compensation for members of the Company's
Board of Directors and its Chairman; (iv) administering the Fisher Companies
Incentive Plan of 1995 and reviewing and establishing all stock options and
stock rights to be granted to officers and selected other key management
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries; (v) authorizing the enrollment of
selected management employees of the Company as new participants in the
Supplemental Pension Plan; and (vi) recommending to the Board any additional
compensation or employee benefit programs of a substantial nature and changes to
existing programs of the Company or its subsidiaries. The members of the
Committee, which met four times during 1997, are James W. Cannon, Chair, Donald
G. Graham, Jr., John D. Mangels, and W. W. Warren.
APPROACH TO COMPENSATION
Under the supervision of the compensation committees, the Company has
designed its executive pay programs to: (i) attract and retain high-caliber
personnel on a long-term basis; (ii) encourage the creation of shareholder
value; (iii) link compensation to business results and shareholder returns over
time; and (iv) maintain an appropriate balance between base salary and short-
and long-term incentive opportunities.
13
<PAGE>
ELEMENTS OF COMPENSATION
The Company's executive compensation program is comprised of three main
components: (i) base salaries; (ii) annual cash bonuses to focus maximum effort
on achieving profitability, operating accountabilities, and personal growth; and
(iii) long-term incentives in the form of stock options and stock rights to
focus efforts on achieving long-term growth in shareholder value.
The Committee believes that this three-part approach serves the interests
of the Company and its stockholders. It enables the Company to meet the
requirements of the highly competitive environment in which the Company operates
while ensuring that executive officers are compensated in a way that advances
both the short- and long-term interests of stockholders. Under this approach,
compensation for these officers involves a high proportion of pay that is "at
risk" namely, the annual bonus and stock incentives. Annual cash bonuses
permit individual performance to be recognized on an annual basis, and are
based, in significant part, on an evaluation of the contribution made by the
officer to Company performance. Stock options and stock rights cause a
significant portion of long-term remuneration to be directly related to stock
price performance.
Base Salaries. Base salaries are compared with independent salary surveys,
and consultants are utilized from time to time to assure that overall
compensation is competitive with compensation offered by similar companies. The
most recent survey compared the Company's overall compensation with overall
compensation of companies representing each business segment in which the
Company competes for executive talent and included 299 companies in the
corporate segment and 47 from broadcasting, 99 from milling and 57 from real
estate segments.
The base salaries of the Company's executive officers and the Chief
Executive Officer were determined to be competitive with salaries paid by the
surveyed companies.
Annual Cash Bonuses. Annual cash bonuses may be awarded to executives and
key management employees as provided by Management Incentive Plans designed to
reward the achievement of high performance standards. Annual cash bonuses may
range up to 67.5% of an executive's base salary with 40% of each bonus based on
operating performance. The balance of each bonus is based upon the attainment
of one or more individual performance goals which will be: (i) objective and
measurable; (ii) directly linked to the annual budget or business plan; and
(iii) related to the accomplishment of milestones on a long-term project. The
calculation of each bonus takes into account both the level of achievement and
the importance of each goal. The achievement of each goal is determined
separately, and no bonus for a specific goal is paid unless at least 90% of that
goal is achieved. The bonuses paid in 1997 include the achievement of 100% of
the profit goals for 1996. The amounts of bonuses earned in 1997, to be paid in
1998, include the achievement of 90% of the profit goals for 1997.
14
<PAGE>
Long-term Incentive Program. In 1995 the shareholders approved the Fisher
Companies Incentive Plan of 1995 (the "Plan"), a stock incentive program that
has been an element of executive compensation since its approval. The purpose
of the Plan is to provide selected key management employees of the Company or
its subsidiaries with an inducement to remain in the employ of the Company and
to participate in the ownership of the Company, and with added incentives to
advance the interests of the Company and increase the value of the Company's
common stock.
Under the Plan, the Committee in its sole discretion may grant stock
options, performance stock rights, and restricted stock rights ("RSRs") in
amounts and on terms consistent with the Plan. During 1997 the Committee made
awards of stock options and RSRs.
Grants of stock options and RSRs are made on an individual basis. The
Committee bases each grant on the individual's responsibilities, potential for
advancement, current salary, previous grants, the current price of the Common
Stock, the performance of the Common Stock over time and, for all individuals
other than the Chief Executive Officer, the recommendation of the Chief
Executive Officer. The Committee considers previous grants as well as the
different nature of stock options and RSRs in making awards.
Stock options are awarded at the fair market value of the Common Stock on
the grant date and typically vest in 20% increments on the first, second, third,
fourth and fifth anniversary of the grant date. The Committee has never
rescinded an outstanding option and reissued it at a lower exercise price.
RSRs entitle the holder to receive a specified number of shares of Common
Stock or cash equal to the fair market value of such shares on the vesting date.
RSRs typically vest and are settled in 20% increments on the first, second,
third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the grant date. Holders of RSRs are paid
amounts equivalent to the dividends that would have been paid on the same number
of shares of Common Stock until the shares become vested.
At December 31, 1997, there were 37 participants in the Plan; outstanding
options to purchase an aggregate of 108,780 shares of Common Stock; and
outstanding RSRs entitling the holders to receive an aggregate of 24,202 shares
of Common Stock. 421,850 shares of Common Stock remain available for future
options and RSRs.
Retirement Program. Four basic tax-qualified plans comprise the Company's
retirement program: The Fisher Broadcasting Inc. Retirement Plan and the Fisher
Broadcasting 401(k) Plan which are available to eligible employees of Fisher
Broadcasting Inc., and the Retirement Plan for Certain Employees of Fisher Mills
Inc. and the Fisher 401(k) Retirement Plan are available to eligible employees
of the Company, FMI and FPI. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries have
supplemental retirement plans ("SRPs") for certain executive and management
personnel of the Company, Fisher Broadcasting, FMI and FPI to provide for
benefits which cannot be included in the tax-qualified plans. These plans are
described in more detail elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
15
<PAGE>
Other Employee Benefits. The Company and its subsidiaries offer other
benefit plans, e.g., vacation; sick leave; and medical, disability, life and
accident insurance, to all employees. Retiree medical benefits are offered to
all employees of the Company, FMI and FPI. In addition, certain benefits, e.g.,
auto allowances and club dues, are provided to some executives, including the
Named Executive Officers.
CONSIDERATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH COMPENSATION LEVELS
Company Performance
The directors regularly review the Company's performance and the degree to
which investment returns have been generated for shareholders. This includes
review of customary financial measures with respect to the Company, e.g., the
Common Stock price and the common stock prices of comparable companies, the
revenue and profit growth of the Company's operating subsidiaries, and financial
strength and asset management.
The graph presented below illustrates the cumulative total return to
shareholders of the Company compared with the S&P 500 and the Russell 2000 stock
indices assuming that $100 were invested in each on December 31, 1992 and that
all dividends were reinvested. The Company does not believe that it can
reasonably identify similar companies for purposes of peer group comparison
because of its diverse lines of business. The Russell 2000 index was thus
selected as it represents companies with similar market capitalization to the
Company.
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RUSSELL
YEAR FISHER S&P 500 2000
---- ------ ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1992 $100 $100 $100
1993 $ 94 $110 $119
1994 $149 $112 $117
1995 $185 $153 $143
1996 $247 $189 $167
1997 $307 $251 $204
</TABLE>
Sources: S&P 500 Compustat and Frank Russell Company
16
<PAGE>
Individual Performance
In connection with compensation for individual executive officers, the
Committee consulted with the Chief Executive Officer in evaluating each
individual's leadership and managerial abilities, achievement of business unit
and corporate objectives, potential for advancement or promotion and the
relative value of the individual's performance in the overall achievement of the
Company's objectives. In addition, in connection with the award of a stock
option or RSR, the Committee considered the amount and terms of any previous
award and the current price of the Common Stock.
The Committee also reviewed information regarding compensation practices
and levels of competitors of the Company and its operating subsidiaries as well
as non-competing companies of a similar size to the Company and its operating
subsidiaries as compiled by an independent consulting firm, or collected by the
Company.
The Committee believes that the approach to compensation which it has
adopted achieves the general purposes of the Company's compensation objectives.
Chief Executive Officer's Compensation
The Chief Executive Officer's compensation is based on an evaluation of
several performance factors. Where possible, objective measurements are used
with heavy emphasis on the Company's financial results. In addition, a number
of subjective evaluations of performance are used including, but not limited to,
general leadership qualities, effective management of the Company's human
resources, the ability to anticipate and prepare for future opportunities and
problems and the ability to maintain and augment the perception of the Company
as a good corporate citizen in the communities in which it conducts business.
These evaluations and independent survey data are used to establish the
total compensation to be paid to the Company's Chief Executive. Once total
compensation has been determined, it is divided into the same component parts
(base salary, cash bonus, stock options and rights) and in approximately the
same proportion as for the other management employees participating in the
Company's executive compensation programs.
The bonus paid to the Chief Executive Officer in 1997 includes the
achievement of 100% of the profit goals for 1996. The amount of bonus earned in
1997, to be paid in 1998, includes the achievement of 90% of the profit goals
for 1997.
17
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The tables under "Compensation of Named Executive Officers" accompany this
report and reflect the decisions covered by the foregoing discussion.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), enacted in 1993,
generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for compensation over $1
million paid to the Company's executive officers. The Company may pay
compensation that exceeds this amount.
This report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general
statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Exchange Act, except to the
extent that the company specifically incorporates this information by reference,
and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
This report is submitted over the names of the members of the Compensation
Committee:
James W. Cannon, Chair
Donald G. Graham, Jr.
John D. Mangels
W. W. Warren
18
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL NO. 2 - RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
--------------------------------------------------------
Upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors has
appointed Price Waterhouse LLP to serve as the independent accountants of the
Company for 1998, subject to ratification by the stockholders at the Annual
Meeting. Representatives of Price Waterhouse LLP are expected to be present at
the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they
desire and to respond to appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE
"FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 2
19
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 1997, with
respect to the shares of the Common Stock of the Company beneficially owned by
(i) the non-director executive officers of the Company named in the Summary
Compensation Table, and (ii) each person known by the Company to own
beneficially more than 5% of Company Common Stock. The number of shares
beneficially owned by each stockholder is determined according to rules of the
SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership
for any other purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any
shares as to which the individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or
investment power. As a consequence, several persons may be deemed to be the
"beneficial owners" of the same shares. Except as noted below, each holder has
sole voting and investment power with respect to shares of Company Common Stock
listed as owned by such person or entity. When a person is a "co-trustee" or
one of a number of directors of a corporation that owns shares of the Company's
Common Stock, he or she has shared voting and investment power.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES AND PERCENTAGE
OF COMMON STOCK
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMPANY BENEFICIALLY OWNED*(1)
- --------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Terry L. Barrans, 43 President and CEO of Fisher Mills Inc. 1,630(2)
David D. Hillard, 55 Senior Vice President, Chief 410(3)
Financial Officer and Secretary
Patrick M. Scott, 54 President and CEO of Fisher 8,610(4)
Broadcasting Inc.
Mark A. Weed, 50 President and CEO of Fisher 2,000
Properties Inc.
Officers and Directors as 3,446,586
a Group (19 persons) 40.4%
</TABLE>
* Unless otherwise noted, all shares owned represent less than one percent.
Share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split
effective March 6, 1998.
(1) Share amounts include options to purchase shares of Common Stock which are
exercisable within 60 days as follows: Terry L. Barrans 380 shares; Patrick
M. Scott 2,280 shares; Mark A Weed 520 shares; directors and executive
officers as a group 5,820 shares.
(2) Mr. Barrans owns 360 shares and owns 890 shares jointly with his wife.
20
<PAGE>
(3) Mr. Hillard owns 410 shares jointly with his wife.
(4) Mr. Scott owns 1,400 shares and owns 4,930 shares jointly with his wife.
Includes 2,280 shares subject to purchase within sixty days upon the
exercise of stock options.
BENEFICIAL OWNERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES OF PERCENTAGE OF OUTSTANDING
NAME AND ADDRESS COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK *
- ---------------- ------------ -------------------------
<S> <C>
Bank of America NT & SA 1,414,958(1) 16.6%
P.O. Box 34260
Seattle, WA 98124-1260
O. D. FISHER INVESTMENT CO. 465,632(2) 5.5%
1525 One Union Square
Seattle, WA 98101
LULA FISHER WARREN TRUST 480,368(3) 5.6%
The Bank of California
P.O. Box 3123
Seattle, WA 98114
THE D. R. FISHER TRUST UW OF 477,008(4) 5.6%
D. R. FISHER
P.O. Box 98549
Des Moines, WA 98198
EDWARD A. GOWEY 711,136(5) 8.3%
17869 Ballinger Way NE
Seattle, WA 98155
WENDY JEAN WAGNER 480,368(6) 5.6%
1114 Tanglewood Drive
Cary, NC 27511
GEORGE FISHER WARREN, JR. 480,368(7) 5.6%
272 Kline Road
Sequim, WA 98382
</TABLE>
* Share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split
effective March 6, 1998.
21
<PAGE>
(1) Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as a fiduciary,
possesses sole voting power as to 986,222 shares of Company Common Stock,
sole investment power as to 1,116,972 shares of Company Common Stock, and
shared investment power as to 70,360 shares of Company Common Stock under a
number of wills, trusts and agency arrangements.
(2) Mr. Donald G. Graham, Jr., President, director and a 14.40% shareholder of
the O. D. Fisher Investment Company ("ODFICO"), has sole voting power with
respect to the shares of Company Common Stock owned by ODFICO. Ms. Robin
Campbell is Chairman of the Board of Directors of ODFICO, and a 4.96%
shareholder thereof; Mr. Donald G. Graham, III is Vice President, a
director, and a 3.86% shareholder of ODFICO. The 465,632 shares owned by
ODFICO are also reported as beneficially owned by Ms. Campbell and Messrs.
Donald G. Graham, Jr. and Donald G. Graham, III.
(3) The 480,368 shares held by the Lula Fisher Warren Trust are also reported
in this table as beneficially owned by Wendy Jean Wagner and George Fisher
Warren, Jr., who share voting and investment power as trustees of such
trust.
(4) Three trustees of the D. R. Fisher Trust share voting and investment power
as to the 477,008 shares held by such trust. The shares held by the D. R.
Fisher Trust are also reported as beneficially owned by Messrs. William O.
Fisher, George D. Fisher and Edward A. Gowey as trustees of such trust.
(5) Mr. Gowey owns 1,200 shares jointly with his wife. In addition, he shares
voting and investment power as one of three trustees of the D. R. Fisher
Trust, as to the 477,008 shares held by such trust. Mr. Gowey is also an
executive officer of the D. R. Fisher Company which owns 232,928 shares in
which he has sole investment power with respect to such shares.
(6) Ms. Wagner shares voting and investment power, as one of several trustees,
as to 480,368 shares owned by the Lula Fisher Warren Trust and is an income
beneficiary of such trust.
(7) Mr. Warren shares voting and investment power, as one of several trustees,
as to 480,368 shares owned by the Lula Fisher Warren Trust and is an income
beneficiary of such trust.
22
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following sets forth information concerning executive officers of the
Company who are not directors or nominees for directors of the Company or one of
the named executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table:
NAME AND AGE POSITION AND TERM OF OFFICE
-------------------------- -----------------------------
Glen P. Christofferson, 38 Vice President and Controller
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
Certain directors and shareholders of the Company (together with employees
and others), and/or entities in which such persons have direct or indirect
interests, have made working capital loans to the Company. Such persons and/or
entities hold promissory notes ("Notes") from the Company reflecting such loans.
At December 31, 1997, the total amount of Notes payable was approximately $9.5
million. The Notes are payable either on demand, or in 90 days, and bear
interest at rates equivalent to rates available to the Company for short-term
cash equivalents. Of the approximately $9.5 million in principal amount of
Notes outstanding at December 31, 1997. approximately $8.4 million consisted of
demand notes, accruing interest at a rate equal to the 90-day certificate of
deposit ("CD") rate for CDs of $100,000 or more as announced from time to time
by Seafirst Bank, less 0.25%. Approximately $1.1 million of the Notes
outstanding as of December 31, 1997, were Notes having a 90-day maturity, and
providing for interest at a rate equal to the 90-day CD rate for CDs of $100,000
or more as announced from time to time by Seafirst Bank, plus 0.35%. The Company
currently anticipates that it will continue to borrow funds under these loan
arrangements in the future, at approximately historical levels, although the
exact amount of such Notes outstanding at any particular time is expected to
fluctuate significantly from time to time and, consequently, cannot be
predicted.
At December 31, 1997, the Company was indebted under the loans described
above to directors, or to entities in which such directors have a direct or
indirect interest or serve in some capacity, in the following amounts: (i) Mr.
George D. Fisher, $350,000 personally and $763,000 to entities of which he is a
trustee, officer, and/or shareholder; (ii) Mr. Phelps K. Fisher, $137,000
personally and $129,000 to a corporation of which he is an officer and
shareholder; (iii) Mr. Donald G. Graham, Jr., $292,000 personally and $2,346,000
to two estates of which he is the executor and two trusts of which he is a
trustee; and (vi) Jacklyn F. Meurk, $50,000 jointly with her spouse and
$160,000 to a limited partnership of which she is a general partner.
Additionally, the Company is indebted to Mrs. Donald G. Graham, the mother of
Mr. Donald G. Graham, Jr., in the amount of $1,804,000; to Mrs. Allie Fisher,
the mother of Mr. George D. Fisher, in the amount of $2,140,000 and $500,000 to
the estate of her deceased husband, G. O. Fisher; and to Mrs. Susan Hubbach, the
mother of Mrs. Carol Fratt, in the amount of $34,000. The Company is also
indebted to the D. R. Fisher Trust, which owns 5.6% of outstanding Company
Common Stock, in the amount of $323,000 (such sum is also included in the amount
shown for Mr. George D. Fisher above, as he is one of three trustees of such
trust).
23
<PAGE>
In 1984, FPI and Mr. W. W. Krippaehne, Jr., entered into a joint venture to
construct and operate for lease two office buildings in Lynnwood, Washington.
At that time, Mr. Krippaehne was President of FPI; he is now President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. FPI contributed land at its fair market value
($2,230,000) and paid design fees and project costs of $29,932 for a 95%
interest in the joint venture, and Mr. Krippaehne contributed $118,944 cash for
a 5% interest. Mr. Krippaehne subsequently contributed additional cash totaling
$205,000. In December 1997, FPI acquired Mr. Krippaehne's interest at its fair
value of $297,000, which was determined by FPI after conferring with an
independent real estate consultant retained by the Executive Committee on behalf
of FPI's Board of Directors. Although Mr. Krippaehne is a member of FPI's
Executive Committee, he did not participate in the deliberations or
determination of fair value by FPI.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) FILING REQUIREMENTS
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, ("Section
16(a)") requires that all executive officers and directors of the Company and
all persons who beneficially own more than 10 percent of the Company's Common
Stock file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to
beneficial ownership of the Company's Securities. The Company has adopted
procedures to assist its directors and executive officers in complying with the
Section 16(a) filings.
Based solely upon the Company's review of the copies of the filings which
it received with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, or written
representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that all
reporting persons made all filings required by Section 16(a) on a timely basis
except that Ms. McTavish unknowingly failed to file a Form 4 for the sale of 100
shares made by the trust for which she is a trustee.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Price Waterhouse LLP, Certified Public Accountants, performed the audit of
the consolidated financial statements for the Company for the year ended
December 31, 1997. Representatives of Price Waterhouse LLP will be present at
the Annual Meeting, and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so
desire. They also will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before the
shareholders at the Annual Meeting. In the event other matters are presented
for a vote at the meeting, the Proxy holders will vote shares represented by
properly executed Proxies in their discretion in accordance with their judgment
on such matters.
At the meeting, management will report on the Company's business and
shareholders will have the opportunity to ask questions.
24
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INFORMATION CONCERNING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the 1999 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Secretary of the Company prior
to November 15, 1998, for inclusion in the 1999 Proxy Statement and form of
Proxy.
ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
ANY SHAREHOLDER MAY OBTAIN WITHOUT CHARGE A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-K FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION UNDER THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, INCLUDING
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Written requests for the Form 10-K should be addressed to
David D. Hillard, Fisher Companies Inc., 1525 One Union Square, 600 University
Street, Seattle, Washington 98101.
March 27, 1998 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David D. Hillard, Secretary
25
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PROXY FOR 1998 ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
FISHER COMPANIES INC.
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN IMMEDIATELY
----------------------------------
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Donald G. Graham, Jr., W. W. Krippaehne, Jr.,
Jean F. McTavish, Jacklyn F. Meurk, and W.W. Warren, and each of them (with full
power to act alone), proxies, with the powers the undersigned would possess if
personally present, and with full power of substitution, to vote all common
shares of the undersigned of Fisher Companies Inc. (the "Corporation") at the
1998 annual meeting of its stockholders to be held at the Meydenbauer Center,
11100 NE 6th Street, Bellevue, Washington, at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 30,
1998, or any adjournments thereof, as indicated with respect to the proposals
set forth below and, in their discretion, upon all other matters that may
properly come before the meeting:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR"
THE PROPOSALS DESCRIBED BELOW. IF NO DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN, THE
ABOVE-NAMED PROXIES INTEND TO VOTE THE SHARES REPRESENTED
BY THIS PROXY "FOR" SUCH PROPOSALS.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. To elect the nominees listed in the accompanying
Notice of Annual Meeting to serve as directors for a three-year term.
A. I vote FOR all nominees listed below (except as marked to the contrary
below) [_]
B. I WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for any individual nominee whose name I
have struck a line through in the list below [_]
Carol H. Fratt Donald G. Graham, Jr. Donald G. Graham, III
W. W. Krippaehne, Jr. John D. Mangels
2. RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. To consider and act upon a
resolution to ratify the action of the Board of Directors in appointing
Price Waterhouse LLP as independent accountants for 1997.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
3. OTHER BUSINESS. To transact any and all other business that may properly
come before the meeting.
In giving this Proxy, I understand that I may personally vote my shares if I
attend the meeting, notwithstanding that I have previously executed and returned
this Proxy to the Corporation.
PLEASE EXECUTE THIS PROXY WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND IN PERSON, AND
RETURN THE PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED so that your stock will be
represented in all events and so that we may have a quorum. Please sign your
name exactly as shown below. When signing as attorney, administrator, executor,
guardian or trustee, please give title as such. Joint owners should each sign.
Signature(s) ___________________________ Date____________________________
Signature(s) ___________________________ Date____________________________
