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 Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
Wells Financial Corp.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(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):
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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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<PAGE>
[WELLS FINANCIAL CORP. LETTERHEAD]
March 16, 1998
Dear Fellow Stockholder:
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management of Wells Financial
Corp., we invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at
the office of Wells Financial Corp. at 53 First Street, S.W., Wells, Minnesota
on Wednesday, April 15, 1998, at 4:00 p.m. local time. The attached Notice of
Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describe the formal business to be transacted
at the Meeting. During the Meeting, we will also report on the operations of the
Company. Directors and officers of the Company will be present to respond to any
questions stockholders may have.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting, please sign and date the
enclosed form of proxy and return it in the accompanying postage-paid return
envelope as promptly as possible. This will not prevent you from voting in
person at the Meeting, but will assure that your vote is counted if you are
unable to attend the Meeting. YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Sincerely,
/s/Lawrence H. Kruse
Lawrence H. Kruse
President and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WELLS FINANCIAL CORP.
53 FIRST STREET, S.W.
WELLS, MINNESOTA 56097
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON APRIL 15, 1998
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of Wells Financial Corp. (the "Company") will be held at the
Company's office at 53 First Street, S.W., Wells, Minnesota on April 15, 1998,
at 4:00 p.m. local time. The Meeting is for the purpose of considering and
acting upon:
1. The election of one director of the Company; and
2. The transaction of such other matters as may properly come
before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to come
before the Meeting.
Action may be taken on any one of the foregoing proposals at the
Meeting on the date specified above or on any date or dates to which, by
original or later adjournment, the Meeting may be adjourned. Stockholders of
record at the close of business on March 2, 1998 are the stockholders entitled
to notice of and to vote at the Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
You are requested to complete, sign and date the enclosed form of proxy
which is solicited by the Board of Directors and to return it promptly in the
enclosed envelope. The proxy will not be used if you attend the Meeting and vote
in person.
EACH STOCKHOLDER, WHETHER OR NOT HE OR SHE PLANS TO ATTEND THE MEETING,
IS REQUESTED TO SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED FORM OF PROXY WITHOUT DELAY
IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. ANY PROXY GIVEN BY THE STOCKHOLDER MAY BE
REVOKED BY FILING WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY A WRITTEN REVOCATION OR A
DULY EXECUTED PROXY BEARING A LATER DATE. ANY STOCKHOLDER PRESENT AT THE MEETING
MAY REVOKE HIS OR HER PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON ON EACH MATTER BROUGHT BEFORE THE
MEETING. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A STOCKHOLDER WHOSE SHARES ARE NOT REGISTERED IN
YOUR OWN NAME, YOU WILL NEED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION FROM YOUR RECORD HOLDER TO
VOTE IN PERSON AT THE MEETING.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
/s/Wallace J. Butson
Wallace J. Butson
Secretary
Wells, Minnesota
March 16, 1998
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IMPORTANT: THE PROMPT RETURN OF PROXIES WILL SAVE THE COMPANY THE EXPENSE OF
FURTHER REQUESTS FOR PROXIES IN ORDER TO ENSURE A QUORUM AT THE MEETING. A
SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED
IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
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<PAGE>
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PROXY STATEMENT
OF
WELLS FINANCIAL CORP.
53 FIRST STREET, S.W.
WELLS, MINNESOTA 56097
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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
APRIL 15, 1998
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GENERAL
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This Proxy Statement is furnished to the holders of the common stock,
$0.10 par value per share ("Common Stock"), of Wells Financial Corp. (the
"Company"). Proxies are being solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company
to be used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the "Meeting")
that will be held at the office of the Company at 53 First Street, S.W., Wells,
Minnesota, on April 15, 1998, at 4:00 p.m. local time. This Proxy Statement and
the accompanying Notice of Meeting and form of proxy are being first mailed to
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting, on or about March
16, 1998.
At the Meeting, stockholders will consider and vote upon the election
of one director. The Board of Directors knows of no additional matters that will
be presented for consideration at the Meeting. Execution of a proxy, however,
confers on the designated proxy holder discretionary authority to vote the
shares represented by such proxy in accordance with their best judgment on such
other business, if any, that may properly come before the Meeting or any
adjournment thereof.
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VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
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Stockholders who execute proxies retain the right to revoke them at any
time. Unless so revoked, the shares represented by such proxies will be voted at
the Meeting and all adjournments thereof. Proxies may be revoked by written
notice delivered in person or mailed to the Secretary of the Company at the
address of the Company shown above or by the filing of a later dated proxy prior
to a vote being taken on a particular proposal at the Meeting. A proxy will not
be voted if a stockholder attends the Meeting and votes in person. Proxies
solicited by the Board of Directors will be voted in accordance with the
directions given therein. Where no instructions are indicated, signed proxies
will be voted "FOR" the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement for
consideration at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. The proxy confers
discretionary authority on the persons named therein to vote with respect to the
election of any person as a director should the nominee be unable to serve, or
for good cause, will not serve, and matters incident to the conduct of the
Meeting.
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VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
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Stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 2, 1998
("Voting Record Date"), are entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock
then held. As of the Voting Record Date, the Company had 1,959,360 shares of
Common Stock issued and outstanding.
The articles of incorporation of the Company (the "Articles") provide
that in no event shall any record owner of any outstanding Common Stock which is
beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a person who beneficially owns in
excess of 10% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (the "Limit") be
entitled or permitted to any vote with respect to the shares held in excess of
the Limit and such person may have his or her voting rights reduced below 10%.
Beneficial ownership is determined pursuant to the definition in the Articles
and includes shares beneficially owned by such person or any
<PAGE>
of his or her affiliates or associates (as defined in the Articles), shares
which such person or his or her affiliates or associates have the right to
acquire upon the exercise of conversion rights or options, and shares as to
which such person and his or her affiliates or associates have or share
investment or voting power, but shall not include shares beneficially owned by
any employee stock ownership or similar plan of the Company or any subsidiary.
The presence in person or by proxy of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote (after subtracting any
shares held in excess of the Limit) is necessary to constitute a quorum at the
Meeting.
As to the election of directors, the form of proxy being provided by
the Board enables a stockholder to vote for the election of the nominee proposed
by the Board, or to withhold authority to vote for the nominee being proposed.
Directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast, without respect to either
(i) broker non-votes or (ii) proxies as to which authority to vote for the
nominee being proposed is withheld.
Persons and groups owning in excess of 5% of the Common Stock are
required to file certain reports regarding such ownership pursuant to the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"). Other than as
noted below, management knows of no person or entity, including any "group" as
that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act, who or which is the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock on
the Voting Record Date. Information concerning the security ownership of
management is included under "Information with Respect to Nominees for Director
and Directors Continuing in Office."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percent of Shares of
Amount and Nature of Common Stock
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Outstanding
- ------------------------------------ ------------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Wells Federal Bank, fsb Employee 140,000(1) 7.15%
Stock Ownership Plan
53 First Street, S.W.
Wells, Minnesota 56097
John Hancock Advisors, Inc. 122,000(2) 6.23%
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02119
Peter B. Cannell & Co., Inc. 131,600(3) 6.72%
919 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Hovde Capital, L.L.C. 135,150(4) 6.90%
Financial Institution Partners II, L.P.
1629 Colonial Parkway
Inverness, Illinois 60067
</TABLE>
(footnotes appear on next page)
-2-
<PAGE>
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(1) The Bank's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") purchased such shares
for the exclusive benefit of ESOP participants with funds borrowed from
the Company. These shares are held in a suspense account and are
allocated among ESOP participants annually on the basis of compensation
as the ESOP debt is repaid.
(2) Based on Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13G received by the Company dated
February 4, 1998 on behalf of John Hancock Advisors, Inc. as well as
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, John Hancock Subsidiaries,
Inc., John Hancock Asset Management, and The Berkely Financial Group.
(3) Based on Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13G received by the Company dated
January 28, 1998 on behalf of Peter B. Cannell & Co., Inc.
(4) Based on a Schedule 13D filed February 27, 1998 with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
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Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act requires the Company's officers and
directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of the Common Stock, to
file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of the Common Stock, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and to provide copies of those reports to the
Company. The Company is not aware of any beneficial owner, as defined under
Section 16(a), of more than ten percent of the Common Stock.
Based upon a review of the copies of the forms furnished to the
Company, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company
believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive
officers and directors were complied with during the year ended December 31,
1997.
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INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR AND
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
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Election of Directors
The Articles require that directors be divided into three classes, as
nearly equal in number as possible, each class to serve for a three year period,
with approximately one-third of the directors elected each year. The Board of
Directors currently consists of five members. One director will be elected at
the Meeting, to serve for a three-year term, as noted below, or until his
respective successor has been elected and qualified.
Richard Mueller has been nominated by the Board of Directors to serve
as director. Mr. Mueller is currently a member of the Board. If the nominee is
unable to serve, the shares represented by all valid proxies will be voted for
the election of such substitute as the Board of Directors may recommend or the
size of the Board may be reduced to eliminate the vacancy. At this time, the
Board knows of no reason why the nominee might be unavailable to serve.
-3-
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth the nominee and the directors continuing
in office, their name, age, the year they first became a director of the Company
or the Bank, the expiration date of their current term as a director of the
Company, and the number and percentage of shares of the Common Stock
beneficially owned. Each director of the Company is also a member of the Board
of Directors of the Bank.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year First Current
Elected or Term to Shares of Common Stock Percent of
Name Age(1) Appointed(2) Expire Beneficially Owned(3)(4) Class
- ---- ------ ------------ ------ ------------------------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BOARD NOMINEES FOR TERM TO EXPIRE IN 2001
Richard Mueller 48 1986 1998 11,304(5)(6) 0.6%
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
Wallace J. Butson 79 1959 1999 14,384(5) 0.7%
Joseph R. Gadola 67 1964 1999 26,249(5)(7) 1.3%
Lawrence H. Kruse 65 1962 2000 32,024(8)(9) 1.6%
Gerald D. Bastian 57 1986 2000 19,543(10)(11) 1.0%
All directors and executive
officers of the Company as a
group (6 persons) 107,744 5.5%
</TABLE>
- -----------------------
(1) At December 31, 1997.
(2) Refers to the year the individual first became a director of the Bank
or the Company. All directors of the Bank became directors of the
Company upon its formation in December 1994.
(3) Includes shares of Common Stock held directly as well as by spouses or
minor children, in trust and other indirect ownership, over which
shares the individuals exercise sole voting and/or investment power,
unless otherwise indicated.
(4) Beneficial ownership as of the Voting Record Date.
(5) Excludes 140,000 shares of Common Stock held under the Employee Stock
Ownership Plan ("ESOP") and shares held under the Management Stock
Bonus Plan ("MSBP") for which such individual serves as a member of the
ESOP or MSBP Committee or Trustee Committee. Such individual disclaims
beneficial ownership with respect to such shares held in a fiduciary
capacity. Includes exercisable options to purchase 4,374 shares of
Common Stock.
(6) Includes 300 shares held as custodian for minor children and 4,000
shares owned by Wells Drug Co., Inc. which is owned by Mr. Mueller.
(7) Includes 20,125 shares that are held in the IRA of Mr. Gadola, which
Mr. Gadola beneficially owns.
(8) Includes exercisable options to purchase 21,874 shares of Common Stock.
(9) Includes 350 shares owned by the spouse of Mr. Kruse, 128 shares held
as custodian for minor children, and 3,774 shares awarded under the
ESOP, which Mr. Kruse may be deemed to beneficially own.
(10) Includes exercisable options to purchase 6,924 shares of Common Stock.
(11) Includes 2,250 shares held in the individual retirement account ("IRA")
of Mr. Bastian and 448 shares owned by the spouse of Mr. Bastian and
3,062 shares awarded under the ESOP, which Mr. Bastian may be deemed to
beneficially own.
-4-
<PAGE>
Executive Officers of the Company
The following individuals were executive officers of the Company as of
December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age (1) Positions Held With The Company and Bank
---- ------- ----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Lawrence H. Kruse 65 President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Gerald D. Bastian 57 Vice President and Director
James D. Moll 47 Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) At December 31, 1997.
Biographical Information
The principal business experience of each director, nominee for
director, and executive officer of the Company is set forth below. Unless
otherwise noted, all persons have held their present occupation for at least the
last five years.
Richard Mueller has been a director of the Bank since 1986 and of the
Company since its formation in December 1994. Mr. Mueller is the sole owner of
Wells Drug Co., Inc. Mr. Mueller has served as a member of the local school
board as well as a member of the Wells Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Mueller is a
first cousin of Mr. James D. Moll, an executive officer of the Company.
Wallace J. Butson has been a director of the Bank since 1959 and of the
Company since its formation in December 1994. Mr. Butson has also served as the
Secretary of the Bank since 1986 and of the Company since 1994. Mr. Butson
serves as President of Wells Insurance Agency, the Bank's subsidiary, and is a
retired veterinarian.
Joseph R. Gadola has been a director of the Bank since 1964 and of the
Company since its formation in December 1994. Mr. Gadola is the sole owner of a
general practice law firm and is the attorney for the Bank and the City of
Wells, Minnesota. Mr. Gadola is a member of the Wells Chamber of Commerce and
serves on the Board of Directors of Wells Cemetery Association.
Lawrence H. Kruse has been the President, the Chief Executive Officer,
and a director of the Company since its formation in December 1994. Mr. Kruse
has been Chief Executive Officer of the Bank since 1964 and has been employed by
the Bank since 1958. Mr. Kruse has been a director since 1962.
Gerald D. Bastian has been the Vice President of the Bank since 1970
and a director of the Bank since 1986 and has been a Vice President and director
of the Company since its formation in December 1994. Mr. Bastian is a member of
Southern Minnesota Realtors, Valley Industrial Development Corp., Mankato
Chamber of Commerce, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and is on the Board of Directors
of the Hilltop Kiwanis Club.
James D. Moll, CPA, has been, since December 1994, the principal
financial and accounting officer of the Company and the Bank and, since February
1995, the Treasurer of the Company and the Bank. Prior to December 1994, Mr.
Moll was an employee of the Bank's subsidiary, Wells Insurance Agency ("WIA").
Mr. Moll has been managing WIA for more than five years. Mr. Moll is a first
cousin of Mr. Richard Mueller, a director of the Company and the Bank.
-5-
<PAGE>
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors conducts its business through meetings of the
Board and through activities of its committees. Each member of the Board of
Directors also currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the
Bank, which meets monthly and may have special meetings. All committees act for
both the Company and the Bank.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Board of Directors of the
Company held 12 regular meetings and 1 special meeting. During the year ended
December 31, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Bank held 12 regular meetings
and no special meetings. No director attended fewer than 75% of the total
meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Bank and the
committees on which such director served during the year ended December 31,
1997.
The Audit Committee of the Company is responsible for overseeing the
Company's internal audit procedures and external audit engagement. The members
of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Gadola, Butson, and Mueller. This standing
committee met one time during 1997. In addition, the full Board of Directors
reviews the audit report.
The Nominating Committee of the Company recommends nominees for
election as directors to the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee, a
non-standing committee, which met one time during 1997, consists of the entire
Board of Directors. Although the Board of Directors will consider nominees
recommended by stockholders, it has not actively solicited recommendations from
stockholders. The Company's Articles include provisions setting forth specific
conditions under which persons may be nominated as directors of the Company at
an annual meeting of stockholders. A copy of such provisions is available upon
request to: Wells Financial Corp., 53 First Street, S.W., Wells, Minnesota
56097, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
The Compensation Committee, a standing committee, consists of the
present members of the Board of Directors of the Bank and the Company. Executive
Officers of the Company or the Bank do not participate in matters involving
their compensation. Mr. Kruse, a member of the committee, serves as President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. Mr. Gadola, a member of
the committee, is an attorney in Wells, Minnesota who handles various legal
matters for the Bank. The Bank believes that transactions with Mr. Gadola's firm
are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the Bank, as
those that would be provided to a non-affiliate. Mr. Bastian, a member of the
committee, is a Vice President of the Company and the Bank and a branch manager
of the Bank.
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DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Director Compensation
Members of the Board of Directors of the Company are not compensated by
the Company for serving as a director. However, during 1997, each member of the
Board of Directors of the Bank received a fee of $835 per month regardless of
attendance at Board meetings. For 1997, non-employee directors received $100 per
meeting for Audit and ESOP Committee meetings. For the year ended December 31,
1997, total director fees paid to directors were $50,525.
In 1995, non-employee Directors Butson, Gadola, and Mueller each
received options to purchase 10,935 shares of Common Stock. The Option Plan,
which became effective upon stockholder approval, provides for a term of ten
years, after which no awards may be made, unless earlier terminated by the Board
of Directors pursuant to the Option Plan. The options granted to the above named
directors vested 20% on November 15, 1996 and will continue to vest 20% annually
from such date. In 1995, non-employee Directors Butson and Gadola each received
4,375 shares of restricted stock and non-employee Director Mueller received
1,970 shares
-6-
<PAGE>
of restricted stock. The restricted stock granted to the above named directors
vested 20% on November 15, 1996 and will continue to vest 20% annually from such
date.
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table. The following table sets forth the cash and
non-cash compensation awarded to or earned by the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995. Except as set
forth below, no executive officer of the Bank or the Company had a salary and
bonus during such periods that exceeded $100,000 for services rendered in all
capacities to the Bank or the Company in the aggregate.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long Term Compensation
Annual Compensation(1) Awards
--------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Securities
Restricted Underlying All
Name and Other Annual Stock Options/SARs Other
Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation(2) Award($)(3) (#) Compensation(5)
- ------------------- ---- ------ ----- --------------- ----------- ----- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lawrence H. Kruse 1997 $108,000 $2,280 $9,985 $ -- -- $31,160
President and Chief 1996 107,000 2,280 9,600 -- -- 18,548
Executive Officer 1995 104,000 1,750 8,580 240,625(4) 54,685 14,923
</TABLE>
- --------------
(1) All compensation set forth above was paid by the Bank.
(2) Constitutes director's fees.
(3) As of December 31, 1997, Mr. Kruse had 13,125 shares of restricted
stock which had a value of $234,609 (based on the closing market price
of $17.875 on December 31, 1997). Restricted stock awards granted in
1996 vest at a rate of 20% per year over five years or upon termination
due to death, disability or a "change in control" of the Company.
Dividends on shares of restricted stock are held in arrears and paid
upon vesting of the applicable award.
(4) Represents 21,875 shares of Common Stock awarded under the MSBP that
are valued based upon a closing market price of $11.00 per share as of
the date of the award.
(5) Consists of $3,230, $3,432, and $3,269 of health, life, and disability
insurance premiums paid on behalf of the executive for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. For the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, the amount includes an allocation of
1,562.55, 1,151.68, and 1,059.42 shares under the ESOP, valued at the
closing per share market prices of $17.875, $13.125, and $11.00 per
share on December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
-7-
<PAGE>
Other Compensation
1995 Stock Option Plan. The Board of Directors adopted the 1995 Stock
Option Plan (the "Option Plan"), which was approved by stockholders at the
special meeting of stockholders held on November 15, 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR
END OPTION/SAR VALUES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised
Shares Options/SARs in-the-Money Options/SARs
Acquired on Value at Fiscal Year-End at Fiscal Year-End(1)
Exercise Realized (#) ($)
Name (#) ($) Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lawrence H. Kruse -- $ -- 21,874 / 32,811 $150,390/$225,575
</TABLE>
- -----------------
(1) Based upon an exercise price of $11.00 per share and the closing market
price of $17.875 as of December 31, 1997.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bank had no "interlocking" relationships existing on or after
January 1, 1997 in which (i) any executive officer is a member of the Board of
Directors/Trustees of another entity, one of whose executive officers is a
member of the board of directors of the Bank, or where (ii) any executive
officer is a member of the compensation committee of another entity, one of
whose executive officers is a member of board of directors of the Bank.
The Bank, like many financial institutions, has followed a policy of
granting various types of loans to executive officers, directors, employees, or
immediate family members or affiliates thereof. All the loans have been made in
the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms and
conditions (including interest rates and collateral) that apply to the Bank's
other customers, and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility,
nor present other unfavorable features. Loans by the Bank to its directors and
executive officers are subject to Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS")
regulations restricting loans and other transactions with affiliated persons of
the Bank. The Bank's affiliates must qualify for any loans on the same terms and
conditions that apply to other customers.
Mr. Joseph R. Gadola, a director of the Bank and the Company, is an
attorney in Wells, Minnesota who handles various legal matters for the Bank. The
Bank believes that transactions with Mr. Gadola's firm are on terms
substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the Bank, as those that
would be provided to a non-affiliate.
-8-
<PAGE>
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AUDITORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP was the Company's auditors for 1997. The Board
of Directors has approved the selection of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP as its
auditors for the 1998 fiscal year. A representative of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
is not expected to be present at the Meeting and will, therefore, be unable to
respond to stockholders' questions or make a statement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER MATTERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the
Meeting other than those matters described in this Proxy Statement. However, if
any other matters should properly come before the Meeting, it is intended that
proxies in the accompanying form will be voted in respect thereof in accordance
with the judgment of the person or persons voting such proxies.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISCELLANEOUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. The
Company will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees, and
fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials
to the beneficial owners of Common Stock. In addition to solicitations by mail,
directors, officers, and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies
personally or by telegraph or telephone without additional compensation.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL REPORTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December
31, 1997, including financial statements, will be mailed on March 16, 1998 to
all stockholders of record as of the Voting Record Date. Any stockholder who has
not received a copy of the Annual Report may obtain a copy, without cost, by
writing to the Secretary of the Company. The Annual Report does not constitute
"soliciting material" and is not deemed "filed" with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Upon written request, the Company will furnish without charge
(excluding exhibits) to any stockholder a copy of the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1997. All requests should be
directed to Wallace J. Butson, Secretary, Wells Financial Corp., 53 First
Street, S.W., P.O. Box 310, Wells, Minnesota 56097-0310.
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<PAGE>
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STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
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In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials
for next year's Annual Meeting of Stockholders, any stockholder proposal to take
action at such meeting must be received at the Company's executive offices at 53
First Street, S.W., Wells, Minnesota 56097, no later than November 11, 1998. Any
such proposals shall be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted
under the 1934 Act.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
/s/Wallace J. Butson
Wallace J. Butson
Secretary
Wells, Minnesota
March 16, 1998
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<PAGE>
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WELLS FINANCIAL CORP.
53 FIRST STREET, S.W.
WELLS, MINNESOTA 56097
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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
APRIL 15, 1998
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The undersigned hereby appoints the Board of Directors of Wells
Financial Corp. (the "Company"), or its designee, with full powers of
substitution, to act as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned, to vote all
shares of common stock of the Company which the undersigned is entitled to vote
at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting"), to be held at the
Company's office, 53 First Street, S.W., Wells, Minnesota on Wednesday, April
15, 1998, at 4:00 p.m., local time and at any and all adjournments thereof, as
follows:
FOR WITHHELD
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1. The election as director of the nominee |_| |_|
listed below, for a 3 year term:
Richard Mueller
INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold your vote for any individual nominee, insert the
nominee's name on the line provided below.
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The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" the above listed
proposal.
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THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED, THIS
SIGNED PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL STATED. IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS
PRESENTED AT SUCH MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THOSE NAMED IN THIS PROXY
IN THEIR BEST JUDGMENT. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS OF NO
OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING.
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<PAGE>
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company, prior to the
execution of this proxy, of Notice of the Meeting and a Proxy Statement dated
March 16, 1998 and an annual report.
Please check here if you
Dated: , 1998 |_| plan to attend the Meeting.
---------------
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SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER
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PRINT NAME OF STOCKHOLDER PRINT NAME OF STOCKHOLDER
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this form of proxy. When signing as
attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give your full
title. If shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.
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PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE, AND MAIL THIS PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
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