DEFR14A 1 f38822drdefr14a.htm REVISED DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT defr14a
 

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 1)
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
þ Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
GenCorp Inc.
 
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required.
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
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     o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
     
 
     1) Amount Previously Paid:
     
 
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     4) Date Filed:
     
 
 
 

 


 

     
(GENCORP LOGO)
  P O Box 537012
Sacramento, CA 95853-7012
 
March 10, 2008
 
To our Shareholders:
 
You are cordially invited to attend our Annual Meeting to be held at The Ritz-Carlton located at 1150 22nd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 on March 26, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. local time.
 
The enclosed notice and revised Proxy Statement contain details concerning our Annual Meeting.
 
This is to inform you that the Company has entered into a second amended and restated shareholder agreement (Shareholder Agreement) with Steel Partners II, L.P. (Steel Partners) that enables us to avoid a costly proxy contest at the 2008 Annual Meeting. The Shareholder Agreement, which is summarized in the accompanying revised Proxy Statement, will enable the Company’s Board of Directors and management to continue to focus their full attention on operating the business and maximizing the value of the Company for all GenCorp shareholders.
 
Prior to entering into the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners, the Company sent registered shareholders copies of the Company’s Proxy Statement dated February 29, 2008 along with a proxy card and the Company’s 2007 Annual Report. Those registered shareholders who previously received a 2007 Annual Report from the Company will not have another copy of the Annual Report included with this mailing. This revised Proxy Statement and proxy card supersede the February 29, 2008 Proxy Statement and proxy card and shareholders should disregard the earlier Proxy Statement and proxy card dated February 29, 2008. Any votes submitted on, or in accordance with the instructions for voting via the Internet or by telephone set forth on, the February 29, 2008 proxy card will not be counted since the nominees for Directors have changed as a result of the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners. Please vote in accordance with the instructions set forth on the enclosed proxy card dated March 10, 2008 included with this revised Proxy Statement.
 
Your vote is extremely important regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote your shares at your earliest convenience. Please complete, date, sign, and promptly return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed envelope, or vote via the Internet or telephone, to be sure that your shares will be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Please refer to the enclosed proxy card for instructions on voting via the Internet or telephone or, if your shares are registered in the name of a broker or bank, please refer to the information forwarded by the broker or bank to determine if Internet or telephone voting is available to you.
 
The Board of Directors and Steel Partners jointly support the slate of nominees described in the revised Proxy Statement and encourage you to vote “FOR” the election of each of the nominees for Director.
 
If you have any questions or require any assistance with voting your shares, please contact:
 
INNISFREE M&A INCORPORATED
SHAREHOLDERS CALL TOLL FREE: 877-456-3427
BANKS AND BROKERS CALL COLLECT: 212-750-5833
 
Thank you very much for your continued interest in GenCorp Inc.
 
Very truly yours,
 
-s-  Terry L. Hall
TIMOTHY A. WICKS
Chairman of the Board


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
REVISED PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
2007 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
2007 PENSION BENEFITS
PROPOSAL 2 RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
 
 
March 10, 2008
 
To the Shareholders of GenCorp Inc.:
 
 
The 2008 Annual Meeting of shareholders of GenCorp Inc., an Ohio corporation (GenCorp or the Company), will be held on March 26, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. local time at The Ritz-Carlton located at 1150 22nd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, for the following purposes:
 
  1.  To elect eight Directors to serve until the 2009 Annual Meeting;
 
  2.  To ratify the Audit Committee’s appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors of the Company for fiscal year 2008; and
 
  3.  To consider and act on such other business as may properly be brought before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
 
Shareholders of record at the close of business on February 1, 2008 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting.
 
Prior to entering into the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners, the Company sent registered shareholders copies of the Company’s Proxy Statement dated February 29, 2008 along with a proxy card and the Company’s 2007 Annual Report. Those registered shareholders who previously received a 2007 Annual Report from the Company will not have another copy of the Annual Report included with this mailing. This revised Proxy Statement and proxy card supersede the February 29, 2008 Proxy statement and proxy card and shareholders should disregard the earlier Proxy Statement dated February 29, 2008. Any votes submitted on, or in accordance with the instructions for voting via the Internet or telephone set forth on, the February 29, 2008 proxy card will not be counted since the nominees for Directors have changed as a result of the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners. Please vote in accordance with the instructions set forth on the enclosed proxy card dated March 10, 2008 included with this revised Proxy Statement.
 
Shareholders of record may vote their shares by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card. Most shareholders also have the option of voting their shares via the Internet or by telephone. If Internet or telephone voting is available to you, voting instructions are printed on your proxy card or included with your proxy materials. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, please follow their procedures as described in the voting form they send to you. By completing, signing, dating and returning the accompanying proxy card, you will revoke any proxy that may have been previously returned. You may revoke a proxy at any time prior to its exercise at the Annual Meeting by following the instructions in the accompanying proxy statement. Only your latest dated proxy will count.
 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
MARK A. WHITNEY
Senior Vice President
General Counsel and Secretary


 

(GENCORP LOGO)
 
REVISED PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
This revised Proxy Statement supersedes and replaces the Proxy Statement dated February 29, 2008 of GenCorp Inc. (the Company) furnished to shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors (the Board) of the Company for use at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on March 26, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. local time at The Ritz-Carlton located at 1150 22nd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037.
 
This revised Proxy Statement is first being furnished to shareholders of the Company on or about March 10, 2008.
 
On March 5, 2008, the Company entered into a second amended and restated shareholder agreement (the Shareholder Agreement) with Steel Partners II, L.P. (Steel Partners). Under the Shareholder Agreement, the Board has agreed to nominate a new slate of nominees for election as Directors, described below (the Nominees) and Steel Partners has agreed not to solicit proxies in support of six nominees who had previously been nominated by Steel Partners.
 
The proxy card enclosed with this revised Proxy Statement differs from the proxy card that may previously have been furnished to you by the Company with the original Proxy Statement dated February 29, 2008. The enclosed proxy card includes the names of all of the Nominees for election as Directors at the Annual Meeting. If you wish to vote, please submit the enclosed proxy card.
 
The Board recommends that you vote FOR each of the Nominees for election as a Director on the enclosed proxy card.
 
In addition, shareholders are being asked to vote at the Annual Meeting FOR the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors of the Company for fiscal year 2008 as more fully described in this revised Proxy Statement.
 
The Board of Directors does not intend to bring before the Annual Meeting any matters other than those specifically described above, and knows of no other matters that will be presented at the 2008 Annual Meeting. If any other matters or motions properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy card to vote such proxy in accordance with their judgment on such matters or motions, including any matters concerning the conduct of the Annual Meeting.
 
Shareholders are urged to sign, date and return the proxy card in the envelope provided, or follow the instructions on your proxy card for submitting a proxy by Internet or by telephone. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, please follow their procedures as described on the enclosed voting form. Returning the enclosed proxy or submitting a proxy electronically through the Internet or by telephone does not preclude a shareholder from voting in person.
 
If you are a shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by:
 
  •  Returning a later-dated, signed proxy card;
 
  •  Sending written notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Company;
 
  •  Submitting a new, proper proxy by telephone, Internet or paper ballot, after the date of the earlier voted proxy; or
 
  •  Attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
 
If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your broker, bank or other nominee. You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy as described above. Only the latest dated proxy card you vote will be counted.


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If you have already voted electronically through the Internet or by telephone, you may vote again, by using the same procedures (in which case your later submitted vote will be recorded and your earlier vote with regard to the proxy card will be revoked) by returning an executed proxy card by mail, submitting a proxy by Internet or by telephone, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Any vote you may have made on, or in accordance with the instructions for voting on the Internet or by telephone set forth on, the February 29, 2008 Proxy Card will not be counted and you must vote again in accordance with the instructions set forth in this revised Proxy Statement and the enclosed Proxy Card.
 
Background of Steel Partners Nomination
 
On January 30, 2008, Steel Partners sent notice to the Company of its intention to nominate a competing slate of six individuals to stand for election as Directors of GenCorp. On February 13, 2008, Steel Partners filed a preliminary proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), indicating its intention to solicit proxies in favor of electing its director nominees.
 
Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners
 
On March 5, 2008, the Company and Steel Partners entered into a second amended and restated shareholder agreement (Shareholder Agreement) with respect to the election of Directors for the 2008 Annual Meeting and certain other related matters.
 
Pursuant to the terms of the Shareholder Agreement, the Board increased the size of the Board and appointed James R. Henderson, Warren G. Lichtenstein and Martin Turchin (collectively, the New Directors) effective March 5, 2008. In addition, on March 5, 2008, Terry L. Hall resigned as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, and as a member of the Board. The Board agreed that each of the Board’s Committees would include at least one of the New Directors.
 
Pursuant to the Shareholder Agreement, the Board agreed to decrease the size of the Board from eleven members to eight members effective immediately prior to the Annual Meeting, with certain current Directors not standing for re-election. In accordance with the Shareholder Agreement, the Board has nominated a slate of Directors for election at the Annual Meeting consisting of James R. Henderson, Warren G. Lichtenstein, David A. Lorber, Todd R. Snyder, Martin Turchin, Timothy A. Wicks, Sheila E. Widnall, and Robert C. Woods (collectively, the Nominees).
 
In accordance with the Shareholder Agreement, the Board appointed J. Scott Neish, who serves as Vice President of the Company and President, Aerojet-General Corporation, to the additional posts of interim Chief Executive Officer and interim President, following the resignation of Terry L. Hall until the positions can be filled on a permanent basis. The Board will be establishing a search committee comprised of Mr. Lichtenstein (who will act as chairman of the committee), Mr. Turchin, and one additional Director chosen by the Directors other than the New Directors, to conduct a search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer and President. Once selected, the permanent Chief Executive Officer and President will be named as a Director on an expanded Board of nine members. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Shareholder Agreement, Steel Partners has agreed in the Shareholder Agreement to vote in favor of the Nominees at both the 2008 Annual Meeting and the 2009 Annual Meeting.
 
Unless otherwise specified, the enclosed proxy card will be voted FOR the eight Nominees recommended by the Board of Directors. Each Nominee has agreed to be named in this revised Proxy Statement to serve as Director if elected. Management and the Board of Directors are not aware of any reasons which would cause any of the Nominees not to be qualified to serve as Directors.
 
The Company filed a complete copy of the Shareholder Agreement with the SEC on March 10, 2008 as an exhibit to its Current Report on Form 8-K, and this summary is qualified in its entirety by the terms of the Shareholder Agreement included therein.


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
The Board of Directors of GenCorp Inc., an Ohio corporation (GenCorp or the Company) solicits the enclosed proxy for use at the Annual Meeting of the Company’s shareholders to be held at The Ritz-Carlton located at 1150 22nd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 on March 26, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. local time. This revised Proxy Statement contains information about the matters to be voted on at the meeting and the voting process, as well as information about the Company’s Directors and executive officers.
 
WHY DID I RECEIVE THIS PROXY STATEMENT?
 
The Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Annual Meeting because you were a shareholder at the close of business on February 1, 2008, the record date, and therefore you are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. This revised Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are being made available to shareholders beginning on or about March 10, 2008. This revised Proxy Statement summarizes the information you need to know to vote at the Annual Meeting. You do not need to attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares.
 
WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
 
You are voting on the following items of business at the Annual Meeting:
 
  •  The election of eight Directors (the Board’s nominees are James R. Henderson, Warren G. Lichtenstein, David A. Lorber, Todd R. Snyder, Martin Turchin, Timothy A. Wicks, Sheila E. Widnall, and Robert C. Woods) to serve until the 2009 annual meeting and until their successors are elected and qualified;
 
  •  The ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent accountants for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2008; and
 
  •  Any other matter that may properly be brought before the Annual Meeting.
 
WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
 
Shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 1, 2008 are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share of GenCorp common stock is entitled to one vote.
 
WHAT ARE THE VOTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
 
The Company’s Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares “FOR” each of the Board’s eight nominees standing for election to the Board, and “FOR” the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent accountants.
 
HOW DO I VOTE?
 
It is important that your shares are represented at the Annual Meeting whether or not you attend the meeting in person. To make sure that your shares are represented, we urge you to vote as soon as possible.
 
If you are a registered shareholder, there are four ways to vote:
 
  •  By calling the toll-free telephone number indicated on your proxy card. Easy-to-follow voice prompts allow you to vote your shares and confirm that your voting instructions have been properly recorded;
 
  •  By going to the Internet web site indicated on your proxy card. Confirmation that your voting instructions have been properly recorded will be provided;


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  •  By signing, dating and returning the accompanying proxy card; or
 
  •  By written ballot at the Annual Meeting.
 
Your shares will be voted as you indicate. If you return your proxy card and do not indicate your voting preferences, the appointed proxies (Yasmin R. Seyal and Mark A. Whitney) will vote your shares FOR items 1 and 2. If your shares are owned in joint tenancy, all joint owners must vote by the same method. If joint owners vote by mail, all of the joint owners must sign the proxy card. If you are a registered shareholder and you vote by telephone or via the Internet, you do not need to return your proxy card. Votes submitted by shareholders of record via the Internet or by telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on March 25, 2008.
 
If your shares are held in a brokerage account in your broker’s name, please follow the voting directions provided by your broker or nominee. You may sign, date and return a voting instruction card to your broker or nominee or, in most cases, submit voting instructions by telephone or the Internet to your broker or nominee. If you provide specific voting instructions by mail, telephone, or the Internet, your broker or nominee should vote your shares as you have directed.
 
At the Annual Meeting, written ballots will be available to anyone who wishes to vote in person. If you hold your shares in a brokerage account, you must request a legal proxy from your broker or other nominee to vote at the Annual Meeting.
 
If your shares are held through the GenCorp Retirement Savings Plan, please follow the voting directions provided by Fidelity Management Trust Company, the Plan’s Trustee. You may sign, date and return a voting instruction card to the Trustee or submit voting instructions by telephone or the Internet. If you provide voting instructions by mail, telephone, or the Internet, the Trustee will vote your shares as you have directed (or not vote your shares, if that is your direction). If you do not provide voting instructions, the Trustee will vote your shares in the same proportion as shares for which the Trustee has received voting instructions. You must submit voting instructions to the Plan Trustee by no later than March 21, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time in order for your shares to be voted as you have directed by the Trustee at the Annual Meeting. Plan participants may not vote their Plan shares in person at the Annual Meeting.
 
I ALREADY RECEIVED A PROXY STATEMENT DATED FEBRUARY 29, 2008 FROM THE COMPANY — WHY AM I GETTING A NEW PROXY STATEMENT DATED MARCH 10, 2008?
 
Prior to entering into the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners as discussed above, the Company sent registered shareholders copies of the Company’s Proxy Statement dated February 29, 2008 along with a proxy card and the Company’s 2007 Annual Report. This revised Proxy Statement and proxy card supersede the February 29, 2008 Proxy Statement and proxy card and shareholders should disregard the earlier Proxy Statement dated February 29, 2008. Any votes submitted on, or in accordance with the instructions for voting via the Internet or by telephone set forth on, the February 29, 2008 proxy card will not be counted since the nominees for Directors have changed as a result of the agreement with Steel Partners. Please vote in accordance with the instructions set forth on the enclosed proxy card dated March 10, 2008 included with this revised Proxy Statement.
 
Registered shareholders who previously received a 2007 Annual Report from the Company will not have another copy of the Annual Report included with this mailing. Registered shareholders should disregard the Company’s earlier Proxy Statement dated February 29, 2008. This revised Proxy Statement supersedes the February 29, 2008 Proxy statement. You can access the Company’s 2007 Annual Report at www.GenCorp.com.


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WHAT IF I ALREADY VOTED THE PROXY CARD DATED FEBRUARY 29, 2008?
 
Any votes submitted on, or in accordance with the instructions for voting on the Internet or by telephone set forth on, the February 29, 2008 proxy card will not be counted since the nominees for Directors have changed as a result of the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners. Please vote in accordance with the instructions set forth on the enclosed proxy card dated March 10, 2008 included with this revised Proxy Statement.
 
Your vote is important. If you have any questions about how to vote your shares, please call our proxy solicitor, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, toll-free at 877-456-3427.
 
MAY I ATTEND THE MEETING?
 
All shareholders and properly appointed proxy holders may attend the Annual Meeting. Shareholders who plan to attend must present valid photo identification. If you hold your shares in a brokerage account, please also bring proof of your share ownership, such as a broker’s statement showing that you owned shares of the Company on the record date of February 1, 2008, or a legal proxy from your broker or nominee. A legal proxy is required if you hold your shares in a brokerage account and you plan to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Shareholders of record will be verified against an official list available at the Annual Meeting. The Company reserves the right to deny admittance to anyone who cannot adequately show proof of share ownership as of the record date.
 
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLDING SHARES AS A SHAREHOLDER OF RECORD AND AS A BENEFICIAL OWNER?
 
If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, the Bank of New York, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the “shareholder of record.” The revised Proxy Statement, Annual Report and proxy card have been made available directly to shareholders of record by the Company. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of shares held in that brokerage account. The proxy materials will be forwarded to you by your broker, bank or nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record. As the beneficial holder, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or nominee how to vote and you are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not a shareholder of record, you may only vote your shares at the Annual Meeting if you bring a legal proxy from your broker, bank or nominee. Your broker, bank or nominee will enclose a voting instruction card to use in directing the broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares.
 
WHAT ARE BROKER NON-VOTES AND HOW ARE THEY COUNTED?
 
Broker non-votes occur when nominees, such as brokers and banks holding shares on behalf of the beneficial owners, are prohibited from exercising discretionary voting authority for beneficial owners who have not provided voting instructions at least ten days before the Annual Meeting date. If no instructions are given within that time frame, the nominees may vote those shares on matters deemed “routine” by the New York Stock Exchange. On non-routine matters, nominees cannot vote without instructions from the beneficial owner, resulting in so-called “broker non-votes.” Broker non-votes are not counted for the purposes of determining the number of shares present in person or represented by proxy on a voting matter. For these reasons, please promptly vote by telephone, by Internet, or sign, date and return the voting instruction card your broker or nominee has enclosed, in accordance with the instructions on the card.


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MAY I CHANGE MY VOTE?
 
If you are a shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by:
 
  •  Returning a later-dated, signed proxy card;
 
  •  Sending written notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Company;
 
  •  Submitting a new, proper proxy by telephone, Internet or paper ballot, after the date of the earlier voted proxy; or
 
  •  Attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
 
If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your broker, bank or other nominee. You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy as described above.
 
WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE EACH PROPOSAL?
 
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting. Votes cast for a nominee will be counted in favor of election. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not count either in favor of, or against, election of a nominee. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of Directors set by the Board for election. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve Proposal 2, the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent auditors. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal 2.
 
DO SHAREHOLDERS HAVE CUMULATIVE VOTING RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS?
 
No. Shareholders do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of Directors.
 
WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?
 
As of the record date, 56,942,450 shares of the Company’s common stock were issued and outstanding. A majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum. Shares represented by a proxy that directs that the shares abstain from voting or that a vote be withheld on a matter will be included at the Annual Meeting for quorum purposes. Shares represented by proxy as to which no voting instructions are given as to matters to be voted upon will be included at the Annual Meeting for quorum purposes.
 
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD?
 
If you hold your shares in more than one account, you will receive a proxy card for each account. To ensure that all of your shares are voted, please complete, sign, date and return a proxy card for each account or use the proxy card to vote by telephone or Internet.
 
WHAT IS THE COMPANY’S INTERNET ADDRESS?
 
The Company’s Internet address is www.gencorp.com. You can access this revised Proxy Statement and the Company’s 2007 Annual Report at this Internet address. The Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available free of charge via a link from this address.


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WILL ANY OTHER MATTERS BE VOTED ON?
 
As of the date of this revised Proxy Statement, our management knows of no other matter that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting other than those matters discussed in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting and call for a vote of the shareholders, validly executed proxies in the enclosed form will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Directors.
 
WHO PAYS THE SOLICITATION EXPENSES FOR THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND RELATED COMPANY MATERIALS?
 
The Company does. The Company has retained Innisfree for a fee of $75,000 plus reimbursement of normal expenses as its proxy solicitor to solicit proxies on its behalf in connection with the 2008 Annual Meeting. Innisfree may solicit proxies from individuals, banks, brokers, custodians, nominees, other institutional holders and other fiduciaries.
 
ARE THERE DISSENTER’S OR APPRAISAL RIGHTS?
 
The Company’s shareholders are not entitled to dissenter’s or appraisal rights under Ohio law in connection with any of the proposals.
 
WHO SHOULD I CALL IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
 
If you have any questions, or need assistance voting, please contact the Company’s proxy solicitor:
 
Innisfree M&A Incorporated
Shareholders Call Toll Free: 877-456-3427
Banks and Brokers Call Collect: 212-750-5833
 
Shareholders who wish to receive a separate written copy of this revised Proxy Statement, or Annual Report on Form 10-K, now or in the future, should submit their written request to Secretary, GenCorp Inc., P.O. Box 537012, Sacramento, California 95853-7012 (if by overnight courier, then Highway 50 & Aerojet Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742).


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PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
The Company’s Code of Regulations provides for a Board of not less than seven or more than seventeen Directors, and authorizes the Board to determine from time to time the number of Directors within that range that will constitute the Board by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members then in office. Pursuant to the Shareholder Agreement, the Board has set the number of Directors constituting the Board at eight.
 
The Board of Directors has proposed the following nominees for election as Directors with terms expiring at the Annual Meeting in March 2009: James R. Henderson, Warren G. Lichtenstein, David A. Lorber, Todd R. Snyder, Martin Turchin, Timothy A. Wicks, Sheila E. Widnall, and Robert C. Woods.
 
Each nominee elected as a Director will continue in office until the next Annual Meeting of shareholders at which his or her successor has been elected, or until his or her resignation, removal from office, or death, whichever is earlier.
 
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of these Nominees as Directors.
 
The information concerning the nominees set forth below is given as of December 31, 2007. Each nominee has had the same principal occupation or employment during the past five years unless otherwise indicated.
 
JAMES R. HENDERSON
Director since 2008
 
Mr. Henderson is a Managing Director and operating partner of Steel Partners LLC, a global investment management firm which is the Investment Manager to Steel Partners and Steel Partners II Master Fund L.P. (Steel Master), and has been associated with Steel Partners LLC and its affiliates since 1999. Mr. Henderson has been the Executive Vice President of SP Acquisition Holdings, Inc., a company formed for the purpose of acquiring one or more businesses or assets, since 2007. He has been a director and Chief Executive Officer of WebFinancial Corporation, which through its operating subsidiaries, operates niche banking markets, since 2005, President and Chief Operating Officer of WebFinancial since 2003, and was the Vice President of Operations from 2000 — 2003. He was also the Chief Executive Officer of WebBank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of WebFinancial, from 2004 — 2005. Mr. Henderson has been a director of Angelica Corporation, a provider of healthcare linen management services, since 2006. He has been a director of BNS Holding, Inc., a holding company that owns the majority of Collins Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of school buses, ambulances and terminal trucks, since 2004. He has been a director (currently Chairman of the Board) of Del Global Technologies Corp., a designer and manufacturer of medical imaging and diagnostic systems, since 2003. Mr. Henderson has been a director of SL Industries, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of power electronics, power motion equipment, power protection equipment, and teleprotection and specialized communication equipment, since 2002. Mr. Henderson was a director of ECC International Corp., a manufacturer and marketer of computer-controlled simulators for training personnel to perform maintenance and operator procedures on military weapons, from 1999 to 2003 and was acting Chief Executive Officer from 2002 to 2003. Mr. Henderson has been the President of Gateway Industries, Inc., a provider of database development and web site design and development services, since 2001. From January 2001 to August 2001, he was President of MDM Technologies, Inc., a direct mail and marketing company. Age 50.


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WARREN G. LICHTENSTEIN
Director since 2008
 
Mr. Lichtenstein co-founded Steel Partners, a private investment partnership, in 1993. He has been Managing Member since 1996 of Steel Partners II GP LLC, which is the General Partner of Steel Partners and Steel Master. He is Chief Executive Officer of Steel Partners LLC, a global investment management firm, which is the Investment Manager to Steel Partners and Steel Master. Mr. Lichtenstein has been associated with Steel Partners LLC and its affiliates since 1993. He is also a Co-Founder of Steel Partners Japan Strategic Fund (Offshore), L.P., a private investment partnership investing in Japan, and Steel Partners China Access I LP, a private equity partnership investing in China. Mr. Lichtenstein has been the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of SP Acquisition Holdings, Inc., a company formed for the purpose of acquiring one or more businesses or assets, since 2007. He was a director of United Industrial from 2001 to 2007. Mr. Lichtenstein has been a director (currently Chairman of the Board) of SL Industries, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of power electronics, power motion equipment, power protection equipment, and teleprotection and specialized communication equipment, since 2002 and served as Chief Executive Officer from 2002 to 2005. He has been Chairman of the Board of WHX Corporation, a holding company, since 2005. Mr. Lichtenstein has been a director of KT&G Corporation, South Korea’s largest tobacco company, since 2006. He served as a director of WebFinancial Corporation, which through its operating subsidiaries, operates niche banking markets, from 1996 to 2005, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 2005 and as President from 1997 to 2003. Age 42.
 
DAVID A. LORBER
Director since 2006
 
Mr. Lorber is a Principal and Portfolio Manager at FrontFour Capital Group LLC, New York, NY, a hedge fund that he helped start in 2007. Previously, Mr. Lorber served as Director and Senior Investment Analyst at Pirate Capital LLC, a hedge fund (2003 — 2006). Prior to joining Pirate Capital, Mr. Lorber was an Analyst at Vantis Capital Management LLC, a money management firm and hedge fund (2001 — 2003) and an Associate at Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. (2000 — 2001). Mr. Lorber graduated from Skidmore College. Mr. Lorber currently serves as a member of the Organization & Compensation Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee. Age 29.
 
TODD R. SNYDER
Director since 2006
 
Mr. Snyder is a Managing Director of Rothschild Inc., an international investment banking and financial advisory firm. Before joining Rothschild in 2000, Mr. Snyder was a Managing Director and earlier held other positions at Peter J. Solomon Company (1997 — 2000). Prior to joining Peter J. Solomon Company, Mr. Snyder was a Managing Director at KPMG Peat Marwick (1995 — 1997). Prior to his move to investment banking, Mr. Snyder practiced law in the Business Reorganization department of Weil, Gotshal & Manges (1988 — 1994). Mr. Snyder graduated from Wesleyan University and received a juris doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Mr. Snyder is an adjunct faculty member of the New York University Law School. Mr. Snyder currently serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Organization & Compensation Committee. Age 45.
 
MARTIN TURCHIN
Director since 2008
 
Mr. Turchin is the Vice-Chairman of CB Richard Ellis, the world’s largest real estate services company, a position he has held since 2003. Previously, he served as a Vice-Chairman of a subsidiary of Insignia Financial Group, a real estate brokerage, consulting and management firm (1996 — 2003). From 1985 to 1996, Mr. Turchin was a principal and Vice-Chairman of Edward S. Gordon Company, a real estate


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brokerage, consulting and management firm. He has been a director of Boston Properties, a real estate investment trust, for more than ten years. From 1971 to 1985, Mr. Turchin held various positions with Kenneth E. Laub & Company, Inc., a real estate company, where he was involved in real estate acquisition, financing, leasing and consulting. Age 66.
 
TIMOTHY A. WICKS
Director since 2005
 
Mr. Wicks is a Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth for UnitedHealthcare, the largest operating division of UnitedHealth Group Inc., a diversified health care company, a position he has held since 2006. Other positions he has held at UnitedHealth include Senior Vice President, Product Development and Management for UnitedHealth (2004 — 2006), Vice President, Platinum Broker Service (2003 — 2004), and Vice President, Consumer Solutions (2002 — 2003). Prior to joining UnitedHealth, Mr. Wicks served as General Manager, Small Business Services, and Director of Global Business Strategy of Dell Computer Corporation (2001 — 2002). Prior to joining Dell Computer, Mr. Wicks was the President and Co-Founder of Great Northern Capital, a private investment and merchant banking firm (1994 — 2000). Mr. Wicks graduated from The University of Chicago and received a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Business. Mr. Wicks currently serves as the non-executive Chairman of the Board, as a member of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee. Age 42.
 
DR. SHEILA E. WIDNALL
Director since 1999
 
Dr. Widnall has been an Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since 1998. Previously, Dr. Widnall served as the Secretary of the United States Air Force from 1993 to 1997. She is the only woman to ever head a military service. As Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Widnall was responsible for all affairs of the Department of the Air Force including recruiting, organizing, training, administration, logistical support, maintenance and welfare of personnel. Dr. Widnall was also responsible for research and development and other activities prescribed by the President or the Secretary of Defense. Prior to being appointed Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Widnall was an Associate Provost (1992 — 1993) and Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics (1986 — 1992) at MIT. Dr. Widnall was a member of the Columbia accident investigation board and was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 2003. Dr. Widnall is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Widnall earned her bachelor of science degree in 1960, her master of science degree in 1961, and her doctor of science degree in aeronautics and astronautics in 1964 from MIT. Dr. Widnall currently serves as Chairwoman of the Organization & Compensation Committee and as a member of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee. Age 69.
 
ROBERT C. WOODS
Director since 2006
 
Mr. Woods has been an Investment Banker at Cornerstone Capital Advisors, a real estate investment bank, since 1987. From 1983 to the present, Mr. Woods has also been a real estate developer for Palladian Partners, a real estate development company. At both Cornerstone and Palladian, Mr. Woods’ experience includes developing and financing master planned communities. Previously, he was a Project Manager and Vice President of Development for Hines Interests LLC, a real estate development company (1980 — 1983), and a Project Manager for Trammell Crow, a real estate development company (1979 — 1980). Mr. Woods was also a consulting professor of real estate finance at Stanford University from 2000 to 2005. Mr. Woods is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. Mr. Woods received a master’s


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degree in business administration from the College of William and Mary. Mr. Woods currently serves as a member of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee. Age 55.
 
The Company’s Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR these Nominees as Directors by executing and returning the proxy card or voting by one of the other ways indicated thereon. Proxies solicited by the Board of Directors will be so voted unless shareholders specify otherwise.
 
Voting for Directors
 
The Company has no provision for cumulative voting in the election of Directors. Therefore, holders of Common Stock are entitled to cast one vote for each share held on the February 1, 2008 record date for each of the candidates for election. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting; however, the Board has adopted a majority vote policy. Pursuant to such policy, in an uncontested election, any nominee for Director who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” for his or her election than votes “for” such election (a Majority Withheld Vote) shall promptly tender his or her resignation after such election for consideration by the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee. Within 90 days thereafter, the Board of Directors, taking into account the recommendation of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, must determine whether to accept or reject the resignation. The Director that tendered the resignation shall not participate in the consideration or determination of whether to accept such resignation. The Board of Directors shall disclose by press release its decision to accept or reject the resignation and, if applicable, the reasons for rejecting the resignation. If a majority of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee members receive a Majority Withheld Vote at the same election, then the independent Directors who did not receive a Majority Withheld Vote will appoint a committee of independent Directors to consider the resignation offers and recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject them.
 
Votes cast for a nominee will be counted in favor of election. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not count either in favor of, or against, election of a nominee. It is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote for the election of the Board of Directors’ nominees, unless authorization to do so is withheld. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of Directors set by the Board for election. If, prior to the Annual Meeting, a nominee becomes unable to serve as a Director for any reason, the proxy holders reserve the right to substitute another person of their choice in such nominee’s place and stead. It is not anticipated that any nominee will be unavailable for election at the Annual Meeting.
 
Retirement Policy
 
Under the Board’s retirement policy, a Director’s term of office normally expires at the Annual Meeting following his or her 70th birthday. The Board’s retirement policy also provides that the Board may waive immediate compliance with the policy and request that a Director postpone his or her retirement until a subsequent date.
 
Meetings of the Board
 
The Board of Directors held sixteen meetings during fiscal year 2007. Other than Mr. Bolden who is not standing for re-election at the 2008 Annual Meeting, all of our Directors who served during fiscal year 2007 attended at least 75% of the regularly scheduled and special meetings of the Board to which they were not otherwise excluded (i.e. executive sessions) and Board committees on which they served in fiscal year 2007. All of the Board’s nominees for election at the 2008 Annual Meeting are expected to attend such Annual Meeting. All but one of the Directors then in office were present at the Company’s 2007 Annual Meeting.


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Non-Executive Chairman of the Board
 
In February 2007, as part of its ongoing commitment to good corporate governance, the Board of Directors made a decision to separate the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Historically, the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer have been held by the same person. In February 2007, the Board appointed Timothy A. Wicks as non-executive Chairman of the Board.
 
Meetings of Non-Employee Directors
 
Non-employee Directors meet in executive session as part of each regularly scheduled Board meeting. In 2007, Mr. Wicks, Chairman of the Board, presided at all such executive sessions. In the event of his absence, a non-employee Director would have been chosen on a rotating basis.
 
Determination of Independence of Directors
 
The Board has determined that to be considered independent, a Director may not have a direct or indirect material relationship with the Company. A material relationship is one which impairs or inhibits, or has the potential to impair or inhibit, a Director’s exercise of critical and disinterested judgment on behalf of the Company and its shareholders. In making its assessment of independence, the Board considers any and all material relationships not merely from the standpoint of the Director, but also from that of persons or organizations with which the Director has or has had an affiliation, or those relationships which may be material, including commercial, industrial, banking, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and familial relationships, among others. The Board also considers whether a Director was an employee of the Company within the last five years. The Board consults with the Company’s counsel to ensure that the Board’s determinations are consistent with all relevant securities and other laws and regulations regarding the definition of “independent Director,” including those set forth in pertinent listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as in effect from time to time. The NYSE’s listing standards require that all listed companies have a majority of independent directors. For a director to be “independent” under the NYSE listing standards, the board of directors of a listed company must affirmatively determine that the director has no material relationship with the company, or its subsidiaries or affiliates, either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company or its subsidiaries or affiliates. In accordance with the NYSE listing standards, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that David A. Lorber, Todd R. Snyder, Timothy A. Wicks, Sheila E. Widnall, and Robert C. Woods have no material relationships with the Company, either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company.
 
Additionally, each of David A. Lorber, Todd R. Snyder, Timothy A. Wicks, Sheila E. Widnall, and Robert C. Woods has been determined to be “independent” under the following NYSE listing standards, which provide that a director is not independent if:
 
  •  the director is, or has been within the last three years, an employee of the Company, or an immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, an executive officer, of the Company;
 
  •  the director has received, or has an immediate family member who has received, during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than $100,000 in direct compensation from the Company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service);


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  •  (a) the director or an immediate family member is a current partner of a firm that is the Company’s internal or external auditor; (b) the director is a current employee of such a firm; (c) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and who participates in the firm’s audit, assurance or tax compliance (but not tax planning) practice; or (d) the director or an immediate family member was within the last three years (but is no longer) a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on the Company’s audit within that time;
 
  •  the director or an immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the Company’s present executive officers at the same time serves or served on that company’s compensation committee; or
 
  •  the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to or received payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues.
 
As of the date of this revised Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors has not made an affirmative determination as to the independence of James R. Henderson, Warren G. Lichtenstein and Martin Turchin.
 
Board Committees
 
The Board maintains four standing committees: Audit; Corporate Governance & Nominating; Organization & Compensation; and Finance. Assignments to, and chairs of, the committees are recommended by the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee and approved by the Board. All committees report on their activities to the Board. Each standing committee operates under a charter approved by the Board. The charters for each of the standing committees are posted on the Company’s web site at www.GenCorp.com (and in print to any shareholder or interested party who requests them by writing to Secretary, GenCorp Inc., P.O. Box 537012, Sacramento, California 95853-7012 (if by overnight courier, then Highway 50 & Aerojet Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742)).
 
The table below provides the fiscal year 2007 membership and meeting information for each of the standing committees. Committee membership is reviewed by the full Board at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting.
 
                                         
            Corporate Governance
    Organization &
     
Name     Audit     & Nominating     Compensation      Finance
Charles F. Bolden Jr. 
                X         X            
                                         
James J. Didion
                X *                 X  
                                         
David A. Lorber
      X                   X            
                                         
James M. Osterhoff
      X *                           X  
                                         
Todd R. Snyder
                          X         X *
                                         
Timothy A. Wicks
      X                             X  
                                         
Sheila E. Widnall
                X         X *          
                                         
Robert C. Woods
      X                             X  
                                         
Total meetings in fiscal year 2007
      8         6         8         6  
                                         
 
Committee Chairperson
 
The Audit Committee is a separately designated standing committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Board has determined that each member


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of the Audit Committee meets all applicable independence and financial literacy requirements under the NYSE listing standards. The Board has also determined that Mr. Osterhoff is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in the regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Audit Committee reviews and evaluates the scope of the audits to be performed by, the adequacy of services performed by, and the fees and compensation of, the independent auditors. The Audit Committee also reviews the Company’s audited financial statements with management and with the Company’s independent auditors and recommends to the Board of Directors to include the audited financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K; approves in advance all audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors; reviews and considers matters that may have a bearing upon continuing auditor independence; prepares the report of the Audit Committee to be included in the Company’s proxy statement; appoints the independent auditors to examine the consolidated financial statements of the Company; reviews and evaluates the scope and appropriateness of the Company’s internal audit function, plans and system of internal controls; reviews and evaluates the appropriateness of the Company’s selection or application of accounting principles and practices and financial reporting; receives periodic reports from the internal audit and law departments; and reviews and oversees the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
 
The Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee (the Corporate Governance Committee) periodically reviews and makes recommendations to the Board concerning the criteria for selection and retention of Directors, the composition of the Board (including the non-executive Chairman of the Board), the structure and function of Board committees, and the retirement policy and compensation and benefits of Directors. The Corporate Governance Committee also assists in identifying, and recommends to the Board, qualified candidates to serve as Directors of the Company and considers and makes recommendations to the Board concerning Director nominations submitted by shareholders. The Corporate Governance Committee also periodically reviews and advises the Board regarding significant matters of public policy, including proposed actions by foreign and domestic governments that may significantly affect the Company; reviews and advises the Board regarding adoption or amendment of major Company policies and programs relating to matters of public policy; monitors the proposed adoption or amendment of significant environmental legislation and regulations and advises the Board regarding the impact such proposals may have upon the Company and, where appropriate, the nature of the Company’s response thereto; periodically reviews and advises the Board regarding the status of the Company’s environmental policies and performance under its environmental compliance programs; and periodically reviews and reports to the Board regarding the status of, and estimated liabilities for, environmental remediation. The Board has determined that each member of the Corporate Governance Committee meets all applicable independence requirements under the NYSE listing standards.
 
The Organization & Compensation Committee (the Compensation Committee) advises and recommends to the independent Directors the total compensation of the President and Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the Compensation Committee, with the counsel of the Chief Executive Officer, considers and establishes base pay and incentive bonuses for the other executive officers of the Company. The Compensation Committee also administers the Company’s deferred compensation plan and the GenCorp 1999 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the organization of the Company and its management, including major changes in the organization of the Company and the responsibility of management as proposed by the Chief Executive Officer; monitors executive development and succession planning; reviews the effectiveness and performance of senior management and makes recommendations to the Board concerning the appointment and removal of officers; periodically reviews the compensation philosophy, policies and practices of the Company and makes recommendations to the Board concerning major changes, as appropriate; annually reviews changes in the Company’s employee benefit, savings and retirement plans and reports thereon to the Board; and approves, and in some cases recommends to the Board of Directors for approval, the compensation of employee-Directors, officers, and executives of the Company.


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The Finance Committee makes recommendations to the Board with regard to the Company’s capital structure and the raising of long-term capital. The Finance Committee also reviews the performance and management of the Company’s employee benefit funds, and makes recommendations to the Board in regard to contributions to any Company pension, profit sharing, retirement or savings plan, or any proposed changes in the funding method, interest assumptions or in amortization of liabilities in connection with the funding of any such plan.
 
From time to time, the Board also forms special committees when specific matters need to be addressed.
 
Director Nominations
 
The Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee identifies potential director candidates through a variety of means, including recommendations from members of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, the Board, management, and shareholders. The Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee also may retain the services of a consultant to assist in identifying candidates. The Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee will consider nominations submitted by shareholders. To recommend a nominee, a shareholder should write to the Chairman of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, c/o Secretary, GenCorp Inc., P.O. Box 537012, Sacramento, California 95853-7012 (if by overnight courier, then Highway 50 & Aerojet Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742). Any such recommendation must include (i) the name and address of the candidate; (ii) a brief biographical description, including his or her occupation for at least the last five years, and a statement of the qualifications of the candidate; and (iii) the candidate’s signed consent to serve as a Director if elected and to be named in the proxy statement.
 
Such nominations must be received by the Chairman of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee no later than the December 1st immediately preceding the date of the Annual Meeting at which the nominee is to be considered for election. Since the date of the Company’s 2007 proxy statement, there have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders of the Company may recommend nominees to the Board of Directors.
 
The Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee seeks to create a Board that is, as a whole, strong in its collective knowledge and diversity of skills and experience and background with respect to accounting and finance, management and leadership, business judgment, industry knowledge and corporate governance. When the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee reviews a potential new candidate, it looks specifically at the candidate’s qualifications in light of the needs of the Board and the Company at that time, given the then-current mix of Director attributes.
 
Communications with Directors
 
Shareholders and other interested parties may communicate with the Board or individual Directors by mail addressed to: Chairman of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, c/o Secretary, GenCorp Inc., P.O. Box 537012, Sacramento, California 95853-7012 (if by overnight courier, then Highway 50 & Aerojet Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742). The Secretary may initially review communications to the Board or individual Directors and transmit a summary to the Board or individual Directors, but has discretion to exclude from transmittal any communications that are, in the reasonable judgment of the Secretary, inappropriate for submission to the intended recipient(s). Examples of communications that would be considered inappropriate for submission to the Board or a Director include, without limitation, customer complaints, solicitations, commercial advertisements, communications that do not relate directly or indirectly to the Company’s business or communications that relate to improper or irrelevant topics.


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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
The Organization & Compensation Committee is composed entirely of non-employee independent Directors. As of November 30, 2007, the members of the Organization & Compensation Committee included Sheila E. Widnall (Chairwoman), Charles F. Bolden, David A. Lorber and Todd R. Snyder. All non-employee independent Directors participate in decisions regarding the compensation of the President and Chief Executive Officer. None of the Company’s executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of the Company’s Organization & Compensation Committee. In addition, none of the Company’s executive officers serves as a member of the compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
 
Director Compensation
 
The compensation of the Company’s non-employee Directors is determined by the Board upon the recommendations made by the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee (the Corporate Governance Committee).
 
Annual Cash Compensation
 
Under our Director compensation program in effect in fiscal year 2007, each non-employee Director received an annual retainer fee of $44,000. In addition, in fiscal year 2007 each non-employee Director received $4,000 for each Committee membership. Non-employee Directors who served as Chairperson of a Committee also received an additional annual fee of $8,000. In fiscal year 2007, the Board formed a steering committee consisting of Mr. Snyder (Chairman), and Messrs. Wicks and Osterhoff, with respect to a special project. Following Board approval, Mr. Snyder received $8,000 for his service as Chairman of the steering committee and Messrs. Osterhoff and Wicks each received $4,000 for their service on the steering committee.
 
In February 2007, the Board of Directors separated the offices of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and appointed Mr. Wicks as the non-executive Chairman of the Board. As non-executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Wicks received the pro-rated fee totaling $85,230 in fiscal year 2007 in lieu of the annual retainer fee paid to other non-employee Directors.
 
The Corporate Governance Committee’s charter authorizes the Committee to employ independent compensation and other consultants to assist in fulfilling its duties. After reviewing a study regarding director compensation prepared by Hewitt & Associates, an independent compensation consultant, the Board of Directors approved the following changes effective as of April 2008: (i) the annual retainer fee for non-employee Directors (other than the non-executive Chairman of the Board) will be $50,000, and (ii) the annual Committee fee for the Chairman of the Audit Committee will be $15,000. The annual retainer fee for the non-executive Chairman of the Board will be $104,000.
 
Equity Grants
 
All non-employee Directors receive an annual grant of restricted shares of the Company’s Common Stock under the GenCorp 1999 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, typically in March. In March 2007, each non-employee Director (other than the non-executive Chairman of the Board) received a grant of 500 restricted shares. The non-executive Chairman of the Board received 1,000 restricted shares at that time. Provided that the grantee remains in continuous service as a Director of the Company, the restricted shares vest and become non-forfeitable on the third anniversary of the grant. Non-employee Directors also receive a one-time award of 500 restricted shares of the Company’s Common Stock as part of their initial election to the Board. All shares may be voted, but ownership may not be transferred until such shares are vested. Unless otherwise approved by the Board, unvested shares will be forfeited in the event of a voluntary resignation or refusal to stand for re-election.


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All non-employee Directors receive an annual grant of stock options or stock appreciation rights (SARs) at the Board’s discretion, typically in January. In January 2007, each non-employee Director received a grant of 5,000 SARs. Fifty percent of such SARs vest six months from the date of grant with the remaining stock options or SARs vesting one year from the date of grant. All such stock options and SARs have a 10-year term.
 
Upon recommendation by the Corporate Governance Committee after reviewing a study by Hewitt & Associates regarding director compensation, effective in 2008, the Board of Directors approved the following changes: (i) the annual grant of restricted shares of the Company’s Common Stock to non-employee Directors (other than the non-executive Chairman of the Board) will be 1,750 shares, (ii) the annual grant of stock options or SARs to non-employee Directors (other than the non-executive Chairman of the Board) will be 6,000 options or SARs, and (iii) the non-executive Chairman of the Board will receive annual grants of 3,500 restricted shares and 12,000 stock options or SARs.
 
Equity Ownership Guidelines for Non-employee Directors
 
In October 2007, upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, the Board adopted equity ownership guidelines under which non-employee Directors are required to own equity in the Company in an amount equal to $150,000. In calculating the amount of equity owned by a non-employee Director, the Board looks at the value of Company common stock owned by such non-employee Director (restricted stock and stock owned outright), the value of any phantom stock owned by such non-employee Director as part of the Director Deferred Compensation Plan, and the value of any vested “in the money” options or SARs (i.e. market value of Company stock in excess of the strike price for the stock option or SAR). Non-employee Directors have five years to meet the thresholds set forth in these equity ownership guidelines.
 
Director Deferred Compensation Plan
 
Directors annually may elect to defer all or a percentage of their cash compensation pursuant to the Director Deferred Compensation Plan. The plan is unfunded, and deferred amounts are deemed to be invested in, at the election of the Director, phantom shares in a GenCorp Stock Fund, a Standard & Poor’s 500 index fund, or a cash deposit program. Deferred amounts and earnings thereon are payable at or commencing at a future date, in either a lump sum or installments as elected by the Director at the time of deferral.
 
Director Retirement Plan
 
Each non-employee Director elected to the Board prior to January 1, 2002 participated in the Company’s Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the Retirement Plan). Under the Retirement Plan, each of such Directors will receive a monthly retirement benefit in the amount of $2,000 until the number of monthly payments made equals the Director’s months of benefit accrual under the Retirement Plan (maximum of 120 months). In the event of death prior to payment of the applicable number of installments, the aggregate amount of unpaid monthly installments will be paid, in a lump sum, to the retired Director’s surviving spouse or other designated beneficiary, if any, or to the retired Director’s estate. Non-employee Directors serving on the Board prior to January 1, 2002 were given the opportunity to either (a) continue participating in the Retirement Plan, or (b) freeze the retirement benefit already accrued under the Retirement Plan and receive the annual stock option or SARs grant in respect of future service on the Board. The non-employee Directors who were eligible to participate in the Retirement Plan (Mr. Osterhoff and Dr. Widnall) elected to freeze accrued retirement benefits and to receive the annual stock option or SARs grant. Under the terms of the Retirement Plan, in the event a Director’s service on the Board terminates for any reason on the date of a change in control or during the two year period following a change in control, such Director shall be entitled to the immediate payment of the aggregate amount of unpaid monthly installments in a lump sum.


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Other
 
The GenCorp Foundation matches employee and Director gifts to accredited, non-profit colleges, universities, secondary, and elementary public or private schools located in the United States. Gifts made are matched dollar for dollar, up to $7,500 for each year.
 
Each non-employee Director elected to the Board prior to January 1, 2002 is eligible to participate in the Healthcare Plan for Nonemployee Directors.
 
The Company also reimburses the Directors for travel and other expenses incurred in attending Board and Committee meetings.
 
2007 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE
 
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation for fiscal year 2007 for each of the Company’s non-employee Directors who served as Directors in fiscal year 2007.
 
                                                   
                        All Other
     
            Stock Awards
    SARs Awards
    Compensation
     
Name     Fees Paid ($)(1)     ($)(2)(3)     ($)(2)(3)     ($)(4)     Total ($)
J. Robert Anderson*
      $11,000       $ 7,742       $       $ 4,500         $23,242  
                                                   
Charles F. Bolden Jr. 
      52,000         4,573         31,062                 87,635  
                                                   
James J. Didion
      60,000         4,573         31,062                 95,635  
                                                   
David A. Lorber
      52,000         7,670         31,062                 90,732  
                                                   
James M. Osterhoff
      64,000         4,573         31,062         7,250         106,885  
                                                   
Todd R. Snyder
      68,000         7,670         31,062                 106,732  
                                                   
Timothy A. Wicks
      108,230         6,050         31,062         500         145,842  
                                                   
Sheila E. Widnall
      60,000         4,573         31,062         7,500         103,135  
                                                   
Robert C. Woods
      52,000         7,670         31,062                 90,732  
                                                   
 
 *  Mr. Anderson was a Director until his retirement from the Board at the 2007 Annual Meeting on March 28, 2007.
 
(1) The amount reported in this column for each Director reflects the dollar amount of Board of Director and Committee fees paid or deferred in fiscal year 2007.
 
(2) The amounts reported in these columns for each Director reflect the compensation costs for financial reporting purposes for the fiscal year under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123(R)). A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these values may be found in Note 8c in the audited financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007.
 
(3) Shares of restricted stock vest in full on the third anniversary of the grant date if the Director is then serving on the Board. Fifty percent of the SARs and stock option awards vest six months from the grant date, and the balance vests on the one year anniversary of the grant date.
 
(4) The amounts reported in this column for each Director represent matching contributions made by the GenCorp Foundation for gifts made by Directors in fiscal year 2007.


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The following table shows the shares of restricted stock and SARs granted during fiscal year 2007 to each non-employee Director who served as a Director in fiscal year 2007, and the aggregate grant date fair value for each award under SFAS 123(R). The grant date fair values of SARs awards are estimated using a Black-Scholes Model.
 
                                         
                        Grant Date
      Grant
    Stock Awards
    SARs Awards
    Fair Value
Name     Date     (#)     (#)     ($)
J. Robert Anderson
      1-17-2007                 5,000       $ 42,550  
                                         
                                 
                                         
Charles F. Bolden Jr. 
      1-17-2007                 5,000         42,550  
                                         
        3-28-2007         500                 6,645  
                                         
James J. Didion
      1-17-2007                 5,000         42,550  
                                         
        3-28-2007         500                 6,645  
                                         
David A. Lorber
      1-17-2007                 5,000         42,550  
                                         
        3-28-2007         500                 6,645  
                                         
James M. Osterhoff
      1-17-2007                 5,000         42,550  
                                         
        3-28-2007         500                 6,645  
                                         
Todd R. Snyder
      1-17-2007                 5,000         42,550  
                                         
        3-28-2007         500                 6,645  
                                         
Timothy A. Wicks
      1-17-2007                 5,000         42,550  
                                         
        3-28-2007         1,000                 13,290  
                                         
Sheila E. Widnall
      1-17-2007                 5,000         42,550  
                                         
        3-28-2007         500                 6,645  
                                         
Robert C. Woods
      1-17-2007                 5,000         42,550  
                                         
        3-28-2007         500                 6,645  
                                         
 


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Security Ownership of Officers and Directors
 
The following table lists share ownership of the Company’s Common Stock by the Directors and the Named Executive Officers, as well as the number of shares beneficially owned by all of the Directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, share ownership is direct. Amounts owned reflect ownership as of February 1, 2008.
 
                     
      Amount and Nature of
     
Beneficial Owner     Beneficial Ownership(1)(2)     Percent of Class 
Charles F. Bolden Jr. 
      2,000         *  
                     
James J. Didion(3)
      20,290         *  
                     
James R. Henderson(4)(5)
      0         *  
                     
Warren G. Lichtenstein(4)(6)
      8,034,059         14.1 %
                     
David A. Lorber
      1,500         *  
                     
James M. Osterhoff(3)
      26,365         *  
                     
Todd R. Snyder
      3,500         *  
                     
Martin Turchin(4)
      0         *  
                     
Timothy A. Wicks
      2,000         *  
                     
Sheila E. Widnall
      21,746         *  
                     
Robert C. Woods
      1,500         *  
                     
Terry L. Hall
      549,726         *  
                     
Yasmin R. Seyal
      163,610         *  
                     
J. Scott Neish
      34,522         *  
                     
Mark A. Whitney
      60,900         *  
                     
R. Leon Blackburn
      22,661         *  
                     
All Directors and Executive Officers(21)
      9,073,914         15.9 %
                     
 
 * Less than 1.0%
 
(1) The number of shares beneficially owned by a Director or an officer of the Company includes restricted shares granted under the GenCorp Inc. 1999 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan and shares owned outright. The number of shares beneficially owned by an officer of the Company includes shares credited in the GenCorp Retirement Savings Plan as of January 31, 2008.
 
(2) Includes shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that may be exercised within 60 days of February 1, 2008 as follows: Mr. Didion — 16,790 shares; Mr. Osterhoff — 17,414 shares; Dr. Widnall — 17,414 shares; Mr. Hall — 321,316 shares; Ms. Seyal — 71,000 shares; Mr. Neish — 2,200 shares; and Mr. Whitney — 24,000 shares; and all executive officers and Directors as a group — 529,952 shares. Neither of Messrs. Bolden, Henderson, Lichtenstein, Lorber, Snyder, Turchin, Wicks, Woods or Blackburn holds stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 1, 2008.
 
(3) Some shares are held indirectly through the Didion Trust and James M. Osterhoff Trust, respectively.
 
(4) Messrs. Henderson, Lichtenstein and Turchin were each granted 500 restricted shares of the Company’s stock on March 5, 2008.
 
(5) As a member of a “group” for the purposes of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Mr. Henderson may be deemed a beneficial owner of all 8,034,059 shares of the Company’s common stock owned by Steel Partners II, L.P.
 
(6) This amount includes shares beneficially owned by Warren G. Lichtenstein and various affiliated entities, including Steel Partners II, L.P., Steel Partners II GP LLC, Steel Partners II Master Fund L.P., and Steel Partners, LLC., each of which reported sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to such shares. All of the foregoing information is according to Amendment No. 15 to a Schedule 13D dated January 30, 2008 and filed with the SEC on January 31, 2008.


20


 

 
Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines
 
The Company has adopted a code of ethics known as the Code of Business Conduct that applies to the Company’s employees including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller. Copies of the Code of Business Conduct and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on the Company’s web site at www.GenCorp.com (copies are available in print to any shareholder or other interested person who requests them by writing to Secretary, GenCorp Inc., P.O. Box 537012, Sacramento, California 95853-7012 (if by overnight courier, then Highway 50 & Aerojet Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742)).


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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
 
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities for general oversight of (i) the quality and integrity of the Company’s financial statements, (ii) the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence, (iii) the performance of the Company’s financial reporting process, internal control system, internal audit function and independent auditors, and (iv) the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee manages the Company’s relationship with its independent auditors, who report directly to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has the authority to obtain advice and assistance from outside legal, accounting or other advisors as the Audit Committee deems necessary to carry out its duties, with funding from the Company for such advice and assistance. Management is primarily responsible for establishing and maintaining the Company’s system of internal controls and preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
 
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements in the Annual Report, including a discussion of the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
 
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the Company’s financial statements with the independent auditors, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles, and discussed such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under generally accepted auditing standards. In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, and the auditors’ independence from management and the Company, including the written disclosures and letter received from the independent auditors as required by the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 and the compatibility of their non-audit services with maintaining their independence.
 
The Audit Committee also reviewed with management and the independent auditors the preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures contained in the Company’s earnings announcements and quarterly reports.
 
The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee met with the internal and independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting. The Audit Committee also received PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s report on the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Company outlined these reports in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007.
 
The Audit Committee met eight times during fiscal year 2007.
 
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to in the foregoing paragraphs, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors (and the Board approved) that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2007 for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for fiscal year 2008.
 
Submitted by the Audit Committee,
 
James M. Osterhoff, Chairman
David A. Lorber
Timothy A. Wicks
Robert C. Woods
 
January 22, 2008


22


 

 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
 
The Organization & Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussion, the Organization & Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement. The Board has approved that recommendation.
 
 
Submitted by the Organization & Compensation Committee,
 
 
Sheila E. Widnall, Chairwoman
Charles F. Bolden Jr.
David A. Lorber
Todd R. Snyder
 
 
January 22, 2008
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
Overview and Compensation Objectives
 
Our compensation program is designed to support our business goals and promote both short-term and long-term growth. In this section of the Proxy Statement, we explain how our compensation program is designed and operates with respect to our Named Executive Officers, which include our former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer, and three most highly compensated executive officers in fiscal year 2007.
 
We have designed our executive compensation program, under the direction of the Compensation Committee of the Board, to attract and retain high quality executive officers and directly link pay to our performance. The Company’s strategic goals include improving the Company’s financial performance, obtaining entitlements on the Company’s excess real estate, and managing the Company’s legacy liabilities. Accordingly, as discussed in more detail below, the Compensation Committee set performance targets for annual cash bonuses for 2007 relating to earnings per share, cash flow and various real estate objectives tied to the entitlement of our excess real estate.
 
The Compensation Committee determines all matters of executive compensation and benefits, although the CEO provides input and initial recommendations to the Compensation Committee with respect to the Named Executive Officers other than the CEO. The Compensation Committee advises and makes compensation recommendations to the independent members of the Board of Directors with respect compensation for the President and CEO.
 
The objectives of our executive compensation program are as follows:
 
  •  Performance Incentives — provides a compensation structure under which a meaningful portion of total compensation is based on achievement of performance goals.
 
  •  Competitive Compensation — provides compensation that is competitive with compensation for executive officers providing comparable services, taking into account our size and complexity and the markets we serve.
 
  •  Retention Incentives — provides incentives for long-term continued employment with us.


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  •  Stakeholder Incentives — promotes an ownership mentality that aligns management and shareholder interests. In this regard, the Compensation Committee approved share ownership guidelines that apply to our Named Executive Officers, where over a period of time, each Named Executive Officer is expected to own shares of our Common Stock equal in total market value to a designated multiple of such executive officer’s annual salary.
 
Compensation Benchmarking
 
The Compensation Committee sets base salaries, target annual cash incentive levels and target annual long-term incentive award values at the 50th percentile of competitive market levels. In assessing competitive overall compensation, the Compensation Committee reviewed a combination of relevant data acquired from outside sources including Towers Perrin (executive compensation database for annual revenue scope of $500 million to $1 billion), Hewitt & Associates (executive survey for annual revenue scope of $500 million to $1 billion), and Mercer Human Resource Consulting (executive survey for annual revenue scope of $500 million to $1 billion). The Compensation Committee did not retain a compensation consultant to assist in creating the compensation package for the Company’s executives for fiscal year 2007. The Compensation Committee has retained two consultants — Watson Wyatt Worldwide and FPL Associates LLP — to assist in designing compensation packages for the executives for fiscal year 2008.
 
Compensation Elements
 
The compensation program for executive officers consists of the following principal elements:
 
  •  Short-term compensation, including base salaries and annual cash incentive (bonus) awards,
 
  •  Long-term compensation equity incentive awards, including restricted stock and cash-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs),
 
  •  In-service and post-retirement/employment benefits — Pension and 401k Savings Plans, and
 
  •  Change in control agreements.
 
The Committee believes that these elements of compensation create a flexible package that reflects the long-term nature of the Company’s businesses and rewards both short and long-term performance of the Company and individual in accordance with the objectives of the compensation program.
 
Short-term Compensation
 
Base Salaries
 
Base salaries are used to provide a fixed amount of compensation for the executive’s regular work. Each year, the Compensation Committee holds a meeting (typically in January), where it reviews and, in some cases, makes adjustments to base salaries. Typically, the effective date of merit increases in base salaries is in April of each year. Base salary increases can also occur upon an executive’s promotion. Any base salary increase for the Company’s executive officers must be approved by the Compensation Committee. In determining the amount of any increases in salaries, the Compensation Committee (i) compares current cash compensation with compensation for comparable executive positions in industry studies and data described under Compensation Benchmarking, (ii) assesses the individual performance of each of the executives, and (iii) takes into account the timing and amount of the last salary increase for each of the executives.
 
Annual Cash Incentive Program
 
The primary objective of our annual cash incentive awards is to reward fiscal year performance and achievement of designated business strategic goals to provide competitive compensation to assist in


24


 

retaining our senior management team. To those ends, the Compensation Committee sets performance targets such that total cash compensation (base salary plus annual cash bonus) will be within a competitive range of total cash compensation (generally at the 50th percentile level for comparable executives) if performance targets are met. The annual cash incentive program follows our “pay for performance” philosophy. If targets are met, cash bonuses are paid; if minimum targets are not met, we will pay less or nothing at all. If targets are exceeded, the Compensation Committee has discretion to increase payments to the executives.
 
In order to promote the Company’s strategic goals of improving financial performance and obtaining entitlements on the Company’s excess real estate, the Compensation Committee set performance targets for annual cash bonuses for our Named Executive Officers for fiscal year 2007, consisting of earnings per share, cash flow and various real estate objectives tied to the entitlement of our excess real estate.
 
In the first quarter of each fiscal year, typically in January, the Compensation Committee approves the annual cash incentive program for the executive officers of the Company. The target annual cash bonus is established through an analysis of compensation for comparable positions as noted in the studies described under Compensation Benchmarking and is intended to provide a competitive level of compensation when the executives achieve their performance objectives. Combined salaries and target bonus levels, on an aggregate basis, are intended to approximate the 50th percentile level. In the first quarter of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee:
 
  •  sets the overall Company and business segment performance objectives and payout ranges for the fiscal year,
 
  •  sets performance measures for the fiscal year,
 
  •  establishes a target, threshold, and maximum bonus opportunity for each executive officer, and
 
  •  measures performance and determines awards for the prior fiscal year.
 
Annual cash incentive bonuses are paid at the beginning of each fiscal year for the prior fiscal year’s performance. Bonuses paid are based upon the Compensation Committee’s (with input from the CEO) assessment of actual performance (individually and Company-wide) against pre-established Company and business segment performance objectives to determine the appropriate amount payable with respect to the applicable target bonus opportunity. The Compensation Committee has discretion to increase, reduce or eliminate payments and, in the past, has exercised its discretion to increase and decrease payments.
 
The Compensation Committee tailors both performance measures and targets in order to most accurately approximate success criteria for both of our business segments and the Company’s performance overall. For fiscal year 2007, our Named Executive Officers had the opportunity to earn up to the following percentages of their base salaries if all of their performance measures were met at the maximum (100%) target levels:
 
  •  President and Chief Executive Officer — 125%
 
  •  Business Unit Presidents* — 100%
 
  •  Senior Vice Presidents — 80% — 100%
 
  •  Vice Presidents — 50%
 
  *  The position of Business Unit President for the Real Estate segment was vacant at the end of fiscal year 2007


25


 

 
The criteria used in fiscal year 2007 were the following:
 
Corporate Executives — applicable to our corporate officers in fiscal year 207, which included all of the Named Executive Officers except for Mr. Neish who is part of our Aerospace and Defense Segment.
 
                 
      Maximum
       
      Target
       
Corporate Executive Targets     Opportunity       Was Target Met?
Economic Earnings Per Share(1) of $0.38
      33.33%       Yes
                 
Positive Cash Flow(2)
      33.33%       Yes
                 
Real Estate Segment Milestones — four objectives (not equally weighted) relating
to the attainment of certain milestones
that were generally tied to the
entitlement of our excess real estate
      33.34%       Only one of such four milestones was met representing 15% of
this 33.34% opportunity
(5% of the total 100% opportunity)
                 
Total Opportunity
      100.0%       Earned — 72%
                 
 
 
(1) We defined economic earnings per share to be income from continuing operations less certain non-cash expenses (such as retirement benefit expense and certain environmental-related and legacy expenses), and unusual items, all at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.
 
(2) We defined cash flow to be total net change in cash and debt balances — excluding the effects of the early payment by American Pacific Corporation of its note payable to the Company.
 
Aerospace and Defense Segment — applicable to Mr. Neish as the business unit president of our Aerospace and Defense Segment.
 
                 
      Maximum
       
      Target
       
Aerospace and Defense Segment Targets     Opportunity       Was Target Met?
Fiscal Year over Year Segment Revenue Growth
      20.00%       Yes — Third Cliff
•   First Cliff — 9.3% growth — 30%
               
•   Second Cliff — 12.2% growth — 75%
               
•   Third Cliff — 18.3% growth — 100%
               
                 
Total Segment Performance
      40.00%       Yes — Third Cliff
•   First Cliff — $67.0 million — 30%
               
•   Second Cliff — $70.4 million — 75%
               
•   Third Cliff — $73.7 million — 100%
               
                 
Full Fiscal Year Segment Cash Flow
      20.00%       Yes — First Cliff
•   First Cliff — $27.0 million — 30%
               
•   Second Cliff — $40.0 million — 75%
               
•   Third Cliff — $54.0 million — 100%
               
                 
Average Segment Cash Flow(1)
      20.00%       Yes — Third Cliff
•   First Cliff — $(2.0) million — 30%
               
•   Second Cliff — $3.0 million — 75%
               
•   Third Cliff — $8.0 million — 100%
               
                 
Total Opportunity
      100.0%       Earned — 86%
                 
 
 
(1) We defined Average Segment Cash Flow as the sum of quarterly cumulative cash flow divided by four.
 
The fiscal year 2007 cash incentive awards paid to each of the Named Executive Officers are shown in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table, which follows this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.


26


 

Long-Term Incentives (Equity-Based Compensation)
 
We believe that the use of long-term incentive compensation for executives reinforces four strategic objectives:
 
  •  To focus on the importance of returns to shareholders,
 
  •  To promote the achievement of long-term performance goals,
 
  •  To encourage executive retention, and
 
  •  To promote higher levels of Company stock ownership by executives.
 
Accordingly, we strive to set a sizeable portion of our Named Executive Officer’s compensation in an equity-based form. This type of compensation, coupled with our share ownership guidelines, will result in our executives becoming shareholders with considerable personal financial interest in the fiscal health and performance of the Company.
 
We determine the amount of equity-based awards by subtracting the executive’s annual cash compensation opportunity from the total targeted annual compensation that is competitive with the market (generally in the 50th percentile range). The ultimate value of these equity-based awards is driven in part by the executive’s performance in the past fiscal year and in part by their ability to increase the value of the Company going forward.
 
Our equity-based compensation in fiscal year 2007 included awards of restricted stock and cash-settled SARs. These types of equity are described as follows:
 
  •  Restricted stock — A grant of restricted stock is an award of shares of Common Stock that typically vests over a two- to five-year period after the grant date (depending upon the vesting conditions set by the Compensation Committee), provided that underlying goals are met in the case of performance-based grants or that the participant remains employed with the Company for the specified amount of time in the case of non-performance time-based grants. Restricted stock awards are designed to attract and retain executives by providing them with some of the benefits associated with stock ownership during the restriction period, while incentivizing them to remain with the Company. During the restricted period, the executives may not sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise convey their restricted stock. However, executives may vote their shares and are entitled to receive dividend payments, if any are made. Executives who voluntarily resign or are terminated for cause prior to the end of the restriction period forfeit their restricted stock unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee.
 
  •  Cash-Settled SARs — The value of cash-settled SARs reflects the difference between the value of shares of Common Stock at the time of exercise of the SARs and a predetermined exercise price. This difference is settled in cash; no shares of Common Stock are issued. SARs are designed to attract and retain executives by compensating them for increases in shareholder value over time. SARs are generally exercisable in one-third increments at one year, two years, and three years from the date of grant and have a ten year contractual life. As with restricted stock grants, executives who voluntarily resign or are terminated for cause immediately forfeit all SARs that have not vested unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee.
 
Upon a change in control of the Company, any unvested equity awards become immediately vested.
 
A review is conducted each year by the Compensation Committee to determine the appropriate mix of restricted stock, SARs, and stock options.
 
Because of limited availability of awardable shares under the 1999 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, equity awards over the last two fiscal years have been more heavily weighted to cash-settled SARs. The split has been approximately two-thirds SARs and one-third restricted stock. We believe that this


27


 

allocation is conducive to creating a balanced risk and reward profile for our Named Executive Officers. SARs, like stock options, are more sensitive to changing perceptions in the stock market as well as the Company’s performance during the life of the SARs. We believe the risk inherent in SARs and the relative level of stability implicit in restricted stock appropriately motivates our Named Executive Officers to achieve financial and operating goals that are aggressive, but achievable.
 
Annual restricted stock and SARs grants are typically made by the Compensation Committee to executives at the Committee’s first meeting of the fiscal year — usually in January or February. The timing of the grants follows the Company’s historical practice. All such grants of SARS are made with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of stock on the date of grant, which is defined as the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant.
 
In order to promote improvement in the Company’s financial performance, and subject to accelerated vesting upon a change in control, the restricted stock grants made by the Compensation Committee to executives in fiscal year 2007 vest only upon the achievement of financial performance goals set by the Compensation Committee. The performance targets for the restricted stock vesting were economic earnings per share of $0.38 (50% weighting) and positive cash flow (50% weighting) with vesting over two years from the date of grant. These performance targets were met for fiscal year 2007. The SARs awards were granted under the terms (three year vesting) described above.
 
In addition, in order to promote improvement in the Company’s financial performance and achievement of certain strategic goals, portions of the restricted stock grants in fiscal year 2005 vested only upon the achievement in fiscal year 2007 of certain financial goals (35% weighting — half of which was tied to economic earnings per share of $0.38 and half to positive cash flow) and the completion of certain real estate entitlement related milestones (65% weighting). The targets for economic earnings per share and cash flow were met, while the entitlement related milestones were not; consequently, only 35% of the 2005 shares that were awarded actually vested for fiscal year 2007.
 
In order to strengthen the alignment between the interests of shareholders and the interests of executives of the Company, the Compensation Committee approved share ownership guidelines that apply to the Company’s executive officers. Under these guidelines, each executive officer is expected to have equity in the Company equal in aggregate market value to a designated multiple of such officer’s annual salary (CEO — five times base salary; Senior Vice Presidents and Business Unit Presidents — three times base salary; and Vice Presidents — one times base salary). In calculating the amount of equity owned by an executive, the Committee looks at the value of Company stock owned by the executive (regardless of whether it is restricted stock or vested), and the value of any vested “in the money” options or SARs (i.e. market value of stock in excess of the strike price for the stock option or SAR). Newly appointed executives are expected to be in compliance with the ownership guidelines within five years of their appointments. As of January 31, 2008, all of the Named Executive Officers have met, or are in the transition period set forth in, these guidelines. The Compensation Committee reviews these guidelines periodically, and considers adjustments when appropriate.
 
Pension, 401K Savings and Other Plans
 
Pension Plan
 
The Named Executive Officers participate in the same tax-qualified pension and savings plans as other employees. These plans include the GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan — a tax-qualified defined benefit plan, and the Benefits Restoration Plan — a non-qualified defined benefit plan. There are no employee contributions required in order to participate in these defined benefit plans.
 
The GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan includes several formulas for the determination of benefits. The Plan provides that participants will receive the larger of the “five-year average compensation


28


 

formula” and the “career average formula.” Both formulae define compensation to recognize base salary and annual incentive (cash bonus) compensation.
 
  •  The “five-year average compensation formula” is the sum of (A) and (B) where (A) equals the sum of (i) 1.125% of the participant’s highest five-year average compensation up to the Average Social Security Wage Base (ASSWB), and (ii) 1.5% of such five-year average compensation in excess of the ASSWB, which sum is multiplied by the total of such years of service up to 35 years, and (B) equals 1.5% of such five-year average compensation multiplied by the total years of service in excess of 35 years.
 
  •  The “career average formula” provides that for each year of service prior to attainment of 35 years of service, the employee will be credited 1.625% of annual compensation up to the ASSWB plus 2.0% of annual compensation in excess of the ASSWB and, after attainment of 35 years of service, 2.0% of annual compensation. The published ASSWB applicable to the plan year ended November 30, 2007 is $48,600.
 
The purpose of the Benefits Restoration Plan is to restore the pension plan benefits which executives and their beneficiaries would otherwise lose as a result of Internal Revenue Code limitations upon accrual and/or payment of benefits from a tax-qualified pension plan. By restoring such benefits, Benefits Restoration Plan permits the total benefits to be provided on the same basis as applicable to all other employees under the qualified pension plan.
 
The GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan and the Benefits Restoration Plan provide an incentive for a long-term career, which supports our goal of retaining valued employees, including our top executives. The pension benefit formulae deliver higher returns to participants the longer they are with the Company and as their compensation levels increase.
 
If a change in control of the Company occurs, the Company is required to fund into a grantor trust an amount equal to the present value of the accrued pension benefits under Benefits Restoration Plan for all participants in such plan.
 
Further details regarding these programs, including the estimated value of retirement benefits for each Named Executive Officer, are found in the section entitled 2007 Pension Benefits beginning on page 35. The change in the actuarial pension value from fiscal year 2006 to fiscal year 2007 is presented in the “Change in Pension Value” column of the Summary Compensation Table on page 31.
 
401K Savings Plan
 
The Named Executive Officers are also eligible to participate in the GenCorp Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) plan generally available to all Company employees. The GenCorp Retirement Savings Plan is a tax-qualified defined contribution savings plan in which participating employees receive a Company match.
 
The Named Executive Officers participate in the related non-qualified Benefits Restoration Savings Plan. The Benefits Restoration Plan Saving Plan permits personal savings and Company matches on amounts above those permitted under the 401(k) plan due to certain limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Details about the Benefits Restoration Plan Savings Plan are presented in the section entitled 2007 Non-qualified Deferred Compensation beginning on page 36.
 
Change in Control Agreements and Plan Provisions
 
The Company has change in control severance agreements with each of the Named Executive Officers. We consider these agreements to be in the best interest of our shareholders to foster the continuous employment and dedication of key executives without potential distraction or personal concern in the event of a change in control. These agreements help to ensure that our executives continue to


29


 

perform in their roles when a potential change in control is impending, and are protected against the loss of their positions following a change in the ownership or control of the Company. These agreements also provide a sense of security to our executives that they will be treated fairly in the event of a termination not for cause following a change in control of the Company. If a change in control of the Company occurs, the Company is required to fund into a grantor trust an amount to cover potential severance payments to the Company’s executives. A description of these agreements can be found on page 37 under the section entitled Change in Control Severance Agreements.
 
Other
 
The GenCorp Foundation matches employee and Director gifts to accredited, non-profit colleges, universities, secondary and elementary public or private schools located in the United States. Gifts made are matched dollar for dollar up to $7,500 per year per donor.
 
Indebtedness of Management
 
During fiscal year 2007, Mr. Hall had the principal sum of $77,170 indebtedness outstanding under the GenCorp Key Employee Loan Program (the Loan Program), which was approved by the Board to enable employees whose restricted stock had vested to pay taxes on the stock and retain it for as long as they remain in the employ of the Company. Repayment provisions under the Loan Program begin upon termination of employment. Interest, which is calculated and payable annually, is charged at the Company’s marginal borrowing rate which for 2007 was 5.45%. Interest accrued for fiscal year 2007 totaled $4,201 for Mr. Hall and such amount has been paid. The largest principal amount of indebtedness under the program during fiscal year 2007 for Mr. Hall was $77,170. Following the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Loan Program was terminated effective July 30, 2002, but outstanding loans remain in effect in accordance with their existing terms.
 
Tax Deductibility under Section 162(m)
 
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code imposes limits on the deductibility of certain compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to the CEO and other executive officers of public companies. Management and the Compensation Committee have reviewed the regulations and feel that the current compensation program and policies are appropriate. Depending upon a variety of factors (including Company performance), it is possible for one or more executive officers to surpass the $1,000,000 threshold under the executive officer compensation program. At this time, the Compensation Committee believes that accommodating the Internal Revenue Service regulations will not produce material benefits or increases in shareholder value. However, the Compensation Committee intends to review this issue regularly and may change its position in future years.


30


 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation for each of the Named Executive Officers for fiscal year 2007.
 
                                                                                 
                              Non-Equity
                 
                  Stock
    Options/SARs
    Incentive Plan
    Change in
    All Other
     
            Salary
    Awards
    Awards
    Compensation
    Pension Value
    Compensation
    Total
Name and Principal Position     Year     ($)(1)     ($)(2)     ($)(2)     ($)(3)     ($)(4)     ($)(5)     ($)
Terry L. Hall
                                                                               
Former President and Chief Executive Officer       2007       $ 630,000       $ 545,065       $ 197,032       $ 567,000       $ 111,487       $ 42,903       $ 2,093,487  
                                                                                 
Yasmin R. Seyal
                                                                               
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer       2007         338,926         240,700         68,850         297,500 (6)       83,454         22,007         1,051,437  
                                                                                 
J. Scott Neish
                                                                               
Interim CEO and President (effective March 5, 2008) and Vice President and President, Aerojet-General Corporation       2007         304,427         187,281         60,251         275,203         96,602         29,041         952,805  
                                                                                 
Mark A. Whitney
                                                                               
Senior Vice President; General Counsel and Secretary       2007         280,237         100,862         43,571         163,013         21,533         15,498         624,714  
                                                                                 
R. Leon Blackburn
                                                                               
Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer       2007         244,582         148,516         21,551         88,923         50,410         13,591         567,573  
                                                                                 
 
(1) The amount reported in this column for each Named Executive Officer reflects the dollar amount of base salary paid in fiscal year 2007, including salary increases effective in April 2007.
 
(2) The amounts reported in these columns for each Named Executive Officer reflect the compensation costs for financial reporting purposes for the fiscal year under SFAS 123(R), rather than amounts paid to or realized by the Named Executive Officer for outstanding equity awards granted in and prior to fiscal year 2007. A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these values may be found in Note 8c in the audited financial statements in Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2007. A description of these awards appears in the footnotes following the 2007 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 32 and the Outstanding Equity Awards at 2007 Fiscal Year-End table on page 33.
 
(3) The amount reported in this column for each Named Executive Officer reflects annual cash incentive compensation, which is based on performance in fiscal year 2007. This annual incentive compensation is discussed in further detail in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 23.
 
(4) The amount reported in this column for each Named Executive Officer reflects the aggregate increase in the actuarial present value of their accumulated benefits under all pension plans from August 31, 2006 to August 31, 2007 (the pension measurement date for purposes of the Company’s financial statements), determined using interest and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s financial statements and includes amounts which the Named Executive Officer may not currently be entitled to receive because such amounts are not vested. Information regarding these pension plans is set forth in further detail under the section entitled 2007 Pension Benefits on page 35.
 
(5) The amounts reported in this column for each Named Executive Officer include the following:
 
All Other Compensation
 
                                                             
            Company
                       
            Matching
                       
            Contribution to
                       
      Company
    Benefits
                Perquisites
     
      Matching
    Restoration
    Matching Gift
          And Other
     
      Contribution to
    Plan -
    by the GenCorp
    Tax
    Personal
    Total
Name     401k Plan     Savings Plan     Foundation     Gross Up     Benefits     ($)
Terry L. Hall
    $ 10,125       $ 30,628       $       $       $ 2,150       $ 42,903  
                                                             
Yasmin R. Seyal
      7,872         10,135         4,000*                         22,007  
                                                             
J. Scott Neish
      9,813         15,949                 808         2,471         29,041  
                                                             
Mark A. Whitney
      10,125         5,373                                 15,498  
                                                             
R. Leon Blackburn
      10,840         2,751                                 13,591  
                                                             
* Represents matching contribution made by the GenCorp Foundation for a gift made by Ms. Seyal in fiscal year 2007.


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(6) In January 2008, the Compensation Committee used its discretion and increased the cash bonus paid to Ms. Seyal from 72% of her base salary (reflecting certain performance targets having been met as discussed above under Annual Cash Incentive Program) to 85% of her base salary.
 
2007 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
 
The following table provides information for each of the Named Executive Officers regarding fiscal year 2007 annual and long-term incentive award opportunities, including the range of possible payments under non-equity incentive plans.
 
                                                                                                               
                                                Other
                 
                                                Stock
                Grant Date
                                                Awards:
    Number of
          Fair Value
            Estimated Possible Payouts Under
    Estimated Future Payouts Under
    Number of
    Securities
    Exercise
    of Stock
            Non-Equity Incentive Plan
    Equity Incentive Plan
    Shares of
    Underlying
    Price of
    and
      Grant
    Awards ($)(1)     Awards (#)(2)     Stock or
    Options/
    Options/SARs
    Option/SARs
Name     Date     Threshold     Target     Maximum     Threshold     Target     Maximum     Units (#)     SARs (#)     ($/Sh)     Awards(3)
                                                                                                               
Terry L. Hall
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Restricted Stock  
      1-17-2007                                       0         35,000         35,000                                   $ 479,850  
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
SARs  
      1-17-2007                                                                               100,000       $ 13.71         775,700  
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Annual Incentive Bonus  
              $ 0       $ 420,000       $ 787,500                                                                        
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Yasmin R. Seyal
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Restricted Stock  
      1-16-2007                                       0         15,000         15,000                                     206,250  
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
SARs  
      1-16-2007                                                                               35,000         13.75         272,265  
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Annual Incentive Bonus  
                0       $ 187,000       $ 350,004                                                                        
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
J. Scott Neish
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Restricted Stock  
      1-16-2007                                       0         10,000         10,000                                     137,500  
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
SARs  
      1-16-2007                                                                               30,000         13.75         233,370  
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Annual Incentive Bonus  
                0       $ 96,000       $ 320,004                                                                        
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Mark A. Whitney
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Restricted Stock  
      1-16-2007                                       0         7,000         7,000                                     96,250  
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
SARs  
      1-16-2007                                                                               15,000         13.75         116,685  
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Annual Incentive Bonus  
                0       $ 121,000       $ 226,406                                                                        
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
R. Leon Blackburn
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Restricted Stock  
      1-16-2007                                       0         5,000         5,000                                     68,750  
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
SARs  
      1-16-2007                                                                               12,000         13.75         93,348  
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               
Annual Incentive Bonus  
                0       $ 66,000       $ 123,504                                                                        
 
 
 
(1) Reflects the possible payout amounts of non-equity incentive plan awards that could have been earned in fiscal year 2007. See the Summary Compensation Table for the amounts actually earned and paid out in January 2008.
 
(2) These performance-based restricted stock awards were granted in January 2007 and were scheduled to vest in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant (January 23, 2008 and 2009 for Mr. Hall; January 22, 2008 and 2009 all other Named Executive Officers) provided the Company achieves earnings per share and cash flow performance goals for 2007 (targets were met). All of such shares vested on March 5, 2008 as a result of the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners.
 
(3) The fair value of SARs was estimated using a Black-Scholes Model with the following weighted average assumptions at the date of grant:
 
           
Expected life (in years)
      8.0  
           
Volatility
      44 %
           
Risk-free interest rate
      4.58 %
           
Dividend yield
      0.00 %
           


32


 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2007 FISCAL YEAR END
 
The following table provides information for each of the Named Executive Officers regarding stock awards, SARs, and outstanding stock options held by the officers as of November 30, 2007.
 
                                                                                 
      Option/SARs Awards     Stock Awards
                              Service-Based
    Equity Incentive
                              Equity Awards     Plan Awards
                                                Market or
                                          Number of
    Payout Value
      Number of
    Number of
                Number of
          Unearned
    of Unearned
      Securities
    Securities
                Shares or
    Market Value
    Shares, Units
    Shares, Units
      Underlying
    Underlying
    Option/
          Units of
    of Shares or
    or Other
    or Other
      Unexercised
    Unexercised
    SARs
    Option/
    Stock That
    Units of Stock
    Rights That
    Rights That
      Options/SARs
    Options/SARs
    Exercise
    SARs
    Have
    That Have
    Have Not
    Have Not
      (#)
    (#)
    Price
    Expiration
    Not Vested
    Not Vested
    Vested
    Vested
Name     Exercisable     Unexercisable     ($)     Year     (#)     ($)(2)     (#)     ($)(2)
Terry L. Hall                                                                                
                                                                                 
Restricted Stock                                                 10,000 (1)     $ 121,000                      
                                                                    9,748 (3)     $ 117,951  
                                                                    19,500 (4)       235,950  
                                                                    35,000 (5)       423,500  
                                                                                 
SARs                 100,000       $ 13.71         2017                                          
        23,000         46,000         19.52         2016                                          
        28,000         14,000         18.78         2015                                          
                                                                                 
Stock Options         100,000                 7.73         2013                                          
        40,000                 9.77         2012                                          
        30,000                 15.43         2012                                          
        45,000                 10.44         2011                                          
        40,000                 8.19         2010                                          
        66,316                 12.20         2009                                          
                                                                                 
Yasmin R. Seyal                                                                                
                                                                                 
Restricted Stock                                                 6,000 (1)       72,600                      
                                                                    4,000 (3)       48,400  
                                                                    8,000 (4)       96,800  
                                                                    15,000 (5)       181,500  
                                                                                 
SARs                 35,000         13.75         2017                                          
        7,834         15,666         19.34         2016                                          
        11,333         5,667         18.51         2015                                          
                                                                                 
Stock Options         36,000                 7.73         2013                                          
        20,000                 15.43         2012                                          
        10,000                 10.44         2011                                          
        5,000                 10.13         2010                                          
                                                                                 
J. Scott Neish                                                                                
                                                                                 
Restricted Stock                                                 15,000 (6)       181,500                      
                                                                    10,000 (5)       121,000  
                                                                                 
SARs                 30,000         13.75         2017                                          
        7,167         14,333         19.34         2016                                          
                5,000         18.55         2015                                          
                1,500         18.71         2015                                          
        1,333         667         18.71         2015                                          
                                                                                 
Stock Options         2,200                 9.29         2013                                          
                                                                                 
Mark A. Whitney                                                                                
                                                                                 
Restricted Stock                                                 2,500 (1)       30,250                      
                                                                    1,248 (3)       15,101  
                                                                    2,500 (4)       30,250  
                                                                    7,000 (5)       84,700  
                                                                                 
SARs                 15,000         13.75         2017                                          
                15,000         15.11         2016                                          
        2,500         5,000         19.34         2016                                          
        3,333         1,667         18.51         2015                                          
                                                                                 
Stock Options         24,000                 6.53         2013                                          
                                                                                 
R. Leon Blackburn                                                                                
                                                                                 
Restricted Stock                                                 15,000 (7)       181,500                      
                                                                    5,000 (5)       60,500  
                                                                                 
SARs                 12,000         13.75         2017                                          
        1,667         3,333         20.25         2016                                          
                                                                                 
 
(1) These shares, granted in February 2005, vested on the third anniversary of the grant date (February 8, 2008 for Mr. Hall and February 7, 2008 for Ms. Seyal and Mr. Whitney).


33


 

 
(2) The market value was calculated multiplying the number of unvested shares by the closing market price of the Company’s common stock ($12.10) on November 30, 2007.
 
(3) These performance-based restricted stock awards were granted in February 2005. Half of these amounts vested in February 2008 after the Company achieved earnings per share and cash flow performance goals for fiscal year 2007. The balance of such amounts were originally scheduled to vest in February 2009 provided the Company achieved earnings per share and cash flow performance goals for 2008. All of such shares vested on March 5, 2008 as a result of the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners.
 
(4) These performance-based restricted stock awards were granted in February 2005 and were originally scheduled to vest upon the attainment of certain milestones that are generally tied to the entitlement of the Company’s excess real estate. All of such shares vested on March 5, 2008 as a result of the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners.
 
(5) These performance-based restricted stock awards were granted in January 2007 and were originally scheduled to vest in two equal installments on (i) January 22, 2008, and (ii) January 17, 2009 for Mr. Hall and January 16, 2009 for the other Named Executive Officers, after the Company achieved earnings per share and cash flow performance goals for fiscal year 2007. The first installment vested on January 22, 2008. The balance of such shares vested on March 5, 2008 as a result of the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners.
 
(6) These restricted stock awards were granted on December 1, 2005 and were originally scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of the grant date provided Mr. Neish is employed by the Company on such date. All of such shares vested on March 5, 2008 as a result of the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners.
 
(7) These restricted stock awards were granted on February 6, 2006 and were originally scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of the grant date provided Mr. Blackburn is employed by the Company on such date. All of such shares vested on March 5, 2008 as a result of the Shareholder Agreement with Steel Partners.
 
2007 OPTION/SARs EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
 
The following table provides information for each of the Named Executive Officers regarding stock option and SARs exercises and stock award vestings during fiscal year 2007.
 
                                         
      Option/SARs Awards(1)     Stock Awards
      Number of
          Number of
     
      Shares
          Shares
     
      Acquired
    Value Realized
    Acquired
    Value Realized
      on Exercise
    on Exercise
    on Vesting
    on Vesting
Name of Executive Officer     (#)     ($)     (#)(2)     ($)(3)
Terry L. Hall
                      14,338       $ 213,011  
                                         
Yasmin R. Seyal
                      5,725         84,166  
                                         
J. Scott Neish
                      3,500         51,345  
                                         
Mark A. Whitney
                      2,238         32,888  
                                         
R. Leon Blackburn
                      1,313         19,367  
                                         
 
(1) No stock options or SARs were exercised during fiscal year 2007.
 
(2) The amounts reported in this column reflect restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal year 2007.
 
(3) The value realized on vesting is calculated by multiplying the number of shares by the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the vesting date.


34


 

 
2007 PENSION BENEFITS
 
GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan
 
The GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan is a tax-qualified defined benefit plan covering substantially all salaried and hourly employees. Normal retirement age is 65, but certain plan provisions allow for earlier retirement. Pension benefits are calculated under formulas based on average earnings and length of service for salaried employees and under negotiated non-wage based formulas for hourly employees. The two formulas applicable to the Named Executive Officers are the “five-year average compensation formula” and the “career average formula.” The “five-year average compensation formula” is the sum of (A) and (B) where (A) equals the sum of (i) 1.125% of the participant’s highest five-year average compensation up to the Average Social Security Wage Base (ASSWB), and (ii) 1.5% of such five-year average compensation in excess of the ASSWB, which sum is multiplied by the total of such years of service up to 35 years, and (B) equals 1.5% of such five-year average compensation multiplied by the total years of service in excess of 35 years. The “career average formula” provides that for each year of service prior to attainment of 35 years of service, the employee will be credited 1.625% of annual compensation up to the ASSWB plus 2.0% of annual compensation in excess of the ASSWB and, after attainment of 35 years of service, 2.0% of annual compensation. The published ASSWB applicable to the plan year ended November 30, 2007 is $48,600.
 
Benefits Restoration Plan — Pension Plan
 
Total pension benefits for the Named Executive Officers are determined under a combination of the Benefits Restoration Plan (BRP), which is a non-qualified plan, and the GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan. As set forth above, the GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan is a qualified pension plan that provides income continuation for employees, the amount of which is limited by applicable federal tax laws and regulations. The amount that would have been provided under this plan absent the limit imposed by federal tax laws and regulations are payable under the Benefits Restoration Plan. Retired executives’ tax-qualified benefits are pre-funded and are paid out of the assets of the qualified plan; however, non-qualified benefits are not pre-funded and are paid out of the Company’s general assets. If a change in control of the Company occurs, the Company is required to fund into a grantor trust an amount equal to the present value of the accrued pension benefits under Benefits Restoration Plan for all participants in such plan.
 
The following table provides information as of August 31, 2007 for each of the Named Executive Officers regarding the actuarial present value of their total accumulated benefit under GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan and the Benefits Restoration Plan.
 
                                     
                  Present Value
    Payments
            Number of Years
    of Accumulated
    During Fiscal
            Credited Service
    Benefit
    Year 2007
Name     Plan Name     (#)(1)     ($)(2)     ($)
Terry L. Hall    
GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan
      8       $ 209,606          
     
BRP
      8         497,114          
                                     
Yasmin R. Seyal
   
GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan
      18         278,133          
     
BRP
      18         240,212          
                                     
J. Scott Neish
   
GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan
      5         180,275          
     
BRP
      5         133,879          
                                     
Mark A. Whitney
   
GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan
      4         71,296          
     
BRP
      4         25,604          
                                     
R. Leon Blackburn
   
GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan
      2         68,832          
     
BRP
      2         3,886          
                                     


35


 

(1) Credited service under the GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan and the BRP is determined uniformly for all participants in accordance with such plans.
 
(2) The amounts reported in this column were calculated assuming no future service or pay increases. Present values were calculated assuming no pre-retirement mortality or termination. The values under the GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan and the BRP are the actuarial present values as of August 31, 2007 of the benefits earned as of that date and payable at the earliest age for unreduced benefits (the earlier of age 65, or age 62 with 10 years of service). The discount rate assumption is 6.40% for both plans. The post-retirement mortality assumption of the two pension plans is RP 2000 no-collar, projected to 2005. In order to determine the change in pension values for the Summary Compensation Table on page 31, the values of GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan and the BRP were also calculated as of August 31, 2006 for the benefits earned as of that date. The discount rate assumption used for both plans was 6.00%, which was the assumption used for financial reporting purposes for fiscal year 2006. Other assumptions used to determine the value as of August 31, 2006 were the same as those used as of August 31, 2007. The assumptions reflected in this footnote are the same as the ones used for GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan and the BRP for financial reporting purposes with the exception of assumed retirement age and the absence of pre-retirement mortality and termination assumptions.
 
2007 NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
 
Benefits Restoration Plan — Savings Plan
 
The Benefits Restoration Plan Savings Plan is a non-qualified, unfunded plan designed to enable participants to continue to defer their compensation on a pre-tax basis when such compensation or the participants’ deferrals to tax-qualified plans exceed applicable Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) limits. Under the Benefits Restoration Plan Savings Plan, employees who are projected to be impacted by the IRC limits, may, on an annual basis, elect to defer compensation earned in the current year such as salary and certain other incentive compensation. The Company makes a matching contribution in an amount equal to 100% of the participant’s contribution not to exceed 4.5% of the participant’s eligible compensation. Participants indicate how they wish their deferred compensation and the Company matching contributions to be notionally invested among the same investment options available through the GenCorp Retirement Saving Plan.
 
The following table provides information for each of the Named Executive Officers regarding aggregate officer and Company contributions and aggregate earnings for fiscal year 2007 and fiscal year-end account balances under the BRP Savings Plan.
 
                                                   
                              Aggregate
      Executive
    Company
    Aggregate
    Aggregate
    Balance at
      Contributions in
    Contributions in
    Earnings in
    Withdrawals/
    November 30,
      fiscal year 2007
    fiscal year 2007
    fiscal year 2007
    Distributions
    2007
Name     ($)(1)     ($)(2)     ($)(3)     ($)     ($)
Terry L. Hall
    $ 40,838       $ 30,628       $ 44,677               $ 589,088  
Yasmin R. Seyal
      13,758         10,135         5,354                 125,437  
J. Scott Neish
      28,355         15,949         4,047                 104,982  
Mark A. Whitney
      7,164         5,373         1,652                 42,798  
R. Leon Blackburn
      6,112         2,750         31                 8,893  
                                                   
 
(1) The amount reported in this column reflects amounts of compensation earned in fiscal year 2007 and deferred under the BRP Savings Plan.
 
(2) The amount reported in this column reflects Company matches under the BRP Savings Plan. These amounts are also included in the total amounts shown in the “All Other Compensation” column in the Summary Compensation Table on page 31.
 
(3) The amount reported in this column reflects interest credited on account holdings and change in value of other investment holdings.


36


 

 
Employment Agreements and Indemnity Agreements
 
Consistent with our compensation philosophy, there are no employment agreements with any of the Company’s officers, including the Named Executive Officers. As a result, these officers serve at the will of the Board of Directors. This policy enables the Company to remove a Named Executive Officer prior to retirement whenever it is in the best interests of the Company. When a Named Executive Officer is removed from his or her position, the Compensation Committee exercises its business judgment in considering whether or not to approve an appropriate severance arrangement for the individual in light of all relevant circumstances, including but not limited to his or her term of employment, past accomplishments and reasons for separation from the Company.
 
The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its Directors and the Named Executive Officers pursuant to which the Company is required to defend and indemnify such individuals if or when they are party or threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, proceeding or claim, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such individual is or was a Director and/or Named Executive Officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
 
Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control
 
Change in Control Severance Agreements
 
The Company has entered into change in control severance agreements with each of the Named Executive Officers, which will require the Company to provide compensation to such executives under certain circumstances following a change in control of the Company. These agreements help to ensure that the executives continue to perform in their roles when a potential change in control is impending and are protected against the loss of their positions following a change in control of the Company. As discussed below, these change in control severance agreements provide payouts of severance benefits to the executives only if such executives are terminated or otherwise leave the Company for “good reason” within three years after a change in control of the Company. The change in control severance agreements provide for a potential severance payment in an amount equal to the executive’s base salary plus bonus multiplied by (A) a factor of three in the case of Mr. Hall as President and Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Seyal and Mr. Whitney as Senior Vice Presidents, and by (B) a factor of two in the case of Mr. Neish and Mr. Blackburn. Such severance payments will become due if, within three years after a change in control, the executive’s employment is terminated by: (1) the Company, for any reason other than death, disability or cause, or (2) the executive, following the occurrence of one or more of the following events: (i) failure to elect, reelect or maintain the executive in office or substantially equivalent office, (ii) a significant adverse change in the nature or scope of authority or duties or reduction in base pay, incentive opportunity or employee benefits, (iii) a change in circumstances following a change in control, including, without limitation, a change in scope of business or activities for which the executive was responsible prior to the change in control, (iv) the liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, reorganization or transfer of substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, (v) the relocation of principal work location in excess of 30 miles, or (vi) any material breach of the agreement by the Company.
 
For purposes of computing an executive’s severance payment under the change in control severance agreements, base salary is the highest annual salary in effect for any period prior to a termination following the change in control, and the bonus amount is the greater of (1) the average of the annual bonus made or to be made to the executive in regard to services rendered in any fiscal year during the three immediately preceding fiscal years, and (2) 75% of the executive’s maximum bonus opportunity under the Company’s annual incentive compensation plan for the fiscal year in which the change in control occurs.
 
For purposes of the change in control severance agreements in place with the Named Executive Officers, a change in control will occur if one of the following occurs: (a) substantially all of the


37


 

Company’s assets are sold to, or the Company is merged into, another entity, with the result that less than 51% of the voting shares are held by persons who were shareholders prior to the transaction; (b) a report is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that an entity other than the Company, or a subsidiary or benefit plan of the Company has become beneficial owner of 20% or more of the voting power; (c) the individuals who, as of January 1, 2006 (the Effective Date) constituted the Board (the Incumbent Directors) cease for any reason, including without limitation as a result of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or similar transaction, to constitute a majority thereof, provided that (1) any individual becoming a Director of the Company subsequent to the Effective Date shall be considered an Incumbent Director if such person’s election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the other Incumbent Directors, and (2) any individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with or as a result of an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a “person” other than the Board, including by reason of agreement intended to avoid or settle any such actual or threatened contest or solicitation shall not be considered an Incumbent Director; or (d) the Board determines that a particular transaction will result in a change in control and is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
 
Upon termination of employment of the Named Executive Officers (except for termination by the Company for cause) following a change in control as noted above, the change in control severance agreements also provide for (i) the continuation of health benefits and life insurance coverage for 24 months, (ii) payment of $15,000 for financial counseling, (iii) vesting of accrued retirement benefits, (iv) payment of the amount required to cover excise taxes imposed under Internal Revenue Code Section 4999, if any, and (v) payment of costs associated with outplacement services up to 20% of the officer’s base salary (maximum benefits for outplacement services are as follows: Mr. Hall — $126,000; Ms. Seyal — $70,000; Mr. Neish — $64,000; Mr. Whitney — $56,600; and Mr. Blackburn — $49,400). In addition, whether or not there is a termination of employment of the Named Executive Officers, the change in control severance agreements provide for the payment of reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred when the officer is involved in a dispute while seeking to enforce the benefits and rights provided by the agreement.
 
Each of the change in control severance agreements has a three year term which is renewed annually unless, not later than September 30 of the preceding year, the Company or the Named Executive Officer gives notice that the term will not be extended.
 
If a change in control of the Company occurs, the Company is required to fund an existing grantor trust (which currently is unfunded) in an amount equal to the present value of the potential severance benefits and any tax gross ups for related excise taxes pursuant to Sections 4999 and 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, plus the amount of $500,000, which amount shall secure the Company’s obligations to reimburse the Company’s executives with respect to professional (e.g. accountants’ and attorneys’) fees incurred by the executives in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of the executives’ rights under the severance agreements. Upon a change in control, the Company is also required to fund into the grantor trust certain amounts due to the executives and other participants in certain deferred compensation plans and the Benefits Restoration Plan.
 
Change in Control Pension Benefits
 
In the event of a change in control of the Company, the Benefits Restoration Plan provides that all accrued benefits will be immediately vested and funded into a grantor trust. Such benefits would be paid as an annuity in accordance with the terms of the GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan and the related non-qualified Benefits Restoration Plan. As of November 30, 2007, Mr. Whitney and Mr. Blackburn were the only Named Executive Officers who were not vested in the Company’s pension plan.
 
In addition, immediately upon the occurrence of a change in control, any Company headquarters employee (which includes Mr. Hall, Ms. Seyal, Mr. Whitney and Mr. Blackburn) would have five years


38


 

added to both age and years of service for purposes of calculating his or her pension benefits under the GenCorp Consolidated Pension Plan and the related non-qualified Benefits Restoration Plan. Such additional benefits would be paid to each of the Named Executive Officer in accordance with the terms of those plans at the same times as his or her normal accrued benefits under those plans are paid.
 
Treatment of Equity Awards
 
Equity awards made to the Named Executive Officers generally provide for the immediate accelerated vesting of the award (including stock options, SARs, time-based restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock (regardless of whether or not the performance target is ultimately met)) upon a change in control of the Company regardless of whether a termination occurs.
 
Estimated Cost of Change in Control Benefits
 
The amount of the estimated incremental compensation and benefits payable to the Named Executive Officers assuming a change in control of the Company and a qualifying termination of employment as of November 30, 2007 are shown in the table below.
 
                                                                                 
                  Health and
                             
            Pension
    Welfare
    280G
                Value of
    Value of
      Cash
    Benefit
    Benefit
    Tax
    Financial
    Outplacement
    Unvested
    Unvested
      Severance     Increase(2)     Continuation     Gross-Up     Counseling     Services     Restricted Stock     SARs
Terry L. Hall
    $ 3,661,875       $ 1,409,296       $ 33,564       $ 2,567,076       $ 15,000       $ 126,000       $ 510,195       $ 116,421  
                                                                                 
Yasmin R. Seyal
      1,837,500         795,197         4,737         1,224,176         15,000         70,000         213,853         40,618  
                                                                                 
J. Scott Neish(1)
      1,120,000                 21,139         579,055         15,000         64,000         90,766          
                                                                                 
Mark A. Whitney
      1,358,400         177,034         28,524         649,877         15,000         56,600         81,026          
                                                                                 
R. Leon Blackburn
      679,250         339,513         2,556         328,202         15,000         49,400         65,651          
                                                                                 
 
(1) Mr. Neish is not eligible for the change in control pension benefit.
 
(2) The amounts reported in this column represent the actuarial present value as of November 30, 2007 of the additional pension benefits earned and payable at the earliest age for unreduced benefits (the earlier of age 65 or current age, or age 57 with 10 years of service) upon change in control. Present values were calculated assuming termination of employment on November 30, 2007. The discount rate assumption is 6.40%, and the post-retirement mortality assumption is RP 2000 no-collar, projected to 2005. The assumptions reflected in this footnote are the same as the ones used for the calculation of 2007 Pension Benefits on page 35 with the exception of termination assumption, and measurement date.


39


 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
 
The Company believes that the following table is an accurate representation of beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s 56,942,450 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding as of February 1, 2008 The table is based on reports of Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of February 14, 2008.
 
                 
      Amount and Nature of
    Percent
Beneficial Owner     Beneficial Ownership     of Class
Steel Partners II, L.P. 
      8,034,059(1 )     14.1%
590 Madison Avenue
32nd Floor
New York, NY 10022
               
                 
Sandell Asset Management Corp. 
      5,422,115(2 )     9.5%
40 West 57th Street
26th Floor
New York, NY 10019
               
                 
GAMCO Investors, Inc. 
      4,428,140(3 )     7.8%
One Corporate Center
Rye, NY 10580
               
                 
QVT Financial LP
      3,635,024(4 )     6.4%
1177 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, NY 10036
               
                 
Keeley Asset Management Corp. 
      3,160,860(5 )     5.6%
401 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60605
               
                 
Barclays Global Investors, NA and Barclays Global Fund Advisors
      3,144,618(6 )     5.5%
45 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
               
                 
GenCorp Retirement Savings Plans
      3,043,764(7 )     5.4%
c/o Fidelity Management Trust Company
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
               
                 
Sowood Capital Management LP
      2,992,400(8 )     5.3%
500 Boylston Street, 17th Floor
Boston, MA 02116
               
                 
Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC
      2,863,861(9 )     5.0%
101 John F. Kennedy Parkway
Short Hills, CA 07078
               
                 
 
(1) Includes shares beneficially owned by Warren G. Lichtenstein and various affiliated entities, including Steel Partners II, L.P., Steel Partners II GP LLC, Steel Partners II Master Fund L.P., and Steel Partners, LLC., each of which reported sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to such shares. All of the foregoing information is according to Amendment No. 15 to a Schedule 13D dated January 30, 2008 and filed with the SEC on January 31, 2008.
 
(2) Includes shares beneficially owned by Thomas E. Sandell and various affiliated entities, including Sandell Asset Management Corp., Castlerigg Master Investments Ltd., Castlerigg International Limited, Castlerigg International Holdings Limited, CGS, Ltd., and Castlerigg Global Select Fund Limited. Each of Thomas E. Sandell and Sandell Asset Management Corp reported shared voting and shared dispositive power with respect to 5,422,115 shares. Each of Castlerigg Master Investments Ltd., Castlerigg International Limited, and Castlerigg International Holdings Limited reported shared voting and shared dispositive power with respect to 3,922,248 shares. Each of CGS, Ltd. and Castlerigg Global Select Fund Limited reported shared voting and shared dispositive power with respect to 1,499,867 shares. All of the foregoing information is according to Amendment No. 3 to a Schedule 13D dated October 12, 2006 and filed with the SEC on October 13, 2006.
 
(3) Includes shares beneficially owned by Mario J. Gabelli and various affiliated entities, including Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management Inc. Gabelli Funds, LLC reported sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to


40


 

1,713,780 shares. GAMCO Asset Management Inc. reported sole voting power with respect to 2,659,360 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 2,714,360 shares. Includes 231,810 shares with respect to which the reporting persons have the right to acquire beneficial ownership upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes. All of the foregoing information is according to Amendment No. 44 to a Schedule 13D dated June 8, 2007 and filed with the SEC on June 8, 2007.
 
(4) Includes shares beneficially owned by QVT Financial LP and various affiliated entities. Each of QVT Financial LP and QVT Financial GP LLC reported shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 3,635,024 shares. QVT Fund LP reported shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 2,859,386 shares. QVT Associates GP LLC reported shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 3,173,781 shares. Includes 460,000 shares with respect to which the reporting persons have the right to acquire beneficial ownership upon conversion of the Company’s convertible notes. All of the foregoing information is according to Schedule 13G/A dated December 28, 2007 and filed with the SEC on December 31, 2007.
 
(5) Includes shares beneficially owned by Keeley Asset Management Corp., which reported sole voting power with respect to 3,058,260 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 3,160,860 shares. All of the foregoing information is according to Schedule 13G dated January 31, 2008 and filed with the SEC on February 14, 2008.
 
(6) Includes shares beneficially owned by Barclays Global Investors, NA. and Barclays Global Fund Advisors. Barclays Global Investors, NA reported sole voting power with respect to 971,663 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 1,147,869 shares. Barclays Global Fund Advisors reported sole voting power with respect to 1,527,703 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 1,996,749 shares. All of the foregoing information is according to Schedule 13G dated January 10, 2008 and filed with the SEC on February 5, 2008.
 
(7) Shares held as of December 31, 2007 by Fidelity Management Trust Company, the Trustee for the GenCorp Retirement Savings Plan.
 
(8) Includes shares beneficially owned by Sowood Capital Management LP, which reported shared voting power with respect to 2,992,400 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 2,992,400 shares. All of the foregoing information is according to Schedule 13G dated October 10, 1006 and filed with the SEC on October 10, 2006.
 
(9) Includes shares beneficially owned by Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, which reported sole voting power with respect to 2,863,861 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 2,863,861 shares. All of the foregoing information is according to Schedule 13G dated January 14, 2008 and filed with the SEC on January 30, 2008.
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s Directors and certain officers and persons who own more than ten percent of the outstanding Common Stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the SEC and the NYSE. The SEC also requires such persons to furnish the Company with copies of the Forms 3, 4 and 5 they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms that the Company has received, the Company believes that all of its Directors, executive officers and greater than ten percent beneficial owners complied with all filing requirements applicable to them with respect to transactions during fiscal year 2007, except that following a payout to Mr. Osterhoff under the Director Deferred Compensation Plan, the Form 4 to report this transaction was not filed until July 19, 2007 due to an administrative oversight.


41


 

 
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Audit Committee has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) to serve as the Company’s independent auditors for fiscal year 2008. The Audit Committee is submitting Proposal 2 to shareholders for ratification as a corporate governance practice. Ultimately, the Audit Committee retains full discretion and will make all determinations with respect to the appointment of the independent auditors, whether or not the Company’s shareholders ratify the appointment.
 
Representatives of PwC are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting to answer questions. They also will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.
 
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of PwC as our independent auditors for fiscal year 2008.
 
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is necessary to approve Proposal 2, the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent auditors. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal 2. The persons named in the accompanying form of proxy intend to vote such proxies to ratify the appointment of PwC unless a contrary choice is indicated.
 
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of PwC as the Company’s independent auditors for fiscal year 2008.
 
Audit Fees
 
The Auditors’ aggregate fees billed for fiscal years 2007 and 2006 for professional services rendered by them for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements, the review of financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, or services that are normally provided in connection with statutory audits were:
 
                 
    2007     2006  
    In Thousands  
 
Audit fees
  $ 2,514     $ 2,755  
 
Audit-Related Fees
 
The Auditors’ aggregate fees billed for fiscal years 2007 and 2006 for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements, and are not reported under “Audit Fees” above were:
 
                 
    2007     2006  
    In Thousands  
 
Audit-related fees
  $ 95     $ 495  
 
Audit-related fees consisted principally of audits of employee benefit plans and special procedures related to regulatory filings in fiscal years 2007 and 2006. In fiscal year 2006, PwC invoiced the Company for certain employee benefit plan audits for which the Company was later reimbursed by the respective plans. In fiscal year 2007, the employee benefit plans paid these fees directly to PwC.


42


 

Tax Fees
 
The Auditors’ aggregate fees billed for fiscal years 2007 and 2006 for professional services rendered by them for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were:
 
                 
    2007     2006  
    In Thousands  
 
Tax fees
  $ 96     $ 166  
 
All Other Fees
 
The Auditors’ aggregate fees billed for fiscal years 2007 and 2006 for products and services provided by them, other than those reported under “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees” and “Tax Fees,” were:
 
                 
    2007     2006  
    In Thousands  
 
All other fees
  $ 60     $ 27  
 
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Consistent with SEC policies regarding auditor independence, the Audit Committee has responsibility for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of the independent auditors. In recognition of this responsibility, the Audit Committee has established a policy to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors.
 
Prior to engagement of the independent auditors for the next year’s audit, management will submit an aggregate of services expected to be rendered during the year for Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and Other Fees for approval. Prior to engagement, the Audit Committee pre-approves these services by category of service. The fees are budgeted and the Audit Committee requires the independent auditors and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year by category of service. During the fiscal year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engage the independent auditors for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval. In those instances, the Audit Committee requires specific pre-approval before engaging the independent auditors.
 
The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. None of the services described above was approved by the Audit Committee under the de minimus exception provided by Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) under Regulation S-X.
 
Other Business
 
As of the time this revised Proxy Statement was printed, the Company was unaware of any proposals to be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting other than those set forth herein, but, if other matters do properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy pursuant to discretionary authority conferred thereby, to vote the proxy in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.
 
Submission of Shareholder Proposals
 
Shareholders who intend to have their proposals considered for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials related to the 2009 Annual Meeting must submit their proposals to the Company no later than November 11, 2008. Shareholders who intend to present a proposal at the 2009 Annual Meeting without inclusion of that proposal in the Company’s proxy materials are required to provide notice of their proposal to the Company no later than January 25, 2009. The Company’s proxy for the 2008 Annual


43


 

Meeting will grant authority to the persons named in the proxy card to exercise their voting discretion with respect to any proposal of which the Company does not receive notice by January 25, 2009. All proposals for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials and notices of proposals should be sent to Chairman of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, c/o Secretary, GenCorp Inc., P.O. Box 537012, Sacramento, CA 95853-7012 (overnight courier — Highway 50 & Aerojet Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742).
 
It is important that proxies be voted promptly; therefore, shareholders who do not expect to attend in person are urged to vote by either (a) using the toll-free telephone number shown on your proxy card, (b) casting your vote electronically at the web site listed on your proxy card, or (c) completing, signing, dating and promptly returning the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the United States.
 
 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
MARK A. WHITNEY
Senior Vice President
General Counsel and Secretary
 
 
March 10, 2008


44


 

     
(GENCORP LOGO)
  March 10, 2008
Dear Shareholder:
The Annual Meeting of shareholders of GenCorp Inc. will be held at The Ritz-Carlton, 1150 22nd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. on March 26, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. local time. At the meeting, shareholders will elect directors, ratify the appointment of the independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2008, and transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting. Whether or not you plan on attending the meeting, please review the enclosed proxy materials and vote your shares as described on the back of this card.
Timothy A. Wicks
Chairman of the Board
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
6 PLEASE DETACH PROXY CARD HERE 6
 
(GENCORP LOGO)
PROXY FOR HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK
SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
     
P
R
O
X
Y
  The undersigned hereby appoints Yasmin R. Seyal and Mark A. Whitney, and each of them, his or her proxy, with the power of substitution, to vote all shares of Common Stock of GenCorp Inc. which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at The Ritz-Carlton, 1150 22nd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. on March 26, 2008, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof, and appoints the proxyholders to vote as directed below and in accordance with their sole judgment on matters incident to the conduct of the meeting and on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.
 
   
 
  THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE SHAREHOLDER. IF NO CONTRARY DIRECTION IS GIVEN WHEN THE DULY EXECUTED PROXY IS RETURNED, SUCH SHARES WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL OF THE BOARD’S NOMINEES IN PROPOSAL 1, FOR PROPOSAL 2, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROXYHOLDERS’ SOLE JUDGMENT ON MATTERS INCIDENT TO THE CONDUCT OF THE MEETING AND ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” ALL PROPOSALS.
(Continued and to Be Signed On Reverse Side.)
PLEASE EXECUTE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY.

 


 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Please take a moment now to vote your shares of GenCorp Inc.
common stock for the upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
PLEASE REVIEW THE PROXY STATEMENT
AND VOTE TODAY IN ONE OF THREE WAYS:
1.   Vote by Telephone—Call toll-free in the U.S. or Canada at 1-866-814-2810, on a touch-tone telephone. If outside the U.S. or Canada, call 1-215-521-1341. Please follow the simple instructions.
OR
2.   Vote on the Internet—Access https://www.proxyvotenow.com/gen and follow the simple instructions. Please note, you must type an “s” after http.
()

You may vote by telephone or on the Internet 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner
as if you had marked, signed and returned a proxy card.
OR
3.   Vote by Mail—If you do not wish to vote by telephone or on the Internet, please complete, sign, date and return the proxy card in the envelope provided, or mail to: GenCorp Inc., c/o Innisfree M&A Incorporated, FDR Station, P.O. Box 5154, New York, NY 10150-5154.
6 PLEASE DETACH PROXY CARD HERE 6
 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
                                         
1.
  Election of directors
01 — James R. Henderson
02 — Warren G. Lichtenstein
03 — David A. Lorber
04 — Todd R. Snyder
  FOR
ALL
o
  WITHHOLD
FOR ALL
o
   
EXCEPTIONS*
o
    2.     Ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent auditors of the Company.    
FOR
o
   
AGAINST
o
   
ABSTAIN
o
    05 — Martin Turchin   To change your address, please mark this box and note changes to the left.
  o
 
  06 — Timothy A. Wicks                                    
 
  07 — Sheila E. Widnall                                    
    08 — Robert C. Woods   I plan to attend the meeting.
  o

* INSTRUCTIONS: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, MARK THE “EXCEPTIONS” BOX AND WRITE THAT NOMINEE’S NAME IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW.
Exceptions    
 
Date                                         , 2008
 
Signature
 
Signature (if jointly held)
 
Title
NOTE: Please sign your name exactly as it appears on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.


PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD TODAY IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED.