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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO.___)
Filed by the Registrant
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Universal Electronics, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Date Filed:
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April 30, 2009
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2009 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Universal Electronics Inc., to be held on
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 4:00 p.m., Pacific Daylight
Time, at our corporate office, 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress,
California 90630. We urge you to be present in person or
represented by proxy at this Meeting of Stockholders.
You will be asked to consider and vote upon the election of a
member of our Board of Directors and the ratification of the
Board of Directors engagement of our independent
registered public accountants for the year ending
December 31, 2009. Details of these proposals and a
description of our general business, directors and management
are set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement. The Board of
Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote to
approve all of the proposals.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person,
it is important that your shares are represented. Therefore,
please promptly complete, sign, date and return the enclosed
proxy card in the accompanying envelope, which requires no
postage if mailed within the United States. You are, of course,
welcome to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person even if
you previously returned your proxy card.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management of Universal
Electronics Inc., we thank you for all of your support.
Sincerely yours,
Paul D. Arling
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
UNIVERSAL
ELECTRONICS INC.
6101
Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630
714-820-1000
714-820-1010
Facsimile
www.uei.com
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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UNIVERSAL
ELECTRONICS INC.
Corporate Headquarters:
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630
to be Held on Tuesday,
June 16, 2009
The 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Universal Electronics
Inc., a Delaware corporation (Universal, the
Company, we, us or
our), will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at
4:00 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time, at our corporate office,
6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630. Doors to the
meeting will open at 3:30 p.m.
The meeting will be conducted:
1. To consider and vote upon the following proposals
(collectively, the Proposals), each of which is
described in more detail in the accompanying Proxy Statement:
Proposal One: The election of Paul D.
Arling as a Class I director to serve on the Board of
Directors until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be
held in 2010 or until the election and qualification of his
successor; and
Proposal Two: Ratification of the
appointment of Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, as our auditors for the year ending
December 31, 2009.
2. To consider and act upon such other matters as may
properly come before the meeting or any and all postponements or
adjournments thereof.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on
April 17, 2009 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at
the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy
Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on Tuesday,
June 16, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight
Time).
The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on
Form 10-K
are available at www.uei.com under the heading About
Us and then Investor and then SEC
Filings.
Richard A. Firehammer, Jr.
Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
April 30, 2009
Each
Stockholder is Requested to Execute and Promptly Return the
Enclosed Proxy Card in the Enclosed Prepaid Envelope.
UNIVERSAL
ELECTRONICS INC.
Proxy
Statement
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To be
held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Dated
as of and Mailed on or about April 30, 2009
Introduction
This Proxy Statement (the Proxy Statement) is being
furnished to stockholders of Universal Electronics Inc., a
Delaware corporation (Universal, the
Company, we, us or
our), in connection with the solicitation of proxies
by our Board of Directors (the Board or the
Board of Directors) from holders of record of our
outstanding shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share
(our Common Stock), as of the close of business on
April 17, 2009 (the Annual Meeting Record Date)
for use at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
Annual Meeting) to be held on Tuesday, June 16,
2009, at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) at our office,
6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630 and at any
adjournments or postponements thereof. This Proxy Statement and
the accompanying form of proxy are first being mailed to
stockholders on or about April 30, 2009. Our world
headquarters and principal executive offices are located at 6101
Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630.
Voting
Rights and Proxy Information
Only the holders of shares of our Common Stock as of the close
of business on the Annual Meeting Record Date will be entitled
to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any
adjournments or postponements thereof. Such holders of shares of
our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on any
matter that may properly come before the Annual Meeting. The
presence, either in person or by properly executed and delivered
proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
our Common Stock, as of the Annual Meeting Record Date, is
necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting and to
permit action to be taken by the stockholders at such meeting.
Under Delaware law, shares of our Common Stock represented by
proxies that reflect abstentions or broker non-votes
(i.e., shares held by a broker or nominee which are
represented at the Annual Meeting, but with respect to which
such broker or nominee is not empowered to vote on a particular
proposal) will be counted as shares that are present and
entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a
quorum.
The affirmative vote of a plurality of shares of our Common
Stock voted at the Annual Meeting is required to elect any
director nominated pursuant to Proposal One. One
Class I director will be elected at the Annual Meeting. The
nominee who receives the greatest number of votes cast for the
Class I directorship will be elected. Consequently, any
shares not voted (whether by abstention, broker non-vote or
otherwise) as to Proposal One will have no impact on
the election of the director, except to the extent that the
failure to vote for one individual results in another individual
receiving a greater number of votes. Thus, the withholding of a
vote with respect to the election of a particular nominee for
director will have the practical effect of a vote against that
nominee.
Passage of Proposal Two or any other question or
matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting requires the
approval of a majority of the shares of our Common Stock present
in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting. An
abstention with respect to any share will have the practical
effect of a vote against Proposal Two or any other
question or matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting. A
broker non-vote with respect to any share will not affect the
passage of Proposal Two or any other question or
matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting, since the
share is not considered present for voting purposes.
As of April 17, 2009, there were 13,616,847 shares of
our Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting. The directors and executive officers intend to vote in
accordance with the recommendations of the Board with respect to
Proposals One and Two, as well as any other question
or matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting.
All shares of our Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting
by properly executed and delivered proxies received prior to or
at the Annual Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the
Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated in
such proxies. If no instructions are indicated for any Proposal,
such proxies will be voted in accordance with the
recommendations of the Board as set forth herein with respect to
such Proposal.
If a quorum is not present at the time the Annual Meeting is
convened or if for any other reason we believe that additional
time should be allowed for the solicitation of proxies, then we
may adjourn the Annual Meeting with or without a vote of the
stockholders. If we propose to adjourn the Annual Meeting by a
vote of the stockholders, the persons named in the enclosed form
of proxy will vote all shares of our Common Stock for which they
have voting authority in favor of such adjournment.
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by
the person giving it at any time before it is voted. Proxies may
be revoked by (i) filing with Computershare
Trust Company, N.A. in its capacity as our transfer agent
(the Transfer Agent), at or before the Annual
Meeting, a written notice of revocation bearing a later date
than the proxy, (ii) duly executing a subsequent proxy
relating to the same shares of our Common Stock and delivering
it to the Transfer Agent at or before the Annual Meeting, or
(iii) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person
(although attendance at the Annual Meeting will not, in and of
itself, constitute a revocation of a proxy). Any written notice
revoking a proxy should be sent to Computershare
Trust Company, N.A., 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021.
PROPOSAL ONE:
ELECTION OF DIRECTOR
General
The number of directors is presently set at nine and is divided
into two classes. A Class I Director is a director who is
also an employee of Universal and is elected each year at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to serve a one-year term. A
Class II Director is a director who is not an employee and
is generally elected every even-numbered year at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to serve a two-year term.
We currently have six directors; one is a Class I Director
and five are Class II Directors. After this Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, assuming all those nominated are elected, there
will be six members of the Board, one (1) Class I
director, five (5) Class II directors and three
(3) vacancies. We retain vacancies to accommodate
additional qualified directors who come to the attention of the
Board.
The term of the sole Class I Director expires at this
years Annual Meeting. The Board has nominated and
recommends the re-election of Mr. Arling as a Class I
Director for a one-year term expiring at the 2010 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the
proxies received by them FOR the election of
Mr. Arling.
If elected, Mr. Arling has consented to serve as our
director for a one-year term and until his successor is elected
and qualified. If additional persons are nominated for election
as director, the proxy holders intend to vote all proxies
received by them in a manner intended to ensure the election of
Mr. Arling. However, consistent with their authority, the
proxy holders will determine the specific nominees for whom to
vote, and in no event will they vote to fill more than one
position. Although it is not contemplated that the nominee will
be unable to serve as director, in such event, the proxies will
be voted by the proxy holders for such other person or persons
as may be designated by the present Board. Information with
respect to Mr. Arling is set forth below.
Nominee
for Election as Class I Director
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Paul D. Arling
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Director since 1996
Age: 46
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Mr. Arling is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Universal. He has held the positions of Chairman since July 2001
and Chief Executive Officer since October 2000. He was our
President from September 1998 until May 2001. He was our Chief
Operating Officer from September 1998 until his promotion to
Chief Executive Officer |
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in October 2000. He was our Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer from May 1996 until August 1998. Prior to
joining us, from 1993 through May 1996, he served in various
capacities at LESCO, Inc. (a manufacturer and distributor of
professional turf care products) with the most recent being
Acting Chief Financial Officer. At the 2008 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, Mr. Arling was re-elected as a Class I
Director to serve until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. |
Vote
Required
The nominee receiving the greatest number of votes cast for the
Class I directorship will be elected to the Board.
THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE FOREGOING
NOMINEE AS DIRECTOR OF OUR COMPANY.
Corporate
Governance
Governance
Principles
The Board believes that effective corporate governance is
critical to our ability to create value for our stockholders and
the Board has adopted policies intended to improve corporate
governance. The Board will continue to monitor emerging
developments in corporate governance and augment our policies
and procedures when required or when the Board determines that
such changes would benefit us and our stockholders. Our
Corporate Governance page, which can be accessed from our
website home page, includes our Corporate Governance Guidelines,
Director Independence Standards, Code of Conduct and our Audit
Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee Charters. To access the Corporate
Governance page from our website home page, www.uei.com, select
About Us at the top of the page, then select
Investor Relations from the menu that appears (in
order to reach the Investor page) and select Corporate
Governance on the Investor page.
Director
Independence
The Board has adopted Director Independence Standards to assist
in determining the independence of each director. In order for a
director to be considered independent, the Board must
affirmatively determine that the director has no material
relationship with Universal. In each case, the Board broadly
considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including the
directors commercial, industrial, banking, consulting,
legal, accounting, charitable and family relationships and such
other criteria as the Board may determine from time to time.
These Director Independence Standards are published on our
Corporate Governance page at www.uei.com. The Board has
determined that each of the five current Class II
Directors, Messrs. Chahil, Mulligan, Sparkman, Stapleton
and Zinser meets these standards and thus is independent and, in
addition, satisfies the independence requirements of the NASDAQ
Stock Market.
All members of the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committees must be independent as defined by the
Boards Director Independence Standards.
Members of the Audit Committee must also satisfy additional
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
independence requirements, which provide that they may not
accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory or
other compensatory fees from Universal or any of its
subsidiaries other than their director compensation.
Code of
Conduct
The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to our
officers, directors and employees, including without limitation
our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and
principal accounting officer. Any person subject to the Code of
Conduct must avoid conflicts of interest, comply with all laws
and other legal
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requirements, conduct business in an honest and ethical manner,
report all violations of the Code of Conduct and potential
conflicts of interest and otherwise act with integrity and
Universals best interest. The Code of Conduct also
includes procedures to receive, retain and treat complaints
received regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or
auditing matters and to allow for the confidential and anonymous
submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable
accounting or auditing matters. The Code of Conduct complies
with the requirements of NASD and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
and is posted on the Corporate Governance page of our website at
www.uei.com. Any amendment to the Code of Conduct or waiver of
its provisions with respect to our principal executive officer,
principal financial officer or principal accounting officer or
any director will be promptly posted on our website.
Additionally, at the direction of the Board of Directors,
management has established an Ethics Line to assist
our employees in complying with their ethical and legal
obligations and reporting suspected violations of applicable
laws, policies or procedures. The Ethics Line is operated by
Ethicspoint, an independent third party. Information about our
Ethics Line can be found on the Corporate Governance page of our
website at www.uei.com.
Communication
with Directors
The Board has adopted a process by which stockholders and other
interested parties may communicate with the Board, certain
committee chairs or the non-management directors as a group by
e-mail or
regular mail. That process is described on the Corporate
Governance page of our website at www.uei.com. Any communication
by regular mail should be sent to Universal Electronics Inc.,
6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630, to the attention,
as applicable, of the (i) Chair, Board of Directors;
(ii) Chair, Audit Committee; (iii) Chair, Compensation
Committee; (iv) Chair, Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee; or (v) the Non-Management Directors,
c/o Lead
Director.
Stockholder
Nominations for Director
The Boards Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
(discussed below) actively seeks individuals to become Board
members who have the highest personal and professional character
and integrity, who possess appropriate characteristics, skills,
experience and time to make a significant contribution to the
Board, Universal and our stockholders, who have demonstrated
exceptional ability and judgment, and who will be most
effective, in the context of the whole Board and other nominees
to the Board, in ensuring our success and representing
stockholders interests. The Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee may employ professional search firms (for
which we would pay a fee) to assist in identifying potential
Board members with the desired skills and disciplines.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers
stockholder recommendations for director nominations on the same
basis and in the same manner as it considers recommendations for
director nominations from any other source. Any stockholder may
submit a nomination in writing to our Secretary, Universal
Electronics Inc., 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630.
In order for the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
to consider any stockholder recommendation for director
nominations at this Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the
recommendation must have been received by the Company by the
close of business on December 31, 2008 and must have
complied with the requirements of, and be accompanied by all the
information required by, the Securities and Exchange
Commissions proxy rules and Article IV of our Amended
and Restated By-laws (Article IV is included with this
Proxy Statement as Appendix A). We received no stockholder
recommendations for director nominations for this Annual Meeting
of Stockholders.
Board of
Directors and Committees
The Board is responsible for establishing broad corporate
policies and our overall performance. Generally, directors
discharge their responsibilities at Board and committee
meetings. During 2008, the Board met formally seven times.
Messrs. Arling, Mulligan and Zinser each attended 100% of
the meetings of the Board. Mr. Stapleton attended all the
Board meeting after joining the Board in April 2008.
Mr. Sparkman missed one Board meeting and Mr. Chahil
missed two Board meetings.
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Messrs. Chahil, Mulligan, Sparkman and Zinser each attended
100% of the meetings of the committees on which they served
during 2008.
We encourage each director to attend every annual meeting of
stockholders; however, since attendance by our stockholders at
these meetings has historically been via proxy and not in
person, our outside directors have not regularly attended these
meetings. At the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, no
stockholders attended in person and one director,
Mr. Arling, was present.
The Board appoints committees to help carry out its duties. The
Board has three standing committees: (i) Audit,
(ii) Compensation, and (iii) Corporate Governance and
Nominating. In addition, from time to time, the Board may
establish ad hoc committees to provide the Board with advice and
guidance as to specific matters. The members of each committee
(including any ad hoc committee) are appointed by the Board and
serve at its discretion. A majority of the members of any
committee constitutes a quorum, and the acts of a majority of
the members present, or acts approved in writing by all of the
members, are acts of that committee. Only independent directors
serve on the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committees. The Board has established charters for
each of the committees, which are posted on our Corporate
Governance page at www.uei.com. We had five Class II
Directors, none of whom was an officer or employee of Universal
or any of its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008. Each
member of the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committees was independent as defined in
Rule 4200(a)(13) of the listing standards of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Audit
Committee
During 2008, the members of the Audit Committee were
Messrs. Zinser (Chairman of the Committee), Mulligan and
Sparkman. The Board has determined that Mr. Zinser is a
financial expert. We do not compensate any member of the Audit
Committee, except fees for service as a director.
The Audit Committee is primarily concerned with the integrity of
our financial statements, our compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements, the independence and qualifications of
the independent auditor and the performance of our internal
audit function and independent auditor. The Audit
Committees functions include (i) meeting with our
independent registered public accounting firm and management
representatives, (ii) making recommendations to the Board
regarding the appointment of the independent registered public
accounting firm, (iii) approving the scope of audits and
other services to be performed by the independent registered
public accounting firm, (iv) establishing pre-approval
policies and procedures for all audit, audit-related, tax and
other fees to be paid to the independent registered public
accounting firm, (v) considering whether the performance of
any professional service by the registered public accountants
could impair their independence, and (vi) reviewing the
results of external audits, the accounting principles applied in
financial reporting, and financial and operational controls. The
independent registered public accountants have unrestricted
access to the Audit Committee, and the members of the Audit
Committee have unrestricted access to the independent registered
public accountants. During 2008, there were four Audit Committee
meetings.
Compensation
Committee
During 2008, the members of the Compensation Committee were
Messrs. Sparkman (Chairman of the Committee) and Chahil,
neither of whom was an officer or employee of Universal or any
of its subsidiaries. The Compensation Committees primary
functions include making recommendations to the Board and
approving policies and procedures relating to the CEO and
executive officers (including the Named Executives)
compensation, various employee incentive and stock-based
compensation plans and approving individual salary adjustments
and stock-based awards. The Compensation Committee also makes
recommendations regarding the compensation of our directors.
During 2008, there was one Compensation Committee meetings and
the Committee acted once by unanimous written consent.
Additional information regarding the committees processes
related to executive compensation is addressed in the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis section below.
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Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During 2008, none of the members of the Compensation Committee
had any business or financial relationship with Universal
requiring disclosure in this Proxy Statement.
Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee
During 2008, the members of the Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee were Messrs. Mulligan (Chairman of the
Committee), Chahil and Sparkman. The Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee consider Board nominees to the extent
permitted under, and made pursuant to the procedures established
by, Article IV of our Amended and Restated By-laws.
Procedures for stockholder nominations are discussed above under
the caption Corporate Governance Stockholder
Nominations for Director.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee also fulfills
an advisory function with respect to a range of matters
affecting the Board and its committees, including making
recommendations with respect to the qualifications of director
candidates, the selection of committee assignments and chairs,
and related matters affecting the Board. During 2008, the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee did not meet but
acted three times by unanimous written consent.
Compensation
Discussion and Analysis
Overview
The goal of our executive officer compensation program is the
same as our goal for operating the Company to create
long-term value for our stockholders. Toward this goal, our
compensation programs for our executives (including, the
Named Executives (as defined below)) have been and
will be designed to reward them for sustained financial and
operating performance and leadership excellence, to align their
interests with those of our stockholders and to encourage them
to remain with the Company for long and productive careers. Most
of our compensation elements simultaneously fulfill one or more
of our performance, alignment and retention objectives. These
elements consist of salary, discretionary bonus, equity
incentive compensation and a long-term performance-based
executive incentive plan that was driven by the achievement of
objective financial performance criteria. In deciding on the
type and amount of compensation for each executive, we focus on
both current pay and the opportunity for future compensation. We
combine the compensation elements for each executive in a manner
we believe optimizes the executives contribution to the
Company.
Compensation
Objectives
Performance Our five executives who are
identified in the Summary Compensation Table below (whom we
refer to as our Named Executives) have a combined
total of approximately 49 years with Universal, during
which they have held different positions and have been promoted
to increasing levels of responsibility. The compensation of each
Named Executive reflects his management experience, continued
high performance and exceptional career of service to the
Company over a long period of time. Key elements of compensation
that depend upon the Named Executives performance include:
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annual base salary established with input from an independent
consultant and other sources, including input from the
Companys CEO (for executives other than the CEO);
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a discretionary, performance-based cash bonus that is based on
an assessment of performance against pre-determined quantitative
and qualitative measures within the context of our overall
performance;
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equity incentive compensation in the form of stock options,
restricted stock, stock appreciation rights
and/or
phantom stock awards subject to vesting schedules that require
continued service with us. No stock option grants, stock
appreciation rights, or phantom stock awards were issued to any
executive during 2008 and 2007. The Compensation Committee
granted 56,121 and 0 restricted stock units to the five Named
Executives during 2008 and 2007, respectively; and
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an Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (ELTIP) that
was contingent upon achieving two specific Company level
financial goals over 2007 and 2008, and continued service for
four years.
|
Alignment We seek to align the interests of
our executives with those of our investors by evaluating
executive performance on the basis of key financial
measurements, which we believe closely correlate to long-term
stockholder value, including net sales, organic growth,
operating profit, earnings per share, operating margins, cash
flow from operating activities and total stockholder return. The
key elements of compensation that align the interests of the
executives with stockholders include:
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equity incentive compensation, which links a significant portion
of compensation to long-term stockholder value as the total
amount realized corresponds to stock price appreciation;
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the ELTIP was fully at risk based on the growth of earnings per
share and net revenue, which are key performance measurements
that drive long-term shareholder value; and
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the discretionary cash bonus supports the achievement of
long-term stockholder value by providing our executives
incentive to implement the necessary short-term steps to reach
our long-term objectives.
|
Retention Our executives are often presented
with other professional opportunities, including those at
potentially higher compensation levels. We attempt to retain our
executives by using continued service as a determinant of total
pay opportunity. Key elements of compensation that require
continued service to receive the maximum payout include:
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extended vesting terms on elements of equity compensation,
including restricted stock and stock options;
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the ELTIP, which would not begin paying out until the third year
of the plan, and then only a prorate portion of the award each
quarter during the remaining two years of the plan. Only if the
executive remains with the Company for the entire four-year
retention incentive period would the executive receive the full
amount awarded under the plan; and
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other discretionary programs utilized by the Compensation
Committee from time to time to retain key employees, such as
stay bonuses.
|
Implementing
Our Objectives
Determining
Compensation
When making compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee
begins by reviewing competitive market data obtained from a
variety of sources to compare our executive pay levels to other
companies. The Compensation Committee does not use formulas or
rigidly set the compensation of our executives based on this
data alone. After reviewing the market data the Compensation
Committee examines our executive compensation structure to
assess whether we are meeting our intent to recognize and reward
the contributions of all our executives, in achieving our
strategic and business goals, while aligning our compensation
program with our guiding objectives. Once our executive
compensation structure is examined, the Compensation Committee
evaluates the performance of each executive. Throughout the
process, the Compensation Committee considers input from our CEO
and periodically from a independent compensation consultant
(Towers Perrin).
The performance rating of our executive officers (including our
Named Executives) depends on various factors. This assessment
has generally been subjective, not subject to weightings or
formulas. Executives are rated based on the following three
criteria:
1. performance;
2. individual capability and maturity in their
role; and
3. role criticality and the difficulty to replace the
executive.
7
Each executive is carefully evaluated against established goals
while taking into consideration the business environment.
Specific factors evaluated during this process include the
following:
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key financial measurements such as net sales, organic growth,
operating profit, earnings per share, operating margins, cash
flow from operating activities and total stockholder return;
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strategic objectives such as acquisitions, dispositions or joint
ventures, technological innovation and globalization;
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promoting commercial excellence by launching new or continuously
improving products or services, being a leading market player
and attracting and retaining customers;
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achieving specific operational goals for the Company, including
improved productivity, efficiency and risk management;
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achieving excellence in their organizational structure and among
their employees;
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supporting Company values by promoting a culture of unyielding
integrity through compliance with laws and our ethics
policies; and
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scope and duration over which each executive has performed their
responsibilities, experience, salary history and the
executives current salary.
|
The Compensation Committees assessment for each of the
three criteria are combined into an overall assessment. The
overall assessment indicates the warranted placement of the
individual executive in the lower, middle or upper third of the
total direct compensation range (annual base salary and bonus
and long-term compensation). This range is calculated utilizing
the compensation observed in the benchmarking data for
comparable positions. For an individual executive the midpoint
of the range is anchored to the market 50th percentile, the
low end of the range reflects the market 25th percentile,
and the high end of the range reflects the market
90th percentile. This strategy is consistent with our
primary intent of offering compensation that is contingent on
the achievement of performance objectives.
Annual
Cash Compensation
Base Salary Base salaries are reviewed
approximately every twelve months, but are not automatically
increased if the Compensation Committee believes that other
elements of compensation are more appropriate in light of our
stated objectives. In setting base salaries for the executives,
the Compensation Committee considers input from our CEO and
periodically from an independent compensation consultant (Towers
Perrin), as well as the performance ratings of the executives.
Bonus Annually, the CEO reviews, with the
Compensation Committee, our full-year financial results. The
Compensation Committee, with input from the CEO (regarding the
Named Executives other than the CEO) uses discretion in
determining the bonus, if any, for each individual executive.
They evaluate the overall performance of the Company, the
performance of the function that the executive leads and the
performance rating of each executive. Based on the level at
which their expectations were achieved, the Compensation
Committee may pay each executive officer a bonus equal to a
percentage of the executives base salary. For the CEO, the
percentage ranges between 10% and 120% of his base salary as of
year-end. For the other executive officers, the percentage
ranges between 10% and 100% of the executives base salary
as of year-end.
8
Following the completion of 2008, the preliminary award amount
for each participant was equal to the product of (i) the
executives base salary and (ii) the percentage
determined in accordance with the following matrix:
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Diluted GAAP EPS
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Target
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Equal to or Greater Than
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Equal to or Greater Than
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Equal to or Greater Than
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Name
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$1.51 But Less Than $1.61
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$1.61 But Less Than $1.69
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$1.69
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Paul Arling
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10
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%
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60
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%
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120
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%
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Bryan Hackworth
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10
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%
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40
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%
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80
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%
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Paul Bennett
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10
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%
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50
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%
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100
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%
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Mark Kopaskie
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10
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%
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50
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%
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100
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%
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Rick Firehammer
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10
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%
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40
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%
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80
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%
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The Compensation Committee may utilize its sole discretion to
increase or reduce the amount of any participants earned
award to reflect the Compensation Committees assessment of
the participants performance during the year. In certain
circumstances, an additional bonus may be awarded if the
Compensation Committee determines that an executive
officers individual performance warrants such award. We
believe that the annual bonus rewards the executives who drive
desired results and encourages them to sustain this performance.
We surpassed our fiscal target diluted GAAP EPS goal in
2007, with $1.33 diluted GAAP EPS. However, our fourth
quarter GAAP EPS guidance would not have been achieved had
management bonuses been paid. In addition, we did not achieve
our fourth quarter net sales guidance. In light of this
assessment, annual cash bonuses were not awarded for fiscal 2007.
In 2008, we achieved diluted GAAP EPS of $1.09, below the
minimum diluted GAAP EPS required to obtain a payout as
established by the Compensation Committee and is set forth in
the matrix above. As such, annual cash bonuses were not awarded
for fiscal 2008.
The salaries paid and the annual bonuses awarded to the Named
Executives for 2008 and 2007 are shown in the Summary
Compensation Table below.
Long-Term
Compensation
Initially, the estimated future realizable value of total direct
compensation (annual base salary and bonus and long-term
compensation) are set to achieve the market percentile warranted
by the Compensation Committees performance assessment. The
Compensation Committee, with assistance from an independent
compensation consultant (Towers Perrin), calculates the
estimated future realizable value of total direct compensation
utilizing the Binomial model to estimate the future realizable
value from stock option grants. Ultimately, the Compensation
Committee may in its sole discretion increase or reduce the
amount of any participants total direct compensation to
reflect the Compensation Committees assessment of the
participants performance.
Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Stock Appreciation Rights
and Phantom Stock Awards Our equity incentive
compensation program has been designed to recognize scope of
responsibilities, reward demonstrated performance and
leadership, motivate future superior performance, align the
interests of the executive with those of our stockholders and
retain the executives through the term of the awards. The
Compensation Committee has also issued stock options to attract
new executive officers. We consider the grant size and the
appropriate combination of equity based compensation and cash
compensation when making award decisions. The amount of equity
incentive compensation granted is based upon our strategic,
operational and overall financial performance and reflects the
executives expected contributions to our future success.
Grants can take place at various times throughout the year, but
grant decisions are made without regard to anticipated earnings
or other major announcements made by us. Existing stock
ownership levels are not a factor in award determination, as we
do not want to discourage executives from holding our stock.
Generally, stock option grants become exercisable ratably over
four years beginning one year after the grant date, although
with some recent grants, the options become exercisable on a
quarterly basis, and have a maximum ten-year term. We believe
that this vesting schedule aids us in retaining executives and
motivating long-term
9
performance. Under the terms of our stock incentive plans,
unvested stock options are forfeited if the executive
voluntarily leaves the Company. Stock options only have value to
the extent the price of our stock on the date of exercise
exceeds the strike price established on the grant date, and
thus, we believe, are an effective compensation element only if
the stock price grows over the term of the award.
Restricted stock grants vest in various proportions over a three
to four year time period, beginning one quarter after the grant
date. We determine the vesting schedule of each grant after
considering our performance, alignment, and retention
objectives, as well as the financial impact of the grant. Under
the terms of our stock incentive plans, unvested restricted
stock grants are forfeited if the executive voluntarily leaves
the Company.
Beginning January 1, 2006, we have expensed stock-based
compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards 123, as revised
(SFAS 123R). When determining the appropriate
combination of stock-based and cash compensation, our goal is to
weigh the cost of these grants with their potential benefits as
a compensation tool. We believe that providing stock-based
compensation grants and cash compensation effectively balances
our objective of focusing the Named Executives on delivering
long-term value to our stockholders, with our objective of
providing value to the executives. None of the Named Executives
were granted any stock option, stock appreciation right or
phantom stock awards in 2008 or 2007.
2008 Restricted Stock Awards During the
annual review cycle for 2008, the Compensation Committee granted
our executives (including our Named Executives) restricted stock
under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The awards were granted as
part of long-term incentive compensation to assist us in meeting
our performance and retention objectives. Each grant is subject
to a three-year vesting period (one-twelfth vesting each
quarter). The restricted stock grants consisted of the following:
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Restricted
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Grant
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Restricted
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Stock Granted
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Price(1)
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Stock Granted
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Named Executive
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Grant Date
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(Shares)
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($)
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($)
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Mr. Arling
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1/29/2008
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19,019
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23.66
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450,000
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2/11/2008
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4,557
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21.95
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100,000
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Mr. Hackworth
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1/29/2008
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7,608
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23.66
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180,000
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Mr. Bennett
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1/29/2008
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8,876
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23.66
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210,000
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Mr. Kopaskie
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1/29/2008
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10,566
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23.66
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250,000
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Mr. Firehammer
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1/29/2008
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5,495
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23.66
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130,000
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(1) |
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The grant prices shown above are based on the average of the
high and low trades on the grant date and have been rounded in
the above table. |
2009 Restricted Stock and Stock Option
Awards During the annual review cycle for
2009, the Compensation Committee granted our executives
(including our Named Executives) restricted stock under the 2006
Stock Incentive Plan. The awards were granted as part of
long-term incentive compensation to assist us in meeting our
performance and retention objectives. The grant, dated
February 12, 2009, is subject to a three-year vesting
period (5% each quarter during the first two years and 15% each
quarter during the third year). The grant dated March 10,
2009, is subject to a four-year vesting period (one-sixteenth
each quarter).
10
The restricted stock grants consisted of the following:
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Restricted
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Grant
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Restricted
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Stock Granted
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Price(1)
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Stock Granted
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Named Executive
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Grant Date
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(Shares)
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($)
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($)
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Mr. Arling
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2/12/2009
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25,021
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11.99
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300,000
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3/10/2009
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15,200
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16.25
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247,000
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Mr. Hackworth
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2/12/2009
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12,510
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11.99
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150,000
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|
3/10/2009
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5,900
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16.25
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95,875
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Mr. Bennett
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2/12/2009
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14,595
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11.99
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175,000
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|
3/10/2009
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8,100
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16.25
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131,625
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Mr. Kopaskie
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|
2/12/2009
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|
14,595
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11.99
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175,000
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|
3/10/2009
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8,100
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16.25
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131,625
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Mr. Firehammer
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2/12/2009
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|
10,425
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11.99
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125,000
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|
3/10/2009
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|
|
|
3,200
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|
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|
16.25
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|
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|
52,000
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|
(1) |
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The grant prices shown above are based on the average of the
high and low trades on the grant date. |
During the annual review cycle for 2009, the Compensation
Committee granted our Named Executives stock options under
various stock incentive plans. The awards were granted as part
of long-term incentive compensation to assist us in meeting our
performance and retention objectives. The grant, dated
March 10, 2009, is subject to a four-year vesting period
(one-sixteenth each quarter) and consisted of the following:
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Stock Options
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|
Option Exercise
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
Granted
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|
|
Price(1)
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|
Option Expiration
|
|
Named Executive
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|
Grant Date
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|
|
(Shares)
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|
|
($)
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|
|
Date
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|
Mr. Arling
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|
|
3/10/2009
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69,700
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16.25
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|
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|
3/10/2019
|
|
Mr. Hackworth
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|
|
3/10/2009
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|
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|
26,900
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|
|
|
16.25
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|
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|
3/10/2019
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|
Mr. Bennett
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|
|
3/10/2009
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|
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|
37,200
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|
|
|
16.25
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|
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|
3/10/2019
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|
Mr. Kopaskie
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|
3/10/2009
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|
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|
37,200
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|
|
|
16.25
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|
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|
3/10/2019
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|
Mr. Firehammer
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|
|
3/10/2009
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|
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|
14,900
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|
|
|
16.25
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|
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|
3/10/2019
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(1) |
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The grant prices shown above are based on the average of the
high and low trades on the grant date. |
The restricted stock and stock option awards granted on
March 10, 2009, were made in lieu of establishing a second
Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan. The total value of the
equity grant is the equivalent of the annual equity compensation
outlined in the 2007 independent compensation consultants
study (Towers Perrin) prepared for and used by the Compensation
Committee (using the midpoint between the 50th and
75th percentile). For the purpose of calculating the value
of the equity grant, the stock option awards were valued
utilizing the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the
restricted stock awards were valued at the average of the high
and low trades on the grant date. Given the uncertain economic
environment, the 2007 ELTIP results and our compensation
objectives, the Compensation Committee believes granting
equity-based compensation during this cycle is a better
alternative than a new ELTIP plan.
Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan In January
2007, after reviewing the structure of our compensation
arrangements, the Compensation Committee approved our first
long-term incentive plan under our existing shareholder approved
equity plans. As part of the Compensation Committees
analysis of our compensation structure they considered whether
to grant awards other than stock options as part of our
long-term incentive strategy. Stock options provide executives
all the benefits of share price increases while mitigating some
of the risks that other shareholders assume of share price
declines. The Compensation Committee determined that a long-term
incentive plan was an appropriate alternative to stock options,
since the total pay out is at risk if the required financial
metrics are not met.
The overriding purpose of the Universal Electronics Inc. 2007
Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (2007 ELTIP) was
to benefit and advance the interests of the Company and its
stockholders by providing performance-
11
based incentives to the Named Executive officers for 2007 and
2008 results, while requiring four years of continuous service
to receive the earned award. The 2007 ELTIP was designed to
foster the following goals: (a) focus the senior executive
team upon achieving superior operating performance;
(b) supplement the equity awards currently held by the
members of the senior executive team; and (c) ensure
stability of the senior executive team by providing a multi-year
retention incentive.
Subject to the other provisions of the 2007 ELTIP, for a
participant to earn all, any portion of, or more than his target
award, the following financial metrics were required to have
been met or exceeded:
1. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of
our U.S. GAAP net sales for 2007 and 2008 (performance
period), as compared to our U.S. GAAP net sales for 2006,
must have been at least 12%; and
2. Our U.S. GAAP diluted earnings per share
(GAAP EPS) during the performance period,
excluding compensation expense attributable to this Plan, must
have been at least $2.55 per share.
Our net sales CAGR over the performance period was 10% and our
diluted GAAP EPS was $2.42, both below the minimum required
to earn an award under the 2007 ELTIP. Had management met or
exceeded the minimum level of GAAP net sales and diluted
GAAP EPS required to earn an award the total bonus pool
would have been fixed between $2 million and
$12 million. The ranges of individual awards for the Named
Executives were the following:
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Plan Based Awards Estimated Future Payments
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Threshold
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|
Individual Target Award
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|
Maximum
|
|
Named Executive Officer
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|
($)
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|
|
($)
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|
|
($)
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|
|
Mr. Arling
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|
|
750,000
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|
|
|
1,500,000
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|
|
|
4,500,000
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|
Mr. Hackworth
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|
|
290,000
|
|
|
|
580,000
|
|
|
|
1,740,000
|
|
Mr. Bennett
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|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
800,000
|
|
|
|
2,400,000
|
|
Mr. Kopaskie
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
800,000
|
|
|
|
2,400,000
|
|
Mr. Firehammer
|
|
|
160,000
|
|
|
|
320,000
|
|
|
|
960,000
|
|
Further information regarding our 2007 ELTIP may be found in our
2008 Proxy Statement.
After reviewing the global economic environment and our relative
strong performance, the Compensation Committee concluded that a
discretionary cash award was warranted notwithstanding the 2007
ELTIP results. The Compensation Committee concluded that the
global economic recession was much to blame and that management
performed very well under these circumstances. After considering
our performance, alignment and retention objectives, the
Compensation Committee believed a discretionary cash award was
in the best interest of the company and our shareholders. The
awards will vest ratably over eight quarters beginning on
March 31, 2009, and continuing each calendar quarter
thereafter until paid in full. Further, by stretching these
payments over two years, the Committee believed it accomplished
its stated retention goal. The amounts awarded to each Named
Executive Officer were the following:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Award
|
|
Named Executive Officer
|
|
($)
|
|
|
Mr. Arling
|
|
|
360,000
|
|
Mr. Hackworth
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
Mr. Kopaskie
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
Mr. Bennett
|
|
|
170,000
|
|
Mr. Firehammer
|
|
|
120,000
|
|
Use of
Benchmarking Data
When making compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee
begins by reviewing competitive market data obtained from a
variety of sources to compare our executive pay levels to other
companies, however, the Compensation Committee does not use
formulas or rigidly set the compensation of our executives based
on this data alone. The latest review was performed utilizing an
analysis of peer group data compiled in early 2008 by an
12
independent compensation consulting firm (Towers Perrin). The
peer group analysis consisted of 17 companies that design
and/or
manufacture electronic equipment. These companies had the
following attributes:
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|
|
|
Primarily sell to businesses vs. consumers
|
|
|
|
Have annual revenue of $150 million to $700 million
|
|
|
|
Exhibit a 20% or greater gross profit margin
|
The peer group was approved by the Compensation Committee and is
identified below.
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|
|
Company Name
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
(In millions)*
|
|
|
TTM Technologies
|
|
$
|
669
|
|
Aeroflex
|
|
|
552
|
|
Littelfuse
|
|
|
536
|
|
OSI Systems
|
|
|
535
|
|
Multi-Fineline Electronix
|
|
|
508
|
|
Kemet
|
|
|
490
|
|
Rofin-Sinar Technologies
|
|
|
478
|
|
Methode Electronics
|
|
|
450
|
|
Newport Corp.
|
|
|
445
|
|
Directed Electronics
|
|
|
401
|
|
RadiSys
|
|
|
325
|
|
Mercury Computer System
|
|
|
224
|
|
LoJack
|
|
|
223
|
|
CalAmp
|
|
|
222
|
|
Metrologic Instruments
|
|
|
210
|
|
DOT Hill Systems
|
|
|
207
|
|
LeCroy
|
|
|
151
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Represents fiscal 2007 reported revenue, except fiscal 2006
reported revenue is provided for Aeroflex and Kemet. Fiscal 2005
reported revenue is provided for Metrologic Instruments. |
In addition to the 17 companies identified above, the
Compensation Committee considered data pertaining to high
technology companies with annual revenues of $50 million to
$200 million that were included in the independent
compensation consultants executive compensation database.
Other
Compensation
All Other Compensation We provide our
executives (including the Named Executives) with other benefits,
reflected in the All Other Compensation column in
the Summary Compensation Table below, that we
believe are reasonable, competitive and consistent with our
overall executive compensation program. Other compensation
includes premiums paid on life insurance policies and Company
contributions to our defined contribution 401(k) plan, which is
generally available to all employees. We also provide the
associated tax
gross-up on
the premiums paid on behalf of the executive officers (including
the Named Executives) for their life insurance policy. For 2007,
Mr. Arlings other compensation includes $200,000
related to his stay bonus (see the Employment
Agreements section below).
CEO
Compensation
Since 2000, Mr. Arling has been the Companys CEO.
Over his thirteen year career with the Company, he has held a
number of key positions, as described in his biography on
page 2. Under Mr. Arlings leadership, revenues
have grown at a 19% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) since
2003, rising to $287 million in 2008 from $120 million
in 2003, or 138% cumulative. During the same period, diluted
earnings per share have also grown at a
13
19% CAGR, from $0.45 in 2003 to $1.09 in 2008, or 142%
cumulative. Over $104 million of cash flow from operating
activities has been generated since 2003.
At the beginning of each year, Mr. Arling develops the
objectives that he believes need to be achieved for the Company
to be successful. He then reviews these objectives with the
Board for the corollary purpose of establishing how his
performance will be assessed. These objectives are derived
largely from the Companys financial and strategic planning
sessions, during which, in-depth reviews by our senior
management team of the Companys growth opportunities are
analyzed and goals are established for the upcoming year. They
include both quantitative financial measurements and qualitative
strategic and operational considerations that help determine the
factors that our CEO and the Board believe create long-term
shareholder value. Mr. Arling reviews and discusses
preliminary considerations as to the executive officer
(including his own) compensation with the Compensation
Committee. Mr. Arling does not participate in the final
determination of his compensation.
In determining Mr. Arlings compensation for 2009, the
Compensation Committee considered his performance against his
financial, strategic and operational goals for the prior year,
as follows:
Financial
Objectives and Goal Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
% Change
|
|
|
GAAP Net Sales (in $ millions)
|
|
|
287.1
|
|
|
|
272.7
|
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
GAAP Net Income (in $ millions)
|
|
|
15.8
|
|
|
|
20.2
|
|
|
|
(22
|
)%
|
GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share ($ per share)
|
|
|
1.09
|
|
|
|
1.33
|
|
|
|
(18
|
)%
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents (in $ millions)
|
|
|
75.2
|
|
|
|
86.6
|
|
|
|
(13
|
)%
|
Days Sales Outstanding
|
|
|
68.0
|
|
|
|
82.0
|
|
|
|
(17
|
)%
|
Net Inventory Turns
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
Return on Average Assets (in %)
|
|
|
7.3
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
|
|
(28
|
)%
|
Gross Margins (in %)
|
|
|
33.5
|
|
|
|
36.4
|
|
|
|
(8
|
)%
|
Operating Margins (in %)
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
|
|
9.7
|
|
|
|
(26
|
)%
|
Book Value Per Share ($ per share)
|
|
|
11.2
|
|
|
|
11.6
|
|
|
|
(3
|
)%
|
Strategic
and Operational Goals Assessment
|
|
|
Broad operating strength across the Company
|
|
Sales grew by 5% during a historically
severe recession
|
Sustain a strong balance sheet and high cash flow
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
increased by 51%
|
Increase the Companys geographic penetration
|
|
Expanded our presence in India and other
areas in Asia and solidified plans for significant future
expansion opportunities
|
Increase consumer category penetration
|
|
Introduced multiple innovative new
products and increased expansion into the CEDIA market
|
Increase OEM penetration
|
|
Expanded our role in the OEM category
with specific new customers
|
2008 Compensation In 2008, we achieved
diluted GAAP EPS of $1.09, below the $1.51 minimum diluted
GAAP EPS required to obtain a payout under the annual cash
bonus plan. In light of this assessment, Mr. Arling was not
awarded an annual cash bonus for fiscal 2008. In addition, the
Compensation Committee did not grant Mr. Arling any base
salary increase for 2009.
In addition, Mr. Arling did not earn an award under the
2007 ELTIP, however, after reviewing our strong performance in
the face of the global economic environment, the Compensation
Committee concluded that a discretionary cash award was
warranted. As a result, Mr. Arling was awarded a
discretionary bonus of $360,000, which will vest ratably over
eight quarters beginning on March 31, 2009.
14
During the annual review cycle for 2008, the Compensation
Committee granted Mr. Arling 40,221 shares of
restricted stock and 69,700 stock options under the 2006 Stock
Incentive Plan (see the 2009 Restricted Stock Awards
section above).
2007 Compensation Although we exceeded
our fiscal 2007 EPS goal, our fourth quarter guidance would not
have been achieved had annual management bonuses been paid. In
addition, we did not achieve our fourth quarter net sales
guidance. In light of this assessment, Mr. Arling was not
awarded an annual discretionary, performance-based cash bonus
for fiscal 2007. In addition, the Compensation Committee did not
grant Mr. Arling any base salary increase for 2008.
In addition, Mr. Arling did not receive any equity based
incentives during 2007. During the annual review cycle for 2008,
the Compensation Committee granted Mr. Arling
23,576 shares of restricted stock under the 2006 Stock
Incentive Plan (see the 2008 Restricted Stock Awards
section above).
CFO
and Other Named Executive Officers
In determining the compensation of Messrs. Hackworth,
Bennett, Kopaskie and Firehammer, we compared their achievements
against the performance objectives established for each of them,
the overall performance of the Company and their contributions
to that performance, as well as the performance of the functions
that each leads when relevant.
2008 Compensation In 2008, we achieved
diluted GAAP EPS of $1.09, below the $1.51 minimum diluted
GAAP EPS required to obtain a payout under the annual cash
bonus plan. As such, annual cash bonuses were not awarded for
fiscal 2008. During the 2008 annual review cycle, in the
beginning of 2009, the Board of Directors and Compensation
Committee granted our CFO and other Named Executive officers
shares of restricted stock and stock options under various stock
incentive plans ranging from 13,625 to 22,695 restricted stock
awards and from 14,900 to 37,200 stock options (see the
2009 Restricted Stock and Stock Option Awards
section above).
In addition, our CFO and Other Named Executives did not earn an
award under the 2007 ELTIP, however, after reviewing our strong
performance in the face of the global economic environment, the
Compensation Committee concluded that a discretionary cash award
to our CFO and Other Named Executives was warranted. As a
result, our CFO and Other Named Executives were each awarded a
discretionary bonus ranging from $120,000 to $200,000 (see the
Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan section above).
Mr. Hackworths base salary increased 4% for 2009,
from $240,000 to $250,000. The Board of Directors promoted
Mr. Hackworth to the positions of Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer, effective December 2007.
Prior to this promotion Mr. Hackworth was our Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer. In connection with his
promotion, for 2008 Mr. Hackworths base salary
increased 14% from $210,000 to $240,000.
Mr. Bennetts base salary increased 2% for 2009, from
245,000 to 250,000. For 2008,
Mr. Bennetts base salary increased 2%, from
240,000 to 245,000.
Mr. Kopaskies base salary increased 3% for 2009, from
$300,000 to $310,000. For 2008, Mr. Kopaskies base
salary increased 11%, from $270,400 to $300,000.
Mr. Firehammers base salary increased 4% for 2009
from $240,000 to $250,000. For 2008, Mr. Firehammers
base salary increased 2% from $235,000 to $240,000.
2007 Compensation Although we exceeded our
fiscal 2007 EPS goal, our fourth quarter GAAP EPS guidance
would not have been achieved had annual cash bonuses been paid.
In addition, we did not achieve our fourth quarter net sales
guidance. In light of this assessment, our CFO and other Named
Executives were not awarded a cash bonus for fiscal 2007. The
CFO and other Named Executives did not receive any equity based
incentive compensation during 2007. During the annual review
cycle for 2007, the Compensation Committee granted our CFO and
other Named Executives shares of restricted stock under the 2006
Stock Incentive Plan ranging from 5,495 and 10,566 shares
(see the 2008 Restricted Stock Awards section above).
15
Mr. Hackworths base salary increased by 5% for 2007,
from $200,000 to $210,000. The Board of Directors promoted
Mr. Hackworth to the positions of Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, effective August 2006. Prior to this
promotion Mr. Hackworth was our Corporate Controller. In
connection with his promotion, Mr. Hackworths base
salary increased 20% from $166,000 to $200,000.
Mr. Bennetts base salary increased by 12% for 2007,
from 213,480 to 240,000.
Mr. Kopaskies base salary increased by 4% for 2007,
from $260,000 to $270,400.
Mr. Firehammers base salary increased 4% for 2007,
from $225,000 to $235,000.
Role of Compensation Committee and the
CEO The primary responsibility of our
Compensation Committee is to assist the Board of Directors with
the following:
|
|
|
|
|
developing and evaluating potential candidates for executive
positions, including the CEO;
|
|
|
|
overseeing the development of executive succession plans;
|
|
|
|
designing, developing and implementing a compensation program
for the CEO; and
|
|
|
|
evaluating the performance and compensation of the CEO in light
of the goals and objectives of the compensation program
|
The Compensation Committee assesses the performance and
determines the compensation of executives other than the CEO
(including the Named Executives), based on initial
recommendations from the CEO. No executive (including any Named
Executive) has any role in the determination of his own
compensation, other than discussing their individual performance
objectives with the CEO
and/or the
Compensation Committee.
Role of Compensation Consultant During
early 2008, the Compensation Committee discussed the design of
programs that affect or may affect executive officer
compensation with an independent compensation consulting firm
(Towers Perrin). Our executives (including the Named Executives)
did not participate in the selection of the independent
compensation consulting firm. This firm provided the
Compensation Committee with market data on compensation trends
along with general views on specific compensation programs
designed by management. Except for the foregoing, we do not
receive any other services from this firm. In the future, the
Compensation Committee or UEI may engage or seek the advice of
other compensation consultants.
Equity Grant Practices The exercise
price of stock options awarded to our executives (including the
Named Executives) under our stock incentive plans is the average
of the high and low trades of our stock on the grant date. Grant
decisions are made without regard to anticipated earnings or
other major announcements made by us. We prohibit the re-pricing
or backdating of stock options. The Compensation Committee did
not grant any stock options to the executive officers (including
the Named Executives) during 2008 or 2007.
Tax Deductibility of
Compensation Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code), imposes a $1 million limit on the amount
that a public Company may deduct for compensation paid to the
Companys CEO or any of our four other most highly
compensated executive officers who are employed as of the end of
the year. This limitation does not apply to compensation that
meets the requirements under the Code for qualifying
performance-based compensation.
The Compensation Committee does not believe that the Code will
limit the deductibility of compensation expected to be paid by
the Company during 2009. We may from time to time pay or award
compensation to our executive officers that may not be
deductible. Furthermore, because of the ambiguities and
uncertainties as to the application and interpretation of the
Code and the regulations issued thereunder, no assurance can be
given, notwithstanding our efforts in this area, that
compensation intended by us to satisfy the requirements for
deductibility under the Code does in fact do so. In 2007,
$4.0 million of Mr. Arlings compensation, of
which $3.8 million related to stock option exercises, was
not deductible under Section 162(m). In 2008, $100,000 of
Mr. Arlings compensation related to stock option
exercises was not deductible under Section 162(m).
Deductible compensation for the other four Named Executives for
2007 or 2008 was not limited.
Potential Impact on Compensation from Executive
Misconduct If the Board determines that an
executive officer has engaged in fraudulent or intentional
misconduct, the Board will take action to remedy the misconduct,
16
prevent its recurrence, and impose discipline on the wrongdoer
as appropriate. Discipline may vary depending on the facts and
circumstances, and may include, without limit,
(i) termination of employment, (ii) initiating an
action for breach of fiduciary duty, and (iii) if the
misconduct resulted in a significant restatement of the
Companys financial results, seeking reimbursement of any
portion of performance-based or incentive compensation paid or
awarded to the executive that is greater than would have been
paid or awarded if calculated based on the restated financial
results. These remedies would be in addition to, and not in lieu
of, any actions imposed by law enforcement agencies, regulators
or other authorities.
Compensation
Agreements
Paul D. Arling. On April 23, 2003, the
Company and Mr. Arling entered into an employment agreement
with a three-year term that, unless terminated by either party
in accordance with the terms of the agreement, automatically
renews for successive one-year terms. In October 2005, the
parties agreed to extend the expiration date of this employment
agreement to April 30, 2009, and amended the agreement by
providing Mr. Arling a stay bonus. The stay bonus of
$200,000 was paid to Mr. Arling on December 15, 2007.
This agreement, and amendments, did not modify the $200,000
non-recourse interest-bearing secured loan provided to
Mr. Arling by an earlier agreement. The loan was used by
Mr. Arling for the acquisition of his primary residence in
Southern California. The loan bore interest at the rate of 5.28%
per annum, which was payable annually to us on each
December 15th. The loan was secured by
Mr. Arlings primary residence located in Southern
California. As part of the earlier agreement, Mr. Arling
received
grossed-up
payments to assist him in the payment of interest on the loan
and the taxes resulting from these payments. Mr. Arling
paid the entire principal balance on December 15, 2007 and
the Company has since released the security on his primary
residence. In February 2008, the parties agreed to extend the
expiration date of this employment agreement, as amended, to
April 30, 2011.
This agreement requires that, during its term, Mr. Arling
must (i) devote his full working time and energy to us,
(ii) refrain from disclosing
and/or using
any of our trade secrets and proprietary information, and
(iii) during the term of the agreement and for a period of
two years thereafter, refrain from soliciting certain of our
large customers or any key employees. The agreement also
provides Mr. Arling the opportunity to receive increases
(but not decreases) in his annual salary as determined and set
by the Compensation Committee in accordance with plans and
policies established by that committee.
If, during the term of the agreement, Mr. Arling should
resign for good reason (as defined in the
agreement), Mr. Arling will receive salary, bonus, other
incentive compensation and perquisites, and may continue to
participate in our benefit plans, for an eighteen month period
following such resignation or twenty-four months if such
resignation is due to a Change in Control, as
defined in the agreement (see Potential Payments upon
Termination or Change in Control below).
Paul J.M. Bennett. On June 16, 1996, our
subsidiary, Universal Electronics B.V., entered into an
employment agreement with Mr. Bennett. We believe that the
agreement contains terms and provisions that are typical of
these types of agreements in the Netherlands.
Mr. Bennetts compensation is split among the various
Universal Electronics B.V. subsidiaries for which
Mr. Bennett devotes his time. Mr. Bennett has also
received a salary continuation agreement from us (see
Salary Continuation Agreements below).
Salary Continuation
Agreements Messrs. Hackworth, Bennett,
Kopaskie and Firehammer and certain other officers have salary
continuation agreements (SCA). Each SCA takes effect
upon the occurrence of a Change in Control. When
effective, each SCA operates as an employment agreement
providing for a term of employment with us for a period ranging
from twelve to eighteen months (twenty-four to thirty-six months
in the event of a hostile acquisition). In addition, each SCA
provides that the executive or other officer receive increases
in salary and bonuses during the term of the SCA in accordance
with our standard policies and practices; however, in no event
would this base salary and bonus be less than the base salary
and bonus the executive or other officer received in the year
immediately preceding the effective date of the SCA.
Furthermore, each SCA provides that the executive or other
officer be entitled to receive stock option grants and to
otherwise participate in our incentive compensation and benefits
plans and other customary benefit programs in effect from time
to time, but in no event would such participation be less than
that provided to the executive or other officer immediately
prior to the effective date of the SCA.
17
Under each SCA, if we terminate the executive or other
officers employment for reasons other than the executive
or other officers death or disability or for
cause (as defined in each SCA) or if the executive or
other officer resigns for good reason (as defined in
each SCA which includes resignation in connection with a
Change in Control), the executive or other officer
would receive, in one lump sum, an amount equal to salary, bonus
and other incentive compensation. In addition, the executive or
other officer may continue all health, disability and life
insurance benefits. Included in other incentive compensation is
the cash value of all options held by the executive or other
officer including any unvested options which, under the terms of
the stock option agreements, would become fully vested on the
date of the executive or other officers termination or
resignation. The executive or officer would be eligible for
these benefits under the SCA for periods ranging from twelve to
eighteen months (twenty-four to thirty-six months in the event
of a hostile acquisition) following such termination or
resignation.
Potential
Payments upon Termination or Change in Control
Severance
Plan for Executive Officers
Except for the severance benefits provided to Mr. Arling as
part of his employment agreement, we do not have a written
severance benefits program for our Named Executives. However, in
the past we have provided severance packages to certain
executives and in the future we will continue to provide such
benefits if we determine they are in the best interest of the
Company and our shareholders.
Definitions
of Termination Scenarios
For Cause Termination Generally
speaking, cause is defined as (i) the willful
and continued failure by the executive to substantially perform
his or her duties after a demand for substantial performance is
delivered by the Company which specifically identifies the
manner in which it is believed that the executive has not
substantially performed their duties; (ii) the willful
engaging by the executive in gross misconduct materially and
demonstratably injurious to the property or business of the
Company; or (iii) the executives commission of fraud,
misappropriation or a felony.
Constructive Termination In
general, constructive termination occurs on that
date on which the executive resigns from employment with the
Company, if such resignation occurs within eighteen months after
the occurrence of (i) the failure of the executive to be
elected or re-elected or appointed or reappointed to such office
that the executive holds (other than as a result of a
termination for cause) if the executive is an
officer of the Company and the office which the executive holds
is one to which they are elected according to the Companys
By-laws;
(ii) a change in the executives functions, duties, or
responsibilities such that the executives position with
the Company becomes substantially less in responsibility,
importance, or scope; or (iii) a Change in
Control.
Change in Control A Change
in Control occurs when (i) anyone acquires 20% or
more of the total voting power of the outstanding securities of
the Company which are entitled to vote in the election of
directors; (ii) a majority of our directors is replaced,
other than by those approved by existing directors; (iii) a
merger occurs where the voting stock of the Company outstanding
immediately prior to the merger does not continue to represent
at least 80% of the total voting power immediately after the
merger; or (iv) the Company is dissolved or liquidated.
Good Reason For Mr. Arling, a
termination for good reason is defined in his
employment agreement and includes an executives
resignation as a result of one of the following:
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|
|
|
the attempted discontinuance or reduction in the
executives base cash salary;
|
|
|
|
the attempted discontinuance or reduction in an executives
bonuses
and/or
incentive compensation award opportunities under plans or
programs applicable to them, unless the discontinuance or
reduction is a result of the Companys policy applied
equally to all executive employees of the Company;
|
|
|
|
the attempted discontinuance or reduction in the
executives stock option
and/or stock
award opportunities under plans or programs applicable to him,
unless the discontinuance or reduction is a result of the
Companys policy applied equally to all executive employees
of the Company;
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
the attempted discontinuance or reduction in an executives
perquisites from those historically provided during the
executives tenure with the Company and generally
applicable to executive employees of the Company;
|
|
|
|
the relocation of the executive to an office (other than the
Companys headquarters) located more than fifty miles from
his current office location;
|
|
|
|
the significant reduction in the executives
responsibilities and status within the Company or a change in
his title(s) or position(s);
|
|
|
|
the attempted discontinuance of the executives
participation in any benefit plans maintained by the Company
unless the plans are discontinued by reason of law or loss of
tax deductibility to the Company with respect to the
contributions to or payments under the plans, or are
discontinued as a matter of the Companys policy applied
equally to all participants;
|
|
|
|
the attempted reduction of the Executives paid vacation to
less than that provided in his agreement;
|
|
|
|
the failure by the Company to obtain an assumption of
Companys obligations under the executives agreement
by any assignee of or successor to the Company, regardless of
whether the entity becomes a successor to the Company as a
result of merger, consolidation, sale of assets of the Company
or other form of reorganization; or
|
|
|
|
the occurrence of a Change in Control.
|
For the Other Named Executives, the term Good Reason
is defined in the SCAs as (i) a significant change in
the nature or scope or the location for the exercise or
performance of the Executives authority or duties from
those referred to in the SCA, a reduction in total compensation,
compensation plans, benefits or perquisites from those provided
in the SCA, or the breach by the Corporation of any other
provision of the SCA; or (ii) a reasonable determination by
the Executive that, as a result of a Change in Control and a
change in circumstances thereafter significantly affecting the
Executives position, the Executive is unable to exercise
the authorities, power, function or duties attached to the
Executives position and contemplated by the SCA.
Stock
Option and RSA Acceleration
Acceleration upon termination without cause or due to
constructive termination In the event that an
executives employment with the Company is terminated
without cause or in the event of constructive termination, the
executive will become immediately fully vested in his or her
equity incentive compensation grants, to the extent not
previously vested.
Tax
Gross-Up
In the event it is determined that any compensation payment or
distribution as the result of a change in control would be
subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the
tax code, or any interest or penalties with respect to the
excise tax (together the excise tax), the Company
will pay to the participant an additional payment (a
gross-up
payment) in an amount such that after payment by the
participant of all taxes, including any excise tax imposed on
any gross-up
payment, the participant retains an amount of the
gross-up
payment equal to the excise tax imposed upon the Payment.
19
The amounts in the following table assume that the Named
Executives terminated employment effective December 31,
2008. The closing price of UEIC common stock was $16.22 on that
date. These amounts are in addition to benefits generally
available to U.S. employees upon termination of employment,
such as distributions from our 401(k) Plan, the payment of
accrued vacation, and payments, if any, provided as additional
severance.
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Aggregate
|
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|
Aggregate
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|
Aggregate
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Value of
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Value of
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Value of
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Vested
|
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Unvested
|
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Outstanding
|
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|
Tax
|
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Stock
|
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Stock
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|
|
Restricted
|
|
|
Gross-
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Salary
|
|
|
Bonus
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Up
|
|
Name
|
|
Termination Scenario
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul Arling
|
|
Without Cause
|
|
|
2,599
|
|
|
|
765
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
1,540
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Good Reason
|
|
|
2,599
|
|
|
|
765
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
1,540
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control
|
|
|
3,222
|
|
|
|
1,021
|
|
|
|
354
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
1,540
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hostile Acquisition
|
|
|
3,222
|
|
|
|
1,021
|
|
|
|
354
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
1,540
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bryan Hackworth
|
|
Without Cause
|
|
|
89
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Good Reason
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control
|
|
|
485
|
|
|
|
240
|
|
|
|
147
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hostile Acquisition
|
|
|
735
|
|
|
|
480
|
|
|
|
147
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul Bennett
|
|
Without Cause
|
|
|
513
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
417
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Good Reason
|
|
|
417
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
417
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control
|
|
|
1,314
|
|
|
|
538
|
|
|
|
167
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
417
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hostile Acquisition
|
|
|
1,949
|
|
|
|
1,076
|
|
|
|
167
|
|
|
|
193
|
|
|
|
417
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Kopaskie
|
|
Without Cause
|
|
|
114
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Good Reason
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control
|
|
|
783
|
|
|
|
451
|
|
|
|
196
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hostile Acquisition
|
|
|
1,256
|
|
|
|
902
|
|
|
|
196
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rick Firehammer
|
|
Without Cause
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Good Reason
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control
|
|
|
565
|
|
|
|
360
|
|
|
|
118
|
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hostile Acquisition
|
|
|
952
|
|
|
|
720
|
|
|
|
118
|
|
|
|
55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation
for Non-Management Directors in 2008
In June 2004, our stockholders adopted the 2004 Directors
Compensation Plan, pursuant to which each Class II Director
is to receive an annual cash retainer equal to $25,000 (or
$6,250 quarterly), a fee of $1,500 for each board meeting
attended in excess of four each fiscal year, a fee of $1,000 for
each committee meeting attended, an annual fee of $10,000 for
each committee chaired, and an annual award of 5,000 shares
of our Common Stock, which vest ratably each quarter during the
year awarded. During 2008, each Class II Director was
granted 20,000 stock options with a weighted average exercise
price of $22.85 per share. Please refer to the Director
Compensation Table below for additional information.
Compensation
Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis and discussed that Analysis with
management. Based on its review and discussions with management,
the committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis should be included in our
Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for 2008 and in our 2009 proxy statement. This report is
provided by the following independent directors, who comprise
the committee:
J.C. Sparkman (Chairman)
Satjiv Chahil
20
Summary
Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
All Other
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
|
Salary
|
|
|
Bonus(1)
|
|
|
Awards(2)
|
|
|
Awards(3)
|
|
|
Compensation(4)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
Paul D.
Arling(5),
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
510,300
|
|
|
|
360,000
|
|
|
|
231,980
|
|
|
|
183,330
|
|
|
|
25,945
|
|
|
|
1,311,555
|
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
510,300
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
333,370
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
238,715
|
|
|
|
1,082,385
|
|
Bryan M.
Hackworth(6),
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
239,880
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
49,085
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
|
9,410
|
|
|
|
508,375
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
210,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65,900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,608
|
|
|
|
287,508
|
|
Paul J.M.
Bennett(7),
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
358,710
|
|
|
|
170,000
|
|
|
|
68,155
|
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
64,240
|
|
|
|
731,105
|
|
Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Europe
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
328,920
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118,849
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,843
|
|
|
|
496,612
|
|
Mark S.
Kopaskie(8),
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
300,650
|
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
|
56,340
|
|
|
|
83,330
|
|
|
|
14,565
|
|
|
|
654,885
|
|
Executive Vice President and General Manager, U.S.
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
270,400
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,080
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,644
|
|
|
|
351,124
|
|
Richard A. Firehammer
Jr.(9),
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
239,980
|
|
|
|
120,000
|
|
|
|
52,915
|
|
|
|
43,340
|
|
|
|
18,430
|
|
|
|
474,665
|
|
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
235,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65,589
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,431
|
|
|
|
319,020
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The total cash awarded to named executives in 2008 was
$1 million. This amount relates to our performance in 2008
and 2007 and vests ratably over eight quarters beginning on
March 31, 2009 and continues each calendar quarter
thereafter until paid in full. No bonuses were earned in 2007.
For further information about this award refer to the
Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan section
above. |
|
(2) |
|
This column represents the dollar amount recognized in our 2008
and 2007 financial statements for the fair value of options
granted prior to 2007, in accordance with SFAS 123R. None
of the Named Executives were granted options during 2008 or
2007. Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts shown exclude the
impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting
conditions. The fair value is calculated using the average of
the high and low trades of our stock on the grant date. We use
the Black-Scholes option pricing model to measure stock-based
compensation expense. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes
model include the following: weighted average fair value of
grant, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and expected
life in years. For additional information regarding stock-based
compensation and the assumptions used in calculating the
expense, please refer to Note 11 of our consolidated
financial statements included in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with the
SEC. These amounts reflect the expense recognized for these
awards and do not necessarily correspond to the actual value
that will be realized by the Named Executives. |
|
(3) |
|
This column represents the dollar amount recognized for
financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the
2008 year for the fair value of restricted stock granted in
2008, in accordance with SFAS 123R. Named Executives were
granted 56,121 restricted stock units during 2008. The fair
value is calculated using the average of the high and low trades
of our stock on the grant date. For additional information
regarding stock-based compensation, please refer to Note 11
of our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual
Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with the
SEC. These amounts reflect the expense recognized for these
awards and do not necessarily correspond to the actual value
that will be realized by the Named Executives. |
|
(4) |
|
See the All Other Compensation Table below for
additional information. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Arling was not granted any stock options during 2008 or
2007. He was granted 23,576 restricted stock units during 2008. |
|
(6) |
|
Mr. Hackworth was not granted any stock options during 2008
or 2007. He was granted 7,608 restricted stock units during 2008. |
|
(7) |
|
Mr. Bennett was not granted any stock options during 2008
or 2007. He was granted 8,876 restricted stock units during 2008. |
21
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Mr. Kopaskie was not granted any stock options during 2008
or 2007. He was granted 10,566 restricted stock units during
2008. |
|
(9) |
|
Mr. Firehammer was not granted any stock options during
2008 or 2007. He was granted 5,495 restricted stock units during
2008. |
All
Other Compensation Table
The following table describes each component of the All Other
Compensation column in the Summary Compensation Table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest on
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums
|
|
|
Secured
|
|
|
|
|
|
to Defined
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total All
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stay
|
|
|
for Life
|
|
|
Note
|
|
|
Tax
|
|
|
Contribution
|
|
|
Leased
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
Other
|
|
Name of
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus(1)
|
|
|
Insurance(2)
|
|
|
Receivable(3)
|
|
|
Payments(4)
|
|
|
Plan
|
|
|
Vehicle
|
|
|
Benefits
|
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Executive
|
|
Year
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
Mr. Arling
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,774
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,618
|
|
|
|
5,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,945
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
|
13,774
|
|
|
|
10,120
|
|
|
|
7,071
|
|
|
|
7,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
238,715
|
|
Mr. Hackworth
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,606
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,251
|
|
|
|
5,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,410
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,606
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,252
|
|
|
|
7,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,608
|
|
Mr.
Bennett(5)
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,264
|
|
|
|
40,392
|
|
|
|
3,584
|
|
|
|
64,240
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,059
|
|
|
|
32,426
|
|
|
|
3,358
|
|
|
|
48,843
|
|
Mr. Kopaskie
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,088
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,924
|
|
|
|
5,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,565
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,886
|
|
|
|
7,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,644
|
|
Mr. Firehammer
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,215
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,465
|
|
|
|
7,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,430
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,215
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,466
|
|
|
|
7,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,431
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Arling earned a stay bonus of $200,000 on
December 15, 2007, as a part of his Employment
Agreement with Universal. For further discussion of this
agreement refer to the Compensation Discussion and
Analysis- Compensation Agreements section above.
The stay bonus was paid in full in 2007. |
|
(2) |
|
This column represents taxable payments made for life insurance
premiums for the Named Executives. As of December 31, 2008
and 2007, the aggregate face value of the insurance policies for
the Named Executives was $3,625,000. |
|
(3) |
|
This column represents amounts reimbursed to Mr. Arling for
the payment of interest and taxes he paid for the secured note
receivable. Refer to Compensation Discussion and
Analysis-Compensation Agreements above for further
discussion regarding the terms of this note. |
|
(4) |
|
This column represents taxes reimbursed to the Named Executives
resulting from the premiums we paid on their life insurance
policies mentioned in note 2 above. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Bennetts compensation is paid in Euros and was
converted into U.S. dollars using the average rate of 1.464 USD
for 2008 and 1.371 USD for 2007. |
Grants of
Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2008
No option awards were granted to Named Executives in 2008.
Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal 2008 Year-End
The following table provides information on the holdings of
stock option awards to the Named Executives at December 31,
2008. Grants awarded below are from our Stock Incentive Plans
adopted in years 1993 through 2006. Please refer to Note 11
of our 2008 Annual Report on
Form 10-K,
as filed with the SEC, for additional details regarding our
various Stock Incentive Plans. This table includes unexercised
(vested) and unexercisable (unvested) option awards. Each grant
is shown separately for each Named Executive. Each of the grants
vests ratably over four years beginning one year after the grant
date. The option exercise prices shown below are based on the
average of
22
the high and low trades on the grant date. We grant option
awards at various times during the year without regard to any
anticipated earnings or other major announcements made by us.
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Option Awards
|
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|
|
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Number of
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|
Number of
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities
|
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|
Securities
|
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|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
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Underlying
|
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|
Underlying
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Unexercised
|
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|
Unexercised
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options-
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|
|
Options-
|
|
|
Option
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|
|
Option
|
|
|
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Incentive
|
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|
Option
|
|
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Exercisable
|
|
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Unexercisable
|
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Exercise
Price(1)
|
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Expiration
|
|
Name of Executive
|
|
Plan
|
|
|
Grant Date
|
|
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(#)
|
|
|
(#)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
Date
|
|
|
Mr. Arling
|
|
|
1999
|
|
|
|
1/28/1999
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.50
|
|
|
|
1/28/2009
|
|
|
|
|
1999A
|
|
|
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10/7/1999
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.02
|
|
|
|
10/7/2009
|
|
|
|
|
1999A
|
|
|
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8/24/2000
|
|
|
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80,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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20.19
|
|
|
|
8/24/2010
|
|
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
|
2/5/2002
|
|
|
|
80,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.98
|
|
|
|
2/5/2012
|
|
|
|
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1993
|
|
|
|
11/12/2002
|
|
|
|
17,400
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.45
|
|
|
|
11/12/2012
|
|
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
|
11/12/2002
|
|
|
|
62,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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8.45
|
|
|
|
11/12/2012
|
|
|
|
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1996
|
|
|
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3/24/2004
|
|
|
|
20,834
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.58
|
|
|
|
3/24/2014
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
3/24/2004
|
|
|
|
59,166
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.58
|
|
|
|
3/24/2014
|
|
|
|
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1998
|
|
|
|
1/21/2005
|
|
|
|
32,648
|
|
|
|
10,883
|
|
|
|
17.59
|
|
|
|
1/21/2015
|
|
|
|
|
1999
|
|
|
|
1/21/2005
|
|
|
|
4,883
|
|
|
|
1,627
|
|
|
|
17.59
|
|
|
|
1/21/2015
|
|
|
|
|
1999A
|
|
|
|
1/21/2005
|
|
|
|
22,469
|
|
|
|
7,490
|
|
|
|
17.59
|
|
|
|
1/21/2015
|
|
Mr. Hackworth
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
|
6/28/2004
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.76
|
|
|
|
6/28/2014
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
1/21/2005
|
|
|
|
8,250
|
|
|
|
2,750
|
|
|
|
17.59
|
|
|
|
1/21/2015
|
|
Mr. Bennett
|
|
|
1999
|
|
|
|
1/28/1999
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.50
|
|
|
|
1/28/2009
|
|
|
|
|
1999A
|
|
|
|
10/7/1999
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.02
|
|
|
|
10/7/2009
|
|
|
|
|
1999A
|
|
|
|
8/24/2000
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.19
|
|
|
|
8/24/2010
|
|
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
|
2/5/2002
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.98
|
|
|
|
2/5/2012
|
|
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
|
11/12/2002
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.45
|
|
|
|
11/12/2012
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
3/24/2004
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.58
|
|
|
|
3/24/2014
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
1/21/2005
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
17.59
|
|
|
|
1/21/2015
|
|
Mr. Kopaskie
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
|
9/1/2006
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
18.07
|
|
|
|
9/1/2016
|
|
Mr. Firehammer
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
1/21/2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
17.59
|
|
|
|
1/21/2015
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The option exercise prices are based upon the average of the
high and low and low trades on the grant dates and have been
rounded in the above table. |
Option
Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table provides information for the Named
Executives on option award exercises during 2008, including the
number of shares acquired upon exercise and the net value
realized.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares Acquired
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
on Exercise
|
|
|
Value Realized on Exercise
|
|
Name of Executive
|
|
(#)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
Mr. Arling
|
|
|
62,800
|
|
|
|
1,095,471
|
|
Mr. Firehammer
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
|
63,666
|
|
23
The Company granted 56,121 restricted stock units to its Named
Executives in 2008. The following table provides the number of
restricted shares that vested and the value realized upon the
vesting of those shares during 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Restricted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Vested
|
|
|
Value Realized on Vesting
|
|
Name of Executive
|
|
(#)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
Mr. Arling
|
|
|
7,860
|
|
|
|
137,982
|
|
Mr. Hackworth
|
|
|
2,536
|
|
|
|
44,519
|
|
Mr. Bennett
|
|
|
2,960
|
|
|
|
51,963
|
|
Mr. Kopaskie
|
|
|
3,524
|
|
|
|
61,864
|
|
Mr. Firehammer
|
|
|
1,832
|
|
|
|
32,161
|
|
Non-Management
Directors Compensation for Fiscal 2008
In June 2004, our stockholders adopted the 2004 Directors
Compensation Plan (2004 Plan), pursuant to which
each Class II Director is to receive an annual cash
retainer equal to $25,000 (or $6,250 quarterly), a fee of $1,500
for each board meeting attended in excess of four each year
(determined fiscally), a fee of $1,000 for each committee
meeting attended, an annual fee of $10,000 for each committee
chaired, and an annual award of 5,000 shares of our Common
Stock which vest ratably each quarter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Option
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid in
Cash(1)
|
|
|
Awards(2)
|
|
|
Awards(3)
|
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Name of Director
|
|
Year
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
Mr. Chahil
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
27,500
|
|
|
|
143,050
|
|
|
|
49,467
|
|
|
|
220,017
|
|
Mr. Mulligan
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
42,000
|
|
|
|
143,050
|
|
|
|
49,467
|
|
|
|
234,517
|
|
Mr.
Sparkman(4)
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
39,500
|
|
|
|
143,050
|
|
|
|
49,467
|
|
|
|
232,017
|
|
Mr.
Stapleton(5)
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
18,687
|
|
|
|
77,271
|
|
|
|
47,651
|
|
|
|
143,609
|
|
Mr. Zinser
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
42,000
|
|
|
|
143,050
|
|
|
|
49,467
|
|
|
|
234,517
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This column represents the cash compensation earned in 2008 for
Board and committee service. See the Additional
Information about Fees Earned or Paid in Cash in Fiscal
2008 table below. |
|
(2) |
|
This column represents the stock-based compensation expense
related to stock awards granted to Class II Directors as
part of their compensation. The stock-based compensation expense
represents the amount we recognized in our financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2008 included in our 2008
Annual Report of
Form 10-K
as filed with the SEC. Compensation expense relates to awards
granted in the current and prior years and is recognized on a
straight-line basis over the requisite service period of one
year. In accordance with SFAS 123R, the fair value of the
stock awards is calculated using the high and low trades of our
stock on the grant date. See the Additional Information
about Non-Management Director Equity Awards for further
information related to stock awards granted in 2008. |
|
(3) |
|
This column represents the dollar amount recognized in our 2008
financial statements for the fair value of stock options
granted, in accordance with SFAS 123R. Pursuant to SEC
guidance, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated
forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. For
further discussion of the computation, refer to note 2 in
the Summary Compensation Table above. In addition,
please see the Additional Information about Non-Management
Director Equity Awards for further information related to
option awards granted in 2008. |
|
(4) |
|
Mr. Sparkman rejoined the Audit Committee on July 28,
2008. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Stapleton joined the Board of Directors on
April 24, 2008. |
Mr. Arling, who is an officer and the Companys only
Class I Director, received no additional compensation for
his service as a director during 2008. However, all directors
are reimbursed for travel expenses and other out-of-pocket costs
incurred to attend meetings.
24
Additional
Information about Fees Earned or Paid in Cash in Fiscal
2008
The following table provides additional information about fees
earned or paid in cash to non-management directors in fiscal
2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Committee
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual
|
|
|
Committee
|
|
|
Meeting
|
|
|
BOD Meeting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retainers
|
|
|
Chair
Fees(1)
|
|
|
Attendance
Fees(2)
|
|
|
Attendance
Fees(3)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Name of Director
|
|
Year
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
Mr. Chahil
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
|
27,500
|
|
Mr. Mulligan
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
|
42,000
|
|
Mr.
Sparkman(4)
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
|
39,500
|
|
Mr.
Stapleton(5)
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
17,187
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
|
18,687
|
|
Mr. Zinser
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
|
42,000
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Mulligan, Mr. Sparkman, and Mr. Zinser are
the chairmen of the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee, Compensation Committee, and Audit Committee,
respectively. |
|
(2) |
|
Each committee member is paid $1,000 for the attendance of a
committee meeting. |
|
(3) |
|
Each board member is paid $1,500 for each board of
directors meeting attended in excess of four. |
|
(4) |
|
Mr. Sparkman rejoined the Audit Committee on July 28,
2008. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Stapleton joined the Board of Directors on
April 24, 2008. |
Additional
Information about Non-Management Director Equity
Awards
The following table provides additional information about
non-management director equity awards, including the stock
awards and option awards made to non-management directors during
fiscal 2008, the grant date fair value of each of those awards
and the number of stock awards and option awards outstanding as
of the end of fiscal 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
|
|
Granted During
|
|
|
Granted During
|
|
|
Granted During
|
|
|
Outstanding at
|
|
|
Outstanding at
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2008(1)
|
|
|
Year End
|
|
|
Year End
|
|
Name of Director
|
|
(#)
|
|
|
(#)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
(#)
|
|
|
(#)
|
|
|
Mr. Chahil
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
272,875
|
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
|
41,476
|
|
Mr. Mulligan
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
272,875
|
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
|
65,257
|
|
Mr. Sparkman
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
272,875
|
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
Mr.
Stapleton(2)
|
|
|
5,938
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
338,909
|
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
Mr. Zinser
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
272,875
|
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the fair value of stock option and stock awards
granted during 2008, calculated in accordance with
SFAS 123R. For stock awards, that number is calculated by
multiplying the fair market value of our common stock on the
date of grant by the number of shares awarded. For option
awards, that number is calculated by multiplying the
Black-Scholes value determined as of the date of grant by the
number of options awarded. |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. Stapleton joined the Board of Directors on
April 24, 2008, and as such he was granted 938 stock awards
for the stub period April 24, 2008 through June 30,
2008. |
Related
Persons Transactions
Review
and Approval of Related Person Transactions
We review all relationships and transactions in which the
Company and our directors and executive officers or their
immediate family members are participants to determine whether
such persons have a direct or indirect material interest. The
legal staff is primarily responsible for developing and
implementing processes and controls to
25
obtain information from the directors and executive officers
with respect to related person transactions and then determine,
based on facts and circumstances, whether the Company or related
person has a direct or indirect material interest in the
transaction. As required by SEC rules, transactions that are
determined to be directly or indirectly material to the Company
or a related person are disclosed in the proxy statement.
Related
Party Transactions
See Employment Agreements Paul D. Arling
above under the caption Compensation Discussion and
Analysis section for a discussion of his indebtedness to
us. This indebtedness was repaid to us by Mr. Arling in
full on December 15, 2007.
Stock
Ownership by Directors, Executive Officers and Other Beneficial
Owners
Our Common Stock is the only outstanding class of equity
securities we have. Ownership as of April 1, 2009 of our
Common Stock by each director/nominee, each of the Named
Executives, and by all our directors and executive officers as a
group, and any person we know to be the beneficial holder of
more than five percent of our Common Stock, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of
|
|
|
% of Shares
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
Issued
|
|
|
|
Beneficially Owned
|
|
|
As of
|
|
Name and
Address(1)
|
|
As of April 1, 2009
|
|
|
April 1, 2009
|
|
|
Directors and Nominees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul D. Arling
|
|
|
551,083
|
(2)
|
|
|
3.91
|
%
|
Satjiv S. Chahil
|
|
|
62,267
|
(3)
|
|
|
*
|
|
William C. Mulligan
|
|
|
94,955
|
(4)
|
|
|
*
|
|
J.C. Sparkman
|
|
|
54,952
|
(5)
|
|
|
*
|
|
Gregory P. Stapleton
|
|
|
9,292
|
(6)
|
|
|
*
|
|
Edward K. Zinser
|
|
|
18,854
|
(7)
|
|
|
*
|
|
Non-Director
Named Executive Officers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bryan M. Hackworth
|
|
|
29,414
|
(8)
|
|
|
*
|
|
Paul J. M. Bennett
|
|
|
154,279
|
(9)
|
|
|
1.12
|
%
|
Mark S. Kopaskie
|
|
|
18,183
|
(10)
|
|
|
*
|
|
Richard A. Firehammer Jr.
|
|
|
6,222
|
(11)
|
|
|
*
|
|
All Directors and Named Executive Officers as a Group
(10 persons)
|
|
|
999,501
|
|
|
|
6.96
|
%
|
Beneficial Owners of More than 5% of the Outstanding Company
Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eagle Asset Management Inc.
|
|
|
2,283,279
|
(12)
|
|
|
16.78
|
%
|
Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC
|
|
|
1,293,182
|
(13)
|
|
|
9.51
|
%
|
Barclays Global Investors, NA
|
|
|
952,293
|
(14)
|
|
|
7.00
|
%
|
Wells Fargo & Company
|
|
|
848,552
|
(15)
|
|
|
6.24
|
%
|
Rainier Investment Management Inc.
|
|
|
792,725
|
(16)
|
|
|
5. 83
|
%
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than one percent. |
|
(1) |
|
The address for each Director/Nominee and each
Non-Director
Executive Officer listed in this table is
c/o Universal
Electronics Inc., 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630.
To the knowledge of the Company, each stockholder named in this
table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the
shares shown as beneficially owned by that stockholder unless
otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, and subject
to community property laws where applicable. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 500,000 subject to options exercisable within
60 days. Also includes 1,000 shares held by
Mr. Arlings wife as to which Mr. Arling
disclaims beneficial ownership. |
26
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Includes 28,142 shares subject to options exercisable
within 60 days. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 51,923 shares subject to options exercisable
within 60 days. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 6,666 shares subject to options exercisable within
60 days. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 6,666 shares subject to options exercisable within
60 days. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 6,666 shares subject to options exercisable within
60 days. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 26,000 shares subject to options exercisable
within 60 days. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes 110,000 shares subject to options exercisable
within 60 days. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 15,000 shares subject to options exercisable
within 60 days. |
|
(11) |
|
Includes 5,000 shares subject to options exercisable within
60 days. |
|
(12) |
|
As reported on Schedule 13G/A as filed on January 27,
2009 with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Eagle Asset
Management, Inc., an investment advisor company, with its
principal business office at 880 Carillon Parkway, St.
Petersburg, FL 33716. |
|
(13) |
|
As reported on Schedule 13G/A as filed on February 13,
2009 with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Lord,
Abbett & Co. LLC, an investment advisor company, with
its principal business office at 90 Hudson Street, Jersey City,
New Jersey 07302. |
|
(14) |
|
As reported on Schedule 13G as filed on February 5,
2009 with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Barclays
Global Investors, NA, a global bank, with its principal business
office at 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. |
|
(15) |
|
As reported on Schedule 13G/A as filed on February 2,
2009 with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Wells
Fargo & Company, an investment advisor company and
bank, with its principal business office at 420 Montgomery
Street, San Francisco, CA 94163. |
|
(16) |
|
As reported on Schedule 13G as filed on February 13,
2009 with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Rainier
Investment Management Inc., an investment advisor company, with
its principal business office at 601 Union Street,
Suite 2801 Seattle, WA 98101. |
Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
Exchange Act) requires any person who is a director
or officer of Universal, or the beneficial owner of more than
ten percent of any class of our registered class equity
securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership
on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the NASDAQ Stock Market. Such persons are further
required to furnish us with copies of all such forms they file.
Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms filed, we
have determined that all of the documents required to be filed
pursuant to Section 16(a) have been filed, except that each
of Messrs. Arling, Firehammer, Hackworth, and Kopaskie were
late filing one Form 4 in 2008 reporting transactions
involving restricted stock issuances due to lack of staffing. In
addition, each of Messrs. Bennett, Chahil, Mulligan,
Sparkman and Zinser were tardy filing two Forms 4 in 2008
due to lack of timely receipt from the reporting person of price
and other sales/transfer information. We continue to take steps
necessary to ensure the timely filing of all such reports by
providing each reporting person clear information with respect
to the Section 16(a) reporting requirements.
Independent
Auditors
We engaged Grant Thornton LLP (GT) as our
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2008. The decision to engage GT
was approved by the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation
of the Audit Committee and ratification by our shareholders.
27
The following table sets forth fees billed to us for the years
ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 by our independent
registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended
|
|
Type of Fees
|
|
12/31/2008(1)
|
|
|
12/31/2007(1)
|
|
|
Audit
Fees(2)
|
|
$
|
1,088,965
|
|
|
$
|
1,161,904
|
|
Tax Fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees
|
|
|
22,070
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,111,035
|
|
|
$
|
1,161,904
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Fees billed in foreign currencies are converted using the
average exchange rate over the period. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes fees for professional services rendered for the audit
of our consolidated financial statements, the audit of
managements assessment of internal control over financial
reporting and the effectiveness of internal control, reviews of
the interim financial statements included in our Quarterly
Reports on
Form 10-Q
and services that are normally provided by our independent
registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory
and regulatory filings. |
PROPOSAL TWO:
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation of its
Audit Committee, has appointed Grant Thornton LLP, a firm of
independent registered public accountants, as auditors, to
examine and report to the Board and to our stockholders on our
consolidated financial statements and our subsidiaries for 2009.
The Board of Directors is requesting stockholder ratification of
such appointment. Representatives of Grant Thornton LLP will be
present at the Annual Meeting, will be given an opportunity to
make a statement, and will respond to appropriate questions.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the
proxies received by them FOR the ratification of the
appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered
public accountants for 2009. Stockholder ratification of the
appointment requires an affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of shares of our Common Stock present in person or
represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting. While stockholder
ratification is not required, and thus the stockholder vote is
not binding, the Board of Directors may reconsider its selection
if the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment of Grant
Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accountants
for 2009.
THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION
OF SUCH APPOINTMENT.
Stockholder
Proposals for 2010 Annual Meeting
If a stockholder desires to have a proposal included in our
proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2010 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, the proposal must conform to the requirements of
Exchange Act
Rule 14a-8
and other applicable proxy rules and interpretations of the
Commission concerning the submission and content of proposals,
must be submitted in writing by notice delivered or mailed by
first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, to our
Secretary, Universal Electronics Inc., 6101 Gateway Drive,
Cypress, California 90630 and must be received no later than the
close of business on December 31, 2009. Any such notice
shall set forth: (a) the name and address of the
stockholder and the text of the proposal to be introduced;
(b) the number of shares of stock held of record, owned
beneficially and represented by proxy by such stockholder as of
the date of such notice; and (c) a representation that the
stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the
meeting to introduce the proposal specified in the notice. In
order for a stockholders proposal outside the processes of
Rule 14a-8
to be considered timely within the meaning of Exchange Act
Rule 14a-4(c)(1),
the proposal must be received by us at the same address no later
than March 13, 2010.
Proxy holders will use their discretion in voting proxies with
respect to any stockholder proposal properly presented from the
floor and not included in the Proxy Statement for the 2010
Annual Meeting, unless we have notice of the proposal and
receive specific voting instructions with respect thereto by
March 13, 2010.
28
Procedures for stockholder nominations are discussed above under
the caption Corporate Governance Stockholder
Nominations for Director.
Solicitation
of Proxies
Proxies will be solicited by mail, telephone or other means of
communication. Solicitation also may be made by directors,
officers and our employees who are not specifically employed for
this purpose. We will reimburse brokerage firms, custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries in accordance with the rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., for reasonable
expenses incurred by them in forwarding materials to the
beneficial owners of shares. The entire cost of solicitation
will be borne us.
Form 10-K
Annual Report
Any stockholder may obtain a copy of our 2008 Annual Report on
Form 10-K,
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with or
without exhibits, by addressing a request to Investor Relations,
Universal Electronics Inc., 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress,
California 90630. A charge equal to the reproduction cost will
be made if exhibits are requested.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Richard A. Firehammer, Jr.
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
April 30, 2009
29
Appendix A
UNIVERSAL
ELECTRONICS INC.
BY-LAWS, ARTICLE IV
STOCKHOLDER
NOMINATION OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
Subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of stock
having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or
upon liquidation, nominations for the election of directors may
be made by the Board of Directors or a committee appointed by
the Board of Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote in
the election of directors generally. However, any stockholder
entitled to vote in the election of directors generally may
nominate one or more persons for election as directors at a
meeting only if written notice of such stockholders intent
to make such nomination or nominations has been given, either by
personal delivery or by United States mail, postage prepaid, to
the Secretary of the Corporation not later than (i) with
respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting of
stockholders, one hundred twenty (120) days in advance of
the date of the Proxy Statement released to stockholders in
connection with the previous years annual meeting of
stockholders, and (ii) with respect to an election to be
held at a special meeting of stockholders for the election of
directors, a reasonable time in advance of the meeting. For
purposes of this Section, a reasonable time in advance of
the meeting is at least fifteen (15) days before the
date that the Proxy Statement in connection with such meeting is
to be mailed to the stockholders. Each such notice shall set
forth: (a) the name and address of the stockholder who
intends to make the nomination and of the person and persons to
be nominated; (b) a representation that the stockholder is
a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
at such meeting and intends to appear in person or at the
meeting to nominate the by proxy person or persons specified in
the notice; (c) a description of all arrangements or
understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any
other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant
to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the
stockholder; (d) such other information regarding each
nominee proposed by such stockholder as would be required to be
included in a Proxy Statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules
of the Securities and Exchange Commission, had the nominee been
nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board of
Directors; and (e) the consent of each nominee to serve as
a director of the Corporation if so elected. The presiding
officer at the meeting may refuse to acknowledge the nomination
of any person not made in compliance with the foregoing
procedure.
A-1
Appendix B
AUDIT
COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee reviews our financial reporting process on
behalf of the Board of Directors and while management has the
primary responsibility for the financial statements and the
reporting process, our independent registered public accountants
are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of
our audited financial statements to generally accepted
accounting principles, in all material respects.
In this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed
with management and the independent registered public
accountants our audited financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2008. The Audit Committee has discussed with
the independent registered public accountants the matters
required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards
(SAS) No. 114, The Auditors
Communication With Those Charged With Corporate
Governance, which supersedes SAS No. 61,
Communication With Audit Committees. In
addition, the Audit Committee has received from the independent
registered public accountants the written disclosures required
by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1,
Independence Discussion with Audit Committees
and discussed with them their independence from Universal
and our management. Finally, the Audit Committee has considered
whether the independent registered public accountants
provision of non-audit services provided to us, if any, is
compatible with the registered public accountants
independence.
Relying on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the
Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the
Board has approved, that our financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 2008 as presented to the Audit
Committee, be included in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2008 to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the rules and
regulations promulgated there under.
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Edward K. Zinser Chairman
William C. Mulligan
J.C. Sparkman
B-1
|
|
|
Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in
this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas.
|
|
|
▼ PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. ▼
A
Proposals The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the nominee listed and FOR Proposal 2.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
1. Election of Director: |
|
For |
|
Withhold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
+ |
01 - Paul D. Arling |
|
c |
|
c |
|
The election of Paul D. Arling as a Class I director to serve on the Board of Directors until the
next Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2010 or until the election and qualification of
his successor.
|
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For |
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Against |
|
Abstain |
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|
2. Ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP, a firm of Independent Registered Public Accountants, as the
Companys auditors for the year ending December 31, 2009. |
|
c |
|
|
c |
|
|
c |
|
To consider and act upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or
any and all postponements or adjournments thereof.
B
Non-Voting Items
Change of Address Please print new address below.
C
Authorized Signatures This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. Date and Sign Below
Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as
attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give
full title.
|
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Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below. |
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|
Signature 1 Please keep signature within the box. |
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|
Signature 2 Please keep signature within the box. |
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/ |
/ |
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+ |
▼ PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION,
DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
▼
Proxy Universal Electronics Inc.
Meeting Details
6101 Gateway
Drive, Cypress, California 90630
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The undersigned hereby appoints Paul D. Arling and Bryan M. Hackworth and each of them, as Proxies,
each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and
to vote as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of common stock of Universal Electronics
Inc. held of record by the undersigned on April 17, 2009 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 4:00 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time or any adjournment or
postponement thereof.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFIC INDICATIONS ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS
CARD. IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH INDICATIONS, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE NOMINEE FOR ELECTION
AS DIRECTOR AND TO RATIFY THE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.
In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly
come before the meeting.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time).
The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.uei.com under the heading About Us and then Investor and then SEC Filings.