def14a
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
þ Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
N/A
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and
identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing
by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
20410 North 19th Avenue
Suite 200
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
(623) 445-9500
Dear Fellow Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Universal
Technical Institute, Inc. (the Company, UTI, we or our), to be held at 8:00 a.m. local time
on February 28, 2007, at the Companys Avondale automotive technician training campus located at
10695 West Pierce Street, Avondale, Arizona 85323.
At this years meeting, you will vote on (i) the election of three out of nine directors, (ii)
the approval of our 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan, formerly known as our 2003 Stock Incentive
Plan, as amended, to enable certain compensation paid under the 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan to
qualify as deductible performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code, (iii) the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent
registered public accounting firm, and (iv) any other matters that may properly come before the
meeting. We have attached a notice of meeting and a proxy statement that contain more information
about these items and the meeting.
Your vote is important. We encourage you to sign and return your proxy before the meeting so
that your shares will be represented and voted at the meeting even if you cannot attend in person.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
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Sincerely,
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/s/ John C. White
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John C. White |
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Chairman of the Board |
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January 22, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
20410 North 19th Avenue
Suite 200
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
(623) 445-9500
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To the holders of common stock of Universal Technical Institute, Inc.:
The 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (the Company)
will be held at the Companys Avondale automotive technician training campus located at 10695 West
Pierce Street, Avondale, Arizona 85323 on February 28, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. for the following
purposes:
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To elect three out of nine directors to the Board of Directors to serve for a term of
three years or until their respective successors are elected and qualified. |
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To approve the Companys 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (formerly known as the 2003
Stock Incentive Plan), including certain amendments, for purposes of Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code to enable certain performance-based compensation paid under the plan
to be deductible for tax purposes. |
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To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm for the year ending September 30, 2007. |
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To consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on January 8, 2007 are entitled to
receive notice of and to vote at the meeting. A list of stockholders entitled to vote will be
available for examination at the meeting by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting.
The list will also be available for the same purpose for ten days prior to the meeting at our
principal executive offices at 20410 North 19th Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85027.
We have enclosed our 2006 annual report, including financial statements, and the proxy
statement with this notice of annual meeting.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN
1
THE ENCLOSED STAMPED ENVELOPE. YOUR PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED BY THE COMPANYS BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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/s/ Chad A. Freed
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Chad A. Freed |
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Senior Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary |
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Phoenix, Arizona
January 22, 2007
***STOCKHOLDER PROXY VOTING ALERT***
As you may or may not know, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is contemplating eliminating broker
discretionary voting for the election of directors in the near future. Broker discretionary voting
allows your broker to vote on your behalf for many management proposals (such as the election of
directors) if you do not instruct your broker to vote your shares.
If the NYSE does abolish discretionary voting, your broker may no longer be allowed to vote on your
behalf. It will be necessary for you to actually vote any proxies you receive in order for your
vote to be counted. This change is significant and could cost your Company additional time and
money if you, our stockholders, do not take the time to vote your proxies as soon as they are
received.
We urge you to vote the enclosed proxy even though this year your broker still has discretionary
authority to vote your uninstructed shares. And we request that you vote management proxies you
receive in the future to help save us time and money.
Sincerely,
Your Board of Directors
2
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
20410 North 19th Avenue
Suite 200
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
(623) 445-9500
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
February 28, 2007
This
Proxy Statement is furnished on or about January 22, 2007 to holders of the common
stock of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (the Company, UTI, we or our), in connection
with the solicitation on behalf of the Companys Board of Directors of proxies to be voted at the
2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) and at any adjournment or postponement.
The Annual Meeting will be held at 8:00 a.m. local time on February 28, 2007 at UTIs Avondale
automotive technician training campus located at 10695 West Pierce Street, Avondale, Arizona 85323.
We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies. Copies of solicitation material may be furnished
to brokers, custodians, nominees and other fiduciaries for forwarding to beneficial owners of
shares of common stock, and normal handling charges may be paid for such forwarding service. We
may solicit proxies by mail or by personal interview, telephone and other electronic communication
by our officers and other management employees, who will receive no additional compensation for
their services.
Any stockholder giving a proxy pursuant to this solicitation may revoke it at any time prior
to exercise of the proxy by giving written notice of such revocation to our Secretary at our
executive offices at 20410 North 19th Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85027, or by attending
the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
At the close of business on January 8, 2007, there were 28,295,970 shares of our common stock
outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Only common stockholders of record on
January 8, 2007 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share is entitled to one vote
on each matter voted upon. Votes may not be cumulated.
Voting Information
At the Annual Meeting, votes will be counted by written ballot. The presence, in person or by
a proxy relating to any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding shares of common stock will constitute a quorum for purposes of the Annual
Meeting. For purposes of the quorum requirement and the discussion below regarding the vote
necessary to take stockholder action, stockholders of record who are present at the Annual Meeting
in person or by proxy and who abstain, including brokers holding customers shares of record who
cause abstentions to be recorded at the Annual Meeting, are considered stockholders who are present
and entitled to vote and they count toward the quorum.
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Brokers holding shares of record for customers generally are not entitled to vote on certain
matters unless they receive voting instructions from their customers. As used in the discussion
below, uninstructed shares means shares held by a broker who has not received instructions from
its customers on such matters and the broker has so notified us on a proxy form in accordance with
industry practice or has otherwise advised us that it lacks voting authority. As used in the
discussion below, broker non-votes means the votes that could have been cast on the matter in
question by brokers with respect to uninstructed shares if the brokers had received their
customers instructions.
Election of Directors. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. That is, the
Director nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected. Abstentions and broker
non-votes will not be taken into account in determining the outcome of the election.
Approval of the 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended, for Purposes of Section 162(m).
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock present or represented at the
Annual Meeting and entitled to vote is required to approve the proposal to approve the 2003
Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended. Uninstructed shares are not entitled to vote on this
matter, and therefore broker non-votes will not affect the outcome. Abstentions will have the
effect of negative votes.
Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual
Meeting and entitled to vote is required to approve the proposal to ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. Uninstructed
shares are entitled to vote on this matter. Therefore abstentions and broker non-votes will have
the effect of negative votes.
Any stockholder entitled to vote on any matter may vote part of such stockholders shares in
favor of the proposal and refrain from voting the remaining shares or, except with respect to the
election of Directors, may vote the remaining shares against the proposal; but if the stockholder
fails to specify the number of shares which the stockholder is voting affirmatively or otherwise
indicates how the number of shares to be voted affirmatively is to be determined, it will be
conclusively presumed that the stockholders approving vote is with respect to all shares which the
stockholder is entitled to vote.
If any other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration,
including, among other things, consideration of a motion to adjourn the meeting to another time or
place, the individuals named as proxies and acting thereunder will have discretion to vote on those
matters according to their best judgment to the same extent as the person delivering the proxy
would be entitled to vote. If the Annual Meeting is postponed or adjourned, a stockholders proxy
will remain valid and may be voted at the postponed or adjourned meeting. A stockholder still will
be able to revoke the stockholders proxy until it is voted. At the date this Proxy Statement went
to press, the Board of Directors did not know of any matters other than those described in this
Proxy Statement to be presented at the Annual Meeting.
Proxies properly executed and received by the Company prior to the Annual Meeting and not
revoked, will be voted as directed therein on all matters presented at the Annual Meeting. In the
absence of specific direction from a stockholder, proxies will be voted for the election of all
named Director nominees, for the proposal to approve the 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan, as
amended, and for the proposal to ratify the appointment of the independent registered public
accounting firm.
4
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Board Structure. Our Board of Directors currently has nine members, the majority of whom are
independent directors. The Board is divided into three classes. Directors in each class serve for
three-year terms. At each annual meeting, the term of one class expires. Currently, Messrs.
Conrad and Knight and Ms. McWaters serve as Class I Directors, Messrs. Penske and White and Ms.
Srere serve as Class II Directors, and Messrs. Caputo, Gilmour and Hartman serve as Class III
Directors.
Nominees for Election at this Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation
of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has nominated A. Richard Caputo, Jr., Allan
D. Gilmour and Robert D. Hartman for re-election as Class III Directors, each to serve a three-year
term ending in 2010, or when the Directors successor is duly elected. It is intended that the
votes represented by the proxies at the Annual Meeting will be cast for the election of Messrs.
Caputo, Gilmour and Hartman as Directors.
The following table and text presents information as of the date of this Proxy Statement
concerning the nominees for election as Directors, including in each case their current membership
on Committees of the Board of Directors, year first elected a Director and principal occupations or
affiliations during the last five years and certain other directorships held.
Director Nominees
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UTI Board |
A. Richard Caputo, Jr. |
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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
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Director |
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Allan D. Gilmour
Director |
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Audit Committee |
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2006 |
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Robert D. Hartman
Director |
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A. Richard Caputo, Jr.
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Mr. Caputo has served as a Director on UTIs Board
since 1997. Mr. Caputo is a managing principal of
The Jordan Company, LP, and has been an employee of
The Jordan Company, LP and its predecessors since
1990. The Jordan Company, LP manages, and is an
affiliate of, The Resolute Fund, LP. Since 2002,
Mr. Caputo has been a member of Resolute Fund
Partners, LLC, the general partner of The Resolute
Fund, LP. Mr. Caputo is also a director of Safety
Insurance Group, Inc., TAL International Group,
Inc. and a number of privately-held companies. Mr.
Caputo received a BA in Mathematical and Business
Economics from Brown University. |
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Allan D. Gilmour
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Mr. Gilmour has served as a Director on UTIs Board
since June 2006. From November 1992 until his
initial retirement in January 1995, Mr. Gilmour
served as Vice Chairman of the Ford Motor Company.
Most recently, Mr. Gilmour again served as Vice
Chairman of the Ford Motor Company from May 2002 to
February 2005. Mr. Gilmour began his career with
Ford Motor Company in 1960. Over the course of his
34-year tenure at Ford, Mr. Gilmour |
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served in a
variety of roles including as President of the Ford
Automotive Group, Executive Vice President,
International Automotive Operations and Vice
President, External and Personnel Affairs. He also
served as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President
and Controller, and President of Ford Motor Credit
Company. Mr. Gilmour also serves on the board of
directors of DTE Energy Company and Whirlpool
Corporation, as well as a director or trustee of
many community and professional organizations. Mr.
Gilmour received a BA in Economics from Harvard
University and an MBA from the University of
Michigan. |
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Robert D. Hartman
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Mr. Hartman has served as a Director on UTIs Board
since 1985 and served as UTIs Chairman of the
Board from October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2005.
From 1990 to September 30, 2003, Mr. Hartman served
as UTIs Chief Executive Officer, and from April
2002 to September 30, 2003, Mr. Hartman served as
the Co-Chairman of the Board. From 1979 to 1990,
Mr. Hartman held several positions with UTI,
including Student Services Director, Controller,
School Director and President. He was appointed by
the Governor of Arizona to the Arizona State Board
for Private Post-secondary Education in 1990 and
served until 1995. In addition, he has served on
the Advisory Council for the Arizona Educational
Loan Program, representing the private career
school sector. He was founder and former Chairman
of the Western Council of Private Career Schools.
Mr. Hartman received a BA in General Business from
Michigan State University and an MBA in Finance
from DePaul University in Chicago. |
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each of these nominees.
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Continuing Directors. The terms of Conrad A. Conrad, Kevin P. Knight and Kimberly J. McWaters
are scheduled to end in February 2008 and the terms of Roger S. Penske, Linda J. Srere and John C.
White are scheduled to end in February 2009.
Conrad A. Conrad, age 60, has served as a Director on UTIs Board since February 2004. Mr.
Conrad was employed with The Dial Corporation from August 2000 to October 2005, where he served as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From 1999 to 2000, Mr. Conrad was engaged in
a number of personal business ventures, including providing consulting services to Pennzoil-Quaker
State Company, which acquired Quaker State Corporation in December 1998. From 1974 to 1998, Mr.
Conrad held various positions, most recently Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, with Quaker
State Corporation, a leading manufacturer of branded automotive consumer products and services.
Mr. Conrad also serves as a director of Rural/Metro Corporation and Fender Musical Instruments
Corporation. Mr. Conrad received an AB in Accounting from The College of William & Mary.
Kevin P. Knight, age 50, has served as a Director on UTIs Board since February 2004. Since
May 1999, Mr. Knight has served as Chairman of the Board of Knight Transportation, Inc., a
truckload carrier based in Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Knight has served as Knight Transportations
Chief Executive Officer since 1993 and has been an officer and director of Knight Transportation
since 1990. Mr. Knight has served as Chairman of the Arizona Motor Transport Association and a
board member of the American Trucking Association.
Kimberly J. McWaters, age 42, has served as UTIs Chief Executive Officer since October 1,
2003 and as a Director on UTIs Board since 2005. Ms. McWaters has served as UTIs President since
2000 and served on UTIs Board of Directors from 2002 to 2003. From 1984 to 2000, Ms. McWaters
held several positions with UTI, including Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Sales
and Marketing. Ms. McWaters also serves as a director of United Auto Group, Inc. Ms. McWaters
received a BS in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Roger S. Penske, age 69, has served as a Director on UTIs Board since 2002. Mr. Penske has
served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of United Auto Group, Inc., a
publicly-traded automotive retailer, since 1999. Mr. Penske has also been Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of Penske Corporation since 1969. Mr. Penske also serves as a director
of General Electric Company and United Auto Group, Inc.
Linda J. Srere, age 51, has served as a Director on UTIs Board since 2005. Ms. Srere is a
marketing and advertising consultant. From January 2000 to November 2001, she served as President
of Young & Rubicam Advertising, a worldwide advertising network. From September 1998 to January
2000, Ms. Srere served as Vice Chairman and Chief Client Officer of Young & Rubicam Inc. (Y&R).
From January 1997 to September 1998, she served as President and CEO of Y&Rs New York office. Ms.
Srere joined Y&R in September 1994 as Executive Vice President and Director of Business
Development. Ms. Srere served as the Chairman of advertising agency Earle Palmer Brown New York
from 1992 to 1994, and served as President of advertising agency Rosenfeld, Sirowitz, Humphrey &
Strauss from 1990 to 1992. Ms. Srere is also a director of Electronic Arts Inc. and aQuantive,
Inc. She received a BA in Psychology from State University of New York at Oswego.
John C. White, age 58, has served as a Director on UTIs Board since 1997 and as Chairman of
the Board since October 1, 2005. From October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2005, Mr. White served as
UTIs Chief Strategic Planning Officer and Vice Chairman. From April 2002 to September 30, 2003,
Mr. White served as UTIs Chief Strategic Planning Officer and Co-Chairman of the Board. From 1997
to March 2002, Mr. White served as UTIs Chief Strategic Planning Officer and Chairman of the
Board. Mr. White served as the President of Clinton Harley Corporation (which operated under the
name Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute) from 1977 until it was acquired
by UTI in 1997. Prior to 1977, Mr. White was a marketing representative with International
Business Machines Corporation. Mr. White was appointed by the Arizona Senate to serve as a member
of the Joint Legislative Committee on Private Regionally
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Accredited Degree Granting Colleges and Universities and Private Nationally Accredited Degree
Granting and Vocational Institutions in 1990. He was appointed by the Governor of Arizona to the
Arizona State Board for Private Post-secondary Education, where he was a member and Complaint
Committee Chairman from 1993-2001. Mr. White received a BS in Engineering from the University of
Illinois. Mr. White is the uncle of David K. Miller, UTIs Senior Vice President of Admissions.
Corporate Governance and Related Matters
Corporate governance is typically defined as the system that allocates duties and authority
among a companys stockholders, board of directors and management. The stockholders elect the
board and vote on extraordinary matters; the board is the companys governing body, responsible for
hiring, overseeing and evaluating management; and management runs the companys day-to-day
operations. Our Board of Directors currently consists of nine directors, as described above.
Independent Directors. Our Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Caputo, Conrad,
Gilmour, Knight and Penske and Ms. Srere qualify as independent in accordance with the published
listing requirements of The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The NYSEs independence definition
includes a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not an employee of the company
and has not engaged in various types of business dealings with the company. An explanation of the
independence standard used by our Board of Directors, which standard incorporates the NYSE
independence definition, is set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines adopted by the Board
and discussed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. The Board considers all relevant facts and
circumstances in evaluating the independence of its members from management. Immaterial business
transactions conducted in the ordinary course of business are not determinative of the issue of
independence. As required by the NYSE rules, the Board of Directors has made an affirmative
determination as to each independent director that no relationships exist which, in the opinion of
the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the
responsibilities of a Director and has affirmatively determined that each independent director
meets the independence standard used by the Board. In making these determinations, the Board
reviewed and discussed information provided by the Directors and our management with regard to each
Directors business and personal activities as they may relate to us and our management.
Independence for Audit Committee Members and Audit Committee Financial Expert. In addition,
as required by NYSE rules, the members of our Audit Committee each qualify as independent under
special standards established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for members of
audit committees. Our Audit Committee also includes at least one independent member who is
determined by the Board of Directors to meet the qualifications of an audit committee financial
expert in accordance with SEC rules, including that the person meets the relevant definition of an
independent director. Conrad A. Conrad and Allan D. Gilmour have each been determined to be an
audit committee financial expert. Stockholders should understand that this designation is a
disclosure requirement of the SEC related to Mr. Conrads and Mr. Gilmours experience and
understanding with respect to certain accounting and auditing matters. The designation does not
impose upon Mr. Conrad or Mr. Gilmour any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than
are generally imposed on them as members of the Audit Committee and the Board, and their
designation as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to this SEC requirement does not affect
the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of our Audit Committee or the Board.
Board Meetings
Our Board of Directors and its committees meet throughout the year on a set schedule, and also
hold special meetings and act by written consent from time to time as appropriate. The Board has
delegated various responsibilities and authority to different board committees as described in this
section of the Proxy Statement. Committees regularly report on their activities and actions to the
full Board. In addition, the Corporate Governance Guidelines that have been adopted by the Board
and which are discussed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement call for regular executive sessions of
the non-management Directors (those not employed by UTI). The role of presiding director at
regular executive sessions of the non-management
8
Directors rotates on an annual basis. During fiscal 2005, the chairperson of the Audit Committee
presided over executive sessions of the non-management Directors. During fiscal 2006, the
chairperson of the Compensation Committee assumed the role, and in fiscal 2007, this role will be
assumed by the chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Interested parties may contact the non-management Directors as a group by submitting a letter
in a sealed envelope labeled accordingly. This letter should be placed in a larger envelope and
mailed to Universal Technical Institute, Inc., 20410 North 19th Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona
85027.
In fiscal 2006, the Board held seven meetings. Each Director, with the exception of Roger S.
Penske, Michael R. Eisenson (who resigned from the Board effective February 28, 2006) and Allan D.
Gilmour (who was not elected to the Board until June 2006), attended at least 75% of the Board of
Director meetings. Further, with the exception of Roger S. Penske, each Director attended at least
75% of the meetings of committees on which such Director served, during the Directors tenure as a
Director and committee member.
Board Committees and Charters
In accordance with the NYSE Corporate Governance Rules, we currently have three standing Board
committees: Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance. Each member of the Audit,
Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees is an independent director in
accordance with NYSE standards. Each of the Board committees has a written charter approved by the
Board. Copies of each charter are posted on our website at
www.uticorp.com under the Company Info
Investor Relations Corporate Governance captions. We will provide copies of our Board
committee charters upon request made by writing to us at our principal executive offices at 20410
North 19th Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85027.
The current committee membership is as follows:
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Nominating and |
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Corporate |
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Compensation |
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Governance |
Director |
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Audit Committee |
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Committee |
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Committee |
A. Richard Caputo, Jr.
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ü |
Conrad A. Conrad
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Chair
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ü |
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Allan D. Gilmour
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ü |
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Kevin P. Knight
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ü
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Chair |
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Roger S. Penske
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ü |
Linda J. Srere
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ü
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Chair |
Audit Committee. Messrs. Conrad, Caputo, Eisenson, Gilmour and Knight served as members of
our Audit Committee during fiscal 2006. Mr. Caputo replaced Mr. Eisenson on the Audit Committee
upon Mr. Eisensons resignation from the Board in February 2006. Mr. Gilmour replaced Mr. Caputo
on the Audit Committee in August 2006 following Mr. Gilmours election to the Board. The Board of
Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate and
satisfies the independence requirements of the NYSE and the SEC. The Audit Committee has the
responsibility for overseeing, among other things: our accounting and financial reporting
processes; the reliability of our financial statements; the effective evaluation and management of
our financial risks; our compliance with laws and regulations; and the maintenance of an effective
and efficient audit of our financial statements by a qualified independent registered public
accounting firm. The Audit Committee met eight times during 2006 (four of which meetings were held
telephonically). The Audit Committee is required by SEC rules to publish a report to stockholders
concerning the Audit Committees activities during the prior fiscal year. The Audit Committees
report is set forth elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
Compensation Committee. Messrs. Conrad, Eisenson and Knight and Ms. Srere served as members
of our Compensation Committee during fiscal 2006. Mr. Knight replaced Mr. Eisenson on the
Compensation
9
Committee upon Mr. Eisensons resignation from the Board in February 2006. The Board of Directors
has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee satisfies the independence
requirements of the NYSE. The primary responsibility of the Compensation Committee is to develop
and oversee the implementation of the Companys philosophy with respect to the compensation of our
officers. In that regard, the Compensation Committee has the responsibility for, among other
things: developing and maintaining a compensation policy and strategy that creates a direct
relationship between pay levels and corporate performance and returns to stockholders; recommending
compensation and benefit plans to the Board for approval; reviewing and approving annual corporate
and personal goals and objectives to serve as the basis for the chief executive officers
compensation, evaluating the chief executive officers performance in light of the goals and, based
on such evaluation, determining the chief executive officers compensation; determining the annual
total compensation for our Named Executive Officers; approving the grants of stock options and
other equity-based incentives as permitted under our equity-based compensation plans; reviewing and
recommending to the Board compensation for our non-employee Directors; and reviewing and
recommending employment agreements, severance arrangements and change of control plans that provide
for benefits upon a change in control, or other provisions for our executive officers and
directors, to the Board. The Compensation Committee met seven times during 2006. The Compensation
Committees report on executive compensation is set forth elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Messrs. Caputo, Knight and Penske and Ms.
Srere served as members of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee during fiscal 2006.
Mr. Caputo replaced Mr. Knight on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee upon committee
reassignments following last years annual meeting of stockholders. The Board of Directors has
determined that each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee satisfies the
independence requirements of the NYSE. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has the
responsibility for, among other things: identifying individuals qualified to serve as directors of
UTI; recommending qualified individuals for election to the Board at the annual meeting of
stockholders; recommending to the Board those Directors to serve on each of the Board committees;
recommending a set of corporate governance guidelines to the Board; reviewing periodically our
Corporate Governance Guidelines and recommending governance issues that should be considered by the
Board; reviewing periodically the Boards committee structure and operations and the working
relationship between each committee and the Board; and considering, discussing and recommending
ways to improve the Boards effectiveness. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also
reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the size and the composition of the Board.
In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will review and consider properly
submitted stockholder recommendations on candidates for membership on the Board of Directors as
described below. In evaluating such recommendations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee will use the same review criteria discussed below under Director Qualifications and
Review of Director Nominees. Any stockholder recommendations proposed for consideration by the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee must include the candidates name, accompanied by
relevant biographical information, and must be submitted in accordance with our Bylaws to the
attention of our Corporate Secretary at Universal Technical Institute, Inc., 20410 North 19th
Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85027. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met
seven times during 2006.
Director Qualifications and Review of Director Nominees
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee makes recommendations to the Board of
Directors regarding the size and composition of the Board. The Committee reviews annually with the
Board the composition of the Board as a whole and recommends, if necessary, measures to be taken so
that the Board reflects the appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise and
diversity required for the Board as a whole and contains at least the minimum number of independent
directors required by the NYSE and other applicable laws and regulations. The Committee is
responsible for ensuring that the composition of the Board accurately reflects the needs of UTIs
business and, in accordance with the foregoing, proposing the addition of members and the necessary
resignation of members for purposes of obtaining the appropriate members and skills. Board members
should possess such attributes and experience
10
as are necessary to provide a broad range of personal characteristics including diversity,
management skills, and technological and business experience. Directors should be able to commit
the requisite time for preparation and attendance at regularly scheduled Board and committee
meetings, as well as be able to participate in other matters necessary to ensure good corporate
governance is practiced. In evaluating a director candidate, the Committee considers factors that
are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, including the knowledge, experience,
integrity and judgment of each candidate; the potential contribution of each candidate to the
diversity of backgrounds, experience and competencies which the Board desires to have represented;
each candidates ability to devote sufficient time and effort to his or her duties as a director;
and any other criteria established by the Board and any core competencies or technical expertise
necessary to staff Board committees. In connection with each director nomination recommendation,
the Committee must consider the issue of continuing director tenure and whether the Board will be
exposed to new ideas and viewpoints, and will maintain willingness to critically examine the status
quo.
Board Attendance at Annual Stockholder Meetings
The Board does not have a formal policy with respect to the Directors attendance at our
annual stockholder meetings, but all Directors are encouraged to attend those meetings. All
Directors who, at the time, were serving as members of the Board attended last years annual
meeting of stockholders with the exception of Michael R. Eisenson who resigned from the Board in
February 2006.
Communication with the Board of Directors
Stockholders may communicate with the Chairman of the Board, the Directors as a group, the
non-management Directors as a group or an individual Director directly by submitting a letter in a
sealed envelope labeled accordingly. This letter should be placed in a larger envelope and mailed
to Universal Technical Institute, Inc., 20410 North 19th Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85027.
Code of Conduct; Corporate Governance Guidelines
We have a Code of Conduct (including a Supplemental Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive
Officer and Senior Financial Officers) (Code) that applies to all of our employees, including our
principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer. This Code is posted on
our Internet website (www.uticorp.com) under the Company Info Investor Relations Corporate
Governance captions.
We will provide a copy of the Code upon request made by writing to us at our principal
executive offices at 20410 North 19th Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85027. We intend to
satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver
from, a provision of the Code by posting such information on our website, at the address and
location specified above, and, to the extent required, by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with
the SEC disclosing such information.
As indicated elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors has adopted Corporate
Governance Guidelines. These Corporate Governance Guidelines are posted on our website
(www.uticorp.com) under the Company Info Investor Relations Corporate Governance captions.
We will provide a copy of the Corporate Governance Guidelines upon request made by writing to us at
our principal executive offices at the address indicated above and on the first page of this Proxy
Statement.
Compensation of Non-Employee Directors
In 2006, each of our non-employee Directors received a $20,000 annual retainer (with the
exception of Mr. Gilmour who was elected to the Board in June 2006 and received a pro rata portion
of the $20,000 retainer). Each non-employee Director also received an annual award under our 2003
Incentive Compensation Plan (formerly known as our 2003 Stock Incentive Plan) of 1,000 shares of
the Companys common stock (with the exception of Mr. Gilmour who received an award of 604 shares
of common stock),
11
and $2,500 per board meeting attended in person or by telephone. In addition, each non-employee
Director received reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, including travel expenses on commercial
flights or the equivalent cost of advance purchase first class commercial travel for non-employee
Directors utilizing private aircraft.
All non-chairperson Directors serving on committees of the Board received an additional
payment of $1,000 for each committee meeting attended in person or by telephone, regardless of
whether such committee meeting occurred on the day of a board meeting for which that Director had
been compensated and regardless of how many committee meetings that Director attended on the same
day. The chairpersons of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee each received $2,000 for each committee meeting attended, and the chairperson of the
Audit Committee received $3,000 for each committee meeting attended. The Audit Committee
chairperson received an additional $10,000 annual retainer.
Directors who are also officers do not receive any separate compensation for serving as
directors.
We indemnify our Directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law so that they
will be free from undue concern about personal liability in connection with their service to the
Company. This is permitted by our Certificate of Incorporation, and we have also entered into
agreements with our Directors, contractually obligating us to provide this indemnification to them.
12
PROPOSAL 2
APPROVAL OF THE 2003 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN, AS AMENDED,
FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 162(m) OF THE CODE
We are asking you to approve our 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan, which we refer to as
the Incentive Compensation Plan or the plan, for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as Section 162(m). Please note that the Incentive
Compensation Plan was formerly known as the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. We have amended the name of
the Incentive Compensation Plan so that it is more representative of the types of awards that may
be granted under the plan. Other amendments made to the Incentive Compensation Plan are discussed
below. Your approval of the Incentive Compensation Plan will permit the Company to receive a tax
deduction for certain awards granted under the plan as described below. We are not asking for any
increase in the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Incentive Compensation Plan.
Section 162(m) denies a deduction to any publicly held corporation for compensation paid to
covered employees in a taxable year to the extent that compensation to any covered employee
exceeds $1 million. It is possible that compensation attributable to stock awards, when combined
with all other types of compensation received by our covered employees, could cause us to exceed
this limitation in any particular year for one or more of our covered employees. For purposes of
Section 162(m), the term covered employee means our chief executive officer and our four highest
compensated officers as of the end of a taxable year, determined in accordance with federal
securities laws.
Compensation that qualifies as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) is exempt
from the $1 million cap. The Incentive Compensation Plan is being submitted to the stockholders
for approval in order to permit certain awards granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan to
covered employees to qualify as performance-based compensation. Prior to the date of the Annual
Meeting, awards granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan were exempt from Section 162(m) based
upon a transition exemption for companies that have recently become public. This transition
exemption ends as of the date of the Annual Meeting.
In accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations issued under Section 162(m), compensation
attributable to a stock award granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan will qualify as
performance-based compensation if the award is granted by a committee of our Board of Directors
consisting solely of outside directors (as defined under Section 162(m)), the stock award vests,
is granted or is exercisable only upon the achievement (as certified in writing by the committee)
of objective performance goals established in writing by the committee while the outcome is
substantially uncertain, the maximum amount of compensation payable upon achievement of the
performance goals is fixed and the material terms of the Incentive Compensation Plan under which
the award is granted are approved by stockholders. A stock option or stock appreciation right may
be considered performance-based compensation if it meets the requirements described in the prior
sentence or by meeting the following requirements: the Incentive Compensation Plan contains a
per-employee limitation on the number of shares for which stock options and stock appreciation
rights may be granted during a specified period, the stock option or stock appreciation right is
granted by the committee consisting solely of outside directors, the material terms of the plan
are approved by the stockholders, and the exercise price of the option or right is no less than the
fair market value of the stock on the date of grant.
A summary of the material terms of the Incentive Compensation Plan as proposed to be amended,
including the material terms for purposes of Section 162(m), is included as Appendix A to
this Proxy Statement. In addition, the full text of the Incentive Compensation Plan as proposed to
be amended is included as Appendix B to this Proxy Statement. Please note that in
connection with the submission of the Incentive Compensation Plan for approval for purposes of
Section 162(m), we amended the business criteria used to determine the performance goals to provide
additional criteria that reflect performance measures
13
specific to our industry that we believe our Compensation Committee may want to use in evaluating
the performance of our executive officers. In addition, we amended the Incentive Compensation Plan
to permit the grant of stock units and cash bonuses that will qualify as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m). We also revised the measurement date for the annual limit for
cash awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan to make such limit easier to administer. As a
matter of good corporate governance, we also have amended the Incentive Compensation Plan to
require that all options and stock appreciation rights have an exercise price per share equal to
the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. We did not change the maximum
annual limits for the size of awards that may be granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan.
Also note that, as stated above, we have amended the name of the Incentive Compensation Plan, which
was formerly known as the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, so that it is more representative of the types
of awards that may be granted under the plan. Finally, we have granted a cash performance bonus
intended to qualify as performance-based compensation to our chief executive officer, Kimberly J.
McWaters, under the 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan contingent upon approval of this proposal.
The award is for a maximum payout of $431,250, and is based upon the achievement of performance
goals based on the following three business criteria: capacity utilization, earnings before income
and taxes and contract growth.
If approval of the Incentive Compensation Plan is not received, we will not be able to grant
awards that qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). As a consequence,
certain stock awards to our Named Executive Officers that may have otherwise been able to qualify
as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) may not be deductible by the Company for
tax purposes.
Required Vote and Board of Directors Recommendation
Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at
the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy and voting on this proposal. Because brokers are not
permitted to vote on this proposal in the absence of voting instructions from beneficial owners,
broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. Abstentions will have the
effect of negative votes.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR approval
of the 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended.
Plan Benefits
Benefits obtained by our employees under our Incentive Compensation Plan are made on a
discretionary basis by our Compensation Committee, which administers the plan. Accordingly, it is
not possible to determine the benefits that will be received by our executive officers and our
other employees under the Incentive Compensation Plan in 2007. The table below shows, as to our
Named Executive Officers and the other individuals and groups indicated, the number of shares of
our common stock subject to option grants, together with the weighted average option exercise price
payable per share, made under the Incentive Compensation Plan and the number of shares of
restricted stock awarded under the Incentive Compensation Plan during fiscal 2006.
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Number of Shares |
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Number of Shares |
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Underlying |
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Underlying |
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Weighted Average Option |
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Restricted Stock |
Name and Position |
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Options Granted |
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Exercise Price per Share |
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Awards |
John C. White
Chairman of the Board |
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24,500 |
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$ |
23.25 |
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5,555 |
(1) |
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Kimberly J. McWaters
Chief Executive Officer, President and
Director |
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52,500 |
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$ |
23.25 |
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11,903 |
(1) |
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Jennifer L. Haslip
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer |
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18,000 |
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$ |
23.25 |
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4,000 |
(1) |
14
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Number of Shares |
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Number of Shares |
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Underlying |
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Underlying |
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Weighted Average Option |
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Restricted Stock |
Name and Position |
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Options Granted |
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Exercise Price per Share |
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Awards |
David K. Miller
Senior Vice President of Admissions |
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18,000 |
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$ |
23.25 |
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4,000 |
(1) |
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Roger L. Speer
Senior Vice President of Custom
Training Group and Support Services |
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18,000 |
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$ |
23.25 |
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4,000 |
(1) |
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A. Richard Caputo, Jr., Director |
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$ |
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1,000 |
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Conrad A. Conrad, Director |
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$ |
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1,000 |
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Allan D. Gilmour, Director |
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$ |
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604 |
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Kevin P. Knight, Director |
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$ |
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1,000 |
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Roger S. Penske, Director |
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$ |
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1,000 |
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Linda J. Srere, Director |
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$ |
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1,000 |
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In excess of 5% (not including current
executive officers) |
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$ |
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All current executive officers as a
group (5 persons) |
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131,000 |
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$ |
23.25 |
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29,458 |
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All current non-employee Directors as a
group (6 persons) |
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$ |
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5,604 |
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All employees, including all current
officers who are not executive officers,
as a group (236 persons) |
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401,093 |
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$ |
23.25 |
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88,474 |
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(1) |
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Shares of restricted stock vest in four equal annual installments, with the first vesting
occurring on the first anniversary of the grant date. |
15
PROPOSAL 3
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered
public accounting firm with respect to our financial statements for the year ending September 30,
2007. In taking this action, the Audit Committee considered PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPs
independence with respect to the services to be performed and other factors, which the Audit
Committee and the Board of Directors believe is advisable and in the best interest of the
stockholders. As a matter of good corporate governance, the Audit Committee has decided to submit
its selection to stockholders for ratification. In the event that this selection of independent
registered public accounting firm is not ratified by a majority vote of the shares of common stock
present or represented at the Annual Meeting, it will be considered as a direction to the Audit
Committee to consider the selection of a different firm.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR approval of the ratification of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
Fees Paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
As more fully described below, all services to be provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are
pre-approved by the Audit Committee, including audit services, audit-related services, tax services
and certain other services.
The following table shows the fees that we accrued for the audit and other services provided
by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for fiscal years 2006 and 2005.
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|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
821,864 |
|
|
$ |
1,098,600 |
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Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
29,668 |
|
|
|
21,575 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
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|
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Total |
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$ |
851,532 |
|
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$ |
1,120,175 |
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Audit Fees. This category consisted principally of audit work performed on our consolidated
financial statements, review of financial statements included in other periodic reports, services
provided in connection with the annual audit of our internal control over financial reporting as
required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and services that are normally provided
by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory
filings.
Tax Fees. This category consisted principally of professional services rendered by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, primarily in connection with our tax compliance activities, including
technical and tax advice related to the preparation of tax returns.
It is expected that representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present at the
Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire, and will be available
to respond to any appropriate questions from stockholders.
16
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Procedures for Services Provided by the Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
Pre-Approval of Audit Services. The Audit Committee shall meet with the independent
registered public accounting firm prior to the audit to review the planning and staffing of the
audit and approve the services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm
in connection with the audit.
Pre-Approval of Non-Audit Services. The Audit Committee shall review and approve in advance
the retention of the independent registered public accounting firm for any non-audit service that
is not prohibited by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Act), provided, however, that:
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(a) |
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permitted non-audit services that account for less than $10,000 shall be deemed
to be pre-approved, and |
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(b) |
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as permitted by Section 302 of the Act, such pre-approval is waived and shall
not be required with respect to non-audit services: |
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(i) |
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that account, in the aggregate, for less than 5% of the total
fees paid by the company to its independent registered public accounting firm
during the fiscal year in which such non-audit services are provided; |
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(ii) |
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that the company did not recognize as non-audit services at
the time of the engagement, and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
that are promptly brought to the attention of, and approved
by, the Committee before the completion of the audit (and such approval may be
given by the Audit Committee or any member of the Audit Committee). |
The Audit Committee may delegate to any one of its members the authority to grant pre-approval of
any permitted non-audit services that account for between $10,000 and $20,000 (and except as
otherwise provided in a resolution of the Audit Committee adopted hereafter, the Audit Committee
shall be deemed to have delegated such authority, such that any one member of the Audit Committee
shall have the authority to grant pre-approval of any permitted non-audit services within such
dollar limits). The pre-approval of any non-audit services pursuant to delegated authority or
deemed approval shall be reported to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
Approval of non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm
pursuant to clause (b) above will be disclosed by the Company as required pursuant to Section 202
of the Act in the applicable reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006
The Audit Committee reviews the Companys financial reporting process on behalf of the
Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is currently composed of three independent directors (Mr.
Gilmour replaced Mr. Caputo on the Audit Committee in August 2006 following Mr. Gilmours election
to the Board). The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of
Directors that is available on the Companys website at http://www.uticorp.com under the Company
Info Investor Relations Corporate Governance captions. The Audit Committee met eight times
during 2006 (four of which meetings were held telephonically). Management has the primary
responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of
internal control over financial reporting.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee meets with management and the
independent registered public accounting firm to review and discuss the Companys annual and
quarterly financial statements, including the disclosures under Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Companys annual report on Form
10-K, any material changes in
17
accounting policies used in preparing the financial statements prior to the filing of a report on
Form 10-K or Form 10-Q with the SEC, and the items required to be discussed by Statement of
Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees (SAS 61), with respect to annual
financial statements, and Statement of Auditing Standards No. 100, Interim Financial Information,
with respect to quarterly financial statements.
The Audit Committee met and held discussions with management and the independent registered
public accounting firm regarding the fair and complete presentation of the Companys financial
statements, managements assessment of the Companys internal control over financial reporting, and
the significant accounting policies applied by management in the preparation of the Companys
financial statements, as well as any alternative accounting policies. Management represented to
the Audit Committee that the Companys consolidated financial statements were prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and the Audit
Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the
independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent
registered public accounting firm matters required to be discussed by SAS 61.
In addition, the Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from the
independent registered public accounting firm required by Independence Standards Board Standard No.
1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, and discussed with the independent registered
public accounting firm such firms independence from the Company and its management. The Audit
Committee also has considered whether the independent registered public accounting firms provision
of permitted non-audit services to the Company is compatible with its independence. The Audit
Committee has concluded that the independent registered public accounting firm is independent from
the Company and its management.
The Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the
overall scope and plans for its audit. The Audit Committee met with the independent registered
public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its audit,
the evaluation of the Companys internal controls, the overall quality of the Companys financial
reporting, and other matters required to be discussed by SAS 61.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended
to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors approved, the inclusion of the audited
financial statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30,
2006, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee has also selected
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2007.
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|
The Audit Committee:
Conrad A. Conrad (Chair)
Allan D. Gilmour
Kevin P. Knight
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18
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
We maintain the Management 2002 Stock Option Program (the 2002 Plan) and the 2003 Incentive
Compensation Plan (the Incentive Compensation Plan) pursuant to which we may grant equity awards
to eligible persons.
Management 2002 Stock Option Program. The 2002 Plan was adopted by our Board of Directors and
became effective in April 2002. A maximum of 783,000 shares of common stock may be issued under
the 2002 Plan, which is administered by our Compensation Committee.
The 2002 Plan provides for the grant of incentive and non-qualified stock options to our
employees and employees of related companies, including officers and employee directors, and
non-statutory options to other persons providing material services to us or related companies. A
non-employee director is not eligible to receive an award.
The term of the options granted under the 2002 Plan is set forth in each option agreement.
However, the term of an option may not exceed the earlier of ten years and the date on which the
optionee ceases to be an employee of, and to perform services for, the Company including related
companies. Options granted under the 2002 Plan vest over a four-year period and become exercisable
as set forth in each option agreement.
As of September 30, 2006, we had issued 173,644 shares of common stock upon the exercise of
options granted under the 2002 Plan. In addition, 516,508 shares of common stock are issuable
pursuant to options granted under the 2002 Plan, at a weighted average exercise price of $4.49 per
share. We do not intend to grant any additional options under the 2002 Plan.
2003 Incentive Compensation Plan. The Incentive Compensation Plan was adopted by our Board of
Directors and approved by holders of the majority voting power of our voting stock and became
effective in December 2003. The Incentive Compensation Plan is administered by our Compensation
Committee. For more information regarding the Incentive Compensation Plan, we urge you to read the
summary of the material terms of the Incentive Compensation Plan, as proposed to be amended,
included as Appendix A of this Proxy Statement.
19
The following table summarizes our equity compensation plan information as of September 30,
2006. Information is included for both equity compensation plans approved by the stockholders and
equity plans not approved by the stockholders.
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
Common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average |
|
remaining available for |
|
|
Common shares to be |
|
exercise price of |
|
future issuance under |
|
|
issued upon exercise of |
|
outstanding |
|
equity compensation |
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
options, warrants |
|
plans (excluding shares |
|
|
warrants and rights |
|
and rights |
|
reflected in column (a)) |
Plan category |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
Equity compensation
plans approved by
UTI stockholders |
|
|
2,694,155 |
(1) |
|
$ |
21.44 |
|
|
|
2,253,325 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by UTI stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
|
|
2,694,155 |
|
|
$ |
21.44 |
|
|
|
2,253,325 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Of these shares, options to purchase 2,177,647 shares were outstanding under the Incentive
Compensation Plan. |
2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. We sponsor an employee stock purchase plan that permits
eligible employees, as defined in the plan, to purchase up to 10% of an employees annual base and
overtime pay at a price equal to 95% of the fair market value of a share of stock on the last day
of the offering period. We amended the employee stock purchase plan in 2005 to address changes in
the financial accounting treatment of employee stock purchase plans. Prior to the amendment to the
plan, eligible employees were permitted to purchase up to 10% of the employees annual base and
overtime pay at a price of no less than 85% of the price per share of our common stock either at
the beginning or the end of the six-month offering period, whichever was less. Our Compensation
Committee administers the employee stock purchase plan. The Board of Directors may amend or
terminate the plan. The employee stock purchase plan complies with the requirements of Section 423
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no matters, other than the proposals presented above, to
be submitted to the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting,
it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy card enclosed with this Proxy Statement to
vote the shares they represent as the Board may recommend.
20
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes the compensation we paid our Chief Executive Officer and
each of our four other most highly compensated executive officers as of the end of fiscal 2006
whose salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 (the Named Executive Officers).
Summary Compensation Table
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation |
|
Long-Term Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Annual |
|
Stock |
|
Stock Options |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Compensation |
|
Awards (1) |
|
(#) |
John C. White |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
354,493 |
|
|
$ |
115,936 |
|
|
$ |
34,139 |
(2) |
|
$ |
129,154 |
|
|
|
24,500 |
|
Chairman of the Board |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
339,308 |
|
|
|
123,120 |
|
|
|
33,427 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
326,615 |
|
|
|
199,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102,241 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kimberly J. McWaters |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
410,788 |
|
|
$ |
167,012 |
|
|
$ |
24,101 |
(2) |
|
$ |
276,745 |
|
|
|
52,500 |
|
Chief Executive Officer,
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
381,692 |
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
38,573 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
65,000 |
|
President and Director |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
326,615 |
|
|
|
249,000 |
|
|
|
404 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
157,240 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jennifer L. Haslip |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
222,385 |
|
|
$ |
54,480 |
|
|
$ |
30,672 |
(4) |
|
$ |
93,000 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
Senior Vice President, Chief |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
212,240 |
|
|
|
58,050 |
|
|
|
24,039 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
Financial Officer and Treasurer |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
202,500 |
|
|
|
121,663 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David K. Miller |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
243,692 |
|
|
$ |
59,040 |
|
|
$ |
26,705 |
(2) |
|
$ |
93,000 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
Senior Vice President of |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
237,265 |
|
|
|
64,800 |
|
|
|
40,572 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
Admissions |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
227,460 |
|
|
|
57,460 |
|
|
|
1,588 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,527 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roger L. Speer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
218,692 |
|
|
$ |
53,040 |
|
|
$ |
18,200 |
(2) |
|
$ |
93,000 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
Senior Vice President of Custom |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
212,308 |
|
|
|
58,050 |
|
|
|
18,921 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
Training Group and Support
Services |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
200,692 |
|
|
|
82,000 |
|
|
|
1,295 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
78,670 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
On June 15, 2006, the Compensation Committee awarded shares of restricted stock to certain
of our employees, including the Chief Executive Officer and the other Named Executive
Officers, under our 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan. The restricted stock vests in four
equal installments, with the first vesting occurring on the first anniversary of the grant
date. Except in certain circumstances, upon termination of the executive officers status as
an employee during the four-year vesting period, restricted stock that at that time is subject
to restrictions shall be forfeited and reacquired by us. If we pay a dividend in the future,
holders of restricted stock are entitled to such dividend and holders may exercise voting
rights on their shares of restricted stock. The amount shown in this column represents the
dollar value of the grant of restricted stock based on the per share closing price of our
common stock on the grant date ($23.25). |
The following table shows the number and market value of unvested restricted stock holdings as
of September 30, 2006. The market value of the holdings in the table below is based on the per
share closing price of our common stock on September 29, 2006 ($17.89), which was the last
trading day of our 2006 fiscal year:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unvested Shares of Restricted |
|
Market Value of Unvested Restricted |
Name |
|
Stock (# of shares) |
|
Stock Holdings ($) |
John C. White |
|
|
5,555 |
|
|
$ |
99,379 |
|
Kimberly J. McWaters |
|
|
11,903 |
|
|
|
212,945 |
|
Jennifer L. Haslip |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
71,560 |
|
David K. Miller |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
71,560 |
|
Roger L. Speer |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
71,560 |
|
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Includes healthcare and other personal fringe benefits. |
21
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Includes a one-time reimbursement for the payment of taxes in connection with the exercise of
stock options. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes $25,577 in healthcare benefits. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes $33,046 in healthcare benefits. |
Stock Options
The following table lists the grants during fiscal 2006 of stock options to the Named
Executive Officers.
Option Grants In Last Fiscal Year
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|
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|
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|
Potential Realizable Value at |
|
|
Number of |
|
% of Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed Annual Rate of Stock |
|
|
Shares |
|
Options Granted |
|
Exercise or |
|
|
|
|
|
Price Appreciation for Option |
|
|
Underlying |
|
to Employees in |
|
Base Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Term (1) |
Name |
|
Options Granted |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
($/Sh) |
|
Date |
|
5% ($) |
|
10% ($) |
John C. White |
|
|
24,500 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
% |
|
$ |
23.25 |
|
|
|
6/15/2016 |
|
|
$ |
358,234 |
|
|
$ |
907,836 |
|
Kimberly J. McWaters |
|
|
52,500 |
|
|
|
9.7 |
% |
|
$ |
23.25 |
|
|
|
6/15/2016 |
|
|
$ |
767,645 |
|
|
$ |
1,945,362 |
|
Jennifer L. Haslip |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
% |
|
$ |
23.25 |
|
|
|
6/15/2016 |
|
|
$ |
263,192 |
|
|
$ |
666,981 |
|
David K. Miller |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
% |
|
$ |
23.25 |
|
|
|
6/15/2016 |
|
|
$ |
263,192 |
|
|
$ |
666,981 |
|
Roger L. Speer |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
% |
|
$ |
23.25 |
|
|
|
6/15/2016 |
|
|
$ |
263,192 |
|
|
$ |
666,981 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts reported in these columns represent amounts that may be realized upon exercise of
the option immediately prior to the expiration of its term assuming the specified compound
rates of appreciation (5% and 10%) in the market value of our common stock over the term of
the option. These numbers are calculated based on rules promulgated by the SEC and do not
reflect our estimate of future stock price growth. The gains shown are net of the option
exercise price, but do not include deductions for taxes or other expenses associated with the
exercise of the option or the sale of the underlying shares. The actual gains, if any, on the
exercise of this stock option will depend on the future performance of the common stock, the
optionholders continued employment through the option period, and the date on which the
option is exercised. |
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-end Option Values
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the exercise and values of
options held by the Named Executive Officers, as of September 30, 2006. The table contains values
for in the money options, meaning a positive spread between the fiscal year-end share price of
$17.89 and the exercise price. These values have not been, and may never be, realized. The
options might never be exercised, and the value, if any, will depend on the share price on the
exercise date.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
Value of Unexercised In-the-Money |
|
|
Shares Acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
Options at September 30, 2006 |
|
Options at September 30, 2006 |
Name |
|
on Exercise |
|
Value Realized |
|
Exercisable/Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable/Unexercisable |
John C. White |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59,921 / 101,821 |
|
|
$ |
/ $ |
|
Kimberly J. McWaters |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
405,762 / 179,820 |
|
|
$ |
5,560,963 / $ |
|
Jennifer L. Haslip |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
$ |
941,317 |
|
|
|
121,497 / 87,035 |
|
|
$ |
875,212 / $ |
|
David K. Miller |
|
|
8,002 |
|
|
$ |
191,492 |
|
|
|
52,374 / 82,621 |
|
|
$ |
87,902 / $86,283 |
Roger L. Speer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
169,972 / 76,035 |
|
|
$ |
1,677,735 / $ |
|
22
Employment-Related Arrangements
Employment Agreement with John C. White. In April 2002, we entered into an employment
agreement with John White. Under the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. White agreed to serve
as Chief Strategic Planning Officer and Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors. Effective October
1, 2003, Mr. White became Vice Chairman of the Board. Subsequently, on October 1, 2005, Mr. White
became Chairman of the Board. The terms of the employment agreement with Mr. White remain in full
force and effect notwithstanding the fact that Mr. White now serves as Chairman of the Board. The
employment agreement provided for an initial term ending September 30, 2006 and automatically
renews for successive one-year terms thereafter, subject to at least 90 days advance notice by
either party of a decision not to renew the employment agreement. Mr. White is entitled to receive
an annual base salary of $312,500, subject to annual cost of living adjustments and other increases
as the Compensation Committee may recommend to the Board.
Employment Agreement with Kimberly J. McWaters. In April 2002, we entered into an employment
agreement with Kimberly McWaters to serve as our President. This agreement provided for an initial
term ending March 31, 2005 and automatically renews for successive one-year terms thereafter,
subject to at least 90 days advance notice by either party of a decision not to renew the
employment agreement. Under the employment agreement, Ms. McWaters is entitled to receive an
annual base salary of $280,000, subject to annual cost of living adjustments and other increases as
the Compensation Committee may recommend to the Board. Effective as of October 1, 2003, Ms.
McWaters became Chief Executive Officer. The terms of the employment agreement with Ms. McWaters
remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the fact that Ms. McWaters now serves as the Chief
Executive Officer as well as its President.
Employment Agreement with Jennifer L. Haslip. In November 2003, we entered into an employment
agreement with Jennifer Haslip to serve as our Chief Financial Officer. This agreement provided
for an initial term ending April 1, 2005 and automatically renews for successive one-year terms
thereafter, subject to 90 days advance notice by either party of a decision not to renew the
employment agreement. Under the employment agreement, Ms. Haslip is entitled to receive an annual
base salary of $195,000, subject to annual cost of living adjustments and other increases as the
Compensation Committee may recommend to the Board.
Provisions Common to Each Employment Agreement. Certain provisions are common to each of the
employment agreements described above. For example, each employment agreement:
|
|
|
provides that each executive may be paid an annual, performance-based bonus to be
determined by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion; |
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specifies that each executive is entitled to certain perquisites, including
reimbursement of expenses, paid vacations, health and medical reimbursement plan, a car
allowance and automobile insurance and such other perquisites and benefits, including
health, short- and long-term disability, pension and life insurance benefits for executives
and their families, established from time to time at the sole discretion of the Board of
Directors; |
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provides for our payment of severance compensation and benefits to the executives under
certain circumstances, such as when the executives employment is terminated by the Company
other than for cause, as defined in the employment agreements, or by the executive if the
Company materially breaches the employment agreement or due to the executives death or
disability; and |
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restricts the employees disclosure and use of the Companys confidential information,
as defined in the employment agreement, and prohibits the employee from competing with the
Company for a specified period following the termination of employment. |
23
The Board of Directors approves the operating budget for a given fiscal year and may, upon the
recommendation of the Compensation Committee, award bonuses based upon achievement of established
targets. In addition, the Board may, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, award
bonuses based upon additional factors, including but not limited to extraordinary performance or
efforts by individuals, as the Board may in its discretion determine from time to time.
Severance Agreements. We entered into severance agreements with several of our executive
officers and key employees. Each severance agreement provides for the payment of severance
compensation and other benefits to the employee depending upon the circumstances of the employees
termination of employment, such as if the employee is terminated without cause or if the employee
leaves for good reason, in each case within 12 months after the Company has undergone a change in
control, as that term is defined in the severance agreement. Each severance agreement also
provides that:
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as a precondition to our payment of any severance compensation or benefits, the employee
must execute a waiver and release that the Company provides to the employee; |
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the amounts paid to or benefits received by the employee are subject to a downward
adjustment so that the total payments to the employee due to a change in control do not
constitute an excess parachute payment, as that term is defined in Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or cause the employee to be required to pay an
excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code; and |
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the employee is not required to mitigate any amounts paid or benefits received under the
severance agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise. |
As part of the consideration for the payment of the severance payments and benefits, the
severance agreement provides that, for a period of 12 months after the termination of employment,
the employee covenants not to compete directly or indirectly with the Company or directly or
indirectly solicit, recruit or employ any persons or entities with whom the Company currently has
business relationships, or have had such relationships within the 24 months prior to such
solicitation, recruitment or employment.
401(k) Plan. We maintain a plan qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Under the 401(k) Plan, a participant may contribute a maximum of 50% of his or her pre-tax salary,
commissions and bonuses through payroll deductions, up to the statutorily prescribed annual limit
($15,000 in calendar year 2006). The percentage elected by more highly compensated participants
may be required to be lower. In addition, at the discretion of our Board of Directors, we may make
discretionary matching and/or profit-sharing contributions into the 401(k) Plan for eligible
employees.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
Messrs. Conrad, Eisenson and Knight and Ms. Srere served as members of our Compensation
Committee during fiscal 2006. None of these Directors was an executive officer or otherwise an
employee of UTI before or during such service, and no executive officer of UTI served on any other
companys compensation committee.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee) administers the
Companys executive compensation program. The Committee oversees the Companys compensation and
employee benefit plans and practices, including its executive compensation plans and its incentive
compensation and equity-based plans.
24
The Committee is comprised only of independent directors, as that term is defined in the rules
of the NYSE. The members of the Committee also qualify as non-employee directors within the
meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as outside directors within
the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The Committee operates under a
written charter that outlines the purpose, member qualifications, authority and responsibilities of
the Committee. A copy of the Committees charter is available on the Companys website at
http://www.uticorp.com under the Company Info Investor Relations Corporate Governance
captions.
In the performance of its responsibilities, the Committee may conduct or authorize
investigations into or studies of matters within the Committees scope of responsibilities, and may
retain, at the Companys expense, such independent counsel or other advisers as it deems necessary.
The Committee has the authority to retain or terminate a compensation consultant to assist the
Committee in carrying out its responsibilities, including authority to approve the consultants
fees and other retention terms, such fees to be borne by the Company. During fiscal 2006, the
Committee engaged an independent compensation consultant to assist its review and determination of
the compensation of the Companys senior executive officers, including its Chief Executive Officer,
its Chairman of the Board and other executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set
forth elsewhere in this Proxy Statement (the Named Executive Officers).
Each Committee meeting generally includes executive sessions which are not attended by any of
the Companys employees or other Directors, unless the Committee requests such attendance.
Following each of its regularly scheduled meetings, the Committee delivers a report on the meeting
to the Companys Board of Directors, including a description of all actions taken by the Committee
at the meeting.
This report sets forth the executive compensation policies of the Company with respect to the
Named Executive Officers. This report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any
previous filing by UTI under either the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 that incorporates future Securities Act or Exchange Act filings in whole or in part by
reference.
Overview of Compensation Philosophy and Program
The Committee regularly reviews and approves the Companys executive compensation programs to
ensure that they are designed to serve the Companys broader strategic goals of profitable growth
by rewarding the achievement of the Companys financial and operational performance metrics that
lead to the creation of long-term stockholder value and to ensure that they are consistent with
good corporate governance practices and the Companys culture. The Committees administration of
the executive compensation programs is guided by the principle that executive officer compensation
must be related to the performance of both the Company and the individual executive officer, and
must emphasize the long-term success of the Company while increasing stockholder value. The
Committee has determined that the
principal components of the compensation policies pertaining to the Companys executive officers
(i.e., salaries, bonuses and long-term incentives) are appropriately tied to these performance
measures.
The Committee recognizes that the Companys continued success is due in part to its skilled
executives. In setting and administering the Companys compensation policies and programs, the
Committee attempts to target overall annual compensation in line with the compensation provided to
executives of corporations similar to UTI in terms of assets, sales, revenues and earnings. The
Companys executive compensation programs are designed to attract, reward and retain skilled
executives and to provide incentives which vary upon the attainment of short-term operating
performance objectives which are designed to achieve long-term performance goals. For example, the
revised bonus metrics for fiscal 2006 included earnings before interest and taxes, student
retention and employee development.
The Committee assesses the competitiveness of the Companys compensation policies and programs
against executive compensation analyses prepared by an independent consulting firm. The consulting
firms analyses benchmarked the Companys senior management with proxy comparators, which were
selected with assistance from the consulting firm, and industry compensation data. In assessing
competitiveness, the
25
Committee looks at total compensation opportunities, both short- and
long-term, while at the same time focusing attention on the competitiveness of each component of
compensation. The overall mix of pay components is monitored and compared to peer company
practices to ensure appropriate pay leverage is maintained in the overall compensation package, and
in equity-based incentives which emphasize long-term stockholder value creation.
The Compensation Program
The compensation program for the Companys executives presently consists of base salary,
annual bonus, long-term incentives in the form of stock options and restricted stock, and employee
benefits. It remains the intent of the Committee that incentives based on long-term performance
should be a major component in the pay package for senior executives. The Committee believes that
the use of UTI common stock as an incentive will enhance the Companys executives commitment to
UTIs long-term performance. Discussed below is each element of the compensation program.
Base Salary. The Committee annually reviews and approves the base salaries of the Named
Executive Officers. Base salaries are influenced by a variety of objective and subjective factors
such as the level of responsibility, experience and individual performance, level of pay both of
the executive in question and other similarly situated executives, internal pay equity
considerations and comparisons to pay levels at peer group companies. Salaries provide a necessary
element of stability in the total pay program and, as such, are not subject to significant
variability. Salary increases are based primarily on merit. In fiscal 2006, the Committee made no
changes to the base salaries of UTIs senior executive officers.
Annual Bonus. In addition to base salary, the Named Executive Officers are eligible to
receive annual bonus awards based on the performance of the Company. Generally speaking, the
amounts of annual bonus awards to the Named Executive Officers are based on annual performance
goals established by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The revised bonus
metrics for fiscal 2006 included earnings before interest and taxes, student retention and employee
development. The annual bonus awards for 2006 were paid in cash.
Long-Term Incentives. The Committee grants long-term incentive compensation awards based
generally on each executives individual performance in a particular fiscal period and the
executives potential to contribute to the long-term success of the Company. The Committee
believes in the importance of equity ownership for all executive officers for purposes of
incentive, retention and alignment of interests with stockholders.
The Committee awards long-term incentive compensation pursuant to the Companys 2003 Incentive
Compensation Plan, which is an omnibus plan under which stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted stock and performance share awards may be granted.
Stock Options. The Committee periodically grants stock options to executive officers
and other employees with the potential to contribute to the long-term success of the Company in
order to align their interests with those of the Companys stockholders. The number of shares
subject to options held by an executive are taken into account when the Committee considers a new
award to the executive. All stock options granted by the Company during fiscal 2006 were granted
as non-qualified stock options with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Companys
common stock on the date of grant and, accordingly, will have value only if the market price of the
common stock increases after that date. Options generally vest over four years.
Restricted Stock. The Committee undertook a study of the Companys equity
compensation program in fiscal 2006 with input from an independent consulting firm. The study took
into account factors such as the competitive landscape and changes in accounting rules, with the
objective to ensure that the Companys compensation of its employees, including its executive
officers, will remain competitive and more closely linked to the Companys economic profits and
further aligned with stockholders long term interests.
26
As a result of this study, beginning in
fiscal 2006 the Committee began providing eligible employees, including executive officers, with a
portion of their long-term equity-based incentive compensation through the award of restricted
stock. The restricted stock vests in four equal installments, with the first vesting occurring on
the first anniversary of the grant date.
Employee Benefits. Named Executive Officers are entitled to a number of benefits including
health, short and long-term disability, pension and life insurance benefits. In addition, the
Named Executive Officers receive coverage under an executive medical reimbursement plan.
Payments Upon a Change in Control
The Company has entered into severance agreements with several of its executive officers and
key employees, which provide for the payment of severance compensation upon termination of their
employment following, among other things, a change in control of the Company. The terms of the
agreements providing for such payments are described elsewhere in this Proxy Statement under the
heading Employment-Related Arrangements.
Performance Evaluations of CEO and Chairman of the Board
The Committee met in executive session in November 2006 and reviewed the overall performance
of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer during 2006, particularly in light of the
goals and objectives of the Companys executive compensation plans. Consideration was given to
each officers role in achieving the Companys financial and operational targets and improving the
return on the stockholders investment.
Kimberly J. McWaters. Ms. McWaters serves as the Companys Chief Executive Officer and
President. In 2002, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Ms. McWaters, the terms
of which are described elsewhere in this Proxy Statement under the heading Employment-Related
Arrangements. Pursuant to her 2002 employment agreement and the factors described above for all
executive officers, Ms. McWaters received a base salary of $410,788 in fiscal 2006. Ms. McWaters
earned an annual bonus of $167,012 based on the achievement of performance parameters determined by
the Committee and approved by the Board. These performance parameters included earnings before
interest expense and income taxes (EBIT), student retention and key employee development and
retention. The Committee also considered external challenges faced by UTI during the year as well
as the Companys performance versus the performance of peer companies in a number of categories.
During 2006, Ms. McWaters also received options
to purchase 52,500 shares of the Companys common stock and 11,903 shares of restricted stock. In
connection with these long-term incentive compensation awards, the Committee considered Ms.
McWaters position within UTI and her contributions to the continuing success of the Company.
John C. White. Mr. White serves as the Companys Chairman of the Board. In 2002, the Company
entered into an employment agreement with Mr. White, the terms of which are described elsewhere in
this Proxy Statement under the heading Employment-Related Arrangements. Pursuant to his 2002
employment agreement and the factors described above for all executive officers, Mr. White received
a base salary of $354,493 in fiscal 2006. Mr. White earned an annual bonus of $115,936 based on
the achievement of performance parameters determined by the Committee and approved by the Board.
These performance parameters included earnings before interest expense and income taxes (EBIT),
student retention and key employee development and retention. The Committee also considered
external challenges faced by UTI during the year as well as the Companys performance versus the
performance of peer companies in a number of categories. During 2006, Mr. White also received
options to purchase 24,500 shares of the Companys common stock and 5,555 shares of restricted
stock. In connection with these long-term incentive compensation awards, the Committee considered
Mr. Whites position within UTI and his contributions to the continuing success of the Company.
27
Review of All Components of Named Executive Officers Compensation
The Committee has reviewed all components of the Named Executive Officers compensation,
including salary, bonus, equity and long-term incentive compensation, accumulated realized and
unrealized stock option and restricted stock gains, the dollar value to the executive and cost to
the Company of all perquisites and other personal benefits. The Committee believes the
compensation of the Named Executive Officers is reasonable in the aggregate.
It should be noted that when the Committee considers any component of the Named Executive
Officers total compensation, the aggregate amounts and mix of all the components, including
accumulated (realized and unrealized) option gains are taken into consideration in the Committees
decisions.
Our Committee Meetings
The Committee reviews and analyzes the CEOs compensation in the context of all the components
of her total compensation. Members then have the opportunity to ask for additional information and
to raise and discuss further questions before a vote is taken.
In the process of reviewing each component separately, and in the aggregate, the Committee
directs the Companys human resources department to prepare a spreadsheet showing all elements of
senior management compensation. The data includes base pay, bonus opportunities, stock options and
total compensation, both individually and in the aggregate, as well as a comparison from time to
time of each executives salary to the industry median based on salary reports.
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) Compliance
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), enacted in 1993, limits the deductibility of
non-performance based compensation in excess of $1.0 million for certain of UTIs executive
officers. The non-performance based compensation paid to UTIs executive officers in 2006 did not
exceed the $1.0 million limit per officer. Except with respect to Kimberly McWaters, it is not
expected that the non-performance based compensation to be paid to UTIs executive officers in 2007
will exceed the limit. The Committee intends that all incentive compensation paid to the Named
Executive Officers will be deductible for federal income tax purposes to the greatest extent
possible.
Through the Annual Meeting, UTIs 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan has qualified for an
exemption from Section 162(m). As a result of that exemption, awards granted under that plan
through the date of the Annual Meeting have not been subject to the $1.0 million limitation. As
described in this Proxy Statement, UTI is seeking approval of its 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan
at the Annual Meeting so that, going forward, it may grant awards under the 2003 Incentive
Compensation Plan that qualify as performance-based compensation
under Section 162(m).
Compensation Committee
Conrad A. Conrad
Kevin P. Knight (Chair)
Linda J. Srere
28
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
This graph compares UTIs total cumulative stockholder return on its common stock during
the period from December 17, 2003 (the date on which our common stock first traded on The New York
Stock Exchange) through September 30, 2006 with the cumulative return on the NYSE Stock Market
Index (U.S. Companies) and a Peer Issuer Group Index. The peer issuer group consists of the
companies identified below, which were selected on the basis of the similar nature of their
business. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 17, 2003, and any dividends were
reinvested on the date on which they were paid.
LEGEND
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Symbol |
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CRSP Total Returns Index for: |
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12/2003 |
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09/2004 |
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09/2005 |
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09/2006 |
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■ |
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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. |
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100.0 |
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114.5 |
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135.1 |
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67.9 |
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« |
|
NYSE Stock Market (US Companies) |
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100.0 |
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107.0 |
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122.6 |
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136.9 |
|
- - - - - -
- - - - |
5 |
|
Self-Determined Peer Group |
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100.0 |
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94.9 |
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96.5 |
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86.5 |
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Companies in
the Self-Determined Peer Group: |
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Apollo Group, Inc. |
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Career Education Corporation |
Corinthian Colleges, Inc. |
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DeVry, Inc. |
Education Management Corporation |
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ITT Educational Services, Inc. |
Laureate Education, Inc. |
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Lincoln Educational Services Corporation |
Strayer Education, Inc. |
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|
Notes:
A. The lines represent monthly index levels derived from compounded daily returns that include
all dividends.
B. The indexes are reweighted daily, using the market capitalization on the previous trading
day.
C. If the monthly interval, based on the fiscal year-end, is not a trading day, the preceding
trading day is used.
D. The index level for all series was set to $100.00 on 12/17/2003.
Prepared
by CRSP (www.crsp.uchicago.edu), Center for Research in Security Prices, Graduate
School of Business, The University of Chicago. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
29
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2006 with respect to the
beneficial ownership of shares of common stock by:
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each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of
the outstanding shares of our common stock; |
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each of our directors, director nominees and Named Executive Officers; and |
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all of our executive officers and directors as a group. |
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and generally includes voting or investment power over securities. Under
this rule, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be acquired by such
person within 60 days of December 31, 2006 upon the exercise of options. Each beneficial owners
percentage ownership is determined by assuming that all options held by such person that are
exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2006 have been exercised. Except in cases where
community property laws apply or as indicated in the footnotes to this table, we believe that each
stockholder identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power over all shares of
common stock shown as beneficially owned by the stockholder.
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Name |
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Number |
|
Percent |
Directors and Executive Officers: |
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|
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|
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John C. White (1) |
|
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2,714,722 |
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9.7 |
% |
Kimberly J. McWaters (2) |
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474,733 |
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1.7 |
% |
Jennifer L. Haslip (3) |
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169,989 |
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* |
David K. Miller (4) |
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135,675 |
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* |
Roger L. Speer (5) |
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302,933 |
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1.1 |
% |
Sherrell Smith (6) |
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68,019 |
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* |
Chad A. Freed (7) |
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15,500 |
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* |
Larry H. Wolff (8) |
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10,250 |
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* |
Robert D. Hartman (9) |
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1,735,125 |
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6.2 |
% |
A. Richard Caputo, Jr. (10) |
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210,782 |
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|
* |
Roger S. Penske |
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12,000 |
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* |
Conrad A. Conrad |
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5,000 |
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* |
Kevin P. Knight |
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9,000 |
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* |
Linda J. Srere |
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2,000 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Allan D. Gilmour |
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604 |
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|
|
|
* |
All directors and executive officers as a group (15 persons) (11) |
|
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5,866,332 |
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21.0 |
% |
5% Holders: |
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|
|
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Columbia Wanger Asset Management, L.P. (12) |
|
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3,454,000 |
|
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12.4 |
% |
Royce & Associates, LLC (13) |
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3,422,200 |
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|
12.3 |
% |
Massachusetts Financial Services Company (14) |
|
|
1,910,560 |
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|
|
6.8 |
% |
Wasatch Advisors, Inc. (15) |
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|
1,460,598 |
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5.2 |
% |
Scout Capital Management, L.L.C. (16) |
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1,450,000 |
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5.2 |
% |
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|
Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person named in the table is 20410 North 19th Avenue,
Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85027. |
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* |
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Less than 1%. |
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(1) |
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Includes 2,507,648 shares of common stock held of record by Whites Family Company, LLC;
107,314 shares held of record by John C. White and Cynthia L. White 1989 Family Trust, of
which John C. White is a trustee; 5,555 shares of restricted stock which are forfeitable until
vested (shares of restricted stock vest in equal annual installments on the anniversary of the
award date); and 94,205 shares of |
30
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common stock subject to exercisable options. The White
Descendants Trust u/a/d September 10,
1997 is the sole member and manager of Whites Family Company, LLC. John C. White is the
trustee of the White Descendants Trust u/a/d September 10, 1997. Mr. White has sole voting
and investment power over 99,760 shares and shared voting and investment power over 2,614,962
shares. Mr. White is UTIs Chairman of the Board. |
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(2) |
|
Includes 11,903 shares of restricted stock which are forfeitable until vested (shares of
restricted stock vest in equal annual installments on the anniversary of the award date);
461,297 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options; 140 shares of restricted stock
held by Ms. McWaters spouse; and 1,125 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options
held by Ms. McWaters spouse. Ms. McWaters has sole voting and investment power over 473,468
shares and shared voting and investment power over 1,265 shares. Ms. McWaters is UTIs
President and Chief Executive Officer. |
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(3) |
|
Includes 4,000 shares of restricted stock which are forfeitable until vested (shares of
restricted stock vest in equal annual installments on the anniversary of the award date);
152,889 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options; and 100 shares held by Ms.
Haslips spouse. Ms. Haslip has sole voting and investment power over 169,889 shares and
shared voting and investment power over 100 shares. Ms. Haslip is UTIs Senior Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary. |
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(4) |
|
Includes 4,000 shares of restricted stock which are forfeitable until vested (shares of
restricted stock vest in equal annual installments on the anniversary of the award date) and
85,638 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options. Mr. Miller has sole voting and
investment power over 135,675 shares. Mr. Miller is UTIs Senior Vice President of
Admissions. |
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(5) |
|
Includes 4,000 shares of restricted stock which are forfeitable until vested (shares of
restricted stock vest in equal annual installments on the anniversary of the award date) and
195,864 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options. Mr. Speer has sole voting and
investment power over 302,933 shares. Mr. Speer is UTIs Senior Vice President of Custom
Training Group and Support Services. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 3,670 shares of restricted stock which are forfeitable until vested (shares of
restricted stock vest in equal annual installments on the anniversary of the award date);
21,100 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options; 900 shares of restricted stock
held by Mr. Smiths spouse; and 3,025 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options
held by Mr. Smiths spouse. Mr. Smith has sole voting and investment power over 63,627 shares
and shared voting and investment power over 4,391 shares. Mr. Smith is UTIs Senior Vice
President of Operations and Education. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 2,000 shares of restricted stock which are forfeitable until vested (shares of
restricted stock vest in equal annual installments on the anniversary of the award date) and
13,500 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options. Mr. Freed is UTIs Senior Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 4,000 shares of restricted stock which are forfeitable until vested (shares of
restricted stock vest in equal annual installments on the anniversary of the award date) and
6,250 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options. Mr. Wolff is UTIs Senior Vice
President and Chief Information Officer. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes 996,048 shares of common stock held by The Robert and Janice Hartman Family Trust,
of which Robert D. Hartman is a trustee; 78,725 shares of common stock held of record by The
Robert D. Hartman and Janice W. Hartman 1998 Charitable Remainder UniTrust, of which Robert D.
Hartman is a trustee; 566,147 shares of common stock held of record by Hartman Investments
Limited Partnership, of which Robert D. Hartman is a general partner; and 94,205 shares of
common stock subject to exercisable options. Mr. Hartman has sole voting and investment power
over 1,168,978 shares and shared voting and investment power over 566,147 shares. |
|
(10) |
|
A. Richard Caputo, Jr. is a managing principal of The Jordan Company, LP. The business
address for Mr. Caputo is 767 Fifth Avenue, 48th Floor, New York, New York 10153. |
31
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|
|
(11) |
|
Includes 4,697,066 shares of common stock; 40,168 shares of restricted stock which are
forfeitable until vested (shares of restricted stock vest in equal annual installments on the
anniversary of the award date); and 1,129,098 shares of common stock subject to exercisable
options. |
|
(12) |
|
Based solely on the information provided in Schedule 13G filed by Columbia Wanger Asset
Management, L.P. (Columbia) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8,
2006. Columbia is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Columbia has sole voting and dispositive authority with respect to 3,454,000 shares. The
Schedule 13G includes the shares held by Columbia Acorn Trust, a Massachusetts business trust
that is advised by Columbia. The business address for Columbia is 227 West Monroe Street,
Suite 3000, Chicago, Illinois 60606. According to a Form 13F filed by Columbia with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2006, Columbia reported holding a total of
3,501,500 shares as of September 30, 2006. |
|
(13) |
|
Based solely on the information provided in Schedule 13G filed by Royce & Associates, LLC
(Royce) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2006. Royce is an
investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Royce has sole
voting and dispositive authority with respect to 3,422,200 shares. The business address for
Royce is 1414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019. According to a Form 13F filed
by Royce with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 2, 2006, Royce reported
holding a total of 3,459,300 shares as of September 30, 2006. |
|
(14) |
|
Based solely on the information provided in Schedule 13G filed by Massachusetts Financial
Services Company (MFSC) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2006.
MFSC is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. MFSC has
sole voting authority with respect to 1,889,740 shares and sole dispositive authority with
respect to 1,910,560 shares. The business address for MFSC is 500 Boylston Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02116. |
|
(15) |
|
Based solely on the information provided in Schedule 13G filed by Wasatch Advisors, Inc.
(Wasatch) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2006. Wasatch is an
investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Wasatch has sole
voting and dispositive authority with respect to 1,460,598 shares. The business address for
Wasatch is 150 Social Hall Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. According to a Form 13F filed
by Wasatch with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2006, Wasatch reported
holding a total of 2,421,897 shares as of September 30, 2006. |
|
(16) |
|
Based solely on the information provided in Schedule 13G jointly filed by Scout Capital
Management, L.L.C., Scout Capital Partners, L.P., Scout Capital Partners II, L.P., Scout
Capital, L.L.C., Adam Weiss and James Crichton with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
March 2, 2006. Scout Capital, L.L.C. is the general partner of Scout Capital Partners, L.P.
and Scout Capital Partners II, L.P. Adam Weiss and James Crichton are the principals and
managing members of Scout Capital, L.L.C. Scout Capital Management, L.L.C. has shared voting
and dispositive authority with respect to 1,277,506 shares. Scout Capital Partners, L.P. has
shared voting and dispositive authority with respect to 5,507 shares. Scout Capital Partners
II, L.P. has shared voting and dispositive authority with respect to 166,987 shares. Scout
Capital, L.L.C. has shared voting and dispositive authority with respect to 172,494 shares.
Adam Weiss and James Crichton each have shared voting and dispositive authority with respect
to 1,450,000 shares. The business address for the reporting persons is 640 Fifth Avenue, 22nd
Floor, New York, New York 10019. |
32
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our directors
and executive officers to file reports of holdings and transactions in our shares with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Due to administrative error, the following Forms 4 were
reported late: Sherrell Smith was three days late in filing one Form 4 to report the grant of 1,170
shares of restricted common stock and an option to purchase 5,500 shares of common stock; Kimberly
McWaters was late in reporting 140 shares and 1,125 options beneficially owned by her spouse.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Registration Rights Agreement
We are a party to a registration rights agreement with the following stockholders: (i) JZ
Equity Partners plc and the permitted transferees of The Jordan Company, LLC (collectively, the TJC
Stockholders); (ii) Charlesbank Voting Trust, Charlesbank Equity Fund V, Limited Partnership, CB
Offshore Equity Fund V, L.P., CB Equity Co-investment Fund V, Limited Partnership and Coyote
Training Group, LLC (collectively, the Charlesbank Stockholders), (iii) Worldwide Training Group,
LLC; (iv) Whites Family Company, LLC; and (v) Robert D. Hartman. Pursuant to the registration
rights agreement, each of the TJC Stockholders, the Charlesbank Stockholders and Worldwide Training
Group, LLC have one demand registration right. Pursuant to this demand right, at any time after
June 13, 2004, any of the TJC Stockholders, the Charlesbank Stockholders and Worldwide Training
Group, LLC could request that we file a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 to
cover the restricted shares of our common stock that they own, subject to certain conditions.
Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, this demand right terminates from and after the date
on which for any reason those stockholders having the demand right cease to beneficially own at
least 5% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Each of the TJC Stockholders, the
Charlesbank Stockholders and Worldwide Training Group, LLC have ceased to beneficially own at least
5% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Consequently, the demand registration
right under the registration rights agreement has terminated.
The registration rights agreement also provides for piggyback registration rights with
respect to the restricted shares of our common stock held by each of the stockholders party to this
agreement, including Robert D. Hartman, one of our Directors and our former Chairman of the Board,
and Whites Family Company, LLC, an entity controlled by John White, our Chairman of the Board.
Accordingly, if we propose to register any of our common stock for sale to the public, we are
required to give written notice of our intention to do so to each of the stockholders who is a
party to this agreement and to use our best efforts to include in the registration statement the
number of restricted shares of our common stock beneficially owned and requested to be registered
by such stockholders, subject to reduction of such shares under certain circumstances by an
underwriter. If a reduction of shares is necessary, stockholders who request to participate in the
registration will do so pro rata based on the numbers of shares held by such stockholders on a
fully-diluted basis, except that we will have first priority to register shares of our common stock
if we initiate the registration for our own account.
Transactions with Management and Others
Since 1991, we have leased some of our properties from entities controlled by John C. White,
the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or entities in which Mr. Whites family members have an
interest. A portion of the property comprising the Orlando location is occupied pursuant to a
lease with the John C. and Cynthia L. White 1989 Family Trust, with the lease term expiring on
August 19, 2022. The annual base lease payments for the first year under this lease totaled
approximately $326,000, with annual adjustments based on the higher of (i) an amount equal to 4% of
the total annual rent for the immediately preceding year or (ii) the percentage of increase in the
Consumer Price Index. Another portion of the property comprising the
33
Orlando location is occupied pursuant to a lease with Delegates LLC, an entity controlled by the
White Family Trust, with the lease term expiring on July 1, 2016. The beneficiaries of the White
Family Trust, which is an irrevocable grantor trust, are Mr. Whites children and the trustee of
the trust is not related to Mr. White. Annual base lease payments under this lease totaled
approximately $680,000, with annual adjustments based on the higher of (i) an amount equal to 4% of
the total annual rent for the immediately preceding year or (ii) the percentage of increase in the
Consumer Price Index. Additionally, since April 1994, we have leased two of our Phoenix properties
under one lease from City Park LLC, a successor in interest of 2844 West Deer Valley L.L.C. and in
which the John C. and Cynthia L. White 1989 Family Trust holds a 25% interest. This lease expires
on February 28, 2015, and the annual base lease payments under this lease, as amended, totaled
approximately $463,000, with annual adjustments based on the higher of (i) an amount equal to 4% of
the total annual rent for the immediately preceding year or (ii) the percentage of increase in the
Consumer Price Index. The table below sets forth the total payments that the Company made in
fiscal 2004, 2005 and 2006 under these leases:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John C. and Cynthia L. White |
|
|
|
|
City Park LLC |
|
1989 Family Trust |
|
Delegates LLC |
Fiscal 2004 |
|
$ |
551,775 |
|
|
$ |
447,205 |
|
|
$ |
924,307 |
|
Fiscal 2005 |
|
$ |
488,523 |
|
|
$ |
436,036 |
|
|
$ |
877,544 |
|
Fiscal 2006 |
|
$ |
507,351 |
|
|
$ |
534,137 |
|
|
$ |
831,759 |
|
We believe that the rental rates under these leases approximate the fair market rental value of the
properties at the time the lease agreements were negotiated.
Chris McWaters, the husband of our Chief Executive Officer, Kim McWaters, works for UTI as our
Director of Manufacturer Specific Advanced Training Admissions and has been employed by the Company
for over 14 years. Chris McWaters salary and bonus in fiscal 2006 totaled approximately $120,500.
He is entitled to receive equity incentive awards under our 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan.
Lori Smith, the wife of our Senior Vice President of Operations and Education, Sherrell Smith,
works for UTI as our Vice President of Financial Aid Operations and Student Services and has been
employed by the Company for 13 years. Lori Smiths salary and bonus in fiscal 2006 totaled
approximately $136,600. She is entitled to receive equity incentive awards under our 2003
Incentive Compensation Plan.
SUBMISSION OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
From time to time, stockholders seek to nominate directors or to present proposals for
inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy, or otherwise for consideration at the annual
meeting. To be included in the proxy statement or considered at an annual meeting, a stockholder
must timely submit nominations of directors or other proposals to us in addition to complying with
certain rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. We intend to
hold our year 2008 annual meeting during February 2008. We must receive proposals for our 2008
annual meeting no later than September 22, 2007, for possible inclusion in the proxy statement,
or between October 28, 2007 and November 28, 2007, for possible consideration at the meeting.
Stockholders should direct any proposals, as well as related questions, to our Corporate Secretary
at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement.
ANNUAL REPORT
Our 2006 annual report to stockholders has been mailed to stockholders concurrently with
the mailing of this Proxy Statement, but is not incorporated into this Proxy Statement and is not
to be considered to be a part of our proxy solicitation materials.
Upon request, we will provide, without charge to each stockholder of record as of the record
date specified on the first page of this Proxy Statement, a copy of our annual report on Form 10-K
for the year
34
ended September 30, 2006 as filed with the SEC. Any exhibits listed in the annual report on Form
10-K also will be furnished upon request at the actual expense that we incur in furnishing such
exhibits. Any such requests should be directed to our Corporate Secretary at the address set forth
on the first page of this Proxy Statement.
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SECURITY HOLDERS
Pursuant to the rules of the SEC, we and services that we employ to deliver
communications to our stockholders are permitted to deliver to two or more stockholders sharing the
same address a single copy of each of our annual report to stockholders and the Proxy Statement.
Upon written or oral request, we will deliver a separate copy of the annual report to stockholders
and/or proxy statement to any stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of each
document was delivered and who wishes to receive separate copies of such documents in the future.
Stockholders receiving multiple copies of such documents may request that we deliver single copies
of such documents in the future. Stockholders may notify us of their requests by calling or
writing our Corporate Secretary at Universal Technical Institute, Inc., 20410 North 19th Avenue,
Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85027, telephone (623) 445-0727.
Phoenix, Arizona
Dated: January 22, 2007
35
APPENDIX A
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
2003 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
History
The 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (which we refer to as the Incentive Compensation Plan)
was adopted by our Board of Directors and approved by holders of the majority voting power of our
stock and became effective in December 2003. The Incentive Compensation Plan was amended in
December 2005 to prohibit the repricing of outstanding stock options. The Incentive Compensation
Plan was amended in December 2006 to, among other things, (i) permit the grant of stock units and
performance units; (ii) to revise the business criteria used for awards qualifying as
performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code; and (iii) to permit the grant of
cash bonuses under the Incentive Compensation Plan that would qualify as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code. The following general description of the Incentive
Compensation Plan includes all amendments made to date.
Shares Subject to the Incentive Compensation Plan
The stock subject to issuance under the Incentive Compensation Plan consists of shares of our
authorized but unissued common stock, treasury stock or stock purchased on the open market. The
Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended to date, authorizes the issuance of up to 4,430,972 shares
of our common stock. The number of shares issuable under the Incentive Compensation Plan, and
under outstanding options and other awards, is subject to proportional adjustment to reflect stock
splits, stock dividends and other similar events.
Types of Awards
The Incentive Compensation Plan provides for the issuance of incentive stock options,
nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock units, performance
shares, performance units and performance-based awards. We may also grant cash bonuses that are
intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code. No
awards of stock appreciation rights, stock units, performance units, performance shares and
performance-based awards have been made to date under the Incentive Compensation Plan.
The Incentive Compensation Plan also provided for IPO Awards, which consisted of the grant
to each employee of an option to acquire 50 or 100 shares of common stock on the date of our
initial public offering. The number of shares subject to an IPO Award was determined by the date
an optionee became an employee. Persons who became employees before October 21, 2001 received an
option to purchase 100 shares and those who became an employee on or after October 21, 2001
received an option to purchase 50 shares. The IPO Awards were made on December 17, 2003, the date
of our initial public offering. An aggregate of 117,550 shares were subject to the options which
constitute the IPO Awards, and the exercise price under the IPO Awards was $20.50 share, the price
at which our shares were offered to the public in the initial public offering.
Eligibility
Awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan may be granted to employees, Directors,
consultants and advisors to the Company or any of our subsidiaries. However, only employees
(including officers and Directors who are also employees) of the Company or any of our subsidiaries
may receive incentive stock options under the Incentive Compensation Plan. As of December 31,
2006, 1,118 persons had received awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan in comparison to our
total employee population of approximately 2,360 persons. A participant may hold more than one
award granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan.
A-1
Our non-employee Directors are eligible for grants of options or other awards under the
Incentive Compensation Plan. Currently, each of our non-employee Directors receives an annual
award under the Incentive Compensation Plan of 1,000 shares as part of their regular annual
compensation for service as a Director.
Limitations
No person may be granted awards for more than 1,000,000 shares of common stock in any fiscal
year of the Company. In addition, for awards payable in cash that are intended to qualify as
performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, the maximum amount payable in
any fiscal year of the Company equals the product of 1,000,000 and the fair market value of our
common stock on the first day of the Companys fiscal year.
Administration
The Incentive Compensation Plan may be administered by our Board of Directors or a committee
appointed by our Board of Directors. Currently, the Incentive Compensation Plan is administered by
our Compensation Committee. All of the members of the Compensation Committee are non-employee
directors and independent directors under applicable federal securities laws and the New York
Stock Exchange listing requirements and outside directors as defined under applicable federal tax
laws. The Compensation Committee has the authority to construe and interpret the Incentive
Compensation Plan, determine the terms of and grant awards, amend awards and the Incentive
Compensation Plan and make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration
of the Incentive Compensation Plan. The members of the Compensation Committee receive no
compensation for administering the Incentive Compensation Plan other than their compensation for
being members of our Board of Directors and our Compensation Committee. The Company bears all
expenses in connection with administration of the Incentive Compensation Plan and has agreed to
indemnify members of the Compensation Committee in connection with their administration of the
Incentive Compensation Plan.
No Repricings
Pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Compensation Plan, outstanding options issued under the
Incentive Compensation Plan may not be repriced without stockholder approval.
Stock Options
Types. Stock options granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan may be either incentive
stock options or nonqualified stock options.
Exercise Period. The exercise period of stock options is determined by the Compensation
Committee but, in no event, may incentive stock options be exercisable more than ten years from the
date they are granted.
Exercise Price. The Compensation Committee determines the exercise price of each option
granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan. However, the option exercise price for each option
share must be no less than 100% of the fair market value (as defined in the Incentive
Compensation Plan) of a share of common stock at the time the stock option is granted. In the case
of an incentive stock option granted to a stockholder that owns more than 10% of the total combined
voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (a Ten Percent Stockholder), the exercise
price for each such incentive stock option must be no less than 110% of the fair market value of a
share of common stock at the time the incentive stock option is granted.
Payment Methods. The exercise price of options granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan
may be paid by such methods as approved by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant
including,
A-2
without limitation: (a) in cash; (b) by promissory note delivered to the Company; (c) by
surrender of shares; (d) other property; (e) by a same-day sale commitment from the optionee and
a National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD) broker.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Compensation Committee may grant stock appreciation rights (a SAR) as stand-alone awards
or in addition to, or in tandem with, other awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan under such
terms, conditions and restrictions as the Compensation Committee may determine. A SAR is an award
which provides the holder with the right to receive the appreciation in value of a set number of
shares of company stock over a set period of time. A SAR is similar to an option in that the
holder benefits from any increases in stock price above the exercise price set forth in the award
agreement. However, unlike an option, the holder is not required to pay an exercise price to
exercise a SAR, but simply receives the net amount of the increase in stock price in the form of
cash or stock. Under the terms of the Incentive Compensation Plan, the exercise price for a SAR
must be no less than 100% of the fair market value (as defined in the Incentive Compensation
Plan) of a share of common stock at the time the SAR is granted.
Restricted Stock
The Compensation Committee may grant restricted stock awards under the Incentive Compensation
Plan pursuant to such terms, conditions and restrictions as the Compensation Committee may
determine. Restricted stock is an award of shares of our common stock that are subject to
restrictions established by the Compensation Committee. These restrictions may be based upon
completion by the award holder of a specified number of years of service or by the attainment of
one or more of the performance factors, including those described under the heading
Performance-Based Awards below. While the shares are
restricted, they may not be sold or transferred and they will be forfeited in connection with
certain terminations of employment or failure to meet the requirements for the lapse of the
restrictions. The holder of restricted stock generally has all the rights of a stockholder. The
purchase price, if any, for each such award is determined by the Compensation Committee at the time
of grant, subject to any minimum purchase price required by law, and may be paid for in any of the
forms of consideration approved by the Compensation Committee.
Restricted Stock Units
The Compensation Committee may grant restricted stock units under the Incentive Compensation
Plan pursuant to such terms, conditions and restrictions as the Compensation Committee may
determine. A restricted stock unit is similar to a restricted stock award except the stock is not
delivered to the participant unless and until all restrictions have terminated. Therefore, the
award holder does not have any of the rights of a stockholder until the award is settled and shares
of our common stock are delivered to the award holder.
Performance Shares, Performance Units and Cash Bonuses
The Compensation Committee may grant, in its sole discretion, performance shares and
performance units which, under the terms of the Incentive Compensation Plan, represent the right to
receive cash, shares of common stock, or other awards under the Plan, contingent on achieving such
performance goals as are established by the Compensation Committee. Generally, performance shares
are denominated in shares of our common stock, so that the value to be received upon achievement of
the performance goals will be based on the number of shares of our common stock subject to the
performance shares multiplied by the fair market value of our common stock on the settlement date.
Generally, performance units are denominated in dollars, so that the value to be received upon
achievement of the performance goals will equal an amount of cash. In addition, the Compensation
Committee may grant cash bonuses on such terms and conditions as determined by the Compensation
Committee subject to the terms of the Incentive Compensation Plan. The purpose of granting cash
bonuses under the Incentive Compensation Plan is to qualify such cash bonuses as
A-3
performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code as further described under the heading
Performance-Based Awards below.
Performance-Based Awards
The right of a participant to exercise or receive a grant or settlement of an award, and the
timing thereof, may be subject to such performance conditions, including subjective individual
goals, as may be specified by the Compensation Committee. In addition, the Incentive Compensation
Plan authorizes specific performance awards, to be granted to persons whom the Compensation
Committee expects will, for the year in which a deduction arises, be covered employees (as
defined below) so that such awards should qualify as performance based compensation not subject
to the limitation on tax deductibility by us under Section 162(m). For purposes of Section 162(m),
the term covered employee means our chief executive officer and our four highest compensated
officers as of the end of a taxable year determined in accordance with federal securities laws. If
and to the extent required under Section 162(m), any power or authority relating to a performance
award intended to qualify under Section 162(m) is to be exercised by a committee which will qualify
under Section 162(m), rather than our Board of Directors. We believe that the Compensation
Committee qualifies for this role under Section 162(m).
Subject to the requirements of the Incentive Compensation Plan, the Compensation Committee
will determine performance award terms, including the required levels of performance with respect
to specified business criteria, the corresponding amounts payable upon achievement of such levels
of performance, termination and forfeiture provisions, and the form of settlement. One or more of
the following business criteria based on our consolidated financial statements or those of our
subsidiaries, divisions or business or geographical units will be used by the Compensation
Committee in establishing performance goals for performance awards designed to comply with the
performance-based compensation exception to Section 162(m): (1) earnings per share; (2) revenues
or gross margins; (3) cash flow; (4) operating margin; (5) return on net assets, investment,
capital, or equity; (6) economic value added; (7) direct contribution; (8) net income; pretax
earnings; earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization; earnings after interest expense and before extraordinary or special items; operating
income; income before interest income or expense, unusual items and income taxes, local, state or
federal and excluding budgeted and actual bonuses which might be paid under any ongoing bonus plans
of the Company (as a group these are referred to as Profit Measures); (9) working capital; (10)
management of fixed costs or variable costs; (11) identification or consummation of investment
opportunities or completion of specified
projects in accordance with corporate business plans, including strategic mergers,
acquisitions or divestitures; (12) total stockholder return; (13) debt reduction; (14) capacity
utilization; (15) contract and/or applicant growth; (16) average number of students; (17) number of
students enrolled; (18) Profit Measures per training hour; (19) Profit Measures per student (20)
Retention/persistence of students; (21) Graduation rates; (22) Course/program length; (23)
Reduction on cycle time for funding; (24) Profit Measures per square foot of facility; (25) Number
of students per instructor; (26) Revenue for on-line training; (27) Revenue for international
training; (28) Revenue for new business; (29) Number of seats available and utilized; (30) Number
of training hours provided; (31) Reduction in total salaries per student; (32) Reduction in
semi-variable costs; (33) Placement rates; (34) Full time equivalents employed per student; (35)
Full time equivalents per training hour provided; (36) Employee retention; (37) Student show rates.
Any of the above goals may be determined on an absolute or relative basis or, if applicable, as
compared to the performance of a published or special index relevant to the Compensation Committee,
including, but not limited to, the Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index or a group of companies that
are comparable to the company. For covered employees, the performance goals and the determination
of their achievement shall be made in accordance with Section 162(m). The Compensation Committee
is authorized to adjust performance conditions and other terms of awards in response to unusual or
nonrecurring events, or in response to changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting
principles.
A-4
Mergers, Consolidations, Other Changes, Change of Control
In the event of a merger or consolidation where the Company is the surviving corporation
(except where our stockholders receive securities of another corporation), subject to any required
action by the stockholders, each outstanding award will pertain and apply to the securities which
our stockholders received in such amounts as the participant would have received had the
participant owned a number of shares of our common stock equal to the number of shares of our
common stock subject to the award. In addition, upon any other change in the capitalization of the
Company or corporate changes other than those specifically referred to in the Incentive
Compensation Plan, the Compensation Committee may, in its absolute discretion, make such
adjustments in the number and class of shares subject to outstanding awards and the exercise price,
if any, for such awards as it deems appropriate to prevent the dilution or enlargement of rights.
If there is a change in control of the company (as defined in the Incentive Compensation Plan) and
within one year after the change in control, a participants employment or service with the Company
is terminated without cause (as defined in the Incentive Compensation Plan) or the participant
terminates his or her employment or service for good reason (as defined in the Incentive
Compensation Plan), then all outstanding options, stock appreciation rights and other awards held
by the participant will be fully exercisable and all restrictions will lapse.
Transferability
Incentive stock options granted under the Incentive Compensation Plan are not transferable
other than by means of a distribution upon the optionees death. All other awards granted under
the Incentive Compensation Plan are subject to similar restrictions on transfer unless otherwise
determined by the Compensation Committee.
Amendment or Termination of the Incentive Compensation Plan
With the approval of our Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee may amend, modify or
terminate the Incentive Compensation Plan at any time. To the extent necessary and desirable to
comply with any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule, the Company will obtain
stockholder approval of any amendment to the Incentive Compensation Plan. No grants of incentive
stock options may be made under the Incentive Compensation Plan after ten (10) years from the date
it was adopted by the Board of Directors. Amendments to the Incentive Compensation Plan or any
award require the consent of the affected participant if the amendment has a material adverse
effect on the participant.
United States Federal Income Tax Information
The information set forth below is a summary only and does not purport to be complete. In
addition, the information is based upon current federal income tax rules and therefore is subject
to change when those rules change. Moreover, because the tax consequences to any participant may
depend on his or her particular situation, each participant should consult the participants tax
adviser regarding the federal,
state, local, and other tax consequences of the grant or exercise of an award or the disposition of
stock acquired as a result of an award.
Incentive Stock Options
A participant will recognize no income upon grant of an incentive stock option and incur no
tax on its exercise, unless the participant is subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). If
the participant holds shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option (the ISO Shares)
for more than one year after the date the option was exercised and for more than two years after
the date the option was granted, the participant generally will realize capital gain or loss
(rather than ordinary income) upon disposition of the ISO Shares. This gain or loss will be equal
to the difference between the amount realized upon such disposition and the amount paid for the ISO
Shares. The rate of taxation that applies to capital gain depends upon the amount of time the ISO
Shares are held by the participant.
A-5
If the participant disposes of ISO Shares prior to the expiration of either required holding
period (a disqualifying disposition), the gain realized upon such disposition, up to the
difference between the fair market value of the ISO Shares on the date of exercise (or, if less,
the amount realized on a sale of such shares) and the option exercise price, will be treated as
ordinary income. Any additional gain will be capital gain, taxed at a rate that depends upon the
amount of time the ISO Shares were held by the participant.
For purposes of the alternative minimum tax, the amount by which the fair market value of a
share of stock acquired on exercise of an ISO exceeds the exercise price of that option generally
will be an adjustment included in the participants alternative minimum taxable income for the year
in which the option is exercised. If, however, there is a disqualifying disposition of the share
in the year in which the option is exercised, there will be no adjustment for alternative minimum
tax purposes with respect to that share. If there is a disqualifying disposition in a later year,
no income with respect to the disqualifying disposition is included in the participants
alternative minimum taxable income for that year. In computing alternative minimum taxable income,
the tax basis of a share acquired on exercise of an ISO is increased by the amount of the
adjustment taken into account with respect to that share for alternative minimum tax purposes in
the year the option is exercised.
Nonqualified Stock Options
A participant will not recognize any taxable income at the time a nonqualified stock option
(NQSO) is granted or vests provided the exercise price is no less than the fair market value of
the underlying shares on the grant date. However, upon exercise of a vested NQSO, the participant
must include in income as compensation an amount equal to the difference between the fair market
value of the shares on the date of exercise and the participants exercise price. The included
amount must be treated as ordinary income by the participant and will be subject to employment
taxes and withholding by the Company if the participant is an employee of the Company. Upon resale
of the shares by the participant, any subsequent appreciation or depreciation in the value of the
shares will be treated as capital gain or loss, taxable at a rate that depends upon the length of
time the shares were held by the participant.
Stock Appreciation Rights
Assuming that a stock appreciation right (SAR) is granted at an exercise price that is not
less than the fair market value of the underlying shares on the grant date, a participant will not
recognize any taxable income at the time a SAR is granted or when it vests. However, upon exercise
of a vested SAR, the participant must include in income as compensation an amount equal to the
difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise and the
participants exercise price. The included amount must be treated as ordinary income by the
participant and, if the participant is an employee, will be subject to employment taxes and
withholding by the Company. Upon resale of the shares issued to the participant at the time of
exercise, any subsequent appreciation or depreciation in the value of the shares will be treated as
capital gain or loss, taxable at a rate that depends upon the length of time the shares were held
by the participant.
Restricted Stock Awards
Generally, the recipient of a stock award will recognize ordinary compensation income at the
time the stock is received equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock
received over any amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the stock. If, however, the stock
is not vested when it is received (for example, if the recipient is required to work for a period
of time in order to have the right to sell the stock), the recipient generally will not recognize
income until the stock becomes vested, at which time the recipient will recognize ordinary
compensation income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock
on the date it becomes vested over any amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the stock. A
recipient may, however, file an election with the Internal Revenue Service, within 30 days of his
or her receipt of the stock award, to recognize ordinary compensation income, as of the date the
recipient receives the award, equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock on
the date the award is granted over any
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amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the stock. If
the recipient is an employee, any income recognized will be subject to employment taxes and
withholding tax.
The recipients basis for the determination of gain or loss upon the subsequent disposition of
shares acquired from stock awards will be the amount paid for such shares plus any ordinary income
recognized either when the stock is received or when the stock becomes vested. Upon resale of the
shares by the recipient, any subsequent appreciation or depreciation in the value of the shares
will be treated as capital gain or loss, taxable at a rate that depends upon the length of time the
shares were held by the recipient.
Stock Units
Generally, the recipient of a stock unit structured to conform to the requirements of Section
409A of the Code or an exception to Section 409A of the Code will recognize ordinary compensation
income at the time the stock is delivered equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of
the shares of our common stock received over any amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the
shares of our common stock. To conform to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the shares
of our common stock subject to a stock unit award may only be delivered upon one of the following
events: a fixed calendar date, separation from service, death, disability or a change of control.
If delivery occurs on another date, unless the stock units qualify for an exception to the
requirements of Section 409A of the Code, in addition to the tax treatment described above, there
will be an additional twenty percent excise tax and interest on any taxes owed. In general a stock
unit will qualify for an exception from Section 409A of the Code, if the stock is delivered within
two and one-half months after the later of the end of the companys or the participants tax year
in which the stock units vested. If the recipient is an employee, any income recognized will be
subject to employment taxes and withholding tax.
The recipients basis for the determination of gain or loss upon the subsequent disposition of
shares acquired from stock units will be the amount paid for such shares plus any ordinary income
recognized when the stock is delivered. Upon resale of the shares by the recipient, any subsequent
appreciation or depreciation in the value of the shares will be treated as capital gain or loss,
taxable at a rate that depends upon the length of time the shares were held by the recipient.
Performance Shares, Performance Units and Cash Bonuses
Generally, the recipient of a performance share award or a performance unit award structured
to conform to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or an exception to Section 409A of the
Code will recognize ordinary compensation income at the time the award is settled and payment is
delivered. For an award paid in our common stock, the compensation income is equal to the excess,
if any, of the fair market value of the shares of our common stock received over any amount paid by
the recipient in exchange for the shares of our common stock. For an award paid in cash, the
compensation income is equal to the amount of cash paid. If the recipient is an employee, any
income recognized will be subject to employment taxes and withholding tax.
For awards paid in our common stock, the recipients basis for the determination of gain or
loss upon the subsequent disposition of shares acquired will be the amount paid for such shares
plus any ordinary income recognized when the stock is delivered. Upon resale of the shares by the
recipient, any subsequent appreciation or depreciation in the value of the shares will be treated
as capital gain or loss, taxable at a rate that depends upon the length of time the shares were
held by the recipient.
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)
Section 162(m) of the Code denies a deduction to any publicly held corporation for
compensation paid to certain covered employees in a taxable year to the extent that compensation
to such covered employee exceeds $1 million. It is possible that compensation attributable to
stock awards, when combined with all other types of compensation received by a covered employee
from us, may cause this limitation to be
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exceeded in any particular year. For purposes of Section
162(m) of the Code, the term covered employee means our chief executive officer and our four
highest compensated officers as of the end of a taxable year as determined under federal securities
laws. Further discussion of the impact of Section 162(m) of the Code on the Incentive Compensation
Plan is provided in Proposal 2 in the Proxy Statement.
Internal Revenue Code Section 409A
At the present time, we intend to grant equity awards to participants which are either outside
the scope of Section 409A of the Code or are exempted from the application of Section 409A of the
Code. If the equity award is subject to Section 409A of the Code and the requirements of Section
409A of the Code are not met, participants may suffer adverse tax consequences with respect to the
equity award. Such consequences may include taxation at the time of the vesting of the award, a 20%
excise tax and interest on any deferred income.
Tax Treatment of the Company
Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code and
the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, the company generally will be entitled to a
deduction in connection with the exercise of a NQSO or a SAR by a participant, the receipt by the
participant of vested stock from a restricted stock award or the receipt of stock upon settlement
of a stock unit award, performance share award or performance unit award, or the receipt of cash
from a performance share award, performance unit award or cash bonus, to the extent that the
participant recognizes ordinary income. The company will be entitled to a deduction in connection
with the disposition of ISO Shares only to the extent that the participant recognizes ordinary
income on a disqualifying disposition of the ISO Shares, provided that the company properly reports
such income to the IRS.
ERISA
The Incentive Compensation Plan is not subject to any of the provisions of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and is not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code.
Outstanding Awards Under the Incentive Compensation Plan
As of December 31, 2006, 169,615 shares had been issued pursuant to exercises of stock options
under the Incentive Compensation Plan by award recipients, 1,118 persons held NQSOs under the
Incentive Compensation Plan to purchase an aggregate of 2,171,625 shares of common stock, with a
weighted average exercise price of $25.44 per share, 245 persons held shares of restricted stock,
and there were 1,967,480 shares of common stock available for future awards under the Incentive
Compensation Plan. An aggregate of 4,430,972 shares of common stock have been reserved for
issuance under the Incentive Compensation Plan. There were no other awards outstanding under the
Incentive Stock Plan.
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APPENDIX B
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
2003 Incentive Compensation Plan
As Proposed to be Amended by the Stockholders on February 28, 2007
ARTICLE 1
PURPOSE
1.1 GENERAL. The purpose of the Universal Technical Institute, Inc. 2003 Incentive
Compensation Plan (the Plan) is to promote the success and enhance the value of Universal
Technical Institute, Inc. (the Company) by linking the personal interests of its Board
members, employees, officers, and executives of, and consultants and advisors to, the Company to
those of Company shareholders and by providing such individuals with an incentive for outstanding
performance to generate superior returns to shareholders of the Company. The Plan is also intended
to provide flexibility to the Company in its ability to motivate, attract, and retain the services
of Board members, employees, officers, and executives of, and consultants and advisors to, the
Company upon whose judgment, interest, and special effort the successful conduct of the Companys
operation is largely dependent.
ARTICLE 2
EFFECTIVE DATE
2.1 EFFECTIVE DATE. The Plan is effective as of the date the Plan is approved by the Board
(the Effective Date). The Plan must be approved by the Companys shareholders within 12
months after the Effective Date. The Plan will be considered approved by the Companys shareholders
if it receives the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Companys stock
present or represented and entitled to vote at a meeting duly held in accordance with the Companys
Bylaws or by written consent of a majority of the Companys shareholders in lieu of a meeting. Any
Awards granted under the Plan prior to shareholder approval are effective when made (unless the
Committee specifies otherwise at the time of grant), but no Award may be exercised or settled and
no restrictions relating to any Award may lapse before the Plan is approved by the Companys
shareholders. If the Companys shareholders do not approve the Plan within 12 months after the
Effective Date, any Award previously made is automatically canceled without any further act.
ARTICLE 3
DEFINITIONS
3.1 DEFINITIONS. When a word or phrase appears in this Plan with the initial letter
capitalized, and the word or phrase does not begin a sentence, the word or phrase will be given the
meaning in this Section or in Sections 1.1 or 2.1 unless otherwise indicated. The following words
and phrases will have the following meanings:
(a) Award means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock Award,
Performance Share Award, Performance-Based Award, or IPO Award granted to a Participant under the
Plan.
(b) Award Agreement means any written agreement, contract, or other instrument or
document evidencing an Award.
(c) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) Cause means (except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement) any of the
following: (i) Participants conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or a
crime involving
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embezzlement, conversion of property or moral turpitude; (ii) a finding by a
majority of the Board of Directors of Participants fraud, embezzlement or conversion of the
Companys property; (iii) Participants conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a
crime involving the acquisition, use or expenditure of federal, state or local government funds or
the unlawful use, possession or sale of illegal substances; (iv) an
administrative or judicial determination that Participant committed fraud or any other violation of
law involving federal, state or local government funds; (v) a finding by a majority of the Board of
Directors of Participants knowing breach of any of Participants fiduciary duties to the Company
or the Companys stockholders or making of a misrepresentation or omission which breach,
misrepresentation or omission would reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the
business, properties, assets, condition (financial or other) or prospects of the Company; (vi)
Participants alcohol or substance abuse, which materially interferes with Participants ability to
discharge the duties, responsibilities and obligations to or for the Company; provided,
that Participant has been given notice and 30 days from such notice fails to cure such abuse; and
(vii) Participants personal (as opposed to the Companys) material and knowing failure, to observe
or comply with applicable laws whether as an officer, stockholder or otherwise, in any material
respect or in any manner which would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect in
respect of the Companys ongoing business, operations, conditions, other business relationship or
properties.
Any rights the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has to determine the existence of events
giving rise to Cause are in addition to the rights the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may have
under any other agreement with the Participant or at law or in equity. If, after a Participants
termination of employment or services, the Company discovers that the Participants employment or
services could have been terminated for Cause, the Participants employment or services will, in
the Boards sole discretion, be deemed to have been terminated for Cause retroactively to the date
the events giving rise to Cause occurred.
(e) Change of Control means: (i) any sale, lease, exchange, or other transfer (in
one transaction or series of related transactions) of all or substantially all the Companys assets
to any person or group of related persons under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act
(Group); (ii) the Companys shareholders approve and complete any plan or proposal for
the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (iii) any person or Group becomes the beneficial
owner, directly or indirectly, of shares representing more than 50% of the aggregate voting power
of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote in the election of directors of the Company
(Voting Stock) and such person or Group has the power and authority to vote such shares;
(iv) any person or Group acquires sufficient shares of Voting Stock to elect a majority of the
members of the Board; or (v) the completion of a merger or consolidation of the Company with
another entity in which holders of the Stock immediately before the completion of the transaction
hold, directly or indirectly, immediately after the transaction, 50% or less of the common equity
interest in the surviving corporation in the transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no
event will a Change of Control be deemed to have occurred as a result of an initial public offering
of the Stock.
(f) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(g) Committee means the committee of the Board described in Article 4.
(h) Covered Employee means an employee who is a covered employee within the
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(i) Disability means (unless otherwise defined in an employment agreement between
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and the Participant or in the Participants Award Agreement)
any illness or other physical or mental condition of a Participant that renders the Participant
incapable of performing his customary and usual duties for the Company or Subsidiary, or any
medically determinable illness or other physical or mental condition resulting from a bodily
injury, disease or mental disorder, which in the Committees sole judgment is permanent and
continuous in nature. The Committee may require such medical or other evidence as it deems
necessary to judge the nature and permanency of the Participants condition.
(j) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(k) Fair Market Value means, as of any given date, the fair market value of Stock on
a particular date determined by such methods or procedures established by the Committee. Unless
otherwise
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determined by the Committee the Fair Market Value of Stock as of any date is the closing
price for the Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (or on any national securities
exchange on which the Stock is then listed) for that date or, if no closing price is reported for
that date, the closing price on the next
preceding date for which a closing price was reported. For purposes of IPO Awards and Awards
effective as of the effective date of the Companys initial public offering, fair market value of
Stock shall be the price at which the Companys Stock is offered to the public in its initial
public offering.
(l) Good Reason means when used with reference to a voluntary termination by
Participant of Participants employment or service with the Company, shall mean (i) a material
reduction in Participants authority, perquisites, position or responsibilities (other than such a
reduction which affects all of the Companys senior executives on a substantially equal or
proportionate basis), or (ii) a requirement that Participant relocate greater than 50 miles from
Participants primary work location.
(m) Incentive Stock Option means an Option that is intended to meet the requirements
of Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision.
(n) IPO Award means the Option granted to each eligible Participant pursuant to
Article 12.
(o) Non-Employee Director means a member of the Board who qualifies as a
Non-Employee Director as defined in Rule 16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act, or any successor
provision.
(p) Non-Qualified Stock Option means an Option that is not intended to be an
Incentive Stock Option.
(q) Option means a right granted to a Participant under Article 7 or Article 12 of
the Plan to purchase Stock at a specified price during specified time periods. An Option may be
either an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
(r) Participant means a person who, as a Board member, employee, officer, or
executive of, or consultant or advisor providing services to, the Company or any Subsidiary, has
been granted an Award under the Plan.
(s) Performance-Based Awards means Awards subject to the terms and conditions of
Article 11. All Performance-Based Awards are intended to qualify as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code. To the extent that the Committee desires to have
an Award granted under any provision of the Plan to qualify as performance-based compensation
under Section 162(m) of the Code, such Award shall comply with the terms of Article 11.
(t) Performance Criteria means the criteria that the Committee selects for purposes
of establishing the Performance Goal or Performance Goals for a Participant for a Performance
Period. One or more of the following business criteria for the Company, on a consolidated basis,
and/or for Subsidiaries, divisions or for business or geographical units of the Company and/or a
Subsidiary shall be used by the Committee in establishing Performance Goals for Performance-Based
Awards: (1) earnings per share; (2) revenues or gross margins; (3) cash flow; (4) operating margin;
(5) return on net assets, investment, capital, or equity; (6) economic value added; (7) direct
contribution; (8) net income; pretax earnings; earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; earnings after interest expense and before
extraordinary or special items; operating income; income before interest income or expense, unusual
items and income taxes, local, state or federal and excluding budgeted and actual bonuses which
might be paid under any ongoing bonus plans of the Company (as a group, for purposes of this
definition, these are referred to as Profit Measures); (9) working capital; (10)
management of fixed costs or variable costs; (11) identification or consummation of investment
opportunities or completion of specified projects in accordance with corporate business plans,
including strategic mergers, acquisitions or divestitures; (12) total stockholder return; (13) debt
reduction; (14) capacity utilization; (15) contract and/or applicant growth; (16) average number of
students; (17) number of students enrolled; (18) Profit Measures per training hour; (19) Profit
Measures per student (20) Retention/persistence of students; (21) Graduation rates; (22)
Course/program length; (23) Reduction on cycle time for funding; (24) Profit Measures per square
foot of facility; (25) Number of students per instructor; (26) Revenue for on-line training; (27)
Revenue for international training; (28) Revenue for new business; (29) Number of seats available
and utilized; (30) Number of training hours provided; (31) Reduction in total salaries per student;
(32) Reduction in semi-
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variable costs; (33) Placement rates; (34) Full time equivalents employed
per student; (35) Full time equivalents per training hour provided; (36) Employee retention; (37)
Student show rates. Any of the above goals may be determined on an absolute or relative basis or,
if applicable, as compared to the performance of
a published or special index deemed relevant by the Committee including, but not limited to, the
Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index or a group of companies that are comparable to the Company.
(u) Performance Goals means, for a Performance Period, the written goals established
by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. Performance Goals
shall be objective and shall otherwise meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and
regulations thereunder including the requirement that the Performance Goals being substantially
uncertain at the time such Performance Goals are set. The Committee will, within the time
prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code, objectively define the Performance Goals it determines to
use for a Performance Period for a Participant. The Committee shall adjust either the Performance
Goals or the actual results to exclude the impact of an event or occurrence which the Committee
determines should appropriately be excluded, including without limitation (i) restructurings,
discontinued operations, extraordinary items, and other unusual or non-recurring charges, (ii) an
event either not directly related to the operations of the Company or not within the reasonable
control of the Companys management, (iii) a change in accounting standards required by generally
accepted accounting principles or (iv) in response to, or in anticipation of, changes in
applicable laws or regulations affecting the Company or the Performance Goal.
(v) Performance Period means the one or more periods of time, which may be of
varying and overlapping durations, selected by the Committee, over which the attainment of one or
more Performance Goals will be measured for purposes of determining a Participants right to, and
the payment of, a Performance-Based Award.
(w) Performance Share means a right granted to a Participant under Article 9 and
denominated in shares of Stock, to receive cash, Stock, or other Awards, the payment of which is
contingent on achieving certain Performance Goals established by the Committee.
(x) Performance Unit means a right granted to a Participant under Article 9 and
denominated in cash, to receive cash, Stock, other Awards or other property, the payment of which
is contingent on achieving certain Performance Goals established by the Committee.
(x) Plan means the Universal Technical Institute, Inc. 2003 Incentive Compensation
Plan, as amended.
(y) Restricted Stock Award means Stock granted to a Participant under Article 10
that is subject to certain restrictions and to risk of forfeiture.
(z) Stock means the common stock of the Company and such other securities of the
Company that may be substituted for Stock pursuant to Article 14.
(aa) Stock Appreciation Right or SAR means a right granted to a
Participant under Article 8 to receive cash, Stock, or other Awards, all as determined pursuant to
Article 8.
(bb) Stock Unit means a right granted to a Participant under Article 10 to receive
cash, Stock, or other Awards, pursuant to the terms of Article 10.2.
(cc) Subsidiary means any corporation or other entity of which the Company owns,
directly or indirectly, a majority of the outstanding voting stock or voting power.
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ARTICLE 4
ADMINISTRATION
4.1 COMMITTEE. The Plan will be administered by the Board or a Committee appointed by, and
which serves at the discretion of, the Board. If the Board appoints a Committee, the Committee will
consist of at least two individuals, each of whom qualifies as (i) a Non-Employee Director, and
(ii) an outside director under Code Section 162(m) and the regulations issued thereunder.
Reference to the Committee in this Plan will refer to the Board if the Board does not appoint a
Committee.
4.2 ACTION BY THE COMMITTEE. A majority of the Committee will constitute a quorum. The acts
of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, and acts approved
in writing by a majority of the Committee in lieu of a meeting, will be deemed the acts of the
Committee. Each member of the Committee is entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report
or other information furnished to that member by any officer or other employee of the Company or
any Subsidiary, the Companys independent certified public accountants, any executive compensation
consultant or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the Plans administration.
4.3 AUTHORITY OF COMMITTEE. Subject to any specific designation in the Plan, the Committee
has the exclusive power, authority and discretion to:
(a) Designate Participants to receive Awards;
(b) Determine the type of Awards granted to each Participant;
(c) Determine the number of Awards granted and the number of shares of Stock to which an Award
will relate;
(d) Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, determine the terms and conditions of any Award
granted under the Plan including but not limited to, the exercise price, grant price, or purchase
price, any restrictions or limitations on the Award, any schedule for lapse of forfeiture
restrictions or restrictions on the exercisability of an Award, and accelerations or waivers
thereof, based in each case on such considerations as the Committee in its sole discretion
determines; provided, however, that the Committee will not have the authority to accelerate the
vesting or waive the forfeiture of any Performance-Based Awards;
(e) Amend, modify, or terminate any outstanding Award, with the Participants consent unless
the Committee has the authority to amend, modify, or terminate an Award without the Participants
consent under any other provision of the Plan;
(f) Determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances an Award may be settled
in, or the exercise price of an Award may be paid in, cash, Stock, other Awards, or other property,
or an Award may be canceled, forfeited, or surrendered;
(g) Prescribe the form of each Award Agreement, which need not be identical for each
Participant;
(h) Decide all other matters that must be determined in connection with an Award;
(i) Establish, adopt, or revise any rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or
advisable to administer the Plan;
(j) Interpret the terms of, and any matter arising under, the Plan or any Award Agreement; and
(k) Make all other decisions and determinations that may be required under the Plan or as the
Committee deems necessary or advisable to administer the Plan.
4.4 DECISIONS BINDING. The Committees interpretation of the Plan, any Awards granted under
the Plan, any Award Agreement and all decisions and determinations by the Committee with respect to
the Plan are final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.
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ARTICLE 5
SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
5.1 NUMBER OF SHARES. Subject to adjustment provided in Section 14.1, the aggregate number
of shares of Stock reserved and available for grant under the Plan will be 4,430,972.
5.2 LAPSED AWARDS. To the extent that an Award terminates, expires, or lapses for any
reason, any shares of Stock subject to the Award will again be available to the Committee to grant
Awards under the Plan.
5.3 STOCK DISTRIBUTED. Any Stock distributed pursuant to an Award may consist, in whole or
in part, of authorized and unissued Stock, treasury Stock or Stock purchased on the open market.
5.4 LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF SHARES AND CASH SUBJECT TO AWARDS. Notwithstanding any
provision in the Plan to the contrary, and subject to the adjustment in Section 14.1, the maximum
number of shares of Stock with respect to one or more Awards that may be granted to any one
Participant during any fiscal year of the Company is 1,000,000. For Performance-Based Awards that
are payable in cash, the maximum amount payable to any one Participant for any fiscal year of the
Company equals the product of 1,000,000 and the Fair Market Value of the Stock as of the first day
of the Companys fiscal year.
ARTICLE 6
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
6.1 ELIGIBILITY.
(a) GENERAL. Persons eligible to participate in this Plan include all Board members,
employees, officers, and executives of, and consultants and advisors to, the Company or a
Subsidiary, as determined by the Committee.
(b) FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS. To assure the viability of Awards granted to Participants
employed in foreign countries, the Committee is authorized to provide for any special terms it
considers necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy, or custom.
Moreover, the Committee may approve any supplements to, or amendments, restatements, or alternative
versions of the Plan as it considers necessary or appropriate for such purposes without affecting
the terms of the Plan as in effect for any other purpose; provided, however, that no such
supplements, amendments, restatements, or alternative versions may increase the share limitations
contained in Section 5.1 of the Plan.
6.2 ACTUAL PARTICIPATION. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee may, from
time to time, select from among all eligible individuals, those to whom Awards will be granted and
will determine the nature and amount of each Award. No individual will have any right to be granted
an Award under this Plan.
ARTICLE 7
STOCK OPTIONS
7.1 GENERAL. The Committee is authorized to grant Options to Participants on the following
terms and conditions:
(a) EXERCISE PRICE. The exercise price per share of Stock under an Option will be
determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that the
Options
exercise price per share of Stock may not be less than the Fair Market Value per share of Stock on
the date of grant.
(b) TIME AND CONDITIONS OF EXERCISE. The Committee will determine the time or times at
which an Option may be exercised in whole or in part. The Committee will also determine the
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performance or other conditions, if any, that must be satisfied before all or part of an Option may
be exercised. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, an Option will lapse immediately if
a Participants employment or services are terminated for Cause.
(c) PAYMENT. The Committee will determine the methods by which the exercise price of
an Option may be paid, the form of payment, including, without limitation, cash, promissory note,
shares of Stock (through actual tender or by attestation), or other property (including
broker-assisted cashless exercise arrangements), and the methods by which shares of Stock will be
delivered or deemed to be delivered to Participants
(d) EVIDENCE OF GRANT. All Options will be evidenced by a written Award Agreement,
which Agreement will include such provisions as determined by the Committee.
7.2 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. Incentive Stock Options will be granted only to employees and
the terms of any Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan must comply with the following
additional rules:
(a) EXERCISE PRICE. The per share exercise price for any Incentive Stock Option may
not be less than the Fair Market Value as of the date of the grant.
(b) EXERCISE. No Incentive Stock Option may be exercisable for more than ten years
after the date of its grant.
(c) LAPSE OF OPTION. An Incentive Stock Option will lapse under the following
circumstances.
(1) The Incentive Stock Option will lapse ten years from the date it is granted, unless it
lapses earlier under the Award Agreement.
(2) Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, an Incentive Stock Option will lapse
upon a Participants termination of employment for Cause or for any other reason (other than the
death or Disability).
(3) If the Participant terminates employment because of Disability or death before the Option
lapses pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) above, the Incentive Stock Option will lapse, unless it is
sooner exercised, on the earlier of (i) the date on which the Option would have lapsed had the
Participant not become Disabled or lived and had remain employed; or (ii) 12 months after the date
of the Participants termination of employment because of Disability or death. Upon the
Participants Disability or death, any Incentive Stock Option exercisable at the Participants
Disability or death may be exercised by the Participants legal representative, by the person or
persons entitled to do so under the Participants last will and testament, or, if the Participant
fails to make testamentary disposition of such Incentive Stock Option or dies intestate, by the
person or persons entitled to receive the Incentive Stock Option under the applicable laws of
descent and distribution.
(d) INDIVIDUAL DOLLAR LIMITATION. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of
the grant date) of all shares of Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are first
exercisable by a Participant in any calendar year may not exceed $100,000.00 or such other
limitation as imposed by Section 422(d) of the Code, or any successor provision. To the extent that
Incentive Stock Options are first
exercisable by a Participant in excess of such limitation, the excess will be considered
Non-Qualified Stock Options.
(e) TEN PERCENT OWNERS. An Incentive Stock Option will be granted to any individual
who, at the date of grant, owns stock possessing more than ten percent of the total combined voting
power of all classes of Stock only if such Option is granted at a price that is not less than 110%
of Fair Market Value on the grant date and the Option is exercisable for no more than five years
from the grant date.
(f) EXPIRATION OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. No Award of an Incentive Stock Option may
be made pursuant to this Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date.
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(g) RIGHT TO EXERCISE. An Incentive Stock Option may be exercised only by the
Participant during his or her lifetime.
ARTICLE 8
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
8.1 GRANT OF SARs. The Committee is authorized to grant SARs to Participants on the
following terms and conditions:
(a) RIGHT TO PAYMENT. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the Participant to whom it is
granted has the right to receive the excess, if any, of:
(1) The Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of exercise; over
(2) The grant price of the SAR as determined by the Committee, which will not be less than the
Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of grant.
(b) OTHER TERMS. All SARs grants will be evidenced by an Award Agreement. The terms,
methods of exercise, methods of settlement, form of consideration payable in settlement, and any
other terms and conditions of any SAR will be determined by the Committee at the time of the grant
of the Award and as set forth in the Award Agreement.
ARTICLE 9
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
9.1 GRANT OF PERFORMANCE SHARES AND UNITS. The Committee is authorized to grant Performance
Shares and Performance Units to Participants on such terms and conditions as determined by the
Committee. The Committee has the discretion to determine the number of Performance Shares and /or
Performance Units granted to each Participant and such other terms and conditions of such grant,
all as set forth in the Award Agreement. A Performance Share Award shall list in the Award
Agreement the maximum number of shares of Stock subject to the Award. A Performance Unit Award
shall list in the Award Agreement the maximum amount of cash subject to the Award and each
Performance Unit shall equal a maximum payment of one U.S. Dollar.
9.2 RIGHT TO PAYMENT. A grant of Performance Shares gives the Participant rights, valued as
determined by the Committee, and payable to, or exercisable by, the Participant to whom the
Performance Shares are granted, in whole or in part, as the Committee will establishes at grant or
thereafter. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee will set performance goals and other
terms or conditions to payment of the Performance Shares and Performance Units, in its discretion,
which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number and value of
Performance Shares and the Performance Units that will be paid to the Participant.
9.3 OTHER TERMS. Performance Shares and Performance Units may be payable in cash, Stock, or
other property, and have such other terms and conditions as determined by the Committee and as set
forth in the Award Agreement.
9.4 CASH BONUSES. The Committee is authorized to grant cash bonuses to Participants on
such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee subject to the terms of the Plan. The
purpose of granting cash bonuses under the Plan is to qualify such cash bonuses as
performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code pursuant to Article 11 below.
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ARTICLE 10
STOCK AWARDS
10.1 RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
(a) GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK. The Committee is authorized to make Awards of
Restricted Stock to Participants in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as
determined by the Committee, all as set forth in the Award Agreement.
(b) ISSUANCE AND RESTRICTIONS. Restricted Stock will be subject to such restrictions
on transferability and other restrictions as the Committee may impose (including, without
limitation, limitations on the right to vote Restricted Stock or the right to receive dividends on
the Restricted Stock). These restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times,
under such circumstances, in such installments, or otherwise, as the Committee determines at the
time of the grant of the Award or thereafter.
(c) FORFEITURE. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of the
grant of the Award or thereafter, upon termination of employment or service during the applicable
restriction period, Restricted Stock that is at that time subject to restrictions will be
forfeited, provided, however, that the Committee may provide in any Restricted Stock Award
Agreement that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock will be waived in
whole or in part in the event of terminations resulting from specified causes, and the Committee
may in other cases waive in whole or in part restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to
Restricted Stock.
(d) CERTIFICATES FOR RESTRICTED STOCK. Restricted Stock granted under the Plan may be
evidenced as determined by the Committee. If certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock
are registered in the name of the Participant, the certificates must bear an appropriate legend
referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock, and the
Company may, at its discretion, retain physical possession of the certificate until such time as
all applicable restrictions lapse.
10.2 STOCK UNIT AWARDS
(a) GRANT OF STOCK UNITS. The Committee is authorized to make Awards of Stock Units to
Participants in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the
Committee, all as set forth in the Award Agreement.
(b) ISSUANCE AND RESTRICTIONS. Stock Units will be subject to such restrictions on
transferability and other restrictions as the Committee may impose. These restrictions may lapse
separately or in combination, at such times, under such circumstances, in such installments, or
otherwise, as the Committee determines at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter.
(c) FORFEITURE. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of the
grant of the Award or thereafter, upon termination of employment or service during the applicable
restriction period, a Stock Unit that is at that time is unvested or otherwise subject to
restrictions will be forfeited, provided, however, that the Committee may provide in any Award
Agreement that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Stock Units will be waived in
whole or in part in the event of terminations resulting from specified causes, and the Committee
may in any case waive, in whole or in part, restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Stock
Units.
(d) DELIVERY AND PAYMENT. The Committee may determine, in its discretion, the timing
of the delivery of any payment for Stock Units and the form such payment shall take. Delivery may
be promptly after vesting or the restrictions with respect to the Stock Units have lapsed or at
such later time, as determined by the Committee. Payment may be made in cash, Stock, other Awards,
other property or any
combination of the foregoing, as determined by the Committee, either at the time of grant and
memorialized in the Award Agreement or at any time prior to delivery.
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ARTICLE 11
PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS
11.1 PURPOSE. The purpose of this Article 11 is to provide the Committee the ability to
qualify Awards granted under the Plan as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of
the Code. If the Committee, in its discretion, decides to grant a Performance-Based Award, the
provisions of this Article 11 will control notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan.
11.2 APPLICABILITY. This Article 11 will apply only to those employees selected by the
Committee to receive Performance-Based Awards who, the Committee believes, are, or are likely to
be, as of the end of the tax year in which the Company would claim a tax deduction in connection
with such Award, Covered Employees. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Awards to employees
who are or may become Covered Employees that do not satisfy the requirements of this Article 11.
The designation of a Covered Employee or any other employee as a Participant for a Performance
Period does not entitle the Participant to receive an Award for the period. Moreover, the
designation of a Covered Employee or other employee as a Participant for a particular Performance
Period will not require designation of such Covered Employee or other employee as a Participant in
any subsequent Performance Period and designation of one Covered Employee or other employee as a
Participant will not require designation of any other Covered Employees or other employees as
Participants in such period or in any other Performance Period.
11.3 GRANT OF PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS. Subject to the requirements of Section 162(m) of
the Code, the Committee is authorized to grant to Participants Awards that also qualify as
Performance-Based Awards in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by
the Committee, all as set forth in the applicable Award Agreements. The Award Agreement for each
Performance-Based Award shall state the Performance Goals to be achieved, the length of the
Performance Period and all other material terms necessary to comply with Section 162(m) of the
Code.
11.4 PAYMENT OF PERFORMANCE AWARDS. A Participant will be eligible to receive payment
under a Performance-Based Award for a Performance Period only if the Performance Goals for such
period are achieved. In determining the actual payment of an individual Performance-Based Award,
the Committee may reduce or eliminate the amount of the Performance-Based Award earned for the
Performance Period, if in its sole and absolute discretion, such reduction or elimination is
appropriate.
ARTICLE 12
IPO AWARDS
12.1 IPO AWARDS. IPO Awards will be awarded to Participants selected by the Committee and
will be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) EFFECTIVE DATE OF AWARDS. The effective date of the IPO Awards will be the date of
the Companys initial public offering of Stock.
(b) EXERCISE PRICE FOR AWARDS. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary,
the exercise price per share of Stock under the IPO Awards will be the price at which the Companys
Stock is offered to the public in its initial public offering of Stock (IPO Price).
(c) AMOUNT OF THE IPO AWARDS. Each Participant selected to receive an IPO Award and
who became an employee by the Company on or after October 21, 2001, will be entitled to receive an
Option to purchase 50 shares of Stock. Each Participant selected to receive an IPO Award and who
became an employee by the Company before October 21, 2001, will be entitled to receive an Option to
purchase 100 shares of Stock. Such Option will be designated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
(d) TIME AND CONDITIONS OF EXERCISE. The IPO Awards will become fully exercisable on
the first anniversary of the date of grant. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, the
IPO Award will lapse upon a Participants termination of employment or service with the Company or
a Subsidiary for any reason, and will include such other provisions as may be specified by the
Committee.
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(e) PAYMENT. The Committee will determine the methods by which the exercise price of
the IPO Awards may be paid, the form of payment, including, without limitation, cash, promissory
note, shares of Stock (through actual tender or by attestation), or other property (including
broker-assisted cashless exercise arrangements), and the methods by which shares of Stock will be
delivered or deemed to be delivered to Participants.
(f) EVIDENCE OF GRANT. All IPO Awards will be evidenced by an Award Agreement.
ARTICLE 13
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS
13.1 STAND-ALONE AND TANDEM AWARDS. Awards granted under the Plan may, in the discretion of
the Committee, be granted either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with, any other Award granted
under the Plan. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards may be granted either
at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards.
13.2 EXCHANGE PROVISIONS. The Committee may at any time offer to exchange or buy out any
previously granted Award for a payment in cash, Stock, or another Award, based on the terms and
conditions the Committee determines and communicates to the Participant at the time the offer is
made.
13.3 TERM OF AWARD. The term of each Award will be for the period as determined by the
Committee, provided that in no event will the term of any Incentive Stock Option or a Stock
Appreciation Right granted in tandem with the Incentive Stock Option exceed a period of ten years
from the date of its grant.
13.4 FORM OF PAYMENT FOR AWARDS. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable law or
Award Agreement, payments or transfers to be made by the Company or a Subsidiary on the grant or
exercise of an Award may be made in such forms as the Committee determines at or after the time of
grant, including without limitation, cash, promissory note, Stock, other Awards, or other property,
or any combination, and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments, or on a
deferred basis, in each case determined in accordance with rules adopted by, and at the discretion
of, the Committee.
13.5 LIMITS ON TRANSFER. No right or interest of a Participant in any Award may be pledged,
encumbered, or hypothecated to or in favor of any party other than the Company or a Subsidiary, or
will be subject to any lien, obligation, or liability of such Participant to any other party other
than the Company or a Subsidiary. Except as otherwise provided by the Committee, no Award will be
assignable or transferable by a Participant other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.
13.6 BENEFICIARIES. Notwithstanding Section 13.5, a Participant may, in the manner
determined by the Committee, designate a beneficiary to exercise the rights of the Participant and
to receive any distribution with respect to any Award upon the Participants death.
A beneficiary, legal guardian, legal representative, or other person claiming any rights under
the Plan is subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan and any Award Agreement applicable to
the Participant, except to the extent the Plan and Award Agreement otherwise provide, and to any
additional restrictions deemed necessary or appropriate by the Committee. If the Participant is
married, a designation of a person other than the Participants spouse as his beneficiary with
respect to more than 50% of the Participants interest in the Award will not be effective without
the written consent of the Participants spouse. If no beneficiary has been
designated or survives the Participant, payment will be made to the person entitled thereto under
the Participants will or the laws of descent and distribution. Subject to the foregoing, a
beneficiary designation may be changed or revoked by a Participant at any time provided the change
or revocation is filed with the Committee.
13.7 STOCK CERTIFICATES. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company will
not be required to issue or deliver any certificates evidencing shares of Stock pursuant to the
exercise of any Awards, unless and until the Board has determined, with advice of counsel, that the
issuance and delivery of such certificates is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations
of governmental authorities and, if
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applicable, the requirements of any exchange on which the
shares of Stock are listed or traded. All Stock certificates delivered under the Plan are subject
to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee deems necessary or advisable to
comply with Federal, state, or foreign jurisdiction, securities or other laws, rules and
regulations and the rules of any national securities exchange or automated quotation system on
which the Stock is listed, quoted, or traded. The Committee may place legends on any Stock
certificate to reference restrictions applicable to the Stock. In addition to the terms and
conditions provided herein, the Board may require that a Participant make such reasonable
covenants, agreements, and representations as the Board, in its discretion, deems advisable in
order to comply with any such laws, regulations, or requirements.
13.8 ACCELERATION UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL. If a Change of Control occurs and, within one
year after the Change of Control, a Participants employment or service with the Company is
terminated without Cause or, a Participant terminates employment or services with the Company for
Good Reason, all outstanding Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, and other Awards will become fully
exercisable and all restrictions on outstanding Awards will lapse. To the extent that this
provision causes Incentive Stock Options to exceed the dollar limitation set forth in Section
7.2(d), the excess Options will be deemed to be Non-Qualified Stock Options. Upon, or in
anticipation of, such an event, the Committee may cause every Award outstanding hereunder to
terminate at a specific time in the future and will give each Participant the right to exercise
Awards during a period of time as the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, will
determine.
ARTICLE 14
CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE
14.1 GENERAL.
(a) SHARES AVAILABLE FOR GRANT AND LIMITS. If there is any change in the number of
shares of Stock outstanding by reason of any stock dividend or split, recapitalization, merger,
consolidation, combination or exchange of shares or similar corporate change, the maximum aggregate
number of shares of Stock with respect to which the Committee may grant Awards pursuant to Section
5.1 and the maximum number of shares of Stock which may be granted to any one person in a single
calendar year pursuant to Section 5.4 will be appropriately adjusted by the Committee. If there is
any change in the number of shares of Stock outstanding by reason of any other event or
transaction, the Committee may, but need not, make such adjustments in the number and class of
shares of Stock with respect to which Awards may be granted pursuant to Section 5.1 and the maximum
number of shares of Stock which may be granted to any one person in a single calendar year pursuant
to Section 5.4, as the Committee may deem appropriate.
(b) OUTSTANDING AWARDS INCREASE OR DECREASE IN ISSUED SHARES WITHOUT CONSIDERATION.
Subject to any required action by the shareholders of the Company, if there is any increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Stock resulting from a subdivision or consolidation of
shares of Stock or the payment of a stock dividend (but only on the shares of Stock), or any other
increase or decrease in the number of such shares effected without receipt or payment of
consideration by the Company, the Committee will proportionally adjust the number of shares of
Stock subject to each outstanding Award and the exercise price per share of Stock of each such
Award.
(c) OUTSTANDING AWARDS CERTAIN MERGERS. Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, if the Company is the surviving corporation in any merger or
consolidation (except a merger or consolidation as a result of which the holders of shares of Stock
receive securities of another corporation), each Award outstanding on the date of such merger or
consolidation will pertain to and apply to the securities which a holder of the number of shares of
Stock subject to such Award would have received in such merger or consolidation.
(d) OUTSTANDING AWARDS OTHER CHANGES. If any other change in the capitalization of
the Company or corporate change other than those specifically referred to in Article 14, the
Committee may, in its absolute discretion, make such adjustments in the number and class of shares
subject
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to Awards outstanding on the date on which such change occurs and in the per share exercise
price of each Award as the Committee may consider appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement of
rights.
(e) NO OTHER RIGHTS. Except as expressly provided in the Plan, no Participant will
have any rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the
payment of any dividend, any increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class or
any dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or any other corporation.
Except as expressly provided in the Plan, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any
class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, will affect, and no adjustment
by reason thereof will be made with respect to, the number of shares of Stock subject to an Award
or the exercise price of any Award.
ARTICLE 15
AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION
15.1 AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION. With the approval of the Board, at any time
and from time to time, the Committee may terminate, amend or modify the Plan; provided, however,
that to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable law, regulation, or stock
exchange rule, the Company will obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner
and to such a degree as required.
15.2 AWARDS PREVIOUSLY GRANTED. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, including without
limitation, the provisions of Article 14, no termination, amendment, or modification of the Plan
will adversely affect in any material way any Award previously granted under the Plan, without the
written consent of the Participant.
ARTICLE 16
GENERAL PROVISIONS
16.1 NO RIGHTS TO AWARDS. No Participant, employee, or other person will have any claim to
be granted any Award under the Plan, and neither the Company nor the Committee is obligated to
treat Participants, employees, and other persons uniformly.
16.2 NO STOCKHOLDERS RIGHTS. No Award gives the Participant any of the rights of a
stockholder of the Company unless and until shares of Stock are in fact issued to such person in
connection with such Award.
16.3 WITHHOLDING. The Company or any Subsidiary has the authority and the right to deduct
or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy
Federal, state, and local taxes (including the Participants FICA obligation) required by law to be
withheld with respect to any taxable event arising as a result of this Plan. With the Committees
consent, a Participant may elect to have the Company withhold from those shares of Stock that would
otherwise be received upon the exercise of any Option, a number of shares having a Fair Market
Value equal to the minimum statutory amount necessary to
satisfy the Companys applicable federal, state, local and foreign income and employment tax
withholding obligations.
16.4 NO RIGHT TO EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICES. Nothing in the Plan or any Award Agreement will
interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate any
Participants employment or services at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to
continue in the employ or service of the Company or any Subsidiary.
16.5 UNFUNDED STATUS OF AWARDS. The Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan for incentive
compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant pursuant to an Award,
nothing contained in the Plan or any Award Agreement will give the Participant any rights that are
greater than those of a general creditor of the Company or any Subsidiary.
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16.6 INDEMNIFICATION. To the extent allowable under applicable law, each member of the
Committee or the Board will be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from any loss, cost,
liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such member in connection
with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or
in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act under the Plan and
against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of judgment in such action,
suit, or proceeding against him or her provided he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its
own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on
his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification is in addition to any other rights of
indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Companys Articles of Incorporation
or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify
them or hold them harmless.
16.7 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER BENEFITS. No payment under the Plan will be taken into account
in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group
insurance, welfare or other benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary.
16.8 EXPENSES. The Company and its Subsidiaries will pay the expenses of administering the
Plan.
16.9 TITLES AND HEADINGS. The titles and headings of the Sections in the Plan are for
convenience of reference only, and if there is any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such
titles or headings, will control.
16.10 FRACTIONAL SHARES. No fractional shares of stock will be issued and the Committee
will determine, in its discretion, whether cash will be given in lieu of fractional shares or
whether such fractional shares will be eliminated by rounding up or down as appropriate.
16.11 SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE. With respect to any person who is, on the relevant date,
obligated to file reports under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, transactions under this Plan are
intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors under the
Exchange Act. To the extent any provision of the Plan or action by the Committee fails to so
comply, it will be void to the extent permitted by law and voidable as deemed advisable by the
Committee.
16.12 GOVERNMENT AND OTHER REGULATIONS. The obligation of the Company to make payment of
awards in Stock or otherwise will be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to
such approvals by government agencies as may be required. The Company will be under no obligation
to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, any of the shares of Stock paid under the
Plan. If the shares paid under the Plan may in certain circumstances be exempt from registration
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Company may restrict the transfer of such shares
in such manner as it deems advisable to ensure the availability of any such exemption.
16.13 GOVERNING LAW. The Plan and all Award Agreements will be construed in accordance with
and governed by the laws of the State of Arizona.
16.14 NO AUTHORITY TO REPRICE. Other than in connection with a change in the Companys
capital structure (as described in Article 14 of this Plan), neither the Committee nor the Board
shall have the authority to reprice any outstanding Option or SAR without the prior approval of the
Companys shareholders. Repricing means any of the following or any other action that has the
same effect: (i) lowering the exercise price of an Option or the grant price of a SAR after it is
granted; (ii) any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting
principles; or (iii) canceling an Option at a time when its exercise price exceeds the fair market
value of the underlying stock, in exchange for another Option, a Restricted Stock Award or other
equity, unless the cancellation and exchange occurs in connection with a change in the Companys
capital structure (as described in Article 14 of this Plan).
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History
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as amended December 16, 2005 to limit the ability to reprice options. |
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as amended February ___, 2007 to revise the Section 162(m) provisions and add the
ability to grant stock units and cash bonuses that qualify as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m). |
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Proxy
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR 2007 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007
The undersigned appoints John C. White and Kimberly J. McWaters, and each of them, as proxies, each
with full power of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the
undersigned at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
(UTI), to be held on February 28, 2007, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof and
authorizes them to vote at such meeting, as designated on the reverse side of this form, all the
shares of common stock of UTI held of record by the undersigned on January 8, 2007.
IF NO OTHER INDICATION IS MADE ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS FORM, THE PROXIES WILL VOTE FOR ALL
PROPOSALS AND, IN THEIR DISCRETION, UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE
MEETING.
See reverse for voting instructions.
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NOTE: PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL |
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THIS PROXY IN THE POST PAID ENVELOPE.
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Votes Must Be Indicated |
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(X) In Black Or Blue Ink: |
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The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Item 1.
1. Election of Directors:
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FOR all nominees listed (except
as marked
to the contrary)
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
to vote for all nominees listed
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01 A. Richard Caputo, Jr., 02 Allan D. Gilmour, and
03 Robert D. Hartman |
(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, mark
the Exceptions* box and write that nominees name on the blank line below.)
At the proxies discretion on any other matters which may properly come
before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION
IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL.
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The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Item 2. |
2. Approval of the Companys 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended.
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The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Item 3. |
3. Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors.
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To include any comments, please mark this box. o |
This proxy should be dated, signed by the stockholder(s) exactly as his or her name
appears herein, and returned promptly in the enclosed envelope. Persons signing in a
fiduciary capacity should so indicate. If shares are held by joint tenants or as
community property, both stockholders should sign.
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Stockholder sign here
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Co-Owner sign here |