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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO.___)
Filed by the Registrant
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Universal Electronics, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Date Filed:
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April 30, 2007
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Universal
Electronics Inc., to be held on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 4:00 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time, at our
corporate office, 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630. We urge you to be present in
person or represented by proxy at this Meeting of Stockholders.
You will be asked to consider and vote upon the election of members of our Board of Directors and
the ratification of the Board of Directors engagement of our independent registered public
accountants for the year ending December 31, 2007. Details of these proposals and a description of
our general business, directors and management are set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote to approve all of the
proposals.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, it is important that your shares
are represented. Therefore, please promptly complete, sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy
card in the accompanying envelope, which requires no postage if mailed within the United States.
You are, of course, welcome to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person even if you previously
returned your proxy card.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management of Universal Electronics Inc., we thank you for
all of your support.
Sincerely
yours,
Paul D. Arling
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630
714-820-1000
714-820-1010 Facsimile
www.uei.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.
Corporate Headquarters:
6101 Gateway Drive
Cypress, California 90630
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be Held on Thursday, June 14, 2007
The 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Universal Electronics Inc., a Delaware corporation
(Universal, the Company, we, us or our), will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 4:00
p.m., Pacific Daylight Time, at our corporate office, 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California
90630. Doors to the meeting will open at 3:30 p.m.
The meeting will be conducted:
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To consider and vote upon the following proposals (collectively, the Proposals), each
of which is described in more detail in the accompanying Proxy Statement: |
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Proposal One: The election of Paul D. Arling as a Class I director to serve on the Board of
Directors until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2008 or until the
election and qualification of his successor, and the election of Satjiv S. Chahil and Edward
K. Zinser as Class II directors to serve on the Board of Directors until the Annual Meeting
of Stockholders to be held in 2008 or until their respective successors are elected and
qualified; and |
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Proposal Two: Ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as our auditors for the year ending December 31, 2007. |
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To consider and act upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or
any and all postponements or adjournments thereof. |
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 16, 2007 will be entitled to notice
of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
April 30, 2007
Richard A. Firehammer, Jr.
Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
Each Stockholder is Requested to Execute and Promptly Return the
Enclosed Proxy Card in the Enclosed Prepaid Envelope.
UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.
Proxy Statement
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To be held on Thursday, June 14, 2007
Dated as of and Mailed on or about April 30, 2007
Introduction
This Proxy Statement (the Proxy Statement) is being furnished to stockholders of Universal
Electronics Inc., a Delaware corporation (Universal, the Company, we, us or our), in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by our Board of Directors (the Board or the Board of
Directors) from holders of record of our outstanding shares of common stock, par value $.01 per
share (our Common Stock), as of the close of business on April 16, 2007 (the Annual Meeting
Record Date) for use at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held
on Thursday, June 14, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) at our office, 6101 Gateway Drive,
Cypress, California 90630 and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. This Proxy Statement
and the accompanying form of proxy are first being mailed to stockholders on or about April 30,
2007. Our world headquarters and principal executive offices are located at 6101 Gateway Drive,
Cypress, California 90630.
Voting Rights and Proxy Information
Only the holders of shares of our Common Stock as of the close of business on the Annual Meeting
Record Date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or
postponements thereof. Such holders of shares of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per
share on any matter that may properly come before the Annual Meeting. The presence, either in
person or by properly executed and delivered proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of our Common Stock, as of the Annual Meeting Record Date, is necessary to constitute a
quorum at the Annual Meeting and to permit action to be taken by the stockholders at such meeting.
Under Delaware law, shares of our Common Stock represented by proxies that reflect abstentions or
broker non-votes (i.e., shares held by a broker or nominee which are represented at the Annual
Meeting, but with respect to which such broker or nominee is not empowered to vote on a particular
proposal) will be counted as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum.
The affirmative vote of a plurality of shares of our Common Stock voted at the Annual Meeting is
required to elect any director nominated pursuant to Proposal One. One Class I director and two
Class II directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting. The nominee who receives the greatest
number of votes cast for the Class I directorship will be elected, and the two nominees who receive
the greatest number of votes cast for the two Class II directorships will be elected. Consequently,
any shares not voted (whether by abstention, broker non-vote, or otherwise) as to Proposal One will
have no impact on the election of directors, except to the extent that the failure to vote for one
individual results in another individual receiving a greater number of votes. Thus, the withholding
of a vote with respect to the election of a particular nominee for director will have the practical
effect of a vote against that nominee.
Passage of Proposal Two or any other question or matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting
requires the approval of a majority of the shares of our Common Stock present in person or
represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting. An abstention with respect to any share will have the
practical effect of a vote against Proposal Two or any other question or matter properly brought
before the Annual Meeting. A broker non-vote with respect to any share will not affect the passage
of Proposal Two or any other question or matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting, since
the share is not considered present for voting purposes.
As of
April 16, 2007, there were 14,349,824 shares of our Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote
at the Annual Meeting. The directors and executive officers intend to vote in accordance with the
recommendations of the Board with respect to Proposals One and Two, as well as any other question
or matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting.
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All shares of our Common Stock represented at the Annual Meeting by properly executed and delivered
proxies received prior to or at the Annual Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the Annual
Meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated in such proxies. If no instructions are
indicated for any Proposal, such proxies will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of
the Board as set forth herein with respect to such Proposal.
If a quorum is not present at the time the Annual Meeting is convened or if for any other reason we
believe that additional time should be allowed for the solicitation of proxies, then we may adjourn
the Annual Meeting with or without a vote of the stockholders. If we propose to adjourn the Annual
Meeting by a vote of the stockholders, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote
all shares of our Common Stock for which they have voting authority in favor of such adjournment.
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time
before it is voted. Proxies may be revoked by (i) filing with Computershare Investor Services, LLC
in its capacity as our transfer agent (the Transfer Agent), at or before the Annual Meeting, a
written notice of revocation bearing a later date than the proxy, (ii) duly executing a subsequent
proxy relating to the same shares of our Common Stock and delivering it to the Transfer Agent at or
before the Annual Meeting, or (iii) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person (although
attendance at the Annual Meeting will not, in and of itself, constitute a revocation of a proxy).
Any written notice revoking a proxy should be sent to Computershare Investor Services, LLC, 2 North
LaSalle Street, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60602.
PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
General
The number of directors is presently set at nine and is divided into two classes. A Class I
Director is a director who is also an employee of Universal and is elected each year at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to serve a one-year term. A Class II Director is a director who is not an
employee and is generally elected every even-numbered year at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
serve a two-year term.
We currently have six directors; one is a Class I Director and five are Class II Directors, and
there are three vacancies, which we retain to accommodate additional qualified directors who come
to the attention of the Board. In April 2006, one of the Class II Directors, Mr. Chahil, advised
the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of his intention to not seek reelection. In the
notice, Mr. Chahil advised that he recently had accepted new employment that precluded him from
sitting on outside boards. In April 2006, through our Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee, we retained a professional search firm to assist us in identifying up to two (2)
candidates to serve as members of our Board of Directors. In August 2006, Mr. Chahil rejoined the
Board as an advisor because his employment no longer precluded him from serving as one of our
directors. In October 2006, the Board appointed Messrs. Chahil and Zinser as members of the Board
of Directors to fill existing vacancies. As such, after this Annual Meeting of Stockholders,
assuming all those nominated are elected, there will be six members of the Board, one (1) Class I
director, five (5) Class II directors and three (3) vacancies.
The term of the sole Class I Director and each of the two Class II Directors nominated for election
expires at this years Annual Meeting. The Board has nominated and recommends the reelection of Mr.
Arling as a Class I Director for a one-year term expiring at the 2008 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and Messrs. Chahil and Zinser as Class II Directors for a one-year term expiring at
the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Chahil and Zinser is independent and, in addition,
satisfies the independence requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them FOR the
election of Messrs. Arling, Chahil and Zinser.
If elected, Messrs. Arling, Chahil and Zinser have consented to serve as our directors for a
one-year term and until their respective successors are elected and qualified. If additional
persons are nominated for election as directors, the proxy holders intend to vote all proxies
received by them in a manner intended to ensure the election of Messrs. Arling, Chahil and Zinser.
However, consistent with their authority, the proxy holders will determine the
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specific nominees for whom to vote, and in no event will they vote to fill more than three
positions. Although it is not contemplated that any nominee will be unable to serve as director, in
such event, the proxies will be voted by the proxy holders for such other person or persons as may
be designated by the present Board. Information with respect to each nominee is set forth below.
Nominees for Election as Class I Directors
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Paul D. Arling
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Director since 1996
Age: 44
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Mr. Arling is Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of
Universal. He has held the
positions of Chairman since
July 2001 and Chief Executive
Officer since October 2000. He
was our President from
September 1998 until May 2001.
He was our Chief Operating
Officer from September 1998
until his promotion to Chief
Executive Officer in October
2000. He was our Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial
Officer from May 1996 until
August 1998. Prior to joining
us, from 1993 through May
1996, he served in various
capacities at LESCO, Inc. (a
manufacturer and distributor
of professional turf care
products) with the most recent
being Acting Chief Financial
Officer. At the 2006 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, Mr.
Arling was re-elected as a
Class I Director to serve
until the 2007 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders. |
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Nominees for Election as Class II Directors |
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Satjiv S. Chahil
Director since 2002 Member:
Compensation Committee
Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee
Age: 56
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Mr. Chahil is the Senior Vice
President-Marketing of Hewlett
Packards Personal Systems
Group. Prior to that he was
advisor to the Chairman of
Palm, Inc. (a manufacturer and
marketer of handheld computing
and mobile and wireless
Internet solutions) from June
2002 to August 2005. Mr.
Chahil was also a director at
PalmSource, Inc. from June
2002 to August 2004. Prior to
that he was Interim Chief
Operating Officer of Palm
Solutions (a division of Palm,
Inc.) from March 2001 to June
2002. From March 2000 to June
2002, he was Chief Marketing
Officer of Palm, Inc. Prior
to that, from March 1999 to
March 2000, he was Chief
Marketing Officer of Newbridge
Networks, Inc. (an ATM
technology networks company).
From May 1997 to March 2000,
Mr. Chahil served as a
consultant to Sony
Corporation. Mr. Chahil was a
Class II director of the
Company from 2002 until June
2006 when he did not stand for
re-election due to a change in
his employment which precluded
him from serving as a director
of the Company. In August
2006, Mr. Chahil rejoined the
Board as an advisor because
his employment no longer
precluded him from serving as
one of our directors. In
October 2006, the Board
appointed Mr. Chahil as a
member of the Companys Board
of Directors to fill an
existing vacancy and to serve
until the 2007 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders. |
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Edward K. Zinser
Director since 2006 Member:
Audit Committee
Age: 49
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Mr. Zinser is the Executive
Vice President and CFO of THQ,
Inc., a leading global
developer and publisher of
interactive entertainment
software. From May 2001 until
February, 2004, Mr. Zinser was
Executive Vice President and
CFO of Vivendi Universal
Games. Prior to that, Mr.
Zinser held senior management
positions at affiliate
companies of USA Networks Inc.
Mr. Zinser has also held CFO
positions at Chromium
Graphics, Inc. and The Walt
Disney Company/Disney
Publishing. Previously, he
held |
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management and finance
positions at The Franklin Mint
and The Pepsi Cola Company. In
October 2006, the Board
appointed Mr. Zinser as a
member of the Companys Board
of Directors to fill an
existing vacancy and to serve
until the 2007 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders. |
Vote Required
The nominee receiving the greatest number of votes cast for the Class I directorship and the two
nominees receiving the greatest number of votes cast for the two Class II directorships will be
elected to the Board.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE FOREGOING
NOMINEES AS DIRECTORS OF OUR COMPANY.
Corporate Governance
Governance Principles
The Board believes that effective corporate governance is critical to our ability to create value
for our stockholders and the Board has adopted policies intended to improve corporate governance.
The Board will continue to monitor emerging developments in corporate governance and augment our
policies and procedures when required or when the Board determines that such changes would benefit
us and our stockholders. Our Corporate Governance page, which can be accessed from our website home
page, includes our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Director Independence Standards, Code of
Conduct and our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee Charters. To access the Corporate Governance page from our website home page,
www.uei.com, select About Us at the top of the page, then select Investor Relations
from the menu that appears (in order to reach the Investor page) and select Corporate Governance
on the Investor page.
Director Independence
The Board has adopted Director Independence Standards to assist in determining the independence of
each director. In order for a director to be considered independent, the Board must affirmatively
determine that the director has no material relationship with Universal. In each case, the Board
broadly considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including the directors commercial,
industrial, banking, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and family relationships and such
other criteria as the Board may determine from time to time. These Director Independence Standards
are published on our Corporate Governance page at www.uei.com. The Board has determined
that each of the five current Class II Directors, Messrs. Chahil, Henderson, Mulligan, Sparkman and
Zinser meets these standards and thus is independent and, in addition, satisfies the independence
requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market.
All members of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees must be
independent as defined by the Boards Director Independence Standards. Members of the Audit
Committee must also satisfy additional Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) independence
requirements, which provide that they may not accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting,
advisory or other compensatory fees from Universal or any of its subsidiaries other than their
directors compensation.
Code of Conduct
The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to our officers, directors and employees,
including without limitation our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and
principal accounting officer. Any person subject to the Code of Conduct must avoid conflicts of
interest, comply with all laws and other legal requirements, conduct business in an honest and
ethical manner, report all violations of the Code of Conduct and potential conflicts of interest
and otherwise act with integrity and Universals best interest. The Code of Conduct also includes
procedures to receive, retain and treat complaints received regarding accounting, internal
accounting
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controls or auditing matters and to allow for the confidential and anonymous submission by
employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Code of Conduct
complies with the requirements of NASD and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is posted on the
Corporate Governance page of our website at www.uei.com. Any amendment to the Code of
Conduct or waiver of its provisions with respect to our principal executive officer, principal
financial officer or principal accounting officer or any director will be promptly posted on our
website.
Additionally, at the direction of the Board of Directors, management has established the Ethics
Line to assist our employees in complying with their ethical and legal obligations and reporting
suspected violations of applicable laws, policies or procedures. The Ethics Line is operated by
Ethicspoint, an independent third party. Contact information for the Ethics Line can be found on
the Corporate Governance page of our website at www.uei.com.
Communication with Directors
The Board has adopted a process by which stockholders and other interested parties may communicate
with the Board, certain committee chairs or the non-management directors as a group by e-mail or
regular mail. That process is described on the Corporate Governance page of our website at
www.uei.com. Any communication by regular mail should be sent to Universal Electronics
Inc., 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630, to the attention, as applicable, of the (i)
Chair, Board of Directors; (ii) Chair, Audit Committee; (iii) Chair, Compensation Committee; (iv)
Chair, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or (v) the Non-Management Directors, c/o Lead
Director.
Stockholder Nominations for Director
The Boards Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (discussed below) actively seeks
individuals to become Board members who have the highest personal and professional character and
integrity, who possess appropriate characteristics, skills, experience and time to make a
significant contribution to the Board, Universal and our stockholders, who have demonstrated
exceptional ability and judgment, and who will be most effective, in the context of the whole Board
and other nominees to the Board, in ensuring our success and representing stockholders interests.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may employ professional search firms (for which
we would pay a fee) to assist in identifying potential Board members with the desired skills and
disciplines.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers stockholder recommendations for
nominations for director on the same basis and in the same manner as it considers recommendations
for nominations for director from any other source. Any stockholder may submit a nomination in
writing to our Secretary, Universal Electronics Inc., 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California
90630. In order for the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee to consider any stockholder
recommendation for nominations for director at this Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the
recommendation must have been received by the Company by the close of business on December 29, 2006
and must have complied with the requirements of, and be accompanied by all the information required
by, the Securities and Exchange Commissions proxy rules and Article IV of our Amended and Restated
By-laws (Article IV is included with this Proxy Statement as Appendix A). We received no
stockholder recommendations for nominations for directors for this Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Board of Directors and Committees
The Board is responsible for establishing broad corporate policies and our overall performance.
Generally, directors discharge their responsibilities at Board and committee meetings. During 2006,
the Board met four times and acted once by unanimous written consent. Messrs. Henderson, Mulligan
and Sparkman each attended 100% of the meetings of the Board and at least 75% of the committees on
which they served during 2006. Mr. Chahil was a Director up until the 2006 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders. He did not run for reelection at that meeting because his new employment precluded
him from serving as a director of any other public company. In August 2006, Mr. Chahil advised us
that his employer would now allow him to serve as a director for the Company. As such, Mr. Chahil
then rejoined the Board as an advisor and was subsequently appointed as a Board member in October
2006. Mr. Chahil attended 100% of the Board meetings and at least 75% of the committees in which he
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served
during 2006. On October 23, 2006, Mr. Zinser was appointed as a Board member, filling a
vacancy. He attended 100% of the Board meetings and 100% of the committees in which he served from
October 23 through December 31, 2006. We encourage each director to attend every annual meeting of
stockholders; however, since attendance by our stockholders at these meetings has historically been
via proxy and not in person, our outside directors have not regularly attended these meetings. At
the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, no stockholders attended in person and one director was
present.
The Board appoints committees to help carry out its duties. The Board has three standing
committees: (i) Audit, (ii) Compensation, and (iii) Corporate Governance and Nominating. In
addition, from time to time, the Board may establish ad hoc committees to provide the Board with
advice and guidance as to specific matters. The members of each committee (including any ad hoc
committee) are appointed by the Board and serve at its discretion. A majority of the members of any
committee constitutes a quorum, and the acts of a majority of the members present, or acts approved
in writing by all of the members, are acts of that committee. Only independent directors serve on
the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees. The Board has
established charters for each of the committees, which are posted on our Corporate Governance page
at www.uei.com. We had 5 Class II Directors, none of whom was an officer or employee of
Universal or any of its subsidiaries. Each member of the Audit, Compensation and Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committees was independent as defined in Rule 4200(a)(13) of the listing
standards of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Audit Committee
During 2006, the members of the Audit Committee were Mr. Henderson (Chairman of the Committee), Mr.
Mulligan, and Mr. Zinser (from the date of his appointment to the Board (October 23, 2006), at
which time he replaced Mr. Sparkman). Prior to Mr. Zinsers appointment to the Audit Committee, Mr.
Sparkman served on the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that Mr. Zinser is a financial
expert. Prior to Mr. Zinsers appointment to the Audit Committee on October 23, 2006, the Board
determined that Mr. Mulligan was a financial expert. We do not compensate any member of the Audit
Committee, except fees for service as a Director.
The Audit Committee is primarily concerned with the integrity of our financial statements, our
compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independence and qualifications of the
independent auditor and the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditor. The
Audit Committees functions include (i) meeting with our independent registered public accounting
firm and management representatives, (ii) making recommendations to the Board regarding the
appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm, (iii) approving the scope of
audits and other services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm,
(iv) establishing pre-approval policies and procedures for all audit, audit-related, tax, and other
fees to be paid to the independent registered public accounting firm, (v) considering whether the
performance of any professional service by the registered public accountants could impair their
independence, and (vi) reviewing the results of external audits, the accounting principles applied
in financial reporting, and financial and operational controls. The independent registered public
accountants have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee, and the members of the Audit Committee
have unrestricted access to the independent registered public accountants. During 2006, there were
five Audit Committee meetings and two informal meetings.
Compensation Committee
During 2006, the members of the Compensation Committee were Mr. Sparkman (Chairman of the
Committee), Mr. Henderson and Mr. Chahil, none of whom was an officer or employee of Universal or
any of its subsidiaries. Mr. Chahil rejoined the Board as an advisor in August 2006 and was
appointed as a Board member on October 23, 2006. The Compensation Committees primary functions
include making recommendations to the Board and approving policies and procedures relating to the
CEO and executive officers (including the Named Executives) compensation, various employee
incentive and stock-based compensation plans and approving individual salary adjustments and
stock-based awards in those areas. The Compensation Committee also makes recommendations regarding
the compensation of our directors. During 2006, there were four Compensation Committee meetings and
the Compensation Committee acted by written consent once. Additional information regarding the
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committees processes related to executive compensation is addressed in the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis section below.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During 2006, none of the members of the Compensation Committee had any business or financial
relationship with Universal requiring disclosure in this Proxy Statement.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
During 2006, the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee were Mr. Mulligan
(Chairman of the Committee), Mr. Sparkman and Mr. Chahil. Mr. Chahil rejoined the Board as an
advisor in August 2006 and was appointed as a Board member on October 23, 2006.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers Board nominees to the extent permitted
under, and made pursuant to the procedures established by, Article IV of our Amended and Restated
By-laws. Procedures for stockholder nominations are discussed above under the caption Corporate
Governance Stockholder Nominations for Director.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee also fulfills an advisory function with respect
to a range of matters affecting the Board and its committees, including making recommendations with
respect to the qualifications of director candidates, the selection of committee assignments and
chairs, and related matters affecting the Board. During 2006, the Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee met once and acted once by written consent.
Ad Hoc Committees
From time to time, the Board will establish additional sub-committees to provide the Board with
advice and guidance as to specific matters. On December 11, 2006, the Board established a
sub-committee and appointed Messrs. Arling, Mulligan and Zinser to the Committee to provide
management and the full Board with advice and guidance with respect to merger and acquisition and
other strategic opportunities. During 2006, the Committee met once.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview
The goal of our executive officer compensation program is the same as our goal for operating the
Companyto create long-term value for our stockholders. Toward this goal, our compensation programs
for our executives (including, the Named Executives (as defined below)) have been and will be
designed to reward them for sustained financial and operating performance and leadership
excellence, to align their interests with those of our stockholders and to encourage them to remain
with the Company for long and productive careers. Most of our compensation elements simultaneously
fulfill one or more of our performance, alignment and retention objectives. These elements consist
of salary, discretionary bonus and equity incentive compensation. In deciding on the type and
amount of compensation for each executive, we focus on both current pay and the opportunity for
future compensation. We combine the compensation elements for each executive in a manner we believe
optimizes the executives contribution to the Company. At the present time, we do not have a
long-term, performance-based executive compensation program for our executives (including, the
Named Executives), however, the Compensation Committee is in the process of establishing such a
new long-term, performance-based executive compensation program, and
when established, the metrics of the plan may include such things as
sales and earnings growth components with performance targets
established for the current and future fiscal years of the Company.
Compensation Objectives
Performance.
Our six executives who are identified in the Summary
Compensation Table on page 17
(whom we refer to as our Named Executives) have a combined total of approximately 45 years with
Universal, during
7
which they have held different positions and have been promoted to increasing levels of
responsibility. The compensation of each Named Executive reflects his management experience,
continued high performance and exceptional career of service to the Company over a long period of
time. Key elements of compensation that depend upon the executives (including the Named
Executives) performance include:
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Annual base salary established with input from an independent consultant and other
sources, including input from the Companys CEO (for executives other than the CEO); |
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A discretionary, performance-based cash bonus that is based on an assessment of
performance against pre-determined quantitative and qualitative measures within the context
of our overall performance; and |
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Equity incentive compensation in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights
and/or phantom stock awards subject to vesting schedules that require continued service
with us, although no stock options grants, stock appreciation rights, or phantom stock
awards were issued to any executive during 2006 (except with respect to any newly hired
executive officers during 2006), nor will there be any such grants, rights or awards issued
to the executives during 2007 until the Compensation Committee
establishes the new long-term,
performance-based executive compensation program for 2007. |
Base salary and bonus are designed to reward annual achievements and be commensurate with the
executives scope of responsibilities, experience, demonstrated leadership abilities, and
effectiveness. During 2007, the Compensation Committee intends to
establish a new long-term,
performance-based executive compensation program, and when
established, will be aimed at building a strong relationship between stockholder return and executive
compensation. The Compensation Committee believes that these elements provide the executive officers of the Company (including, the
Named Executives) with incentive to achieve both short and long-term goals, while allowing an
overall level of remuneration that is fair and reflective of performance.
Alignment. We seek to align the interests of our executives with those of our investors by
evaluating executive performance on the basis of key financial measurements which we believe
closely correlate to long-term stockholder value, including net sales, organic growth, operating
profit, earnings per share, operating margins, cash flow from operating activities and total
stockholder return. The key element of compensation that aligns the interests of the executives
with stockholders is the equity incentive compensation, which links a significant portion of
compensation to long-term stockholder value because the total amount realized corresponds to stock
price appreciation. The discretionary cash bonus supports the achievement of long-term stockholder
value by providing our executives incentive to implement the necessary short-term steps to reach this
long-term objective.
Retention. Our executives are often presented with other professional opportunities, including
those at potentially higher compensation levels. Historically, we have sought to retain our
executives by using stock option grants as a component of their compensation arrangement. The key
element of the stock option grants requires continued service to receive any, or maximum, payout
with respect to this form of equity incentive compensation. During 2006, the Compensation Committee
did not grant any stock options to the Companys executive officers (including the Named
Executives), except in connection with any newly hired executive officers during 2006. In 2007 and
beyond, it is the Compensation Committees intention to retain our executive officers (including
the Named Executives) through the use of a new long-term, performance-based executive compensation
program. In addition, the Compensation Committee has utilized other discretionary
means to retain key employees, such as stay bonuses and may continue using these means in the
future.
Implementing Our Objectives
Determining Compensation. We rely upon our judgment in making compensation decisions, after
reviewing the performance of the Company and carefully evaluating an executives performance during
the year against established goals, leadership qualities, operational performance, business
responsibilities, tenure with the Company, historical compensation arrangements and long-term
potential to enhance stockholder value. Specific factors affecting compensation decisions for the
executives (including the Named Executives) include:
8
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key financial measurements such as net sales, operating profit, earnings per share,
operating margins, cash generation; |
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strategic objectives such as acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures, technological
innovation and globalization; |
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promoting commercial excellence by launching new or continuously improving products or
services, being a leading market player and attracting and retaining customers; |
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achieving specific operational goals for the Company, including improved productivity,
efficiency, and risk management; |
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achieving excellence in their organizational structure and among their employees; and |
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supporting Company values by promoting a culture of unyielding integrity through
compliance with law and our ethics policies. |
We generally do not adhere to rigid formulas or necessarily react to short-term changes in business
performance in determining the amount and mix of compensation elements. We consider competitive
market compensation paid by other companies, but we do not attempt to maintain a certain target
percentile within a peer group or otherwise rely exclusively on those data to determine executive
compensation. We incorporate flexibility into our compensation programs and in the assessment
process to respond to and adjust for the evolving business environment.
We strive to achieve an appropriate mix between equity incentive awards and cash payments in order
to meet our objectives. Any apportionment goal is not applied rigidly and does not control our
compensation decisions; we use it as another tool to assess an executives total pay opportunities
and whether we have provided the appropriate incentives to accomplish our compensation objectives.
After the long-term, performance-based executive compensation program has been established, our mix
of compensation elements will be designed to reward recent results and motivate long-term
performance through a combination of cash and equity incentive awards. We also will seek to balance
compensation elements that are based on financial, operational and strategic metrics with others
that are based on the performance of our shares of stock. We believe the most important indicator
of whether our compensation objectives are being met is our ability to motivate our executives
(including the Named Executives) to deliver superior performance and retain them to continue their
careers with us on a cost-effective basis.
Role of Compensation Committee and the CEO. The Compensation Committee of our Board has primary
responsibility for assisting the Board in developing and evaluating potential candidates for
executive positions, including the CEO, and for overseeing the development of executive succession
plans. As part of this responsibility, the Compensation Committee oversees the design, development
and implementation of the compensation program for the CEO and the other executives (including the
Named Executives). The Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of the CEO and determines
CEO compensation in light of the goals and objectives of the compensation program. The CEO and the
Compensation Committee together assess the performance of the other executives (including the Named
Executives) and determine their compensation, based on initial recommendations from the CEO.
Our CEO assists the Compensation Committee in reaching compensation decisions with respect to the
executives (including the Named Executives) other than the CEO. No executive (including any
Named Executive) has any role in his own compensation determination, other than through discussing
individual performance objectives with the CEO or the Compensation
Committee.
Role of Compensation Consultant. During 2006,
the Compensation Committee discussed the design of programs that affect or may affect executive
officer compensation with Towers Perrin, an independent compensation
consultant. Our executives (including the Named Executives) did not
participate in the selection of Towers Perrin who
9
provided
the Compensation Committee with market intelligence on compensation trends along with general
views on specific compensation programs designed by management. Except for the foregoing, we do not receive any other services from Towers
Perrin. We have not used the services of any other compensation consultant in matters affecting
executive officer or director compensation. In the future, either we or the Compensation Committee
may engage or seek the advice of other compensation consultants.
Equity Grant Practices. The exercise price of stock options that have previously been awarded to
our executives (including the Named Executives) under our stock incentive plans is the average of
the high and low trades of our stock on the grant date. Grant decisions have been made without
regard to anticipated earnings or other major announcements made by us. We prohibit the re-pricing
or backdating of stock options. The Compensation Committee did not grant any stock options to the
executive officers (including the Named Executives) during 2006 other than to any
executives hired during 2006.
Tax Deductibility of Compensation. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the Code), imposes a $1 million limit on the amount that a public company may deduct for
compensation paid to the Companys CEO or any of our four other most highly compensated executive
officers who are employed as of the end of the year. This limitation does not apply to compensation
that meets the requirements under the Code for qualifying performance-based compensation.
The Compensation Committee does not believe that the Code will limit the deductibility of
compensation expected to be paid by the Company during 2007. We may from time to time pay or award
compensation to our executive officers that may not be deductible. Further, because of the
ambiguities and uncertainties as to the application and interpretation of the Code and the
regulations issued there under, no assurance can be given, notwithstanding our efforts in this
area, that compensation intended by us to satisfy the requirements for deductibility under the Code
does in fact do so.
Potential Impact on Compensation from Executive Misconduct. If the Board determines that an
executive officer has engaged in fraudulent or intentional misconduct, the Board would take action
to remedy the misconduct, prevent its recurrence, and impose discipline on the wrongdoer as would
be appropriate. Discipline would vary depending on the facts and circumstances, and may include,
without limit, (i) termination of employment, (ii) initiating an action for breach of fiduciary
duty, and (iii) if the misconduct resulted in a significant restatement of the Companys financial
results, seeking reimbursement of any portion of performance-based or incentive compensation paid
or awarded to the executive that is greater than would have been paid or awarded if calculated
based on the restated financial results. These remedies would be in addition to, and not in lieu
of, any actions imposed by law enforcement agencies, regulators or other authorities.
Compensation Agreements
Employment Agreements
Paul D. Arling. On April 23, 2003, the Company and Mr. Arling entered into an employment agreement
with a three-year term that, unless terminated by either party in accordance with the terms of the
agreement, automatically renews for successive one-year terms. In October 2005, the parties agreed
to extend the expiration date of this employment agreement to April 30, 2009, and amended the
agreement by providing Mr. Arling a stay bonus. The stay bonus is $200,000, and will be paid to Mr.
Arling on the earlier of (i) December 15, 2007 (if he is still employed by us on that date), (ii)
the effective date of his termination of employment with us, if done without cause (as defined in
the employment agreement), or (iii) on the effective date of Mr. Arlings election to terminate his
employment for good reason (as defined in the employment agreement).
The current agreement requires that, during its term, Mr. Arling must (i) devote his full working
time and energy to us, (ii) refrain from disclosing and/or using any of our trade secrets and
proprietary information, and (iii) during the term of the agreement and for a period of two (2)
years thereafter, refrain from soliciting certain of our large
10
customers or any key employees. The agreement also increased Mr. Arlings annual base salary for
2003 to $420,000 (an increase of 5% over his 2002 annual base salary), with the opportunity to
receive increases (but not decreases) in such annual salary as determined and set by the
Compensation Committee in accordance with plans and policies established by that committee. Mr.
Arling may earn an annual bonus payable at or near the end of each fiscal year in an amount equal
to a percentage of his base salary in accordance with the method established by the Compensation
Committee (see Compensation for the Named Executives in 2006). The agreement also permits us to
award a discretionary bonus to Mr. Arling as determined by the Compensation Committee. The
agreement further provides for the grant of options to acquire shares of our Common Stock as
determined by the Compensation Committee (see Equity Awards).
Neither the current agreement, nor the amendment, modified the $200,000 non-recourse interest
bearing secured loan provided to Mr. Arling by the earlier agreement. The loan was used by Mr.
Arling for the acquisition of his primary residence in Southern California. The loan bears interest
at the rate of 5.28% per annum, which interest is payable annually to us on each December 15th. The
loan is secured by Mr. Arlings primary residence located in Southern California purchased by Mr.
Arling, and the principal is payable on the earlier of (i) December 15, 2007, (ii) within twelve
(12) months following a demand from us if Mr. Arling shall cease (for whatever reason) to be an
employee or upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as such term is defined in the promissory
note evidencing the loan) or (iii) on the closing of a sale or transfer by Mr. Arling or his spouse
of all or any part of their primary residence in Southern California that secures the loan,
including without limitation any sale or transfer of any interest therein (including any beneficial
interest therein) without our prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld. Also, in accordance with the new agreement, Mr. Arling receives a grossed-up payment to
assist him in payment of interest on the loan and certain amounts of his taxes resulting from this
payment. As of March 31, 2007, Mr. Arling owed the entire principal amount of $200,000 to us. The
agreement further entitles Mr. Arling to participate in our benefit plans in effect from time to
time and other customary benefits.
If during the term of the agreement Mr. Arling should resign for good reason (as such term is
defined in the agreement), Mr. Arling will receive salary, bonus, other incentive compensation and
perquisites, and may continue to participate in our benefit plans, for an 18 month period following
such resignation (24 months if such resignation is due to a Change in Control, as such term is
defined in the agreement).
Robert P. Lilleness. Mr. Lilleness employment with the Company ended on November 30, 2006.
His separation from employment was preceded by a number of agreements between him and the Company.
On August 17, 2006, we entered into an Employment and Separation Agreement and General Release (the
Employment and Separation Agreement) with Mr. Lilleness. Pursuant to the Employment and
Separation Agreement, Mr. Lilleness resigned as President and Chief Operating Officer as of August
17, 2006 and assumed the role of Strategic Advisor to the Chairman to assist with transition issues
through November 30, 2006, on which date he ended all employment with us.
The Employment and Separation Agreement entitled Mr. Lilleness to (i) receive a base salary of
$25,000 per month commencing on August 17, 2006 through November 30, 2006.; and (ii) receive a one
time, lump sum Stay Bonus of $250,000, if certain conditions were met, including his continued
employment with us through November 30, 2006. In addition, all stock options previously granted to
Mr. Lilleness continued to vest in accordance with their terms and conditions through November 30,
2006, on which date vesting ceased, and any unvested options were forfeited. Mr. Lilleness had from
90 to 180 days after November 30, 2006 to exercise his vested but unexercised stock options.
The Employment and Separation Agreement also permitted Mr. Lilleness to continue to participate in
our benefit programs (excluding stock plans or bonus programs) through November 30, 2006. The CCSCA
previously entered into by us and Mr. Lilleness remained in effect. The Employment and Separation
Agreement provided that, if the Company was sold after November 30, 2006 and on or before January
31, 2007, then, in certain limited circumstances, Mr. Lilleness would receive an amount in cash
equal to 50% of the cash amounts identified in Paragraph 8 of the CCSCA. In addition, the
Employment and Separation Agreement provided that, if Mr. Lilleness resigned his employment before
November 30, 2006, he would no longer be entitled to his base salary, the Stay Bonus, the
continuation of benefits, or the continued vesting of stock option grants, and the time period
during which Mr. Lilleness was able to exercise his vested but unexercised stock options would have
been equitably adjusted based on his actual resignation date.
On November 30, 2006 Mr. Lilleness earned the $250,000 stay bonus, which was paid in full in
February 2007. In 2006, Mr. Lilleness did not receive any stock option grants.
The Employment and Separation Agreement superseded two other agreements between the Company and Mr.
Lilleness that were in existence during 2006. The first was an employment agreement which the
Company and
11
Mr. Lilleness entered into in April 2003. This agreement had a three-year term that was set to
automatically renew for a one-year term in April 2006, unless terminated by either party in
accordance with the terms of the agreement. On December 12, 2005, we advised Mr. Lilleness that we
would not renew the agreement. As such, at the end of business on April 30, 2006, Mr. Lilleness
employment agreement with Universal terminated in accordance with its terms.
On March 3, 2006, we entered into a Change in Control and Salary Continuation Agreement (the
CCSCA) with Mr. Lilleness. This agreement was to continue certain change in control provision
that would cease upon the expiration of his employment agreement on April 30, 2006. Pursuant to the
terms of the CCSCA, the CCSCA was to take effect upon the occurrence of certain triggering events
(as defined in the agreement). When effective, the CCSCA would operate as an employment agreement
providing for a term of employment with us for a period of twenty-four (24) months, providing Mr.
Lilleness with increases in salary and bonuses during the term of the CCSCA in accordance with the
our standard policies and practices. Further, the CCSCA provided that Mr. Lilleness would be
entitled to receive stock option grants and to otherwise participate in our incentive compensation
and benefits plans and other customary benefits programs in effect from time to time, but in no
event would such participation be less than that provided to such executive or other officer
immediately prior to the effective date of the SCA. In addition, if while the CCSCA was effective,
we terminated Mr. Lilleness employment for reasons other than Mr. Lilleness death or disability
or for cause (as such term was defined in the CCSCA) or Mr. Lilleness resigned for good reason
(as such term is defined in each CCSCA, which definition includes resigning in connection with the
occurrence of a change in control), Mr. Lilleness would receive, in one lump sum, an amount equal
to salary, bonus and other incentive compensation (including the cash value of all options held by
him) and would continue all health, disability and life insurance benefits for twenty-four (24)
months following his termination or resignation. This agreement was superseded by the Employment
and Separation Agreement.
Paul J.M. Bennett. On June 16, 1996, our subsidiary, Universal Electronics B.V., entered into an
employment agreement with Mr. Bennett. We believe that the agreement contains terms and provisions
that are typical of these types of agreements in The Netherlands. Mr. Bennetts compensation is
split among the various Universal Electronics B.V. subsidiaries for which Mr. Bennett devotes his
time. By the agreement, Mr. Bennett receives a base salary (paid in euros), which may be increased
as determined and set by the Compensation Committee in accordance with plans and policies
established by that committee. Mr. Bennett is entitled to earn an annual bonus payable at or near
the end of our fiscal year in an amount equal to a percentage of his base salary, provided that
certain earnings targets are met. The agreement further entitles Mr. Bennett to receive use of a
Company-paid automobile, participate in our benefit plans in effect from time to time and for other
customary benefits. Mr. Bennett has also received a salary continuation agreement from us (see
Salary Continuation Agreements below).
Salary Continuation Agreements. Messrs. Hackworth, Bennett, Kopaskie and Firehammer and certain
other officers have salary continuation agreements (each, an SCA). Each SCA takes effect upon the
occurrence of certain triggering events (as defined in the agreements). When effective, each SCA
operates as an employment agreement providing for a term of employment with us for a period ranging
from twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months (twenty-four (24) to thirty-six (36) months in the event
of a hostile acquisition). In addition, each SCA provides that the executive or other officer would
receive increases in salary and bonuses during the term of the SCA in accordance with the our
standard policies and practices; however, in no event would such base salary and bonus be less than
the base salary and bonus such executive or other officer received in the year immediately
preceding the effective date of the SCA. Further, each SCA provides that the executive or other
officer will be entitled to receive stock option grants and to otherwise participate in our
incentive compensation and benefits plans and other customary benefits programs in effect from time
to time, but in no event would such participation be less than that provided such executive or
other officer immediately prior to the effective date of the SCA.
12
Under each SCA, if we terminate the executives or other officers employment for reasons other
than the executives or officers death or disability or for cause (as such term is defined in
each SCA) or the executive or officer resigns for good reason (as such term is defined in each
SCA, which definition includes resigning in connection with the occurrence of a change in control),
the executive or other officer would receive, in one lump sum, an amount equal to salary, bonus and
other incentive compensation (including the cash value of all options held by such executive or
other officer, and the options become immediately fully vested on the executives or officers
termination or resignation date) and to continue all health, disability and life insurance benefits
for periods ranging from twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months (twenty-four (24) to thirty-six (36)
months in the event of a hostile acquisition) following such termination or resignation.
Elements Used to Achieve Compensation Objectives
Annual Cash Compensation
Base Salary. Base salaries for our executive officers (including our Named Executives) depend on
various factors including the scope and duration over which they have performed their
responsibilities, performance, experience and salary history. Decisions regarding salary increases
take into account the executives current salary and the amounts paid to the executives peers
within and outside the Company. This assessment has generally been subjective, not subject to
weightings or formulas. In setting base salaries for the executives, the Compensation Committee
considered input from Towers Perrin and our CEO. Base salaries are reviewed approximately every 12
months, but are not automatically increased if the Compensation Committee believes that other
elements of compensation are more appropriate in light of our stated objectives. This strategy is
consistent with our primary intent of offering compensation that is contingent on the achievement
of performance objectives.
Bonus. Each December the CEO reviews with the Compensation Committee our full-year financial
results. The Compensation Committee (with input from the CEO with respect to the other executives
(including the Named Executives other than the CEO)) uses discretion in determining the bonus, if
any, for each individual executive. They evaluate the overall performance of the Company, the
performance of the function that the executive leads and an assessment of each executives
performance against expectations, which were established at the beginning of the year. Based on the
level at which the expectations were achieved, the Compensation Committee may pay each executive
officer a bonus equal to a percentage of the executives base salary. For the CEO, the percentage
ranges between 10% and 120% of his base salary as of year-end. For the other executive officers,
the percentage ranges between 10% and 100% of the executives base salary as of year-end. In
certain circumstances, an additional bonus may be awarded if the Compensation Committee determines
that an executive officers individual performance warrants such award. We believe that the annual
bonus rewards the high-performing executives who drive these results and encourages them to sustain
this performance.
The salaries paid and the annual bonuses awarded to the Named Executives in 2006 are discussed
below and shown in the Summary Compensation Table on page 17.
Equity Awards
Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and Phantom Stock Awards. Our incentive compensation
program has been designed to recognize scope of responsibilities, reward demonstrated performance
and leadership, motivate future superior performance, align the interests of the executive with
those of our stockholders and retain the executives through the term of the awards. The
Compensation Committee has also issued stock options to attract new executive officers. We consider
the grant size and the appropriate combination of stock options and cash compensation when making
award decisions. The amount of equity incentive compensation granted is based upon our strategic,
operational and overall financial performance and reflects the executives expected contributions
to our future success. Grants can take place at various times through out the year, but grant
decisions are made without regard to anticipated earnings or other major announcements made by us.
Existing ownership levels are not a factor in award determination, as we do not want to discourage
executives from holding our stock.
Beginning January 1, 2006, we have expensed stock option grants under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards 123, as revised (SFAS 123R). When determining the appropriate combination of
stock options and cash compensation, our goal is to weigh the cost of these grants with their
potential benefits as a compensation tool.
13
We believe that providing combined grants of stock options and cash compensation effectively
balances our objective of focusing the executives (including the Named Executives) on delivering
long-term value to our stockholders, with our objective of providing value to the executives. Stock
options only have value to the extent the price of our stock on the date of exercise exceeds the
strike price established on the grant date, and thus, we believe, are an effective compensation element only
if the stock price grows over the term of the award. Besides Mr. Kopaskie, who received a grant of
30,000 stock options upon his hiring, none of the executives (including the Named Executives)
received any such grants in 2006. In addition, none of the executive officers (including the Named
Executives) have ever received any stock appreciation right or phantom stock award grants.
Generally, the stock options granted become exercisable ratably over four years beginning one year
after the grant date and have a maximum ten-year term. We believe that this vesting schedule aids
us in retaining executives and motivating long-term performance. Under the terms of our stock
incentive plan, unvested stock options are forfeited if the executive voluntarily leaves the
Company.
Other Elements
Long-term Performance-based Executive Compensation Program. At the present time, we do not have a
long-term, performance-based executive compensation program for our executives (including, the
Named Executives), however, the Compensation Committee is in the process of establishing such a
new long-term, performance-based executive compensation program, and when
established, the metrics of the plan may include such things as sales
and earnings growth components with performance targets established
for the current and future fiscal years of the Company.
Other Compensation. We provide our executives (including the Named Executives) with other benefits,
reflected in the All Other Compensation column in the Summary Compensation Table on page 17, that
we believe are reasonable, competitive and consistent with our overall executive compensation
program. The costs of these benefits constitute only a small percentage of each executives
(including the Named Executives) total compensation, and include premiums paid on life insurance
policies and Company contributions to our defined contribution 401(K) (pension) plan which is
generally available to all employees. We also provide the associated tax gross-up on the premiums
paid on behalf of the executive officers (including the Named
Executives) for their key life insurance
policy.
Compensation for the Executive Officers in 2006
Strength of Company Performance. The specific compensation decisions made for each of the executive
officers (including the Named Executives) for 2006 reflect the strong performance of the company
against key financial and operational measurements. A more detailed analysis of our financial and
operational performance is contained in the Managements Discussion & Analysis section of our 2006
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
CEO Compensation. In determining Mr. Arlings compensation for 2006, the Compensation Committee
considered his performance against his financial, strategic and operational goals for the year, as
follows:
Financial Objectives and Goal Performance:
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2006 |
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2005 |
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% Change |
Net Sales (in $ millions) |
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235.8 |
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181.3 |
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30 |
% |
Net Income (in $ millions) |
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13.5 |
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9.7 |
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|
39 |
% |
Diluted Earnings Per Share ($ per share) |
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0.94 |
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|
0.69 |
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|
36 |
% |
Cash and Cash Equivalents (in $ millions) |
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66.1 |
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43.6 |
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52 |
% |
Days Sales Outstanding |
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67.0 |
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75.8 |
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|
-12 |
% |
Net Inventory Turns |
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6.6 |
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4.6 |
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|
43 |
% |
Return on
Average Assets (in %) |
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8.3 |
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6.8 |
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22 |
% |
Gross Margins (in %) |
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36.4 |
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37.0 |
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|
-2 |
% |
Operating Margins (in %) |
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7.9 |
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6.4 |
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|
23 |
% |
Book Value Per Share ($ per share) |
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9.6 |
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7.6 |
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26 |
% |
14
Strategic and Operational Goals Assessment
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Broad operating strength across the Company
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We had an
excellent year;
operating margins
increased by 23%
compared to 2005. |
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Sustain a strong balance sheet and high cash flow
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Cash and cash
equivalents increased by
52% and working capital
increased by 38% as
compared to 2005. |
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Increase the Companys geographic penetration
|
|
Opened a sales
office in Italy, and
solidified plans for
significant future
expansion opportunities. |
|
|
|
Increase consumer category penetration
|
|
Introduced
multiple innovative new
products. |
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales in our
consumer lines for 2006
increased 4%
compared to 2005. |
|
|
|
|
|
Retail sales
outside North America
and Europe increased by
39% compared to 2005,
after decreasing by 3%
in 2005 compared to
2004. |
|
|
|
|
|
Increased
expansion into the CEDIA
market. |
|
|
|
Increase OEM penetration |
|
Expanded our
role in the OEM category
with Yamaha, JVC,
Toshiba, Panasonic,
Pioneer, Crestron,
Nokia, Vizio and more. |
|
|
|
In light of the assessment of Mr. Arlings performance against his achievement of these goals, he
was awarded a bonus payment of $435,000 for 2006.
For 2006, based on an evaluation of our overall performance, his leadership performance and his
potential to enhance long-term stockholder value, and in consultation
with an independent compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee granted Mr. Arling a
22% increase in salary, from $420,000 for 2006 to $510,300 for 2007. Mr. Arling did not receive any
salary increases in 2004, 2005 or 2006.
CFO and Other Named Executive Officers. In determining the compensation of Messrs. Hackworth,
Bennett, Kopaskie and Firehammer for 2006, we compared their achievements against the performance
objectives established for each of them at the beginning of the year. For each of the CFO and other
Named Executives, we evaluated the overall performance of the Company and their contributions to
that performance, as well as the performance of the functions that each leads when relevant.
15
For 2007, Mr. Bennetts base salary increased by 12% from $268,131 to $301,440. In addition, in
recognition of his performance during 2006, Mr. Bennett was awarded a bonus payment of $225,442.
His compensation is paid in Euros and was converted into U.S. dollars using the average rate of
1.256 USD per Euro in 2006. His 2007 salary was also converted using the rate of 1.256 USD per
Euro. Mr. Bennett did not receive a salary increase for 2004, 2005 or 2006.
For 2007, Mr. Kopaskies base salary increased by 4% from $260,000 to $270,400. In addition, in
recognition of his performance during 2006, Mr. Kopaskie was awarded a bonus payment of $63,000,
which was paid in the first quarter of 2007. Mr. Kopaskie was hired by the Company on September 1,
2006.
For 2007, Mr. Firehammers base salary increased by 4% from $225,000 to $235,000. During 2006, Mr.
Firehammer received a discretionary bonus of $25,000. In addition, in recognition of his
performance during 2006, Mr. Firehammer was awarded a bonus payment of $143,000, which was paid in
the first quarter of 2007. Mr. Firehammers base salary for 2006 was increased to $225,000 from
$175,000 in 2005. Mr. Firehammer did not receive a salary increase for 2004 and 2005.
Effective August 18, 2006, the Board of Directors promoted Mr. Hackworth to the positions of Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer. Previously, Mr. Hackworth was our Corporate Controller. In
connection with his promotion, Mr. Hackworths base salary increased 20% from $166,000 to $200,000.
For 2007, Mr. Hackworths base salary increased by 5% from $200,000 to $210,000. During 2006, Mr.
Hackworth received a discretionary bonus of $35,000. In addition, in recognition of his performance
during 2006, Mr. Hackworth was awarded a bonus payment of $115,000, which was paid in the first
quarter of 2007. Mr. Hackworth was not an executive officer of the Company in 2004 and 2005.
In each case, the bonus amounts were determined based on an evaluation of Company, business and
individual performance as relevant, against the financial, operational, strategic and other goals
and objectives established at the beginning of the year for each Named Executive. In terms of
equity incentive compensation, except for Mr. Kopaskie who received a grant of 30,000 stock options
upon his hiring, none of the Named Executives received any stock option grants in 2006.
At such
time when the Compensation Committee establishes a new long-term, performance-based executive
compensation program, the executive officers (including the Named Executives) should receive
equity-based compensation.
Compensation for Non-management Directors in 2006
In June 2004, our stockholders adopted the 2004 Directors Compensation Plan, pursuant to which each
Class II director is to receive an annual cash retainer equal to $25,000 (or $6,250 quarterly), a
fee of $1,500 for each board meeting attended in excess of four each year (determined fiscally,
July through June each year), a fee of $1,000 for each committee meeting attended, an annual fee of
$10,000 for each committee chaired, and an annual award of 5,000 shares of our Common Stock; the
stock awards vest ratably each quarter. Please refer to the Director Compensation Table below for
additional information.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and discussed that
Analysis with management. Based on its review and discussions with management, the committee
recommended to our Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis should be
included in our Annual Report for 2006 and in our 2007 proxy statement. This report is provided by
the following independent directors, who comprise the committee:
J.C. Sparkman (Chairman)
Satjiv S. Chahil
Bruce A. Henderson
16
Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Bonus 1 |
|
Awards 2 |
|
Compensation 3 |
|
Total |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Paul D. Arling, |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
420,000 |
|
|
|
435,000 |
|
|
|
441,796 |
|
|
|
43,924 |
|
|
|
1,340,720 |
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bryan M. Hackworth, 4 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
179,077 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
59,819 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
396,396 |
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul J.M. Bennett, 5 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
268,131 |
|
|
|
225,442 |
|
|
|
132,403 |
|
|
|
45,529 |
|
|
|
671,505 |
|
Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Europe |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark S. Kopaskie, 6 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
86,000 |
|
|
|
63,000 |
|
|
|
17,800 |
|
|
|
4,970 |
|
|
|
171,770 |
|
Executive Vice President and General Manager, U.S. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard A. Firehammer Jr., 7 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
168,000 |
|
|
|
79,142 |
|
|
|
19,515 |
|
|
|
491,657 |
|
Senior Vice President and General Counsel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert P. Lilleness, 8 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
296,310 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
177,378 |
|
|
|
267,183 |
|
|
|
740,871 |
|
Former President and Chief Operating Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
This column represents the bonus earned for the 2006 year. The majority of which
was paid during the first quarter of 2007. |
|
2 |
|
This column represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes with respect to the 2006 year for the fair value of options granted in 2006 as well
as in prior fiscal years, in accordance with SFAS 123R. Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts
shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions.
The fair value is calculated using the average of the high and low trades of our stock on the
grant date. We use the Black Scholes option pricing model to measure
stock-based compensation expense. The assumptions used in the Black
Scholes model includes the following: weighted average fair value of
grant, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and expected life
in years. For additional information regarding stock-based compensation and assumptions used
in calculating the expense, please refer to Note 11 of our consolidated financial statements
included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with
the SEC. These amounts reflect the expense recognized for these awards and do not necessarily
correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the Named Executives. The only stock
options granted to the Named Executives during 2006 were 30,000 options to Mr. Kopaskie upon
his hiring. Also during 2006, Mr. Lilleness forfeited 25,000, 17,562 and 19,938 stock options
related to grants from the 2003, 1999A and 2003 Stock Incentive Plans, respectively, upon
termination of his employment with us on November 30, 2006. The 25,000 options were granted on
March 24, 2004 at an exercise price of $12.58 and the 17,562 and 19,938 options were granted
on January 21, 2005 at an exercise price of $17.59. The dollar value for Mr. Lilleness option
awards includes the effects of actual forfeitures in 2006. |
|
3 |
|
See the All Other Compensation Table below for additional information. |
|
4 |
|
Mr. Hackworth was promoted to Vice President and CFO in August 2006 and as a result
received a $34,000 increase in his base salary to $200,000 from $166,000. During 2006, Mr.
Hackworth received a $35,000 discretionary bonus. Additionally, he earned a $115,000 bonus
related to the 2006 year, which was paid in the first quarter of 2007. Mr. Hackworth was not
granted any stock options during 2006. |
|
5 |
|
Mr. Bennett was promoted to Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Europe
in December 2006. His compensation is paid in Euros and was converted into U.S. dollars using
the average rate of 1.256 USD per Euro in 2006. Additionally, he earned a $225,442 bonus
related to the 2006 year, which was paid in the first quarter of 2007. Mr. Bennett was not
granted any stock options during 2006. |
|
6 |
|
Mr. Kopaskies base salary for 2006 was $260,000. The salary in the table represents
what he earned from September 1, 2006, the date he was hired by Universal as our Senior Vice
President and General Manager, U.S. |
17
|
|
through December 31, 2006. Mr. Kopaskie was promoted to
his current position in December 2006. Additionally, he earned a $63,000 bonus related to the
2006 year, which was paid in the first quarter of 2007. At the time of his hiring, Mr.
Kopaskie was granted 30,000 stock options. |
|
7 |
|
During 2006 Mr. Firehammer received a $25,000 discretionary bonus. Additionally, he
earned a $143,000 bonus related to the 2006 year, which was paid in the first quarter of 2007.
Mr. Firehammer was not granted any stock options during 2006. |
|
8 |
|
The employment agreement between the Company and Mr. Lilleness was not renewed in
December 2005; therefore, his employment agreement terminated on April 30, 2006 in accordance
with its terms. On March 3, 2006, we entered into a Change in Control and Salary Continuation
Agreement (the CCSCA) with Mr. Lilleness which would take effect upon the occurrence of
certain triggering events (as defined in the agreement). When effective, the CCSCA would
operate as an employment agreement providing for, among other things a term of employment with
us for a period of twenty-four (24) months. Refer to Employment Agreements- Robert P.
Lilleness in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section above for further discussion of
the CCSCA with Mr. Lilleness. On August 17, 2006 we entered into an Employment and
Separation Agreement with Mr. Lilleness which entitled him to receive a base salary of
$25,000 per month commencing on August 17, 2006 through November 30, 2006. Per the agreement,
he resigned as our President and Chief Operating Officer and assumed the role of Strategic
Advisor to the Chairman from August 17, 2006 through November 30, 2006. Refer to Employment
Agreements- Robert P. Lilleness in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section above for
further discussion of the Employment and Separation Agreement with Mr. Lilleness. |
All Other Compensation Table
The following table describes each component of the All Other Compensation column in the Summary
Compensation Table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premiums |
|
Interest on |
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for Key |
|
Secured |
|
|
|
to Defined |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total All |
|
|
Stay |
|
Life |
|
Note |
|
Tax |
|
Contribution |
|
Leased |
|
Other |
|
Other |
Name of |
|
Bonus 1 |
|
Insurance 2 |
|
Receivable 3 |
|
Payments 4 |
|
Plan |
|
Vehicle |
|
Benefits |
|
Compensation |
Executive |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Mr. Arling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,774 |
|
|
|
10,560 |
|
|
|
12,090 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,924 |
|
Mr. Hackworth |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
Mr. Bennett 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,969 |
|
|
|
29,717 |
|
|
|
3,843 |
|
|
|
45,529 |
|
Mr. Kopaskie |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,044 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,926 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,970 |
|
Mr. Firehammer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,215 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,800 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,515 |
|
Mr. Lilleness |
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
5,253 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,430 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
267,183 |
|
|
1 |
|
Mr. Lilleness earned a stay bonus of $250,000 as of November 30, 2006, as a
part of his Employment and Separation Agreement with Universal. Refer to
further discussion of this agreement in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis-
Compensation Agreements section above. The stay bonus was paid in full in 2007. |
|
2 |
|
This column represents taxable payments made for key life insurance premiums for the
Named Executives. As of December 1, 2006, Mr. Lilleness was no longer covered by the key life
insurance due to his termination of employment with Universal. In 2007, we added Mr. Hackworth
to this policy. The face value of the key insurance policy for covered persons, including Mr.
Hackworth, is $3,625,000. |
|
3 |
|
This column represents amounts reimbursed to Mr. Arling for the payment of interest
and taxes we paid on behalf of Mr. Arling for the secured note receivable. Refer to
Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Compensation Agreements-
Paul D. Arling above for
further discussion regarding the terms of this note. |
|
4 |
|
This column represents taxes reimbursed to the Named Executives resulting from the
premiums we paid on their key life insurance policies mentioned in note 2 above. |
18
5 |
|
Mr. Bennetts compensation is paid in Euros and was converted into U.S. dollars
using the average rate of 1.256 USD per Euro in 2006. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2006
The following table provides information about option awards granted to Mr. Kopaskie upon his hire.
During 2006 Mr. Kopaskie was the only Named Executive to whom we granted option awards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards: |
|
Exercise or Base |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Price of Option |
|
Grant Date Fair Value |
|
|
Grant |
|
Underlying Options 2 |
|
Awards 3 |
|
of Option Awards 4 |
Name of Executive |
|
Date 1 |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Mr. Kopaskie
|
|
9/1/2006
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
18.07 |
|
|
|
213,600 |
|
|
1 |
|
The grant date is the date of hire. |
|
2 |
|
This column represents the number of option awards granted to Mr. Kopaskie during
2006 from the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan. These stock options vest and become exercisable,
ratably over four years, beginning one year after the grant date and have a maximum ten-year
term. |
|
3 |
|
This column represents the exercise price for the option awards granted, which is
based on the average of the high and low trades on September 1, 2006, the grant date. The
closing market price on the date of grant was $17.97. The exercise price for all option awards
under each of our stock incentive plans have always been computed based on the average of the
high and low trades on the grant date. |
|
4 |
|
This column represents the full grant date fair value of the stock options granted to
Mr. Kopaskie, calculated under SFAS 123R. The fair value of these options is calculated using
the Black Scholes options pricing model. The fair value on the grant date was $7.12. For
additional information on the valuation assumptions utilized, refer to Note 11 of our
consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC. This amount represents our accounting expense,
and does not necessarily correspond to the actual value Mr. Kopaskie will realize. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2006 Year-End
The following table provides information on the current holdings of stock option awards to Named
Executives. Grants awarded below are from our Stock Incentive Plans adopted in years 1993 through
2006. Refer to Note 11 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC, for further
discussion regarding our various Stock Incentive Plans. This table
includes unexercised (vested)
and unexercisable (unvested) option awards. Each grant is shown separately for each Named Executive. Each of
the grants vests ratably over four years, beginning one year after the grant date. The option
exercise prices shown below are based on the average of the high and low trades on the grant date.
We grant option awards at various times during the year, without regard to any anticipated
announcements we may make.
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
Options- |
|
Options- |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
|
Incentive |
|
Option |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercise Price1 |
|
Expiration |
Name of Executive |
|
Plan |
|
Grant Date |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
Mr. Arling |
|
|
1998 |
|
|
|
9/22/1998 |
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.97 |
|
|
|
9/22/2008 |
|
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
|
1/28/1999 |
|
|
|
32,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.50 |
|
|
|
1/28/2009 |
|
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
|
1/28/1999 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.50 |
|
|
|
1/28/2009 |
|
|
|
|
1999A |
|
|
|
10/7/1999 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.02 |
|
|
|
10/7/2009 |
|
|
|
|
1999A |
|
|
|
8/24/2000 |
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.19 |
|
|
|
8/24/2010 |
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2/5/2002 |
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.98 |
|
|
|
2/5/2012 |
|
|
|
|
1993 |
|
|
|
11/12/2002 |
|
|
|
17,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.45 |
|
|
|
11/12/2012 |
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
11/12/2002 |
|
|
|
62,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.45 |
|
|
|
11/12/2012 |
|
|
|
|
1996 |
|
|
|
3/24/2004 |
|
|
|
10,417 |
|
|
|
10,417 |
|
|
|
12.58 |
|
|
|
3/24/2014 |
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
3/24/2004 |
|
|
|
29,583 |
|
|
|
29,583 |
|
|
|
12.58 |
|
|
|
3/24/2014 |
|
|
|
|
1998 |
|
|
|
1/21/2005 |
|
|
|
10,883 |
|
|
|
32,648 |
|
|
|
17.59 |
|
|
|
1/21/2015 |
|
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
|
1/21/2005 |
|
|
|
1,627 |
|
|
|
4,883 |
|
|
|
17.59 |
|
|
|
1/21/2015 |
|
|
|
|
1999A |
|
|
|
1/21/2005 |
|
|
|
7,490 |
|
|
|
22,469 |
|
|
|
17.59 |
|
|
|
1/21/2015 |
|
|
Mr. Hackworth |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
6/28/2004 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
15.76 |
|
|
|
6/28/2014 |
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
1/21/2005 |
|
|
|
2,750 |
|
|
|
8,250 |
|
|
|
17.59 |
|
|
|
1/21/2015 |
|
|
Mr. Bennett |
|
|
1998 |
|
|
|
8/11/1998 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.81 |
|
|
|
8/11/2008 |
|
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
|
1/28/1999 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.50 |
|
|
|
1/28/2009 |
|
|
|
|
1999A |
|
|
|
10/7/1999 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.02 |
|
|
|
10/7/2009 |
|
|
|
|
1999A |
|
|
|
8/24/2000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.19 |
|
|
|
8/24/2010 |
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2/5/2002 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.98 |
|
|
|
2/5/2012 |
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
11/12/2002 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.45 |
|
|
|
11/12/2012 |
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
3/24/2004 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
12.58 |
|
|
|
3/24/2014 |
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
1/21/2005 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
17.59 |
|
|
|
1/21/2015 |
|
|
Mr. Kopaskie |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
9/1/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
18.07 |
|
|
|
9/1/2016 |
|
|
Mr. Firehammer |
|
|
1999A |
|
|
|
8/24/2000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.19 |
|
|
|
8/24/2010 |
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2/5/2002 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.98 |
|
|
|
2/5/2012 |
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
11/12/2002 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.45 |
|
|
|
11/12/2012 |
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
3/24/2004 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
12.58 |
|
|
|
3/24/2014 |
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
1/21/2005 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
17.59 |
|
|
|
1/21/2015 |
|
|
Mr. Lilleness 2 |
|
|
1998 |
|
|
|
4/25/2001 |
|
|
|
52,404 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.63 |
|
|
|
5/29/07 |
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2/5/2002 |
|
|
|
31,102 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.98 |
|
|
|
2/28/07 |
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
11/12/2002 |
|
|
|
86,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.45 |
|
|
|
2/28/07 |
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
3/24/2004 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.58 |
|
|
|
2/28/07 |
|
|
|
|
1999A |
|
|
|
1/21/2005 |
|
|
|
5,854 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.59 |
|
|
|
2/28/07 |
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
1/21/2005 |
|
|
|
6,646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.59 |
|
|
|
2/28/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
The option
exercise prices shown in this column have been rounded. Option exercise
prices are extended up to four decimals. |
|
2 |
|
During 2006, Mr. Lilleness forfeited 25,000, 17,562 and 19,938 stock options
related to grants from the 2003, 1999A and 2003 Stock Incentive Plans, respectively, due to
the termination of his employment with Universal on November 30, 2006. The 25,000 options were
granted on March 24, 2004 at an exercise price of $12.58 and the 17,562 and 19,938 options
were granted on January 21, 2005 at an exercise price of $17.59. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table provides information for the Named Executives on option award exercises during
2006, including the number of shares acquired upon exercise and the net value realized. The Company
has never had a stock award program for its executive officers (including the Named Executives) and
as such no stock awards vested in 2006. However, the Company may establish such a program for the
executives (including the Named Executives) in the future.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares Acquired |
|
|
|
|
on Exercise |
|
Value Realized on Exercise |
Name of Executive |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
Mr. Bennett |
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
234,031 |
|
Mr. Firehammer |
|
|
59,339 |
|
|
|
399,395 |
|
Mr. Lilleness |
|
|
148,898 |
|
|
|
722,813 |
|
|
20
Non-Management Directors Compensation for Fiscal 2006
In June 2004, our stockholders adopted the 2004 Directors Compensation Plan (2004 Plan), pursuant
to which each Class II director is to receive an annual cash retainer equal to $25,000 (or $6,250
quarterly), a fee of $1,500 for each board meeting attended in excess of four each year (determined
fiscally, July through June each year), a fee of $1,000 for each committee meeting attended, an
annual fee of $10,000 for each committee chaired, and an annual award of 5,000 shares of our Common
Stock; the stock awards vest ratably each quarter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees earned |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
or paid in cash 1 |
|
Awards 2 |
|
Awards 3 |
|
Compensation |
Name of Director |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Mr. Chahil 4 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
25,875 |
|
|
|
74,756 |
|
|
|
14,015 |
|
|
|
114,646 |
|
Mr. Henderson 5 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
43,000 |
|
|
|
86,075 |
|
|
|
14,015 |
|
|
|
143,090 |
|
Mr. Mulligan 6 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
43,000 |
|
|
|
86,075 |
|
|
|
14,015 |
|
|
|
143,090 |
|
Mr. Sparkman 7 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
86,075 |
|
|
|
14,015 |
|
|
|
145,090 |
|
Mr. Zinser 8 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
5,688 |
|
|
|
19,829 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,517 |
|
|
1 |
|
This column represents the cash compensation earned in 2006 for Board and
committee service. |
|
2 |
|
This column represents the compensation expense related to stock awards granted to
Class II Directors as part of their compensation. The compensation expense represents the
amount we recognized on our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 included
in our 2006 Annual Report of Form 10-K as filed with the SEC. Compensation expense relates to
awards granted in the current year and prior year and are recognized on a straight-line basis
over the requisite service period of one year. In accordance with SFAS 123R, the fair value of
the stock awards is calculated based on the market price of our stock on the grant date. |
|
3 |
|
This column represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes in 2006 for the fair value of stock options granted in prior years, in accordance
with SFAS 123R. The amount excludes estimates for forfeitures. For further discussion of the
computation, refer to note 2 in the Summary Compensation Table above. |
|
4 |
|
Mr. Chahil rejoined the Board on August 14, 2006 as an independent advisor to the
Board. He was appointed to the Board of Directors on October 23, 2006 to fill a vacancy, and
as a result his retainer fee was prorated. He received a $21,875 cash retainer for the 2006
fiscal year. Mr. Chahil attended three Compensation Committee meetings and one Audit Committee
meeting. Additionally, prorated stock awards granted to Mr. Chahil amounted to 4,375. The
related fair value of the grant was $79,406. Mr. Chahil had 21,476 stock options outstanding
at the end of 2006 related to previous years, prior to the implementation of the 2004 Plan. |
|
5 |
|
During 2006, Mr. Henderson attended five Audit Committee meetings and three
Compensation Committee meetings. Mr. Henderson is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The
fair value of the 5,000 stock awards granted to him in 2006 was $90,700. Additionally, Mr.
Henderson had 45,257 stock options outstanding at the end of 2006 related to previous years,
prior to the implementation of the 2004 Plan. |
|
6 |
|
During 2006, Mr. Mulligan attended one Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
meeting, five Audit Committee meetings, one informal Audit Committee meeting and one
Sub-Committee meeting. Mr. Mulligan is Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee. The fair value of the 5,000 stock awards granted to him in 2006 was $90,700.
Additionally, Mr. Mulligan had 45,257 stock options outstanding at the end of 2006 related to
previous years, prior to the implementation of the 2004 Plan. |
21
7 |
|
During 2006, Mr. Sparkman attended four Compensation Committee meetings, five Audit
Committee meetings, and one Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee meeting. Mr.
Sparkman is Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The fair value of the 5,000 stock awards
granted to him in 2006 was $90,700. Additionally, Mr. Sparkman had 45,257 stock options
outstanding at the end of 2006 related to previous years, prior to the implementation of the
2004 Plan. |
|
8 |
|
Mr. Zinser was appointed to the Board of Directors on October 23, 2006 to fill a
vacancy, and as a result his retainer fee was prorated. He received a $4,688 cash retainer for
the 2006 fiscal year. Mr. Zinser attended one Sub-Committee meeting. Additionally, the stock
awards granted to Mr. Zinser was prorated to 3,438 shares. The related fair value was $72,679. |
Mr. Arling, who is an officer and is the Companys only Class I Director, received no additional
compensation for his service as a director. However, all directors are reimbursed for travel
expenses and other out-of-pocket costs incurred to attend meetings.
Related Persons Transactions
Review and Approval of Related Person Transactions
We review all relationships and transactions in which the Company and our directors and executive
officers or their immediate family members are participants to determine whether such persons have
a direct or indirect material interest. The legal staff is primarily responsible for developing and
implementing processes and controls to obtain information from the directors and executive officers
with respect to related person transactions and then determine, based on facts and circumstances,
whether the Company or related person has a direct or indirect material interest in the
transaction. As required by SEC rules, transactions that are determined to be directly or
indirectly material to the Company or a related person are disclosed in the proxy statement.
Related Party Transactions
See Employment Agreements Paul D. Arling above under the caption Compensation Discussion and
Analysis section for a discussion of his indebtedness to us.
Stock Ownership by Directors, Executive Officers and Other Beneficial Owners
Our Common Stock is the only outstanding class of equity securities we have. Ownership as of March
31, 2007 of our Common Stock by each director/nominee, each of the Named Executives, and by all our
directors and executive officers as a group, and any person we know to be the beneficial holder of
more than five percent of our Common Stock, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of |
|
% of Shares |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
Issued |
|
|
Beneficially Owned |
|
of |
Name and Address 1 |
|
As of March 31, 2007 |
|
March 31, 2007 |
Directors and Nominees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul D. Arling |
|
|
684,300 |
2 |
|
|
4.78 |
% |
Satjiv S. Chahil |
|
|
43,351 |
3 |
|
|
* |
|
Bruce A. Henderson |
|
|
56,715 |
4 |
|
|
* |
|
William C. Mulligan |
|
|
77,039 |
5 |
|
|
* |
|
J.C. Sparkman |
|
|
96,543 |
6 |
|
|
* |
|
Edward K. Zinser |
|
|
938 |
7 |
|
|
* |
|
Non-Director Named Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bryan M. Hackworth |
|
|
13,000 |
8 |
|
|
* |
|
Paul J. M. Bennett |
|
|
135,200 |
9 |
|
|
* |
|
Mark S. Kopaskie |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Richard A. Firehammer Jr. |
|
|
47,500 |
10 |
|
|
* |
|
Robert P. Lilleness |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
* |
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of |
|
% of Shares |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
Issued |
|
|
Beneficially Owned |
|
of |
Name and Address 1 |
|
As of March 31, 2007 |
|
March 31, 2007 |
All Directors and Named Executive Officers as a Group (11 persons) |
|
|
1,154,586 |
|
|
|
8.06 |
% |
|
Beneficial Owners of More than 5% of the Outstanding Company Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC |
|
|
1,452,945 |
12 |
|
|
10.38 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than one percent. |
|
1 |
|
The address for each Director/Nominee and each Non-Director Executive Officer listed
in this table is c/o Universal Electronics Inc., 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California
90630. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, and subject to community
property laws where applicable, to the knowledge of the Company, each stockholder named in
this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown as
beneficially owned by that stockholder. |
|
2 |
|
Includes 672,800 subject to options exercisable within 60 days. Also includes 1,000
shares held by Mr. Arlings wife as to which Mr. Arling disclaims beneficial ownership. |
|
3 |
|
Includes 21,476 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days. |
|
4 |
|
Includes 45,257 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days. |
|
5 |
|
Includes 45,257 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days. |
|
6 |
|
Includes 45,257 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days. |
|
7 |
|
Includes no shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days. |
|
8 |
|
Includes 13,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days. |
|
9 |
|
Includes 120,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days. |
|
10 |
|
Includes 47,500 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days. |
|
11 |
|
Between January 1, 2007 and March 31, 2007, Mr. Lilleness stock options outstanding
as of December 31, 2006 expired or were fully exercised. |
|
12 |
|
As reported on Schedule 13G as filed on February 12, 2007 with the Securities and
Exchange Commission by Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC, a New York investment advisor company, with its
principal business office at 90 Hudson Street, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) requires any person who
is a director or officer of Universal, or the beneficial owner of more than ten percent of any
class of our registered class equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in
ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NASDAQ Stock
Market. Such persons are further required to furnish us with copies of all such forms they file.
Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms it has received, we have determined that all
of the filings required to be filed pursuant to Section 16(a) have been filed, except that each of
Messrs. Chahil, Henderson, Mulligan and Sparkman was late in filing two Forms 4 in 2006 to report
with respect stock issued pursuant to our 2004 Directors Compensation Plan. We file Section 16
reports on behalf of these persons and each late filing resulted from a delay in obtaining from the
reporting person price and other sales/transfer information in a timely manner. We believe we have
rectified the problem by providing to each reporting person clear information with respect to the
Section 16(a) reporting requirements.
Independent Auditors
Current Accountants. We engaged Grant Thornton LLP (GT) as our independent registered public
accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006. The decision to engage GT was
approved by the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee.
The following table sets forth fees billed to us for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 by
our independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP.
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended |
Type of Fees |
|
12/31/2006 |
|
12/31/2005 |
Audit Fees 1 |
|
$ |
961,701 |
|
|
$ |
1,145,362 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
961,701 |
|
|
$ |
1,145,362 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Includes fees for professional services rendered for the audit of our consolidated
financial statements, the audit of managements assessment of internal control over financial
reporting and the effectiveness of internal control, reviews of the interim financial
statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally
provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and
regulatory filings. |
Former Accountants On August 25, 2005, we dismissed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as our
independent registered public accounting firm. The decision to dismiss PwC was approved by the
Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
PwCs reports on our financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004
did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as
to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 through August 25, 2005, there was no disagreement
with PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or
auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would
have caused it to make reference thereto in its report on our financial statements for such years.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 through August 25, 2005, there were no reportable
events, as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 through August 25, 2005, neither Universal nor any
person acting on its behalf consulted GT regarding either (i) the application of accounting
principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion
that might be rendered on our financial statements, or (ii) a matter that was either the subject of
a disagreement, as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related Instructions
to Item 304, or a reportable event, as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
The following table sets forth fees billed to us for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 by
PwC, our former independent registered public accounting firm:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended |
|
|
|
12/31/2006 |
|
|
12/31/2005 |
|
Audit Fees 1 |
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
136,000 |
|
Audit Related Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees
2 |
|
|
90,224 |
|
|
|
55,225 |
|
All Other
Fees 3 |
|
|
1,835 |
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
117,059 |
|
|
$ |
192,725 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
In 2006 the Audit Fees line related to the
consent of the December 31, 2006 Annual Report on
Form 10-K. In 2005, the Audit Fees line includes fees for the review of the first and second
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and consent of the December 31,
2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
|
2 |
|
In 2005 and 2006, the Tax Fees line includes fees for work performed on the
Franchise Tax Boards audit of our 1999 and 2000 tax returns as well as work performed related
to the IRS audit of our 2002 and 2003 tax returns. |
|
3 |
|
The All Other Fees line represents an annual subscription for use of PwCs accounting
research software. |
In making its determination regarding the independence of PwC, the Audit Committee considered
whether the services described under All Other Fees were compatible with maintaining the
independence of PwC. All audit,
24
tax, and other services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee
for engagements after May 6, 2003. The Audit Committee Report is included as Appendix B to this
Proxy Statement.
PROPOSAL TWO: APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation of its Audit Committee, has appointed Grant
Thornton LLP, a firm of independent registered public accountants, as auditors, to examine and
report to the Board and to our stockholders on our consolidated financial statements and our
subsidiaries for 2007. The Board of Directors is requesting stockholder ratification of such
appointment. Representatives of Grant Thornton LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting, will be
given an opportunity to make a statement, and will respond to appropriate questions.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them FOR the
ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public
accountants for 2007. Stockholder ratification of the appointment requires an affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of shares of our Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy
at the Annual Meeting. While stockholder ratification is not required, and thus the stockholder
vote is not binding, the Board of Directors may reconsider its selection if the stockholders fail
to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accountants
for 2007.
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION
OF SUCH APPOINTMENT.
Stockholder Proposals for 2008 Annual Meeting
If a stockholder desires to have a proposal included in our proxy statement and form of proxy for
the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the proposal must conform to the requirements of Exchange
Act Rule 14a-8 and other applicable proxy rules and interpretations of the Commission concerning
the submission and content of proposals, must be submitted in writing by notice delivered or mailed
by first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, to our Secretary, Universal Electronics Inc.,
6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630 and must be received no later than the close of
business on January 2, 2008. Any such notice shall set forth: (a) the name and address of the
stockholder and the text of the proposal to be introduced; (b) the number of shares of stock held
of record, owned beneficially and represented by proxy by such stockholder as of the date of such
notice; and (c) a representation that the stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at
the meeting to introduce the proposal specified in the notice. In order for a stockholders
proposal outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 to be considered timely within the meaning of Exchange
Act Rule 14a-4(c)(1), the proposal must be received by us at the same address no later than March
17, 2008.
Proxy holders will use their discretion in voting proxies with respect to any stockholder proposal
properly presented from the floor and not included in the Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual
Meeting, unless we had notice of the proposal and received specific voting instructions with
respect thereto by March 17, 2008.
Procedures for stockholder nominations are discussed above under the caption Corporate Governance
Stockholder Nominations for Director.
Solicitation of Proxies
Proxies will be solicited by mail, telephone, or other means of communication. Solicitation also
may be made by directors, officers and our employees who are not specifically employed for this
purpose. We will reimburse brokerage firms, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries in accordance with
the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., for reasonable expenses incurred
by them in forwarding materials to the beneficial owners of shares. The entire cost of solicitation
will be borne us.
25
Form 10-K Annual Report
Any stockholder may obtain a copy of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, with or without exhibits, by addressing a request to Investor
Relations, Universal Electronics Inc., 6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630. A charge
equal to the reproduction cost will be made if exhibits are requested.
By
Order of the Board of Directors
Richard A. Firehammer, Jr.
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
April 30, 2007
26
Appendix A
UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.
BY-LAWS, ARTICLE IV
STOCKHOLDER NOMINATION OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
Subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the
Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nominations for the election of directors may be
made by the Board of Directors or a committee appointed by the Board of Directors or by any
stockholder entitled to vote in the election of directors generally. However, any stockholder
entitled to vote in the election of directors generally may nominate one or more persons for
election as directors at a meeting only if written notice of such stockholders intent to make such
nomination or nominations has been given, either by personal delivery or by United States mail,
postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than (i) with respect to an election
to be held at an annual meeting of stockholders, one hundred twenty (120) days in advance of the
date of the Proxy Statement released to stockholders in connection with the previous years annual
meeting of stockholders, and (ii) with respect to an election to be held at a special meeting of
stockholders for the election of directors, a reasonable time in advance of the meeting. For
purposes of this Section, a reasonable time in advance of the meeting is at least fifteen (15)
days before the date that the Proxy Statement in connection with such meeting is to be mailed to
the stockholders. Each such notice shall set forth: (a) the name and address of the stockholder who
intends to make the nomination and of the person and persons to be nominated; (b) a representation
that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such
meeting and intends to appear in person or at the meeting to nominate the by proxy person or
persons specified in the notice; (c) a description of all arrangements or understandings between
the stockholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons)
pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder; (d) such other
information regarding each nominee proposed by such stockholder as would be required to be included
in a Proxy Statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
had the nominee been nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board of Directors; and (e) the
consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation if so elected. The presiding
officer at the meeting may refuse to acknowledge the nomination of any person not made in
compliance with the foregoing procedure.
A-1
Appendix B
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee reviews our financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors and
while management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting
process, our independent registered public accountants are responsible for expressing an opinion on
the conformity of our audited financial statements to generally accepted accounting principles, in
all material respects.
In this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and the independent
registered public accountants our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2006. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accountants the
matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with
Audit Committees), as amended by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 90. In addition, the Audit
Committee has received from the independent registered public accountants the written disclosures
required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussion with Audit
Committees) and discussed with them their independence from Universal and our management. Finally,
the Audit Committee has considered whether the independent registered public accountants provision
of non-audit services provide to us is compatible with the registered public accountants
independence.
Relying on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the
Board of Directors, and the Board has approved, that our financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2006 as presented to the Audit Committee, be included in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the rules and regulations
promulgated there under.
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Bruce A. Henderson Chairman
William C. Mulligan
Edward K. Zinser
B-1
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MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY)
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Using a black ink pen, mark
your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write
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Annual
Meeting Proxy Card
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6 PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. 6
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A |
Proposals
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the
nominees listed
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1. Election of
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- Paul D. Arling
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02 - Satjiv S. Chahil |
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03 - Edward K. Zinser |
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The election of Paul D. Arling as a Class I director to serve on the Board of Directors until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2008 or until the election and qualification of his successor, and the election of Satjiv S. Chahil and Edward K. Zinser as Class II directors to serve on the Board of Directors until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2008 or until their respective successors are elected and qualified.
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2.
Ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP, a firm of Independent Registered Public Accountants, as the Companys auditors for the year ending December 31, 2007. |
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To consider and act upon such other matters as may properly come
before the meeting or any and all postponements or adjournments thereof.
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B |
Non-Voting Items |
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Change of Address Please print new address
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Authorized Signatures This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. Date and
Sign Below |
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NOTE: Please sign your name(s) EXACTLY as your name(s) appear(s) on this proxy. All joint holders must sign. When signing as attorney, trustee, executor, administrator, guardian or corporate officer, please provide your FULL title.
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Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below. |
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Signature 1 Please keep signature within the box. |
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Signature 2 Please keep signature within the box. |
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PLEASE FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
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Proxy
Universal Electronics Inc. |
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Meeting Details
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6101 Gateway Drive, Cypress, California 90630
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Thursday, June 14, 2007
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The undersigned hereby appoints Paul D. Arling and Bryan M. Hackworth and each of them,
as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes each of them to
represent and to vote as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of common stock of
Universal Electronics Inc. held of record by the undersigned on April 16, 2007 at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 4:00 p.m., Pacific Daylight
Time or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
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THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFIC INDICATIONS ON
THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD. IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH INDICATIONS, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED FOR THE NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS AND TO RATIFY
THE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.
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In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
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