def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.
)
Filed by the Registrant
x
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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Check the appropriate box:
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o Preliminary
Proxy Statement |
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o Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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x Definitive
Proxy Statement
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o Definitive
Additional Materials
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o Soliciting
Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
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ORIGEN FINANCIAL, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if
other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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x |
No fee required.
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$125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii),
14a-69(i)(2) OR Item 22(a)(2 or Item 22(a)(1) and 0-11.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which
transaction applies:
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(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which
transaction applies:
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(3) |
Per unit price or other underlying value of
transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11
(set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined):
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(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as
provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the
filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously.
Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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(1) |
Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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ORIGEN FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On June 22, 2005
To the Stockholders:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Origen Financial, Inc. (Origen) will be held at
the Birmingham Community House, 380 South Bates,
Birmingham, Michigan 48009, on Wednesday, June, 22, 2005,
at 10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
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(1) To elect six directors to serve until the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2006 or until their
successors shall have been duly elected and qualified; and |
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(2) To transact such other business as may properly come
before the meeting. |
A proxy statement containing information relevant to the Annual
Meeting appears on the following pages.
Only holders of common stock of record at the close of business
May 20, 2005, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
meeting or any adjournments.
If you do not plan to attend the meeting and you wish to vote in
accordance with the Board of Directors recommendations, it
is not necessary to specify your choices; merely sign, date, and
return the enclosed Proxy Card. If you attend the meeting, you
may withdraw your Proxy and vote your own shares.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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W. ANDERSON GEATER, JR. |
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Secretary |
Dated: May 24, 2005
ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN
PERSON. HOWEVER, TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING,
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY
AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE ENCLOSED
FOR THAT PURPOSE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ORIGEN FINANCIAL, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On June 22, 2005
PROXIES AND SOLICITATIONS
This proxy statement is furnished to stockholders in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the
Board) of Origen Financial, Inc.
(Origen) to be used at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) and at any
adjournments. If a valid proxy is received in time for the
Annual Meeting and it has not been revoked in accordance with
the instructions set forth herein, the shares represented by the
proxy will be voted in accordance with the specifications, if
any, contained in such executed proxy. If no instructions are
given, proxies will be voted: (a) FOR election of the six
nominees for the Board; and (b) at the discretion of Ronald
A. Klein and W. Anderson Geater, Jr., the Boards
designated representatives for the Annual Meeting, with respect
to such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. A proxy
executed in the enclosed form may be revoked by the person
signing it at any time before it is exercised. Proxies may be
revoked by filing with Origens Secretary, any time prior
to the time set for commencement of the Annual Meeting, a
written notice of revocation bearing a later date than the
proxy, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person
(although attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of
itself constitute revocation of a proxy).
In addition to the use of mails, proxies may be solicited by
personal interview, telephone and telegram, by directors,
officers and employees of Origen. Arrangements may also be made
with brokerage houses or other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries to forward solicitation material to the beneficial
owners of shares of Origens common stock held of record by
such persons, and Origen may reimburse such persons for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in forwarding
material. Origen anticipates that fees and expenses for the
foregoing parties will not exceed $1,000. Origen will bear the
costs of all proxy solicitation.
Origens executive offices are located at 27777 Franklin
Road, Suite 1700, Southfield, Michigan 48034. The
approximate date of mailing of this proxy statement and the
enclosed proxy materials to Origens stockholders is
May 24, 2005.
TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
The Annual Meeting will be held at the Birmingham Community
House, 380 South Bates, Birmingham, Michigan 48009, on
Wednesday, June, 22, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., local time.
VOTING RIGHTS AND
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on
May 20, 2005 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Annual Meeting or at any adjournments. As of that date, Origen
had 25,472,581 shares of common stock issued, outstanding
and entitled to vote held by approximately 65 holders of record.
Each outstanding share entitles the record holder to one vote.
Shares cannot be voted at the Annual Meeting unless the holder
is present in person or represented by proxy. Each share of
common stock outstanding on the record date entitles the holder
thereof to one vote upon each matter to be voted upon at the
Annual Meeting.
If your shares are held in street name, your
brokerage firm, under certain circumstances, may vote your
shares for you if you do not return your proxy. Brokerage firms
have authority under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market
(Nasdaq) to vote customers unvoted shares on
some routine matters. If you do not give a proxy to your
brokerage firm to vote your shares, your brokerage firm may
either vote your shares on routine matters or leave your shares
unvoted. The election of directors is considered a routine
matter. Shares held by brokers as to which voting instructions
have not been received from the beneficial owners with respect
to non-routine matters are referred to as broker
non-votes. We encourage you to provide voting instructions
to your brokerage firm by returning your completed proxy. This
ensures your shares will be voted at the meeting
according to your instructions. You should receive directions
from your brokerage firm about how to submit your proxy to them
at the time you receive this proxy statement.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of outstanding shares of
common stock representing a majority of the total votes entitled
to be cast is necessary to constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Shares that
reflect abstentions or broker non-votes will be counted for
purposes of determining whether a quorum is present for the
transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.
Directors will be elected by a plurality of all votes cast at
the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, abstentions and broker
non-votes will have no effect on the results of the vote.
If there is not a quorum at the Annual Meeting, the chairman of
the Annual Meeting may adjourn the Annual Meeting until such
time as there is a quorum. The Annual Meeting may be reconvened
without notice to the stockholders, other than an announcement
at the prior adjournment of the Annual Meeting, within
30 days after the original meeting date, and a quorum must
be present at such reconvened Annual Meeting.
Information concerning principal holders of our common stock is
discussed under Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
To the extent this proxy statement will be specifically
incorporated by reference into any filing by Origen under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), the
sections of this proxy statement entitled Report of the
Audit Committee, Report of the Compensation
Committee on Executive Compensation and Stockholder
Return Performance Presentation shall not be deemed to be
so incorporated unless specifically otherwise provided in any
such filing.
ANNUAL REPORT
Stockholders are concurrently being furnished with a copy of
Origens 2004 Annual Report, which contains its audited
financial statements as of December 31, 2004. In addition,
Origen will provide copies of its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commissions, to each
person solicited by this proxy statement without charge, upon
written request to Origen Financial, Inc., Attn: W. Anderson
Geater, Jr., 27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700,
Southfield, Michigan 48034.
STOCKHOLDERS PROPOSALS
Any and all stockholder proposals for inclusion in the proxy
materials for Origens next Annual Meeting of stockholders
must comply with the rules and regulations promulgated under the
Exchange Act and must be received by Origen, addressed to its
Secretary, at its offices at 27777 Franklin Road,
Suite 1700, Southfield, Michigan 48034, not later than
January 24, 2006, provided, however, that if the next
Annual Meeting is held more than 30 days before or after
June 22, 2006, the deadline for stockholder proposals will
be a reasonable time before we begin to print and mail our proxy
materials for the next Annual Meeting.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The first matter to be considered at the Annual Meeting will be
the election of six directors. It is proposed that these
positions be filled by persons nominated to the Board by the
Nominating and Governance Committee. Each director shall be
elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting.
Therefore, if a quorum is present, abstentions and broker
non-votes will have no effect on the election of directors.
Proxies will be tabulated by Origens transfer agent. The
Inspector of Elections appointed at the Annual Meeting will then
combine the proxy votes with the votes cast at the Annual
Meeting. Each director elected at the Annual Meeting will serve
for a term commencing on the date of the Annual Meeting and
continuing until the Annual
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Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2006 or until his
successor is duly elected and qualified. In the absence of
directions to the contrary, proxies will be voted in favor of
the election of the nominees listed below.
If any of the nominees named below are unavailable to serve for
any reason, then a valid proxy may be voted for the election of
such other persons as the person or persons voting the proxy may
deem advisable in accordance with their best judgment.
Management has no present knowledge that any of the persons
named will be unavailable to serve. In any event, the enclosed
proxy can be voted for only the six nominees named in this proxy
statement or their substitutes.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE NOMINEES
NAMED BELOW. PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD WILL BE VOTED
FOR THE NOMINEES UNLESS INSTRUCTIONS TO WITHHOLD OR
TO THE CONTRARY ARE GIVEN.
The following list identifies each incumbent director and
nominee for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting and
describes each persons principal occupation for the past
five years. Each of the directors has served continuously from
the date of his election to the present time.
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Paul A. Halpern
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Chairman of the Board |
Ronald A. Klein
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Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Richard H. Rogel
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Director |
Gary A. Shiffman
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Director |
Michael J. Wechsler
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Director |
James A. Williams
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Director |
Paul A. Halpern has been the Chairman of the Board since
August 2003. He is a member of the Audit Committee and the
Nominating and Governance Committee and an alternate member of
the Executive Committee. Mr. Halpern was a manager of
Origen Financial L.L.C. from January 2002 until December 2003.
Mr. Halpern is currently the manager of Woodward Holding,
LLC, a stockholder of Origen. Mr. Halpern has also served
as Vice President of Operations of Guardian Energy Management
Corp., an oil and gas exploration and production company, which
is a subsidiary of Guardian Industries Corp., a glass
manufacturing corporation, since 1990. In addition,
Mr. Halpern has served as Associate Tax Counsel of Guardian
Industries Corp. since 1988. From 1979 through 1988,
Mr. Halpern was employed in various capacities by both
McDermott Incorporated and McDermott International, Inc.
(collectively, McDermott), with his last position as
Tax Director for McDermott Incorporated. Before joining
McDermott, Mr. Halpern worked in the tax department of the
public accounting firm of Alexander Grant & Company.
Ronald A. Klein has served as a director and the Chief
Executive Officer since August 2003. He is a member of the
Executive Committee. Mr. Klein joined Origen Financial
L.L.C.s predecessor in February 1999 and currently serves
as Origen Financial L.L.C.s sole manager and its Chief
Executive Officer. From 1999 until Origens formation,
Mr. Klein served as a director and as Chief Executive
Officer and President of Bingham Financial Services Corporation,
a predecessor of Origen. In addition, he has served as the
Managing Director of Equity Growth L.L.C., a private real estate
investment company since 1994. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Klein
served as Executive Vice President of Alaron Inc., an
international distributor of consumer electronics. Prior to
joining Alaron Inc., Mr. Klein was a member of the Chicago
Board Options Exchange since 1985. Mr. Klein has also
served as the Managing Director of a financial derivatives
trading firm and, before 1985, he was in the private practice of
law.
Richard H. Rogel has been a director since August 2003.
He is the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the
Compensation Committee and the Executive Committee.
Mr. Rogel has been a director of CoolSavings, Inc., a
publicly-traded online direct marketing and media company, since
1996, has served as its Chairman of the Board since July 2001
and served as the Chairman of its audit committee from 1998 to
2004. In 1982, Mr. Rogel founded Preferred Provider
Organization of Michigan, Inc., a preferred provider
organization, and served as its Chairman from its inception
until it was sold in 1997. Mr. Rogel is the
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President of the University of Michigan Alumni Association,
chairs the University of Michigans Business School
Development Advisory Board and serves on other boards of the
University.
Gary A. Shiffman has been a director since August 2003.
Mr. Shiffman was a manager of Origen Financial L.L.C. from
its formation in 2001 until December 2003. Mr. Shiffman has
served as Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Sun
Communities, Inc. since 1994, and as Chairman of the Board and
President of Sun Communities since March 2000.
Michael J. Wechsler has been a director since August
2003. He is a member of the Compensation Committee and the
Nominating and Governance Committee and an alternate member of
the Executive Committee. Mr. Wechsler has served as
Executive Vice President, Credit of CharterMac since October
2003. CharterMac is a publicly-traded real estate financial
services company. Mr. Wechsler served as Chief Operating
Officer of the Related Companies, L.P. from 1987 until 1997 and
as Chief Credit Officer of Related from 1997 until 2003. The
Related Companies, L.P. is a major developer of multifamily
affordable housing nationwide, one of the largest owners of
multi-family dwellings in the country and a leading syndicator
of residential real estate financed with Low Income Housing Tax
Credits in the United States. Prior to joining the Related
Companies, L.P., he held various positions in the Real Estate
Division of Chemical Bank for over twenty years. His last
position was as Senior Vice President and Managing Director,
with overall responsibility for the Real Estate Divisions
administration and lending activities in twenty-five states and
New York City.
James A. Williams has been a director since August 2003.
He is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of
the Audit Committee, the Executive Committee and the Nominating
and Governance Committee. From 2001 until it was acquired in
October 2003, Mr. Williams served as a director of Chateau
Communities, Inc., a publicly-traded equity real estate
investment trust and an owner/manager of manufactured housing
communities. Mr. Williams has been a director of Standard
Federal Bank and LaSalle Bank Corporation since 2001 and has
served on LaSalles audit committee since 2001.
Mr. Williams has been a partner with Williams, Williams,
Ruby & Plunkett, P.C., a Michigan-based law firm,
since he founded the firm in 1972. He also currently serves as
Managing General Partner of Jamison Management Company, which
operates manufactured housing developments. Mr. Williams is
the chairman of the Henry Ford Hospital of West Bloomfield,
Michigan, and former chairman of the Michigan National
Corporation.
To the best of Origens knowledge, there are no material
proceedings to which any nominee is a party, or has a material
interest, adverse to Origen. To the best of Origens
knowledge, there have been no events under any bankruptcy act,
no criminal proceedings and no judgments or injunctions that are
material to the evaluation of the ability or integrity of any
nominee during the past five years.
Board of Directors and Committees
The Board met 11 times during 2004 and took various actions
pursuant to resolutions adopted by unanimous written consent.
All directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board
and each committee on which they served.
Several important functions of the Board may be performed by
committees that are comprised of members of the Board.
Origens Bylaws authorize the formation of these committees
and grant the Board the authority to prescribe the functions of
each committee and the standards for membership of each
committee. In addition, the Board appoints the members of each
committee. The Board has four standing committees: an Audit
Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Governance
Committee and an Executive Committee. You may find copies of the
charters of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and
the Nominating and Governance Committee, as well as
Origens corporate governance guidelines, code of business
conduct, and code of ethics for senior financial officers under
the Investors section of its website at
www.origenfinancial.com.
The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter that
was approved by the Board in January 2004. The Audit Committee,
among other functions, (1) oversees the accounting and
financial reporting processes and compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements on behalf of Origens Board of
Directors and reports the results of its activities to the Board
(2) has the sole authority to appoint, retain, terminate and
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determine the compensation of Origens independent
accountants, (3) reviews with Origens independent
accountants the scope and results of the audit engagement,
(4) reviews the integrity, adequacy and effectiveness of
Origens internal controls and financial disclosure
process, including the direct supervision of Origens
Internal Audit Department, (5) approves professional
services provided by Origens independent accountants, and
(6) reviews the independence of Origens independent
accountants. The current members of the Audit Committee are
Messrs. Rogel (Chairman), Halpern and Williams, all of whom
are independent as that term is defined in the rules
of the SEC and applicable Nasdaq rules. Origens Board has
also determined that each of Messrs. Halpern, Rogel and
Williams qualifies as an audit committee financial
expert, as defined by the rules of the SEC. Mr. Rogel
is currently not serving as the Chairman of the Audit Committee
for health reasons. He expects to resume his duties as Chairman
during the third quarter of 2005. In his absence,
Mr. Williams is serving as interim Chairman of the Audit
Committee. The Audit Committee held seven formal meetings and
several informal meetings during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004. See Report of the Audit
Committee.
The Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a written
charter that was approved by the Board in March 2004. The
Compensation Committee, among other functions, (1) reviews
and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the
compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the
performance of the Chief Executive Officer in light of such
goals and objectives, and determines and approves the
compensation of the Chief Executive Officer based on these
evaluations, (2) approves the compensation of Origens
other executive officers, and (3) oversees Origens
incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans. The current
members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Williams
(Chairman), Wechsler and Rogel, all of whom are independent
directors under the Nasdaq rules. Mr. Rogel is currently on
a temporary leave of absence from the Compensation Committee for
health reasons. He expects to resume his duties during the third
quarter of 2005. The Compensation Committee held two formal
meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
See Report of the Compensation Committee on
Executive Compensation.
The Nominating and Governance Committee operates pursuant to a
written charter that was approved by the Board in March 2004.
The Nominating and Governance Committee, among other functions,
is responsible for to (1) developing and monitoring our
corporate governance principles; (2) assisting the Board in
identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board
and members of its various committees, consistent with criteria
approved by the Board; (3) selecting the director nominees
for each annual meeting of stockholders and the committee
nominees; and (4) overseeing the evaluation of the Board
and management. The current members of the Nominating and
Governance Committee are Messrs. Halpern, Wechsler and
Williams, all of whom are independent under the Nasdaq rules.
The Nominating and Governance Committee held two formal meetings
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 and took
various actions pursuant to resolutions adopted by unanimous
written consent.
The Executive Committee was established to exercise certain
enumerated powers and duties of the Board between regular Board
meetings. The Executive Committee has the authority to approve
the following actions: (1) the acquisition and sale of
loans and loan portfolios; (2) financing transactions; and
(3) the securitization of loans and loan portfolios. The
current members of the Executive Committee are
Messrs. Williams, Rogel and Klein. Messrs. Wechsler
and Halpern serve as alternate members in the case of an absence
of one of the regular Executive Committee members.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
in Compensation Decisions
The members of the Compensation Committee are
Messrs. Williams (Chairman), Wechsler and Rogel. During
2004 and currently, none of our executive officers served as a
director or member of a compensation committee (or other
committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity,
whose executive officers served as a director or member of our
Compensation Committee, none of our employees serve on the
Compensation Committee and all of the Compensation
Committees members are independent directors.
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Communications with the Board
If you wish to communicate with any of the directors of the
Board or the Board as a group, you may do so by writing to them
at [Name(s) of Director(s)/Board of Directors of Origen
Financial, Inc.], 27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700,
Southfield, MI 48034.
If you wish to contact the Audit Committee to report complaints
or concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls
or auditing matters, you may do so by writing to the Chairman of
the Audit Committee of Origen Financial, Inc., 27777 Franklin
Road, Suite 1700, Southfield, MI 48034. You are welcome to
make any such report anonymously but Origen prefers that you
identify yourself so that Origen may contact you for additional
information if necessary or appropriate.
If you wish to communicate with our non-management directors as
a group, you may do so by writing to Non-Management Directors of
Origen Financial, Inc., 27777 Franklin Road,
Suite 1700, Southfield, MI 48034.
Origen recommends that all correspondence be sent via certified
U.S. mail, return receipt requested. All correspondence
received by Origen will be forwarded promptly to the
addressee(s).
Independence of Non-Employee Directors
The Nasdaq rules require that a majority of the Board consist of
members who are independent. There are different measures of
director independence under Nasdaq rules, under Section 16
of the Exchange Act and under Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Board has
reviewed information about each of Origens non-employee
directors and determined that Messrs. Halpern, Rogel,
Williams and Wechsler are independent directors. The independent
directors meet on a regular basis in executive sessions without
management participation. The executive sessions occur after
each regularly scheduled meeting of the entire Board and at such
other times as the independent directors deem appropriate.
Consideration of Director Nominees
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Board Membership Criteria |
The Board of Directors has established criteria for Board
membership. These criteria include the following minimum
qualifications that the Nominating and Governance Committee
believes must be met by an Nominating and Governance
Committee-recommended nominee for a position on the Board:
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The candidate must have experience at a strategic or
policymaking level in a business, government, non-profit or
academic organization of high standing; |
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The candidate must be highly accomplished in his or her field,
with superior credentials and recognition; |
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The candidate must be well regarded in the community and must
have a long-term reputation for high ethical and moral standards; |
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The candidate must have sufficient time and availability to
devote to Origens affairs, particularly in light of the
number of boards on which the nominee may serve; and |
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The candidates principal business or occupation must not
be such as to place the candidate in competition with Origen or
conflict with the discharge of a directors
responsibilities to Origen or its stockholders. |
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In addition to the minimum qualifications for each nominee set
forth above, the Nominating and Governance Committee will
recommend director candidates to the full Board for nomination,
or present director candidates to the full Board for
consideration, to help ensure that:
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A majority of the Board of Directors shall be
independent as defined by the Nasdaq rules; |
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Each of its Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Governance
Committees shall be comprised entirely of independent
directors; and |
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At least one member of the Audit Committee shall have such
experience, education and qualifications necessary to qualify as
an audit committee financial expert as defined by
the rules of the SEC. |
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Consideration of Stockholder Nominated Directors |
The Nominating and Governance Committees current policy is
to review and consider any director candidates who have been
recommended by stockholders in compliance with the procedures
established from time to time by the Nominating and Governance
Committee. All stockholder recommendations for director
candidates must be submitted in writing to our Secretary at
Origen Financial, Inc., 27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700,
Southfield, MI 48034, who will forward all recommendations to
the Nominating and Governance Committee. We did not receive any
stockholder recommendations for director candidates for election
at the 2005 annual meeting. All stockholder recommendations for
director candidates for election at the 2006 annual meeting of
stockholders must be submitted to our Secretary on or before
January 24, 2006 and must include the following information:
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The stockholders name, address, number of shares owned,
length of period held and proof of ownership; |
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The name, age, business and residential address, educational
background, current principal occupation or employment, and
principal occupation or employment for the preceding five full
fiscal years of the proposed director candidate; |
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A description of the qualifications and background of the
proposed director candidate which addresses the minimum
qualifications and other criteria for Board membership as
approved by the Board from time to time; |
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A description of all arrangements or understandings between the
stockholder and the proposed director candidate; |
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The consent of the proposed director candidate (1) to be
named in the proxy statement relating to Origens annual
meeting of stockholders and (2) to serve as a director if
elected at such annual meeting; and |
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Any other information regarding the proposed director candidate
that is required to be included in a proxy statement filed
pursuant to the rules of the SEC. |
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Identifying and Evaluating Nominees |
The Nominating and Governance Committee may solicit
recommendations for director nominees from non-management
directors, executive officers, third-party search firms or any
other source it deems appropriate. The Nominating and Governance
Committee will review and evaluate the qualifications of any
proposed director candidate that it is considering or has been
recommended to it by a stockholder in compliance with the
Nominating and Governance Committees procedures for that
purpose, and conduct inquiries it deems appropriate into the
background of these proposed director candidates. When
nominating a sitting director for re-election, the Nominating
and Governance Committee will consider the directors
performance on the Board and the directors qualifications
in respect to the criteria set forth above. Other than
circumstances in which we are legally required by contract or
otherwise to provide third parties with the ability to nominate
directors, the Nominating and Governance Committee will evaluate
all proposed director candidates based on the same criteria and
in substantially the same manner, with no regard to the source
of the initial recommendation of the proposed director candidate.
7
MANAGEMENT AND COMPENSATION
Executive Officers
The persons listed below are the current executive officers of
Origen. Each is annually appointed by, and serves at the
pleasure of, the Board.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age | |
|
Office |
|
|
| |
|
|
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
President and Head of Operations |
W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
Executive Vice President, Portfolio Management |
O. Douglas Burdett
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
Executive Vice President, Manager of Loan Servicing |
Paul J. Galaspie
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer |
David M. Rand
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Development |
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, Operations |
Background information for Mr. Klein is provided under
Election of Directors, above.
J. Peter Scherer has served as Origens
President and Head of Operations since August 2003.
Mr. Scherer joined Origen Financial L.L.C.s
predecessor in December 1999 and currently serves as President
and Head of Operations of Origen Financial L.L.C. From 1999
until Origens formation, Mr. Scherer served as Chief
Operating Officer of Bingham Financial Services Corporation, a
predecessor of Origen. From 1984 through 1998, Mr. Scherer
served in various capacities at The Taubman Company, including
most recently as Senior Vice President and chairman of the asset
management group. From 1976 to 1980 and from 1980 to 1984, he
was an attorney with American Motors Corporation and Volkswagen
of America, Inc., respectively. Prior to joining American Motors
Corporation, Mr. Scherer was engaged in the private
practice of law.
W. Anderson Geater, Jr. has served as
Origens Chief Financial Officer since August 2003 and as
its Secretary since January 2004. Mr. Geater joined Origen
Financial L.L.C.s predecessor in April 2000 and currently
serves as Chief Financial Officer of Origen Financial L.L.C.
From 2000 until Origens formation, Mr. Geater served
as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Bingham Financial
Services Corporation, a predecessor of Origen. From April 1994
through April 2000, Mr. Geater served as Chief Financial
Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Univest Financial
Services Holdings, LLC and Central Park Capital, LLC. He also
served as Chief Operating Officer of First Mortgage Strategies
Group, Inc. from 1991 to 1993, and as Director of Financial
Services for Pannell Kerr Forster, a public accounting firm from
1990 to 1991. From 1975 to 1990, Mr. Geater served as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Leader
Federal Bank for Savings. Prior to joining Leader Federal Bank
for Savings, Mr. Geater was an audit supervisor with the
public accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick.
Mark Landschulz has served as Origens Executive
Vice President of Portfolio Management since August 2003.
Mr. Landschulz joined Origen Financial L.L.C.s
predecessor in February 2000, and currently serves as Executive
Vice President of Portfolio Management of Origen Financial,
L.L.C. Prior to serving as Executive Vice President,
Mr. Landschulz was the Chief Financial Officer of Origen
Financial L.L.C. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Landschulz was the
founding principal of Landworks Enterprises, a private
consulting practice. Prior to founding Landworks Enterprises,
Mr. Landschulz served as Senior Vice President for Knutson
Mortgage Corporation from April 1996 to December 1996. From
February 1990 to April 1996, Mr. Landschulz served as a
director and Vice President of GE Capital Mortgage. From 1988 to
1990, he served as Chief Financial Officer of a Fannie Mae
approved seller/servicer, regional mortgage banking firm.
O. Douglas Burdett has served as Origens
Executive Vice President, Manager of Loan Servicing since August
2003. He has held the same position with Origen Financial L.L.C.
since May 2002. From July 1999 to
8
April 2002, Mr. Burdett served as Vice President, National
Asset Manager of CitiFinancial Associates Housing Finance and
led its manufactured housing loan servicing operation. From
December 1997 to July 1999, he was employed by First Union Bank
as Director and Asset Manager for The Money Store. From 1972
through 1997, Mr. Burdett was employed by GE Capital
Corporation, where he led its customer service, loss mitigation
and default groups in a number of business units ranging from
consumer and mortgage as Vice President GE Capital Mortgage to
commercial and government services as Senior Vice President GE
Asset Management.
Paul J. Galaspie has served as Origens Senior Vice
President and Chief Information Officer since August 2003.
Mr. Galaspie joined the predecessor of Origen Financial
L.L.C. in March 1994, and currently serves as Senior Vice
President and Chief Information Officer of Origen Financial
L.L.C. Beginning in March 1994, Mr. Galaspie served in
various capacities for Origen Financial L.L.C.s
predecessors, including as a Senior Programmer Analyst for Saxon
Mortgage Funding Corp. Prior to March 1994, Mr. Galaspie
worked for PSA, a national photographic retailer, in their
marketing department as a programmer/analyst.
David M. Rand has served as Origens Senior Vice
President, Marketing and Strategic Development since October
2004. From August 2003 to October 2004 he served as its Senior
Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Mr. Rand joined the
predecessor of Origen Financial L.L.C. in June 1998, and
currently serves as Senior Vice President Marketing
and Business Development of Origen Financial L.L.C. Prior to
joining the predecessor of Origen Financial L.L.C., he was
employed by Associates First Capital Corporation as Vice
President New Business/Product Development from
April 1996 to June 1998, and as Director Corporate
Training from November 1993 to April 1996. Prior thereto,
Mr. Rand held various positions with General Electric
Capital Corporation.
Benton E. Sergi has served as Origens Senior Vice
President, Operations since August 2003. He has held the same
position with Origen Financial L.L.C. since June 2003. From
April 2002 to June 2003, Mr. Sergi served as Executive Vice
President, National Sales and Operations of HomePride Finance
Corp, a subsidiary of Champion Enterprises, Inc. He also served
as Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations of CIT Group,
from 1997 to 2002, and held various positions with Key Bank USA,
NA in its sales finance division from 1987 to 1997. Prior to
joining Key Bank USA, NA, Mr. Sergi was employed by The
Midwest Bank & Trust Company in its installment loan
and credit card sales departments.
To the best of Origens knowledge, there are no material
proceedings to which any executive officer is a party, or has a
material interest, adverse to Origen. To the best of
Origens knowledge, there have been no events under any
bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments or
injunctions that are material to the evaluation of the ability
or integrity of any executive officer during the past five years.
9
Executive Compensation
The following table summarizes the compensation Origen paid to
its Chief Executive Officer and each of its four other highest
paid executive officers (the Named Executive
Officers) during the year ended December 31, 2004 and
during the period from October 8, 2003 (when Origen began
operations) through December 31, 2003.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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|
|
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|
|
Annual Compensation | |
|
Long-Term Compensation | |
|
|
|
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| |
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| |
|
|
Year or | |
|
|
|
Restricted | |
|
Securities | |
|
|
Period Ended | |
|
|
|
Other Annual | |
|
Stock | |
|
Underlying | |
Name and Principal Position |
|
December 31, | |
|
Salary | |
|
Bonus | |
|
Compensation | |
|
Awards(1) | |
|
Options | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
90,602 |
(2) |
|
$ |
280,040 |
(3) |
|
$ |
9,935 |
(4) |
|
$ |
1,100,000 |
(5) |
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
405,763 |
|
|
$ |
159,375 |
|
|
$ |
386,583 |
(6) |
|
$ |
656,250 |
(7) |
|
|
|
|
W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
47,323 |
(2) |
|
$ |
151,494 |
(3) |
|
$ |
9,962 |
(4) |
|
$ |
200,000 |
(8) |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
207,305 |
|
|
$ |
91,375 |
|
|
$ |
42,136 |
(6) |
|
$ |
262,500 |
(9) |
|
|
|
|
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
47,323 |
(2) |
|
$ |
151,494 |
(3) |
|
$ |
9,661 |
(4) |
|
$ |
200,000 |
(8) |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
President and Head of |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
207,305 |
|
|
$ |
91,375 |
|
|
$ |
40,852 |
(6) |
|
$ |
262,500 |
(9) |
|
|
|
|
|
Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
43,852 |
(2) |
|
$ |
140,409 |
(3) |
|
$ |
9,059 |
(4) |
|
$ |
200,000 |
(8) |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
Executive Vice President of |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
192,305 |
|
|
$ |
85,000 |
|
|
$ |
38,592 |
(6) |
|
$ |
262,500 |
(9) |
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Management |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
42,125 |
(2) |
|
$ |
36,807 |
(3) |
|
$ |
5,235 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice President, |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
188,747 |
|
|
$ |
41,800 |
|
|
$ |
20,224 |
(6) |
|
$ |
43,750 |
(10) |
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
As of December 31, 2004, Mr. Klein held
185,000 shares of restricted stock (with an aggregate value
of $1,383,800), each of Messrs. Geater, Scherer and
Landschulz held 50,000 shares of restricted stock (with an
aggregate value of $374,000) and Mr. Sergi held
15,000 shares of restricted stock (with an aggregate value
of $112,200). For purposes of the preceding sentence, aggregate
values are based on the closing market price of Origens
common stock on December 31, 2004. |
|
|
(2) |
Represents salary received from commencement of operations to
year end. Annual base salaries for Messrs. Klein, Geater,
Scherer, Landschulz and Sergi are set forth below under
Employment Agreements. Mr. Sergis
annualized base salary during the period ended December 31,
2003 was $185,000. |
|
|
(3) |
2003 bonuses paid are with respect to the executive
officers employment by Origen and Origen Financial L.L.C.
during the twelve months ended December 31, 2003. |
|
|
(4) |
Included in these amounts are split-dollar whole life insurance
premiums of $7,985 for Mr. Klein, $7,601 for
Mr. Geater, $7,364 for Mr. Scherer, $7,467 for
Mr. Landschulz and $4,522 for Mr. Sergi, in each case
pro rated for the period October 8, 2003 through
December 31, 2003. Origen pre-paid the annual premiums for
the split-dollar whole life insurance for 2004 in November 2003.
The annual premiums for these policies for the coverage period
ending in November 2004 were $34,700 for Mr. Klein, $33,030
for Mr. Scherer, $32,000 for Mr. Geater, $32,450 for
Mr. Landschulz and $19,650 for Mr. Sergi. These
policies are owned by Origen and are intended to provide key man
insurance benefits to Origen, and the cash build-up in the
policies is intended to fund the payment of benefits under
Origens capital accumulation plan described below. |
|
|
(5) |
Mr. Klein was granted a restricted share award of
60,000 shares on October 8, 2003, which vested on
April 8, 2004. Mr. Klein was also granted a restricted
share award of 50,000 shares on October 8, 2003.
One-third of the shares granted under this award vested on
May 11, 2004. One-third of the remaining shares will vest
on each of June 3, 2005 (extended from May 11, 2005)
and May 11, 2006. Distributions on the shares of restricted
stock will be paid to Mr. Klein. |
|
|
(6) |
Included in these amounts are split-dollar whole life insurance
premiums for the coverage period ending in November 2005 of
$35,600 for Mr. Klein, $34,100 for Mr. Geater, $34,030
for Mr. Scherer, $33,900 |
10
|
|
|
|
|
for Mr. Landschulz and $19,350 for Mr. Sergi. Origen
pre-paid the annual premiums for the split-dollar whole life
insurance for 2005 in November 2004. These policies are owned by
Origen and are intended to provide key man insurance benefits to
Origen, and the cash build-up in the policies is intended to
fund the payment of benefits under Origens capital
accumulation plan described below. Mr. Kleins other
annual compensation also includes a payment of $344,161 to cover
the tax liability arising from the vesting of 60,000 shares
of restricted stock in 2004. These shares of restricted stock
were granted to Mr. Klein upon his waiver of the right to
receive a change in control payment of $600,000 in connection
with Origens formation transactions. |
|
|
(7) |
On each of March 23, 2004 and August 5, 2004,
Mr. Klein was granted a restricted share award of
37,500 shares (or a total of 75,000 shares).
Two-thirds of the shares granted under each of these awards will
vest on June 3, 2005 (extended from May 11, 2005) and
the remaining one-third of the shares under each grant will vest
on May 11, 2006. Distributions on the shares of restricted
stock will be paid to Mr. Klein. |
|
|
(8) |
Each of Messrs. Geater, Scherer and Landschulz was granted
a restricted share award of 20,000 shares on
October 8, 2003. One-third of the shares granted under this
award vested on May 11, 2004. One-third of the remaining
shares will vest on each of June 3, 2005 (extended from
May 11, 2005) and May 11, 2006. Distributions on the
shares of restricted stock will be paid to the applicable holder
of the restricted stock. |
|
|
(9) |
On each of March 23, 2004 and August 5, 2004, each of
Messrs. Geater, Scherer and Landschulz was granted a
restricted share award of 15,000 shares (or a total of
30,000 shares each). Two-thirds of the shares granted under
each of these awards will vest on June 3, 2005 (extended
from May 11, 2005) and the remaining one-third of the
shares under each grant will vest on May 11, 2006.
Distributions on the shares of restricted stock will be paid to
the applicable holder of the restricted stock. |
|
|
(10) |
On January 29, 2004 Mr. Sergi was granted a restricted
share award of 10,000 shares and on each of March 23,
2004 and August 5, 2004, Mr. Sergi was granted a
restricted share award of 2,500 shares (or a total of
15,000 shares). Two-thirds of the shares granted under each
of these awards vested on May 11, 2005 and the remaining
one-third of the shares under each grant will vest on
May 11, 2006. Distributions on the shares of restricted
stock will be paid to Mr. Sergi. |
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code disallows a tax
deduction to public companies for compensation paid in excess of
$1,000,000 for any fiscal year to the companys chief
executive officer and the four other most highly compensated
executive officers. To qualify for deductibility under
Section 162(m), compensation in excess of $1,000,000 annual
maximum paid to these executive officers must be
performance-based compensation, as determined under
Section 162(m). For these purposes, compensation generally
includes base salary, annual bonuses, stock option exercises,
compensation attributable to restricted shares vesting and
nonqualified benefits. While it is Origens intention to
structure compensation so that it satisfies the
performance-based compensation requirements under
Section 162(m) to the fullest extent possible, if Origen
becomes subject to the provisions of Section 162(m), the
Compensation Committee will balance the costs and burdens
involved in doing so against the value to Origen and its
stockholders of the tax benefits to be obtained by Origen.
Accordingly, Origen reserves the right, should
Section 162(m) apply, to design compensation programs that
recognize a full range of performance criteria important to its
success, even where the compensation paid under such programs
may not be deductible as a result of the application of
Section 162(m).
Origen has adopted a non-qualified capital accumulation plan
that provides supplemental compensation to certain executive
officers and employees on a deferred basis. Origen has the
discretion to select which employees will be eligible to
participate in the plan. The plan is intended to attract and
maintain qualified individuals in key positions. The deferred
compensation under the plan vests over a ten-year period, with
the first 30% vesting beginning on the third anniversary of the
employees participation in the plan, and the remainder
vesting at a rate of 10% per year, until the tenth
anniversary of the employees participation in the plan.
The deferred compensation is paid to the employee, in a lump
sum, following the tenth anniversary of the participants
enrollment in the plan. If a participants employment is
terminated for any reason after the third anniversary, but
before the tenth anniversary, of his or her enrollment in the
plan, Origen will pay the
11
participant his or her vested portion of the deferred
compensation, in a lump sum, following the tenth anniversary of
his or her enrollment in the plan. If a participant dies before
he or she has been enrolled in the plan for ten years, Origen
has no obligation to pay any amount to the participant or the
participants beneficiaries. The following table sets forth
the compensation payable to the Named Executive Officers under
the capital accumulation plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Payable Under | |
Named Executive Officer |
|
Capital Accumulation Plan | |
|
|
| |
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
|
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
$ |
225,000 |
|
Origen has adopted a split-dollar life insurance plan that,
through individual life insurance policies, provides death
benefits to a participants beneficiaries and coordinates
with the capital accumulation plan described above. Under the
split-dollar plan, Origen is the sole owner of each life
insurance policy and pays all premiums due under the policies.
Upon a participants death, a portion of the death benefit
is paid to the participants designated beneficiary and a
portion of the death benefit is paid to Origen. It is intended
that the policies under the split-dollar plan provide key man
insurance benefits to Origen, and the cash build-up in the
policies is intended to fund the payment of benefits under the
capital accumulation plan described above. Participation in the
split-dollar plan terminates upon the earlier of a
participants death or the tenth anniversary of a
participants enrollment in the capital accumulation plan.
In addition, the split-dollar plan will terminate, as to all
participants, upon the total cessation of Origens
business, if Origen files for bankruptcy, if it is put into
receivership or if it is dissolved. Upon the plans
termination, participants have the right to acquire the life
insurance policy from Origen for the then current cash surrender
value of the policy.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table contains information describing the stock
options Origen granted to the Named Executive Officers during
the year ended December 31, 2004. The table also lists
potential realizable values of such options on the basis of
assumed annual compounded share appreciation rates of 5% and 10%
over the life of the options.
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|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
Potential Realizable | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value at Assumed | |
|
|
|
|
% of Total | |
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Rates of Share | |
|
|
|
|
Options | |
|
|
|
|
|
Price Appreciation for | |
|
|
Number of Securities | |
|
Granted to | |
|
|
|
|
|
Option Term | |
|
|
Underlying Options | |
|
Employees in | |
|
Exercise or Base | |
|
|
|
| |
Name of Grantee |
|
Granted(1) | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
Price Per Share | |
|
Expiration Date(2) | |
|
5%(3) | |
|
10%(3) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
% |
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
|
January 29, 2014 |
|
|
$ |
78,625 |
|
|
$ |
199,250 |
|
|
|
(1) |
One-third of these options vested on each of May 11, 2004
and May 11, 2005. The remaining options will vest on
May 11, 2006. |
|
(2) |
The expiration date of the options will be ten years after the
date of the grant. |
|
(3) |
The potential realizable value is reported net of the option
price, but before the income taxes associated with exercise.
These amounts represent assumed annual compounded rates of
appreciation at 5% and 10% from the date of grant to the
expiration date of the options. |
12
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES TABLE
During the year ended December 31, 2004, no Named Executive
Officer exercised any options. The following table contains
information concerning option holdings as of December 31,
2004 with respect to each of the Named Executive Officers.
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options at Fiscal Year- | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
End(1) | |
|
|
Shares Acquired | |
|
|
|
| |
Name of Grantee |
|
on Exercise | |
|
Value Realized | |
|
Exercisable | |
|
Unexercisable | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,333 |
|
|
|
16,667 |
|
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
W. Anderson Geater, Jr
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,166 |
|
|
|
8,334 |
|
|
|
(1) |
None of the options were in-the-money as of December 31,
2004. |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table reflects information about the securities
authorized for issuance under Origens equity compensation
plans as of December 31, 2004.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) Number of | |
|
|
(a) Number of | |
|
(b) Weighted- | |
|
Securities Remaining | |
|
|
Securities to be | |
|
Average | |
|
Available for Future | |
|
|
Issued upon | |
|
Exercise Price | |
|
Issuance Under Equity | |
|
|
Exercise of | |
|
of Outstanding | |
|
Compensation Plans | |
|
|
Outstanding | |
|
Options, | |
|
(Excluding Securities | |
|
|
Options, Warrants | |
|
Warrants and | |
|
Reflected in Column | |
Plan Category |
|
and Rights | |
|
Rights | |
|
(a)) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
|
|
|
267,500 |
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
|
901,848 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
|
267,500 |
|
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
|
901,848 |
|
Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive
Compensation
|
|
|
Policy of Executive Officer Compensation |
The executive compensation program is administered by the
Compensation Committee of the Board, which is currently
comprised of Messrs. Williams, Wechsler and Rogel. None of
the members of the Compensation Committee are employees of
Origen and each of them is an independent director for purposes
of the requirements of the Nasdaq rules. The executive
compensation program supports Origens commitment to
providing superior stockholder value. It is designed to attract
and retain high-quality executives, to encourage them to make
career commitments to Origen, and to accomplish Origens
short and long term objectives. The Compensation Committee
attempts to structure a compensation program for Origen that
will reward its top executives with bonuses and stock and option
awards upon attainment of specified goals and objectives while
striving to maintain salaries at reasonably competitive levels.
The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation (including
salaries, bonuses and stock options) of Origens Chairman
and CEO as well as Origens other executive officers,
administers Origens incentive and equity based
compensation plans and performs such other duties as may be
delegated to it by the Board.
In reviewing the compensation to be paid to Origens
executive officers during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004, the Compensation Committee and the Board
sought to ensure that executive officers
13
were rewarded for long-term strategic management, for increasing
Origens value for its stockholders, and for achieving
internal goals established by the Board.
The key components of executive officer compensation are salary,
bonuses, restricted stock awards and stock option awards. Salary
is generally based on factors such as an individual
officers level of responsibility, prior years
compensation, comparison to compensation of other officers in
Origen, and compensation provided at competitive companies and
companies of similar size. Bonuses, restricted stock awards and
stock option awards are intended to reward exceptional
performances. Benchmarks for determining base salary and bonus
levels include strength of the balance sheet and creation of
stockholder value. Restricted stock awards and stock option
awards are also intended to increase an officers interest
in Origens long-term success as measured by the market and
book value of its Common Stock. Stock awards may be granted to
officers and directors of Origen and its subsidiaries and to
certain employees who have managerial or supervisory
responsibilities under Origens 2003 Equity Incentive Plan.
Stock awards may be stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted share rights or any variation thereof.
The Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the
Compensation Committee with respect to the compensation of all
executive officers. In addition, the Compensation Committee
bases its decisions on the most recent publicly available
compensation data for senior executive officers of comparable
companies, as well as various compensation studies and surveys,
to ensure that compensation packages are in line with
Origens peer group and the manufactured housing finance
industry in general. While benchmarks and comparative market
data are valuable tools to assist the Compensation Committee in
setting reasonable and fair compensation for Origens
executive officers, the stated philosophy of Origens
executive compensation program is to recognize individual
contributions to the performance of Origen and to create a link
between the performance of Origens stock and executive
compensation.
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer Compensation |
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, Ronald A.
Klein served as the Chief Executive Officer of Origen. As of
October 8, 2003, Origen entered into an employment
agreement with Mr. Klein which governed the salary and
bonus paid to Mr. Klein during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004. Pursuant to this employment agreement,
Mr. Klein was paid a salary of $405,763. He was also paid a
bonus of $159,375, received other compensation of $386,583 and
was granted 75,000 shares of restricted stock in 2004. He
did not receive any options. Mr. Kleins compensation
was based on his qualitative managerial efforts and to reward
him for his leadership in completing our initial public offering
and in successfully completing two securitizations in a
challenging market. His compensation also reflects the
Compensation Committees judgment about whether each
particular payment or award would provide an appropriate
incentive and reward for performance that sustains and enhances
long-term stockholder value. The Compensation Committee believes
that Mr. Kleins total compensation in 2004 was
competitive with the appropriate level for his position,
particularly in view of his performance.
Respectfully submitted,
Members of the Compensation Committee:
James A. Williams
Michael J. Wechsler
Richard H. Rogel
Employment Agreements
Origen and Origen Financial L.L.C. have entered into employment
arrangements with the executive officers named in the following
table, pursuant to which Origen Financial L.L.C. pays the
executives salaries.
14
Each of Origens executives is also an officer of Origen
Financial L.L.C. These employment agreements are for a
three-year term and provide the following annual base salaries:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Year of | |
|
Second Year of | |
|
Third Year of | |
|
|
Initial Term(1) | |
|
Initial Term(1) | |
|
Initial Term(1) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
|
$ |
425,000 |
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
W. Anderson Geater, Jr
|
|
|
205,000 |
|
|
|
215,000 |
|
|
|
225,000 |
|
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
|
205,000 |
|
|
|
215,000 |
|
|
|
225,000 |
|
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
|
190,000 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
210,000 |
|
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
|
190,000 |
|
|
|
195,000 |
|
|
|
205,000 |
|
|
|
(1) |
The initial term of the employment agreement of each of
Messrs. Klein, Geater, Scherer and Landschulz began on
October 8, 2003 and ends on October 7, 2006. The
initial term of Mr. Sergis employment agreement began
on April 1, 2004 and ends on March 31, 2007. |
Each such employee will be prohibited from competing with Origen
for a period of one year after termination of his employment
under certain conditions. Each employee will also be prohibited
from soliciting the employment of any of Origens other
employees and diverting any business from Origen for a period of
up to 12 months after termination of the employment
agreement. Each of the employment agreements is for an initial
term of three years, and will be automatically renewed for
successive one-year terms unless otherwise terminated by Origen
or the employee. Under the employment agreements, each employee
will be entitled to a severance payment of one years
salary upon a termination by Origen without cause. In addition,
each of Messrs. Klein, Geater, Scherer and Landschulz will
be entitled to a severance payment of one years salary
upon a termination by the executive for good reason or the
failure by Origen to renew the term of the contract. Each of the
executive officers is eligible to receive a bonus payable in
cash, equity or a combination of cash and equity, in an amount
and in the form determined by the Compensation Committee in its
discretion.
Pursuant to Mr. Kleins prior employment arrangement
with Origen Financial L.L.C., he was entitled to a change of
control payment in the amount of $600,000 upon Origens
acquisition of Origen Financial L.L.C. in October 2003.
Mr. Klein waived his rights to the payment in connection
with the acquisition. In consideration for this waiver, Origen
granted Mr. Klein a restricted stock award of
60,000 shares of its common stock, which vested on
April 8, 2004.
Outside Director Compensation
Origen pays an annual directors fee to each non-employee
director of $25,000, payable quarterly. Origen pays each
non-employee director meeting fees of $1,000 per meeting
attended in person and $500 per telephonic meeting. Origen
also reimburses all costs and expenses of all directors for
attending each meeting. In addition to their annual
directors fees, the Chairman of the Audit Committee
receives an annual committee fee of $15,000, and other members
of the Audit Committee receive an annual committee fee of
$5,000. Members of the Compensation Committee receive an annual
committee fee of $5,000. For services during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2004, Mr. Halpern earned
directors fees of $34,000, Mr. Rogel earned
directors fees of $48,500, Mr. Shiffman earned
directors fees of $27,500, Mr. Wechsler earned
directors fees of $32,500 and Mr. Williams earned
directors fees of $38,500. Directors who are also
employees are not separately compensated for services as a
director other than through Origens 2003 Equity Incentive
Plan.
Under Origens 2003 Equity Incentive Plan, the Board has
the discretion to grant awards under the plan to non-employee
directors with such vesting and exercise provisions as the Board
may determine at the date of grant. On each of March 23,
2004 and August 5, 2004, Origen granted all directors other
than Mr. Klein an award of 2,500 restricted shares of
common stock (or a total of 5,000 shares per director).
Two-thirds of the shares granted under each of these awards
vested on May 11, 2005 and the remaining one-third of the
shares under each grant will vest on May 11, 2006.
Distributions on the shares of restricted stock will be paid to
the directors.
15
Stockholder Return Performance Presentation
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage
change in the cumulative total stockholder return on
Origens common stock against the cumulative total return
of a broad market index composed of all issuers listed on the
Nasdaq National Market and the SNL Finance REITs Index for the
period beginning on May 5, 2004 (the date of Origens
initial public offering) and ending on December 31, 2004.
This line graph assumes a $100 investment on May 5, 2004, a
reinvestment of dividends and actual increase of the market
value of Origens common stock relative to an initial
investment of $100. The comparisons in this table are required
by the SEC and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of
possible future performance of Origens common stock.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Period Ending | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Index |
|
|
05/05/04 | |
|
|
06/30/04 | |
|
|
09/30/04 | |
|
|
12/31/04 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Origen Financial, Inc.
|
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
|
99.38 |
|
|
|
|
92.72 |
|
|
|
|
97.60 |
|
|
NASDAQ Composite
|
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
|
105.08 |
|
|
|
|
97.47 |
|
|
|
|
111.97 |
|
|
SNL Finance REITs Index
|
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
|
106.24 |
|
|
|
|
115.15 |
|
|
|
|
127.38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING
COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act requires
Origens directors and executive officers and persons who
own more than 10% of Origens common stock to file reports
of ownership and changes in ownership of Origens common
stock with the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market. Directors,
executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders are
required by SEC regulations to furnish Origen with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on its review
of the copies of Forms 3 and 4 furnished to Origen, or
written representations from certain reporting persons that no
such forms were required to be filed by such persons, Origen
believes that all its directors, executive officers and
beneficial owners of more than 10% of its common stock have
complied with all filing requirements applicable to them.
16
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of May 17, 2005, based
upon information available to Origen, the shareholdings of:
(a) each person known to Origen to be the beneficial owner
of more than 5% of Origens common stock; (b) each of
Origens directors; (c) each Named Executive Officer;
and (d) all of Origens executive officers and
directors as a group.
Except as otherwise noted, the beneficial owners named in the
following table have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares of Origens common stock shown as
beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws,
where applicable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of | |
|
|
Beneficial Ownership | |
|
|
| |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Shares | |
|
Percent(1) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
|
371,666 |
(2) |
|
|
1.5 |
% |
|
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700
Southfield, MI 48034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary A. Shiffman
|
|
|
5,015,833 |
(3) |
|
|
19.7 |
% |
|
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 200
Southfield, MI 48034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul A. Halpern
|
|
|
2,765,833 |
(4) |
|
|
10.9 |
% |
|
2300 Harmon Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard H. Rogel
|
|
|
40,833 |
(5) |
|
|
* |
|
|
56 Rose Crown
Avon, CO 81260 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael J. Wechsler
|
|
|
15,833 |
(5) |
|
|
* |
|
|
625 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James A. Williams
|
|
|
15,833 |
(5) |
|
|
* |
|
|
380 N. Old Woodward Ave, Suite 300
Birmingham, MI 48009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
|
90,000 |
(6) |
|
|
* |
|
|
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700
Southfield, MI 48034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
|
|
|
92,800 |
(6) |
|
|
* |
|
|
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700
Southfield, MI 48034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
|
97,500 |
(6) |
|
|
* |
|
|
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700
Southfield, MI 48034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
|
29,583 |
(7) |
|
|
* |
|
|
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700
Southfield, MI 48034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sun OFI, LLC
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
(8) |
|
|
19.6 |
% |
|
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 200
Southfield, MI 48034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodward Holding, LLC
|
|
|
2,750,000 |
(9) |
|
|
10.8 |
% |
|
2300 Harmon Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of | |
|
|
Beneficial Ownership | |
|
|
| |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Shares | |
|
Percent(1) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Third Avenue Management LLC
|
|
|
1,721,559 |
(10) |
|
|
6.8 |
% |
|
622 Third Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY 10017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. W. Asset Management, L.L.C.
|
|
|
1,492,300 |
(11) |
|
|
5.9 |
% |
|
535 Madison Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons)
|
|
|
7,633,854 |
(12) |
|
|
29.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
* |
Holdings represent less than 1% of all shares outstanding. |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
In accordance with SEC regulations, the percentage calculations
are based on 25,472,581 shares of common stock issued and
outstanding as of May 17, 2005, plus shares of common stock
that may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable within
60 days of May 17, 2005 by each individual or entity
listed. |
|
|
(2) |
Includes (i) 10,000 shares held in a trust of which
Mr. Klein is the beneficiary, and
(ii) 16,666 shares of common stock that may be
acquired pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 17, 2005. |
|
|
(3) |
Includes (i) 5,000,000 shares held by Sun OFI, LLC, an
affiliate of Sun Communities, Inc., which are attributed to
Mr. Shiffman because he is the Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Sun Communities, Inc., and
(ii) 3,333 shares of common stock that may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 17, 2005. Mr. Shiffman disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares held by Sun OFI, LLC. Does not include
1,025,000 shares held by Shiffman Origen LLC.
Mr. Shiffman has an indirect pecuniary interest in
approximately 9% of the shares held by Shiffman Origen LLC but
does not have share voting or investment control over the shares
held by this entity. |
|
|
(4) |
Includes (i) 1,750,000 shares held by Woodward
Holding, LLC, which are attributed to Mr. Halpern because
he is its sole manager, (ii) 3,333 shares of common
stock that may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable
within 60 days of May 17, 2005, and
(iii) 1,000,000 shares subject to an option granted to
Woodward Holding, LLC by Sun OFI, LLC that is currently
exercisable and expires on January 15, 2006. Mr. Halpern
disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Woodward
Holding, LLC. |
|
|
(5) |
Includes 3,333 shares of common stock that may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 17, 2005. |
|
|
(6) |
Includes 10,000 shares of common stock that may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 17, 2005. |
|
|
(7) |
Includes 8,333 shares of common stock that may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 17, 2005. |
|
|
(8) |
Sun OFI, LLC is an affiliate of Sun Communities, of which
Mr. Shiffman is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Shiffman is the sole manager of Sun OFI, LLC.
Mr. Shiffman has sole share voting and investment control
over the shares held by Sun OFI, LLC. Mr. Shiffman
disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Sun OFI,
LLC. |
|
|
(9) |
Includes 1,000,000 shares subject to an option granted to
Woodward Holding, LLC by Sun OFI, LLC that is currently
exercisable and expires on January 15, 2006.
Mr. Halpern is the sole manager of Woodward Holding, LLC.
Mr. Halpern has sole share voting and investment control
over the shares held by Woodward Holding, LLC. Mr. Halpern
disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Woodward
Holding, LLC. |
|
|
(10) |
Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with
the SEC on April 29, 2005, Third Avenue Management LLC has
sole voting power with respect to 1,673,209 of these shares and
sole dispositive power with respect to all 1,721,559 of these
shares. |
18
|
|
(11) |
Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed
with the SEC on February 9, 2005, A. W. Asset Management,
L.L.C. serves as an investment adviser to, and holds these
shares for the account of, a number of hedge funds and managed
accounts and A. W. Asset Management, L.L.C. disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares of common stock held by the funds,
except to the extent of any pecuniary interest. |
|
(12) |
Includes 94,996 shares of common stock that may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 17, 2005. |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Gary A. Shiffman, one of Origens directors, is the
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Sun Communities, Inc., which beneficially owns approximately 20%
of the outstanding shares of Origens common stock.
Mr. Shiffman beneficially owns approximately 20% of the
outstanding shares of Origens common stock, which amount
includes his deemed beneficial ownership of the stock owned by
Sun Communities. Mr. Shiffman and his affiliates
beneficially own approximately 9% of the outstanding common
stock of Sun Communities. He is the President of Sun Home
Services, Inc. (Sun Home Services), of which Sun
Communities is the sole beneficial owner.
As of December 31, 2004, Origen Servicing, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of Origen Financial L.L.C., serviced
approximately $16.0 million (including approximately
$3.9 million transferred from another servicer in December
2004) in manufactured housing loans for Sun Home Services. Sun
Home Services pays Origen Servicing, Inc. an annual servicing
fee of 1.25% of the outstanding principal balance of the loans.
The total servicing fees paid by Sun Home Services in 2004 were
approximately $172,000.
In addition, Sun Communities has agreed to provide Origen
certain concessions on manufactured houses Origen repossesses in
its communities. These concessions include marketing and
refurbishing assistance, rent abatement during the first
12 months the repossessed house is for sale and commission
abatement with respect to repossessed manufactured houses sold
under the program. The fair value of these abatements amounted
to approximately $85,000 in 2004. This program allows Origen to
further enhance recoveries on repossessed houses and allows Sun
Communities to retain houses for resale in its communities.
In February 2004 Origen Financial L.L.C. purchased approximately
$12.3 million in principal balance of manufactured housing
loans from Sun Home Services, for an amount equal to
approximately 99.3% of the unpaid principal balance.
Origen leases its executive offices in Southfield, Michigan from
an entity in which Mr. Shiffman and certain of his
affiliates beneficially own approximately a 21% interest. Ronald
A. Klein, Origens Chief Executive Officer, beneficially
owns an approximate 1% interest in the landlord entity. William
M. Davidson, the sole member of Woodward Holding, LLC, which
owns approximately 7% of Origens common stock,
beneficially owns an approximate 25% interest in the landlord
entity. The lease, which terminates on March 31, 2008,
provides for monthly rent of approximately $32,000. Under the
terms of a renewal option, if no event of default exists and no
default existed within a period of one year prior to
notification of Origens intent to renew, Origen has the
right to extend the initial term of the lease for two three year
terms. The base rent for the option terms will be calculated at
95% of the then prevailing market rates for comparable renewal
space, but in any event not less than the base rate payable at
the end of the current term of the lease.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board maintains an Audit Committee comprised of three of
Origens directors. The directors who serve on the Audit
Committee are all independent for purposes of the
Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards and applicable Exchange
Act rules. The Audit Committee held seven formal meetings and
several informal meetings during the 2004 fiscal year.
19
In accordance with its written charter, the Audit Committee
assists the Board with fulfilling its oversight responsibility
regarding the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing
and financial reporting practices of Origen. In discharging its
oversight responsibilities regarding the audit process, the
Audit Committee:
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reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with
management and Grant Thornton LLP, Origens independent
auditors, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004; |
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discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to
be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
(Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards); and |
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reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the
independent auditors required by the Independence Standards
Boards Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with
Audit Committees), and discussed with the independent auditors
any relationships that may impact their objectivity and
independence. |
Based upon the review and discussions referred to above, the
Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited
financial statements be included in Origens Annual report
on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 15, 2005.
The Audit Committee has considered and determined that the level
of fees of Grant Thornton LLPs for provision of services
other than the audit services is compatible with maintaining the
auditors independence.
Respectfully Submitted,
Members of the Audit Committee:
Richard H. Rogel
Paul A. Halpern
James A. Williams
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Grant Thornton LLP has served as Origens independent
public accountants for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Representatives of Grant Thornton LLP are expected to be present
at the Annual Meeting, and will have the opportunity to make a
statement if they desire to do so and to respond to appropriate
questions. The Audit Committee has selected Grant Thornton LLP
to serve as Origens independent auditors for 2005.
Aggregate fees for professional services rendered by Grant
Thornton LLP, our independent auditors, for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were as
follows:
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Fiscal Year Ended | |
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December 31, | |
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2004 | |
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2003 | |
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Audit Fees: For professional services rendered for the audit of
our financial statements, the reviews of the quarterly financial
statements, comfort letters and consents
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235,908 |
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214,385 |
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Audit-Related Fees: For professional services rendered for
accounting assistance with new accounting standards, attendance
at Audit Committee meetings and in connection with our initial
public offering and securitizations
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155,640 |
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144,660 |
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Tax Fees: For professional services rendered in connection with
tax compliance and preparation of tax returns
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$ |
154,150 |
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57,401 |
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All Other Fees: For professional services rendered for the audit
of our 401(k) plan
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$ |
12,820 |
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12,000 |
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The Audit Committee has a policy that requires that all services
provided by the independent auditor to Origen, including audit
services, audit-related services, tax services and other
services, be pre-approved by the
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Audit Committee. The Audit Committee approved all audit and
non-audit related services provided to Origen by Grant Thornton
LLP during the 2004 fiscal year.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Management knows of no matters that will be presented for
consideration at the Annual Meeting other than those stated in
the Notice of Meeting. However, if any other matters do properly
come before the Annual Meeting, the person or persons named in
the accompanying proxy form will vote the proxy in accordance
with their best judgment regarding such matters, including the
election of a director or directors other than those named in
this proxy statement should an emergency or unexpected
occurrence make the use of such discretionary authority
necessary, and also regarding matters incident to the conduct of
the meeting.
Stockholders are requested to date, sign and return the enclosed
proxy in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. So that the
presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of
the shares entitled to vote at the meeting may be assured,
prompt execution and return of the proxy is requested.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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W. Anderson Geater, Jr. |
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Secretary |
Dated: May 24, 2005
21
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
ORIGEN FINANCIAL, INC.
June 22, 2005
Please date, sign and mail
your proxy card in
the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
ê
Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided.ê
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PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND
RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN
BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x
1. Election of Directors:
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NOMINEES: |
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FOR ALL NOMINEES
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O Ronald A. Klein |
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O Paul A. Halpern |
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O Gary A. Shiffman |
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY |
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O Richard H. Rogel |
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FOR ALL NOMINEES |
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O James A. Williams |
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O Michael J. Wechsler |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT
(See instructions below) |
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INSTRUCTION:
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To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT
and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: l |
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To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and
indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes
to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. o |
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2.
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The appointed proxies are
authorized to vote upon all matters incidental to the conduct of the
Annual Meeting and such other business as may properly come before
the Annual Meeting in accordance with their best judgment.
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The undersigned
stockholder acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting and
Proxy Statement dated May 24, 2005. |
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The giving of this
Proxy does not affect the right of the undersigned stockholder to
vote in person should the undersigned stockholder attend the Annual
Meeting. This Proxy may be revoked at any time before it is voted. |
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THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY
EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN WITH RESPECT
TO A PARTICULAR PROPOSAL, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR SUCH PROPOSAL. |
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TO INCLUDE ANY
COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD. |
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Signature of
Stockholder |
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Date: |
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Signature of Stockholder |
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Date: |
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Note:
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Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When
signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian,
please give full title as such. If the signer is a
corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized
officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
ORIGEN FINANCIAL, INC.
Dear Stockholder:
Please take note of the important information enclosed with this Proxy Ballot. There are issues
related to the management and operation of the Company that require your immediate attention and
approval. These are discussed in detail in the enclosed proxy materials.
Your vote counts, and you are strongly encouraged to exercise your right to vote your shares.
Please mark the boxes on the proxy card to indicate how your shares will be voted. Then, sign the
card, detach it and return your proxy in the enclosed postage paid envelope.
Your vote must be received prior to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 22, 2005.
Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration of these matters.
Sincerely,
Origen Financial, Inc.
1 n
ORIGEN FINANCIAL, INC.
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700
Southfield, Michigan 48034
SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS ON JUNE 22, 2005
The undersigned hereby appoints Ronald A. Klein and W. Anderson Geater, Jr., or either of
them, as attorneys and proxies of the undersigned stockholder, with full power of substitution, to
vote on behalf of the undersigned and in his or her name and stead, all shares of the common stock
of Origen Financial, Inc. (the Company) which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if
personally present at the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Birmingham
Community House, 380 South Bates, Birmingham, Michigan 48009, on Wednesday, June 22, 2005, and at
any adjournments thereof.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)