Item 11.
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Executive Compensation
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Introduction
This Compensation
Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) focuses on how our Named Executive Officers (NEOs) were compensated for 2017 and how their compensation aligns with our shareholder interests, our business objectives, regulatory guidelines, learner interests, and
our outcomes-driven culture. For 2017, our NEOs were:
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Name
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Title
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J. Kevin Gilligan
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
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Steven L. Polacek
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Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
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Renee L. Jackson
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Senior Vice President and General Counsel
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Peter M. Ramstad
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Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
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Andrew E. Watt
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Senior Vice President of Post-Secondary Education
|
Ms. Jackson was promoted to Senior Vice President on February 9, 2017.
Executive Summary
Fiscal Year 2017 Company
Performance
As an online post-secondary education services provider, we are operating in a very competitive market environment, and
our performance demonstrates that we continue to be able to differentiate our value proposition from those of our peers and competitors and deliver results. Our success is based on our reputation as a leader in quality online higher education, a
culture focused on doing what is right for our learners, and our ability to execute and innovate. We believe that the success of our learners and the long-term return to our shareholders are directly linked, as we pursue our goal of sustainable
long-term growth through differentiation via innovation.
While we did not achieve our targeted level of improvement for learner success
rate (persistence), we exceeded in other areas, particularly as it relates to learner satisfaction. We exceeded our revenue and operating income threshold goals, however we did not achieve our target level goals in these two areas. In addition, we
improved on all three of our quality measures, and exceeded our improvement goal in two of the three quality measures. The cumulative impact of these results generated a payout at 73.8% of target for participants in our annual incentive plan.
We fell short of our revenue and operating income targets for the three-year period 2015-2017, due in part to industry headwinds. However, we
outperformed most of our peers with positive total shareholder return (TSR) over the period of 19.5%. Our long-term performance cash payout for the three-year period 2015-2017 was 17.1% of the targeted award amounts. During this same three-year
performance period, our TSR ranked 7
th
of the seventeen companies (including Capella) identified as our peers at the beginning of the period, which excluded organizations initially in the peer
group that merged or became private during the period.
Proposed Merger with Strayer Education, Inc. (Merger)
On October 29, 2017, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with Strayer Education, Inc.
(Strayer) to combine in an
all-stock
merger of equals transaction, creating a national leader in education innovation. The proposed Merger remains subject to the satisfaction of customary closing
conditions, including approvals by the U.S. Department of Education, state regulators, and relevant accreditation bodies. Strayer will be the remaining corporate entity, to be renamed Strategic Education, Inc. upon the closing of the Merger, which
is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018. Following the completion of the Merger, Strayer University and Capella University will continue to operate as independent and separately accredited institutions. On January 19, 2018, the
Merger Agreement was approved at a special meeting by our shareholders as well as the Strayer stockholders.
Upon the effectiveness of the
Merger, the board of directors of the combined company will consist of nine directors designated by Strayer, Mr. Gilligan (our chief executive officer), and two additional designees who are currently members of the Capella board of
directors and are recommended by Mr. Gilligan. One of the two additional Capella designees will be appointed to serve on the Compensation Committee of the combined company. Mr. Gilligan will be appointed as vice chairman of the board of
directors of the combined company at the effective time of the Merger. Mr. Polacek, our senior vice president and chief financial officer, will be appointed as the chief integration officer of the combined company. Mr. Watt will also
continue to be employed by the combined company. Ms. Jackson and Mr. Ramstad will assist in the transition and integration but are not expected to remain employed by the combined company beyond a transitional period.
7
Fiscal Year 2017 Compensation Actions
Our overall compensation approach for 2017 largely remained stable, with our NEOs receiving base salary, annual and long-term incentive
compensation, and modest benefits. Each of our NEOs received base salary merit increases of 2.7% for 2017, consistent with our broader employee increases and market trends, except for Ms. Jackson who received an increase of 7.7% to reflect her
performance and her compensation relative to the market for her role. In addition, Mr. Watt did not receive a salary increase in 2017 due to the significant salary increase he received in November 2016 when he was promoted to his current role.
The only change in the annual incentive target percentage in 2017 for any NEO from the targets previously established in 2016 was the increase of Mr. Watts target percentage from 40 to 50% of his base salary due to his promotion in
November 2016. The Committee believes the other NEO target percentages are within appropriate market ranges.
As in previous years, the
long-term incentive (LTI) awards were split into three equal amounts among stock options that vest
pro-rata
over four years, restricted stock units (RSUs) that cliff-vest after three years and long-term
performance cash (LTPC) awards that are earned over three-year overlapping performance cycles. Our LTPC for 2013-2015 and later have focused equally on
top-line
revenue and bottom-line operating income tied to
our long-range strategic plans, subject to a modifier that is determined based on how well we perform relative to our peers. We chose these measures because they correlate strongly with long-term shareholder value creation. NEOs received LTI grants
that were in the range of 85% to 290% of their base salary as of the beginning of the year.
Based on our operating results versus our
annual operating plan, as well as our performance versus our
non-financial
learner satisfaction and learner success goals, annual bonus payouts for 2017 were 73.8% of target award opportunities for our NEOs.
We achieved results that were above the threshold level in both of our financial metrics, but below the target level, resulting in an average payout of 56.9% on the financial goals, which account for 80% of our annual incentive. We achieved the
maximum level of performance in two of our three quality measures and the threshold level of performance in the third, for a weighted average payout of 141.5% on our quality metrics, which account for 20% of our annual incentive. Four of our five
metrics showed improvement over the previous year.
In addition, we closed our three-year long-term performance cash period 2015-2017.
Based on our operating results versus our long-range strategic plan, long-term performance cash payouts for the 2015-2017 performance period were 17.1% of target award opportunities for our NEOs. There were two equally weighted measures (cumulative
revenues and cumulative operating income, both over three years), and while we exceeded the threshold level for revenues for the performance period (but did not meet the target level), we did not meet the threshold level for operating income for the
performance period. The payment was increased by 10% from 15.5 to 17.1% as a result of the TSR for the period being above the 60
th
percentile within the peer group defined shortly after the
beginning of the performance period, after adjusting for companies that merged or became privately held during the performance period.
Merger-Related
Fiscal Year 2017 Compensation Actions
In connection with our proposed Merger with Strayer, on and after October 29, 2017, our
Compensation Committee, and with respect to the compensation of our CEO, the executive committee of our board of directors (Executive Committee), approved certain agreements and amendments regarding compensatory matters for our NEOs and other
executive officers relating to their employment during the transition and integration periods occurring in connection with the Merger. For additional detail see Merger-Related Executive Compensation Decisions on page 18 of this Form
10-K/A.
On January 19, 2018, the Merger Agreement was approved at a special meeting by our
shareholders. That same day, the Strayer stockholders approved the Merger at Strayers special meeting. At that time our shareholders also approved, on a
non-binding
advisory basis, the compensation that
will or may become payable to our NEOs in connection with the Merger.
Results of 2017 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation
Throughout our history as a publicly traded company, our executive leadership has made significant efforts to connect with investors and
shareholders through quarterly outreach programs, including attendance at investor conferences,
non-deal
roadshows, periodic investor/analyst days, and hosting investors at our corporate offices. Our goal is
to discuss Capellas results, challenges, and opportunities and to listen to the feedback from current and potential shareholders.
Shareholder support for our Say on Pay proposal at the May 2017 annual meeting of shareholders was 93%. This strong level of support for our
2017 compensation program was an important factor in the Compensation Committees decision to not make any significant changes in the design or operation of our compensation program for 2018 outside of any Merger-related considerations.
8
Highlights and Policies of Our Executive Compensation Program
Below we highlight certain executive compensation practices and policies we employ to align executive compensation with shareholder interests.
Also listed are certain compensation practices we do not employ because we believe they would not serve our shareholders long-term interests.
What We Do
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Pay for Performance.
We align our annual incentive plan and long-term performance cash plan with objective performance metrics, including revenue and operating income (both measured on an annual basis as well as
cumulatively over three years), and learner satisfaction and learner persistence (both measured annually). In addition, the long-term performance cash plan has a modifier, which has been based on TSR as compared to a reference peer group for awards
granted in the last two years, and
two-thirds
of the LTI awards are equity based (RSUs and options). As a result, a significant portion of our NEOs potential compensation is not guaranteed, but is linked
to achievement of financial metrics and shareholder return.
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Stock Ownership Guidelines.
We have robust stock ownership guidelines for our NEOs. Prior to satisfying the guidelines, the only permitted disposition is sale/forfeiture to cover income tax liabilities associated
with option exercises, the lapsing of restrictions on restricted stock awards, or the vesting of shares underlying restricted stock units. Compliance is measured at the time of any proposed sale transactions using recent trading prices to determine
fair market value. The retention guidelines for our current NEOs are as follows:
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Position
|
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Must Hold Company Common Stock Valued
at:
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Chief Executive Officer
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Four times annual salary
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Senior Vice Presidents
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Two times annual salary
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Independent Compensation Consultant.
The Compensation Committee annually evaluates the independent compensation consultant in order to ensure the consultants continuing independence in accordance with the
listing standards of Nasdaq.
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Clawback Policy/Compensation Recoupment
.
Our clawback policy allows us to recoup from our NEOs incentive-based bonus and equity compensation gains resulting from certain misconduct that causes a
financial restatement.
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Compensation Risk Assessment
.
A risk assessment of our compensation programs is performed on an annual basis, and the results of this assessment are reviewed with our Compensation Committee. This
assessment confirmed that our compensation programs do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our company.
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Incentive Compensation Regulations.
We structure our executive compensation programs to comply with United States Department of Education regulations regarding incentive compensation.
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Equity Awards Practice
.
Except as noted below, our equity awards practice only allows grants to be made when our insider trading window is open. This practice helps ensure that equity awards
are made at a time when any material information that may affect our stock price has been provided to the market and, therefore, the exercise price or value of the award reflects the fair value of our stock based on all relevant information. In the
case of
new-hire
grants, our Compensation Committee may approve awards with grant dates based on a specified future date of hire or an effective date when our trading window is open.
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Annual Shareholder Say on Pay.
We value our shareholders input on our executive compensation programs. Our Board of Directors seeks an annual,
non-binding
advisory vote from shareholders to approve the executive compensation disclosed in our CD&A, tabular disclosures, and related narrative in our proxy statements.
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What We Dont Do
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Offer Excessive Perquisites.
We do not offer any significant perquisites to our NEOs that are not common in the marketplace.
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Permit Hedging of Our Stock
.
Our insider trading policy prohibits our directors and executives from engaging in hedging transactions.
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9
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Permit Pledging of Our Stock.
Our insider trading policy prohibits our directors and executives from engaging in margin loans or otherwise pledging their shares.
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Guarantee Bonuses or Equity Grants.
Our NEOs do not have commitments to receive equity-based awards, except make-whole awards contemplated as part of an offer of employment that replace awards forfeited from a
previous employer.
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Reprice or Replace Underwater Stock Options Without Prior Shareholder Approval.
Our equity incentive plan does not permit repricing or exchange of underwater stock options without shareholder approval.
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Offer Income Tax
Gross-ups.
We do not provide income tax
gross-ups
to our NEOs.
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Offer Single Trigger
Change-in-Control
Provisions.
The
change-in-control
provisions under our severance programs and equity awards are double trigger. However, due to some unique circumstances as a result of the Merger, and
in consideration for some valuable commitments by Mr. Watt that will be important to the Merger, including his waiving certain rights he might have otherwise had to resign for Good Reason under the Senior Executive Severance Plan,
he was provided a time-limited single-trigger window as described in the Merger-Related Executive Compensation Decisions section below.
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Philosophy and Goals of Our Executive Compensation Program
We believe that compensation programs should be a tool to increase shareholder value by linking corporate strategy and business objectives.
Five key business objectives and their corresponding compensation element(s) are as follows:
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I.
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Attract, retain, and motivate talent (tied to salary and annual adjustments);
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II.
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Pay for performance (tied to annual and long-term incentive plans);
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III.
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Align interests of business leaders with those of shareholders (tied to long-term incentive plans);
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IV.
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Align compensation with strategy (tied to annual and long-term incentive plans); and
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V.
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Discourage inappropriate risk taking (tied to all plans).
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We believe these objectives allow
us to best align with shareholder interests and ensure that a significant portion of our executives pay is based on performance objectives. Our compensation plans are undergirded by our commitment to our learners and our commitment to leading
the organization with high integrity in a way that reflects our corporate values.
In general, we target base salary, annual incentives,
and long-term incentives to be within an appropriate range around the market median which is determined by our independent compensation consultant looking at how other NEOs are compensated within our peer group. In 2017, we refined this range around
median to be +/- 10% for base salary,
+/-15%
for annual bonus, and
+/-20%
for long-term incentives and total direct compensation. We consider where the compensation
falls within the distribution of peer group companies, by considering the percentile rank for the total compensation of the NEO.
The
Committee may also deviate from the targeted ranges based on consideration of other factors, including but not limited to an executive officers experience and expertise, performance evaluations, and range and scope of responsibilities.
Finally, the positions used to benchmark targeted ranges, particularly positions other than CEO and CFO, may not directly correlate to the positions and responsibilities of our NEOs, and therefore compensation levels may be adjusted to reflect such
position-specific considerations.
We believe all elements of compensation should be consistent with relevant industry norms and comply
with all applicable rules and regulations, including United States Department of Education incentive compensation regulations.
Total Direct
Compensation Elements
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Element
|
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Purpose
|
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Key Features
|
Base Salary
|
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To attract and retain executives with a competitive level of regular income
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Calibrated to range around median of peer group
Based on size, scope, and complexity of the individuals role
Reflects past and current performance, experience, knowledge, and skills
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Annual
Incentive Plan
|
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To encourage and reward contributions to our annual financial and
non-financial
objectives through performance-based compensation subject to challenging, objective, and transparent performance metrics
|
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Calibrated to range around median of peer group
Target award opportunities are set as percentage of the NEOs base salary, ranging from 50 to
115% for 2017
Actual award payouts can range from 0 to 200% of individual target depending on
performance
Performance metrics are based on annual revenue, operating income goals, and
non-financial
learner satisfaction and learner success goals
|
Long-Term
Incentive Award
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To encourage and reward building long-term shareholder value through successful strategy
execution
To retain key executives
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Calibrated to range around median of peer group
Target award opportunities are set as percentage of the NEOs base salary, ranging from 85 to
290% for the
2017-19
performance period
Equally
weighted mix of stock options (four-year
pro-rata
vesting), RSUs (three-year cliff vesting) and long-term performance cash (three-year overlapping performance cycles)
Performance metrics based on three-year cumulative revenue and operating income goals, as well as
three-year performance relative to peers
Actual award payouts on the long-term performance
cash award can range from 0 to 240% of individual awards depending on performance
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Other
Compensation
|
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To provide market competitive welfare and retirement benefits, as well as a limited number of
perquisites
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NEOs participate in most of the same benefit plans made available to all U.S.-based salaried
employees, including medical, disability, life insurance, and 401(k) plan; in addition, NEOs receive premiums for supplemental life insurance benefits.
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Role of Independent Compensation Consultant and Management
Since 2015, the Compensation committee has engaged Frederic W. Cook & Co. as its independent compensation consultant. Frederic W.
Cook & Co. had no other compensation consulting engagements with management during 2017. They were hired by and reported to the Compensation Committee, and worked collaboratively with management at the direction of the Compensation
Committee.
Our independent compensation consultant is engaged to:
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Compile and assess market competitiveness for the compensation of our executives, consistent with our compensation philosophy;
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Provide counsel on Compensation Committee best practices, compensation risk management, market changes, and responses to regulatory changes;
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Review and provide input on companies included in our peer group used for benchmarking purposes; and
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Provide input on the design of the annual and long-term incentive compensation programs.
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All
work performed by the independent compensation consultant at the request of management is authorized by the Compensation Committee prior to commencement.
The Compensation Committee has assessed the independence of Frederic W. Cook & Co. pursuant to SEC and Nasdaq rules and concluded
that Frederic W. Cook & Co.s work for the Compensation Committee does not raise any conflict of interest.
10
With respect to CEO compensation, our independent compensation consultant provides a
recommendation to our Compensation Committee. For other NEOs, our independent compensation consultant provides benchmarking and market information and our CEO makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee about their compensation.
Compensation Determination Peer Group
The Compensation Committee, with the assistance of management and the independent compensation consultant, benchmarks our performance and
compensation against the
for-profit
education sector, along with the general market for executive-level talent. Our peer group review process is conducted annually, which includes reviewing and affirming
criteria (i.e. industry, size, etc.), reviewing current peer group companies to determine if any should be considered for removal or addition, and analyzing the impact of such changes.
The peer group used to set 2017 compensation for our NEOs is identified below. The Compensation Committees objectives in evaluating the
peer group each year includes:
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Capellas relative rank on measures of size, profitability, market capitalization and other metrics; and
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A desire to have a large percentage of education services companies in the comparison group.
|
In selecting peers outside of the education sector, we identified high-performing companies with an emphasis on the following characteristics:
similar in terms of sourcing talent, customer acquisition, and retention; online marketing; and technology-enabled service business models. We use a peer group broader than just education service companies, because most of our NEOs have significant
experience outside of the education services industry and we need to offer competitive salary and benefits relative to a broader market in which we compete for executive talent. The subset of education service companies is useful to compare with
relevant industry competitors for the purpose of performing internal benchmarking of performance metrics, outcomes, compensation policies, and practices in a regulated environment, and is used in our long-term performance cash plan metrics.
Education Services Companies
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American Public Education
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Apollo Education
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Bridgepoint Education
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Career Education
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DeVry
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Graham Holdings
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Grand Canyon Education
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ITT Educational Services
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K12
|
Cambium Learning Group
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Lincoln Educational
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2U, Inc.
|
Strayer Education
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Universal Technical
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
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General Industry Companies
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|
Advisory Board
Kforce
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Corporate Executive Board
Korn Ferry International
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Huron Consulting
Monster Worldwide
|
Using the peer group we used to set 2017 compensation for our NEOs (as shown above), the independent
compensation consultant computed a composite percentile rank of various measures of company size and found that Capella Education Company was at the 50
th
percentile. The consultants analysis
is summarized below:
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Company Name
|
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Latest 4 Quarters ($Mil.)
|
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|
Latest Quarter ($Mil.)
|
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Latest
Employees
|
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|
3/30/2016
Market Capital
|
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|
Composite
Percentile
Rank*
|
|
Net
Revenue
|
|
|
Operating
Inc.
(EBIT)
|
|
|
EBIT
Margin
|
|
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Total
Assets
|
|
|
Total
Equity
|
|
|
Invested
Capital
|
|
|
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|
Graham Holdings
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|
$
|
2,586
|
|
|
$
|
179
|
|
|
|
7
|
%
|
|
$
|
4,353
|
|
|
$
|
2,491
|
|
|
$
|
2,917
|
|
|
|
11,585
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|
$
|
2,705
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86%
|
DeVry
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$
|
1,861
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$
|
193
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|
10
|
%
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|
$
|
1,909
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|
|
$
|
1,467
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|
|
$
|
1,470
|
|
|
|
11,770
|
|
|
$
|
1,088
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81%
|
Grand Canyon Education
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$
|
778
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$
|
210
|
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|
27
|
%
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|
$
|
898
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|
|
$
|
610
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|
|
$
|
692
|
|
|
|
3,650
|
|
|
$
|
1,997
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81%
|
Korn Ferry International
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|
$
|
1,164
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|
|
$
|
142
|
|
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|
12
|
%
|
|
$
|
1,873
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|
|
$
|
1,031
|
|
|
$
|
1,178
|
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|
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3,687
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|
|
$
|
1,620
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76%
|
Apollo Education
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|
$
|
2,438
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|
|
$
|
171
|
|
|
|
7
|
%
|
|
$
|
2,047
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|
|
$
|
1,086
|
|
|
$
|
1,140
|
|
|
|
34,000
|
|
|
$
|
882
|
|
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73%
|
Corporate Executive Board
|
|
$
|
928
|
|
|
$
|
157
|
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17
|
%
|
|
$
|
1,339
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|
|
$
|
44
|
|
|
$
|
605
|
|
|
|
4,600
|
|
|
$
|
2,086
|
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68%
|
Huron Consulting
|
|
$
|
699
|
|
|
$
|
99
|
|
|
|
14
|
%
|
|
$
|
1,164
|
|
|
$
|
652
|
|
|
$
|
965
|
|
|
|
2,671
|
|
|
$
|
1,157
|
|
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66%
|
Advisory Board Co.
|
|
$
|
768
|
|
|
$
|
58
|
|
|
|
8
|
%
|
|
$
|
1,980
|
|
|
$
|
449
|
|
|
$
|
1,002
|
|
|
|
3,500
|
|
|
$
|
1,328
|
|
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56%
|
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
|
|
$
|
1,416
|
|
|
$
|
(106)
|
|
|
|
-7
|
%
|
|
$
|
3,137
|
|
|
$
|
1,198
|
|
|
$
|
1,996
|
|
|
|
4,500
|
|
|
$
|
2,401
|
|
|
55%
|
Capella
Education
|
|
$
|
430
|
|
|
$
|
67
|
|
|
|
16
|
%
|
|
$
|
250
|
|
|
$
|
198
|
|
|
$
|
198
|
|
|
|
2,887
|
|
|
$
|
614
|
|
|
50%
|
Kforce
|
|
$
|
1,319
|
|
|
$
|
74
|
|
|
|
6
|
%
|
|
$
|
352
|
|
|
$
|
140
|
|
|
$
|
224
|
|
|
|
2,800
|
|
|
$
|
528
|
|
|
49%
|
ITT Educational Services
|
|
$
|
850
|
|
|
$
|
110
|
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
$
|
664
|
|
|
$
|
161
|
|
|
$
|
396
|
|
|
|
6,650
|
|
|
$
|
74
|
|
|
48%
|
11
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strayer Education
|
|
$
|
434
|
|
|
$
|
70
|
|
|
|
16
|
%
|
|
$
|
248
|
|
|
$
|
143
|
|
|
$
|
143
|
|
|
|
1,433
|
|
|
$
|
518
|
|
|
47%
|
K12
|
|
$
|
910
|
|
|
$
|
22
|
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
$
|
715
|
|
|
$
|
535
|
|
|
$
|
570
|
|
|
|
4,800
|
|
|
$
|
391
|
|
|
44%
|
American Public Education
|
|
$
|
328
|
|
|
$
|
54
|
|
|
|
17
|
%
|
|
$
|
304
|
|
|
$
|
237
|
|
|
$
|
237
|
|
|
|
2,463
|
|
|
$
|
329
|
|
|
44%
|
Monster Worldwide
|
|
$
|
667
|
|
|
$
|
49
|
|
|
|
7
|
%
|
|
$
|
1,160
|
|
|
$
|
481
|
|
|
$
|
681
|
|
|
|
3,700
|
|
|
$
|
288
|
|
|
41%
|
Bridgepoint Education
|
|
$
|
562
|
|
|
$
|
26
|
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
$
|
507
|
|
|
$
|
304
|
|
|
$
|
304
|
|
|
|
5,055
|
|
|
$
|
467
|
|
|
36%
|
Career Education
|
|
$
|
847
|
|
|
$
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
-1
|
%
|
|
$
|
611
|
|
|
$
|
338
|
|
|
$
|
376
|
|
|
|
5,001
|
|
|
$
|
295
|
|
|
30%
|
Cambium Learning Group
|
|
$
|
145
|
|
|
$
|
16
|
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
$
|
141
|
|
|
$
|
(74
|
)
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
|
|
577
|
|
|
$
|
200
|
|
|
21%
|
2U, Inc.
|
|
$
|
150
|
|
|
$
|
(26
|
)
|
|
|
-17
|
%
|
|
$
|
231
|
|
|
$
|
196
|
|
|
$
|
196
|
|
|
|
955
|
|
|
$
|
1,064
|
|
|
21%
|
Universal Technical Inst.
|
|
$
|
357
|
|
|
$
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
-1
|
%
|
|
$
|
265
|
|
|
$
|
112
|
|
|
$
|
157
|
|
|
|
2,020
|
|
|
$
|
101
|
|
|
15%
|
Lincoln Educational Svcs.
|
|
$
|
193
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
$
|
210
|
|
|
$
|
81
|
|
|
$
|
139
|
|
|
|
2,152
|
|
|
$
|
61
|
|
|
12%
|
75th
Percentile
|
|
$
|
1,164
|
|
|
$
|
142
|
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
$
|
1,873
|
|
|
$
|
652
|
|
|
$
|
1,002
|
|
|
|
5,001
|
|
|
$
|
1,328
|
|
|
|
Mean
|
|
$
|
924
|
|
|
$
|
71
|
|
|
|
7
|
%
|
|
$
|
1,148
|
|
|
$
|
556
|
|
|
$
|
734
|
|
|
|
5,599
|
|
|
$
|
932
|
|
|
Median
|
|
$
|
778
|
|
|
$
|
58
|
|
|
|
7
|
%
|
|
$
|
715
|
|
|
$
|
338
|
|
|
$
|
570
|
|
|
|
3,687
|
|
|
$
|
528
|
|
|
25th
Percentile
|
|
$
|
434
|
|
|
$
|
16
|
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
$
|
304
|
|
|
$
|
143
|
|
|
$
|
224
|
|
|
|
2,463
|
|
|
$
|
295
|
|
|
Capella Education Rank
|
|
|
25
|
%
|
|
|
54
|
%
|
|
|
84
|
%
|
|
|
16
|
%
|
|
|
35
|
%
|
|
|
20
|
%
|
|
|
36
|
%
|
|
|
51
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Composite percentile rank excludes total assets, invested capital, and total employees.
|
|
|
Companies are ranked in descending order based on overall average percentile rank.
|
|
|
All financial and market data are taken from Standard & Poors Capital IQ based on the most recent publically disclosed information as of March 1, 2016.
|
|
|
Total employees is based on the most recent annual filing as of March 1, 2016.
|
As is our
annual practice, in late 2017 we benchmarked our compensation against our peer group, evaluating base salary; total cash compensation, which is comprised of base salary and target annual incentive compensation; and total direct compensation, which
is comprised of total cash compensation plus the value of long-term incentive compensation. In making decisions on the compensation for executive officers, the Compensation Committee considered each executives experience, performance and
potential and competitive benchmarking to align pay and performance. The Compensation Committee reviewed the resulting executives total compensation relative to the benchmark data and considered the pay of each executive appropriate.
As we looked to make 2018 compensation decisions, we conducted our annual review of the peer group in May 2017. After consideration and input
from the independent compensation consultant we eliminated ITT Educational Services because it was delisted, and Monster Worldwide because it was acquired. The educational subset of this revised peer group was also the basis of the modifier
implemented for the 2017-2019 LTPC plan, and our normal practice would have been to use this updated peer group for benchmarking for 2018 compensation decisions. However due to the Merger, the intent was that there be no compensation increases for
Mr. Gilligan, Mr. Polacek and Mr. Ramstad in February 2018, and in consultation with the independent compensation consultant, the Committee believed that it had adequate market information to approve the compensation increase
recommendations made by Mr. Gilligan for Mr. Watt and Ms. Jackson without additional benchmarking data.
2017 Executive Compensation
Decisions
The compensation philosophy outlined above served as the primary guiding principle for compensation decisions regarding
Mr. Gilligan and the other NEOs. Generally, the Compensation Committees compensation actions for 2017 reflected a
pay-for-performance
philosophy that focused on the achievement of managements
financial, learner satisfaction and learner success objectives, and TSR.
Base Salary
. The Compensation Committee annually
reviews salaries for our executive officers against performance and market survey data, and uses a range around market median as a benchmark for each position. In 2017, our NEOs at the time were benchmarked at median against NEOs in similar roles
within our peer group by our independent compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee reviewed and approved Mr. Watts revised compensation when he was promoted into his new role and became an executive officer in November 2016,
using market data provided by the independent compensation consultant as one of the inputs.
The NEOs base salary merit increases
were 2.7%, which was determined to be consistent with general market trends based on information provided by the independent consultant, and was also consistent with the overall employee population of Capella for this period, except for
Ms. Jackson where an increase of 7.7% was made to reflect her performance, her additional experience at Capella, and the market for her position.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEO Base Salaries and Merit Increases for 2017
|
Name
|
|
Base Salary for
2016
|
|
Merit Increase in
2017*
|
|
Base Salary for
2017
|
J. Kevin Gilligan
|
|
$787,950
|
|
2.7%
|
|
$809,225
|
Steven L. Polacek
|
|
$453,700
|
|
2.7%
|
|
$465,950
|
Renee L. Jackson
|
|
$325,000
|
|
7.7%
|
|
$350,000
|
Peter M. Ramstad
|
|
$367,200
|
|
2.7%
|
|
$377,114
|
Andrew E. Watt**
|
|
$350,000
|
|
0.0%
|
|
$350,000
|
* All NEO salary changes were effective
March 20, 2017.
** 18.3% increase at time of promotion on November 9, 2016 to $350,000.
|
Annual Incentive Plan
.
The Management Incentive Plan (MIP) is our annual cash incentive
plan based on targets that reward strong overall performance and is designed and administered to comply with all Department of Education regulatory requirements. The level of participation for each executive officer in the annual incentive plan is
based upon the degree to which his or her position impacts overall financial performance of the company, and also by benchmarking target incentive compensation levels to comparable positions in our peer companies, and specific roles within our peer
companies when that information is available. For our NEOs, the target MIP award for 2017 was in the range of 50 to 115% of their base salary.
Financial metrics accounted for 80% of the targeted annual incentive, split evenly between revenue and operating income. This weighting is
based on our belief that both revenue growth and operating income growth are equally critical goals at this stage of our development and to our shareholders. The remaining 20% of the targeted incentive opportunity was divided between two measures of
learner satisfaction (5% each) and a measure of learner success (10%). The two measures for learner satisfaction are Priorities Survey for Online Learners (PSOL) and End of Course Evaluations (EOCEs). Learner success is measured based upon
improvement in new learner cohort persistence over a period of time.
In making its annual determination of minimum, target, and maximum
payout levels under the annual incentive plan, the Compensation Committee may consider any specific and unusual circumstances facing us during that year. The only change in the annual incentive target percentage in 2017 for any NEO from the targets
established in 2015 was the increase of Mr. Watts target percentage from 40 to 50% of his base salary due to his promotion in November 2016. The Committee believes the other NEO target percentages are within appropriate market ranges.
At the beginning of 2017, the Compensation Committee approved the payout matrix that detailed payout opportunities based on our
companys achievement of plan objectives for 2017. The weightings for each measure were consistent with previous practice, and similar to last year, each of the learner satisfaction instruments would be considered independently. The learner
success measure also required improvement over the prior year baseline in order to achieve any level of payout, which was achieved.
Based
on the combined results achieved for each of these plan components, our NEOs earned 73.8% of the targeted incentive opportunity in 2017. A summary of the measures, weights and results achieved is shown in the chart below:
12
*Financial goals and results were determined according to GAAP on a consistent basis with our external reporting, except
the operating income calculation excluded the expenses associated with the Merger itself, expenses associated with any modification resulting from amending (or accelerating) any equity awards, expenses associated with certain restructuring actions
taken in 2017 and expense associated with a write-down of goodwill and intangible assets associated with the DevMountain and Hackbright acquisitions. These adjustments were made to more accurately reflect performance against the goals established
because these expenses were not contemplated at the beginning of the performance period.
Long-Term Incentive
Plan Awards.
In order to drive long-term shareholder value and retain executives, the long-term incentive grants are typically made once annually to eligible executives, in the form of stock options, RSUs and long-term performance
cash (LTPC). The long-term incentive awards elements for awards granted in 2017 to our NEOs are outlined below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS FOR NEOs
|
Element
|
|
Stock Options
|
|
RSUs
|
|
LTPC
|
Weight
|
|
1/3 of LTI grant
|
|
1/3 of LTI grant
|
|
1/3 of LTI grant
|
Vesting Schedule
|
|
Four-year
ratable
|
|
Three-year
cliff
|
|
Three-year
one-time
payout
|
When Granted
|
|
Generally annually
|
|
Generally annually
|
|
Generally annually
|
Delivery Format
|
|
Equity
|
|
Equity
|
|
Cash
|
Type of Performance
|
|
Long-term and variable
|
|
Long-term and variable
|
|
Long-term and variable
|
Payout Determination
|
|
Depends on stock price
on exercise date
|
|
Depends on stock price
on vest date
|
|
Financial performance
and
comparison with peers
|
Target long-term incentive grant levels are established for each executive based on the benchmarked market for
the position and the experience of the incumbent in the role. These targeted amounts are expressed as a percentage of the executives base salary and reviewed annually. Actual grant levels each year are then determined considering the specific
performance and other factors unique to the period. These adjustment factors ranged from 0 to 10% in 2017, and the overall range of awards granted was 85 to 290% of the NEOs base salary as of the beginning of 2017. The Compensation Committee
determined that to reflect market practices and performance, the 2017 LTI target would be 290% for Mr. Gilligan, 190% for Mr. Polacek, 90% for Mr. Ramstad and 85% for each of Ms. Jackson and Mr. Watt.
2017 Stock Option Awards
We make annual
grants of stock options to our NEOs that represent
one-third
of their long-term incentive award. Stock options vest ratably over four years, have a
10-year
exercise
term, and are subject to continued employment except in cases such as death, disability or retirement. In addition as a result of the
change-in-control
provisions in the
plan and award agreements, awards will vest immediately if employment is terminated under specified conditions within two years of shareholder approval of the Merger Agreement.
2017 Restricted Stock Unit Awards
We
make annual grants of RSUs to our NEOs that represent
one-third
of their long-term incentive award. RSUs cliff-vest after three years, subject to continued employment except in cases such as death, disability
or retirement. In addition as a result of the
change-in-control
provisions in the plan and award agreements, awards will vest immediately if employment is terminated
under specified conditions within two years of shareholder approval of the Merger Agreement.
2015-2017 Long-Term Performance Cash Awards
A significant feature of our Long-Term Incentive Plan is the three-year LTPC plan. This plan includes both performance-based metrics and a
modifier based on our performance compared to the performance of a defined peer group and is cash-denominated and cash-settled to conserve our authorized share reserve. We make annual grants of LTPC awards to our NEOs that represent
one-third
of their annual long-term incentive award.
Our plan provides participants an opportunity to
earn from 0 to 240% of the targeted incentive, depending on the degree to which the company achieved its multi-year performance objectives for cumulative revenue and operating income over the period. Following the end of the three-year performance
period, the Compensation Committee may apply a performance modifier calculated by comparing our performance versus the education industry peers for the peer group used at the time the award was granted, and adjusting the portion of the payout
attributable to these measures negatively and positively by up to 20% based on our relative achievement on these measures.
The two
performance measures and goals applicable to the 2015-2017 performance period and actual long-term performance cash results are summarized in the chart below. Based on the combined results achieved for each of these plan components, NEO participants
earned 17.1% of the targeted incentive opportunity under the 2015-2017 LTPC plan. The +10% performance modifier was applied based on Capellas relative TSR performance as compared to the peer group at the beginning of the performance period,
which consisted of twenty peer companies defined in 2015 and used for 2016 compensation benchmarking (as described in the 2017 proxy statement), plus Capella, and excluding Corporate Executive Board, Apollo Education Group, the Advisory Board
Company, and Monster Worldwide, which were acquired or became privately held during the performance period. Capella was in the top 40% of the combined relative rankings based on TSR over the performance period for the updated peer group of 16
companies plus Capella.
* For purposes of determining performance of the LTPC plan, the Compensation Committee adjusted goals to reflect the impact
of the divesture of Arden University and the change in revenue recognition, both of which occurred in 2016. In addition, in determining actual results, the impact of the acquisitions that occurred in 2016 was also excluded. Finally, the calculation
of operating income for 2017 reflected the same adjustments as described above for the 2017 MIP. The adjustments to targets and results were made to more accurately reflect performance against the goals established, as these events were not
contemplated at the beginning of the performance period when the targets were determined.
13
Deferred Compensation Plan
In May 2017, our Compensation Committee adopted a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of our NEOs and certain other executives intended
to promote executive retention by providing a long-term savings opportunity on a
tax-efficient
basis. In December 2017, in anticipation of the proposed Merger with Strayer, the Compensation Committee froze our
deferred compensation plan effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2018.
Merger-Related Executive Compensation Decisions
Treatment of Our Outstanding Equity Awards Upon Consummation of Merger
. The Merger Agreement provides that at the effective
time, subject to certain terms and conditions, the following will occur:
Stock Options
. Each of our stock options that is
outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (whether vested or unvested) and held by a continuing employee or director of Capella will automatically and without any action on the part of the holder thereof be assumed by Strayer and be
converted into a stock option of the combined company with the same terms and conditions as the original stock option to which it relates equal to the product of the merger exchange ratio of 0.875 multiplied by the number of shares of our common
stock subject to the option (rounded down to the nearest whole share), and will have an exercise price per share equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the exercise price per share of our common stock by the merger exchange ratio of 0.875
(rounded up to the nearest whole cent). Our stock options that are outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the consummation of the merger and held by our former employees, directors or consultants will automatically and without any action
on the part of the holder thereof be cancelled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to the product of (i) the amount of merger consideration (if any) that the holder of such stock option would have received had our stock
option been exercised immediately prior to the effective time for shares of our common stock (net of the applicable exercise price), and (ii) the volume weighted average price of Strayer common stock for the ten (10) trading day period
ending on the second to last trading day prior to the effective time.
RSUs
. All of our RSUs that are outstanding immediately prior
to the consummation of the merger will be assumed by Strayer and will be converted into awards of Strayer RSUs and will continue to have, and will be subject to, the same terms and conditions as applied to our RSUs immediately prior to the effective
time, with appropriate adjustments in the number of shares of Strayer common stock subject to the Strayer RSU to reflect the merger exchange ratio.
NEO Transition Agreements & Letter Agreements
On October 29, 2017, our Compensation Committee, and in some cases, our Executive Committee, approved certain agreements and amendments
regarding compensatory matters for certain of Capellas executive officers relating to their employment during the transition and integration periods occurring in connection with the Merger, as described in more detail below.
We entered into transition agreements with each of Mr. Gilligan and Mr. Polacek to set forth the compensatory terms for Messrs.
Gilligan and Polaceks continued service with the combined company. The agreements provide that Messrs. Gilligan and Polacek will continue as employees for 12 months following the closing of the Merger, which may be extended for up to an
additional six months upon the agreement of the parties, or an earlier mutually agreed upon date. During this transition period, Mr. Gilligan will have the title of Vice Chairman and will serve on the Board of Directors of Strayer and
Mr. Polacek will have the title of Chief Integration Officer. The agreements set forth the base salary and target annual bonus amounts for their continued service in such capacities as follows: Mr. Gilligan base salary of $700,000
and target annual bonus of 125% of base salary, and Mr. Polacek base salary of $400,000 and target annual bonus of 75% of base salary. Under the agreements, Messrs. Gilligan and Polacek also agree to provide certain ongoing transition
assistance and to comply with certain confidentiality,
non-compete
and
non-solicitation
covenants.
The agreements also provide that upon Messrs. Gilligan and Polaceks termination of employment, and subject to and conditioned upon the
executives execution and
non-revocation
of a general release of claims against us, Strayer and their subsidiaries and affiliates, each of Messrs. Gilligan and Polacek will be entitled to receive the
payments and benefits afforded to them pursuant to our Senior Executive Severance Plan, as amended (Severance Plan), our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (and any applicable award agreements thereunder), and, in the case
of Mr. Gilligan, his employment agreement with us, in each case, in the event of a termination of the executives employment for any reason (including due to the executives voluntary resignation) other than by us or Strayer for
cause.
We also entered into a letter agreement with Mr. Watt, which provides that if he remains employed by the combined
company for eighteen months following the closing of the Merger, and agrees to waive any rights he may have to resign for good reason (as defined in the Severance Plan) as a result of any reduction in his job responsibilities,
Mr. Watt will have the right to terminate his employment other than for good reason, effective at any time from the date that is eighteen months following the closing of the Merger until the second annual anniversary of the closing of the
Merger, and will receive severance benefits pursuant to the Severance Plan equal to the benefits Mr. Watt would have received under the Severance Plan if Mr. Watt had terminated employment for good reason immediately following the closing
of the Merger.
Amendments to Existing Equity Awards and Our Severance Plan
On October 29, 2017, our Compensation Committee and Executive Committee approved an amendment to our Severance Plan, to provide that the
severance benefits that may be due thereunder that are calculated based on the executives base salary and targeted annual bonus shall use the greater of the base salary and targeted annual bonus, as applicable, in effect immediately prior to
the closing of a change in control or the date of the executives separation. The amendment also added a best of net Section 280G provision, which provides that any severance and other payments that may be considered
parachute payments pursuant to Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended will be reduced if, and to the extent, such reduction would result in the applicable executive receiving (on an
after-tax
basis) a greater amount of aggregate payments than the executive would have received had all parachute payments been paid to the executive and the executive had paid any applicable Code
Section 280G excise tax.
In December 2017, the Compensation Committee also approved:
|
|
|
An amendment to our outstanding stock option and restricted stock unit awards granted under our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, including those held by our NEOs, to provide that such awards will accelerate and vest (and
become exercisable) in full upon a termination of service by us a for reasons other than for Cause or by the grantee for Good Reason, in either case, within 24 months (increased from 12 months) following a Corporate
Transaction (each, as defined in the applicable award agreement), which
24-month
period conforms to the similar double trigger period for severance benefits under our Severance Plan.
|
|
|
|
An amendment to our outstanding long-term performance cash awards for the periods 2016-2018 and 2017-2019, including those held by our NEOs, to provide that, subject to the participants consent, such awards will
be paid out based on a truncated performance period upon a change of control involving a merger or similar transaction only if the merger or other transaction is consummated, as opposed to shareholder approval of the merger or other transaction.
|
|
|
|
Accelerated 2017 vesting of certain equity awards held by Ms. Jackson, Mr. Ramstad and Mr. Watt to facilitate tax planning strategies for both us and them. For Mr. Watt, acceleration was limited to
awards that were scheduled to vest in February 2018. For Mr. Ramstad, his awards scheduled to vest on or before April 2018 were accelerated, and for Ms. Jackson, her awards that would have vested in February 2018 or upon the consummation
of the Merger were accelerated.
|
|
|
|
A 2017 fiscal year end payout of Ms. Jacksons annual cash incentive award for fiscal 2017 and her long-term performance cash awards for 2015-2017 at a rate of 90% of the respective currently anticipated
payout of each such award as well as Ms. Jacksons 2016-2018 and 2017-2019 long-term performance cash awards, at a rate of 80% of the respective current anticipated payout of each such award as projected effective as of June 30, 2018.
|
2018 Compensation Decisions
In connection with our entry into the Merger Agreement, we have agreed not to issue or grant, or authorize the issuance or grant of, any
shares of our capital stock or other of our equity interests of any class (or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of such capital stock or other equity interests, or any options, warrants, rights) without the
prior consent of Strayer other than (i) the issuance of our common stock upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of our RSUs (including MSUs) outstanding as of October 29, 2017 and (ii) the issuance of any RSUs, not to
exceed aggregate dollar amounts and individual allocations consistent with past practices. We will not grant any stock options or long-term performance cash awards in 2018. We and Strayer have agreed that:
|
|
|
With respect to employees who are expected to continue their employment with the combined company after the Merger, we may issue annual equity awards in 2018 in the form of RSUs at a rate generally consistent with a
participants 2017 incentive compensation that will cliff vest on the four year anniversary of the grant date. These awards may accelerate and vest in full upon a termination of the participant by us or the combined company for reasons other
than Cause or by the participant for Good Reason, in either case, within 24 months following a Corporate Transaction (as defined in the applicable award agreement).
|
|
|
|
With respect to employees whose employment is expected to terminate in connection with the consummation of the Merger, we may issue annual equity awards in 2018 in the form of cash-settled RSUs at a rate generally equal
to 50% of that participants 2017 incentive compensation that will cliff vest on or about June 30, 2018 or such later date as determined by our Compensation Committee. These awards may accelerate and vest on a pro rata basis (based on the
time the participant provides service to us between January 1, 2018 and June 30, 2018) upon a termination of the participant by us or the combined company for reasons other than Cause or by the participant for Good
Reason, in either case, prior to the applicable vesting date of the award (as defined in the applicable award agreement). This provision was applied to the 2018 grants to Mr. Gilligan, Mr. Polacek, Ms. Jackson and
Mr. Ramstad.
|
14
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we were permitted to issue and in February 2018 did issue:
|
|
|
A cash-settled RSU to Mr. Polacek with a grant date fair market value of $800,000 that will cliff vest on the
18-month
anniversary of the Mergers effective date subject
to his continued service with the combined company, and will vest on a
pro-rated
basis if the combined company terminates him without cause during the period between the effective date and the
18-month
anniversary of the effective date.
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|
|
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An RSU to Mr. Watt with a grant date fair market value of $400,000 that will cliff vest on the four year anniversary of the grant date subject to his continued service with the combined company, and will vest pro
rata based on time served from the grant date through his termination date in the event he terminates his employment in connection with that certain letter agreement dated October 29, 2017. This award is in lieu of the annual RSU grant.
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|
|
|
An increase in Mr. Watts salary to $400,000.
|
Mr. Gilligan, Mr. Polacek
and Mr. Ramstad did not receive a compensation increase in February 2018. Ms. Jackson received an increase consistent with previous practices and market compensation levels for her role.
Alternative Awards
As needed to attract
qualified candidates, we may make a
one-time
cash award and/or a long-term incentive grant at the time of hire. Newly promoted executives may be eligible for a long-term equity grant commensurate with their
level at the next regularly scheduled annual grant date. In addition, our Compensation Committee may identify a need to recognize performance and potential and strengthen retention incentives for a key executive and do so through a special grant. As
an example, in December 2015, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of RSUs having an aggregate grant date fair value of $150,000 and three-year cliff vesting to Mr. Watt to reflect his performance and potential.
2013 Strategic Transformation Award to CEO
During 2013, we were in the midst of a challenging and pivotal period in our sectors and our companys history. The Board
determined it was central to our shareholders interests to ensure our CEO was focused on and rewarded for leading our company through strategic change and delivering long-term shareholder value. In response, in May 2013, our Board granted a
Strategic Transformation Award to Mr. Gilligan in the form of Market Stock Units (MSUs) with a performance feature based on the price of our common stock at the end of a five-year period. This award is described in more detail on page 23. The
award was intended to be a special
one-time
award opportunity and not an ongoing element of annual compensation. Consistent with the intent, no special
one-time
awards
have been granted to our CEO subsequently. The award is subject to a clawback provision resulting in forfeiture of the award or repayment of the value of the vested award if Mr. Gilligan engages in conduct inconsistent with our
ethical standards. This award is expected to fully vest pursuant to its terms and be issued to Mr. Gilligan in May 2018.
Accounting and Tax
Impact of Executive Compensation Programs
Code Section 280(G) has substantial consequences for both corporations and certain
employees should any
change-in-control
related payments exceed certain limits. As part of planning for the Merger, the Compensation Committee reviewed the potential
implications and took specific actions to avoid or minimize the potential consequences of this section. The actions included accelerating certain awards for Ms. Jackson, Mr. Ramstad and Mr. Watt, delegating authority to
Mr. Gilligan and Mr. Ramstad to accelerate awards for certain participants who are not executive officers, and updating the Severance Plan to include a best of net provision, which would reduce severance payments if they would
result in exceeding the limits defined by Code Section 280(G).
Code Section 162(m) as in effect prior to the enactment of tax
reform legislation in December 2017 generally disallowed a tax deduction to public companies for compensation of more than $1 million paid in any taxable year to each covered employee, consisting of its CEO and the three other
highest paid executive officers employed at the end of the year (other than its CFO). Performance-based compensation was exempt from this deduction limitation if the company met specified requirements set forth in the Code and applicable Treasury
Regulations.
Recent tax reform legislation retained the $1 million deduction limit, but repealed the performance-based compensation
exemption from the deduction limit and expanded the definition of covered employees, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Consequently, compensation paid in 2018 and later years to our NEOs in excess of
$1 million will not be deductible unless it qualifies for transitional relief applicable to certain binding, written performance-based compensation arrangements that were in place as of November 2, 2017.
15
The Compensation Committee generally intends to continue to comply with the requirements of
Section 162(m) as it existed prior to the tax reform legislation with respect to performance-based compensation in excess of $1 million payable under outstanding awards (including option awards) granted before November 2, 2017 under our 2014
Equity Incentive Plan in order to qualify them for the transitional relief. However, no assurance can be given that the compensation associated with these awards will qualify for the transitional relief, due to ambiguities and uncertainties as to
the application and interpretation of newly revised Section 162(m) and the related requirements for transitional relief.
The
Compensation Committee continues to believe that shareholder interests are best served if its discretion and flexibility in structuring and awarding compensation is not restricted, even though some compensation awards may have resulted in the past,
and are expected to result in the future, in non-deductible compensation expenses to the Company.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has discussed and reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based upon this review and
discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE:
Michael A. Linton, Chair
Rita D. Brogley
H. James Dallas
David W. Smith
Jeffrey W. Taylor
Summary
Compensation Table
The following table shows, for (i) our Chief Executive Officer, (ii) our Chief Financial Officer, and
(iii) our three other highest paid executive officers as of December 31, 2017, collectively referred to as our Named Executive Officers, or NEOs, information concerning compensation earned for services in all capacities during the fiscal
years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
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Name and Principal
Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
($)
|
|
Bonus
($)
|
|
Stock
Awards
($)
(1)
|
|
Option
Awards
($)
(1)
|
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
(2)
|
|
All Other
Compensation
($)
(3)
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
J. Kevin Gilligan
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
2017
|
|
804,725
|
|
|
|
761,708
|
|
761,693
|
|
795,830
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
3,143,956
|
|
|
2016
|
|
787,653
|
|
|
|
709,688
|
|
708,126
|
|
1,821,933
|
|
14,245
|
|
|
4,041,645
|
|
|
2015
|
|
770,538
|
|
|
|
680,029
|
|
660,011
|
|
846,418
|
|
19,160
|
|
|
2,976,156
|
|
Steven L. Polacek
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Office
|
|
2017
|
|
463,359
|
|
|
|
316,081
|
|
316,095
|
|
307,641
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
1,423,176
|
|
|
2016
|
|
453,528
|
|
|
|
312,086
|
|
311,368
|
|
729,400
|
|
17,663
|
|
|
1,824,046
|
|
|
2015
|
|
443,661
|
|
|
|
308,361
|
|
299,257
|
|
392,047
|
|
18,943
|
|
|
1,462,268
|
|
Renee L. Jackson
(4)
Senior Vice
President and
General Counsel
|
|
2017
|
|
344,711
|
|
|
|
96,719
|
|
96,697
|
|
210,719
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
768,846
|
|
|
2016
|
|
320,865
|
|
|
|
86,473
|
|
86,257
|
|
230,192
|
|
10,791
|
|
|
734,578
|
|
|
2015
|
|
301,154
|
|
|
|
66,316
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|
64,357
|
|
34,800
|
|
10,800
|
|
|
477,426
|
|
Peter M.
Ramstad
(5)
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
|
|
2017
|
|
375,016
|
|
|
|
156,161
|
|
156,167
|
|
138,381
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
845,725
|
|
|
2016
|
|
367,062
|
|
|
|
168,071
|
|
167,677
|
|
263,287
|
|
19,390
|
|
|
985,487
|
|
|
2015
|
|
272,769
|
|
150,000
|
|
325,017
|
|
|
|
31,520
|
|
16,861
|
|
|
796,167
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Andrew E. Watt
(6)
Senior Vice President of
Post-Secondary Education
|
|
2017
|
|
350,000
|
|
|
|
99,173
|
|
99,173
|
|
141,915
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
710,261
|
|
|
2016
|
|
303,610
|
|
|
|
63,009
|
|
62,836
|
|
215,175
|
|
10,782
|
|
|
655,412
|
|
|
(1)
|
Valuation based on the grant date fair value of the awards granted in each fiscal year, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718. See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements in our annual report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2017 for a description of the assumptions used in each year presented.
|
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(2)
|
Based on 2017 company performance, annual cash incentive awards were paid out at 73.8% of target incentive opportunity; based on 2015-2017 company performance, long-term cash incentives awards were paid out at 17.1% of
target incentive opportunity. Annual cash incentive awards earned for each Named Executive Officer were as follows: Mr. Gilligan$682,970; Mr. Polacek$256,469; Ms. Jackson$127,199; Mr. Ramstad$138,381; and
Mr. Watt$129,150. Long-term cash incentive awards earned for each Named Executive Officer were as follows: Mr. Gilligan$112,860; Mr. Polacek$51,172; Ms. Jackson$11,004; and Mr. Watt$12,765. In
addition, partial payments for LTPC awards were made to Ms. Jackson based on estimated performance of $48,516 (for 2016-2018) and $24,000 (for 2017-2019).
|
(3)
|
Represents the medical insurance and group term life insurance premiums we paid on behalf of the Named Executive Officers to the extent such amounts exceed benefits provided to other salaried employees, as well as the
value of our matching contribution to the 401(k) plan accounts, and contributions to
Non-Qualified
Deferred Compensation plan accounts.
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|
For Mr. Gilligan, a 401(k) matching contribution to his account of $10,800 and
Non-Qualified
Deferred Compensation contribution to his account of $9,200.
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|
For Mr. Polacek, a 401(k) matching contribution to his account of $10,800 and
Non-Qualified
Deferred Compensation contribution to his account of $9,200.
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|
|
For Ms. Jackson, a 401(k) matching contribution to her account of $10,800 and
Non-Qualified
Deferred Compensation contribution to her account of $9,200.
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|
For Mr. Ramstad, a 401(k) matching contribution to his account of $10,800 and
Non-Qualified
Deferred Compensation contribution to his account of $9,200.
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|
|
|
For Mr. Watt, a 401(k) matching contribution to his account of $10,800 and
Non-Qualified
Deferred Compensation contribution to his account of $9,200.
|
(4)
|
Ms. Jackson joined the Company on December 1, 2014 as Vice President and General Counsel. She was promoted to Senior Vice President and General Counsel on February 9, 2017.
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(5)
|
Mr. Ramstad joined the Company on April 1, 2015. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Ramstads employment, he received a
sign-on
bonus of $150,000.
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(6)
|
Mr. Watt was promoted to Senior Vice President of Post-Secondary Education on November 9, 2016.
|
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2017
The
following table sets forth certain information concerning plan-based awards granted to the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
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Estimated Possible Payouts Under
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards
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|
|
All Other
Stock
Awards;
Number
of Shares
of Stock or
Units(#)
(7)
|
|
|
All Other
Option
Awards;
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Options
($)
(8)
|
|
|
Exercise or
Base Price
of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
(9)
|
|
|
Grant Date
Fair Value
of
Stock
and Option
Awards
($)
|
|
Name
|
|
Approval
Date
|
|
|
Grant
Date
|
|
|
Threshold
($)
|
|
|
Target
($)
|
|
|
Maximum
($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Kevin Gilligan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
231,358
|
(1)
|
|
|
925,433
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(2)
|
|
|
1,850,866
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(3)
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
190,421
|
(4)
|
|
|
761,685
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(5)
|
|
|
1,828,044
|
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,931
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
761,708
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,307
|
|
|
|
76.70
|
|
|
|
761,693
|
|
Steven L. Polacek
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
86,880
|
(1)
|
|
|
347,519
|
(2)
|
|
|
695,038
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
79,020
|
(4)
|
|
|
316,078
|
(5)
|
|
|
758,587
|
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,121
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
316,081
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,727
|
|
|
|
76.70
|
|
|
|
316,095
|
|
Renee L. Jackson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,089
|
(1)
|
|
|
172,356
|
(2)
|
|
|
344,712
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
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|
24,172
|
(4)
|
|
|
96,688
|
(5)
|
|
|
232,051
|
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,261
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96,719
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,117
|
|
|
|
76.70
|
|
|
|
96,697
|
|
Peter M. Ramstad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,877
|
(1)
|
|
|
187,508
|
(2)
|
|
|
375,017
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,038
|
(4)
|
|
|
156,152
|
(5)
|
|
|
374,765
|
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,036
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
156,161
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,264
|
|
|
|
76.70
|
|
|
|
156,167
|
|
Andrew E. Watt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,750
|
(1)
|
|
|
175,000
|
(2)
|
|
|
350,000
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
24,792
|
(4)
|
|
|
99,167
|
(5)
|
|
|
238,001
|
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,293
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,248
|
|
|
|
76.70
|
|
|
|
99,173
|
|
|
(1)
|
Reflects the cash incentive payout possible under the Management Incentive Plan for 2017, assuming the minimum performance criteria for each component is satisfied, which was 25% of target incentive opportunity.
|
|
(2)
|
Reflects the target cash incentive payout possible under the Management Incentive Plan for 2017 for achievement of 100% of target.
|
|
(3)
|
Reflects the maximum cash incentive payout possible under the Management Incentive Plan for 2017, for achievement in excess of 100% of target and up to the maximum, which was 200% of target incentive opportunity. Based
on actual Management Incentive Plan achievement, a payout of 73.8% was earned.
|
|
(4)
|
Reflects the cash incentive payout possible under the LTPC plan, assuming the minimum performance criteria for each component is satisfied, which is 25%.
|
|
(5)
|
Reflects the target cash incentive payout possible under the LTPC plan, which is 100%.
|
|
(6)
|
Reflects the maximum cash incentive payout possible under the LTPC plan, which is 240%.
|
16
(7)
|
Reflects RSUs granted under our annual grant program. These vest and are settled in the form of common stock on the third anniversary of the date of grant.
|
(8)
|
Reflects stock options granted under our annual grant program. These vest and become exercisable in 25% increments on each annual anniversary of the date of grant.
|
(9)
|
Reflects fair market value on the date of grant.
|
Executive Agreement Provisions
The following provisions for individual executive agreements are applicable to understanding the compensation tables.
J. Kevin Gilligan
On January 20, 2009, we entered into an employment agreement with J. Kevin Gilligan, pursuant to which
Mr. Gilligan agreed to serve as our Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Gilligan received, among other things: (1) an initial annualized base salary of $575,000, (2) an initial annual
incentive compensation award targeted at 100% of his base salary, and (3) 6,000 shares of restricted stock, subject to a
two-year
ratable vesting period.
On May 7, 2013, we approved a Strategic Transformation Incentive Award (Award) for Mr. Gilligan in the form of Market
Stock Units (MSUs) with a performance feature based on the price of our common stock at the end of a five-year period (Performance Period). Key terms of the Award are as follows:
Award Structure:
The MSUs will vest at different levels based on the
90-day
average closing
price for our common stock at the end of the Performance Period, plus the per share value of any dividends paid during the Performance Period (Ending Value).
|
|
|
Minimum and Maximum Vest:
If the Ending Value is at or below $32.09 (the
90-day
average closing price on the date of grant), then no shares will vest. The maximum number of
shares that may vest is 103,972 which would occur if our Ending Value is at or above $48.09. If the Ending Value is between $32.09 and $48.09, shares will vest based on straight line interpolation.
|
|
|
|
Termination Provisions
:
|
|
|
|
Voluntary Termination, including Retirement:
If Mr. Gilligan voluntarily resigns during the Performance Period, including retirement, then the MSUs will be forfeited.
|
|
|
|
Death, Disability or Involuntary Termination Not for Cause:
If Mr. Gilligan dies, becomes disabled or is terminated without cause during the Performance Period, then the MSUs will vest based on an
abbreviated Performance Period.
|
|
|
|
Change-in-Control:
In the event of a
change-in-control,
if Mr. Gilligans employment is terminated without cause or he resigns for good reason, then the MSUs will vest in full.
|
This award is expected to fully vest pursuant to its terms and be issued to Mr. Gilligan in May 2018.
Peter M. Ramstad
On January 29, 2015, we entered into an offer letter with Mr. Ramstad, pursuant to which
Mr. Ramstad agreed to serve as our Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer commencing April 1, 2015. Pursuant to the terms of the offer letter, Mr. Ramstad received, among other things: (1) an initial annualized
base salary of $360,000, (2) an initial annual incentive compensation award targeted at 50% of his base salary (prorated for the portion of 2015 after his employment commenced), (3) restricted stock units having an aggregate grant date
fair value of $325,000, (4) long-term incentive awards with an aggregate grant date fair value of 90% of his base salary at target, provided Mr. Ramstad will receive 135% of any long-term incentive award he otherwise would have been granted for
the 2016 and 2017 grants, (5) a
sign-on
bonus of $150,000, which is subject to
pro-rata
repayment if Mr. Ramstad voluntarily leaves our company with 12 months
of receiving the bonus, and (6) company-paid parking. Pursuant to his offer letter, all of Mr. Ramstads long-term incentive awards will be entitled to the retirement terms described in more detail below if Mr. Ramstads age
plus years of service equal or exceed 65.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2017 Fiscal
Year-End
The following table sets forth certain information concerning equity awards outstanding to the Named Executive Officers at December 31,
2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
Stock Awards
|
Name
|
|
Date of
Grant
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
|
|
|
|
Time-Based Awards
|
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
|
|
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
|
|
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
(1)
|
|
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested (#)
|
|
Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested ($)
(2)
|
|
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#)
|
|
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have
Not
Vested ($)
|
J. Kevin Gilligan
|
|
2/20/2014
|
|
23,935
|
|
7,978
|
|
64.99
|
|
2/19/2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/19/2015
|
|
16,963
|
|
16,962
|
|
65.40
|
|
2/18/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/22/2016
|
|
16,947
|
|
50,839
|
|
45.46
|
|
2/21/2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
40,307
|
|
76.70
|
|
2/27/2027
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5/7/2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103,972
(3)
|
|
8,047,433
(3)
|
|
|
2/19/2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,398
|
|
804,805
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/22/2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,577
|
|
1,205,660
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,931
|
|
768,659
|
|
|
|
|
Steven L. Polacek
|
|
2/20/2014
|
|
|
|
3,686
|
|
64.99
|
|
2/19/2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/19/2015
|
|
|
|
7,690
|
|
65.40
|
|
2/18/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/22/2016
|
|
7,452
|
|
22,354
|
|
45.46
|
|
2/21/2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
16,727
|
|
76.70
|
|
2/27/2027
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/19/2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,715
|
|
364,941
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/22/2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,850
|
|
530,190
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,121
|
|
318,965
|
|
|
|
|
Renee L. Jackson
|
|
2/19/2015
|
|
1,654
|
|
1,654
|
|
65.40
|
|
2/18/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
5,117
|
|
76.70
|
|
2/27/2027
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter M. Ramstad
|
|
2/22/2016
|
|
|
|
8,026
|
|
45.46
|
|
2/21/2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
8,264
|
|
76.70
|
|
2/27/2027
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/22/2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,689
|
|
285,529
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,036
|
|
157,586
|
|
|
|
|
Andrew E. Watt
|
|
2/20/2014
|
|
|
|
630
|
|
64.99
|
|
2/19/2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/19/2015
|
|
|
|
1,918
|
|
65.40
|
|
2/18/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/22/2016
|
|
|
|
3,008
|
|
45.46
|
|
2/21/2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
5,248
|
|
76.70
|
|
2/27/2027
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/11/2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,055
|
|
236,457
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/22/2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,383
|
|
107,044
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/27/2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,293
|
|
100,078
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Vests and becomes exercisable in 25% increments on each yearly anniversary of the date of the grant.
|
(2)
|
Vests on the third anniversary of the date of grant.
|
(3)
|
Vests on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant.
|
Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal Year 2017
The following table sets forth certain information concerning stock option exercises and vesting of stock awards for the Named
Executive Officers in 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
|
|
Value Realized on
Exercise
($)
|
|
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)
|
|
Value Realized on
Vesting
($)
(1)
|
J. Kevin Gilligan
|
|
82,135
|
|
2,946,301
|
|
9,909
|
|
762,993
|
Steven L. Polacek
|
|
39,271
|
|
1,866,659
|
|
4,578
|
|
352,506
|
Renee L. Jackson
|
|
8,257
|
|
292,628
|
|
4,173
|
|
331,336
|
Peter M. Ramstad
|
|
8,025
|
|
284,406
|
|
3,300
|
|
267,960
|
Andrew E. Watt
|
|
6,723
|
|
240,117
|
|
1,959
|
|
153,665
|
|
(1)
|
The value realized on vesting is calculated as the closing price of the shares on the release date.
|
17
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The following table summarizes information with respect to the participation of our NEOs in the Capella Education Company Deferred
Compensation Plan, a
non-qualified
deferred compensation plan, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Executive
Contributions in
Last Fiscal Year
($)
|
|
|
Registrant
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year ($)
|
|
|
Aggregate
Earnings in
Last Fiscal
Year
($)
|
|
|
Aggregate
Withdrawals /
Distributions ($)
|
|
|
Aggregate
Balance at
12/31/17 ($)
|
|
J. Kevin Gilligan
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
9,200
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
9,200
|
|
Steven L. Polacek
|
|
|
16,129
|
|
|
|
9,200
|
|
|
|
533
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
25,863
|
|
Renee L. Jackson
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
9,200
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
9,200
|
|
Peter M. Ramstad
|
|
|
13,054
|
|
|
|
9,200
|
|
|
|
271
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
22,525
|
|
Andrew E. Watt
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
9,200
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
9,200
|
|
In May 2017, our Compensation Committee adopted a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of our NEOs and
certain other executives who are eligible to participate in the plan. The Capella Education Company Deferred Compensation Plan (Deferred Plan) is intended to promote executive retention by providing a long-term savings opportunity on a
tax-efficient
basis. Under the Deferred Plan, which complies with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (Section 409A), NEOs and other key employees could choose to defer up to
50 percent of base salary (less applicable deductions), up to 100 percent of any annual cash incentive payout, and up to 100 percent of any restricted stock unit or long-term performance cash awards into multiple investment options.
The Deferred Plan also provides for employer contributions. The employer contribution under the Deferred Plan was calculated on no more
than $500,000 of compensation and reduced by the maximum match provided under the 401(k) plan. Contributions for the NEOs under this provision for 2017 are reflected in the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table. The
Deferred Plans notional investment options are similar to the investment options available to employees in the Companys broad-based 401(k) plan. Payouts from this plan commence following the passage of a certain amount of time or
termination of employment, in either a lump sum or annual installment over a 2 to 10 year period, based on the terms of the plan and elections made by the participants in accordance with, and subject to, any delays in payment that otherwise might be
required by Section 409A. In anticipation of the proposed Merger with Strayer, the Compensation Committee froze the Deferred Plan effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. We expect that all amounts deferred
thereunder will be distributed shortly after the consummation of the Merger.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or
Change-in-Control
On September 11, 2007, we established the Capella Education Company
Senior Executive Severance Plan, referred to as the Senior Executive Severance Plan (the Plan), to provide severance pay and other benefits to certain eligible employees. To be eligible for the Plan, the employee must: (1) be
designated as a participant in writing by our Chief Executive Officer, (2) be in a select group of management or highly compensated employees within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, (3) have completed 90
days of service with us from the most recent date of hire, (4) have their employment terminated under certain circumstances, (5) not be a participant in the Executive Severance Plan applicable to certain other employees and
(6) execute a release. The release contains
non-competition
and
non-solicitation
provisions that apply for a period of 12 months post-termination of employment, and
confidentiality provisions that apply indefinitely following termination of employment. As of December 31, 2017, the participants in the Plan included our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors and all senior vice
president and vice president-level employees, including all of the Named Executive Officers in the Summary Compensation Table.
Under the
Plan, as amended on December 13, 2007, August 14, 2008 and October 29, 2017, a qualifying severance event occurs if, unrelated to a
change-in-control,
there is an involuntary termination other than for cause. A qualifying event also occurs in the event there is a
change-in-control,
and there is a voluntary termination
of employment for good reason or an involuntary termination other than for cause, within 24 months following the
change-in-control.
Participants who experience a
qualifying severance event will be eligible to receive severance benefits, based on their termination event, including severance pay equal to the greater of the base salary in effect immediately prior to the closing of a change in control or the
date of the executives separation, for a period of 12 months (or 24 months, if following a
change-in-control),
outplacement assistance for up to 12 months and
continuation coverage under certain employee benefit plans for up to 12 months (or up to 18 months, if following a
change-in-control),
subject to adjustments as provided
below. For employee benefit plan continuation, the departed employee must pay the employee portion of applicable premiums during the applicable continuation period, just as he/she would have paid during his/her employment. In situations involving a
qualifying termination within 24 months of the
change-in-control
event, a participant (except the Chief Executive Officer) will also receive payment equal to 200% of the
greater of the targeted annual bonus in effect immediately prior to
18
the closing of a change in control or the date of the executives separation. Severance pay is paid
bi-weekly
in accordance with our standard payroll
practices over the number of months upon which severance pay is based. However, amounts payable during the first six months following the participants termination may be limited, as necessary to be an involuntary separation pay
plan under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.
The Plan also includes a best of net Section 280G provision,
which provides that any severance and other payments that may be considered parachute payments pursuant to Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended will be reduced if, and to the extent, such reduction would
result in the applicable executive receiving (on an
after-tax
basis) a greater amount of aggregate payments than the executive would have received had all parachute payments been paid to the
executive and the executive had paid any applicable Code Section 280G excise tax.
To further comply with Internal Revenue Code
Section 409A, if a participant has a qualifying severance event in his/her first calendar year of employment with the company, any amounts otherwise payable to said participant under the Plan during the first six months following termination
will be paid by March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the participant terminated employment.
We have
also provided specific severance benefits to certain of our executives under such executives employment and plan grant agreements, which are described below. The Plan provides that any employment agreement that specifically provides for the
payment of severance benefits will remain in full force and effect and that any amounts due and payable under the Plan will be reduced or offset by any similar amounts payable due to termination under an employment agreement.
Our Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer or any other individual or committee to whom such authority has been delegated may amend or
terminate the Plan. The Plan cannot be amended to reduce benefits or alter Plan terms, except as may be required by law, for a period of 24 months following a
change-in-control,
as defined in the Plan. In addition, the Plan provides that any amendment to the Plan or termination of the Plan, adopted within six months prior to a
change-in-control
will become null and void upon the
change-in-control
event. The Plan
will terminate immediately upon our filing for relief in bankruptcy or on such date as an order for relief in bankruptcy is entered against us.
For purposes of the Plan, certain terms are defined as follows:
|
|
|
Cause means an (1) employees commission of a crime or other act that could materially damage our reputation; (2) employees theft, misappropriation or embezzlement of our property;
(3) employees falsification of records maintained by us; (4) employees failure substantially to comply with our written policies and procedures as they may be published or revised from time to time; (5) employees
misconduct directed toward learners, employees or adjunct faculty; or (6) employees failure substantially to perform the material duties of employees employment, which failure is not cured within 30 days after written notice from us
specifying the act of
non-performance.
|
|
|
|
Good Reason means (1) the demotion or reduction of the executives job responsibilities upon a
Change-in-Control;
(2) executives total target compensation is decreased by more than 10% in a 12 month period; or (3) a reassignment of executives principal place of work, without their consent, to a location more than 50 miles from their
principal place of work upon a
Change-in-Control.
|
|
|
|
A
Change-in-Control
shall be deemed to occur if any of the following occur:
|
|
(1)
|
Any person or entity acquires or becomes a beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of Capella representing 35% or more of the combined voting power of our then outstanding voting securities, subject to
certain exceptions;
|
|
(2)
|
A majority of the members of our Board of Directors shall not be continuing directors, for which purpose continuing directors are generally those directors who were members of our board at the time we adopted the Plan
and those directors for whose election our Board of Directors solicited proxies or who were elected or appointed by our Board of Directors to fill vacancies caused by death or resignation or to fill newly-created directorships;
|
|
(3)
|
Approval by our shareholders of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or a statutory exchange of our outstanding voting securities unless, immediately following such reorganization, merger, consolidation or
exchange, all or substantially all of the persons who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of our voting securities and shares immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or exchange beneficially own, directly or indirectly,
more than 65% of, respectively, the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and the then outstanding shares of common stock, as the case may be, of the corporation
resulting from such reorganization, merger, consolidation or exchange in substantially the
|
19
|
same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or exchange, of our voting securities and shares, as the case may be; or
|
|
(4)
|
Approval by the shareholders of (x) a complete liquidation or dissolution of our company or (y) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets (in one or a series of transactions),
other than to a corporation with respect to which, immediately following such sale or other disposition, more than 65% of, respectively, the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors and the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the persons who were the beneficial owners, respectively,
of our voting securities and shares immediately prior to such sale or other disposition in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such sale or other disposition, of our voting securities and shares, as the case
may be.
|
J. Kevin Gilligan Employment Agreement.
Under the terms of our employment agreement with Mr. Gilligan,
in the event of Mr. Gilligans involuntary termination of employment without Cause, as defined in the Plan, the severance payable to Mr. Gilligan shall be not less than an amount equal to three times Mr. Gilligans
annualized base salary in effect immediately prior to the date of termination of Mr. Gilligans employment.
J. Kevin
Gilligan Strategic Transformation Award.
Under the terms of Mr. Gilligans market stock award, (i) if Mr. Gilligan voluntarily resigns during the performance period, including retirement, then the MSUs will be forfeited;
(ii) if Mr. Gilligan dies, becomes disabled or is terminated without cause during the term of the award, then the MSUs will vest based on an abbreviated performance period; and (iii) in the event of a
Change-in-Control,
if Mr. Gilligans employment is terminated without Cause or he resigns for Good Reason, then the MSUs will vest in full. This award is expected to fully vest pursuant to its terms
and be issued to Mr. Gilligan in May 2018, prior to the consummation of the Merger.
Annual Management Incentive/Long-Term
Performance Cash Grants.
Under the terms of our annual management incentive grants and long-term performance cash grants, commencing with awards issued in 2012, in the event an executives employment terminates due to Retirement (defined as
earlier of age 65 or age 55 with seven years of service or, in the case of Mr. Ramstad, when his age plus years of service equal or exceed 65), disability (as defined in our 2011 shareholder approved Omnibus Incentive Bonus Plan) or involuntary
termination without Cause during the performance period, the executive will be eligible to receive a prorated portion of the final calculated payment under the grant when payments are made to other participants following the end of the performance
period.
Under the terms of our long-term performance cash grants, commencing with awards issued in 2012, in the event an executives
employment terminates in connection with shareholder approval of a
Change-in-Control,
then the executive will be eligible to receive a
pro-rata
payment, paid at achieved performance based on the truncated performance cycle following valuation at close, provided however, in December 2017 we amended these award agreements, subject to
executives consent, to provide that any payment shall only be triggered upon the consummation of such a
Change-in-Control.
For purposes of the following tables, certain terms, such as Cause, Good Reason, and
Change-in-Control
are defined in the Plan as described above, or, if the definition is more favorable to the executive, as such term is defined in any letter agreement between us and the
executive, which are also described above.
In the event that an involuntary termination of the employment of a Named Executive Officer
other than for cause had occurred (assuming a
change-in-control
had not occurred) on December 31, 2017, the following amounts would have been paid to each Named
Executive Officer:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Base Salary
Payment
Amount
($)
(1)
|
|
Target
or
Earned Bonus
Compensation
Payment
Amount
($)
(2)
|
|
Value of
Accelerated
Awards
($)
|
|
Estimated
Value of
Outplacement
Assistance
($)
|
|
Value of
Insurance
Premiums
for Health,
Dental and
Life
Insurance
Continuation
($)
(3)
|
|
Total
($)
|
J. Kevin Gilligan
|
|
|
|
2,427,675
|
|
|
|
|
1,521,808
|
|
|
|
|
8,047,433
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
11,437
|
|
|
|
|
12,033,353
|
|
Steven L. Polacek
|
|
|
|
465,950
|
|
|
|
|
620,578
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
15,346
|
|
|
|
|
1,126,874
|
|
Renee L. Jackson
|
|
|
|
350,000
|
|
|
|
|
37,199
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
7,887
|
|
|
|
|
420,086
|
|
Peter M. Ramstad
|
|
|
|
377,114
|
|
|
|
|
302,210
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
15,293
|
|
|
|
|
719,617
|
|
Andrew E. Watt
|
|
|
|
350,000
|
|
|
|
|
216,860
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
13,776
|
|
|
|
|
605,636
|
|
20
(1)
|
Equal to 12 months of base salary in effect on December 31, 2017 for all Named Executive Officers, except equal to three times annualized base salary for Mr. Gilligan.
|
(2)
|
Equal to 2015-2017 LTPC awards earned at 17.1% of target, annual incentive awards earned at 73.8% of target, and 2016-2018 and 2017-2019 LTPC awards paid
pro-rata
at target.
|
(3)
|
Reflects the employer share of the premiums for our insurance plans for 12 months.
|
|
|
|
For Mr. Gilligan, includes medical insurance premiums of $10,702; dental insurance premiums of $435; and life insurance premiums of $300.
|
|
|
|
For Mr. Polacek, includes medical insurance premiums of $14,229; dental insurance premiums of $838; and life insurance premiums of $280.
|
|
|
|
For Ms. Jackson, includes medical insurance premiums of $7,050; dental insurance premiums of $627; and life insurance premiums of $210.
|
|
|
|
For Mr. Ramstad, includes medical insurance premiums of $14,229; dental insurance premiums of $838; and life insurance premiums of $227.
|
|
|
|
For Mr. Watt, includes medical insurance premiums of $12,729; dental insurance premiums of $838; and life insurance premiums of $210.
|
(4)
|
Under the terms of Mr. Gilligans MSU award, the MSUs vest based on an abbreviated performance period in the event of involuntary termination other than for Cause.
|
If, on December 31, 2017, the employment of a Named Executive Officer was involuntarily terminated other than for Cause within 24 months
of a
change-in-control
or, for certain of the amounts below, if a Named Executive Officer voluntarily terminated his or her employment within 24 months of a
Change-in-Control
for Good Reason, the following amounts would have been paid to each Named Executive Officer:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Base Salary
Payment
Amount
($)
(1)
|
|
Target or
Earned Bonus
Compensation
Payment
Amount
($)
(2)
|
|
Value of
Accelerated
Options
($)
(3)(4)
|
|
Value of
Accelerated
Awards
($)
(5)
|
|
Estimated
Value of
Outplacement
Assistance
($)
|
|
Value of
Insurance
Premiums
for Health,
Dental
and
Life
Insurance
Continuation
($)
(6)
|
|
Total
($)
|
J. Kevin Gilligan
|
|
|
|
1,618,450
|
|
|
|
|
3,383,026
|
|
|
|
|
1,954,564
|
|
|
|
|
10,826,557
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
17,156
|
|
|
|
|
17,824,752
|
|
Steven L. Polacek
|
|
|
|
931,900
|
|
|
|
|
1,319,503
|
|
|
|
|
863,719
|
|
|
|
|
1,214,096
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
23,019
|
|
|
|
|
4,377,237
|
|
Renee L. Jackson
|
|
|
|
700,000
|
|
|
|
|
387,199
|
|
|
|
|
23,430
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
11,831
|
|
|
|
|
1,147,460
|
|
Peter M. Ramstad
|
|
|
|
754,228
|
|
|
|
|
679,324
|
|
|
|
|
262,135
|
|
|
|
|
443,115
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
22,940
|
|
|
|
|
2,186,742
|
|
Andrew E. Watt
|
|
|
|
700,000
|
|
|
|
|
566,860
|
|
|
|
|
130,583
|
|
|
|
|
443,579
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
20,664
|
|
|
|
|
1,886,687
|
|
|
(1)
|
Equal to 24 months of base salary in effect on December 31, 2017 for all Named Executive Officers. Amounts would be paid in
bi-weekly
installments over the term of the
severance period (calculated as the number of months during which the participant is entitled to receive base salary), subject to any
six-month
delay in payments to comply with Section 409A.
|
|
(2)
|
Equal to 2015-2017 Long-Term Performance Cash awards earned at 17.1% of target; the 2017 MIP earned at 73.8% of target;
pro-rata
payment of 2016-2018 and 2017-2019 Long-Term
Performance Cash awards paid at target based on truncated performance cycle; and two times the target annual incentive award for fiscal 2017. All amounts would be paid in a lump sum upon termination, except the two times the target annual incentive
award for fiscal 2017 would be paid in
bi-weekly
installments over the term of the severance period, subject to any
six-month
delay in payments to comply with
Section 409A.
|
|
(3)
|
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 29, 2017, the last trading day of fiscal 2017, of $77.40.
|
|
(4)
|
Under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, options vest in full if a termination of employment occurs within three years of the
change-in-control.
|
|
(5)
|
Under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, forfeiture provisions on restricted stock cease if a termination of employment occurs within one or two years, respectively, of the
change-in-control.
In addition, Mr. Gilligans MSUs vest in full if a termination of employment occurs following a
change-in-control.
|
|
(6)
|
Reflects the employer share of the premiums for our insurance plans for 18 months, as follows:
|
|
|
|
For Mr. Gilligan, includes medical insurance premiums of $16,053; dental insurance premiums of $653; and life insurance premiums of $450.
|
|
|
|
For Mr. Polacek, includes medical insurance premiums of $21,343; dental insurance premiums of $1,256; and life insurance premiums of $419.
|
|
|
|
For Ms. Jackson, includes medical insurance premiums of $10,575; dental insurance premiums of $941; and life insurance premiums of $315.
|
|
|
|
For Mr. Ramstad, includes medical insurance premiums of $21,343; dental insurance premiums of $1,256; and life insurance premiums of $340.
|
|
|
|
For Mr. Watt, includes medical insurance premiums of $19,093; dental insurance premiums of $1,256; and life insurance premiums of $315.
|
Summary of Other ProvisionsTermination of Employment
Disability Termination.
Executive officers whose employment terminates due to disability have the following provisions specific to the
termination event:
|
|
|
70% of any unused paid time off balance at the time of termination will be paid out.
|
|
|
|
Under the terms of our long-term disability insurance plan, assuming the executive has enrolled, the executive is entitled to receive 60% of his/her regular base salary, up to a maximum of $10,000 a month, for as long
as he/she is classified as disabled by the insurance company. Such amounts will be paid by the insurance company under the terms of our insured plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Value of
Accelerated
Options
at 12/31/17
($)
(1)
|
|
Value of
Accelerated
Stock Awards
at 12/31/17
($)
(2)
|
|
Value at
Target
of Performance
Cash Paid Pro
Rata
($)
(3)
|
|
Earned Bonus
Compensation
Payment
Amount
($)
(4)
|
|
Total
($)
|
J. Kevin Gilligan
|
|
|
|
1,954,564
|
|
|
|
|
10,826,557
|
|
|
|
|
838,838
|
|
|
|
|
682,970
|
|
|
|
|
14,302,929
|
|
Steven L. Polacek
|
|
|
|
863,719
|
|
|
|
|
1,214,096
|
|
|
|
|
364,109
|
|
|
|
|
256,469
|
|
|
|
|
2,698,393
|
|
Renee L. Jackson
|
|
|
|
23,430
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,843
|
|
|
|
|
17,870
|
|
|
|
|
133,143
|
|
Peter M. Ramstad
|
|
|
|
262,135
|
|
|
|
|
443,115
|
|
|
|
|
163,829
|
|
|
|
|
138,381
|
|
|
|
|
1,007,460
|
|
Andrew E. Watt
|
|
|
|
130,583
|
|
|
|
|
443,579
|
|
|
|
|
87,710
|
|
|
|
|
129,150
|
|
|
|
|
791,022
|
|
|
(1)
|
Under the terms of our equity incentive plans, all unvested options immediately vest upon termination, and the employee has up to one year post-termination to exercise options before expiration. These are the values of
the accelerated options if a termination due to disability had occurred on December 31, 2017.
|
|
(2)
|
Under the terms of our equity incentive plans and our RSU grant agreements, for any awards issued prior to 2012, a
pro-rata
portion of the RSUs vest upon disability, calculated
through the date the recipient ceases to be an employee. For any awards issued during or after 2012, the entire portion vests upon disability. These are the values of the accelerated stock awards if a termination due to disability had occurred on
December 31, 2017.
|
|
(3)
|
Under the terms of our LTPC plans, a
pro-rata
portion is earned of the final calculated payment, calculated through the number of months completed of the performance period. These
are the values of the LTPC incentive award paid if a termination due to disability had occurred on December 31, 2017.
|
|
(4)
|
Under the terms of the MIP, a
pro-rata
portion is earned of the final calculated payment, calculated through the number of months completed of the performance period. These are
the values of the MIP incentive awards paid if a termination due to disability had occurred on December 31, 2017.
|
Retirement.
Senior executive officers (which currently include all executives at or above the vice president level, including each of
the Named Executive Officers) whose employment terminates due to retirement (defined as earlier of age 65 or age 55 with seven years of service or, in the case of Mr. Ramstad, when his age plus years of service equal or exceed 65) have the
following provisions specific to the termination event:
|
|
|
70% of any unused paid time off balance at the time of termination will be paid out.
|
|
|
|
Under the terms of our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan and our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, for any awards issued during or after 2012, unvested options and RSUs will continue to vest, and for option awards the employee may
exercise until the expiration date of the awards. Under the terms of our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, for any awards issued prior to 2012, the employee has up to one year post-termination to exercise any vested options which were vested as of the
termination date.
|
|
|
|
Under the terms of the MIP and our LTPC plan, a
pro-rata
portion is earned of the final calculated payment, calculated based on the number of months completed of the performance
periods.
|
|
|
|
The executive will be eligible to take a distribution consistent with reaching normal retirement age, and the provisions specified in the 401(k) retirement savings plan, from his or her account balance.
|
21
Death.
In the event that the employment of a Named Executive Officer had terminated due to
death on December 31, 2017, the following amounts would have been paid to the Named Executive Officers estate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Value of
Accelerated
Options
at 12/31
($)
(1)
|
|
Value of
Accelerated
Stock Awards
at 12/31
($)
(2)
|
|
Value at Target
of Performance
Cash Paid
Pro
Rata
($)
(3)
|
|
Earned Bonus
Compensation
Payment
Amount
($)
(4)
|
|
Total
($)
|
J. Kevin Gilligan
|
|
|
|
1,954,564
|
|
|
|
|
10,826,557
|
|
|
|
|
838,838
|
|
|
|
|
682,970
|
|
|
|
|
14,302,929
|
|
Steven L. Polacek
|
|
|
|
863,719
|
|
|
|
|
1,214,096
|
|
|
|
|
364,109
|
|
|
|
|
256,469
|
|
|
|
|
2,698,393
|
|
Renee L. Jackson
|
|
|
|
23,430
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,843
|
|
|
|
|
17,870
|
|
|
|
|
133,143
|
|
Peter M. Ramstad
|
|
|
|
262,135
|
|
|
|
|
443,115
|
|
|
|
|
163,829
|
|
|
|
|
138,381
|
|
|
|
|
1,007,460
|
|
Andrew E. Watt
|
|
|
|
130,583
|
|
|
|
|
443,579
|
|
|
|
|
87,710
|
|
|
|
|
129,150
|
|
|
|
|
791,022
|
|
(1)
|
Upon death, all stock options issued under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan become immediately exercisable, and remain exercisable for up to one year following the event. These are the
values of the options if a termination due to death had occurred on December 31, 2017.
|
(2)
|
Under the terms of our equity incentive plans and our RSU grant agreements, for any awards issued prior to 2012, a
pro-rata
portion of the RSUs vests upon death, calculated
through the date of death. For any awards issued during or after 2012, the entire portion vests upon death. These are the values of awards if a termination due to death had occurred on December 31, 2017.
|
(3)
|
Under the terms of our LTPC plan, a
pro-rata
portion is earned of the target award, calculated through the number of months completed of the performance period. These are the
values of incentive awards paid if a termination due to death had occurred on December 31, 2017.
|
(4)
|
Under the terms of the MIP, a
pro-rata
portion is earned of the target award, calculated through the number of months completed of the performance period. These are the values of
incentive awards paid if a termination due to death had occurred on December 31, 2017.
|
Director Compensation
The following table shows, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, all compensation that our company paid to our directors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Fees Earned or
Paid in
Cash
($)
(1)
|
|
Stock Awards
($)
|
|
Total
($)
|
Rita D. Brogley
|
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
|
|
|
100,025
|
|
|
|
|
175,025
|
|
H. James Dallas
|
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
|
100,025
|
|
|
|
|
170,025
|
|
Matthew W. Ferguson
|
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
Michael A. Linton
|
|
|
|
85,000
|
|
|
|
|
100,025
|
|
|
|
|
185,025
|
|
Michael L. Lomax
|
|
|
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
|
100,025
|
|
|
|
|
170,025
|
|
Jody G. Miller
|
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
|
|
|
100,025
|
|
|
|
|
175,025
|
|
Stephen G. Shank
|
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
David W. Smith
|
|
|
|
95,000
|
|
|
|
|
100,025
|
|
|
|
|
195,025
|
|
Jeffrey W. Taylor
|
|
|
|
86,000
|
|
|
|
|
100,025
|
|
|
|
|
186,025
|
|
Darrell R. Tukua
|
|
|
|
87,000
|
|
|
|
|
100,025
|
|
|
|
|
187,025
|
|
(1)
|
Fees reflect annual retainer and committee chairperson fees, which were paid quarterly. These fees were the only cash compensation paid to any director in 2017.
|
The following table shows the aggregate number of shares underlying outstanding stock options and restricted stock units held by persons who
served on our Board during 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Shares Underlying
Outstanding Stock
Option Awards
(#)
|
|
Shares Underlying
Outstanding Stock
Awards Not Vested
(#)
|
|
Shares Underlying
Outstanding Stock
Awards Vested but
Not Released
(#)
|
Rita D. Brogley
|
|
|
|
1,054
(1)
|
|
1,844
(1)
|
H. James Dallas
|
|
|
|
1,054
(2)
|
|
|
Matthew W. Ferguson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael A. Linton
|
|
|
|
1,054
|
|
|
Michael L. Lomax
|
|
|
|
1,054
(2)
|
|
5,465
(2)
|
Jody G. Miller
|
|
|
|
1,054
|
|
1,894
(2)
|
Stephen G. Shank
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David W. Smith
|
|
|
|
1,054
(2)
|
|
1,727
(2)
|
Jeffrey W. Taylor
|
|
|
|
1,054
(2)
|
|
5,465
(2)
|
Darrell R. Tukua
|
|
|
|
1,054
|
|
|
(1)
|
To be released on the date service as a director of the company ends.
|
(2)
|
To be released the earlier of (i) the date of a
change-in-control
of the company occurs, or (ii) the date service as a director
of the company ends.
|
In 2015, Frederic W. Cook & Co. conducted a review of market data for
non-employee
director compensation, and concluded that our director compensation, which had not been modified since 2013, lagged our peer group. Upon review, the Compensation Committee approved certain changes to
our
non-employee
director compensation program, with graduated increases taking effect in fiscal 2015 and 2016. The table below summarizes our
non-employee
director cash
compensation program in effect during 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Retainer Amounts
|
|
Fiscal 2017
|
Annual
|
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
Lead Director
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
Audit Committee Chair
|
|
|
$
|
17,000
|
|
Compensation Committee Chair
|
|
|
$
|
15,000
|
|
Governance Committee and Finance Committee Chairs
|
|
|
$
|
10,000
|
|
Membership on Three Committees/Councils
|
|
|
$
|
6,000
|
|
All cash retainers are paid in quarterly installments, and each
non-employee
director has the option to receive stock options in lieu of cash compensation; in 2017, no directors made this election.
Each
non-employee
director also received restricted stock units valued at approximately $100,000,
which vest in one year.
Each
non-employee
director may elect to defer receipt of shares of common
stock issuable upon settlement of restricted stock units in the form of deferred stock units that will be settled in shares of common stock when the directors service on the Board terminates.
The Compensation Committee believes that a balance of equity and cash compensation for
non-employee
directors is the most appropriate way to compensate them for Board service. Providing the
non-employee
director the ability to elect equity in lieu of any or all cash compensation also offers some flexibility
to the individual members. Equity compensation also aligns the Board members interests with our shareholders.
Effect of Proposed Merger
Upon the effectiveness of the Merger, the board of directors of the combined company will consist of nine directors designated by
Strayer, Mr. Gilligan (our chief executive officer), and two additional designees who are currently members of our board of directors that are recommended by Mr. Gilligan. Mr. Gilligan will be appointed as vice chairman of the board
of directors of the combined company at the effective time of the Merger.
In connection with the proposed Merger, Capella stock options
that are outstanding immediately prior to the effective time and held by current Capella directors who will not continue as members of the Strayer board of directors following the effective time will automatically and without any action on the part
of the holder thereof be cancelled and converted into the right to receive the
22
merger consideration that the holder of such Capella stock option would have been entitled to receive if the Capella stock option had been exercised for shares of Capella common stock immediately
prior to the effective time (net of the applicable exercise price). In addition, outstanding Capella RSUs granted to Capella directors under the Capella equity plans will become fully and immediately vested upon the effective time.
Director Stock Ownership Guidelines
Our
Corporate Governance Principles include stock ownership guidelines for our
non-employee
directors. Under these guidelines, each such director should continue to hold the amount of equity compensation that he
or she has been granted by us for service as a director over the past five years, excluding any equity compensation that would have been paid in cash but for the director electing to receive equity. Directors may also sell a sufficient number of
shares to cover anticipated tax liability. Exceptions to these guidelines must be authorized in advance by the Governance Committee. As with our executive stock ownership guidelines, we believe these guidelines for directors promote alignment
between the interests of our corporate leadership and our shareholders. All of our current directors are in compliance with these guidelines.
CEO Pay
Ratio Disclosure
In August 2015, pursuant to a mandate of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the
Dodd Frank Act), the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a rule requiring annual disclosure of the ratio of the median employees annual total compensation to the total annual compensation of the CEO. Our pay
ratio is calculated as follows:
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Median employee total annual compensation: $ 39,541
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Mr. Gilligans total annual compensation: $ 3,143,956
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Mr. Gilligans total compensation is 79.5 times the median employees total annual compensation.
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In determining the median employee, a report was prepared of all employees, excluding the CEO, as of December 31, 2017. The median
employee was selected from this report based on total annual compensation for fiscal 2017. The compensation for Mr. Gilligan is as reported in the Summary Compensation Table, without any adjustments.
As of December 31, 2017, we employed 3,256 employees, including part-time employees. Included in the 3,256 employees are 1,269 adjunct
and part-time faculty. The inclusion of adjunct and part-time faculty results in the median employee total annual compensation being lower than it would have been had all employees been full-time. In addition, no adjustments were made for
employees who were only employed for a partial year, which also lowered the median employee total annual compensation.