UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
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Filed by the Registrant ☒
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
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Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
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Lincoln Educational Services Corporation
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):
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No fee required.
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25 per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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14 Sylvan Way, Suite A
Parsippany, NJ 07054
April 5, 2023
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to invite you to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (the “Company”) to be held on May 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)
(the “Annual Meeting”) as a virtual-only meeting. You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting virtually and to vote and submit questions during the Annual Meeting by visiting https://www.cstproxy.com/lincolntech/2023 and entering the
control number provided in these proxy materials.
At this year’s Annual Meeting, shareholders will be asked to elect nine directors; to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the Company’s compensation of named executive officers (a
“say-on-pay” vote); to recommend, on a non-binding advisory basis, the frequency of holding a say-on-pay vote (a “frequency” vote); to approve an amendment to the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”)
to increase the number of shares available for grant under the LTIP; and to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. The accompanying
Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement describe these matters. We urge you to read this information carefully.
We sincerely hope that you will be able to attend and participate in the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, it is important that your shares be represented and
voted. You may vote your shares by completing the accompanying proxy card or by giving your proxy authorization via the Internet. Please read the instructions accompanying the proxy card for details on giving your proxy authorization via the
Internet.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF
PROXY MATERIALS FOR OUR ANNUAL MEETING
Our Proxy Statement and our 2022 Annual Report to Shareholders are available
at https://investors.lincolneducationalservices.com/AP.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
BY COMPLETING AND RETURNING THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD OR BY GIVING YOUR PROXY AUTHORIZATION VIA THE INTERNET, YOU AUTHORIZE MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY TO
REPRESENT YOU AND VOTE YOUR SHARES ACCORDING TO YOUR INSTRUCTIONS. SUBMITTING YOUR PROXY NOW WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM VOTING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, BUT WILL ASSURE THAT YOUR VOTE IS COUNTED IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND.
TO ENSURE THAT YOUR VOTE WILL BE COUNTED, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE BEFORE 11:59 P.M. (EASTERN TIME) ON MAY 4, 2023.
We thank you for your continuing support and look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.
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Sincerely,
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 Scott M. Shaw
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Chief Executive Officer
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LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
14 Sylvan Way, Suite A
Parsippany, NJ 07054
NOTICE OF
2023 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 5, 2023
To the Shareholders of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, a New Jersey corporation (the “Company”), will
be held virtually via the Internet on May 5, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) (the “Annual Meeting”). You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting virtually and to vote and submit questions during the Annual Meeting by visiting https://www.cstproxy.com/lincolntech/2023
and entering the control number provided in these proxy materials. There will not be an option to attend the Annual Meeting at a physical location.
At the Annual Meeting, holders of shares of common stock, no par value per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company will be asked:
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to elect nine directors identified in this proxy statement to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders following their election and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualify;
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to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the Company’s compensation of its named executive officers (a “say-on-pay” vote);
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to recommend, on a non-binding advisory basis, the frequency of holding a say-on-pay vote (a “frequency” vote);
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to approve an amendment to the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) to increase the number of shares available for grant under the LTIP;
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to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2023; and
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to transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof and may properly be voted upon.
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The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on March 16, 2023 as the record date for the determination of shareholders of Common Stock entitled to notice of, and to vote
at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. As of the record date, there were outstanding 31,512,401 shares of Common Stock. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 16, 2023 will be able to attend
the Annual Meeting, vote, and submit questions (both before, and for a portion of, the meeting) from any location via the Internet. To participate in the Annual Meeting, including submitting questions and/or voting, you will need the control
number provided on your proxy card or in your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to Be Held on May 5, 2023.
The Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 are available electronically at https://investors.lincolneducationalservices.com/AP.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE RETURN YOUR PROXY (BY COMPLETING AND RETURNING THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD OR BY GIVING PROXY AUTHORIZATION VIA
THE INTERNET USING THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED ON YOUR PROXY CARD) AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. EVEN IF YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR PROXY, YOU MAY STILL VOTE IF YOU ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. TO ENSURE THAT
YOUR VOTE WILL BE COUNTED, PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE BEFORE 11:59 P.M. (EASTERN TIME) ON MAY 4, 2023.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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Parsippany, New Jersey
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Alexandra M. Luster
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April 5, 2023
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Corporate Secretary
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LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
14 Sylvan Way, Suite A
Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
2023 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 5, 2023
GENERAL
This proxy statement is provided to the shareholders of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, a New Jersey corporation (the “Company” or “Lincoln”) to solicit proxies, in the form enclosed,
for use at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”), and any and all adjournments or postponements thereof. The Annual Meeting will be held on May 5, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). The Board of Directors
knows of no matters to come before the Annual Meeting other than those described in this proxy statement. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting (or any adjournment or postponement thereof), the persons named in the proxy
card as proxies will vote on such matters in their discretion in accordance with their best judgment. This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card are first being mailed to shareholders on or about April 5, 2023. The mailing address of the
Company’s principal executive office is noted above.
Solicitation
This solicitation is made by mail on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company will pay for the costs of the solicitation. Further solicitation of proxies may be made,
including by mail, telephone, in person, or other means, by the directors, officers or employees of the Company or its affiliates, none of whom will receive additional compensation for such solicitation. The Company will reimburse banks,
brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to their customers or principals who are the beneficial owners of shares of the Company’s common stock.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to Be Held on May 5, 2023.
The Company’s proxy statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 are available electronically at
https://investors.lincolneducationalservices.com/AP.
Virtual Meeting
The Annual Meeting will be held virtually via the Internet. You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting virtually and to vote and submit questions during the Annual Meeting by visiting https://www.cstproxy.com/lincolntech/2023
and entering the control number provided in these proxy materials.
Voting Procedures
Who May Vote at the Annual Meeting?
Only those shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock, no par value per share (the “Common Stock”) as of the close of business on March 16, 2023 (the “Record Date”) will be entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were issued and outstanding 31,512,401 shares of Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock
entitles its holder to one vote. Cumulative voting of the Common Shares is not permitted.
If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s registrar and transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, Inc., you are a shareholder of record with
respect to those shares and, in such case, this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy materials have been provided directly to you by the Company. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or nominee, your shares are
held in “street name” and you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares and, in such case, this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy materials have been provided to you by your broker, bank or other nominee. As the beneficial
owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee as to how to vote your shares held in “street name.” If you do not so instruct your broker, bank or other nominee as to how to vote your shares held in “street name”, the
broker, bank or other nominee may vote such shares only in connection with matters considered routine, such as to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending
December 31, 2023 and not in non-routine matters such as the other matters being considered by our shareholders at the Annual Meeting. See also “Voting Procedures – What is a Broker Non-Vote?”
What is Considered a Quorum to Conduct the Annual Meeting?
The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum to
transact business at the Annual Meeting. Attendance at the Annual Meeting, albeit virtual, constitutes presence in person for purposes of a quorum. As of the Record Date, a minimum of 15,756,201 shares of Common Stock, representing a majority
of the 31,512,401 shares of Common Stock outstanding on such date, is necessary to constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining the existence of a quorum.
What is a Broker Non-Vote?
As noted above, a broker “non-vote” occurs when a nominee, such as a bank or broker, holding shares in “street name” for a beneficial owner, returns the proxy but abstains from voting on a
particular proposal because, under most circumstances, such nominee does not have discretionary authority to vote on proposals unless it has received instructions from the beneficial owner of the securities on how to vote those securities. Under
applicable law and the rules of the NASDAQ, such nominees do not have discretionary authority to cast votes on non-routine matters without instructions from the beneficial owner of the securities. Proposal 1 (the proposal concerning the election
of directors), Proposal 2 (the non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation) (the “say-on-pay” vote), Proposal 3 (the non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of holding a say-on-pay vote) (the “frequency” vote), and Proposal 4 (approval
to amend the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) to increase the number of shares available for grant under the LTIP) are considered “non-routine” matters, which means that your broker, bank or
other nominee does not have discretion to vote your shares as to such proposals in the absence of specific instructions from you as to how you would like your shares to be voted and, therefore, in connection with those proposals will constitute a
broker non-vote absent such instructions. Proposal 5 (the ratification of auditors) is considered a “routine” matter, which means that your broker, bank or other nominee may vote your shares as to Proposal 5 without instructions from you as to
how you would like your shares to be voted. Accordingly, if you hold shares in “street name,” we strongly encourage you to provide your broker, bank or other nominee with instructions regarding the voting of your shares on all matters or your
shares will not be voted as to Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4.
What am I being asked to vote on?
The holders of shares of Common Stock are being asked to consider and vote on the following items:
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election of nine directors to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders following their election and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualify;
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to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as described in these proxy materials (the “say-on-pay” vote”);
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to recommend, on a non-binding advisory basis, whether the Company’s say-on-pay vote should occur every year, once every two years, or once every three years (the “frequency” vote); and
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to approve an amendment to the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) to increase the number of shares available for grant under the LTIP; and
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ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
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Why are the holders of Common Stock being asked to vote on the election of nine directors?
A total of nine director nominees will be voted upon at the Annual Meeting. The holders of shares of Common Stock are being asked to vote on nine director nominees to serve until the next annual
meeting of shareholders following their election and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualify: John A. Bartholdson, James J. Burke, Jr., Kevin M. Carney, J. Barry Morrow, Michael A. Plater, Felecia J. Pryor, Carlton E.
Rose, Scott M. Shaw and Sylvia J. Young.
How does the Board recommend that I vote my shares?
The Board recommends a vote:
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FOR the election of each of the nine director nominees;
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FOR the approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of the compensation of the named executive officers as described in these proxy materials (a “say-on-pay” vote);
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FOR the recommendation, on a non-binding advisory basis, of holding the Company’s say-on-pay vote once every year (a “frequency” vote);
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FOR the approval to amend the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) to increase the number of shares available for grant under the LTIP; and
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FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
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How Many Votes do I have?
Each record holder of Common Stock will have one vote for each share of Common Stock held on the Record Date on each matter that is properly brought before the Annual Meeting and on which holders
of Common Stock are entitled to vote. There were 31,512,401 shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date.
How do I vote my shares?
Your vote is important. Your shares can be voted at the Annual Meeting by following the instructions at https://www.cstproxy.com/lincolntech/2023 only if you are present or if your
shares are represented by proxy. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to authorize a proxy to vote your shares in advance.
Internet, mobile and telephone voting procedures are designed to authenticate shareholders’ identities, allow shareholders to give their voting instructions and confirm that shareholders’
instructions have been recorded properly. We have been advised that the Internet, mobile and telephone voting procedures that have been made available to you are consistent with applicable legal requirements. Shareholders voting by Internet,
mobile and telephone should understand that while we and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, Inc. do not charge any fees for voting by Internet, mobile or telephone, there may still be costs, such as usage charges from Internet access
providers and telephone companies, for which you are responsible. You can authorize a proxy to vote your shares of Common Stock electronically by going to www.cstproxyvote.com or by calling the toll-free number indicated on the
applicable proxy card. Please have your proxy card (or cards) in hand when going online or calling. If you authorize a proxy to vote your shares electronically, you do not need to return the
applicable proxy card. If you received proxy materials by mail and want to authorize your proxy by mail, simply mark the applicable proxy card, and then date, sign and return
it in the applicable postage-paid envelope provided so that it is received no later than May 4, 2023.
If I authorized a proxy, can I revoke it and change my vote?
Yes, you may revoke a proxy at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting by:
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authorizing a new proxy on the Internet or by telephone;
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properly executing and delivering a later-dated (i.e., subsequent to the date of the original proxy) proxy card so that it is received no later than May 4, 2023;
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voting at the Annual Meeting; or
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sending a written notice of revocation to the inspector of election in care of the Corporate Secretary of the Company at 14 Sylvan Way, Suite A, Parsippany NJ 07054 so that it is received no later than May 4, 2023.
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Only the most recent proxy will be exercised and all others will be disregarded regardless of the method by which the proxies were authorized.
If shares of the Company’s voting securities are held on your behalf by a broker, bank or other nominee, you must contact it to receive instructions as to how you may revoke your proxy
instructions for those shares.
What vote is required to approve each proposal?
The affirmative vote of a plurality of our shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors, is required to
elect John A. Bartholdson, James J. Burke, Jr., Kevin M. Carney, J. Barry Morrow, Michael A. Plater, Felecia J. Pryor, Carlton E. Rose, Scott M. Shaw, and Sylvia J. Young (nine director nominees). In connection with this matter, you may vote
“FOR” each nominee or “WITHHOLD” your vote for each nominee. Withheld votes and broker non-votes may be considered present and entitled to vote. However, since the nominees are running unopposed and are elected by a plurality, withheld votes and
broker non-votes will not factor in the election unless all shares present at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors are withheld or are broker non-votes.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by holders of our Common Stock is required to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers (the
“say-on-pay” vote); to recommend, on a non-binding advisory basis, holding the Company’s say-on-pay vote once every year (the “frequency” vote); to approve an amendment to the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan
(the “LTIP) to increase the number of shares available for grant under the LTIP; and to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. In
connection with these matters except for the frequency vote, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”; for the frequency vote, you may vote “EVERY YEAR,” “EVERY TWO YEARS,” “EVERY THREE YEARS,” or “ABSTAIN.” Under New Jersey law, abstentions
and broker “non-votes”, if any, will not be counted as votes cast and, accordingly, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote for any of the above proposals. However, since the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered
public accounting firm is considered a routine matter, your broker, bank or other nominee will have the discretion to vote your shares irrespective of whether or not you provide voting instructions and if the broker, bank or other nominee so
votes such shares “FOR” or “AGAINST”, such vote would not constitute a broker non-vote. For more information, see “Voting Procedures - What is a broker non-vote?” above.
When will you publish the results of the Annual Meeting?
We will include the results of the votes taken at the Annual Meeting in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within four business days following the
Annual Meeting.
Revocability of Proxies
Shareholders may revoke a proxy at any time before the proxy is exercised. For more information, see “Voting Procedures – If I authorized a proxy, can I revoke
it and change my vote?” above.
At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will be asked to elect a total of nine directors. Our bylaws provide for a minimum of three directors and a maximum of 11 directors. On February 23, 2023, in
order to accommodate the appointment of Sylvia J. Young to the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors increased the size of the Board from nine directors to ten directors, effective immediately on that date. The increase in the size of the
Board is temporary through the Annual Meeting as, also on February 23, 2023, director Ronald E. Harbour advised the Board of Directors of his decision not to stand for re-election to the Board of Directors for the coming term and to retire
effective at the end of his current term on the date of the Annual Meeting. Mr. Harbour has been a valuable member of our Board for eight years. We thank him for his guidance and dedicated service to the Company and the Board.
The size of the Board of Directors will revert to nine members at the Annual Meeting. Each elected director will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until the
director’s successor is duly elected and qualified. All of the nominees for director have consented to being named in this proxy statement and to serve if elected and the Board of Directors knows of no reason why any of the nominees would be
unable or unwilling to serve, if elected. If any nominee should for any reason be unable or unwilling to serve, the shares represented by valid proxies received by the Company will be voted for the election of such other person for the office
of director as the Board of Directors may nominate in the place of such nominee or the size of the Board of Directors may be reduced.
Shareholders may withhold authority to vote their proxies for either (i) the entire slate of nominated directors by checking the box marked WITHHOLD AUTHORITY on the proxy card; or (ii) any one
or more of the individual nominees by following the instructions on the proxy card. Instructions on the accompanying proxy card that withhold authority to vote for one or more of the nominees will cause any such nominee to receive fewer votes.
Upon recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the following nine persons have been selected by the Board of Directors as nominees for election to the Board of
Directors: J. Barry Morrow (Chair), John A. Bartholdson, James J. Burke, Jr., Kevin M. Carney, Michael A. Plater, Felecia J. Pryor, Carlton E. Rose, Scott M. Shaw, and Sylvia J. Young.
The Company’s directors have a variety of backgrounds, which reflects the Company’s continuing efforts to achieve a diversity of insights and perspectives. As further discussed below, the
director nominees are considered based upon, among other criteria, their business knowledge and experience, relevant ability and experience to the Company’s business and operations and reputation in their fields. Additional information about
these nominees is provided in the table and biographical information that follows.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote of a plurality of our shares of Common Stock, present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors, is required
to elect John A. Bartholdson, James J. Burke, Jr., Kevin M. Carney, J. Barry Morrow, Michael A. Plater, Felecia J. Pryor, Carlton E. Rose, Scott M. Shaw, and Sylvia J. Young.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” each of the named nominees for director.
The following sets forth certain information concerning the directors and executive officers of the Company named in this proxy statement (ages are as of March 16, 2023):
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Position Held
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J. Barry Morrow
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70
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Non-Executive Chair of the Board of Directors
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John A. Bartholdson (1) (2) (3)
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52
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Director
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James J. Burke, Jr. (1) (3)
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71
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Director
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Kevin M. Carney (2)
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59
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Director
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Michael A. Plater (2) (3)
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66
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Director
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Felecia J. Pryor (1) (3)
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48
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Director
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Carlton E. Rose (1) (2)
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61
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Director
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Sylvia J. Young (1)
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Director
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Scott M. Shaw
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60
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Chief Executive Officer, Director
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Brian K. Meyers
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55
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Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
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Stephen M. Buchenot
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67
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Executive Vice President of Campus Operations
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Chad D. Nyce
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50
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Executive Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer
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(1) Member of the Compensation Committee
(2) Member of the Audit Committee
(3) Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
J. Barry Morrow has served on our Board of Directors since 2006 and currently serves as our Non-Executive Chair. He is the CEO and founder of BK Capital
Group. He served as the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Collegiate Funding Services from 2002 until 2006 when the company was acquired by JPMorgan Chase. Mr. Morrow held the position of President and Chief Operating Officer of Collegiate
Funding from 2000 to 2002. Prior to joining Collegiate Funding Services, Mr. Morrow served with the U.S. Department of Education as the General Manager of Financial Services for the Office of Student Financial Assistance and with Sallie Mae as
Vice President of Regional Operations. Mr. Morrow holds a B.A. from Virginia Tech and an M.A. in public administration from George Washington University. Mr. Morrow has over 30 years’ experience in the education credit industry. His extensive
management experience at the U.S. Department of Education, Sallie Mae and Collegiate Funding Services provides the Board of Directors with a unique perspective on the issues facing companies in our industry.
John A. Bartholdson was appointed to our Board of Directors on November 14, 2019. Mr. Bartholdson is a co-founder and partner of Juniper Investment
Company, LLC, a New York based private investment firm. Mr. Bartholdson also currently serves on the board of directors of Bioventus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BVS) and as the Chair of the board of directors of Theragenics Corporation, a privately held
company. Previously, he has served as a member of the board of directors of Obagi Medical Products, Inc., a publicly traded company, as well as on the boards of numerous private companies. Prior to co-founding Juniper Investment Company, Mr.
Bartholdson was a partner of Stonington Partners, Inc. where he worked from 1997 to 2011. Mr. Bartholdson received his B.A. from Duke University and his M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business. He has many years of experience leading
and overseeing investments across a range of industries and has a successful record of managing investments in public companies. Mr. Bartholdson’s extensive management oversight, service on multiple public and private company boards and
committees, and deep transactional expertise provide valuable insight to the Board of Directors.
James J. Burke, Jr. has served on our Board of Directors since 1999. He is the founder and managing member of JJB Capital Partners LLC, a private
investment firm, formerly J. Burke Capital Partners LLC since 2007. He was also the co-founder, partner and director of Stonington Partners, Inc. (1994-2007) and co-founder of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, Inc., a private equity fund for which
he was the President and CEO from 1987 to 1999. He received a B.A. from Brown University and an M.B.A. with Distinction from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. Mr. Burke also serves on the board of directors of a
number of privately-owned companies and several non-profit organizations. Mr. Burke brings extensive financial and business knowledge to the Board of Directors through his engagement in private equity investing since 1981. Throughout his career,
he has been responsible for sourcing and analyzing investment opportunities, where he has developed both expertise and significant knowledge regarding the managerial, operational and financial aspects of a business. His extensive investment and industry experience provides valuable insight to the Board of Directors.
Kevin M. Carney was appointed to our Board of Directors on March 11, 2020. Mr. Carney recently retired as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Web.com Group, Inc. (formerly a NASDAQ listed company). Mr. Carney joined the founding management team of Web.com in 1998 and served as its Chief Financial Officer through 2018. Since retiring from Web.com, Mr. Carney has been
providing financial consulting services. Prior to Web.com, Mr. Carney was Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of The Carlyle Group and Carlyle International, respectively, from 1990 through 1994, and, after that, served as Director
of Mergers and Acquisitions at Manor Care, Inc. (formerly a NYSE listed company). He began his career as an auditor with Arthur Andersen & Co., was a Certified Public Accountant, and holds a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Boston
College. Mr. Carney’s extensive accounting, financial and executive management experience in both financial and technology industries is of significant value to the Board.
Michael A. Plater, Ph.D. was appointed to our Board of Directors on August 7, 2020. Dr. Plater has been vice president of Kelly Education since April 2021.
Dr. Plater is a former President of Strayer University, having begun his career at Strayer University, LLC, now a subsidiary of Strategic Education, Inc, in 2010 holding successive positions as Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Interim
President and President before his retirement. Prior to joining Strayer, Dr. Plater held various positions at a number of educational institutions, such as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University,
Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Brown University, Director of the Entrepreneurial Center, University of Florida Business School and consultant to The Wharton Small Business Development Center. Dr. Plater is a graduate of Harvard College
with an AB degree in Economics, holds a M.B.A. in Business Administration from The Wharton School of Business and a doctorate in American Studies from The College of William and Mary. Dr. Plater’s significant experience in academic management and
adult education provides valuable insight to our Board of Directors.
Felecia J. Pryor was appointed to our Board of Directors on August 5, 2021. Ms. Pryor currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at
John Deere, where she has responsibility for human resources, labor relations, brand marketing and communications, and aviation and security. Prior to joining John Deere, she served as the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resource
Officer for BorgWarner, where her primary focus, on a global level, included compensation and employee benefits, talent management, labor, employment, social responsibility, and internal communications. Additionally, she served more than 16
years in human resources at the Ford Motor Company across a multitude of areas with increased levels of responsibility in labor relations and corporate human resources roles. She also served as Ford’s Vice President of Human Resources for Ford
ASEAN (Bangkok, Thailand) and Human Resources Director Ford Asia Pacific (Nanjing, China). Ms. Pryor is a licensed Michigan attorney who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State University, a Master of Public
Administration degree from Florida Atlantic University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Ms. Pryor’s extensive experience in human resources and added perspective stemming from her previous
automotive industry experience and her current position in heavy equipment manufacturing and technology bring a valuable perspective to the Board of Directors.
Carlton E. Rose was appointed to our Board of Directors on August 7, 2020. Mr. Rose has been employed by United Parcel Service since 1980, first as a
package handler and, during his 43-year tenure, having earned numerous promotions as a result of his technical skills, business skills and team leadership culminating in his most recent position as its President, Global Fleet Maintenance &
Engineering until his retirement in March, 2023. A native of Marion, Indiana, Mr. Rose is an automotive engineering graduate of the Indianapolis campus of Lincoln Technical Institute, now Lincoln College of Technology. Mr. Rose’s history as a
graduate of one of our schools as well as his extensive management experience affords him a unique perspective on our Company.
Sylvia J. Young was appointed to our Board of Directors on February 23, 2023. Ms. Young has been a dedicated veteran of hospital administration since
1985, most recently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of HCA Continental Division from June 2012 until her retirement in 2023. HCA Continental Division, a $3.6 billion net revenue regional health care system, includes HealthONE in
Denver, CO and Wesley Healthcare in Wichita, KS. Before her appointment to the Denver-based Division headquarters, Ms. Young served as President of HCA’s Sunrise Health System. In April 2019, Ms. Young was appointed At-Large Trustee of the
American Hospital Association Board of Trustees. Ms. Young holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of Alabama, Birmingham and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Samford University in Birmingham.
Scott M. Shaw joined us in 2001 and currently serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Shaw has served on our Board of Directors from
2001 to 2006 and since July 2015. Prior to taking the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shaw served in the positions of President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, and
Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development of the Company. Prior to joining Lincoln, Mr. Shaw was a partner at Stonington Partners, Inc., where he had been since 1994. As a partner at Stonington, Mr. Shaw was
responsible for identifying, evaluating and acquiring companies and then assisting in the oversight of these companies through participation on the board of directors of acquired companies. In addition, Mr. Shaw worked closely with senior
management to develop long-term strategic plans, to evaluate acquisitions and new investment opportunities, to assist with refinancing, and to execute on the final sale of the company either to the public or to another company. Mr. Shaw also
served as a consultant to Merrill Lynch Capital Partners Inc., a private investment firm associated with Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., from 1994 through 2000. Mr. Shaw holds an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business and a B.A. from Duke
University. His extensive financial and business management experience, long history with the Company, and deep knowledge of the industry continues to provide the Board of Directors with strong insights into the industry and its evolving
landscape.
Brian K. Meyers joined us in 2002 and currently serves as our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer. Mr. Meyers has more than 25
years of accounting and financial management experience. Prior to joining Lincoln, Mr. Meyers served as Vice President and Controller for Candie’s Inc. and began his career in 1989 with Richard A. Eisner (currently EisnerAmper LLP), a public
accounting firm. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. in Accounting from Wagner College.
Stephen M. Buchenot joined us in 1992 and currently serves as Executive Vice President of Campus Operations and oversees the operations of all campuses
and Admissions. He entered the vocational training industry in 1982 and he has held various positions, including Regional Controller, Campus President and Regional Operations Manager. Over the years, he has participated in, and taken a
leadership role with, various state educational associations, including the Missouri Association of Private Career Schools and the Maryland Association of Private Career Schools. Mr. Buchenot is a graduate of Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois.
Chad D. Nyce joined us in 2020 as Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer. Previously, he was the Chief Operating Officer at Strayer
University, LLC, now a subsidiary of Strategic Education, Inc., from 2007 to 2019 and, prior to his tenure at Strayer, he was a Regional Vice President of Operations for InteliStaf Healthcare, Inc., one of the nation's largest privately-held
healthcare staffing firms, from 2004 to 2007. Prior to his tenure at InteliStaf, Mr. Nyce served as a Vice President of the Investment Banking Division at Goldman, Sachs & Co. and has also held senior management positions at BostonCoach, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Investments. Mr. Nyce holds an MBA and a BBA from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
Our Board of Directors and its committees meet throughout the year on a set schedule and also hold special meetings and act by written consent from time to time as appropriate. Directors are
expected to attend our annual meetings of shareholders, board meetings, and meetings of the committees on which they serve. They are also expected to prepare for meetings in advance and to dedicate the time at each meeting as necessary to
properly discharge their responsibilities. Informational materials, useful in preparing for meetings, are distributed in advance of each meeting. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there were nine meetings of the Board of Directors.
Each of the directors attended all of the meetings of the Board except for Ronald E. Harbour and Felecia J. Pryor, who did not attend one meeting. Also during the last fiscal year, each of the directors attended all of the meetings of the
committees on which he or she served as well as our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Director Qualifications
The Board of Directors believes that its members possess a variety of skills, qualifications, experience and attributes that contribute to the Board of Directors’ ability to oversee our
operations and the growth of our business. The following chart is a Board of Directors Skills Matrix that sets forth the various skills, qualifications, experience, and attributes of our directors. The categories included in the matrix are tied
to the Company’s strategic goal to assemble a Board of Directors that collectively possesses the skills and attributes that the Company believes essential to a strong leadership. The matrix shows the skills and attributes that the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee considered for each director when evaluating that director’s experience and qualifications for a position on the Board. In addition, self-selected diversity information is also set forth below. For additional
information regarding each of our directors, see “Board of Directors and Executive Officers” above.
Board of Directors Skills Matrix
|
Director
|
CEO/
Senior Officer (1)
|
Industry Experience
(2)
|
Governance/
Board
Experience (3)
|
Financial Acumen (4)
|
Business Development/
M&A
Experience (5)
|
Independent (6)
|
Diversity (Gender/
Racial/
Ethnic)
(7)
|
|
John A. Bartholdson
|
✓ |
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
|
James J. Burke, Jr.
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
Kevin M. Carney
|
✓ |
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
|
J. Barry Morrow
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
|
Michael A. Plater
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
Felecia J. Pryor
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
||
|
Carlton E. Rose
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
||
|
Sylvia J. Young
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
Scott M. Shaw
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
✓
|
| (1) |
CEO/Senior Officer – Experience working as a CEO or senior officer of an organization.
|
| (2) |
Industry Experience – Senior executive experience in one or more of the Company’s primary or related industries.
|
| (3) |
Governance/Board Experience – Prior or current experience as a board member of an organization (public, private, or non-profit sectors).
|
| (4) |
Financial Acumen – Experience in financial accounting and reporting, including persons designated by the Board of Directors as audit committee financial experts. Familiarity with internal financial controls. Also includes
professional experience in corporate finance, especially with respect to debt and equity markets.
|
| (5) |
Business Development/M&A Experience – Experience with business development, mergers and acquisitions and/or divestitures.
|
| (6) |
Independent – Determined by the Board of Directors to be an independent director. See “Director Independence”.
|
| (7) |
Diversity – Denotes gender, racial or ethnic diversity. See “Board Diversity”.
|
Board Diversity
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, in accordance with its charter and the Board of Directors’ governance principles, seeks to create a Board of Directors that, as a whole, is
strong in its collective knowledge and wisdom with a view to achieving, over time, an appropriate balance of directors with diverse skills, backgrounds, experience, and viewpoints, including with respect to diversity of views, gender, race,
ethnicity, age, nationality, and those identifying as LGBTQ+, so that there is a diversity of skills and experience as to vision and strategy, management and leadership, business operations, business judgment, crisis management, risk assessment,
industry knowledge, accounting and finance, corporate governance, and markets in general. Pursuant to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter, the Committee is charged with reviewing, on an annual basis, the current composition
of the Board of Directors in light of the attributes of independence, skills, background, experience, and viewpoints, including those relating to diversity enumerated above. In considering candidates for the Board of Directors, the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee considers the entirety of each candidate’s credentials in the context of these standards.
The following matrix sets forth Board level diversity statistics as of March 16, 2023, the record date for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, based upon the directors’ self-identification as to
each category:
|
Board of Directors Diversity Matrix as of March 16, 2023
|
|||
|
Board Size:
|
|||
|
Total Number of Directors 10
|
|||
|
Male
|
Female
|
||
|
Part I: Gender Identity;
|
|||
|
Directors
|
8
|
2
|
|
|
Part II: Demographic Background:
|
|||
|
African American or Black
|
2
|
1
|
|
|
White
|
6
|
1
|
|
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and a Compensation Committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is currently comprised of director Carney (Chair) as well as directors Bartholdson, Plater and Rose. The Audit Committee held four meetings in 2022. The Board of Directors has adopted
a written charter for the Audit Committee, which is available on our website at https://investors.lincolneducationalservices.com under Corporate Governance. The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the oversight of, among other
things, our accounting and financial reporting processes; the quality and integrity of our financial statements; the quality and integrity of our system of internal controls; our compliance with laws and regulations; our independent auditor’s
qualifications and independence; and the audit of our financial statements by a qualified independent auditor.
To fulfill these responsibilities, the Audit Committee will be aware of the current areas of greatest financial risk to us and understand management’s assessment and management of the risks;
consider the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures to promote timely, accurate, compliant and meaningful disclosure in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”); periodically review with the
independent auditors their assessment as to the adequacy of our structure of internal controls over financial accounting and reporting, and their qualitative judgments as to the accounting principles employed and related disclosures by us and the
conclusions expressed in our financial reports; review with management and the independent auditors our accounting policies and practices to ensure they meet the requirements with respect to the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC, the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; select, evaluate and, if necessary, replace our independent auditors; actively engage in dialogue with the independent auditors with respect to
any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity or independence of the independent auditors; engage advisors, as the committee determines is necessary, to carry out its duties; meet with the independent auditors, the
internal auditors and senior management to review the scope and methodology of the proposed audit; discuss with management policies and practices regarding earnings press releases, as well as financial information and earnings guidelines provided
to analysts and rating agencies to the extent required by applicable law or listing standards; set clear hiring policies with respect to any current or former employees of our independent auditors; and establish procedures for the receipt,
retention and treatment of complaints we receive regarding our internal accounting controls or auditing matters and for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of their concerns regarding our internal accounting controls and auditing
matters. The Audit Committee is also charged with reviewing and approving all related person transactions.
The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Carney and Bartholdson is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the regulations of the SEC. Messrs. Carney,
Bartholdson and Rose and Dr. Plater are independent directors under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the NASDAQ listing standards.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of directors Bartholdson (Chair), Burke, Harbour, Plater, and Pryor. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held four
meetings in 2022. The charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is available on our website at https://investors.lincolneducationalservices.com under Corporate Governance. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee is responsible for, among other things, making recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to corporate governance policies, reviewing and recommending compensation for non-employee directors to our Board, and reviewing and
recommending changes to the Company’s corporate governance guidelines that have been adopted by the Board of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also recommends to the Board of Directors candidates for nomination for
election as directors of the Company and appointments of directors as members of the committees of the Board of Directors as well as the compensation of non-employee directors.
Nomination Process. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers candidates for director suggested by its members, other directors and
management and may from time to time retain a third-party executive search firm to identify director candidates for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers candidates for directors suggested by shareholders for elections to be held at annual meetings of shareholders.
Shareholders can suggest qualified candidates for directors by complying with the advance notification and other requirements of the Company’s bylaws regarding director nominations. Director nomination materials submitted in accordance with the
Company’s bylaws will be forwarded to the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for review and consideration. Director nominees suggested by shareholders are evaluated in the same manner, and subject to the same criteria, as
other nominees evaluated by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Generally, once the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has identified a prospective nominee, it will make an initial determination as to whether to conduct a full evaluation of the
candidate based on information provided to it with the recommendation of the candidate, as well as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s own knowledge of the candidate, which may be supplemented by inquiries to the person making the
recommendation or others. The initial determination is based primarily on the need for additional directors to fill vacancies or expand the size of the Board of Directors and the likelihood that the candidate can satisfy the evaluation factors
described below. If the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee determines, in consultation with the Chair of the Board and other directors, as appropriate, that additional consideration is warranted, it may request a third-party search
firm to gather additional information about the candidate’s background and experience and to report its findings to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee then evaluates the candidate
against the standards and qualifications set out in guidelines for director candidates adopted by the Board of Directors, including, without limitation, the nominee’s management, leadership and business experience, skills such as financial
literacy and knowledge of directorial duties, diversity, integrity and professionalism.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers such other relevant factors as it deems appropriate, including the current composition of the Board of Directors, the balance of
management and independent directors, the need for particular expertise (such as audit committee expertise) and the evaluations of other prospective nominees. In connection with this evaluation, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
determines whether to interview the prospective nominee, and, if warranted, one or more members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and others as appropriate, interview prospective nominees in person or by telephone. After
completing this evaluation and interview, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee makes a recommendation to the full Board of Directors as to the persons who should be nominated by the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors
determines the nominees after considering the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is comprised of directors Burke (Chair), Bartholdson, Harbour, Pryor, Rose, and Young; Ms. Young was appointed to the Compensation Committee by the Board of Directors
on February 23, 2023. The Compensation Committee held two meetings in 2022. Each member of the Compensation Committee meets the independence requirements under the NASDAQ listing standards. The charter of the
Compensation Committee is available on our website at https://investors.lincolneducationalservices.com under Corporate Governance. The Compensation Committee has the authority to develop and maintain a compensation policy and strategy
that creates a direct relationship between pay levels and corporate performance and returns to shareholders; recommend compensation, special benefits, perquisites, and incidental benefits to our Board for approval; review and approve annual
corporate and personal goals and objectives to serve as the basis for the chief executive officer’s compensation, evaluate the chief executive officer’s performance in light of the goals and, based on such evaluation, determine the chief
executive officer’s compensation; determine the annual total compensation for our named executive officers; with respect to our equity-based compensation plans, approve the grants of stock options and other equity-based incentives as permitted
under our compensation plans; and review and recommend employment agreements, severance arrangements and change in control plans that provide for benefits upon a change in control, or other provisions for our executive officers to our Board.
The Compensation Committee may retain compensation consultants having special competence to assist it in evaluating executive compensation and may also retain counsel, accountants or other advisors, in its sole discretion. The Compensation
Committee also has the power to delegate its authority and duties to subcommittees or individual members of the committee, as it deems appropriate in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Committee Membership
The table below lists the current membership of each committee and the number of committee meetings held in 2022:
|
Name
|
Audit
|
Nominating and
Corporate Governance
|
Compensation
|
|
John A. Bartholdson
|
✓
|
Chair
|
✓
|
|
James J. Burke, Jr.
|
✓
|
Chair
|
|
|
Kevin M. Carney
|
Chair
|
||
|
Ronald E. Harbour
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
J. Barry Morrow*
|
|||
|
Michael A. Plater
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
Felecia J. Pryor
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
Carlton E. Rose
|
✓
|
✓
|
|
|
Scott M. Shaw
Sylvia J. Young
|
✓
|
||
|
2022 Meetings
|
4
|
4
|
2
|
*Non-Executive Chair of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors has a majority of independent directors, as is required by the NASDAQ listing rules. Our Board
of Directors has determined that each of our directors and director nominees other than Scott M. Shaw, our Chief Executive Officer, is an “independent director” as such term is defined under the NASDAQ listing
rules. All of the members of each of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee are independent directors.
Currently, the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Directors are held by different individuals. In
the past, the position of Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board were combined when deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
Our Board of Directors has adopted a flexible policy regarding the issue of whether the positions of Chair and Chief
Executive Officer should be separate or combined. Our Board of Directors regularly evaluates whether the interest of the Company and its shareholders are best served at any particular time by having the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer or another director hold the position of Chair. The Board of Directors believes that no single, one-size fits all, board-leadership model is universally or permanently appropriate. This structure has
proven especially useful to facilitate executive leadership training, succession, and orderly transitions. At present, the Board of Directors believes that its current structure effectively maintains independent oversight of management.
As Non-Executive Chair of the Board of Directors, J. Barry Morrow ensures that the Board of Directors fulfills its oversight and governance responsibilities and directs the activities and
meetings of the Board of Directors. In addition, Mr. Morrow is responsible for coordinating the activities of the non-employee directors and leading executive sessions of the non-employee directors, which are generally held in conjunction with
each regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting.
Our Board of Directors has an active role, as a whole and also at the committee level, in overseeing the risk management of the Company. This is designed to support the achievement of
organizational objectives, including strategic objectives, to improve long-term organizational value. A fundamental part of risk management is not only understanding the risks a company faces and what steps management is taking to manage those
risks, but also understanding what level of risk is appropriate for the Company.
The involvement of the full Board of Directors in setting the Company’s business strategy is a key part of its assessment of management’s appetite for risk and also a determination of what
constitutes an appropriate level of risk for the Company.
Fundamental aspects of the Board of Directors’ risk management oversight activities include:
| • |
understanding the key drivers of success for our business and the associated major risks inherent in our operations and corporate strategy;
|
| • |
overseeing that appropriate risk management and control procedures are implemented by management and developing and maintaining an effective risk dialogue with management;
|
| • |
overseeing environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, including diversity, human capital management, and risks related to climate change; and
|
| • |
crafting the appropriate Board of Directors for our Company, including ensuring that the Board of Directors has the appropriate mix of background, skills and experience and an appropriate committee structure to carry out its oversight
responsibilities effectively.
|
While the Board of Directors has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, various committees of the Board of Directors also have responsibility for risk management.
In particular, the Audit Committee focuses on financial risk, including internal controls, and receives an annual risk assessment report from the Company’s internal auditors. The Audit Committee also assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling
its oversight responsibility with respect to legal and compliance issues. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, in addition to making recommendations with respect to corporate governance matters and nominations of directors, manages
risks associated with the independence of the Board of Directors and potential conflicts of interest. The Compensation Committee strives to create incentives that encourage a level of risk-taking behavior consistent with the Company’s business
which are appropriately balanced and do not motivate employees to take imprudent risks. All committees report to the full Board as appropriate, including when a matter rises to the level of a material or enterprise level risk.
The Company has reviewed its compensation programs and considered the extent to which its compensation policies and practices influence the behaviors of our executives and other employees with
respect to taking business risks that could affect the Company. We believe that our compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company, either individually or in the aggregate.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Messrs. Burke (Chair), Bartholdson, Harbour, Pryor and Rose served on the Compensation Committee during the entire 2022 fiscal year. Ms. Young was appointed to the Compensation Committee on
February 23, 2023 upon her appointment to the Board of Directors. During the 2022 fiscal year:
| • |
none of the members of the Compensation Committee was an officer (or former officer) or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
|
| • |
none of the members of the Compensation Committee had a direct or indirect material interest in any transaction in which the Company was a participant and the amount involved exceeded $120,000, except for Mr. Bartholdson, who has an
interest in the shares of Common Stock (and prior to its conversion to Common Stock, in the Series A Preferred Stock) beneficially owned by Juniper Fund and Juniper Opportunities Fund including the dividends paid thereon. See
“Transactions with Related Persons” below;
|
| • |
none of the Company’s executive officers served on the compensation committee (or another board committee with similar functions or, if none, the entire board of directors) of another entity where one of that entity’s executive
officers served on the Company’s Compensation Committee;
|
| • |
none of the Company’s executive officers was a director of another entity where one of that entity’s executive officers served on the Company’s Compensation Committee; and
|
| • |
none of the Company’s executive officers served on the compensation committee (or another board committee with similar functions or, if none, the entire board of directors) of another entity where one of that entity’s executive
officers served as a director on the Company’s Board of Directors.
|
The following tables provide information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of the Record Date by (1) each of our directors; (2) each of our named executive officers; (3)
all directors and executive officers as a group; and (4) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of each class of our voting securities. This table is based on information provided to us or
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by our directors, executive officers and principal shareholders named below. Except as otherwise indicated, we believe, based on information furnished by such owners, that the beneficial owners
of our voting securities listed below have sole investment and voting power with respect to such shares, subject to community property laws where applicable. Unless otherwise noted below, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table
is: c/o Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, 14 Sylvan Way, Suite A, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
To the Company’s knowledge and as reported to us or filed with the SEC, as of the Record Date, the only persons or groups that are known to us to be the beneficial owners of
more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding stock are:
|
NAME AND ADDRESS
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER
|
NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED (1)
|
PERCENT OF CLASS
|
|
JUNIPER INVESTMENT COMPANY, LLC (2)
555 MADISON AVENUE, 24TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10022
|
5,680,949
|
18.0%
|
|
HEARTLAND ADVISORS, INC. (3)
789 NORTH WATER STREET, SUITE 1200
MILWAUKEE, WI 53202
|
2,067,699
|
6.6%
|
| (1) |
As of the close of business on March 16, 2023, the Record Date, there were 31,512,401 shares of our Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on each
matter voted upon.
|
| (2) |
Based on the information reported in Amendment 1 to Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 1, 2022 by Juniper Investment Company, LLC (“Juniper Investment Company”) and in other filings since that
date, Juniper Investment Company is the investment advisor to Juniper Targeted Opportunities Fund, L.P. (“Juniper Targeted Opportunities”) and Juniper Targeted Opportunity Fund, L.P. (“Juniper Fund”). Each of Alexis P. Michas and John A.
Bartholdson serves as the managing member of Juniper Investment Company and the general partners of Juniper Targeted Opportunities and Juniper Fund and as a result, each of Juniper Investment Company, Mr. Michas, and Mr. Bartholdson share
voting and dispositive power over an aggregate of 5,680,949 shares of Common Stock as follows: (i) 3,262,714 shares of Common Stock held by Juniper Targeted Opportunities; and (ii) 2,363,311 shares of Common Stock held by Juniper Fund. In
addition to the shares held by Juniper Targeted Opportunities and Juniper Fund, each of Mr. Michas and Mr. Bartholdson owns and has sole voting and dispositive power of 16,393 shares and 38,531 shares of Common Stock, respectively.
|
| (3) |
Based on the information reported in a statement on Schedule 13G/A-8 filed with the Securities and on February 2, 2023 by Heartland Advisors, Inc. (“Heartland”), Heartland Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”) and William J. Nasgovitz, as of
December 31, 2022, Heartland, a registered investment advisor, Holdings and William J. Nasgovitz have shared voting power as to 1,993,006 of these shares and shared dispositive power as to all of these shares. We have not attempted to independently verify any of the foregoing information, which is based solely upon the information contained in the Schedule 13G/A-8.
|
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as to the beneficial ownership of shares of our Common Stock, as of the Record Date, of each director and each named executive officer and all directors
and executive officers of the Company, as a group. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, each individual has sole investment and voting power with respect to the shares of Common Stock set forth.
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned (1)
|
Percent of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned (1)
|
||
|
Named Executive Officers
|
||||
|
Scott M. Shaw (2)
|
1,028,658
|
3.3%
|
||
|
Brian K. Meyers (3)
|
372,660
|
1.2%
|
||
|
Stephen M. Buchenot (4)
|
290,788
|
*
|
||
|
Non-Employee Directors
|
||||
|
J. Barry Morrow (5)
|
242,885
|
*
|
||
|
John A. Bartholdson (6)
|
5,664,556
|
18.0%
|
||
|
James J. Burke, Jr. (7)
|
174,455
|
*
|
||
|
Kevin M. Carney (8)
|
30,479
|
*
|
||
|
Ronald E. Harbour (9)
|
53,564
|
*
|
||
|
Michael A. Plater (10)
|
26,265
|
*
|
||
|
Felecia J. Pryor (11)
|
15,276
|
*
|
||
|
Carlton E. Rose (12)
|
26,265
|
*
|
||
|
Sylvia J. Young (13)
|
1,626
|
*
|
||
|
All executive officers and directors as a group
(13 persons)
|
8,088,961
|
25.7%
|
* Less than 1%.
| (1) |
Applicable percentages are based on 31,512,401 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 16, 2023. For purposes of this table, (i) shares of restricted Common Stock that have not vested are included in the shares outstanding as
of the Record Date and are entitled to be voted, (ii) a person or group of persons is deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of any shares as of a given date that such person or group has the right to acquire within 60 days after such date
and (iii) unless otherwise stated, the address for each named person is 14 Sylvan Way, Suite A, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
|
| (2) |
Includes (i) 650,623 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Shaw and (ii) 378,035 shares of restricted Common Stock.
|
| (3) |
Includes (i) 205,618 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Meyers and (ii) 167,042 shares of restricted Common Stock.
|
| (4) |
Includes (i) 165,282 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Buchenot and (ii) 125,506 shares of restricted Common Stock.
|
| (5) |
Includes (i) 227,119 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Morrow and (ii) 15,766 shares of restricted Common Stock.
|
| (6) |
Includes (i) 29,522 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Bartholdson; (ii) 9,009 shares of restricted Common Stock held by Mr. Bartholdson; (iii) 3,262,714 shares of Common Stock held by Juniper Targeted Opportunities; and (iv) 2,363,311
shares of Common Stock held by Juniper Fund on the Record Date, over which Mr. Bartholdson shares voting and dispositive power with Mr. Michas and Juniper Investment Company. The principal business office address of Mr. Bartholdson is
555 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10022. See also Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners as to the holdings of Juniper Investment Company, LLC and its affiliates.
|
(7) Includes (i) 165,446 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Burke and (ii) 9,009 shares of restricted Common Stock.
| (8) |
Includes (i) 21,470 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Carney and (ii) 9,009 shares of restricted Common Stock.
|
| (9) |
Includes (i) 44,555 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Harbour and (ii) 9,009 shares of restricted Common Stock.
|
| (10) |
Includes (i) 17,256 shares of Common Stock held by Dr. Plater and (ii) 9,009 shares of restricted Common Stock.
|
| (11) |
Includes (i) 6,267 shares of Common Stock held by Ms. Pryor and (ii) 9,0009 shares of restricted Common Stock.
|
| (12) |
Includes (i) 17,256 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Rose and (ii) 9,009 shares of restricted Common Stock.
|
| (13) |
Includes 1,626 shares of restricted Common Stock held by Ms. Young.
|
The Company currently has two stock incentive plans: the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”) and the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Incentive
Compensation Plan (the “LTIP”).
LTIP
On March 26, 2020, the Board of Directors adopted the LTIP to provide incentives to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company, as determined by the
Compensation Committee or such other qualified committee appointed by the Board of Directors, to align the interests of these individuals in the Company’s success with those of its shareholders through the grant of equity-based awards. On June
16, 2020, the shareholders of the Company approved the LTIP. The LTIP is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, or such other qualified committee appointed by the Board of Directors, who will, among other duties,
have full power and authority to take all actions and to make all determinations required or provided for under the LTIP. Pursuant to the LTIP, the Company may grant options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units,
incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. The LTIP has a duration of 10 years. Subject to adjustment, as described in the LTIP, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for grant under the LTIP is 2,000,000. As of
the Record Date, 188,765 shares of Common Stock remain available for grant under the LTIP. The amendment to the LTIP described under Proposal 4, if approved, would provide for 2,000,000 additional shares to be made available for grant under the
LTIP.
Prior Plan
Under the Prior Plan, certain employees have received awards of restricted shares of Common Stock based on service and performance. The number of shares granted to each
employee is based on the amount of the award and the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. The LTIP makes it clear that there will be no new grants under the Prior Plan effective as of June 16, 2020, the date of
shareholder approval of the LTIP. Existing grants are subject to the particular award agreements relating thereto and to the Prior Plan to the extent that the Prior Plan provides rules relating to those grants. The Prior Plan remains in effect
only to that extent.
This section provides an overview and analysis of our executive officer compensation program and policies, the material compensation decisions we have made under those programs and policies, and
the material factors that we considered in making those decisions. Later in this proxy statement, under the heading “Executive Compensation,” are a series of tables containing specific information about the compensation earned or paid in 2022 to
the following individuals, whom we refer to as our “named executive officers” or “NEOs.”
In 2022, the Company had three named executive officers:
| • |
Scott M. Shaw, our President and Chief Executive Officer;
|
| • |
Brian K. Meyers, our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; and
|
| • |
Stephen M. Buchenot, our Executive Vice President of Campus Operations.
|
The discussion below is intended to aid in understanding the information provided in the tables that follow and put that information into context within our overall compensation program.
Executive Summary
2022 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
At the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Company’s shareholders, we held a non-binding advisory say-on-pay vote on our executive compensation program, as set forth in our proxy statement dated March 25, 2022 that was
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on that date. Approximately 90% of the votes cast on the say-on-pay proposal voted in favor of the program.
Performance-Based Executive Compensation
| • |
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, performance-based restricted stock comprised 50% and 100%, respectively, of our equity compensation. Such performance-based restricted stock vests based upon the attainment of
performance metrics set by the Compensation Committee each year for the applicable three-year vesting period of the restricted stock grant. The terms of these awards are described in more detail below under “Long-Term Stock Incentives.”
|
| • |
We maintain an annual performance-based Management Incentive Compensation Plan (the “MIC Plan”) for cash bonus compensation. Payments under the MIC Plan are based on the attainment of predetermined net income, revenue and company-wide
quality focused outcome targets. The terms of these awards are described in more detail below under “2022 Annual Performance-Based Incentive Compensation.”
|
| ◾ |
In fiscal year 2022, our NEOs received payments equal to 25.3% of their respective MIC Plan target award opportunity.
|
| ◾ |
In fiscal year 2021, our NEOs received payments equal to 136.4% of their respective MIC Plan target award opportunity.
|
The Compensation Committee believes that these practices highlight the close link between pay and performance under our executive officer compensation program.
Recent Changes to the Compensation Program
Over the past few years, we have made key changes to our annual cash and long-term stock incentive compensation program to enhance our pay-for-performance philosophy to better align the interests
of our executives with those of our shareholders. These changes reflect our continuing commitment to improving our pay-for-performance alignment, while embracing contemporary compensation and governance best practices. The changes included the
following:
| ◾ |
eliminating the individual performance component of our annual incentive compensation program and adding a component linked to company-wide quality-focused outcomes that directly impact the Company’s overall health and viability;
|
| ◾ |
capping the maximum amount payable under the annual incentive compensation program at 200% of target; and
|
| ◾ |
granting performance-based restricted stock that vests upon the attainment of EBITDA targets established for each year.
|
The Compensation Committee continually reviews the executive compensation program and may, from time to time, modify certain aspects of the program to ensure that it remains aligned with the
interests of the Company’s shareholders.
Sound Compensation Governance Practices.
The Company seeks to implement and maintain sound compensation governance practices to ensure adherence to our pay-for-performance philosophy while appropriately managing risk and aligning our
executive compensation program with the financial interests of the Company’s shareholders. Highlights of our practices include:
| • |
Cap on Annual Incentive Compensation. The aggregate maximum annual incentive award that can be earned by each of our named executive officers is capped at 200% of their target.
|
| • |
No Executive Retirement Programs. We do not maintain enhanced retirement arrangements for our executive officers. Executive officers are eligible to participate in our 401(k) plan in the same
manner as all other employees.
|
| • |
No tax gross-ups. As discussed below under the heading “Employment Agreements and Change in Control Benefits,” we do not provide our executive officers with tax gross-ups for “excess parachute
payments” upon a change in control.
|
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The Company and the Compensation Committee believe that compensation paid to executive officers should be closely aligned with our performance on both a short-term and long-term basis, and that
such compensation should assist us in attracting and retaining key executives that are critical to our long-term success.
Our compensation program is designed to offer executive officers competitive compensation based on our performance and the individual’s contribution, performance, and leadership in the execution
of our business model. Our compensation policies are intended to motivate, reward, and retain highly qualified executives for long-term strategic management and enhancement of shareholder value, to support a performance-oriented environment that
rewards achievement of specific internal Company goals, and to attract and retain executives whose abilities are critical to our long-term success and competitiveness. Our compensation goals are further intended to mitigate incentives for our
executives to take excessive risks that may be adverse to the Company and our shareholders in the long-term.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed all components of the compensation for the named executive officers, including salary, annual incentives, equity and long-term incentive compensation; the
dollar value to the executive and cost to the Company of all perquisites; and the actual projected payout obligations under potential severance and change in control scenarios.
Setting Executive Compensation
We intend to continue our strategy of compensating our executives through programs that emphasize performance-based incentive compensation. We have structured annual cash and long-term equity
incentive compensation to both motivate executives to achieve the business goals set by the Company and to reward the executives for achieving such goals. Our executive compensation program is further designed to discourage excessive risk taking
by assessing performance across multiple dimensions and metrics, including both regulatory performance and student outcomes.
For the named executive officers, the main components of our compensation program are base salary, an annual performance-based cash incentive, and long-term performance-based restricted stock.
In allocating compensation among these components, the Compensation Committee believes that the compensation of senior management, the levels of management having the greatest ability to influence our performance, should be predominately
performance-based. Base salary is intended to provide a certain level of income commensurate with an executive’s position, responsibilities, and contributions to the Company.
The annual performance-based cash incentive compensation focuses on short-term performance while the performance-based restricted stock is tied to achievement of performance over a longer period
of time. This mix of short- and long-term incentives provides sufficient rewards to motivate near-term performance, while at the same time providing significant incentives to keep our executives focused on longer-term corporate goals that drive
shareholder value. In addition, we believe this balance of short-term and long-term incentive compensation and the mix of varied performance metrics helps mitigate the incentive for executives to take excessive risk that may have the potential
to harm the Company in the long-term.
Compensation for Scott M. Shaw, our President and Chief Executive Officer, is based on the Compensation Committee’s independent assessment of Mr. Shaw’s performance during the year. Our
President and Chief Executive Officer plays a significant role in setting the compensation for the other named executive officers by presenting an evaluation of each executive’s performance and his recommendation for levels of their
compensation. The Compensation Committee makes all final decisions with respect to the total compensation package for each of the named executive officers and has the authority to accept, reject, or modify these recommendations in connection
with its determination. The Compensation Committee may retain compensation consultants having special competence to assist it in evaluating the compensation of the named executive officers, in its sole discretion.
Base Salary
Base salaries for our named executive officers are based on job responsibilities and individual contributions with reference to base salary levels of executives at comparable publicly held
companies. The Compensation Committee also considers several other factors in setting base salaries including the executive’s experience and tenure, our overall annual budget for merit increases and pre-tax profit, the executive’s individual
performance, changes in the executive’s responsibility, and the executive’s overall contribution to our success. We review salary levels annually to recognize these factors. We do not target base salary at any particular percentage of total
compensation.
None of our named executive officers received base salary increases in fiscal year 2022 or 2021.
2022 Annual Performance-Based Incentive Compensation
Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in the MIC Plan. Under the MIC Plan, the Compensation Committee approves the calculation of performance-based cash incentive
opportunities for our named executive officers by considering certain financial performance targets as well as company-wide, quality-focused outcomes. Awards under the MIC Plan reflect the Compensation Committee’s belief that a significant
portion of the total annual compensation of each named executive officer should be contingent upon the overall financial performance of the Company as well as the attainment of corporate initiatives relating to student outcomes and shareholder
value. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Compensation Committee set the incentive compensation target at 100% of base salary for Mr. Shaw, 75% of base salary for Mr. Meyers, and 50% of base salary for Mr. Buchenot. The maximum
award allowable under the MIC Plan to any named executive officer in any given year is 200% of their incentive compensation target.
The 2022 performance measures under the MIC Plan, including their relative weightings, were as follows:
|
Performance Measure
|
Percentage of Total Incentive
Compensation Opportunity
|
|
|
Net Income
|
47%
|
|
|
Revenue
|
33%
|
|
|
Company-Wide Quality Focused Outcomes
|
20%
|
At the beginning of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Compensation Committee set target goals for each of the above performance measures. In general, the Compensation Committee sets
the net income and revenue performance targets above the performance targets publicly announced for the Company. This is consistent with the Compensation Committee’s philosophy that performance-based annual compensation awards should incent our
named executive officers to attain better than average performance.
Net Income Component. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, 47% of each named executive officer’s target incentive opportunity
was based on the achievement of net income goal. The named executive officers could earn a portion of their target incentive opportunity if the Company’s net income was within 10% of our target goal. The percentage of the net income component
paid decreases by 10% for each percentage point that actual performance was below the target net income goal. No payments are made with respect to the net income component if actual performance was at or below 90% of the target net income goal.
Our named executive officers may earn more than their target net income component, subject to the cap of 200% of their incentive compensation target, if the Company’s net income was greater than
the target goal. The percentage increases by 8% for each percentage point that actual performance was above the target net income goal.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Compensation Committee set a net income goal of $19.4 million. Actual adjusted consolidated net income was $15.2 million. As a result, the
Company did not achieve any percentage of the 47% target incentive opportunity attributable to net income.
Revenue Component. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, 33% of each named executive officer’s target incentive opportunity
was based on the achievement of revenue goal. The named executive officers could earn a portion of their target incentive opportunity if our revenues were within 10% of our target goal. The percentage of the revenue component paid decreases by
10% for each percentage point that actual performance was below our target revenue goal. No payments are made with respect to the revenue component if actual performance was at or below 90% of our target revenue goal. Our named executive
officers may earn more than their target revenue component, subject to the cap of 200% of their incentive compensation target, if our revenues were greater than the target goal. The percentage increases by 8% for each percentage point that
actual performance was above the target revenue goal.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Compensation Committee set a revenue goal of $357.4 million. Actual consolidated revenue was $348.3 million. While the Company achieved 97.5% of
the revenue target, the Compensation Committee established a criterion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 that no payments were to be made with respect to the net income or revenue components unless both specified incentive targets were
achieved at or above 100%. As a result, the Company did not achieve any percentage of the 33% target incentive opportunity attributable to revenue.
Company-Wide Quality-Focused Outcomes Component. Each of our named executive officers could earn 20% of their target incentive
opportunity for the achievement of company-wide quality-focused outcomes. The performance goals related to the achievement of specific aspects of the Company’s business strategy and corporate initiatives relating to student outcomes and to
shareholder value.
No payments are made with respect to initiatives of the company-wide quality-focused outcomes component if the specified target for the applicable initiative was not attained. Our named
executive officers may earn more than their target incentive opportunity for this component, subject to the cap of 200% of their incentive compensation target, if performance with respect to one or more of the initiatives was greater than the
target goal. The percentage increases by 8% for each percentage point that actual performance was above the target goal for the initiative.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, we targeted a student retention rate of 65.5%. The actual student retention rate was 68.9%. As a result, the Company achieved approximately 25.3% of
the 20% target incentive opportunity attributable to Company-wide quality-focused outcomes.
Aggregate Incentive Compensation Paid under MIC Plan. Based upon exceeding the company-wide
quality-focused outcomes target applicable to student retention rate for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Compensation Committee awarded payment of approximately 25.3% of the respective MIC Plan target award opportunity for
each of our named executive officers as set forth below:
|
Named Executive Officer
|
Target 2022 MIC Plan
Award ($)
|
Total 2022 MIC Plan
Payment ($)
|
|
|
Scott M. Shaw
|
500,000
|
126,720
|
|
|
Brian K. Meyers
|
269,216
|
68,230
|
|
|
Stephen M. Buchenot
|
152,194
|
38,572
|
Long-Term Stock Incentives
Stock incentives focus executives’ attention on the Company from the perspective of an owner with an equity stake in the business thereby aligning interests with those of shareholders. The
Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s long-term performance is achieved through an ownership culture that encourages long-term performance by our named executive officers through grants of stock-based awards. Our
shareholder-approved LTIP provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, performance stock and other equity-based awards. Awards are generally made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee based on a multiplicity of factors,
including total compensation at peer companies, the level of equity ownership of the executives, and judgments of individual performance during the year.
The Compensation Committee believes that a combination of time-based and performance-based restricted stock grants better align the interests of our named executive officers with those of our
shareholders. EBITDA targets are set by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of each applicable year. If the applicable EBITDA target is not attained, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to determine that the performance-based
restricted stock that would have vested had the target been attained will not be forfeited but, instead, will be subject to a catch-up EBITDA target to be set in the subsequent year. A catch-up target is a stretch goal that requires a greater
level of performance than the performance goal set for the applicable performance period. In addition, notwithstanding the attainment of the applicable performance targets, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to determine that all or a
portion of performance-based restricted stock will not vest based on facts and circumstances occurring after the date of grant that the Compensation Committee deems relevant.
Time-Based Restricted Stock Awards
On February 23, 2022, the Compensation Committee awarded time-based restricted stock (the “Time-Based Restricted Shares”) to certain members of our management, including each of our named
executive officers. The Time-Based Restricted Shares vest ratably over three years. The Time-Based Restricted Shares represent 50% of the total restricted shares awarded on February 23, 2022.
The Compensation Committee did not award any time-based restricted stock to any of our NEOs in 2021.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards
On February 23, 2022, the Compensation Committee awarded performance-based restricted stock (the “Performance-Based Restricted Shares”) to certain members of our management, including each of our
named executive officers. The Performance-Based Restricted Shares vest over three years, upon the attainment of certain financial performance targets set by the Compensation Committee for each of the fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024, the
attainment of which is determined in March of each succeeding year. The Performance-Based Restricted Shares represent 50% of the total restricted shares awarded.
On February 25, 2021, the Compensation Committee awarded Performance-Based Restricted Shares to certain members of our management, including each of our named executive officers. The
Performance-Based Restricted Shares vest over three years, upon the attainment of certain financial performance targets set by the Compensation Committee for each of the fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023, the attainment of which is determined in
March of each succeeding year. The Performance-Based Restricted Shares represent 100% of the total restricted shares awarded.
Fiscal Year 2022 Performance Target
February 23, 2022 Award - The Company did not attain the financial performance target for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 in connection with Performance-Based
Restricted Shares awarded to our named executive officers on February 23, 2022.
February 25, 2021 Award - The Company did not attain the financial performance target for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 in connection with Performance-Based
Restricted Shares awarded to our named executive officers on February 25, 2021. In the prior year, the Company attained the financial performance target for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and vested 33.3% of the Performance-Based
Restricted Shares awarded on February 25, 2021 in March 2022.
February 20, 2020 Award - The Company exceeded its annual financial performance target for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and therefore on a
cumulative basis was able to achieve the financial performance target for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. As a result, 50% of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares vested in March 2023, representing the third and last tranche of the
award. Previously, the Company vested 50% of the Performance-Based Restricted Shares upon exceeding the financial performance targets for each respective fiscal year.
In terms of both the February 23, 2022 and February 25, 2021 Awards, if an annual financial performance target is not met for a given year, the restricted stock award may nevertheless vest, on a
cumulative basis, if the financial performance target is achieved in a subsequent year on a cumulative basis.
No Backdating or Spring Loading
The Company does not backdate options or grant options retroactively. In addition, we do not plan to coordinate grants of options, restricted stock or other equity awards so that they are made
before announcement of favorable information or after announcement of unfavorable information. Stock options are granted at fair market value on the date the option grants are approved by our Compensation Committee. Fair market value has been
consistently determined as the closing price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on the grant date. All option grants and restricted stock awards require the approval of the Compensation Committee. The Company’s general practice is to grant
options and restricted stock only on the date of a regularly scheduled Compensation Committee meeting, although there are occasions when grants have been made on other dates.
Compensation Consultants
In determining the compensation of our named executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers many factors, such as the executive’s position with the Company and level of responsibility,
skills and experience required by the position, the executive’s experience and qualifications, the Company’s ability to replace such individual and the overall competitive environment for executive talent. The Committee has the authority to
retain its own advisor to consider, from time to time, the Company’s compensation philosophy and programs and provide guidance, as appropriate. The Committee relies on an independent compensation consultant for guidance in determining the
appropriate structure of director and executive compensation as well as appropriate levels of compensation.
In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the Compensation Committee retained Grant Thornton as its independent compensation consultant. Grant Thornton reported directly to the Committee and
did not perform any services for the Company other than advice on executive and director compensation pursuant to their engagement. The scope of work involved providing a review of executive compensation levels and an analysis of the Company’s
annual and long-term incentive program designs (including any recommended changes) as well as a review of the Company’s overall compensation philosophy and included a comparative analysis of the Company’s executive compensation to other companies
of similar industry, size and geography using published and custom surveys to analyze how the Company’s executives’ salaries, bonuses, long-term incentive plans and benefits compare to other similar companies.
Comparative Data
The Company does not consider its review of market data regarding executive compensation as a formal benchmarking process and does not target named executive officer compensation at a specified
level of a peer group. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Compensation Committee informally reviewed compensation information set forth in public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including base salaries, annual
incentive bonuses and equity-based compensation) for the following companies:
|
American Public Education, Inc.
|
Perdoceo Education Corporation
|
|
|
BBQ Holdings, Inc.
|
Potbelly Corporation
|
|
|
Carriage Services, Inc.
|
Regis Corporation
|
|
|
Century Casinos, Inc.
|
StoneMor Inc.
|
|
|
Drive Shack Inc.
|
Target Hospitality Corp.
|
|
|
Full House Resorts, Inc.
|
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
|
|
|
ONE Group Hospitality, Inc.
|
The purpose of this review was, among other things, to determine whether the level of compensation proposed to be paid to the Company’s named executive officers during 2022 was within the range
of compensation paid to the named executive officers at our peer companies. After this informal review, the Compensation Committee determined that the compensation proposed to be paid to the Company’s named executive officers was below the peer
group range and determined to further consider these findings with regard to future compensation determinations.
Employment Agreements and Change in Control Benefits
The Company has entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Shaw, Meyers, Buchenot, and Nyce. Each of these agreements will expire on December 31, 2025. The employment agreements are
described below under “Employment Agreements.”
The employment agreement for each of Messrs. Shaw, Meyers, Buchenot, and Nyce provides that upon a change in control of the Company, the term of the agreement will be extended automatically for
an additional two-year term commencing on the date of the change in control and ending on the second anniversary of the date of the change in control. Each employment agreement further provides that all stock options and restricted stock awards
held by the named executive officer will immediately vest in such event.
We do not provide our named executive officers with tax gross-ups for “excess parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code upon a change in control. In the event that any
payment or distribution by us to or for the benefit of our named executive officers would be considered a “parachute payment” for purposes of Section 280G, the amount of such payments may be reduced to the largest amount permissible without
triggering excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Retirement Plans
The Company maintains a plan (the “401(k) Plan”) qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for the benefit of all employees. Our named
executive officers are eligible to participate in this plan on the same terms and conditions as all other employees. At the discretion of our Board of Directors, we may make discretionary matching and/or profit-sharing contributions into our
401(k) Plan for eligible employees, which may be subject to vesting requirements. We believe that our 401(k) Plan encourages our employees to save for future retirement needs by matching contributions equal to 15% of their salary deferrals,
which do not exceed 6% of the employee’s individual payroll period, subject to a compensation limitation and/or a contributions limitation pursuant to applicable provisions of the Code. In 2022, with respect to each of the named executive
officers, the following matching contributions were made on their behalf under our 401(k) Plan: $2,925 for Mr. Shaw; $2,925 for Mr. Meyers; and $1,591 for Mr. Buchenot.
We do not provide any additional retirement benefits to our named executive officers. None of our named executive officers participate in a non-qualified deferred compensation program or pension
arrangement.
Welfare Benefits and Perquisites
Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in our medical and dental health insurance plans, our life insurance plan, and our long-term disability insurance plan on the same terms
and conditions offered to all other employees. We also provide our named executive officers with supplemental life insurance. We believe that the benefits we offer are important components of our comprehensive benefit package, which encourages
employees to remain with us.
Pursuant to their employment agreements, we also provide to Messrs. Shaw and Meyers use of a vehicle for business and personal use and pay for associated costs, including automobile insurance,
parking, and fuel. The executives are responsible for all taxes related to this benefit.
We do not provide any other perquisites or benefits to our named executive officers and we do not pay any tax gross-ups with respect to any compensation.
Tax Deductibility of Compensation; Accounting
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, generally limits the ability of a public company to deduct for tax purposes compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain
executive officers. We expect that compensation paid to our NEOs in excess of $1 million, including compensation paid to any executive who has been an NEO since 2017, generally will not be deductible. The Compensation Committee strives to provide
our named executive officers with compensation programs that will preserve the tax deductibility of compensation paid by the Company, to the extent reasonably practicable and to the extent consistent with the Company’s other compensation
objectives. However, the Compensation Committee believes that shareholder interests are best served if it retains the flexibility to compensate executives in a manner intended to promote varying corporate goals, even if certain amounts that may
be payable in excess of $1 million may not be deductible under Section 162(m).
The Compensation Committee also takes accounting considerations, including the impact of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 718 Compensation – Stock
Compensation, into account in structuring compensation programs and determining the form and amount of compensation awarded.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with the Company’s management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement. Based on that review and
discussion, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
|
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
|
|
|
James J. Burke, Chair
|
|
| John A. Bartholdson | |
|
Ronald E. Harbour
|
|
| Felecia J. Pryor | |
| Carlton E. Rose | |
| Sylvia J. Young |
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
|
Name and Principal Position
|
Year
|
Salary ($)
|
Stock Awards (1) ($)
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
(2) ($)
|
All Other Compensation
(3) ($)
|
Total ($)
|
|
Scott M. Shaw
|
2022
|
500,000
|
1,100,000
|
126,720
|
14,264
|
1,740,984
|
|
President and
|
2021
|
500,000
|
500,000
|
681,815
|
11,793
|
1,693,608
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brian K. Meyers
|
2022
|
358,955
|
500,000
|
68,230
|
11,595
|
938,780
|
|
Executive Vice President, Chief
|
2021
|
358,955
|
250,000
|
367,111
|
11,053
|
987,119
|
|
Financial Officer and Treasurer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen M. Buchenot
|
2022
|
304,387
|
350,000
|
38,572
|
17,915
|
710,874
|
|
Executive Vice President of
|
2021
|
304,387
|
250,000
|
207,536
|
17,807
|
779,730
|
|
Campus Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) |
For fiscal year 2022, represents the aggregate grant date fair value of time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards on February 23, 2022. The fair values of these grants were determined in
accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Code Topic 718 (excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures). See Note 10 to the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards. Whether, and to what extent, a named executive officer realizes value will depend
on our actual operating performance, stock price fluctuations and the named executive officer’s continued employment. Amounts reported for these awards may not represent the amounts that the named executive officers will actually realize
from the awards. The terms and conditions of the performance-based restricted stock awards are described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
|
| (2) |
Reflects the value of cash incentive awards paid under our MIC Plan as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
|
| (3) |
Reflects the following for fiscal years 2022 and 2021, respectively: (a) the costs related to personal use of a company-owned vehicle of $3,912 and 3,615 for Mr. Shaw as well as $3,616 and $3,074 for Mr.
Meyers; (b) premiums paid on each named executive officer’s life insurance policy: $6,915 and $6,915 for Mr. Shaw, $4,541 and $4,541 for Mr. Meyers, and $15,810 and $15,810 for Mr. Buchenot; and (c) 401(k) matching contributions for each
named executive officer as follows: $2,925 and $750 for Mr. Shaw, $2,925 and $2,925 for Mr. Meyers, and $1,591 and $1,484 Mr. Buchenot.
|
Oustanding Equity Awards
at Fiscal Year End December 31, 2022
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
|
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards:
|
|
|
Name
|
Number of shares, units or other rights
that have not vested
|
Market value of shares, or payout units
or other rights that have not vested (1)
($)
|
|
Scott M. Shaw
|
100,000 (2)
|
579,000
|
|
57,174 (3)
|
331,039
|
|
|
150,892 (4)
|
873,665
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brian K. Meyers
|
80,000 (2)
|
463,200
|
|
28,588 (3)
|
165,522
|
|
|
68,587 (4)
|
397,119
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen M. Buchenot
|
60,000 (2)
|
347,400
|
|
28,588 (3)
|
165,522
|
|
|
48,011 (4)
|
277,984
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
All equity award values are based on a December 31, 2022 closing stock price of $5.79.
|
| (2) |
Awarded on February 20, 2020, the performance-based restricted stock grant awarded to the named executive officer vested, over three years, 20%, 30% and 50%, respectively, commencing with fiscal year 2020.
|
| (3) |
Awarded on February 25, 2021, the performance-based restricted stock grant awarded to the named executive officer vests, if achieved, ratably over three years, commencing with fiscal year 2021 target.
|
| (4) |
Awarded on February 23, 2022, the grant includes a mix 50% time-based and 50% performance-based restricted stock awarded to the named executive officer and vests ratably over three years (if achieved as to the performance-based award),
commencing with the fiscal year 2022 target.
|
Potential Payments upon a Termination or Change in Control
The following table summarizes the value of the termination payments and benefits that our named executive officers would receive upon:
| • |
the Executive’s Involuntary Termination (as defined below);
|
| • |
a Change in Control (as defined below); or
|
| • |
the Executive’s Death or Disability.
|
In each case, the amounts are determined as if the trigger event occurred on December 31, 2022 and equity is valued based on the closing stock price of $5.79 on December 31, 2022. This table
excludes vested account balances under our 401(k) plan, which is generally available to all of our employees. The terms of the benefits are set forth in the employment agreements of our named executive officers as described immediately following
the table.
Payment upon Termination
at Fiscal Year End December 31, 2022
|
Name
|
Aggregate Severance ($)
|
Stock Awards (1) ($)
|
Benefits (2) ($)
|
Total ($)
|
|
Scott M. Shaw
|
|
|
|
|
|
Involuntary Termination (3)
|
2,000,000
|
1,783,704
|
29,613
|
3,813,317
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control
|
-
|
1,783,704
|
-
|
1,783,704
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death or Disability (4)
|
500,000
|
1,783,704
|
-
|
2,283,704
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination for Cause or Resignation without Good Reason
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Brian Meyers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Involuntary Termination (5)
|
1,099,300
|
1,025,841
|
27,040
|
2,152,181
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control
|
-
|
1,025,841
|
-
|
1,025,841
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death or Disability (4)
|
269,216
|
1,025,841
|
-
|
1,295,057
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination for Cause or Resignation without Good Reason
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Stephen M. Buchenot
|
|
|
|
|
|
Involuntary Termination (6)
|
684,870
|
790,906
|
33,310
|
1,509,086
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control
|
-
|
790,906
|
-
|
790,906
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death or Disability (4)
|
152,194
|
790,906
|
-
|
943,100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination for Cause or Resignation without Good Reason
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
| (1) |
All outstanding stock options, restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock granted by the Company to the named executive officers will become fully vested and immediately exercisable upon (i) a Change in Control (as defined
below); (ii) an Involuntary Termination (as defined below); or (iii) upon the executive’s death or disability.
|
| (2) |
Includes a cash payment equal to the Company’s estimate of the employer portions of the premiums that would be necessary to continue the executive’s health care benefits coverage until the first anniversary of the executive’s date of
termination.
|
| (3) |
Consists of a lump sum payment equal to two times the sum of Mr. Shaw’s 2022 base salary and the target amount of his annual performance bonus for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
|
| (4) |
Includes an annual cash incentive compensation award under the MIC Plan for the year of termination based upon target levels.
|
| (5) |
Consists of a lump sum payment equal to one and three-quarters times the sum of Mr. Meyer’s 2022 base salary and the target amount of his annual performance bonus for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
|
| (6) |
Consists of a lump sum payment equal to one and one-half times the sum of Mr. Buchenot’s 2022 base salary and the target amount of his annual performance bonus for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
|
Employment Agreements
The Company is a party to employment agreements with each of Messrs. Shaw, Meyers and Buchenot.
Employment Agreement dated December 13, 2022 with Scott M. Shaw
The terms of the Company’s employment agreement with Mr. Shaw are summarized below.
Employment Period. The agreement provides that Mr. Shaw will serve as our President and Chief
Executive Officer through December 31, 2025.
Compensation and Benefits. Mr. Shaw will receive a minimum annual base salary of $500,000,
will be eligible to participate in the MIC Plan and, to the extent eligible, in all of our employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements that are established for, or made available to, our senior executives. The Company provides to Mr. Shaw
a vehicle for his business and personal use and pays the associated costs, including automobile insurance, parking and fuel; Mr. Shaw is responsible for all taxes related to this benefit.
Involuntary Termination. In the event of an “Involuntary Termination” (as defined below) of
Mr. Shaw’s employment, in addition to Mr. Shaw’s right to receive payment of all accrued and unpaid compensation and benefits due to him through the date of termination or resignation of employment, including any accrued unpaid bonuses for a
completed year, we will pay him: (1) two times the sum of (a) his base salary, as is then in effect; and (b) the target amount of the annual performance bonus for him in the year in which the termination occurs; (2) unreimbursed expenses for
reasonable travel and other business expenses incurred by him through the date of termination; and (3) the estimated employer portion of premiums that would be necessary to Mr. Shaw’s coverage under the Company’s healthcare plan until the first
anniversary of the date of termination (subject to proration should Mr. Shaw become insured under a subsequent healthcare plan). Mr. Shaw would receive the sum of these amounts in a lump-sum payment 60 days following his Involuntary
Termination. In addition, Mr. Shaw would receive a prorated annual award under the MIC Plan for the year in which the Involuntary Termination occurs based on actual performance, payable at the time that awards are generally paid to employees for
the applicable year.
Termination for Cause; Resignation Other than for Good Reason. In the event that Mr. Shaw’s
employment is terminated by us for Cause or Mr. Shaw resigns from his employment other than for “Good Reason” (as defined below), we will pay him his accrued but unpaid base salary, unreimbursed expenses and employee benefits earned through the
date of his termination, including, without limitation, any MIC Plan award due but not yet paid for a completed calendar year.
Death or Disability. In the event that Mr. Shaw dies or his employment is terminated as a
result of his disability, we will pay him (or his estate, if applicable) his accrued but unpaid base salary and employee benefits earned through the date of his termination, including, without limitation, any MIC Plan award due but not yet paid
for a completed calendar year. In addition, (i) Mr. Shaw will receive a prorated target MIC Plan award for the year of termination and (ii) all of Mr. Shaw’s outstanding stock options and restricted stock shall become fully vested, and stock
options shall become immediately exercisable and remain exercisable for one year (or until the option’s normal expiration date, if earlier).
Change in Control. Upon a “Change in Control” (as defined below), we (or our successor) will
continue the employment of Mr. Shaw for a period of two years commencing on the date of the Change in Control and ending on the second anniversary thereof. In addition, all of Mr. Shaw’s restricted stock and stock options will vest in full and
the stock options will become immediately exercisable on the date of the Change in Control.
In the event that any payment or distribution by us to or for the benefit of Mr. Shaw pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement or otherwise would be considered a “parachute payment” and
the amount of the parachute payment, after deduction of all relevant taxes, including excise taxes imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, is less than the amount Mr. Shaw would receive if he was paid three times his average “base
amount” less $1.00, then the aggregate amounts constituting the parachute payment will be reduced (or returned by Mr. Shaw if already paid to him) to an amount that will equal three times his average “base amount” less $1.00.
Noncompetition. Mr. Shaw is subject to a noncompetition restrictive covenant during the term of his employment and for a period of two
years thereafter, although the covenant will not apply if his employment is terminated due to an Involuntary Termination.
Nonsolicitation. Mr. Shaw is subject to a nonsolicitation restrictive covenant of clients,
employees and key consultants during the term of his employment and for one year thereafter.
Confidentiality. Mr. Shaw is subject to a confidentiality restrictive covenant of unlimited
duration.
Waiver and Release. Our obligations upon a termination of employment under Mr. Shaw’s
employment agreement are subject to Mr. Shaw executing and delivering a waiver and release of claims against us.
Employment Agreement dated December 13, 2022 with Brian K. Meyers
The terms of the Company’s employment agreement with Mr. Meyers are identical to those contained in Mr. Shaw’s employment agreement described above, except that: (a) Mr. Meyers will serve as
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and will receive a minimum annual base salary of $358,955.00; and (b) in the event of an Involuntary Termination, Mr. Meyers will be entitled to receive a payment of one and
three-quarters times the sum of (1) his annual base salary and (2) the target amount of the annual performance bonus for him in the year in which the termination of employment occurs.
Employment Agreement dated December 13, 2022 with Stephen M. Buchenot
The terms of the Company’s employment agreement with Mr. Buchenot are identical to those contained in Mr. Shaw’s employment agreement described above, except that: (a) Mr. Buchenot will serve as
Executive Vice President of Campus Operations and will receive a minimum annual base salary of $304,387.43; (b) in the event of an Involuntary Termination, Mr. Buchenot will be entitled to receive a payment of one and one-half times the sum of
(1) his annual base salary and (2) the target amount of the annual performance bonus for him in the year in which the termination of employment occurs; and (c) Mr. Buchenot is not provided the use of an automobile.
In the case of all employment agreements, the following definitions apply:
“Involuntary Termination” generally means the termination of the executive’s employment by the executive for Good Reason or by the
Company without Cause.
Prior to a “Change in Control” (as defined below), “Cause” generally means any of the following: (i) the executive’s willful failure to
perform his duties in any material respect, (ii) malfeasance or gross negligence in the performance of his duties, (iii) the executive’s conviction of a felony, (iv) the executive’s intentional or reckless disclosure of confidential information,
(v) the executive’s commission of an act of sexual harassment that would normally constitute grounds for termination, or (vi) any other act or omission by the executive which is materially injurious to the financial condition or business
reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates. The definition also requires that the executive be given 30 days’ notice to cure a breach of (i) and (ii) above. After a Change in Control, Cause would not include (v) and (vi) above.
“Good Reason” generally means the occurrence of any of the following without the executive’s written consent: (i) a reduction in the
executive’s base salary or target annual incentive compensation award; (ii) an adverse change in the executive’s title, authority, duties or responsibilities; (iii) a failure by the Company to pay material compensation when due; or (v) a material
breach of the executive’s employment agreement by the Company. The definition also requires that the Company be given 10 days’ notice to cure any Good Reason that is susceptible to cure.
“Change in Control” generally means any of the following: (i) when a person directly or indirectly becomes the beneficial owner of 25%
or more of either (1) the then outstanding Common Stock or (2) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (other than any acquisition directly from
the Company, by the Company, or by an employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company); (ii) when, during any period of 24 consecutive months, the individuals who constitute the Board of Directors of the Company cease to constitute at least a
majority thereof; (iii) when the shareholders approve a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company without the consent or approval of a majority of the Board of Directors; (iv) when there is a consummation of a merger, amalgamation or
consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, the issuance of voting securities of the Company in connection with such a transaction or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the
acquisition of assets of another corporation (unless there is no significant change in the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock); or (v) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or the sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company.
The following chart summarizes the compensation earned by non-employee directors:
Director Compensation
for Fiscal Year End December 31, 2022
|
Name
|
Fees Earned ($)
|
Stock Awards (1) ($)
|
Total ($)
|
|
J. Barry Morrow
|
95,000
|
105,000
|
200,000
|
|
John A. Bartholdson
|
79,000
|
60,000
|
139,000
|
|
James J. Burke, Jr.
|
71,000
|
60,000
|
131,000
|
|
Kevin M. Carney
|
70,000
|
60,000
|
130,000
|
|
Ronald E. Harbour
|
67,000
|
60,000
|
127,000
|
|
Michael A. Plater
|
69,000
|
60,000
|
129,000
|
|
Felecia J. Pryor
|
67,000
|
60,000
|
127,000
|
|
Carlton E. Rose
|
69,000
|
60,000
|
129,000
|
| (1) |
Represents the grant date fair value of a restricted stock award granted on May 5, 2022 to each of the Directors. The fair value of this grant was determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 (excluding the effect of estimated
forfeitures) as determined based on applying the assumptions used in the Company’s financial statements. See Note 10 to the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2022, regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards.
|
Fiscal year 2022 Compensation. Each of the non-employee directors earned an annual retainer of $55,000 for services to the Company
and J. Barry Morrow, our Non-Executive Chair, received an additional annual retainer of $40,000.
In addition to their annual retainers as members of the Board, members of the Audit Committee earned an additional annual retainer of $8,000 except in the case of the Audit Committee Chair who
earned an annual retainer of $15,000 and members of each of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee who earned an additional annual retainer of $6,000 except in the case of the Chairs of such Committees
who, in each case, earned an annual retainer of $10,000.
Non-employee directors are also eligible to receive awards of shares of restricted Common Stock under the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan as compensation for their services as directors.
Annual Grants of Restricted Stock. On the date of each annual meeting of shareholders, each non-employee director receives an award of
shares of restricted Common Stock equal to $60,000 and the Chair receives $105,000 (based on the fair market value of a share of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant) for service as a director of the Company, provided that such
non-employee director continues to serve as a director of the Company immediately after such annual meeting.
On May 5, 2022, each non-employee director received 9,009 shares of restricted Common Stock, while Mr. Morrow received 15,766 shares of restricted Common Stock. The restricted stock awards vest
in full on May 5, 2023, the first anniversary of the grant date. The per share fair market value of a share of the Company’s Common Stock on May 5, 2022, based on the closing price of the Common Stock on such date, was $6.66.
The following table shows, for the last two fiscal years, the total compensation paid to our named executive officers as reflected in our Summary Compensation Table (the “SCT”), “compensation
actually paid” to our named executed officers (as determined in accordance with applicable rules), our total shareholder return (“TSR”) and our net income.
The information provided under the heading “Pay versus Performance” shall not be considered “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated
by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a filing.
|
Year
|
Total Compensation Per SCT Paid to Principal Executive Officer
(1) ($)
|
Compensation
Actually Paid to Principal
Executive Officer (2) ($)
|
Average
Compensation
Total for
Non-Principal Executive Officer - NEOs (3) ($)
|
Average
Compensation
Actually Paid to Non-Principal Executive Officer - NEOs (4) ($)
|
Value of Initial
Fixed $100
Investment Based
on Total
Shareholder
Return (5) ($)
|
Net Income (in thousands) (6) ($)
|
|
2022
|
1,740,984
|
842,209
|
824,827
|
386,445
|
89
|
12,634
|
|
2021
|
1,693,608
|
1,996,032
|
883,424
|
1,064,992
|
115
|
34,718
|
|
(1)
|
The dollar amounts reported are the amounts of total compensation reported for Scott Shaw, our President and Chief Executive Officer, recognized as our Principal Executive Officer for these purposes for each corresponding year in the
“Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table.
|
|
(2)
|
The dollar amounts reported represent the amount of “compensation actually paid” to Mr. Shaw, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the
following table sets forth the adjustments made to Mr. Shaw’s total compensation for each year to determine the “compensation actually paid”. Mr. Shaw holds no options, no awards were modified during the year and no dividends or other
earnings were paid during the year prior to the vesting date of an award.
|
|
Adjustments to Determine “Compensation Actually Paid” to the Principal Executive Officer
|
|||||||
|
Year
|
Total
Compensation Per SCT ($)
|
Deduct
Amounts
Reported as
Stock Awards
in SCT( $)
|
Add Year-end
Value of
Unvested
Equity Awards Granted in
Year ($)
|
Change in
Value of
Unvested Equity Awards
Granted in
Prior Years ($)
|
Change in Value
of
Equity Awards Granted in
Prior Years
Which Vested
in Year ($)
|
Deduct Prior Year-end Fair
Value of
Awards
Granted in Prior Years That Failed to Meet the
Vesting Conditions in Year * ($)
|
Total
Compensation Actually Paid ($)
|
|
2022
|
1,740,984
|
(1,100,000)
|
873,665
|
(264,053)
|
(6,979)
|
(401,408)
|
842,209
|
|
2021
|
1,693,608
|
(500,000)
|
640,652
|
180,699
|
(18,927)
|
-
|
1,996,032
|
| * |
While the vesting conditions were not met during 2022, the restricted stock award may nevertheless vest if the financial performance of a subsequent year within the applicable award period exceeds the target by an amount at least equal
to the 2022 shortfall on a cumulative basis.
|
|
(3)
|
The dollar amounts reported represent the average of the amounts reported for our named executive officers, NEOs, excluding Mr. Shaw, in the “Total” Column of the Summary Compensation Table for each corresponding year. The NEOs,
excluding Mr. Shaw, included for purposes of calculating the average amounts in each applicable year are Brian K. Meyers and Stephen M. Buchenot.
|
|
(4)
|
The dollar amounts reported represent the average of the amounts of “compensation actually paid” to our NEOs, excluding Mr. Shaw, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. In accordance with the requirements of
Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the following table sets forth the adjustments made to our NEOs’ total compensation, excluding Mr. Shaw for each year to determine the “compensation actually paid”. Neither of Messrs. Meyers or Buchenot
holds any options, no awards were modified during the year and no dividends or other earnings were paid during the year prior to the vesting date of an award.
|
|
Adjustments to Determine Average “Compensation Actually Paid” to the Non-Principal Executive Officer NEOs
|
|||||||
|
Year
|
Average Compensation
Per SCT ($)
|
Deduct
Amounts
Reported as
Stock Awards
in SCT ($)
|
Add Year-end
Value of
Unvested
Equity Awards Granted in
Year ($)
|
Change in
Value of
Unvested
Equity Awards Granted in
Prior Years ($)
|
Change in
Value of
Equity Awards Granted in
Prior Years
Which Vested
in Year ($)
|
Deduct Prior Year-end Fair
Value of
Awards
Granted in
Prior Years
That Failed to
Meet the
Vesting Conditions in Year * ($)
|
Average Compensation Actually Paid
($)
|
|
2022
|
824,827
|
(425,000)
|
337,552
|
(165,627)
|
(5,948)
|
(179,358)
|
386,446
|
|
2021
|
883,425
|
(250,000)
|
320,326
|
118,731
|
(7,490)
|
-
|
1,064,992
|
| * |
While the vesting conditions were not met during 2022, the restricted stock award may nevertheless vest if the financial performance of a subsequent year within the applicable award period exceeds the target by an amount at least equal
to the 2022 shortfall on a cumulative basis.
|
| (5) |
The amounts represent the value of an initial fixed investment of $100 and are calculated by dividing the sum of (i) the cumulative amount of dividends for the measurement period, assuming dividend reinvestment, and (ii) the difference
between the closing stock price of the Company’s Common Stock at the end and at the beginning of the measurement period, by the closing stock price of our Common Stock at the beginning of the measurement period. The closing stock price
of the Company’s Common Stock on the last trading day in December in each of 2020, 2021 and 2022 was $6.50, $7.47 and $5.79, respectively. There were no dividends in any of such years.
|
| (6) |
The dollar amounts reported represent the amount of net income reflected in our consolidated audited financial statements for the applicable year.
|
Analysis of the Information Presented in the Pay Versus Performance Table
As described in more detail in the section “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the Company’s executive compensation program is comprised of a variety of components including a
performance-based approach. While the Company utilizes several performance metrics to align executive compensation with Company performance, not all of these are covered by the Pay versus Performance table. Further, while the Company seeks to
incentivize long-term performance, this is not necessarily aligned with “compensation actually paid” (as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K) for a particular year. In accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the
Company is providing the following descriptions of the relationships between information presented in the Pay versus Performance table.
Compensation Actually Paid and Cumulative TSR
As reflected by the following graph, the amount of “compensation actually paid” to Mr. Shaw and the average amount of “compensation actually paid” to the Company’s NEOs as a group (excluding Mr. Shaw) is aligned
with the Company’s Cumulative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) over the two years presented in the Pay versus Performance table demonstrating the direct correlation between executive compensation and Company performance.
Compensation Actually Paid and Net Income
As reflected by the following graph, the amount of “compensation actually paid” to Mr. Shaw and the average amount of “compensation actually paid” to the Company’s NEOs as a group (excluding Mr. Shaw) is generally
aligned with the Company’s net income over the two years presented in the Pay versus Performance table. The Company uses net income (as well as adjusted EBITDA) as a performance measure in its overall executive compensation program, this measure
is directly correlated with “compensation actually paid”.
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the Company’s financial reporting process
by monitoring, among other matters, the quality and integrity of the Company’s financial statements; the independence and performance of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm; and the performance
of the Company’s internal auditors. Management has primary responsibility for preparing the financial statements and for the reporting processes, including the design and maintenance of the Company’s system of internal controls. The independent
registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the Company’s consolidated financial statements and opining upon the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). The Audit Committee is solely responsible for the compensation, appointment and oversight of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management, the independent registered public accounting firm and the internal auditors, separately and together, with and
without management present, regarding the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022, and for the year then ended and regarding the Company’s internal controls. Management represented to the Audit Committee that
the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required
to be discussed by PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 1301 (formerly Auditing Standard No. 61), Communications with Audit Committees. Further, the Audit Committee discussed with the internal auditors the Company’s plans for and scope of internal
audits, identification of audit risks and results of audit activities.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the auditor’s independence from the Company and its management. As part of that review, the
Company’s independent registered public accounting firm submitted to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by PCAOB Rule 3526 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees)
in which Deloitte & Touche LLP affirmed its independence from the Company. Further, the Audit Committee discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP the firm’s independence and considered whether the firm’s provision of non-audit services to the
Company was compatible with maintaining the firm’s independence. The Audit Committee concluded that Deloitte & Touche LLP is independent from the Company and its management.
Based upon the considerations described above and subject to the limitations upon the role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee as set forth in the Audit Committee’s charter, the Audit
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 be included in the Company’s 2022 Annual Report.
|
AUDIT COMMITTEE
|
|
|
Kevin M. Carney, Chair
|
|
| John A. Bartholdson | |
|
Michael A. Plater
|
|
|
Carlton E. Rose
|
COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, we are providing shareholders with a proposal
to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and tabular and narrative disclosures of this proxy statement (the “say-on-pay” vote).
We encourage shareholders to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 14 of this proxy statement, which describes how our executive compensation policies and procedures
operate and are designed to achieve our compensation objectives, as well as the Summary Compensation Table and other related compensation tables and narrative which provide detailed information on the compensation of our named executive
officers. The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the policies and procedures articulated in this proxy statement are effective in achieving our goals.
The Board recommends a vote for the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the shareholders hereby approve the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the accompanying compensation disclosure tables and any related narrative disclosure in this proxy statement.”
Although the vote on this Proposal 2 is advisory and non-binding, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors will review the voting results on the proposal and will consider
shareholder views in connection with our executive compensation program. At the 2022 Annual Meeting, approximately 98% of the votes cast on the say-on-pay proposal voted in favor of our NEOs’ compensation.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by holders of our Common Stock is required to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive
officers.
Our Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of the compensation of the named executive officers described in this proxy
statement.
Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act, we are required, at least once every six years, to afford our shareholders the opportunity to
cast an advisory vote on how often our shareholders shall have a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of the named executive officers, such as Proposal 2 above. Accordingly, we are asking our shareholders to vote on whether future
non-binding advisory votes on the named executive officers’ compensation should occur every year, every two years, or every three years. In lieu of voting for one of these options, shareholders may also abstain from voting. Our shareholders
last voted on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation in 2017, when they recommended that such votes be held on an annual basis.
After careful consideration, the Board of Directors believes it is appropriate for executive compensation to continue to be submitted to an advisory vote of shareholders on an annual basis. An
annual advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers will allow us to continue to obtain our shareholders’ views with respect to the compensation of our named executive officers and our executive compensation program and
practices on a consistent basis. Further, a vote every year is consistent with the Company’s commitment to engage in regular dialogue with our shareholders on corporate governance matters, including our executive compensation philosophy,
policies and programs.
For the reasons discussed above, the Board of Directors recommends that future non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation be conducted every year. While the Board of Directors
recommends that future non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation be conducted every year, shareholders are not voting to approve or disapprove the Board’s recommendation. Rather, shareholders are being asked to vote on whether the
advisory vote on executive compensation should be conducted every year, every two years or every three years Shareholders may choose among the three choices or may abstain from voting on this proposal.
While this advisory vote is required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the voting result is not binding on our Board of Directors and may not be construed as overruling any decision by our
Board of Directors. However, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee value the views of our shareholders and will review and give serious consideration to the outcome of the vote when making the determination as to the frequency of
future say-on-pay votes. It is expected that the next shareholder advisory vote as to the frequency of presenting say-on-pay advisory votes will occur at the 2029 annual meeting of shareholders.
Required Vote
The choice receiving the highest number of votes will be deemed the choice of the shareholders.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote for a frequency of every YEAR for future non-binding advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.
PROPOSAL 4: APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION 2020
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
At its February 23, 2023 meeting, the Board of Directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, amending the Company’s 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) to increase the aggregate
number of shares available under LTIP from 2,000,000 shares to 4,000,000 shares (an increase of 2,000,000 shares). The LTIP was adopted in 2020. As of the Record Date, there were only 188,765 shares of Common Stock available for issuance under
the LTIP.
The Board of Directors believes that the use of equity awards as a component of its compensation program is essential to its continued success and vital to its ability to attract and retain
highly skilled employees and that incentive compensation plans like the LTIP are an important attraction, retention and motivation tool for participants in the plan. Our equity awards foster an ownership culture among employees by aligning the
financial interests of employees with those of our shareholders. Equity awards also help motivate employees to perform at peak levels because the value of these awards is linked to the Company’s long-term performance. The Board of Directors
believes that the number of shares currently available under the LTIP does not give the Company sufficient authority and flexibility to adequately provide for future incentives.
Based solely on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock, as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on March 16, 2023, the maximum aggregate market value of the 2,000,000 additional
shares that could be granted under the amendment to the LTIP is $11.2 million.
The Board recommends that the Company’s shareholders approve the amendment of the LTIP because it believes that employee ownership in the Company serves the best interests of all shareholders
by promoting a focus on long-term increase in shareholder value. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented and entitled to vote at the 2020 Annual Meeting is required to approve this amendment to the LTIP.
The following is a summary of the principal provisions of the LTIP, and is not intended to be a complete description of all its terms and provisions. This description is qualified by reference
to the LTIP document, which is attached to this proxy as Annex A.
Summary Description of the LTIP
Purpose
The purpose of the LTIP is to provide an incentive to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries to increase their interest in the Company’s
success by offering them an opportunity to obtain a proprietary interest in the Company through the grant of equity-based awards.
Administration
The LTIP is generally administered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has the full authority to construe and interpret the LTIP subject to the LTIP’s terms and
conditions, including the authority to determine who will be granted awards, the terms and conditions of awards, and the number of shares subject to, or the cash amount payable with respect to, an award. The Compensation Committee also may
delegate its authority to grant awards (other than to executive officers) to a subcommittee(s) or appropriate officers of the Company.
Eligibility
The Compensation Committee has the authority under the LTIP to select the individuals who will be granted awards from among the officers, employees, directors, consultants, advisors, and
independent contractors of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Currently, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries (including all of the Company’s named executive officers), and each of the eight members of the Board of
Directors who are not employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“Non-Employee Directors”), are considered eligible under the LTIP.
Number of Shares Available for Issuance
If amended pursuant to this proposal, the maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued for all purposes under the LTIP will be increased to an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares.
Shares issued under the LTIP may be authorized and unissued shares or may be issued shares that have been reacquired by the Company. As of the Record Date, there were only 188,765 shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the LTIP.
Shares covered by awards granted under the LTIP that are forfeited or cancelled or otherwise expire without having been exercised or settled generally will become available for issuance
pursuant to a new award. In addition, if an award is settled through the payment of cash or other non-share consideration, the shares subject to the award will become available for issuance pursuant to a new award. Shares that are tendered or
withheld to pay the exercise price of an award or to satisfy tax withholding obligations will also be available for issuance pursuant to a new award. Notwithstanding the above, upon the cancellation of a stock appreciation right granted in tandem
with an option or the cancellation of an option granted in tandem with a stock appreciation right no shares will become available for issuance pursuant to a new award.
Types of Awards; Limits
The Compensation Committee may grant the following types of awards under the Plan: options; restricted shares; restricted share units; performance share units; stock appreciation rights; and
other awards based on, or related to, shares of Company common stock. However, the LTIP contains various limits with respect to the types of awards, as follows:
| • |
the maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to options and stock appreciation rights granted to any eligible individual in any calendar year is 300,000 shares; and
|
| • |
the maximum amount of restricted shares, restricted share units, and performance share units that may be awarded to any eligible individual in any calendar year is five million dollars ($5,000,000) measured as of the date of grant
(with respect to awards denominated in cash) and 300,000 shares measured as of the date of grant (with respect to awards denominated in shares).
|
Stock Options
A stock option is the right to acquire shares of Company common stock at a fixed exercise price for a fixed period of time (generally up to ten years). The exercise price is set by the
Compensation Committee but cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of Company common stock on the date of grant. The term of a stock option may not exceed ten years.
The Compensation Committee may grant either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. As described in detail below, incentive stock options entitle the participant, but not the
Company, to preferential tax treatment. The Compensation Committee determines the rules and procedures for exercising options. The exercise price may be paid in cash, shares, a combination of cash and shares, through net settlement (meaning the
Company withholds shares otherwise issuable upon exercise to pay the exercise price), or by any other means authorized by the Compensation Committee, including cashless exercise, a procedure whereby vested shares covered by the option are sold by
a broker and a portion of the sale proceeds are delivered to the Company to pay the exercise price.
Stock Appreciation Rights
Stock appreciation rights are awards that entitle the participant to receive an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value on the exercise date of the number of shares for
which the stock appreciation right is exercised over the grant price. The grant price is set by the Compensation Committee, but cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of Company common stock on the date of grant. Payment to the
participant on exercise may be made in cash or shares, as determined by the Compensation Committee. If the Compensation Committee determines at the time of grant that a stock appreciation right may be settled only in shares, the term may not
exceed ten years. The Compensation Committee may grant stock appreciation rights in tandem with an option.
Restricted Shares
Restricted share awards are shares of Company common stock that are subject to cancellation, restrictions, and vesting conditions, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The shares may be
either granted or sold to the participant.
Restricted Share Units
Restricted share units entitle a participant to receive one or more shares of Company common stock in the future upon satisfaction of vesting conditions determined by the Compensation
Committee. The Compensation Committee determines whether restricted share units will be settled through the delivery of shares, cash of equivalent value, or a combination of shares and cash.
Performance Share Units
Performance share units entitle a participant to receive a target number of shares if specified performance targets are achieved during a specified performance period. The Compensation Committee
sets the performance targets and performance period at the date of grant. When the Compensation Committee determines the performance targets have been satisfied, performance share units are settled through the delivery of shares of Company common
stock, cash of equivalent value, or a combination of cash and shares.
Other Awards
The Compensation Committee also may grant other forms of awards that generally are based on the value of shares of Company common stock. These other awards may provide for cash payments based
in whole or in part on the value or future value of shares, may provide for the future delivery of shares to the participant, or may provide for a combination of cash payments and future delivery of shares.
Performance-Based Awards
The Compensation Committee may determine whether any award is intended to be performance-based compensation. Any awards designated to be performance-based compensation will be conditioned on
the achievement of one or more specified performance goals established by the Compensation Committee at the date of grant. The performance goals will be comprised of specified levels of one or more of the following performance criteria, as the
Compensation Committee deems appropriate:
|
•
|
net income;
|
| • |
cash flow or cash flow on investment;
|
| • |
pre-tax or post-tax profit levels or earnings; net operating profit after tax;
|
| • |
operating earnings;
|
| • |
return on investment; net operating profit after tax;
|
| • |
earned value added; earned value added expense reduction levels;
|
| • |
free cash flow; free cash flow per share;
|
| • |
earnings per share; net earnings per share;
|
| • |
return on assets; return on net assets; return on equity; return on capital;
|
| • |
return on sales; sales growth; sales volume;
|
| • |
growth in managed assets;
|
| • |
operating margin; operating income; operating cost management;
|
| • |
economic profit; profit in excess of cost of capital;
|
| • |
return on invested capital;
|
| • |
total stockholder return or stock price appreciation;
|
| • |
market share, market penetration or other performance measures with respect to specific designated products or product groups and/or specific geographic areas;
|
| • |
reduction of losses, loss ratios or expense ratios;
|
| • |
reduction in fixed costs;
|
| • |
cost of capital;
|
| • |
debt reduction;
|
| • |
productivity improvements;
|
| • |
inventory turnover measurements;
|
| • |
customer satisfaction based on specified objective goals or a Company-sponsored customer survey;
|
| • |
EBITDA;
|
| • |
adjusted EBITDA;
|
| • |
revenue; revenue before deferral; net revenues; operating revenues; or
|
| • |
share price,
|
in each case determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied on a business unit, subsidiary or consolidated basis or any combination thereof.
The performance goals may be described in terms of objectives that are related to the individual participant or objectives that are Company-wide or related to a subsidiary, division,
department, region, function or business unit. Performance goals may be measured on an absolute or cumulative basis, or on the basis of percentage of improvement over time. Further, performance goals may be measured in terms of Company
performance (or performance of the applicable subsidiary, division, department, region, function or business unit) or measured relative to selected peer companies or a market index.
The applicable performance goals will be established by the Compensation Committee within 90 days following the commencement of the applicable performance period or as otherwise determined by
the Company. Each participant will be assigned a target number of shares of Company common stock or cash value payable if target performance goals are achieved. The Compensation Committee will certify the attainment of the performance goals at
the end of the applicable performance period. If a participant’s performance exceeds such participant’s target performance goals, the number of shares of Company common stock or the cash value payable under the performance-based award may be
greater than the target number, but in no event can the amounts exceed the award limits described above. In addition, unless otherwise provided in an award agreement, the Compensation Committee may reduce the number of shares or cash value
payable with respect to a performance-based award even if the performance objectives are satisfied.
Amendment and Termination; Term
Generally, the Board may terminate, amend, modify, or suspend the LTIP at any time. The Company will obtain shareholder approval of any termination, amendment, modification, or suspension if
required by applicable law or NASDAQ rule. Subject to limited exceptions, no termination, amendment, modification, or suspension may materially impair the rights of a participant with respect to an outstanding award without the participant’s
consent. Unless terminated earlier, the Plan will expire in 2030, on the tenth anniversary of the date on which it was approved by shareholders, and no additional awards may be granted after this date. Awards granted prior to this date will
remain outstanding in accordance with their terms.
Change of Control
In the event of a transaction constituting a change in control of the Company (as determined by the Compensation Committee), the Compensation Committee may take steps it considers appropriate
with respect to outstanding awards, including accelerating vesting, modifying an award to reflect the transaction, providing that outstanding awards will be assumed, or substituted for, by the surviving corporation or permitting or requiring
participants to surrender options and stock appreciation rights in exchange for a cash payout equal to the difference between the highest price paid in the transaction and the exercise price. The treatment may be specified in the award document
or determined at a subsequent time. If a participant’s employment is terminated within one year following a change in control, any outstanding awards to that participant will become fully vested and exercisable.
Other Provisions
Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. Participants are not currently entitled to receive dividends for unvested restricted stock, although under the Plan the Compensation Committee has discretion to provide participants with the right to receive dividends (or payments equivalent to dividends) or interest with respect to unvested restricted stock and other
outstanding awards. Any such dividends or interest may either be paid currently or may be deemed to have been reinvested in shares, and may be settled in shares, cash, or a combination of cash and shares. No dividends or dividend equivalents will
be paid with respect to options or stock appreciation rights.
Shareholder Rights. A participant will have no rights as a shareholder with respect to shares covered by an award until the
date the participant or his nominee becomes the holder of record of such shares. Generally, no adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to such date.
Repricing of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Options and stock appreciation rights may not be repriced. To reprice
an award means (i) to reduce the exercise or grant price, (ii) to cancel outstanding options or stock appreciation rights in exchange for cash or other awards or (iii) to grant a new award with a lower exercise or grant price in exchange for the
cancellation of the original award. This provision will not apply if shareholder approval is obtained or such reduction, cancellation or grant is in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company.
Adjustments or Changes in Capitalization. In the event of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividends, recapitalization, reorganization, liquidation, merger or other similar corporate event or distribution of stock or property affecting the shares of Company common stock, the aggregate number of shares of
available for issuance under the Plan, the various Plan limits, and the number of shares subject to, and exercise or grant price of, outstanding awards will be appropriately adjusted by the Compensation Committee in order to preserve the benefits
or potential benefits intended to be made available to the participants.
Limited Transferability. Generally, an award may only be transferred upon the participant’s death to a designated beneficiary
or in accordance with the participant’s will or the laws of descent or distribution, and pursuant to a domestic relations order. The Compensation Committee also may permit limited transferability, generally to a participant’s family member, a
trust for the benefit of a family member, a charitable organization, or any other individual or entity permitted under law and the rules of the exchange that lists the applicable award.
New Plan Benefits
The Company has not approved any awards that are conditioned upon shareholder approval of the amendment of the LTIP. Except as described below, the Company is not currently considering any
other specific award grants under the LTIP.
The number of awards that an individual may receive under the LTIP is in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee and therefore cannot be determined in advance. If the amendment to the
LTIP had been in effect in fiscal year 2022, we expect that our award grants for fiscal year 2022 would not have been substantially different from those actually made in that year. For information regarding stock-based awards granted to the named
executive officers during fiscal year 2022, see the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
Nonqualified Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. A participant will not recognize taxable income upon the grant
of a nonqualified stock option or stock appreciation right. Upon exercise, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the amount the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date exceeds the exercise or grant price. Upon
subsequent sale of the acquired shares, any additional gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, long-term if the shares have been held for more than one year.
Incentive Stock Options. A participant will not recognize taxable income when an incentive stock option is granted or exercised.
However, the excess of the fair market value of the covered shares over the exercise price on the date of exercise is an item of tax preference for alternative minimum tax purposes. If the participant exercises the option and holds the acquired
shares for more than two years following the date of option grant and more than one year after the date of exercise, the difference between the sale price and exercise price will be taxed as long-term capital gain or loss. If the participant
sells the acquired shares before the end of the two-year and one-year holding periods, he or she generally will recognize ordinary income at the time of sale equal to the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date (or the sale price, if
less) minus the exercise price of the option. Any additional gain will be capital gain, long-term if the shares have been held for more than one year.
Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units. A participant will not recognize taxable income upon
the grant of restricted shares, restricted shares units, or performance share units. Instead, the participant will recognize ordinary income at the time of vesting equal to the fair market value of the shares (or cash) received minus any amounts
the participant paid. Any subsequent gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, long-term if the shares have been held for more than one year. For restricted shares only, the participant may instead elect to be taxed at the time of grant. If the
participant makes such an election, the one year long-term capital gains holding period begins on the date of grant.
Tax Effect for the Company. The Company generally will receive a deduction for any ordinary income recognized by a participant
with respect to an award. However, special rules limit the deductibility of compensation paid to certain officers. Under Section 162(m) of the U.S. tax code, the annual compensation paid to covered employees may not be deductible to the extent it
exceeds $1,000,000. Covered employees subject to the limit generally include the Company’s Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and any other person who was one of the Company’s three highest-paid officers for the year
The foregoing is not to be considered as tax advice to any person who may be a participant, and any such persons are advised to consult
their own tax counsel. The foregoing is intended to be a general discussion of U.S. Federal tax consequences, and does not cover other aspects of an individual’s unique tax situation, such as the tax consequences of deferred compensation or
state and local taxes.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by holders of our Common Stock (in person via attendance at the Annual Meeting or by proxy) is required to approve the amendment to the
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the proposal to approve the amendment to the Company’s LTIP as described above.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP, which has served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm since 1999, to be the Company’s independent registered
public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Deloitte & Touche LLP has advised the Company that it does not have any direct or indirect financial interest in the Company. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP
are expected to attend the Annual Meeting and will be given the opportunity to make a statement if they choose to do so. They will also be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Before appointing Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Audit Committee carefully considered Deloitte & Touche LLP’s qualifications, including the firm’s performance as independent registered public
accounting firm for the Company in prior years and its reputation for integrity and competence in the fields of accounting and auditing. The Audit Committee also considered whether Deloitte & Touche LLP’s provision of non-audit services to
the Company is compatible with its independence from the Company.
Shareholders will be asked at the Annual Meeting to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP. If the shareholders ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee may still, in its
discretion, appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during 2023 if it concludes that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company. If the shareholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit
Committee will reconsider, but not necessarily rescind, the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
As more fully described below, all services to be provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP are pre-approved by the Audit Committee, including audit services, tax services and certain other services.
The Securities and Exchange Commission requires disclosure of fees billed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for certain services. The following table sets forth the
aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for professional services rendered for each of the past two years:
Audit Fees
for Fiscal Year End December 31, 2022
|
Fee Category
|
2022
|
2021
|
||||||
|
Audit and Audit Related Fees
|
$
|
966,594
|
$
|
945,000
|
||||
|
Tax Fees
|
160,000
|
193,905
|
||||||
|
All Other Fees
|
2,020
|
2,020
|
||||||
|
Total Fees
|
$
|
1,128,614
|
$
|
1,140,925
|
||||
Audit and Audit Related Fees consisted principally of audit services of our consolidated financial statements, review of our quarterly financial
statements, services that are normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings and the audit of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Tax Fees consisted principally of professional services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP in connection with the Company’s tax compliance activities,
including technical and tax advice related to the preparation of tax returns.
All Other Fees primarily consisted of professional services rendered in connection with the Company’s employee
benefit plan and the subscription to the research tool.
The Audit Committee approves, prior to engagement, all audit and non-audit services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP and all fees to be paid for such services. All services are considered
and approved on an individual basis. In its pre-approval and review of non-audit service fees, the Audit Committee considers, among other factors, the possible effect of the performance of such services on the auditors’ independence.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by holders of our Common Stock is required to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2023.
Our Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
Copies of the Company’s Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, including the Company’s consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedules, will be mailed to interested shareholders, without charge, upon written request. Exhibits to our Annual Report will be provided upon written request and payment to the Company of the cost of preparing and
distributing those materials. The current charters of the Board’s Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees, along with the Company’s Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, are available to interested shareholders upon
request and are posted on our website at https://investors.lincolneducationalservices.com under Corporate Governance. Written requests should be sent to Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, 14 Sylvan Way, Suite A, Parsippany, NJ
07054, Attention: Investor Relations.
The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, which include, among other things, guidelines for determining director independence, director responsibilities,
director access to management and independent advisors, succession planning, director retirement, and director stock ownership.
Our Board of Directors has also adopted a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (the “Code of Conduct”) that applies to all directors, officers and employees and that is intended, among other
things, to comply with Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ rules requiring a code of ethics for a company’s directors, officers and employees. The Code of Conduct prohibits our
directors, executive officers and senior management from holding the Company’s securities in a margin account, engaging in hedging transactions or otherwise pledging the Company’s securities as collateral for a loan. In certain limited
circumstances, the Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, grant an exception to this prohibition. A copy of the Code of Conduct is posted on our website at https://investors.lincolneducationalservices.com under Corporate
Governance. The Board of Directors must approve any requests for amendments to or waivers from the Code of Conduct with respect to directors and executive officers, and the Company intends to report such
amendments or waivers that are required to be reported pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NASDAQ Global Select Market on the Company’s website.
The Company recognizes that related person transactions present a heightened risk of conflicts of interest. As a general matter, it is the preference of the Company to avoid related person
transactions. The term “related person transaction” refers to a transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not engage in any “related person transaction.” We note, however, that our director, John Bartholdson, may be deemed to
have had an interest in the Series A Preferred Stock issued by the Company in November 2019 to, among other parties, Juniper Targeted Opportunity Fund, L.P. and Juniper Targeted Opportunities Fund, L.P. of which Mr. Bartholdson is an affiliate.
Mr. Bartholdson was not a “related person” of the Company at the time of the sale and issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock but, as a result of the transaction, Mr. Bartholdson became the Series A Preferred Stock director designee to our Board
of Directors in November 2019 and has remained so since that time. In each of 2022 and 2021, the Company paid $1,100,000 and $1,219,200, respectively, in cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock; in both cases, the Juniper investment funds
participated on a pro rata basis. In accordance with the transaction documents relating to the sale and issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission the resale of the shares of
Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and the investors continue to have rights under a Registration Rights Agreement entered into in connection with the sale and issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock including
“piggyback” registration rights. The Series A Preferred Stock was converted into the Company’s Common Stock in the last quarter of 2022.
The Company recognizes that there are situations where related person transactions may be in, or may not be inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. As a
result, pursuant to the Company’s Audit Committee charter, the Audit Committee is charged with the responsibility to review and approve all related person transactions on an ongoing basis. All such transactions must be approved in advance by the
Audit Committee.
In addition, the Company’s Code of Conduct contains policies and procedures with respect to conflicts of interest and related person transactions. The Code of Conduct requires that all
directors, officers, employees, and certain other persons subject to the Code of Conduct, adhere to it and prohibits certain arrangements that may be relevant to related person transactions including, but not limited to, prohibitions against:
obtaining a substantial interest in any entity which does or seeks to do business with, or is a competitor of, the Company; entering into various arrangements (including family or other relationships) which might dissuade such director, officer,
employee or other person from acting in the best interest of the Company; entering into a financial transaction or relationship with a student, prospect, vendor, agent or competitor of the Company; benefiting, or seeking to benefit, directly or
indirectly, from such person’s position with the Company from any sale, purchase or other activity of the Company; using Company property or information for personal gain; obtaining loans or guarantees for personal obligations from the Company;
and competing with the Company.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and related SEC regulations require the Company’s directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10%
of the Company’s Common Stock to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of beneficial ownership on Form 3 and reports of changes in beneficial ownership on Form 4 of our Common Stock and other equity securities. To our
knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and any amendments thereto filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and shareholder reports from our transfer agent and written representations that no other reports were
required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, our officers, directors and 10% or more shareholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them, except that: (i) on June 2, 2022, Mr. Bartholdson filed a late
Form 4 reporting the acquisition of certain restricted shares; (ii) on June 3, 2022, each of Messrs. Burke, Carney, Harbour, Carlton, and Morrow, Ms. Pryor and Dr. Plater filed a late Form 4 reporting the acquisition of certain restricted shares;
and (iii) on March 10, 2022, Mr. Nyce filed a late Form 4 reporting the acquisition of certain restricted shares and the disposition of certain restricted shares to fund tax withholding upon the vesting of a portion of the restricted share award.
Each of the transactions disclosed on these delinquent reports was exempt from disgorgement under Section 16.
Shareholder proposals that are intended to be presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, must be received
by the Secretary of the Company, in writing, no later than November 26, 2023, in order to be considered for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials for that annual meeting. Shareholder proposals and shareholder nominations for election to the
Board of Directors must also comply with the current advance notice and other requirements set forth in the Company’s bylaws to be eligible to be presented at an annual meeting. These requirements include, in part, the requirement that any such
proposal or nomination must, with certain exceptions if the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed more than 30 days from that of the anniversary of this year’s annual meeting, be submitted to the Secretary of the Company at least 120
and not more than 150 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of mailing of the notice for this year’s annual meeting (or between October 27, 2022 and November 26, 2022, based on this year’s notice mailing date of April 5, 2023).
You may contact any non-employee director, or the entire Board of Directors, at any time. Your communication may be sent to the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation Board of Directors –
Non-Employee Directors, c/o Corporate Secretary, Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, 14 Sylvan Way, Suite A, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
Communications are distributed to the Board of Directors, or any director as appropriate, depending on the facts and circumstances outlined in the communication. Certain items that are unrelated
to the duties and responsibilities of the Board of Directors will be excluded, such as spam and other junk mail, resumes and other job inquiries, surveys and business solicitations or advertisements. Material that is unduly hostile, threatening,
illegal or similarly unsuitable will also be excluded. We will make available to any non-employee director any communication that is filtered in accordance with the process described above, at that director’s request.
Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may participate in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that unless shareholders give contrary
instructions, only one copy of our proxy statement or annual report may be sent to multiple shareholders in each household who share an address. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of either document to you if you call or write to us at the
following address or telephone number: Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, c/o Corporate Secretary, 14 Sylvan Way, Suite A, Parsippany, NJ 07054; telephone (973) 736-9340. If you wish to receive separate copies of our proxy statement or
annual report in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy per household, please contact your bank, broker or other record holder, or you may contact us at the above address or telephone number.
Proxy authorizations submitted via the Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on May 4, 2023. To give your proxy authorization via the Internet, please read the instructions
accompanying the enclosed proxy card. Costs associated with electronic access, such as from access providers, will be borne by the shareholder.
|
By Order of the Board of Directors
|
|
 |
|
|
Alexandra M. Luster
|
|
|
Corporate Secretary
|
|
|
Parsippany, New Jersey
|
Annex A
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
2020 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
(As Amended by the Board on February 23, 2023, Subject to Shareholder Approval)
| 1. |
Purposes of the Plan
|
The purpose of the Plan is to provide an incentive to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries to increase their interest in
the Company’s success by offering them an opportunity to obtain a proprietary interest in the Company through the grant of equity-based awards.
| 2. |
Definitions and Rules of Construction
|
(a) Definitions. For purposes of the Plan, the following capitalized words shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Award” means an Option, Restricted Share, Restricted
Share Unit, Performance Share Unit, Stock Appreciation Right or Other Award granted by the Committee pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
“Award Document” means an agreement, certificate or
other type or form of document or documentation approved by the Committee which sets forth the terms and conditions of an Award. An Award Document may be in written, electronic or other media, may be limited to a notation on the books and records
of the Company and, unless the Committee requires otherwise, need not be signed by a representative of the Company or a Participant.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“CEO” means the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
“Cause” means (except as otherwise provided in an Award
Document) any of the following: (i) Participant’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or a crime involving embezzlement, conversion of property or moral turpitude; (ii) a finding by a majority of the Board of
Directors of Participant’s fraud, embezzlement or conversion of the Company’s property; (iii) Participant’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a crime involving the acquisition, use or expenditure of federal, state or local
government funds or the unlawful use, possession or sale of illegal substances; (iv) an administrative or judicial determination that Participant committed fraud or any other violation of law involving federal, state or local government funds;
(v) a finding by a majority of the Board of Directors of Participant’s knowing breach of any of Participant’s fiduciary duties to the Company or the Company’s stockholders or making of a misrepresentation or omission which breach,
misrepresentation or omission would reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the business, properties, assets, condition (financial or other) or prospects of the Company; (vi) Participant’s alcohol or substance abuse, which
materially interferes with Participant’s ability to discharge the duties, responsibilities and obligations to or for the Company; provided, that Participant has been given notice and 30 days from such notice fails to cure such abuse; and (vii)
Participant’s personal (as opposed to the Company’s) material and knowing failure, to observe or comply with applicable laws whether as an officer, stockholder or otherwise, in any material respect or in any manner which would reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect in respect of the Company’s ongoing business, operations, conditions, other business relationship or properties.
Any rights the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has to determine the existence of events giving rise to Cause are in addition to the rights the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may have under
any other agreement with the Participant or at law or in equity. If, after a Participant’s termination of employment or services, the Company discovers that the Participant’s employment or services could have been terminated for Cause, the
Participant’s employment or services will, in the Board’s sole discretion, be deemed to have been terminated for Cause retroactively to the date the events giving rise to Cause occurred.
“Change in Control” means
| a. |
when a “person” (as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act), including a “group” (as defined in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), either directly or indirectly becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule
13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of either (i) the then outstanding Common Stock, or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors; provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (1) any acquisition directly from the Company; (2) any acquisition by the Company; or (3) any acquisition by an employee benefit plan
(or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company;
|
| b. |
when, during any period of 24 consecutive months of employment, the individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board (the “Company Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least
a majority thereof; provided, however, that a director who was not a director at the beginning of such 24-month period shall be deemed to be a Company Incumbent Director if such director was elected by, or on the recommendation of or with
the approval of at least two-thirds of the directors of the Company, who then qualified as Company Incumbent Directors;
|
| c. |
when the stockholders of the Company approve a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company without the consent or approval of a majority of the Company Incumbent Directors;
|
| d. |
consummation of a merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, the issuance of voting securities of the Company in connection with a merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Company or sale or
other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the acquisition of assets of another corporation (each, a” Business Combination”), unless, in each case of a Business Combination, immediately following such
Business Combination, all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more
than 50% of the then outstanding shares of common stock and 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the entity resulting
from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Common Stock; or
|
| e. |
a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
|
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the applicable rulings and regulations thereunder.
“Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the
Board or such other committee appointed by the Board to administer the Plan which committee shall meet the requirements of Section 16 (b) of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market; provided,
however, that, if any Committee member is found not to have met the qualification requirements of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, any actions taken or Awards granted by the Committee shall not be invalidated by such failure to so
qualify.
“Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company,
no par value per share, or such other class of shares or other securities as may be applicable under Section 13(b) of the Plan.
“Company” means Lincoln Educational Services Corporation or any successor to substantially all of its business.
“EBITDA” means earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization. “EBITA” means the Company’s earnings before interest, taxes and amortization.
“Effective Date” means the date on which the Plan is approved by the Board, subject to the approval by the stockholders of the Company
within 12 months of the Effective Date, as further set forth in Section 15.
“Eligible Individual” means an individual described in
Section 4(a) of the Plan.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“Fair Market Value” means (i) if the Common Stock is
listed on a securities exchange or is traded over the NASDAQ Stock Market, the closing sales price on such exchange or over such system on such date or, in the absence of reported sales on such date, the closing sales price on the immediately
preceding date on which sales were reported, or (ii) if the Common Stock is not listed on a securities exchange or traded over the NASDAQ Stock Market, the mean between the bid and offered prices as quoted by the NASDAQ Stock Market for such
date, provided that if it is determined that the fair market value is not properly reflected by such NASDAQ Stock Market quotations, Fair Market Value shall be determined by such other method as the Committee determines in good faith to be
reasonable.
“Good Reason” means, so long as the Participant has
not committed conduct giving rise to the Company’s right to terminate for Cause, the occurrence of any of the following without the Participant’s consent: (i) a material diminution in the Participant’s authority, duties or
responsibilities; (ii) any change in the Participant’s title or change in Participant’s reporting relationship; (iii) any Change in Control (as hereinafter defined) unless any successor by sale or merger has assumed and confirmed the terms of
any employment agreement to which Participant is a party or which otherwise covers the Participant; (iv) a change in the location at which Participant performs his primary obligations to a location that is more than 30 miles from the location at
which Participant performed his primary obligations immediately prior to such Change in Control; or (v) other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company or successor thereto of any employment agreement to which
Participant is a party or which otherwise covers the Participant.
Notwithstanding the above, the events described in (i)-(v) above will constitute Good Reason only if the Participant notifies the Company in writing within 90 days of the occurrence of any of the
events or circumstances described in (i)-(v) above and the Company fails to cure such event or circumstances within 30 days after receipt of such notice.
“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that is
intended to comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision thereto.
“Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option that is not intended to comply with the requirements of Section 422 of
the Code or any successor provision thereto.
“Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or Nonqualified Stock Option granted pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan.
“Other Award” means any form of Award other than an
Option, Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit, Performance Share Unit or Stock Appreciation Right granted pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan.
“Participant” means an Eligible Individual who has
been granted an Award under the Plan.
“Performance Period” means the period established by
the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Document over which Performance Targets are measured.
“Performance Share Unit” means a right to receive a
Target Number of shares of Common Stock (or cash, if applicable) payable at the end of a Performance Period, subject to the achievement of the applicable Performance Targets, granted pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.
“Performance Target” means the targets established by the Committee from among the performance criteria set forth
in Section 6(f) and set forth in the applicable Award Document.
“Permitted Transferee” means (i) a charitable institution, (ii) a Participant’s family member, (iii) one or more
trusts established in whole or in part for the benefit of one or more of such family members, (iv) one or more entities which are beneficially owned in whole or in part by one or more such family members, or (v) any other individual or entity
permitted under law and the rules of NASDAQ Stock Market or any other exchange that lists the applicable Award.
“Plan” means the Lincoln Educational Services
Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan as described herein and as it may be amended from time to time.
“Plan Limit” means the maximum aggregate number of
shares that may be issued for all purposes under the Plan as set forth in Section 5(a) of the Plan.
“Prior Plan” means the Lincoln Technical Institute Management 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan.
“Restricted Share” means one or more Restricted Shares granted or sold pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Plan.
“Restricted Share Unit” means a right to receive a
share of Common Stock (or cash, if applicable) in the future, subject to time vesting and the Participant’s continued employment with the Company, granted pursuant to Section 8(b) of the Plan.
“Stock Appreciation Right” means a right to receive
all or some portion of the appreciation on shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan.
“Subsidiary” means (i) a corporation or other entity
with respect to which the Company, directly or indirectly, has the power, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, to elect at least a majority of the members of such corporation’s board of directors or
analogous governing body, or (ii) any other corporation or other entity in which the Company, directly or indirectly, has an equity or similar interest and which the Committee designates as a Subsidiary for purposes of the Plan. For purposes of
determining eligibility for the grant of Incentive Stock Options under the Plan, the term “Subsidiary” shall be defined in the manner required by Section 424(f) of the Code.
“Target Number” means the target number of shares of
Common Stock or cash value established by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Document.
| (b) |
Rules of Construction.
|
The masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include the feminine pronoun and the singular form of a word shall be deemed to include the plural form, unless the context requires otherwise. Unless the
text indicates otherwise, references to sections are to sections of the Plan.
| 3. |
Administration
|
| (a) |
Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall, subject to the express provisions hereof, have full power and authority to:
|
(i) select the Participants from the Eligible Individuals;
(ii) grant Awards in accordance with the Plan;
(iii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock subject to each Award or the cash amount payable in connection with an
Award;
(iv) determine the terms and conditions of each Award, including, without limitation, those related to term, vesting, forfeiture,
payment, settlement, exercisability, Performance Periods, Performance Targets, Target Numbers, and the effect, if any, of a Participant’s termination of employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or a Change in Control or similar
transaction of the Company;
(v) subject to Section 16 of the Plan, to amend the terms and conditions of an Award after the granting thereof;
(vi) specify and approve the provisions of the Award Documents delivered to Participants connection with their Awards;
(vii) construe and interpret any Award Document delivered under the Plan;
(viii) prescribe, amend, waive and rescind rules and procedures relating to the Plan;
(ix) make factual determinations in connection with the administration or interpretation of the Plan;
(x) employ such legal counsel, independent auditors and consultants as it deems desirable for the administration of the Plan
and to rely upon any opinion or computation received therefrom;
(xi) vary the terms of Awards to take account of tax, securities law and other regulatory requirements of foreign jurisdictions
or to procure favorable tax treatment for Participants;
(xii) correct any defects, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in any Award Document or the Plan; and
(xiii) make all other determinations and take any other action desirable or necessary to interpret, construe or implement properly
the provisions of the Plan or any Award Document.
(b) Action by the Committee. A majority of the Committee will constitute a quorum. The acts of a majority of the members present at any
meeting at which a quorum is present, and acts approved in writing by a majority of the Committee in lieu of a meeting, will be deemed the acts of the Committee. Each member of the Committee is entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any
report or other information furnished to that member by any officer or other employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, the Company’s independent certified public accountants, any executive compensation consultant or other professional retained
by the Company to assist in the Plan’s administration.
(c) Plan Construction and Interpretation. The Committee shall have full power and authority, subject to the express provisions hereof, to
construe and interpret the Plan.
(d) Determinations of Committee Final and Binding. All determinations by the Committee in carrying out and administering the Plan and in
construing and interpreting the Plan shall be made in the Committee’s sole discretion and shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes and upon all persons interested herein.
(e) Delegation of Authority. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws, rules and regulations, the Committee may, from time to time,
delegate some or all of its authority under the Plan to a subcommittee or subcommittees thereof or other persons or groups of persons as it deems necessary, appropriate or advisable under such conditions or limitations as it may set at the time
of such delegation or thereafter; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its authority (i) to make Awards to employees (A) who are subject on the date of the Award to the reporting rules
under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, (B) whose compensation for such fiscal year may be subject to the limit on deductible compensation pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code or (C) who are officers of the Company who are delegated authority
by the Committees hereunder, or (ii) pursuant to Section 17(d) of the Plan. For purposes of the Plan, reference to the Committee shall be deemed to refer to any subcommittee, subcommittees, or other persons or groups of persons to whom the
Committee delegates authority pursuant to this Section 3(d).
(f) Liability of Committee and its Delegates. Subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations: (i) no member of the Board or Committee
(or its delegates) shall be liable for any good faith action, omission or determination made in connection with the operation, administration or interpretation of the Plan and (ii) the members of the Board or the Committee (and its delegates)
shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement in the manner provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation as it may be amended from time to time. In the performance of its responsibilities with respect to the Plan, the Committee
shall be entitled to rely upon information and advice furnished by the Company’s officers or employees, the Company’s accountants, the Company’s counsel and any other party the Committee deems necessary, and no member of the Committee shall be
liable for any action taken or not taken in reliance upon any such information or advice.
(g) Action by the Board. Anything in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations, any
authority or responsibility that, under the terms of the Plan, may be exercised by the Committee may alternatively be exercised by the Board.
| 4. |
Eligibility
|
(a) Eligible Individuals. Awards may be granted to officers, employees, directors, consultants, advisers and independent contractors of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that only employees of the Company or a parent or Subsidiary may be granted Incentive Stock Options, and any Option designated as an Incentive
Stock Option purported to be granted to an individual other than an employee shall be treated as a Nonqualified Option. The Committee shall have the authority to select the persons to whom Awards may be granted and to determine the type, number
and terms of Awards to be granted to each such Participant. Under the Plan, references to “employment” or “employed” include the engagement of Participants who are consultants, advisors and independent contractors of the Company or its
Subsidiaries and the service of Participants who are Non-Employee Directors, except for purposes of determining eligibility to be granted Incentive Stock Options.
(b) Grants to Participants. The Committee shall have no obligation to grant any Eligible Individual an Award or to designate an Eligible
Individual as a Participant solely by reason of such Eligible Individual having received a prior Award or having been previously designated as a Participant. The Committee may grant more than one Award to a Participant and may designate an
Eligible Individual as a Participant for overlapping periods of time.
| 5. |
Common Stock Subject to the Plan
|
(a) Plan Limit. Subject to Section 13(b), the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be awarded for all purposes under the Plan
shall be the aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock, plus any shares of Common Stock that remain available for issuance under the Prior Plan. Shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to Awards under the Plan may be either authorized and
unissued shares of Common Stock or shares of Common Stock held by the Company in its treasury, or a combination thereof. All of the shares of Common Stock available under the Plan may be issued as Incentive Stock Options.
(b) Rules Applicable to Determining Shares Available for Issuance. The number of shares of Common Stock remaining available for issuance
will be reduced by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding Awards and, for Awards that are not denominated by shares, by the number of shares actually delivered upon settlement or payment of the Award. For purposes of
determining the number of shares of Common Stock that remain available for issuance under the Plan, the number of shares that are tendered by a Participant or withheld by the Company to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the
participant’s tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting, exercise or settlement of an Award will not be added back to the Plan Limit. In addition, for purposes of determining the number of shares that remain available for
issuance under the Plan, the number of shares corresponding to Awards under the Plan or the Prior Plan that are forfeited or cancelled or otherwise expire for any reason without having been exercised or settled or that are settled through the
issuance of consideration other than shares (including, without limitation, cash) shall be added back to the Plan Limit and again be available for the grant of Awards; provided, however, that this
provision shall not be applicable with respect to (A) the cancellation of a Stock Appreciation Right granted in tandem with an Option upon the exercise of the Option or (B) the cancellation of an Option granted in tandem with a Stock Appreciation
Right upon the exercise of the Stock Appreciation.
(c) Special Limits. Anything to the contrary in Section 5(a) above notwithstanding, but subject to Section 13(b), the following special
limits shall apply to shares of Common Stock available for Awards under the Plan:
(i) he maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to Options or Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any
Eligible Individual in any calendar year shall equal 300,000 shares;
(ii) the maximum amount of Awards (other than those Awards set forth in Section 5(c)(i)) that may be awarded to any Eligible
Individual in any calendar year is $5,000,000 measured as of the date of grant (with respect to Awards denominated in cash) or 300,000 shares measured as of the date of grant (with respect to Awards denominated in shares).
| 6. |
Awards in General
|
(a) Types of Awards. Awards under the Plan may consist of Options, Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units,
Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Awards. Any Award described in Sections 7 through 11 of the Plan may be granted singly or in combination or tandem with any other Awards, as the Committee may determine. Awards under the Plan may be made in
combination with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to awards or rights under any other compensation or benefit plan of the Company, including the plan of any acquired entity.
(b) Terms Set Forth in Award Document. The terms and conditions of each Award shall be set forth in an Award Document in a form approved
by the Committee for such Award, which shall contain terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations, the Committee may, except as otherwise set forth in
this Plan, at any time (i) accelerate the vesting, settlement or payment of any Award, (ii) accelerate the lapse of restrictions on any Award, (iii) eliminate any conditions applicable to an Award, (iv) accelerate the date on which any Award
first becomes exercisable or (v) extend the post-termination exercise period of an Award (but not later than the original expiration date). The terms of Awards may vary among Participants, and the Plan does not impose upon the Committee any
requirement to make Awards subject to uniform terms. Accordingly, the terms of individual Award Documents may vary.
(c) Termination of Employment. In connection with a Participant’s termination of employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
except as otherwise set forth in this Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to accelerate the vesting, exercisability or settlement of, eliminate the restrictions and conditions applicable to, or extend the post-termination exercise period
of an outstanding Award, which provisions may be specified in the applicable Award Document or determined at a subsequent time; provided, however, that if a Participant’s termination of employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
for Cause, any unexercised Stock Options, whether vested or not, and any unvested Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units, Stock Appreciation Rights or Other Awards granted to such Participant under this Plan shall lapse and become void
as of the date of such termination. The employment of a Participant shall not be deemed to have terminated if such Participant is transferred among the Company and any of its Subsidiaries. If a Participant’s termination of employment with the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is for Cause, any unexercised Stock Options, whether vested or not, and any unvested Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units, Stock Appreciation Rights or Other Awards granted to such Participant under
this Plan shall lapse and become void as of the date of such termination. The employment of a Participant shall not be deemed to have terminated if such Participant is transferred among the Company and any of its Subsidiaries.
(d) Change in Control Transactions. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, unless the Committee shall determine
pursuant to a written employment, services or other agreement or arrangement between the Participant and the Company, in the event of a Change in Control:
(i) If and to the extent that a successor to the Company converts, assumes, substitutes or replaces an Award, the vesting restrictions and/or forfeiture provisions applicable to such Award
shall not be accelerated or lapse, and all such vesting restrictions and/or forfeiture provisions shall continue with respect to any shares of the successor or other consideration that may be received with respect to such Award; provided,
however, that if the Participant’s employment or other service is terminated, other than for Cause, within 12 months coincident with or immediately following such Change in Control, any unvested Awards shall become fully vested and exercisable
upon such termination of employment or other service.
(ii) If and to the extent that such Awards are not converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by a successor to the Company, the Committee will notify the Participants in writing or
electronically that such Award will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, or may determine that the Participants will receive an amount equal to the consideration per share of Common Stock in such
Change in Control (or, in the case of an Appreciation Award, the consideration per share of Common Stock minus the exercise price or base price of such Award). Awards need not be treated in the same manner.
(iii) An Award shall be considered converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by a successor if following the Change in Control the option or right confers the right to purchase or receive,
for each share of Common Stock subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each share
held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received
in the Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor, the Committee may, with the consent of the successor, provide for the consideration to be received pursuant to the Award, for each share of Common Stock subject thereto, to be
solely common stock of the successor substantially equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control. The determination of such substantial equality of value of consideration
shall be made by the Committee, and its determination shall be conclusive and binding.
(e) Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. No dividends or dividend equivalents shall be paid with respect to any outstanding Award prior to
the acquisition of fully vested Common Stock pursuant to such Award or the lapse of vesting conditions on such Award.
(f) Rights of a Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to shares of Common Stock covered by an
Award until the date the Participant or his nominee becomes the holder of record of such shares. No adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to such date, except as provided in Section 13(b).
(g) Performance-Based Awards. (i) The Committee may determine whether any Award under the Plan is intended to be performance-based
compensation. Any such Awards designated to be performance-based compensation shall be conditioned on the achievement of one or more Performance Targets. The Performance Targets will be comprised of specified levels of one or more of the
following performance criteria as the Committee deems appropriate: net income; cash flow or cash flow on investment; pre-tax or post-tax profit levels or earnings; operating earnings; return on investment; net operating profit after tax; earned
value added; earned value added expense reduction levels; free cash flow; free cash flow per share; earnings per share; net earnings per share; return on assets; return on net assets; return on equity; return on capital; return on sales; growth
in managed assets; operating margin; sales growth; sales volume; economic profit; profit in excess of cost of capital; return on invested capital; net operating profit after tax; total stockholder return or stock price appreciation; operating
income; dividends; market share, market penetration or other performance measures with respect to specific designated products or product groups and/or specific geographic areas; reduction of losses, loss ratios or expense ratios; reduction in
fixed costs; operating cost management; cost of capital; debt reduction; productivity improvements; inventory turnover measurements; or customer satisfaction based on specified objective goals or a Company-sponsored customer survey; EBITDA;
adjusted EBITDA; EBITA; adjusted EBITA; revenue; revenue before deferral; net revenues; operating revenues; and/or share price. Each Performance Target shall be consistently applied on a business unit, divisional, subsidiary or consolidated basis
or any combination thereof. The Performance Targets may be described in terms of objectives that are related to the individual Participant or objectives that are Company-wide or related to a Subsidiary, division, department, region, function or
business unit and may be measured on an absolute or cumulative basis or on the basis of percentage of improvement over time, and may be measured in terms of Company performance (or performance of the applicable
Subsidiary, division, department, region, function or business unit) or measured relative to selected peer companies or a market index. The Performance Targets shall be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
(subject to adjustments and modifications approved by the Committee consistently applied on a business unit, division, Subsidiary or consolidated basis or any combination thereof. At the time of grant, the Committee may provide for adjustments
to the Performance Targets in accordance.
(ii) The Participants will be designated, and the applicable Performance Targets will be established, by the Committee within ninety (90) days
following the commencement of the applicable Performance Period, or as otherwise determined by the Company. Each Participant will be assigned a Target Number payable if Performance Targets are achieved. Any payment of an Award granted with
Performance Targets shall be conditioned on the written certification of the Committee in each case that the Performance Targets and any other material conditions were satisfied. The Committee may determine, at the time of Award grant, that if
performance exceeds the specified Performance Targets, the Award may be settled with payment greater than the Target Number, but in no event may such payment exceed the limits set forth in Section 5(c). The Committee retains the right to reduce
any Award notwithstanding the attainment of the Performance Targets.
(iii) The Committee may also grant Awards not intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” . With respect to such awards, the Committee
may establish Performance Targets based on other criteria as it deems appropriate.
(h) Recoupment. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, all Awards granted under the Plan, any payments made under the Plan
and any gains realized upon exercise or settlement of an Award shall be subject to claw-back or recoupment as permitted or mandated by applicable law, rules, regulations or any Company policy as enacted, adopted or modified from time to time.
| 7. |
Terms and Conditions of Options
|
(a) General. The Committee, in its discretion, may grant Options to eligible Participants and shall determine whether such Options shall be
Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Award Document that shall expressly identify the Option as an Incentive Stock Option or Nonqualified Stock Option, and shall be in such form and contain
such provisions as the Committee shall from time to time deem appropriate. If an Option by its terms could qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, the designation of the Option as an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option shall
control. If the Option is not so designated, the Option shall be an Incentive Stock Option.
(b) Exercise Price. The exercise price of an Option shall be fixed by the Committee at the time of grant or shall be determined by a
method specified by the Committee at the time of grant, but in no event shall the exercise price of an Option be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. Payment of the exercise price of an Option
shall be made in any form approved by the Committee at the time of grant. The Committee is specifically authorized to provide for payment in cash, in shares, or in a cashless exercise.
(c) Term. An Option shall be effective for such term as shall be determined by the Committee and as set forth in the Award Document
relating to such Option, and the Committee may extend the term of an Option after the time of grant; provided, however, that the term of an Option may in no event extend beyond the tenth anniversary of
the date of grant of such Option.
(d) Incentive Stock Options. The exercise price per share of an Incentive Stock Option may not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value
per share of Common Stock on the date of grant (or, if the exercise price is not fixed on the date of grant, on such date as the exercise price is fixed). No Incentive Stock Option may be issued pursuant to the Plan to any individual who, at the
time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, unless (i) the exercise price determined as of the date of grant
is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Incentive Stock Option and (ii) the Incentive Stock Option is not exercisable more than five years from the date of grant thereof. No
Participant shall be granted any Incentive Stock Option which would result in such Participant receiving a grant of Incentive Stock Options that would have an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of $100,000, determined as of the time of grant,
that would be exercisable for the first time by such Participant during any calendar year. The terms of any Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan shall comply in all respects with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code, or any
successor provision thereto, and any regulations promulgated thereunder. No Incentive Stock Option may be granted under the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date.
| 8. |
Terms and Conditions of Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units
|
(a) Restricted Shares. The Committee is authorized to grant or sell Restricted Shares to Eligible Individuals. An Award of Restricted
Shares shall consist of one or more Restricted Shares granted or sold to an Eligible Individual, and shall be subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in the Plan and applicable Award Document. Restricted Shares may, among
other things, be subject to restrictions on transferability, vesting requirements or other specified circumstances under which it may be canceled.
(b) Restricted Share Units. The Committee is authorized to grant Restricted Share Units to Eligible Individuals. A Restricted Share Unit
shall entitle a Participant to receive, subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in the Plan and applicable Award Document, one or more shares of Common Stock in consideration of the Participant’s employment with the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries. If and when the forfeiture provisions lapse, the Restricted Share Units shall become shares of Common Stock owned by the corresponding Participant or, at the sole discretion of the Committee, cash, or a combination of
cash and shares of Common Stock, with a value equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares at the time of payment.
| 9. |
Terms and Conditions of Performance Share Units
|
The Committee is authorized to grant Performance Share Units to Eligible Individuals. A Performance Share Unit shall entitle a Participant to receive, subject to the terms,
conditions and restrictions set forth in the Plan and applicable Award Document, a Target Number of shares of Common Stock based upon the achievement of Performance Targets over the applicable Performance Period. At the sole discretion of the
Committee, Performance Share Units shall be settled through the delivery of shares of Common Stock or cash, or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, with a value equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock as of the
last day of the applicable Performance Period.
| 10. |
Stock Appreciation Rights
|
(a) General. The Committee is authorized to grant Stock Appreciation Rights to Eligible Individuals. A Stock Appreciation Right shall
entitle a Participant to receive, upon satisfaction of the conditions to payment specified in the applicable Award Document, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value on the exercise date of the number of shares of Common
Stock for which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, over the exercise price for such Stock Appreciation Right specified in the applicable Award Document. The exercise price per share of Common Stock covered by a Stock Appreciation Right
shall be fixed by the Committee at the time of grant or shall be determined by a method specified by the Committee at the time of grant, but in no event shall the exercise price of a Stock Appreciation Right be less than 100% of the Fair Market
Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. At the sole discretion of the Committee, payments to a Participant upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right may be made in cash or shares of Common Stock, or in a combination of cash and
shares of Common Stock, having an aggregate Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise equal to such cash amount. A Stock Appreciation Right shall be effective for such term as shall be determined by the Committee and as set forth in the Award
Document relating to such Stock Appreciation Right, and the Committee may extend the term of a Stock Appreciation Right after the time of grant; provided, however, that the term of a Stock Appreciation
Right may in no event extend beyond the tenth anniversary of the date of grant of such Stock Appreciation Right.
(b) Methods of Exercise. In accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Committee for this purpose, and subject to the
provisions of the applicable Award Document, the Committee shall determine the permissible methods of exercise for a Stock Appreciation Right.
(c) Stock Appreciation Rights in Tandem with Options. A Stock Appreciation Right granted in tandem with an Option may be granted either at
the same time as such Option or subsequent thereto. If granted in tandem with an Option, a Stock Appreciation Right shall cover the same number of shares of Common Stock as covered by the Option (or such lesser number of shares as the Committee
may determine) and shall be exercisable only at such time or times and to the extent the related Option shall be exercisable, and shall have the same term and exercise price as the related Option (which, in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right
granted after the grant of the related Option, may be less than the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant of the tandem Stock Appreciation Right). Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right granted in tandem with an Option, the
related Option shall be canceled automatically to the extent of the number of shares covered by such exercise; conversely, if the related Option is exercised as to some or all of the shares covered by the tandem grant, the tandem Stock
Appreciation Right shall be canceled automatically to the extent of the number of shares covered by the Option exercise.
| 11. |
Other Awards
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The Committee shall have the authority to specify the terms and provisions of other forms of equity-based or equity-related Awards not described above that the Committee
determines to be consistent with the purpose of the Plan and the interests of the Company, which Awards may provide for cash payments based in whole or in part on the value or future value of shares of Common Stock, for the acquisition or future
acquisition of shares of Common Stock, or any combination thereof.
| 12. |
Certain Restrictions
|
(a) Transfers. No Award shall be transferable other than by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a domestic relations order,
as the case may be; provided, however, that the Committee may, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations and such terms and conditions as it shall specify, permit the transfer of the Award,
including, without limitation, for no consideration to a Permitted Transferee. Any Award transferred to a Permitted Transferee may not be further transferable without the Committee’s approval and any Award transferred to a Permitted Transferee
shall be further transferable only by last will and testament or the laws of descent and distribution or, for no consideration, to another Permitted Transferee of the Participant.
(b) Award Exercisable Only by Participant. During the lifetime of a Participant, an Award shall be exercisable only by the Participant or a
Permitted Transferee to whom such Award has been transferred in accordance with Section 12(a). The grant of an Award shall impose no obligation on a Participant to exercise or settle the Award.
| 13. |
Recapitalization or Reorganization
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(a) Authority of the Company and Stockholders. The existence of the Plan, the Award Documents and the Awards granted hereunder shall not
affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or business, any merger or
consolidation of the Company, any issue of stock or of options, warrants or rights to purchase stock or of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks whose rights are superior to or affect the shares of Common Stock or the rights
thereof or which are convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding,
whether of a similar character or otherwise.
(b) Change in Capitalization. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or any Award Document, the number and kind of shares authorized
for issuance under Section 5 of the Plan, including the maximum number of shares available under the special limits provided for in Section 5(c), shall be equitably adjusted in the manner deemed necessary by the Committee in the event of a stock
split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, partial or complete liquidation, reclassification, merger, consolidation, separation, extraordinary cash dividend, split-up, spin-off, combination, exchange of shares,
warrants or rights offering to purchase shares at a price substantially below Fair Market Value, or any other corporate event or distribution of stock or property of the Company affecting the shares of Common Stock in order to preserve, but not
increase, the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan. In addition, upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing events, the number and kind of shares subject to any outstanding Award and the exercise price per
Share (or the grant price per Share, as the case may be), if any, under any outstanding Award shall be equitably adjusted in the manner deemed necessary by the Committee (including by payment of cash to a Participant) in order to preserve the
benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available to Participants. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, such adjusted Awards shall be subject to the same restrictions and vesting or settlement schedule to which the underlying
Award is subject.
(c) Repricing of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company
(including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, or exchange of shares), the terms of outstanding Awards may
not be amended, without stockholder approval, to reduce the exercise price of outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, or to cancel outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights in exchange for cash, other Awards, or Options or Stock
Appreciation Rights with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
| 14. |
Effective Date
|
The Plan shall become effective on the Effective Date; provided, however, that, if the Plan is not approved by the stockholders
upon submission to them for approval, the Plan shall be void ab initio and of no further force and effect.
|
15.
|
Term of the Plan
|
Unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 16, the Plan shall terminate on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, except with respect to Awards then outstanding,
which shall remain subject to their terms. No Awards may be granted under the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date.
|
16.
|
Amendment and Termination
|
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations, the Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend,
modify or suspend the Plan; provided, however, that no termination, amendment, modification or suspension of the Plan (i) shall be effective without the approval of the stockholders of the Company if
such approval is required under applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market or (ii) shall materially and adversely alter or impair the rights of a Participant in any Award previously made under the Plan
without the consent of the holder thereof and no amendment which increases the Plan Limit shall be effective without stockholder approval (other than in connection with a transaction or event described in Section 13(b) of the Plan).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board shall have broad authority to amend the Plan or any Award under the Plan without the consent of a Participant to the extent it deems necessary or desirable to (a) comply with, or take into account changes
in or interpretation of applicable tax laws, securities laws, employment laws, accounting rules and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, (b) to take into account unusual or nonrecurring events or market conditions (including, without
limitation, the events described in Section 13(b)), or (c) to take into account significant acquisitions or dispositions of assets or other property by the Company.
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17.
|
Miscellaneous
|
(a) Tax Withholding. The Company or a Subsidiary, as appropriate, may require any individual entitled to receive a payment in respect of an
Award to remit to the Company, prior to such payment, an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable tax withholding requirements. In the case of an Award payable in shares of Common Stock, the Company or a Subsidiary, as appropriate, may permit
or require such individual to satisfy, in whole or in part, such obligation to remit taxes by directing the Company to withhold shares that would otherwise be received by such individual or to repurchase shares that were issued to such individual
to satisfy the minimum statutory withholding rates for any applicable tax withholding purposes, in accordance with all applicable laws and pursuant to such rules as the Committee may establish from time to time. The Company or a Subsidiary, as
appropriate, shall also have the right to deduct from all cash payments made to a Participant (whether or not such payment is made in connection with an Award) any applicable taxes required to be withheld with respect to such payments.
(b) No Right to Awards or Employment. No person shall have any claim or right to receive Awards under the Plan. Neither the Plan, the
grant of Awards under the Plan, nor any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Plan shall be deemed to create or confer on any Eligible Individual any right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or other affiliate
thereof, or to interfere with or to limit in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or other affiliate thereof to terminate the employment of such Eligible Individual at any time. No Award shall constitute salary, recurrent
compensation or contractual compensation for the year of grant, any later year or any other period of time. Payments received by a Participant under any Award made pursuant to the Plan shall not be included in, nor have any effect on, the
determination of employment-related rights or benefits under any other employee benefit plan or similar arrangement provided by the Company and the Subsidiaries, unless otherwise specifically provided for under the terms of such plan or
arrangement or by the Committee.
(c) Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. The Plan is intended to comply in all respects with Section 16 (b) of the Exchange Act.
(d) Securities Law Restrictions. An Award may not be exercised or settled, and no shares may be issued in connection with an Award, unless
the issuance of such shares (i) has been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (ii) has qualified under applicable state “blue sky” laws (or the Company has determined that an exemption from registration and from qualification
under such state “blue sky” laws is available) and (iii) complies with all applicable foreign securities laws. The Committee may require each Participant purchasing or acquiring shares of Common Stock pursuant to an Award under the Plan to
represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such Participant is acquiring the shares of Common Stock for investment purposes and not with a view to the distribution thereof. All certificates for shares of Common Stock delivered under
the Plan shall be subject to such stock-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any exchange upon which the shares
of Common Stock are then listed, and any applicable securities law, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
(e) Award Document. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the Plan and any Award Document, the Plan shall govern and the
Award Document shall be interpreted to minimize or eliminate any such conflict or inconsistency.
(f) Headings. The headings of sections herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning of any of
the provisions of the Plan.
(g) Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that the Committee determines that any Award granted under the Plan is subject to Section 409A
of the Code, the Award Document evidencing such Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions required by Section 409A of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan and Award Documents shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of
the Code and interpretive guidance issues thereunder. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan or an Award Document, if any provision of the Plan or an Award Document contravenes any regulations or guidance promulgated under Section
409A of the Code or would cause an Award to be subject to additional taxes, accelerated taxation, interest and/or penalties under Section 409A of the Code, such provision of the Plan or Award Document may be modified by the Committee without
consent of the Participant in any manner the Committee deems reasonable or necessary. In making such modifications the Committee shall attempt, but shall not be obligated, to maintain, to the maximum extent practicable, the original intent of the
applicable provision without contravening the provisions of Section 409A of the Code. Moreover, any discretionary authority that the Committee may have pursuant to the Plan shall not be applicable to an Award that is subject to Section 409A of
the Code to the extent such discretionary authority would contravene Section 409A of the Code or the guidance promulgated thereunder.
(h) Satisfaction of Obligations. Subject to applicable law, the Company may apply any cash, Shares, securities or other consideration
received upon exercise or settlement of an Award to any obligations a Participant owes to the Company and the Subsidiaries in connection with the Plan or otherwise, including, without limitation, any tax obligations or obligations under a
currency facility established in connection with the Plan.
(i) No Limitation on Corporate Actions. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to prevent the Company or any Subsidiary from
taking any corporate action, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on any Awards made under the Plan. No Participant, beneficiary or other person shall have any claim against the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of any such
action.
(j) Successors. All obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Awards granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor
to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.
(k) Severability. If any provision of this Plan is held unenforceable, the remainder of the Plan shall continue in full force and effect
without regard to such unenforceable provision and shall be applied as though the unenforceable provision were not contained in the Plan.
(l) Expenses. The cost and expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company.
(m) Application of Funds. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Awards shall be used for
general corporate purposes.
(n) Governing Law. The Plan and all agreements entered into under the Plan shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws
of the State of New York.
(o) Unfunded Plan. The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded plan for incentive compensation. Prior to the issuance of shares in
connection with an Award, nothing contained herein shall give any Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company. In its sole discretion, the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or
other arrangements to meet the obligations created under the Plan to deliver shares with respect to awards hereunder.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY. Vote by Internet - QUICK EASY IMMEDIATE - 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week or by Mail Your Internet vote authorizes the named proxies LINCOLN
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION to vote your shares of Common Stock in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. Votes submitted electronically over the Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May
4, 2023. INTERNET –www.cstproxyvote.com Use the Internet to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card available when you access the above website. Follow the prompts to vote your shares. MAIL – Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the
postage-paid envelope provided. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE PROXY CARD IF YOU ARE VOTING ELECTRONICALLY. FOLD HERE • DO NOT SEPARATE • INSERT IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED PROXY 1. Election of Directors FOR ALLWITHHOLD
AUTHORITY FOR ALL EXCEPT (See Instructions below) (1)John A. Bartholdson (2) James A. Burke, Jr. (3) Kevin M. Carney (4) J. Barry Morrow (5) Michael A. Plater (6)Felecia J. Pryor 7) Carleton E. Rose (8) Scott M. Shaw (9) Sylvia J. Young
(To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and fill in the box next to each nominee that you wish to withhold authority) To change the address on your account, please check the box at the right and
indicate your new address in the space below. Please note that the changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. Check here if you plan to attend the meeting. Approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of
the compensation of named executive officers. Please mark your votes like this Approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the compensation of named executive officers. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN Recommendation, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of
the frequency of future approval of compensation of named executives. 1 YEAR 2 YEARS 3 YEARS ABSTAIN 4. Approval of the Amendment of the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares
available under the plan. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 5. Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN ONTROL
NUMBER Signature Signature, if held jointlyDate2023. Note: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint owners, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or corporate
officer, please give title as such.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
May 5, 2023
The 2023 Proxy Statement and the 2022 Annual Report to
Shareholders are available at: www.lincolntech.edu/proxy
Please date, sign and mail your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon as possible.
☐ FOLD HERE • DO NOT SEPARATE • INSERT IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED ☐
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Proxy For Annual Meeting of Shareholders
The undersigned shareholder of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, a New Jersey corporation (the “Company”), hereby appoints Scott M. Shaw and Brian K. Meyers, and each of them, as
proxies for the undersigned, with full power of substitution in each of them, to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., local time, https://www.cstproxy.com/lincolntech/2023 and
any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, to vote on behalf of the undersigned all shares of Common Stock that the undersigned is entitled to vote at such meeting and otherwise to represent the undersigned at the meeting, with the same effect
as if the undersigned were present. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the accompanying Proxy Statement and revokes any proxy previously given with respect to such shares.
THE VOTES ENTITLED TO BE CAST BY THE UNDERSIGNED WILL BE CAST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS MADE BY THE UNDERSIGNED. IF THIS PROXY IS EXECUTED, BUT NO SPECIFICATION
IS MADE BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THE VOTES ENTITLED TO BE CAST BY THE UNDERSIGNED WILL BE CAST “FOR” ALL NOMINEES AND “FOR” PROPOSALS 2, 4, and 5 AND FOR “1 YEAR” ON PROPOSAL 3, OTHERWISE IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OR ANY
ADJOURNMENT(S) OR POSTPONEMENT(S) THEREOF.
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)