def14a
SCHEDULE
14A
(Rule 14a-101)
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the registrant þ
Filed by a party other than the registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary proxy statement.
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 |
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(Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2)
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previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of
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Date filed: |
ORIGEN
FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On June 15,
2006
To the Stockholders:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Origen Financial, Inc. (Origen) will be held at
the Birmingham Community House, 380 South Bates, Birmingham,
Michigan 48009, on Thursday, June, 15, 2006, at
10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
(1) To elect six directors to serve until the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2007 or until their
successors shall have been duly elected and qualified; and
(2) To transact such other business as may properly come
before the meeting.
A proxy statement containing information relevant to the Annual
Meeting appears on the following pages.
Only holders of common stock of record at the close of business
on May 4, 2006, are entitled to notice of and to vote at
the meeting or any adjournments.
If you do not plan to attend the meeting and you wish to vote in
accordance with the Board of Directors recommendations, it
is not necessary to specify your choices; merely sign, date, and
return the enclosed Proxy Card. If you attend the meeting, you
may withdraw your Proxy and vote your own shares.
By Order of the Board of Directors
W. ANDERSON GEATER, JR.
Secretary
Dated: May 19, 2006
ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING
IN PERSON. HOWEVER, TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE
MEETING, YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE POSTAGE-PAID
ENVELOPE ENCLOSED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ORIGEN
FINANCIAL, INC.
PROXY
STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On June 15,
2006
PROXIES
AND SOLICITATIONS
This proxy statement is furnished to stockholders in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the
Board) of Origen Financial, Inc.
(Origen) to be used at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) and at any
adjournments. If a valid proxy is received in time for the
Annual Meeting and it has not been revoked in accordance with
the instructions set forth herein, the shares represented by the
proxy will be voted in accordance with the specifications, if
any, contained in such executed proxy. If no instructions are
given, proxies will be voted: (a) FOR election of the six
nominees for the Board; and (b) at the discretion of Ronald
A. Klein and W. Anderson Geater, Jr., the Boards
designated representatives for the Annual Meeting, with respect
to such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. A proxy
executed in the enclosed form may be revoked by the person
signing it at any time before it is exercised. Proxies may be
revoked by filing with Origens Secretary, any time prior
to the time set for commencement of the Annual Meeting, a
written notice of revocation bearing a later date than the
proxy, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person
(although attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of
itself constitute revocation of a proxy).
In addition to the use of mails, proxies may be solicited by
personal interview, telephone and telegram, by directors,
officers and employees of Origen. Arrangements may also be made
with brokerage houses or other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries to forward solicitation material to the beneficial
owners of shares of Origens common stock held of record by
such persons, and Origen may reimburse such persons for
reasonable
out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in forwarding material. Origen anticipates
that fees and expenses for the foregoing parties will not exceed
$2,500. Origen will bear the costs of all proxy solicitation.
Origens executive offices are located at 27777 Franklin
Road, Suite 1700, Southfield, Michigan 48034. The
approximate date of mailing of this proxy statement and the
enclosed proxy materials to Origens stockholders is
May 19, 2006.
TIME AND
PLACE OF MEETING
The Annual Meeting will be held at the Birmingham Community
House, 380 South Bates, Birmingham, Michigan 48009, on Thursday,
June, 15, 2006, at 10:00 a.m., local time.
VOTING
RIGHTS AND
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on
May 4, 2006 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Annual Meeting or at any adjournments. As of that date, Origen
had 25,449,059 shares of common stock issued, outstanding
and entitled to vote held by approximately 77 holders of record.
Shares cannot be voted at the Annual Meeting unless the holder
is present in person or represented by proxy. Each share of
common stock outstanding on the record date entitles the holder
thereof to one vote upon each matter to be voted upon at the
Annual Meeting.
If your shares are held in street name, your
brokerage firm, under certain circumstances, may vote your
shares for you if you do not return your proxy. Brokerage firms
have authority under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market
(Nasdaq) to vote customers unvoted shares on
routine matters. If you do not give a proxy to your brokerage
firm to vote your shares, your brokerage firm may either vote
your shares on routine matters or leave your shares unvoted. The
election of directors is considered a routine matter. Shares
held by brokers as to which voting instructions have not been
received from the beneficial owners with respect to non-routine
matters are referred to as broker non-votes. We
encourage you to provide voting instructions to your brokerage
firm by returning your completed proxy. This ensures your shares
will be voted at the meeting according to your instructions. You
should
receive directions from your brokerage firm about how to submit
your proxy to them at the time you receive this proxy statement.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of outstanding shares of
common stock representing a majority of the total votes entitled
to be cast is necessary to constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Shares that
reflect abstentions or broker non-votes will be counted for
purposes of determining whether a quorum is present for the
transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.
Directors will be elected by a plurality of all votes cast at
the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, abstentions and broker
non-votes will have no effect on the results of the vote.
If there is not a quorum at the Annual Meeting, the chairman of
the Annual Meeting may adjourn the Annual Meeting until such
time as there is a quorum. The Annual Meeting may be reconvened
without notice to the stockholders, other than an announcement
at the prior adjournment of the Annual Meeting, within
30 days after the original meeting date, and a quorum must
be present at such reconvened Annual Meeting.
Information concerning principal holders of our common stock is
discussed under Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management.
INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE
To the extent this proxy statement will be specifically
incorporated by reference into any filing by Origen under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), the
sections of this proxy statement entitled Report of the
Audit Committee, Report of the Compensation
Committee on Executive Compensation and Stockholder
Return Performance Presentation shall not be deemed to be
so incorporated unless specifically otherwise provided in any
such filing.
ANNUAL
REPORT
Stockholders are concurrently being furnished with a copy of
Origens 2005 Annual Report, which contains its audited
financial statements as of December 31, 2005. In addition,
Origen will provide copies of its Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, to each person solicited by
this proxy statement without charge, upon written request to
Origen Financial, Inc., Attn: W. Anderson Geater, Jr.,
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700, Southfield, Michigan
48034.
STOCKHOLDERS
PROPOSALS
Any and all stockholder proposals for inclusion in the proxy
materials for Origens next Annual Meeting of stockholders
must comply with the rules and regulations promulgated under the
Exchange Act and must be received by Origen, addressed to its
Secretary, at its offices at 27777 Franklin Road,
Suite 1700, Southfield, Michigan 48034, not later than
January 16, 2007, provided, however, that if the next
Annual Meeting is held more than 30 days before or after
June 15, 2007, the deadline for stockholder proposals will
be a reasonable time before we begin to print and mail our proxy
materials for the next Annual Meeting.
ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS
The first matter to be considered at the Annual Meeting will be
the election of six directors. It is proposed that these
positions be filled by persons nominated to the Board by the
Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board. Each director
shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual
Meeting. Therefore, if a quorum is present, abstentions and
broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of
directors. Proxies will be tabulated by Origens transfer
agent. The Inspector of Elections appointed at the Annual
Meeting will then combine the proxy votes with the votes cast at
the Annual Meeting. Each director elected at the Annual Meeting
will serve for a term commencing on the date of the Annual
Meeting and continuing until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held
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in 2007 or until his successor is duly elected and qualified. In
the absence of directions to the contrary, proxies will be voted
in favor of the election of the nominees listed below.
If any of the nominees named below are unavailable to serve for
any reason, then a valid proxy may be voted for the election of
such other persons as the person or persons voting the proxy may
deem advisable in accordance with their best judgment.
Management has no present knowledge that any of the persons
named will be unavailable to serve. In any event, the enclosed
proxy can be voted for only the six nominees named in this proxy
statement or their substitutes.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE NOMINEES
NAMED BELOW. PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD WILL BE VOTED
FOR THE NOMINEES UNLESS INSTRUCTIONS TO
WITHHOLD OR TO THE CONTRARY ARE GIVEN.
The following list identifies each incumbent director and
nominee for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting and
describes each persons principal occupation for the past
five years. Each of the directors has served continuously from
the date of his election to the present time.
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Paul A. Halpern
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Chairman of the Board
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Ronald A. Klein
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Chief Executive Officer and
Director
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Richard H. Rogel
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Director
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Gary A. Shiffman
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Director
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Michael J. Wechsler
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Director
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James A. Williams
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Director
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Paul A. Halpern has been the Chairman of the Board since
August 2003. He is a member of the Audit Committee and the
Nominating and Governance Committee and an alternate member of
the Executive Committee. Mr. Halpern was a manager of
Origen Financial L.L.C. (Origens primary operating
subsidiary) from January 2002 until December 2003.
Mr. Halpern is currently the manager of Woodward Holding,
LLC, a stockholder of Origen. Mr. Halpern has also served
as Vice President of Operations of Guardian Energy Management
Corp., an oil and gas exploration and production company, which
is a subsidiary of Guardian Industries Corp., a glass
manufacturing corporation, since 1990. In addition,
Mr. Halpern has served as Associate Tax Counsel of Guardian
Industries Corp. since 1988. From 1979 through 1988,
Mr. Halpern was employed in various capacities by both
McDermott Incorporated and McDermott International, Inc., with
his last position as Tax Director for McDermott Incorporated.
Before joining McDermott, Mr. Halpern worked in the tax
department of the public accounting firm of Alexander
Grant & Company.
Ronald A. Klein has served as a director and the Chief
Executive Officer since August 2003. He is a member of the
Executive Committee. Mr. Klein joined Origen Financial
L.L.C.s predecessor in February 1999 and currently serves
as Origen Financial L.L.C.s sole manager and its Chief
Executive Officer. From 1999 until Origens formation,
Mr. Klein served as a director and as Chief Executive
Officer and President of Bingham Financial Services Corporation,
a predecessor of Origen. In addition, he has served as the
Managing Director of Equity Growth L.L.C., a private real estate
investment company since 1994. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Klein
served as Executive Vice President of Alaron Inc., an
international distributor of consumer electronics. Prior to
joining Alaron Inc., Mr. Klein was a member of the
Chicago Board Options Exchange since 1985. Mr. Klein has
also served as the Managing Director of a financial derivatives
trading firm and, before 1985, he was in the private practice of
law.
Richard H. Rogel has been a director since August 2003.
He is a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee
and the Executive Committee. Mr. Rogel served as a director
of CoolSavings, Inc., a publicly-traded online direct marketing
and media company, from 1996 to 2005, serving as its Chairman of
the Board from July 2001 to December 2005 and as the Chairman of
its audit committee from 1998 to 2005. In 1982, Mr. Rogel
founded Preferred Provider Organization of Michigan, Inc., a
preferred provider organization, and served as its Chairman from
its inception until it was sold in 1997. Mr. Rogel is the
President of the University of Michigan Alumni Association,
chairs the University of Michigans Business School
Development Advisory Board and serves on other boards of the
University.
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Gary A. Shiffman has been a director since August 2003.
Mr. Shiffman was a manager of Origen Financial L.L.C. from
its formation in 2001 until December 2003. Mr. Shiffman has
served as Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Sun
Communities, Inc., a publicly-traded owner and operator of
manufactured housing communities, since 1998. He has served as
Chairman of the Board and President of Sun Communities, Inc.
since March 2000.
Michael J. Wechsler has been a director and has served as
a member of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and
Governance Committee and an alternate member of the Executive
Committee. Since April 2006, he has served as a member of the
Audit Committee. Mr. Wechsler has served as Executive Vice
President Credit of CharterMac, a
publicly-traded real estate financial services company, since
October 2003. Mr. Wechsler served as Chief Operating
Officer of the Related Companies, L.P. from 1987 until 1997 and
as Chief Credit Officer of Related from 1997 until 2003. The
Related Companies, L.P. is a major developer of multifamily
affordable housing nationwide, one of the largest owners of
multi-family dwellings in the country and a leading syndicator
of residential real estate financed with Low Income Housing Tax
Credits in the United States. Prior to joining the Related
Companies, L.P., he held various positions in the Real Estate
Division of Chemical Bank for over twenty years. His last
position was as Senior Vice President and Managing Director,
with overall responsibility for the Real Estate Divisions
administration and lending activities in twenty-five states and
New York City.
James A. Williams has been a director since August 2003.
He is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, Chairman of
the Audit Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee and
the Nominating and Governance Committee. From 2001 until it was
acquired in October 2003, Mr. Williams served as a director
of Chateau Communities, Inc., a publicly-traded equity real
estate investment trust and an owner/manager of manufactured
housing communities. Mr. Williams has been a director of
Standard Federal Bank and LaSalle Bank Corporation since 2001
and has served on LaSalles audit committee since 2001.
Mr. Williams has been a partner with Williams, Williams,
Rattner & Plunkett, P.C., a Michigan-based law firm,
since he founded the firm in 1972. He also currently serves as
Managing General Partner of Jamison Management Company, which
operates manufactured housing developments. Mr. Williams is
the chairman of the Henry Ford Hospital of West Bloomfield,
Michigan, and former chairman of the Michigan National
Corporation.
To the best of Origens knowledge, there are no material
proceedings to which any nominee is a party, or has a material
interest, adverse to Origen. To the best of Origens
knowledge, there have been no events under any bankruptcy act,
no criminal proceedings and no judgments or injunctions that are
material to the evaluation of the ability or integrity of any
nominee during the past five years.
Board of
Directors and Committees
The Board met four times during 2005 and took various actions
pursuant to resolutions adopted by unanimous written consent.
All directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board
and each committee on which they served. Directors are
encouraged but not required to attend the annual meetings of
stockholders. All members of the Board attended the 2005 annual
meeting of stockholders, except Mr. Wechsler and
Mr. Shiffman, who each had a previous business engagement,
and Mr. Rogel, who was ill.
Several important functions of the Board may be performed by
committees that are comprised of members of the Board.
Origens Bylaws authorize the formation of these committees
and grant the Board the authority to prescribe the functions of
each committee and the standards for membership of each
committee. In addition, the Board appoints the members of each
committee. The Board has four standing committees: an Audit
Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Governance
Committee and an Executive Committee. You may find copies of the
charters of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and
the Nominating and Governance Committee, as well as
Origens Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Financial
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers under the
Investors section of its website at
www.origenfinancial.com.
The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a written charter that
was approved by the Board in January 2004. The Audit Committee,
among other functions, (1) oversees the accounting and
financial reporting processes and compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements on behalf of Origens Board of
Directors and reports the results of its activities to the
Board, (2) has the sole authority to appoint, retain,
terminate and determine the compensation of Origens
independent accountants, (3) reviews with Origens
independent accountants the scope and results of the audit
engagement, (4) reviews the integrity, adequacy and
effectiveness of Origens internal controls and
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financial disclosure process, including the direct supervision
of Origens Internal Audit Department, (5) approves
professional services provided by Origens independent
accountants, and (6) reviews the independence of
Origens independent accountants. The current members of
the Audit Committee are Messrs. Williams (acting Chairman),
Rogel, Halpern and Wechsler, all of whom are
independent as that term is defined in the rules of
the SEC and applicable Nasdaq Stock Market rules. Origens
Board has also determined that each of Messrs. Williams,
Rogel and Halpern qualifies as an audit committee
financial expert, as defined by applicable SEC
regulations. The Audit Committee held seven formal meetings and
several informal meetings during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005. See Report of the Audit
Committee.
The Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a written
charter that was approved by the Board in March 2004. The
Compensation Committee, among other functions, (1) reviews
and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the
compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the
performance of the Chief Executive Officer in light of such
goals and objectives, and determines and approves the
compensation of the Chief Executive Officer based on these
evaluations, (2) approves the compensation of Origens
other executive officers, and (3) oversees Origens
incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans. The current
members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Williams
(Chairman), Wechsler and Rogel, all of whom are independent
directors under applicable Nasdaq Stock Market rules. The
Compensation Committee held two formal meetings during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 and took various
actions pursuant to resolutions adopted by unanimous written
consent. See Report of the Compensation Committee
on Executive Compensation.
The Nominating and Governance Committee operates pursuant to a
written charter that was approved by the Board in March 2004.
The Nominating and Governance Committee, among other functions,
is responsible for (1) developing and monitoring our
corporate governance principles; (2) assisting the Board in
identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board
and members of its various committees, consistent with criteria
approved by the Board; (3) selecting the director nominees
for each annual meeting of stockholders and the committee
nominees; and (4) overseeing the evaluation of the Board
and management. The current members of the Nominating and
Governance Committee are Messrs. Halpern, Wechsler and
Williams, all of whom are independent under applicable Nasdaq
Stock Market rules. The Nominating and Governance Committee held
one formal meeting during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005 and took various actions pursuant to
resolutions adopted by unanimous written consent.
The Executive Committee was established to exercise certain
enumerated powers and duties of the Board between regular Board
meetings. The Executive Committee has the authority to approve
the following actions: (1) the acquisition and sale of
loans and loan portfolios; (2) financing transactions; and
(3) the securitization of loans and loan portfolios. The
current members of the Executive Committee are
Messrs. Williams, Rogel and Klein. Messrs. Wechsler
and Halpern serve as alternate members in the case of an absence
of one of the regular Executive Committee members.
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation
Decisions
The members of the Compensation Committee are
Messrs. Williams (Chairman), Wechsler and Rogel. During
2005 and currently, none of our executive officers served as a
director or member of a compensation committee (or other
committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity,
whose executive officers served as a director or member of our
Compensation Committee, none of our employees serve on the
Compensation Committee and all of the Compensation
Committees members are independent directors.
Communications
with the Board
If you wish to communicate with any of the directors of the
Board or the Board as a group, you may do so by writing to them
at [Name(s) of Director(s)/Board of Directors of Origen
Financial, Inc.], 27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700,
Southfield, MI 48034.
If you wish to contact the Audit Committee to report complaints
or concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls
or auditing matters, you may do so by writing to the Chairman of
the Audit Committee of Origen Financial, Inc., 27777 Franklin
Road, Suite 1700, Southfield, MI 48034. You are welcome to
make any such
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report anonymously but Origen prefers that you identify yourself
so that Origen may contact you for additional information if
necessary or appropriate.
If you wish to communicate with our non-management directors as
a group, you may do so by writing to Non-Management Directors of
Origen Financial, Inc., 27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700,
Southfield, MI 48034.
Origen recommends that all correspondence be sent via certified
U.S. mail, return receipt requested. All correspondence
received by Origen will be forwarded promptly to the
addressee(s).
Independence
of Non-Employee Directors
Applicable Nasdaq Stock Market rules require that a majority of
the Board consist of members who are independent. There are
different measures of director independence under Nasdaq Stock
Market rules, under Section 16 of the Exchange Act and
under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the Code). The Board has reviewed
information about each of Origens non-employee directors
and determined that Messrs. Halpern, Rogel, Williams and
Wechsler are independent directors. The independent directors
meet on a regular basis in executive sessions without management
participation. The executive sessions occur after each regularly
scheduled meeting of the entire Board and at such other times as
the independent directors deem appropriate.
Consideration
of Director Nominees
Board
Membership Criteria
The Board of Directors has established criteria for Board
membership. These criteria include the following minimum
qualifications that the Nominating and Governance Committee
believes must be met by a Nominating and Governance
Committee-recommended nominee for a position on the Board:
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The candidate must have experience at a strategic or
policymaking level in a business, government, non-profit or
academic organization of high standing;
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The candidate must be highly accomplished in his or her field,
with superior credentials and recognition;
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The candidate must be well regarded in the community and must
have a long-term reputation for high ethical and moral standards;
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The candidate must have sufficient time and availability to
devote to Origens affairs, particularly in light of the
number of boards on which the nominee may serve; and
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The candidates principal business or occupation must not
be such as to place the candidate in competition with Origen or
conflict with the discharge of a directors
responsibilities to Origen or its stockholders.
|
In addition to the minimum qualifications for each nominee set
forth above, the Nominating and Governance Committee will
recommend director candidates to the full Board for nomination,
or present director candidates to the full Board for
consideration, to help ensure that:
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A majority of the Board of Directors shall be
independent as defined by applicable Nasdaq Stock
Market rules;
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Each of its Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Governance
Committees shall be comprised entirely of independent
directors; and
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At least one member of the Audit Committee shall have such
experience, education and qualifications necessary to qualify as
an audit committee financial expert as defined by
the rules of the SEC.
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Consideration
of Stockholder Nominated Directors
The Nominating and Governance Committees current policy is
to review and consider any director candidates who have been
recommended by stockholders in compliance with the procedures
established from time to time by the Nominating and Governance
Committee. All stockholder recommendations for director
candidates must be
6
submitted in writing to our Secretary at Origen Financial, Inc.,
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700, Southfield, MI 48034,
who will forward all recommendations to the Nominating and
Governance Committee. We did not receive any stockholder
recommendations for director candidates for election at the 2006
annual meeting. All stockholder recommendations for director
candidates for election at the 2007 annual meeting of
stockholders must be submitted to our Secretary on or before
January 16, 2007 and must include the following information:
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The stockholders name, address, number of shares owned,
length of period held and proof of ownership;
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The name, age, business and residential address, educational
background, current principal occupation or employment, and
principal occupation or employment for the preceding five full
fiscal years of the proposed director candidate;
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A description of the qualifications and background of the
proposed director candidate which addresses the minimum
qualifications and other criteria for Board membership as
approved by the Board from time to time;
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A description of all arrangements or understandings between the
stockholder and the proposed director candidate;
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The consent of the proposed director candidate (1) to be
named in the proxy statement relating to Origens annual
meeting of stockholders and (2) to serve as a director if
elected at such annual meeting; and
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Any other information regarding the proposed director candidate
that is required to be included in a proxy statement filed
pursuant to the rules of the SEC.
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Identifying
and Evaluating Nominees
The Nominating and Governance Committee may solicit
recommendations for director nominees from any or all of the
following sources: non-management directors, executive officers,
third-party search firms or any other source it deems
appropriate. The Nominating and Governance Committee will review
and evaluate the qualifications of any proposed director
candidate that it is considering or has been recommended to it
by a stockholder in compliance with the Nominating and
Governance Committees procedures for that purpose, and
conduct inquiries it deems appropriate into the background of
these proposed director candidates. When nominating a sitting
director for re-election, the Nominating and Governance
Committee will consider the directors performance on the
Board and the directors qualifications in respect to the
criteria set forth above. Other than circumstances in which we
are legally required by contract or otherwise to provide third
parties with the ability to nominate directors, the Nominating
and Governance Committee will evaluate all proposed director
candidates based on the same criteria and in substantially the
same manner, with no regard to the source of the initial
recommendation of the proposed director candidate.
7
MANAGEMENT
AND COMPENSATION
Executive
Officers
The persons listed below are the current executive officers of
Origen. Each is annually appointed by, and serves at the
pleasure of, the Board.
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Name
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Age
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Office
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Ronald A. Klein
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48
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Chief Executive Officer and
Director
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J. Peter Scherer
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56
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President and Head of Operations
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W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
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57
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Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary
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Mark W. Landschulz
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41
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Executive Vice President,
Portfolio Management
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O. Douglas Burdett
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56
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Executive Vice President, Manager
of Loan Servicing
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Paul J. Galaspie
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44
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Senior Vice President and Chief
Information Officer
|
David M. Rand
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44
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Senior Vice President, Marketing
and Strategic Development
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Benton E. Sergi
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44
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Senior Vice President, Operations
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Laura Campbell
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36
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Senior Vice President, Human
Resources
|
Background information for Mr. Klein is provided under
Election of Directors, above.
J. Peter Scherer has served as Origens
President and Head of Operations since August 2003.
Mr. Scherer joined Origen Financial L.L.C.s
predecessor in December 1999 and currently serves as President
and Head of Operations of Origen Financial L.L.C. From 1999
until Origens formation, Mr. Scherer served as Chief
Operating Officer of Bingham Financial Services Corporation, a
predecessor of Origen. From 1984 through 1998, Mr. Scherer
served in various capacities at The Taubman Company, including
most recently as Senior Vice President and chairman of the asset
management group. From 1976 to 1980 and from 1980 to 1984, he
was an attorney with American Motors Corporation and Volkswagen
of America, Inc., respectively. Prior to joining American Motors
Corporation, Mr. Scherer was engaged in the private
practice of law.
W. Anderson Geater, Jr. has served as
Origens Chief Financial Officer since August 2003 and as
its Secretary since January 2004. Mr. Geater joined Origen
Financial L.L.C.s predecessor in April 2000 and currently
serves as Chief Financial Officer of Origen Financial L.L.C.
From 2000 until Origens formation, Mr. Geater served
as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Bingham Financial
Services Corporation, a predecessor of Origen. From April 1994
through April 2000, Mr. Geater served as Chief Financial
Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Univest Financial
Services Holdings, LLC and Central Park Capital, LLC. He also
served as Chief Operating Officer of First Mortgage Strategies
Group, Inc. from 1991 to 1993, and as Director of Financial
Services for Pannell Kerr Forster, a public accounting firm from
1990 to 1991. From 1975 to 1990, Mr. Geater served as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Leader
Federal Bank for Savings. Prior to joining Leader Federal Bank
for Savings, Mr. Geater was an audit supervisor with the
public accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick.
Mark Landschulz has served as Origens Executive
Vice President, Portfolio Management since August 2003.
Mr. Landschulz joined Origen Financial L.L.C.s
predecessor in February 2000, and currently serves as Executive
Vice President of Portfolio Management of Origen Financial,
L.L.C. Prior to serving as Executive Vice President,
Mr. Landschulz was the Chief Financial Officer of Origen
Financial L.L.C. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Landschulz was the
founding principal of Landworks Enterprises, a private
consulting practice. Prior to founding Landworks Enterprises,
Mr. Landschulz served as Senior Vice President for Knutson
Mortgage Corporation from April 1996 to December 1996. From
February 1990 to April 1996, Mr. Landschulz served as a
director and Vice President of GE Capital Mortgage. From 1988 to
1990, he served as Chief Financial Officer of a Fannie Mae
approved seller/servicer, regional mortgage banking firm.
O. Douglas Burdett has served as Origens
Executive Vice President, Manager of Loan Servicing since August
2003. He has held the same position with Origen Financial L.L.C.
since May 2002. From July 1999 to April 2002, Mr. Burdett
served as Vice President, National Asset Manager of
CitiFinancial Associates Housing Finance
8
and led its manufactured housing loan servicing operation. From
December 1997 to July 1999, he was employed by First Union Bank
as Director and Asset Manager for The Money Store. From 1972
through 1997, Mr. Burdett was employed by GE Capital
Corporation, where he led its customer service, loss mitigation
and default groups in a number of business units ranging from
consumer and mortgage as Vice President GE Capital Mortgage to
commercial and government services as Senior Vice President GE
Asset Management.
Paul J. Galaspie has served as Origens Senior Vice
President and Chief Information Officer since August 2003.
Mr. Galaspie joined the predecessor of Origen Financial
L.L.C. in March 1994, and currently serves as Senior Vice
President and Chief Information Officer of Origen Financial
L.L.C. Beginning in March 1994, Mr. Galaspie served in
various capacities for Origen Financial L.L.C.s
predecessors, including as a Senior Programmer Analyst for Saxon
Mortgage Funding Corp. Prior to March 1994, Mr. Galaspie
worked for PSA, a national photographic retailer, in their
marketing department as a programmer/analyst.
David M. Rand has served as Origens Senior Vice
President, Marketing and Strategic Development since October
2004. From August 2003 to October 2004 he served as its Senior
Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Mr. Rand joined the
predecessor of Origen Financial L.L.C. in June 1998, and
currently serves as Senior Vice
President Marketing and Business Development of
Origen Financial L.L.C. Prior to joining the predecessor of
Origen Financial L.L.C., he was employed by Associates First
Capital Corporation as Vice President New
Business/Product Development from April 1996 to June 1998, and
as Director Corporate Training from November
1993 to April 1996. Prior thereto, Mr. Rand held various
positions with General Electric Capital Corporation.
Benton E. Sergi has served as Origens Senior Vice
President, Operations since August 2003. He has held the same
position with Origen Financial L.L.C. since June 2003. From
April 2002 to June 2003, Mr. Sergi served as Executive Vice
President, National Sales and Operations of HomePride Finance
Corp, a subsidiary of Champion Enterprises, Inc. He also served
as Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations of CIT Group,
from 1997 to 2002, and held various positions with Key Bank USA,
NA in its sales finance division from 1987 to 1997. Prior to
joining Key Bank USA, NA, Mr. Sergi was employed by The
Midwest Bank & Trust Company in its installment loan
and credit card sales departments.
Laura Campbell has served as Origens Senior Vice
President, Human Resources since September 2004. From August
2003 to September 2004 she held the title of Vice President,
Human Resources of Origen. Ms. Campbell joined Origen
Financial L.L.C.s predecessor in November 1999. Prior to
joining Origen and its predecessors, Ms. Campbell served
for five years as Vice President, Human Resources for DMR
Financial Services, a residential and commercial mortgage lender
based in Michigan.
To the best of Origens knowledge, there have been no
events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no
judgments or injunctions that are material to the evaluation of
the ability or integrity of any executive officer during the
past five years.
9
Executive
Compensation
The following table summarizes the compensation Origen paid to
its Chief Executive Officer and each of its four other highest
paid executive officers (the Named Executive
Officers) during the years ended December 31, 2005
and December 31, 2004 and during the period from
October 8, 2003 (when Origen began operations) through
December 31, 2003.
SUMMARY
COMPENSATION TABLE
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Annual Compensation
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Long-Term Compensation
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Year or Period
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Restricted
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|
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Securities
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Ended
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Other Annual
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Stock
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|
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Underlying
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Name and Principal
Position
|
|
December 31,
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Salary
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Bonus
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Compensation
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Awards(1)
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Options
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Ronald A. Klein
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2005
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$
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430,769
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$
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69,895
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$
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43,612
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(11)
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$
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721,000
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(12)
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Chief Executive Officer
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2004
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$
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405,763
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$
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159,375
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$
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386,583
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(6)
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$
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656,250
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(7)
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2003
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$
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90,602
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(2)
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$
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280,040
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(3)
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$
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9,935
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(4)
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$
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1,100,000
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(5)
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25,000
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W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
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2005
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$
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217,308
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$
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75,623
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$
|
42,689
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(11)
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$
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216,300
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(13)
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|
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Chief Financial Officer
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2004
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$
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207,305
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$
|
91,375
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|
|
$
|
42,136
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(6)
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$
|
262,500
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(9)
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|
|
|
|
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2003
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|
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$
|
47,323
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(2)
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|
$
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151,494
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(3)
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|
$
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9,962
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(4)
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$
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200,000
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(8)
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15,000
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J. Peter Scherer
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2005
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|
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$
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217,308
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$
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85,706
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$
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43,151
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(11)
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$
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216,300
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(13)
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President and
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2004
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|
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$
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207,305
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|
$
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91,375
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|
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$
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40,852
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(6)
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$
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262,500
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(9)
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|
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|
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Head of Operations
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2003
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|
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$
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47,323
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(2)
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$
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151,494
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(3)
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$
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9,661
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(4)
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$
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200,000
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(8)
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15,000
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Mark W. Landschulz
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2005
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$
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202,308
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|
$
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79,790
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|
$
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41,376
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(11)
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$
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216,300
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(13)
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|
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|
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Executive Vice President of
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|
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2004
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|
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$
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192,305
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|
$
|
85,000
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|
|
$
|
38,592
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(6)
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$
|
262,500
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(9)
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|
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Portfolio Management
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2003
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$
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43,852
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(2)
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$
|
140,409
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(3)
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|
$
|
9,059
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(4)
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$
|
200,000
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(8)
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|
|
15,000
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Benton E. Sergi
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2005
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$
|
193,673
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|
|
$
|
42,686
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|
|
$
|
19,350
|
(11)
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$
|
36,050
|
(14)
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|
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|
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Senior Vice President,
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|
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2004
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|
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$
|
188,747
|
|
|
$
|
41,800
|
|
|
$
|
20,224
|
(6)
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|
$
|
43,750
|
(10)
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|
|
12,500
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|
Operations
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|
|
2003
|
|
|
$
|
42,125
|
(2)
|
|
$
|
36,807
|
(3)
|
|
$
|
5,235
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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(1) |
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As of December 31, 2005, Mr. Klein held
263,238 shares of restricted stock with an aggregate value
of $1,874,255; Mr. Geater held 73,974 shares with an
aggregate value of $526,695; Mr. Scherer held
73,152 shares of restricted stock with an aggregate value
of $520,842; Mr. Landschulz held 71,757 shares of
restricted stock with an aggregate value of $510,910; and
Mr. Sergi held 20,000 shares of restricted stock with
an aggregate value of $142,400. For purposes of the preceding
sentence, aggregate values are based on the closing market price
of Origens common stock on December 30, 2005. |
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(2) |
|
Represents salary received from commencement of operations to
year end. Annual base salaries for Messrs. Klein, Geater,
Scherer, Landschulz and Sergi are set forth below under
Employment Agreements. Mr. Sergis
annualized base salary during the period ended December 31,
2003 was $185,000. |
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(3) |
|
2003 bonuses paid are with respect to the executive
officers employment by Origen and Origen Financial L.L.C.
during the twelve months ended December 31, 2003. |
|
(4) |
|
Included in these amounts are split-dollar whole life insurance
premiums of $7,985 for Mr. Klein, $7,601 for
Mr. Geater, $7,364 for Mr. Scherer, $7,467 for
Mr. Landschulz and $4,522 for Mr. Sergi, in each case
pro rated for the period October 8, 2003 through
December 31, 2003. Origen pre-paid the annual premiums for
the split-dollar whole life insurance for 2004 in November 2003.
The annual premiums for these policies for the coverage period
ending in November 2004 were $34,700 for Mr. Klein, $33,030
for Mr. Scherer, $32,000 for Mr. Geater, $32,450 for
Mr. Landschulz and $19,650 for Mr. Sergi. These
policies are owned by Origen and are intended to provide key man
insurance benefits to Origen, and the cash
build-up in
the policies is intended to fund the payment of benefits under
Origens capital accumulation plan described below. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Klein was granted a restricted share award of
60,000 shares on October 8, 2003, which vested on
April 8, 2004. Mr. Klein was also granted a restricted
share award of 50,000 shares on October 8, 2003.
One-third of the shares granted under this award vested on each
of May 11, 2004, June 3, 2005 (extended from
May 11, 2005) and May 8, 2006. Distributions on
the shares of restricted stock were paid to Mr. Klein. |
10
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|
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(6) |
|
Included in these amounts are split-dollar whole life insurance
premiums for the coverage period ending in November 2005 of
$35,600 for Mr. Klein, $34,100 for Mr. Geater, $34,030
for Mr. Scherer, $33,900 for Mr. Landschulz and
$19,350 for Mr. Sergi. Origen pre-paid the annual premiums
for the split-dollar whole life insurance for 2005 in November
2004. These policies are owned by Origen and are intended to
provide key man insurance benefits to Origen, and the cash
build-up in
the policies is intended to fund the payment of benefits under
Origens capital accumulation plan described below.
Mr. Kleins other annual compensation also includes a
payment of $344,161 to cover the tax liability arising from the
vesting of 60,000 shares of restricted stock in 2004. These
shares of restricted stock were granted to Mr. Klein upon
his waiver of the right to receive a change in control payment
of $600,000 in connection with Origens formation
transactions. |
|
(7) |
|
On each of March 23, 2004 and August 5, 2004,
Mr. Klein was granted a restricted share award of
37,500 shares (or a total of 75,000 shares).
Two-thirds of the shares granted under each of these awards
vested on June 3, 2005 (extended from May 11,
2005) and the remaining one-third of the shares vested on
May 8, 2006. Distributions on the shares of restricted
stock were paid to Mr. Klein. |
|
(8) |
|
Each of Messrs. Geater, Scherer and Landschulz was granted
a restricted share award of 20,000 shares on
October 8, 2003. One-third of the shares granted under this
award vested on each of May 11, 2004, June 3, 2005
(extended from May 11, 2005) and May 8, 2006.
Distributions on the shares of restricted stock were paid to the
applicable holder of the restricted stock. |
|
(9) |
|
On each of March 23, 2004 and August 5, 2004, each of
Messrs. Geater, Scherer and Landschulz was granted a
restricted share award of 15,000 shares (or a total of
30,000 shares each). Two-thirds of the shares granted under
each of these awards vested on June 3, 2005 (extended from
May 11, 2005) and the remaining one-third of the
shares vested on May 8, 2006. Distributions on the shares
of restricted stock were paid to the applicable holder of the
restricted stock. |
|
(10) |
|
On January 29, 2004 Mr. Sergi was granted a restricted
share award of 10,000 shares and on each of March 23,
2004 and August 5, 2004, Mr. Sergi was granted a
restricted share award of 2,500 shares (or a total of
15,000 shares). Two-thirds of the shares granted under each
of these awards vested on May 11, 2005 and the remaining
one-third of the shares vested on May 11, 2006.
Distributions on the shares of restricted stock were paid to
Mr. Sergi. |
|
(11) |
|
Included in these amounts are split-dollar whole life insurance
premiums for the coverage period ending in November 2006 of
$34,700 for Mr. Klein, $32,000 for Mr. Geater, $34,030
for Mr. Scherer, $34,030 for Mr. Landschulz and
$19,350 for Mr. Sergi. Origen pre-paid the annual premiums
for the split-dollar whole life insurance for 2006 in November
2005. These policies are owned by Origen and are intended to
provide key man insurance benefits to Origen, and the cash
build-up in
the policies is intended to fund the payment of benefits under
Origens capital accumulation plan described below. |
|
(12) |
|
On May 8, 2005, Mr. Klein was granted a restricted
share award of 100,000 shares. The shares vest in equal
installments on each of the first, second and third anniversary
dates of the grant. Distributions on the shares of restricted
stock will be paid to Mr. Klein. |
|
(13) |
|
On May 8, 2005, each of Messrs. Geater, Scherer and
Landschulz was granted a restricted share award of
30,000 shares. The shares vest in equal installments on
each of the first, second and third anniversary dates of the
grant. Distributions on the shares of restricted stock will be
paid to the applicable holder of the restricted stock. |
|
(14) |
|
On May 8, 2005, Mr. Sergi was granted a restricted
share award of 5,000 shares. The shares vest in equal
installments on each of the first, second and third anniversary
dates of the grant. Distributions on the shares of restricted
stock will be paid to Mr. Sergi. |
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code disallows a tax
deduction to public companies for compensation paid in excess of
$1,000,000 for any fiscal year to the companys chief
executive officer and the four other most highly compensated
executive officers. To qualify for deductibility under
Section 162(m), compensation in excess of $1,000,000 annual
maximum paid to these executive officers must be
performance-based compensation, as determined under
Section 162(m). For these purposes, compensation generally
includes base salary, annual bonuses, stock option exercises,
compensation attributable to restricted shares vesting and
nonqualified benefits. While it is Origens intention to
structure compensation so that it satisfies the
performance-based compensation
11
requirements under Section 162(m) to the fullest extent
possible, if Origen becomes subject to the provisions of
Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee will balance the
costs and burdens involved in doing so against the value to
Origen and its stockholders of the tax benefits to be obtained
by Origen. Accordingly, Origen reserves the right, should
Section 162(m) apply, to design compensation programs that
recognize a full range of performance criteria important to its
success, even where the compensation paid under such programs
may not be deductible as a result of the application of
Section 162(m).
Origen has adopted a non-qualified capital accumulation plan
that provides supplemental compensation to certain executive
officers and employees on a deferred basis. Origen has the
discretion to select which employees will be eligible to
participate in the plan. The plan is intended to attract and
maintain qualified individuals in key positions. The deferred
compensation under the plan vests over a ten-year period, with
the first 30% vesting beginning on the third anniversary of the
employees participation in the plan, and the remainder
vesting at a rate of 10% per year, until the tenth
anniversary of the employees participation in the plan.
The deferred compensation is paid to the employee, in a lump
sum, following the tenth anniversary of the participants
enrollment in the plan. If a participants employment is
terminated for any reason after the third anniversary, but
before the tenth anniversary, of his or her enrollment in the
plan, Origen will pay the participant his or her vested portion
of the deferred compensation, in a lump sum, following the tenth
anniversary of his or her enrollment in the plan. If a
participant dies before he or she has been enrolled in the plan
for ten years, Origen has no obligation to pay any amount to the
participant or the participants beneficiaries. The
following table sets forth the compensation payable to the Named
Executive Officers under the capital accumulation plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Payable
|
|
|
|
Under Capital
|
|
Named Executive
Officer
|
|
Accumulation Plan
|
|
|
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
$
|
400,000
|
|
W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
|
|
$
|
400,000
|
|
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
$
|
400,000
|
|
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
$
|
400,000
|
|
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
$
|
225,000
|
|
Origen has adopted a split-dollar life insurance plan that,
through individual life insurance policies, provides death
benefits to a participants beneficiaries and coordinates
with the capital accumulation plan described above. Under the
split-dollar plan, Origen is the sole owner of each life
insurance policy and pays all premiums due under the policies.
Upon a participants death, a portion of the death benefit
is paid to the participants designated beneficiary and a
portion of the death benefit is paid to Origen. It is intended
that the policies under the split-dollar plan provide key man
insurance benefits to Origen, and the cash
build-up in
the policies is intended to fund the payment of benefits under
the capital accumulation plan described above. Participation in
the split-dollar plan terminates upon the earlier of a
participants death or the tenth anniversary of a
participants enrollment in the capital accumulation plan.
In addition, the split-dollar plan will terminate, as to all
participants, upon the total cessation of Origens
business, if Origen files for bankruptcy, if it is put into
receivership or if it is dissolved. Upon the plans
termination, participants have the right to acquire the life
insurance policy from Origen for the then current cash surrender
value of the policy.
OPTION
GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Origen did not grant any stock options to the Named Executive
Officers during the year ended December 31, 2005.
12
AGGREGATED
OPTION EXERCISES AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES TABLE
During the year ended December 31, 2005, no Named Executive
Officer exercised any options. The following table contains
information concerning option holdings as of December 31,
2005 with respect to each of the Named Executive Officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options at
|
|
|
|
Shares Acquired
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year-End(1)
|
|
Name of Grantee
|
|
on Exercise
|
|
|
Value Realized
|
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
|
Unexercisable
|
|
|
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,666
|
|
|
|
8,334
|
|
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,333
|
|
|
|
4,167
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
None of the options were
in-the-money
as of December 31, 2005. |
EQUITY
COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table reflects information about the securities
authorized for issuance under Origens equity compensation
plans as of December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Available for
|
|
|
|
to be Issued
|
|
|
Weighted-Average
|
|
|
Future Issuance Under
|
|
|
|
Upon Exercise of
|
|
|
Exercise Price of
|
|
|
Equity Compensation
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Options,
|
|
|
Outstanding Options,
|
|
|
Plans (Excluding Securities
|
|
Plan Category
|
|
Warrants and Rights
|
|
|
Warrants and Rights
|
|
|
Reflected in Column
(a))
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved
by stockholders
|
|
|
255,500
|
|
|
$
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
670,188
|
|
Equity compensation plans not
approved by stockholders
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
|
255,500
|
|
|
$
|
10.00
|
|
|
|
670,188
|
|
Report of
the Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation
Policy
of Executive Officer Compensation
The executive compensation program is administered by the
Compensation Committee of the Board, which is currently
comprised of Messrs. Williams, Wechsler and Rogel. None of
the members of the Compensation Committee are employees of
Origen and each of them is an independent director for purposes
of the requirements of applicable Nasdaq Stock Market rules. The
executive compensation program supports Origens commitment
to providing superior stockholder value. It is designed to
attract and retain high-quality executives, to encourage them to
make career commitments to Origen, and to accomplish
Origens short and long term objectives. The Compensation
Committee attempts to structure a compensation program for
Origen that will reward its top executives with bonuses and
stock and option awards upon attainment of specified goals and
objectives while striving to maintain salaries at reasonably
competitive levels. The Compensation Committee reviews the
compensation (including salaries, bonuses and stock options) of
Origens Chairman and Chief Executive Officer as well as
Origens other executive officers, administers
Origens incentive and equity based compensation plans and
performs such other duties as may be delegated to it by the
Board.
In reviewing the compensation to be paid to Origens
executive officers during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005, the Compensation Committee and the Board
sought to ensure that executive officers were
13
rewarded for long-term strategic management, for increasing
Origens value for its stockholders, and for achieving
internal goals established by the Board.
The key components of executive officer compensation are salary,
bonuses, restricted stock awards and stock option awards. Salary
is generally based on factors such as an individual
officers level of responsibility, prior years
compensation, comparison to compensation of other officers in
Origen, and compensation provided at competitive companies and
companies of similar size. Bonuses, restricted stock awards and
stock option awards are intended to reward exceptional
performances. Benchmarks for determining base salary and bonus
levels include strength of the balance sheet and creation of
stockholder value. Restricted stock awards and stock option
awards are also intended to increase an officers interest
in Origens long-term success as measured by the market and
book value of its common stock. Stock awards may be granted to
officers and directors of Origen and its subsidiaries and to
certain employees who have managerial or supervisory
responsibilities under Origens 2003 Equity Incentive Plan.
Stock awards may be stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted share rights or any variation thereof.
The Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the
Compensation Committee with respect to the compensation of all
executive officers. In addition, the Compensation Committee
bases its decisions on the most recent publicly available
compensation data for senior executive officers of comparable
companies, as well as various compensation studies and surveys,
to ensure that compensation packages are in line with
Origens peer group and the manufactured housing finance
industry in general. While benchmarks and comparative market
data are valuable tools to assist the Compensation Committee in
setting reasonable and fair compensation for Origens
executive officers, the stated philosophy of Origens
executive compensation program is to recognize individual
contributions to the performance of Origen and to create a link
between the performance of Origens stock and executive
compensation.
Chief
Executive Officer Compensation
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, Ronald A.
Klein served as the Chief Executive Officer of Origen. As of
October 8, 2003, Origen entered into an employment
agreement with Mr. Klein which governed the salary and
bonus paid to Mr. Klein during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005. Pursuant to this employment agreement,
Mr. Klein was paid a salary of $430,769. He was also paid a
bonus of $69,895, received other compensation of $43,612 and was
granted 100,000 shares of restricted stock in 2005. He did
not receive any options. Mr. Kleins compensation was
based on his qualitative managerial efforts and to reward him
for his leadership in completing two securitizations in a
challenging market. His compensation also reflects the
Compensation Committees judgment about whether each
particular payment or award would provide an appropriate
incentive and reward for performance that sustains and enhances
long-term stockholder value. The Compensation Committee believes
that Mr. Kleins total compensation in 2005 was
competitive with the appropriate level for his position,
particularly in view of his performance.
Respectfully submitted,
Members of the Compensation Committee:
James A. Williams
Michael J. Wechsler
Richard H. Rogel
14
Employment
Agreements
Origen and Origen Financial L.L.C. have entered into employment
arrangements with the executive officers named in the following
table, pursuant to which Origen Financial L.L.C. pays the
executives salaries. Each of Origens executives is
also an officer of Origen Financial L.L.C. These employment
agreements are for a three-year term and provide the following
annual base salaries.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Year of
|
|
|
Second Year of
|
|
|
Third Year of
|
|
|
|
Initial Term(1)
|
|
|
Initial Term(1)
|
|
|
Initial Term(1)
|
|
|
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
$
|
400,000
|
|
|
$
|
425,000
|
|
|
$
|
450,000
|
|
W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
|
|
|
205,000
|
|
|
|
215,000
|
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
|
205,000
|
|
|
|
215,000
|
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
|
190,000
|
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
|
210,000
|
|
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
|
190,000
|
|
|
|
195,000
|
|
|
|
205,000
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The initial term of the employment agreement of each of
Messrs. Klein, Geater, Scherer and Landschulz began on
October 8, 2003 and ends on October 7, 2006. The
initial term of Mr. Sergis employment agreement began
on April 1, 2004 and ends on March 31, 2007. |
Each such employee will be prohibited from competing with Origen
for a period of one year after termination of his employment
under certain conditions. Each employee will also be prohibited
from soliciting the employment of any of Origens other
employees and diverting any business from Origen for a period of
up to 12 months after termination of the employment
agreement. Each of the employment agreements is for an initial
term of three years, and will be automatically renewed for
successive one-year terms unless otherwise terminated by Origen
or the employee. Under the employment agreements, each employee
will be entitled to a severance payment of one years
salary upon a termination by Origen without cause. In addition,
each of Messrs. Klein, Geater, Scherer and Landschulz will
be entitled to a severance payment of one years salary
upon a termination by the executive for good reason or the
failure by Origen to renew the term of the contract. Each of the
executive officers is eligible to receive a bonus payable in
cash, equity or a combination of cash and equity, in an amount
and in the form determined by the Compensation Committee in its
discretion. The Compensation Committee anticipates negotiating
new employment agreements with Messrs. Klein, Geater,
Scherer and Landschulz over the course of the next several
months.
Outside
Director Compensation
Origen pays an annual directors fee to each non-employee
director of $25,000, payable quarterly. Origen pays each
non-employee director meeting fees of $1,000 per meeting
attended in person and $500 per telephonic meeting. Origen
also reimburses all costs and expenses of all directors for
attending each meeting. In addition to their annual
directors fees, the Chairman of the Audit Committee
receives an annual committee fee of $15,000, and other members
of the Audit Committee receive an annual committee fee of
$5,000. Members of the Compensation Committee receive an annual
committee fee of $5,000. For services during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2005, Mr. Halpern earned
directors fees of $35,000, Mr. Rogel earned
directors fees of $47,000, Mr. Shiffman earned
directors fees of $28,500, Mr. Wechsler earned
directors fees of $35,500 and Mr. Williams earned
directors fees of $43,500. Directors who are also
employees are not separately compensated for services as a
director other than through Origens 2003 Equity Incentive
Plan.
Under Origens 2003 Equity Incentive Plan, the Board has
the discretion to grant awards under the plan to non-employee
directors with such vesting and exercise provisions as the Board
may determine at the date of grant. On May 8, 2005, Origen
granted all directors other than Mr. Klein an award of
5,000 restricted shares of common stock. The shares vest in
equal installments on each of the first three anniversary dates
of the grant. Distributions on the shares of restricted stock
will be paid to the directors.
15
Stockholder
Return Performance Presentation
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage
change in the cumulative total stockholder return on
Origens common stock against the cumulative total return
of a broad market index composed of all issuers listed on the
Nasdaq National Market and the SNL Finance REITs Index for the
period beginning on May 5, 2004 (the date of Origens
initial public offering) and ending on December 31, 2005.
This line graph assumes a $100 investment on May 5, 2004, a
reinvestment of dividends and actual increase of the market
value of Origens common stock relative to an initial
investment of $100. The comparisons in this table are required
by the applicable SEC regulations and are not intended to
forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of
Origens common stock.
Total
Return Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period Ending
|
Index
|
|
05/05/04
|
|
06/30/04
|
|
12/31/04
|
|
06/30/05
|
|
12/31/05
|
Origen Financial, Inc.
|
|
|
100.00
|
|
|
|
99.37
|
|
|
|
97.60
|
|
|
|
97.90
|
|
|
|
95.84
|
|
NASDAQ Composite
|
|
|
100.00
|
|
|
|
105.08
|
|
|
|
111.97
|
|
|
|
106.24
|
|
|
|
114.41
|
|
SNL Finance REITs Index
|
|
|
100.00
|
|
|
|
106.24
|
|
|
|
127.38
|
|
|
|
120.18
|
|
|
|
101.92
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
SECTION 16(A)
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act requires all
of Origens directors and executive officers and all
persons who own more than 10% of Origens common stock to
file with the SEC reports of ownership and changes in ownership
of Origens common stock. Directors, executive officers and
greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to
furnish Origen with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they
file. Based solely on its review of the copies of Forms 3
and 4 furnished to Origen, or written representations from
certain reporting persons that no such forms were required to be
filed by such persons, Origen believes that all its directors,
executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of its
common stock have complied with all filing requirements
applicable to them, except that each of Messrs. Williams,
Halpern, Rogel and Landschulz did not timely file one report
with respect to one transaction and Mr. Rand did not timely
file two reports with respect to one transaction on each report.
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of May 5, 2006, based
upon information available to Origen, the shareholdings of:
(a) each person known to Origen to be the beneficial owner
of more than 5% of Origens common stock; (b) each of
Origens directors; (c) each Named Executive Officer;
and (d) all of Origens executive officers and
directors as a group.
Except as otherwise noted, the beneficial owners named in the
following table have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares of Origens common stock shown as
beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws,
where applicable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial
Ownership
|
|
Name and Address of Beneficial
Owner
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Percent(1)
|
|
|
Ronald A. Klein
|
|
|
368,238
|
(2)
|
|
|
1.4
|
%
|
27777 Franklin Road,
Suite 1700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southfield, MI 48034
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary A. Shiffman
|
|
|
5,017,500
|
(3)
|
|
|
19.7
|
%
|
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southfield, MI 48034
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul A. Halpern
|
|
|
1,767,500
|
(4)
|
|
|
6.9
|
%
|
2300 Harmon Road
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard H. Rogel
|
|
|
42,500
|
(5)
|
|
|
*
|
|
56 Rose Crown
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Avon, CO 81260
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael J. Wechsler
|
|
|
17,500
|
(5)
|
|
|
*
|
|
625 Madison Avenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James A. Williams
|
|
|
17,500
|
(5)
|
|
|
*
|
|
380 N. Old Woodward Ave,
Suite 300
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Birmingham, MI 48009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Peter Scherer
|
|
|
88,152
|
(6)
|
|
|
*
|
|
27777 Franklin Road,
Suite 1700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southfield, MI 48034
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
|
|
|
91,774
|
(6)
|
|
|
*
|
|
27777 Franklin Road,
Suite 1700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southfield, MI 48034
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark W. Landschulz
|
|
|
94,257
|
(6)
|
|
|
*
|
|
27777 Franklin Road,
Suite 1700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southfield, MI 48034
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial
Ownership
|
|
Name and Address of Beneficial
Owner
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Percent(1)
|
|
|
Benton E. Sergi
|
|
|
33,750
|
(7)
|
|
|
*
|
|
27777 Franklin Road,
Suite 1700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southfield, MI 48034
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sun OFI, LLC
|
|
|
5,000,000
|
(8)
|
|
|
19.6
|
%
|
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Southfield, MI 48034
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodward Holding, LLC
|
|
|
1,750,000
|
(9)
|
|
|
6.9
|
%
|
2300 Harmon Road
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Avenue Management LLC
|
|
|
2,213,525
|
(10)
|
|
|
8.7
|
%
|
622 Third Avenue,
32nd Floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wesley Capital Management, LLC
(f/k/a AW Asset Management, L.L.C)
|
|
|
1,917,161
|
(11)
|
|
|
7.5
|
%
|
535 Madison Avenue,
26th Floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All directors and executive
officers as a group (14 persons)
|
|
|
7,639,772
|
(12)
|
|
|
29.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Holdings represent less than 1% of all shares outstanding. |
|
(1) |
|
In accordance with SEC regulations, the percentage calculations
are based on 25,449,059 shares of common stock issued and
outstanding as of May 5, 2006, plus shares of common stock
that may be acquired pursuant to options exercisable within
60 days of May 5, 2006 by each individual or entity
listed. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes (i) 10,000 shares held in a trust of which
Mr. Klein is the beneficiary, and
(ii) 25,000 shares of common stock that may be
acquired pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 5, 2006. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes (i) 5,000,000 shares held by Sun OFI, LLC, an
affiliate of Sun Communities, Inc., which are attributed to
Mr. Shiffman because he is the Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Sun Communities, Inc., of which
shares Mr. Shiffman disclaims beneficial ownership, and
(ii) 5,000 shares of common stock that may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 5, 2006. Does not include 1,025,000 shares held by
Shiffman Origen LLC. Mr. Shiffman has an indirect pecuniary
interest in approximately 9% of the shares held by Shiffman
Origen LLC but does not have share voting or investment control
over the shares held by this entity. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes (i) 1,750,000 shares held by Woodward
Holding, LLC, which are attributed to Mr. Halpern because
he is its sole manager, of which shares Mr. Halpern
disclaims beneficial ownership, and (ii) 5,000 shares
of common stock that may be acquired pursuant to options
exercisable within 60 days of May 5, 2006. |
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(5) |
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Includes 5,000 shares of common stock that may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 5, 2006. |
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(6) |
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Includes 15,000 shares of common stock that may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 5, 2006. |
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(7) |
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Includes 12,500 shares of common stock that may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 5, 2006. |
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(8) |
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Sun OFI, LLC is an affiliate of Sun Communities, of which
Mr. Shiffman is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Shiffman is the sole manager of Sun OFI, LLC.
Mr. Shiffman has sole share voting and investment control
over the shares held by Sun OFI, LLC. Mr. Shiffman
disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Sun OFI,
LLC. |
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(9) |
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Mr. Halpern is the sole manager of Woodward Holding, LLC.
Mr. Halpern has sole share voting and investment control
over the shares held by Woodward Holding, LLC. Mr. Halpern
disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Woodward
Holding, LLC. |
18
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(10) |
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Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed
with the SEC on February 14, 2006, Third Avenue Management
LLC has sole voting power with respect to 2,157,875 of these
shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all 2,213,525
of these shares. |
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(11) |
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Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed
with the SEC on February 13, 2006, Wesley Capital
Management, LLC (f/k/a AW Asset Management, L.L.C.) serves as an
investment adviser to, and holds these shares for the account
of, a number of hedge funds and managed accounts and Wesley
Capital Management, LLC disclaims beneficial ownership of the
shares of common stock held by the funds, except to the extent
of any pecuniary interest. |
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(12) |
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Includes 152,500 shares of common stock that may be
acquired pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of
May 5, 2006. |
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Gary A. Shiffman, one of Origens directors, is the
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Sun Communities, Inc. (Sun Communities). Sun
Communities owns approximately 20% of Origens outstanding
common stock. Mr. Shiffman beneficially owns approximately
20% of Origens outstanding stock, which amount includes
his deemed beneficial ownership of the stock owned by Sun
Communities. Mr. Shiffman and his affiliates beneficially
own approximately 12% of the outstanding common stock of Sun
Communities. He is the President of Sun Home Services, Inc.
(Sun Homes), of which Sun Communities is the sole
beneficial owner.
Origen Servicing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Origen
Financial L.L.C., services manufactured housing loans for Sun
Homes. As of December 31, 2005, Origen Servicing serviced
approximately $19.6 million of manufactured housing loans
for Sun Homes. Servicing fees paid by Sun Homes to Origen
Servicing, Inc. were approximately $0.3 million during the
year ended December 31, 2005.
Origen has agreed to fund loans that meet Sun Homes
underwriting guidelines and then transfer those loans to Sun
Homes pursuant to a commitment fee arrangement. Origen
recognizes no gain or loss on the transfer of these loans.
Origen funded and transferred approximately $7.2 million in
loans and under this agreement during the year ended
December 31, 2005.
Sun Homes has purchased certain repossessed houses owned by
Origen and located in manufactured housing communities owned by
Sun Homes, subject to Sun Homes prior approval. Under this
agreement, Origen sold to Sun Homes approximately
$2.2 million of repossessed houses during the year ended
December 31, 2005. This program allows Origen to further
enhance recoveries on repossessed houses and allows Sun Homes to
retain houses for resale in its communities.
Origen leases its executive offices in Southfield, Michigan from
an entity in which Mr. Shiffman and certain of his
affiliates beneficially own approximately a 21% interest. Ronald
A. Klein, a director and the Chief Executive Officer of Origen,
beneficially owns an approximate 1% interest in the landlord
entity. William M. Davidson, the sole member of Woodward
Holding, LLC, which owns approximately 7% of Origens
common stock, beneficially owns an approximate 25% interest in
the landlord entity. Origen recorded rental expense for these
offices of approximately $408,000 for the year ended
December 31, 2005.
19
REPORT OF
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board maintains an Audit Committee comprised of three of
Origens directors. The directors who serve on the Audit
Committee are all independent for purposes of
applicable Nasdaq Stock Market rules and applicable Exchange Act
rules. The Audit Committee held seven formal meetings and
several informal meetings during the 2005 fiscal year.
In accordance with its written charter, the Audit Committee
assists the Board with fulfilling its oversight responsibility
regarding the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing
and financial reporting practices of Origen. In discharging its
oversight responsibilities regarding the audit process, the
Audit Committee:
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reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with
management and Grant Thornton LLP, Origens independent
auditors, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005;
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discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to
be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
(Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards); and
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reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the
independent auditors required by the Independence Standards
Boards Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with
Audit Committees), and discussed with the independent auditors
any relationships that may impact their objectivity and
independence.
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Based upon the review and discussions referred to above, the
Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited
financial statements be included in Origens Annual report
on
Form 10-K,
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
March 16, 2006.
The Audit Committee has considered and determined that the level
of fees of Grant Thornton LLPs for provision of services
other than the audit services is compatible with maintaining the
auditors independence.
Respectfully submitted,
Members of the Audit Committee:
Richard H. Rogel
Paul A. Halpern
James A. Williams
Michael J. Wechsler
20
INFORMATION
ABOUT OUR
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Grant Thornton LLP has served as Origens independent
public accountants for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Representatives of Grant Thornton LLP are expected to be present
at the Annual Meeting, and will have the opportunity to make a
statement if they desire to do so and to respond to appropriate
questions. The Audit Committee has selected Grant Thornton LLP
to serve as Origens independent auditors for 2006.
Aggregate fees for professional services rendered by Grant
Thornton LLP, our independent auditors, for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were as
follows:
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Fiscal Year Ended
December 31,
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Category
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2005
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2004
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Audit Fees: For professional
services rendered for the audit of our financial statements, the
audit of internal controls relating to Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the reviews of the quarterly financial
statements, comfort letters and consents
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$
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585,218
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$
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235,908
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Audit-Related Fees: For
professional services rendered for accounting assistance with
new accounting standards, attendance at Audit Committee
meetings, in connection with our initial public offering and
securitizations and other SEC related matters
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$
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50,463
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$
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155,640
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Tax Fees: For professional
services rendered in connection with tax compliance and
preparation of tax returns
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$
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146,620
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$
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154,150
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All Other Fees: For professional
services rendered for the audit of our 401(k) plan
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$
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20,053
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$
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12,820
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The Audit Committee has a policy that requires that all services
provided by the independent auditor to Origen, including audit
services, audit-related services, tax services and other
services, be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit
Committee approved all audit and non-audit related services
provided to Origen by Grant Thornton LLP during the 2005 fiscal
year.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Management knows of no matters that will be presented for
consideration at the Annual Meeting other than those stated in
the Notice of Meeting. However, if any other matters do properly
come before the Annual Meeting, the person or persons named in
the accompanying proxy form will vote the proxy in accordance
with their best judgment regarding such matters, including the
election of a director or directors other than those named in
this proxy statement should an emergency or unexpected
occurrence make the use of such discretionary authority
necessary, and also regarding matters incident to the conduct of
the meeting.
Stockholders are requested to date, sign and return the enclosed
proxy in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. So that the
presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of
the shares entitled to vote at the meeting may be assured,
prompt execution and return of the proxy is requested.
By Order of the Board of Directors
W. Anderson Geater, Jr.
Secretary
Dated: May 19, 2006
21
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
ORIGEN FINANCIAL, INC.
June 15, 2006
Please date, sign and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
ê Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. ê
n
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x
1. |
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Election of Directors: |
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NOMINEES: |
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FOR ALL NOMINEES
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¡ Ronald A. Klein
¡ Paul A. Halpern |
o
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
FOR ALL NOMINEES
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¡ Gary A. Shiffman
¡ Richard H. Rogel |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT
(See instructions below)
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¡ James A. Williams
¡ Michael J. Wechsler |
2. |
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The appointed proxies are authorized to vote upon all matters incidental to the
conduct of the Annual Meeting and such other business as may properly come
before the Annual Meeting in accordance with their best judgment. |
The undersigned stockholder acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting
and Proxy Statement dated May 19, 2006.
The giving of this Proxy does not affect the right of the undersigned stockholder to
vote in person should the undersigned stockholder attend the Annual Meeting. This
Proxy may be revoked at any time before it is voted.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF
NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN WITH RESPECT TO A PARTICULAR PROPOSAL, THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR SUCH PROPOSAL.
TO INCLUDE ANY COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX ON THE REVERSE
SIDE OF THIS CARD.
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INSTRUCTION: |
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To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL
EXCEPT and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: l |
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To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and
indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that
changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via
this method.
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Signature of Stockholder
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Date:
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Signature of Stockholder
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Date:
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Note: |
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Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held
jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full
corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
ORIGEN FINANCIAL, INC.
Dear Stockholder:
Please take note of the important information enclosed with this Proxy Ballot. There are issues
related to the management and operation of the Company that require your immediate attention and
approval. These are discussed in detail in the enclosed proxy materials.
Your vote counts, and you are strongly encouraged to exercise your right to vote your
shares.
Please mark the boxes on the proxy card to indicate how your shares will be voted. Then,
sign the card, detach it and return your proxy in the enclosed postage paid envelope.
Your vote must be received prior to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 15, 2006.
Thank you
in advance for your prompt consideration of these matters.
Sincerely,
Origen Financial, Inc.
1 n
ORIGEN FINANCIAL, INC.
27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1700
Southfield, Michigan 48034
SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS ON JUNE 15, 2006
The undersigned hereby appoints Ronald A. Klein and W. Anderson Geater, Jr., or either of
them, as attorneys and proxies of the undersigned stockholder, with full power of substitution, to
vote on behalf of the undersigned and in his or her name and stead, all shares of the common stock
of Origen Financial, Inc. (the Company) which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if
personally present at the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Birmingham
Community House, 380 South Bates St., Birmingham, Michigan 48009, on Thursday, June 15, 2006, and
at any adjournments thereof.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)