UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.      )

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o  Preliminary Proxy Statement   
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þ  Definitive Proxy Statement
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o  Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

HEALTHWAYS, INC.


(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)


(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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(HEALTHWAYS LOGO)
3841 Green Hills Village Drive

Nashville, Tennessee 37215
 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
Stockholders of Healthways, Inc.:
 
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Healthways, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), will be held at the Franklin Marriott, 700 Cool Springs Boulevard, Franklin,Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, 2100 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, 3706737203 at 9:00 a.m., local time, on Friday,Thursday, February 2, 200714, 2008 for the following purposes:
 
(1) To elect four (4)three (3) directors to hold office for a term of three (3) years or until their successors have been elected and qualified and to elect one director to hold office for a term of two (2) years or until his successor has been duly elected and qualified;
 
(2) To consider and act upon a proposal to adopt a new 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”);
(3) To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2007;2008;
(3) To consider and act upon a proposal to amend the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), to increase the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) from 75,000,000 to 120,000,000; and
 
(4) To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
 
The proxy statement and form of proxy accompanying this notice are being mailed to stockholders on or about December 22, 2006.31, 2007. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on December 6, 200617, 2007 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
 
Your attention is directed to the proxy statement accompanying this notice for a more complete statement regarding the matters to be acted upon at the meeting.
 
We hope very much that you will be able to attend the meeting. If you do not plan to attend the meeting in person, you are requested to complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy and return it promptly in the enclosed addressed envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the United States, or to vote by toll-free telephone or internet as described in the enclosed proxy card.
 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
-s- Thomas G. Cigarran
 
Thomas G. Cigarran
Chairman
 
December 22, 200631, 2007


TABLE OF CONTENTSHealthways, Inc.
Proxy Statement
Table of Contents

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL NO. 2 ADOPTION OF THE COMPANY’S 2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
PROPOSAL NO. 3 RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Performance Graph
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
DELIVERY OF ANNUAL REPORT AND PROXY STATEMENT TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS
MISCELLANEOUS
HEALTHWAYS, INC. 2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN


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HEALTHWAYS, INC.
3841 Green Hills Village Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37215
 
PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Friday,Thursday, February 2, 200714, 2008
 
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors on behalf of Healthways, Inc. for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Friday,Thursday, February 2, 2007,14, 2008, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the Franklin Marriott, 700 Cool Springs Boulevard, Franklin,Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, 2100 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, 37067,37203, and at all adjournments or postponements thereof, for the purposes set forth in the foregoing Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Company’sOur Annual Report containing itsour audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20062007 is being mailed together with this Proxy Statement to all stockholders entitled to vote. Copies of the proxy, this proxy statement and the attached notice are being sent to stockholders on or about December 22, 2006.31, 2007.
 
In addition to solicitations by mail, certain of the Company’sour directors, officers and employees, without additional remuneration, may solicit proxies by telephone, facsimile, email and personal interviews, but may reimburse brokerage firms and others for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation material to beneficial owners. AllWe will bear all costs of this solicitation, will be borne by the Company, including expenses in connection with preparing, assembling and mailing this proxy statement. In addition, the Company has retained Georgeson Shareholder Communications, Inc. to assist with the solicitation of proxies for a fee not to exceed $15,000, plus reimbursable expenses.
 
In the election of directors, you may vote “FOR” all of the nominees or your vote may be to “WITHHOLD AUTHORITY” with respect to one or more of the nominees. For the approval of the 2007 Plan and the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP and the amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, you may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN.” If you “ABSTAIN”, it has the same effect as a vote “AGAINST.” Shares represented by such proxies will be voted in accordance with the choices specified thereon. If you sign your proxy card without giving specific voting instructions, the shares represented by such proxies will be voted FOR the election of the director nominees set forth under Proposal No. 1, FOR the approval of the 2007 Plan set forth under Proposal No. 2, and FOR the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 20072008 set forth under Proposal No. 2, and FOR the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation set forth under Proposal No. 3. The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters which will be presented for action at the meeting, but the persons named in the proxy intend to vote or act with respect to any other proposal which may be properly presented for action according to their best judgment in light of the conditions then prevailing.
 
The quorum requirement for holding the Annual Meeting and transacting business is a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to be voted. The shares may be present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting. Both abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.
 
Votes are counted by the Company’sour transfer agent. In the election for directors, the fivethree persons receiving the highest number of “FOR” votes will be elected. The proposals to adopt the 2007 Plan andproposal to ratify the selection of the auditors requirerequires the affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of those shares present and entitled to vote. The proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized shares of Common Stock requires the affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to be cast on such matter. If you are a beneficial owner and do not provide the stockholder of record with voting instructions, your shares may constitute broker non-votes.
 
Generally, broker non-votes occur when shares held by a broker in “street name” for a beneficial owner are not voted with respect to a particular proposal because (1) the broker has not received voting instructions from the


beneficial owner and (2) the broker lacks discretionary voting power to vote those shares. A broker is entitled to vote


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shares held for a beneficial owner on routine matters, such as the election of the Company’s directors and the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors, without instructions from the beneficial owner of those shares. On the other hand, a broker may not be entitled to vote shares held for a beneficial owner on certain non-routine items, such as the adoption of the 2007 Plan, absent instructions from the beneficial owner of such shares. Broker non-votes count for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists but do not count as entitled to vote with respect to individual proposals. For the proposals requiring the affirmative vote of those shares present and entitled to vote, such as ProposalsProposal No. 2, and 3, broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the vote. With respect to Proposal No. 3, a broker non-vote will have the same effect as a vote “against” such matter.
 
A proxy may be revoked by a stockholder at any time before its exercise by attending the meeting and electing to vote in person, by filing with the Secretary of the Company a written revocation, by duly executing a proxy bearing a later date or by casting a new vote by toll-free telephone or the internet.
 
Each share of the Company’sour common stock, $.001 par value (the “Common Stock”), issued and outstanding on the record date, December 6, 2006,17, 2007, will be entitled to one vote on all matters to come before the meeting. Cumulative voting is not permitted. As of December 6, 2006,17, 2007, there were outstanding 34,782,97335,927,925 shares of Common Stock.


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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to those persons known to the Companythat we know to be the beneficial owners (as defined by certain rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”)) of more than five percent (5%) of the Company’sour Common Stock, itsour only voting security, and with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company’sour Common Stock by all directors and nominees, each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and all of our executive officers and directors of the Company as a group. The information set forth below is based on ownership information we received by the Company as of December 6, 2006.17, 2007. Unless specified otherwise, the shares indicated are presently outstanding, and each of the stockholders listed below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.
 
                
 Amount and Nature
   Amount and Nature
   
 of Beneficial
   of Beneficial
   
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 Ownership(1) Percent of Class(1) Ownership(1) Percent of Class(1) 
FMR Corp  4,125,855(2)  11.86%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
      
William Blair & Company LLC  3,860,105(3)  11.10%  4,508,336(2)  12.55%
222 W. Adams
Chicago, IL 60606
              
FMR Corp.   3,514,586(2)  9.78%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
        
Wasatch Advisors, Inc.   3,431,588(2)  9.55%
150 Social Hall Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
        
Earnest Partners LLC  3,800,549(2)  10.93%  2,580,173(2)  7.18%
75 Fourteenth Street, Suite 2300
Atlanta, GA 30309
      
1180 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2300
Atlanta, GA 30309
        
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.   2,278,214(2)  6.34%
6300 Lamar Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66202
        
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.   2,128,741(2)  5.93%
100 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
        
Bamco, Inc.   1,823,700(2)  5.08%
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10153
        
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.****  753,289(3)  2.05%
Thomas G. Cigarran**  710,427(4)  2.02%  625,469(4)  1.73%
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.****  693,058(5)  1.95%
Henry D. Herr**  430,682(6)  1.24%  330,858(5)  *
Robert E. Stone***  301,645(7)  *   311,689(6)  *
Donald B. Taylor***  260,836(8)  * 
William C. O’Neil, Jr.**  254,272(9)  *   259,272(7)  *
L. Ben Lytle*****  123,305(10)  * 
Mary A. Chaput***  238,447(8)  *
L. Ben Lytle**  121,544(9)  *
James E. Pope, M.D.***  75,438(11)  *   100,483(10)  *
C. Warren Neel, Ph. D.**  67,230(9)  *   72,230(7)  *
Frank A. Ehmann**  55,432(9)  * 
Donald B. Taylor***  70,880(11)  *
John W. Ballantine**  45,000(12)  *   50,000(12)  *
Jay C. Bisgard, M.D.**  40,000(13)  *   45,000(13)  *
Matthew E. Kelliher***  30,181(14)  * 
Mary Jane England, M.D.**  15,000(15)  *   20,000(14)  *
Alison Taunton-Rigby, Ph. D.**     * 
John A. Wickens*****  600(16)  * 
All directors and executive officers as a group (19 persons)  3,481,003(17)  9.45%


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  Amount and Nature
    
  of Beneficial
    
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 Ownership(1)  Percent of Class(1) 
 
Alison Taunton-Rigby, Ph. D.**  15,000(15)  *
John A. Wickens**  600(16)  *
All directors and executive officers as a group (19 persons)  3,080,431(17)  8.16%
 
 
*Indicates ownership of less than one percent of the Company’sour outstanding Common Stock.
 
**Director of the Company
 
***Named Executive Officer


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****Director and Named Executive Officer
 
***** Director Nominee
(1)Pursuant to the rules of the Commission, certain shares of the Company’sour Common Stock which an individual owner set forth in this table has a right to acquire within 60 days after the record date hereof pursuant to the exercise of stock options or other securities are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the ownership of that owner, but are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the ownership of any other individual owner shown in the table. Likewise, the shares subject to options or other securities held by theour other directors and executive officers of the Company which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date hereof, are all deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of all executive officers and directors as a group.
 
(2)Information with respect to stock ownership is based upon a Form 13F, dated September 30, 20062007 filed with the Commission.
 
(3) Information with respect to stock ownership is basedIncludes 751,063 shares issuable upon a Schedule 13G, dated November 30, 2006 filed with the Commission.exercise of outstanding options.
 
(4)Includes 345,646300,646 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
 
(5)Includes 690,87618,491 shares held in trust and 4,606 shares held in trust by Mr. Herr’s wife.
(6)Includes 157,502 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
 
(6) Includes 28,464 shares owned by Mr. Herr’s wife, 45,972 shares held in trust, and 4,070 shares held in trust by Mr. Herr’s wife.
(7)Includes 147,50225,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
 
(8)Includes 7,080 shares owned by Mr. Taylor’s wife, 920 shares held in trust, and 252,500230,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
 
(9) Includes 20,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
(10)Includes 76,585 held in trust and 46,720 held in escrow.
 
(10)Includes 100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
(11)Includes 75,0007,080 shares owned by Mr. Taylor’s wife, 920 shares held in trust, and 62,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
 
(12)Includes 10,000 shares held in trust and 35,00040,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
 
(13)Includes 5,000 shares held in trust and 35,00040,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
 
(14)Includes 30,00020,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
 
(15)Includes 15,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
 
(16)Includes 600 shares held jointly by Mr. Wickens and his wife.
 
(17)Includes 2,052,0241,826,461 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Board of Directors Information
 
TheOur Board of Directors of the Company held nine meetings during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006.2007. All of the members of the Board of Directors, except Messrs. Cigarran, Herr, Leedle, and LeedleLytle are “independent,” as defined by applicable law and the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) listing standards. Mr. Lytle, a nominee for director, is a party to a consulting agreement withstandards, including Frank Ehmann, who retired from the Company,Board of Directors on the terms described below, and would not be deemed “independent” as defined by the NASDAQ listing standards. It is anticipated that, if elected, Mr. Wickens would be an independent director as defined by applicable law and the NASDAQ listing standards.February 2, 2007. The Board of


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Directors has a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee.
 
Each of theour incumbent directors of the Company attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings held during fiscal 20062007 by the Board of Directors and each committee of which such director was a member.member for the entire fiscal year.
 
Committees of the Board of Directors
 
Compensation Committee
 
During fiscal 2006,2007, the Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Ehmann andMr. Ballantine and Drs. Bisgard, England, Neel and NeelTaunton-Rigby and was chaired by Dr. Bisgard. AllAs discussed in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, all of the directors on the Compensation Committee are independent directors“non-employee directors” as defined inRule 16b-3 of the rules promulgated under applicable lawthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, “outside directors” for purposes of regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and “independent directors” as defined in the NASDAQ corporate governance listing standards.standards, in each case as determined by our Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing theour overall compensation strategies and policies, evaluating the performance of our executive officers and recommending to the Company, reviewing and approvingindependent directors the compensation of the Company’s chief executive officer and othereach of our executive officers and administering the Company’s compensation plans.our equity-based incentive plans, among other things. The Compensation Committee’s Charter, which is reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee and is available on the Company’sour website at www.healthways.com, provides a detailed description of its duties and responsibilities. The Compensation Committee held seven meetings during fiscal 2006.2007.
 
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
 
During fiscal 2006,2007, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisted of Mr.Messrs. O’Neil and Wickens and Drs. Neel, England and Taunton-Rigby whoand was chaired by Dr. England. Mr. Wickens was appointed to the committee in November 2005February 2007 in connection with herhis appointment to the Board of Directors, and was chaired by Dr. Neel.Directors. All of the directors on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent directors as defined under applicable law and NASDAQ listing standards. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s responsibilities include identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and recommending such individuals to the Board of Directors for election to the Board of Directors and developing and recommending to the Board of Directors corporate governance principles applicable to the Company. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, which is reviewed annually by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and is available on the Company’s website at www.healthways.com, provides a detailed description of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s responsibilities and sets forth the director nomination process. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held five meetings during fiscal 2006.2007.


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Audit Committee
 
During fiscal 2006,2007, the Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Ehmann, O’Neil and Ballantine and Dr.Drs. Bisgard and Neel, each of whom is independent as defined by applicable law and the NASDAQ listing standards, and was chaired by Mr. Ballantine. The Company has,We have, and will continue to have, at least one member of the Audit Committee who has past employment experience in finance or accounting and requisite professional certification in accounting or other comparable experience which results in the individual’s financial sophistication. The Audit Committee meets with the Company’sour independent registered public accounting firm and management to review the Company’sour consolidated financial statements, the quality and integrity of theour accounting, auditing and financial reporting process, and our systems of internal controls of the Company.controls. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by the regulations of the Commission. The Audit Committee held twelveeleven meetings during fiscal 2006.2007. The Audit Committee has adopted a Charter that provides a detailed description of its responsibilities, which is reviewed annually by the Audit Committee and is available on the Company’sour website at www.healthways.com.


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Corporate Governance Guidelines
 
The Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to assist the Board of Directors in the exercise of its duties and responsibilities and to serve the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. These Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available on the Company’sour website at www.healthways.com, provide a framework for the conduct of the business of the Board of Directors.
 
Code of Conduct
 
The Company hasWe have a code of conduct that applies to all colleagues (including officers) and directors. The purpose of the code is to provide written standards that are reasonably designed to promote: honest and ethical conduct; full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents filedwe file with the Commission and other public communications by the Company;we make; compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; prompt internal reporting of violations of the code; and accountability for adherence to the code, and to deter wrongdoing. A copy of the Company’sour code of conduct, as well as any amendments thereto, can be obtained from the Company’sour website at www.healthways.com.
 
Stockholder Nominees
 
The policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to consider properly submitted stockholder nominations for director candidates as described below under “Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors.” Any stockholder nominations proposed for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee should be addressed to: Secretary, Healthways, Inc., 3841 Green Hills Village Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. To be timely, director nominations for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be submitted within the time limits for stockholder proposals as set forth on page 4351 of this Proxy Statement.
 
Director Qualifications
 
Under the Company’sour Board of Directors’ Corporate Governance Guidelines and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for determining the criteria for membership on the Company’sour Board of Directors. Under such criteria, at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors should be independent, and all members should have the highest professional and personal ethics and values consistent with the Company’sour values and standards. Other criteria that will be considered are


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prior experience as a director, knowledge of the Company’sour business and industry and broad experience at the operational, financial or policy making level in business. Diversity, age and skills in the context of the needs of the Board of Directors are also a consideration. The members should have sufficient time to carry out their duties and to provide insight and practical wisdom based on experience. As such, in order to be active participants and perform all director duties responsibly, directors’ service on other boards of public companies is limited to three public boards (excluding the Company).
 
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors
 
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee utilizes a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee regularly assesses the appropriate size of the Board of Directors, and whether any vacancies on the Board of Directors are expected due to retirement or otherwise. In the event that vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers various potential candidates for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee through current Board of Directors members,


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professional search firms, stockholders or other persons. These candidates are evaluated at regular or special meetings of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and may be considered at any point during the year. As described above, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers properly submitted stockholder nominations for candidates for the Board of Directors. In evaluating nominations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee uses the same criteria for all nominees, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and expertise on the Board of Directors.
 
There are threeno nominees for election to the Board of Directors Dr. Taunton-Rigby and Messrs. Wickens and Lytle, who have not previously been elected by the stockholders. Dr. Taunton-Rigby was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2005. A non-management director identified Dr. Taunton-Rigby as a director nominee, and the Company’s Chairman identified Mr. Wickens as a director nominee. Mr. Lytle was identified by several members of the Board of Directors in connection with the Company’s recent acquisition of Axia Health Management, Inc. (“Axia”), for whom Mr. Lytle served as Chief Executive Officer. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended each of the director nominees, including Dr. Taunton-Rigby, Mr. Wickens and Mr. Lytle, to the Board of Directors, who approved the recommendations. A professional search firm was not engaged to assist the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in its efforts.
 
Directors’ Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders
 
Although directors are invited and are always encouraged to attend the annual stockholder meetings, the Company doeswe do not require their attendance. All of the directors attended the 20062007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on January 19, 2006.February 2, 2007.
 
Communications With the Board of Directors
 
Stockholders may communicate with the Board of Directors by submitting a letter in writing addressed to: Chairman of the Board of Directors, Healthways, Inc., 3841 Green Hills Village Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. If the communication relates to the Company’s ethics or conduct, financial statements, accounting practices or internal controls, the communication may be submitted in writing addressed to: Audit Committee Chairman, Healthways, Inc., 3841 Green Hills Village Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. Stockholder communications may be submitted confidentially or anonymously.
 
Stock Retention Guidelines
 
InTo further align officers’ interests with stockholders’ interests, in August 2005, the Company’sour Board of Directors adopted stock retention guidelines for officers in order to further align officers’ interests with stockholders’ interests. Theofficers. As amended, the guidelines require officers to retainmaintain a minimum percentageownership in the Company’s stock based on a multiple of their base salary (at least 75%2.5 times base salary for executive officers)officers and 4 times base salary for the Chief Executive Officer). Officers must retain 75% of the net number of shares acquired (after payment of exercise price, if any, and taxes) upon the exercise of stock options and


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vesting of restricted stock units granted from andon or after August 2005. Executives24, 2005 until they reach the required multiple of base salary. Officers who do not meetcomply with the guidelines may not be eligible for future equity awards.
 
In addition, effectivein August 23, 2005, the Nominating and Corporate Governance CommitteeBoard of Directors adopted stock ownership guidelines that require directors to retain at least 75% of the net number of shares acquired (after payment of exercise price, if any, and taxes) upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards granted fromin and after August 2005.2005 until the required minimum ownership is achieved.
 
Evaluations of Board and Committee Performance
 
Each year the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Company’sour Board of Directors conducts an evaluation process focusing on the effectiveness of the Board of Directors as a whole, the performance


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of each committee of the Board of Directors and the performance of each individual Board member and the adequacy of each committee charter.member. The manner of the evaluation is determined annually by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in order to ensure the procurement of accurate and relevant information. The evaluation process is designed to facilitate ongoing, systematic examination of the Board of Directors’,Directors, each committee’s effectiveness and accountability, and each individual’s performance, and to identify opportunities for improvement. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee designed and coordinated the Board of Directors, committee, and individual director evaluations, and the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reported the results to each committee, the full Board of Directors, and each individual director.
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
 
DuringSince the beginning of the last fiscal 2006, Ed Cooper,year, we are aware of the following related party transactions between us and our directors, executive officers, 5% stockholders or their family members which require disclosure under Item 404 ofson-in-lawRegulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
• Ed Cooper,son-in-law of William C. O’Neil Jr., an Outside Director (as defined herein), was a non-management partner in a partnership that owns the building in which our primary corporate office is located. We made rental payments of approximately $1,830,000 to the partnership in fiscal 2007. We have entered into a lease agreement for a new corporate headquarters which we expect to occupy beginning in March 2008 and do not expect to make payments to this partnership after that time.
• Christopher Cigarran, son of Chairman Thomas G. Cigarran, worked for the Company as Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development, receiving aggregate cash compensation of approximately $292,000 during fiscal 2007 and equity awards commensurate with our other senior vice presidents.
• Robert L. Chaput, our Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President, is the spouse of Mary A. Chaput, our Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President. Mr. Chaput and Ms. Chaput received aggregate cash compensation of approximately $514,000 and $616,000 during fiscal 2007, respectively. Mr. Chaput and Ms. Chaput also receive equity awards commensurate with our other executive vice presidents.
• Hugh Lytle, son of Director L. Ben Lytle, began working as a Senior Vice President for the Company on December 1, 2006 but was no longer employed by the Company as of August 31, 2007. During fiscal 2007, Hugh Lytle received aggregate cash compensation of approximately $389,000. Prior to Healthways, Hugh Lytle served as President of Axia Health Management, LLC (“Axia”), which we acquired on December 1, 2006.


10


Pursuant to its written charter, the Audit Committee reviews and either ratifies, approves or disapproves all “Interested Transactions,” which are generally defined to include any transaction, arrangement or relationship or series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) in which:
• the aggregate amount involved exceeded, or will or may be expected to exceed, $120,000 in any calendar year;
• the Company was, is or will be a participant; and
• any Related Party had, has or will have a direct or indirect interest.
For purposes of the policy, a “Related Party” is any:
• person who is or was (since the beginning of the last fiscal year for which the Company has filed aForm 10-K and proxy statement, even if they do not presently serve in that role) an executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director;
• greater than 5% beneficial owner of the Company’s common stock;
• immediate family member of any of the foregoing; or
• firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a general partner, managing member or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 10% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
In determining whether to approve or ratify an Outside Director (as defined herein), was a non-management partner in a partnership that ownsInterested Transaction under the building in whichpolicy, the Company’s primary corporate office is located. The Company made rent payments of approximately $1,700,000Audit Committee considers the relevant information and facts available to it regarding the Interested Transaction and takes into account factors such as the Related Party’s relationship to the partnershipCompany and interest (direct or indirect) in fiscal 2006. Also during fiscal 2006, Christopher Cigarran, sonthe transaction, the terms of Chairman Thomas G. Cigarran, worked forthe transaction and the benefits to the Company as Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development, receiving an aggregate salary and bonus of approximately $232,000 during fiscal 2006 and equity awards commensurate with other senior vice presidents of the Company. Also during fiscal 2006, Jeremy Stone, son of Robert E. Stone, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, worked for the Companytransaction. No director participates in the Human Resources department, receivingapproval of an aggregate salary and bonus of approximately $105,000 during fiscal 2006. Robert L. Chaput, the Company’s Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President, is the spouse of Mary A. Chaput, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President. Mr. Chaput and Ms. Chaput received an aggregate salary and bonus of approximately $285,000 and $459,000 during fiscal 2006, respectively. Mr. Chaput and Ms. Chaput also receive equity awards commensurate with the other executive vice presidents of the Company. Hugh Lytle, son of L. Ben Lytle whoInterested Transaction for which he or she is a nominee to the Board of Directors, was employed by the Company on December 1, 2006 to serve asRelated Party or otherwise has a Senior Vice President. In connection with his appointment as Senior Vice President, Hugh Lytle received equity awards commensurate with other Senior Vice Presidents of the Company. For fiscal 2007, Hugh Lytle will receive a base salary of $225,000 and is eligible to receive a bonus and equity awards commensurate with other Senior Vice Presidents of the Company. Prior to Healthways, Hugh Lytle served as President of Axia, which was acquired by the Company on December 1, 2006.direct or indirect interest.


11


PROPOSAL NO. 1
 
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
The Company’sOur Certificate of Incorporation provides for a staggered Board of Directors. Each director serves a three-year term or untilhis/her successor is elected and qualified. Four of theThe directors to be elected at the 20072008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will serve until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2010 (the “Class I” directors) and one director will serve until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2009. Three directors currently serving on the Board of Directors will continue to serve until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 20082011 (the “Class II” directors), and three. Four directors currently serving on the Board of Directors will continue to serve until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2009 (the “Class III” directors).
In accordance with, and four directors currently serving on the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Frank A. Ehmann, 72, a director of the Company since 1991, is retiring from the Company’s Board of Directors effective February 2, 2007,will continue to serve until the dateAnnual Meeting of the 2007 Annual Meeting. Mr. Ehmann serves on the Company’s Compensation Committee and Audit Committee.Stockholders in 2010 (the “Class I” directors).


8


Unless contrary instructions are received, shares of our Common Stock of the Company represented by duly executed proxies will be voted in favor of the election of the nominees named below. If for any reason a nominee is unable to serve as a director, it is intended that the proxies solicited hereby will be voted for such substitute nominee as theour Board of Directors of the Company may propose. The Board of Directors has no reason to expect that the nominees will be unable to serve, and therefore, at this time does not have any substitute nominees under consideration.
 
A nominee for election must receive a plurality of the votes cast to be elected as a director. Stockholders have no right to vote cumulatively for directors, but rather each stockholder shall have one vote for each share of Common Stock held by such stockholder for each director.
 
The following persons are the nominees for election to serve as Class III directors. All nominees except Mr. Lytle, are presently directors of the Company. Messrs. O’NeilCompany and Leedle were previously elected by the stockholders. Dr. Taunton-Rigby was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2005. Certain information relating to the nominees, which has beenthe individuals named have furnished to the Company by the individuals named,us, is set forth below.The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each nominee.
 
       
  Class of Director;
   
  Annual Meeting
   
  at Which
   
Name of Director
 Term Will Expire  
Background Information
 
Thomas G. CigarranII; 2011Mr. Cigarran, 66, has served as Chairman of the Company since August 1988 and as a director since 1981. Mr. Cigarran served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from August 1988 to September 2003. Mr. Cigarran served as President of the Company from September 1981 to June 2001. Mr. Cigarran also serves as chairman of the Board of Directors of AmSurg Corp.
C. Warren Neel, Ph. D.II; 2011Dr. Neel, 69, has been a director of the Company since October 1991. Dr. Neel is currently Executive Director of the Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Tennessee. He served as the Commissioner of Finance and Administration for the State of Tennessee from July 2000 until February 2003. He served as Dean of the College of Business Administration at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville from 1977 to 2002. Dr. Neel is also a director of Saks, Inc. where he serves as Chair of the Audit Committee.


12


Class of Director;
Annual Meeting
at Which
Name of Director
Term Will Expire
Background Information
John W. BallantineII; 2011Mr. Ballantine, 61, has been a director of the Company since June 2003. Mr. Ballantine served as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Management Officer of First Chicago NBD Corporation from 1996 until 1998. Mr. Ballantine currently serves as a member of the Executive Network advisory board of Glencoe Capital, a private equity firm, and a member of the Board of Trustees of Window to the World Communications, Inc, a non-profit corporation. He also serves as a director of DWS-Scudder Funds, and Portland General Electric, where he serves on the Compensation Committee and is Chairman of the Finance Committee. He is also on the Board of Stockwell Capital Investments PLC, where he serves as chair of the Audit Committee.
The following eight persons currently are members of the Board of Directors and will continue in their present positions after the Annual Meeting. The following persons are not nominees, and stockholders are not being asked to vote for them. Certain information relating to the following persons has been furnished to us by the individuals named.
Class of Director;
Annual Meeting
at Which
Name of Director
Term Will Expire
Background Information
Henry D. HerrIII; 2009Mr. Herr, 61, has been a director of the Company since 1988. Mr. Herr served as Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from September 1981 to October 2001. Mr. Herr is currently employed by the Company as an advisor on a part-time basis. Mr. Herr also is a director of AmSurg Corp, where he is a member of the Audit Committee.
Jay C. Bisgard, M.D.III; 2009Dr. Bisgard, 65, has been a director of the Company since June 2003. Dr. Bisgard served as Director of Health Services at Delta Air Lines, Inc. from January 1994 to April 2001. Prior to that, he served as the corporate medical director at Pacific Bell, GTE and ARCO. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1986 with the rank of colonel. He served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) from 1981 to 1984. He is a fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, the American College of Preventive Medicine, and the American College of Physician Executives.

13


Class of Director;
Annual Meeting
at Which
Name of Director
Term Will Expire
Background Information
Mary Jane England, M.D.III; 2009Dr. England, 69, has been a director of the Company since September 2004. Dr. England has served as President of Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts since July 2001. From 1990 to 2001, she served as President of the Washington Business Group on Health. Prior to 1990, she served as Vice President of Prudential Insurance Co., Associate Dean at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, Commissioner of Social Services, and Associate Commissioner of Mental Health in Massachusetts. She serves on the board of directors of NSF International.
John A. WickensIII; 2009Mr. Wickens, 51, was National Health Plan President of UnitedHealth Group from January 2004 to February 2006 and South Division President from September 2001 to December 2003. Prior to that time, he served in various capacities at UnitedHealth Group beginning in 1995. Mr. Wickens currently serves on the boards of directors of The Wellness Community, U.S.A. Track & Field Foundation and UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation.
William C. O’Neil, Jr.  I; 2010  Mr. O’Neil, 72,73, has served as a director of the Company since 1985. From 1989 to 1999, Mr. O’Neil was the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ClinTrials Research, Inc., a pharmaceutical research services company. Prior thereto, Mr. O’Neil was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of International Clinical Laboratories, Inc., a national laboratory testing company. Mr. O’Neil is also a director of Sigma Aldrich Corporation, where he serves as chair of the Compensation Committee, and American HomePatient Inc., where he is a member of the Audit Committee, and Advocat, Inc., where he serves as Chair of the Audit Committee. Mr. O’Neil is a member of the Compensation Committee on each of these boards of directors.
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.  I; 2010  Mr. Leedle, 45,46, has served as director of the Company since August 2003, and as Chief Executive Officer of the Company since September 2003. Mr. Leedle has served as President of the Company since May 2002. Mr. Leedle served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company from September 1999 to August 2003, Executive Vice President of the Company from September 1999 to May 2002, and as Senior Vice President of Operations from September 1997 to September 1999.


914


       
  Class of Director;
   
  Annual Meeting
   
  at Which
   
Name of Director
 Term Will Expire  
Background Information
 
Alison Taunton-Rigby, Ph. D.  I; 2010  Dr. Taunton-Rigby, 62,63, has been a director of the Company since November 2005. Dr. Taunton-Rigby is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of RiboNovix, Inc., a private biotechnology company, since 2003. From 2001 to 2003, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of CMT, Inc., a private medical device company. From 1995 to 2000, Dr. Taunton-Rigby served as the Chief Executive Officer of Aquila Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., (Cambridge Biotech Corporation) a publicly-traded biotechnology company. She serves on the boards of directors of The RiverSource Funds, Abt Associates, where she serves as Chair of the Audit Committee, and Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where she is a member of both the Audit and Compensation Committees. Dr. Taunton-Rigby also serves on the board of The Children’s Hospital, Boston.
L. Ben Lytle  I; 2010  Mr. Lytle, 60,61, was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Axia Health Management, LLC from November 2004 until the Company’s acquisition of Axia in December 2006. Prior to Axia, Mr. Lytle was the Chief Executive Officer of Anthem (now Wellpoint, Inc.) from 1989 to 1999 and non-executive Chairman of the Board from 1999 to 2003. Mr. Lytle currently serves on the boards of directors of Duke Realty Corporation, where he serves as Lead Director and as Chair of the Governance Committee, and Monaco Coach Corporation, where he serves on the Compensation Committee and as Chair of the Governance Committee, and U.S.I Holdings Corporation, where he serves on the Compensation Committee, as Chair of the Governance Committee, and was formerly a Lead Director.Committee.
Executive Compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (the “Committee”) is comprised solely of “non-employee directors” as defined inRule 16b-3 of the rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, “outside directors” for purposes of regulations promulgated pursuant to Section��162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and “independent directors” as defined in the NASDAQ corporate governance listing standards, in each case as determined by our Board of Directors. In addition to a determination of independence, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board recommends Committee membership based on such knowledge, experience and skills that it deems appropriate in order to adequately perform the responsibilities of the Committee. Drs. England, Taunton-Rigby, Bisgard and Neel and Mr. Ballantine have each served as members of the Committee since the date of our stockholders’ meeting on February 2, 2007, with Dr. Bisgard serving as the Committee’s chair.
The Committee is responsible for evaluating the performance of our executive officers and recommending to the independent directors the compensation of each of our executive officers and administering our equity-based incentive plans, among other things. The Committee undertakes these responsibilities pursuant to a written charter

1015


John A. Wickensadopted by the Committee and the Board which is reviewed annually by the nomineeCommittee. In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Board amended the Committee charter to reflect the Committee’s responsibility for election to serve asreviewing or issuing certain disclosures and reports for inclusion in the one Class III director up for election. Mr. Wickens is not presently a directorCompany’s Annual Report onForm 10-K or annual proxy statement, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The charter may be viewed in full on our website, www.healthways.com (under “Corporate Governance” on the “Investors” page). The five executive officers of the Company. Certain information relatingCompany who are identified in the Summary Compensation Table on page 26 are referred to Mr. Wickens, which has been furnished to the Company by Mr. Wickens, is set forth below.The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the nominee.
Class of Director;
Annual Meeting
at Which
Name of Director
Term Will Expire
Background Information
John A. WickensIII; 2009Mr. Wickens, 50, was National Health Plan President of UnitedHealth Group from January 2004 to February 2006 and South Division President from September 2001 to December 2003. Prior to that time, he served in various capacities at UnitedHealth Group beginning in 1995. Mr. Wickens currently serves on the boards of directors of The Wellness Community, U.S.A. Track & Field Foundation and UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation.
as our “named executive officers.”
 
Compensation Philosophy.The following six persons currently are members of the Board of Directors and will continueCommittee reviews its compensation philosophy on an annual basis. The Committee’s primary objectives in their present positions after the Annual Meeting. The following persons are not nominees, and stockholders are not being asked to vote for them. Certain information relating to the following persons has been furnished to the Company by the individuals named.
Class of Director;
Annual Meeting
at Which
Name of Director
Term Will Expire
Background Information
Thomas G. CigarranII; 2008Mr. Cigarran, 65, has served as Chairman of the Company since August 1988 and as a director since 1981. Mr. Cigarran served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from August 1988 to September 2003. Mr. Cigarran served as President of the Company from September 1981 to June 2001. Mr. Cigarran also serves as chairman of the Board of Directors of AmSurg Corp.
C. Warren Neel, Ph. D. II; 2008Dr. Neel, 68, has been a director of the Company since October 1991. Dr. Neel is currently Executive Director of the Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Tennessee. He served as the Commissioner of Finance and Administration for the State of Tennessee from July 2000 until February 2003. He served as Dean of the College of Business Administration at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville from 1977 to 2002. Dr. Neel is also a director of Saks, Inc. where he serves as Chair of the Audit Committee.


11


Class of Director;
Annual Meeting
at Which
Name of Director
Term Will Expire
Background Information
John W. BallantineII; 2008Mr. Ballantine, 60, has been a director of the Company since June 2003. Mr. Ballantine served as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Management Officer of First Chicago NBD Corporation from 1996 until 1998. Mr. Ballantine currently serves as a member of the Executive Network advisory board of Glencoe Capital, a private equity firm, and a member of the Board of Trustees of Window to the World Communications, Inc, a non-profit corporation. He also serves as a director of DWS-Scudder Funds, and Portland General Electric, where he serves on the Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee and is Chairman of the Finance Committee. He is also on the Board of Stockwell Capital Investments PLC, where he serves as chair of the Audit Committee.
Henry D. HerrIII; 2009Mr. Herr, 60, has been a director of the Company since 1988. Mr. Herr served as Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from September 1981 to October 2001. Mr. Herr is currently employed by the Company as an advisor on a part-time basis. Mr. Herr also is a director of AmSurg Corp, where he is a member of the Audit Committee.
Jay C. Bisgard, M.D. III; 2009Dr. Bisgard, 64, has been a director of the Company since June 2003. Dr. Bisgard served as Director of Health Services at Delta Air Lines, Inc. from January 1994 to April 2001. Prior to that, he served as the corporate medical director at Pacific Bell, GTE and ARCO. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1986 with the rank of colonel. He served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) from 1981 to 1984. He is a fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, the American College of Preventive Medicine, and the American College of Physician Executives.
Mary Jane England, M.D. III; 2009Dr. England, 68, has been a director of the Company since September 2004. Dr. England has served as President of Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts since July 2001. From 1990 to 2001, she served as President of the Washington Business Group on Health. Prior to 1990, she served as Vice President of Prudential Insurance Co., Associate Dean at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, Commissioner of Social Services, and Associate Commissioner of Mental Health in Massachusetts. She serves on the board of directors of NSF International.

12


PROPOSAL NO. 2
ADOPTION OF THE COMPANY’S 2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted and recommends that the stockholders approve the Healthways, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). If approved by the Company’s stockholders, the 2007 Plan would replace all of the Company’s existing stock incentive plans, including the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “1996 Plan”), and no further grants or awards would be issued under the 1996 Plan or any of the Prior Plans (as defined below). As of December 6, 2006, there were 5,980,451 shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options under the 1996 Plan, the Amended and Restated 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”), as amended, and the 1991 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Prior Plans”). The weighted average term and weighted average exercise price for all options outstanding as of December 6, 2006 was 6.09 years and $20.54 per share, respectively.
As of December 6, 2006, there were 35,591 and 1,362 shares remaining for future grant under the 1996 Plan and the 2001 Plan, respectively. If the Company’s stockholders approve the 2007 Plan, the remaining 36,953 shares available for future grant under the 1996 Plan and the 2001 Plan, any shares which underlie options that expire or terminate under the Prior Plans, plus an additional 2,000,000 shares (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits and other similar events) will be available for issuance under the 2007 Plan. If the stockholders fail to approve this proposal, the Prior Plans will remain in existence.
The Company and its Board of Directors believe that the stockholders’ support of the 2007 Plan will enable the Company to continue to attract and retain the highest caliber of employees, to link incentive rewards to Company performance, to encourage employee ownership in the Company and to align the interest of employees and directors with those of stockholders. The Company believes that its equitysetting executive compensation programs and emphasis on employee stock ownership have been integral to the Company’s success in the past and are critical to the Company’s ability to achieve its performance goals in the years ahead. If the stockholders fail to approve this proposal, the Company projects that it will have available equity awards under its Prior Plans to last only through the second quarter of this fiscal year.
The key features of the 2007 Plan are summarized below:policies are:
 
 • The additional 2,000,000 shares requested under the 2007 Plan represent approximately 5.7% of the Company’s current outstanding common shares. We believe this share authorization increase will enable the Company to implement its long-term equity compensation strategy for approximately the next two years, assuming the Company’s current growth rate continues. The Company believes two years is an appropriate cycle that will allow the Company to periodically review its equity compensation programsTo attract, retain and respond to periodic evolutions in compensation and governance best practices and trends to the extent the Company believes such practices or trends to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. As discussed below, during fiscal 2005 the Compensation Committee engaged an independent executive compensation consultant to examine the Company’smotivate talented executives by providing overall compensation programsthat is performance-based, externally competitive and in particular, its long-term incentive compensation programs. Based on that examination and other factors, the Compensation Committee determined that it was appropriate to adjust the Company’s long-term incentive programs to better address the Company’s size and needs as a growth company.


13


• Equity compensation remains a key component of the Company’s retention strategy and is integral to the Company’s ability to achieve its performance goals and stockholder returns in the years ahead for the reasons discussed below.
• The Company believes that its equity compensation strategy has been a key contributor to the Company’s ability to retain its senior management over the past several years, as evidenced by the Company’s retention rate of almost 100% with respect to the Company’s senior management during the past three fiscal years. The Company’s success in retaining its key employees has produced both stability and continuity at the most senior level of the organization and has been a key driver in the Company’s success.internally equitable;
 
 • The successTo provide appropriate incentives for executives to work toward the achievement of this compensation strategy is evidenced by the Company’s financial and operating performance over the most recent five-year period, with the Company producing a compounded average growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 35% with respect to its revenues and a CAGR of approximately 34% with respect to earnings per diluted share over such period (which with respect to fiscal 2006, includes the effect of SFAS 123 (R)). In addition, the Company’s operating andour annual financial performance has enabled the Company to produce significant stockholder returns over such five-year period, with a total stockholder return of approximately 391% over such period and averagebusiness goals based on our annual return on investment of approximately 38%.budget; and
 • ForTo closely align the last three fiscal years ending August 31, 2006,interests of executives with those of stockholders and the Company’s Burn Rate1 has remained below Institutional Shareholder Services’ (“ISS”) allowable cap forlong-term interests of the Company’s industry as set forth below:Company by providing a combination of long-term equity-based incentive compensation along with performance-based cash awards.
 
             
  FY 2004  FY 2005  FY 20062 
 
Options granted  1,602,000   738,000   520,000 
Full-value shares granted     94,000   159,000 
             
Total (including adjustment for full-value shares)  1,602,000   926,000   838,000 
Shares outstanding at August 31  32,857,041   33,808,518   34,597,748 
             
Annual burn rate  4.88%  2.74%  2.42%
3-year average burn rate
          3.35%
“Allowable” Burn rate cap (based on GICS category 3510)          4.91%
The Committee reviews annually our executive compensation policies in light of our financial performance, annual budget, position within the health care services industry, as well as the compensation policies of similar companies, including the peer groups discussed below. The compensation of individual executives is then reviewed annually by the Committee in light of such executive’s performance and the Committee’s executive compensation policies for that year.
The Committee periodically reviews executive compensation for other similar companies, including the peer group discussed below. The Committee believes that, while the Company competes generally with other health care service companies, the position of the Company as the leading provider of specialized, comprehensive health and care support services provides unique circumstances that differentiate the Company from other health care service companies and should be considered in evaluating executive compensation. These differences are important factors that the Committee considers in determining executive compensation and in analyzing financial performance.
The Committee believes that in addition to corporate performance, it is appropriate in setting and reviewing executive compensation to consider the level of experience and responsibilities of each executive as well as the personal contributions a particular individual may make toward the success of the corporate enterprise. Qualitative factors such as leadership skills, analytical skills, organization development, public affairs and civic involvement are deemed to be important qualitative factors to take into account in considering levels of compensation. No relative weight is assigned to these qualitative factors, which are applied subjectively by the Committee. The Committee believes that our compensation strategies have been effective in promoting retention and are aligned with the Committee’s compensation philosophy and our company culture, which places a significant value on highly-performing individuals.
Overview of Compensation Process.  As discussed above, the Committee annually reviews executive compensation and our compensation policies to ensure that the Chief Executive Officer and the other named executive officers are rewarded appropriately for their contributions to the Company and that the overall compensation strategy supports the objectives and values of the Company and is aligned with stockholder interests. The Committee conducts this review and compensation determination through a comprehensive process involving a


16


series of meetings typically occurring in the last fiscal quarter of the preceding fiscal year and the first fiscal quarter of the current fiscal year.
With respect to annual salary and the various short-term and long-term incentive awards available to the named executive officers, the Committee considers both the external competitiveness and the internal equity of the compensation awarded. As part of the compensation process, the Committee reviews the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation with that of other named executive officers to ensure that the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer is reasonable. These comparisons only provide a point of reference as we do not use specific formulas to determine compensation levels reflecting the responsibilities of a particular officer position.
Role of External Consultants.  During fiscal 2005, the Committee engaged Towers Perrin (“Towers Perrin”), an independent executive compensation consultant, and together with the Board, examined the Company’s overall compensation and benefits program, and in particular, our long-term incentive compensation programs. At the Committee’s request, Towers Perrin performed several analyses, including peer group and market comparisons, internal pay equity, updating of the executive salary structure and modeling of executive compensation levels at different levels of Company performance. These analyses assisted the Committee in determining if such compensation programs were advisable based on our current and expected financial position and strategic goals, as well as developments in corporate governance and compensation design. Historically, our long-term incentive compensation consisted almost entirely of stock option grants. The Committee requested input from both our senior management and Towers Perrin regarding a revised long-term incentive compensation structure. Following the Committee’s examination of our long-term incentive compensation structure, the Committee determined that, in order to maintain a competitive position in the healthcare services industry and continue to attract and retain qualified colleagues, it was appropriate to adjust the long-term compensation program so that the named executive officers would be eligible to receive a combination of stock options, restricted stock units and performance-based cash awards, the aggregate amounts of which would vary with Company and individual performance and with the level of responsibility. The intent was to deliver long-term incentive awards that, when combined with base salaries and annual short-term incentive targets, would result in total compensation levels that were internally equitable and externally competitive.
During fiscal 2007, the Committee again engaged Towers Perrin to perform an analysis of the overall effectiveness of our executive compensation program. As part of this analysis, Towers Perrin conducted a market analysis and examined and compared all elements of the compensation of our senior management to that of a peer group composed of the following companies:
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. ResMed, Inc.
Covance, Inc. SRA International, Inc.
Digitas, Inc. CheckFree Corp.
Emdeon Corp. G&K Services, Inc.
HealthExtras, Inc. Gartner, Inc.
IMS Health, Inc. John Wiley & Sons
inventive Health, Inc. Meredith Corp.
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. MoneyGram International, Inc.
Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc.
Progress Software Corp. WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Psychiatric Solutions, Inc.


17


The Committee worked with Towers Perrin and management to select the appropriate peer group. As the industry leader in a relatively new market, the health and care support services industry, the Committee believed that an industry peer group would not necessarily create a satisfactory and meaningful comparison group due to the relatively small number of publicly-traded competitors in our industry and the relative size of such competitors. Absent an industry peer group, the Committee concluded that the most comparable companies with respect to executive pay are companies whose business size, growth and complexity are similar to ours. As a result, the companies above were selected as peers for compensation comparison purposes because of their similarity to the Company in terms of size (revenues, market capitalization, number of employees,and/or operating income), their industry classification, growth and financial performanceand/or the existence of publicly available data. The market study reviewed the competitive pay practices of the peer companies, primarily using publicly available 2005 and 2006 proxy statement data. Although the Committee used the market data obtained from the peer group to measure the overall competitiveness of our executive compensation, the Committee did not target a particular level of compensation for our named executive officers within the peer group.
Role of Management.  As part of the compensation process, the Committee solicits the views and recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer when determining the compensation of each of our named executive officers, given his insight into internal pay equity and positioning issues, as well as executive performance. Through a series of Committee meetings typically held at the end of the preceding fiscal year and the first quarter of the current year, the Chief Executive Officer summarizes his assessment of the performance during the previous year of each of his direct reports, including each of the named executive officers, based on the performance objectives for each of his direct reports that were previously approved by the Committee for that fiscal year. For fiscal 2007, the performance objectives for each of the named executive officers (other than our Chief Executive Officer) were generally structured to measure the impact of each named executive officer’s role and responsibilities on our enterprise-wide goals. The Chief Executive Officer also provides his recommendations on any compensation adjustments for each of his direct reports, including each of the named executive officers. Following the Chief Executive Officer’s presentation and Committee discussion, the Committee meets to review the performance of each named executive officer and discuss and recommend to the independent directors any compensation adjustments for each of the named executive officers, based on such factors as the competitive compensation analysis, the Chief Executive Officer’s and the Committee’s assessment of individual performance, and the Company’s performance.
The process is similar for determining any compensation adjustments for the Chief Executive Officer, except that the Chief Executive Officer does not provide the Committee with a recommendation. The Chief Executive Officer presents a self-assessment of his performance during the year to the Committee based on the performance objectives previously approved by the Committee. For fiscal 2007, these performance objectives were based on maintaining our company culture; recruiting and retaining highly qualified individuals necessary to support our growth; effective short, intermediate and long-term strategic planning; and maximizing stockholder value by producing strong revenue and earnings growth. During the first quarter of each fiscal year, the Committee meets in executive session to review the Chief Executive Officer’s performance and discuss and recommend to the independent directors any compensation adjustment, based on the competitive compensation analysis, its assessment of the Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of the pre-approved performance objectives, the Company’s performance and the level of Chief Executive Officer compensation relative to our other named executive officers.
Compensation Programs for fiscal 2007.  As discussed above, in fiscal 2005, the Committee engaged Towers Perrin to assist in a comprehensive review of our existing compensation strategies and plans and to conduct an executive compensation market analysis, with an emphasis on long-term compensation.


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Based on the market analysis performed by Towers Perrin, internal pay equity considerations and a consideration of our compensation objectives and philosophies, in particular an emphasis on performance and equity as key drivers for executive compensation, the Committee and the Board, in consultation with Towers Perrin, revised our compensation structure in fiscal 2005. The primary components of the revised compensation structure consisted of cash compensation, consisting of a mix of base salary and short-term incentive plan compensation, and long-term incentive compensation, consisting of a mix of stock options, restricted stock units, performance cash awards and awards under our Capital Accumulation Plan. Under the revised compensation structure, there was no pre-established policy or target for the allocation between fixed and variable, cash and non-cash or short-term and long-term compensation, allowing the Committee to incorporate flexibility into our compensation programs and adjust for our evolving business needs.
In recommending compensation for fiscal 2007, the Committee used the executive compensation structure established with the assistance of Towers Perrin in fiscal 2005 as a guideline, together with its subjective assessment of (i) the performance, responsibilities, expectations and experience of each named executive officer with the assistance of management as described above, (ii) the competitiveness of the Company’s executive compensation and (iii) internal pay equity. The specific analysis regarding the components of total executive compensation for fiscal 2007 is described in detail below.
Base Salary.  The Committee seeks to provide base salaries for our named executive officers that provide a secure level of guaranteed cash compensation in accordance with their experience, professional status and job responsibilities. As discussed above, each year the Committee reviews and approves a revised annual salary plan for our named executive officers, taking into account several factors, including prior year salary, responsibilities, performance against the individual objectives previously approved by the Committee, salaries paid by comparable companies for comparable positions, internal pay equity within the Company’s overall pay scale, and the Company’s recent financial performance. In determining whether an increase in base compensation for the named executive officers (other than the Chief Executive) was appropriate for fiscal 2007, the Committee reviewed recommendations of and consulted with the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee determined on the basis of discussions with the Chief Executive Officer and the experience of its members in business generally and with the Company specifically what it viewed to be appropriate levels of base compensation after taking into consideration the factors discussed above. The Committee did not assign any relative weight to the quantitative and qualitative factors it applied in reaching its base compensation decisions. Taking all of these factors into account, the Committee approved and recommended to the independent directors base salaries for our named executive officers in the following amounts:
             
  Fiscal 2007
  Fiscal 2006
  Percentage
 
Name
 Base Salary  Base Salary  Increase 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.  $660,000  $600,000   10%
Mary A. Chaput  359,700   330,000   9%
James E. Pope, M.D.(1)  385,143   338,250   13.86%
Donald B. Taylor  380,625   375,000   1.5%
Robert E. Stone  346,500   330,000   5%
 
(1)• Despite the Company’s tremendous growth over the last several years, as well as promotional grants committedDr. Pope’s increase in base salary was related to Mr. Leedle in 2003 in connection with his appointment aspromotion to Executive Vice President — Chief ExecutiveOperating Officer, the Company’s Burn Rate has decreased each year since 2004 and has consistently remained below the ISS allowable cap for the Company’s industry.which was effective June 1, 2006.
 
1 Burn Rate = Total number of shares (as adjustedShort-Term Incentive Plan Compensation.  In addition to base salary, short-term incentive plan compensation provides our named executive officers with the potential for enhanced cash compensation based on the extent to which financial performance targets set in accordance with ISS guidelines) subject to equity awards granted in a given year dividedadvance by Total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at end of year
2 Includes equity grant made in October 2006 for fiscal 2006 performance.the Committee are met as well as individual performance


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• Potential dilution3 (“overhang”) from outstanding grants and shares available for future grant under the 1996 Plan and the 2001 Plan as of December 6, 2006 was approximately 15.4%.
objectives approved by the Committee. However, for fiscal 2007, no short-term incentive plan compensation was awarded based on the Company not meeting its internal targets as discussed below. The Committee believes that compensation should primarily be linked to the Company’s financial performance. To achieve this link with regard to short-term performance, the Committee for fiscal 2007 relied on cash bonuses awarded under an annual incentive compensation plan under which cash awards could be earned by the eligible colleagues, including the named executive officers, provided that our actual earnings per share (“EPS”) exceeded our targeted EPS, although the Committee retains the right to exercise discretion with respect to the payment of the short-term incentive awards based on such quantitative and qualitative factors as it determines. The short-term incentive plan is structured as a “self-funded” plan in that, upon achievement of the EPS target, 100% of all incremental earnings would fund the short-term incentive plan until the short-term incentive awards were fully funded at the target percentages of base salary for all eligible colleagues, provided that the short-term incentive awards are funded only to the extent that the Company’s overall EPS (after taking into account the funding of the short-term incentive awards) remains at or above the EPS target. Thereafter, 40% of all incremental earnings would continue to fund the short-term incentive plan.
• A major contributing factor to the Company’s overhang is the tendency of the Company’s employees, including its senior management, to continue to hold vested options. Approximately 3.4 million fully vested options are currently being held by the Company’s employees, which the Company believes reflects the long-term expectations of the Company’s management with respect to the Company’s performance.
• In addition, in order to further align the interests of management with stockholders’ interest, the Board of Directors adopted stock ownership guidelines for all of the Company’s officers, which require officers to retain a minimum percentage (at least 75% for executive officers) of the net number of shares acquired through the exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), after taking into account the effect of income taxes, for all equity awards granted in August 2005 or thereafter.
• As discussed above, the Company views its equity compensation as a strong retention tool. In order to further encourage retention, beginning with the grant of options on August 24, 2004 and continuing thereafter, all equity awards granted to employees vest 100% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.
 
Although eachAfter consulting with our senior management regarding our expected financial performance for fiscal 2006, during the first quarter of these practices have increased, and may continue to increase,fiscal 2007 the Company’s overhang,Committee established a minimum level of EPS for the Company believesto achieve in order for any short-term incentive plan compensation to be paid. The Committee and the independent directors chose EPS as the performance measure because they believe there is a strong correlation between EPS growth and growth in stockholder value.
For fiscal 2007, the EPS target was set at $1.61. For fiscal year 2007, all of our named executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer) were eligible to receive awards of up to 45% of their base salary, and the Chief Executive Officer was eligible to receive an award up to 60% of his base salary, provided that, as set forth above, the named executive officers could receive awards in excess of such practices reflectamounts in the Company’s ongoing commitmentevent the Company substantially exceeded its EPS target and the individual exceeded his or her performance goals. As discussed above, for fiscal 2007, based on our EPS for fiscal 2007 not meeting our targeted EPS, no short-term incentive plan compensation was awarded to strong corporate governanceour colleagues, including our named executive officers.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation.  As described above, one of our key compensation philosophies is that long-term incentive compensation should strengthen and are consistent with and promote the Company’s equity compensation strategy of attracting and retaining key management personnel and aligningalign the interests of our named executive officers with our stockholders. Based on the Towers Perrin market analysis discussed above and the Company’s compensation philosophy and objectives, the Committee determined that a compensation strategy for our named executive officers utilizing a mix of stock options, restricted stock units and performance-based cash awards is in the best interest of stockholders. The Committee believes that our long-term incentive compensation program is a key component of our retention strategy and is integral to our ability to achieve our performance goals. The Committee also believes this mix of long-term compensation will reduce the dilutive impact of equity grants to management compared to equity grants consisting solely of stock options.
Long-term incentive awards are generally granted to eligible employees, including our named executive officers, on an annual basis. That award is generally made during the first fiscal quarter after the Committee has had the opportunity to review the full year results for the prior year and consider the Company’s anticipated results for the succeeding year. For example, equity awards for fiscal 2006 performance were granted on October 2, 2006. Awards are granted on the date of the Committee approval, and the exercise price is equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Committee may also approve additional equity-based awards in certain special circumstances, such as upon an officer’s initial employment with the Company, the promotion of an officer to a new position or in recognition of special contributions made by an officer.


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Equity Awards.  Equity awards granted in fiscal 2007 for our named executive officers were consistent with the guidelines approved in fiscal 2005 in connection with the market-based compensation analysis prepared with the advice of Towers Perrin. On October 2, 2006, non-qualified options for the purchase of the Company’s stockholders.common stock and restricted stock units of the Company’s common stock were granted to our named executive officers pursuant to our Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1996 Plan”), which was replaced by the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) upon its approval by stockholders in February 2007. The aggregate grant date fair value of the option awards (valued in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R (“FAS 123R”)) and restricted stock units (based on the aggregate fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant) granted to the named executive officers was equal to 210% of fiscal 2006 base salary for Mr. Leedle and 120% of fiscal 2006 base salary for each of the other named executive officers. The amount of long-term incentive awards for each of the named executive officers, as a percentage of base salary, was consistent with the long-term incentive guidelines approved in fiscal 2005. Following are the equity awards granted to the named executive officers in fiscal 2007:
             
  Number of
     Number of Restricted
 
  Non-Qualified Stock
     Stock Units Subject
 
  Options Subject to
     to Time-Based
 
Name
 Time-Based Vesting  Exercise Price(1)  Vesting 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.   39,599  $42.69   9,838 
Mary A. Chaput  12,445  $42.69   3,092 
James E. Pope, M.D.   12,757  $42.69   3,169 
Donald B. Taylor  14,142  $42.69   3,514 
Robert E. Stone  12,445  $42.69   3,092 
 
(1)• In addition to stock options, the 2007 Plan would enable the Company to grant other forms of long-term incentives, such as stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards. The Company believes this will allow it the flexibility in the future to tailor the long-term incentives to fit business conditions as they evolve.
• The 2007 Plan also reflects the Company’s continued commitment to strong corporate governance practices, including:
• No evergreen features:
• the maximum number of shares issuable under the 2007 Plan is fixed and cannot be increased without stockholder approval;
• a maximum term for the 2007 Plan is specified; and no new stock option will be issued upon the exercise of another stock option.
• Prohibition on re-pricing and on discount stock options (i.e., the exercise price of a stock option will beper share is equal to or exceed the fair market value of a share ofthe common stock on the date of the stock option is granted).grant.
 
The nonqualified options are subject to the terms of the 1996 Plan and the individual award agreements. In order to encourage retention, each of the options vests 100% on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, subject to acceleration as contemplated by the 1996 Plan. Each of the options has a seven-year term and an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock at the time of the grant, as determined by the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ on the grant date. The restricted stock units are subject to the terms of the 1996 Plan and the individual award agreements. Each of the restricted stock units vests 100% on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, subject to acceleration as contemplated by the 1996 Plan.
 
3 Dilution =Upon the approval of the 2007 Plan by our stockholders on February 2, 2007, the 2007 Plan replaced all of our existing stock incentive plans, including the 1996 Plan, and no further grants or awards under the 1996 Plan have been or will be made. All equity grants or awards issued on or after February 2, 2007, including the equity awards issued to the named executive officers in October 2007, have been issued under the 2007 Plan. Both the 1996 Plan and 2007 Plan prohibit the repricing of stock options and require that the exercise price of stock options cannot be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant.
TotalStock Retention Guidelines.  To further align officers’ interests with stockholders’ interests, in August 2005, our Board of Directors adopted stock retention guidelines for officers. As amended, the guidelines require officers to maintain a minimum ownership in the Company’s stock based on a multiple of their base salary (at least 2.5 times base salary for named executive officers and 4 times base salary for the Chief Executive Officer). Officers must retain 75% of the net number of shares underlying awards + shares availableacquired (after payment of exercise price, if any, and taxes) upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units granted on or after August 24, 2005 until they reach the required multiple of base salary. Officers who do not comply with the guidelines may not be eligible for future grant
Total shares underlying awards + shares available for future grant + common shares outstanding
or
(5,980,451 options + 308,233 RSUs/restricted shares) + 36,953
(5,980,451 + 308,233) + 36,953 + 34,782,973equity awards.


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• Full-value awards (e.g., restricted stock and restricted stock units) are subject to a minimum three-year pro-rata vesting period, and stock options and performance awards are subject to a minimum one-year pro-rata vesting period.
• Full-value awards are limited to 50% of the authorized shares under the 2007 Plan and Other Stock-Based Awards payable in stock are limited to 10% of the authorized shares under the 2007 Plan.
• No liberal share recycling provisions (i.e., shares withheld by the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations and shares deemed issued in a “net-exercise” do not return to the pool of available shares).
• Administration by independent, non-employee directors.
• Stockholders must approve any “material” modifications to the plan (as defined by the NASDAQ listing standards), any increase in the shares available
Performance Awards.  To closely align the named executive officers’ compensation to the Company’s financial goals, beginning in August 2005 the Committee implemented performance cash awards to its named executive officers based on the Company’s EPS growth over a three-year period. Specifically, these performance cash awards are based on the Company’s average EPS growth (excluding the impact of the long-term incentive awards) over a three-year period. In calculating the average three-year EPS growth, the Company excluded the impact of long-term incentive awards in order to account for issuance under the 2007 Plan or any material increase in the benefits accruing to the participants under the 2007 Plan.
Stockholders are requested in this proposal to approve the adoption of FAS 123R in September 2005 so as to make meaningful comparisons of EPS growth both before and after adoption of FAS 123R. For fiscal 2007, the performance awards for the named executive officers were based on the following formula:
Performance Award (1) = (average base salary for such executive over the most recent three fiscal years)times(the Company’s average EPS growth (excluding the impact of the long-term incentive awards) over the most recent three fiscal years).
(1) Our Chief Executive Officer is paid an amount equal to 2 times the performance cash award (calculated above). The additional amount of performance award that may be paid to our Chief Executive Officer is intended to make his total compensation externally competitive while maintaining a significant percentage of his total compensation in performance-based compensation.
In granting the performance awards in October 2007 for fiscal 2005, 2006 and 2007 performance, upon the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee and the independent directors determined that the performance awards earned for fiscal 2007 not be paid in cash but rather replaced with equity awards having equivalent value. The Chief Executive Officer’s recommendation was based on the fact that because no short-term incentive awards were paid to any of our colleagues, the performance cash awards for named executive officers should be replaced with equity awards having equivalent value. The performance awards were granted so that 50% of the total value was paid in non-qualified stock options and 50% of the value in restricted stock units, based on the FAS 123R valuation discussed above. Each of the equity awards was granted under the 2007 Plan and vests 100% on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The non-qualified stock options have a seven-year term and an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. See “Compensation Decisions for fiscal 2008” for the equity awards that represent the performance cash component of the long-term incentive programs that was awarded as equity rather than cash.
Retirement Plans.  The Committee believes that an important aspect of attracting and retaining qualified individuals to serve as named executive officers involves providing methods for those individuals to save for retirement. As part of the 401(k) Plan, which is based on a calendar year, we have provided a matching contribution of 52 cents for each dollar of the participant’s voluntary salary contributions up to 6% of base salary. The annual maximum participant voluntary salary contributions for calendar 2006 and 2007, as established by the Internal Revenue Service, were $15,000 and $15,500, respectively. Approximately 29% of the Company matching contribution is in the form attached hereto asAppendix A.
As discussed above,of Company Common Stock. All matching Company contributions to the 401(k) Plan vest after five years of service with the Company believes that the abilityand are payable pursuant to attract, retain and motivate talented employees is critical to long-term company performance and stockholder returns. The Company believes that the 2007 Plan will allow it the flexibility to implement its current long-term incentive strategy in future years and will better align executive and stockholder interests. For these reasons, the Company’s Board of Directors considers approval of the 2007 Plan important to the Company’s future success and encourages you to vote FOR approval of the 2007 Plan.
ACCORDINGLY, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BELIEVES THE ADOPTION OF THE 2007 PLAN IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE 2007 PLAN.
A brief summary of the 2007 Plan is outlined below. The following summary is not a complete description of all the provisions of the 401(k) Plan.
Under our Capital Accumulation Plan, which is based on a calendar year, we make contributions to the Capital Accumulation Plan on behalf of all of our officers, including the named executive officers, that for calendar 2007 are based on (a) the officer’s voluntary salary deferrals into the Capital Accumulation Plan and is qualified in its entirety by reference(b) performance against targeted Company EPS for fiscal 2007 established prior to the start of the Capital Accumulation Plan year by the Committee. For fiscal 2007, Plan, a copythe portion of which is attached hereto asAppendix A.
Purpose:  The 2007 Plan allows the Company to attract, retain and reward key employees of and consultantsCompany’s contribution that was based on the officer’s voluntary salary deferrals provided that to the Companyextent the officer could not defer at least 6% ofhis/her base salary under the 401(k) Plan because of Internal Revenue Service maximum contribution limits, then the officer could defer the difference betweenhis/her actual deferral and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and directors who are not also employees6% ofhis/her annual base salary into the Company, and strengthen the mutuality of interests between such key employees, consultants and directors by awarding such key employees, consultants and directors performance-based stock incentives and/or other equity interests or equity-based incentives in the Company, as well as performance-based incentives payable in cash.Capital Accumulation Plan,
Key Provisions:  The 2007 Plan is designed to reflect prevailing corporate governance and executive compensation best practices. The following is a brief summary highlighting the key provisions, followed by a more extensive summary of the 2007 Plan.
• Plan Termination Date:  10 years
• Eligible Participants:  Officers and key employees, and directors of, and consultants to the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, who are responsible for or contribute to the management, growth and/or profitability of the business of the Company and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates
• Shares Authorized:  2,000,000 plus 36,953 shares previously authorized and available for issuance under the Prior Plans, and any shares under the Prior Plans that may become available for issuance under the Prior


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Plans as a result of expiration or forfeiture. The 2007 Plan does not contain any liberal share recycling provisions.
and the Company would provide a matching contribution of up to 52% of the amount deferred. Each officer was also eligible to contribute up to an additional 4% of base salary into the Capital Accumulation Plan, but no matching contribution will be made by the Company for this portion of the salary deferral.
• Award Types:
• Stock options
• Stock appreciation rights
• Restricted stock awards, restricted stock units
• Performance awards
• Other Stock-Based Awards
• Award Limits Per Person Per Year:
• Stock Options/Stock Appreciation Rights:  150,000
• Restricted Stock Awards, and Restricted Stock Units: 75,000
• Vesting:  Determined by Compensation Committee; provided that full value awards (restricted stock and restricted stock units) may not fully vest sooner than 3 years after the date of grant, and stock options and performance awards may not vest sooner than one-year after the date of grant, except in the limited circumstances described in the Plan.
• Not Permitted:  Repricing of stock options, discount stock options, or option reloads
 
Shares Available For Awards Under The 2007 Plan:  UnderWith respect to the 2007 Plan, awards may be made in common stockportion of the Company. Subject to adjustment as providedCapital Accumulation Plan contribution that is based on performance criteria for fiscal 2007 established by the termsCommittee, officers were eligible to receive a Company contribution of between 3.5% and 18.5% of base salary for calendar 2007, based on our actual EPS as compared to the EPS target. For fiscal 2007, Plan, the maximum numberEPS target at which contributions begin was set at $1.61. Awards are made as of sharesDecember 31 of common stock with respect to which awards may be grantedeach year but are based on performance criteria for the fiscal year ended August 31 during that year. Therefore, the actual performance award under the Capital Accumulation Plan credited to officers during fiscal 2007 Plan is 2,036,953 shares (which includes 36,953 shares with respect towas an award of 9.3% of base salary earned during calendar 2006 which was based on performance during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006. For the reasons discussed above, the Committee determined that EPS represented the appropriate performance measure. Based on the Company’s EPS for fiscal 2007 not meeting our EPS target, no performance awards under the 1996Capital Accumulation Plan will be made to our officers on December 31, 2007, including our named executive officers, for fiscal 2007 financial performance.
The Company’s contributions to the Capital Accumulation Plan vest equally over four years, and vested amounts are paid out upon the 2001earliest of (1) one year following an officer’s termination of employment, (2) normal or early retirement, (3) death or disability or (4) a date selected prior to the beginning of each Capital Accumulation Plan were authorizedyear by the officer, but not awarded). Except as adjusted in accordance withno event will this selected date be earlier than four years from the termsbeginning of the 2007Capital Accumulation Plan no more than 1,000,000 shares authorized under the 2007 Planyear. In certain instances, payments upon termination of service may be awarded as awards other than SARs and options. The maximum number of shares with respectdelayed six months pursuant to which awards may be granted under the 2007 Plan shall be increased by the number of shares with respect to which options or other awards were granted under the Prior Plans, but which terminate, expire unexercised, or are forfeited or cancelled without the delivery of shares under the terms of the Prior Plans after the effective date of the 2007 Plan.
Shares covered by an award granted under the 2007 Plan, or to which such an award relates, that are forfeited, or if any such award otherwise terminates, expires unexercised or is cancelled without the delivery of shares, then the shares covered by such award, or to which such award relates, or the number of shares otherwise counted against the aggregate number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted, to the extent of any such forfeiture, termination, expiration or cancellation, shall again become shares with respect to which awards may be granted.
In addition, the 2007 Plan imposes individual limitations on the amount of certain awards in order to comply with Section 162(m)409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Capital Accumulation Plan account balances earn interest at a rate equal to the prevailing prime rate of interest plus 1% as of November 1 of each year for the succeeding calendar year. The Capital Accumulation Plan is not funded and is carried as an unsecured obligation of the Company. Each of the named executive officers participated in the Company’s Capital Accumulation Plan during fiscal 2007.
 
Eligibility And Administration:  CurrentSeverance and prospective officers and employees, and directorsChange of and consultants to, the Company and its affiliates are eligible to be granted awards under the 2007 Plan. As of December 6, 2006, approximately 1,400 individuals would be eligible to participate in the 2007 Plan.
A committee of all the non-employee directors (the “Committee”) will administer the 2007 Plan. The functions of the Committee may be exercised by the Compensation Committee. Subject to the terms of the 2007


17


Plan, the Committee is authorized to (i) designate participants; (ii) determine the type and number of awards to be granted; (iii) determine the number of shares to be covered by, in connection with awards; (iv) determine the timing, terms and conditions of any award; (v) accelerate the time at which all or any part of an award may be settled or exercised; (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances awards may be settled or exercised in cash or shares or canceled, forfeited or suspended and the method or methods by which awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited or suspended; (vii) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances cash, shares, other securities, other awards, other property, and other amounts payable with respect to an award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or of the Committee; (viii) interpret and administer the 2007 Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or award made under, the 2007 Plan; (ix) in certain circumstances, amend or modify the terms of any award at or after grant with the consent of the holder of the award; (x) establish, amend, suspend or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the 2007 Plan; and (xi) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2007 Plan, subject to the exclusive authority of the Board of Directors set forth in the 2007 Plan to amend or terminate the 2007 Plan.
Stock Options And Stock Appreciation Rights:Control Benefits.  The Committee is authorizedbelieves that reasonable severance and change in control benefits are necessary in order to grant stock options, including both incentive stock options, which can result in potentially favorable tax treatmentrecruit and retain effective senior managers. These severance benefits reflect the fact that it may be difficult for such executives to the participant,find comparable employment within a short period of time, and non-qualified stock options. The Committee may specify the terms of such grants subject to the terms of the 2007 Plan. The Committee is also authorized to grant SARs, either with or withoutare a related option. The exercise price per share subject to an option is determined by the Committee, but may not be less than the fair market valueproduct of a share of common stock on the date of the grant. The maximum term of each option or SAR, the times at which each option or SAR will be exercisable, and the provisions requiring forfeiture of unexercised options at or following termination of employment generally are fixed by the Committee, except that no option or SAR relating to an option may have a term exceeding ten years. Incentive stock options that are granted to holders of more than 10% of the Company’s voting securities are subject to certain additional restrictions, including a five-year maximum term and a minimum exercise price of 110% of fair market value.
A stock option or SAR may be exercised in whole or in part at any time, with respect to whole shares only,competitive recruiting environment within the period permitted thereunder for the exercise thereof. Stock options and SARs shall be exercised by written notice of intent to exercise the stock option or SAR and, with respect to options, payment in full to the Company of the amount of the option price for the number of shares with respect to which the option is then being exercised.
Payment of the option price must be made in cash or cash equivalents, or, at the discretion of the Committee, (i) by transfer, either actually or by attestation, to the Company of shares, which have a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the option price, together with any applicable withholding taxes, or (ii) by a combination of such cash or cash equivalents and such shares; provided, however, that a participant is not entitled to tender shares pursuant to successive, substantially simultaneous exercises of any stock option of the Company. Subject to applicable securities laws and Company policy, the Company may permit an option to be exercised by delivering a notice of exercise and simultaneously selling the shares thereby acquired, pursuant to a brokerage or similar agreement approved in advance by proper officers of the Company, using the proceeds of such sale as payment of the option price, together with any applicable withholding taxes. Until the participant has been issued the shares subject to such exercise, he or she shall possess no rights as a stockholder with respect to such shares. At the Committee’s discretion, the amount payable as a result of the exercise of SARs may be settled in cash, shares or a combination of cash and shares.


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Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units:  The Committee is authorized to grant restricted shares of common stock and restricted stock units. Restricted shares are shares of common stock subject to transfer restrictions as well as forfeiture upon certain terminations of employment prior to the end of a restricted period or other conditions specified by the Committee in the award agreement. A participant granted restricted shares of common stock generally has most of the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the restricted shares, including the right to receive dividends and the right to vote such shares. None of the restricted shares may be transferred, encumbered or disposed of during the restricted period or until after fulfillment of the restrictive conditions.
Each restricted stock unit has a value equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock units will be paid in cash, shares, other securities or other property, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, upon the lapse of restrictions applicable thereto, or otherwise in accordance with the applicable award agreement or other procedures approved by the Committee. The Committee determines, in its sole discretion, the restrictions applicable to the restricted stock units. Unless otherwise provided in the award agreement, a participant will be credited with dividend equivalents on any vested restricted stock units at the time of any payment of dividends to stockholders on shares of common stock. Except as determined otherwise by the Committee, restricted stock units may not be transferred, encumbered or disposed of, and such units shall terminate, without further obligation on the part of the Company, unless the participant remains in continuous employment of the Company for the restricted period and any other restrictive conditions relating to the restricted stock units are met.
Performance Awards:  A performance award consists of a right that is denominated in cash or shares of common stock, valued in accordance with the achievement of certain performance goals during certain performance periods as established by the Committee, and payable at such time and in such form as the Committee shall determine. Performance awards may be paid in a lump sum or in installments following the close of a performance period or on a deferred basis, as determined by the Committee.
Performance awards are subject to certain specific terms and conditions under the 2007 Plan. Performance goals for Covered Officers (which is generally defined to mean to any individual who is, or is reasonably expected to be, a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code) will be limited to one or more of the following financial performance measures relating to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, operating units, business segments or divisions: (a) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization; (b) operating income or profit; (c) operating efficiencies; (d) return on equity, assets, capital, capital employed or investment; (e) after-tax operating income; (f) net income; (g) earnings or book value per share; (h) cash flow(s); (i) total sales or revenues or sales or revenues per employee; (j) production; (k) stock price or total stockholder return; (l) dividends; (m) strategic business objectives, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified cost targets, business expansion goals, and goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures; or (n) any combination thereof. Each goal may be expressed on an absolute and/or relative basis, may be based on or otherwise employ comparisons based on internal targets, the past performance of the Company or any subsidiary, operating unit or division of the Company and/or the past or current performance of other companies, and in the case of earnings-based measures, may use or employ comparisons relating to capital, stockholders’ equity and/or shares outstanding, or to assets or net assets.
To the extent necessary to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, with respect to grants of performance awards, no later than 90 days following the commencement of each performance period (or such other time as may be required or permitted by Section 162(m)), the Committee will, in writing, (1) select the performance goal or goals applicable to the performance period, (2) establish the various targets and bonus amounts which may be earned for such performance period, and (3) specify the relationship between performance goals and targets and the amounts to


19


be earned by each Covered Officer for such performance period. Following the completion of each performance period, the Committee will certify in writing whether the applicable performance targets have been achieved and the amounts, if any, payable to Covered Officers for such performance period. In determining the amount earned by a Covered Officer for a given performance period, subject to any applicable award agreement, the Committee shall have the right to reduce (but not increase) the amount payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Committee may deem relevant to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the performance period. With respect to any Covered Officer, the maximum annual number of shares in respect of which all performance awards may be granted under the 2007 Plan in each year of the performance period is 450,000 and the maximum annual amount of all performance awards that may be settled in cash is $1,000,000.
Other Stock-Based Awards:  The Committee is authorized to grant any other type of awards that are denominated or payable in, valued by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to shares of common stock. The Committee will determine the terms and conditions of such awards, consistent with the terms of the 2007 Plan. Other Stock-Based Awards payable in cash may not exceed 10% of the authorized shares under the Plan.
Outside Director Awards:  The Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors (provided such committee is comprised solely of Outside Directors) may provide that all or a portion of an Outside Director’s (as defined herein) annual retainer and/or retainer fees or other awards or compensation as determined by the Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors (provided such committee is comprised solely of Outside Directors) be payable in non-qualified stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units and/or other stock-based awards, including unrestricted shares, either automatically or at the option of the non-employee directors. The Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors (provided such committee is comprised solely of Outside Directors) will determine the terms and conditions of any such awards, including those that apply upon the termination of an Outside Director’s service as a member of the Board. Outside Directors are also eligible to receive other awards pursuant to the terms of the 2007 Plan, including options and SARs, restricted shares and restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards upon such terms as the Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors (provided such committee is comprised solely of Outside Directors) may determine.
Termination Of Employment:  The Committee will determine the terms and conditions that apply to any award upon the termination of employment with the Company and affiliates, and provide such terms in the applicable award agreement or in its rules or regulations.
Change In Control:  Unless otherwise provided in an agreement making an award or other contractual agreement between the Company and a participant, upon a Change in Control (as defined in the 2007 Plan), all outstanding awards of such shall vest and become immediately exercisable and have all restrictions lifted.
Amendment And Termination:  The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the 2007 Plan or any portion of the 2007 Plan at any time, except that the Board of Directors may not, without the approval of the Company’s stockholders, increase the total number of shares reserved for the purposes of the 2007 Plan, materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the 2007 Plan, materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the 2007 Plan or materially modify the Plan within the meaning of the NASDAQ listing standards. The Committee may amend the terms of any award, either prospectively or retroactively, but no such amendment shall impair the rights of any holder without the holder’s consent. Except in connection with recapitalization events as described in Section 3.2 of the 2007 Plan, the Committee does not have the power, however, to amend the terms of previously granted options to reduce the exercise price per share subject to such option or to cancel such options and grant substitute options with a lower exercise price per share than the cancelled


20


options.our industry. The Committee also may not materially and adversely affectbelieves that a change in control arrangement will provide an executive security that will likely reduce the rights of any award holder without the award holder’s consent.
Other Terms Of Awards:  The Company may take action, including the withholding of amounts from any award made under the 2007 Plan, to satisfy withholding and other tax obligations. Awards granted under the 2007 Plan generally are not transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
Effective Date:  No new awards may be granted under the 2007 Plan after the tenth anniversary of the effective date of such plan.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences:  The following is a brief description of the Federal income tax consequences generally arising with respect to awards under the 2007 Plan.
Tax consequences to the Company and to participants receiving awards will vary with the type of award. Generally, a participant will not recognize income, and the Company is not entitled to take a deduction, upon the grantreluctance of an incentive stock option, a nonqualified option, a reload option, an SAR or a restricted stock award. A participant will not have taxable income upon exercising an incentive stock option (except that the alternative minimum tax may apply). Upon exercising an option other than an incentive stock option, the participant must generally recognize ordinary income equalexecutive to the difference between the exercise price and fair market value of the freely transferable and non-forfeitable shares of common stock acquired on the date of exercise.
If a participant sells shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option before the end of two years from the date of grant and one year from the date of exercise, the participant must generally recognize ordinary income equal to the difference between (i) the fair market value of the shares of common stock at the date of exercise of the incentive stock option (or, if less, the amount realized upon the disposition of the incentive stock option shares of common stock), and (ii) the exercise price. Otherwise, a participant’s disposition of shares of common stock acquired upon the exercise of an option (including an incentive stock option for which the incentive stock option holding period is met) generally will result in short-term or long-term capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the sale price and the participant’s tax basis in such shares of common stock (the tax basis generally being the exercise price plus any amount previously recognized as ordinary income in connection with the exercise of the option).
The Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount recognized as ordinary income by the participant in connection with an option. The Company generally is not entitled to a tax deduction relating to amounts that represent a capital gain to a participant. Accordingly, the Company will not be entitled to any tax deduction with respect to an incentive stock option if the participant holds the shares of common stock for the incentive stock option holding periods prior to disposition of the shares.
Similarly, the exercise of an SAR will result in ordinary income on the value of the stock appreciation right to the individual at the time of exercise. The Company will be allowed a deduction for the amount of ordinary income recognized by a participant with respect to an SAR. Upon a grant of restricted stock, the participant will recognize ordinary income on the fair market value of the common stock at the time restricted shares vest unless a participant makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed at the time of grant. The participant also is subject to capital gains treatment on the subsequent sale of any common stock acquired through the exercise of an SAR or restricted share award. For this purpose, the participant’s basis in the common stock is its fair market value at the time the SAR is exercised or the restricted stock becomes vested (or is granted, if an election under Section 83(b) is made). Payments made under performance awards are taxable as ordinary income at the time an individual attains the performance goals and the payments are made available to, and are transferable by, the participant.


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Section 162(m) of the Code generally disallows a public company’s tax deduction for compensation paid in excess of $1 million in any tax year to its five most highly compensated executives. However, compensation that qualifies as “performance-based compensation” is excluded from this $1 million deduction limit and therefore remains fully deductible by the company that pays it. The Company intends that (i) performance awards and (ii) options granted (a) with an exercise price at least equal to 100% of fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock at the date of grant (b) to employees the Committee expects to be named executive officers at the time a deduction arises in connection with such awards, qualify as “performance-based compensation” so that these awards will not be subject to the Section 162(m) deduction limitations.
The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be a complete description of the Federal income tax consequences of the 2007 Plan. This discussion does not address the effects of other Federal taxes or taxes imposed under state, local or foreign tax laws. Participants in the 2007 Plan are urged to consult a tax advisor as to the tax consequences of participation.
The 2007 Plan is not intended to be a “qualified plan” under Section 401(a) of the Code.
Because awards granted under the 2007 Plan will be made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, the benefits that will be awarded under the 2007 Plan are not currently determinable.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes information concerning the Company’s equity compensation plans at August 31, 2006.
                 
      Number of Shares
  
      Remaining Available for
  
      Future Issuance Under
  
  Number of Shares to be
 Weighted-Average
 Equity Compensation Plans
  
  Issued Upon Exercise of
 Exercise Price of
 (Excluding Shares Reflected
  
Plan Category
 Outstanding Options Outstanding Options in First Column)  
 
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders  5,836,000  $18.87   546,000     
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders  0      0     
                 
Total  5,836,000  $18.87   546,000     
                 
PROPOSAL NO. 3
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations thereunder, the NASDAQ listing standards, and the Company’s Audit Committee Charter, as amended, the Audit Committee has the sole responsibility and authority to appoint the Company’s independent auditors. The Audit Committee, comprised of independent members of the Board of Directors, has appointed Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to be the independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2007. Although ratification by stockholders is not a prerequisite to the Audit Committee’s appointment of Ernst & Young LLP, the Board of Directors considers the selection of the independent auditor to be an important matter of stockholder concern and therefore, as a matter of good corporate governance, requests stockholder ratification of this action. In taking this action, the Audit Committee considered the qualifications of Ernst & Young LLP, the past performance of Ernst & Young LLP since its retention in 2002, its independence with respect to the services to be


22


performed and its qualifications and general adherence to professional auditing standards. The Company has been informed that representatives of Ernst & Young LLP plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Such representatives will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to questions by the stockholders.
If the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP is not ratified by the stockholders, the Audit Committee is not obligated to appoint other independent public accountants, but will reconsider the appointment. However, even if the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may select a different independent public accountant at any time during fiscal 2007 if it determines that suchpursue a change wouldin control transaction that could be in the best interests of our stockholders. The Committee typically does not consider the value of potential severance and change in control payments when assessing annual compensation as these payouts are contingent and have primary purposes unrelated to ordinary compensation matters. The Committee generally assesses these payouts only in light of their reasonableness during negotiations with a newly hired executive. In connection with the amended and restated employment agreements entered into with the named executive officers in February 2006, the Committee assessed the reasonableness of the potential severance and change in control payments. For a detailed discussion of potential severance and change of control benefits, see “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control of the Company,” beginning on page 32 of this Proxy Statement.
Perquisites and Other Benefits.  The Company has previously paid relocation expenses, either in the form of reimbursement or a lump sum payment, to the named executive officers who have relocated to Nashville, Tennessee in order to assume their positions with the Company, and its stockholders.has made tax gross up payments to such officers to cover income tax associated with such payments. No such relocation and tax gross up payments were made to the named executive officers during fiscal 2007. The named executive officers are also eligible for benefits generally available to and on the same terms as the Company’s employees who are exempt for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act,


23


including health insurance, disability insurance, dental insurance, and life insurance. All officers of the Company, including the named executive officers, receive a car allowance of $300 per month. In addition, pursuant to Mr. Stone’s employment agreement, the Company paid life insurance premiums on behalf of Mr. Stone in fiscal 2007 in an amount equal to $11,035.
 
EachCompensation Decisions for fiscal 2008.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the AuditCompensation Committee and the Boardindependent directors established base salaries and the short-term incentive award targets (as a percentage of Directors recommends a vote FOR ratificationfiscal 2008 base salary) for the named executive officers. During October 2007, the Committee also made awards of stock options and restricted stock units to eligible colleagues, including the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
Principal Accounting Fees and Servicesnamed executive officers.
 
The aggregate fees billedtable below summarizes the fiscal 2008 base salary levels, short-term incentive awards, fiscal 2008 equity incentive awards and fiscal 2008 short-term incentive targets for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered to the Company by its principal accountant are shown in the table below.named executive officers.
 
         
  Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 
Type of Service
 2006  2005 
 
Audit Fees $550,000  $485,275 
Audit-Related Fees(1)  51,500   28,500 
Tax Fees(2)  8,551   61,769 
All Other Fees      
         
Total $610,051  $575,544 
         
                 
     Fiscal 2008
  Fiscal 2008
    
  Fiscal 2008
  Non-Qualified Stock
  Restricted Stock
  Fiscal 2008
 
Name
 Base Salary  Options(1)  Units  STI Award Target 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.(2) $685,000   42,721   11,377   60%
Mary A. Chaput(3)  375,167   13,085   3,442   45%
James E. Pope, M.D.(4)  404,400   13,971   3,667   45%
Donald B. Taylor(5)  380,625   13,943   3,687   45%
Robert E. Stone(6)  353,430   12,657   3,340   45%
 
 
(1)In fiscal 2005, Audit-Related Fees primarily included services pertainingThe exercise price per share is equal to the Company’s Registration Statementfair market value of the common stock onForm S-8. In fiscal 2006, Audit-Related Fees primarily included services pertaining to the reviewdate of interim financial statements in connection with a definitive merger agreement entered into by the Company which was subsequently terminated.grant, October 8, 2007.
 
(2)Tax Fees inOf the fiscal 2005 primarily included tax planning2008 equity awards granted to Mr. Leedle, 6,435 non-qualified options and advice, tax compliance,2,979 restricted stock units represent the performance cash component of the long-term incentive program that was awarded as equity rather than cash.
(3)Of the fiscal 2008 equity awards granted to Ms. Chaput, 1,784 non-qualified options and review826 restricted stock units represent the performance cash component of federal tax returns. Tax fees inthe long-term incentive program that was awarded as equity rather than cash.
(4)Of the fiscal 2006 included review2008 equity awards granted to Dr. Pope, 1,871 non-qualified options and 866 restricted stock units represent the performance cash component of federal tax returns.the long-term incentive program that was awarded as equity rather than cash.
(5)Of the fiscal 2008 equity awards granted to Mr. Taylor, 1,985 non-qualified options and 919 restricted stock units represent the performance cash component of the long-term incentive program that was awarded as equity rather than cash. Mr. Taylor is resigning from the Company effective December 31, 2007.
(6)Of the fiscal 2008 equity awards granted to Mr. Stone, 1,771 non-qualified options and 820 restricted stock units represent the performance cash component of the long-term incentive program that was awarded as equity rather than cash.
 
The AuditSimilar to fiscal 2007, the base salaries for the named executive officers for fiscal 2008 were determined based on the factors discussed under “Overview of Compensation Process”, including the performance of each named executive officer against pre-approved performance objectives as well as our fiscal 2007 financial performance. Likewise, the long-term incentive awards granted in October 2008 (excluding the equity awards related to the fiscal 2007 performance awards which were paid in equity rather than cash) were consistent with the structure approved by the Committee has considered and concluded thatin fiscal 2005. Similar to fiscal 2007, under the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with maintaining auditor independence.
The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for pre-approving all audit and permissible non-audit services performedfiscal 2008 short-term incentive plan, cash awards could be earned by Ernst & Young LLP, its independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee may delegate its responsibility to pre-approve services to be performed by its independent registered public accounting firm to one or more of its members, but the Audit Committee may not delegate its pre-approval authority to management.
Under these policies, the Audit Committee pre-approves the use of audit and audit-related services following approval of the independent registered public accounting firm’s engagement. Tax and other non-audit services that are not prohibited services,our named executive officers, provided that those services are routine and recurring services and would not impair the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, may also be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm if those services are pre-approved by the Audit Committee. Pre-approval feewe achieve our targeted EPS. For fiscal 2008, our


2324


levels for all services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firmtargeted EPS will be established periodicallybased on our domestic EPS. Domestic EPS is determined by calculating our EPS in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, excluding the Audit Committee. The independent registered public accounting firm must provide detailedback-up documentationimpact of our international operations.
Tax Deductibility of Compensation.  Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 limits the deductibility on our tax return of compensation over $1.0 million to the AuditChief Executive Officer or any of the other four most highly compensated named executive officers serving at the end of the fiscal year unless, in general, the compensation is paid pursuant to a plan which is performance-related, non-discretionary, and has been approved by our stockholders. The Committee’s actions with respect to Section 162(m) in fiscal 2007 were to make reasonable efforts to ensure that compensation was deductible to the extent permitted while simultaneously providing appropriate rewards for performance. The Committee intends to structure performance-based compensation awarded in the future to named executive officers who may be subject to Section 162(m) in a manner that satisfies the relevant requirements. In accordance with that objective, the fiscal 2008 cash incentive plan compensation payable to named executive officers who may be subject to Section 162(m) based on achievement of fiscal 2008 criteria will be made pursuant to our 2007 Plan, which has been approved by our stockholders. The Committee, however, reserves the authority to award non-deductible compensation as deemed appropriate. Further, because of ambiguities and uncertainties as to the application and interpretation of Section 162(m) and related regulations, no assurance can be given that compensation intended to satisfy the requirements for each proposed service. The Audit Committee has pre-approved all audit and non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP.deductibility under Section 162(m) will in fact do so.
 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in anyCompensation Committee Report
The following Report of the Company’s filingsCompensation Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate future filings, includingexcept to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the following report of the Audit Committee shall not be incorporatedReport by reference into any such filings.
Audit Committee Reporttherein.
 
The AuditCompensation Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of four directors who are independent directors as defined under applicable law and the NASDAQ listing standards. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by the regulations of the Commission. During fiscal 2006, the Audit Committee met twelve times. In accordance with its written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting processes and systems of internal control of the Company. Management has primary responsibility for the Company’s financial statements and financial reporting process, including assessing the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for planning and carrying out annual audits and quarterly reviews of the Company’s financial statements in accordance with standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, expressing an opinion on the conformity of the Company’s audited financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, evaluating and reporting on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and auditing and reporting on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
In discharging its oversight responsibility as to the audit process, the Audit Committee obtained from the independent registered public accounting firm written disclosures and the formal written statement describing all relationships between the auditors and the Company that might bear on the auditors’ independence consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, “Independence Discussions with Audit Committees,” discussed with the auditors any relationships that may impact their objectivity and independence and satisfied itself as to the auditors’ independence. The Audit Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm with and without management present to discuss the Company’s internal control assessment process, management’s assessment with respect thereto, the independent registered public accounting firm’s evaluation of the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting. The Audit Committee reviewed with the independent registered public accounting firm their fees, audit plans, audit scope, and identification of audit risks.
The Audit Committee discussed and reviewed with the independent registered public accounting firm all communications required by generally accepted auditing standards, including those described in Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, “Communications with Audit Committees”, and discussed and reviewed the results of the independent registered public accounting firm’s examination of the financial statements.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company as ofCompensation Discussion and for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006Analysis with management and, the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also reviewed and discussed the interim financial information contained in each quarterly earnings announcement and Quarterly Reportbased onForm 10-Q with the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and


24


the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm prior to public release of that information. On several occasions during fiscal year 2006, the Audit Committee reviewed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and the Company’s internal audit department, management’s processes to assess the adequacy of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, the framework used to make the assessment, and management’s conclusions on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Based on the above-mentioned such review and discussions, with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company’s audited financial statementsCompensation Discussion and Analysis be included in its Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006, for filing with the Commission.
The Board of Directors has adopted a Restated Charter of the Audit Committee, which is available on the Company’s website at www.healthways.com. The Audit Committee reviews and reassesses the adequacy of the Restated Charter annually.this proxy statement.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
John W. Ballantine, Chairman
Frank A. Ehmann
William C. O’Neil, Jr.
Jay C. Bisgard, M.D., Chairman
John W. Ballantine
Alison Taunton-Rigby, Ph.D.
C. Warren Neel, Ph.D.
Mary Jane England, M.D.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During fiscal 2007, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors was composed of Mr. Ballantine and Drs. Bisgard, Neel, England, and Taunton-Rigby. None of these persons has at any time been an officer or employee of the Company or any of our subsidiaries. In addition, there are no relationships among our executive officers, members of the Compensation Committee or entities whose executives serve on the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee that require disclosure under applicable Commission regulations.


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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
 
The following table provides information asregarding the compensation to annual, long term and other compensation during fiscal years 2006, 2005 and 2004 for the Company’sour Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and each of the fourthree other most highly compensated executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer who were serving as executive officers on August 31, 2006 (collectively, the(the “Named Executive Officers”). during fiscal 2007.
 
                             
        Long Term Compensation  
        Awards    
    Annual
 Restricted
 Securities
 Payouts All
    Compensation Stock
 Underlying
 LTIP
 Other
Name and Principal Position
 Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) Awards ($)(1)(2) Options (#)(3) Payouts ($)(4) Compensation ($)(5)
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.   2006  $600,000  $316,800  $     $216,981  $80,050(6)
President and Chief  2005   500,000   300,000   357,152   335,798   136,755   105,881 
Executive Officer  2004   425,000         300,000      98,781 
Donald B. Taylor  2006   375,000   148,500         71,497   49,827(7)
Executive Vice President,  2005   330,000   148,500   134,707   13,501   47,044   69,975 
Sales and Marketing  2004   288,117         125,000      69,675 
James E. Pope, M.D.   2006   338,250   133,947      40,000   65,859   47,195(8)
Executive Vice President  2005   300,000   135,000   122,477   12,274   47,261   73,970%
and Chief Operating  2004   242,901   35,000      125,000      81,498 
Officer                            
Matthew E. Kelliher  2006   330,000   130,680         68,296   91,874(9)
Executive Vice President,  2005   320,000   144,000   130,630   13,092   50,680   102,976 
International Business  2004   311,987         65,000      103,278 
Robert E. Stone  2006   330,000   130,680         63,102   50,867(10)
Executive Vice President  2005   292,000   131,400   119,181   11,946   43,386   65,356(11)
and Chief Strategy Officer  2004   265,000         25,000      62,277(12)
The Named Executive Officers were not entitled to receive payments that would be characterized as “Bonus” payments for fiscal 2007. As described under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” no payments that would be characterized as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” were made to the Named Executive Officers pursuant to the terms of the 2007 Short-Term Incentive Plan.
Based on the dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for equity incentives for fiscal 2007 and the base salary of the Named Executive Officers, “Salary” accounted for approximately 24% of the total compensation of the Named Executive Officers, equity-based incentive compensation accounted for 74% of total compensation and other compensation accounted for 2% of total compensation.
                                 
                 Change in
       
                 Pension
       
                 Value and
       
                 Nonqualified
       
              Non-Equity
  Deferred
       
        Stock
  Option
  Incentive Plan
  Compensation
  All Other
    
        Awards($)
  Awards($)
  Compensation($)
  Earnings($)
  Compensation($)
    
Name and Principal Position
 Year  Salary($)  (1)  (2)  (3)  (4)  (5)  Total($) 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.  2007  $660,000  $185,096  $3,991,863(6) $  $17,021  $21,504(7) $4,875,484 
President and Chief Executive Officer                                
Mary A. Chaput  2007  $359,700  $59,301  $338,344  $  $8,659  $14,538  $780,542 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer                                
James E. Pope, M.D.  2007  $385,143  $61,483  $827,630(8) $  $8,207  $13,520  $1,295,983 
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer                                
Donald B. Taylor  2007  $380,625  $67,900  $719,996  $  $15,514  $13,166  $1,197,201 
Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing                                
Robert E. Stone  2007  $346,500  $59,909  $339,568  $  $42,554  $21,796(9) $810,327 
Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer                                
 
 
(1)AsReflects the dollar amount recognized for stock awards for financial statement reporting purposes, disregarding the estimate of forfeitures, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006, the Named Executive Officers’ aggregate holdings2007 in accordance with Statement of Restricted Stock Units of the CompanyFinancial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment”. This column includes amounts from awards granted in and the market value of such units were as follows: Mr. Leedle held 8,235 RSUs valued at $425,091; Mr. Taylor held 3,106 RSUs valued at $160,332; Dr. Pope held 2,824 RSUs valued at $145,775; Mr. Kelliher held 3,012 RSUs valued at $155,479; and Mr. Stone held 2,748 RSUs valued at $141,852. Each of the RSUs vests 100% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.prior to fiscal 2007.
 
(2)The Named Executive Officers received grantsReflects the dollar amount recognized for option awards for financial statement reporting purposes, disregarding the estimate of RSUsforfeitures, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007 in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) and includes amounts from awards granted in and prior to fiscal 2007. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 12 to our audited financial statements for the Companyfiscal year ended August 31, 2007, included in our Annual Report onForm 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 200629, 2007, and in footnote 1 to our audited financial statements for fiscal 2006 performance. On October 2, 2006, Mr. Leedle was granted 9,838 RSUs valued at $419,984; Mr. Taylor was granted 3,514 RSUs valued at $150,013; Dr. Pope was granted 3,169 RSUs valued at $135,285; Mr. Kelliher was granted 3,092 RSUs valued at $131,997; and Mr. Stone was granted 3,092 RSUs valued at $131,997. Each of the RSUs vests 100% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.
(3)The Named Executive Officers received grants of stock options of the Company in October 2006 for fiscal 2006 performance. On October 2, 2006, Mr. Leedle was granted 39,599 non-qualified stock options; Mr. Taylor was granted 14,142 non-qualified stock options; Dr. Pope was granted 12,757 non-qualified stock options; Mr. Kelliher was granted 12,445 non-qualified stock options; and Mr. Stone was granted 12,445


26


non-qualified stock options. Eachyear ended August 31, 2005, included in our Annual Report onForm 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2005.
(3)Based on EPS for fiscal 2007, the Named Executive Officers did not earn any awards under the 2007 Short-Term Incentive Plan. Cash awards under the 2007 Short-Term Incentive Plan were based upon a comparison of our actual EPS and targeted earnings per share as approved by the Compensation Committee for fiscal 2007 at the beginning of the stock options vests 100% onfiscal year, as well as meeting certain individual qualitative goals and objectives. For fiscal 2007, the fourth anniversaryChief Executive Officer was eligible to receive an award up to 60% of his base salary, and the dateother Named Executive Officers were eligible to receive awards up to 45% of grant, has a seven-year term,their base salary. Had our performance materially exceeded our targeted earnings per share and was priced at the fair market value onNamed Executive Officer met his or her individual goals and objectives, awards to Named Executive Officers could have exceeded the date of grant.percentages set forth in the preceding sentence.
 
(4)Represents performance-based awardsThe amounts in this column represent the above-market portion of the Named Executive Officer’s earnings in our Capital Accumulation Plan (“CAP”). CAP account balances earn interest at a rate equal to be paid in cash. Effective Augustthe prevailing prime rate of interest plus 1% as of November 1 of each year for the succeeding calendar year. Based on a prime rate of interest of 7% and 8.25% at November 1, 2005 the Company began granting performance cash awards to its executive officers basedand 2006, respectively, interest on the Company’sCAP account balances during fiscal 2007 exceeded 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate. The above-market portion of earnings was calculated as the excess of the actual earnings during fiscal 2007 over what the earnings would have been using a weighted average earnings per share growth overof the three most recent fiscal years.applicable Federal long-term rate at November 1, 2005 and 2006.
 
(5)Includes $3,600 per year automobile allowance for each Named Executive Officer other than Dr. Pope, whose allowance was $3,000The amount in fiscal 2004.
(6)Includes $69,516 based on fiscal 2006 performance to be contributed bythis column reflects the Company contribution to the Company’s Corporate and Subsidiary Officer Capital Accumulation Plan (the “Capital Accumulation Plan”) on December 31, 2006 on behalf of Mr. Leedle and $6,934 contributed by the Company to the Company’sour Retirement Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) on behalf of the Named Executive Officer as well as insurance premiums we paid with respect to life insurance for the benefit of the Named Executive Officer. It also includes Company matching contributions earned by the Named Executive Officer during fiscal 2007 onhis/her deferrals to the CAP during that time. It does not include performance awards made to the CAP by the Company on behalf of the Named Executive Officers on December 31, 2006. These awards were based on the Company’s fiscal 2006 performance and were reported as compensation in the 2006 Summary Compensation Table. The amounts were as follows: Mr. Leedle.Leedle ($57,660); Ms. Chaput ($31,611); Dr. Pope ($33,167); Mr. Taylor ($35,049); and Mr. Stone ($31,202). No performance awards under the Capital Accumulation Plan will be made to our officers on December 31, 2007, including our named executive officers, for fiscal 2007 financial performance based on the Company’s EPS for fiscal 2007 not meeting our EPS target. The table also does not include medical benefits coverage and disability insurance that are offered through programs available to substantially all of our salaried employees.
(6)Includes $3.6 million related to promotional equity grants committed to Mr. Leedle in 2003 in connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. These grants were awarded in August 2003, 2004, and 2005.
 
(7)Includes $39,885 baseda Company matching contribution of $13,208 earned by Mr. Leedle during fiscal 2007 on fiscal 2006 performance to be contributed by the Companyhis deferrals to the Capital Accumulation Plan on December 31, 2006 on behalf of Mr. Taylor and $6,342 contributed by the Company to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of Mr. Taylor.CAP during that time.
 
(8)Includes $36,599 based on fiscal$0.3 million related to a new hire grant awarded to Dr. Pope in 2003 and $0.3 million related to a promotional equity grant awarded to Dr. Pope in 2006 performance to be contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan on December 31, 2006 on behalf of Mr. Pope and $6,996 contributed by the Company to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of Mr. Pope.in connection with his appointment as Chief Operating Officer.
 
(9)Includes $34,480 based on fiscal 2006 performance$11,035 of insurance premiums we paid with respect to be contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan on December 31, 2006 on behalf of Mr. Kelliher, $6,822 contributed by the Company to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of Mr. Kelliher and $46,972 of apartment rent and utilities reimbursement paid to Mr. Kelliher by the Company.
(10)Includes $34,634 based on fiscal 2006 performance to be contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan on December 31, 2006 on behalf of Mr. Stone, $5,935 of life insurance premiums paid byfor the Company and $6,698 contributed by the Company to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of Mr. Stone.
(11)Includes $52,067 based on fiscal 2005 performance contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan on December 31, 2005 on behalf of Mr. Stone, $3,957 of life insurance premiums paid by the Company and $5,733 contributed by the Company to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of Mr. Stone.
(12)Includes $51,782 based on fiscal 2004 performance contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan on December 31, 2004 on behalf of Mr. Stone and $6,895 contributed by the Company to the 401(k) Plan on behalfbenefit of Mr. Stone.


27


Option Grants Tableof Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2007
 
The following table provides information as to optionssets forth the equity awards granted to theour Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2006. No separate stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) were granted during fiscal 2006. As discussed in footnote 2 below, the Named Executive Officers received grants of stock options of the Company in October 2006 for fiscal 2006 performance.2007.
 
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
                                            
               All Other
 All Other
     
               Stock
 Option
     
                                     Awards:
 Awards:
     
 Number of
       Potential Realizable Value at
               Number of
 Number of
 Exercise
 Grant Date
 
 Securities
 % of Total
 Exercise
   Assumed Annual Rates of
   Estimated Possible Payouts Under
 Estimated Future Payouts Under
 Shares of
 Securities
 or Base
 Fair Value
 
 Underlying
 Options Granted
 or Base
   Stock Price Appreciation for
   Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) Equity Incentive Plan Awards(3) Stock or
 Underlying
 Price of
 of Stock
 
 Options
 to Employees in
 Price
 Expiration
 Option Term Grant
   Target($)
 Maximum($)
     Maximum(#)
 Units(#)
 Options(#)
 Option
 and Option
 
Name
 Granted(1)(2)(#) Fiscal Year ($/Sh) Date 5% ($) 10% ($) Date Threshold($) (2) (2) Threshold(#) Target(#) (4) (5) (5) Awards ($/Sh) Awards 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.                      $  $396,000                                 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.   10/2/06                           9,838          $419,984 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.   10/2/06                               39,599  $42.69  $840,000 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.   10/8/07                  6,435(6)                   
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.   10/8/07                  2,979(7)                   
 
Mary A. Chaput     $  $161,865                                 
 
Mary A. Chaput  10/2/06                           3,092          $131,997 
 
Mary A. Chaput  10/2/06                               12,445  $42.69  $263,992 
 
Mary A. Chaput  10/8/07                  1,784(6)                   
 
Mary A. Chaput  10/8/07                  826(7)                   
 
James E. Pope, M.D.      $  $173,314                                 
 
James E. Pope, M.D.   10/2/06                           3,169          $135,285 
 
James E. Pope, M.D.   10/2/06                               12,757  $42.69  $270,610 
 
James E. Pope, M.D  10/8/07                  1,871(6)                   
 
James E. Pope, M.D  10/8/07                  866(7)                   
 
Donald B. Taylor                     $  $171,281                                 
James E. Pope  40,000   18.57% $54.55  6/1/2013 $888,293  $2,070,101 
Matthew E. Kelliher                
 
Donald B. Taylor  10/2/06                           3,514          $150,013 
 
Donald B. Taylor  10/2/06                               14,142  $42.69  $299,989 
 
Donald B. Taylor  10/8/07                  1,985(6)                   
 
Donald B. Taylor  10/8/07                  919(7)                   
 
Robert E. Stone                     $  $155,925                                 
 
Robert E. Stone  10/2/06                           3,092          $131,997 
 
Robert E. Stone  10/2/06                               12,445  $42.69  $263,992 
 
Robert E. Stone  10/8/07                  1,771(6)                   
 
Robert E. Stone  10/8/07                  820(7)                   
 
 
(1)The options granted to James E. Pope during fiscal 2006 vest 100% onCash awards under the fourth anniversary2007 Short-Term Incentive Plan were based upon a comparison of the date of grantour actual EPS and are subject to the stock retention guidelines discussed on page 7 of this Proxy Statement. If there is a change in control or if the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee determines that there is a potential change in control (as defined in the 1996 Plan), any stock options which are not then exercisable, in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, may become fully exercisable and vested, and stock options will, unless otherwise determinedtargeted EPS as approved by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, be cashed out onfor fiscal 2007 at the basisbeginning of the change in control price,fiscal year, as definedwell as meeting certain individual qualitative goals and objectives. Based on EPS for fiscal 2007, the Named Executive Officers did not earn any awards under the 2007 Short-Term Incentive Plan; therefore, no amounts are shown as compensation in the 1996 Plan.Summary Compensation Table.
 
(2)TheFor fiscal 2007, the Chief Executive Officer was eligible to receive an award up to 60% of his base salary, and the other Named Executive Officers received grantswere eligible to receive awards up to 45% of stock optionstheir base salary. Had our performance materially exceeded our targeted earnings per share and the Named Executive Officer met his or her individual goals and objectives, awards to Named Executive Officers could have exceeded the percentages set forth in the preceding sentence. Therefore, there is no maximum on the possible payout that could be earned for fiscal 2007.
(3)Under our performance-based cash incentive plan for fiscal 2007, the Named Executive Officers were eligible to receive cash awards based on our average EPS growth (excluding long-term incentive compensation) over the last three fiscal years, including fiscal 2007, times the executive’s average salary over that same period. For the reasons discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, for fiscal 2007, the performance-based cash earned by each of the CompanyNamed Executive Officers was awarded in the form of equity, which was granted in October 2006 for fiscal 2006 performance. On October 2, 2006, Mr. Leedle was granted 39,599 non-qualified stock options; Mr. Taylor was granted 14,142 non-qualified stock options; Dr. Pope was granted 12,757 non-qualified stock options; Mr. Kelliher was granted 12,445 non-qualified stock options; and Mr. Stone was granted 12,445 non-qualified stock options. Each2007, in lieu of the stock options vests 100% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant, has a seven-year term, and was priced at the fair market value on the date of grant.cash.


28


 
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and FY-End Options Values
The following table provides information as to options exercised by the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2006. None of the Named Executive Officers has held or exercised separate SARs. In addition, this table includes the number of shares covered by both exercisable and unexercisable stock options as of August 31, 2006. Also reported are the values for “in the money” options, which represent the positive spread between the exercise price of existing stock options and the fiscal year end price of the Company’s Common Stock.
                         
      Number of Securities
 Value of Unexercised
      Underlying Unexercised
 In-the-Money
  Shares
   Options at
 Options at
  Acquired on
 Value
 Fiscal Year-End (#) Fiscal Year-End ($)(1)
Name
 Exercise (#) Realized ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.         690,876   710,798  $28,298,972  $12,892,078 
Donald B. Taylor        227,500   101,001   8,494,825   2,704,563 
James E. Pope        50,000   127,274   1,497,500   2,230,151 
Matthew E. Kelliher        20,000   58,092   674,600   1,413,943 
Robert E. Stone        147,502   46,946   6,465,215   1,071,068 
(1) (4)Based uponThere is no maximum amount that could be paid for fiscal 2007 since these performance-based awards are calculated based on our average EPS growth (excluding long-term incentive compensation) over the 4:00 p.m. closing bid pricelast three fiscal years.
(5)Awards were granted under the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.
(6)Represents the stock options awarded based on average actual EPS growth (excluding long-term incentive compensation) during fiscal 2005 through 2007. For the reasons discussed under Compensation Discussion and Analysis, for fiscal 2007, the performance-based cash earned by each of the Company’s Common StockNamed Executive Officers was awarded in the form of equity, which was granted in October 2007, in lieu of cash.
(7)Represents the restricted stock units awarded based on The NASDAQ Stock Market on August 31, 2006average actual EPS growth (excluding long-term incentive compensation) during fiscal 2005 through 2007. For the reasons discussed under Compensation Discussion and Analysis, for fiscal 2007, the performance-based cash earned by each of $51.62 per share.the Named Executive Officers was awarded in the form of equity, which was granted in October 2007, in lieu of cash.
 
Directors Compensation
Directors who are officers or employees of the Company receive no compensation, as such, for serving as members of the Board of Directors.
During fiscal 2006, directors who were not officers or employees of the Company (“Outside Directors”) each received a $25,000 annual cash retainer. In addition for fiscal 2006, each Outside Director received an additional $3,000 for each non-regularly scheduled meeting attended at which action was taken. For fiscal 2007, each Outside Director receives $3,000 for each non-regularly scheduled meeting attended lasting for one hour or more and $1,000 for each non-regularly scheduled meeting attended lasting less than one hour. In addition, pursuant to the 1996 Plan, Outside Directors who had served as directors of the Company for at least 12 months each received an option to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock, which was awarded on the date of the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Dr. Taunton-Rigby was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2005 and thus had not served as a director of the Company for at least 12 months on the date of the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Pursuant to the 1996 Plan, in November 2005 she was granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock on the date of her initial appointment to the Board of Directors.
In the event that the Company’s stockholders approve the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company intends to grant stock options under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and not grant any additional stock options under the Company’s 1996 Plan following the effective date of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. The terms of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan are summarized above under “Proposal 2: Approval of 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.” Unlike the 1996 Plan, options would not automatically be granted to directors under the terms of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. However, the Company anticipates that stock options would initially be granted to directors under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan in the same amounts as stock options have automatically been granted to directors under the 1996 Plan as described above.


29


In addition to the cash retainer and option grants discussed above, committee chairmen received $7,500 for each Audit Committee meeting attended and $6,000 for each Compensation Committee or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meeting attended. Other Outside Directors received $3,000 for each committee meeting attended.
The Company has an employment agreement with Thomas Cigarran, the Company’s Chairman, which commenced on September 1, 2005 and has a continuous term expiring on the date of the Company’s Annual Meeting in January 2008, but in no event later than January 31, 2008. The agreement provides that the Company will pay Mr. Cigarran a base salary of $250,000 and will continue to pay the premiums on a $500,000 term life insurance policy for Mr. Cigarran, which shall be payable upon Mr. Cigarran’s death to Mr. Cigarran’s estate or to such beneficiaries as Mr. Cigarran designates. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Cigarran may participate in the Company’s health, dental, vision, life insurance plans, and long and short term disability plans but shall not participate in the Company’s bonus plan or long-term incentive plans. The agreement provides that if the Company terminates the employment of Mr. Cigarran without “Cause” (as defined in the agreement), Mr. Cigarran terminates the agreement for “Good Reason” (as defined in the agreement), or the agreement is terminated due to disability, Mr. Cigarran will receive severance benefits (base salary and group medical benefits) for a total of 18 months following the date of termination (or for a total of 2 years following the date of termination upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company), provided that in the event of termination due to disability, Mr. Cigarran will receive his base salary for the lesser of 18 months following the date of termination or the remaining term of his employment agreement (and for an additional 6 months upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company), plus group medical benefits for the lesser of 24 months after the date of termination or the remaining term of his employment agreement, reduced by amounts received as disability insurance payments. In addition, all unvested equity awards will vest on the date of termination and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the stock option or restricted stock agreements between the Company and Mr. Cigarran, and amounts contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan (“CAP”) for the benefit of Mr. Cigarran shall vest and be paid out in accordance with the terms of the CAP. The agreement contains restrictive provisions relating to the use of confidential information, competing against the Company and soliciting any customers or employees of the Company during the term of employment and for a period of18-24 months thereafter.
Prior to fiscal 2002, Mr. Herr was an executive officer and director of the Company and served as Chief Financial Officer. During fiscal 2006, Mr. Herr served as a part-time employee of the Company, providing it with advisory services with respect to ongoing business issues and special projects, and was paid $100,000 pursuant to an Employment Agreement between Mr. Herr and the Company dated November 20, 2001, as amended October 7, 2005.
Beginning on December 1, 2006, Mr. Lytle began serving as a consultant to the Company, focusing on growth, innovation, and total population health as well as creating and supporting strategic customer relationships. For his services, Mr. Lytle receives a payment of $20,833 per month and may receive an additional per diem fee based on the number of days he provides services to the Company. Mr. Lytle was the CEO of Axia, which the Company acquired in December 2006.
In connection with the Company’s acquisition of Axia, Mr. Lytle purchased 123,305 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the terms of a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Agreement, Mr. Lytle agreed not to resell the shares prior to January 1, 2008, and the Company granted Mr. Lytle registration rights with respect to the resale of the Common Stock.


30


Employment Agreements
 
The Company hasWe have employment agreements with alleach of itsour named executive officers.
The Company’s employment agreement with Mr. Leedle, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commencedofficers that began on September 1, 2005 and hashave a continuous term of two years thereafter. The agreements may be terminated at any time by the mutual written agreement of the Company and the named executive officer. The agreements provide for an annual base salary as well as participation in all benefit plans maintained by the Company for officers. Base salary payable under each employment agreement is subject to annual review and may be increased by the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, as it may deem advisable. Under the agreements, short-term incentive plan awards, if any, and long-term incentive awards will be determined by the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof comprised solely of independent directors. The agreements also provide for potential severance and change of control benefits, which are discussed in detail under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control of the Company,” beginning on page 32 of this Proxy Statement.
Compensation Programs for Fiscal 2007
As reflected in the above Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table, the primary components of our fiscal 2007 compensation programs were base salary, short-term incentive plan compensation, equity awards, performance cash awards and awards under retirement plans. For a detailed discussion of each of these components, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement.


29


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2007 Year-End
The following tables provide information with respect to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units held by the Named Executive Officers as of August 31, 2007.
                     
  OPTION AWARDS 
     Number
  Number
       
     of
  of
       
     Securities
  Securities
       
     Underlying
  Underlying
       
  Option
  Unexercised
  Unexercised
  Option
  Option
 
  Grant
  Options (#)
  Options (#)
  Exercise
  Expiration
 
Name
 Date  Exercisable  Unexercisable  Price($)  Date 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.   3/19/98   5,625     $2.78   3/19/08 
   9/29/98   9,188      2.48   9/29/08 
   11/12/99   30,000      2.07   11/12/09 
   6/23/00   11,250      1.36   6/23/10 
   9/29/00   45,000      1.89   9/29/10 
   10/8/01   150,000      11.58   10/8/11 
   8/27/02   200,000      7.24   8/27/12 
   8/27/03   300,000      17.51   8/27/13 
   8/24/04      300,000(1)  26.33   8/24/14 
   8/24/05      335,798(1)  43.44   8/24/12 
   10/2/06      39,599(1)  42.69   10/2/13 
                     
Mary A. Chaput  10/1/01   90,000     $11.58   10/1/11 
   8/27/02   100,000      7.24   8/27/12 
   8/27/03   40,000      17.51   8/27/13 
   8/24/04      25,000(1)  26.33   8/24/14 
   8/24/05      11,701(1)  43.44   8/24/12 
   10/2/06      12,445(1)  42.69   10/2/13 
                     
James E. Pope, M.D.   10/29/03   75,000   25,000(2) $21.67   10/29/13 
   8/24/04      25,000(1)  26.33   8/24/14 
   8/24/05      12,274(1)  43.44   8/24/12 
   6/1/06      40,000(1)  54.55   6/1/13 
   10/2/06      12,757(1)  42.69   10/2/13 
                     
Donald B. Taylor  8/27/03   12,500     $17.51   8/27/13 
   11/17/03   25,000   25,000(3)  20.91   11/17/13 
   8/24/04      25,000(1)  26.33   8/24/14 
   8/24/05      13,501(1)  43.44   8/24/12 
   10/2/06      14,142(1)  42.69   10/2/13 
                     
Robert E. Stone  6/23/00   12,000     $1.36   6/23/10 
   9/29/00   45,500      1.89   9/29/10 
   10/8/01   20,002      11.58   10/8/11 
   8/27/02   40,000      7.24   8/27/12 
   8/27/03   40,000      17.51   8/27/13 
   8/24/04      25,000(1)  26.33   8/24/14 
   8/24/05      11,946(1)  43.44   8/24/12 
   10/2/06      12,445(1)  42.69   10/2/13 


30


(1)Award vests on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.
(2)Remainder of option vests on10/29/2007.
(3)Remainder of option vests on11/17/2007.
                 
  STOCK AWARDS 
           Equity
 
           Incentive
 
           Plan
 
           Awards:
 
           Market or
 
        Market
  Payout
 
     Number
  Value of
  Value of
 
     of Shares
  Shares or
  Unearned
 
     or Units
  Units of
  Shares,
 
     of Stock
  Stock
  Units or
 
  Stock
  That Have
  That Have
  Other Rights
 
  Award
  Not
  Not
  That Have
 
  Grant
  Vested(#)
  Vested($)
  Not Vested($)
 
Name
 Date  (4)  (5)  (5) 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.   8/24/05   8,235  $410,103     
   10/2/06   9,838   489,932     
                 
Mary A. Chaput  8/24/05   2,692  $134,062     
   10/2/06   3,092   153,982     
                 
James E. Pope, M.D.   8/24/05   2,824  $140,635     
   10/2/06   3,169   157,816     
                 
Donald B. Taylor  8/24/05   3,106  $154,679     
   10/2/06   3,514   174,997     
                 
Robert E. Stone  8/24/05   2,748  $136,850     
   10/2/06   3,092   153,982     
(4)Award vests on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant.
(5)Market value was calculated by multiplying the number of restricted stock units in the previous column that have not vested as of August 31, 2007 times the closing bid price of our Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market on August 31, 2007.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2007
The following table provides information on stock option exercises by our Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2007. No restricted stock units held by our Named Executive Officers vested during fiscal 2007.
                 
  Option Awards  Stock Awards 
  Number of
     Number of
    
  Shares
  Value Realized
  Shares
    
  Acquired
  on Exercise
  Acquired
  Value Realized
 
Name
 on Exercise (#)  ($)(1)  on Vesting (#)  on Vesting ($) 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.             
Mary A. Chaput            
James E. Pope, M.D.             
Donald B. Taylor  227,500  $7,662,532       
Robert E. Stone            
(1)Value realized on exercise was calculated by multiplying the number of options exercised by the difference between the market price at exercise and the exercise price of the options.


31


Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in Fiscal 2007
Our Capital Accumulation Plan, which is based on a calendar year, is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that Mr. Leedle’sallows highly compensated employees, including the Named Executive Officers, to defer up to 10% of their base salary.
The following table shows the activity and ending balance in the CAP for each Named Executive Officer as of and for the year ended August 31, 2007.
                     
              Aggregate
 
  Executive
  Registrant
  Aggregate
  Aggregate
  Balance
 
  Contributions in
  Contributions in
  Earnings in Last
  Withdrawals/
  at Last
 
  Last Fiscal Year
  Last Fiscal Year
  Fiscal Year
  Distributions
  Fiscal Year-End
 
Name
 ($)(1)  ($)(2)  ($)(3)  ($)  ($) 
 
Ben R. Leedle, Jr.  $48,667  $70,140  $36,096  $117,170  $454,671 
Mary A. Chaput $19,647  $35,352  $18,388  $72,565  $224,812 
James E. Pope, M.D.  $29,614  $37,430  $16,658  $10,978  $222,955 
Donald B. Taylor $22,541  $39,944  $33,029     $429,927 
Robert E. Stone $18,767  $34,805  $92,055     $1,152,277 
(1)These amounts are included in the Summary Compensation table in the “Salary” column.
(2)This column includes awards credited to executive officers on December 31, 2006 under the CAP of 9.3% of base salary earned during calendar year 2006 based on our earnings per share performance during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006. These amounts were earned during fiscal 2006 and were reported as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal 2006. It also includes a Company matching contribution made on December 31, 2006 on the Named Executive Officers’ deferrals to the CAP for calendar year 2006. A portion of this matching contribution was earned during fiscal 2007 and was reported as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal 2007, with the remainder being reported as compensation in fiscal 2006. The portion reported as compensation for fiscal 2007 is as follows: Mr. Leedle ($4,160); Ms. Chaput ($1,247); Dr. Pope ($1,421); Mr. Taylor ($1,632); and Mr. Stone ($1,201). The Company’s contributions to the CAP vest equally over four years.
(3)Amounts represent the Named Executive Officer’s earnings during fiscal 2007 on balances in the CAP. The above-market portion of the earnings in this column is included in the Summary Compensation table in the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control of the Company
We have employment agreements with each of our Named Executive Officers. These agreements contain restrictive provisions relating to the use of confidential information, competing against the Company and soliciting any customers or employees of the Company during the term of employment and for a period of12-24 months thereafter. The agreements provide that employment may be terminated at any time by the mutual written agreement of the Company and the executive. Executives’ employment can also be terminated for any of the following reasons:
1) Involuntary without Cause — the Board may at any time terminate employment of an executive by delivery of a written notice of termination to the executive;
2) Involuntary for Cause — the executive may be terminated for continued failure to performhis/her duties or for violation of company policies and procedures;


32


3) Voluntary without Good Reason — the executive may terminate employment at any time by delivery of a written notice of resignation to the Company no less than 60 days and no more than 90 days prior to the effective date of the executive’s resignation;
4) Voluntary for Good Reason — the executive may resign by delivery of a written notice of resignation to the Company within 60 days of an occurrence of any of the following events:
a. a reduction in the executive’s base salary (unless such reduction is part of an across the board reduction affecting all Company executives with a comparable title), title, or responsibilities;
b. a requirement by the Company to relocate the executive to a location that is more than 25 miles from the location of the executive’s current office; or
c. a change in control that results in a change inhis/her employment agreement with adverse effects inhis/her status;
5) Involuntary without Cause or Voluntary for Good Reason within 12 Months of a Change in Control — the executive may terminate employment within twelve months of a change in control without cause or for good reason.
Change in Control is defined as (i) when any person or entity other than the Company becomes the beneficial owner of the Company’s securities having 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company that may be cast for the election of directors of the Company, (ii) as the result of, or in connection with, any cash tender or exchange offer, merger or other business combination, sales of assets or contested election, or any combination of the foregoing transactions, less than a majority of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company or any successor corporation or entity entitled to vote generally in the election of the directors of the Company or such other corporation or entity after such transaction are held in the aggregate by the holders of the Company’s securities entitled to vote generally in the election of the directors of the Company immediately prior to such transaction, or (iii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of any such period constitute the Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, of each director of the Company first elected during such period was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors of the Company then still in office who were directors of the Company at the beginning of any such period;
6) Disability — any physical or mental disability entitling the executive to long-term disability or if the executive is unable to perform essential functions ofhis/her regular duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations due to a medically determined physical or mental illness which has lasted (or can reasonably be expected to last) for a period of six consecutive months; or
7) Death.
Following are the potential payments to be made by the Company to each of the named executive officers upon termination or a change in control of the Company. These benefits are in excess of those usually provided to salaried employees. The payment amounts assume an effective termination date of August 31, 2007. These amounts include earnings through August 31, 2007 and are estimates of compensation that would be paid to the Named Executive Officers at the time of termination. The exact amounts of compensation can only be determined on the actual date that each executive separates from the Company.
Vested equity and CAP balances are excluded from the tables below as they are payable at the time of termination. None of the named executive officers are eligible for normal or early retirement at August 31, 2007 based on such definitions in the equity award agreements and the CAP plan document.


33


In addition to the Company compensation outlined in the tables below, third party insurance companies will provide life insurance and disability benefits if the executives separate for reasons of death or disability. If the Named Executive Officers had terminated as of August 31, 2007 due to death, Mr. Leedle, Mr. Taylor and Dr. Pope’s beneficiaries would have received $1,050,000 in a lump sum payout from a third party insurance provider. Ms. Chaput’s beneficiaries would have received $750,000, and Mr. Stone’s beneficiaries would have received $1,193,000. If the Named Executive Officers had terminated as of August 31, 2007 due to disability, each of the Named Executive Officers would have been entitled to receive a monthly benefit of $20,000 until age 67. This benefit could be offset by other sources of income, such as Social Security or other disability benefits.
Ben R. Leedle, Jr., Chief Executive Officer
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change in control of the Company for Mr. Leedle.
             
  Involuntary Without
     Voluntary
 
  Cause or Voluntary
  Involuntary
  Without Good
 
  For Good Reason
  For Cause
  Reason
 
  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07 
 
Cash Severance
 $1,320,000(2) $  $55,000(9)
Group Medical Benefits
  36,889(1)     1,537(9)
Bonus(7)
         
Performance Award
  327,723(4)      
Stock Options
  9,458,224(8)      
Restricted Stock Units
  900,035(8)      
Capital Accumulation Plan
  454,671(10)      
Additional Severance(3)
  330,000   330,000    
Accrued Vacation Pay(6)
  34,172   34,172   34,172 
Excise Tax Gross Up(11)
         
             
Total
 $12,861,715  $364,172  $90,709 
             
(Continued)
             
  Involuntary Without
       
  Cause or Voluntary For
       
  Good Reason
       
  Within 12 Months of a
       
  Change in Control
  Disability
  Death
 
  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07 
 
Cash Severance
 $1,320,000(2) $1,320,000(5)(2) $ 
Group Medical Benefits
  36,889(1)  36,889(5)(1)   
Bonus(7)
         
Performance Award
  327,723(4)  327,723(4)  327,723(4)
Stock Options
  9,458,224(8)  9,458,224(8)  9,458,224(8)
Restricted Stock Units
  900,035(8)  900,035(8)  900,035(8)
Capital Accumulation Plan
  454,671(10)  454,671(10)  454,671(10)
Additional Severance(3)
  330,000   330,000(5)   
Accrued Vacation Pay(6)
  34,172   34,172   34,172 
Excise Tax Gross Up (11)
  1,385,338       
             
Total
 $14,247,053  $12,861,715  $11,174,825 
             


34


(1)Represents the Company’s portion of premiums for group medical benefits to be paid for 24 months following the executive’s termination.
(2)Represents 24 months of executive’s base salary to be paid at regular payroll dates following the executive’s termination. Following a change in control, the payments may be paid in a lump sum no later than sixty days following the date of termination or periodically at regular payroll dates at the executive’s election.
(3)Assumes execution of full release of claims in favor of the Company. Represents six months of the executive’s base salary to be paid at regular payroll dates following the executive’s termination (or in a lump sum in the case of a change in control at the executive’s election).
(4)Represents the value of the equity award earned during fiscal 2007 under the Company’s performance-based cash incentive plan. Amount was calculated based on the Company’s average EPS growth (excluding long-term incentive compensation) over the last three fiscal years, including fiscal 2007, times the executive’s average salary over that same period. For fiscal 2007, this amount was awarded in the form of equity, which was granted in October 2007, in lieu of cash. Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, unvested equity shall vest and become exercisable.
(5)Although not reflected in this table, this amount would be reduced by any disability insurance payments paid by the insurance company to the executive as a result of the executive’s disability. In the event of disability, the executive would receive $20,000 per each month of disability from the insurance company.
(6)Based on the executive’s employment agreement, the executive is entitled to at least four weeks of vacation each calendar year. The calculation above assumes that the executive has not taken any vacation during calendar year 2007. Therefore the amount in the table represents the dollar value of the vacation hours earned from January through August 2007. The actual payout amounts could be lower based on actual vacation taken.
(7)The executive is entitled to a pro-rata portion of the Company’s Short-Term Incentive Plan as of the date of termination. The bonus plan amount is determined after the end of the fiscal year for which the bonus plan was in place. Cash awards under the 2007 Incentive Bonus Plan were based upon a comparison of actual earnings per share (“EPS”) of the Company and targeted earnings per share as approved by the Compensation Committee for fiscal 2007 at the beginning of the fiscal year, as well as meeting certain individual qualitative goals and objectives. For fiscal 2007, the executive was eligible to receive an award up to 60% of his base salary. Based on EPS for fiscal 2007, the executive did not earn an award under the 2007 Incentive Bonus Plan as reflected in the table above. No additional bonus amounts would be paid during the severance period.
(8)Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, unvested equity shall vest and become exercisable. The values in the table are based upon the difference between the 4:00 p.m. closing bid price of the Company’s Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market on August 31, 2007 of $49.80 per share and the exercise price of the awards. Restricted stock units have an exercise price of zero.
(9)For termination by the executive without good reason, the executive is entitled to base salary and benefits through the next payroll date following termination.
(10)Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, all amounts contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) for the benefit of the executive shall vest. The amount in the table above reflects the executive’s aggregate CAP balance as of August 31, 2007 as shown in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table. Of this amount, $317,104 was vested as of August 31, 2007. The remaining portion was unvested at August 31, 2007 but would vest upon termination by the executive.


35


(11)Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes a 20% excise tax on certain payments made to employees in connection with a change of control. In the event this excise tax was to be imposed on the executive under certain circumstances, the Company has agreed to reimburse the executive for the amount of the tax, as well as any additional taxes on this gross up. The estimate set forth above is based on a number of assumptions. Facts and circumstances at the time of any change in control transaction and termination thereafter as well as changes in the executive’s compensation history preceding such a transaction could materially impact whether and to what extent the excise tax will be imposed and therefore the amount of any potentialgross-up. For purposes of performing this calculation, we have made the following additional assumptions: the executive’s unvested equity grants that accelerate upon a change in control are surrendered for cash based on a stock price at August 31, 2007 of $49.80; an individual effective tax rate of 36.45% (composed of a federal tax rate of 35.00% and FICA/FUTA of 1.45%); and a 120% Applicable Federal Rate (AFR) as of August 2007 of 6.04% for monthly compounding. AFR is applicable in determining the value of accelerating vesting of stock options and restricted stock units in computing these excise taxes.
Mary A. Chaput, EVP and Chief Financial Officer
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change in control of the Company for Ms. Chaput.
             
  Involuntary Without
     Voluntary
 
  Cause or Voluntary
  Involuntary
  Without Good
 
  For Good Reason
  For Cause
  Reason
 
  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07 
 
Cash Severance
 $539,550(2) $  $29,975(9)
Group Medical Benefits
  9,927(1)     551(9)
Bonus(7)
         
Performance Award
  90,841(4)      
Stock Options
  749,652(8)      
Restricted Stock Units
  288,043(8)      
Capital Accumulation Plan
  224,812(10)      
Additional Severance(3)
  179,850   179,850    
Accrued Vacation Pay(6)
  18,624   18,624   18,624 
             
Total
 $2,101,299  $198,474  $49,150 
             


36


(Continued)
             
  Involuntary Without
       
  Cause or Voluntary For
       
  Good Reason
       
  Within 12 Months of a
       
  Change in Control
  Disability
  Death
 
  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07 
 
Cash Severance
 $539,550(2) $539,550(5)(2) $ 
Group Medical Benefits
  9,927(1)  13,236(5)(1)   
Bonus(7)
         
Performance Award
  90,841(4)  90,841(4)  90,841(4)
Stock Options
  749,652(8)  749,652(8)  749,652(8)
Restricted Stock Units
  288,043(8)  288,043(8)  288,043(8)
Capital Accumulation Plan
  224,812(10)  224,812(10)  224,812(10)
Additional Severance(3)
  179,850   179,850(5)   
Accrued Vacation Pay(6)
  18,624   18,624   18,624 
             
Total
 $2,101,299  $2,104,608  $1,371,972 
             
(1)Represents the Company’s portion of premiums for group medical benefits to be paid for 18 months following the executive’s termination. For termination due to disability, represents 24 months of premiums.
(2)Represents 18 months of executive’s base salary to be paid at regular payroll dates following the executive’s termination. Following a change in control, the payments may be paid in a lump sum no later than sixty days following the date of termination or periodically at regular payroll dates at the executive’s election.
(3)Assumes execution of full release of claims in favor of the Company. Represents six months of the executive’s base salary to be paid at regular payroll dates following the executive’s termination (or in a lump sum in the case of a change in control at the executive’s election).
(4)Represents the value of the equity award earned during fiscal 2007 under the Company’s performance-based cash incentive plan. Amount was calculated based on the Company’s average EPS growth (excluding long-term incentive compensation) over the last three fiscal years, including fiscal 2007, times the executive’s average salary over that same period. For fiscal 2007, this amount was awarded in the form of equity, which was granted in October 2007, in lieu of cash. Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, unvested equity shall vest and become exercisable.
(5)Although not reflected in this table, this amount would be reduced by any disability insurance payments paid by the insurance company to the executive as a result of the executive’s disability. In the event of disability, the executive would receive $20,000 per each month of disability from the insurance company.
(6)Based on the executive’s employment agreement, the executive is entitled to at least four weeks of vacation each calendar year. The calculation above assumes that the executive has not taken any vacation during calendar year 2007. Therefore the amount in the table represents the dollar value of the vacation hours earned from January through August 2007. The actual payout amounts could be lower based on actual vacation taken.
(7)The executive is entitled to a pro-rata portion of the Company’s Incentive Bonus Plan as of the date of termination. The bonus plan amount is determined after the end of the fiscal year for which the bonus plan was in place. Cash awards under the 2007 Short-Term Incentive Plan were based upon a comparison of actual earnings per share (“EPS”) of the Company and targeted earnings per share as approved by the Compensation Committee for fiscal 2007 at the beginning of the fiscal year, as well as meeting certain individual qualitative


37


goals and objectives. For fiscal 2007, the executive was eligible to receive an award up to 45% of her base salary. Based on EPS for fiscal 2007, the executive did not earn an award under the 2007 Incentive Bonus Plan as reflected in the table above. No additional bonus amounts would be paid during the severance period.
(8)Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, unvested equity shall vest and become exercisable. The values in the table are based upon the difference between the 4:00 p.m. closing bid price of the Company’s Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market on August 31, 2007 of $49.80 per share and the exercise price of the awards. Restricted stock units have an exercise price of zero.
(9)For termination by the executive without good reason, the executive is entitled to base salary and benefits through the next payroll date following termination.
(10)Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, all amounts contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) for the benefit of the executive shall vest. The amount in the table above reflects the executive’s aggregate CAP balance as of August 31, 2007 as shown in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table. Of this amount, $151,944 was vested as of August 31, 2007. The remaining portion was unvested at August 31, 2007 but would vest upon termination by the executive.
James E. Pope, EVP and Chief Operating Officer
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change in control of the Company for Dr. Pope.
                 
  Involuntary Without
     Voluntary
  Voluntary
 
  Cause or Voluntary
  Involuntary
  Without Good
  For Good
 
  For Good Reason
  For Cause
  Reason
  Reason
 
  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07 
 
Cash Severance
 $577,715(2) $  $32,095(9) $577,715(2)
Group Medical Benefits
  27,667(1)     1,537(9)  27,667(1)
Bonus(7)
            
Performance Award
  95,281(4)        95,281(4)
Stock Options
  1,458,765(8)        1,458,765(8)
Restricted Stock Units
  298,451(8)        298,451(8)
Capital Accumulation Plan
  222,955(10)        222,955(10)
Additional Severance(3)
  192,572   192,572      192,572 
Accrued Vacation Pay(6)
  19,941   19,941   19,941   19,941 
                 
Total
 $2,893,346  $212,512  $53,573  $2,893,346 
                 


38


(Continued)
             
  Involuntary Without
       
  Cause or Voluntary For
       
  Good Reason
       
  Within 12 Months of a
       
  Change in Control
  Disability
  Death
 
  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07 
 
Cash Severance
 $577,715(2) $577,715(5)(2) $ 
Group Medical Benefits
  27,667(1)  36,889(5)(1)   
Bonus(7)
         
Performance Award
  95,281(4)  95,281(4)  95,281(4)
Stock Options
  1,458,765(8)  1,458,765(8)  1,458,765(8)
Restricted Stock Units
  298,451(8)  298,451(8)  298,451(8)
Capital Accumulation Plan
  222,955(10)  222,955(10)  222,955(10)
Additional Severance(3)
  192,572   192,572(5)   
Accrued Vacation Pay(6)
  19,941   19,941   19,941 
             
Total
 $2,893,346  $2,902,569  $2,095,393 
             
(1)Represents the Company’s portion of premiums for group medical benefits to be paid for 18 months following the executive’s termination. For termination due to disability, represents 24 months of premiums.
(2)Represents 18 months of executive’s base salary to be paid at regular payroll dates following the executive’s termination. Following a change in control, the payments may be paid in a lump sum no later than sixty days following the date of termination or periodically at regular payroll dates at the executive’s election.
(3)Assumes execution of full release of claims in favor of the Company. Represents six months of the executive’s base salary to be paid at regular payroll dates following the executive’s termination (or in a lump sum in the case of a change in control at the executive’s election).
(4)Represents the value of the equity award earned during fiscal 2007 under the Company’s performance-based cash incentive plan. Amount was calculated based on the Company’s average EPS growth (excluding long-term incentive compensation) over the last three fiscal years, including fiscal 2007, times the executive’s average salary over that same period. For fiscal 2007, this amount was awarded in the form of equity, which was granted in October 2007, in lieu of cash. Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, unvested equity shall vest and become exercisable.
(5)Although not reflected in this table, this amount would be reduced by any disability insurance payments paid by the insurance company to the executive as a result of the executive’s disability. In the event of disability, the executive would receive $20,000 per each month of disability from the insurance company.
(6)Based on the executive’s employment agreement, the executive is entitled to at least four weeks of vacation each calendar year. The calculation above assumes that the executive has not taken any vacation during calendar year 2007. Therefore the amount in the table represents the dollar value of the vacation hours earned from January through August 2007. The actual payout amounts could be lower based on actual vacation taken.
(7)The executive is entitled to a pro-rata portion of the Company’s Short-Term Incentive Plan as of the date of termination. The bonus plan amount is determined after the end of the fiscal year for which the bonus plan was in place. Cash awards under the 2007 Incentive Bonus Plan were based upon a comparison of actual earnings per share (“EPS”) of the Company and targeted earnings per share as approved by the Compensation


39


Committee for fiscal 2007 at the beginning of the fiscal year, as well as meeting certain individual qualitative goals and objectives. For fiscal 2007, the executive was eligible to receive an award up to 45% of his base salary. Based on EPS for fiscal 2007, the executive did not earn an award under the 2007 Incentive Bonus Plan as reflected in the table above. No additional bonus amounts would be paid during the severance period.
(8)Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, unvested equity shall vest and become exercisable. The values in the table are based upon the difference between the 4:00 p.m. closing bid price of the Company’s Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market on August 31, 2007 of $49.80 per share and the exercise price of the awards. Restricted stock units have an exercise price of zero.
(9)For termination by the executive without good reason, the executive is entitled to base salary and benefits through the next payroll date following termination.
(10)Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, all amounts contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) for the benefit of the executive shall vest. The amount in the table above reflects the executive’s aggregate CAP balance as of August 31, 2007 as shown in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table. Of this amount, $145,700 was vested as of August 31, 2007. The remaining portion was unvested at August 31, 2007 but would vest upon termination by the executive.
Donald B. Taylor, EVP, Sales and Marketing
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change in control of the Company for Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor is resigning from the Company effective December 31, 2007 and will receive base salary, benefits, and accrued vacation pay, if any, through the date of his termination.
             
  Involuntary Without
     Voluntary
 
  Cause or Voluntary
  Involuntary
  Without Good
 
  For Good Reason
  For Cause
  Reason
 
  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07 
 
Cash Severance
 $570,938(2) $  $31,719(9)
Group Medical Benefits
  27,667(1)     1,537(9)
Bonus(7)
         
Performance Award
  101,075(4)      
Stock Options
  1,495,416(8)      
Restricted Stock Units
  329,676(8)      
Capital Accumulation Plan
  429,927(10)      
Additional Severance(3)
  190,313   190,313    
Accrued Vacation Pay(6)
  19,707   19,707   19,707 
             
Total
 $3,164,718  $210,019  $52,963 
             


40


(Continued)
             
  Involuntary Without
       
  Cause or Voluntary For
       
  Good Reason
       
  Within 12 Months of a
       
  Change in Control
  Disability
  Death
 
  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07 
 
Cash Severance
 $570,938(2) $570,938(5)(2) $ 
Group Medical Benefits
  27,667(1)  36,889(5)(1)   
Bonus(7)
         
Performance Award
  101,075(4)  101,075(4)  101,075(4)
Stock Options
  1,495,416(8)  1,495,416(8)  1,495,416(8)
Restricted Stock Units
  329,676(8)  329,676(8)  329,676(8)
Capital Accumulation Plan
  429,927(10)  429,927(10)  429,927(10)
Additional Severance(3)
  190,313   190,313(5)   
Accrued Vacation Pay(6)
  19,707   19,707   19,707 
             
Total
 $3,164,718  $3,173,940  $2,375,801 
             
(1)Represents the Company’s portion of premiums for group medical benefits to be paid for 18 months following the executive’s termination. For termination due to disability, represents 24 months of premiums.
(2)Represents 18 months of executive’s base salary to be paid at regular payroll dates following the executive’s termination. Following a change in control, the payments may be paid in a lump sum no later than sixty days following the date of termination or periodically at regular payroll dates at the executive’s election.
(3)Assumes execution of full release of claims in favor of the Company. Represents six months of the executive’s base salary to be paid at regular payroll dates following the executive’s termination (or in a lump sum in the case of a change in control at the executive’s election).
(4)Represents the value of the equity award earned during fiscal 2007 under the Company’s performance-based cash incentive plan. Amount was calculated based on the Company’s average EPS growth (excluding long-term incentive compensation) over the last three fiscal years, including fiscal 2007, times the executive’s average salary over that same period. For fiscal 2007, this amount was awarded in the form of equity, which was granted in October 2007, in lieu of cash. Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, unvested equity shall vest and become exercisable.
(5)Although not reflected in this table, this amount would be reduced by any disability insurance payments paid by the insurance company to the executive as a result of the executive’s disability. In the event of disability, the executive would receive $20,000 per each month of disability from the insurance company.
(6)Based on the executive’s employment agreement, the executive is entitled to at least four weeks of vacation each calendar year. The calculation above assumes that the executive has not taken any vacation during calendar year 2007. Therefore the amount in the table represents the dollar value of the vacation hours earned from January through August 2007. The actual payout amounts could be lower based on actual vacation taken.
(7)The executive is entitled to a pro-rata portion of the Company’s Short-Term Incentive Plan as of the date of termination. The bonus plan amount is determined after the end of the fiscal year for which the bonus plan was in place. Cash awards under the 2007 Incentive Bonus Plan were based upon a comparison of actual earnings per share (“EPS”) of the Company and targeted earnings per share as approved by the Compensation


41


Committee for fiscal 2007 at the beginning of the fiscal year, as well as meeting certain individual qualitative goals and objectives. For fiscal 2007, the executive was eligible to receive an award up to 45% of his base salary. Based on EPS for fiscal 2007, the executive did not earn an award under the 2007 Incentive Bonus Plan as reflected in the table above. No additional bonus amounts would be paid during the severance period.
(8)Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, unvested equity shall vest and become exercisable. The values in the table are based upon the difference between the 4:00 p.m. closing bid price of the Company’s Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market on August 31, 2007 of $49.80 per share and the exercise price of the awards. Restricted stock units have an exercise price of zero.
(9)For termination by the executive without good reason, the executive is entitled to base salary and benefits through the next payroll date following termination.
(10)Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, all amounts contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) for the benefit of the executive shall vest. The amount in the table above reflects the executive’s aggregate CAP balance as of August 31, 2007 as shown in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table. Of this amount, $345,809 was vested as of August 31, 2007. The remaining portion was unvested at August 31, 2007 but would vest upon termination by the executive.
Robert E. Stone, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer
The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change in control of the Company for Mr. Stone.
             
  Involuntary Without
     Voluntary
 
  Cause or Voluntary
  Involuntary
  Without Good
 
  For Good Reason
  For Cause
  Reason
 
  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07 
 
Cash Severance
 $693,000(2) $  $28,875(9)
Group Medical Benefits
  36,889(1)     1,537(9)
Bonus(7)
         
Performance Award
  90,170(4)      
Stock Options
  751,211(8)      
Restricted Stock Units
  290,832(8)      
Capital Accumulation Plan
  1,152,277(10)      
Additional Severance(3)
  173,250   173,250    
Accrued Vacation Pay(6)
  17,940   17,940   17,940 
             
Total
 $3,205,570  $191,190  $48,352 
             


42


(Continued)
             
  Involuntary Without
       
  Cause or Voluntary For
       
  Good Reason
       
  Within 12 Months of a
       
  Change in Control
  Disability
  Death
 
  on8/31/07  on8/31/07  on8/31/07 
 
Cash Severance
 $693,000(2) $693,000(5)(2) $ 
Group Medical Benefits
  36,889(1)  36,889(5)(1)   
Bonus(7)
         
Performance Award
  90,170(4)  90,170(4)  90,170(4)
Stock Options
  751,211(8)  751,211(8)  751,211(8)
Restricted Stock Units
  290,832(8)  290,832(8)  290,832(8)
Capital Accumulation Plan
  1,152,277(10)  1,152,277(10)  1,152,277(10)
Additional Severance(3)
  173,250   173,250(5)   
Accrued Vacation Pay(6)
  17,940   17,940   17,940 
             
Total
 $3,205,570  $3,205,570  $2,302,430 
             
(1)Represents the Company’s portion of premiums for group medical benefits to be paid for 24 months following the executive’s termination.
(2)Represents 24 months of executive’s base salary to be paid at regular payroll dates following the executive’s termination. Following a change in control, the payments may be paid in a lump sum no later than sixty days following the date of termination or periodically at regular payroll dates at the executive’s election.
(3)Assumes execution of full release of claims in favor of the Company. Represents six months of the executive’s base salary to be paid at regular payroll dates following the executive’s termination (or in a lump sum in the case of a change in control at the executive’s election).
(4)Represents the value of the equity award earned during fiscal 2007 under the Company’s performance-based cash incentive plan. Amount was calculated based on the Company’s average EPS growth (excluding long-term incentive compensation) over the last three fiscal years, including fiscal 2007, times the executive’s average salary over that same period. For fiscal 2007, this amount was awarded in the form of equity, which was granted in October 2007, in lieu of cash. Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, unvested equity shall vest and become exercisable.
(5)Although not reflected in this table, this amount would be reduced by any disability insurance payments paid by the insurance company to the executive as a result of the executive’s disability. In the event of disability, the executive would receive $20,000 per each month of disability from the insurance company.
(6)Based on the executive’s employment agreement, the executive is entitled to at least four weeks of vacation each calendar year. The calculation above assumes that the executive has not taken any vacation during calendar year 2007. Therefore the amount in the table represents the dollar value of the vacation hours earned from January through August 2007. The actual payout amounts could be lower based on actual vacation taken.
(7)The executive is entitled to a pro-rata portion of the Company’s Short-Term Incentive Plan as of the date of termination. The bonus plan amount is determined after the end of the fiscal year for which the bonus plan was in place. Cash awards under the 2007 Incentive Bonus Plan were based upon a comparison of actual earnings per share (“EPS”) of the Company and targeted earnings per share as approved by the Compensation


43


Committee for fiscal 2007 at the beginning of the fiscal year, as well as meeting certain individual qualitative goals and objectives. For fiscal 2007, the executive was eligible to receive an award up to 45% of his base salary. Based on EPS for fiscal 2007, the executive did not earn an award under the 2007 Incentive Bonus Plan as reflected in the table above. No additional bonus amounts would be paid during the severance period.
(8)Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, unvested equity shall vest and become exercisable. The values in the table are based upon the difference between the 4:00 p.m. closing bid price of the Company’s Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market on August 31, 2007 of $49.80 per share and the exercise price of the awards. Restricted stock units have an exercise price of zero.
(9)For termination by the executive without good reason, the executive is entitled to base salary and benefits through the next payroll date following termination.
(10)Following a termination without cause, for good reason, without cause or for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, or because of disability or death, all amounts contributed by the Company to the Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) for the benefit of the executive shall vest. The amount in the table above reflects the executive’s aggregate CAP balance as of August 31, 2007 as shown in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table. Of this amount, $1,079,023 was vested as of August 31, 2007. The remaining portion was unvested at August 31, 2007 but would vest upon termination by the executive.
Director Compensation
Directors who are officers or employees of the Company receive no additional compensation, as such, for serving as members of the Board of Directors.
During fiscal 2007, directors who were not officers or employees of, or consultants to, the Company (“Outside Directors”) each received a $25,000 annual cash retainer as well as $3,000 for each non-regularly scheduled meeting attended lasting for one hour or more and $1,000 for each non-regularly scheduled meeting attended lasting less than one hour. In addition, Outside Directors who had served as directors of the Company for at least 12 months each received an option to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock, which was awarded on the date of the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Mr. Wickens was newly elected to the Board of Directors at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and was granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock on such date. Equity awards to Outside Directors during fiscal 2007 were not issued pursuant to a written policy; however, both the number of shares awarded and the timing of such awards were consistent with recent years’ equity awards to Outside Directors.
In addition to the cash retainer and option grants discussed above, during fiscal 2007 committee chairs received $7,500 for each Audit Committee meeting attended and $6,000 for each Compensation Committee or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meeting attended. Other Outside Directors received $3,000 for each committee meeting attended.


44


The following table summarizes the compensation to each member of the Board of Directors during fiscal 2007.
                 
  Fees Earned or
  Option
       
  Paid in
  Awards
  All Other
    
  Cash
  ($)
  Compensation
  Total
 
Name
 ($)  (1)  ($)  ($) 
 
Thomas G. Cigarran $  $  $260,378(2) $260,378 
John W. Ballantine $137,500  $118,278  $  $255,728 
Jay C. Bisgard, M.D.  $112,000  $118,278  $  $230,278 
Frank A. Ehmann(3) $43,417  $106,248  $  $149,665 
Mary Jane England, M.D.  $88,000  $99,918  $  $187,918 
Henry D. Herr $     $100,000(4) $100,000 
L. Ben Lytle $  $  $199,417(5) $199,417 
C. Warren Neel, Ph.D.  $76,000  $156,969  $  $232,969 
William C. O’Neil, Jr.  $82,000  $106,969  $  $188,969 
Alison Taunton-Rigby, Ph.D.  $61,000  $207,212  $  $268,212 
John A. Wickens $29,583  $114,495  $  $144,078 
(1)Reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes, disregarding the estimate of forfeitures, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007 in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) and includes amounts from awards granted in and prior to fiscal 2007. The grant-date fair value of stock options granted to the Outside Directors during fiscal 2007 was $26.57 per option. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are disclosed in footnote 12 to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, included in our Annual Report onForm 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2007. The following directors had option awards outstanding as of August 31, 2007: Mr. Cigarran (375,646); Mr. Ballantine (45,000); Dr. Bisgard (45,000); Dr. England (25,000); Dr. Neel (30,000); Mr. O’Neil (30,000); Dr. Taunton-Rigby (20,000); and Mr. Wickens (15,000).
(2)Amount reflects compensation earned under the terms on an employment agreement dated February 1, 2006 for Mr. Cigarran’s service as Chairman of the Company as well as $10,378 of life insurance premiums we paid for Mr. Cigarran’s benefit.
(3)Retired from the Board effective February 2, 2007.
(4)During fiscal 2007, Mr. Herr served as a part-time employee of the Company, providing us with advisory services with respect to ongoing business issues and special projects, and was paid $100,000 pursuant to an Employment Agreement with us dated November 20, 2001, as amended October 7, 2005.
(5)Amount reflects fees paid to Mr. Lytle for consulting services provided to us during fiscal 2007 pursuant to a Consulting Agreement between the Company and Rincon Advisors, LLC, dated October 11, 2006.
If re-elected by the stockholders as a director, beginning on February 14, 2008, Mr. Cigarran will be paid $200,000 in cash per year for serving as Chairman of the Board. In addition, he will receive the equivalent equity compensation awarded to the other directors, as determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. He will receive no other additional compensation for his service on the Board of Directors or attendance at any Board or committee meetings.
We currently have an employment agreement with Mr. Cigarran which commenced on September 1, 2005 and has a continuous term expiring on the date of our Annual Meeting in January 2008, but in no event later than


45


January 31, 2008. The agreement provides that we will pay Mr. Cigarran a base salary of $250,000 and will continue to pay the premiums on a $500,000 term life insurance policy for Mr. Cigarran, which shall be payable upon Mr. Cigarran’s death to Mr. Cigarran’s estate or to such beneficiaries as Mr. Cigarran designates. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Cigarran may participate in our health, dental, vision, life insurance plans, and long and short-term disability plans but shall not participate in our bonus plan or long-term incentive plans. The agreement provides that if the Company terminates thewe terminate Mr. Cigarran’s employment of Mr. Leedle without “Cause” (as defined in the agreement) prior to a “Change of Control” (as defined in the agreement) or due to a disability, or if, Mr. LeedleCigarran terminates the agreement for “Good Reason” (as defined in the agreement), heor the agreement is terminated due to disability, Mr. Cigarran will receive his baseseverance benefits (base salary and group medical benefits) for a total of 2418 months following the date of termination (or for a total of 30 months2 years following the date of termination upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company), provided that in the event of termination due to disability, Mr. Cigarran will receive his base salary for the lesser of 18 months following the date of termination or the remaining term of his employment agreement (and for an additional 6 months upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company), plus group medical benefits for a totalthe lesser of 24 months after the date of termination and inor the caseremaining term of disability,his employment agreement, reduced by amounts received as disability insurance payments. He will also receive a pro-rata portion of any bonus plan to which he is entitled. In addition, all unvested equity awards will vest on the date of termination and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of theour stock option or restricted stock agreements between the Company andwith Mr. Leedle,Cigarran, and amounts we contributed by the Company to the CAPCapital Accumulation Plan (“CAP”) for theMr. Cigarran’s benefit of Mr. Leedle shall vest and be paid out in accordance with the terms of the CAP. If Mr. Leedle is terminated without Cause or if Mr. Leedle terminates the agreement for Good Reason within 12 months following a Change of Control of the Company, he will have the option to receive his base salary and benefits to which he is entitled, as described above, in a lump sum payment or in periodic regular payments. In the event Mr. Leedle is terminated for Cause, the Company would not be obligated to pay any amounts except earned but unpaid base salary and benefits through the date of termination; provided, however, that Mr. Leedle will receive six (6) months of base salary following the date of termination upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company. Mr. Leedle would also be entitled to exercise vested equity awards in accordance with the terms of the equity award agreements and receive vested CAP contributions. If Mr. Leedle voluntarily terminates his employment (other than for Good Reason or following a Change of Control), the Company would not be obligated to pay any amounts except earned but unpaid base salary and benefits through the next payroll date following the date of termination. Mr. Leedle would also be entitled to exercise vested equity awards in accordance with the terms of the equity award agreements and receive vested CAP contributions. In the event Mr. Leedle dies, the Company is obligated to pay earned but unpaid base salary through the date of his death and a pro-rata portion of any bonus plan to which he is entitled as well as any amounts due under the Company’s life insurance policies and other plans as they relate to benefits following death. In addition, all unvested equity awards will vest on the date of termination and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the stock option or restricted stock agreements between the Company and Mr. Leedle, and amounts contributed by the Company to the CAP for the benefit of Mr. Leedle shall vest and be paid out in accordance with the terms of the CAP. The agreement contains restrictive provisions relating to the use of confidential information, competing against the Company and soliciting any of our customers or employees of the Company during the term of employment and for a period of 12 to 24 months thereafter.
The Company’s employment agreement with Mr. Taylor, the Company’s Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, commenced on September 1, 2005 and has a continuous term of two years thereafter. The agreement provides that Mr. Taylor’s employment may be terminated at any time by the mutual written agreement of the Company and Mr. Taylor. The agreement provides that if the Company terminates the employment of Mr. Taylor without “Cause” (as defined in the agreement) prior to a “Change of Control” (as defined in the agreement) or due to a disability, or if Mr. Taylor terminates the agreement for “Good Reason” (as defined in the agreement), he will receive his base salary for a total of 18 months following the date of termination (or for a total of two years following the date of termination upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company), plus group medical


31


benefits for a total of 18 months after the date of termination, or in the case of disability, for a total of two years after the date of termination, reduced by amounts received as disability insurance payments. He will also receive a pro-rata portion of any bonus plan to which he is entitled. In addition, all unvested equity awards will vest on the date of termination and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the stock option or restricted stock agreements between the Company and Mr. Taylor, and amounts contributed by the Company to the CAP for the benefit of Mr. Taylor shall vest and be paid out in accordance with the terms of the CAP. If Mr. Taylor is terminated without Cause or if Mr. Taylor terminates the agreement for Good Reason within 12 months following a Change of Control of the Company, he will have the option to receive his base salary and benefits to which he is entitled, as described above, in a lump sum payment or in periodic regular payments. In the event Mr. Taylor is terminated for Cause, the Company would not be obligated to pay any amounts except earned but unpaid base salary and benefits through the date of termination; provided, however, that Mr. Taylor will receive six (6) months of base salary following the date of termination upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company. Mr. Taylor would also be entitled to exercise vested equity awards in accordance with the terms of the equity award agreements and receive vested CAP contributions. If Mr. Taylor voluntarily terminates his employment (other than for Good Reason or following a Change of Control), the Company would not be obligated to pay any amounts except earned but unpaid base salary and benefits through the next payroll date following the date of termination. Mr. Taylor would also be entitled to exercise vested equity awards in accordance with the terms of the equity award agreements and receive vested CAP contributions. In the event Mr. Taylor dies, the Company is obligated to pay earned but unpaid base salary through the date of his death and a pro-rata portion of any bonus plan to which he is entitled as well as any amounts due under the Company’s life insurance policies and other plans as they relate to benefits following death. In addition, all unvested equity awards will vest on the date of termination and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the stock option or restricted stock agreements between the Company and Mr. Taylor, and amounts contributed by the Company to the CAP for the benefit of Mr. Taylor shall vest and be paid out in accordance with the terms of the CAP. The agreement contains restrictive provisions relating to the use of confidential information, competing against the Company and soliciting any customers or employees of the Company during the term of employment and for a period of 18 to 24 months thereafter.
The Company’s employment agreement with Dr. Pope, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, commenced on September 1, 2005 and has a continuous term of two years thereafter. The agreement provides that Dr. Pope’s employment may be terminated at any time by the mutual written agreement of the Company and Dr. Pope. The agreement provides that if the Company terminates the employment of Dr. Pope without “Cause” (as defined in the agreement) prior to a “Change of Control” (as defined in the agreement) or due to a disability, or if Dr. Pope terminates the agreement for “Good Reason” (as defined in the agreement), he will receive his base salary for a total of 18 months following the date of termination (or for a total of two years following the date of termination upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company), plus group medical benefits for a total of 18 months after the date of termination, or in the case of disability, for a total of two years after the date of termination, reduced by amounts received as disability insurance payments. He will also receive a pro-rata portion of any bonus plan to which he is entitled. In addition, all unvested equity awards will vest on the date of termination and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the stock option or restricted stock agreements between the Company and Dr. Pope, and amounts contributed by the Company to the CAP for the benefit of Dr. Pope shall vest and be paid out in accordance with the terms of the CAP. If Dr. Pope is terminated without Cause or if Dr. Pope terminates the agreement for Good Reason within 12 months following a Change of Control of the Company, he will have the option to receive his base salary and benefits to which he is entitled, as described above, in a lump sum payment or in periodic regular payments. In the event Dr. Pope is terminated for Cause, the Company would not be obligated to pay any amounts except earned but unpaid base salary and benefits through the date of termination; provided, however, that Dr. Pope will receive six (6) months of base salary following the date of


32


termination upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company. Dr. Pope would also be entitled to exercise vested equity awards in accordance with the terms of the equity award agreements and receive vested CAP contributions. If Dr. Pope voluntarily terminates his employment (other than for Good Reason or following a Change of Control), the Company would not be obligated to pay any amounts except earned but unpaid base salary and benefits through the next payroll date following the date of termination. Dr. Pope would also be entitled to exercise vested equity awards in accordance with the terms of the equity award agreements and receive vested CAP contributions. In the event Dr. Pope dies, the Company is obligated to pay earned but unpaid base salary through the date of his death and a pro-rata portion of any bonus plan to which he is entitled as well as any amounts due under the Company’s life insurance policies and other plans as they relate to benefits following death. In addition, all unvested equity awards will vest on the date of termination and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the stock option or restricted stock agreements between the Company and Dr. Pope, and amounts contributed by the Company to the CAP for the benefit of Dr. Pope shall vest and be paid out in accordance with the terms of the CAP. The agreement contains restrictive provisions relating to the use of confidential information, competing against the Company and soliciting any customers or employees of the Company during the term of employment and for a period of 18 to 24 months thereafter.
The Company’s employment agreement with Mr. Stone, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, commenced on September 1, 2005 and has a continuous term of two years thereafter. The agreement provides that Mr. Stone’s employment may be terminated at any time by the mutual written agreement of the Company and Mr. Stone. The agreement provides that if the Company terminates the employment of Mr. Stone without “Cause” (as defined in the agreement) prior to a “Change of Control” (as defined in the agreement) or due to a disability, or if Mr. Stone terminates the agreement for “Good Reason” (as defined in the agreement), he will receive his base salary for a total of 24 months following the date of termination (or for a total of 30 months following the date of termination upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company), plus group medical benefits for a total of 24 months after the date of termination, and in the case of disability, reduced by amounts received as disability insurance payments. He will also receive a pro-rata portion of any bonus plan to which he is entitled. In addition, all unvested equity awards will vest on the date of termination and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the stock option or restricted stock agreements between the Company and Mr. Stone, and amounts contributed by the Company to the CAP for the benefit of Mr. Stone shall vest and be paid out in accordance with the terms of the CAP. If Mr. Stone is terminated without Cause or if Mr. Stone terminates the agreement for Good Reason within 12 months following a Change of Control of the Company, he will have the option to receive his base salary and benefits to which he is entitled, as described above, in a lump sum payment or in periodic regular payments. In the event Mr. Stone is terminated for Cause, the Company would not be obligated to pay any amounts except earned but unpaid base salary and benefits through the date of termination, provided, however, that Mr. Stone will receive six (6) months of base salary following the date of termination upon execution of a full release of claims in favor of the Company. Mr. Stone would also be entitled to exercise vested equity awards in accordance with the terms of the equity award agreements and receive vested CAP contributions. If Mr. Stone voluntarily terminates his employment (other than for Good Reason or following a Change of Control), the Company would not be obligated to pay any amounts except earned but unpaid base salary and benefits through the next payroll date following the date of termination. Mr. Stone would also be entitled to exercise vested equity awards in accordance with the terms of the equity award agreements and receive vested CAP contributions. In the event Mr. Stone dies, the Company is obligated to pay earned but unpaid base salary through the date of his death and a pro-rata portion of any bonus plan to which he is entitled as well as any amounts due under the Company’s life insurance policies and other plans as they relate to benefits following death. In addition, all unvested equity awards will vest on the date of termination and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the stock option or restricted stock agreements between the Company and Mr. Stone, and amounts contributed by the Company to the


33


CAP for the benefit of Mr. Stone shall vest and be paid out in accordance with the terms of the CAP. The Company will continue to pay the premiums on a $500,000 term life insurance policy for Mr. Stone, which shall be payable upon Mr. Stone’s death to Mr. Stone’s estate or to such beneficiaries as Mr. Stone designates. The agreement contains restrictive provisions relating to the use of confidential information, competing against the Company and soliciting any customers or employees of the Company during the term of employment and for a period of18-24 months thereafter.
 
The Company’s employment agreement withPrior to fiscal 2002, Mr. Kelliher, the Company’s Executive Vice President, International Business, currently expires in August 2007, but contains a provision that automatically extends the term for one year on each successive anniversary date of the agreement (so that the term of the agreement will always be one year) unless canceled by the Company. The agreement provides that if (i) Mr. Kelliher is terminated without “just cause” (as defined in the agreement), (ii) the Company elects not to extend Mr. Kelliher’s employment, (iii) Mr. Kelliher terminates the agreement as a resultHerr was an executive officer and director of the Company breaching any provision of the agreement and not curing that breach within 30 days ofserved as Chief Financial Officer. During fiscal 2007, Mr. Kelliher’s written notice or (iv) Mr. Kelliher terminates the agreement for any reason within 12 months followingHerr served as a “Change in Control” (as defined in the agreement)part-time employee of the Company, or a “Change in Responsibility” (as defined in the agreement), he will receive his base salary monthly for one year, plus certain benefits. In the event Mr. Kelliher is terminated for just cause, the Company shall have no further obligation to him. In the event Mr. Kelliher dies or resigns for any reason (other than following a Change in Control or Change in Responsibility as discussed above), the Company shall pay Mr. Kelliher all earned but unpaid base salary, all accrued but unused vacation and sick time and all amounts due to him under the Company’s benefit plans and, in the case of death, any amounts due under the Company’s life insurance policies and other plans as they relate to benefits following death. The agreement also provides that in the event Mr. Kelliher is terminated due to a disability, such termination will be treated as a termination without just cause and Mr. Kelliher will be entitled to the payments described above. The agreement contains restrictive provisions relating to the use of confidential information, competing against the Company and soliciting customers and employees of the Company during the term of employment and continuing during the period while any amounts are being paid to Mr. Kelliher and for a period of one year thereafter. The agreement expires in all respects on the date Mr. Kelliher becomes 65 years of age.
On September 29, 2006, the Company granted a long term performance award to Mr. Kelliher under the Company’s 1996 Plan. This award provides Mr. Kelliher a cash-based incentive to develop the Company’s international business operations by entering into signed contractsproviding us with advisory services with respect to foreign countries (“Signed Contracts”) during the four year period beginningongoing business issues and special projects, and was paid $100,000 pursuant to an Employment Agreement between Mr. Herr and us dated November 20, 2001, as amended October 7, 2005.
Beginning on SeptemberDecember 1, 2006, Mr. Lytle began serving as a consultant to the Company, focusing on growth, innovation, and endingtotal population health as well as creating and supporting strategic customer relationships. For his services, Mr. Lytle receives a payment of $20,833 per month and may receive an additional per diem fee based on August 31, 2010. The amount thatthe number of days he provides us with services. Mr. Kelliher may earn under this award while employed as headLytle was the CEO of Axia, which we acquired in December 2006.
In connection with our acquisition of Axia, Mr. Lytle purchased 123,305 shares of our common stock pursuant to the terms of a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s international operations will depend on (1) Signed Contracts entered intoSubscription Agreement, Mr. Lytle agreed not to resell the shares prior to January 1, 2008, and we granted Mr. Lytle registration rights with respect to new foreign countries, (2) the Company’s net revenue derived from Signed Contracts, (3) the achievement of adjusted operating margins in excess of targeted levels derived from Signed Contracts, and (4) the expansionresale of the Company’s international commercial relationships. The maximum amountCommon Stock.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Commission. Officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by regulation of the Commission to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of the Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto and certain written representations furnished to us, we believe that Mr. Kelliher may earn during anythe fiscal year within the four year performance period is $1,000,000.
Earned amounts that vest based on continued eligible employment during the performance period are eligibleended August 31, 2007, all filing requirements applicable to be paid to Mr. Kelliher. Accelerated vesting will result if (1) Mr. Kelliher terminates employment due to an event that entitles him to severance benefits under his employment agreement, disability or death or (2) Mr. Kelliher remains an eligible employee on a Change in Control (as defined under the 1996 Plan) or a sale of the Company’s international business operations. Except as described below, earnedour officers, directors and vested amounts will be paid as soon as practicable following the performance period or, if earlier, an event described in (2) above.
As considerationgreater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with, except for this award, Mr. Kelliher extended his non-competition and non-solicitation obligations to the Company from one to two years after terminating employment with the Company. Mr. Kelliher also agreed thatlate Form 4 filing


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otherwise earnedmade by Mr. Leedle in May 2007 relating to one transaction in May 2002 and vested amounts under this award will not be payable ifa late Form 5 filing for Mr. Kelliher materially breaches any of these obligations.Herr in November 2007 relating to transactions occurring in fiscal 2007.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider ParticipationRATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
During fiscal 2006,Under the CompensationSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations thereunder, the NASDAQ listing standards, and our Audit Committee Charter, as amended, the Audit Committee has the sole responsibility and authority to appoint our independent auditors. The Audit Committee, comprised of independent members of the Board of Directors, was composedhas appointed Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to be our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2008. Although ratification by stockholders is not a prerequisite to the Audit Committee’s appointment of Messrs. Ehmann and Ballantine, Dr. Bisgard, Dr. Neel and Dr. England. None of these persons has at any time been an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. In addition, there are no relationships among the Company’s executive officers, members of the Compensation Committee or entities whose executives serve onErnst & Young LLP, the Board of Directors orconsiders the Compensationselection of the independent auditor to be an important matter of stockholder concern and therefore, as a matter of good corporate governance, requests stockholder ratification of this action. In taking this action, the Audit Committee considered the qualifications of Ernst & Young LLP, the past performance of Ernst & Young LLP since its retention in 2002, its independence with respect to the services to be performed and its qualifications and general adherence to professional auditing standards. We have been informed that require disclosure under applicable Commission regulations.representatives of Ernst & Young LLP plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Such representatives will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to questions by the stockholders.
If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP, the Audit Committee is not obligated to appoint other independent public accountants, but will reconsider the appointment. However, even if the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may select a different independent public accountant at any time during fiscal 2008 if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of us and our stockholders.
 
Each of the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered to us by our principal accountant are shown in the table below.
         
  Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 
Type of Service
 2007  2006 
 
Audit Fees $768,000  $550,000 
Audit-Related Fees(1)  27,462   51,500 
Tax Fees(2)  18,901   8,551 
All Other Fees      
         
Total $814,363  $610,051 
(1)Audit-Related Fees in fiscal 2007 primarily included services pertaining to the review of interim financial statements in connection with the acquisition of Axia. In fiscal 2006, Audit-Related Fees primarily included services pertaining to the review of interim financial statements in connection with a definitive merger agreement we entered into which was subsequently terminated.


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(2)In fiscal 2007, tax fees included review of federal tax return and tax consultation. Tax fees in fiscal 2006 included review of federal tax return.
The Audit Committee has considered and concluded that the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with maintaining auditor independence.
The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for pre-approving all audit and permissible non-audit services performed by Ernst & Young LLP, its independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee may delegate its responsibility to pre-approve services to be performed by its independent registered public accounting firm to one or more of its members, but the Audit Committee may not delegate its pre-approval authority to management.
Under these policies, the Audit Committee pre-approves the use of audit and audit-related services following approval of the independent registered public accounting firm’s engagement. Tax and other non-audit services that are not prohibited services, provided that those services are routine and recurring services and would not impair the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, may also be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm if those services are pre-approved by the Audit Committee. Pre-approval fee levels for all services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm will be established periodically by the Audit Committee. The independent registered public accounting firm must provide detailedback-up documentation to the Audit Committee for each proposed service. The Audit Committee has pre-approved all audit and non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’sour filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the following report of the CompensationAudit Committee shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.
 
CompensationAudit Committee Report
 
The CompensationAudit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approves and recommends to the Board of Directors the compensationis composed of the Company’s executive officers. Each member of the Compensation Committee isfour directors who are independent directors as defined byunder applicable law and the NASDAQ listing standards. It is the responsibilityThe Board of Directors has determined that each member of the CompensationAudit Committee qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by the regulations of the Commission. During fiscal 2007, the Audit Committee met eleven times. In accordance with its written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of our accounting, auditing and financial reporting processes and our systems of internal control. Management has primary responsibility for our financial statements and financial reporting process, including assessing the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for planning and carrying out annual audits and quarterly reviews of our financial statements in accordance with standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, expressing an opinion on the conformity of our audited financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and auditing and reporting on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
In discharging its oversight responsibility as to determine whetherthe audit process, the Audit Committee obtained from the independent registered public accounting firm written disclosures and the formal written statement describing all relationships between the auditors and us that might bear on the auditors’ independence consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, “Independence Discussions with Audit Committees,” discussed with the auditors any relationships that may impact their objectivity and independence and satisfied itself as to the auditors’ independence. The Audit Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm with and


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without management present to discuss our internal control assessment process, management’s assessment with respect thereto, the independent registered public accounting firm’s evaluation of our system of internal control over financial reporting and the overall quality of our financial reporting. The Audit Committee reviewed with the independent registered public accounting firm their fees, audit plans, audit scope, and identification of audit risks.
The Audit Committee discussed and reviewed with the independent registered public accounting firm all communications required by generally accepted auditing standards, including those described in its judgmentStatement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, “Communications with Audit Committees”, and discussed and reviewed the executive compensation policies are reasonableresults of the independent registered public accounting firm’s examination of the financial statements.
The Audit Committee reviewed and appropriate, meet their stated objectivesdiscussed our audited financial statements as of and effectively servefor the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007 with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also reviewed and discussed the interim financial information contained in each quarterly earnings announcement and Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q with our Chief Financial Officer and our independent registered public accounting firm prior to public release of that information. On several occasions during fiscal year 2007, the Audit Committee reviewed with our independent registered public accounting firm and our internal audit department, management’s processes to assess the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, the framework used to make the assessment, and management’s conclusions on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
Based on the above-mentioned review and discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that our audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report onForm 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, for filing with the Commission.
The Board of Directors has adopted a Restated Charter of the Audit Committee, which is available on our website at www.healthways.com. The Audit Committee reviews and reassesses the adequacy of the Restated Charter annually.
Respectfully submitted,
John W. Ballantine, Chairman
C. Warren Neel
William C. O’Neil, Jr.
Jay C. Bisgard, M.D.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
On December 11, 2007, the Board of Directors unanimously approved and directed that the stockholders consider an amendment to Paragraph FOURTH of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation. The amendment to Paragraph FOURTH would increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 to 120,000,000. If this proposal is approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting, the amendment to Paragraph FOURTH will become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of Delaware, which filing is expected to take place shortly after the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
Compensation Philosophy and Policies for Executive Officers
The Compensation Committee believes that the primary objectives of the Company’s executive compensation policies should be:
• to attract, retain and motivate talented executives by providing overall compensation that is performance-based, externally competitive and internally equitable;
• to provide appropriate incentives for executives to work toward the achievement of the Company’s annual financial performance and business goals based on the Company’s annual budget; and
• to closely align the interests of executives with those of stockholders and the long-term interests of the Company by providing a combination of long-term equity-based incentive compensation along with performance-based cash awards.
The Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s executive compensation policies are strongly linked to the Company’s performance and the enhancement of stockholder value. The Compensation Committee intends to review and evaluate its compensation policies annually in light of the Company’s financial performance, its annual budget and its position within the health care services industry, as well as the compensation policies of similar companies in the health care services industry, to ensure that such policies are appropriately configured to align the interestsall of its officers and stockholders and thatto amend the Company can continue to attract, retain and motivate talented executives. The compensationCertificate of individual executives should then be reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee in light of such executive’s performance and the executive compensation policies for that year.Incorporation.


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During fiscal 2005, the Compensation Committee engaged an independent executive compensation consultant and, together with the Board of Directors, examined the Company’s overall compensation and benefits program, in particular the Company’s long-term incentive compensation benefits. Historically the Company’s long-term incentive compensation consisted almost entirely of stock option grants. The Compensation Committee requested input from both the Company’s senior management and an independent executive compensation consultant regarding a revised long-term incentive compensation structure. Following the Compensation Committee’s examination of the Company’s long-term incentive compensation structure, the Compensation Committee determined that, based on a number of factors, it was appropriate to adjust the program so that executives would be eligible to receive a combination of stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance-based cash awards, the amounts of which would vary with Company and individual performance and according to the level of responsibility.
The Compensation Committee periodically reviews executive compensation for other health care services companies. Some of the companies the Compensation Committee reviews are included among the composite group used in the Performance Graph presented in this proxy statement, consisting of the Center for Research in Security Prices Index (“CRSP”) for NASDAQ Stock Market and the CRSP Index for NASDAQ Health Services Stocks. In light of factors that are unique to the Company, the Compensation Committee believes that, while the Company competes generally with such other health care service companies, the position of the Company as a leading provider of health and care support services in the United States provides unique circumstances. These differences are important factors that the Compensation Committee expects to consider in determining executive compensation and in analyzing financial performance.
The Compensation Committee believes that in addition to corporate performance, it is appropriate in setting and reviewing executive compensation to consider the level of experience and responsibilities of each executive, the vulnerability of recruitment by other companies as well as the personal contributions a particular individual may make to the success of the corporate enterprise. Qualitative factors such as leadership skills, analytical skills, organization development, public affairs and civic involvement are deemed to be important qualitative factors to take into account in considering levels of compensation. No relative weight is assigned to these qualitative factors, which are applied subjectively by the Compensation Committee.
Compensation of Named Executive Officers
The Compensation Committee believes that the compensation of executive officers should be comprised of base compensation, annual incentive compensation and intermediate and long-term compensation and has applied the policies described herein to fiscal 2006 compensation for executive officers as described below.
Base Compensation.  In determining whether an increase in base compensation for the executive officers was appropriate for fiscal 2006, the Compensation Committee reviewed recommendations of management and consulted with the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee determined on the basis of discussions with the Chief Executive Officer, its experience in business generally and with the Company specifically what it viewed to be appropriate levels of base compensation after taking into consideration the contributions of each executive and the performance of the Company. The Compensation Committee did not assign any relative weight to the quantitative and qualitative factors it applied in reaching its base compensation decisions. The average merit increase for executive officers in fiscal 2006 (excluding the Chief Executive Officer) was 11%, including one-time increases designed to more closely align the salaries of certain executives with the market salary for their positions or promotions.


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Annual Incentive Compensation.  The Compensation Committee believes that compensation should primarily be linked to operating performance. To achieve this link with regard to short-term performance, the Compensation Committee for fiscal 2006 relied on cash bonuses awarded under the Annual Incentive Compensation Plan under which cash awards could be earned by the eligible employees, including all of the executive officers, based upon a comparison of actual earnings per share of the Company and targeted earnings per share as approved by the Compensation Committee for fiscal 2006 at the beginning of the fiscal year. Under the Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, the Chief Executive Officer may recommend, and the Compensation Committee may approve and recommend to the Board, at its discretion, cash awards under the Annual Incentive Compensation Plan based on subjective factors, such as the executive’s individual performance, unusual factors and strategic long-term decisions affecting the Company’s financial performance during the fiscal year. For fiscal year 2006, the executive officers were eligible to receive awards of up to 45% of their base salary. Based on the Company’s results for fiscal 2006, bonuses would have been paid to eligible colleagues at approximately 45% of the targeted bonus (or an amount equal to 20% of base salary in the case of executive officers). For fiscal 2006, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company recommended, and the Compensation Committee approved, that the Annual Incentive Compensation Plan award for fiscal 2006 be paid at approximately 88% of the targeted bonus, which in the case of the executive officers resulted in an Annual Incentive Compensation Plan award for fiscal 2006 equal to 39.6% of their base salary. The determination was based on the following factors. First, the Company’s core commercial business in fiscal 2006 substantially outperformed both its internal targets and analyst consensus expectations. Approximately 94% of the Company’s employees are devoted to the Company’s core commercial business, which continues to be the Company’s primary growth driver and which contributed over 97% of the Company’s revenue for fiscal 2006. Second, despite the fact that the Company did not achieve its short-term financial goals with respect to the Medicare Health Support programs, the Company is achieving a level of savings that allows for revenue to be recorded and positive operational metrics support expectations that the financial results in the future will ultimately reflect success. Lastly, the Compensation Committee believed that it was imperative that the Company acknowledge and reward the Company’s employees (including its executive officers) for the Company’s exceptional performance with respect to its core business in fiscal 2006 since that success allows the Company the opportunity to leverage its core business in emerging markets, such as the Medicare Health Support programs. For these reasons, the Chief Executive Officer recommended, and the Compensation Committee approved and recommended to the Board of Directors for their approval, the annual incentive bonuses at the levels discussed above.
Intermediate and Long-Term Incentive Compensation.  Stock options, RSUs, performance-based cash awards, contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Plan and contributions under the Company’s Capital Accumulation Plan are the principal vehicles the Company uses for payment of intermediate and long-term compensation.
401(k) Plan and Capital Accumulation Plan
As part of the 401(k) Plan, which is based on a calendar year, the Company has provided a matching contribution of 52 cents for each dollar of the participant’s voluntary salary contributions up to 6% of base salary. The annual maximum participant voluntary salary contribution for 2006, as established by the Internal Revenue Service, was $15,000. Approximately 29% of the Company matching contribution is in the form of Company Common Stock. All matching Company contributions to the 401(k) Plan vest over five years of service with the Company and are payable pursuant to the provisions of the 401(k) Plan.
Under the Company’s Capital Accumulation Plan, which is based on a calendar year, the Company makes contributions to the Capital Accumulation Plan on behalf of the executive officers that for calendar 2006 are based on (a) the executive officer’s voluntary salary deferrals into the Capital Accumulation Plan and (b) performance


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against targeted Company earnings per share for fiscal 2006 established prior to the start of the Capital Accumulation Plan year by the Compensation Committee. The portion of the Company’s contribution that is based on the executive officer’s voluntary salary deferrals provides that to the extent the executive officer cannot defer at least 6% of his/her base salary under the 401(k) Plan because of Internal Revenue Service maximum contribution limits, then the executive officer can defer the difference between his/her actual deferral and 6% of his/her annual base salary into the Capital Accumulation Plan, and the Company will provide a matching contribution of up to 52% of the amount deferred. Each executive officer is also eligible to contribute up to an additional 4% of base salary into the Capital Accumulation Plan, but no matching contribution will be made by the Company for this portion of the salary deferral.
With respect to the portion of the Capital Accumulation Plan contribution that is based on performance criteria for fiscal 2006 established by the Compensation Committee, executive officers were eligible to receive a Company contribution of between 3.5% and 18.5% of base salary for calendar 2006, provided that a minimum level of Company earnings per share for fiscal 2006 was attained. Awards are made as of December 31 of each year but are based on performance criteria for the fiscal year ended August 31 during that year. Therefore, the actual performance award under the Capital Accumulation Plan credited to executive officers during fiscal 2006 was an award of 16.25% of base salary earned during calendar 2005 based on performance during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2005. In addition, executive officers still employed by the Company as of December 31, 2006, will receive an award of 9.3% of base salary during that calendar year based on actual earnings per share achieved by the Company for fiscal 2006.
The Company’s contributions to the Capital Accumulation Plan vest equally over four years, and vested amounts are paid out upon the earliest of (1) one year following an executive’s termination of employment, (2) normal or early retirement, (3) death or disability or (4) a date selected prior to the beginning of each Capital Accumulation Plan year by the executive, but in no event will this selected date be earlier than four years from the beginning of the Capital Accumulation Plan year. In certain instances, payments upon termination of service may be delayed six months pursuant to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Capital Accumulation Plan account balances earn interest at a rate equal to the prevailing prime rate of interest plus 1% as of November 1 of each year for the succeeding calendar year. The Capital Accumulation Plan is not funded and is carried as an unsecured obligation of the Company.
Equity-Based Compensation Plans
The Compensation Committee considers that an integral part of the Company’s executive compensation program is an equity-based compensation plan that aligns executives’ long-range interests with those of the stockholders. This long-term incentive program is principally reflected in the 1991 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (the “1991 Plan”), the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1996 Plan”) and the Amended and Restated 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”).
The Company has no set policy as to when equity-based compensation should be awarded, although historically the Company has awarded equity-based compensation to its executive officers annually. The Compensation Committee believes that the Company should continue to make it a part of its regular executive compensation policies to consider granting a mix of non-qualified stock options and RSUs to executive officers to provide long-term incentives as part of the compensation package that is reviewed annually for each executive officer. In order to encourage retention, beginning with the grant of options on August 24, 2004 and continuing thereafter, all stock options granted, including those options granted to executive officers, vest 100% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. In August 2005, in addition to stock options, the Company also began granting RSUs to its executive officers, which also vest 100% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. The stock options


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have a seven-year term and the exercise price of each stock option granted to executive officers is equal to the closing bid price on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee’s policy is that the material terms of stock options and RSUs for executive officers should not be amended after grant.
The Compensation Committee believes that long-term equity-based incentive compensation should be structured so as to closely align the interests of the executive officers with the interests of the Company’s stockholders and, in particular, to provide only limited value in the event that the Company’s stock price fails to increase over time. The Compensation Committee determines the award of stock option and RSU grants to the executive officers and takes into account the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer prior to approving annual awards of long-term equity-based incentive compensation to the other executive officers. These stock options and RSUs are granted in part to reward the senior executives for their long-term strategic management of the Company and also to motivate the executives to improve stockholder value by increasing the value of this component of their entire compensation. They also reflect the Compensation Committee’s objective to provide a greater portion of compensation for executives in the form of long-term equity-linked awards.
In August 2005, in order to further align executive officers’ interests with stockholders’ interests and to promote the Company’s commitment to sound corporate governance, the Board of Directors adopted stock ownership guidelines (the “Guidelines”) for all of the Company’s officers (including its executive officers). The Guidelines require all officers of the Company to retain a minimum percentage (75% in the case of executive officers) of the net number of shares of Common Stock acquired through the exercise of stock options or the vesting of RSUs, after taking into account the effect of income taxes, that are granted in August 2005 or thereafter. Officers who do not meet the Guidelines may not be eligible for future equity awards.
Performance Awards
Beginning in August 2005, the Company also began granting performance cash awards to its executive officers. These performance cash awards are based on the Company’s average earnings per share growth (excluding the impact of the long-term incentive awards) over the three most recent fiscal years.
Compensation of Chief Executive Officer
The Compensation Committee believes that the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer is consistent with its general policies concerning executive compensation and is appropriate in light of the Company’s financial objectives and performance. Awards of intermediate and long-term incentive compensation to the Chief Executive Officer are considered concurrently with awards to other executive officers and follow the same general policies as such other intermediate and long-term incentive awards.
In reviewing and approving Mr. Leedle’s fiscal 2006 compensation, the Compensation Committee subjectively took into account the Company’s performance in fiscal 2005, including revenue growth, diluted earnings per share growth and total stockholder return as evidenced by the increase in the value of the Company’s stock during fiscal 2005 as well as the Company’s progress in developing its health and care support business. In addition, as discussed above, the Company engaged an independent executive compensation consultant to evaluate Mr. Leedle’s compensation as compared to other chief executive officers at comparable companies.
Based on these achievements, the prevailing marketplace, and competitive levels of compensation of other chief executive officers at comparable companies, the Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Leedle would receive an increase in his annual base compensation for fiscal 2006 of 20%. Under the Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, Mr. Leedle was eligible to receive an award for fiscal 2006 of 60.0% of base salary. Based on the Company’s actual earnings per share for fiscal 2006 as well as the qualitative factors discussed above with


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respect to the performance of the Company’s core commercial business, the Compensation Committee approved an annual incentive award to Mr. Leedle of $316,800, or approximately 52.8% of his fiscal 2006 base salary. In fiscal 2006, Mr. Leedle received a Company performance contribution pursuant to the Capital Accumulation Plan for performance in fiscal 2005 equal to 16.25% of his base salary during that period of time (in addition to the fixed matching contribution required thereunder). In addition, as a result of performance in fiscal 2006, he will receive a Company performance award pursuant to the Capital Accumulation Plan equal to 9.3% of his base salary earned during calendar 2006 (this award will not be contributed to his account until December 31, 2006) and a matching contribution of $6,934 to the Company’s 401(k) Plan on his behalf for the period September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2006. In addition, as a result of the earnings per share growth during the three fiscal year period ended August 31, 2005, Mr. Leedle was awarded a performance cash award under the Company’s 1996 Plan of $136,755, which was paid in fiscal 2006. Likewise, as a result of the earnings per share growth during the three fiscal year period ended August 31, 2006, Mr. Leedle was awarded a performance cash award under the Company’s 1996 Plan of $216,981, which was paid in fiscal 2007. For performance in fiscal 2006, on October 2, 2006, Mr. Leedle was granted 9,838 RSUs and a non-qualified stock option to purchase 39,599 shares of the Company’s Common Stock.
Compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)
In general, under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Company cannot deduct, for federal income tax purposes, compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to certain executive officers. This deduction limitation does not apply, however, to compensation that constitutes “qualified performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The Compensation Committee has considered the limitations on deductions imposed by Section 162(m) of the Code, and while it is the Compensation Committee’s present intention to qualify to the maximum extent possible the Company’s executives’ compensation for deductibility under applicable tax laws, the Compensation Committee reserves the right to make future payments or grants which may not qualify as performance-based compensation if doing so would be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders. The Compensation Committee believes that all incentive compensation of the Company’s current executive officers will qualify as a tax deductible expense when paid.
Respectfully submitted,
Jay C. Bisgard, M.D., Chairman
John W. Ballantine
Frank A. Ehmann
C. Warren Neel, Ph.D.
Mary Jane England, M.D.


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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceExcept as set forth below, the relative rights of the holders of Common Stock under the Certificate of Incorporation would remain unchanged. The first sentence of Paragraph FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended by the proposed amendment, is set forth below. The remainder of Paragraph FOURTH will remain unchanged.
 
Section 16(a)“FOURTH. The aggregate number of shares of capital stock the Securities Exchange ActCorporation is authorized to issue is 125,000,000 shares, of 1934 requires the Company’s officerswhich 120,000,000 shares shall be Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), and directors,5,000,000  shares shall be preferred stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), of which 1,200,000 shares are designated as Series A Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”).
As of December 17, 2007, there were 35,927,925 shares of Common Stock issued and persons who own more than 10%outstanding. The Board of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownershipDirectors believes that with the Commission. Officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by regulationcurrent level of the Commission to furnishauthorized capital stock, the Company with copiesis constrained in its ability to pursue strategies intended to support its planned growth and to enhance stockholder value. The Board of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a reviewDirectors considers the proposed increase in the number of the Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto and certain written representations furnished toauthorized shares of Common Stock desirable because it would give the Company the necessary flexibility to issue Common Stock in connection with stock dividends and splits, acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes. The Company believescurrently has no plans, arrangements or understandings for the issuance of the additional shares of Common Stock to be authorized pursuant to this proposal.
Future issuances of Common Stock would be at the discretion of the Board of Directors without the expense and delay incidental to obtaining stockholder approval, except as may be required by applicable law or by the rules of any stock exchange or market on which the Company’s securities may then be listed or authorized for quotation. For example, NASDAQ rules currently require stockholder approval as a prerequisite to listing shares in several instances, including in connection with acquisitions where the present or potential issuance of shares could result in an increase in the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding by 20% or more.
Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe to any additional securities of any class that during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006, all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with, except for one late Form 3 filing made by Mr. Chaput in October 2006 relating to one transaction in December 2005, and a late Form 5 filing for each of Mr. Cigarran and Mr. Herr in November 2006 relating to gifts made in fiscal 2006.


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Notwithstanding anythingCompany may issue. The amendment to the contrary set forthCertificate of Incorporation is not being proposed in response to any effort known by management to acquire control of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the following Performance Graph shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.
Performance GraphCompany.
 
The following graph comparesamendment to the total stockholder returnCertificate of $100 invested on August 31, 2001 in (a)Incorporation requires the Company, (b)affirmative vote of the CRSP Index for NASDAQholders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock Market (U.S. Companies) (“NASDAQ U.S. Stocks”) and (c)entitled to be cast at the CRSP Index for NASDAQ Health Services Stocks (“NASDAQ Health Services”), assumingmeeting. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the reinvestmentamendment to the Certificate of all dividends.Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock.
 
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
                               
   8/31/2001  8/30/2002  8/29/2003  8/31/2004  8/31/2005  8/31/2006
  HWAY  $100   $81.2   $167.0   $257.1   $416.2   $491.6 
NASDAQ U.S. Stocks   100    73.4    101.1    102.9    120.9    123.3 
NASDAQ Health Services   100    86.4    112.5    133.9    202.7    224.5 
                               
Notes:
A.The lines represent annual index levels derived from compounded daily returns that include all dividends.
B.The indexes are reweighted daily, using the market capitalization on the previous trading day.
CIf the monthly interval, based on the fiscal year end, is not a trading day, the preceding trading day is used.
D.The index level for all series was set to $100.00 on August 31, 2001.
THE STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE SHOWN ON THE GRAPH ABOVE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE PRICE PERFORMANCE.


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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF STOCKHOLDER
PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE
20082009 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
It is contemplated
We believe that the Company’s 2008our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will take place in January 2008.2009. Stockholders’ proposals will be eligible for consideration for inclusion in the proxy statement for the 20082009 Annual Meeting pursuant toRule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 if we receive such proposals are received by the Company before the close of business on August 24, 2007.September 2, 2008. Notices of stockholders’ proposals submitted outside the processes ofRule 14a-8 will generally be considered timely (but not considered for inclusion in our proxy statement), pursuant to the advance notice requirement set forth in the Company’sour bylaws, if such notices are filed with the Company’sour Secretary not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of this year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders in the manner specified in the bylaws. For proposals that are not timely filed, the named proxies will retain discretion to vote proxies that the Company receiveswe receive and will exercise authority in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of


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Directors. For proposals that are timely filed, the named proxies will retain discretion to vote proxies that the Company receiveswe receive provided (1) the Company includeswe include in itsour proxy statement advice on the nature of the proposal and how the named proxies intend to exercise their voting discretion and (2) the proponent does not issue a proxy statement. In order to curtail any controversy as to the date on which we received a proposal, was received by the Company, it is suggestedwe suggest that stockholders submit their proposals by certified mail, return receipt requested. Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to require the Companyus to include any stockholder proposal that does not meet all of the requirements for such inclusion established by the Commission at the time in effect.
DELIVERY OF ANNUAL REPORT AND PROXY STATEMENT
TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS
 
The Commission has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for proxy statements with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially provides extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies. The CompanyWe and some brokers household proxy materials, delivering a single proxy statement to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker or us that they or we will be householding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If at any time you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement, or if you are receiving multiple copies of the proxy statement and wish to receive only one, please notify your broker if your shares are held in a brokerage account or us, or our transfer agent, if you hold registered shares. You can notify us by sending a written request to Mary A. Chaput, Secretary, Healthways, Inc., 3841 Green Hills Village Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37215.
37215, or by calling Ms. Chaput at the Company at(615) 665-1122.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
It is important that proxies be returned promptly to avoid unnecessary expense. Therefore, stockholders who do not expect to attend in person are urged, regardless of the number of shares of stock owned, to date, sign and return the enclosed proxy promptly.


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A COPY OF THE COMPANY’SOUR ANNUAL REPORT ONFORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 20062007 MAY BE OBTAINED, WITHOUT CHARGE, BY ANY STOCKHOLDER TO WHOM THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS SENT, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO MARY A. CHAPUT, SECRETARY, HEALTHWAYS, INC., 3841 GREEN HILLS VILLAGE DRIVE, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37215. COPIES OF EXHIBITS FILED WITH THEFORM 10-K ALSO WILL BE AVAILABLE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST ON PAYMENT OF CHARGES APPROXIMATING THE COMPANY’S COST.
 
Date: December 22, 2006.31, 2007.


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HEALTHWAYS, INC.
2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
Section 1.  Purpose; Definitions.
The purpose of the Healthways, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to enable Healthways, Inc. (the “Corporation”) to attract, retain and reward key employees of and consultants to the Corporation and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, and directors who are not also employees of the Corporation, and strengthen the mutuality of interests between such key employees, consultants and directors by awarding such key employees, consultants and directors performance-based stock incentives and/or other equity interests or equity-based incentives in the Corporation, as well as performance-based incentives payable in cash. The creation of the Plan shall not diminish or prejudice other compensation programs approved from time to time by the Board.
For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
(a) “Affiliate”means any entity other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries that is designated by the Board as a participating employer under the Plan, provided that the Corporation directly or indirectly owns at least 20% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of such entity or at least 20% of the ownership interests in such entity.
(b) “Award”shall mean any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Share Award, Restricted Share Unit, Performance Award, Other Stock-Based Award or other award granted under the Plan, whether singly, in combination or in tandem, to a Participant by the Committee pursuant to such terms, conditions, restrictions and/or limitations, if any, as the Committee may establish.
(c) “Award Agreement”shall mean any written agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing any Award, which may, but need not, be executed or acknowledged by a Participant.
(d) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
(e) “Cause”means (i) a felony conviction of a Participant or the failure of a Participant to contest prosecution for a felony, or (ii) a Participant’s willful misconduct or dishonesty, which is directly and materially harmful to the business or reputation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary or Affiliate.
(f) “Change in Control”means the happening of any of the following:
(i) any person or entity, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, other than the Corporation or a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof or any employee benefit plan of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, becomes the beneficial owner of the Corporation’s securities having 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Corporation that may be cast for the election of directors of the Corporation (other than as a result of an issuance of securities initiated by the Corporation in the ordinary course of business); or
(ii) as the result of, or in connection with, any cash tender or exchange offer, merger or other business combination, sales of assets or contested election, or any combination of the foregoing transactions, less than a majority of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Corporation or any successor corporation or entity entitled to vote generally in the election of the directors of the Corporation or such other corporation or entity after such transaction are held in the aggregate by the holders of the Corporation’s securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction; or


(iii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of any such period constitute the Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Corporation’s stockholders, of each director of the Corporation first elected during such period was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors of the Corporation then still in office who were directors of the Corporation at the beginning of any such period.
(g) “Common Stock”means the Corporation’s Common Stock, par value $.001 per share.
(h) “Code”means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.
(i) “Committee”means a committee of the Board consisting of all of the Outside Directors of the Company. To the extent that compensation realized in respect of Awards is intended to be “performance based” under Section 162(m) of the Code and the Committee is not comprised solely of individuals who are “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, or that any member of the Committee is not a “non-employee director” within the meaning ofRule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, the Committee may from time to time delegate some or all of its functions under the Plan to a committee or subcommittee composed of members that meet the relevant requirements. The term “Committee” includes only such committee or subcommittee, to the extent of the Committee’s delegation.
(j) “Corporation”means Healthways, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware or any successor corporation.
(k) “Covered Officer”shall mean at any date (i) any individual who, with respect to the previous taxable year of the Corporation, was a “covered employee” of the Corporation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code; provided, however, that the term “Covered Officer” shall not include any such individual who is designated by the Committee, in its discretion, at the time of any Award under the Plan or at any subsequent time, as reasonably expected not to be such a “covered employee” with respect to the current taxable year of the Corporation and (ii) any individual who is designated by the Committee, in its discretion, at the time of any Award or at any subsequent time, as reasonably expected to be such a “covered employee” with respect to the current taxable year of the Corporation or with respect to the taxable year of the Corporation in which any applicable Award hereunder will be paid.
(l) “Disability”means, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, either of the following: (i) the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (ii) the Participant is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Participant’s employer.
(m) “Early Retirement”for purposes of this Plan, shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) the sum of the participant’s age plus years of employment at the Company as of the proposed early retirement date is equal to or greater than 70, (ii) the participant has given written notice to the company at least one year prior to the proposed early retirement date of his or her intent to retire and (iii) the Chief Executive Officer shall have approved in writing such early retirement request prior to the proposed early retirement date, provided that in the event the Chief Executive Officer does not approve the request for early retirement or the Chief Executive Officer is the participant giving notice of his or her intent to retire, then in both cases, the Board of Directors shall make the determination of whether to approve or disapprove such request.


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(n) “Exchange Act”means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.
(o) “Fair Market Value”means with respect to the Stock, as of any given date or dates, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in good faith, the reported closing price of a share of such class of Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) or such other exchange or market as is the principal trading market for such class of Stock, or, if no such sale of a share of such class of Stock is reported on the Nasdaq or other exchange or principal trading market on such date, the fair market value of a share of such class of Stock as determined by the Committee in good faith.
(p) “Incentive Stock Option”means any Stock Option intended to be and designated in an Award Agreement as an “Incentive Stock Option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code. Under no circumstances shall an Stock Option that is not specifically designated as an Incentive Stock Option be considered an Incentive Stock Option.
(q) “Non-Employee Director”shall have the meaning set forth inRule 16b-3(b)(3)(i) as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor definition adopted by the Commission.
(r) “Non-Qualified Stock Option”means any Stock Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
(s) “Normal Retirement”means retirement from active employment with the Corporation and any Subsidiary or Affiliate on or after age 65.
(t) “Other Stock-Based Award”means an award underSection 8 below that is valued in whole or in part by reference to, or is otherwise based on, Stock.
(u) “Outside Director”means a member of the Board who is not an officer or employee of the Corporation or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Corporation.
(v) “Participant”shall mean any person who is eligible underSection 4 of the Plan and who receives an Award under the Plan.
(w) “Performance Award”shall mean any Award granted underSection 8.2 of the Plan.
(x) “Plan”means this Healthways, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
(y) “Restricted Stock”means an award of shares of Stock that is subject to restrictions underSection 7 below.
(z) “Restricted Stock Unit”shall mean any unit granted underSection 7.5 of the Plan.
(aa) “Restriction Period”shall have the meaning provided inSection 7.
(bb) “Retirement”means Normal or Early Retirement.
(cc) “Stock”means the Common Stock.
(dd) “Stock Appreciation Right”means an award described inSection 6 of the Plan.
(ee) “Stock Option”or“Option”means any option to purchase shares of Stock (including Restricted Stock, if the Committee so determines) granted pursuant toSection 5 orSection 9 below.
(ff) “Subsidiary”means any corporation (other than the Corporation) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Corporation if each of the corporations (other than the last corporation in the


3


unbroken chain) owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in the chain.
Section 2.Administration.
The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, provided that, in the absence of the Committee or to the extent determined by the Board, any action that could be taken by the Committee may be taken by the Outside Directors. The functions of the Committee specified in the Plan may be exercised by the Compensation Committee of the Board, provided that the full Committee shall have the final authority with respect to the administration of the Plan. The Committee shall have authority to grant, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, Awards to persons eligible underSection 4. In particular, the Committee shall have the authority, consistent with the terms of the Plan:
(a) to select the officers and other key employees of and consultants to the Corporation and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates to whom Awards may from time to time be granted hereunder;
(b) to determine whether and to what extent Awards are to be granted hereunder to one or more eligible employees;
(c) to determine the number of shares to be covered by each such Award granted hereunder;
(d) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, the share price and any restriction or limitation, or any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions regarding any Award and/or the shares of Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion); and to amend or waive any such terms and conditions to the extent permitted bySection 11 hereof;
(e) to determine whether and under what circumstances a Stock Option may be settled in cash or Restricted Stock instead of Stock;
(f) to determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Option grants and/or other Awards under the Plan are to be made, and operate,on a tandem basis vis-a-vis other Awards under the Plan and/or awards made outside of the Plan;
(g) to determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Stock and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under this Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant (including providing for and determining the amount (if any) of any deemed earnings on any deferred amount during any deferral period); and
(h) to determine whether to require payment withholding requirements in shares of Stock.
The Committee shall have the authority to adopt, alter and repeal such rules, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall, from time to time, deem advisable; to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Award issued under the Plan (and any agreements relating thereto); and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan.
All decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be made in the Committee’s sole discretion and shall be final and binding on all persons, including the Corporation and Plan Participants. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee may delegate to one or more officers or managers of the Corporation or of any Subsidiary or Affiliate, or to a committee of such officers or managers, the authority, subject to such terms and limitations as the Committee shall determine, to grant Awards under the Plan to, or to cancel, modify or waive rights with respect to, or to alter, discontinue, suspend, or terminate such Awards held by


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Participants who are not officers or directors of the Corporation for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act or who are otherwise not subject to such provision of law.
Section 3.Shares of Stock Subject to Plan.
3.1 Shares Available.  The aggregate number of shares of Stock reserved and available for distribution under the Plan shall not exceed 2,036,953 shares(which includes 35,591 shares of Stock with respect to which awards under the Corporation’s 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1996 Plan”) were authorized but not awarded and 1,362 shares of Stock with respect to which awards under the Corporation’s Amended and Restated 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”)), of which shares of Stock with respect to which Awards other than Stock Appreciation Rights and Options may be granted shall be no more than 1,000,000. Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to adjustment as provided inSection 3.2, the maximum number of shares of Stock with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan shall be increased by the number of shares with respect to which Options or other Awards were granted under the 1996 Plan, 2001 Plan and the 1991 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (the “1991 Plan”) as of the effective date of this Plan, but which terminate, expire unexercised, forfeited or cancelled without the delivery of shares under the terms of the 1996 Plan, the 2001 Plan or the 1991 Plan, as the case may be, after the effective date of this Plan. If, after the effective date of the Plan, any shares of Stock covered by an Award granted under this Plan, or to which such an Award relates, are forfeited, or if such an Award otherwise terminates, expires unexercised or is canceled without the delivery of shares of Stock, then the shares covered by such Award, or to which such Award relates, or the number of shares of Stock otherwise counted against the aggregate number of shares with respect to which Awards may be granted, to the extent of any such forfeiture, termination, expiration or cancellation, shall again become Stock with respect to which Awards may be granted.
3.2 Adjustments.  In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, extraordinary cash dividend, Stock dividend, Stock split or other change in corporate structure affecting the Stock, an appropriate substitution or adjustment shall be made in the aggregate number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, in the number and exercise price of shares subject to outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan and in the number of shares subject to other outstanding Awards granted under the Plan as determined to be appropriate by the Committee, in its sole discretion, provided that the number of shares subject to any Award shall always be a whole number. The maximum number of shares that may be awarded to any Participant underSection 4 andSection 8.2(b) of this Plan will be adjusted in the same manner as the number of shares subject to outstanding Awards.
Section 4.Eligibility.
Officers and other key employees of and consultants to the Corporation and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates (but excluding members of the Committee and any person who serves only as a director, except as otherwise provided inSection 9) who are responsible for or contribute to the management, growth and/or profitability of the business of the Corporation and/or its Subsidiaries and Affiliates are eligible to be granted Awards. Subject to adjustment as provided inSection 3.2 hereof, no Participant may receive (i) Options or Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan in any calendar year that, taken together, relate to more than 150,000 shares of Stock or (ii) Awards of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units under the Plan in any calendar year that, taken together, related to more than 75,000 shares of Stock.


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Section 5.Stock Options.
5.1 Grant.  Stock Options may be granted alone, in addition to or in tandem with other Awards granted under the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. Any Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be in such form as the Committee may from time to time approve. Stock Options granted under the Plan may be of two types: (i) Incentive Stock Options and (ii) Non-Qualified Stock Options. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to individuals who are employees of the Corporation or any Subsidiary of the Corporation. Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in thisSection 5 and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable. Options may be settled in cash or Stock.
5.2 Option Price.  The option price per share of Stock purchasable under a Stock Option shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant but shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock at grant, in the case of both Incentive Stock Options and Non-Qualified Stock Options (or, in the case of any employee who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation or of any of its Subsidiaries, not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock at grant in the case of Incentive Stock Options).
5.3 Option Term.  The term of each Stock Option shall be fixed by the Committee, but no Option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the Option is granted (or, in the case of an employee who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or parent corporations, more than five years after the date the Option is granted in the case of Incentive Stock Options).
5.4 Exercise.  Stock Options shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee at or after grant; provided, however, that except as otherwise provided herein or by the Committee at or after grant, no Stock Option shall be exercisable prior to the first anniversary date of the granting of the Option. The Committee may provide that a Stock Option shall vest over a period of future service at a rate specified at the time of grant, or that the Stock Option is exercisable only in installments. If the Committee provides that any Stock Option is exercisable only in installments, the Committee may waive such installment exercise provisions at any time at or after grant in whole or in part, based on such factors as the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion. The Committee may establish performance conditions or other conditions to the exercise of any Stock Options, which conditions may be waived by the Committee in its sole discretion.
5.5 Method of Exercise.  The exercise price of a Stock Option Award may be paid in cash, personal check (subject to collection), bank draft or such other method as the Committee may determine from time to time. The exercise price may also be paid by the tender, by either actual delivery or attestation, of Stock acceptable to the Committee and valued at its Fair Market Value on the date of exercise or through a combination of Stock and cash. Without limiting the foregoing, to the extent permitted by applicable law: the Committee may, on such terms and conditions as it may determine, permit a Participant to elect to pay the exercise price by authorizing a third party, pursuant to a brokerage or similar arrangement approved in advance by the Committee, to simultaneously sell all (or a sufficient portion) of the Stock acquired upon exercise of such Option and to remit to the Corporation a sufficient portion of the proceeds from such sale to pay the entire exercise price of such Option and any required tax withholding resulting therefrom. A Participant shall generally have the rights to dividends or other rights of a stockholder with respect to shares subject to the Option only when the Participant has given written notice of exercise, has paid in full for such shares, and, if requested, has given the representation described inSection 13(a).


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5.6 Non-Transferability of Options.  Unless otherwise provided by the Committee at or after grant, no Stock Option shall be transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and all Stock Options shall be exercisable, during the Participant’s lifetime, only by the Participant.
5.7 Termination by Death.  Unless otherwise provided by the Committee at or after grant, if a Participant’s employment by the Corporation and any Subsidiary or Affiliate terminates by reason of death, any Stock Option held by such Participant may thereafter be exercised, to the extent such option was exercisable at the time of death or on such accelerated basis as the Committee may determine at or after grant (or as may be determined in accordance with procedures established by the Committee) by the legal representative of the estate or by the legatee of the Participant under the will of the Participant, for a period of one year (or such other period as the Committee may specify at or after grant) from the date of such death or until the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is the shorter.
5.8 Termination by Reason of Disability.  Unless otherwise provided by the Committee at or after grant, if a Participant’s employment by the Corporation or any Subsidiary or Affiliate terminates by reason of Disability, any Stock Option held by such Participant may thereafter be exercised by the Participant,to the extent it was exercisable at the time of termination or on such accelerated basis as the Committee may determine at or after grant (or as maybe determined in accordance with procedures established by the Committee), for a period of (i) three years from the date of such termination of employment or until the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is the shorter, in the case of a Non-Qualified Stock Option and (ii) one year from the date of termination of employment or until the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is shorter, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option; provided however, that, if the Participant dies within the period specified in (i) above, any unexercised Non-Qualified Stock Option held by such Participant shall thereafter be exercisable to the extent to which it was exercisable at the time of death for a period of twelve months from the date of such death or until the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is shorter. In the event of termination of employment by reason of Disability, if an Incentive Stock Option is exercised after the expiration of the exercise period applicable to Incentive Stock Options, but before the expiration of any period that would apply if such Stock Option were a Non-Qualified Stock Option, such Stock Option will thereafter be treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
5.9 Termination by Reason of Retirement.  Unless otherwise provided by the Committee at or after grant, if a Participant’s employment by the Corporation and any Subsidiary or Affiliate terminates by reason of Normal or Early Retirement, any Stock Option held by such Participant may thereafter be exercised by the Participant, to the extent it was exercisable at the time of such Retirement or on such accelerated basis as the Committee may determine at or after grant (or, as may be determined in accordance with procedures established by the Committee), for a period of (i) three years from the date of such termination of employment or the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is the shorter, in the case of a Non-Qualified Stock Option and (ii) three months from the date of such termination of employment or the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is the shorter, in the event of an Incentive Stock Option; provided however, that, if the Participant dies within the period specified in (i) above, any unexercised Non-Qualified Stock Option held by such Participant shall thereafter be exercisable to the extent to which it was exercisable at the time of death for a period of twelve months from the date of such death or until the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is shorter. In the event of termination of employment by reason of Retirement, if an Incentive Stock Option is exercised after the expiration of the exercise period applicable to Incentive Stock Options, but before the expiration of the period that would apply if such Stock Option were a Non-Qualified Stock Option, the option will thereafter be treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.


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5.10 Other Termination.  Unless otherwise provided by the Committee at or after grant, if a Participant’s employment by the Corporation and any Subsidiary or Affiliate is involuntarily terminated for any reason other than death, Disability or Normal or Early Retirement, the Stock Option shall thereupon terminate, except that such Stock Option may be exercised, to the extent otherwise then exercisable, for the lesser of three months or the balance of such Stock Option’s term if the involuntary termination is without Cause. If a Participant voluntarily terminates employment with the Corporation and any Subsidiary or Affiliate (except for Disability, Normal or Early Retirement), the Stock Option shall thereupon terminate; provided, however, that the Committee at grant may extend the exercise period in this situation for the lesser of three months or the balance of such Stock Option’s term.
5.11 Incentive Stock Options.  Anything in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no term of this Plan relating to Incentive Stock Options shall be interpreted, amended or altered, nor shall any discretion or authority granted under the Plan be so exercised, so as to disqualify the Plan under Section 422 of the Code, or, without the consent of the optionee(s) affected, to disqualify any Incentive Stock Option under such Section 422. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any Participant under the Plan if such grant would cause the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date the Incentive Stock Option is granted) of the Stock with respect to which all Incentive Stock Options issued after December 31, 1986 are exercisable for the first time by such Participant during any calendar year (under all such plans of the Corporation and any Subsidiary) to exceed $100,000. To the extent permitted under Section 422 of the Code or the applicable regulations thereunder or any applicable Internal Revenue Service pronouncement:
(a) if (x) a Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of death, Disability or Retirement and (y) the portion of any Incentive Stock Option that is otherwise exercisable during the post-termination period specified under thisSection 5 of the Plan, applied without regard to the $100,000 limitation contained in Section 422(d) of the Code, is greater than the portion of such Option that is immediately exercisable as an “Incentive Stock Option” during such post-termination period under Section 422, such excess shall be treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option; and
(b) if the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option is accelerated by reason of a Change in Control, any portion of such Option that is not exercisable as an Incentive Stock Option by reason of the $100,000 limitation contained in Section 422(d) of the Code shall be treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
5.12 Buyout Provisions.  Subject to the provisions of Section 11, the Committee may at any time offer to buy out for a payment in cash, Stock or Restricted Stock an Option previously granted, based on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish and communicate to the Participant at the time that such offer is made.
Section 6.  Stock Appreciation Rights.
6.1 Grant and Exercise.  A Stock Appreciation Right is a right to receive an amount payable entirely in cash, entirely in Stock or partly in cash and partly in Stock and exercisable at such time or times and subject to such conditions as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion subject to the Plan, including but not limited to the achievement of specific performance goals. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted alone or in conjunction with all or part of any Stock Option granted under the Plan.
(a) A Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised by a Participant, subject toSection 6.2, in accordance with the procedures established by the Committee for such purpose. Upon such exercise, the Participant shall be entitled to receive an amount determined in the manner prescribed inSection 6.2. Stock Options relating to exercised Stock Appreciation Rights shall no longer be exercisable to the extent that the related Stock Appreciation Rights have been exercised.


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(b) In the case of a Non-Qualified Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted either at or after the time of the grant of such Stock Option. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, such rights may be granted only at the time of the grant of such Stock Option. A Stock Appreciation Right or applicable portion thereof granted with respect to a given Stock Option shall terminate and no longer be exercisable upon the termination or exercise of the related Stock Option, subject to such provisions as the Committee may specify at grant where a Stock Appreciation Right is granted with respect to less than the full number of shares covered by a related Stock Option.
6.2 Terms and Conditions.  Stock Appreciation Rights shall be subject to such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as shall be determined from time to time by the Committee, including the following:
(a) Stock Appreciation Rights granted in conjunction with an Option shall be exercisable only at such time or times and to the extent that the Options to which they relate shall be exercisable in accordance with the provisions ofSection 5 and thisSection 6 of the Plan; provided, however, that any Stock Appreciation Right granted to a Participant subject to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the grant of the related Stock Option shall not be exercisable during the first six months of its term. The exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights held by Participants who are subject to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act shall comply withRule 16b-3(e) thereunder, to the extent applicable. In particular, such Stock Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable only pursuant to an irrevocable election made at least six months prior to the date of exercise or within the applicable ten business day “window” periods specified inRule 16b-3(e)(3).
(b) Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash and/or shares of Stock equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock over the exercise price per share specified in the Stock Appreciation Right multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the Stock Appreciation Right shall have been exercised, with the Committee having the right to determine the form of payment.
(c) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee at or after grant, no Stock Appreciation Right shall be transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and all such rights shall be exercisable, during the Participant’s lifetime, only by the Participant.
(d) Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right issued in conjunction with an Option, the Option or part thereof to which such Stock Appreciation Right is related shall be deemed to have been exercised for the purpose of the limitation set forth inSection 3 of the Plan on the number of shares of Stock to be issued under the Plan.
Section 7.  Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.
7.1 Administration.  Shares of Restricted Stock may be issued either alone, in addition to or in tandem with other Awards granted under the Plan and/or cash awards made outside the Plan. The Committee shall determine the other terms, restrictions and conditions of the Awards in addition to those set forth in thisSection 7. The Committee may condition the grant of Restricted Stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals or such other factors as the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion. The provisions of Restricted Stock Awards need not be the same with respect to each Participant.
7.2 Awards and Certificates.  A Participant shall not have any rights with respect to a Restricted Stock Award unless and until such Participant has executed an agreement evidencing the Award and has delivered a fully


9


executed copy thereof to the Corporation, and has otherwise complied with the applicable terms and conditions of such Award.
(a) The purchase price for shares of Restricted Stock shall be established by the Committee and may be zero.
(b) Awards of Restricted Stock must be accepted within a period of 60 days (or such shorter period as the Committee may specify at grant) after the award date, by executing a Restricted Stock Award Agreement and paying whatever price (if any) is required underSection 7.2(a).
(c) Each Participant receiving a Restricted Stock Award shall be issued a stock certificate in respect of such shares of Restricted Stock. Such certificate shall be registered in the name of such Participant, and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Award.
(d) The Committee shall require that the stock certificates evidencing such shares be held in custody by the Corporation until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that, as a condition of any Restricted Stock Award, the Participant shall have delivered a stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to the Stock covered by such Award.
7.3 Restrictions and Conditions.  The shares of Restricted Stock awarded pursuant to thisSection 7 shall be subject to the following restrictions and conditions:
(a) In accordance with the provisions of this Plan and the Award Agreement, during a period set by the Committee commencing with the date of such Award (the “Restriction Period”), the Participant shall not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise encumber shares of Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan. Subject toSection 10 of the Plan, an Award of Restricted Stock shall be subject to a Restriction Period of not less than three (3) years provided, that the Committee, in its sole discretion, may (i) provide for the lapse of such restrictions in installments over the Restriction Period and (ii) accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part in the event of a Change of Control, death, Disability, Normal or Early Retirement of the Participant or in the event the Participant’s employment with the Company is terminated without cause.
(b) Except as provided in thisSection 7.3, the Participant shall have, with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, all of the rights of a stockholder of the Corporation, including the right to vote the shares, and the right to receive any cash dividends. The Committee, in its sole discretion, as determined at the time of Award, may permit or require the payment of cash dividends to be deferred and, if the Committee so determines, reinvested, subject toSection 14.5, in additional Restricted Stock to the extent shares are available underSection 3, or otherwise reinvested. Pursuant toSection 3 above, stock dividends issued with respect to Restricted Stock shall be treated as additional shares of Restricted Stock that are subject to the same restrictions and other terms and conditions that apply to the shares with respect to which such dividends are issued. If the Committee so determines, the Award Agreement may also impose restrictions on the right to vote and the right to receive dividends.
(c) Subject to the applicable provisions of the Award Agreement,Section 10 of the Plan and thisSection 7, upon termination of a Participant’s employment with the Corporation and any Subsidiary or Affiliate for any reason other than death, Disability or Retirement during the Restriction Period, all shares still subject to restriction will be forfeited, in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Committee at or after grant. Upon termination of a Participant’s employment with the Corporation and any Subsidiary or Affiliate for by reason of death, Disability or Retirement during the Restriction Period, all shares still subject to restriction will vest, or be forfeited, in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Committee at or after grant.


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(d) If and when the Restriction Period expires without a prior forfeiture of the Restricted Stock subject to such Restriction Period, certificates for an appropriate number of unrestricted shares shall be delivered to the Participant promptly.
7.4 Minimum Value Provisions.  In order to better ensure that Award payments actually reflect the performance of the Corporation and service of the Participant, the Committee may provide, in its sole discretion, for a tandem performance-based or other Award designed to guarantee a minimum value, payable in cash or Stock to the recipient of a Restricted Stock Award, subject to such performance, future service, deferral and other terms and conditions as may be specified by the Committee.
7.5 Restricted Stock Units.  Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and complete authority to determine the Participants to whom Restricted Stock Units shall be granted, the number of Restricted Stock Units to be granted to each Participant, the duration of the period during which, and the conditions under which, the Restricted Stock Units may be forfeited to the Corporation, and the other terms and conditions of such awards. The Restricted Stock Unit awards shall be evidenced by Award Agreements in such form as the Committee shall from time to time approve, which agreements shall comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions provided hereunder and any additional terms and conditions determined by the Committee that are consistent with the terms of the Plan.
(a) Each Restricted Stock Unit Award made under the Plan shall be for such number of shares of Stock as shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement containing the terms of such Restricted Stock Unit Award. The agreement shall set forth a period of time during which the Participant must remain in the continuous employment of the Corporation in order for the forfeiture and transfer restrictions to lapse, which period shall not be less than three (3) years, provided that the Committee, in its sole discretion, may (i) provide for the lapse of such restrictions in installments over the Restriction Period and (ii) accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part in the event of a Change of Control, death, Disability, Normal or Early Retirement of the Participant or in the event the Participant’s employment with the Company is terminated without cause. The Award Agreement may, in the discretion of the Committee, set forth performance or other conditions that will subject the Restricted Stock Units to forfeiture and transfer restrictions.
(b) Each Restricted Stock Unit shall have a value equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock. Restricted Stock Units shall be paid in cash, shares of Stock, other securities or other property, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, upon the lapse of the restrictions applicable thereto, or otherwise in accordance with the applicable Award Agreement or other procedures approved by the Committee. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant shall be credited with dividend equivalents on any Restricted Stock Units credited to the Participant’s account at the time of any payment of dividends to shareholders on shares of Stock. The amount of any such dividend equivalents shall equal the amount that would have been payable to the Participant as a shareholder in respect of a number of shares of Stock equal to the number of vested Restricted Stock Units then credited to the Participant. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, any such dividend equivalents shall be credited to the Participant’s account as of the date on which such dividend would have been payable and shall be converted into additional Restricted Stock Units (which shall be immediately vested) based upon the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of such crediting. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee at or after grant, and subject to the “retirement” exceptions, Restricted Stock Units may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered or disposed of, and all Restricted Stock Units and all rights of the Participant to such Restricted Stock Units shall terminate, without further obligation on the part of the Corporation, unless the Participant remains in continuous employment of the Corporation for the entire restricted period in relation to


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which such Restricted Stock Units were granted and unless any other restrictive conditions relating to the Restricted Stock Unit Award are met.
Section 8.Other Stock-Based Awards and Performance Awards.
8.1 Other Stock-Based Awards.  The Committee shall have the authority to determine the Participants who shall receive an Other Stock-Based Award, which shall consist of any right that is (i) not an Award described inSections 6 and7 above and (ii) an Award of Stock or an Award denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, Stock (including, without limitation, securities convertible into Stock), as deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan, provided that the Other Stock-Based Awards that are payable in Stock shall not exceed 10% of the shares of Stock authorized under the Plan as set forth in Section 3. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, the Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of any such Other Stock-Based Award.
8.2 Performance Awards.  The Committee shall have sole and complete authority to determine the Participants who shall receive a Performance Award, which shall consist of a right that is (i) denominated in cash or shares of Stock, (ii) valued, as determined by the Committee, in accordance with the achievement of such performance goals during such performance periods as the Committee shall establish, and (iii) payable at such time and in such form as the Committee shall determine. Subject toSection 10 of the Plan, Performance Awards shall vest no sooner than one year after grant and shall otherwise be subject to the terms and provisions of thisSection 8.2.
(a) The Committee may grant Performance Awards to Covered Officers based solely upon the attainment of performance targets related to one or more performance goals selected by the Committee from among the goals specified below. For the purposes of thisSection 8.2, performance goals shall be limited to one or more of the following Corporation, Subsidiary, operating unit or division financial performance measures:
(i) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization;
(ii) operating income or profit;
(iii) operating efficiencies;
(iv) return on equity, assets, capital, capital employed, or investment;
(v) after tax operating income;
(vi) net income;
(vii) earnings or book value per share;
(viii) cash flow(s);
(ix) total sales or revenues or sales or revenues per employee;
(x) production;
(xi) stock price or total shareholder return;
(xii) dividends;
(xiii) strategic business objectives, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified cost targets, business expansion goals, and goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures;
or any combination thereof. Each goal may be expressed on an absolute and/or relative basis, may be based on or otherwise employ comparisons based on internal targets, the past performance of the Corporation or any


12


Subsidiary, operating unit or division of the Corporation and/or the past or current performance of other companies, and in the case of earnings-based measures, may use or employ comparisons relating to capital, shareholders’ equity and/or shares of Stock outstanding, or to assets or net assets.
(b) With respect to any Covered Officer, the aggregate maximum number of shares of Stock in respect of which all Performance Awards and Stock Options may be granted under Sections 5 and 8.2 of the Plan in each year of the performance period is 450,000, and the maximum amount of the aggregate Performance Awards denominated in cash is $1,000,000 (measured by the Fair Market Value of the maximum Award at the time of grant) in each year of the performance period.
(c) To the extent necessary to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, with respect to grants of Performance Awards to Covered Officers, no later than 90 days following the commencement of each performance period (or such other time as may be required or permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code), the Committee shall, in writing, (1) select the performance goal or goals applicable to the performance period, (2) establish the various targets and bonus amounts which may be earned for such performance period, and (3) specify the relationship between performance goals and targets and the amounts to be earned by each Covered Officer for such performance period. Following the completion of each performance period, the Committee shall certify in writing whether the applicable performance targets have been achieved and the amounts, if any, payable to Covered Officers for such performance period. In determining the amount earned by a Covered Officer for a given performance period, subject to any applicable Performance Award agreement, the Committee shall have the right to reduce the amount payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Committee may deem relevant to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the performance period.
Section 9.  Awards to Outside Directors.
The Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (provided such committee is comprised solely of Outside Directors) may provide that all or a portion of an Outside Director’s annual retainer, meeting fees and/or other awards or compensation as determined by the Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (provided such committee is comprised solely of Outside Directors), be payable (either automatically or at the election of the Outside Director) in the form of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units and/or Other Stock-Based Awards, including unrestricted Shares. The Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (provided such committee is comprised solely of Outside Directors) shall determine the terms and conditions of any such Awards, including the terms and conditions which shall apply upon a termination of the Outside Director’s service as a member of the Board, and shall have full power and authority in its discretion to administer such Awards, subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law.
Section 10.  Change in Control Provisions.
In the event of a Change of Control, in addition to any action required or authorized by the terms of an Award Agreement, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, take any of the following actions as a result, or in anticipation, of any such event to assure fair and equitable treatment of Participants: (i) accelerate time periods for purposes of vesting in, or realizing gain from, any outstanding Award made pursuant to this Plan and/or extend the time during which an Award may be exercised following a Participant’s termination of employment; (ii) offer to purchase any outstanding Award made pursuant to this Plan from the holder for its equivalent cash value, as determined by the Committee, as of the date of the Change of Control; or (iii) make adjustments or modifications to outstanding Awards as the Committee deems appropriate to maintain and protect the rights and interests of Participants following such Change of Control. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, upon a Change in Control,


13


any Outstanding Awards under the Plan not previously exercisable and vested shall become fully exercisable and vested.
Section 11.  Amendments and Termination.
The Board may amend, alter, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration, or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of a Participant under an Award theretofore granted, without the Participant’s consent or which, without the approval of the Corporation’s stockholders, would:
(a) except as expressly provided in this Plan, increase the total number of shares reserved for the purpose of the Plan;
(b) materially increase the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan;
(c) materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan; or
(d) materially modify the Plan within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards.
The Committee may amend the terms of any Stock Option or other Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, but, subject toSection 3 above, no such amendment shall impair the rights of any holder without the holder’s consent. The Committee may also substitute new Stock Options for previously granted Stock Options (on a one for one or another basis), provided that, except as provided in Section 3.2, the Committee may not modify any outstanding Stock Option so as to specify a lower exercise price or accept the surrender of an outstanding Stock Option and authorize the granting of a new Stock Option in substitution therefor specifying a lower exercise price. Subject to the above provisions, the Board shall have broad authority to amend the Plan to take into account changes in applicable securities and tax laws and accounting rules, as well as other developments.
Section 12.  Unfunded Status of the Plan.
The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive and deferred compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant by the Corporation, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Corporation. In its sole discretion, the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the obligations created under the Plan to deliver Stock or payments in lieu of or with respect to Awards hereunder; provided, however, that, unless the Committee otherwise determines with the consent of the affected Participant, the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the “unfunded” status of the Plan.
Section 13.  General Provisions.
(a) The Committee may require each person purchasing shares pursuant to a Stock Option or other Award under the Plan to represent to and agree with the Corporation in writing that the Participant is acquiring the shares without a view to distribution thereof. The certificates for such shares may include any legend which the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer.
All certificates for shares of Stock or other securities delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such stock-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Stock is then listed, and any applicable Federal or state securities law, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.


14


(b) Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to stockholder approval if such approval is required; and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
(c) The adoption of the Plan shall not confer upon any employee of the Corporation or any Subsidiary or Affiliate any right to continued employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary or Affiliate, as the case may be, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or a Subsidiary or Affiliate to terminate the employment of any of its employees at any time.
(d) No later than the date as of which an amount first becomes includible in the gross income of the Participant for Federal income tax purposes with respect to any Award under the Plan, the Participant shall pay to the Corporation, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee regarding the payment of, any Federal, state, or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to such amount. The Committee may require withholding obligations to be settled with Stock, including Stock that is part of the Award that gives rise to the withholding requirement. The obligations of the Corporation under the Plan shall be conditional on such payment or arrangements and the Corporation and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the Participant.
(e) The actual or deemed reinvestment of dividends or dividend equivalents in additional Restricted Stock (or other types of Plan Awards) at the time of any dividend payment shall only be permissible if sufficient shares of Stock are available underSection 3 for such reinvestment (taking into account then outstanding Stock Options and other Plan Awards).
(f) The Plan and all Awards made and actions taken thereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
(g) The members of the Committee and the Board shall not be liable to any employee or other person with respect to any determination made hereunder in a manner that is not inconsistent with their legal obligations as members of the Board. In addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have as directors or as members of the Committee, the members of the Committee shall be indemnified by the Corporation against the reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees actually and necessarily incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding, or in connection with any appeal therein, to which they or any of them may be a party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any option granted thereunder, and against all amounts paid by them in settlement thereof (provided such settlement is approved by independent legal counsel selected by the Corporation) or paid by them in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such Committee member is liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duties; provided that within 60 days after institution of any such action, suit or proceeding, the Committee member shall in writing offer the Corporation the opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same.
(h) In addition to any other restrictions on transfer that may be applicable under the terms of this Plan or the applicable Award Agreement, no Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock award, or Other Stock-Based Award or other right issued under this Plan is transferable by the Participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined under the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The designation of a beneficiary will not constitute a transfer.


15


Section 14.  Compliance with Section 409A of the Code.
No Award (or modification thereof) shall provide for deferral of compensation that does not comply with Section 409A of the Code unless the Committee, at the time of grant, specifically provides that the Award is not intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, if one or more of the payments or benefits received or to be received by a Participant pursuant to an Award would cause the Participant to incur any additional tax or interest under Section 409A of the Code, the Committee may reform such provision to maintain to the maximum extent practicable the original intent of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Section 409A of the Code.
Section 15.  Effective Date of Plan.
The Plan shall be effective as of the date of approval of the Plan by a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Corporation’s Stock.
Section 16.  Term of Plan.
No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after February 2, 2017, but Awards granted prior to February 2, 2017 may be extended beyond that date.


1651


(HEALTHWAYS LOGO AND ADDRESS)
 
VOTE BY TELEPHONE
 
Have your proxy card available when you callToll-Free 1-888-693-8683using a touch-tone phone and follow the simple instructions to record your vote.
 
VOTE BY INTERNET
 
Have your proxy card available when you access the websitewww.cesvote.comand follow the simple instructions to record your vote.
 
VOTE BY MAIL
 
Please mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in thepostage-paid envelope provided or return it to: Corporate Election Services, P.O. Box 3230, Pittsburgh PA 15230.


Vote by Telephone
Call Toll-Free using a
touch-tone telephone:
1-888-693-8683

Vote by Internet
Access the Website and
cast your vote:
www.cesvote.com

Vote by Mail
Return your proxy
in the postage-paid
envelope provided



Vote 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
If you vote by telephone or over the Internet, do not mail your proxy card.
(HEALTHWAYS LOGO AND TEXT)
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on February 2, 2007.14, 2008.
The undersigned hereby appoints Thomas G. Cigarran and Mary A. Chaput, and either of them, as proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of the undersigned as shown below on this proxy at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Healthways, Inc. to be held at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, Cool Springs Conference Center, 700 Cool Springs Boulevard, Franklin,Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, 2100 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37067,37203, on February 2, 2007,14, 2008, at 9:00 a.m., local time, and any adjournments thereof.

 
 
       
Dated:   , 20072008
 
Signature
 
Signature
Please sign exactly as your name appears at left. If registered in the names of two or more persons, each should sign. Executors, administrators, trustees, guardians and attorneys should show their full titles. If a corporation is stockholder, the corporate officer should sign in full corporate name and title, such as President or other officer. If a partnership is stockholder, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.


Please vote, sign, date and return the proxy card promptly using the enclosed envelope.


YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
If you do not vote by telephone or Internet, please mark, sign and date this proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or otherwise to Corporate Election Services, P.O. Box 1150, Pittsburgh, PA 15230, so your shares may be represented at the Meeting.
Proxy card must be signed and dated on the reverse side.
êPlease fold and detach card at perforation before mailing.ê
 
 
HEALTHWAYS, INC. PROXY
 
         
Your shares will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If no choice is specified, shares will be voted FOR the nominees in the election
of directors and FOR proposals 2 and 3.
 
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  
         
  Nominees: (1) William C. O’Neil, Jr.Thomas G. Cigarran (2) Ben R. Leedle, Jr.C. Warren Neel (3) Alison Taunton-Rigby, Ph.D.
(4) John A. Wickens(5) L. Ben LytleW. Ballantine
         
   o FORall nominees listed above
     (except as marked to the contrary below)
   o WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
     to vote for all nominees listed above
         
  INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write that nominee’s name or number on the line below:
  _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
         
2. To consider and act upon a proposal to adopt a new 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2007.
         
   o FORo AGAINSTo ABSTAIN
         
3. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP asconsider and act upon a proposal to amend the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2007.Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.
         
   o FORo AGAINSTo ABSTAIN
         
  In their discretion, the proxies may vote on any other matters which may properly come before the meetinmeeting or any adjournment thereof.
         
(Continued and to be signed on reverse side.)