def14a
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OMB APPROVAL |
|
|
|
|
|
OMB Number:
|
|
3235-0059 |
|
|
Expires:
|
|
January 31, 2008 |
|
|
Estimated average burden hours per
response |
14 |
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. )
|
|
|
Filed by the Registrant
x |
|
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
o |
|
|
Check the appropriate box: |
|
|
|
o Preliminary Proxy Statement |
|
o
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
|
x Definitive Proxy Statement |
|
o Definitive Additional Materials |
|
o
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Stratus Properties
Inc.
(Name
of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name
of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the
Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
|
|
|
x No fee required. |
|
o
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11. |
|
|
|
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
|
|
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
|
|
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
|
|
|
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
|
|
|
o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
|
|
|
o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
|
|
|
1) Amount Previously Paid: |
|
|
|
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
|
|
SEC 1913 (04-05) |
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information
contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid
OMB control number. |
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
May 9, 2006
March 31, 2006
|
|
|
Date:
|
|
Tuesday, May 9, 2006 |
|
Time:
|
|
9:30 a.m., Central Time |
|
Place:
|
|
Barton Creek Resort
8212 Barton Club Drive
Austin, Texas 78735 |
|
Purpose:
|
|
To elect two directors, |
|
|
|
To ratify the appointment of our independent
auditors, |
|
|
|
To vote on a new stock incentive plan, |
|
|
|
To vote on a stockholder proposal, if presented at
the meeting, and |
|
|
|
To transact such other business as may properly come
before the meeting. |
|
Record Date:
|
|
Close of business on March 15, 2006. |
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the
meeting, please complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card
and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope. Your
cooperation will be appreciated.
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors. |
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth N. Jones
|
|
General Counsel & Secretary |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Information about Attending the Annual Meeting
If you plan to attend the meeting, please bring the
following:
1. Proper identification.
2. Acceptable Proof of Ownership if your shares are held in
Street Name.
Street Name means your shares are held of record by
brokers, banks or other institutions.
Acceptable Proof of Ownership is a letter from your
broker stating that you owned Stratus Properties Inc. stock on
the record date or an account statement showing that you owned
Stratus Properties Inc. stock on the record date.
Only stockholders of record on the record date may attend or
vote at the annual meeting.
Stratus Properties Inc.
98 San Jacinto Boulevard, Suite 220
Austin, Texas 78701
The 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders, including financial
statements, is being mailed to stockholders together with these
proxy materials on or about March 31, 2006.
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the board of directors of Stratus
Properties Inc. for use at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
be held on May 9, 2006, and at any adjournments (the
meeting).
Who Can Vote
Each share of our common stock that you held on the record date
entitles you to one vote at the meeting. On the record date,
there were 7,238,886 shares of our common stock outstanding.
Voting Rights
Inspectors of election will count votes cast at the meeting.
Directors are elected by plurality vote. All other matters are
decided by majority vote present at the meeting, except as
otherwise provided by statute, our certificate of incorporation
or our by-laws.
Brokers holding shares of record for customers generally are not
entitled to vote on certain matters unless they receive voting
instructions from their customers. When brokers do not receive
voting instructions from their customers, they notify the
company on the proxy form that they lack voting authority. The
votes that could have been cast on the matter in question by
brokers who did not receive voting instructions are called
broker non-votes.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the
election of directors. Abstentions as to all other matters to
come before the meeting will be counted as votes against those
matters. Broker non-votes as to those other matters will not be
counted as votes for or against and will not be included in
calculating the number of votes necessary for approval of those
matters.
Quorum
A quorum at the meeting is a majority of our common stock
entitled to vote present in person or represented by proxy. The
persons whom we appoint to act as inspectors of election will
determine whether a quorum exists. Shares of our common stock
represented by properly executed and returned proxies will be
treated as present. Shares of our common stock present at the
meeting that abstain from voting or that are the subject of
broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of
determining a quorum.
How Your Proxy Will Be Voted
Our board of directors is soliciting a proxy in the enclosed
form to provide you with an opportunity to vote on all matters
scheduled to come before the meeting, whether or not you attend
in person.
Granting Your Proxy. If you properly execute and return a
proxy in the enclosed form, your stock will be voted as you
specify. If you make no specifications, your proxy will be voted:
|
|
|
|
|
in favor of the proposed director nominees, |
|
|
|
for the ratification of the appointment of the independent
auditors, |
|
|
|
in favor of the proposed 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, and |
|
|
|
against the stockholder proposal, if presented at the meeting. |
We expect no matters to be presented for action at the meeting
other than the items described in this proxy statement. By
signing and returning the enclosed proxy, however, you will give
to the persons named
as proxies therein discretionary voting authority with respect
to any other matter that may properly come before the meeting,
and they intend to vote on any such other matter in accordance
with their best judgment.
Revoking Your Proxy. If you submit a proxy, you may
subsequently revoke it or submit a revised proxy at any time
before it is voted. You may also attend the meeting in person
and vote by ballot, which would cancel any proxy that you
previously submitted. If you wish to vote in person at the
meeting but hold your stock in street name (that is, in the name
of a broker, bank or other institution), then you must have a
proxy from the broker, bank or institution in order to vote at
the meeting.
Proxy Solicitation
We will pay all expenses of soliciting proxies for the meeting.
In addition to solicitations by mail, arrangements have been
made for brokers and nominees to send proxy materials to their
principals, and we will reimburse them for their reasonable
expenses. We have retained Georgeson Shareholder Communications
Inc., 17 State Street, New York, New York to assist with the
solicitation of proxies from brokers and nominees. It is
estimated that the fees for Georgesons services will be
$6,500 plus its reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses.
We may have our employees or other representatives (who will
receive no additional compensation for their services) solicit
proxies by telephone, telecopy, personal interview or other
means.
Stockholder Proposals
If you want us to consider including a proposal in next
years proxy statement, you must deliver it in writing to:
Secretary, Stratus Properties Inc., 98 San Jacinto
Boulevard, Suite 220, Austin, Texas 78701 by
December 1, 2006.
If you want to present a proposal at the next annual meeting but
do not wish to have it included in our proxy statement, you must
submit it in writing to our corporate secretary, at the above
address, by January 12, 2007, in accordance with the
specific procedural requirements in our by-laws. If you would
like a copy of these procedures, please contact our corporate
secretary. Failure to comply with our by-law procedures and
deadlines may preclude the presentation of your proposal at the
next meeting.
Corporate Governance
Ethics and Business Conduct Policy
Our ethics and business conduct policy is available at
http://www.stratusproperties.com/policy.htm. We intend to
post on that website amendments to or waivers from our ethics
and business conduct policy, if any, made with respect to any of
our directors and executive officers.
Board Structure and Committee Composition
Our board consists of four members, and has primary
responsibility for directing the management of our business and
affairs. Our board held four regular meetings during 2005.
Non-employee directors meet in executive session at the end of
each board meeting. The chair of executive session meetings
rotates among the chairpersons of the two standing committees
(discussed below), except as the non-employee directors may
otherwise determine for a specific meeting.
To provide for effective direction and management of our
business, our board has established an audit committee and a
corporate personnel committee. The charter of our audit
committee is attached as Annex A. Our board does not
have a nominating committee. The entire four-person board, three
members of which are independent as discussed below, acts as our
nominating committee. During 2005, each of our directors
attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of board and
applicable committee meetings.
2
Directors are also invited to attend annual meetings of our
stockholders. Messrs. Armstrong, Leslie and Madden attended
the last annual meeting of stockholders.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit |
|
|
|
Meetings |
Committee Members |
|
Functions of the Committee |
|
in 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Michael D. Madden, Chairman
Bruce G. Garrison
James C. Leslie |
|
please refer to the Audit Committee Report |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate Personnel |
|
|
|
Meetings |
Committee Members |
|
Functions of the Committee |
|
in 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
James C. Leslie, Chairman
Michael D. Madden |
|
please refer to the Corporate Personnel Committee
Report on Executive Compensation |
|
|
2 |
|
Board and Committee Independence and Audit Committee
Financial Experts
On the basis of information solicited from each director, the
board has determined that each of Messrs. Garrison, Leslie
and Madden has no material relationship with the company and is
independent within the meaning of the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (Nasdaq) director
independence standards, as currently in effect. In making this
determination, the board, with assistance from the
companys legal counsel, evaluated responses to a
questionnaire completed annually by each director regarding
relationships and possible conflicts of interest between each
director, the company and management. In its review of director
independence, the board and the companys legal counsel
considered all commercial, industrial, banking, consulting,
legal, accounting, charitable, and familial relationships any
director may have with the company or management. The board
determined that three directors are independent.
Further, the board has determined that each of the members of
the audit committee has no material relationship with the
company and is independent within the meaning of the Nasdaq
independence standards applicable to audit committee members. In
addition, the board has determined that each of the members of
the audit committee qualifies as an audit committee
financial expert, as such term is defined by the rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Consideration of Director Nominees
In evaluating nominees for membership on the board, the board
takes into account many factors, including personal and
professional integrity, general understanding of our industry,
corporate finance and other matters relevant to the successful
management of a publicly-traded company in todays business
environment, educational and professional background,
independence, and the ability and willingness to work
cooperatively with other members of the board and with senior
management. The board evaluates each individual in the context
of the board as a whole, with the objective of recommending
nominees who can best perpetuate the success of the business, be
an effective director in conjunction with the full board, and
represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound
judgment using their diversity of experience in these various
areas. A majority of the independent directors then serving on
the board must approve any nominee to be recommended by the
board to the stockholders.
The board regularly assesses whether it is the appropriate size,
and whether any vacancies on the board are expected due to
retirement or otherwise. In the event that vacancies are
anticipated, or otherwise arise, the independent directors
consider various potential candidates for director, who may come
to their attention through professional search firms,
stockholders or other persons. Each candidate brought to the
attention of the board, regardless of who recommended such
candidate, is considered on the basis of the criteria set forth
above.
As stated above, the board will consider candidates proposed for
nomination by our stockholders. Stockholders may propose
candidates for consideration by the board by submitting the
names and supporting information to: Secretary, Stratus
Properties Inc., 98 San Jacinto Boulevard, Suite 220,
Austin,
3
Texas 78701. Supporting information should include (a) the
name and address of each of the candidate and proposing
stockholder, (b) a comprehensive biography of the candidate
and an explanation of why the candidate is qualified to serve as
a director taking into account the criteria identified above,
(c) proof of ownership, the class and number of shares, and
the length of time that the shares of our common stock have been
beneficially owned by each of the candidate and the proposing
stockholder, and (d) a letter signed by the candidate
stating his or her willingness to serve.
In addition, our by-laws permit stockholders to nominate
candidates directly for consideration at next years annual
stockholder meeting. Any nomination must be in writing and
received by our corporate secretary at our principal executive
offices no later than January 12, 2007. If the date of next
years annual meeting is moved to a date more than
90 days after or 30 days before the anniversary of
this years annual meeting, the nomination must be received
no later than 90 days prior to the date of the 2007 annual
meeting or 10 days following the public announcement of the
date of the 2007 annual meeting. Any stockholder submitting a
nomination under our by-laws must include (a) all
information relating to the nominee that is required to be
disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors
pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (including such nominees written
consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and
to serving as a director if elected), and (b) the name and
address (as they appear on the companys books) of the
nominating stockholder and the class and number of shares
beneficially owned by such stockholder. Nominations should be
addressed to: Secretary, Stratus Properties Inc., 98
San Jacinto Boulevard, Suite 220, Austin, Texas 78701.
Communications with the Board
Individuals may communicate directly with our board (or any
individual director) by writing to the director or the chairman
of the board of Stratus Properties Inc., c/o 98
San Jacinto Boulevard, Suite 220, Austin, Texas 78701.
The company or the chairman will forward the stockholders
communication to the appropriate director.
Director Compensation
This table reflects the cash compensation information for each
of our non-employee directors. Mr. Armstrongs
compensation is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table in
the section titled Executive Officer Compensation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Meeting | |
|
|
|
|
Committee | |
|
Attendance | |
Name of Director |
|
Annual Fees | |
|
Fees(1) | |
|
Fees(2) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Bruce G. Garrison
|
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
4,000 |
|
James C. Leslie
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
Michael D. Madden
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Each non-employee director receives $1,000 for each committee on
which he serves and $1,000 for each committee of which he is the
chairperson. |
|
(2) |
Each non-employee director receives $500 for attendance at each
board and committee meeting and is also reimbursed for
reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in attending our board and committee meetings. |
Following a review of the competitiveness of our compensation
practices for our board of directors, our corporate personnel
committee recommended, and our board approved modifications to
our director compensation program based on the recommendations
of a compensation consulting firm. Accordingly, effective
April 1, 2006, each non-employee director will receive
$1,000 for attendance at each board committee meeting and $500
for participation in each board committee meeting by telephone
conference as well as an annual fee consisting of
(a) $12,500 for serving on the board, (b) $1,000 for
serving on each
4
committee, (c) $4,000 for serving as chairperson of the
audit committee, and (d) $2,000 for serving as chairperson
of any other committee. Each director will receive a fee of
$1,000 for attendance at each board meeting and $500 for
participation in each board meeting by telephone conference and
will also be reimbursed for reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in attending each board and committee meeting.
Equity-Based Compensation
Non-employee directors also receive equity compensation under
the 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Pursuant
to the plan, on September 1st of each year, each
non-employee director receives a grant of options to acquire
2,500 shares of our common stock. The options are granted
at fair market value on the grant date, vest ratably over the
first four anniversaries of the grant date and expire on the
tenth anniversary of the grant date. Accordingly, on
September 1, 2005, each non-employee director was granted
an option to purchase 2,500 shares of our common stock
at a grant price of $18.215.
Election of Directors
Our board of directors has fixed the number of directors at
four. The table below shows the members of the different classes
of our board and the expiration of their terms.
|
|
|
|
|
Class |
|
Expiration of Term |
|
Class Member |
|
|
|
|
|
Class I
|
|
2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders |
|
Michael D. Madden |
Class II
|
|
2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders |
|
Bruce G. Garrison
James C. Leslie |
Class III
|
|
2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders |
|
William H. Armstrong III |
Our board has nominated each of the Class II directors
named above for an additional three-year term. The persons named
as proxies in the enclosed form of proxy intend to vote your
proxy for the election of the Class II directors, unless
otherwise directed. If, contrary to our present expectations,
either nominee should become unavailable for any reason, your
proxy will be voted for a substitute nominee designated by our
board, unless otherwise directed.
Information About Nominees and Other Directors
This table provides certain information as of March 15,
2006, with respect to the director nominees and each other
director whose term will continue after the meeting. Unless
otherwise indicated, each person has been engaged in the
principal occupation shown for the past five years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year First | |
|
|
|
|
Principal Occupations, Other Directorships |
|
Elected a | |
Name of Nominee or Director |
|
Age | |
|
and Positions with the Company |
|
Director | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
William H. Armstrong III
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of the
Company since 1998. President since 1996. |
|
|
1998 |
|
Bruce G. Garrison
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Director REITs and Real Estate Investments, Salient
Trust Company (formerly Pinnacle Trust Company), since 2003, and
Vice President from 2000 to 2003. |
|
|
2002 |
|
James C. Leslie
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
Private investor. Chairman of the Board of Ascendant Solutions,
Inc. Director, President and Chief Operating Officer of The
Staubach Company, a commercial real estate services firm, from
1996 until 2001. |
|
|
1996 |
|
Michael D. Madden
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
Managing Partner of BlackEagle Partners LLC (formerly Centurion
Capital Partners LLC) since April 2005. Partner of Questor
Management Co., merchant bankers, from March 1999 to April 2005.
Chairman of the Board of Hanover Capital L.L.C., investment
bankers, since 1995. |
|
|
1992 |
|
5
Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
This table shows the amount of our common stock each of our
directors and named executive officers beneficially owned on
March 15, 2006. Unless otherwise indicated, all shares
shown are held with sole voting and investment power. This table
also shows the number of shares of our common stock each of our
directors and named executive officers could acquire as of
May 14, 2006, upon the exercise of options granted pursuant
to our stock incentive plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of | |
|
Total Number | |
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares | |
|
Shares Subject | |
|
of Shares | |
|
|
|
|
Not Subject to | |
|
to Exercisable | |
|
Beneficially | |
|
Percent of | |
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Options | |
|
Options | |
|
Owned | |
|
Class | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
William H. Armstrong III(1)
|
|
|
60,370 |
|
|
|
385,455 |
|
|
|
445,825 |
|
|
|
5.8 |
% |
John E. Baker(2)
|
|
|
4,441 |
|
|
|
76,652 |
|
|
|
81,093 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
Bruce G. Garrison(3)
|
|
|
103,140 |
|
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
106,890 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
% |
James C. Leslie
|
|
|
35,500 |
|
|
|
26,250 |
|
|
|
61,750 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Michael D. Madden
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,250 |
|
|
|
26,250 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons)
|
|
|
203,451 |
|
|
|
518,357 |
|
|
|
721,808 |
|
|
|
9.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
* |
Ownership is less than 1% |
|
|
(1) |
Includes 3,250 shares held in his individual retirement
account. Does not include 64,250 restricted stock units. |
|
(2) |
Does not include 25,250 restricted stock units. |
|
(3) |
Includes 91,140 shares held by an investment company with
respect to which Mr. Garrison, as an executive officer,
shares voting and investment power, but as to which he disclaims
beneficial ownership. |
Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
This table shows the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our
outstanding common stock based on filings with the SEC. Unless
otherwise indicated, all information is presented as of
December 31, 2005, and all shares indicated as beneficially
owned are held with sole voting and investment power.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares | |
|
Percent of | |
Name and Address of Person |
|
Beneficially Owned | |
|
Class | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
William H. Armstrong III
|
|
|
445,825 |
(1) |
|
|
5.8 |
% |
|
98 San Jacinto Boulevard, Suite 220
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Austin, Texas 78701
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carl E. Berg
|
|
|
1,405,000 |
(2) |
|
|
19.5 |
% |
|
10050 Bandley Drive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cupertino, California 95014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High Rise Capital Advisors, L.L.C
|
|
|
570,444 |
(3) |
|
|
7.9 |
% |
|
535 Madison Avenue, 26th Floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, New York 10022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ingalls & Snyder LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert L. Gipson
|
|
|
1,387,446 |
(4) |
|
|
19.2 |
% |
|
61 Broadway
New York, New York 10006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Reflects beneficial ownership as of March 15, 2006. |
|
(2) |
Based on an amended Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on
February 13, 2002. |
6
|
|
(3) |
Based on an amended Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on
February 13, 2006, High Rise Capital Advisors shares voting
and investment power over all shares beneficially owned. |
|
(4) |
Based on an amended Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on
February 10, 2006, Ingalls & Snyder has no voting
power but shares investment power with respect to 1,235,446 of
these shares, and Robert L. Gipson has sole voting and
investment power with respect to 152,000 of these shares and
shares investment power with respect to 963,327 of these shares. |
Executive Officer Compensation
This table shows the compensation paid to our chief executive
officer and chief financial officer in 2005, 2004 and 2003
(collectively, the named executive officers), the only two
executive officers whom we employed in 2005. The named executive
officers did not receive any perquisites in 2003, 2004 or 2005
that exceeded the threshold for disclosure under the SEC rules.
Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term | |
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation | |
|
Compensation Awards | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted | |
|
Securities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock | |
|
Underlying | |
|
All Other | |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year | |
|
Salary | |
|
Bonus | |
|
Awards(1) | |
|
Options | |
|
Compensation(2) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
William H. Armstrong III
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
280,000 |
|
|
$ |
420,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
32,700 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board,
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
280,000 |
|
|
|
263,000 |
|
|
|
400,375 |
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
33,200 |
|
|
President & Chief
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
280,000 |
|
|
|
263,000 |
|
|
|
147,770 |
|
|
|
46,000 |
|
|
|
33,200 |
|
|
Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John E. Baker
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
170,000 |
|
|
|
255,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,822 |
|
|
Senior Vice President
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
170,000 |
|
|
|
136,000 |
|
|
|
160,150 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
27,822 |
|
|
& Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
170,000 |
|
|
|
136,000 |
|
|
|
52,775 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
27,822 |
|
|
|
(1) |
No restricted stock units were granted to the named executive
officers in 2005. As of December 30, 2005, based on the
$23.33 market value per share of our common stock as of such
date, (a) Mr. Armstrong held 32,659 restricted stock
units, the aggregate value of which was $761,934 and
(b) Mr. Baker held 12,386 restricted stock units, the
aggregate value of which was $288,965. |
|
(2) |
Consists of contributions to defined contribution plans,
payments for life insurance policies, and director fees as
follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan | |
|
Life | |
|
Director | |
Name |
|
Date | |
|
Contribution | |
|
Insurance | |
|
Fees | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Mr. Armstrong
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
28,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,700 |
|
|
$ |
2,000 |
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
28,000 |
|
|
|
2,700 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
28,000 |
|
|
|
2,700 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
Mr. Baker
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
25,500 |
|
|
|
2,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
25,500 |
|
|
|
2,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
25,500 |
|
|
|
2,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
This table sets forth the option exercises in 2005 and all
outstanding stock options held by each of the named executive
officers as of December 31, 2005. No options were granted
to the named executive officers in 2005.
7
Aggregated Option Exercises in 2005 and Options at
December 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised | |
|
Value of Unexercised | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options at | |
|
In-the-Money Options at | |
|
|
Shares | |
|
|
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
|
Acquired on | |
|
Value | |
|
| |
|
| |
Name |
|
Exercise | |
|
Realized | |
|
Exercisable/Unexercisable | |
|
Exercisable/Unexercisable | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
William H. Armstrong III
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
362,375 |
|
|
|
374,091/150,228 |
|
|
|
$5,176,447/$992,649 |
|
John E. Baker
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
51,220 |
|
|
|
72,864/ 33,788 |
|
|
|
977,115/ 336,559 |
|
Corporate Personnel Committee Report on Executive
Compensation
Compensation Philosophy
The corporate personnel committee, which is composed of two
independent directors, determines the compensation of our
executive officers and administers our annual performance
incentive and stock incentive plans. The committee met two times
during 2005; the committee also met twice in January 2006 in
connection with a review of our executive compensation
practices. Our committees executive compensation
philosophy is to:
|
|
|
|
|
emphasize performance-based compensation that balances rewards
for short- and long-term results |
|
|
|
tie compensation to the interests of the companys
stockholders, and |
|
|
|
provide a level of total compensation that will enable the
company to attract and retain talented executive officers. |
In 2005, we interviewed several compensation consulting firms
and selected a firm to perform a comprehensive review of our
executive compensation practices, which we previously reviewed
in 2001. The compensation consulting firm conducted a
comprehensive benchmarking study for our two senior executive
officers after identifying two comparative peer groups of
companies. Based on the market findings, the consulting firm
delivered a report to our committee and provided compensation
alternatives and guidance. Following our consideration of the
consulting firms report and discussions with the firm
regarding the appropriate level of compensation for our two
senior executive officers, we concluded that the total
compensation paid to each of our chief executive officer and our
other named executive officer is reasonable and appropriate.
During 2006, we will continue to evaluate our executive
compensation program, including the mix of annual and long-term
compensation. Moreover, we will consider potential modifications
to our compensation program if the stockholders do not approve
the proposal to adopt a new stock incentive plan.
In 2005, the compensation consulting firm that we retained also
reviewed the competitiveness of our compensation practices for
our board of directors and recommended modifications to our
director compensation program. Our committee recommended, and
our board approved, those recommendations effective
April 1, 2006. See Director Compensation.
Components of Executive Compensation
Executive officer compensation for 2005 included base salary and
annual incentive awards. We did not grant any long-term
incentive awards to our executive officers in 2005, but did
award restricted stock units in January 2006.
The base salaries of our executive officers have remained at the
current levels since 2002. Although we annually evaluate each
executive officers level of responsibility and conduct
annual performance assessments, we have not increased our
executive officers base salaries in an effort to stay
within our
8
target compensation range based on our 2001 review of executive
compensation practices. As noted above, we will continue to
evaluate our executive compensation program during 2006.
We provided annual cash incentives to our chief executive
officer, Mr. Armstrong, and the companys other
officers for 2005 through the companys performance
incentive awards program. We used the same guidelines from 2004
for use in awarding cash incentives for 2005. Under this
approach, we determined each officers award based on a
combination of overall corporate performance and individual
performance, with the specific allocation reflecting the primary
focus of the officers position and the officers
ability to impact the variables associated with each. Each
person selected to participate in the program was assigned a
target award based on level of responsibility, which served as a
guideline amount. We determined the individual awards to the
participants based on our assessment of the performance measures
and the relative individual allocations and based on our
comprehensive review of our executive compensation practices
described above. We concluded that the level of corporate and
individual performance achieved in 2005 warranted the payment of
a cash bonus to Mr. Armstrong and our other named executive
officer in the amounts shown in the Summary Compensation Table.
In 2002, we established long-term incentive award guidelines
intended to reinforce the relationship between compensation and
increases in the market price of the companys common stock
and align the officers financial interests with those of
the companys stockholders. Pursuant to this plan, we
established target levels based upon the position of each
participating officer and granted long-term incentive awards
within those levels based upon our assessment of corporate and
individual performance. In the past, participating officers
received approximately two-thirds of their long-term incentive
awards in the form of stock options and approximately one-third
in the form of restricted stock units. Due to an insufficient
number of shares remaining available for grant under the
companys stock incentive plans, however, we were unable to
grant long-term incentive awards to our executive officers using
these parameters during 2005. After evaluating the corporate and
individual performance of our executive officers in 2005 and the
shares available for grant and after considering the overall
compensation of our executive officers, we granted 35,000
restricted stock units to our chief executive officer and 14,000
restricted stock units to our other named executive officer in
January 2006. The restricted stock units will ratably convert
into shares of our common stock over a four-year period on each
grant date anniversary.
Section 162(m)
Section 162(m) limits to $1 million a public
companys annual tax deduction for compensation paid to
each of its most highly compensated executive officers.
Qualified performance-based compensation is excluded from this
deduction limitation if certain requirements are met. Our policy
is to structure compensation that will be fully deductible where
doing so will further the purposes of the companys
executive compensation programs.
Dated: March 22, 2006
|
|
|
James C. Leslie, Chairman |
Michael D. Madden |
|
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
The current members of our corporate personnel committee are
Messrs. Leslie and Madden. In 2005, none of our executive
officers served as a director or member of the compensation
committee of another entity where an executive officer served as
our director or on our corporate personnel committee.
9
Audit Committee Report
The audit committee is currently composed of three directors,
all of whom are independent, as defined in the Nasdaq listing
standards. We operate under a written charter approved by our
committee and adopted by the board of directors, which is
attached to this proxy statement as Annex A. Our
primary function is to assist the board of directors in
fulfilling the boards oversight responsibilities by
monitoring (1) the companys continuing development
and performance of its system of financial reporting, auditing,
internal controls and legal and regulatory compliance,
(2) the operation and integrity of the system,
(3) performance and qualifications of the companys
external auditors and internal auditors and (4) the
independence of the companys external auditors.
We review the companys financial reporting process on
behalf of our board. The audit committees responsibility
is to monitor this process, but the audit committee is not
responsible for preparing the companys financial
statements or auditing those financial statements. Those are the
responsibilities of management and the companys
independent auditors, respectively.
During 2005, management completed the documentation, testing and
evaluation of the companys system of internal control over
financial reporting in connection with the companys
compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. The audit committee received periodic updates of this
process from management and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP at each
regularly scheduled audit committee meeting. The audit committee
also reviewed and discussed with management and
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP managements report on internal
control over financial reporting and PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLPs report on their audit of managements assessment
of the companys internal control over financial reporting,
both of which are included in the companys annual report
on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2005.
Appointment of Independent Auditors; Financial Statement
Review
In March 2005, in accordance with our charter, our committee
appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the companys
independent auditors for 2005. We have reviewed and discussed
the companys audited financial statements for the year
2005 with management and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Management
represented to us that the audited financial statements fairly
present, in all material respects, the financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows of the company as of and
for the periods presented in the financial statements in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provided an
opinion to the same effect.
We have received from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the written
disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards
Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with
Audit Committees, as amended, and we have discussed with
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP their independence from the company
and management. We have also discussed with
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the matters required to be discussed
by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication
with Audit Committees, as amended and Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 2, An
Audit of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Performed in
Conjunction with an Audit of Financial Statements.
In addition, we have discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
the overall scope and plans for their audit, and have met with
them and management to discuss the results of their examination,
their understanding and evaluation of the companys
internal controls as they considered necessary to support their
opinion on the financial statements for the year 2005, and
various factors affecting the overall quality of accounting
principles applied in the companys financial reporting.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP also met with us without management
being present to discuss these matters.
In reliance on these reviews and discussions, we recommended to
the board of directors, and the board of directors approved, the
inclusion of the audited financial statements referred to above
in the companys annual report on
Form 10-K for the
year 2005.
10
Internal Audit
We also review the companys internal audit function,
including the selection and compensation of the companys
internal auditors. In March 2005, in accordance with our
charter, our committee appointed Resources Audit Solutions, LLC
as the companys internal auditors for 2005.
Dated: March 22, 2006
|
|
|
Michael D. Madden, Chairman |
Bruce G. Garrison |
James C. Leslie |
Independent Auditors
Fees and Related Disclosures for Accounting Services
The following table discloses the fees that
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP billed the company for professional
services rendered in each of the last two fiscal years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Audit Fees
|
|
$ |
339,033 |
|
|
$ |
151,167 |
|
Audit-Related Fees(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
Tax Fees(2)
|
|
|
25,600 |
|
|
|
40,600 |
|
All Other Fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
In 2004, amount relates to consultations regarding accounting
and financial reporting standards. |
|
(2) |
Relates to services rendered for tax consulting and compliance
services. |
The audit committee has determined that the provision of the
services described above is compatible with maintaining the
independence of the independent auditors.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The audit committees policy is to pre-approve all audit
services, audit-related services and other services permitted by
law provided by the independent auditors. In accordance with
that policy, the committee annually pre-approves a list of
specific services and categories of services, including audit,
audit-related and other services, for the upcoming or current
fiscal year, subject to specified cost levels. Any service that
is not included in the approved list of services must be
separately pre-approved by the audit committee. In addition, if
fees for any service exceed the amount that has been
pre-approved, then payment of additional fees for such service
must be specifically pre-approved by the audit committee;
however, any proposed service that has an anticipated or
additional cost of no more than $15,000 may be pre-approved by
the Chairperson of the audit committee, provided that the total
anticipated costs of all such projects pre-approved by the
Chairperson during any fiscal quarter does not exceed $30,000.
At each regularly-scheduled audit committee meeting, management
updates the committee on the scope and anticipated cost of
(1) any service pre-approved by the Chairperson since the
last meeting of the committee and (2) the projected fees
for each service or group of services being provided by the
independent auditors. Since the May 2003 effective date of the
SEC rules stating that an auditor is not independent of an audit
client if the services it provides to the client are not
appropriately approved, each service provided by our independent
auditors has been approved in advance by the audit committee,
and none of those services required use of the de minimus
exception to pre-approval contained in the SECs rules.
Selection and Ratification of the Independent Auditors
In March 2006, our audit committee appointed
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent auditors for 2006.
Our audit committee and board of directors seek stockholder
ratification of the audit
11
committees appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to
act as the independent auditors of our and our
subsidiaries financial statements for the year 2006. If
the stockholders do not ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, our audit committee will reconsider
this appointment. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
are expected to be present at the meeting to respond to
appropriate questions, and those representatives will also have
an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the change in the cumulative total
stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total
return of the Hemscott (formerly CoreData) Real Estate
Development Group and the S&P 500 Stock Index from 2001
through 2005. This comparison assumes $100 invested on
December 31, 2000, in (a) our common stock,
(b) the Hemscott (formerly CoreData) Real Estate
Development Group, and (c) the S&P 500 Stock Index.
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return*
Stratus Properties Inc., Hemscott (formerly CoreData) Real
Estate
Development Group and S&P 500 Stock Index
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Stratus Properties Inc.
|
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
85.00 |
|
|
$ |
92.00 |
|
|
$ |
100.50 |
|
|
$ |
160.30 |
|
|
$ |
233.30 |
|
Hemscott (formerly CoreData) Real Estate Development Group
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
115.07 |
|
|
|
79.98 |
|
|
|
133.49 |
|
|
|
232.61 |
|
|
|
245.16 |
|
S&P 500 Stock Index
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
88.12 |
|
|
|
68.64 |
|
|
|
88.33 |
|
|
|
97.94 |
|
|
|
102.75 |
|
|
|
* |
Total Return Assumes Reinvestment of Dividends |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, requires our directors and executive officers and
persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file
reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC.
Based solely upon our review of the Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed
12
during 2005, and written representations from certain reporting
persons that no Forms 5 were required, we reasonably
believe, with the exception noted below, that all required
reports were timely filed. A Form 4 for Mr. Armstrong
to report his purchase of stock in May 2000 was inadvertently
filed late on February 24, 2006.
Proposal to Adopt the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan
Our board of directors unanimously proposes that our
stockholders approve the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, which is
summarized below and attached as Annex B to this
proxy statement. Because this is a summary, it does not contain
all the information that may be important to you. You should
read Annex B carefully before you decide how to vote.
Reasons for the Proposal
We believe that our growth depends significantly upon the
efforts of our officers, employees and other service providers
and that such individuals are best motivated to put forth
maximum effort on our behalf if they own an equity interest in
our company. Currently, there are less than 13,000 shares
of our common stock available for grant to our key personnel
under our stock incentive plans. So that we may continue to
motivate and reward our key personnel with stock-based awards at
an appropriate level, our board believes it is important that we
establish a new equity-based plan at this time.
Summary of the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan
Awards under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan will be made by the
corporate personnel committee of our board of directors, which
is currently made up of two independent members of our board.
The corporate personnel committee has full power and authority
to designate participants, to set the terms of awards and to
make any determinations necessary or desirable for the
administration of the plan.
The following persons are eligible to participate in the 2006
Stock Incentive Plan:
|
|
|
|
|
our officers (including non-employee officers and officers who
are also directors) and employees; |
|
|
|
officers and employees of existing or future subsidiaries; |
|
|
|
officers and employees of any entity with which we have
contracted to receive executive, management or legal services
and who provide services to us or a subsidiary under such
arrangement; |
|
|
|
consultants and advisers who provide services to us or a
subsidiary; and |
|
|
|
any person who has agreed in writing to become an eligible
participant within 30 days. |
A subsidiary is defined to include an entity in which we have a
direct or indirect economic interest that is designated as a
subsidiary by the corporate personnel committee. The corporate
personnel committee may delegate to one or more of our officers
the power to grant awards and to modify or terminate awards
granted to eligible persons who are not our executive officers
or directors, subject to certain limitations. It is anticipated
that the corporate personnel committees determinations as
to which eligible individuals will be granted awards and the
terms of the awards will be based on each individuals
present and potential contributions to our success. While all
employees, consultants and executive, management and legal
service providers will be eligible for awards under this plan,
we anticipate that awards will be granted to approximately six
persons, consisting of three officers and three employees of our
company.
13
The maximum number of shares of our common stock with respect to
which awards may be granted under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan
is 350,000, or as of the record date, 4.8% of our outstanding
common stock and 4.3% of our fully diluted outstanding common
stock (assuming the exercise of all outstanding options and
vesting of all outstanding restricted stock units).
Awards that may be paid only in cash will not be counted against
this share limit. Moreover, no individual may receive in any
year awards under this plan, whether payable in cash or shares,
that relate to more than 125,000 shares of our common stock.
Shares subject to awards that are forfeited or canceled will
again be available for awards, as will shares issued as
restricted stock or other stock-based awards that are forfeited
or reacquired by us by their terms. Under no circumstances may
the number of shares issued pursuant to incentive stock options
exceed 350,000 shares. The number of shares with respect to
which awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units and
other stock-based awards for which a per share purchase price of
less than 100% of fair market value is paid may not exceed
150,000 shares, of which only 15,000 may be issued without
compliance with certain minimum vesting requirements. The shares
to be delivered under this plan will be made available from our
authorized but unissued shares of common stock, from treasury
shares or from shares acquired by us on the open market or
otherwise. Subject to the terms of this plan, shares of our
common stock issuable under this plan may also be used as the
form of payment of compensation under other plans or
arrangements that we offer or that we assume in a business
combination.
On March 24, 2006, the closing price of a share of our
common stock on Nasdaq was $24.20.
Stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock,
restricted stock units and other stock-based awards may be
granted under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan in the discretion of
the corporate personnel committee. Options granted under this
plan may be either non-qualified or incentive stock options.
Only our employees or employees of our subsidiaries will be
eligible to receive incentive stock options. Stock appreciation
rights may be granted in conjunction with or unrelated to other
awards and, if in conjunction with an outstanding option or
other award, may be granted at the time of the award or
thereafter, at the exercise price of the other award if
permitted by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
The corporate personnel committee has discretion to fix the
exercise or grant price of stock options and stock appreciation
rights at a price not less than 100% of the fair market value of
the underlying common stock at the time of grant (or at the time
of grant of the related award in the case of a stock
appreciation right granted in conjunction with an outstanding
award if permitted by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue
Code). This limitation on the corporate personnel
committees discretion, however, does not apply in the case
of awards granted in substitution for outstanding awards
previously granted by an acquired company or a company with
which we combine. The corporate personnel committee has broad
discretion as to the terms and conditions upon which options and
stock appreciation rights are exercisable, but under no
circumstances will an option or a stock appreciation right have
a term exceeding 10 years. This plan prohibits the
reduction in the exercise price of stock options without
stockholder approval, except for certain adjustments described
below.
The option exercise price may be paid:
|
|
|
|
|
in cash or cash equivalent; |
|
|
|
in shares of our common stock; |
|
|
|
through a cashless exercise arrangement with a
broker approved in advance by the company; |
|
|
|
if approved by the corporate personnel committee, through a
net exercise, whereby shares of common stock equal
in value to the aggregate exercise price or less are withheld
from the issuance; or |
14
|
|
|
|
|
in any other manner authorized by the corporate personnel
committee. |
Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right with respect to
our common stock, a participant will be entitled to receive, for
each share subject to the right, the excess of the fair market
value of the share on the date of exercise over the exercise
price. The corporate personnel committee has the authority to
determine whether the value of a stock appreciation right is
paid in cash or our common stock or a combination of the two.
The corporate personnel committee may grant restricted shares of
our common stock to a participant that are subject to
restrictions regarding the sale, pledge or other transfer by the
participant for a specified period. All shares of restricted
stock will be subject to the restrictions that the corporate
personnel committee may designate in an agreement with the
participant, including, among other things, that the shares are
required to be forfeited or resold to us in the event of
termination of employment under certain circumstances or in the
event specified performance goals or targets are not met. With
limited exceptions, a restricted period of at least three years
is required, with incremental vesting permitted during the
three-year period, except that if the vesting or grant of shares
of restricted stock is subject to the attainment of performance
goals, the restricted period may be one year or more with
incremental vesting permitted. Subject to the restrictions
provided in the participants agreement, a participant
receiving restricted stock will have all of the rights of a
stockholder as to the restricted stock, including dividend and
voting rights.
The corporate personnel committee may also grant participants
awards of restricted stock units, as well as awards of our
common stock and other awards that are denominated in, payable
in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise
based on the value of, our common stock (Other Stock-Based
Awards). The corporate personnel committee has discretion to
determine the participants to whom restricted stock units or
Other Stock-Based Awards are to be made, the times at which such
awards are to be made, the size of the awards, the form of
payment, and all other conditions of the awards, including any
restrictions, deferral periods or performance requirements. With
limited exceptions, a vesting period of at least three years is
required, with incremental vesting permitted during the
three-year period, except that if the vesting is subject to the
attainment of performance goals, the vesting period may be one
year or more with incremental vesting permitted. The terms of
the restricted stock units and the Other Stock-Based Awards will
be subject to the rules and regulations that the corporate
personnel committee determines.
Any award under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan may provide that
the participant has the right to receive currently or on a
deferred basis dividends or dividend equivalents, all as the
corporate personnel committee determines.
|
|
|
Performance-Based Compensation under
Section 162(m) |
Stock options and stock appreciation rights, if granted in
accordance with the terms of the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, are
intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. For grants of
restricted stock, restricted stock units and Other Stock-Based
Awards that are intended to qualify as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m), the corporate personnel
committee will establish specific performance goals for each
performance period not later than 90 days after the
beginning of the performance period. The corporate personnel
committee will also establish a schedule, setting forth the
portion of the award that will be earned or forfeited based on
the degree of achievement of the performance goals by our
company, a division or a subsidiary at the end of the
performance period. The corporate personnel committee will use
any or a combination of the following performance measures:
earnings per share, return on assets, an economic value added
measure, stockholder return, earnings, share price, return on
equity, return on investment, return on fully-employed capital,
reduction of expenses, containment of expenses within budget,
cash provided by operating activities, increase in cash flow, or
increase in revenues, of the company, a division of the company
or a subsidiary. For any performance period, the performance
objectives may be measured on an absolute basis or relative to a
group of peer companies selected by the corporate personnel
committee, relative to internal goals, or relative to levels
attained in prior years. If an award of restricted stock,
restricted stock units or
15
an Other Stock-Based Award is intended to qualify as
performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), the
corporate personnel committee must certify in writing that the
performance goals and all applicable conditions have been met
prior to payment.
If there is a change of control of our company or if a
participant retires, dies or becomes disabled during the
performance period, the corporate personnel committee may
provide that all or a portion of the restricted stock,
restricted stock units and Other Stock-Based Awards will
automatically vest.
The corporate personnel committee retains authority to change
the performance goal objectives with respect to future grants to
any of those provided in the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.
If the corporate personnel committee determines that any stock
dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash,
securities or other property), recapitalization, reorganization,
stock split, reverse stock split, merger, consolidation,
split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of
shares, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase shares
or other securities of our company, or other similar corporate
event affects our common stock in such a way that an adjustment
is appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement of the
benefits intended to be granted and available for grant under
the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, then the corporate personnel
committee has discretion to:
|
|
|
|
|
make equitable adjustments in |
|
|
|
|
|
the number and kind of shares (or other securities or property)
that may be the subject of future awards under this
plan, and |
|
|
|
the number and kind of shares (or other securities or property)
subject to outstanding awards and the respective grant or
exercise prices; and |
|
|
|
|
|
if appropriate, provide for the payment of cash to a participant. |
The corporate personnel committee may also adjust awards to
reflect unusual or nonrecurring events that affect us or our
financial statements or to reflect changes in applicable laws or
accounting principles.
The 2006 Stock Incentive Plan may be amended or terminated at
any time by the board of directors, except that no amendment may
materially impair an award previously granted without the
consent of the recipient and no amendment may be made without
stockholder approval if the amendment would:
|
|
|
|
|
materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under
the plan; |
|
|
|
increase the number of shares of our common stock that may be
issued under the plan; |
|
|
|
materially expand the classes of persons eligible to participate
in the plan; |
|
|
|
expand the types of awards available under the plan; |
|
|
|
materially extend the term of the plan; |
|
|
|
materially change the method of determining the exercise price
of options or the grant price of stock appreciation
rights; or |
|
|
|
permit a reduction in the exercise price of options. |
Unless terminated sooner, no awards will be made under the 2006
Stock Incentive Plan after May 9, 2016.
Federal Income Tax Consequences of Stock Options
The grant of non-qualified or incentive stock options will not
generally result in tax consequences to our company or to the
optionee. When an optionee exercises a non-qualified option, the
difference between
16
the exercise price and any higher fair market value of our
common stock on the date of exercise will be ordinary income to
the optionee (subject to withholding) and, subject to
Section 162(m), will generally be allowed as a deduction at
that time for federal income tax purposes to his or her employer.
Any gain or loss realized by an optionee on disposition of our
common stock acquired upon exercise of a non-qualified option
will generally be capital gain or loss to the optionee,
long-term or short-term depending on the holding period, and
will not result in any additional federal income tax
consequences to the employer. The optionees basis in our
common stock for determining gain or loss on the disposition
will be the fair market value of our common stock determined
generally at the time of exercise.
When an optionee exercises an incentive stock option while
employed by us or within three months (one year for disability)
after termination of employment, no ordinary income will be
recognized by the optionee at that time, but the excess (if any)
of the fair market value of our common stock acquired upon such
exercise over the option price will be an adjustment to taxable
income for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax. If
our common stock acquired upon exercise of the incentive stock
option is not disposed of prior to the expiration of one year
after the date of acquisition and two years after the date of
grant of the option, the excess (if any) of the sale proceeds
over the aggregate option exercise price of such common stock
will be long-term capital gain, but the employer will not be
entitled to any tax deduction with respect to such gain.
Generally, if our common stock is disposed of prior to the
expiration of such periods (a Disqualifying Disposition), the
excess of the fair market value of such common stock at the time
of exercise over the aggregate option exercise price (but not
more than the gain on the disposition if the disposition is a
transaction on which a loss, if realized, would be recognized)
will be ordinary income at the time of such Disqualifying
Disposition (and the employer will generally be entitled to a
federal income tax deduction in a like amount). Any gain
realized by the optionee as the result of a Disqualifying
Disposition that exceeds the amount treated as ordinary income
will be capital in nature, long-term or short-term depending on
the holding period. If an incentive stock option is exercised
more than three months (one year for disability) after
termination of employment, the federal income tax consequences
are the same as described above for non-qualified stock options.
If the exercise price of an option is paid by the surrender of
previously owned shares, the basis of the previously owned
shares carries over to an equal number of shares received in
replacement. If the option is a non-qualified option, the income
recognized on exercise is added to the basis. If the option is
an incentive stock option, the optionee will recognize gain if
the shares surrendered were acquired through the exercise of an
incentive stock option and have not been held for the applicable
holding period. This gain will be added to the basis of the
shares received in replacement of the previously owned shares.
Section 162(m) may limit the deductibility of an
executives compensation in excess of $1,000,000 per
year. However, we believe that taxable compensation arising in
connection with stock options granted under the 2006 Stock
Incentive Plan should be fully deductible by the employer for
purposes of Section 162(m).
The acceleration of the exercisability of stock options upon the
occurrence of a change of control may give rise, in whole or in
part, to excess parachute payments within the meaning of
Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent
that the payments, when aggregated with other payments subject
to Section 280G, exceed certain limitations. Excess
parachute payments will be nondeductible to the employer and
subject the recipient of the payments to a 20% excise tax.
If permitted by the corporate personnel committee, at any time
that a participant is required to pay to us the amount required
to be withheld under applicable tax laws in connection with the
exercise of a stock option or the issuance of our common stock
under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, the participant may deliver
shares of our common stock or elect to have us withhold from the
shares that the participant would otherwise receive shares of
our common stock, having a value equal to the amount required to
be withheld. This election must be made prior to the date on
which the amount of tax to be withheld is determined.
17
This discussion summarizes the federal income tax consequences
of the stock options that may be granted under the 2006 Stock
Incentive Plan based on current provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code, which are subject to change. This discussion also
assumes that the stock options will not be deemed deferred
compensation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue
Code. This summary does not cover any foreign, state or local
tax consequences of the stock options.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table presents information as of December 31,
2005, regarding our compensation plans under which common stock
may be issued to employees and non-employees as compensation. In
addition to the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, which is subject to
approval of the stockholders at the meeting, we currently have
four additional equity plans with currently outstanding awards:
the Stock Option Plan, the 1998 Stock Option Plan, the 2002
Stock Incentive Plan, and the 1996 Stock Option Plan for
Non-Employee Directors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for |
|
|
Number of securities |
|
Weighted-average |
|
future issuance under |
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
exercise price of |
|
equity compensation |
|
|
exercise of outstanding |
|
outstanding |
|
plans (excluding |
|
|
options, warrants and |
|
options, warrants |
|
securities reflected in |
|
|
rights |
|
and rights |
|
column (a)) |
Plan Category |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
883,381 |
(1) |
|
$ |
10.11 |
|
|
|
98,763 |
(2) |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
883,381 |
(1) |
|
$ |
10.11 |
|
|
|
98,763 |
(2) |
|
|
(1) |
The number of securities to be issued upon the exercise of
outstanding options, warrants and rights includes shares
issuable upon the vesting of 45,045 restricted stock units.
These awards are not reflected in column (b) as they do not
have an exercise price. |
|
(2) |
As of December 31, 2005, there were 17,263 shares
remaining available for future issuance under the 1998 Stock
Option Plan, all of which could be issued under the terms of the
plan (a) upon the exercise of options or stock appreciation
rights, or (b) in the form of other stock-based
awards, which awards are valued in whole or in part on the value
of the shares of common stock. In addition, there were
41,500 shares remaining available for future issuance under
the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, all of which could be issued
under the respective terms of the plans (a) upon the
exercise of options or stock appreciation rights, or (b) in
the form of restricted stock or other stock-based
awards. Finally, there were also 40,000 shares remaining
available for future issuance to our non-employee directors
under the 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. |
On January 16, 2006, the corporate personnel committee
granted 49,000 restricted stock units from our current plans.
Thus, as of the date of this proxy statement, there are only
52,901 shares remaining available for future issuance under
our equity compensation plans, of which only 12,901 are
available for grants to officers, employees and key personnel.
Awards to Be Granted
The grant of awards under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan is
entirely in the discretion of the corporate personnel committee.
The corporate personnel committee has not yet made a
determination as to the awards to be granted under the 2006
Stock Incentive Plan if it is approved by our stockholders at
the meeting.
18
Vote Required for Approval of the 2006 Stock Incentive
Plan
Approval of the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
our common stock present in person or by proxy at the meeting.
Our board of directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR
this proposal.
Stockholder Proposal
A stockholder has advised the company of his intention to
present a proposal at the meeting. In accordance with applicable
proxy regulations, the proposal and supporting statement is set
forth below. Approval of this proposal would require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock
present in person or by proxy.
Upon request, we will provide the name and address of the
proponent of this proposal and the number of shares of our
common stock that the proponent holds. Requests may be sent to
the Secretary, Stratus Properties Inc., 98 San Jacinto
Boulevard, Suite 220, Austin, Texas 78701.
Stockholder Proposal
RESOLVED: That the stockholders of Stratus
Properties, Inc., assembled in annual meeting in person or by
proxy, hereby request that the Board of Directors take the
needed steps to provide that at future elections of directors
new directors be elected annually and not by classes, as is now
provided, and that on expiration of present terms of directors
their subsequent elections shall also be on an annual
basis.
REASONS
It is this proponents belief that classification of the
Board of Directors is not in the best interest of Stratus
Properties, Inc. and its shareholders. This proponent also
believes that it makes a Board less accountable to shareholders
when all directors do not stand for election each year; the
piecemeal election insulating directors and senior management
from the impact of poor performance.
The Council of Institutional Investors Council
Policies state at:
www.cii.org/dcwascii/web.nsf/doc/policies i.cm
The Board of Directors
All directors should be elected annually (no classified
boards).
Arthur Levitt, former chairman of the SEC has said: In my
view its best for the investor if the entire board is
elected once a year. Without annual election of each director
shareholders have far less control over who represents
them.
Take on the
Street by
Arthur Levitt
Governance experts say that if all the proposals in 2005 to end
tiered-term boards pass, the year could end with fewer than half
of the S&P 500 companies still having a classified
board of directors.
The Wall Street
Journal June 8,
2005
THE CURRENT TREND IS AWAY FROM STAGGERED BOARDS
It is the strong belief of this proponent that classified boards
are rapidly becoming a thing of the past as more companies
demonstrate a greater commitment to the principles of corporate
democracy, adhering to policies that maximize accountability to
shareholders.
In fact, a large number of publicly traded companies, including
ChevronTexaco, FirstEnergy, American International Group,
Halliburton, TXU, ConEdison, CSX Corp., Motorola, General
Motors, Nicor, Inc., ExxonMobil, ADM, J.P. Morgan,
Chase & Co., Xerox, Bristol-Meyers Squibb, Advanced
Micro Devices, Ford Motor Co., Bank of America, Altria Group,
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, McMoRan
19
Exploration Co., American Express, Johnson & Johnson,
Tyson Foods, Hewlett-Packard, Co., AT&T, Southern Co.,
Weingarten Realty, Schlumberger, Home Depot, Wells Fargo,
Citicorp, Walt Disney Co., IBM, General Electric, Microsoft,
Intel and Dell, to name just a few, elect all directors annually
as cited in each companys respective proxy statement for
2005.
Why should Stratus Properties, Inc. shareholders continue the
piecemeal approach of waiting three years to complete their
evaluation of the entire Board?
REGISTER YOUR VIEWS ON THE TOTAL BOARDS PERFORMANCE EACH
YEAR.
Protect your investment through better corporate governance and
board accountability. Vote YES to evaluate director performance
each year.
PLEASE MARK YOUR PROXY IN FAVOR OF THIS PROPOSAL.
Beware! At Stratus Properties, abstentions will have the
same effect as a vote against this proposal.
Board of Directors Statement in Opposition to
Stockholder Proposal
Our company has a classified board of directors, whose members
are divided into three classes serving staggered three-year
terms, with one class being elected each year. We believe that a
classified board is more advantageous to the company and its
shareholders than a board that would be elected annually for the
following reasons:
|
|
|
|
|
Protection Against Unfair and Abusive Takeover Tactics. A
classified board reduces the vulnerability of the company to
potentially unfair and abusive takeover tactics and encourages
potential acquirers to negotiate with our board. A classified
board does not preclude unsolicited acquisition proposals but,
by eliminating the threat of imminent removal, it allows the
incumbent board to maximize the value of a potential acquisition
by giving the company time and bargaining power to evaluate and
negotiate the adequacy and fairness of any takeover proposal and
to consider alternatives, including the continued operation of
the companys business. |
|
|
|
Stability and Continuity. A classified board provides for
continuity and stability and enhances the boards ability
to implement the companys long-term strategy and to focus
on long-term performance. Each current member of the board
brings valuable knowledge and experience to the company and a
classified board ensures that a majority of directors at any
given time will have prior experience as directors of the
company and will be familiar with our business strategies and
operations. |
|
|
|
Accountability to Shareholders. Directors elected to
three-year terms are just as accountable to shareholders as
directors elected on an annual basis. All directors are required
to uphold their fiduciary duties to shareholders, regardless of
how often they stand for election. In addition, there is little
evidence to indicate that electing directors to either annual or
staggered terms directly influences stock performance. |
|
|
|
Corporate Governance. The board of directors is committed
to corporate governance practices that will benefit the
companys shareholders and regularly examines those
practices in light of the changing environment. Numerous
well-respected U.S. companies have classified boards. |
Shareholders should be aware that approval of the proposal would
not declassify the board. To declassify the board, the board
must propose to the stockholders an amendment to the relevant
section of the certificate of incorporation, following which 85%
of the total outstanding shares of common stock must approve the
proposed amendment. Accordingly, our board of directors
unanimously recommends a vote AGAINST the adoption of this
proposal.
20
Annex A
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
Charter of the Audit Committee
of the Board of Directors
March 23, 2005
|
|
I. |
Scope of Responsibility of Audit Committee. |
A. General.
The Audit Committees primary function is to assist the
Board of Directors in fulfilling the Boards oversight
responsibilities by monitoring (1) the Companys
continuing development and performance of its system of
financial reporting, auditing, internal controls and legal and
regulatory compliance, (2) the operation and integrity of
the system, (3) performance and qualifications of the
Companys external and internal auditors and (4) the
independence of the Companys external auditors. In
addition, the Audit Committee will prepare the report required
by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
Commission) to be included in the Companys
annual proxy statement.
B. Relationship to Other Groups.
|
|
|
1. Allocation of Responsibilities. The
Companys management is principally responsible for
developing and consistently applying the Companys
accounting principles and practices, preparing the
Companys financial statements and maintaining an
appropriate system of internal controls. The Companys
external auditors are responsible for auditing the
Companys financial statements to obtain reasonable
assurance that the financial statements are free from material
misstatement. In this regard, the external auditors must develop
an overall understanding of the Companys accounting
principles and practices and internal controls to the extent
necessary to support their report on the Companys
financial statements. The internal auditors are responsible for
objectively assessing managements accounting processes and
internal controls and the extent of compliance therewith. The
Audit Committee, as the delegate of the Board of Directors, is
responsible for overseeing this process. |
|
|
2. Accountability of the Auditors. The external and
internal auditors will be advised that they are ultimately
accountable to the Audit Committee. |
|
|
3. Accountability of the Audit Committee. The Audit
Committee has the ultimate authority and responsibility to
select, evaluate the performance of, and, if necessary, replace
the external and internal auditors. |
|
|
4. Communication. The Audit Committee will strive to
maintain an open and free avenue of communication among
management, the external auditors, the internal auditors, the
Audit Committee and the Board of Directors, and will make
regular reports to the Board of Directors concerning the
activities and recommendations of the Audit Committee. |
|
|
II. |
Composition of Audit Committee. |
The Audit Committee will be comprised of three or more directors
appointed by the Board of Directors, each of whom will meet the
standards of independence, experience and any other
qualifications required from time to time by Nasdaq (or, if the
Companys common stock is listed or traded on some other
exchange or trading system, the standards of independence and
any other qualifications required by the other exchange or
system), Section 10A(m)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and the rules
and regulations of the Commission. At least one member of the
Audit Committee shall qualify as a financial expert
(as defined by the Commission), as determined by
A-1
the Board of Directors. Audit Committee members shall not
simultaneously serve on the audit committees of more than two
other public companies.
|
|
III. |
Meetings of Audit Committee. |
The Audit Committee will meet at least quarterly, or more
frequently if the Audit Committee determines it to be necessary.
The Audit Committee will meet periodically in executive sessions
with the internal auditors and the external auditors, and will
request that the external and internal auditors bring any
matters they deem to be pertinent to the attention of the Audit
Committee in such sessions. To foster open communications, the
Audit Committee may invite other directors or representatives of
management, the external auditors or the internal auditors to
attend any of its meetings, but reserves the right in its
discretion to meet at any time in executive session. The Audit
Committee will maintain written minutes of all its meetings,
which will be available to every member of the Board of
Directors.
|
|
IV. |
Powers of Audit Committee. |
A. Activities and Powers Relating to the External and
Internal Audits.
|
|
|
1. Planning the External and Internal Audits. In
connection with its oversight functions, the Audit Committee
will monitor the planning of both the external audit of the
Companys financial statements and the internal audit
process, including taking the following actions: |
|
|
|
a. select, retain and approve the external auditors and
preapprove all audit services, audit-related services and other
services permitted by law and Audit Committee policy (including
the fees and terms of such services) to be performed for the
Company by the external auditors, subject to the de minimus
exceptions for services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B)
of the Exchange Act that are approved by the Audit Committee
prior to the completion of the audit; |
|
|
b. select, retain and approve the internal auditors and
preapprove all services permitted by law and Audit Committee
policy (including the fees and terms of such services) to be
performed for the Company by the internal auditors; |
|
|
c. discuss with the external and internal auditors the
nature and amount of fees relating to services performed for the
Company and, with respect to the external auditors, confirm that
such services do not impair their independence under applicable
professional standards and regulatory requirements; |
|
|
d. as required, form and delegate authority to
subcommittees consisting of one or more members when
appropriate, including the authority to grant preapprovals of
permitted services, provided that decisions of such subcommittee
to grant preapprovals will be presented to the full Audit
Committee at its next scheduled meeting; |
|
|
e. ensure the rotation of all audit partners (as defined by
the Commission) of the external auditors having primary
responsibility for the audit and the reviewing audit partner of
the external auditors as required by law; |
|
|
f. discuss with the external and internal auditors the
scope and comprehensiveness of their respective audit plans
prior to their respective audits; and |
|
|
g. discuss with the external and internal auditors the
results of their processes to assess risk in the context of
their respective audit engagements, including all pertinent
issues or concerns regarding their client relationship with the
Company raised in their internal client retention assessment or
similar process. |
A-2
|
|
|
2. Review of the External Audit. The Audit Committee
will review the results of the annual external audit with the
external auditors and will: |
|
|
|
a. obtain and review timely reports by the external
auditors describing: |
|
|
|
i. all critical accounting policies and practices to be
used; |
|
|
ii. all alternative treatments of financial information
within generally accepted accounting principles that have been
discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such
alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment
preferred by the external auditors; and |
|
|
iii. other material written communications between the
external auditors and management, such as any management letter
or schedule of unadjusted differences; |
|
|
|
b. obtain and review timely reports by the external
auditors describing: |
|
|
|
i. the external auditors internal quality-control
procedures; |
|
|
ii. any material issues raised by the most recent internal
quality-control review, or peer review, of the external
auditors, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or
professional authorities, within the preceding five years,
respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the
external auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such
issues; and |
|
|
iii. all significant relationships between the external
auditors and the Company, including those described in written
statements of the external auditors furnished under Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1; |
|
|
|
c. discuss the Companys annual audited financial
statements, quarterly financial statements and related footnotes
with the external auditors and management, including the
Companys disclosures under Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations; |
|
|
d. review other sections of the Companys annual
report or
Form 10-K that
pertain principally to financial matters; |
|
|
e. discuss earnings press releases, as well as financial
information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and
rating agencies; |
|
|
f. review and discuss with management and the external
auditors any significant policies relating to risk assessment
and risk management, and the steps management has taken to
monitor, control and minimize the Companys major financial
risk exposures, if any; |
|
|
g. review with the external auditors any audit problems or
difficulties with managements response, including:
(1) any restrictions on the scope of activities or access
to requested information and (2) any recommendations made
by the external auditors as a result of the audit; |
|
|
h. review the accounting implications of significant new
transactions; |
|
|
i. review and discuss with management and the external
auditors any significant changes required in the external
auditors audit plan for future years; and |
|
|
j. review the extent to which the Company has implemented
changes and improvements in financial and accounting practices
or internal controls that the external auditors previously
recommended or the Audit Committee previously approved, and any
special audit steps taken in light of material control
deficiencies. |
A-3
|
|
|
3. Review of Internal Audit. The Audit Committee
will review the results of the internal audit process with the
internal auditors, including the following matters: |
|
|
|
a. significant audit findings; |
|
|
b. the integrity and adequacy of the Companys
management reporting processes, internal controls and corporate
compliance procedures; |
|
|
c. review with the internal auditors any audit problems or
difficulties with managements response; |
|
|
d. significant changes required in the internal
auditors audit plan for future years; and |
|
|
e. the extent to which the Company has implemented changes
and improvements in management reporting practices or internal
controls that the internal auditors previously recommended or
the Audit Committee previously approved. |
|
|
|
4. Post-Audit Review Activities. In connection with
or following the completion of its review of the external and
internal audits, the Audit Committee or its Chairman may in
their discretion meet with the external auditors, internal
auditors or management to discuss any changes required in the
audit plans for future periods and any other appropriate matters
regarding the audit process. |
|
|
5. Funding. The Audit Committee will determine the
appropriate funding needed by the Audit Committee for payment of: |
|
|
|
a. compensation to the external auditor; |
|
|
b. compensation to any legal, accounting or other
consultants employed by the Audit Committee as necessary to
advise the Audit Committee; and |
|
|
c. ordinary administrative expenses of the Audit Committee
that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties. |
B. Other Powers.
To the extent the Audit Committee deems necessary or
appropriate, it will also:
|
|
|
1. retain and consult periodically with legal, accounting
or other consultants as necessary to advise the Audit Committee; |
|
|
2. establish and periodically review procedures for the
receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by the
Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or
auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submission by
employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or
auditing matters; |
|
|
3. establish clear hiring policies for employees or former
employees of current or former external auditors; |
|
|
4. review with management and the external auditors the
effect of regulatory and accounting changes on the financial
statements during the prior year, including material off-balance
sheet transactions, complex or unusual transactions and highly
judgmental areas, recent professional and regulatory
pronouncements, and in instances where alternative accounting
treatments are permitted, reasons for the accounting treatment
selected; |
|
|
5. discuss with the external auditors the nature of
disagreements among audit engagement personnel, between audit
engagement personnel and the independent reviewing partner
and/or any other audit firm personnel consulted regarding
appropriate accounting and disclosure for significant events or
transactions; |
|
|
6. request management or the external auditors to provide
analyses or reports regarding (1) any second
opinion sought by management from an audit firm other than
the Companys external |
A-4
|
|
|
auditors, or (2) any other information that the Audit
Committee deems necessary to perform its oversight functions; |
|
|
7. discuss with the external auditors their views regarding
the clarity of the Companys financial disclosures, the
quality of the Companys accounting principles as applied,
the underlying estimates and other significant judgments that
management made in preparing the financial statements, the
compatibility of the Companys principles and judgments
with prevailing practices and standards and, to the extent
permitted by their professional standards, their assessment of
the overall degree of quality of the Companys reported
financial results based on the results of their audits; |
|
|
8. discuss with the external auditors the nature and amount
of all adjustments resulting from their audit, whether recorded
by the Company or not, and discuss with management the reasons
why any unrecorded adjustments were not included in results for
the period; |
|
|
9. conduct or authorize investigations into any matters
within the Audit Committees scope of responsibilities, as
the Audit Committee determines to be necessary or appropriate to
enable it to carry out its duties; |
|
|
10. review periodically the effectiveness and adequacy of
the Companys corporate compliance procedures, including
the Companys ethics and business conduct policy, and
consider and recommend to the Board of Directors any proposed
changes that the Audit Committee deems appropriate or advisable; |
|
|
11. review periodically with the Companys legal
counsel pending and threatened litigation, inquiries received
from governmental agencies, or any other legal matters that may
have a material impact on the Companys financial
statements, internal controls, or corporate compliance
procedures; |
|
|
12. review the integrity and adequacy of, and if necessary,
recommend changes and improvements in, the Companys
disclosure policies, as well as in the internal controls of the
Company; communicate recommended changes and improvements to
management and the Board of Directors; and take appropriate
steps to assure that recommended changes and improvements are
implemented; |
|
|
13. undertake any special projects assigned by the Board of
Directors; |
|
|
14. issue any reports or perform any other duties required
by (a) the Companys certificate of incorporation or
by-laws, (b) applicable law or (c) rules or
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nasdaq or
any other self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction over
the affairs of the Audit Committee; and |
|
|
15. consider and act upon any other matters concerning the
financial affairs of the Company as the Audit Committee, in its
discretion, may determine to be advisable in connection with its
oversight functions. |
The Audit Committee will review this Charter annually, and may
consider, adopt and submit to the Board of Directors any
proposed changes that the Audit Committee deems appropriate or
advisable.
While the Audit Committee has the responsibilities and
powers set forth in this Charter, it is not the duty of the
Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that
the Companys financial statements are complete and
accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations.
These are the responsibilities of management and the external
auditors.
Approved by the Audit Committee on March 23, 2005.
Approved by the Board of Directors on March 23, 2005.
A-5
Annex B
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
SECTION 1
Purpose. The purpose of the Stratus Properties Inc. 2006
Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) is to motivate and
reward key employees, consultants and advisers by giving them a
proprietary interest in the Companys success.
SECTION 2
Definitions. As used in the Plan, the following terms
shall have the meanings set forth below:
|
|
|
Award shall mean any Option, Stock Appreciation
Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit or Other
Stock-Based Award. |
|
|
Award Agreement shall mean any written or electronic
notice of grant, agreement, contract or other instrument or
document evidencing any Award, which may, but need not, be
required to be executed, acknowledged or accepted by a
Participant. |
|
|
Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the
Company. |
|
|
Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended from time to time. |
|
|
Committee shall mean, until otherwise determined by
the Board, the Corporate Personnel Committee of the Board. |
|
|
Common Stock shall mean shares of common stock, par
value $0.01 per share, of the Company. |
|
|
Company shall mean Stratus Properties Inc. |
|
|
Designated Beneficiary shall mean the beneficiary
designated by the Participant, in a manner determined by the
Committee, to receive the benefits due the Participant under the
Plan in the event of the Participants death. In the
absence of an effective designation by the Participant,
Designated Beneficiary shall mean the Participants estate. |
|
|
Eligible Individual shall mean (i) any person
providing services as an officer of the Company or a Subsidiary,
whether or not employed by such entity, including any such
person who is also a director of the Company, (ii) any
employee of the Company or a Subsidiary, including any director
who is also an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary,
(iii) any officer or employee of an entity with which the
Company has contracted to receive executive, management or legal
services who provides services to the Company or a Subsidiary
through such arrangement, (iv) any consultant or adviser to
the Company, a Subsidiary or to an entity described in
clause (iii) hereof who provides services to the Company or
a Subsidiary through such arrangement and (v) any person
who has agreed in writing to become a person described in
clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) within not more
than 30 days following the date of grant of such
persons first Award under the Plan. |
|
|
Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended from time to time. |
|
|
Incentive Stock Option shall mean an option granted
under Section 6 of the Plan that is intended to meet the
requirements of Section 422 of the Code or any successor
provision thereto. |
|
|
Nonqualified Stock Option shall mean an option
granted under Section 6 of the Plan that is not intended to
be an Incentive Stock Option. |
|
|
Option shall mean an Incentive Stock Option or a
Nonqualified Stock Option. |
B-1
|
|
|
Other Stock-Based Award shall mean any right or
award granted under Section 10 of the Plan. |
|
|
Participant shall mean any Eligible Individual
granted an Award under the Plan. |
|
|
Person shall mean any individual, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, association, joint-stock
company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or
political subdivision thereof or other entity. |
|
|
Restricted Stock shall mean any restricted stock
granted under Section 8 of the Plan. |
|
|
Restricted Stock Unit shall mean any restricted
stock unit granted under Section 9 of the Plan. |
|
|
Section 162(m) shall mean Section 162(m)
of the Code and all regulations promulgated thereunder as in
effect from time to time. |
|
|
Section 409A shall mean Section 409A of
the Code and all regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder
as in effect from time to time. |
|
|
Shares shall mean the shares of Common Stock and
such other securities of the Company or a Subsidiary as the
Committee may from time to time designate. |
|
|
Stock Appreciation Right shall mean any right
granted under Section 7 of the Plan. |
|
|
Subsidiary shall mean (i) any corporation or
other entity in which the Company possesses directly or
indirectly equity interests representing at least 50% of the
total ordinary voting power or at least 50% of the total value
of all classes of equity interests of such corporation or other
entity and (ii) any other entity in which the Company has a
direct or indirect economic interest that is designated as a
Subsidiary by the Committee. |
SECTION 3
(a) Administration. The Plan shall be administered
by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and
applicable law, and in addition to other express powers and
authorizations conferred on the Committee by the Plan, the
Committee shall have full power and authority to:
(i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or
types of Awards to be granted to an Eligible Individual;
(iii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by, or
with respect to which payments, rights or other matters are to
be calculated in connection with, Awards; (iv) determine
the terms and conditions of any Award; (v) determine
whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may
be settled or exercised in cash, whole Shares, other whole
securities, other Awards, other property or other cash amounts
payable by the Company upon the exercise of that or other
Awards, or canceled, forfeited or suspended and the method or
methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled,
forfeited or suspended; (vi) determine whether, to what
extent, and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other
securities, other Awards, other property, and other amounts
payable by the Company with respect to an Award shall be
deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder
thereof or of the Committee; (vii) interpret and administer
the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award
made under, the Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend or
waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it
shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the
Plan; and (ix) make any other determination and take any
other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for
the administration of the Plan. Unless otherwise expressly
provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations,
interpretations and other decisions under or with respect to the
Plan or any Award shall be within the sole discretion of the
Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final,
conclusive and binding upon all Persons, including the Company,
any Subsidiary, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of
any Award, any stockholder of the Company and any Eligible
Individual.
(b) Delegation. Subject to the terms of the Plan and
applicable law, the Committee may delegate to one or more
officers of the Company the authority, subject to such terms and
limitations as the Committee shall determine, to grant and set
the terms of, to cancel, modify or waive rights with respect to,
or to alter, discontinue, suspend, or terminate Awards held by
Eligible Individuals who are not officers
B-2
or directors of the Company for purposes of Section 16 of
the Exchange Act, or any successor section thereto, or who are
otherwise not subject to such Section; provided, however, that
the per share exercise price of any Option granted under this
Section 3(b) shall be equal to the fair market value of the
underlying Shares on the date of grant.
SECTION 4
Eligibility. Any Eligible Individual shall be eligible
to be granted an Award.
SECTION 5
(a) Shares Available for Awards. Subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 5(b):
|
|
|
(i) Calculation of Number of Shares Available. |
|
|
|
(A) Subject to the other provisions of this
Section 5(a), the number of Shares with respect to which
Awards payable in Shares may be granted under the Plan shall be
350,000. Awards that by their terms may be settled only in cash
shall not be counted against the maximum number of Shares
provided herein. |
|
|
(B) The number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to
Incentive Stock Options may not exceed 350,000 Shares. |
|
|
(C) Subject to the other provisions of this
Section 5(a): |
|
|
|
1) the maximum number of Shares with respect to which Awards in
the form of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other
Stock-Based Awards payable in Shares for which a per share
purchase price that is less than 100% of the fair market value
of the securities to which the Award relates shall be
150,000 Shares; and |
|
|
2) up to 15,000 Shares may be issued pursuant to Awards in
the form of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other
Stock-Based Awards payable in Shares without compliance with the
minimum vesting periods set forth in Sections 8(b), 9(b),
and 10(b), respectively. If (x) Restricted Stock,
Restricted Stock Units or an Other Stock-Based Award is granted
with a minimum vesting period of at least three years or a
minimum vesting period of at least one year, subject to the
attainment of specific performance goals, and (y) the
vesting of such Award is accelerated in accordance with
Section 12(a) hereof as a result of the Participants
death, retirement or other termination of employment or
cessation of consulting or advisory services to the Company, or
a change in control of the Company, such Shares shall not count
against the 15,000 limitation described herein. |
|
|
|
(D) To the extent any Shares covered by an Award are not
issued because the Award is forfeited or canceled or the Award
is settled in cash, such Shares shall again be available for
grant pursuant to new Awards under the Plan. |
|
|
(E) In the event that Shares are issued as Restricted Stock
or Other Stock-Based Awards under the Plan and thereafter are
forfeited or reacquired by the Company pursuant to rights
reserved upon issuance thereof, such Shares shall again be
available for grant pursuant to new Awards under the Plan. With
respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, if the Award is payable in
Shares, all Shares to which the Award relates shall be counted
against the Plan limits, rather than the net number of Shares
delivered upon exercise of the Award. |
|
|
|
(ii) Shares Deliverable Under Awards. Any Shares
delivered pursuant to an Award may consist of authorized and
unissued Shares or of treasury Shares, including Shares held by
the Company or a Subsidiary and Shares acquired in the open
market or otherwise obtained by the Company or a Subsidiary. The
issuance of Shares may be effected on a non-certificated basis,
to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the applicable
rules of any stock exchange. |
B-3
|
|
|
(iii) Individual Limit. Any provision of the Plan to
the contrary notwithstanding, no individual may receive in any
year Awards under the Plan, whether payable in cash or Shares,
that relate to more than 125,000 Shares. |
|
|
(iv) Use of Shares. Subject to the terms of the Plan
and the overall limitation on the number of Shares that may be
delivered under the Plan, the Committee may use available Shares
as the form of payment for compensation, grants or rights earned
or due under any other compensation plans or arrangements of the
Company or a Subsidiary and the plans or arrangements of the
Company or a Subsidiary assumed in business combinations. |
(b) Adjustments. In the event that the Committee
determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in
the form of cash, Shares, Subsidiary securities, other
securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split,
reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation,
split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of
Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants
or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the
Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affects
the Shares such that an adjustment is determined by the
Committee to be appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement
of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made
available under the Plan, then the Committee may, in its sole
discretion and in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust
any or all of (i) the number and type of Shares (or other
securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be
granted, (ii) the number and type of Shares (or other
securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards, and
(iii) the grant or exercise price with respect to any Award
and, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to
the holder of an outstanding Award and, if deemed appropriate,
adjust outstanding Awards to provide the rights contemplated by
Section 11(b) hereof; provided, in each case, that with
respect to Awards of Incentive Stock Options no such adjustment
shall be authorized to the extent that such authority would
cause the Plan to violate Section 422(b)(1) of the Code or
any successor provision thereto and, with respect to all Awards
under the Plan, no such adjustment shall be authorized to the
extent that such authority would be inconsistent with the
requirements for full deductibility under Section 162(m);
and provided further that the number of Shares subject to
any Award denominated in Shares shall always be a whole number.
(c) Performance Goals for Section 162(m)
Awards. The Committee shall determine at the time of grant
if the grant of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or
Other Stock-Based Award is intended to qualify as
performance-based compensation as that term is used
in Section 162(m). Any such grant shall be conditioned on
the achievement of one or more performance measures. The
performance measures pursuant to which the Restricted Stock,
Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock-Based Awards shall vest
shall be any or a combination of the following: earnings per
share, return on assets, an economic value added measure,
stockholder return, earnings, share price, return on equity,
return on investment, return on fully-employed capital,
reduction of expenses, containment of expenses within budget,
cash provided by operating activities, increase in cash flow, or
increase in revenues of the Company, a division of the Company
or a Subsidiary. For any performance period, such performance
objectives may be measured on an absolute basis or relative to a
group of peer companies selected by the Committee, relative to
internal goals or relative to levels attained in prior years.
For grants of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other
Stock-Based Awards intended to qualify as
performance-based compensation, the grants and the
establishment of performance measures shall be made during the
period required under Section 162(m).
SECTION 6
(a) Stock Options. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan, the Committee shall have sole and complete authority to
determine the Eligible Individuals to whom Options shall be
granted, the number of Shares to be covered by each Option, the
option price thereof, the conditions and limitations applicable
to the exercise of the Option and the other terms thereof. The
Committee shall have the authority to grant Incentive Stock
Options, Nonqualified Stock Options or both. In the case of
Incentive Stock Options, the terms and conditions of such grants
shall be subject to and comply with such rules as may be
required by Section 422 of the Code, as from time to time
amended, and any implementing regulations. Except in the
B-4
case of an Option granted in assumption of or substitution for
an outstanding award of a company acquired by the Company or
with which the Company combines, the exercise price of any
Option granted under this Plan shall not be less than 100% of
the fair market value of the underlying Shares on the date of
grant.
(b) Exercise. Each Option shall be exercisable at
such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the
Committee may, in its sole discretion, specify in the applicable
Award Agreement or thereafter, provided, however, that in no
event may any Option granted hereunder be exercisable after the
expiration of 10 years after the date of such grant. The
Committee may impose such conditions with respect to the
exercise of Options, including without limitation, any condition
relating to the application of Federal or state securities laws,
as it may deem necessary or advisable. An Option may be
exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice to the
Company, specifying the number of Shares to be purchased. The
exercise notice shall be accompanied by the full purchase price
for the Shares.
(c) Payment. The Option price shall be payable in
United States dollars and may be paid by (i) cash or cash
equivalent; (ii) delivery of shares of Common Stock,
subject to any holding periods established by the Committee;
(iii) through a cashless exercise arrangement
with a broker approved in advance by the Committee; (iv) if
approved by the Committee, through a net exercise
procedure whereby shares of Common Stock equal in value to the
aggregate exercise price or less are withheld from the shares
issued upon exercise; or (v) in such other manner as may be
authorized from time to time by the Committee. In the event
shares of Common Stock are delivered or withheld pursuant to
(ii) or (iv) above, as applicable, the shares shall be
valued at the fair market value (valued in accordance with
procedures established by the Committee) on the effective date
of the exercise. Prior to the issuance of Shares upon the
exercise of an Option, a Participant shall have no rights as a
shareholder.
SECTION 7
(a) Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the
provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and
complete authority to determine the Eligible Individuals to whom
Stock Appreciation Rights shall be granted, the number of Shares
to be covered by each Award of Stock Appreciation Rights, the
grant price thereof, the conditions and limitations applicable
to the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right and the other
terms thereof. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in
tandem with another Award, in addition to another Award, or
freestanding and unrelated to any other Award. Stock
Appreciation Rights granted in tandem with or in addition to an
Option or other Award may be granted either at the same time as
the Option or other Award or at a later time. Stock Appreciation
Rights shall not be exercisable after the expiration of
10 years after the date of grant. Except in the case of a
Stock Appreciation Right granted in assumption of or
substitution for an outstanding award of a company acquired by
the Company or with which the Company combines, the grant price
of any Stock Appreciation Right granted under this Plan shall
not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Shares
covered by such Stock Appreciation Right on the date of grant
or, in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right granted in tandem
with a then outstanding Option or other Award, on the date of
grant of such related Option or Award if permitted by
Section 409A.
(b) A Stock Appreciation Right shall entitle the holder
thereof to receive upon exercise, for each Share to which the
Stock Appreciation Right relates, an amount equal to the excess,
if any, of the fair market value of a Share on the date of
exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right over the grant price.
The Committee shall determine at the time of grant of a Stock
Appreciation Right whether it shall be settled in cash, Shares
or a combination of cash and Shares.
SECTION 8
(a) Restricted Stock. Subject to the provisions of
the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and complete authority
to determine the Eligible Individuals to whom Restricted Stock
shall be granted, the number of Shares to be covered by each
Award of Restricted Stock and the terms, conditions, and
limitations applicable thereto. An Award of Restricted Stock may
be subject to the attainment of specified
B-5
performance goals or targets, restrictions on transfer,
forfeitability provisions and such other terms and conditions as
the Committee may determine, subject to the provisions of the
Plan. An award of Restricted Stock may be made in lieu of the
payment of cash compensation otherwise due to an Eligible
Individual. To the extent that Restricted Stock is intended to
qualify as performance-based compensation under
Section 162(m), it must be made subject to the attainment
of one or more of the performance goals specified in
Section 5(c) hereof and meet the additional requirements
imposed by Section 162(m).
(b) The Restricted Period. At the time that an Award
of Restricted Stock is made, the Committee shall establish a
period of time during which the transfer of the Shares of
Restricted Stock shall be restricted (the Restricted
Period). Each Award of Restricted Stock may have a
different Restricted Period. Except for Restricted Stock that
vests based on the attainment of performance goals, and except
as provided in Section 5(a)(i)(C)(2), a Restricted Period
of at least three years is required with incremental vesting of
the Award over the three-year period permitted. If the grant or
vesting of the Shares is subject to the attainment of specified
performance goals, a Restricted Period of at least one year with
incremental vesting is permitted. The expiration of the
Restricted Period shall also occur as provided in the Award
Agreement in accordance with Section 12(a) hereof.
(c) Escrow. The Participant receiving Restricted
Stock shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company
setting forth the conditions of the grant. Certificates
representing Shares of Restricted Stock shall be registered in
the name of the Participant and deposited with the Company,
together with a stock power endorsed in blank by the
Participant. Each such certificate shall bear a legend in
substantially the following form:
|
|
|
The transferability of this certificate and the shares of Common
Stock represented by it are subject to the terms and conditions
(including conditions of forfeiture) contained in the Stratus
Properties Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan)
and a notice of grant issued thereunder to the registered owner
by Stratus Properties Inc. Copies of the Plan and the notice of
grant are on file at the principal office of Stratus Properties
Inc. |
(d) Dividends on Restricted Stock. Any and all cash
and stock dividends paid with respect to the Shares of
Restricted Stock shall be subject to any restrictions on
transfer, forfeitability provisions or reinvestment requirements
as the Committee may, in its discretion, prescribe in the Award
Agreement.
(e) Forfeiture. In the event of the forfeiture of
any Shares of Restricted Stock under the terms provided in the
Award Agreement (including any additional Shares of Restricted
Stock that may result from the reinvestment of cash and stock
dividends, if so provided in the Award Agreement), such
forfeited shares shall be surrendered and the certificates
canceled. The Participants shall have the same rights and
privileges, and be subject to the same forfeiture provisions,
with respect to any additional Shares received pursuant to
Section 5(b) or Section 11(b) due to a
recapitalization, merger or other change in capitalization.
(f) Expiration of Restricted Period. Upon the
expiration or termination of the Restricted Period and the
satisfaction of any other conditions prescribed by the Committee
or at such earlier time as provided in the Award Agreement or an
amendment thereto, the restrictions applicable to the Restricted
Stock shall lapse and a stock certificate for the number of
Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which the
restrictions have lapsed shall be delivered, free of all such
restrictions and legends, except any that may be imposed by law,
to the Participant or the Participants estate, as the case
may be.
(g) Rights as a Stockholder. Subject to the terms
and conditions of the Plan and subject to any restrictions on
the receipt of dividends that may be imposed in the Award
Agreement, each Participant receiving Restricted Stock shall
have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares of
stock during any period in which such Shares are subject to
forfeiture and restrictions on transfer, including without
limitation, the right to vote such Shares.
B-6
SECTION 9
(a) Restricted Stock Units. Subject to the
provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and
complete authority to determine the Eligible Individuals to whom
Restricted Stock Units shall be granted, the number of Shares to
be covered by each Award of Restricted Stock Units and the
terms, conditions, and limitations applicable thereto. An Award
of Restricted Stock Units is a right to receive shares of Common
Stock in the future and may be subject to the attainment of
specified performance goals or targets, restrictions on
transfer, forfeitability provisions and such other terms and
conditions as the Committee may determine, subject to the
provisions of the Plan. An award of Restricted Stock Units may
be made in lieu of the payment of cash compensation otherwise
due to an Eligible Individual. To the extent that an Award of
Restricted Stock Units is intended to qualify as
performance-based compensation under
Section 162(m), it must be made subject to the attainment
of one or more of the performance goals specified in
Section 5(c) hereof and meet the additional requirements
imposed by Section 162(m).
(b) The Vesting Period. At the time that an Award of
Restricted Stock Units is made, the Committee shall establish a
period of time during which the Restricted Stock Units shall
vest (the Vesting Period). Each Award of Restricted
Stock may have a different Vesting Period. Except for Restricted
Stock Units that vest based on the attainment of performance
goals, and except as provided in Section 5(a)(i)(C)(2), a
Vesting Period of at least three years is required with
incremental vesting of the Award over the three-year period
permitted. If the grant or vesting is subject to the attainment
of specified performance goals, a Vesting Period of at least one
year with incremental vesting is permitted. The expiration of
the Vesting Period shall also occur as provided in the Award
Agreement in accordance with Section 12(a) hereof.
(c) Rights as a Stockholder. Subject to the terms
and conditions of the Plan and subject to any restrictions that
may be imposed in the Award Agreement, each Participant
receiving Restricted Stock Units shall have no rights as a
stockholder with respect to such Restricted Stock Units until
such time as Shares are issued to the Participant.
SECTION 10
(a) Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee is
hereby authorized to grant to Eligible Individuals an
Other Stock-Based Award, which shall consist of an
Award that is not an instrument or Award specified in
Sections 6 through 9 of this Plan, the value of which is
based in whole or in part on the value of Shares. Other
Stock-Based Awards may be awards of Shares or may be denominated
or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or
otherwise based on or related to, Shares (including, without
limitation, securities convertible or exchangeable into or
exercisable for Shares), as deemed by the Committee consistent
with the purposes of the Plan. The Committee shall determine the
terms and conditions of any such Other Stock-Based Award and may
provide that such awards would be payable in whole or in part in
cash. To the extent that an Other Stock-Based Award is intended
to qualify as performance-based compensation under
Section 162(m), it must be made subject to the attainment
of one or more of the performance goals specified in
Section 5(c) hereof and meet the additional requirements
imposed by Section 162(m).
(b) Limitations. Except for Other Stock-Based Awards
that vest based on the attainment of performance goals, and
except as provided in Section 5(a)(i)(C)(2), a vesting
period of at least three years is required with incremental
vesting of the Award over the three-year period permitted. If
the grant or vesting is subject to the attainment of specified
performance goals, a vesting period of at least one year with
incremental vesting is permitted. The expiration of the vesting
period shall also occur as provided in the Award Agreement in
accordance with Section 12(a) hereof.
(c) Dividend Equivalents. In the sole and complete
discretion of the Committee, an Award, whether made as an Other
Stock-Based Award under this Section 10 or as an Award
granted pursuant to Sections 6 through 9 hereof, may
provide the holder thereof with dividends or dividend
equivalents,
B-7
payable in cash, Shares, Subsidiary securities, other securities
or other property on a current or deferred basis.
SECTION 11
(a) Amendment or Discontinuance of the Plan. The
Board may amend or discontinue the Plan at any time; provided,
however, that no such amendment may
|
|
|
(i) without the approval of the stockholders,
(a) increase, subject to adjustments permitted herein, the
maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued
through the Plan, (b) materially increase the benefits
accruing to Participants under the Plan, (c) materially
expand the classes of persons eligible to participate in the
Plan, (d) expand the types of Awards available for grant
under the Plan, (e) materially extend the term of the Plan,
(f) materially change the method of determining the
exercise price of Options or the grant price of Stock
Appreciation Rights, or (g) amend Section 11(c) to
permit a reduction in the exercise price of Options; or |
|
|
(ii) materially impair, without the consent of the
recipient, an Award previously granted. |
(b) Adjustment of Awards Upon the Occurrence of Certain
Unusual or Nonrecurring Events. The Committee is hereby
authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of,
and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual
or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, the
events described in Section 5(b) hereof) affecting the
Company, or the financial statements of the Company or any
Subsidiary, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or
accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that
such adjustments are appropriate to prevent dilution or
enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be
made available under the Plan.
(c) Cancellation. Any provision of this Plan or any
Award Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Committee
may cause any Award granted hereunder to be canceled in
consideration of a cash payment or alternative Award made to the
holder of such canceled Award equal in value to such canceled
Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except for adjustments
permitted under Sections 5(b) and 11(b), no action by the
Committee shall, unless approved by the stockholders of the
Company, (i) cause a reduction in the exercise price of
Options granted under the Plan or (ii) permit an
outstanding Option with an exercise price greater than the
current fair market value of a Share to be surrendered as
consideration for a new Option with a lower exercise price,
shares of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Other
Stock-Based Award, a cash payment or Common Stock. The
determinations of value under this subparagraph shall be made by
the Committee in its sole discretion.
SECTION 12
(a) Award Agreements. Each Award hereunder shall be
evidenced by an agreement or notice delivered to the Participant
(by paper copy or electronically) that shall specify the terms
and conditions thereof and any rules applicable thereto,
including but not limited to the effect on such Award of the
death, retirement or other termination of employment or
cessation of consulting or advisory services of the Participant
and the effect thereon, if any, of a change in control of the
Company.
(b) Withholding. (i) A Participant shall be
required to pay to the Company, and the Company shall have the
right to deduct from all amounts paid to a Participant (whether
under the Plan or otherwise), any taxes required by law to be
paid or withheld in respect of Awards hereunder to such
Participant. The Committee may provide for additional cash
payments to holders of Awards to defray or offset any tax
arising from the grant, vesting, exercise or payment of any
Award.
|
|
|
(ii) At any time that a Participant is required to pay to
the Company an amount required to be withheld under the
applicable tax laws in connection with the issuance of Shares
under the Plan, the Participant may, if permitted by the
Committee, satisfy this obligation in whole or in part by
delivering currently owned Shares or by electing (the
Election) to have the Company withhold from the
issuance Shares, which Shares shall have a value equal to the
minimum amount required to |
B-8
|
|
|
be withheld. The value of the Shares delivered or withheld shall
be based on the fair market value of the Shares on the date as
of which the amount of tax to be withheld shall be determined in
accordance with applicable tax laws (the Tax Date). |
|
|
(iii) Each Election to have Shares withheld must be made
prior to the Tax Date. If a Participant wishes to deliver Shares
in payment of taxes, the Participant must so notify the Company
prior to the Tax Date. |
(c) Transferability. No Awards granted hereunder may
be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise encumbered
by a Participant except: (i) by will; (ii) by the laws
of descent and distribution; (iii) pursuant to a domestic
relations order, as defined in the Code, if permitted by the
Committee and so provided in the Award Agreement or an amendment
thereto; or (iv) if permitted by the Committee and so
provided in the Award Agreement or an amendment thereto, Options
may be transferred or assigned (w) to Immediate Family
Members, (x) to a partnership in which Immediate Family
Members, or entities in which Immediate Family Members are the
owners, members or beneficiaries, as appropriate, are the
partners, (y) to a limited liability company in which
Immediate Family Members, or entities in which Immediate Family
Members are the owners, members or beneficiaries, as
appropriate, are the members, or (z) to a trust for the
benefit of Immediate Family Members; provided, however, that no
more than a de minimus beneficial interest in a
partnership, limited liability company or trust described in
(x), (y) or (z) above may be owned by a person who is
not an Immediate Family Member or by an entity that is not
beneficially owned solely by Immediate Family Members.
Immediate Family Members shall be defined as the
spouse and natural or adopted children or grandchildren of the
Participant and their spouses. To the extent that an Incentive
Stock Option is permitted to be transferred during the lifetime
of the Participant, it shall be treated thereafter as a
Nonqualified Stock Option. Any attempted assignment, transfer,
pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of Awards, or levy of
attachment or similar process upon Awards not specifically
permitted herein, shall be null and void and without effect. The
designation of a Designated Beneficiary shall not be a violation
of this Section 12(c).
(d) Share Certificates. All certificates for Shares
or other securities delivered under the Plan pursuant to any
Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such stop
transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem
advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and other
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any
stock exchange upon which such Shares or other securities are
then listed, and any applicable federal or state laws, and the
Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such
certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
(e) No Limit on Other Compensation Arrangements.
Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company from
adopting or continuing in effect other compensation
arrangements, which may, but need not, provide for the grant of
options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other
types of Awards provided for hereunder (subject to stockholder
approval of any such arrangement if approval is required), and
such arrangements may be either generally applicable or
applicable only in specific cases.
(f) No Right to Employment. The grant of an Award
shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be
retained in the employ of or as a consultant or adviser to the
Company or any Subsidiary or in the employ of or as a consultant
or adviser to any other entity providing services to the
Company. The Company or any Subsidiary or any such entity may at
any time dismiss a Participant from employment, or terminate any
arrangement pursuant to which the Participant provides services
to the Company or a Subsidiary, free from any liability or any
claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the
Plan or in any Award Agreement. No Eligible Individual or other
person shall have any claim to be granted any Award, and there
is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Eligible
Individuals, Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards.
(g) Governing Law. The validity, construction, and
effect of the Plan, any rules and regulations relating to the
Plan and any Award Agreement shall be determined in accordance
with the laws of the State of Delaware.
B-9
(h) Severability. If any provision of the Plan or
any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or Award,
or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed
applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed
or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot
be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of
the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the
Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction,
Person or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award
shall remain in full force and effect.
(i) No Trust or Fund Created. Neither the Plan
nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or
separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between
the Company and a Participant or any other Person. To the extent
that any Person acquires a right to receive payments from the
Company pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater
than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company.
(j) No Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall
be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and
the Committee shall determine whether cash, other securities or
other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any
fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares or any
rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise
eliminated.
(k) Compliance with Law. The Company intends that
Awards granted under the Plan, or any deferrals thereof, will
comply with the requirements of Section 409A to the extent
applicable.
(l) Deferral Permitted. Payment of cash or
distribution of any Shares to which a Participant is entitled
under any Award shall be made as provided in the Award
Agreement. Payment may be deferred at the option of the
Participant if provided in the Award Agreement.
(m) Headings. Headings are given to the subsections
of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference.
Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or
relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or
any provision thereof.
SECTION 13
Term of the Plan. Subject to Section 11(a), no
Awards may be granted under the Plan later than May 9,
2016, which is ten years after the date the Plan was approved by
the Companys stockholders; provided, however, that Awards
granted prior to such date shall remain in effect until all such
Awards have either been satisfied, expired or canceled under the
terms of the Plan, and any restrictions imposed on Shares in
connection with their issuance under the Plan have lapsed.
B-10
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
Proxy
Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors for
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, May 9, 2006
The
undersigned hereby appoints William H. Armstrong III and Kenneth N. Jones, or either of
them, as proxies, with full power of substitution, to vote the shares of the undersigned in Stratus
Properties Inc. at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at 9:30
a.m., and at any adjournment thereof, on all matters coming before the meeting. The proxies will
vote: (1) as you specify on the back of this card, (2) as the Board of Directors recommends where you
do not specify your vote on a matter listed on the back of this card, and (3) as the proxies decide
on any other matter.
If
you wish to vote on all matters as the Board of Directors recommends, please sign, date and
return this card. If you wish to vote on items individually, please also mark the appropriate boxes
on the back of this card.
PLEASE
MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY
IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE
(continued
on reverse side)
p
FOLD AND DETACH HERE p
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please mark
your votes as
indicated in
this example
|
|
x |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR
|
|
WITHHOLD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR
|
|
AGAINST
|
|
ABSTAIN |
Item 1
|
|
Election of the nominees for director. |
|
£
|
|
£
|
|
|
|
Item 3
|
|
Approval of the proposed 2006 Stock
Incentive Plan.
|
|
£
|
|
£
|
|
£ |
|
|
|
Bruce G. Garrison James C. Leslie |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your Board of Directors recommends
a vote AGAINST Item 4 below. |
|
|
|
|
|
FOR |
|
AGAINST |
|
ABSTAIN |
|
|
|
|
|
FOR |
|
AGAINST |
|
ABSTAIN |
Item 2
|
|
Ratification of appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors.
|
|
£ |
|
£ |
|
£ |
|
Item 4 |
|
Stockholder proposal regarding the
declassification of the Board of Directors. |
|
£ |
|
£ |
|
£ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature(s)
|
|
|
|
Dated:
|
|
|
|
, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You may specify your
votes by marking the appropriate boxes on this side. You need not
mark any boxes, however, if you wish to vote all items in accordance
with the Board of Directors recommendation. If your votes are
not specified, this proxy will be voted FOR Items 1, 2, and 3 and
AGAINST Item 4. |
p FOLD
AND DETACH HERE p