Levitt Corporation
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
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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Check the appropriate box:
þ Preliminary
Proxy Statement
o Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
o Definitive
Proxy Statement
o Definitive
Additional Materials
o Soliciting
Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
Levitt Corporation
(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):
þ No
fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11.
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pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 0-11
(set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined):
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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o Fee
paid previously with preliminary materials.
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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.
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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LEVITT CORPORATION
2100 West Cypress Creek Road
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
May __, 2008
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Levitt Corporation,
which will be held on May 20, 2008 at 11:30 a.m., local time, at The Westin Fort Lauderdale, 400
Corporate Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334.
Please read these materials so that you will know what we plan to do at the meeting. Also,
please sign and return the accompanying proxy card in the postage-paid envelope or otherwise
transmit your voting instructions as described on the accompanying proxy card. This way, your
shares will be voted as you direct even if you cannot attend the meeting.
On behalf of your Board of Directors and our employees, I would like to express our
appreciation for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Alan B. Levan
Chairman of the Board
LEVITT CORPORATION
2100 West Cypress Creek Road
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held on May 20, 2008
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Levitt Corporation (the
Company) will be held at The Westin Fort Lauderdale, 400 Corporate Drive, Fort Lauderdale,
Florida 33334 on May 20, 2008 commencing at 11:30 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
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To elect three directors to the Companys Board of Directors to serve until the
Annual Meeting in 2011. |
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To approve an amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation changing the Companys name to Woodbridge Financial Corporation. |
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To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Annual Meeting
or any adjournment thereof. |
The matters listed above are more fully described in the Proxy Statement that forms a part of
this Notice.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2008 are entitled to notice
of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Sincerely yours,
Alan B. Levan
Chairman of the Board
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
May ___, 2008
IMPORTANT: THE PROMPT RETURN OF PROXIES WILL SAVE THE COMPANY THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER REQUESTS
FOR PROXIES; THEREFORE EVEN IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED OR OTHERWISE TRANSMIT YOUR VOTING
INSTRUCTIONS AS DESCRIBED ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED FOR THE PROXY CARD
IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LEVITT CORPORATION
2100 West Cypress Creek Road
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
PROXY STATEMENT
The Board of Directors of Levitt Corporation (the Company) is soliciting proxies to be used
at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the Annual Meeting) to be held at The
Westin Fort Lauderdale, 400 Corporate Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334 on May 20, 2008 at
11:30 a.m., local time, and at any and all postponements or adjournments of the Annual Meeting, for
the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting.
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Notice of Meeting and proxy card are being mailed to
shareholders on or about May ___, 2008.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS
AND THE ANNUAL MEETING
What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will act upon the matters outlined in the Notice of
Meeting accompanying this Proxy Statement, including the election of directors and the amendment to
the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation changing the Companys name to
Woodbridge Financial Corporation, as well as any other matters which may properly be brought
before the Annual Meeting.
Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?
Record holders of the Companys Class A Common Stock (Class A Stock) and record holders of
the Companys Class B Common Stock (Class B Stock) at the close of business on March 21, 2008 may
vote at the meeting. As of March 21, 2008, 95,040,731 shares of Class A Stock and 1,219,031 shares
of Class B Stock were outstanding.
As of March 21, 2008, BFC Financial Corporation, the Companys controlling shareholder
(BFC), beneficially owned all of the outstanding shares of the Class B Stock and 18,676,955
shares of Class A Stock. The 18,676,955 shares of Class A Stock beneficially owned by BFC includes
16,602,712 shares of Class A Stock acquired by BFC in Levitts 2007 rights offering to its
shareholders. 6,145,582 of these shares were acquired by BFC upon exercise of subscription rights
distributed to BFC in the rights offering based on BFCs Class B Stock ownership. By letter dated
September 27, 2007, BFC agreed, subject to certain limited exceptions, not to vote these 6,145,582
shares of Class A Stock.
What are the voting rights of the holders of Class A Stock and Class B Stock?
Holders of Class A Stock and BFC, the sole holder of Class B Stock, will vote as one class of
common stock on each of the matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting. Holders of Class A
Stock are entitled to one vote per share, with all holders of Class A Stock having in the aggregate
53% of the general voting power. The number of votes represented by each share of Class B Stock,
which represent in the aggregate 47% of the general voting power, is calculated each year in
accordance with the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. At the Annual
Meeting, each outstanding share of Class B Stock will be entitled to 69.138 votes on each matter.
What constitutes a quorum?
The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of shares representing a
majority of the aggregate voting power (as described above) of the Companys common stock
outstanding on March 21, 2008 and entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting will constitute a
quorum, permitting the conduct of business at the Annual Meeting.
What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a street name holder?
If your shares are registered directly in your name with American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, the Companys stock transfer agent, you are considered the shareholder of record with
respect to those shares. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other
nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of these shares but not the shareholder of record,
and your shares are held in street name.
How do I vote my shares?
If you are a shareholder of record, you can give a proxy to be voted at the meeting by mailing
in the enclosed proxy card or by transmitting your voting instructions by telephone or internet as
described in further detail on the enclosed proxy card. You may also vote your shares at the Annual
Meeting by completing a ballot at the Annual Meeting.
If you hold your shares in street name, you must vote your shares in the manner prescribed
by your broker or nominee. Your broker or nominee has enclosed or provided a voting instruction
card for you to use in directing the broker or nominee how to vote your shares.
Can I vote my shares in person at the Annual Meeting?
If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting
by completing a ballot at the Annual Meeting.
However, if you are a street name holder, you may vote your shares in person at the Annual
Meeting only if you obtain a signed proxy from your broker or nominee giving you the right to vote
the shares.
Even if you currently plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also submit
your vote by proxy or by giving instructions to your broker or nominee as described above so that
your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.
What are my choices when voting?
With respect to the election of directors, you may vote for all nominees, or your vote may be
withheld with respect to one or more nominees. The proposal related to the election of directors is
described in this Proxy Statement beginning at page 6.
With respect to the proposal to approve the amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation changing the Companys name to Woodbridge Financial Corporation, you
may vote for the proposal, against the proposal or abstain from voting on the proposal. This
proposal is described in the Proxy Statement beginning on page 22.
What is the Boards recommendation?
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all of the nominees for director and FOR the
approval of the amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation changing
the Companys name to Woodbridge Financial Corporation.
What if I do not specify on my proxy card how I want my shares voted?
If you mail in your proxy card but do not specify on your proxy card how you want to vote your
shares, we will vote them FOR all of the nominees for director and FOR the approval of the
amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation changing the Companys
name to Woodbridge Financial Corporation.
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Can I change my vote?
Yes. You can change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the Annual Meeting. If
you are the record owner of your shares, you can do this in one of three ways. First, you can send
a written notice to the Companys Secretary stating that you would like to revoke your proxy.
Second, you can submit a new valid proxy bearing a later date. Third, you can attend the Annual
Meeting and vote in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself constitute
revocation of a previously executed proxy.
If you are not the record owner of your shares and your shares are held in street name, you
must contact your broker, bank or other nominee to find out how to change your vote.
What vote is required for a proposal to be approved?
For the election of directors, the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at the
Annual Meeting is required. A properly executed proxy marked WITHHOLD AUTHORITY with respect to
the election of one or more nominees will not be voted with respect to the nominee or nominees
indicated, although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.
For the amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation changing the
Companys name to Woodbridge Financial Corporation to be approved, the votes cast FOR the
amendment must exceed the votes cast AGAINST the amendment.
If you hold your shares in street name through a broker or other nominee, your broker or
nominee may or may not vote your shares in its discretion if you have not provided voting
instructions to the broker. Whether the broker may vote your shares in its discretion depends on
the proposals before the Annual Meeting. Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, your
broker may vote your shares in its discretion on routine matters. The election of directors and
the proposal to approve the amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation changing the Companys name to Woodbridge Financial Corporation are both deemed to
be routine matters on which brokers will be permitted to vote your shares if no voting
instructions are furnished.
Are there any other matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting?
We do not know of any other matters to be presented or acted upon at the Annual Meeting. If
any other matter is presented at the Annual Meeting on which a vote may properly be taken, the
shares represented by proxies will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the person or
persons voting those shares.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant to the Companys By-laws and the Florida Business Corporation Act, the Companys
business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Directors are kept
informed of the Companys business through discussions with management, including the Chief
Executive Officer and other senior officers, by reviewing materials provided to them and by
participating in meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees.
Determination of Director Independence
The full Board undertook a review of each directors independence and the facts underlying
those determinations on February 25, 2008. As part of this review, the Board considered
transactions and relationships between each director or any member of his immediate family and the
Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including those reported below under Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions. It also examined transactions and relationships between
directors or their affiliates and members of the Companys senior management or their affiliates.
The purpose of this review was to determine whether any such relationship or transaction was
inconsistent with a determination that the director is independent under applicable laws and
regulations and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. As permitted by the listing
standards of the New York Stock Exchange, the Board has determined that the following categories of
relationships will not constitute material relationships that impair a directors independence: (i)
serving on third party boards of directors with other members of the Board, (ii) payments or
charitable gifts by the Company to entities with which a director is an executive officer or
employee where such payments or gifts do not exceed the greater of $1 million or 2% of such
entitys consolidated gross revenues, and (iii) investments by directors in common with each other
or the Company, its affiliates or executive officers. As a result of its review of the
relationships of each of the members of the Board, and considering these categorical standards, the
Board has affirmatively determined that a majority of the Board members, including
James Blosser, S. Lawrence Kahn, III, Alan Levy, Joel Levy, and William Nicholson, are
independent directors within the meaning of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange
and applicable law.
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Committees of the Board of Directors and Meeting Attendance
The Companys Board of Directors has established Audit, Compensation and Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committees. The Board has adopted a written charter for each of these three
committees and Corporate Governance Guidelines that address the make-up and functioning of the
Board. The Board has also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of the
Companys directors, officers and employees. The committee charters, Corporate Governance
Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are posted in the Investor Relations section
of the Companys website at www.levittcorporation.com, and each is available in print
without charge to any shareholder.
The Board met 11 times during 2007. Each of the members of the Board of Directors attended at
least 75% of the meetings of the Board and Committees on which he served. All but one of the
members of the Board of Directors attended the Companys Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2007,
although the Company has no formal policy requiring them to do so.
The Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of Joel Levy, Chairman, William Nicholson and S. Lawrence Kahn,
III. The Board has determined that all current members of the Audit Committee are financially
literate and independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the New York Stock
Exchange and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations. Mr. Levy, the
Chairman of this committee, is qualified as an audit committee financial expert within the
meaning of SEC regulations, and the Board has determined that he has accounting and related
financial management expertise within the meaning of the listing standards of the New York Stock
Exchange. The Audit Committee met nine times during the 2007 fiscal year, and its members also held
various informal conference calls as a committee. The Audit Committee is directly responsible for
the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the Companys independent auditor.
Additionally, the Audit Committee assists Board oversight of: (i) the integrity of the Companys
financial statements, (ii) the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii)
the qualifications, performance and independence of the Companys independent auditor, and (iv) the
performance of the Companys internal audit function. In connection with these oversight
functions, the Audit Committee receives reports from the Companys outsourced internal audit group,
periodically meets with management and the Companys independent auditor to receive information
concerning internal control over financial reporting and any deficiencies in such control, and has
adopted a complaint monitoring procedure that enables confidential and anonymous reporting to the
Audit Committee of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. A report from
the Audit Committee is included at page 18.
The Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee consists of S. Lawrence Kahn, III, Chairman, Alan Levy and William
Nicholson. All of the members of the Compensation Committee are independent within the meaning
of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, each Compensation Committee
member is a Non-Employee Director as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and an outside director as defined for purposes of Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal Revenue Code). The
Compensation Committee met seven times during 2007. The Compensation Committee provides assistance
to the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the compensation of the Companys
executive officers. It reviews and determines the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and
determines or makes recommendations with respect to the compensation of the Companys other
executive officers. It also administers the Companys equity-based and performance-based
compensation plans.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of James Blosser, Chairman, Alan
Levy and Joel Levy, each of whom is independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the
New York Stock Exchange. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met two times during
2007. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in
identifying individuals qualified to become directors, making recommendations of candidates for
directorships, developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles
for the Company, overseeing the evaluation of the Board and management, overseeing the selection,
composition and evaluation of Board committees and overseeing the management continuity and
succession planning process.
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Generally, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will identify candidates through
the business and other organization networks of the directors and management. Candidates for
director will be selected on the basis of the contributions the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee believes that those candidates can make to the Board and to management and on such other
qualifications and factors as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers
appropriate. In assessing potential new directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee will seek individuals from diverse professional backgrounds who provide a broad range of
experience and expertise. Board candidates should have a reputation for honesty and integrity,
strength of character, mature judgment and experience in positions with a high degree of
responsibility. In addition to reviewing a candidates background and accomplishments, candidates
for director nominees are reviewed in the context of the current composition of the Board and the
evolving needs of the Company. The Company also requires that its Board members be able to dedicate
the time and resources sufficient to ensure the diligent performance of their duties on the
Companys behalf, including attending Board and applicable committee meetings. If the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee believes a candidate would be a valuable addition to the Board,
it will recommend the candidates election to the full Board. During 2007, the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee did not recommend any newly identified candidate for election as
director.
Under the Companys By-laws, nominations for directors may be made only by or at the direction
of the Board of Directors, or by a shareholder entitled to vote who delivers written notice (along
with certain additional information specified in the Companys By-laws) not less than 90 nor more
than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. For the Companys 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Company must receive this
notice between January 20 and February 19, 2009.
Investment Committee
The Investment Committee was established by the Companys Board of Directors by resolution in
September 2003 and consists of Alan B. Levan, Chairman, John E. Abdo, William Nicholson and two
outside, non-voting advisory members. The Investment Committee met 18 times in 2007. The
Investment Committee assists the Board in supervising and overseeing the management of the
Companys investments in capital assets. Specifically, the Investment Committee: (i) reviews and
approves all real property transactions, (ii) authorizes new project and working capital debt,
subject to guidelines established by the Board, and (iii) authorizes refinancing and other
modifications to existing project and other working capital debt subject to limits established by
the Board.
Executive Sessions of Non-Management and Independent Directors
On May 21 and October 22, 2007, non-management directors of the Company met in an executive
session of the Board in which management directors and other members of management did not
participate. Darwin Dornbush was the presiding director for these sessions. The non-management
directors will meet at semi-annual scheduled meetings each year and may schedule additional
meetings without management present as they determine to be necessary.
Communications with the Board of Directors and Non-Management Directors
Interested parties who wish to communicate with the Board of Directors, any individual
director or the non-management directors as a group, can write to the Companys Secretary at 2100
West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309. If the person submitting the letter is a
shareholder, the letter should include a statement indicating such. Depending on the subject
matter, an officer of the Company will:
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forward the letter to the director or directors to whom it is addressed; |
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attempt to handle the inquiry directly if it relates to routine or ministerial matters,
including requests for information; or |
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not forward the letter if it is primarily commercial in nature or if it is determined to
relate to an improper or irrelevant topic. |
A member of management will, at each meeting of the Board, present a summary of all letters
received since the last meeting that were not forwarded to the Board and will make those letters
available to the Board upon request.
Code of Ethics
The Company has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors, officers
and employees of the Company, including its principal executive officer, principal financial
officer and principal accounting officer. The Company will post amendments to or waivers from the
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to the extent applicable to the Companys principal
executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer on its website
at www.levittcorporation.com. There were no such
amendments or waivers during 2007.
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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Board of Directors has designated Alan Levy, S. Lawrence Kahn, III and William R.
Nicholson, none of whom are employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to serve on the
Compensation Committee. Alan B. Levan and John E. Abdo, the Companys Chairman and Vice Chairman,
respectively, are also executive officers of BFC. In addition, Messrs. Levan and Abdo are
executive officers of BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. (BankAtlantic Bancorp) and Chairman and Vice
Chairman, respectively, of the Board of Directors of Bluegreen Corporation (Bluegreen), each of
which is an affiliate of the Company. During 2007, in addition to the compensation paid to them by
the Company, each of Messrs. Levan and Abdo received compensation from BFC and from BankAtlantic
Bancorp and each was granted stock options by Bluegreen.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Based solely upon a review of the copies of the forms furnished to the Company and written
representations that no other reports were required, the Company believes that during the year
ended December 31, 2007, all filing requirements under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act applicable
to its officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with on a timely
basis.
PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
1)
PROPOSAL FOR ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees for Election as Director
The Board of Directors currently consists of nine directors divided into three classes, each
of which has a three year term expiring in annual succession. The Companys By-laws provide that
the Board of Directors shall consist of no less than three or more than twelve directors. The
specific number of directors is set from time to time by resolution of the Board. A total of three
directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting, all of whom will be elected for the term expiring
in 2011.
Each of the nominees was recommended for nomination by the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee and has consented to serve the term indicated. If any of the nominees should become
unavailable to serve as a director, the Board may designate a substitute nominee. In that case, the
persons named as proxies will vote for the substitute nominee designated by the Board. Except as
otherwise indicated, the nominees and directors listed below have had no change in principal
occupation or employment during the past five years.
The Directors Standing For Election Are:
TERMS ENDING IN 2011:
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JOHN E. ABDO
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Director since 1985 |
Mr. Abdo, age 64, has been Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company since April 2001. Mr.
Abdo has been Vice Chairman of BankAtlantic since April 1987 and Chairman of the Executive
Committee of BankAtlantic since October 1985. He has been a director of BFC since 1988 and Vice
Chairman of the Board of BFC since 1993. He has been a director and Vice Chairman of the Board of
BankAtlantic Bancorp since 1994. He is also a director of Benihana, Inc. (Benihana), a
publicly-held company which operates Asian-themed restaurant chains, and has been a director and
Vice Chairman of Bluegreen since 2002.
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WILLIAM NICHOLSON
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Director since 2003 |
Mr. Nicholson, age 62, has been a principal with Heritage Capital Group since 2003.
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ALAN J. LEVY
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Director since 2005 |
Mr. Levy, age 68, is the founder and, since 1980, has served as the President and Chief
Executive Officer of Great American Farms, Inc., an agricultural company involved in the farming,
marketing and distribution of a variety of fruits, vegetables and meat products.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT ALL OF THE NOMINEES BE ELECTED AS DIRECTORS.
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The Directors Continuing in Office Are:
TERMS ENDING IN 2009:
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ALAN B. LEVAN
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Director since 1987 |
Mr. Levan, age 63, has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since 1985. Mr. Levan formed the I.R.E. Group (predecessor to BFC) in 1972. Since 1978, he has
been Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of BFC or its predecessors. He
has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of BankAtlantic Bancorp since 1994,
Chairman of the Board of BankAtlantic since 1987 and Chairman of Bluegreen since 2002.
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JAMES BLOSSER
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Director since 2001 |
Mr. Blosser, age 70, has been an attorney with the law firm of Blosser & Sayfie since 2001.
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DARWIN DORNBUSH
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Director since 2003 |
Mr. Dornbush, age 78, is a senior partner in the law firm of Dornbush Schaeffer Strongin &
Venaglia, LLP. He has served as Secretary of Benihana and its predecessor since 1983, and he has
been a director of Benihana since 1995. Mr. Dornbush has served as Secretary and, since 1980, he
has been a director of Benihana of Tokyo, the parent company of Benihana. Mr. Dornbush is also a
director of Cantel Medical Corp., a healthcare company.
TERMS ENDING IN 2010:
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S. LAWRENCE KAHN, III
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Director since 2003 |
Mr. Kahn, III, age 61, has been the President and Chief Executive Officer since 1986 of Lowell
Homes, Inc., a Florida corporation engaged in the business of homebuilding. Mr. Kahn also serves as
a director of the Great Florida Bank.
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JOEL LEVY
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Director since 2003 |
Mr. Levy, age 68, has been the Vice Chairman of the Board of Adler Group, Inc., a commercial
real estate company, since 1984, and served as the Chief Operating Officer of Adler Group, Inc.
from 1984 through 2006. Since 2007, Mr. Levy has also served as President and Chief Executive
Officer of JLRE Consulting, Inc.
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WILLIAM SCHERER
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Director since 2001 |
Mr. Scherer, age 60, has been an attorney in the law firm of Conrad & Scherer, LLP since 1974.
7
Identification of Executive Officers
The following individuals currently serve as executive officers of the Company:
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Alan B. Levan
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Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
John E. Abdo
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Vice Chairman of the Board |
Seth M. Wise
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President |
Patrick M. Worsham
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Acting Chief Financial Officer and Acting Chief
Accounting Officer |
The following additional information is provided for the executive officers shown above who
are not directors of the Company:
Seth M. Wise, age 38, was named President of the Company in July 2005 after serving as
Executive Vice President of the Company since September 2003. In 2006, Mr. Wise became President of
Levitt and Sons, LLC (Levitt and Sons), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company which filed for
bankruptcy protection and was deconsolidated from the Company as of November 9, 2007. Previously,
Mr. Wise was a Vice President of Abdo Companies, Inc., a South-Florida-based private real estate
development company controlled by John E. Abdo.
Patrick M. Worsham, age 58, was appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer in January 2008. Mr.
Worsham also currently serves as Acting Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Worsham is a Partner of
Tatum LLC, an executive services firm. Between 2001 and 2007, when Mr. Worsham joined Tatum LLC,
Mr. Worsham performed consulting services for and served as the Acting Chief Financial Officer of a
start-up advertising business and was a private real estate investor, managing a portfolio
consisting of several residential properties in Florida.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
The Board of Directors or a designated committee of the Board reviews and approves
transactions in which the Company was or is to be a participant, the amount involved exceeded or
will exceed $120,000 annually and any of the Companys directors or executive officers, or their
immediate family members, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. When
considering a related person transaction, the Companys Board of Directors or the designated
committee of the Board analyzes, among other factors it deems appropriate, whether such related
person transaction was or is to be for the benefit of the Company and upon terms no less favorable
to the Company than if the related person transaction was with an unrelated party. During 2007, no
related person transaction occurred where this process was not followed.
Transactions with Related Persons
The Company and BankAtlantic Bancorp are under common control. The controlling shareholder of
the Company and BankAtlantic Bancorp is BFC. BankAtlantic Bancorp is the parent company of
BankAtlantic. The majority of BFCs capital stock is owned or controlled by the Companys Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, Alan B. Levan, and by the Companys Vice Chairman, John E. Abdo, both
of whom are also directors of the Company and executive officers and directors of each of BFC,
BankAtlantic Bancorp and BankAtlantic. Messrs. Levan and Abdo are also the Chairman and Vice
Chairman, respectively, of Bluegreen, a publicly-held company in which the Company has a
significant investment.
The Company, BFC, BankAtlantic Bancorp and Bluegreen are parties to a shared services
arrangement, pursuant to which a subsidiary of BFC provides the Company, BankAtlantic Bancorp and
Bluegreen with various executive and administrative services. In 2007, the Company paid $1.1
million to BFC for risk management, investor relations and human resources services provided to the
Company. An additional $101,000 was paid in 2007 to BankAtlantic Bancorp for miscellaneous expense
reimbursements and property management services provided to the Company.
The Company maintains securities sold under repurchase agreements at BankAtlantic. The
balance in its accounts at December 31, 2007 was $6.1 million, and BankAtlantic paid approximately
$147,000 in interest to the Company in 2007.
8
The
Company utilizes the services of Conrad & Scherer, LLP, a law firm in which William R.
Scherer, a director of the Company, is a member. The Company paid fees aggregating $22,000 to this
firm during the year ended December 31, 2007.
The Company has entered into an agreement with BankAtlantic, pursuant to which BankAtlantic
agreed to host the Companys information technology servers and to provide hosting, security and
certain other information technology services to the Company. The annual amounts to be paid under
this agreement are estimated to be approximately $120,000.
Certain of the Companys executive officers separately receive compensation from affiliates of
the Company for services rendered to those affiliates. Members of the Companys Board of Directors
and executive officers also have banking relationships with BankAtlantic in the ordinary course of
BankAtlantics business.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview of Compensation Program
The Compensation Committee (referred to within this section as the Committee) administers
the compensation program for the Companys executive officers. The Committee reviews and
determines all executive officer compensation, administers the Companys equity incentive plans
(including reviewing and approving grants to the Companys executive officers), makes
recommendations to shareholders with respect to proposals related to compensation matters and
generally consults with management regarding employee compensation programs.
The Committees charter reflects these responsibilities, and the Committee and the Board of
Directors periodically review and, if appropriate, revise the charter. The Board of Directors
determines the Committees membership, which is composed entirely of independent directors. The
Committee meets at regularly scheduled times during the year, and it may also hold specially
scheduled meetings and take action by written consent. At Board meetings, the Chairman of the
Committee reports on Committee actions and recommendations, as he deems appropriate. Executive
compensation is reviewed at executive sessions of non-management and independent members of the
Board.
Throughout this Proxy Statement, the term Named Executive Officers is used to refer
collectively to the individuals included on the Summary
Compensation Table on page 13.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The Companys compensation program for executive officers consists of a base salary, an annual
cash incentive and bonus program, periodic grants of restricted stock or stock options and health
and welfare benefits. The Committee believes that the most effective executive officer
compensation program is one that is designed to align the interests of the executive officers with
those of shareholders by compensating the executive officers in a manner that advances both the
short- and long-term interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Committee believes that
the Companys compensation program for executive officers is appropriately based upon the Companys
performance, the performance and level of responsibility of the executive officer and the market,
generally, with respect to executive officer compensation.
Messrs. Levan and Abdo hold executive positions at BFC and BankAtlantic Bancorp and receive
compensation from BFC and BankAtlantic Bancorp. While the Committee does not determine the
compensation paid to Messrs. Levan and Abdo by BFC or BankAtlantic Bancorp, the Committee considers
the fact that Messrs. Levan and Abdo each devote time to the operations of BFC and BankAtlantic
Bancorp when determining the compensation the Company pays to them.
Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions
The Committee makes all compensation decisions for the Named Executive Officers and the
Companys other executive officers and approves recommendations regarding equity awards to all of
the Companys employees. The Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the performance of each of
the Named Executive Officers (other than himself, whose performance is reviewed by the Committee).
The conclusions reached and recommendations based on these reviews, including those with respect to
setting and adjusting base salary, annual cash incentive awards and stock option awards, are
presented to the Committee. The Committee can exercise its discretion in modifying upward or
downward any recommended amounts or awards to executive officers. In 2007, the Committee accepted
without modification the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the base
salary paid or to be paid and the stock option awards granted or to be granted by the Company to
its executive officers, but the Committee made a
determination to pay only one of the Named Executive Officers, Mr. Hegener, a bonus under the
Companys 2007 annual incentive and bonus program.
9
Executive Officer Compensation Components
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the principal components of compensation for the
Named Executive Officers were:
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base salary; |
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|
the Companys annual incentive and bonus program; and |
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long-term equity incentive compensation. |
Base Salary
The Committee believes that the base salaries offered by the Company are competitive based on
a review of market practices and the duties and responsibilities of each Named Executive Officer.
In setting base salaries, the Committee periodically examines market compensation levels and trends
observed in the market for executives of comparable experience and skills. Market information is
used as an initial frame of reference for establishing and adjusting base salaries. The Committee
believes that the Named Executive Officers base salaries should be competitive with those of other
executives with comparable experience at organizations similar to the Company.
In addition to examining market compensation levels and trends, the Committee makes base
salary decisions for the Named Executive Officers based on an annual review by the Committee with
input and recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer. The Committees review includes, among
other things, the functional and decision-making responsibilities of each position, the
significance of each Named Executive Officers specific area of individual responsibility to the
Companys financial performance and achievement of overall goals, and the contribution, experience
and work performance of each Named Executive Officer.
With respect to base salary decisions for the Chief Executive Officer, the Committee made an
assessment of Mr. Levans past performance as Chief Executive Officer and its expectations as to
his future contributions to the Company, as well as the factors described above for the other Named
Executive Officers, including examining market compensation levels and trends and evaluating his
individual performance and the Companys financial condition, operating results and attainment of
strategic objectives. In evaluating the performance of Mr. Levan for purposes of not only his base
salary, but also any cash bonus under the Companys annual incentive and bonus program and stock
option awards under the Companys long-term equity incentive compensation program, the Committee
considered Mr. Levans overall performance, his leadership in raising capital and his critical
assessment of the issues facing the Company during 2007.
The annual base salaries paid to Messrs. Levan and Abdo from January 1, 2007 through September
30, 2007 increased approximately 4% from their respective base salaries for the comparable period
of 2006. However, based on market conditions and the impact of these market conditions on the
Company in 2007, at the request of Messrs. Levan and Abdo, the 2007 annual base salary of each of
Messrs. Levan and Abdo was decreased to $1, effective October 1, 2007.
For 2008, based on current market conditions and the recommendation of the Chief Executive
Officer, the Committee did not grant any increase in Mr. Wises 2008 base salary from 2007. The
Committee has not yet determined the 2008 base salaries for either of Messrs. Levan and Abdo and
has engaged a third party consultant to assist it in doing so. While Mr. Hegener remains the
President of Core Communities, LLC, the Companys wholly-owned master-planned community development
subsidiary (Core Communities), based on the new direction of the Company and its intention to
broaden its activities beyond its current real estate operations, Mr. Hegener will not be deemed to
be an executive officer of the Company during 2008. Additionally, effective January 11, 2008, Mr.
Scanlon resigned as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. In
connection with his resignation, the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Scanlon, pursuant
to which Mr. Scanlon will provide certain services to the Company through December 31, 2008, and
the Company will pay an aggregate of $175,000 and will provide certain benefits to Mr. Scanlon over
the period.
10
Annual Incentive and Bonus Program
The Companys annual incentive and bonus program is a cash bonus plan designed to promote
performance and achievement of corporate strategic goals and initiatives, encourage the growth of
shareholder value, and allow executives, including the Named Executive Officers, to participate in
the growth and profitability of the Company. This program historically included elements tied to
the achievement of pre-established, objective individual and company-wide annual financial
performance goals. These goals are established during the Companys annual budget cycle, and the
portion of an executive officers cash bonus under the plan that is related to financial
performance goals varies based upon the impact that he or she has on the financial performance of
the Company as a whole and his or her respective division. The Companys annual incentive and
bonus program also includes a discretionary element tied to a subjective evaluation of overall
performance in areas outside those that can be objectively measured from financial results. Each
executive officers bonus is intended to take into account corporate and individual components,
which are weighted according to the executive officers responsibilities.
Because of the challenging economic and market conditions existing in the real estate
industry, no objective financial criteria were set under the Companys annual incentive and bonus
program for 2007. Accordingly, in 2007, only discretionary bonuses were paid under the Companys
annual incentive and bonus program. The potential bonuses ranged from 60% to 150% of the Named
Executive Officers base salary and were payable at the discretion of the Committee based on
subjective factors, which included Company performance, market conditions and the level of
compensation paid to executives with similar responsibilities at comparable companies. Mr. Hegener
was awarded a discretionary bonus of $650,000 under the Companys annual incentive and bonus
program for his services to the Company during 2007. This bonus was accrued by the Company during
the year. Given the Companys reduction in workforce during 2007 and its goal of reducing
expenses, none of the other Named Executive Officers were granted a discretionary bonus under the
Companys annual incentive and bonus program for 2007.
The Committee established objective financial criteria for potential bonuses to Messrs. Levan
and Abdo under the Companys 2008 annual incentive and bonus program tied to the Companys
consolidated gross revenues, subject to reduction in the sole discretion of the Committee. With
respect to the other participants in the Companys 2008 annual incentive and bonus program, the
Committee determined that it would not be possible to establish objective financial criteria for
the individuals and, accordingly, any bonus paid to them for their services to the Company in 2008
will be paid at the discretion of the Committee based on subjective factors similar to those set
forth above for the 2007 annual incentive and bonus program. The Committee determined that Mr.
Wise will be eligible for a discretionary bonus for 2008 of up to 60% of his 2008 base salary. As
described above, effective January 11, 2008, Mr. Scanlon resigned as Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of the Company and, accordingly, will not be eligible to receive a bonus
under the Companys annual incentive and bonus program for 2008.
In addition to being eligible for a cash bonus under the Companys annual incentive and bonus
program, the Named Executive Officers are eligible for a cash award under the Companys Corporate
Goal Bonus Plan (the Goals Plan). The Goals Plan provides a quarterly payout to all of the
Companys employees, including the Named Executive Officers, in an amount equal to a percentage of
not more than 6% of an employees quarterly base salary payable at the discretion of the Company
after taking into account certain pre-established quarterly goals. In 2007, a total of $22,464 in
cash was awarded to the Named Executive Officers under the Goals Plan as follows:
|
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|
|
|
Alan B. Levan |
|
$ |
6,708 |
|
John E. Abdo |
|
|
8,175 |
|
Paul J. Hegener |
|
|
1,008 |
|
George P. Scanlon |
|
|
2,465 |
|
Seth M. Wise |
|
|
4,108 |
|
Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation
The Companys long-term equity incentive compensation program provides an opportunity for the
Named Executive Officers, and the Companys other executive officers, to increase their stake in
the Company through grants of options to purchase shares of Class A Stock. This program encourages
executive officers to focus on the Companys long-term performance by aligning the executive
officers interests with those of the Companys shareholders, since the ultimate value of such
compensation is directly dependent on the stock price. The Committee believes that providing the
Named Executive Officers and others with opportunities to acquire an interest in the growth and
prosperity of the Company through the grant of stock options enables the Company to attract and
retain qualified and experienced executive officers and offer additional long-term incentives.
11
The Committees grant of stock options to the Named Executive Officers is discretionary based
on an assessment of the individuals contribution to the success and growth of the Company, subject
in any event to the limitations set by the Companys Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Incentive
Plan. Decisions by the Committee regarding grants of stock options to the Named Executive Officers
are generally made based upon the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer (other than with
respect to decisions by the Committee regarding grants of stock options to the Chief Executive
Officer), the level of the Named Executive Officers position with the Company, an evaluation of
the Named Executive Officers past and expected future performance and the number of outstanding
and previously granted stock options to the Named Executive Officer.
In 2007, all of the Named Executive Officers were granted options to purchase shares of Class
A Stock, with an exercise price equal to the market value of such stock on the date of grant, and
which vest on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant. The Committee believes that such stock
options serve as a significant aid in the retention of executive officers, since these stock option
awards do not vest until five years after the grant date.
Internal Revenue Code Limits on Deductibility of Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally disallows a tax deduction to public
corporations for compensation over $1,000,000 paid for any fiscal year to the corporations chief
executive officer and four other most highly compensated executive officers as of the end of any
fiscal year. However, the statute exempts qualifying performance-based compensation from the
deduction limit if certain requirements are met.
The Committee believes that it is generally in the Companys best interest to attempt to
structure performance-based compensation, including stock option grants or performance-based
restricted stock awards and annual bonuses, to executive officers who may be subject to Section
162(m) in a manner that satisfies the statutes requirements for full tax deductibility for the
compensation. In an effort to meet the requirements of Section 162(m), in 2004, the Company
adopted its annual incentive and bonus program to provide performance based goals for the payment
of cash bonuses to certain Named Executive Officers. However, the Committee also recognizes the
need to retain flexibility to make compensation decisions that may not meet Section 162(m)
standards when necessary to enable the Company to meet its overall objectives, even if the Company
may not deduct all of the compensation. There can be no assurance that the objective criteria set
under the Companys annual incentive and bonus program, including, without limitation, the criteria
set for Messrs. Levan and Abdo for 2008, will comply with the requirements of Section 162(m) nor
can there be any assurance that all or any portion of the compensation that may be paid by the
Company in 2008 or any future period will be deductible under Section 162(m).
12
Compensation of Named Executive Officers
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth certain summary information concerning compensation paid or
accrued by the Company to or on behalf of the Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006. Officers of the Company who also serve as officers or directors of
affiliates receive compensation from such affiliates for services rendered on behalf of the
affiliates.
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Change in |
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Pension Value |
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and Nonqualified |
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Non-Equity |
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Deferred |
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Stock |
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Option |
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Incentive Plan |
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Compensation |
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All Other |
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Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
|
Salary |
|
|
Bonus(1) |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Awards(2) |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Compensation(3) |
|
|
Total |
|
Alan B. Levan, |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
400,400 |
|
|
$ |
6,708 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
372,409 |
|
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$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
|
$ |
781.017 |
|
Chief Executive Officer (4) |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
515,833 |
|
|
|
6,769 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
230,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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753,430 |
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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John E. Abdo, |
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2007 |
|
|
|
487,988 |
|
|
|
8,175 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
505,193 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
303,181 |
|
|
|
1,304,537 |
|
Vice Chairman (4) |
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2006 |
|
|
|
628,672 |
|
|
|
9,582 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
333,573 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
291,244 |
|
|
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1,263,071 |
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|
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Paul J. Hegener, |
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2007 |
|
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550,775 |
|
|
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651,008 |
|
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|
|
|
|
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252,597 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,240 |
|
|
|
1,472,620 |
|
President, Core Communities |
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2006 |
|
|
|
403,092 |
|
|
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6,354 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
166,789 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,600 |
|
|
|
592,835 |
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
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George P. Scanlon, |
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|
2007 |
|
|
|
202,750 |
|
|
|
2,465 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
203,367 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,875 |
|
|
|
418,457 |
|
Former Executive Vice |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
283,708 |
|
|
|
104,384 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
130,781 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,800 |
|
|
|
527,673 |
|
President and Chief
Financial |
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Officer (5) |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Seth M. Wise |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
323,343 |
|
|
|
4,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
188,945 |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,200 |
|
|
|
532,596 |
|
President (6) |
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2006 |
|
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N/A |
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N/A |
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|
N/A |
|
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N/A |
|
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|
N/A |
|
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|
N/A |
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|
N/A |
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|
N/A |
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(1) |
|
The amounts for 2007 represent discretionary cash awards under the Goals Plan and, for Mr. Hegener, a discretionary
bonus of $650,000 granted under the Companys annual incentive and bonus program which was based on a subjective
evaluation of his overall performance and contributions to the Company. Both the Goals Plan and the Companys annual
incentive and bonus program are more fully described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section above. |
|
(2) |
|
All options are to purchase shares of Class A Stock. The amounts for 2007 represent the dollar amounts recognized for
financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, in accordance with FAS 123(R),
without taking into account an estimate of forfeitures related to service-based vesting of stock option grants,
including amounts from awards granted prior to 2007. Other than with respect to forfeitures, of which there were none
during 2007, assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 6 to the Companys audited
consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 included in the Companys Annual Report
on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2008. Additional information regarding
these stock options awarded to the Named Executive Officers in 2007, including the grant date fair value of such stock
options, is set forth in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards 2007 table below. |
|
(3) |
|
Items included under All Other Compensation for each of the Named Executive Officers for 2007 are set forth in the
table below: |
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Management |
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Company |
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Fees Paid |
|
|
|
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Contributions |
|
|
|
|
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to Abdo |
|
|
|
|
|
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to Retirement |
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Companies, |
|
|
Insurance |
|
|
401(k) |
|
|
Auto |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Inc. |
|
|
Premiums |
|
|
Plans |
|
|
Allowance |
|
|
Total |
|
Alan B. Levan |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
John E. Abdo |
|
|
301,681 |
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
303,181 |
|
Paul J. Hegener |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
9,240 |
|
|
|
18,240 |
|
George Scanlon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
875 |
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,875 |
|
Seth M. Wise |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
7,200 |
|
|
|
16,200 |
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Abdo is the principal shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of Abdo Companies, Inc.
|
|
|
|
During 2007, each of Messrs. Levan and Abdo received $1,500, and Mr. Scanlon received $875, as reimbursement for
insurance premiums for waiving participation in the Companys medical, dental and vision plans. |
|
(4) |
|
Each of Messrs. Levan and Abdo received non-qualified options to acquire 50,000 shares of Bluegreens common stock
during 2007 at an exercise price of $11.98. The options vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date and have a ten
year term. The grant date fair value of the options computed in accordance with FAS 123(R) was $558,000. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Scanlon resigned as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective January 11, 2008. |
|
(6) |
|
Mr. Wise was not a named executive officer of the Company during 2006. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards-2007
The following table sets forth certain information concerning grants of awards to the Named
Executive Officers pursuant to the Companys non-equity incentive plans in the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
Exercise or |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Possible Payouts Under |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Base Price |
|
|
of Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan |
|
|
Shares of |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
of Option |
|
|
And |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards(1) |
|
|
Stock or |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Option |
|
Name |
|
Grant Date |
|
|
Threshold |
|
|
Target |
|
|
Maximum |
|
|
Units |
|
|
Options(2) |
|
|
($ / Sh) |
|
|
Awards(3) |
|
Alan B. Levan |
|
|
6/18/07 |
|
|
$ |
N/A |
|
|
$ |
N/A |
|
|
$ |
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
$ |
9.16 |
|
|
$ |
303,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John E. Abdo |
|
|
6/18/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
303,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul J. Hegener(1) |
|
|
6/18/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
151,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George P. Scanlon(4) |
|
|
6/18/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
126,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seth M. Wise |
|
|
6/18/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
176,925 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
No objective financial criteria were set under the Companys 2007 annual
incentive and bonus program. Accordingly, none of the Named Executive
Officers received any payments under the formula-based component of the
Companys 2007 annual incentive program. However, Mr. Hegener received a
discretionary bonus under the Companys 2007 annual incentive and bonus
program. Mr. Hegeners discretionary bonus is included in the Bonus
column of the Summary Compensation Table above. The Companys 2007 annual
incentive and bonus program is described in the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis section above. |
|
(2) |
|
All options are to purchase shares of Class A Stock, were granted under the
Companys Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Plan and vest on the
fifth anniversary of the date of grant. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents the grant date fair value computed in accordance with FAS 123(R). |
|
(4) |
|
All of Mr. Scanlons unvested options to purchase shares of Class A Stock
were forfeited in connection with his resignation as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective January 11,
2008. |
14
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2007
The following table sets forth certain information regarding equity-based awards of the
Company held by the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Expiration |
|
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable(1) |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Date |
|
Alan B. Levan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
(2) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
20.15 |
|
|
|
1/2/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.13 |
|
|
|
7/22/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.06 |
|
|
|
7/24/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
6/18/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John E. Abdo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,000 |
(2) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
20.15 |
|
|
|
1/2/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.13 |
|
|
|
7/22/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.06 |
|
|
|
7/24/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
6/18/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul J. Hegener |
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
(2) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
20.15 |
|
|
|
1/2/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.13 |
|
|
|
7/22/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.06 |
|
|
|
7/24/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
6/18/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George P. Scanlon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
(5)(7) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
23.40 |
|
|
|
8/23/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(3)(7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.13 |
|
|
|
7/22/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(4)(7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.06 |
|
|
|
7/24/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
(6)(7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
6/18/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seth M. Wise |
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(2) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
20.15 |
|
|
|
1/2/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.13 |
|
|
|
7/22/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.06 |
|
|
|
7/24/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,000 |
(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.16 |
|
|
|
6/18/2017 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
All options are to purchase shares of Class A Stock. |
|
(2) |
|
Vests on January 2, 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
Vests on July 22, 2010. |
|
(4) |
|
Vests on July 24, 2011. |
|
(5) |
|
Vests on August 23, 2009. |
|
(6) |
|
Vests on June 18, 2012. |
|
(7) |
|
Forfeited on January 11, 2008 in connection with Mr. Scanlons
resignation, effective as of that date, as Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. |
15
Option Exercises 2007
None of the Named Executive Officers exercised options to purchase shares of the Companys
common stock in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control
Mr. Scanlon resigned as the Companys Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
effective January 11, 2008. In connection with his resignation, the Company entered into an
agreement with Mr. Scanlon, pursuant to which Mr. Scanlon will provide certain services to the
Company through December 31, 2008, and the Company will pay an aggregate of $175,000 and will
provide certain benefits to Mr. Scanlon over the period.
Compensation of Directors
The Compensation Committee recommends director compensation to the Board based on factors it
considers appropriate and based on the recommendations of management. Currently, each non-employee
director receives $100,000 per year for their service on the Board of Directors, payable in cash,
restricted stock or non-qualified stock options, in such combinations as the director may elect,
provided that no more than $50,000 may be paid in cash. The restricted stock and stock options are
granted in Class A Stock under the Companys Amended and Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Plan.
Restricted stock vests monthly over a 12-month service period beginning on July 1 of each year and
stock options are fully vested on the date of grant, have a ten-year term and have an exercise
price equal to the closing market price of the Class A Stock on the date of grant. The number of
stock options and restricted stock granted is determined by the Company based on assumptions and
formulas typically used to value these types of securities. Members of the Audit Committee, other
than its Chairman, receive an additional $10,000 per year for their service on that committee. The
Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional $15,000 per year for his service as
Chairman. The Chairman of the Compensation Committee and the Chairman of the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee each receive an additional $3,500 per year for their service as
Chairmen. Other than the Chairmen, members of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee do not receive additional compensation for their service on those
committees. Non-management directors who serve on the Investment Committee receive an additional
$15,000 per year. Directors who are also officers of the Company do not receive additional
compensation for their service as directors or for attendance at Board or Committee meetings.
16
Director Compensation 2007
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation paid to the
Companys non-employee directors for their service during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Paid in Cash |
|
|
Awards (1)(3) |
|
|
Awards(2)(3) |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Total |
|
James Blosser |
|
$ |
49,042 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
49,990 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
99,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Darwin Dornbush |
|
|
50,292 |
|
|
|
24,998 |
|
|
|
24,993 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
100,283 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Lawrence Kahn, III |
|
|
53,500 |
|
|
|
24,998 |
|
|
|
24,993 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
103,491 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alan J. Levy |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,990 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
99,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joel Levy |
|
|
65,004 |
|
|
|
19,996 |
|
|
|
29,992 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
114,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William R. Nicholson |
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,990 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
124,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William Scherer |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,990 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
99,990 |
|
(1) |
|
All restricted stock awards are in shares of Class A Stock. The dollar amount
represents the amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2007, in accordance with FAS 123(R), without taking into account an
estimate of forfeitures related to service-based vesting of restricted stock grants, including
amounts from awards granted prior to 2007. There were no forfeitures during 2007. The grant
date fair value of the restricted stock awards computed in accordance with FAS 123(R) is
$24,998 for each of Messrs. Dornbush and Kahn and $19,996 for Mr. Joel Levy. |
|
(2) |
|
All options are to purchase shares of Class A Stock. The dollar amount represents the amount
recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007, in accordance with FAS 123(R), without taking into account an estimate of forfeitures
related to service-based vesting of stock option grants, including amounts from awards granted
prior to 2007. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote
6 to the Companys audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007 included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2008. There were no forfeitures during 2007.
The grant date fair value of the stock option awards computed in accordance with FAS 123(R) is
$49,990 for each of Messrs. Blosser, Alan Levy, Nicholson and Scherer; $24,993 for each of
Messrs. Dornbush and Kahn; and $29,992 for Mr. Joel Levy. |
|
(3) |
|
The table below sets forth the aggregate number of shares of restricted stock and the
aggregate number of stock options held by each non-employee director as of December 31, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Restricted Stock(a) |
|
|
Stock Options(b) |
|
James Blosser |
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,883 |
|
Darwin Dornbush |
|
|
4,294 |
|
|
|
21,430 |
|
S. Lawrence Kahn, III |
|
|
5,845 |
|
|
|
19,638 |
|
Alan J. Levy |
|
|
3,890 |
|
|
|
13,799 |
|
Joel Levy |
|
|
3,122 |
|
|
|
24,680 |
|
William Nicholson |
|
|
783 |
|
|
|
29,175 |
|
William Scherer |
|
|
1,565 |
|
|
|
27,485 |
|
|
(a) |
|
All restricted stock awards are in shares of Class A Stock. |
|
|
(b) |
|
All options are to purchase shares of Class A Stock. |
17
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The following Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should
not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically
incorporates this Report by reference therein.
The Audit Committee held nine meetings during 2007. These meetings were designed, among other
things, to facilitate and encourage communication among the Audit Committee and the Companys
management, internal auditors and independent auditors for 2007, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
(PwC), and to monitor compliance matters. The Audit Committee discussed with the Companys
internal auditors and PwC the overall scope and plans for their respective audits and met with the
internal auditors and PwC, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their
examinations and their evaluations of the Companys internal controls. No independent auditor has
been selected for 2008, but it is anticipated that PwC will be selected as the Companys
independent auditor for 2008 at the next Audit Committee meeting.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the Companys audited consolidated financial
statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 with the Companys management and internal
auditors and PwC.
Management has primary responsibility for the Companys financial statements and the overall
reporting process, including the Companys system of internal controls. PwC audits the annual
financial statements prepared by management, expresses an opinion as to whether those financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations
and cash flows of the Company in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America and discusses with the Audit Committee their independence and any other
matters that they are required to discuss with the Audit Committee or that they believe should be
raised with it. The Audit Committee oversees these processes, although it must rely on information
provided to it and on the representations made by management and PwC.
The Audit Committee also discussed with PwC matters required to be discussed with audit
committees under generally accepted auditing standards, including, among other things, matters
related to the conduct of the audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements and the
matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with
Audit Committees).
The Audit Committee also received from PwC the written disclosures and the letter required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and
discussed with PwC its independence from the Company. When considering PwCs independence, the
Audit Committee considered the services provided by PwC to the Company beyond those rendered in
connection with PwCs audit and review of the Companys consolidated financial statements. The
Audit Committee determined that PwCs provision of those services was compatible with maintaining
PwCs independence. The Audit Committee also reviewed, among other things, the amount of fees paid
to PwC for audit services.
Based on these reviews, meetings, discussions and reports, the Audit Committee recommended to
the Board of Directors that the Companys audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2007 be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2007.
Submitted by the Members of the Audit Committee:
Joel Levy, Chairman
S. Lawrence Kahn, III
William R. Nicholson
18
FEES TO INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR FISCAL 2007 AND 2006
The following table presents fees for professional services rendered by PwC for the audit of
the Companys annual consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2007 and 2006 and fees billed for
audit-related services, tax services and all other services rendered by PwC for fiscal 2007 and
2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2007 |
|
|
Fiscal 2006 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Audit fees (1) |
|
$ |
936 |
|
|
$ |
1,060 |
|
Audit-related fees (2) |
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All other fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes primarily fees for services related to the Companys
annual financial statement audits, the 2007 and 2006 audit of
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and
review of quarterly financial statements filed in the Companys
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes fees relating to services performed by PwC with respect
to the Companys 2007 rights offering, the amendments to the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended
December 31, 2006 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the
quarter ended March 31, 2007 and the November 9, 2007 bankruptcy
filing of Levitt and Sons and substantially all of its
subsidiaries. |
All audit-related services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the
provision of such services by PwC was compatible with the maintenance of that firms independence
in the conduct of its auditing functions. Under its charter, the Audit Committee must review and
pre-approve both audit and permitted non-audit services provided by the independent certified
public accounting firm and shall not engage the independent certified public accounting firm to
perform any non-audit services prohibited by law or regulation. Each year, the independent
certified public accounting firms retention to audit the Companys financial statements, including
the associated fee, is approved by the Audit Committee. Under its current practices, the Audit
Committee does not regularly evaluate potential engagements of the independent certified public
accounting firm and approve or reject such potential engagements. At each Audit Committee meeting,
the Audit Committee receives updates on the services actually provided by the independent auditor,
and management may present additional services for pre-approval. The Audit Committee may delegate
to the Chairman of the Audit Committee the authority to evaluate and approve engagements on behalf
of the Audit Committee in the event that a need arises for pre-approval between regular Audit
Committee meetings. If the Chairman so approves any such engagements, he will report that approval
to the full Audit Committee at the next Audit Committee meeting.
The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of the services other than audit
services, as described above, are compatible with maintaining the principal independent auditors
independence.
19
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Principal Shareholders of the Company
The following table sets forth, as of April 21, 2008, certain information as to Class A Stock
and Class B Stock beneficially owned by persons owning in excess of 5% of the outstanding shares of
such stock. Management knows of no person, except as listed below, who beneficially owned more than
5% of the outstanding Class A Stock or Class B Stock as of April 21, 2008. Except as otherwise
indicated, the information provided in the following table was obtained from filings with the SEC
and with the Company pursuant to the Exchange Act. Addresses provided are those listed in the
filings as the address of the person authorized to receive notices and communications. For purposes
of the table below and the table set forth under Security Ownership of Management, in accordance
with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of any shares
of common stock (1) over which he or she has or shares, directly or indirectly, voting or
investment power, or (2) of which he or she has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any
time within 60 days after April 21, 2008. As used herein, voting power is the power to vote, or
direct the voting of, shares and investment power includes the power to dispose, or direct the
disposition of, such shares. Unless otherwise noted, each beneficial owner has sole voting and sole
investment power over the shares beneficially owned.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of |
|
of Beneficial |
|
|
|
|
Title of Class |
|
Beneficial Owner |
|
Ownership |
|
|
Percent of Class |
|
Class A Stock |
|
Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC
|
|
|
24,867,212 |
(1) |
|
|
26.16 |
% |
|
|
2049 Century Park East
20th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BFC Financial Corporation
|
|
|
18,676,955 |
(2) |
|
|
20.67 |
|
|
|
2100 West Cypress Creek Road
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pennant Capital Management, LLC
|
|
|
18,292,945 |
(3) |
|
|
19.25 |
|
|
|
40 Main Street
Chatham, NY 07928 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prescott Group Capital Management, L.L.C.
|
|
|
6,093,850 |
(4) |
|
|
6.41 |
|
|
|
1924 S. Utica, #1120
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QVT Financial LP
|
|
|
5,662,244 |
(5) |
|
|
5.96 |
|
|
|
1177 Sixth Avenue
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert E. Robotti
|
|
|
5,654,357 |
(6) |
|
|
5.95 |
|
|
|
52 Vanderbilt Avenue
4th Floor
New York, New York 10017-3808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class B Stock |
|
BFC Financial Corporation
|
|
|
1,219,031 |
(2) |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
2100 West Cypress Creek Road
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC has sole voting power over 21,711,030 of such shares and
sole dispositive power over all of such shares. |
|
(2) |
|
The 18,676,955 shares of Class A Stock beneficially owned by BFC includes 6,145,582 shares of
Class A Stock that, subject to certain exceptions, BFC has agreed not to vote. Class B Stock
is convertible on a share-for-share basis into Class A Stock at any time at BFCs discretion.
BFC may be deemed to be controlled by Alan B. Levan and John E. Abdo, who collectively may be
deemed to have an aggregate beneficial ownership of shares of BFC common stock representing
73.8% of the total voting power of BFC. Mr. Levan serves as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of BFC. Mr. Abdo
serves as Vice Chairman of the Company and BFC. |
|
(3) |
|
Pennant Capital Management, LLC and Alan Fournier have shared voting and shared dispositive
power over all shares listed. |
|
(4) |
|
Prescott Group Capital management, L.L.C has sole voting and dispositive power over all
shares listed. |
|
(5) |
|
QVT Financial LP has shared voting and shared dispositive power over all shares listed. |
|
(6) |
|
Robert E. Robotti has sole voting and dispositive power over all shares listed. |
Security Ownership of Management
Listed in the table below are the outstanding shares of Class A Stock and Class B Stock
beneficially owned as of April 21, 2008 by (i) the Named Executive Officers, (ii) the Companys
directors as of such date and (iii) the Companys directors and executive officers as of such date
as a group. The address of all parties listed below is 2100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort
Lauderdale, Florida 33309.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
|
Class B |
|
|
Percent of |
|
|
Percent of |
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Class A |
|
|
Class B |
|
|
|
Ownership |
|
|
Ownership |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Stock |
|
BFC Financial Corporation(1) |
|
|
18,676,955 |
|
|
|
1,219,031 |
|
|
|
20.67 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
Alan B. Levan(1)(2)(3) |
|
|
99,118 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
John E. Abdo(1)(3)(4) |
|
|
39,626 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
Paul J. (Pete) Hegener |
|
|
32,256 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
George P. Scanlon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seth M. Wise(3) |
|
|
5,298 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
James J. Blosser(5) |
|
|
30,883 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
Darwin C. Dornbush(5) |
|
|
34,849 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
S. Lawrence Kahn, III(5) |
|
|
32,295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
Alan Levy(5) |
|
|
37,310 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
Joel Levy(5) |
|
|
37,536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
William R. Nicholson(5) |
|
|
59,540 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
William R. Scherer(5) |
|
|
79,695 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
All directors and executive officers
of the Company
as of April 21, 2008
a group
(11 persons)(1)(6) |
|
|
19,133,105 |
|
|
|
1,219,031 |
|
|
|
21.11 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than one percent of class. |
|
(1) |
|
The 18,676,955 shares of Class A Stock beneficially owned by BFC includes 6,145,582 shares of
Class A Stock that, subject to certain exceptions, BFC has agreed not to vote. Class B Stock
is convertible on a share-for-share basis into Class A Stock at any time at BFCs discretion.
BFC may be deemed to be controlled by Alan B. Levan and John E. Abdo, who collectively may be
deemed to have an aggregate beneficial ownership of shares of BFC common stock representing
73.8% of the total voting power of BFC. Mr. Levan serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of BFC. Mr. Abdo serves as
Vice Chairman of the Company and BFC. |
21
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Includes beneficial ownership of 547 shares of Class A Stock held indirectly.
|
|
(3) |
|
Includes beneficial ownership of shares of Class A Stock held in the BankAtlantic Security
Plus Plan as a result of BankAtlantic Bancorps previous ownership of the Company prior to the
2003 spin-off of the Company as follows: Alan B. Levan 14,990 shares; John E. Abdo
9,104 shares; and Seth M. Wise 84 shares. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes beneficial ownership of 30,522 shares of Class A Stock held indirectly. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes beneficial ownership of the following shares of Class A Stock, which may be acquired
within 60 days pursuant to stock options: Darwin C. Dornbush 21,430 shares; Alan J. Levy
13,808 shares; Joel Levy 24,680 shares; James J. Blosser 30,883 shares; William R.
Nicholson 29,175 shares; William R. Scherer 27,485 shares; and S. Lawrence Kahn, III
19,638 shares. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes beneficial ownership of 167,099 shares of Class A Stock, which may be acquired by
the Companys directors within 60 days pursuant to stock options held by them.
|
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table contains information, as of December 31, 2007, concerning the Companys
equity compensation plans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities to be issued |
|
|
Weighted average exercise |
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
upon exercise of outstanding |
|
|
price of outstanding |
|
|
remaining available for |
|
Plan Category |
|
options, warrants or rights |
|
|
options, warrants and rights |
|
|
future issuance |
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
|
|
1,862,390 |
|
|
$ |
17.33 |
|
|
|
1,137,610 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,862,390 |
|
|
$ |
17.33 |
|
|
|
1,137,610 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2) |
|
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANYS AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION CHANGING THE COMPANYS NAME TO WOODBRIDGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION |
In light of the Companys intention to broaden its activities beyond its current real estate
operations, the Board has determined that it would be appropriate to change the Companys name to
reflect this change of direction. Accordingly, the Board approved and recommends that the
Companys shareholders approve an amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation to change the Companys name from Levitt Corporation to Woodbridge Financial
Corporation. Under the Florida Business Corporation Act, the amendment also requires the approval
of the Companys shareholders. If approved by the Companys shareholders, Article I of the
Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation will be amended to change the Companys
name to Woodbridge Financial Corporation and will set forth the Companys current principal
office and mailing address. The form of the amendment is attached to this Proxy Statement as
Appendix A.
The Company anticipates submitting an application to the New York Stock Exchange to change the
ticker symbol of the Class A Stock from LEV to WDG in the event the amendment is approved by
the Companys shareholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE
AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANYS AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION CHANGING THE COMPANYS
NAME TO WOODBRIDGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
22
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors is not aware of any matters,
other than those referred to in the accompanying Notice of Meeting that may be brought before the
Annual Meeting.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP served as the Companys independent registered certified public
accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2007. A representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement
if he or she desires to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from
shareholders.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Householding of Proxy Material. The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and
intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for Proxy Statements with respect
to two or more shareholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Proxy Statement
addressed to those shareholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding,
potentially provides extra convenience for shareholders and cost savings for companies. The
Company and some brokers household proxy materials, delivering a single Proxy Statement to multiple
shareholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected
shareholders. Once you have received notice from your broker or the Companys transfer agent,
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (AST), that they or the Company will be householding
materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you
revoke your consent. However, the Company will deliver promptly upon written or oral request a
separate copy of this Proxy Statement to a shareholder at a shared address to which a single Proxy
Statement was delivered. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and
would prefer to receive a separate Proxy Statement, or if you are receiving multiple Proxy
Statements and would like to request delivery of a single Proxy Statement, please notify your
broker if your shares are held in a brokerage account or AST if you hold registered shares. You
can notify AST by calling 800-937-5449 or by sending a written request to American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, 59 Maiden Lane Plaza Level, New York, NY 10038,
attention Marianela Patterson.
Advance Notice Procedures. Under the Companys By-Laws, no business may be brought before an
Annual Meeting of Shareholders unless it is specified in the notice of the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders or is otherwise brought before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders by or at the
direction of the Board of Directors or by a shareholder entitled to vote who has delivered written
notice to the Companys Secretary (containing certain information specified in the By-Laws about
the shareholder and the proposed action) not less than 90 or more than 120 days prior to the first
anniversary of the preceding years Annual Meeting of Shareholders that is, with respect to the
Companys 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, between January 20 and February 19, 2009. In
addition, any shareholder who wishes to submit a nomination to the Board of Directors must deliver
written notice of the nomination within this time period and comply with the information
requirements in the By-Laws relating to shareholder nominations. These requirements are separate
from and in addition to the SECs requirements that a shareholder must meet in order to have a
shareholder proposal included in the Companys Proxy Statement.
Shareholder Proposals for the 2009 Annual Meeting. Shareholders interested in submitting a
proposal for inclusion in the proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2009 may do
so by following the procedures prescribed in Rule l4a-8 under the Exchange Act. To be eligible for
inclusion, shareholder proposals must be received by the Companys Secretary no later than January
7, 2009, at the Companys main offices, 2100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
33309.
Proxy Solicitation Costs. The enclosed Proxy Statement is solicited on behalf of the Board of
Directors. The Company will bear the expense of soliciting proxies and of reimbursing brokers,
banks and nominees for the out-of-pocket and clerical expenses of transmitting copies of the proxy
materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by such persons. The Company does not
currently intend to solicit proxies other than by use of the mail, but certain directors, officers
and regular employees of the Company, without additional compensation, may solicit proxies
personally or by telephone, fax, special letter or otherwise.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alan B. Levan
Chairman
May , 2008
23
Appendix A
FORM OF ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
TO THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
LEVITT CORPORATION
The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of LEVITT CORPORATION, a Florida
corporation (the Corporation), are hereby amended pursuant to the provisions of Section 607.1006
of the Florida Business Corporation Act and such amendments are set forth as follows:
1. Article I is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
ARTICLE I NAME AND ADDRESS
The name of this Corporation is Woodbridge Financial Corporation. The address of the principal
office and the mailing address of this Corporation is 2100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort
Lauderdale, Florida 33309.
A-1
LEVITT CORPORATION
2100 W. CYPRESS CREEK ROAD
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33309
MAIL Date, sign and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible.
-OR-
TELEPHONE Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES (1-800-776-9437) in the United States or
1-718-921-8500 from foreign countries and follow the instructions. Have your proxy card
available when you call.
-OR-
INTERNET Access www.voteproxy.com and follow the on-screen instructions. Have your
proxy card available when you access the web page.
-OR-
IN PERSON You may vote your shares in person by attending the Annual Meeting.
You may enter your voting instructions at 1-800-PROXIES in the United States or 1-718-921-8500 from foreign countries or www.voteproxy.com up
until 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day before the cut-off or meeting date.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE [X]
1. Election of three directors, each for a term of three years.
NOMINEES:
o John E. Abdo
o William Nicholson
o Alan J. Levy
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
FOR ALL NOMINEES |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT
(See instructions below) |
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual
nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and mark the box next to
each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: x
To change the address on your account, please check the box at
right and indicate your new address in the address space
above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on
the account may not be submitted via this method. o
2. Approval of the amendment to the Companys
Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation changing the
Companys name to Woodbridge Financial
Corporation.
o FOR
o AGAINST
o ABSTAIN
3. In his or her discretion, the proxy is
authorized to vote upon such other matters as
may properly come before the meeting.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED
IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE
UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS
MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE
ELECTION OF THE DIRECTORS NAMED IN PROPOSAL 1
AND FOR PROPOSAL 2.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY
CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
TO INCLUDE ANY COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX
ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD.
MARK X HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
o
Signature of Shareholder
Date:
Signature of Shareholder
Date:
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NOTE: |
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Please sign exactly as your name or names appear(s) on this proxy. When shares are held
jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee
or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full
corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
Form of Proxy
Class A Common Stock
LEVITT CORPORATION
2100 W. CYPRESS CREEK ROAD
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33309
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF LEVITT CORPORATION
MAY 20, 2008
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick M. Worsham and Claudia F. Haines, and each of them acting
alone, with the power to appoint his or her substitute, proxy to represent the undersigned and vote
as designated on the reverse all of the shares of Class A Common Stock of Levitt Corporation held
of record by the undersigned on March 21, 2008 at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on
May 20, 2008 and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Please mark, date, sign and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible.
Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)