EDUCATION REALTY TRUST - FORM DEF 14A
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant To Section 14(A) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
Education Realty Trust, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
N/A
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required.
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was
determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and
identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing
by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
(901) 259-2500
April 20, 2007
Dear Stockholder:
I would like to extend a personal invitation for you to join us at our Annual Meeting of
Stockholders on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time) at EDRs headquarters located in
Memphis, Tennessee.
At this years meeting, in addition to the election of five directors, you will be asked to
ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as EDRs independent registered public accounting
firm for 2007.
I urge you to vote, as the Board of Directors has recommended, for each of the director
nominees. I also ask that you ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as EDRs independent
registered public accounting firm for 2007.
Attached you will find a notice of meeting and proxy statement that contains further
information about these items as well as specific details of the meeting.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, I encourage you to
vote. Please sign and return your proxy card, or give your proxy authorization via the telephone
or Internet prior to the meeting. This will assure that your shares will be represented and voted
at the meeting, even if you cannot attend.
Sincerely,
Paul O. Bower
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer and President
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
(901) 259-2500
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
You are invited to attend Education Realty Trusts 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:
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9:00 a.m. (Central Time) on Tuesday, May 22, 2007. |
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Corporate Headquarters, 530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300, Memphis, Tennessee 38117. |
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Items of Business
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To elect five directors to serve until the 2008 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualify
(Proposal 1); |
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To consider and vote upon the ratification of the appointment of
Deloitte & Touche LLP as EDRs independent registered public accounting firm for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007 (Proposal 2); and |
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To conduct such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
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Record Date |
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You are entitled to vote if you are a stockholder of record at the close of
business on April 10, 2007. |
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Voting by Proxy or
Proxy Authorization |
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The Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to assure that a quorum is
present and that your shares are represented and voted at the meeting. Please
see the attached proxy statement and enclosed proxy card for information on
giving your proxy authorization over the Internet or by telephone, or by mailing
back the traditional proxy card (no extra postage is needed for the enclosed
envelope if mailed in the U.S.). If you later decide to vote at the meeting,
information on revoking your proxy prior to the meeting is also provided. You
may receive more than one set of proxy materials and proxy cards. Please
promptly complete, sign and return each proxy card you receive or give your
proxy authorization over the telephone or on the Internet in order to ensure
that all of your shares are represented and voted. |
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Recommendations |
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The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each nominee for director
and FOR Proposal 2. |
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Randall H. Brown
Secretary
April 20, 2007
Memphis, Tennessee
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE
2007 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
This Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card are furnished on behalf of the Board of
Directors of Education Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (EDR, we, us or our), for
use at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting), or at any adjournment or
postponement thereof, for the purposes set forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of Annual
Meeting. We intend to mail this Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy on or about April 20,
2007, to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING
When is the Annual Meeting?
The Annual Meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m., Central Time, on Tuesday, May 22, 2007.
Where will the Annual Meeting be held?
The Annual Meeting will be held at EDRs headquarters, located at 530 Oak Court Drive, Suite
300, Memphis, Tennessee 38117.
What items will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?
There are two matters scheduled for a vote if properly presented at the meeting:
1. To elect five directors to serve until the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until
their successors have been duly elected and qualify; and
2. To consider and vote upon the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as
EDRs independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.
As of the date of this proxy statement, we are not aware of any other matters that will be
presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting.
What are the Board of Directors recommendations?
Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote:
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FOR the election of each of the five nominees named herein to serve on the Board of
Directors; and |
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FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as EDRs independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007. |
Will EDRs directors be in attendance at the Annual Meeting?
EDR encourages, but does not require, its directors to attend annual meetings of stockholders.
However, EDR anticipates that all but one of its current directors will attend the Annual Meeting.
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INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING
Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date, April 10, 2007, are
entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote the shares that they held on that date
at the Annual Meeting, or any postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting. As of the close
of business on April 10, 2007, EDR had 27,703,832 shares of common stock outstanding.
Stockholders of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name. If on April 10, 2007 your shares were
registered directly in your name with EDRs transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services, then
you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the meeting
or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to fill out and
return the enclosed proxy card, or give your proxy authorization over the telephone or on the
Internet as instructed below, to ensure your vote is counted.
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank. If on April 10, 2007
your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar
organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in street name and these proxy
materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account
is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a
beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent on how to vote the shares
in your account. You are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not
the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the meeting unless you request
and obtain a valid proxy from your broker or other agent.
How do I vote?
You may either vote FOR all the nominees to the Board of Directors or you may withhold your
vote for all nominees or for any nominee you specify. For each of the other matters to be voted
on, you may vote FOR or AGAINST or abstain from voting. The procedures for voting are fairly
simple:
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name. If you are a stockholder of record,
you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting or vote by proxy using the enclosed proxy card or give
your proxy authorization over the telephone or on the Internet. Whether or not you plan to attend
the meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy or give your proxy authorization to ensure your vote is
counted. You may still attend the meeting and vote in person if you have already voted by proxy or
given your proxy authorization.
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To vote in person, come to the Annual Meeting and we will give you a ballot when you
arrive. |
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To vote using the enclosed proxy card, simply complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy
card and return it promptly in the postage paid envelope provided. If your signed proxy
card is received by close of business on May 21, 2007, we will vote your shares as you
direct. |
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To give your proxy authorization over the telephone, dial toll-free 1-800-652-8683 using
a touch-tone phone and follow the recorded instructions. You will be asked to provide the
company number and control number from the enclosed proxy card. Your proxy authorization
must be received by 11:59 p.m., Central Time on May 21, 2007 to be counted. |
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To give your proxy authorization on the Internet, go to www.investorvote.com to complete
an electronic proxy card. You will be asked to provide the company number and control
number from the enclosed proxy card. Your proxy authorization must be received by 11:59
p.m., Central Time on May 21, 2007 to be counted. |
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or Bank. If you are a beneficial
owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank or other agent, you should have
received a proxy card and voting instructions with these proxy materials from that organization
rather than from EDR. Simply complete and mail the proxy card to ensure that your vote is counted.
Alternatively, you may give your proxy authorization via the
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telephone or Internet as instructed by your broker or bank. To vote in person at the Annual
Meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other agent. Follow the
instructions from your broker or bank included with these proxy materials, or contact your broker
or bank to request a proxy form.
We provide Internet proxy authorization on-line with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity
and correctness of your proxy authorization instructions. However, please be aware that you must
bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet access
providers and telephone companies.
How many votes do I have?
On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of common stock for which
you are the stockholder of record as of the close of business on April 10, 2007.
What if I return a proxy card but do not make specific choices?
If you return a signed and dated proxy card without marking any voting selections, your shares
will be voted FOR the election of all five nominees for director and FOR the ratification of
the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as EDRs independent registered public accounting firm for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007. If any other matter is properly presented at the
meeting, your proxy (one of the individuals named on your proxy card) will vote your shares as
recommended by the Board of Directors or, if no recommendation is given, will vote your shares
using his or her discretion.
Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?
Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. If
you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any one of three ways:
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You may submit another properly completed proxy bearing a later date; |
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You may send a written notice that you are revoking your proxy to 530 Oak Court Drive,
Suite 300, Memphis, Tennessee 38117, Attention: Randall H. Brown, Corporate Secretary; or |
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You may attend the Annual Meeting and notify the election officials at the meeting that
you wish to revoke your proxy and vote in person. Simply attending the meeting will not,
by itself, revoke your proxy. |
If your shares are held by your broker or bank as a nominee or agent, you should follow the
instructions provided by your broker or bank.
How are votes counted?
Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the meeting, who will
separately count FOR and withheld votes, and, with respect to proposals other than the election
of the five director nominees, AGAINST votes, abstentions and broker non-votes. Abstentions and
broker non-votes have no effect and will not be counted towards the vote total for any proposal.
If your shares are held by your broker as your nominee (that is, in street name), you will
need to obtain a proxy form from the institution that holds your shares and follow the instructions
included on that form regarding how to instruct your broker to vote your shares. Please note that
brokers that have not received voting instructions from their clients cannot vote on their clients
behalf on non-routine proposals, but may vote their clients shares on other proposals. In the
event that a broker, bank, custodian, nominee or other record holder of our common stock indicates
on a proxy that it does not have discretionary authority to vote certain shares on a particular
matter, then those shares will be treated as broker non-votes. Shares represented by such broker
non-votes will, however, be counted in determining whether there is a quorum.
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How many votes are needed to approve each proposal?
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The affirmative vote of a plurality of all the votes cast at the annual meeting is
necessary for the election of a director. Therefore, of the five director nominees, the
nominees receiving the most FOR votes (among votes properly cast in person or by proxy)
will be elected. |
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To be approved, Proposal No. 2, the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche
LLP as EDRs independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2007, must receive more votes in favor of ratification than votes cast
against. However, the Audit Committee is not bound by a vote either for or against the
proposal. The Audit Committee will consider a vote against the firm by the stockholders in
selecting our independent registered public accounting firm in the future. |
How many shares must be present to constitute a quorum for the annual meeting?
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if at
least a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote are represented by stockholders present
at the meeting or by proxy. As of the close of business on April 10, 2007, the record date, there
were 27,703,832 shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Thus, 14,128,955 shares must be
represented by stockholders present at the meeting or by proxy to have a quorum.
Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is
submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote in person at the
Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement.
If there is no quorum, the Chairman of the meeting may adjourn the meeting to another date.
How can I find out the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. Final results will be
published in EDRs quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2007.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
How and when may I submit a stockholder proposal for EDRs 2008 Annual Meeting?
Our annual meeting of stockholders generally is held in May of each year. We will consider
for inclusion in our proxy materials for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, stockholder
proposals that are received at our executive offices no later than December 22, 2007 and that
comply with all applicable requirements of Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and our Bylaws. Proposals must be sent to our executive
offices at 530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300, Memphis, Tennessee 38117, Attention: Randall H. Brown,
Corporate Secretary.
Pursuant to Article II, Section 11 of EDRs current Bylaws, stockholders wishing to submit
proposals or director nominations that are to be considered at an annual meeting (whether or not
included in our proxy materials) must have given timely notice thereof. To be timely for the 2008
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, you must notify our Corporate Secretary, in writing at the address
above, no earlier than November 22, 2007 and no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on December 22,
2007. However, if EDRs 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is not held within 30 days of the
anniversary date of this Annual Meeting, then you must notify our Corporate Secretary, in writing,
not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and no
later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on the later of (i) the 120th day prior to the date of the 2008
Annual Meeting of Stockholders or (ii) the 10th day following the day we make a public announcement
of the date of the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We also advise you to review EDRs
Bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals and
director nominations.
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The Chairman of the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders may determine, if the facts warrant,
that a matter has not been properly brought before the meeting and, therefore, may not be
considered at the meeting. In addition, the proxy solicited by the Board of Directors for the 2008
Annual Meeting of Stockholders will confer discretionary voting authority with respect to any
matter presented by a stockholder at that meeting for which EDR has not been provided with timely
notice.
How can I obtain EDRs Annual Report on Form 10-K?
Our Annual Report to Stockholders is being mailed along with this Proxy Statement. Our Annual
Report to Stockholders and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006,
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, are available on our website at
www.educationrealty.com. If you wish to have an additional copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, as well as a copy of any exhibit specifically
requested, we will mail these documents to you without charge. Requests should be sent to
Education Realty Trust, Inc., 530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300, Memphis, Tennessee 38117. A copy of
our Annual Report on Form 10-K has also been filed with the SEC and may be accessed from the SECs
homepage (www.sec.gov).
Neither the Annual Report to Stockholders nor the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2006 is to be treated as part of the proxy solicitation materials.
Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
We will pay for the entire cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to these mailed proxy
materials, our directors and employees may also solicit proxies in person, by telephone or by other
means of communication. Directors and employees will not be paid any additional compensation for
soliciting proxies. We may also reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other agents for the cost of
forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.
How many copies should I receive if I share an address with another stockholder?
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries, such as brokers, to
satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or
more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to
those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially
provides extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.
EDR and some brokers may be householding our proxy materials by delivering a single proxy
statement and annual report to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary
instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from
your broker or us that they or we will be householding materials to your address, householding will
continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If at any time you no
longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement
and annual report, or if you are receiving multiple copies of the proxy statement and annual report
and wish to receive only one, please notify your broker if your shares are held in a brokerage
account or us if you are a stockholder of record. You can notify us by sending a written request
to 530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300, Memphis, Tennessee 38117, Attention: Randall H. Brown, Corporate
Secretary, or by calling 901-259-2500. In addition, EDR will promptly deliver, upon written or
oral request to the address or telephone number above, a separate copy of the annual report and
proxy statement to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was
delivered.
Who should I contact if I have any questions?
If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting, these proxy materials or your ownership of
EDR common stock, please contact Randall H. Brown, Corporate Secretary, at 530 Oak Court Drive,
Suite 300, Memphis, Tennessee 38117, or by calling 901-259-2500.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Independence
As required under the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, listing standards, a majority of
the members of a listed companys board of directors must qualify as independent, as
affirmatively determined by the Board of Directors. Consistent with the requirements of the SEC,
the NYSE, our Corporate Governance Guidelines and general corporate best practices proposals, our
Board of Directors reviews all relevant transactions or relationships between each director, and
EDR, senior management and our independent registered public accounting firm. During this review,
the Board of Directors considers whether there are any transactions or relationships between
directors or any member of their immediate family (or any entity of which a director or an
immediate family member is an executive officer, general partner or significant equity holder) and
members of EDRs senior management or their affiliates. The Board of Directors consults with EDRs
corporate counsel to ensure that its determinations are consistent with all relevant securities and
other laws and regulations regarding the definition of independent.
As a result of this review, our Board of Directors affirmatively determined that the following
four of our five current directors are independent within the meaning of the applicable NYSE
listing standards and our Corporate Governance Guidelines: Messrs. Barrow, Cahill, Churchey and
Dr. Ford. Mr. Bower, our President and Chief Executive Officer, is not independent within the
meaning of the NYSE listing standards. The Board of Directors has also affirmatively determined
that Wendell W. Weakley, a new director nominee, is independent within the meaning of the
applicable NYSE listing standards and EDRs Corporate Governance Guidelines.
In determining that each of the non-management directors is independent, the Board considered
the following relationship, which it determined was immaterial to the directors independence: Mr.
Cahill is a Corporate Vice President of Human Resources of FedEx Corporation. In the normal course
of business, we use FedEx as an overnight courier. The Board of Directors concluded that this
relationship is not material and does not otherwise impair, or appear to impair, Mr. Cahills
independent judgment, and therefore does not prevent him from being independent.
Board and Committee Meetings; Attendance
EDR encourages, but does not require its directors to attend annual meetings of stockholders.
All of the directors attended the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. For 2006, the average
aggregate Board of Directors and committee meeting attendance for all current directors was
approximately 97.5%, with each director attending at least 75% of the aggregate of all meetings of
the Board of Directors and any committees on which he served. In 2006, the Board of Directors held
4 meetings and the number of meetings held by the committees of the Board of Directors is set forth
in the table below.
In addition, our independent directors conduct regularly scheduled meetings without the
presence of non-independent directors or management. Mr. Barrow, as lead director, serves as
chairman for executive sessions of the independent directors and presides over these meetings.
Board Committees
The Board of Directors has established three permanent committees that have certain
responsibilities for our governance and management. These committees are the Audit Committee, the
Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board of
Directors has adopted charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee, which can be found on our website at www.educationrealty.com.
EDR will also provide a copy of these documents to any person, upon request to Education Realty
Trust, Inc., Investor Relations Manager, 530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300, Memphis, Tennessee 38117.
The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the
independence requirements of the NYSE applicable to members of the Audit Committee, as well as the
Audit Committee independence standards established by the SEC. Further, the Board of Directors has
determined that Mr. Churchey
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is an audit committee financial expert, as defined by the rules of the SEC. Mr. Churchey
has chosen not to stand for reelection at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. It is intended
that the new director nominee, Wendell W. Weakley, if elected, will be appointed the new Audit
Committee Chairman. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Weakley meets the independence
requirements of the NYSE applicable to members of the Audit Committee, as well as the Audit
Committee independence standards established by the SEC. Further, the Board of Directors has
determined that Mr. Weakley is an audit committee financial expert, as defined by the rules of
the SEC. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that all members of the Compensation
Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meet the independence requirements
of the NYSE.
The current membership of and information about each committee of the Board of Directors is
shown below.
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Committee, |
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Current Members and |
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Committee Functions |
Audit Committee
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appoints our independent
registered public accounting firm,
oversees their work, reviews the
scope of the audit to be conducted
by them, as well as the results of
their audit; |
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Current Members:
Mr. Churchey (Chairman)*
Mr. Barrow
Mr. Cahill
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reviews the scope of our
internal system of controls,
appraises our financial reporting
activities (including our proxy
statement and annual report) and
the accounting standards and
principles followed; |
8 Meetings in 2006
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reviews and discusses with
management and the independent
registered public accounting firm
various topics and events that may
have significant financial impact
on our business, and it reviews
and discusses with management
major financial risk exposure and
steps that management has taken to
monitor and control such exposure;
and |
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reviews the adequacy and
effectiveness of our internal
controls, internal audit
procedures and disclosure controls
and procedures, as well as our
managements reports thereon. |
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Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee
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identifies, screens and
recommends outstanding individuals
who qualify to serve as members of
the Board of Directors and
recommends to the Board of
Directors the director nominees
for election or re-election by our
stockholders at each annual
stockholder meeting; |
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Current Members:
Dr. Ford (Chairman)
Mr. Barrow
Mr. Churchey*
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reviews and makes
recommendations to the Board of
Directors regarding our corporate
governance principles, including
the structure, composition and
functioning of the Board of
Directors and all committees of
the Board of Directors, oversight
by the Board of Directors of
management actions and reporting
duties of management; |
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4 Meetings in 2006
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reviews, approves and
recommends to the Board of
Directors any change in
independent director compensation;
and |
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reviews procedures for
meetings of the Board of
Directors, including the
appropriateness and adequacy of
the information supplied to
directors prior to and during
Board of Directors meetings. |
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Committee, |
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Current Members and |
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Committee Functions |
Compensation Committee
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sets compensation for our Chief Executive
Officer based on evaluation of his performance in
light of goals and objectives set by the
Compensation Committee; |
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|
|
|
|
Current Members:
Mr. Cahill (Chairman)
Mr. Barrow
Dr. Ford
|
|
|
|
approves the compensation for our other
executive officers based on the recommendations of
the Chief Executive Officer; |
4 Meetings in 2006
|
|
|
|
reviews general policies relating to
compensation and benefits of our employees; and |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
directs our 2004 Incentive Plan. |
|
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|
* Mr. Churchey has served as Audit Committee Chairman and a member of the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee; however, Mr. Churchey is not standing for reelection at the 2007
Annual Meeting. It is intended that the new director nominee, Mr. Weakley, if elected, will be
appointed Audit Committee Chairman and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee by the Board of Directors after the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Matters
The Board of Directors has delegated to the Nominating and Governance Committee the
responsibility for reviewing and recommending nominees for membership on the Board of Directors. In
its review, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers factors such as values and
disciplines, ethical standards, age, diversity, background and skills, all in the context of an
assessment of the perceived needs of the Board of Directors at that point in time. Other
characteristics, including but not limited to, the director nominees material relationships with
EDR, time availability, service on other boards of directors and their committees, or any other
characteristics which may prove relevant at any given time as determined by the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee shall be reviewed for purposes of determining a director nominees
qualification.
Candidates for director nominees are evaluated by the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee in the context of the current composition of the Board of Directors, the operating
requirements of EDR and the long-term interests of EDRs stockholders. In the case of new director
candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also determines whether the nominee
is independent for NYSE purposes, which determination is based upon applicable NYSE listing
standards, applicable SEC rules and regulations, our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the advice
of counsel, if necessary. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee then uses its network
of contacts to compile a list of potential candidates, but may also engage, if it deems
appropriate, a professional search firm. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
conducts any appropriate and necessary inquiries into the backgrounds and qualifications of
possible candidates after considering the function and needs of the Board of Directors. In the
case of incumbent directors whose terms of office are set to expire, the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee reviews such directors overall service to EDR during their term, including
the number of meetings attended, level of participation, quality of performance, and any other
relationships and transactions that might impair such directors independence. The Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee meets to discuss and consider such candidates qualifications and
then selects a nominee for recommendation to the Board of Directors by majority vote. To date, the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not paid a fee to any third party to assist in
the process of identifying or evaluating director candidates.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has evaluated and recommends each of the
directors standing for election at the annual meeting.
Director Compensation
It is the role of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, on behalf of the Board of
Directors, to review, approve and recommend to the Board of Directors any changes to the
compensation of independent
8
directors. The Board of Directors and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
believe that director compensation should fairly compensate directors for work required in a
company of EDRs size and scope; the compensation should align directors interests with the
long-term interest of stockholders; and the structure of the compensation should be simple,
transparent and easy for stockholders to understand. For fiscal year 2006, compensation of
independent directors of EDR was:
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Cash Retainer |
|
$ |
15,000 |
|
Attendance Fee per meeting of Board of Directors |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
Attendance Fee per meeting of Committee |
|
$ |
750 |
|
Additional Fee per meeting for Committee Chairman |
|
$ |
500 |
|
Annual Stock Grant |
|
500 shares |
We reimburse our independent directors for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with
their service on the Board of Directors. Directors who are employees of EDR or its subsidiaries
will not receive compensation for their services as directors.
At its November 13, 2006 meeting, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee approved
increases in independent director compensation, which were recommended to and ratified by the Board
of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee compared the current compensation
to that of similar medium sized companies in the 2004 Conference Board survey and the 2003 FPL
Advisory Group Survey and found that EDR independent director compensation was almost 60% behind
the average. Annual stock awards to independent directors were also substantially behind the
average. Accordingly, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee approved increases in
independent director cash compensation and annual stock awards. Effective January 1, 2007,
compensation of independent directors is:
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Cash Retainer |
|
$ |
24,000 |
|
Attendance Fee per meeting of Board of Directors |
|
$ |
2,000 |
|
Attendance Fee per meeting of Committee |
|
$ |
1,250 |
|
Additional Fee per meeting for Chairman of Audit Committee |
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
Additional Fee per meeting for Chairman of the Compensation and
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees |
|
$ |
500 |
|
Annual Stock Grant |
|
1,000 shares |
Compensation Committee Matters
The Compensation Committee acts on behalf of the Board of Directors to establish the
compensation of executive officers of EDR and provides oversight of EDRs compensation philosophy.
The Compensation Committee also acts as the oversight committee with respect to EDRs 2004
Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee has the authority to engage outside advisors to assist
in the performance of its duties, however, it may not delegate its authority to others. The
Compensation Committee did not utilize the services of a compensation consultant during 2006. The
Compensation Committees primary processes for establishing and overseeing executive compensation,
including the role of executive officers in determining or recommending executive compensation can
be found under the section of this proxy statement entitled Compensation Discussion and Analysis
below.
Nominations by Stockholders
It is the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees policy to review and consider all
candidates for nomination and election as directors who may be suggested by any director or
executive officer of EDR. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider any
director candidate recommended by any stockholder if the recommendation is made in accordance with
EDRs charter, bylaws and applicable law. For deadlines and instructions on submitting proposals
for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, see the section in this Proxy Statement entitled
Additional Information How and when may I submit a stockholder proposal for EDRs 2008 Annual
Meeting? above.
9
Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines
Our Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines and a Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics that is applicable to all members of our Board of Directors, our executive
officers and our employees. We have posted these documents in the Corporate Governance section of
our website at www.educationrealty.com. EDR will provide a copy of these documents to any person,
without charge, upon written request to Education Realty Trust, Inc., Investor Relations Manager,
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300, Memphis, Tennessee 38117. Any waiver of the Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics for an executive officer or director will be promptly disclosed to stockholders
in any manner that is acceptable under the NYSE listing standards, including but not limited to
distribution of a press release, disclosure on our web site, or disclosure on Form 8-K. We intend
to satisfy our disclosure obligations under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K related to amendments or waivers
of the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers by posting such information on EDRs web site.
Communications with the Board of Directors
We have established procedures for stockholders or other interested parties to communicate
directly with the independent and non-management members of our Board of Directors. Such parties
can contact the Board of Directors by mail at: Education Realty Trust, Inc. Board of Directors, 530
Oak Court Drive, Suite 300, Memphis, Tennessee 38117. All communications made by this means will
be received directly by the chairman of the Audit Committee. Employees and others who wish to
contact the Board of Directors or any member of the Audit Committee to report complaints or
concerns with respect to accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, may do so
anonymously by using this address.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Shared Services Agreement
In connection with our formation transactions, which occurred on January 31, 2005, we acquired
the student housing business of Allen & OHara, Inc. (Allen & OHara), a company that is wholly
owned by Paul O. Bower, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. Prior to the
completion of our formation transactions, Allen & OHaras student housing business shared the cost
of certain common services with Allen & OHaras hotel properties operations, which we did not
acquire and which continue to be operated by Allen & OHara. These services include human
resources, information technology, accounting, legal, payroll, office space, office equipment and
furniture and certain management personnel. We have entered into a shared services agreement with
Allen & OHara to provide these services to Allen & OHara for the benefit of its hotel business in
exchange for reimbursement to us of the fair value of the services performed, which were $372,000
for the period ended December 31, 2006. Because Mr. Bower is the sole stockholder of Allen &
OHara, he will realize any of the economic benefit of this agreement that is realized by Allen &
OHara.
In March of 2006, Allen & OHara paid a bonus of $210,000 in total to Messrs. Bower, Brown and
Cardwell, former executives of Allen & OHara. The bonus was paid to compensate these executives
for services provided to Allen & OHara prior to our formation.
We adopted our Related Party Transactions Policy in March 2007, therefore, the transactions
discussed above were not subject to review under the policy. For a discussion of the adopted
policy, see Related Party Transactions Policy and Procedure below.
Related Party Transactions Policy and Procedure
In March 2007, the Board of Directors approved a Related Party Transactions Policy. Under the
Policy, the Audit Committee is to review the material facts of all Interested Transactions, as
defined below, and either approve or disapprove of entry into the transaction, with the exception
of certain Pre-Approved Transactions, as defined below. No director shall participate in any
discussion or approval of an Interested Transaction for which he or she is a Related Party, as
defined below, except that the director shall provide all material information concerning the
Interested Transaction to the Audit Committee. An Interested Transaction is any transaction,
arrangement or
10
relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) in which (1) the aggregate
amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year, (2) the Company is
a participant, and (3) any Related Party has or will have a direct or indirect interest (other than
solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10 percent beneficial owner of another
entity).
A Related Party is any (a) person who is or was (since the beginning of the last fiscal year
for which the EDR has filed a Form 10-K and proxy statement, even if they do not presently serve in
that role) an executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director, (b) greater than 5
percent beneficial owner of EDRs common stock, or (c) immediate family member of any of the
foregoing. Immediate family member includes a persons spouse, parents, stepparents, children,
stepchildren, siblings, mothers- and fathers-in-law, sons- and daughters-in-law, and brothers- and
sisters-in-law and anyone residing in such persons home (other than a tenant or employee).
The Audit Committee has determined that certain types of transactions shall be deemed to be
pre-approved, even if the aggregate amount involved will exceed $120,000. These pre-approved
transactions include (1) employment of executive officers where compensation is required to be
disclosed in the proxy or the executive officer is not an immediate family member of another
executive officer or director of EDR, the related compensation would be reported in the proxy if
the executive officer was a Named Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee approved (or
recommended that the Board of Directors approve) such compensation; (2) director compensation which
is required to be disclosed in the proxy; (3) any transaction with another company at which a
Related Partys only relationship is as an employee (other than an executive officer), director or
beneficial owner of less than 10% of that companys shares, if the aggregate amount involved does
not exceed the greater of $1,000,000 or 2 percent of that companys total annual revenues; (4) any
charitable contribution, grant or endowment by the Company to a charitable organization, foundation
or university at which a Related Partys only relationship is as an employee (other than an
executive officer) or a director, if the aggregate amount involved does not exceed the lesser of
$1,000,000 or 2 percent of the charitable organizations total annual receipts; (5) any transaction
where the Related Partys interest arises solely from the ownership of EDRs common stock and all
holders of EDRs common stock received the same benefit on a pro rata basis (e.g. dividends); (6)
any transaction involving a Related Party where the rates or charges involved are determined by
competitive bids; (7) any transaction with a Related Party involving the rendering of services as a
common or contract carrier, or public utility, at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or
governmental authority; and (8) any transaction with a Related Party involving services as a bank
depositary of funds, transfer agent, registrar, trustee under a trust indenture, or similar
services.
If an Interested Transaction will be ongoing, the Audit Committee may establish guidelines for
EDRs management to follow in its ongoing dealings with the Related Party. Thereafter, the Audit
Committee, on at least an annual basis, shall review and assess ongoing relationships with the
Related Party to see that they are in compliance with the Committees guidelines and that the
Interested Transaction remains appropriate.
11
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information as of April 10, 2007 regarding the beneficial
ownership of our common stock by:
|
|
|
each of our directors and nominees for director; |
|
|
|
|
each of our Named Executive Officers; and |
|
|
|
|
all directors, nominees and executive officers as a group. |
The number of shares owned and percentage ownership in the following table is based on
27,703,832 shares of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on April 10, 2007.
Except as otherwise indicated below, the address of each executive officer and director listed
below is c/o Education Realty Trust, Inc., 530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300, Memphis, Tennessee
38117.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of |
|
Percentage |
|
|
Number of Shares and |
|
all Shares |
|
of all |
|
|
Units Beneficially |
|
and Units |
|
Shares |
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Owned (1) |
|
Owned |
|
Owned |
Paul O. Bower |
|
|
884,604 |
(2) |
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
Randall H. Brown |
|
|
84,638 |
(3) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Craig L. Cardwell |
|
|
83,729 |
(4) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
William W. Harris |
|
|
53,832 |
(5) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Thomas Trubiana |
|
|
18,000 |
(6) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Monte J. Barrow |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
William J. Cahill, III |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Randall L. Churchey |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
John L. Ford |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Wendell W. Weakley |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All directors, nominee(s) and executive officers
as a group (12 persons) |
|
|
1,214,325 |
(7) |
|
|
4.2 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1% of the outstanding common stock. |
|
(1) |
|
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes
voting or investment power with respect to shares. Shares of common stock issuable upon the
conversion of units of limited partnership interest in Education Realty Operating Partnership,
LP (the Operating Partnership) or University Towers Operating Partnership, LP (the
University Towers Partnership) are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership
of the person, entity or group holding the securities but are not deemed outstanding for
computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, to our
knowledge, all persons named in the tables have sole voting and investment power with respect
to their shares of common stock, except to the extent authority is shared by spouses under
applicable law. |
|
(2) |
|
The shares shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Bower include: (i) 45,000 shares of restricted
common stock that vest ratably over five years; (ii) 1,000 shares held jointly with his wife;
(iii) 656,585 shares of common stock issuable upon the redemption of limited partnership units
of our Operating Partnership held by Allen & OHara, Inc., of which Mr. Bower is the sole
stockholder; (iv) 142 shares of common stock issuable upon the redemption of limited
partnership units of our Operating Partnership held directly by Mr. Bower; (v) 118,430 shares
of common stock issuable upon the redemption of limited partnership units of University Towers
Partnership held by Allen & OHara, Inc.; and (vi) 63,447 shares of common stock issuable upon
the redemption of limited partnership units of University Towers Partnership held directly by
Mr. Bower. The shares exclude 30,000 profits interest units in Education Realty Limited
Partner, LLC, which holds partnership interests in our Operating Partnership. Upon the
occurrence of certain capital account equalization events, the profits interest units will
become exchangeable for shares of our common stock. |
|
(3) |
|
The shares shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Brown include: (i) 40,000 shares of restricted
common stock that vest ratably over five years; (ii) 806 shares held jointly with his wife and
(iii) 43,832 shares of common stock issuable upon the redemption of limited partnership units
of our Operating Partnership. The shares exclude 30,000 profits interest units in Education
Realty Limited Partner, LLC, which holds partnership interests in our Operating Partnership.
Upon the |
12
|
|
|
|
|
occurrence of certain capital account equalization events, the profits interest units will
become exchangeable for shares of our common stock. |
|
(4) |
|
The shares shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Cardwell include: (i) 35,000 shares of
restricted common stock that vest ratably over five years and (ii) 44,729 shares of common
stock issuable upon the redemption of limited partnership units of our Operating Partnership.
The shares exclude 30,000 profits interest units in Education Realty Limited Partner, LLC,
which holds partnership interests in the Operating Partnership. Upon the occurrence of certain
capital account equalization events, the profits interest units will become exchangeable for
our common stock. |
|
(5) |
|
The shares shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Harris include: (i) 10,000 shares of restricted
common stock that vest ratably over five years and (ii) 43,832 shares of common stock issuable
upon the redemption of limited partnership units of our Operating Partnership. The shares
exclude 20,000 profits interest units in Education Realty Limited Partner, LLC, which holds
partnership interests in the Operating Partnership. Upon the occurrence of certain capital
account equalization events, the profits interest units will become exchangeable for shares of
our common stock. |
|
(6) |
|
The shares shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Trubiana include 10,000 shares of restricted
common stock that vest ratably over five years. The shares exclude 20,000 profits interest
units in Education Realty Limited Partner, LLC, which holds partnership interests in the
Operating Partnership. Upon the occurrence of certain capital account equalization events, the
profits interest units will become exchangeable for our common stock. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 10,000 shares of restricted common stock beneficially owned by J. Drew Koester that
vest ratably over five years. Includes 66,522 shares of common stock beneficially owned by
Thomas J. Hickey as follows: (i) 10,000 shares of restricted common stock that vest ratably
over five years, (ii) 43,832 shares of common stock issuable upon the redemption of limited
partnership units of our Operating Partnership and (iii) 12,690 shares of common stock
issuable upon the redemption of limited partnership units of University Towers Partnership.
Messrs. Koester and Hickey are executive officers, but not Named Executive Officers. |
Beneficial Owners of More Than 5% of Common Stock
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common
stock by each person, or group of affiliated persons, who is known by us to beneficially own five
percent or more of our common stock. The percentage of class owned in the following table is based
upon 27,703,832 shares of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on April 10, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock Beneficially Owned |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Percentage of |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
of Common Stock |
|
Class |
FMR Corp. |
|
|
3,953,300 |
(1) |
|
|
14.3 |
% |
82 Devonshire Street |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boston, MA 02109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cohen & Steers, Inc. |
|
|
2,894,500 |
(2) |
|
|
10.5 |
% |
Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
280 Park Avenue 10th Floor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
American Century Investment Management, Inc. |
|
|
2,021,245 |
(3) |
|
|
7.3 |
% |
American Centuries Companies, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
American Century Capital Portfolios, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4500 Main Street, 9th Floor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kansas City, MO 64111 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Vanguard Group, Inc. |
|
|
1,506,115 |
(4) |
|
|
5.4 |
% |
100 Vanguard Boulevard |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Malvern, PA 19355 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
|
|
1,458,580 |
(5) |
|
|
5.3 |
% |
270 Park Avenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BlackRock, Inc. |
|
|
1,417,147 |
(6) |
|
|
5.1 |
% |
40 East 52nd Street |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The indicated ownership is based solely on an amendment to the Schedule 13G filed with the
SEC by the beneficial owners on February 14, 2007, reporting beneficial ownership as of
December 31, 2006. Fidelity Management & Research |
13
|
|
|
|
|
Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR Corp. and an investment adviser registered under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, is the beneficial owner of 3,145,200 shares as a result of
acting as investment adviser to various investment companies registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Fidelity Management Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR Corp.,
is the beneficial owner of 30,100 shares as a result of its serving as investment manager of the
institutional accounts. Pyramis Global Advisors Trust Company, an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of FMR Corp. and a bank as defined by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is the
beneficial owner of 776,400 shares as a result of its serving as investment manager of
institutional accounts owning such shares. Fidelity International Limited (FIL) and various
foreign-based subsidiaries provide investment advisory and management services to a number of
non-U.S. investment companies and certain institutional investors. FIL, which is a qualified
institution, is the beneficial owner of 1,600 shares. |
|
(2) |
|
The indicated ownership is based solely on an amendment to the Schedule 13G filed with the
SEC by the beneficial owners on February 13, 2007, reporting beneficial ownership as of
December 31, 2006. The Schedule 13G was filed jointly by Cohen & Steers, Inc. (Cohen &
Steers) and Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc., an investment advisor registered under
Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act (Capital Management). Cohen & Steers holds a 100%
interest in Capital Management. Cohen and Steers and Capital Management possessed sole voting
power over 2,834,500 shares and sole dispositive power over 2,894,500 shares of EDRs common
stock. |
|
(3) |
|
The indicated ownership is based solely on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by the
beneficial owners on February 13, 2007, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31,
2006. The Schedule 13G was filed on behalf of American Century Companies, Inc., a parent
holding company (American Century), American Century Investment Management, Inc., an
investment adviser in accordance with Section 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E) (Investment
Management), and American Century Capital Portfolios, Inc., an investment company registered
under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act (Capital Portfolios). Of the 2,021,245
shares, American Century has sole voting power of 1,978,237 shares and sole power to dispose
of 2,021,245 shares; Investment Management has sole voting power of 1,978,237 shares and sole
power to dispose of 2,021,245 shares; and Capital Portfolios has sole voting power of
1,723,498 shares and sole power to dispose of 1,723,498 shares. |
|
(4) |
|
The indicated ownership is based solely on an amendment to the Schedule 13G filed with the
SEC by the beneficial owners on February 14, 2007, reporting beneficial ownership as of
December 31, 2006. The Schedule 13G was filed jointly by The Vanguard Group, Inc.
(Vanguard) and Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company (VFTC), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Vanguard. VFTC is the beneficial owner of 43,200 shares as a result of its serving as an
investment manager of a collective trust account. VFTC directs the voting of these shares. |
|
(5) |
|
The indicated ownership is based solely on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by the
beneficial owners on February 7, 2007, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2006.
The Schedule 13G was filed by JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMorgan) and its wholly owned
subsidiaries, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association and J. P. Morgan Investment Management
Inc. JPMorgan is the beneficial owner of 1,458,580 shares of EDRs common stock on behalf of
other persons known to have one or more of the following: (i) the right to receive dividends
for such securities, (ii) the power to direct the receipt of dividends from such securities,
(iii) the right to receive the proceeds of the sale of such securities, and (iv) the right to
direct the receipt of the proceeds of the sale of such securities. No such person is known to
have an interest in more than 5% of the class of securities reported herein. |
|
(6) |
|
The indicated ownership is based solely on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by the
beneficial owners on February 13, 2007, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31,
2006. The Schedule 13G was filed by BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock) as the parent holding
company on behalf of its following investment management subsidiaries which hold shares of
EDR: BlackRock Advisors LLC, BlackRock Capital Management, Inc. and BlackRock Financial
Management, Inc. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, requires our executive officers and directors and the
holders of greater than 10% of our common stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of
changes in ownership with the SEC. Executive officers and directors are required by SEC regulations
to furnish us with copies of these reports. Based solely on a review of the copies of these reports
furnished to us and written representations from such executive officers, directors and
stockholders with respect to the period from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006, we are not
aware of any required Section 16(a) reports that were not filed on a timely basis.
Copies of the insider trading reports can be found on the Investor Relations page of our
corporate website at http://www.educationrealty.com, under the category SEC Filings.
14
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following individuals serve as our executive officers and other key employees:
Paul O. Bower, age 64, has served as Chairman of our Board of Directors since July 2004. He is
also our Chief Executive Officer and President. Mr. Bower joined our predecessor, Allen & OHara,
Inc. (Allen & OHara), in July 1969, and from 1969 to 1977, he served as Assistant General
Manager of Granville Towers (University of North Carolina), General Manager of The Towers
(University of Wisconsin) and Summit Hall (West Virginia University), and Regional Director and
Branch Manager of Allen & OHaras student housing/foodservice group. In 1977, Mr. Bower was
promoted to Vice President of the student housing group of Allen & OHaras management services
department, and he became Senior Vice President of that department in 1979. In 1994, Mr. Bower was
named Senior Vice President of Management Contract Development, and in 1997 he was named Executive
Vice President of Development. In January 1998, he became President and Chief Executive Officer of
Allen & OHara. Mr. Bower holds the Certified Property Manager designation conferred by the
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and is a member of the Memphis Board of Realtors and the
Association of College and University Housing Officers International. Mr. Bower also serves on
the Board of Directors of Youth Villages, a local private nonprofit organization dedicated to
helping emotionally and behaviorally troubled children and their families.
Randall H. Brown, age 49, is the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Secretary. Mr. Brown joined Allen & OHara as its Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Secretary in June 1999. Prior to joining Allen & OHara, Mr. Brown served as director of corporate
finance for Promus Hotel Corporation (now part of Hilton Hotels Corporation). Prior to his
promotion to director of corporate finance, Mr. Brown served as manager of capital analysis and
planning for Promus. Mr. Brown began his career at PriceWaterhouse and also held various financial
and accounting positions at Holiday Inns, Inc. and International Paper Company. Mr. Brown is a
Certified Public Accountant (inactive), and is a member of the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants.
Craig L. Cardwell, age 57, is an Executive Vice President and the President of Allen & OHara
Education Services, Inc., which provides our management services. Mr. Cardwell was the Executive
Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of EDR from February 2005 until December 2006. Mr.
Cardwell joined Allen & OHara in 1971 and managed food service operations at residence halls
located in California and Georgia through 1976. From 1977 to 1980, he served as General Manager of
the Castilian (University of Texas). In 1980, Mr. Cardwell was promoted to Regional Director of
Student Housing, and in 1984, he became Regional Director of Apartments. Commencing in 1993, Mr.
Cardwell was responsible for the regional directorship of both student housing and apartments for
Allen & OHara, and in 1998, Mr. Cardwell became Allen & OHaras Vice President of Acquisitions.
Mr. Cardwell is a member of the Memphis Chapter of the IREM. He formerly served as a member, board
member, and president of the IREMs Memphis chapter and as a governing counselor of the IREM and
holds its Certified Property Manager designation. Mr. Cardwell was also founding director of the
VECA community development corporation, a corporation founded to redevelop inner-city residential
housing.
William W. Harris, age 61, is the Senior Vice President of Development and the President of
Allen & OHara Development Company, LLC (AODC), which is our development company. Mr. Harris
joined Allen & OHara in 1982 and became its Vice President of Development in January 1986. Mr.
Harris has over 25 years of experience in development, appraisal, consulting and mortgage finance.
Prior to joining Allen & OHara, Mr. Harris served as Head of Development, Vice President of Real
Estate Services for McAllister Associates, Inc. and Vice President of Gates Mortgage & Equity. Mr.
Harris holds the MAI designation, the highest award granted by the Appraisal Institute, and has
served as president of the Memphis Chapter of that organization. Mr. Harris is also a member of
Lambda Alpha International, an honorary land economics society.
Thomas J. Hickey, age 60, is the Senior Vice President of Operations. Mr. Hickey joined Allen
& OHara in 1972 and has served as Assistant General Manager at Granville Towers (University of
North Carolina), General Manager at Osceola Hall (Florida State University), General Manager of
Fontana Hall (University of South Florida),
15
and Regional Director of the housing/foodservice group of the management services department.
Mr. Hickey was promoted to Vice President of the apartment group in 1983, Vice President of
Operations in 1984 and he assumed responsibilities relating to Vice President of Management
Services in 1988. Mr. Hickey is both a current member and past president of the Memphis chapter of
the IREM. He also holds the Certified Property Manager designation conferred by the IREM and was
chairman of the board of directors of the Diocese of Memphis Housing Corporation.
J. Drew Koester, age 36, is the Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Chief Accounting
Officer. Mr. Koester joined Allen & OHara in September 2004. From January 1999 until September
2004, Mr. Koester served as Vice President of Finance for TruGreen Companies, LLC, a division of
The ServiceMaster Company. From August 1998 until January 1999, Mr. Koester was a financial
analyst at The ServiceMaster Company. Mr. Koester began his career at Deloitte & Touche LLP, and
was a Financial Reporting Manager for Continental PET Technologies prior to joining The
ServiceMaster Company. Mr. Koester is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
Thomas Trubiana, age 55, is the Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President. Mr.
Trubiana served as Senior Vice President of Development of AODC, our development company, from
February 2005 until December 31, 2006. He served as a financial advisor to Eagle Strategies
Corporation from June 2004 until joining us in February 2005. Mr. Trubiana served as President of
American Campus Communities, Inc. from July 1997 until October 2003. Prior to serving as President
of American Campus Communities, Mr. Trubiana served as Senior Vice President of Management Services
for Cardinal/Lexford Realty Services. Mr. Trubiana began his career as a resident assistant at
Allen & OHara in 1972, and was promoted to general manager, regional manager and finally director
of development, before leaving Allen & OHara in 1987.
Key Employees
Susan B. Arrison, age 57, is the Vice President of Human Resources. Ms. Arrison joined Allen
& OHara as Vice President of Human Resources in 1980. In 1988, she became Vice President of
Employment/ Employee Relations at National Bank of Commerce, and she served in that capacity for
over eight years. In January 1996, Ms. Arrison returned to her role as Vice President of Human
Resources at Allen & OHara. Ms. Arrison is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management.
Wallace L. Wilcox, age 58, is the Vice President of Construction and Engineering. Mr. Wilcox
joined Allen & OHara in 1980 and has served in various capacities in the areas of project
management, maintenance and engineering. He became Vice President of Construction and Engineering
for Allen & OHara in May 2000. For the past 25 years, Mr. Wilcox has supervised the construction
and development of student housing communities as well as hotels, office buildings and churches.
16
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Introduction and Corporate Governance
General Compensation Committee Matters
Pursuant to its charter, our Compensation Committee reviews general policies relating to
compensation and benefits of our executive officers and employees, directs our 2004 Incentive Plan
and seeks to ensure that our executive compensation philosophy is consistent with EDRs best
interest. The Compensation Committees charter can be found at our corporate web site at
http://www.educationrealty.com in the Corporate Governance section on the Investor Relations
page. The Compensation Committee reviews its charter on an annual basis and, if necessary,
recommends changes to the charter to the Board of Directors for approval.
The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Cahill (Chairman), Barrow and Dr. Ford, each of
whom is an independent director as affirmatively determined by our Board of Directors, in
consultation with outside counsel. The Board of Directors consults with our outside counsel to
ensure that the Board of Directors determinations are consistent with all relevant securities and
other laws and regulations regarding the definition of independent, including those set forth in
pertinent listing standards of the NYSE, as in effect from time to time.
Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee has the power and authority to hire outside advisors or consultants
to assist the committee in fulfilling its responsibilities, at EDRs expense and upon terms
established by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee did not utilize a
compensation consultant during 2006.
Role of Executives in Establishing Compensation
The Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations regarding compensation for the executive
officers to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee approves salaries of executive
officers based upon the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer.
Compensation Committee Activity
Our Compensation Committee held 4 meetings during 2006. At the February 21, 2007 meeting, the
Compensation Committee approved bonuses to be awarded based upon performance in 2006. Messrs.
Bower, Brown, Cardwell, Harris and Trubiana were awarded bonuses of $180,000, $135,000, $119,875,
$65,136, and $74,498 respectively.
Objectives of Compensation Programs
Compensation Philosophy
The Compensation Committee believes that a well-designed compensation program should align the
goals of the stockholders with the goals of the executive, and that a significant part of an
executives compensation, over the long term, should be dependent upon the value created for
stockholders. Executives should be held accountable through their compensation for the performance
of EDR, and compensation levels also should reflect the executives individual performance in an
effort to encourage individual contributions to EDRs performance. The compensation philosophy is
designed to motivate executives to focus on operating results and create long-term stockholder
value by:
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establishing a plan that attracts, retains and motivates executives through
compensation that is competitive with other publicly-traded real estate investment
trusts, or REITs, of similar size; |
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linking a portion of the executives compensation to the achievement of
EDRs business plan by using measurements of EDRs operating results and
stockholder return; and |
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building a pay-for-performance system that encourages and rewards successful
initiatives within a team environment. |
Our Compensation Committee evaluates the effectiveness of its compensation programs by
reviewing the performance of EDR as a whole and the individual officers of EDR. In doing so, the
Compensation Committee takes into account EDRs strategy, EDRs fiscal performance both annually
and for longer-term periods, as well as each executives individual goals and their attainment of
such goals. To the extent that the Compensation Committee believes that changes to compensation
programs are warranted, it will make changes to the plans as they conclude with respect to
long-term incentive plans, and annually with respect to annual bonus plans.
Benchmarking
In setting compensation, the Compensation Committee utilized two surveys prepared by outside
companies. The first was the Compensation Survey published by the National Association of Real
Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, and conducted by FPL Associates Compensation, a division of
FPL Associate L.P. The survey is designed to provide real estate companies, specifically real
estate investment trusts and real estate operating companies, with current information regarding
competitive compensation levels and trends, as well as the design, features and administration of
competitive benefits programs. The report provides information on four components of compensation:
base salary, total annual cash compensation, long-term incentive value and total remuneration. A
total of 95 companies participated in the survey.
The second survey utilized by the Compensation Committee was the National Apartment Survey
Report on Corporate/Regional Positions published by the National Multi Housing Council, or NMHC,
and conducted by Watson Wyatt Data Services. Compensation data in the report is organized by
position first on a national level and then smaller regional levels and provides information on
annual salary and total compensation. A total of 101 organizations participated in the survey.
In reviewing increases in compensation for Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell and Harris in 2007,
the Compensation Committee looked at (1) from the NAREIT survey, the median base salary, total cash
compensation, long-term incentives and total remuneration for companies in the residential sector
and companies with a market capitalization of less than $1 billion and (2) from the NMHC survey,
the median base salary and total cash compensation for companies with revenue of less than $100
million, companies with less than 15,000 rental units managed and companies that are publicly
traded. The Compensation Committee then took the average of both salaries and compared those
averages to the current compensation of the various executive officers. In all cases, compensation
paid by EDR was below the average.
The Compensation Committee also looked at salaries by market average, companies with more than
500 employees, public companies, companies with assets of less than $1 billion and companies in the
southeast region from the NMHC survey. For each executive officer position, the high and low were
thrown out and an average of the remaining salaries was taken to compare to EDR executive
compensation. In all cases, except for Messrs. Brown and Cardwell, executive compensation was
below the average. Based in part upon this data, the Compensation Committee approved increases to
annual compensation effective January 1, 2007 to $350,000, $243,000, $189,000 and $170,000 for
Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell and Harris respectively. While both surveys were utilized in 2005
for 2006 salaries, no increases in salary were awarded in 2006 due to EDRs performance in 2005,
its first year as a public company.
The surveys do not provide information on which companies participating in the survey fall
into each category, therefore we are unable to provide a list of specific benchmark companies.
Mr. Trubiana was not considered a Named Executive Officer at the time the Compensation
Committee was reviewing salaries. However, Mr. Trubiana also received a promotion and a raise
effective January 1, 2007.
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Elements of In-Service Compensation
The executive compensation policies adopted by the Compensation Committee are structured to
provide short- and long-term incentives for executive performance that promote continuing
improvements in EDRs financial results and returns to stockholders. The executive compensation
system consists of three elements: (i) base salary; (ii) annual incentive bonus; and (iii)
long-term compensation, which may include grants of restricted shares or profits interest units.
The Compensation Committee does not allocate a fixed percentage of compensation to these elements.
Base Salaries. Base salaries are paid for ongoing performance throughout the year. In order
to compete for and retain talented executives who are critical to EDRs long-term success, the
Compensation Committee has determined that the base salaries of executive officers should
approximate the average of those of executives of other equity REITs that compete with EDR for
employees, investors and business. The Compensation Committee also takes into account the
executive officers performance and tenure and EDRs performance relative to similar size companies
within the REIT sector. Base salaries for our senior executives are set by the Compensation
Committee after considering recommendations by management and factors such as the nature and
responsibilities of each executives position, the executives experience, the achievement of
corporate goals, the achievement of individual goals and competitive industry compensation. We
have entered into employment agreements, effective as of January 31, 2005 (March 1, 2005 for Mr.
Trubiana), with each of our Named Executive Officers. Each of the employment agreements provide
for a three-year term, expiring on January 31, 2008 (March 1, 2008 for Mr. Trubiana), and
automatically extends for additional one-year periods unless either party terminates the agreement
by providing prior written notice to the other party not later than 60 days prior to the expiration
thereof. The employment agreements provide for an annual base salary of $300,000, $225,000,
$175,000, $140,000 and $135,000 for Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell, Harris and Trubiana,
respectively, subject in each case to an annual increase in accordance with our normal executive
compensation practices as approved annually by our Board of Directors. Mr. Trubiana received a
raise in 2006 to $140,000.
These employment agreements and the 2006 base salaries were approved and ratified by the
Compensation Committee. Under the terms of EDRs employment agreements, any increase in the base
salaries for each executive officer will be determined by the Compensation Committee. In addition,
the Compensation Committee may increase base salaries for all executive officers based on a review
of base salaries for executive officers at comparable REITs with similar market size as well as
based on the executives performance during the prior fiscal year and EDRs operating results and
financial performance. The Compensation Committee has the authority to engage its own independent
compensation consultant to assist in the determination of appropriate levels of compensation for
executive officers; however, it did not do so during 2006. With the exception of Mr. Trubiana,
base salaries for the executives were not increased during 2006. The Compensation Committee
approved executive salary increases for 2007. Effective January 1, 2007 executive base salaries
are $350,000, $243,000, $189,000, $170,000 and $170,000 for Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell, Harris
and Trubiana, respectively.
Bonus Plans. The Compensation Committee sets incentive bonus compensation for our senior
executives. The Compensation Committee believes that EDRs annual incentive bonus policies for
executive officers provide a compensation package that is competitive with comparable equity REITs
of similar size. Pursuant to their individual employment agreements, each Named Executive Officer
is eligible for an annual incentive cash bonus under the Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive
Officers (discussed below).
In addition, Messrs. Harris and Trubiana are eligible for a bonus award under the Student
Housing Development Bonus Program (discussed below); however, they may only receive the maximum of
the greater of the two. Bonuses under the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan are paid on a
quarterly basis while awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers are paid
annually. If, at the end of the year, Mr. Harris or Mr. Trubiana, has received bonuses under this
plan exceeding the amount that the Compensation Committee determined he should be awarded under the
Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers, he will not receive a bonus under the Incentive
Compensation Plan for Executive Officers. However, if the amount of the bonuses received under the
Student Housing Development Bonus Plan by Mr. Harris or Mr. Trubiana were less than the amount that
the Compensation Committee determined he should be awarded under the Incentive Compensation Plan
for Executive Officers, they would receive the difference between the two pursuant to the Incentive
Compensation Plan for Executive Officers.
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At the February 21, 2007 Compensation Committee meeting, the Compensation Committee awarded
bonuses related to 2006 performance to Messrs. Bower, Brown, and Cardwell of $180,000, $135,000,
and $119,875, respectively. During 2006, the bonuses that Mr. Harris and Mr. Trubiana received
from the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan exceeded the amount of the award each was eligible
for under the Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers; therefore, Mr. Harris and Mr.
Trubiana only received the Student Housing Development Bonus.
Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers. EDRs philosophy of awarding
annual cash incentive awards is designed to relate the executives pay to EDRs performance and to
reward individual contributions to EDRs performance. The Compensation Committee believes that in
order to motivate key executives to achieve annual strategic business goals, executives should
receive annual incentive cash bonuses for their contributions in achieving these goals. Pursuant
to their employment agreements, each executive officer is eligible for annual cash performance
bonuses under the Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers. Performance incentives are
based on financial achievements measured at the consolidated company level and achievement of goals
at the individual level, consisting of an evaluation of operating metrics and a formal evaluation
achievement of each individuals goals.
There are two distinct components of the plan, each worth 50% of the target bonus: (1) pre-tax
net operating income and (2) individual achievement of predetermined objectives. The following
chart sets forth the correlation of the percentage of budgeted pre-tax net operating income to the
bonus range percentage:
Pre-Tax Net Operating Income
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Threshold
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Target
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Maximum |
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80%
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100%
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120% |
Bonus Range
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Threshold
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Target
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Maximum |
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25%
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50%
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75% |
The individual achievement component is determined by an achievement rating of 0% to 100%.
The rating is based upon the achievement of individual goals written at the beginning of each
fiscal year. The individual executive establishes these goals with assistance from the executives
immediate supervisor. Goals are then reviewed and revised by Mr. Bower. The goals are then
presented to the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors for approval. Mr. Bower
establishes his own goals, which are reviewed and revised by the Compensation Committee and
presented to the Board of Directors for approval.
Messrs. Bower, Brown and Cardwell are eligible for a target of 100% of base salary (50% of
which is based upon the performance of EDR and 50% of which is based upon the performance of the
executive in light of established goals and objectives). Messrs. Harris and Trubiana are eligible
for a target of 50% of base salary (50% of which is based upon the performance of EDR and 50% of
which is based upon the performance of the executive in light of established goals and objectives).
Executive officers qualify for the maximum award if EDR exceeds its budget for pre-tax net
operating income by 120%. The actual award amounts are determined by our Board of Directors in
accordance with the terms of a bonus plan adopted by the Board of Directors and on the same basis
as our other executives (with appropriate adjustments due to title and salary).
Student Housing Development Bonus Program. Messrs. Harris and Trubiana are also
eligible for the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan. This plan was designed to provide a
meaningful financial incentive to the participants in the plan to encourage the successful
development of student housing projects on time, within budget, and resulting in the actual receipt
of substantial development fees. Messrs. Bower, Brown and Harris administer the plan. Under the
plan, 5% of the cash collected for development fees and construction management fees during the
year for student housing projects that qualify under the plan are allocated to those employees who
work on each individual project. Bonuses are earned as the development fees are received by EDR
and are paid to participants following the end of the calendar quarter in which the fees are
received.
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Long-Term Compensation. Because todays business decisions affect EDR over a number of
years, EDRs performance and the long-term value of its shares are considered when determining
long-term incentive awards. Grants of restricted shares and profits interest units, or PIUs
(discussed below), are an important part of EDRs long-term compensation plan. However, the
Compensation Committee decided not to award any restricted stock or PIUs to executive officers
based on EDRs operating performance in 2006. The Compensation Committee felt that the cash
compensation to be received by the executive officers was sufficient relative to the performance of
EDR.
The Compensation Committee will, in the future, continue to consider the grant of restricted
stock or other equity-based awards under EDRs 2004 Incentive Plan. The exact number and form of
equity-based awards to be granted to executive officers and other employees is expected to vary
depending on the position and salary of the employee and EDRs success in delivering annual total
stockholder returns. Any equity-based awards granted by EDR to executive officers and other key
employees are expected to be designed to link compensation to EDRs long-term performance and to
vest over a period of time, such that the awards will encourage the employees to remain with EDR.
Profits Interest Units. PIUs are units in Education Realty Limited Partner, LLC, a
limited liability company controlled by us that holds a special class of partnership interests in
Education Realty Operating Partnership, LP, our Operating Partnership. All participants must be
employed by EDR for one year before being eligible to receive PIUs. Each PIU awarded is deemed
equivalent to an award of one share of common stock under the 2004 Incentive Plan, reducing
availability for other equity awards on a one-for-one basis. PIUs receive the same quarterly per
unit distributions as one common unit of our Operating Partnership. This treatment with respect to
quarterly distributions is similar to the treatment of restricted stock awards and restricted stock
units.
PIUs will not initially have full parity with common units of our Operating Partnership with
respect to liquidating distributions. Upon the occurrence of specified capital equalization events,
PIUs may, over time, achieve full or partial parity with common stock of our Operating Partnership
for all purposes, and could accrete to an economic value equivalent to our shares of common stock
on a one-for-one basis. If such parity is reached, vested PIUs may be exchanged into an equal
number of shares of our common stock at any time. However, there are circumstances under which full
parity would not be reached. Until such parity is reached, the value that may be realized for
vested PIUs will be less than the value of an equal number of shares of our common stock, if there
is any value at all.
Holders of the PIUs are entitled to customary registration rights, including demand and
piggyback registration rights, with respect to the shares of common stock that may be received by
the PIU holders upon a conversion and/or exchange of the PIUs in accordance with the terms of the
partnership agreement. EDR will bear all fees, costs and expenses of such registrations, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions.
The grant or vesting of PIUs is not expected to be a taxable transaction to recipients.
Therefore, a recipient who wishes to hold incentive equity awards for the long term may be able to
do so more efficiently with PIUs and ultimately enjoy a greater after-tax return when disposing of
them. Conversely, EDR will not receive any tax deduction for compensation expense from the grant of
PIUs. All PIUs are forfeited upon termination of employment for value.
2004 Incentive Plan. The Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2004 Incentive Plan was
adopted by our Board of Directors and approved by our sole stockholder effective on January 31,
2005. The 2004 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock units,
restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, other stock-based incentive awards and profits
interest units to our employees, directors and other key persons providing services to us and our
subsidiaries. The 2004 Incentive Plan initially reserved 800,000 shares of our common stock for
issuance pursuant to the 2004 Incentive Plan, which amount may be increased annually on January
1st of each year so that the total number of shares reserved under the 2004 Incentive
Plan is equal to 4% of the aggregate number of shares outstanding on the last day of the preceding
fiscal year; provided that such annual increase generally may not exceed 80,000 shares. As of
December 31, 2006, there were 688,000 shares available for issuance under the 2004 Incentive Plan.
The number of shares reserved under the 2004 Incentive Plan is also subject to any adjustments for
changes in our capital structure, including share splits, dividends and recapitalizations.
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During the year ended December 31, 2006, EDR issued 4,000 shares to Tom Trubiana pursuant to
his employment agreement and 2,000 shares to its independent directors as part of its director
compensation. The 2006 issuances vested immediately.
Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements, effective as of January 31, 2005 (March 1, 2005
for Mr.Trubiana), with each of our Named Executive Officers. These employment agreements require
each of our Named Executive Officers to devote substantially full-time attention and business time
to our affairs. Each of the employment agreements provide for a three-year term, expiring on
January 31, 2008 (March 1, 2008 for Mr. Trubiana), and automatically extends for additional
one-year periods unless either party terminates the agreement by providing prior written notice to
the other party not later than 60 days prior to the expiration thereof.
The employment agreements provide for:
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an annual base salary of $300,000, $225,000, $175,000, $140,000 and $135,000 for
Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell, Harris and Trubiana, respectively, subject in each
case to an annual increase in accordance with our normal executive compensation
practices as approved annually by our Board of Directors. Mr. Trubianas salary
was increased with his promotion effective January 1, 2007 to $170,000 and the
Compensation Committee approved increases in base salary for Messrs. Bower, Brown,
Cardwell and Harris to $350,000, $243,000, $189,000 and $170,000, respectively; |
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eligibility for annual cash performance bonuses under the Incentive Compensation
Plan for Executive Officers as follows: (a) for Messrs. Bower, Brown and Cardwell,
a target of 100% of base salary (50% of which based on the performance of EDR and
50% of which is based on the performance of the executive in light of previously
established goals and objectives) and (b) for Messrs. Harris and Trubiana, a target
of 50% of base salary (50% of which is based on the performance of EDR and 50% of
which is based on the performance of the executive in light of previously
established goals and objectives) The actual award amounts are determined by our
Board of Directors in accordance with the terms of a bonus plan adopted by the
Board of Directors and on the same basis as our other executives (with appropriate
adjustments due to title and salary). In addition Messrs. Harris and Trubiana are
eligible for the Student Housing Development Bonus, which allocates 5% of the
development and construction fees throughout the year to eligible participants.
While Messrs. Harris and Trubiana are eligible for both plans, they may only be
awarded the greater of the two (a more detailed discussion of each plan can be
found in the section of this proxy entitled Elements of In-Service Compensation
Bonus Plans); and |
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participation in other employee benefit plans available to all employees. |
Under the terms of their respective employment agreements, Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell,
Harris and Trubiana were granted 45,000 shares, 40,000 shares, 35,000 shares, 10,000 shares and
10,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock vesting ratably over five years. The shares
granted to Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell and Harris were granted January 31, 2005 and valued at
$16.79 per share. The shares granted to Mr. Trubiana were granted February 21, 2005 and valued at
$16.78 per share. The aggregate value of the shares is $2,350,500. In addition, Messrs. Bower,
Brown and Cardwell each received 30,000 profits interest units and Messrs. Harris and Trubiana each
received 20,000 profits interest units which were immediately vested representing an aggregate
0.59% interest in our Operating Partnership and worth an aggregate of $2,182,500 (valued at the
$16.79 per unit for Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell and Harris and at $16.78 per unit for Mr.
Trubiana).
In addition, pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Trubiana is eligible to receive five
annual awards of 4,000 shares of common stock, which would vest immediately, beginning after his
first year of employment; provided that Mr. Trubiana meets certain individual performance criteria
established year to year by EDRs President and is subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
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These employment agreements permit us to terminate the executives employment for or without
cause. In addition, either prior to or after a change in control of our Company, each executive has
the right under his employment agreement to resign for good reason. The benefits received by
executive upon termination of their employment can be found in the section of this proxy entitled
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control below.
Each employment agreement further provides that the executive agrees not to compete with us,
individually or on behalf of any person or entity engaged in the business of owning and managing
off-campus student housing communities, providing third-party management services for student
housing communities and providing third-party development consulting services for student housing
communities, within the territory specified in the agreement. The duration of these restrictions
is three years following termination of employment for Mr. Bower, two years following termination
of employment for Messrs. Brown and Cardwell and one year following termination of employment for
Messrs. Harris and Trubiana. Each executive also agrees that he will not, during such respective
period, directly or indirectly, solicit any of our customers for the purpose of providing any goods
or services competitive with us within the specified territory, and not to, directly or indirectly,
solicit, recruit or induce any of our employees to terminate their relationship with us or work for
any other person or entity competitive with us. Each executive also agrees not to use or disclose
any of our trade secrets for so long as the information constitutes a trade secret and not to use
or disclose any of our confidential information.
Elements of Post-Termination Compensation
Employment Agreements. We have entered into employment agreements with each of our Named
Executive Officers that provide for benefits upon termination or a change in control in certain
instances. A detailed discussion is provided under Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change
in Control below.
2004 Incentive Plan. In the event of any change in control of EDR (as defined below),
including certain mergers, consolidations, divisions, business combinations and the sale of all or
substantially all of our assets, our Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, provide that
all outstanding non-vested options, share appreciation rights or restricted share units will
terminate as of the consummation of such change of control. The Compensation Committee also may
accelerate the exercisability of, or cause all vesting restrictions to lapse on, all outstanding
options, share appreciation rights or restricted share units to a date within the 30-day period
prior to the date of such change of control and/or may provide that holders of options, share
appreciation rights or restricted share units will receive a payment in respect of cancellation of
their awards based on the amount, if any, by which the per share consideration being paid for our
common stock in connection with such corporate event exceeds the applicable exercise price. In
addition, our Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, provide that all outstanding awards
will vest upon any change of control of EDR. In general terms, a change in control occurs under
the following circumstances: (i) the sale, transfer or other disposition of 80% or more of the
aggregate value of our assets, or (ii) a sale of 50% or more of our then-outstanding voting shares
in a single transaction or a series of related transactions.
Impact of Regulatory Requirements
Deductibility of Executive Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, enacted as part of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act in 1993, generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for
compensation over $1,000,000 paid to the companys Chief Executive Officer and four other most
highly compensated executive officers. Compensation paid to these officers in excess of $1,000,000
that is not performance-based cannot be claimed by a public company as a tax deduction. The
Compensation Committee believes it is appropriate to take into account the $1,000,000 limit on the
deductibility of executive compensation and to seek to qualify executive compensation awards as
performance-based compensation excluded from the $1,000,000 limit. Stock options and other
equity-based incentives granted under EDRs stock incentive plans qualify as performance-based
compensation. None of EDRs executive officers received compensation in 2006 that would exceed the
$1,000,000 limit on deductibility. The Compensation Committee has not determined whether it will
approve any compensation arrangements that will cause the $1,000,000 limit to be exceeded in the
future.
23
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
Beginning on January 1, 2006, EDR began accounting for stock-based payments in accordance with
the requirements of FASB Statement 123(R).
Conclusion
The Compensation Committee believes the executive leadership of EDR is a key element to its
success and that the compensation package offered to the executive is a key element in attracting
and retaining the appropriate personnel.
The Compensation Committee believes it has historically maintained a salary and annual bonus
level that is reflective of the talent and success of the individuals being compensated, comparable
enough across the industry with regard to EDRs size and performance to retain quality executives
yet still cognizant of the cost to EDR.
The Compensation Committee will continue to develop, analyze and review its methods for
aligning executive managements long-term compensation with the benefits generated for
stockholders. The Compensation Committee has no pre-determined timeline for implementing new or
ongoing long-term incentive plans. New plans are reviewed, discussed and implemented as the
Compensation Committee feels it is necessary and/or appropriate as a measure to incentivize, retain
and/or reward executive officers.
24
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
2006 Summary Compensation
The following table sets forth certain summary information for the year 2006 with respect to
the compensation awarded to and earned by our Chief Executive Officer and each of the four other
most highly compensated executive officers of EDR whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded
$100,000. We refer to these executive officers in this proxy statement as the Named Executive
Officers.
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Non-Equity |
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Incentive Plan |
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All Other |
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Name and Principal Position |
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Year |
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Salary |
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Bonus |
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Stock Awards(1) |
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Compensation |
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Compensation(2) |
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Total |
Paul O. Bower |
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2006 |
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$ |
300,000 |
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$ |
151,110 |
(3) |
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$ |
180,000 |
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$ |
631,110 |
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Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President |
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Randall H. Brown |
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2006 |
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$ |
225,000 |
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$ |
134,320 |
(4) |
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$ |
135,000 |
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$ |
3,105 |
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$ |
497,425 |
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Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Secretary |
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Craig L. Cardwell |
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2006 |
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$ |
175,000 |
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$ |
117,530 |
(6) |
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$ |
119,875 |
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$ |
2,450 |
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$ |
414,855 |
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Executive Vice President and
President of Allen & OHara
Education Services, Inc. (5) |
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William W. Harris |
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2006 |
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$ |
140,000 |
(7) |
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$ |
65,136 |
(8) |
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$ |
33,580 |
(9) |
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(8) |
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$ |
2,679 |
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$ |
241,395 |
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Senior Vice President of Development
and President of Allen & OHara
Development Company, LLC |
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Thomas Trubiana |
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2006 |
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$ |
140,000 |
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$ |
74,498 |
(11) |
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$ |
90,600 |
(12) |
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(11) |
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$ |
2,191 |
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$ |
307,289 |
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Senior Vice President and Chief
Investment Officer (10) |
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(1) |
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The amounts listed in this column reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial
statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, in accordance with
FAS 123(R). Such amounts include the current vesting of awards granted in and prior to 2006.
Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 8 Incentive Plans
to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, included in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2007. |
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(2) |
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This column reports all other compensation during 2006 to the Named Executive Officers as
follows: |
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Mr. Brown $3,105 contribution to 401(k) plan; |
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Mr. Cardwell $2,450 contribution to 401(k) plan; |
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Mr. Harris $2,679 contribution to 401(k) plan; and |
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Mr. Trubiana -$2,191 contribution to 401(k) plan. |
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(3) |
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Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in
accordance with FAS 123(R) for the current year vesting of 9,000 of 45,000 restricted shares
of common stock issued to Mr. Bower on January 31, 2005 pursuant to his employment agreement. |
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(4) |
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Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in
accordance with FAS 123(R) for the current year vesting of 8,000 of 40,000 restricted shares
of common stock issued to Mr. Brown on January 31, 2005 pursuant to his employment agreement. |
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(5) |
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During 2006, Mr. Cardwell served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
of EDR. |
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(6) |
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Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in
accordance with FAS 123(R) for the current year vesting of 7,000 of 35,000 restricted shares
of common stock issued to Mr. Cardwell on January 31, 2005 pursuant to his employment
agreement. |
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(7) |
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$6,000 of Mr. Harris salary was short-term disability paid by Northwestern Mutual Insurance
Company. |
25
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(8) |
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Mr. Harris is eligible to participate in both the Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive
Officers and the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan; however, he is only eligible to
receive a maximum of the greater of the two. During 2006, the bonus Mr. Harris received from
the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan exceeded the amount of the award he was eligible
for under the Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers; therefore, Mr. Harris
received only the Student Housing Development Bonus. |
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(9) |
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Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in
accordance with FAS 123(R) for the current year vesting of 2,000 of 10,000 restricted shares
of common stock issued to Mr. Harris on January 31, 2005 pursuant to his employment agreement. |
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(10) |
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During 2006, Mr. Trubiana served as Senior Vice President of Development of Allen & OHara
Development Company, LLC (AODC). |
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(11) |
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Mr. Trubiana is eligible to participate in both the Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive
Officers and the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan; however, he is only eligible to
receive a maximum of the greater of the two. During 2006, the bonus Mr. Trubiana received
from the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan exceeded the amount of the award he was
eligible for under the Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers; therefore, Mr.
Trubiana received only the Student Housing Development Bonus. |
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(12) |
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Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in
accordance with FAS 123(R) for the current year vesting of: (a) 2,000 of 10,000 restricted
shares of common stock issued to Mr. Trubiana on February 21, 2005 pursuant to his employment
agreement ($33,560); and (b) 4,000 shares of common stock issued to Mr. Trubiana on May 24,
2006 pursuant to his employment agreement ($57,040). |
2006 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table summarizes grants of plan-based awards made to our Named Executive
Officers in 2006.
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Estimated Future |
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All Other |
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Payouts Under Non-Equity |
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Stock Awards: |
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Grant Date |
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Incentive Plan Awards (1) |
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Number of |
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Fair Value of |
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Grant |
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Approval |
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Threshold |
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Target |
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Maximum |
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Shares of |
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Stock and |
Name |
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Date |
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Date |
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(2) |
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(3) |
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(4) |
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Stock or Units |
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Option Awards |
Paul O. Bower |
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$ |
75,000 |
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$ |
300,000 |
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$ |
375,000 |
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Randall H. Brown |
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$ |
56,250 |
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$ |
225,000 |
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$ |
281,250 |
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Craig L. Cardwell |
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$ |
43,750 |
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$ |
175,000 |
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$ |
218,750 |
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William W. Harris (5) |
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$ |
17,500 |
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$ |
70,000 |
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$ |
87,500 |
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Thomas Trubiana (5) |
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$ |
17,500 |
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$ |
70,000 |
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$ |
87,500 |
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5/24/2006 |
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5/23/2006 |
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4,000 |
(6) |
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$ |
57,040 |
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(1) |
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Represents the threshold, target and maximum payouts to the Named Executive Officers
pursuant to EDRs Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers. See Elements of
In-Service Compensation Incentive Bonus Plans above. |
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(2) |
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Executive officers qualify for the threshold amount if EDR meets 80% of its budget for
pre tax net operating income. |
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(3) |
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Executive officers qualify for the target amount if EDR meets 100% of its budget for
pre tax net operating income and the executive officer meets 100% of their individual
performance goals. |
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(4) |
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Executive officers qualify for the maximum award if EDR exceeds its budget for pre tax
net operating income by 120% and the executive officer meets 100% of their individual
performance goals. |
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(5) |
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Mr. Harris and Mr. Trubiana are eligible to participate in both the Incentive
Compensation Plan for Executive Officers and the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan;
however, they can only receive a maximum of the greater of the two. During 2006, the bonus
that Mr. Harris and Mr. Trubiana received from the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan
exceeded the maximum amount they were eligible to receive under of the Incentive
Compensation Plan for Executive Officers; therefore, Mr. Harris and Mr. Trubiana received
only the Student Housing Development Bonus. |
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(6) |
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On May 24, 2006, Mr. Trubiana received a grant of 4,000 shares of common stock that
vested immediately, pursuant to his employment agreement. |
26
We have entered into employment agreements, effective as of January 31, 2005 (March 1, 2005
for Mr. Trubiana), with each of our Named Executive Officers. Each of the employment agreements
provide for a three-year term and automatically extends for additional one-year periods unless
either party terminates the agreement by providing prior written notice to the other party not
later than 60 days prior to the expiration thereof.
The employment agreements provide for an annual base salary of $300,000, $225,000, $175,000,
$140,000 and $135,000 for Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell, Harris and Trubiana, respectively,
subject in each case to an annual increase in accordance with our normal executive compensation
practices as approved annually by our Board of Directors. During 2006, salaries comprised 47%,
45%, 42%, 58% and 45% of total compensation for Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell, Harris and
Trubiana, respectively.
Mr. Trubianas salary was increased with his promotion effective January 1, 2007 to $170,000
and the Compensation Committee approved increases in base salary effective January 1, 2007 for
Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell and Harris to $350,000, $243,000, $189,000 and $170,000,
respectively.
Pursuant to their employment agreements, each executive officer is also eligible for annual
cash performance bonuses under the Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers (reported
above in the 2006 Summary Compensation table under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation) as
follows: (1) for Messrs. Bower, Brown and Cardwell, a target of 100% of base salary (50% of which
based on the performance of EDR and 50% of which is based on the performance of the executive in
light of previously established goals and objectives) and (2) for Messrs. Harris and Trubiana, a
target of 50% of base salary (50% of which is based on the performance of EDR and 50% of which is
based on the performance of the executive in light of previously established goals and objectives).
The actual award amounts are determined by our Board of Directors in accordance with the terms of
a bonus plan adopted by the Board of Directors and on the same basis as our other executives (with
appropriate adjustments due to title and salary).
Messrs. Harris and Trubiana are also eligible for the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan,
which allocates 5% of the cash collected for development fees and construction management fees
during the year to those individuals who worked on the projects. However, Messrs. Harris and
Trubiana may only receive a maximum of the greater of the two bonuses. In 2006, Messrs. Bower,
Brown, Cardwell, Harris and Trubiana were awarded incentive cash bonuses of $180,000, $135,000,
$119,875, $65,136, and $74,498, respectively. The bonuses paid to Messrs. Harris and Trubiana were
paid pursuant to the Student Housing Development Bonus Plan. A more detailed discussion of each
plan can be found in the section of this proxy entitled Elements of In-Service Compensation
Incentive Bonus Plans.
Additionally, under their respective employment agreements, Messrs. Bower, Brown, Cardwell,
Harris and Trubiana were granted 45,000 shares, 40,000 shares, 35,000 shares, 10,000 shares and
10,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock vesting ratably over five years. Mr. Trubiana is
eligible to receive five annual awards of 4,000 shares of common stock, which would vest
immediately, beginning after his first year of employment; provided that he meets certain minimal
individual performance criteria established year to year by EDRs President and approved by the
Board of Directors.
27
2006 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The following table summarizes the number of outstanding equity awards held by each of our
Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2006.
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Stock Awards |
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Number of Shares or Units of Stock |
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Market Value of Shares or Units |
Name |
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That Have Not Vested |
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Of Stock That Have Not Vested(1) |
Paul O. Bower |
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36,000 |
(2) |
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$ |
531,720 |
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Randall H. Brown |
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32,000 |
(3) |
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$ |
472,640 |
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Craig L. Cardwell |
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28,000 |
(4) |
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$ |
413,560 |
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William H. Harris |
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8,000 |
(5) |
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$ |
118,160 |
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Thomas Trubiana |
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8,000 |
(6) |
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$ |
118,160 |
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(1) |
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Based on EDRs closing market price on December 31, 2006 of $14.77. |
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(2) |
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On January 31, 2005, Mr. Bower was granted 45,000 shares of restricted common
stock, which vests equally on each anniversary of the grant over five years. |
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(3) |
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On January 31, 2005, Mr. Brown was granted 40,000 shares of restricted common
stock, which vests equally on each anniversary of the grant over five years. |
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(4) |
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On January 31, 2005, Mr. Cardwell was granted 35,000 shares of restricted
common stock, which vests equally on each anniversary of the grant over five years. |
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(5) |
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On January 31, 2005, Mr. Harris was granted 10,000 shares of restricted common
stock, which vests equally on each anniversary of the grant over five years. |
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(6) |
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On February 21, 2005, Mr. Trubiana was granted 10,000 shares of restricted
common stock, which vests equally on each anniversary of the grant over five years. |
2006 Option Exercise and Stock Vested
The following table summarizes the number of shares of common stock and the value of those
shares that vested in 2006 that were previously awarded under our 2004 Incentive Plan to our Named
Executive Officers.
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Stock Awards |
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Number of Shares |
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Value Realized |
Name |
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Acquired on Vesting |
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on Vesting |
Paul O. Bower |
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9,000 |
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$ |
117,270 |
(1) |
Randall H. Brown |
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8,000 |
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$ |
104,240 |
(1) |
Craig L. Cardwell |
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7,000 |
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$ |
91,210 |
(1) |
William H. Harris |
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2,000 |
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$ |
26,060 |
(1) |
Thomas Trubiana |
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2,000 |
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$ |
26,040 |
(2) |
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4,000 |
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$ |
57,040 |
(3) |
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(1) |
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Based on EDRs closing market price on January 31, 2006 of
$13.03. |
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(2) |
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Based on EDRs closing market price on February 21, 2006 of
$13.02. |
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(3) |
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Based on EDRs closing market price on May 24, 2006 of $14.26. |
28
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
We have entered into employment agreements, effective as January 31, 2005 (March 1, 2005 for
Mr. Trubiana), with each of our Named Executive Officers. These employment agreements permit us to
terminate the executives employment for or without cause. Cause is generally defined to mean:
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the executives insubordination or breach of his employment agreement; |
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the executives dishonesty, fraud, malfeasance, negligence or misconduct or any act
or omission by the executive which injures, or is likely to injure, us or our business
reputation; |
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the executives failure to (i) satisfactorily perform the executives duties under
his employment agreement, (ii) follow the direction of any individual to whom the
executive reports, (iii) abide by our policies, procedures and rules or (iv) abide by
laws applicable to the executive in the executives capacity as our employee, executive
or officer; |
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the executives arrest, indictment for, conviction of, or entry of a plea of guilty
or no contest to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude; |
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the executives resignation unless such resignation is based upon good reason; or |
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the executives refusal to perform duties unless such refusal is based upon good reason. |
In addition, either prior to or after a change in control of EDR, each executive has the right
under his employment agreement to resign for good reason under the following circumstances: (i)
we materially reduce the executives current title, duties or responsibilities; (ii) the executive
provides us with written notice of such action and provides us with a 30-day cure period to remedy
such action; (iii) we fail to remedy such action within the cure period; and (iv) the executive
resigns within ten days of the expiration of the cure period.
Each employment agreement provides that, if the respective executives employment is
terminated by us without cause or by the executive for good reason prior to a change in control,
the executive will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary as follows: (1) for the
greater of one year or the remaining term of his employment agreement for Mr. Bower, (2) for the
greater of one year or the remaining term of his employment agreement minus twelve months for
Messrs. Brown and Cardwell and (3) for one year for Messrs. Harris and Trubiana. In addition, the
executive will receive all accrued but unpaid salary, bonus and vacation through the termination
date, and we will pay premiums for COBRA continuation coverage for the executive and eligible
dependents for a period of up to 18 months for Messrs. Bower, Brown and Cardwell and for 12 months
for Messrs. Harris and Trubiana.
Each employment agreement further provides that, if the executives employment is terminated
by us without cause or by the executive for good reason within twelve months after a change of
control, then the executive will receive a termination payment equal to the following: (1) three
times base salary and average bonus for the past two years for Mr. Bower, (2) two times base salary
and average bonus for the past two years for Messrs. Brown and Cardwell, and (3) then-current base
salary for Messrs. Harris and Trubiana. In addition, the executive will receive all accrued but
unpaid salary and bonus through the termination date, and we or our successor will pay premiums for
COBRA continuation coverage for the executive and eligible dependents for a period of up to 18
months for Messrs. Bower, Brown and Cardwell and for 12 months for Messrs. Harris and Trubiana. In
general terms, a change of control occurs under the following circumstances: (i) the sale, transfer
or other disposition of 80% or more of the aggregate value of our assets, or (ii) a sale of 50% or
more of our then-outstanding voting shares in a single transaction or a series of related
transactions.
In providing the estimated potential payments, we have made the following general assumptions
in all circumstances where applicable:
|
|
|
The date of termination is December 31, 2006; |
|
|
|
|
The annual salary at the time of termination is equal to the base salaries effective
December 31, 2006; |
29
|
|
|
Four weeks of vacation are unused, accrued and unpaid; |
|
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|
|
There is no unpaid bonus for the prior year; |
|
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|
There is no accrued and unpaid salary; |
|
|
|
|
There is no unpaid reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination; |
|
|
|
|
The value of unvested shares which could vest upon a change in control under the
2004 Incentive Plan are based on EDRs closing market price at December 31, 2006 of
$14.77; and |
|
|
|
|
Our cost for continued medical, prescription and dental benefits is constant over
the benefit period. |
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Before Change in |
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After Change in |
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Control |
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Control |
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Termination |
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Termination |
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w/o Cause or for |
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w/o Cause or |
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Voluntary |
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Name |
|
Benefit |
|
Good Reason |
|
for Good Reason |
|
Termination |
|
Death |
|
Disability |
Paul O. Bower |
|
Severance Payment |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
900,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus Payment |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
270,000 |
|
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|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
Health Care Benefits |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Continuation |
|
$ |
19,507 |
|
|
$ |
19,507 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Vacation |
|
$ |
23,077 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Stock Awards(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
531,720 |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Randall H. Brown |
|
Severance Payment |
|
$ |
225,000 |
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus Payment |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
135,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuation |
|
$ |
19,507 |
|
|
$ |
19,507 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Vacation |
|
$ |
17,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Stock Awards(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
472,640 |
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|
Craig L. Cardwell |
|
Severance Payment |
|
$ |
175,000 |
|
|
$ |
350,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus Payment |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
119,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuation |
|
$ |
7,547 |
|
|
$ |
7,547 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vacation |
|
$ |
13,462 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Stock Awards(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
413,560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
William H. Harris |
|
Severance Payment |
|
$ |
140,000 |
|
|
$ |
140,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus Payment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Health Care Benefits |
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
Continuation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vacation |
|
$ |
10,769 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Stock Awards(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
118,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas Trubiana |
|
Severance Payment |
|
$ |
140,000 |
|
|
$ |
140,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus Payment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuation |
|
$ |
13,005 |
|
|
$ |
13,005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vacation |
|
$ |
10,769 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vesting of Stock Awards(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
118,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
For a description of stock and PIU awards which have not vested as of December 31, 2006,
but may vest upon a change in control pursuant to the 2004 Incentive Plan, see the
Outstanding Equity at Fiscal Year End table above. |
30
2006 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
For fiscal year 2006, each independent member of the Board of Directors was paid a $15,000
annual retainer fee. Each independent director also received $1,000 for each Board of Directors
meeting that the director attended in person and $500 for each Board of Directors meeting attended
via teleconference. Additionally, each independent member of a committee of the Board of Directors
received $750 for each committee meeting attended, and each chairman of a committee of the Board of
Directors received $1,250 for each committee meeting attended. The Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee also granted 500 shares of common stock to each independent director for 2006,
which vested immediately. At its November 13, 2006 meeting, the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee approved increases to independent director compensation effective January 1,
2007 which were recommended to and approved by the Board of Directors and are discussed above under
the caption Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Matters.
|
|
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|
|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Paid in Cash(1) |
|
Stock Awards(2) |
|
Total |
Monte J. Barrow |
|
$ |
28,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,815 |
|
|
$ |
35,815 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William J. Cahill, III |
|
$ |
27,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,815 |
|
|
$ |
34,815 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Randall L. Churchey |
|
$ |
23,500 |
|
|
$ |
7,815 |
|
|
$ |
31,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John L. Ford |
|
$ |
27,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,815 |
|
|
$ |
34,815 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This column represents annual director fees, meeting fees and chairmen fees. |
|
(2) |
|
This column represents the FAS 123(R) fair market value expense booked
during 2006 for stock awards made in 2006. On August 16, 2006, each independent
director received 500 shares of common stock that vests immediately pursuant to
EDRs 2004 Incentive Plan. |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The following non-employee directors are the current members of the Compensation Committee of
the Board of Directors: Messrs. Barrow and Cahill and Dr. Ford. During 2006, none of EDRs
executive officers served as a director or member of the Compensation Committee of any other entity
whose executive officers served on EDRs Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Education Realty Trust, Inc., a
Maryland Corporation, has reviewed and discussed with management the information contained in the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement and recommended to the Board
of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and
EDRs Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors:
William J. Cahill, III (Chairman)
Monte J. Barrow
John L. Ford
31
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in its oversight of EDRs financial
reporting process and implementation and maintenance of effective controls to prevent, deter and
detect fraud by management. In addition, the Audit Committee is directly responsible for the
appointment, compensation and oversight of EDRs independent registered public accounting firm. The
Audit Committees responsibilities are more fully described in its charter, which is accessible on
EDRs website at www.educationrealty.com.
In overseeing the preparation of EDRs financial statements, the Audit Committee met with both
management and Deloitte & Touche LLP, EDRs independent registered public accounting firm, to
review and discuss the financial statements prior to their issuance and to discuss significant
accounting issues. Management advised the Audit Committee that all financial statements were
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the Audit Committee
discussed the statements with both management and Deloitte & Touche LLP.
The Audit Committee has discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP, the matters required to be
discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards,
Vol.1.AU.section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
Communication with Audit Committees, which includes, among other items, matters related to the
conduct of the audit of EDRs financial statements. In addition, the Audit Committee has received
the written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP required by Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees as adopted by the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and has discussed with Deloitte & Touche
LLP its independence from EDR and its management.
The Audit Committee has also considered whether the provision of non-audit services, and the
fees charged for such services, by Deloitte & Touche LLP are compatible with maintaining the
independence of Deloitte & Touche LLP from EDR. The Audit Committee meets on a regular basis
privately in separate executive sessions with certain members of senior management and Deloitte &
Touche LLP. Each of the members of the Audit Committee qualifies as an independent director under
the current NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to
EDRs Board of Directors that EDRs audited financial statements be included in EDRs Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. The Audit Committee has selected and the
Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as EDRs independent
auditor.
Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:
Randall L. Churchey (Chairman)
Monte J. Barrow
William J. Cahill, III
The foregoing report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement
incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act or under
the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by
reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
32
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Introduction
At the Annual Meeting, five persons will be elected to serve on our Board of Directors, each
for a one-year term or until their successors are duly elected and qualify. There are no family
relationships among any of the members of our Board of Directors. Mr. Churchey, a current member
of the Board of Directors, will not stand for reelection. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors has nominated for
election Wendell W. Weakley whose background is discussed below under New Director Nominee.
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting in the election
of directors. Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted, if authority to do so is not
withheld, for the election of the five nominees named below. In the event that any nominee should
be unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, such shares will be voted for
the election of such substitute nominee as the Board of Directors may select. Each person
nominated for election has agreed to serve if elected, and management has no reason to believe that
any nominee will be unable to serve.
Current Director Nominees
Paul O. Bower, age 64, has served as Chairman of our Board of Directors since July 2004. He is
also our Chief Executive Officer and President. Mr. Bower joined our predecessor, Allen & OHara,
Inc. (Allen & OHara), in July 1969, and from 1969 to 1977, he served as Assistant General
Manager of Granville Towers (University of North Carolina), General Manager of The Towers
(University of Wisconsin) and Summit Hall (West Virginia University), and Regional Director and
Branch Manager of Allen & OHaras student housing/foodservice group. In 1977, Mr. Bower was
promoted to Vice President of the student housing group of Allen & OHaras management services
department, and he became Senior Vice President of that department in 1979. In 1994, Mr. Bower was
named Senior Vice President of Management Contract Development, and in 1997 he was named Executive
Vice President of Development. In January 1998, he became President and Chief Executive Officer of
Allen & OHara. Mr. Bower holds the Certified Property Manager designation conferred by the
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and is a member of the Memphis Board of Realtors and the
Association of College and University Housing Officers International. Mr. Bower also serves on
the Board of Directors of Youth Villages, a local private nonprofit organization dedicated to
helping emotionally and behaviorally troubled children and their families.
Monte J. Barrow, age 62, has served as a member of our Board of Directors since January 2005.
From February 1982 until August 2002, Mr. Barrow served as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior
Vice President of MS Carriers, Inc., a publicly-traded trucking transportation company (NASDAQ:
MSCA). While serving as Chief Financial Officer of MS Carriers, Mr. Barrow was responsible for the
accounting, financial, human resources and information technology departments of EDR. Mr. Barrow
retired in August 2002, following the sale of MS Carriers to Swift Transportation Company, Inc.
Since February 2003, Mr. Barrow has been self-employed as the owner and operator of two
privately-held businesses.
William J. Cahill, III, age 61, has served as a member of our Board of Directors since January
2005. Mr. Cahill has served as the Corporate Vice President of Human Resources of FedEx Corporation
(NYSE: FDX) since June 2004 and served as Vice President of Human Resources of FedEx Corporation
from February 1998 until June 2004. He has been with FedEx since December 1979. In his current
role, Mr. Cahill is responsible for executive compensation, succession planning, healthcare
strategy, retirement investment, employment, legal compliance and other human resources functions
at FedEx Corporation.
John L. Ford, age 61, has served as a member of our Board of Directors since January 2005.
Dr. Ford is the Senior Vice President and Dean of Campus Life at Emory University where he oversees
student housing and seventeen other departments. Dr. Ford was a professor of policy analysis and
management and the dean of students at Cornell University from 1992 to 2000. He has held
administrative, academic or research positions at: the University of Exeter in England, the
University of British Columbia in Canada, the Japanese Nursing Association in Japan, the Dokkyo
University Medical School in Japan, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Chicago.
33
Dr. Ford is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of the South and a
member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance to Improve Emory Village.
New Director Nominee
Wendell W. Weakley, age 52, is the President and CEO of the University of Mississippi
Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation on July 1, 2006, he was with PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP (PwC) from August 1976 to June 2006. Mr. Weakley was an audit partner with PwC serving
public clients in the manufacturing, distribution and retail sectors in the Memphis, Dallas and
Tampa offices over his career. As an audit manager, he also served a two-year international tour
of duty with PwC. He has served as the Office Managing Partner for the Memphis office of Price
Waterhouse as well as the audit and industry leader in the Dallas/Ft. Worth market for PwC. He was
also a Regional Risk Management partner for PwC. Mr. Weakley is a Certified Public Accountant.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each nominee named above.
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION AND SELECTION OF THE
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as EDRs independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007. The appointment of
this firm was recommended to the Board of Directors by the Audit Committee, and the Board of
Directors has further decided that management should submit the appointment of Deloitte & Touche
LLP to the stockholders at the annual meeting. Deloitte & Touche LLP has audited EDRs financial
statements since its inception in 2004. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to
be present at the Annual Meeting. Deloitte & Touche LLP will have an opportunity to make a
statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from
stockholders.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
The following table presents the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP, EDRs
independent registered public accounting firm, for the most recent fiscal years ended December 31,
2005 and 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Audit Fees (1) |
|
$ |
1,011,200 |
|
|
$ |
1,137,635 |
|
Audit-Related Fees (2) |
|
|
21,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees (3) |
|
|
278,395 |
|
|
|
324,727 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL FEES |
|
$ |
1,311,447 |
|
|
$ |
1,462,362 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Fees for audit services billed in fiscal 2005 and 2006 included the following
(a) audits of our annual financial statements and all related financial statements
required to be audited pursuant to regulatory filings, including student housing
property and/or portfolio acquisitions; (b) reviews of unaudited quarterly financial
statements; and (c) services related to the issuance of comfort letters, consents and
other services related to SEC matters. Fees for 2006 also include amounts related to
the audit of the effectiveness of EDRs internal controls over financial reporting. |
|
(2) |
|
Amount represents fees billed related to financial accounting and reporting
consultations. |
|
(3) |
|
Amount represents fees billed for tax compliance services and tax planning. |
The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of non-audit services by Deloitte &
Touche LLP is compatible with maintaining the independence of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
34
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting on
the matter will be required to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Abstentions and
broker non-votes are counted towards a quorum, but are not counted for any purpose in determining
whether this matter has been approved.
On behalf of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors recommends a vote in favor of
Proposal No. 2.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Pursuant to the Audit Committees Charter, the Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves audit
and non-audit services performed by EDRs independent registered public accounting firm as well as
the fee charged for such services. The Audit Committee may not approve any service that
individually or in the aggregate may impair, in the Audit Committees opinion, the independence of
the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more
designated committee members the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and permitted non-audit
services, provided that any decisions to pre-approve shall be presented to the full Audit Committee
at its next scheduled meeting. For fiscal 2006, all of the audit and non-audit services provided by
EDRs independent registered public accounting firm were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in
accordance with the Audit Committee Charter.
OTHER MATTERS
Our management is not aware of any other matter to be presented for action at the Annual
Meeting other than those mentioned in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and referred to
in this Proxy Statement. However, should any other matter requiring a vote of the stockholders
arise, the representatives named on the accompanying Proxy will vote in accordance with their
discretion.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Randall H. Brown
Secretary
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Education Realty Trust
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Electronic Voting Instructions |
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You can vote by Internet or telephone!
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! |
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Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the two voting
methods outlined below to vote your proxy. |
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VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. |
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Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by
11:59 p.m., Central Time, on May 21, 2007. |
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Vote by Internet |
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Log on to the Internet and go to |
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www.investorvote.com |
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Follow the steps outlined on the secured website. |
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Vote by telephone |
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Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the United
States, Canada & Puerto Rico any time on a touch tone
telephone. There is NO CHARGE to you for the call. |
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Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message |
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Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with
an X as shown in this example. Please do not write
outside the designated areas.
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x |
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Annual Meeting Proxy Card
IF YOU
HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND
RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
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A Proposals The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees
listed and FOR Proposal 2. |
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1.
Election of Directors: |
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01 Paul O.Bower
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For
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Withhold
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02 Monte J. Barrow
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For
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Withhold
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03 William J. Cahill, III
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For
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Withhold |
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04 John L. Ford
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For
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Withhold
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05 Wendell W. Weakley
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For
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Withhold |
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2. Ratification of appointment of
Deloitte & Touche LLP as EDRs
independent auditors for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2007. |
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For
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Against
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Abstain |
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B Non-Voting Items
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Change
of Address Please print your new address below.
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Comments
Please print your comments below. |
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Meeting Attendance
Mark the box to the
right if you plan
to attend the
Annual Meeting.
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C Authorized Signatures This section must be completed for your vote to be counted.
Date and Sign Below
Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as
attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give
full title.
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Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below.
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Signature 1 Please keep signature within box.
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Signature 2 Please keep signature within box. |
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/ / |
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IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN
THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Proxy Education Realty Trust
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 300
Memphis,
Tennessee 38117
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned appoints Paul O. Bower and Randall H. Brown, or either of them, with full
power of substitution, as proxy to represent and vote all shares of common stock, $.01 par value
per share, of Education Realty Trust, Inc. held of record by the undersigned as of the close of
business on April 10, 2007, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 22, 2007 or any
adjournment or postponement thereof, as designated on the reverse side hereof and in their
discretion as to other matters.
The shares represented by this Proxy will be voted as directed by the undersigned. If no direction
is given when the duly executed Proxy is returned, such shares will be voted FOR all nominees in
Proposal 1 and FOR Proposal 2.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Please mark, sign and date this proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid
envelope, or otherwise to Computershare Investor Services P.O. Box 43101 Providence, RI 02940-5067,
so your shares may be represented at the Meeting.
Please mark, date and sign as your name appears above and return in the enclosed envelope.