MONMOUTH REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
Juniper Business Plaza, 3499 Route 9 North, Suite 3-C
Freehold, New Jersey 07728
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 5, 2011
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Annual Meeting) of Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation (the Company) will be held Thursday, May 5, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. at the offices of the Company at Juniper Business Plaza, 3499 Route 9 North, Suite 3-C, Freehold, New Jersey, for the following purposes:
1.
To elect three Directors, the names of whom are set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement, each to hold office until the Companys annual meeting of stockholders in 2014 and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies;
2.
To consider and vote on a proposal to approve the appointment of PKF LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011;
3.
To hold an advisory vote on executive compensation;
4.
To hold an advisory vote on whether an advisory vote on executive compensation should be held every one, two or three years; and
5.
To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
The books containing the minutes of the last Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and the minutes of all meetings of the Directors since the last Annual Meeting of Shareholders, will be presented at the Annual Meeting for the inspection of the shareholders. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2011 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO BE PRESENT IN PERSON, SHAREHOLDERS MAY VOTE PRIOR TO THE MEETING USING THE METHODS DETAILED ON PAGE 3 OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EUGENE W. LANDY
March 25, 2011
PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR
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MONMOUTH REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
Juniper Business Plaza
3499 Route 9 North, Suite 3-C
Freehold, New Jersey 07728
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PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
May 5, 2011
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SOLICITATION AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation (the Company) of proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held on May 5, 2011, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof, for the purposes listed in the preceding Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Notice). This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy Card are being distributed on or about March 25, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 9, 2011.
A copy of the Annual Report, including financial statements, was mailed to all shareholders of record on or about February 4, 2011, and is available on the Companys website at www.mreic.com.
INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
Under rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), you are able to obtain proxy materials via the Internet, instead of being mailed printed copies of those materials. This will expedite stockholders receipt of proxy materials, lower the cost of the annual meeting, and help conserve natural resources. Please visit the website www.proxyvote.com to view electronic versions of proxy materials and the Companys 2010 Annual Report, and to request electronic delivery of future proxy materials. Have your Proxy Card or notice of internet availability in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions. You will need your 12 digit Control Number which is located on your proxy card or notice of internet availability.
VOTING RIGHTS
Only holders of the Companys $.01 par value common stock (Common Stock) of record as of the close of business on March 9, 2011, are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the record date, there were outstanding 34,830,084 shares of Common Stock, each share being entitled to one vote on any matter which may properly come before the Annual Meeting. Said voting right is non-cumulative. The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum is present, a plurality of the votes cast at the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders is required to elect a director. Cumulative voting in the election of directors is not permitted. Approval of proposals 2, 3 and 4 require the
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affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and properly executed broker non-votes are not considered votes cast and will have no effect on the results of the election of directors or on the vote on any of the proposals to be considered at the Annual Meeting.
VOTING METHODS
Shareholders may vote using any of the following methods:
By Telephone or on the Internet
You can vote by calling the toll-free telephone number on your Proxy Card or Notice. Please have your Proxy Card or Notice in hand when you call. Easy-to-follow voice prompts allow you to vote your shares and confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded. The website for Internet voting is www.proxyvote.com. Please have your Proxy Card or Notice handy when you go online. As with telephone voting, you can confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded. If you vote on the Internet, you also can request electronic delivery of future proxy materials. Telephone and Internet voting facilities for shareholders of record will be available 24 hours a day, and will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 4, 2011. The availability of telephone and Internet voting for beneficial owners will depend on the voting processes of your broker, bank or other holder of record. Therefore, the Company recommends that you follow the voting instructions in the materials you receive. If you vote by telephone or on the Internet, you do not have to return your Proxy Card.
By Mail
If you received your Annual Meeting materials by mail, you may complete, sign and date the Proxy Card or voting instruction card and return it in the prepaid envelope. If you are a shareholder of record and you return your signed Proxy Card but do not indicate your voting preferences, the persons named in the Proxy Card will vote the shares represented by that proxy as recommended by the Board of Directors.
In Person at the Annual Meeting
All shareholders may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. You may also be represented by another person at the Annual Meeting by executing a proper proxy designating that person. If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you must obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other holder of record and present it to the inspectors of election with your ballot to be able to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Any shareholder giving the accompanying proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting by filing with the Secretary of the Company an instrument revoking it, by delivering a duly executed proxy card bearing a later date, or by appearing at the meeting and voting in person. Shares represented by properly executed proxies will be voted as specified thereon by the shareholder. Unless the shareholder specifies otherwise, such proxies will be voted FOR the proposals set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting.
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The cost of preparing, assembling and distributing this Proxy Statement and form of proxy, and the cost of soliciting the proxies related to the Annual Meeting will be borne by the Company. The Company does not intend to solicit proxies otherwise than by use of the mail, internet and telephone, but certain officers and regular employees of the Company, without additional compensation, may use their personal efforts, by telephone or otherwise, to obtain proxies.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Companys articles of incorporation and bylaws provide for a classified board of directors comprised of Class I, II, and III directors. Class II directors are scheduled to be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve until the Companys annual meeting of shareholders in 2014 and until their successors are duly elected and qualify. Three directors, comprising Class II, are to be elected at the Annual Meeting. Due to a vacancy in the Class II directors, the Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Neal Herstik for election as a director to serve as a Class II director until the Companys annual meeting of shareholders in 2014 and until his successor has been elected and shall qualify. Mr. Neal Herstik currently serves as one of the Class I directors. Mr. Herstik has been nominated as a Class II director and he will become a Class II director if he is elected at the Annual Meeting. The three nominees for election as Class II directors are set forth below. In the event any nominee is unable to serve or will not serve as a director before the Annual Meeting, the proxy holders will vote all proxies received by them for any nominee designated by the Companys Board of Directors. In the event that additional persons are nominated for election as Class II directors, the proxy holders intend to vote all proxies received by them for the nominees listed below and against any other nominee. As of the date of this proxy statement, the Companys Board of Directors is not aware of any other individual who may properly be nominated for election as a Class II director at the Annual Meeting or of any nominee who is unable or unwilling to serve as director. The nominees listed below are currently each serving as a director of the Company.
The Companys Board of Directors currently consists of 12 directors, three of whom have terms expiring in 2011. Effective as of the Annual Meeting, it is expected that the number of directors will be reduced to 11, of which three directors will comprise Class II and four directors will comprise each of Classes I and III.
The proxies solicited cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the nominees named.
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INFORMATION REGARDING DIRECTOR NOMINEES
The following information concerning the principal occupation, other affiliations and business experience of each of the three nominees during the last five years has been furnished to the Company by such nominee:
Nominee | Age | Present Position with the Company; Business Experience During Past Five Years; Other Directorships | Director |
Neal Herstik | 52 | Independent Director. Attorney at Law, Gross, Truss & Herstik, PC (1997 to present). Co-founder and former President, Manalapan-Englishtown Education Foundation, Inc., a non-profit corporation (1995 to 2001). Mr. Herstiks extensive legal experience and experience in the real estate industry are primary among other reasons why Mr. Herstik serves on our Board. | 2004 |
Matthew I. Hirsch | 51 | Independent Director. Attorney at Law (1985 to present); Adjunct Professor of Law, Widener University School of Law (1993 to present). Mr. Hirschs extensive legal experience and experience in the real estate industry are primary among other reasons why Mr. Hirsch serves on our Board. | 2000 |
Stephen B. Wolgin | 57 | Independent Director. Managing Director of U.S. Real Estate Advisors, Inc. (2000 to present), a real estate advisory services group based in New York. Partner with the Logan Equity Distressed Fund (2007 to present). Director (2007 to present) of UMH Properties, Inc., an affiliated company. Prior affiliations with J.P. Morgan, Odyssey Associates, The Prudential Realty Group, Standard & Poors Corporation, and Grubb and Ellis. Mr. Wolgins extensive experience as a real estate and finance consultant and experience in the real estate industry are primary among other reasons why Mr. Wolgin serves on our Board. | 2003 |
At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders of the Company will be requested to elect three Directors, comprising Class II. The affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, subject to quorum requirements, will be required to elect a Director.
THE COMPANYS BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS YOU VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE THREE NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE
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INFORMATION CONCERNING CONTINUING DIRECTORS
Class III Directors with Terms Expiring in 2012
Nominee | Age | Present Position with the Company; Business Experience During Past Five Years; Other Directorships | Director |
Catherine B. Elflein | 50 | Independent Director. Certified Public Accountant. Senior Director Risk Management (2006 to present) at Celgene Corporation; Controller of Captive Insurance Companies (2004 to 2006) and Director Treasury Operations (1998 to 2004) at Calenese Corporation. Ms. Elfleins extensive experience in accounting and finance and risk management are primary among other reasons why Ms. Elflein serves on our Board. | 2007 |
Eugene W. Landy | 77 | President and Chief Executive Officer (1968 to present) and Director. Attorney at Law. Chairman of the Board (1995 to present), President (1969 to 1995) of UMH Properties, Inc., an affiliated company. As our Chairman and Founder, Mr. Landy brings unparalleled experience in real estate investing to our Board. | 1968 |
Michael P. Landy | 49 | Chief Operating Officer (2011 to present), Chairman of the Executive Committee (2010 to present) and Director. Executive Vice President (2009 to 2010), Executive Vice President-Investments (2006 to 2009), and Vice President-Investments (2001 to 2006). Vice President-Investments (2001 to present) of UMH Properties, Inc., an affiliated company. President (1998 to 2001) of Siam Records, LLC. Chief Engineer and Technical Director (1987 to 1998) of GRP Recording Company. Mr. Landys role as our Chief Operating Officer and extensive experience in real estate investing and operations management are primary among other reasons why Mr. Landy serves on our Board. | 2007 |
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Nominee | Age | Present Position with the Company; Business Experience During Past Five Years; Other Directorships | Director |
Samuel A. Landy | 50 | Director. Attorney at Law (1985 to present); President (1995 to present), Vice President (1991 to 1995) and Director (1992 to present) of UMH Properties, Inc., an affiliated company. Mr. Landys extensive experience in real estate investing and REIT leadership are primary among other reasons why Mr. Landy serves on our Board. | 1989 |
Class I Directors with Terms Expiring in 2013
Nominee | Age | Present Position with the Company; Business Experience During Past Five Years; Other Directorships | Director |
Anna T. Chew | 52 | Treasurer and Member of the Executive Committee (2010 to present) and Director. Chief Financial Officer (1991 to 2010). Certified Public Accountant. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (1995 to present), Controller (1991 to 1995) and Director (1994 to present) of UMH Properties, Inc., an affiliated company. Ms. Chews extensive public accounting, finance and real estate industry experience are primary among other reasons why Ms. Chew serves on our Board. | 2007 |
Daniel D. Cronheim | 56 | Director. Attorney at Law (1979 to present). Certified Property Manager (2010). President (2000 to present) of David Cronheim Mortgage Company. Executive Vice President (1997 to present) of Cronheim Management Services, Inc. Executive Vice President (1989 to present) and General Counsel (1983 to present) of David Cronheim Company. Director, Chairman of Compensation Committee and Audit Committee (2000 to present) of Hilltop Community Bank. Mr. Cronheims extensive experience in real estate management and the mortgage industry are primary among the reasons why Mr. Cronheim serves on our Board of Directors. | 1989 |
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Nominee | Age | Present Position with the Company; Business Experience During Past Five Years; Other Directorships | Director |
Scott L. Robinson | 40 | Independent Director. Managing Partner, Cadence Capital Group, LLC (2008 to present); Director, The REIT Center at New York University (2008 to present); Vice President Citi Markets and Banking (2006 to 2008) at Citigroup; Senior REIT and CMBS analyst at Standard & Poors, (1998 to 2006). Mr. Robinsons extensive experience in real estate finance and investment are primary among other reasons why Mr. Robinson serves on our Board. | 2005 |
Eugene Rothenberg | 78 | Independent Director. Investor. Retired physician. Director (1977 to present) of UMH Properties, Inc., an affiliated company. Mr. Rothenbergs extensive experience as an investor and in management are primary among other reasons why Mr. Rothenberg serves on our Board. | 2007 |
In addition to the four Class I directors named above, Mr. Neal Herstik currently serves as one of the Class I directors. As noted above, Mr. Herstik has been nominated as a Class II director and will become a Class II director if he is elected at the Annual Meeting. If Mr. Herstik is not elected at the Annual Meeting, he will continue as a Class I director.
Five of the Companys directors are also directors of UMH Properties, Inc. (UMH), a publicly-owned affiliate of the Company which engages in real estate transactions. In addition, the officers and directors of the Company may engage in real estate transactions for their own account, which transactions may also be suitable for the Company. In most respects, the activities of the Company and UMH are not in conflict, but rather complement each other. However, the activities of the officers and directors of the Company on behalf of UMH, or for their own account, may on occasion conflict with those of the Company and deprive the Company of favorable opportunities. It is the opinion of the officers and directors of the Company that there have been no conflicting transactions since the beginning of the last fiscal year.
Committees of the Board of Directors and Meeting Attendance
The Board of Directors had four meetings during the last fiscal year. No Director attended fewer than 75% of the Board of Director meetings and Committee meetings. The Company does not have a policy concerning Directors attendance at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Four Directors attended the Companys 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
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The Company has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committees responsibilities include reviewing and overseeing financial reporting, policies and procedures and internal controls, retaining the independent auditor, approving the audit fees, and discussing the independent auditors independence. It also oversees the internal audit function, legal and regulatory compliance and adherence to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, establishing procedures for complaints received regarding the Companys accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters. In addition, the Audit Committee prepares the Audit Committee Report which is included in the Companys annual proxy statements. The Audit Committee had four meetings during the fiscal year, including an executive session with the independent auditors, in which management did not attend. The Audit Committee operates under the Audit Committee Charter which can be found at the Companys website at www.mreic.com.
The current members of the Companys Audit Committee are Catherine B. Elflein, Matthew I. Hirsch, Scott Robinson, and Stephen B. Wolgin (Chairman). The Board has determined that the members of the Audit Committee are independent as defined by the rules of the SEC and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, and that each of them is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements. The Board has also determined that Stephen B. Wolgin and Catherine B. Elflein are audit committee financial experts within the meaning of the rules of the SEC and are financially sophisticated within the meaning of the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee (1) evaluates the Presidents performance in light of the Companys goals and objectives and determines the Presidents and other executive officers compensation, which includes base salary and bonus; and (2) administers the Companys 2007 Stock Option and Stock Award Plan (2007 Plan), as amended and restated. The Compensation Committee had one meeting during the last fiscal year. The current members of the Compensation Committee are Matthew I. Hirsch and Stephen B. Wolgin. The Board has determined that the members of the Compensation Committee are independent as defined by the rules of the SEC and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. Our Compensation Committee does not operate under a written charter.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee identifies, considers and recommends candidates to serve as members of the Board and makes recommendations regarding the structure and composition of the Board of Directors and Committees. The Nominating Committee had one meeting during the last fiscal year. The current members of the Nominating Committee are Neal Herstik, Matthew I. Hirsch, and Stephen B. Wolgin. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of
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the Nominating Committee is an independent Director as defined by the rules of the SEC and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. Our Nominating Committee does not operate under a written charter.
The principal function of the Nominating Committee is to review and select candidates for nomination to the Board of Directors. Recommendations with regard to nominees for election to the Board of Directors may be submitted by any stockholder entitled to vote for the election of directors in writing, received by the Secretary of the Corporation at least 90 days but not more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the Company mailed its proxy materials for the prior year's annual meeting of stockholders. Each notice of nomination must set forth (i) the name, age, business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of each such nominee, (iii) the number of shares of common stock of the Company which are beneficially owned by each such nominee, and (iv) such other information as required by the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act).
In connection with the formation of the Nominating Committee, the Company's Board of Directors established certain minimum qualifications for board members, including being at least 21 years old and possessing (1) the ability to read and understand corporate financial statements, (2) relevant business experience and professional skills, (3) high moral character and personal and professional integrity, and (4) the willingness to commit sufficient time to attend to his or her duties and responsibilities as a director of a public corporation. In addition, the Nominating Committee may consider a variety of other qualities and skills, including (i) the ability to exercise independent decision-making, (ii) the absence of conflicts of interest, and (iii) the ability to work effectively with other directors in collectively serving the long-term interests of all shareholders. Nominees must also meet any applicable requirements of SEC regulations, state law, and the Company's articles of incorporation and bylaws.
The Nominating Committee has established a process for identifying and evaluating nominees for director. The Nominating Committee will annually assess the qualifications, expertise, performance and willingness to serve of existing directors. If at this time or at any other time during the year the Board of Directors determines a need to add a new director with specific qualifications or to fill a vacancy on the Board, the Chair of the Nominating Committee will then initiate the search, seeking input from other directors and senior management, considering nominees previously submitted by shareholders, and, if deemed necessary or appropriate, hiring a search firm. An initial slate of candidates satisfying the specific qualifications, if any, and otherwise qualifying for membership on the Board, will then be identified and presented to the Nominating Committee by the Committee Chairman. The Nominating Committee will then prioritize the candidates and determine if the Nominating Committee members, other directors or senior management have relationships with the preferred candidates and can initiate contacts. To the extent feasible, all of the members of the Nominating Committee and the President will interview the prospective candidate(s). Evaluations and recommendations of the interviewers will be submitted to the Nominating Committee for final evaluation. The Nominating Committee will meet to consider such recommendations and to approve the final candidate. The Nominating Committee will evaluate all nominees for director, including nominees recommended by a stockholder, on the same basis.
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To date, there are no third parties being compensated for identifying and evaluating candidates.
Independent Director Meeting
The Companys independent directors, as defined under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, have established a policy to meet separately from the other directors in a regularly scheduled executive session at least annually, and at such times as may be deemed appropriate by the Companys independent directors. Any independent director may call an executive session of independent directors at any time. The independent directors had one meeting during the last fiscal year.
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
The Board believes that the Company and its stockholders are best served at this time by a leadership structure in which a single person serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Currently, Mr. Eugene Landy serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Combining the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer makes clear that the person serving in these roles has primary responsibility for managing the Companys business, under the oversight and review of the Board. Under this structure the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer presides over Board meetings where the Board discusses strategic and business issues. The Board believes that this approach makes sense because the Chief Executive Officer is the individual with primary responsibility for directing the work of other officers and leading implementation of the Companys strategic plans as approved by the Board. The Board has not designated a lead independent director.
The Board reviews the structure of the Board and Company leadership as part of the succession planning process. During 2010, the Board appointed an Executive Committee (the EC) to (1) manage the day to day activities of the Company, (2) assist the President and CEO in the overall management of the Company, and (3) provide for business continuity. The EC operates under a written charter and provides a mechanism for key officers and staff to engage in all facets of the Company. The EC is composed of the Chief Operating Officer (Chairman), Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and General Counsel. The EC is subject to the provisions of the Companys bylaws. An EC member may be removed for any reason by the Board. The Board has designated two Directors to interface with the EC. Other Directors may attend meetings by invitation.
The EC has the following duties and responsibilities:
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To manage the day to day business and affairs of the Company which do not require Board action;
·
To confer with and assist the President;
·
To implement corporate actions after approval by the full Board;
·
Review and recommend to the Board investment activities and funding;
·
Review strategic plans and the strategic focus of management;
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·
Review and approve acquisitions, expansions, leasing, and make recommendations in regard thereto for Board approval;
·
Engage consultants and advisors at the expense of the Company to assist the EC as it deems necessary in the performance of its functions. The EC shall have the authority to retain and terminate any professionals, consultants and advisors, and to approve all fees and other retention terms;
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To make regular reports to the Board, as appropriate; and
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To review and reassess the adequacy of its charter annually and recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval.
The Board of Directors oversees the Companys enterprise-wide approach to the major risks facing the Company and oversees the Companys policies for assessing and managing its exposure to risk. The Board periodically reviews these risks and the Companys risk management processes. The Board also considers risk in evaluating the Companys strategy. The Boards responsibilities include reviewing the Companys practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management, and reviewing contingent liabilities and risks that may be material to the Company. The Audit Committee reviews the Companys financial and compliance risks and major legislative and regulatory developments which could materially impact the Company. The Compensation Committee oversees managements assessment of whether the Companys compensation structure, policies and programs create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Shareholder Communications
The Company has established procedures for shareholders to communicate with the Board of Directors on a confidential basis. Shareholders who wish to communicate with the Board or with a particular director may send a letter to the Secretary of the Company at 3499 Route 9 North, Suite 3-C, Freehold, NJ 07728. The mailing envelope must contain a clear notation indicating that the enclosed mailing is a Stockholder-Board Communication or Stockholder-Director Communication. All such letters must identify the author as a stockholder and clearly state whether the intended recipients of the letter are all of the members of the Board or just certain specified individual directors. The Secretary will make copies of all such letters and circulate them to the directors addressed. If a stockholder wishes the communication to be confidential, such shareholder must clearly indicate on the envelope that the communication is Confidential. The Secretary will then forward such communication, unopened, to the intended recipient.
Code of Conduct
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all directors, officers, and employees of the Company, including its principal executive officers and principal financial officer. This code is posted on our website at http:www.mreic.com. During 2010, no violations of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics were reported nor were any waivers granted.
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PROPOSAL 2
APPROVAL OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
At the Companys annual meeting of shareholders, the Companys common shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on a proposal to approve the appointment of PKF LLP (PKF) as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011. The Companys articles of incorporation and bylaws do not require that its shareholders ratify the appointment of PKF as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. The Company is asking its common shareholders to ratify this appointment as a matter of good corporate practice. If the Companys common shareholders do not ratify the appointment of PKF, the Companys Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain PKF as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, but may determine to do so. Even if the appointment of PKF is ratified by the Companys common shareholders, the Audit Committee may change the appointment at any time during the year if it determines that a change would be in the best interest of the Company. The Company expects a representative of PKF to be present at the Annual Meeting either to make a statement or to respond to appropriate questions.
THE COMPANYS BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS YOU VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF PKF LLP AS THE COMPANYS REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
PROPOSAL 3
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, our shareholders have the opportunity to vote to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.
Our executive compensation programs are described in detail in this proxy statement in the section titled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and the accompanying tables beginning on page 19. These programs are designed to attract and retain talented individuals who possess the skills and expertise necessary to lead the Company. The Company's 2007 Plan, as amended and restated, which is the primary vehicle for providing long-term incentive compensation to our named executive officers, has been previously voted upon and approved by our shareholders.
The Compensation Committee regularly reviews all elements of the compensation paid to our named executive officers. The Committee believes that the Company's present compensation programs, as presented in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and the accompanying tables and related narrative disclosure in this proxy statement, promote in the best manner possible our business objectives while aligning the interests of the named executive officers with our shareholders to ensure continued positive financial results. Our results support this conclusion. By adhering to a business plan that has emphasized single tenant industrial properties, secured by long-term net leases, primarily to investment grade tenants, coupled with a
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strong balance sheet, the Company has continued to grow and deliver positive results to our shareholders, despite the broad economic downturn of the last several years. The Company remains among the leaders in its REIT sector for total return to shareholders over the last 1, 3 and 5 year periods. The Company is proud of its long-term record of dividends and profitability. The compensation programs for our named executives are a key ingredient in motivating these executives to continue to deliver such results.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, in person or by properly executed proxy, subject to quorum requirements, will be required to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers. The results of this advisory vote are not binding on the Compensation Committee, the Company or our Board of Directors. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors values input from our shareholders and will consider carefully the results of this vote when making future decisions concerning executive compensation.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
THE APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AS DISCLOSED IN THE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SECTION AND THE ACCOMPANYING COMPENSATION TABLES IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT
PROPOSAL 4
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF
FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, our shareholders also have the opportunity to vote on the frequency of future shareholder advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers, such as Proposal 3 included in this proxy statement. By voting on this Proposal 4, shareholders may recommend whether future advisory votes on executive compensation should be conducted every "one year," "two years" or "three years."
After consideration of this Proposal, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors have determined that a vote on the compensation of our named executive officers every three years is the best alternative for the Company. The Board of Directors historically has emphasized long-term strategic planning for the Company and the Compensation Committee has fashioned executive compensation programs that place a greater emphasis on the attainment of long-term growth objectives than on short-term success. An advisory vote every three years is consistent with this long-term growth strategy and also will provide the Company with adequate time to engage shareholders to better understand vote results when considering changes to the Company's executive compensation programs.
The selection of "one year", "two years" or "three years" that receives the greatest number of votes of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by properly executed proxy, subject to quorum requirements, will indicate the shareholders' preference for the frequency of future votes on the compensation of our
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named executive officers and the Board of Directors encourages this input from the shareholders. However, since this vote is not binding on the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee or the Company, the Board of Directors may decide that it is in the best interest of the Company and the shareholders to hold future advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers more or less frequently than as indicated by the shareholder vote on this Proposal 4.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR "THREE YEARS" AS THE FREQUENCY FOR FUTURE NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTES ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table lists information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Companys common stock (Shares) as of March 9, 2011 by:
·
each person known by the Company to beneficially own more than five percent of the Companys outstanding Shares;
·
the Companys directors;
·
the Companys executive officers; and
·
all of the Companys executive officers and directors as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, the person or persons named below have sole voting and investment power and that persons address is c/o Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation, Juniper Business Plaza, 3499 Route 9 North, Suite 3-C, Freehold, New Jersey 07728. In determining the number and percentage of Shares beneficially owned by each person, Shares that may be acquired by that person under options exercisable within sixty (60) days of March 9, 2011 are deemed beneficially owned by that person and are deemed outstanding for purposes of determining the total number of outstanding Shares for that person and are not deemed outstanding for that purpose for all other shareholders.
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Name and Address | Amount and Nature | Percentage |
Oakland Financial Corporation 34200 Mound Road Sterling Heights, Michigan 48310 | 2,402,847(3) | 6.90% |
BlackRock, Inc. 40 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022 | 2,241,580(4) | 6.44% |
Anna T. Chew | 388,636(5) | 1.11% |
Daniel D. Cronheim | 79,473 | * |
Catherine B. Elflein | 5,075 | * |
Neal Herstik | 7,527(6) | * |
Matthew I. Hirsch | 61,102(7) | * |
Joshua Kahr | 982 | * |
Eugene W. Landy | 1,821,856(8) | 5.17% |
Samuel A. Landy | 321,736(9) | * |
Michael P. Landy | 313,094(10) | * |
Allison Nagelberg | 8,587(11) | * |
Scott Robinson
| 7,000(12) | * |
Eugene D. Rothenberg | 77,325 | * |
Maureen E. Vecere | 139,607(13) | * |
Stephen B. Wolgin | 30,281(14) | * |
Directors and Officers as a group | 3,262,281 | 9.12% |
*Less than 1%.
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(1)
Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table and pursuant to applicable community property laws, the Company believes that the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all Shares listed.
(2)
Based on the number of Shares outstanding on March 9, 2011, which was 34,830,084.
(3)
Based on amended Schedule 13D as of July 7, 2008, filed with the SEC by Oakland Financial Corporation (Oakland), Liberty Bell Agency, Inc. (Liberty Bell), and Cherokee Insurance Company (Cherokee), as of June 30, 2008, Oakland owns 110,602, Liberty Bell owns 594,813, Cherokee owns 1,574,322, Erie Manufactured Home Properties, LLC (Erie Manufactured Homes), owns 82,542, Apache Ventures, LLC, owns 15,000, and Matthew T. Moroun owns 25,568. This filing with the SEC by Oakland indicates that Oakland shares voting and dispositive power with respect to those Shares with Liberty Bell, Cherokee, Apache Ventures and Erie Manufactured Homes, all of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Oakland. Matthew T. Moroun is the Chairman of the board and controlling stockholder of Oakland, Liberty Bell and Cherokee.
(4)
Based on Schedule 13F as of December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC by BlackRock, Inc., as of December 31, 2010, BlackRock, Inc., owns 2,241,580 Shares. This filing with the SEC by BlackRock, Inc. indicates that BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to those Shares.
(5)
Includes (a) 106,859 Shares owned jointly with Ms. Chews husband; and (b) 18,677 Shares held for Ms. Chews benefit in the UMH 401(k) Plan. As a co-trustee of the UMH 401(k) Plan, Ms. Chew has shared voting power over the Shares held by the UMH 401(k) Plan. She, however, disclaims beneficial ownership of all of the Shares held by the UMH 401(k) Plan, except for the 18,677 Shares held by the UMH 401(k) Plan for her benefit. Includes 263,100 Shares issuable upon exercise of stock options. Additionally, the number of shares includes 7,600 shares of restricted stock of which none are currently vested.
(6)
Includes 5,000 Shares issuable upon the exercise of a stock option.
(7)
Includes 61,102 Shares owned jointly with Mr. Hirschs wife.
(8)
Includes (a) 142,809 Shares owned by Eugene W. Landys wife; (b) 226,413 Shares held in the Landy & Landy Employees Profit Sharing Plan of which Mr. Landy is a trustee and has shared voting and dispositive power; (c) 187,375 Shares held in the Landy & Landy Employees Pension Plan over which Mr. Landy has shared voting and dispositive power; (d) 13,048 Shares held in Landy Investments Ltd., over which Mr. Landy has shared voting and dispositive power; (e) 111,200 Shares held in the Eugene W. and Gloria Landy Family Foundation, a charitable trust, over which Mr. Landy has shared voting and dispositive power; (f) 18,481 Shares held in Juniper Plaza Associates, over which Mr. Landy has shared voting and dispositive power; and (g) 8,056 Shares held in Windsor Industrial Park Associates, over which Mr. Landy has shared voting and dispositive power. Includes 422,750 Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options. Excludes 65,000 Shares issuable upon the exercise of a stock option,
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which stock option is not exercisable until January 3, 2012. Additionally, the number of shares includes 17,300 shares of restricted stock of which none are currently vested.
(9)
Includes (a) 20,634 Shares owned by Samuel A. Landys wife; (b) 86,174 Shares held in custodial accounts for Mr. Landys minor children under the New Jersey Uniform Transfers to Minors Act with respect to which he disclaims any beneficial interest but he has sole dispositive and voting power; (c) 24,379 Shares in the Samuel Landy Family Limited Partnership; and (d) 42,816 Shares held for Mr. Landys benefit in the UMH 401(k) Plan. As a co-trustee of the UMH 401(k) Plan, Mr. Landy has shared voting power over the Shares held by the UMH 401(k) Plan. He, however, disclaims beneficial ownership of all of the Shares held by the UMH 401(k) Plan, except for the 42,816 Shares held by the UMH 401(k) Plan for his benefit.
(10)
Includes 6,067 Shares held in Michael P. Landys 401(k) Plan over which he has sole dispositive power. Includes (a) 14,264 Shares owned by Mr. Landys wife; and (b) 107,887 Shares held in custodial accounts for Mr. Landys minor children under the New Jersey Uniform Transfer to Minors Act in which he disclaims any beneficial interest but has power to vote. Includes 119,650 Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options. Additionally, the number of shares includes 7,600 shares of restricted stock of which none are currently vested.
(11)
Includes 1,153 Shares held in custodial accounts for Ms. Nagelbergs minor children under the New Jersey Uniform Transfer to Minors Act in which she disclaims any beneficial interest but has power to vote. Additionally, the number of shares includes 5,500 shares of restricted stock of which none are currently vested.
(12)
Includes 5,000 Shares issuable upon the exercise of a stock option.
(13)
Includes 3,322 Shares held in custodial accounts for Ms. Veceres minor children under the New Jersey Uniform Transfer to Minors Act in which she disclaims any beneficial interest but has power to vote. Includes 219 Shares held in Ms. Veceres 401(k) Plan over which she has sole dispositive power. Includes 128,100 Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options. Additionally, the number of shares includes 7,600 shares of restricted stock of which none are currently vested.
(14)
Includes 1,538 Shares owned by Mr. Wolgins wife.
18
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview of Compensation Program
The Compensation Committee (for purposes of this analysis, the Committee) of the Board has been appointed to discharge the Board's responsibilities relating to the compensation of the Company's executive officers. The Committee has the overall responsibility for approving and evaluating the executive officer compensation plans, policies and programs of the Company. The Committee's primary objectives include serving as an independent and objective party to review such compensation plans, policies and programs. Our Compensation Committee does not operate under a written charter.
Throughout this proxy statement, the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer and the other individuals included in the Summary Compensation Table presented below are sometimes referred to in this proxy statement as the named executive officers.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The Compensation Committee believes that a well-designed compensation program should align the goals of the shareholders with the goals of the chief executive officer, and that a significant part of the executive's compensation, over the long term, should be dependent upon the value created for shareholders. In addition, all executives should be held accountable through their compensation for the performance of the Company, and compensation levels should also reflect the executive's individual performance in an effort to encourage increased individual contributions to the Company's performance. The compensation philosophy, as reflected in the Company's employment agreements with its executives, is designed to motivate executives to focus on operating results and create long-term shareholder value by:
establishing a plan that attracts, retains and motivates executives through compensation that is competitive with a peer group of other publicly-traded real estate investment trusts, or REITs;
linking a portion of executives' compensation to the achievement of the Company's business plan by using measurements of the Company's operating results and shareholder return; and
building a pay-for-performance system that encourages and rewards successful initiatives within a team environment.
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The Compensation Committee believes that each of the above factors is important when determining compensation levels for named executive officers. The Committee reviews and approves the employment contracts for the President and Chief Executive Officer and other named executive officers, including performance goals and objectives. The Committee annually evaluates performance of the named executive officers in light of those goals and objectives. The Committee considers the Company's performance, relative shareholder return, the total compensation provided to comparable officers at similarly-situated companies, and compensation given to the named executive officers in prior years. The Company uses the annual Compensation Survey published by NAREIT as a guide to setting compensation levels. Participant company data is not presented in a manner that specifically identifies any named individual or company. This survey details compensation by position type with statistical salary and bonus information for each position. The Compensation Committee compares the Companys salary and bonus amounts to the ranges presented for reasonableness. To that end, the Committee believes executive compensation packages provided by the Company to its executive officers should include both base salaries and annual bonus awards that reward corporate and individual performance, as well as give incentives to those executives who meet or exceed established goals.
Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions
The Committee makes all final compensation decisions for the Company's named executive officers. The President annually reviews the performance of the other named executive officers and then presents his conclusions and recommendations to the Committee with respect to base salary adjustments and annual cash bonus and stock option awards. The Committee exercises its own discretion in modifying any recommended adjustments or awards, but does consider the recommendations from the President.
Role of Grants of Stock Options and Restricted Stock in Compensation Analysis
The Committee views the grant of stock options and restricted stock awards as a form of long-term compensation. The Committee believes that the grant of these options promotes the Company's goal of retaining key employees, and aligns the key employee's interests with those of the Company's shareholders from a long-term perspective. The number of options or shares of restricted stock granted to each employee is determined by consideration of various factors including but not limited to the employees title, responsibilities, and years of service.
Role of Employment Agreements in Determining Executive Compensation
Each of the Company's currently employed named executive officers is a party to an employment agreement. These agreements provide for base salaries, bonuses and customary fringe benefits. The key elements of our compensation program for the named executive officers are base salary, bonuses, stock options and perquisites and other benefits. Each of these is addressed separately below. In determining initial compensation, the Compensation Committee considers all elements of a named executive officers total compensation package in comparison to current market practices and other benefits.
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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 the Company's long-term success, the Compensation Committee has determined that the base salaries of named executive officers should approximate those of executives of other equity REITs that compete with the Company for employees, investors and business, while also taking into account the named executive officers' performance and tenure and the Company's performance relative to its peer companies within the REIT industry using the NAREIT Compensation Survey described above.
Bonuses
In addition to the provisions for base salaries under the terms of our employment agreements, the President is entitled to receive annual cash bonuses for each calendar year during the term of the agreement, based on the achievement of certain performance goals set by the Compensation Committee. The following are the bonus targets and recommended compensation for the President which the Compensation Committee uses as a guide in determining the bonus, if any:
Threshold | Target | Outstanding | |
Growth in market cap | 7.5% | 12.5% | 20% |
Bonus | $20,000 | $45,000 | $90,000 |
Growth in FFO/share | 7.5% | 12.5% | 20% |
Bonus | $20,000 | $45,000 | $90,000 |
Growth in dividend/share | 5% | 10% | 15% |
Bonus | $30,000 | $60,000 | $120,000 |
Total Bonus Potential | $70,000 | $150,000 | $300,000 |
In addition to its determination of the executive's individual performance levels for 2010, the Committee also compared the executive's total compensation for 2010 to that of similarly-situated personnel in the REIT industry using the NAREIT Compensation Survey described above.
Bonuses awarded to the other senior executives are recommended by the President and are approved by the Compensation Committee. The President and the Compensation Committee believe that short-term rewards in the form of cash bonuses to senior executives generally should reflect short-term results and should take into consideration both the profitability and performance of the Company and the performance of the individual, which may include comparing such individuals performance to the preceding year, reviewing the breadth and nature of the senior executives responsibilities and valuing special contributions by each such individual. In evaluating performance of the Company annually, the Compensation Committee considers a variety of factors, including, among others, Funds From Operations (FFO), net income, growth in asset size, amount of space under lease and total return to shareholders. The Company considers FFO to be an important measure of an equity REITs operating performance
21
and has adopted the definition suggested by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), which defines FFO to mean net income computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), excluding gains or losses from sales of property, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization. The Company considers FFO to be a meaningful, additional measure of operating performance primarily because it excludes the assumption that the value of its real estate assets diminishes predictably over time and because industry analysts have accepted it as a performance measure.
Various other factors considered include the employees title and years of service. The employees title generally reflects the employees responsibilities and the employees years of service may be considered in determining the level of bonus in comparison to base salary. The President and the Compensation Committee have declined to use specific performance formulas with respect to the other senior executives, believing that with respect to Company performance, such formulas do not adequately account for many factors, including, among others, the relative performance of the Company compared to its competitors during variations in the economic cycle, and that with respect to individual performance, such formulas are not a substitute for the subjective evaluation by the President and Compensation Committee of a wide range of management and leadership skills of each of the senior executives.
Stock Options and Restricted Stock
The employment agreement for the President states that the President will receive stock options to purchase 65,000 shares annually. For the other senior executives, the President makes a recommendation to the Compensation Committee of specific stock option or restricted stock grants. In making its decisions, the Compensation Committee does not use an established formula or focus on a specific performance target. The Compensation Committee recognizes that often outside forces beyond the control of management, such as economic conditions, changing leasing and real estate markets and other factors, may contribute to less favorable near term results even when sound strategic decisions have been made by the senior executives to position the Company for longer term profitability. Thus, the Compensation Committee also attempts to identify whether the senior executives are exercising the kind of judgment and making the types of decisions that will lead to future growth and enhanced asset value, even if the same are difficult to measure on a current basis. For example, in determining appropriate stock option and restricted stock awards, the Compensation Committee considers, among other matters, whether the senior executives have executed strategies that will provide adequate funding or appropriate borrowing capacity for future growth, whether acquisition and leasing strategies have been developed to ensure a future stream of reliable and increasing revenues for the Company, whether the selection of properties, tenants and tenant mix evidence appropriate risk management, including risks associated with real estate markets and tenant credit, and whether the administration of staff size and compensation appropriately balances the current and projected operating requirements of the Company with the need to effectively control overhead costs.
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In fiscal 2010, the Compensation Committee received the recommendations from the President for the number of options or restricted stock to be awarded. The factors that were considered in awarding the stock options included the following progress that was made by management:
·
Located and acquired four industrial properties as per its investment strategy without placing undue burden on its liquidity.
·
Raised approximately $40 million in equity via registered direct placements of common stock.
·
Continued its conservative approach to management of the properties and maintained its cash distributions to shareholders.
·
Renewed 100% of expiring leases on favorable terms.
·
Managed general and administrative costs to an appropriate level.
The individual awards were allocated based on the named executive officers individual contributions to these accomplishments. Other factors included the named executive officers title, responsibilities and years of service. In addition, the awards were compared to each named executive officers total compensation and compared with comparable Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS) using the annual Compensation Survey published by NAREIT as a guide for setting total compensation.
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
The Company's employment agreements provide the named executive officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that the Company and the Committee believe are reasonable and consistent with its overall compensation program to better enable the Company to attract and retain superior employees for key positions. The Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to the executive officers.
The named executive officers are provided the following benefits under the terms of their employment agreements: an allotted number of paid vacation weeks; eligibility for the executive, spouse and dependents in all Company sponsored employee benefits plans, including 401(k) plan, group health, accident, and life insurance, on terms no less favorable than applicable to any other executive; use of an automobile; and, supplemental long-term disability insurance, at the Company's cost, as agreed to by the Company and the executive. Attributed costs of the personal benefits described above for the named executive officers for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, are included in All Other Compensation of the Summary Compensation Table provided below in this Proxy Statement.
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Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
In addition, the named executive officers employment agreements each contain provisions relating to change in control events and severance upon termination for events other than with cause or good reason (as defined under the terms of the employment agreements). These change in control and severance terms are designed to promote stability and continuity of senior management. Information regarding these provisions is included in Employment Agreements provided below in this Proxy Statement. There are no other agreements or arrangements governing change in control payments.
Evaluation
Mr. Eugene Landy is under an amended employment agreement with the Company. In July 2010, based on the Compensation Committees evaluation of his performance, his base compensation under his amended contract was increased from $225,000 to $275,000 per year.
In evaluating Mr. Eugene Landys leadership performance, during 2010, the Committee awarded Mr. Eugene Landy an Outstanding Leadership Achievement Award (Award) in the amount of $300,000 per year for three years. This Award is to recognize Mr. Eugene Landys exceptional leadership as President and Chief Executive Officer for over 40 years.
In evaluating Mr. Eugene Landys eligibility for an annual bonus, the Committee used the bonus schedule included in Mr. Eugene Landys amended contract as a guide. During 2010, the Company met the 20% growth in market capitalization criteria. During 2010, the Companys market capitalization increased 48%, FFO per share, as calculated for this employment agreement, which excluded gains or losses on securities transactions, decreased 14%, and dividends per share remained consistent at $0.60 per share. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee approved a bonus for the President of $90,000.
The Committee has also approved the recommendations of the President concerning the other named executive officers annual salaries, bonuses, option and restricted stock grants and fringe benefits.
Ms. Cynthia J. Morgenstern, formerly executive vice president of the Company, was under an employment agreement with the Company setting forth the terms of her employment. Her base compensation under this contract was $241,006 for 2010. In 2010, Ms. Morgenstern received bonuses totaling $14,404 and $59,660 of restricted stock, as well as $45,133 in directors fees and fringe benefits. Effective November 8, 2010, Ms. Morgenstern's employment as Executive Vice President terminated. Ms. Morgenstern received severance payments from the Company during fiscal 2011 in the approximate amount provided for under her employment agreement. On January 21, 2011, in accordance with her employment agreement, Ms. Morgenstern resigned from the Board of Directors.
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Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee of the Company has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this report.
Compensation Committee:
Stephen B. Wolgin
Matthew I. Hirsch
Summary Compensation Table
The following Summary Compensation Table shows compensation paid or accrued by the Company for services rendered during 2010, 2009, and 2008 to the named executive officers. There were no other executive officers whose aggregate compensation allocated to the Company exceeded $100,000.
Name and Principal Position | Fiscal Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Option Awards ($) (6) | Restricted Stock Awards (7) | Change in Pension Value And Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) |
Eugene W. Landy | 2010 | $250,000 | $390,000 | $21,450 | $135,805 | $206,794(1) | $38,000 (2) | $1,042,049 |
President and CEO | 2009 | 225,000 | -0- | 14,950 | 43,320 (1) | 16,000 (2) | 299,270 | |
2008 | 225,000 | -0- | 22,750 | 43,815 (1) | 35,500 (2) | 327,065 | ||
Cynthia J. Morgenstern | 2010 | $241,005 | $14,404 | $-0- | $59,660 | $-0- | $45,133(3) | $360,202 |
Executive Vice | 2009 | 241,005 | 12,934 | 11,500 | -0- | -0- | 40,033 (3) | 305,472 |
President (8) | 2008 | 224,191 | 17,542 | 11,500 | -0- | -0- | 39,583 (3) | 292,816 |
Michael P. Landy | 2010 | $200,103 | $111,445 | $-0- | $59,660 | $-0- | $28,863 (4) | $400,071 |
Chairman of the | 2009 | 190,575 | 10,471 | 5,750 | -0- | -0- | 23,674 (4) | 230,470 |
Executive Committee and Executive Vice President (9) | 2008 | 181,500 | 14,192 | 5,750 | -0- | -0- | 23,376 (4) | 224,818 |
Maureen E. Vecere | 2010 | $161,917 | $8,519 | $-0- | $59,660 | $-0- | $6,110 (5) | $236,206 |
Chief Financial and | 2009 | 139,000 | 7,504 | 5,750 | -0- | 5,500 (5) | 157,754 | |
Accounting Officer | 2008 | 130,075 | 10,596 | 5,750 | -0- | 4,465 (5) | 150,886 | |
Anna T. Chew (10) | 2010 | $65,150 | -0- | $-0- | $59,660 | $-0- | $-0- | $124,810 |
Treasurer | 2009 | 62,050 | -0- | 11,500 | -0- | -0- | -0- | 73,550 |
2008 | 73,400 | -0- | 11,500 | -0- | -0- | -0- | 84,900 | |
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Notes:
(1)
Amount is accrual for pension and other benefits of $206,794, $43,320 and $43,815 for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, in accordance with Mr. Landys employment contract.
(2)
Represents Directors fees of $20,500, $16,000 and $18,000 for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, paid to Mr. Landy; and legal fees paid to the firm of Eugene W. Landy of $17,500, $-0- and $17,500 for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
(3)
Represents Directors fees of $20,500, $16,000 and $18,000 in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively and fringe benefits (including the use of an automobile) and discretionary contributions by the Company to the Companys 401(k) Plan allocated to an account of the named executive officer.
(4)
Represents Directors fees of $20,500, $16,000 and $18,000 in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and fringe benefits and discretionary contributions by the Company to the Companys 401(k) Plan allocated to an account of Mr. Michael P. Landy. Approximately 30%, 35% and 35% of this employees compensation cost in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, is allocated to and reimbursed by UMH, pursuant to a cost sharing agreement between the Company and UMH.
(5)
Represents discretionary contributions by the Company to the Companys 401(k) Plan allocated to an account of Ms. Maureen Vecere.
(6)
These grant date fair values were established using the Black-Scholes stock option valuation model. The actual value of the options will depend upon the performance of the Company during the period of time the options are outstanding and the price of the Companys common stock on the date of exercise.
(7)
These values were established based on the number of shares granted during fiscal 2010 at the fair value on the date of grant of $7.85.
(8)
Effective November 8, 2010, Cynthia J. Morgenstern's employment as Executive Vice President terminated. On January 21, 2011, in accordance with her employment agreement, she resigned from the Board of Directors. In addition, on January 21, 2011, the Company and Ms. Morgenstern entered into a Separation Agreement, pursuant to which the Company paid Ms. Morgenstern $275,000.
(9)
On January 13, 2011, Michael P. Landy was promoted to Chief Operating Officer.
(10) Anna T. Chew, the Companys Treasurer, is an employee of UMH. Ms. Chew served as the Companys Chief Financial Officer from 2003 through June 2010. Her compensation disclosure can be found in the filings of UMH. During 2010, 2009, and 2008, approximately 25% of her compensation cost was allocated to and reimbursed by the Company for her services, pursuant to a cost sharing arrangement between the Company and UMH. Ms. Chew is an inside director and her directors fees are disclosed in the directors compensation table.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
On July 26, 2007, the 2007 Plan was approved by the shareholders authorizing the grant to officers, directors and key employees, of options to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock. On May 6, 2010, the shareholders approved and ratified an amendment and restatement of the 2007 Plan. The amendment and restatement made two significant changes:
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(1) the inclusion of Directors as participants in the 2007 Plan, and (2) the ability to grant restricted stock to Directors, officers and key employees. The amendment and restatement also made other conforming, technical and other minor changes.
Stock Options
Options may be granted any time up through December 31, 2016. No option shall be available for exercise beyond ten years. All options are exercisable after one year from the date of grant. The option price shall not be below the fair market value at date of grant. Canceled or expired options are added back to the pool of shares available under the Plan.
The following table sets forth, for the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, information regarding individual grants of stock options made during the year ended September 30, 2010:
Name | Grant Date (1) | Number of Shares Underlying Options | Exercise Price of Option Award | Grant Date Fair Value (2) |
Eugene W. Landy | 01/05/10 | 65,000 | $7.22 | $21,450 |
(1)
These options expire 8 years from grant date.
(2)
These values were established using the Black-Scholes stock option valuation model. The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the model: expected volatility of 19.30%; risk-free interest rate of 3.25%; dividend yield of 8.31%; expected life of options of 8 years; and -0- estimated forfeitures. The actual value of the options will depend upon the performance of the Company during the period of time the options are outstanding and the price of the Companys common stock on the date of exercise.
Restricted Stock
Under the 2007 Plan, the Compensation Committee determines the recipients of restricted stock awards; the number of restricted shares to be awarded; the length of the restricted period of the award; the restrictions applicable to the award including, without limitation, the employment or retirement status of the participant; rules governing forfeiture and restrictions applicable to any sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance of the restricted stock during the restricted period; and the eligibility to share in dividends and other distributions paid to the Companys stockholders during the restricted period. The maximum number of shares underlying restricted stock awards that may be granted in any one fiscal year to a participant shall be 100,000.
The following table sets forth, for the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, information regarding individual grants of restricted stock made during the year ended September 30, 2010:
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Name | Grant Date | Number of Shares of Restricted Stock | Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | Grant Date Fair Value |
Eugene W. Landy | 8/2/10 | 17,300 | $7.85 | $135,805 |
Cynthia J. Morgenstern (1) | 8/2/10 | 7,600 | 7.85 | 59,660 |
Michael P. Landy | 8/2/10 | 7,600 | 7.85 | 59,660 |
Maureen E. Vecere | 8/2/10 | 7,600 | 7.85 | 59,660 |
Anna T. Chew | 8/2/10 | 7,600 | 7.85 | 59,660 |
(1) Effective November 8, 2010, Cynthia J. Morgenstern's employment as Executive Vice President terminated.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth summary information concerning option exercises and vesting of Restricted Stock awards for each of the named executive officers during the year ended September 30, 2010:
Option Awards | Restricted Stock Awards | |||
Name | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | Value Realized on Exercise ($) | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) | Value realized on Vesting ($) |
Eugene W. Landy | 32,750 | $61,570 | -0- | -0- |
Cynthia J. Morgenstern (1) | 36,200 | 20,272 | -0- | -0- |
Michael P. Landy | -0- | -0- | -0- | -0- |
Maureen E. Vecere | -0- | -0- | -0- | -0- |
Anna T. Chew | 16,000 | 320 | -0- | -0- |
(1)
Effective November 8, 2010, Cynthia J. Morgensterns employment as Executive Vice President terminated.
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth, for the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, information regarding individual grants of stock options outstanding at September 30, 2010:
Option Awards | Restricted Stock Awards | |||||
Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (2) | Option exercise price ($) | Option expiration date | Number of Shares That Have Not Vested | Market Value Of Shares that Have Not Vested (3) |
Eugene W. Landy | 17,300 | $135,286 | ||||
-0- | 65,000 (1) | $7.22 | 01/05/18 | |||
65,000 | -0- | 7.25 | 10/20/16 | |||
65,000 | -0- | 8.22 | 12/12/15 | |||
16,375 | -0- | 8.05 | 01/22/15 | |||
65,000 | -0- | 8.15 | 08/02/14 | |||
16,375 | -0- | 8.70 | 09/21/13 | |||
65,000 | -0- | 8.28 | 08/10/13 | |||
65,000 | -0- | 7.89 | 08/03/12 | |||
65,000 | -0- | 6.90 | 01/22/11 | |||
Cynthia J. Morgenstern (4) | 7,600 | $59,432 | ||||
13,800 | -0- | $7.25 | 10/20/16 | |||
50,000 | -0- | 7.80 | 03/10/16 | |||
6,550 | -0- | 8.05 | 01/22/15 | |||
50,000 | -0- | 8.04 | 09/12/14 | |||
6,550 | -0- | 8.70 | 09/21/13 | |||
50,000 | -0- | 8.28 | 08/10/13 | |||
50,000 | -0- | 7.41 | 05/20/12 |
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Option Awards | Restricted Stock Awards | ||||||
Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (2) | Option exercise price ($) | Option expiration date | Number of Shares That Have Not Vested | Market Value Of Shares that Have Not Vested (3) | |
Michael P. Landy | 7,600 | $59,432 | |||||
25,000 | -0- | $7.25 | 10/20/16 | ||||
25,000 | -0- | 7.80 | 03/10/16 | ||||
9,825 | -0- | 8.05 | 01/22/15 | ||||
25,000 | -0- | 8.04 | 09/12/14 | ||||
9,825 | -0- | 8.70 | 09/21/13 | ||||
25,000 | -0- | 8.28 | 08/10/13 | ||||
Maureen E. Vecere | 7,600 | $59,432 | |||||
25,000 | -0- | $7.25 | 10/20/16 | ||||
25,000 | -0- | 7.80 | 03/10/16 | ||||
6,550 | -0- | 8.05 | 01/22/15 | ||||
25,000 | -0- | 8.04 | 09/12/14 | ||||
6,550 | -0- | 8.70 | 09/21/13 | ||||
25,000 | -0- | 8.28 | 08/10/13 | ||||
15,000 | -0- | 7.41 | 05/20/12 | ||||
Anna T. Chew | 7,600 | $59,432 | |||||
50,000 | -0- | $7.25 | 10/20/16 | ||||
50,000 | -0- | 7.80 | 03/10/16 | ||||
6,550 | -0- | 8.05 | 01/22/15 | ||||
50,000 | -0- | 8.04 | 09/12/14 | ||||
6,550 | -0- | 8.70 | 09/21/13 | ||||
50,000 | -0- | 8.28 | 08/10/13 | ||||
50,000 | -0- | 7.41 | 05/20/12 |
(1)
These options will become exercisable on January 5, 2011.
(2)
All options are exercisable one year from date of grant.
(3)
Based on the closing price of our common stock on September 30, 2010 of $7.82. Restricted stock awards vest over 5 years.
(4)
Effective November 8, 2010, Cynthia J. Morgenstern's employment as Executive Vice President terminated.
Employment Agreements
During fiscal 2010, the Company executed the Fourth Amendment to the Employment Contract (Fourth Amendment) with Eugene W. Landy, the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer. The existing amended employment agreement had originally expired on December 31, 2009 but was automatically renewed for a one-year term in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The Fourth Amendment increases Mr. Eugene Landys base salary from $225,000 per year to $275,000 per year, extends the pension payments of $50,000 per year through 2020, awards an Outstanding Leadership Achievement Award in the amount of $300,000 per year for three years for a total of $900,000 and revises the employees incentive bonus schedule as detailed in the Fourth Amendment. The Company has accrued additional compensation expense related to the additional pension benefits of $164,000. Pursuant to the amended employment agreement, Mr. Eugene Landy will receive, each year, an option to purchase 65,000 shares of the Company common stock and may receive bonuses in amounts
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determined by the Companys board of directors, based upon progress towards achieving certain target levels of growth in market capitalization, funds from operations and dividends per share. The amended employment agreement provides that Mr. Eugene Landy is entitled to five weeks paid vacation and to participate in the Companys employee benefits plans at any time he is entitled to receive pension benefits.
The amended employment agreement also provides for aggregate severance payments of $500,000, payable to Mr. Eugene Landy upon the termination of his employment for any reason, in increments of $100,000 per year for five years, and disability payments, payable to Mr. Eugene Landy in the event of his disability (as defined in the amended employment agreement) for a period of three years, equal to Mr. Eugene Landys salary and a death benefit of $500,000 payable to Mr. Eugene Landys designated beneficiary. Upon the termination of Mr. Eugene Landys employment following or as a result of certain types of transactions that lead to a significant increase in the Companys market capitalization, the amended employment agreement provides that Mr. Eugene Landy will receive a grant of 35,000 to 65,000 shares of the Companys common stock, depending on the amount of the increase in the Companys market capitalization, all of his outstanding options to purchase shares of the Company common stock will become immediately vested and he will be entitled to continue to receive benefits under the Companys health, dental, insurance and similar plans for one year. The amended employment agreement is terminable by the Companys board of directors at any time by reason of Mr. Eugene Landys death or disability or for cause, which is defined in the amended employment agreement as a termination of the agreement if the Companys board of directors determines in good faith that Mr. Eugene Landy failed to substantially perform his duties to the Company (other than due to his death or disability), or has engaged in conduct the consequences of which are materially adverse to the Company, monetarily or otherwise. Upon termination of the amended employment agreement, Mr. Eugene Landy will remain entitled to the disability, severance, death and pension benefits provided for in the amended employment agreement. In the event of a change in control of the Company, Eugene W. Landy shall receive a lump sum payment of $2,500,000, provided that the sale price of the Company is at least $10 per share of common stock. A change of control shall be defined as the consummation of a reorganization, merger, share exchange, consolidation, or sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. This change of control provision shall not apply to any combination between the Company and UMH. Payment shall be made simultaneously with the closing of the transaction, and only in the event that the transaction closes.
During fiscal 2010, the Company executed a two-year employment agreement with Cynthia J. Morgenstern, the Executive Vice President, which is effective January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2011. Effective November 8, 2010, Cynthia J. Morgenstern's employment as Executive Vice President terminated. On January 21, 2011, in accordance with her Employment Agreement, she resigned from the Board of Directors.
Under this employment agreement, Ms. Morgenstern was entitled to receive a base salary of $241,005 for the year ending December 31, 2010, and was entitled to increases of 5% for the year ending December 31, 2011, plus bonuses, if any, in amounts determined by the Companys board of directors or president. Ms. Morgensterns employment agreement provided for four weeks paid vacation, the use of an automobile, reimbursement of her reasonable and necessary
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business expenses and that Ms. Morgenstern was entitled to participate in the Companys employee benefit plans. Ms. Morgensterns employment agreement also required the Company to reimburse Ms. Morgenstern for the cost of a disability insurance policy such that, in the event of Ms. Morgensterns disability for a period of more than 90 days, Ms. Morgenstern would have received benefits equal to 60% of her then-current salary. In the event of a merger, sale or change of control of the Company, which is defined as a change in voting control and excludes transactions between the Company and UMH, Ms. Morgenstern would have had the right to terminate the employment agreement or extend the employment agreement for two years from the date of merger, sale or change in control. If there is a termination of employment by the Company for any reason, either involuntary or voluntary, including the death of Ms. Morgenstern, other than a termination for cause as defined by the agreement, she is entitled to the greater of the salary due under the remaining term of the agreement or one years compensation at the date of termination, paid monthly over the remaining term or life of the agreement.
On January 13, 2011, Mr. Michael P. Landy was appointed Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Companys Executive Committee. Previously, Mr. Michael Landy was serving as the Companys Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Executive Committee. Effective January 19, 2011, Mr. Michael Landys employment agreement with the Company was amended to increase his base salary for calendar 2011 to $285,109 annually. All other terms of his employment agreement remained unchanged. Mr. Michael P. Landys original employment agreement was for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2009. Under this agreement, Mr. Michael Landy received an annual base salary of $190,575 for 2009 with increases of 5% for 2010 and 2011, plus bonuses and customary fringe benefits. The employment agreement renews for successive one-year terms, unless either party gives written notice of termination to the other party. Mr. Michael Landy will also receive four weeks paid vacation. The Company will reimburse Mr. Michael Landy for the cost of a disability insurance policy such that, in the event of his disability for a period of more than 90 days, he will receive benefits up to 60% of his then-current salary. In the event of a merger, sale or change of voting control of the Company, excluding transactions between the Company and UMH, Mr. Michael Landy will have the right to extend and renew this employment agreement so that the expiration date will be three years from the date of merger, sale or change of voting control, or the employee may terminate the employment agreement and be entitled to receive one years compensation in accordance with the agreement. If there is a termination of employment by the Company for any reason, either involuntary or voluntary, including the death of Mr. Michael Landy, other than a termination for cause as defined by the agreement, he shall be entitled to the greater of the salary due under the remaining term of the agreement or one years compensation at the date of termination, paid monthly over the remaining term or life of the agreement. Approximately 30% of Mr. Michael Landys compensation is allocated to UMH pursuant to a cost sharing arrangement between the Company and UMH.
The Company amended the employment agreement with Maureen E. Vecere, who was appointed the Companys Chief Financial and Accounting Officer on June 2, 2010. Prior to that date, Ms. Vecere was the Companys Controller and Treasurer since 2003. The amendment provides for an increase in Ms. Veceres base salary from $149,000 per year to $180,000 per year for the remainder of calendar 2010 with an increase of 5% for calendar 2011. All other
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terms of the contract remained unchanged. Ms. Veceres original employment agreement was for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2009. Under this agreement, Ms. Vecere received an annual base salary of $149,000 for 2010 with an increase of 5% for 2011. The employment agreement renews for successive one-year terms, unless either party gives written notice of termination to the other party. The employment agreement also provides for bonuses and customary fringe benefits and four weeks paid vacation. The Company will reimburse Ms. Vecere for the cost of a disability insurance policy such that, in the event of her disability for a period of more than 90 days, she will receive benefits up to 60% of her then-current salary. In the event of a merger, sale or change of voting control of the Company, excluding transactions between the Company and UMH, Ms. Vecere will have the right to extend and renew this employment agreement so that the expiration date will be three years from the date of merger, sale or change of voting control, or the employee may terminate the employment agreement and be entitled to receive one years compensation in accordance with the agreement. If there is a termination of employment by the Company for any reason, either involuntary or voluntary, including the death of Ms. Vecere, other than a termination for cause as defined by the agreement, she shall be entitled to the greater of the salary due under the remaining term of the agreement or one years compensation at the date of termination, paid monthly over the remaining term or life of the agreement.
Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment or Change-in-Control
Under the employment agreements with our President and Chief Executive Officer and certain other named executive officers, our President and Chief Executive Officer and such other named executive officers are entitled to receive the following estimated payments and benefits upon a termination of employment or voluntary resignation (with or without a change-in-control). These disclosed amounts are estimates only and do not necessarily reflect the actual amounts that would be paid to the named executive officers, which would only be known at the time that they become eligible for payment and would only be payable if a termination of employment, or voluntary resignation, were to occur. The table below reflects the amount that could be payable under the various arrangements assuming that the termination of employment had occurred at September 30, 2010.
Voluntary Resignation on 9/30/10 (2) | Termination Not for Cause Or Good Reason Resignation on 9/30/10 | Termination For Cause on 9/30/10 (2) | Termination Not for Cause or Good Reason Resignation (After a Change-in-Control) on 9/30/10 | Disability/Death On 9/30/10 | |
Eugene W. Landy | $5,288 | $519,400 (3) | $5,288 | $3,019,400 (4) | $844,400 (5) |
Cynthia J. Morgenstern (1) | -0- | 313,307 (6) | -0- | 313,307 (6) | 313,307 (6) |
Michael P. Landy | 3,848 | 260,134 (6) | 3,848 | 260,134 (6) | 260,134 (6) |
Maureen E. Vecere | 3,462 | 234,000 (6) | 3,462 | 234,000 (6) | 234,000 (6) |
(1)
Effective November 8, 2010, Cynthia J. Morgenstern's employment as Executive Vice President terminated.
(2)
Consists of accrued vacation time.
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(3)
Consists of severance payments of $500,000, payable $100,000 per year for 5 years plus the estimated cost of continuation of benefits for one year following termination and accrued vacation.
(4)
Mr. Landy shall receive a lump-sum payment of $2,500,000 in the event of a change in control, provided that the sale price of the Company is at least $10 per share of common stock. In addition, if Mr. Landys employment agreement is terminated, he receives severance payments of $500,000, continuation of benefits for one year following termination and accrued vacation.
(5)
In the event of a disability, as defined in the agreement, Mr. Landy shall receive disability payments equal to his base salary for a period of three years, continuation of benefits for one year following termination and accrued vacation. He has a death benefit of $500,000 payable to Mr. Landys beneficiary.
(6)
Payments represent 15 months salary under the respective employment agreements.
(7)
Anna T. Chew is an employee of UMH.
The Company retains the discretion to compensate any officer upon any future termination of employment or a change-in-control.
Director Compensation
Prior to the July 1, 2010 directors meeting, Directors received a fee of $1,500 for each Board meeting attended, $500 for each Board phone meeting, and an additional fixed annual fee of $10,000 payable quarterly. Directors appointed to board committees receive $150 for each committee meeting attended. Those specific committees are the Nominating Committee, Compensation Committee and Audit Committee.
Effective July 1, 2010, Directors receive a fee of $2,250 for each Board meeting attended, $500 for each Board phone meeting, and an additional fixed annual fee of $15,000 payable quarterly. Directors appointed to board committees receive $500 for each committee meeting attended.
The table below sets forth a summary of director compensation for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010:
Director | Annual Board Cash Retainer ($) | Meeting Fees ($) | Committee Fees ($) | Option Awards ($) | Total Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Ernest Bencivenga (1) | $12,500 | 6,500 | $-0- | $-0- | $19,000 |
Anna T. Chew (7) | 12,500 | 8,000 | -0- | -0- | 20,500 |
Daniel D. Cronheim | 12,500 | 8,000 | -0- | -0- | 20,500 |
Catherine B. Elflein (3) | 12,500 | 8,000 | 1,300 | -0- | 21,800 |
Neal Herstik (2)(5) | 12,500 | 8,000 | 3,650 | -0- | 24,150 |
Matthew I. Hirsch (3)(4)(5) | 12,500 | 8,000 | 2,250 | -0- | 22,750 |
Charles Kaempffer (1) | 12,500 | 4,500 | 1,300 | -0- | 18,300 |
Joshua Kahr | 12,500 | 8,000 | -0- | -0- | 20,500 |
Eugene W. Landy (7) | 12,500 | 8,000 | -0- | -0- | 20,500 |
Michael P. Landy (7) | 12,500 | 8,000 | -0- | -0- | 20,500 |
Samuel A. Landy | 12,500 | 8,000 | -0- | -0- | 20,500 |
Cynthia J. Morgenstern (6)(7) | 12,500 | 8,000 | -0- | -0- | 20,500 |
Scott L. Robinson (3) | 12,500 | 8,000 | 1,300 | -0- | 21,800 |
Eugene Rothenberg | 12,500 | 8,000 | -0- | -0- | 20,500 |
Stephen B. Wolgin (2)(3)(4)(5) | 12,500 | 8,000 | 7,400 | -0- | 27,900 |
Total | $187,500 | $115,000 | $17,200 | $-0- | $319,700 |
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(1)
Emeritus directors are retired directors who are not entitled to vote on board resolutions however they receive directors fees for participation in the board meetings.
(2)
These directors act as lead directors when attending the Companys Executive Committee meetings.
(3)
The Audit Committee for 2010 consists of Mr. Hirsch, Mr. Wolgin, Mr. Robinson and Ms. Elflein. The board had determined that Mr. Wolgin and Ms. Elflein are considered audit committee financial experts within the meaning of the rules of the SEC and are financially sophisticated within the meaning of the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.
(4)
Mr. Hirsch and Mr. Wolgin are members of the Compensation Committee.
(5)
Mr. Herstik, Mr. Hirsch, and Mr. Wolgin are members of the Nominating Committee.
(6)
Effective November 8, 2010, Cynthia J. Morgenstern's employment as Executive Vice President terminated. In accordance with her employment agreement, she resigned from the Board of Directors.
(7)
Equity awards for compensation as an employee are disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table.
Other Information
Except as provided in the specific agreements described above, the Company has no pension or other post-retirement plans in effect for officers, directors or employees. The Companys employees may elect to participate in the 401(k) plan of UMH.
Daniel D. Cronheim is an inside Director of the Company and Executive Vice President of David Cronheim Company (Cronheim) and CMS. Daniel Cronheim received $20,500, $16,000 and $18,000 for Directors fees in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The David Cronheim Company received $22,773, $20,352 and $3,219 in lease commissions in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The David Cronheim Mortgage Corporation, an affiliated company, received $100,000, $-0- and $-0- in mortgage brokerage commissions in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company was subject to management contracts with CMS for a fixed fee of $380,000. During 2010, the Company also agreed to reimburse CMS for fees paid to subagents. CMS provides sub-agents as regional managers for the Companys properties and in 2009 and 2008, compensated the subagents out of the $380,000 management fee. The Company paid CMS management fees (net of allocation to the minority owner of the Somerset, New Jersey shopping center) of $421,647, $375,477 and $375,477 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for the management of the properties subject to the management contract.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Matthew I. Hirsch and Stephen B. Wolgin are members of the Compensation Committee. There are no Compensation Committee interlocks and no member of the Compensation Committee has served as an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries at any time.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee in March 2001. The Board of Directors amended this charter in January 2008 to state the responsibilities of the Chair of the Audit Committee. The amended charter is presented on the Companys website at http://www.mreic.com.
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The Company has an Audit Committee consisting of four independent Directors, as defined by the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The Audit Committees role is to act on behalf of the Board of Directors in the oversight of all material aspects of the Companys reporting, internal control and audit functions.
We have reviewed and discussed with management the Companys audited financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2010.
We have discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees.
We have received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, and have discussed with the auditors the auditors independence.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, we recommend to the Board of Directors that the financial statements referred to above be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010.
Audit Committee:
Catherine B. Elflein
Matthew I. Hirsch
Scott L. Robinson
Stephen B. Wolgin
Fees Billed by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PKF LLP served as the Companys independent registered public accountants for the years ended September 30, 2010, 2009 and 2008. The following are fees billed by and accrued to PKF LLP in connection with services rendered:
2010 | 2009 | ||
Audit Fees | $172,500 | $168,000 | |
Audit Related Fees | 43,045 | 3,450 | |
Tax Fees | 40,000 | 40,000 | |
All Other Fees | -0- | -0- | |
Total Fees | $255,545 | $211,450 |
Audit fees include professional services rendered for the audit of the Companys annual financial statements, managements assessment of internal controls, and reviews of financial statements included in the Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
Audit related fees include services that are normally provided by the Companys independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings, such as consents and assistance with and review of documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Tax fees include professional services rendered for the preparation of the Companys federal and state corporate tax returns and supporting schedules as may be required by the Internal Revenue Service and applicable state taxing authorities. Tax fees also include other work directly affecting or supporting the payment of taxes, including planning and research of various tax issues.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of audit and permitted non-audit services provided by the Companys principal independent accountants. The policy requires that all services provided by our independent registered public accountants to the Company, including audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services, must be pre-approved by the Committee, and all have been so approved. The pre-approval requirements do not prohibit day-to-day normal tax consulting services, which matters will not exceed $10,000 in the aggregate.
The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of the non-audit services described above is compatible with maintaining PKFs independence.
COMPARATIVE STOCK PERFORMANCE
The following line graph compares the total return of the Companys common stock for the last five fiscal years to the FTSE NAREIT Composite Index (US), published by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), and the S&P 500 Index for the same period. The total return reflects stock price appreciation and dividend reinvestment for all three comparative indices. The information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but neither its accuracy nor its completeness is guaranteed.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
There are no family relationships between any of the Directors or executive officers of the Company, except that Samuel A. Landy and Michael P. Landy are the sons of Eugene W. Landy, the President and a Director of the Company.
Eugene W. Landy and Samuel A. Landy are partners in the law firm of Landy & Landy, which firm, or its predecessor firms, have been retained by the Company as legal counsel since the formation of the Company, and which firm the Company proposes to retain as legal counsel for the current fiscal year. The Company now uses outside counsel for most of the legal services required. The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that the relationship of directors also serving as outside counsel is not per se improper, but the attorney should fully discuss the issue of conflict with the other directors and disclose it as part of the proxy statement so that shareholders can consider the conflict issue when voting for or against the attorney/director nominee.
No director, executive officer, or any immediate family member of such director or executive officer may enter into any transaction or arrangement with the Company without the prior approval of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will appoint a Business Judgment Committee consisting of independent directors who are also independent of the transaction or arrangement. This Committee will recommend to the Board of Directors approval or disapproval of the transaction or arrangement. In determining whether to approve such a transaction or arrangement, the Business Judgment Committee will take into account, among other factors, whether the transaction was on terms no less favorable to the Company than terms generally available to third parties and the extent of the executive officers or directors involvement in such transaction or arrangement. While the Company does not have specific written standards for approving such related party transactions, such transactions are only approved if it is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. Additionally, the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires all directors, officers and employees who may have a potential or apparent conflict of interest to immediately notify the Companys General Counsel. Further, to identify related party transactions, the Company submits and requires our directors and executive officers to complete director and officer questionnaires identifying any transactions with the Company in which the director, executive officer or their immediate family members have an interest.
The Company has a note receivable from Mr. Eugene W. Landy with a balance of $984,375 at September 30, 2010 and 2009 which is included in Loans to Officers, Directors and Key Employees included under Shareholders Equity. This note was signed on April 30, 2002 and is due on April 30, 2012. The interest rate is fixed at 5% and the note is collateralized by 150,000 shares of the Company stock. Interest earned by the Company on this note is $49,219 per year.
Daniel D. Cronheim is an inside Director of the Company and Executive Vice President of David Cronheim Company (Cronheim) and CMS. Daniel Cronheim received $20,500, $16,000 and $18,000 for Directors fees in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The David Cronheim Company received $22,773, $20,352 and $3,219 in lease commissions in 2010, 2009
38
and 2008, respectively. The David Cronheim Mortgage Corporation, an affiliated company, received $100,000, $-0- and $-0- in mortgage brokerage commissions in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company was subject to management contracts with CMS for a fixed fee of $380,000. During 2010, the Company also agreed to reimburse CMS for fees paid to subagents. CMS provides sub-agents as regional managers for the Companys properties and during 2009 and 2008, had compensated the subagents out of the $380,000 management fee. The Company paid CMS management fees (net of allocation to the minority owner of the Somerset, New Jersey shopping center) of $421,647, $375,477 and $375,477 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for the management of the properties subject to the management contract. Management believes that the aforesaid fees are no more than what the Company would pay for comparable services elsewhere.
The Company operates in conjunction with UMH Properties, Inc. (UMH). Some general and administrative expenses are allocated between the Company and UMH based on use or services provided. Allocations of salaries and benefits are made based on the amount of the employees time dedicated to each.
There are five Directors of the Company who are also Directors and shareholders of UMH. The Company holds common stock of UMH in its securities portfolio. On October 10, 2008, the Company repurchased $1,000,000 principal amount at par of the 2013 Debentures which were held by UMH. On December 13, 2010, the Company repurchased $5,000,000 principal amount at par of the 2015 Debentures which were held by UMH.
On July 22, 2008, the Company sold its 44,719 square foot industrial property in Ramsey, New Jersey to HSM Acquisitions Partners, Inc. and other related parties, for a selling price of $4,050,000. The decision to sell the property and the terms of the sale were recommended by the Companys Business Judgment Committee, whose members consist of independent directors. The Business Judgment Committee obtained an independent appraisal of the property to assist in determining the contract terms. The Company believes that the terms of the sale are comparable to what the Company could have agreed to with an unrelated party. A one-third interest in the purchasing group is held by the President of CMS, the Companys real estate advisor, who is also the father of one of the inside Directors of the Company. The majority of the purchasing group is unrelated to the Company. No real estate commission was paid on this transaction.
COMPLIANCE WITH EXCHANGE ACT FILING REQUIREMENTS
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Companys Officers and Directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the Companys Common Stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, Directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company, the Company believes that,
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during the fiscal year, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its Officers, Directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were met.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters other than those stated in this Proxy Statement which are to be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that proxies in the accompanying form will be voted on any such matter in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting such proxies. Discretionary authority to vote on such matters is conferred by such proxies upon the persons voting them.
The Company will provide, without charge, to each person being solicited by this Proxy Statement, on the written request of any such person, a copy of the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010 (as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission), including the financial statements and schedules thereto. All such requests should be directed to Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation, Attention: Shareholder Relations, Juniper Business Plaza, 3499 Route 9 North, Suite 3-C, Freehold, NJ 07728.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
In order for Shareholder Proposals for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be eligible for inclusion in the Companys 2012 Proxy Statement, they must be received by the Company at its office at Juniper Business Plaza, 3499 Route 9 North, Suite 3-C, Freehold, New Jersey 07728 not later than December 2, 2011.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Eugene W. Landy
President and Director
Dated: March 25, 2011
Important: Shareholders can help the Directors avoid the necessity and expense of sending follow-up letters to insure a quorum by promptly casting their vote. The proxy is revocable and will not affect your right to vote in person in the event you attend the meeting. You are earnestly requested to cast your vote in order that the necessary quorum may be represented at the meeting.
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