def14a
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
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Check the appropriate box: |
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Commission Only (as permitted
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Definitive Additional Materials
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by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
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AMREIT
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Not Applicable
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than Registrant)
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and
identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous
filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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Date Filed: |
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AmREIT
8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000
Houston, Texas 77046
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
To be Held June 1, 2006
To Our Shareholders:
You are invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders of AmREIT, to be held at 8
Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas, on Thursday, June 1, 2006, at 10:00 a.m., Central
Standard Time. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on the following proposals:
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Proposal 1:
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To elect four trust managers to serve until their successors are elected and
qualified. |
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Proposal 2:
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To transact any other business that may properly be brought before the annual
meeting or any adjournments thereof. |
The board of trust managers has fixed the close of business on April 12, 2006 as the record
date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. A form
of proxy card and a copy of our annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2005 are enclosed with this notice of annual meeting and proxy statement.
Please carefully read the attached proxy statement and accompanying annual report before
making your decision on how to cast your votes. Your proxy vote is important. Accordingly, you
are asked to complete, date, sign and return the accompanying proxy whether or not you plan to
attend the annual meeting. If you plan to attend the annual meeting to vote in person and your
shares are in the name of a broker or bank, you must secure a proxy from the broker or bank
assigning voting rights to you for your shares.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUST MANAGERS |
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/s/ H. Kerr Taylor |
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H. Kerr Taylor |
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Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, |
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and President |
April 20, 2006 |
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Houston, Texas |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Thursday, June 1, 2006
AmREIT
8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000
Houston, Texas 77046
The board of trust managers of AmREIT is soliciting proxies to be used at the 2006 annual
meeting of shareholders to be held at 8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas, on Thursday,
June 1, 2006, at 10:00 a.m., Central Standard Time. This proxy statement, accompanying proxy and
annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 are first being mailed to
shareholders on or about April 24, 2006. Although the annual report is being mailed to
shareholders with this proxy statement, it does not constitute part of this proxy statement.
Who Can Vote
Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 12, 2006, are entitled to
notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. As of April 12, 2006, we had approximately 6,398,115
class A common shares, 2,112,397 class B common shares, 4,146,582 class C common shares and
11,073,115 class D common shares outstanding (collectively, the shares). Each holder of record
of the shares on the record date is entitled to one vote on each matter properly brought before the
annual meeting for each share held.
How You Can Vote
Shareholders cannot vote at the annual meeting unless the shareholder is present in person or
represented by proxy. You are urged to complete, sign, date and promptly return the proxy in the
enclosed postage-paid envelope after reviewing the information contained in this proxy statement
and in the annual report. Valid proxies will be voted at the annual meeting and at any
adjournments of the annual meeting as you direct in the proxy.
Revocation of Proxies
You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to the start of the annual meeting in three ways:
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by delivering written notice to our Corporate Secretary, Chad C. Braun, at AmREIT, 8 Greenway
Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77046; |
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by submitting a duly executed proxy bearing a later date; or |
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by attending the annual meeting and voting in person. |
Voting by proxy will in no way limit your right to vote at the annual meeting if you later
decide to attend in person. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder
of record, you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, to be able to vote at the annual
meeting. If no direction is given and the proxy is validly executed, the shares represented by the
proxy will be voted as recommended by our board of trust managers. The persons authorized under
the proxies will vote upon any other business that may properly come before the annual meeting
according to their best
1
judgment to the same extent as the person delivering the proxy would be entitled to vote. At the
time of mailing this proxy statement, we do not anticipate that any other matters would be raised
at the annual meeting.
Required Vote
The presence, in person or represented by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares
(11,865,106 shares) entitled to vote at the annual meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at
the annual meeting. However, if a quorum is not present at the annual meeting, a majority of the
shareholders, present in person or represented by proxy, have the power to adjourn the annual
meeting until a quorum is present or represented.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or
represented by proxy is required to elect trust managers.
Votes cast by proxy or in person will be counted by two persons appointed by us to act as
inspectors for the annual meeting. The election inspectors will treat shares represented by
proxies that reflect abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to vote for the purpose of
determining the presence of a quorum and of determining the outcome of any matter submitted to the
shareholders for a vote; however, abstentions will not be deemed outstanding and, therefore, will
not be counted in the tabulation of votes cast on proposals presented to shareholders.
The Texas Real Estate Investment Trust Act and our bylaws do not specifically address the
treatment of abstentions and broker non-votes. The election inspectors will treat shares referred
to as broker non-votes (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees as to which instructions
have not been received from the beneficial owners and as to which the broker or nominee does not
have discretionary voting power on a particular matter) as shares that are present and entitled to
vote for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. However, for the purpose of
determining the outcome of any matter as to which the broker or nominee has indicated on the proxy
that it does not have discretionary authority to vote, those shares will be treated as not present
and not entitled to vote with respect to that matter (even though those shares are considered
entitled to vote for quorum purposes and may be entitled to vote on other matters).
Cost of Proxy Solicitation
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by us. Proxies may be solicited on our behalf by
our trust managers, officers or employees in person, by telephone, facsimile or by other electronic
means. None of such persons shall receive compensation for such services.
In accordance with SEC regulations, we will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for their expenses incurred in sending proxies and proxy materials and
soliciting proxies from the beneficial owners of shares.
2
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
Board of Trust Managers
Pursuant to our declaration of trust and our bylaws, our business, property and affairs are
managed under the direction of our board of trust managers. Members of our board are kept informed
of our business through discussions with the chairman of the board and our officers, by reviewing
materials provided to them and by participating in meetings of our board and its committees. Board
members have complete access to the Companys management team and the independent auditors. Our
board and each of the key committeespricing, audit, compensation, nominating and corporate
governancealso have authority to retain, at our expense, outside counsel, consultants or other
advisors in the performance of their duties. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require that a
majority of the trust managers be independent within the meaning of American Stock Exchange (AMEX)
standards.
Statement on Corporate Governance
We are dedicated to establishing and maintaining the highest standards of corporate
governance. The board has implemented many corporate governance measures designed to serve the
long-term interests of our shareholders and further align the interests of trustees and management
with our shareholders. The major measures approved by the board, through the adoption of a Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines and enacted by us include:
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prohibiting the re-pricing of options under our incentive plan; |
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increasing the overall independence of our board and its committees; |
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scheduling executive sessions of the non-management trust managers on a regular
basis; |
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conducting annual evaluations of our board, the Committees and individual trust
managers; |
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establishing share ownership guidelines for our senior officers and trust managers; |
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requesting trust managers to visit properties every year; |
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limiting members of our audit committee to service on not more than three other
public company audit committees without prior board approval; |
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adopting a pre-approval policy for audit and non-audit services; |
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limiting the CEOs service to not more than three other public company boards; |
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reviewing and revising the existing audit committee charter; and |
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adopting formal charters for our board committees. |
Executive Sessions. Pursuant to the our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our non-management
trust managers meet in separate executive sessions at least three times a year. These trust
managers may invite the chief executive officer or others, as they deem appropriate, to attend a
portion of these sessions.
Contacting the Board. Our board welcomes your questions and comments. If you would like to
communicate directly with our board, or if you have a concern related to our business ethics or
conduct, financial statements, accounting practices or internal controls, then you may submit your
correspondence to the chairman of our audit committee at our principal executive office.
3
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Our board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics that applies to all trust managers, officers and employees, including our principal
executive officer, principal financial officers and principal accounting officers. The purpose of
the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is to promote honest and ethical conduct, including the
ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional
relationships to promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in periodic
reports required to be filed by us; and to promote compliance with all applicable rules and
regulations that apply to the Company and our officers and trust managers. If our board amends any
provisions of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to our chief executive officer or
senior financial officers or grants a waiver in favor of any such persons, it will promptly publish
the text of the amendment or the specifics of the waiver on its website.
As you may be aware, there has been a dramatic and continuing evolution of ideas about sound
corporate governance. We intend to continue to act promptly to incorporate not only the actual
requirements of rules adopted but additional voluntary measures we deem appropriate. Charters for
our board committees and our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics may be viewed on our website at www.amreit.com under the Investor section. In addition, we
will mail copies of our Corporate Governance Guidelines to shareholders upon their written request.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Trust Managers
General. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, our board of trust managers held
four regular quarterly meetings and eight special meetings. Each of the trust managers attended all
meetings held by our board of trust managers and all meetings of each committee of our board of
trust managers on which such trust managers served during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
Our board of trust managers has an audit committee, compensation committee, pricing committee, and
nominating and corporate governance committee.
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Nominating and |
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Executive |
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Pricing |
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Audit |
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Corporate |
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Committee |
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Committee |
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Committee |
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Compensation |
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Governance |
H. Kerr Taylor* |
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Robert S. Cartwright, Jr. |
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G. Steven Dawson |
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Philip Taggart |
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x |
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Pricing Committee. The pricing committee is authorized to exercise all the powers of the
board of trust managers in connection with the offering, issuance and sale of our securities. The
pricing committee held one telephonic meeting during 2005, and executed one unanimous written
consent during that year.
Audit Committee. Our audit committee consists of Mr. Dawson (chairman), Mr. Cartwright and
Mr. Taggart. Our audit committee met four times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
Our audit committee is comprised entirely of trust managers who meet the independence and financial
literacy requirements of AMEX listing standards as well as the standards established under the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In addition, our board has determined that Mr. Dawson qualifies as an
audit committee financial expert as defined in SEC rules. Our audit committees responsibilities
include providing assistance to our board in fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to
oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements, the independent auditors
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qualifications, performance and independence, and the performance of our internal audit
function. In accordance with its charter, the audit committee has sole authority to appoint and
replace the independent auditors, who report directly to the committee, approve the engagement fee
of the independent auditors and pre-approve the audit services and any permitted non-audit services
they may provide to us. In addition, our audit committee reviews the scope of audits as well as
the annual audit plan, evaluates matters relating to our audit and internal controls and approves
all related party transactions. Our audit committee holds separate executive sessions, outside the
presence of senior management, with our independent auditors.
Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee consists of Mr. Taggart (chairman), Mr.
Dawson and Mr. Cartwright. Our compensation committee is comprised entirely of trust managers who
meet the independence requirements of the AMEX listing standards. The compensation committees
responsibilities include establishing our general compensation philosophy, overseeing our
compensation programs and practices, including incentive and equity-based compensation plans,
reviewing and approving executive compensation plans in light of corporate goals and objectives,
evaluating the performance of our chief executive officer in light of these criteria and
establishing our chief executive officers compensation level based on such evaluation, evaluating
the performance of the other executive officers and their salaries, bonus and incentive and equity
compensation, reviewing and making recommendations concerning proposals by management regarding
compensation, bonuses, employment agreements, loans to non-executive employees and other benefits
and policies respecting such matters for employees. The compensation committee met six times
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The nominating and corporate governance
committee consists of Mr. Cartwright (chairman), Mr. Dawson and Mr. Taggart. The committees
duties include adopting criteria for recommending candidates for election or re-election to our
board and its committees, considering issues and making recommendations regarding the size and
composition of our board. The committee will also consider nominees for trust manager suggested by
shareholders in written submissions to our corporate secretary. The committee met three times
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
5
Trust Manager Nomination Procedures
Trust Manager Qualifications. Our nominating committee has established policies for the
desired attributes of our board as a whole. The board seeks to ensure that a majority of its
members are independent within AMEX listing standards. Each trust manager generally may not serve
as a member of more than six other public company boards. Each member of our board must possess
the individual qualities of integrity and accountability, informed judgment, financial literacy,
maintain high performance standards, and must be committed to representing our long-term interests.
Above all, we look to people who possess high character, competence, communication skills and the
ability to engender chemistry among peers. In addition, trust managers must be committed to
devoting the time and effort necessary to be responsible and productive members of our board. Our
board values diversity, in its broadest sense, reflecting, but not limited to, profession,
geography, gender, ethnicity, skills and experience.
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees. Our nominating committee regularly assesses the
appropriate number of trust managers comprising our board, and whether any vacancies on our board
are expected due to retirement or otherwise. The nominating committee may consider those factors
it deems appropriate in evaluating trust manager candidates including judgment, skill, diversity,
strength of character, experience with businesses and organizations comparable in size or scope to
us, experience and skill relative to other board members, and specialized knowledge or experience.
Depending upon the current needs of our board, certain factors may be weighed more or less heavily
by the nominating committee. In considering candidates for our board, the nominating committee
evaluates the entirety of each candidates credentials and, other than the eligibility requirements
established by our nominating committee, does not have any specific minimum qualifications that
must be met by a nominee. The nominating committee considers candidates for the board from any
reasonable source, including current board members, shareholders, professional search firms or
other persons. The nominating committee does not evaluate candidates differently based on who has
made the recommendation. The nominating committee has the authority under its charter to hire and
pay a fee to consultants or search firms to assist in the process of identifying and evaluating
candidates.
Shareholder Nominees. Our bylaws permit shareholders to nominate trust managers for
consideration at an annual meeting of shareholders. The nominating committee will consider
properly submitted shareholder nominees for election to our board and will apply the same
evaluation criteria in considering such nominees as it would to persons nominated under any other
circumstances. Such nominations may be made by a shareholder entitled to vote who delivers written
notice along with the additional information and materials required by the bylaws to the corporate
secretary not later than the close of business on the 70th day, and not earlier than the
close of business on the 90th day, prior to the anniversary of the preceding years
annual meeting. For our annual meeting in the year 2007, the secretary must receive this notice
after the close of business on March 3, 2007, and prior to the close of business on March 23, 2007.
You can obtain a copy of the full text of the bylaw provision by writing to the Secretary of
AmREIT, 8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77046.
Any shareholder nominations proposed for consideration by the nominating committee should
include the nominees name and sufficient biographical information to demonstrate that the nominee
meets the qualification requirements for board service as set forth under Trust Manager
Qualifications. The nominees written consent to the nomination should also be included with the
nomination submission, which should be addressed to: AmREIT, 8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston,
Texas 77046, Attn: Chief Financial Officer and Secretary.
6
Independence of Trust Managers
Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which require that a majority of our trust
managers be independent within the meaning of AMEX corporate governance standards, our board
undertook a review of the independence of trust managers nominated for election at the meeting.
During this review, our board considered transactions and relationships during the prior year
between us and each trust manager or any member of his or her immediate family, including those
reported under Certain Relationships and Related Transactions below. As provided in the Corporate
Governance Guidelines, the purpose of this review was to determine whether any such relationships
or transactions were inconsistent with a determination that the trust manager is independent.
As a result of this review, our board affirmatively determined that all the trust managers
nominated for election at the 2006 annual meeting are independent with the exception of Mr. Taylor.
Compensation of Trust Managers
During our 2005 fiscal year, each non-employee trust managers received a monthly fee of $1,000
for their services and a meeting fee of $1,000 per meeting attended in person, a meeting fee of
$500 per meeting attended by telephone and a committee meeting fee of $500 per meeting attended in
person or by telephone with the exception of the audit committee meetings which were $750 per
meeting in person. Each non-employee trust manager receives a grant of 2,000 restricted class A
common shares for each year in which they serve on the board, which vest equally over a three year
period, 33% vesting on the date of grant, 33% on the first anniversary of the date of grant and 34%
on the second anniversary of the date of grant.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our
common shares as of April 12, 2006 by (1) each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5%
of our outstanding class A common shares, (2) all current trust managers, (3) each current named
executive officer, and (4) all current trust managers and current named executive officers as a
group. Unless otherwise indicated, the shares listed in the table are owned directly by the
individual, or by both the individual and the individuals spouse. Except as otherwise noted, the
individual had sole voting and investment power as to shares shown or, the voting power is shared
with the individuals spouse.
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Amount and Nature of |
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Percent of Voting |
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Name |
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Beneficial Ownership |
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Common shares |
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H. Kerr
Taylor Chairman, President & CEO |
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1,103,390 |
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4.65 |
% |
Robert S.
Cartwright Trust Manager |
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28,020 |
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* |
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G. Steven
Dawson Trust Manager |
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23,439 |
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* |
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Philip
Taggart Trust Manager |
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19,096 |
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* |
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Chad C.
Braun Secretary, CFO and Executive VP |
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72,305 |
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* |
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All trust managers and executive officers as a group |
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1,246,250 |
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5.25 |
% |
All other employees combined |
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292,459 |
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1.23 |
% |
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All trust managers, executive officers, and
employees as a group |
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1,538,709 |
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6.48 |
% |
7
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth our executive officers.
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Name |
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Age |
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Principal Occupation |
H. Kerr Taylor
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55 |
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President and CEO |
Chad C. Braun
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34 |
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EVP & CFO |
Preston Cunningham
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29 |
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Managing VP-Development |
Todd McDonald
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32 |
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Managing VP-Special Opportunities |
Tenel Tayar
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36 |
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Managing VP-Acquisitions |
David M. Thailing
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35 |
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Managing VP-Asset Advisory |
Business Experience
H. Kerr Taylor. Mr. Taylor is our founder and serves as our chairman of the board,
chief executive officer and president. For over 21-years he has guided our growth and our
predecessors. His primary responsibilities include overseeing strategic initiatives as well as
building, coaching and leading our wonderful team of professionals. Mr. Taylor has over 30-years
of experience within the real estate industry, has participated in over 300 transactions involving
brokerage, development and management of premier real estate projects. He attended Trinity
University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree and then attended Southern Methodist
University where he received his Masters Degree in Business Administration. Mr. Taylor also
attended law school at South Texas College of Law where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence and
was admitted to the Texas Bar. Mr. Taylor is a past board member of Park National Bank (now Frost
Bank) and Millennium Relief and Development, Inc. He is currently chairman of the board of
Pathways for Little Feet. He serves as a board member of Life House, Inc., Uptown District and as
an Elder of First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Taylor is a lifetime member of the International
Council of Shopping Centers, Urban Land Institute and the Texas Bar Association.
Chad C. Braun. Mr. Braun serves as our executive vice president, chief financial officer,
treasurer, and secretary. Mr. Braun is responsible for corporate finance, capital markets,
investor relations, accounting, SEC reporting, and oversees investment sponsorship and product
creation. Mr. Braun has years of accounting, financial, and real estate experience and prior to
joining us served as a manager in the real estate advisory services group at Ernst & Young, LLP.
He has provided extensive consulting and audit services, including financial statement audits,
portfolio acquisition and disposition, portfolio management, merger integration and process
improvement, financial analysis, and capital markets and restructuring transactions, to a number of
Real Estate Investment Trusts and private real estate companies. Mr. Braun graduated from Hardin
Simmons University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting and finance and
subsequently earned the CPA designation and his Series 63, 7, 24, and 27 securities licenses. He
is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts and the Texas Society of
Certified Public Accountants.
Preston Cunningham. Mr. Cunningham serves as our managing vice president of development. His
responsibilities include managing the underwriting, due diligence, leasing and construction phases
of ground up developments and re-developments of existing centers. In addition, he is responsible
for managing our development leasing team, brokerage department, and the legal department. Mr.
Cunningham has been employed with AmREIT for over four years during which time he has developed
over $100M in projects. Mr. Cunningham received a Bachelor of Business Administration in
financial planning and services from Baylor University and graduated with his Doctor of
Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the International
Council of Shopping Centers, Urban Land Institute, and Texas Bar Association.
Todd McDonald. Mr. McDonald serves as managing vice president of special operations and
oversees joint ventures and sale leasebacks for AmREIT. Mr. McDonald is responsible for managing
business development for joint ventures, CTL sale-leasebacks, and programmatic rollouts. Mr.
McDonald has handled over $40 million in sales of property for AmREIT and has overseen the
acquisition and development of over $70 million of property. His real estate experience includes
providing analysis on acquisition and disposition projects, producing project
8
proformas, managing development, and reviewing property level financial statements. Mr.
McDonald received a Bachelor of Science degree in business economics from Wofford College.
Tenel Tayar. Mr. Tayar serves as our managing vice president of acquisitions and is
responsible for overseeing all existing retail property acquisitions. Mr. Tayar has over 14 years
of real estate experience. Prior to joining AmREIT, he served as the director of finance at The
Woodlands Operating Company where he sourced, negotiated and closed over $225 million in real
estate transactions and participated in over $500 million. Mr. Tayar has analyzed over $2 billion
of real estate investment and has directed all aspects of real estate capitalization and investment
transactions. While at AmREIT, Mr. Tayar has completed over $325 million of acquisitions. Mr.
Tayar received a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Texas at
Austin and earned a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. Mr.
Tayar is a Texas licensed Real Estate Broker and is a member of the Urban Land Institute,
International Council of Shopping Centers, and Association of Commercial Real Estate Professionals.
David M. Thailing. Mr. Thailing serves as the managing vice president of securities. Mr.
Thailing is responsible for raising non-traded private equity in AmREIT as well as capital for the
Companys merchant development investment programs, primarily through the financial planning
community. Since joining AmREIT the securities team has raised two series of non-traded common
stock and the Companys asset advisory business has launched four new funds. Mr. Thailing has over
twelve years of combined financial advisory and real estate investment experience. Mr. Thailing
gained extensive knowledge of the financial services industry with Paine Webber and Members
Financial Services and has broad public speaking experience in the securities industry.
Immediately prior to joining AmREIT he provided financial consulting expertise as an associate with
Andersens Corporate Finance and Restructuring practice. Mr. Thailing received a Bachelor of
Business Administration degree in management from Southern Methodist University and earned a
Masters of Business Administration from the Jones School of Management at Rice University.
Compensation of Executive Officers
The table set forth below represents the compensation paid to Mr. Taylor, chairman of the
board, chief executive officer and president and Chad C. Braun executive vice president, chief
financial officer and Secretary, the Companys two executive officers. The table sets forth all
compensation, cash and restricted stock, received during the fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003.
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Long-Term Compensation |
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Annual Compensation |
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Awards |
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Securities |
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Name and Principal |
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Cash Bonus |
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Compensation |
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Options |
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Compensation |
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H. Kerr Taylor |
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2005 |
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$ |
350,000 |
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$ |
161,000 |
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$ |
69,000 |
(1) |
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$ |
179,200 |
(1)(4) |
Chief Executive |
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2004 |
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$ |
195,000 |
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$ |
136,000 |
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$ |
58,500 |
(1) |
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$ |
400,000 |
(1)(3) |
Officer and
President |
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2003 |
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$ |
195,000 |
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$ |
136,500 |
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$ |
58,500 |
(1) |
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Chad C. Braun |
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2005 |
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$ |
157,977 |
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$ |
101,184 |
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$ |
43,365 |
(2) |
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$ |
89,600 |
(2)(4) |
Executive Vice |
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2004 |
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$ |
131,650 |
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$ |
92,150 |
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$ |
39,494 |
(2) |
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$ |
90,000 |
(2) |
President and
CFO |
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2003 |
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$ |
122,000 |
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$ |
100,000 |
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$ |
46,927 |
(2) |
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$ |
75,000 |
(2)(3) |
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(1) |
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Mr. Taylor was granted 9,857, 7,178, and 9,000 common shares as part of his bonus for 2005,
2004 and 2003, respectively. The restrictions on these shares lapse 25 % at the date of grant
and 25% on each of the three following anniversaries of the date of grant. Additionally, Mr.
Taylor was granted 25,600 and 50,000 shares as a long term 2005 and 2004 retention bonus, |
9
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respectively. The restrictions on the shares issued as long term compensation lapse equally
over a seven year period beginning on February 15, 2007 and February 15, 2006, respectively. |
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Mr. Braun was granted 6,195, 4,846, and 7,219 common shares as part of his bonus for 2005,
2004 and 2003, respectively. The restrictions on these shares lapse 25% at the date of grant
and 25% on each of the three following anniversaries of the date of grant. Additionally, Mr.
Braun was granted 12,800, 11,043 and 11,538 shares as a long term 2005, 2004 and 2003
retention bonus. The restrictions on the shares issued as long term 2005 and 2004
compensation lapse 70% in year five, 15% in year six and 15% in year seven, from the date of
the grant. The restrictions on the shares issued as long term 2003 compensation lapse on the
fifth anniversary of the issuance. |
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(3) |
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Mr. Taylor and Mr. Braun were assigned 37% and 4%, respectively, in the income and cash flow
of the general partner of AmREIT Income & Growth Fund, Ltd. (AIG), AmREIT Income & Growth
Corporation. AIG is an affiliated retail partnership with a seven year operating lifecycle.
In June 2008, AIG will enter into liquidation and commence a final sale of all of its real
estate assets. In accordance with the limited partnership agreement, net sales proceeds will
be allocated to the limited partners, and to the general partner as, if, and when certain
annual returns have been achieved by the limited partners. Mr. Taylor and Mr. Brauns
interest vests equally over a four year period beginning on February 15, 2004. The value of
the assigned interest can not be determined or estimated at this time. |
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(4) |
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Mr. Taylor and Mr. Braun were assigned 22.5% and 2%, respectively, in the income and cash
flow of each of the general partners of AmREIT Monthly Income & Growth Fund III, Ltd. (MIG
III) and AmREIT Monthly Income & Growth Fund IV, Ltd. (MIG IV). MIG III and MIG IV are
affiliated retail partnerships with a six year operating lifecycle. MIG III and MIG IV are
anticipated to enter into liquidation and commence a final sale of all of their real estate
assets in 2012 and 2014, respectively. In accordance with the limited partnership agreements,
net sales proceeds will be allocated to the limited partners, and to the general partner as,
if, and when certain annual returns have been achieved by the limited partners. Mr. Taylor
and Mr. Braun must be employed by the Company at the time of liquidation and during complete
liquidation in order to receive economic benefit. The value of the assigned interest can not
be determined or estimated at this time. |
Employment Agreements
We are in the process of negotiating employment contracts with our key executives, including
Kerr Taylor and Chad Braun, but currently do not have employment contracts with any of our key
executives.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our trust managers
and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity
securities, to file reports of holdings and transactions in our securities with the SEC. Executive
officers, trust managers and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by applicable
regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file with the SEC.
Based solely upon a review of the reports furnished to us with respect to our 2005 fiscal
year, we believe that all SEC filing requirements applicable to our trust managers and executive
officers were satisfied.
10
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Overview
Our executive compensation is supervised by the compensation committee of the board of trust
managers, which is comprised entirely of independent trust managers as determined by the board
within the meaning of the applicable AMEX listing standards currently in effect. The board
designates the members and the chairman of the committee on an annual basis.
The committee is responsible for developing, administering and monitoring the executive
compensation programs, ensuring that the executive compensation programs are designed to be
consistent with our corporate strategies and business objectives; reviewing and approving all
compensation plans affecting our senior management; and determining the specific compensation
amounts and measurements for our CEO. Additionally, the committee is responsible for administering
our share grant and deferred compensation plans. Our share grant programs are for all of our
employees, including our officers. The specific duties and responsibilities of the committee are
described in the charter of the compensation committee, which is available on our web site at
www.amreit.com.
The committee met six times during 2005. The meetings generally focus on long-term retention
strategies, long-term compensation structures, performance measures, best practices in the
industry, evaluation of the independent consultants report to the committee on compensation of the
executive officers and the evaluation of the CEOs performance and compensation program. The
committee has retained independent compensation consultants and other experts for consultation and
survey data.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
We focus on building our team on the principals of character, competency, communication and
chemistry. As our people are our most important asset, the committee agrees that the goal of our
compensation programs are to attract, motivate and retain the individuals that meet our core
principals. Our compensation programs are set up to support the achievement of our corporate
financial goals, our department goals and individual goals, such that the components of the
compensation programs increases or decreases with the success of these goals. Therefore, when our
performance exceeds the goals and objectives established, our employees have the opportunity to be
paid more, and when we fall short of these goals, compensation may be less. In order to achieve
our goals and objectives, we have structured an incentive based compensation structure tied to our
financial performance and goals. Our committee reviews these compensation programs annually, to
ensure that pay levels and incentive opportunities are competitive and reflect the direction and
performance of the company.
Our compensation plans are designed to balance the focus of our officers to achieve strong
short term results, while at the same time, building shareholder value and long term results. The
components of our compensation plans include both a short term, or current, compensation component
as well as a long term compensation component. Therefore, our compensation plans generally include
a base salary, an annual bonus and a long term restricted share award. Our top senior management
is also eligible to receive general partner profit participation interests, as described below.
Our CEO compensation plan includes a base salary which is below the peer group average, a current
bonus award, an incentive bonus paid in restricted shares, which pays more for good performance and
less for performance that does not meet expectations, and general partner profit participation
interests, as described below. Generally, target bonuses for our officers are within 30% to 75% of
the base salary for the individual, depending on position and responsibility.
11
Base Salary
Base salary levels for our officers are primarily based on an evaluation of the individual
performance and experience, an evaluation of corporate performance and benchmarked against industry
comparisons. The committee reviews the compensation plans annually, evaluating the combination of
base salary, incentive bonus compensation and long-term compensation, as well as a comparison to
industry peers. Management and the committee evaluate our peers based on a combination of size,
complexity, and industry. During 2005, our committee used compensation information provided by an
outside consultant, Ferguson Partners Ltd., in establishing and reviewing base salaries and peer
group.
Bonus Compensation
We design our annual incentive and bonus compensation to align pay with annual performance
both corporate performance and department performance. At the beginning of the year, we establish
specific corporate and departmental performance measures that we believe will allow us to meet our
short term and long-term objectives that will allow us the opportunity to create long term
shareholder value. Therefore, the payment of the bonus compensation is directly tied to the
corporate performance, and the individuals contribution to the corporate performance. The bonus
compensation is generally set as a percentage of the base salary, which is reviewed by the
committee, the individual consultant, and evaluated against our peer group.
The bonus compensation is generally evaluated based on three primary criteria, all of which
have measurable goals established at the beginning of the year: overall corporate performance,
performance and contribution of the department, and performance and contribution of the individual.
These measurement criteria are weighted in accordance with the position, responsibility and
tenure. The more senior the position and the more responsibility and accountability the position
has to our overall corporate performance, the higher the weighting towards overall corporate
performance. Each of our officers is required to receive a portion of their bonus compensation in
the form of restricted shares, generally between 15% and 30%. The restricted shares vest over a
period of four years.
The eligible bonus for the CEO is based strictly on corporate goals and management retention.
Although we had a strong year, we did not meet all of our performance goals, specifically capital
under management within our asset advisory group and management retention. Consequently, the CEO
received 92% of the eligible bonus.
Long Term Restricted Share Award
Our committee strongly believes that by providing our officers with an opportunity to increase
their ownership of class A common shares, the interests of shareholders and the officers will be
closely aligned. Therefore, the long-term portion of our compensation program is paid in
restricted shares. The committee has determined that a ceiling of 1.25% of the class A common
shares outstanding may be granted to management (excluding the board and CEO) in a year where
strong corporate performance goals have been met. The allocation of these shares are determined by
management and reviewed by the committee. The shares generally vest on a cliff basis over five to
seven years. Our belief is that this appropriately aligns the long term interest of our management
with that of our shareholders, and rewards long term commitment and retention among our key
executives. This portion of the compensation plan is also reviewed by the independent consultant
and evaluated against the peer group.
The long term restricted share award for the CEO is broken down into two categories, a
restricted share award and a performance based share award. The restricted share award is an award
based on the company meeting its current year goals such as FFO, asset growth, and operational
goals. The committee
12
has determined that a ceiling of 0.40% of the class A common shares outstanding may be granted to
the CEO in a year where these performance goals have been met. The shares vest ratably over a four
year period.
The performance based share award is broken down into four categories: Relative FFO growth,
Absolute FFO growth, Relative Total Shareholder Return and Absolute Total Shareholder Return.
These goals are evaluated based on a three year trailing average, and compared to company goals and
expectations as well as our peer group. The committee has determined that a ceiling of 0.85% of
the class A common shares outstanding may be granted to the CEO in a year where these performance
goals have been met. These shares are immediately vested when issued. Both the long term
restricted share award and the performance based share award are reviewed by the independent
consultant and evaluated against the peer group.
General Partner Profit Participation Interest
The company functions as the general partner of each of its partnership funds within its Asset
Advisory Group. As such, the general partner anticipates receiving general partner profit
participation interests as preferred returns are met for the limited partners. In an effort to
align the interests of management with that of our shareholders, and to reward management for
achieving results that allow the company to realize this general partner profit participation, we
have assigned certain members of our senior management team an economic interest in these general
partners. General partner profit participations are recognized by the general partner once the
fund enters into liquidation and the preferred returns to the limited partners have been met. This
portion of the compensation plan is also reviewed by the independent consultant and evaluated
against the peer group as a component of total compensation.
To date, certain members of the senior management team have been granted general partner
profit participation interests in the following partnership funds: AAA CTL Notes, Ltd., AmREIT
Income & Growth Fund, Ltd., AmREIT Monthly Income & Growth Fund III, Ltd., and AmREIT Monthly
Income & Growth Fund IV, Ltd. Through December 31, 2005, none of the general partners in which
management owns an economic interest have generated general partner profit participations.
The committee evaluates this component of compensation on an annual basis and determines the
appropriate amount of general partner profit participation interest to grant. The committee has
authorized a pool of between 10% and 15% interests in the above mentioned general partners as
additional compensation for the senior management team (excluding the CEO). The allocation amongst
the management team is determined by the CEO. The committee has authorized an award of between 22%
and 37.5% interests in the above mentioned general partners as additional compensation for the CEO.
These interests vest on varying schedules from immediately to seven years. At the date of grant,
the value of the general partner profit participation interest is largely unknown. There are
various unknown and uncontrollable factors that will determined the value of this interest. As
such, the value of this interest can only be determined, and will only be paid, as it is recognized
by the general partner once it enters into liquidation.
13
2005 Performance
The committee determines and approves base salary and incentive compensation of senior
management based on the companys performance, department performance and individual performance.
In evaluating the 2005 performance, the committee reviewed the goals set forth in the 2005 annual
report:
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Generate 8-14% FFO growth with a target of $0.70 per class A common share.
FFO grew by 9% to $0.70 per class A common share; |
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Increase the size of the portfolio of irreplaceable corners by growing
assets to $400 million over a 12-18 month period. Management acquired $111
million in real estate assets during the year, resulting in $315 million in
total assets, on track to achieve $400 million within 18 months; |
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Increase fund raising activities in an effort to fund our acquisitions
primarily through equity and grow our equity under management in our Asset
Advisory Group by $35 million. The company raised approximately $109 million
in equity during the year which was used, along with $49 million in long term
fixed rate mortgage debt, to acquire $111 million of property and pay off
approximately $38 million in floating rate debt. Within our actively managed
funds, we fell short of our goal, increasing assets equity under management in
our asset advisory group by $11 million; and |
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Strengthen the balance sheet by selling off $20 - $25 million in non-core
assets and keeping our debt to asset ratio at or below 55%. The company sold
10 non-core assets worth approximately $16.6 million, generating a gain on sale
of $3. 4 million. Additionally, debt to assets as of December 31, 2005 was
approximately 40%. |
The committee reviewed and approved bonuses and stock awards for senior management in 2005
based on its analysis of the Companys 2005 performance and the ability of individual
members of management to achieve their targeted department and individual goals and
objectives.
Chief Executive Officer Performance Evaluation
The compensation of H. Kerr Taylor, chief executive officer, for the year ended
December 31, 2005 was determined in accordance with the criteria discussed above. In
addition, the committee annually reviews and approves the objectives for the chief executive
officer, including financial performance of the Company and growth in real estate assets.
The committee has reviewed all components of Mr. Taylors compensation, including base
salary, bonus compensation, long-term restricted share award, and general partner profit
participation interest.
The compensation committee finds Mr. Taylors total compensation to be reasonable and
not excessive in the aggregate. In considering the components of Mr. Taylors total
compensation, the committee takes into account the aggregate amounts and mix of all
components, seeking to balance short and long term goals while aligning his interests with
those of the shareholders.
This compensation committee report is given by all members of the compensation committee:
Phillip Taggart, 2005 Chairman G. Steven Dawson Robert S. Cartwright, Jr.
14
PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF TRUST
MANAGERS
At the annual meeting, four trust managers will be elected by the shareholders, each trust
manager to serve until his successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until the earliest of
his death, resignation or retirement.
The persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote your shares as you specify on the enclosed
proxy form. If you return your properly executed proxy but fail to specify how you want your shares
voted, the shares will be voted in favor of the nominees listed below. Our board of trust managers
has proposed the following nominees for election as trust managers at the annual meeting.
Nominees
H. Kerr Taylor. For a description of the business experience of Mr. Taylor, see Management.
Robert S. Cartwright, Jr. - Mr. Cartwright has been a trust manager or director of our
company or our predecessor corporation since 1993. Mr. Cartwright is a Professor of Computer
Science at Rice University. Mr. Cartwright earned a bachelors degree magna cum laude in Applied
Mathematics from Harvard College in 1971 and a doctoral degree in Computer Science from Stanford
University in 1977. Mr. Cartwright has been a member of the Rice faculty since 1980 and twice
served as department Chair. Mr. Cartwright has compiled an extensive record of professional
service. He is a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and a member of the ACM
Education Board. From 1994- 2000, he served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Computing
Research Association, an umbrella organization representing academic and industrial computing
researchers. Mr. Cartwright has served as a charter member of the editorial boards of two
professional journals and has also chaired several major ACM conferences. From 1991-1996, he was a
member of the ACM Turing Award Committee, which selects the annual recipient of the most
prestigious international prize for computer science research.
G. Steven Dawson - Mr. Dawson has been a trust manager or director of AmREIT or our
predecessor corporation since 2000. He also has been designated by our board as the audit
committee financial expert, as such term is defined in the Rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. He is currently a private investor who is active on the boards of five real estate
investment trusts in addition to his service to us: American Campus Communities, Sunset Financial
Resource, Inc., Trustreet Properties, Inc., Desert Capital REIT (a non-listed public mortgage
company), and Medical Properties Trust. He serves as the audit committee chairman of three of
these companies and he serves on governance/nominating committees and compensation committees for
some of these as well. From 1990 to 2003, Mr. Dawson was the Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Camden Property Trust (or its predecessors), a large multifamily REIT. Prior
to 1990, Mr. Dawson served in various related capacities with companies involved in commercial real
estate including land and office building development as well as the construction and management of
industrial facilities located on airports throughout the US.
Philip Taggart - Mr. Taggart has been a trust manager or director of AmREIT or our predecessor
corporation since 2000. Mr. Taggart has specialized in investor relations activities since 1964
and is the president and chief executive officer of Taggart Financial Group, Inc. He is the
co-author of the book Taking Your Company Public, and has provided communications services for 58
initial public offerings, more than 200 other new issues, 210 mergers and acquisitions, 3,500
analyst meetings and annual and quarterly reports for over 25 years. Mr. Taggart serves on the
boards of International Expert Systems, Inc. and Salon Group International and served on the board
of the Foundation of Texas State Technical
15
College for 10 years. A distinguished alumnus of the University of Tulsa, he also has been a
university instructor in investor relations at the University of Houston.
Our board of trust managers unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the election of trust
managers as set forth in Proposal One. Proxies solicited by our board of trust managers will be so
voted unless you specify otherwise in your proxy.
16
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The audit committee is composed of three independent non-employee trust managers and operates
under a written charter adopted by the board (a copy of which is available on our web site). The
board has determined that each committee member is independent within the meaning of the applicable
AMEX listing standards currently in effect.
Management is responsible for the financial reporting process, including the preparation of
the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Our independent registered public
accounting firm is responsible for auditing those financial statements and expressing an opinion as
to their conformity with GAAP. The committees responsibility is to oversee and review this
process. We are not, however, professionally engaged in the practice of accounting or auditing,
and do not provide any expert or other special assurances as to such financial statements
concerning compliance with the laws, regulations or GAAP or as to the independence of the
registered public accounting firm. The committee relies, without independent verification, on the
information provided to us and on the representations made by management and the independent
registered public accounting firm. We held four meetings during 2005. The meetings were designed,
among other things, to facilitate and encourage communication among the committee, management and
our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP. We discussed with KPMG LLP the
overall scope and plans of their audit. We met with KPMG LLP, with and without management present,
to discuss the results of their examinations.
We have reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2005 with management and KPMG. We also discussed with management and KPMG
the process used to support certifications by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer that are required by the SEC and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to accompany our periodic
filings with the SEC. In addition, we reviewed and discussed our progress on complying with Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, including the Public Company Accounting Oversight Boards
(PCAOB) Auditing Standard No. 2 regarding the audit of internal control over financial reporting.
The audit committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with
management and KPMG LLP, our independent auditors. The audit committee has also discussed with the
independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No.
61, written communication from the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board
Standard No. 1, and has discussed their independence with the independent auditors. When
considering the independence of KPMG LLP, we considered whether their array of services to the
company beyond those rendered in connection with their audit of our consolidated financial
statements and reviews of our consolidated financial statements, including its Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q, was compatible with maintaining their independence. We also reviewed, among other
things, the audit and non-audit services performed by, and the amount of fees paid for such
services to, KPMG LLP. Based on the foregoing review and discussions and relying thereon, we have
recommended to our board of trust managers that the audited financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2005 be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The members of the audit committee are independent, as independence is defined in Rule
4200(a)(15) of the National Association of Securities Dealers Listing Standards. This section of
the proxy statement is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not incorporated by reference into
our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
This audit committee report is given by the following members of the audit committee:
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G. Steven Dawson Chairman
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Robert S. Cartwright, Jr.
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Philip Taggart |
17
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES
Aggregate fees billed to us for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 by our principal
accounting firm, KPMG LLP, were as follows:
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2005 |
|
|
2004 |
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Audit Fees |
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$ |
329,655 |
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$ |
124,365 |
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Audit Related Fees |
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$ |
95,250 |
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$ |
17,000 |
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Tax Fees |
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$ |
60,000 |
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$ |
10,000 |
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All Other Fees |
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$ |
-0- |
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$ |
-0- |
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Total Fees |
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$ |
484,905 |
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$ |
151,365 |
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The audit committee has determined that the provision of the services included within
Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation Fees and All Other Fees to be
compatible with maintaining the principal accountants independence.
Pre-Approval Policies
Our audit committee, pursuant to its exclusive authority, has reviewed and approved the all of
the fees described above for 2005. The audit committee has also adopted pre-approval policies for
all other services KPMG LLP may perform for us. The pre-approval policies detail with specificity
the services that are authorized within each of the above-described categories of services and
provide for aggregate maximum dollar amounts for such pre-approved services. Any additional
services not described or otherwise exceeding the maximum dollar amounts prescribed by the
pre-approval policies will require the further advance review and approval of the audit committee.
The audit committee has delegated the authority to grant any such additional required approval to
its chairman between meetings of the committee, provided that the chairman reports the details of
the exercise of any such delegated authority at the next meeting of the audit committee.
18
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
To be included in the proxy statement, any proposals of holders of shares intended to be
presented at our annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2007 must be received by us,
addressed to Mr. Chad C. Braun, 8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas, 77046, no later than
February 1, 2007 and must otherwise comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
ANNUAL REPORT
We have provided without charge a copy of the annual report to shareholders for fiscal year
2005 to each person being solicited by this proxy statement. Upon the written request by any
person being solicited by this proxy statement, we will provide without charge a copy of the annual
report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC (excluding exhibits, for which a reasonable charge shall
be imposed). All requests should be directed to: H. Kerr Taylor, chairman of the board, chief
executive officer and president at AmREIT, 8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77046.
19
ANNUAL
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Thursday, June 1, 2006
10:00 A.M. Houston Time
Eight Greenway Plaza
Suite 1000
Houston, TX 77046
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AmRElT
Eight Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000
Houston, TX 77046
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proxy |
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This Proxy is Solicited to all Class A, B, C and D Common Shareholders
on Behalf of the Board of Trust Managers.
The shareholder of AmREIT, a Texas real estate investment trust, whose name and signature
appear on the reverse side of this card, having received the notice of the Annual Meeting of
shareholders and the related proxy statement for AmREITs Annual Meeting of shareholders to be held
at Eight Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas, on
Thursday, June 1, 2006 at 10:00 A.M.,
Houston time, hereby appoints H. Kerr Taylor and Chad Braun, or each of them, the proxies of the
shareholder, each with full power of substitution, to vote at the Annual Meeting, and at any
adjournments of the Annual Meeting, all common shares, par value $0.01 per share, held of record by
the shareholder on April 12, 2006 in the manner shown on the reverse side of this card.
This proxy is solicited by the Board of Trust Managers and the common shares represented
hereby will be voted in accordance with the shareholders directions on the reverse side of this card. If
no direction is given, then the shares represented by this proxy will be voted FOR proposals 1 and 2,
and in the proxies discretion on any other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or
any adjournments thereof, subject to limitations set forth in applicable regulations under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Please mark, sign, date, and return this proxy card promptly using the enclosed envelope.
See reverse for voting instructions.
There are three ways to vote your Proxy
Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the Named Proxies to vote your shares in the same manner
as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
VOTE
BY PHONE TOLL FREE 1-800-560-1965
QUICK *** EASY *** IMMEDIATE
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Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, until 12:00
p.m. (CT) on May 31, 2006. |
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Please have your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax
Identification Number available. Follow the simple instructions the voice provides you. |
VOTE
BY INTERNET http://www.eproxy.com/amy/ QUICK *** EASY *** IMMEDIATE
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Use the Internet to vote your proxy 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, until 12:00 p.m. (CT) on
May 31, 2006. |
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Please have your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax
Identification Number available. Follow the simple instructions to obtain your records and create
an electronic ballot. |
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope weve provided or
return it to
AmREIT, c/o Shareowner ServicesSM, P.O. Box 64873, St. Paul, MN 55164-0873.
If you vote by Phone or Internet, please do not mail your Proxy Card
6 Please detach here 6
The Board of Trust Managers Recommends a Vote FOR Items 1 and 2.
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1.
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Election of trust
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01 Robert J. Cartwright
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03 Philip Taggart
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Vote FOR
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Vote WITHHELD |
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managers:
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02 G. Steven Dawson
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04 H. Kerr Taylor
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all nominees
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from all nominees |
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(except as marked) |
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(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee,
write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.)
2. To transact any other business that may properly be brought before the annual meeting or any
adjournments thereof.
This proxy, when properly executed and delivered, will be voted as specified. If no specification
is made, this proxy will be voted FOR proposals 1 and 2. The proxies cannot vote your shares unless you
sign and return this card.
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Address
Change? Mark
Box o Indicate changes below:
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Date |
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The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy previously given with respect to
our common shares and hereby ratifies and confirms all that the proxies.
their substitutes or any of them may lawfully do by virtue hereof. Note:
Please sign exactly as name(s)
appear(s) on this card. When shares are
held jointly, both must sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full titles as such. When executed by a
corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name
by a duly authorized officer or partner, giving title. Please sign, date and
mail this proxy promptly whether or not you expect to attend the
meeting. You may nevertheless vote in person if you do attend.
Signature(s) in Box