Schedule 14A
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ___)
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
PMC Commercial Trust
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Not Applicable
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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 Exchange Act
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Total fee paid: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its
filing. |
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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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Filing Party: |
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Date Filed: |
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PMC COMMERCIAL TRUST
17950 Preston Road, Suite 600
Dallas, Texas 75252
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Dear Shareholder:
You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of PMC Commercial Trust (the
Meeting), to be held at 17950 Preston Road, Suite 600, Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, June 13, 2009,
at 8:30 a.m., Central Daylight 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 the five trust managers nominated in the proxy statement to serve for a
one-year term, and until their successors are elected and qualified. |
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Proposal 2:
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To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. |
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Proposal 3:
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To consider the shareholder proposal described in the accompanying proxy
statement, if properly presented at the Meeting. |
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Proposal 4:
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To transact any other business that may properly be brought before the Meeting
or any adjournments thereof. |
The Board of Trust Managers has fixed the close of business on April 17, 2009 as the record
date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. A form of
proxy card and a copy of our annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2008 are enclosed with this notice of Meeting and proxy statement.
Your proxy vote is important to us and our business. I encourage you to complete, date, sign
and return the accompanying proxy whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting. If you plan to
attend the 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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Sincerely,
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/s/ Lance B. Rosemore
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Lance B. Rosemore |
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Chief Executive Officer and President |
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April 28, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Saturday, June 13, 2009
PMC Commercial Trust
17950 Preston Road, Suite 600
Dallas, Texas 75252
The Board of Trust Managers (the Board) of PMC Commercial Trust (the Company, us, we,
or our) is soliciting proxies to be used at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at
17950 Preston Road, Suite 600, Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at 8:30 a.m., Central
Daylight Time (the Meeting). This proxy statement, accompanying proxy and annual report to
shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 are first being mailed to shareholders on
or about April 28, 2009. Although the annual report is being mailed to shareholders with this
proxy statement, it does not constitute part of this proxy statement.
Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 17, 2009 are entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Meeting. As of April 17, 2009, we had 10,568,067 common shares of
beneficial interest (the Shares) outstanding. Each holder of record of Shares on the record date
is entitled to one vote on each matter properly brought before the Meeting for each Share held.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
1. What is a proxy?
It is your legal designation of another person to vote the Shares you own. That other person
is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document
also is called a proxy or a proxy card. We have designated two of our officers, Jan F. Salit and
Barry N. Berlin, as proxies for the Meeting.
2. What is a proxy statement?
It is a document that Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations require us to
give you when we ask you to sign a proxy card designating Jan F. Salit and Barry N. Berlin as
proxies to vote on your behalf.
3. What is the difference between a shareholder of record and shareholder who holds Shares in
street name?
If your Shares are registered in your name, you are a shareholder of record.
If your Shares are held in the name of your broker or bank, your Shares are held in street
name.
4. How do I attend the Meeting? What do I need to bring?
If you are a shareholder of record, you will need to bring a photo ID with you to the Meeting.
If you own Shares in street name, bring your most recent brokerage statement with you to the
Meeting. We can use your statement to verify your ownership of Shares and admit you to the
Meeting; however, you will not be able to vote your Shares at the Meeting without a legal proxy, as
described in question 5. You will also need to bring a photo ID.
Please note that cameras, sound or video recording equipment, cellular telephones or other
similar equipment, electronic devices, large bags, briefcases or packages will not be allowed at
the Meeting.
5. How can I vote at the Meeting if I own Shares in street name?
You will need to ask your broker or bank for a legal proxy. You will need to bring the legal
proxy with you to the Meeting. You will not be able to vote your Shares at the Meeting without a
legal proxy.
Please note that if you request a legal proxy, any previously executed proxy will be revoked,
and your vote will not be counted unless you appear at the Meeting and vote in person or legally
appoint another proxy to vote on your behalf.
Page 1
If you do not receive the legal proxy in time, you can follow the procedures described in
question 4 to attend the Meeting. However, you will not be able to vote your Shares at the
Meeting.
6. What Shares are included on the proxy card?
If you are a shareholder of record on April 17, 2009, you will receive one proxy card for all
the Shares you hold in each single account, regardless of whether you hold them:
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in certificate form; or |
If you receive more than one proxy card it generally means you hold Shares registered in more
than one account. Please sign and return all of the proxy cards you receive to ensure that your
Shares are voted.
7. What constitutes a quorum?
The presence, in person or represented by proxy, of a majority of the Shares (at least
5,284,034) entitled to vote at the Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Meeting.
However, if a quorum is not present at the Meeting, the chairman of the Meeting or the shareholders
entitled to vote at the Meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, have the power to
adjourn the Meeting until a quorum is present or represented.
8. What different methods can I use to vote?
By Written Proxy. All shareholders can vote by written proxy card received with this proxy
statement.
In Person. All shareholders of record may vote in person at the Meeting. Street name holders
may vote in person at the Meeting if they have a legal proxy, as described in question 5.
9. What is the record date and what does it mean?
The record date for the meeting is April 17, 2009. The record date is established by the
Board as allowed by the Texas Real Estate Investment Trust Act (Texas Law). Owners of record of
Shares at the close of business on the record date are entitled to:
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receive notice of the Meeting; and |
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vote at the Meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the Meeting. |
10. What can I do if I change my mind after I return my proxy card?
Returning your proxy card will in no way limit your right to vote at the Meeting if you later
decide to attend in person.
Shareholders can revoke a proxy prior to the completion of voting at the Meeting by:
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giving written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of the Company; |
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delivering a later-dated proxy; or |
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voting in person at the Meeting (unless you are a street name holder without a
legal proxy, as described in question 5). |
11. Are votes confidential? Who counts the votes?
We will continue our long-standing practice of holding the votes of all shareholders in
confidence from trust managers, officers and employees except:
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as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements and to assert or defend claims
for or against the Company; |
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in case of a contested proxy solicitation; |
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if a shareholder makes a written comment on the proxy card or otherwise
communicates his or her vote to management; or |
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to allow inspectors of election to certify the results of the vote. |
Page 2
We will also continue, as we have for many years, to retain an independent tabulator to
receive and tabulate the proxies and inspectors of election to certify results.
12. What are my voting choices when voting for trust manager nominees, and what vote is needed to
elect trust managers?
In the vote on the election of five trust manager nominees to serve until the 2010 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders, until their successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until the
earliest of their death, resignation or retirement, shareholders may;
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vote in favor of all nominees; |
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vote in favor of specific nominees; |
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vote against all nominees; |
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vote against specific nominees; |
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abstain from voting with respect to all nominees; or |
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abstain from voting with respect to specific nominees. |
The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes cast at the Meeting is required to elect trust
managers.
The Board recommends a vote FOR each of the nominees.
13. What are my voting choices when voting on the ratification of the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm, and what vote is
needed to ratify their appointment?
In the vote on the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our
independent registered public accounting firm, shareholders of record may:
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vote in favor of the ratification; |
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vote against the ratification; or |
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abstain from voting on the ratification. |
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting is required to ratify the
selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our
independent registered public accounting firm.
14. What are my choices when voting on the shareholder proposal, and what vote is needed to adopt
the proposal?
In the vote on the shareholder proposal presented in the proxy statement, shareholders of
record may:
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vote in favor of the shareholder proposal; |
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vote against the shareholder proposal; or |
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abstain from voting on the shareholder proposal. |
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting is required to adopt the
shareholder proposal.
The Board recommends a vote AGAINST the shareholder proposal.
15. What if I do not specify a choice for a matter when returning a proxy?
Shareholders should specify their choice for each matter on the enclosed proxy card. If no
specific instructions are given, proxies that are signed and returned will be voted:
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FOR the election of all trust manager nominees; |
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FOR the proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our
independent registered public accounting firm; and |
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AGAINST the shareholder proposal. |
Page 3
16. How are abstentions and broker non-votes counted?
Texas Law, the Companys declaration of trust, as amended (the Declaration of Trust), and
the Companys bylaws, as amended (the Bylaws), do not specifically address the treatment of
broker non-votes. The inspectors of election 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 nominees do 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). Abstentions will be counted as Shares that
are present and entitled to vote for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum and will
be treated as present and a vote against any matter described herein.
17. Does the Company have a policy regarding trust managers attendance at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders?
The Company does not have a policy regarding trust managers attendance at Annual Meetings of
Shareholders. All of the trust managers attended the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
18. Can I access the Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, and Annual Report on the Internet?
The Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement and Annual Report for the year ended December
31, 2008, are available on our website at www.pmctrust.com/proxy.
19. How are proxies solicited and what is the cost?
We will bear all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies. We have
not engaged any solicitor to assist with the solicitation of proxies. In accordance with SEC
rules, we will reimburse brokers, fiduciaries and custodians for their costs in forwarding proxy
materials to the beneficial owners of Shares.
Our trust managers, officers, and employees may solicit proxies by mail, telephone and
personal contact. They will not receive any additional compensation for these activities.
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. Members of the Board are kept informed of the Companys
business through discussions with the Chairman of the Board and executive officers, by reviewing
materials provided to them and by participating in meetings of the Board and its committees. Board
members have complete access to the Companys management team and the independent registered public
accounting firm. The Board and each of the key committees Audit, Compensation and Nominating
and Corporate Governance also have authority to retain, at the Companys expense, outside
counsel, consultants or other advisors in the performance of their duties. The Companys Corporate
Governance Guidelines require that a majority of the Board be independent within the meaning of
standards established by the stock exchange on which the Companys Shares are traded. The
Companys Shares are currently traded on the NYSE Amex.
Statement on Corporate Governance
The Company is 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 trust managers and
management with the Companys shareholders.
Executive Sessions. Pursuant to the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines, the
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. The Board welcomes your questions and comments. If you would like to
communicate directly with the Board, or if you have a concern related to the Companys business
ethics or conduct, financial statements, accounting practices or internal controls, then you may
submit your correspondence to the Secretary of the Company or you
may call the Ethics Hotline at 1-800-292-4496. All communications will be forwarded to the
chairman of our Audit Committee and/or the Assistant Secretary of the Company, as appropriate,
provided that advertisements, solicitations for periodical or other subscriptions, and similar
communications generally are not forwarded.
Page 4
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics that applies to all trust managers, officers and employees, including the Companys
principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer and a Code of Ethical
Conduct for Senior Financial Officers (collectively, the Codes of Conduct). The purposes of the
Codes of Conduct are 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 the Company and to promote compliance with all applicable rules and regulations that apply to
the Company and its officers and trust managers. If the Board amends any provisions of either Code
of Conduct that applies to the Companys Chief Executive Officer or senior financial officers or
grants a waiver in favor of any such persons, the Company intends to satisfy its disclosure
requirements by promptly publishing the text of the amendment or the specifics of the waiver on its
website at www.pmctrust.com.
The Company intends to continue to act promptly to incorporate not only the actual
requirements of rules adopted with respect to corporate governance matters but also additional
voluntary measures it deems appropriate. Charters for the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committees and the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines and Codes of
Conduct may be viewed on the Companys website at www.pmctrust.com under the Corporate Governance
section. In addition, the Company will mail copies of the Corporate Governance Guidelines to
shareholders upon their written request.
BOARD OF TRUST MANAGERS
General Meetings
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, the Board held four general meetings and three
other meetings. In addition, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, there was one special
committee meeting and two independent committee meetings. Each of the trust managers attended all
meetings held by the Board and at least 75% of all meetings of each committee of the Board on which
such trust manager served during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The Companys policy is
to encourage members of the Board to attend the meetings in person. All members of the Board
attended the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Committees
During the 2008 fiscal year, the Board had three standing committees: an Audit Committee,
Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee currently consists of Mr. Nathan G. Cohen (chairman),
Mr. Barry A. Imber and Mr. Irving Munn. The Audit Committee is comprised entirely of trust managers
who meet the independence and financial literacy requirements of the NYSE Amex listing standards as
well as the standards established under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In addition, the Board has
determined that Mr. Imber qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as defined in SEC
rules. The Audit Committees responsibilities include providing assistance to the Board in
fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to oversight of the integrity of the Companys
financial statements, the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the
independent registered public accounting firms qualifications, performance and independence, and
the performance of the Companys internal audit function. In accordance with its charter, the
Audit Committee has sole authority to appoint and replace the independent registered public
accounting firm, who report directly to the Committee, approve the engagement fee of the
independent registered public accounting firm and pre-approve the audit services and any permitted
non-audit services they may provide to the Company. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews the
scope of audits as well as the annual audit plan and evaluates matters relating to the audit and
internal controls of the Company. The Audit Committee holds separate executive sessions, outside
the presence of executive management, with the Companys independent registered public accounting
firm. The Audit Committee held four regular quarterly meetings and two other meetings during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Page 5
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee currently consists of Mr. Irving Munn
(chairman), Mr. Barry A. Imber and Mr. Nathan G. Cohen. Mr. Roy Greenberg was a member of the
Compensation Committee until his resignation from the Board on October 15, 2008. Mr. Cohen was
appointed to the Compensation Committee in December 2008. The Compensation Committee is comprised
entirely of trust managers who meet the independence requirements of the NYSE Amex listing
standards. The Compensation Committees responsibilities include:
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establishing the Companys general compensation philosophy; |
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overseeing the Companys compensation programs and practices, including incentive
and equity-based compensation plans; |
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reviewing and approving executive compensation plans in light of corporate
goals and objectives; |
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evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer in light of these
criteria and establishing the Chief Executive Officers compensation level based on
such evaluation; |
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evaluating the performance of the other executive officers and their salaries,
bonus and incentive and equity compensation; |
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administration of the Companys equity and benefit plans; |
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reviewing the adequacy of the Companys succession planning and organizational
effectiveness; and |
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reviewing and making recommendations concerning proposals by management regarding
compensation, bonuses, employment agreements and other benefits and policies with
respect to such matters for employees of the Company. |
The Compensation Committee has the authority to retain counsel and other experts or
consultants including the sole authority to select and retain a compensation consultant and to
approve the fees and other retention terms of any consultant. The Compensation Committee met two
times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee (the Nominating Committee) currently consists of Mr. Barry A. Imber (chairman), Mr.
Nathan G. Cohen and Mr. Irving Munn. Mr. Roy Greenberg was the chairman of the Nominating
Committee until his resignation from the Board on October 15, 2008. Mr. Imber was appointed to the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in December 2008. The Nominating Committees duties
include adopting criteria for recommending candidates for election or re-election to the Board and
its committees and considering issues and making recommendations regarding the size and composition
of the Board. The Nominating Committee will also consider nominees for trust manager suggested by
shareholders in written submissions to the Companys Secretary in compliance with the nomination
procedures set forth below. The Nominating Committee met two times during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2008.
Trust Manager Nomination Procedures
Trust Manager Qualifications. The Companys Nominating Committee has established policies for
the desired attributes of the Board as a whole. The Board will ensure that a majority of its
members are independent under NYSE Amex listing standards. Each trust manager generally may not
serve as a member of more than six other public company boards. Each member of the Board must
possess the individual qualities of integrity and accountability, informed judgment, financial
literacy, high performance standards and must be committed to representing the long-term interests
of the Company and its shareholders. In addition, trust managers must be committed to devoting the
time and effort necessary to be responsible and productive members of the Board. The Board values
diversity, in its broadest sense, reflecting, but not limited to, profession, geography, gender,
ethnicity, skills and experience.
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees. The Nominating Committee periodically assesses the
appropriate number of trust managers comprising the Board, and whether any vacancies on the 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
the Company, experience and skill relative to other board members, and specialized knowledge or
experience. Depending upon the current needs of the Board, certain factors may be weighed more or
less heavily by the Nominating Committee. In considering candidates for the Board, the Nominating
Committee evaluates the entirety of each candidates credentials and, other than the eligibility
requirements established by the 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.
Page 6
Shareholder Nominees. The Nominating Committee will consider properly submitted shareholder
nominees for election to the 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 any other additional
information and materials reasonably required by the Company to the Secretary of the Company not
later than the close of business on the 90th day, and not earlier than the close of
business on the 120th day, prior to the anniversary of the preceding years meeting.
For the Companys annual meeting of shareholders in the year 2010, the Secretary must receive this
notice not earlier than February 13, 2010, and prior to the close of business on March 15, 2010.
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: PMC Commercial Trust, 17950 Preston Road,
Suite 600, Dallas, Texas 75252, Attn: Secretary.
Independence of Trust Managers
Pursuant to the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines, which require that a majority of
our trust managers be independent within the meaning of the NYSE Amex corporate governance
standards, the Board undertook a review of the independence of trust managers nominated for
election at the Meeting. In making independence determinations, the Board observes all criteria
for independence established by the SEC, the NYSE Amex, and other governing laws and regulations.
During this review, the Board considered transactions and relationships between each trust manager
or any member of his or her immediate family and the Company, including (if applicable) those
reported under Related Person Transactions. 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, the Board affirmatively determined that all of the trust managers
nominated for election at the Meeting are independent of the Company and its management with the
exception of the management member of the Board, Mr. Lance B. Rosemore, and his sister, Dr. Martha
R. Greenberg.
Compensation of Trust Managers
During the year ended December 31, 2008, we compensated our non-employee trust managers
according to the following schedule:
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Board retainer |
|
$ |
22,000 |
|
Fee for each quarterly Board meeting attended |
|
|
1,500 |
|
Fee for each other Board meeting attended |
|
|
1,000 |
|
Annual audit committee chairman retainer |
|
|
5,000 |
|
Annual compensation committee and nominating committee chairman
retainer |
|
|
3,000 |
|
Annual audit committee member retainer |
|
|
4,800 |
|
Fee for each committee meeting attended |
|
|
1,000 |
|
The annual Board retainer, annual audit committee chairman retainer and annual audit committee
member retainer are payable quarterly. If any special committee was formed and conducted official
business, each member would receive $2,500 per meeting and the chairperson would receive an annual
retainer of $5,000. During 2008, the Compensation Committee granted a one-time fee of $10,000 for
services performed by Mr. Nathan G. Cohen in connection with strategic alternative initiatives and
a one-time fee of $2,500 to Mr. Roy Greenberg for his contributions to the Board during his tenure
as a trust manager. In addition, the Companys 2005 Equity Incentive Plan allows for the issuance
of share awards at the discretion of the Compensation Committee in accordance with the plan. All
share awards granted to the non-employee trust managers vested as follows: one-third on the date
of grant, one-third on the first anniversary date and the remaining one-third on the second
anniversary date. In addition, the non-employee trust managers were reimbursed by the Company for
their expenses related to attending board or committee meetings.
Page 7
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION IN 2008
Compensation for the non-employee trust managers for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Paid in Cash |
|
|
Share Awards(1) |
|
|
Total |
|
Nathan G. Cohen* |
|
$ |
64,300 |
|
|
$ |
8,039 |
|
|
$ |
72,339 |
|
Martha R. Greenberg |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
8,039 |
|
|
|
38,039 |
|
Roy H. Greenberg** |
|
|
36,000 |
|
|
|
3,478 |
(2) |
|
|
39,478 |
|
Barry A. Imber* |
|
|
46,800 |
|
|
|
8,039 |
|
|
|
54,839 |
|
Irving Munn* |
|
|
53,300 |
|
|
|
8,039 |
|
|
|
61,339 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Independent Director. |
|
** |
|
Independent Director, member of the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee until October 15, 2008. |
|
(1) |
|
This column represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement purposes with
respect to the 2008 fiscal year for awards granted in 2008 as well as in prior years in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 123R and assumes zero
anticipated forfeitures in connection with the valuing of such shares. In 2008, the Company
reversed expense previously recognized in connection with the 2007 and 2008 shares granted to
Mr. Greenberg. Information with regard to restricted share awards granted to each
non-employee trust manager was as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 10, 2006 |
|
|
June 9, 2007 |
|
|
June 14, 2008 |
|
Number of Shares granted |
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
Share price on date of grant |
|
$ |
12.72 |
|
|
$ |
14.01 |
|
|
$ |
7.65 |
|
Vested during 2008 |
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
350 |
|
Vested as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
350 |
|
Unvested as of December 31,
2008(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
700 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Mr. Greenberg forfeited the 900 unvested Shares upon his resignation in October 2008. |
|
(2) |
|
Reflects value of restricted shares granted during 2008 in accordance with SFAS 123R of
$4,816, adjusted to give effect to reversal of expense associated with restricted shares
forfeited during the year. |
Page 8
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF TRUST MANAGERS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our
Shares as of April 17, 2009 by (1) each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our
outstanding Shares, (2) all current trust managers, (3) each current named executive officer, and
(4) all current trust managers and current 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. All individuals set forth below have the same principal business address as the Company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
Percent of Common |
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
Unexercised Options |
|
|
Owned |
|
|
Shares Owned |
|
Name |
|
Owned |
|
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Beneficially |
|
|
Beneficially |
|
Lance B. Rosemore(1) |
|
|
196,172 |
|
|
|
10,800 |
|
|
|
206,972 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
% |
Barry N. Berlin(2) |
|
|
21,678 |
|
|
|
8,700 |
|
|
|
30,378 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Jan F. Salit(3) |
|
|
18,304 |
|
|
|
8,700 |
|
|
|
27,004 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Nathan G. Cohen(4) |
|
|
10,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,770 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Martha R. Greenberg(5) |
|
|
347,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
347,772 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
% |
Barry A. Imber(6) |
|
|
21,702 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,702 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Irving Munn(7) |
|
|
9,570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,570 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Trust Managers and
Executive Officers as
a group (7 persons) |
|
|
625,968 |
|
|
|
28,200 |
|
|
|
654,168 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1%. |
|
(1) |
|
Includes 7,601 Shares held in the name of his children, 77,805 Shares held jointly with his
spouse, 4,786 Shares held in an IRA, 14,755 Shares held in trust for the benefit of Mr.
Rosemore and his children, 2,442 Shares held by a partnership for the benefit of Mr. Rosemore
and his children, 1,569 Shares held in an IRA by Mr. Rosemores spouse and 3,200 restricted
shares. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 211 Shares held in the name of his minor child, 6,823 Shares held jointly with his
spouse and 3,200 restricted shares. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 612 Shares held in an IRA and 3,200 restricted shares. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 1,700 Shares held in the name of his spouse and 900 restricted shares. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 77,495 Shares held in an IRA, 14,171 Shares held in a trust for the benefit of Dr.
Greenberg, 5,845 Shares held individually and 900 restricted shares. All remaining Shares are
held by a partnership of which Dr. Greenberg is the sole manager. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 3,274 Shares held in an IRA for the benefit of his child, 1,122 Shares held in an
IRA for the benefit of his spouse, 1,202 Shares held in an IRA and 900 restricted shares. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 900 restricted shares. |
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the current executive officers of the Company.
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Current Title |
Lance B. Rosemore |
|
60 |
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary |
Barry N. Berlin |
|
48 |
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Jan F. Salit |
|
58 |
|
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer |
Business Experience
For the business experience of Mr. Lance B. Rosemore, see Proposal One Election of Trust
Managers.
Barry N. Berlin has been Executive Vice President of the Company since October 2008 and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company since June 1993. Mr. Berlin was also Chief Financial Officer of
PMC Capital, Inc. (PMC Capital) from November 1992 to February 2004. From August 1986 to
November 1992, he was an audit manager with Imber and Company, Certified Public Accountants. Mr.
Berlin is a certified public accountant.
Jan F. Salit has been Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer of the Company since October 2008,
Executive Vice President of the Company since June 1993, and Chief Investment Officer and Assistant
Secretary since January 1994. He was also Executive Vice President of PMC Capital from May 1993 to
February 2004 and Chief Investment Officer and Assistant Secretary of PMC Capital from March 1994
to February 2004. From 1979 to 1992, Mr. Salit was employed by Glenfed Financial Corporation and
its predecessor company Armco Financial Corporation, a commercial finance company, holding various
positions including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Page 9
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
General
The Compensation Committees philosophy for compensating named executive officers is that an
incentive-based compensation system reflecting the Companys financial performance and shareholder
return and encouraging ownership of our shares by the named executive officers will best align the
interests of its named executive officers with the objectives of the Company and its shareholders.
The Compensation Committee designed the Companys compensation program to meet its objective of
rewarding performance measured by the creation of value for shareholders. In accordance with this
philosophy, the Compensation Committee oversees the implementation of the compensation system
designed to promote the Companys financial and operational success by attracting, motivating and
assisting in the retention of key employees who demonstrate the highest levels of ability and
talent by making a portion of an executive officers compensation dependent upon the Companys and
such executives performance. The Companys executive compensation program includes the following
compensation elements:
|
|
|
Base salary. The salaries for the named executive officers are determined
following an assessment of each executives level of responsibility and experience,
individual performance and contributions to the Company. |
|
|
|
Annual Cash Bonus Incentives. Annual incentives are determined by the
performance of the executive, the executives department, as applicable, and the
financial performance of the Company as a whole. |
|
|
|
Long-Term Equity Incentives. Grants of restricted shares and/or share options
are designed to motivate individuals to enhance the long-term profitability of the
Company and the value of its shares. Awards of long-term incentive compensation
require the executives to focus on the Companys long-term strategic growth and
prospects, as well as to require the executives to share the risk of poor
performance with our shareholders. |
The Compensation Committee does not allocate a fixed percentage to each of these elements, but
works with management to design an overall compensation structure that best serves its goals and
appropriately motivates the executives to provide outstanding service to the Company. In addition,
even though a portion of the executives compensation is influenced by the Companys performance,
the Compensation Committee has a general philosophy of providing some consistency in amounts of
compensation provided by each of the three elements. This philosophy results in less significant
increases or decreases in the amount of compensation paid from year-to-year and lessens the
immediate effect of the Companys performance on executive compensation from year-to-year. In
addition, the Compensation Committee assessed the reasonableness of the compensation package as a
whole provided to each named executive officer (other than the former General Counsel), and
considers whether the amount of total compensation is excessive given the Companys performance,
current economic trends, and the compensation paid to executive officers of other public real
estate investment trusts (REITs).
In 2008, the Compensation Committee evaluated the compensation of Mr. Berlin and Mr. Salit and
Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore, and administered all employee benefit plans established by the Company.
The Board made all final compensation decisions regarding Mr. Berlin, Mr. Salit and Dr. Andrew S.
Rosemore, after receiving the Compensation Committees recommendations. The Compensation Committee
delegated the decisions regarding all elements of the General Counsels compensation to Lance B.
Rosemore (the Chief Executive Officer). In 2008, the Compensation Committee recommended and
approved the base salary of Lance B. Rosemore and recommended to the Board the compensation of Mr.
Berlin, Mr. Salit and Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore.
Identification of Named Executive Officers
The Companys named executive officers for whom compensation information is disclosed in this
proxy statement are Lance B. Rosemore, Barry N. Berlin, Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore, Jan F. Salit and
Ron H. Dekelbaum.
Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore was terminated from his position as Chief Operating Officer and
employee of the Company and resigned from his position on our Board on October 15, 2008. Effective
October 15, 2008, Jan F. Salit
assumed the Chief Operating Officers duties and responsibilities. In addition, as part of our
cost reduction initiatives, the position of General Counsel was eliminated effective October 15,
2008. Mr. Dekelbaums responsibilities are now handled by the Companys outside legal counsel with
support from Messrs. Berlin and Salit.
Page 10
Role of Management in the Compensation-Setting Process
Certain of the Companys named executive officers play a role in the compensation-setting
process. In 2008, our Chief Executive Officer made recommendations to the Compensation Committee
concerning the compensation of Mr. Berlin, Mr. Salit and Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore. The Chief
Executive Officers recommendations to the Compensation Committee influence the base salary,
potential annual bonus, and the granting of long-term equity incentive compensation to each of
these executive officers. While the Compensation Committee gives much weight to the Chief
Executive Officers opinion, the Compensation Committee makes its own recommendation for each
element of these executive officers compensation. The final decision for all elements of the
Companys compensation to these executive officers is ultimately made by the Board, except for
Lance B. Rosemore, based upon the recommendations of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation
Committee is responsible for approving all compensation to Lance B. Rosemore.
In 2008, the Compensation Committee also consulted the Chief Financial Officer as to his
judgment of the Companys financial status as a whole before making final decisions concerning
salary and long-term equity incentive awards. Both the Chief Financial Officer and the current
Chief Operating Officer provided input to the Compensation Committee regarding the Companys
financial status prior to the establishment of the aggregate cash bonus pool.
Our Chief Executive Officer provides to each named executive officer, at least annually, an
informal evaluation and review of the individual contributions of the executive to the business of
the Company. The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer do not conduct individual
evaluations of other executives.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
Mr. Rosemores current annual salary, as established by his employment agreement, was set by
the Compensation Committee at $413,221 on July 1, 2008. Also, during 2008 he was awarded a cash
bonus of $50,000 which was paid in January 2009.
Use of Independent Consultants
The Compensation Committee reviews the overall compensation program to assure that it is
reasonable and, in consideration of all the facts, including practices of comparably sized real
REITs, adequately recognizes performance tied to creating shareholder value and meets overall
Company compensation and business objectives. The Compensation Committee has historically not
utilized the services of an independent advisor or other compensation consultant when determining
the appropriate compensation packages for the Companys named executive officers. Instead, the
Compensation Committee believes that it may rely upon the Companys accounting and human resource
departments to provide sufficient information necessary to make the compensation decisions. The
Company has relied upon its own internal resources to compile publicly available information
concerning peer companies and the practices and trends in its industry, and anticipates continuing
to do so. If the Compensation Committee determines that using an independent consultant in the
future is desirable, however, the Compensation Committees Charter does allow the use of such a
consultant and the Compensation Committee is empowered to contract this work to an appropriate
third party.
Base Salary
The Compensation Committee meets mid-year, typically in May, to review the base salary and
long-term incentives provided to our named executive officers (other than the former General
Counsel) for the twelve-month period ending on June 30 of that year. At that meeting, the
Compensation Committee typically reviews and to the extent deemed appropriate may change the base
salary of all or some of the named executive officers (other than General Counsel) for the upcoming
twelve month period beginning July 1.
The predominant factors considered by the Compensation Committee in recommending base salaries
for the applicable named executive officers are: (1) the performance of the Company, measured by
both financial and non-financial objectives, (2) individual accomplishments, (3) the
responsibilities of the officer and any planned change of responsibilities for the forthcoming
year, and (4) the salary required to retain the named executive officer. The Compensation
Committee also considers the following factors, which may vary in weight from year to year: (1)
salaries paid for similar positions within the real estate and REIT industry as disclosed in public
filings, and (2) the proposed base salary relative to that of other of the Companys executive
officers. The Compensation Committee does not directly tie salaries to those paid by comparable
companies; the information relating to the peer companies is one of several guidelines
used to assess the reasonableness of the compensation paid by the Company. In 2008, the base
salary of our General Counsel, one of our named executive officers, was established by our Chief
Executive Officer. Base salaries paid in calendar year 2008 are quantified below in the Summary
Compensation Table.
Page 11
In May 2008, the Compensation Committee reviewed and recommended to the Board an increase in
the base salary of Mr. Lance B. Rosemore, which the Board approved. The Compensation Committee
discussed the current economic conditions, the Companys performance, and whether given the general
economic outlook, any raise in salary was appropriate. While employee salaries were generally
frozen due to current economic conditions, the Compensation Committee recommended an increase in
base salary for the Chief Executive Officer to compensate Mr. Rosemore to make up for the lack of
cost of living adjustments during prior periods.
During September 2008, the Compensation Committee recommended increases in the base salaries
for Messrs. Berlin and Salit in amounts intended to approximate the increase in the cost of living,
which the Board also approved. Messrs. Berlin and Salit had not been given salary increases during
the normal mid-year cycle because of the Companys general approach of freezing salaries due to the
current economic conditions, the impact on the Companys performance and the resulting economic
uncertainty. However, as part of the Companys cost reduction initiatives, both of these officers
have assumed additional responsibilities. In light of these increased responsibilities and the
Compensation Committees practice of adjusting salaries, the Compensation Committee believed it was
appropriate to approve these increases in base salary.
Annual Management Cash Bonus Incentive
The Compensation Committee administers the Companys annual cash bonus arrangements which are
designed to compensate key management personnel for reaching certain performance milestones and to
aid the Company in attracting, retaining and motivating personnel required for the Companys
continued performance. The Compensation Committees general philosophy of providing some
consistency in compensation amounts, and avoiding significant changes in the amount of compensation
paid from year-to-year, results in less significant increases or decreases in the amount of cash
bonuses than might otherwise be paid and has the effect of moderating the extent to which the
annual cash bonus is tied to the Companys performance. For 2008, bonuses were earned by the
remaining named executive officers, Messrs. Rosemore, Berlin and Salit. The aggregate of the bonus
earned by these three officers in 2007 was $178,000. In light of current economic conditions and
the Companys cost reduction initiatives, the Compensation Committee determined that the total
amount of bonuses to be earned by the named executive officers in 2008 should be less than the
amount earned in 2007, but still believed that some level of bonus was appropriate based on the
factors set forth below, including the relative performance of the Company compared to its peers,
and the total compensation earned by each remaining named executive officer. Therefore, the
Compensation Committee established a pool of $150,000 for cash bonuses for 2008, which was approved
by the Board. The Compensation Committee then solicited Mr. Rosemores recommendation as to how
the bonus pool should be divided among the three remaining named executive officers. Mr. Rosemore
recommended to the Compensation Committee that the pool be divided equally among the three
remaining named executive officers (including himself). The Compensation Committee made this same
recommendation to the Board, which ultimately approved a $50,000 cash bonus for each remaining
named executive officer. This approach resulted in a reduction in bonus for Mr. Rosemore, while
Messrs. Berlin and Salit earned approximately the same bonus as they earned in 2007. The bonus
arrangements for all other employees differ in that the Compensation Committee only approves the
aggregate amount of bonuses payable to all other employees. The aggregate amount approved with
respect to the bonus arrangement for all other employees is then approved by the Chief Executive
Officer.
Although determinations with respect to base salary and long-term incentives are typically
made with respect to the twelve-month period beginning July 1, annual cash bonus incentives are
instead earned and paid with respect to the calendar year. Therefore, the Compensation Committee
meets in December of each year to review the performance of each of the named executive officers
for the year and the performance of the Company in the preceding three quarters (and the Companys
anticipated performance in the fourth quarter of the year). At that meeting the Compensation
Committee determines the amount of annual bonuses to be recommended to the Board. The annual
bonuses for the named executive officers approved by the Board are paid in January of the following
year. Annual bonuses paid with respect to calendar year 2008 are quantified below in the Summary
Compensation Table.
Bonuses are discretionary. To the extent paid, bonuses for the named executive officers are
primarily based upon a review of earnings per share with respect to the Companys shares for the
calendar year, the base salary change for each named executive officer during the calendar year, if
any, and the annual bonus paid to the named executive officer for the prior year. In addition,
changes in responsibilities of the named executive officer, if any, factor into the determination
of bonus for the named executive officer. The Chief Executive Officer may also recommend an
increase or decrease to the
annual bonus for each named executive officer based upon the performance of the executive and
the Company during the calendar year and, to some extent, the relative performance of the Company
compared to its peers.
Page 12
Long-term Equity Incentives
The Compensation Committee is responsible for administration of the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan
(the Plan), and establishes the number of options granted and restricted shares awarded. The
purpose of the Plan is to encourage and enable the named executive officers, employees and certain
non-employee Board members to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company, thus furthering their
interest in stimulating the growth and prosperity of the Company. In keeping with the Compensation
Committees philosophy to provide long-term equity incentives to named executive officers and other
key employees, it is anticipated that restricted share awards and share options will be granted to
named executive officers and other key employees on a periodic basis.
The number of shares available under the Plan was initially 500,000, though this number is
subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of corporate transactions such as recapitalizations or
share splits. As of December 31, 2008, there were 375,600 shares available for grant under the
Plan. The Compensation Committee has the authority to select the eligible recipients, the number
of shares to be granted, to modify an award from time to time, and to set the rules and guidelines
of administration for the Plan. The Compensation Committee also has the sole discretion to impose
forfeiture provisions upon certain terminations, or accelerated vesting upon a change in control.
At the mid-year meeting of the Compensation Committee, it reviews the long-term incentives
currently held by the Companys named executive officers and determines the terms of new long-term
equity incentives to be awarded to executives of the Company. The awards are then presented to the
Board for approval at the Board meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
In 2008, when determining the number of restricted shares to be granted to each of Mr. Lance
B. Rosemore, Mr. Berlin and Mr. Salit (collectively, the Key Executives), the Compensation
Committee was primarily influenced by its objective for the grant date fair value of the restricted
share awards to be equal to a fixed dollar amount. This objective results in more shares being
granted when the Companys share price is relatively low, and fewer shares being granted when the
Companys share price is relatively high. The Compensation Committee does not use the number of
restricted shares granted as an incentive in itself, but views the granting of equity as an
incentive for the Key Executives to manage the Company such that its share price will appreciate,
thereby benefiting all of the Companys shareholders. Because the restricted shares vest over a
two-year period, the Compensation Committee believes that the shares are an incentive for the Key
Executives to maximize the Companys financial performance over the long term.
During 2008, each of the Key Executives received 3,750 restricted shares, while Mr. Dekelbaum
received 3,000 share options, each with a grant date of June 14, 2008. The terms of these awards
are described in greater detail in the narrative following the Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2008
table. Individual grants were made by the Compensation Committee based upon recommendations of the
Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committees own deliberations as to the individuals
overall level of compensation.
The Company generally grants equity awards in the form of restricted shares, instead of share
options, and expects to continue to do so in the future. This practice was adopted in part because
it aligned the Company with its peers, and in part because restricted shares result in equity
ownership by the named executive officer, thereby aligning the executives interest with the
Companys other shareholders, instead of simply giving the executives an interest in share price
appreciation, which is the effect of the granting of share options.
Severance and Change in Control Agreements
The Compensation Committee believes that severance and, in select circumstances, change in
control arrangements, are necessary to attract and retain the talent necessary for our long-term
success. However, the Compensation Committee does not view severance programs for named executive
officers as an additional element of compensation. Rather, the Compensation Committee believes
that severance programs allow the Companys named executive officers to focus on duties at hand and
provide security should their employment be terminated through no fault of their own. Currently,
all of the Key Executives are covered by severance provisions in their employment agreements.
Each of our Key Executives has entered into an agreement with the Company (which is discussed
under Executive CompensationEmployment Agreements) pursuant to which he is granted enhanced
severance benefits. The Compensation Committee believes that these arrangements are appropriate
and consistent with similar provisions agreed upon between comparable sized public companies and
their executive officers. The employment agreements are discussed
in greater detail below in the section entitled Executive CompensationPotential Payments Upon
Termination or Change in Control.
Page 13
Other Compensation Plans
The Company maintains a profit sharing plan that includes a defined contribution plan (the
401(k) Plan) and a discretionary plan (the Profit Sharing Plan) that is intended to satisfy the
tax qualification requirements of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Companys full
time employees, including the Companys named executive officers, are eligible to participate in
the 401(k) Plan and are permitted to contribute a portion of their eligible compensation for
purposes of the 401(k) plan (subject to the applicable statutory limits of $15,500, or $20,500 for
eligible participants over the age of 50, in calendar year 2008). All amounts deferred by a
participant under the 401(k) Plans salary reduction feature vest immediately in the participants
account. While the Company may (but is not required to) make matching contributions under the
401(k) Plan, none were made during fiscal 2008. In lieu of 401(k) matching contributions,
pursuant to the Profit Sharing Plan, the Board elected to make a discretionary contribution of
approximately $208,000 during the plan year ended October 31, 2008, $256,000 during the plan year
ended October 31, 2007 and $244,000 during the plan year ended October 31, 2006. Contributions to
the Profit Sharing Plan are available to all full-time employees who meet the eligibility
requirements of the plan. In general, vesting in the Profit Sharing Plan occurs ratably between
years two to seven of employment.
Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into an indemnification agreement with each of our trust managers and named
executive officers. These agreements provide for the Company to, among other things, indemnify
such persons against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as
trust managers or named executive officers, to advance their expenses incurred as a result of a
proceeding as to which they may be indemnified and to cover such person under any trust managers
and officers liability insurance policy the Company chooses, in its discretion, to maintain.
These indemnification agreements are intended to provide indemnification rights to the fullest
extent permitted under applicable indemnification rights statutes in the State of Texas and shall
be in addition to any other rights the individual may have under the Companys Declaration of
Trust, Bylaws and applicable law. Management believes these indemnification agreements enhance the
Companys ability to attract and retain knowledgeable and experienced executives and independent,
non-management trust managers.
Tax Considerations
Code Section 162(m) places a limit of $1,000,000 on the amount of compensation that the
Company may deduct for federal income tax purposes in any one year with respect to the Companys
Chief Executive Officer, and the next three highest paid executives. However, performance-based
compensation that meets certain requirements is excluded from the $1,000,000 limitation. The
Compensation Committee is aware of this tax law, but believes that none of the executive officers
currently receives compensation at or near the $1,000,000 maximum. The Compensation Committee will
continue to keep this provision in mind for future compensation decisions, and will take measures
to preserve the deductibility of compensation payments and benefits to the extent reasonably
practicable and to the extent consistent with its other compensation objectives.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has (1) reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation
Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) with the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer; and (2) based upon the review and discussion recommended to the Board that the CD&A be
included in this proxy statement and incorporated by reference into the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
This report is submitted by the following members of the Compensation Committee:
Irving Munn (Chair)
Barry A. Imber
Nathan G. Cohen
Page 14
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The table below represents the compensation paid to each of the named executive officers
during the calendar years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share |
|
|
Option |
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
|
Salary(1) |
|
|
Bonus(1) |
|
|
Awards(2)(3) |
|
|
Awards(2)(3) |
|
|
Compensation(4) |
|
|
Total |
|
Lance B. Rosemore |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
408,103 |
|
|
$ |
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
28,244 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
40,790 |
|
|
$ |
527,137 |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
387,891 |
|
|
|
74,000 |
|
|
|
25,718 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,866 |
|
|
|
538,475 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
360,602 |
|
|
|
72,000 |
|
|
|
18,589 |
|
|
|
3,083 |
|
|
|
48,093 |
|
|
|
502,367 |
|
Barry N. Berlin |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
267,621 |
|
|
$ |
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
28,244 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
41,882 |
|
|
$ |
387,747 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
257,949 |
|
|
|
52,000 |
|
|
|
25,718 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,216 |
|
|
|
376,883 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
245,117 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
18,589 |
|
|
|
2,522 |
|
|
|
39,186 |
|
|
|
355,414 |
|
Jan F. Salit |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
267,621 |
|
|
$ |
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
28,244 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
41,255 |
|
|
$ |
387,120 |
|
Chief Operating and |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
257,949 |
|
|
|
52,000 |
|
|
|
25,718 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,550 |
|
|
|
376,217 |
|
Investment Officer |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
245,117 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
18,589 |
|
|
|
2,522 |
|
|
|
38,610 |
|
|
|
354,838 |
|
Andrew S. Rosemore |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
310,156 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,551 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,661,903 |
(6) |
|
$ |
1,974,610 |
|
Former Chief Operating Officer* |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
354,143 |
|
|
|
74,000 |
|
|
|
25,718 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,202 |
|
|
|
500,063 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
327,585 |
|
|
|
72,000 |
|
|
|
18,589 |
|
|
|
3,083 |
|
|
|
43,549 |
|
|
|
464,806 |
|
Ron H. Dekelbaum |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
134,160 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(4,061 |
) (5) |
|
$ |
56,146 |
(7) |
|
$ |
186,245 |
|
Former General Counsel* |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
169,536 |
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,660 |
|
|
|
15,507 |
|
|
|
200,203 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
154,250 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,401 |
|
|
|
14,177 |
|
|
|
179,828 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Employment terminated on October 15, 2008. |
|
(1) |
|
During 2008, salary and bonus as a percentage of total compensation ranged from 77% to 95%
for the named executive officers, excluding severance. |
|
(2) |
|
As described in the CD&A, the Compensation Committee grants share and option awards on a
discretionary basis. The terms of the share awards provide for dividends on non-vested Shares
to be paid to the holder. |
|
(3) |
|
Each column represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes with respect to the applicable fiscal year for the fair value of the option awards
and restricted share awards granted in 2008 and prior years in accordance with SFAS 123R
utilizing assumptions as disclosed in Note 15 to our financial statements. We assume zero
forfeitures for valuing our restricted share awards. See Note 15 to our financial statements
for the period ended December 31, 2008 for an explanation of assumptions made in the valuation
of the awards. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table for information on awards made in
2008. These amounts reflect the Companys accounting expense for these awards, and do not
correspond to the actual value that will be recognized as compensation by the named executive
officers. |
|
(4) |
|
See table below for a breakdown of all other compensation. Other than Mr. Rosemore, the
Company has determined that the amounts of perquisites and other personal benefits paid to
each of the named executive officers does not exceed $10,000. The Other column below
represents reimbursement of membership dues at a country club for Mr. Rosemore. |
|
(5) |
|
Reflects value of options granted during 2008 in accordance with SFAS 123R of $900, adjusted
to give effect to removal of expense associated with options forfeited during the year. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes payments due pursuant to a severance agreement which consists of a cash settlement
of approximately $1.4 million due April 2009 and health insurance premium contributions due
for three years. Does not include any payments made pursuant to a consulting agreement
whereby Dr. Rosemore is provided a monthly stipend of $4,167 plus reimbursement of approved
out-of-pocket expenses for providing assistance to the Company. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes $45,000 of severance pay made or to be made in equal monthly installments which
commenced November 1, 2008, and will continue until April 2009. |
All other compensation consisted of the following during 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unused |
|
|
Tax Qualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vacation |
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Car |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Pay |
|
|
Compensation Plan |
|
|
Severance |
|
|
Allowance |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
Lance B. Rosemore |
|
$ |
6,357 |
|
|
$ |
21,893 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
6,600 |
|
|
$ |
5,940 |
|
|
$ |
40,790 |
|
Barry N. Berlin |
|
|
13,389 |
|
|
|
21,893 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,882 |
|
Jan F. Salit |
|
|
12,762 |
|
|
|
21,893 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,255 |
|
Andrew S. Rosemore |
|
|
61,356 |
|
|
|
21,893 |
|
|
|
1,573,154 |
|
|
|
5,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,661,903 |
|
Ron H. Dekelbaum |
|
|
11,146 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,146 |
|
Page 15
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2008
The following table provides information concerning each grant of restricted shares and each
grant of share options made to our named executive officers pursuant to our 2005 Equity Incentive
Plan during 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: Number |
|
|
Exercise or |
|
|
Fair Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Share |
|
|
of Securities |
|
|
Base Price |
|
|
Share and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: Number |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
of Option |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
Grant |
|
|
of Shares or Units |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Awards |
|
Name |
|
Date |
|
|
(#)(1) |
|
|
(#)(2) |
|
|
($/Sh) |
|
|
($)(3) |
|
Lance B. Rosemore |
|
|
06/14/08 |
|
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
28,687 |
|
Barry N. Berlin |
|
|
06/14/08 |
|
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,687 |
|
Jan F. Salit |
|
|
06/14/08 |
|
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,687 |
|
Andrew S. Rosemore |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ron H. Dekelbaum |
|
|
06/14/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
$ |
7.65 |
|
|
|
900 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents a grant of restricted shares to the named executive officers in the amounts
specified. The terms of these restricted share awards are described below in the section
entitled Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents a grant of share options to Mr. Dekelbaum. The terms of this share option award
are described below in the section entitled Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. Mr.
Dekelbaums options were forfeited on November 14, 2008. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents the grant date fair value of the restricted shares or share options, as the case
may be, for purposes of SFAS 123R. The grant date fair value of the restricted shares is
based on the per share closing price of our common shares on June 13, 2008, which was $7.65. |
Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements, as amended, with each of the Key Executives, dated
June 16, 2008, for employment terms that extend until the earlier of (1) the Key Executives 70th
birthday, or (2) June 30, 2011 or a later date determined by the Board. The term of the employment
agreements may be extended annually by the Board. Each of these employment agreements is
substantially similar and provides for at least annual reviews by the Board of the base salaries
contained therein, with a minimum salary equal to the executives compensation on July 1, 2008. In
addition to base salary, the employment agreements provide for the following:
|
|
|
the opportunity to earn annual cash bonuses in amounts that may vary from year to
year and that are based upon our performance and the performance of the executive,
such bonuses to be awarded at the Boards discretion; and |
|
|
|
the same benefits and perquisites that our other officers and employees are
entitled to receive. |
The employment agreements authorize Messrs. Rosemore, Berlin and Salit to incur reasonable
expenses for the promotion of our business. We will reimburse the executives for all such
reasonable expenses incurred upon the presentation by each executive, from time to time, of an
itemized account of such expenditures. The executives are entitled to such additional and other
fringe benefits as the Board shall from time to time authorize, including but not limited to health
insurance coverage for the executive and the executives spouse and dependent children, and a
monthly automotive allowance of $550, which the executive is to use to obtain an automobile to be
available for business purposes as needed. All operating expenses related to the automobile such
as maintenance, insurance and fuel (excluding fuel for business-related travel) are the
responsibility and expense of the executive.
Each employment agreement also contains severance provisions, which are discussed below in the
section entitled Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control. The employment
agreements further provide that the Company will indemnify and hold the executive harmless from any
loss for any corporate undertaking, as contemplated per the employment agreement, whereby a claim,
allegation or cause of action shall be made against the executive in the performance of his
contractual duties except for willful illegal misconduct. Said indemnification shall include but
not be limited to reasonable costs incurred in defending the executive in his faithful performance
of contractual duties.
Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
The restricted share and share option awards made to the named executive officers on June 14,
2008 were granted under our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. Under the terms of the restricted share
awards, 3,750 restricted awards were granted to each of the Key Executives on June 14, 2008.
One-third of the restricted shares were vested on the date of grant, one-third of the restricted
shares will vest on June 14, 2009 and the remaining one-third of the restricted shares will vest on
June 14, 2010, provided the recipient continues employment with us through the applicable vesting
dates. The 2005 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the accelerated vesting of equity awards such
as the restricted share awards in the event of a
change in control. These acceleration provisions are described below in the section of this proxy
entitled Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control. Dividends are payable on the
restricted shares at the same rate and at the same time that dividends are paid to shareholders.
Page 16
The share option award made to Mr. Dekelbaum was fully vested on the date of grant and was
immediately exercisable. Neither Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore nor Mr. Dekelbaum exercised any
outstanding options during 2008 and as a result forfeited 5,300 and 12,500 share options,
respectively, on November 14, 2008.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The following table provides information on the outstanding share option and restricted share
awards held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2008. There were no option or share
awards held by Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore or Mr. Dekelbaum at December 31, 2008. Each equity grant is
shown separately for each named executive officer.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Share Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Shares or |
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or |
|
|
Units of |
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of Stock |
|
|
Stock That |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Option |
|
|
That Have Not |
|
|
Have Not |
|
Name |
|
Exercisable(1) |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Expiration Date |
|
|
Vested |
|
|
Vested(4) |
|
Lance B. Rosemore |
|
|
5,300 |
|
|
$ |
14.54 |
|
|
|
6/11/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,500 |
|
|
|
12.72 |
|
|
|
6/10/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
700 |
(2) |
|
$ |
5,215 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
(3) |
|
|
18,625 |
|
Barry N. Berlin |
|
|
4,200 |
|
|
$ |
14.54 |
|
|
|
6/11/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
12.72 |
|
|
|
6/10/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
700 |
(2) |
|
$ |
5,215 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
(3) |
|
|
18,625 |
|
Jan F. Salit |
|
|
4,200 |
|
|
$ |
14.54 |
|
|
|
6/11/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
12.72 |
|
|
|
6/10/2011 |
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
700 |
(2) |
|
$ |
5,215 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
(3) |
|
|
18,625 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The outstanding share option awards reported in this table were fully vested on the date of
grant. Options expire five years from the date of grant. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents awards of restricted shares made to each of the named executive officers indicated
above on June 9, 2007 which will vest on June 9, 2009, provided the named executive officer is
still employed with us on that date. The vesting of these restricted shares may be
accelerated as described in the Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
section below. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents awards of restricted shares made to each of the named executive officers indicated
above on June 14, 2008. The vesting dates of these awards are described above in the
narrative entitled Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. |
|
(4) |
|
Based on the per share closing market price of $7.45 of our Shares on December 31, 2008. |
Page 17
Option Exercises and Shares Vested in 2008
The following table sets forth, for each of the named executive officers, information
regarding the value of restricted share awards that vested during the fiscal year ended December
31, 2008.
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Share Awards |
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|
|
|
|
Value Realized on |
|
|
|
Number of Shares Acquired |
|
|
Vesting |
|
Name |
|
on Vesting (#)(1) |
|
|
($)(2) |
|
Lance B. Rosemore |
|
|
2,450 |
|
|
$ |
18,849 |
|
Barry N. Berlin |
|
|
2,450 |
|
|
|
18,849 |
|
Jan F. Salit |
|
|
2,450 |
|
|
|
18,849 |
|
Andrew S. Rosemore |
|
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
9,286 |
|
Ron H. Dekelbaum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Based on the following awards: (a) 500 restricted shares granted on June 10, 2006 which
vested on June 10, 2008, (b) 700 restricted shares granted on June 9, 2007 which vested on
June 9, 2008, and (c) except for Andrew S. Rosemore, 1,250 restricted shares granted on June
14, 2008 which immediately vested. The per share market price of the restricted shares were
$7.75 on June 10, 2008, $7.73 on June 9, 2008, and $7.65 on June 14, 2008, the three vesting
dates. |
|
(2) |
|
Calculated as the aggregate market value on the date of vesting of the restricted shares with
respect to which restrictions lapsed during 2008 (calculated before payment of any applicable
withholding or other income taxes). |
Pension Benefits
We do not sponsor or maintain any plans that provide for specified retirement payments or
benefits, such as tax-qualified defined benefit plans or supplemental executive retirement plans,
for our named executive officers.
Non-qualified Deferred Compensation
We do not have any non-qualified deferred compensation plans or arrangements in which our
named executive officers participate.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
The Company has entered into employment agreements, as amended, with each of the Key
Executives, each of which contain very similar provisions. The employment agreements for the Key
Executives each contain the following terms and provisions:
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Cause. The Company cannot terminate the employment agreements except for: (1) the
intentional, unapproved material misuse of corporate funds; (2) professional
incompetence; or (3) willful neglect of duties or responsibilities in either case not
otherwise related to or triggered by the occurrence of any event or events described in
the other employment agreement items detailed in this section. |
|
|
|
Death. If the Key Executive dies during the term of employment and has not attained
the age of seventy years, the Company or any third person insurance provided by the
Company, through a coordination of benefits, shall pay the estate of the Key Executive
a death benefit equal to two times the Key Executives current annual base salary at
the time of death. In the event the Key Executives estate receives death benefits
payable under any group life insurance policy issued to the Company, the Companys
liability will be reduced by the amount of the death benefit paid under such policy, so
amounts actually paid could be less than those shown in the table below. The Company
shall pay any remaining death benefits to the estate of the Key Executive over the
course of 12 months in the same manner and under the same terms as the Key Executive
would have been paid if he had still been working for the Company. In addition, no
later than one month from the date of death, the estate of the Key Executive will be
paid any accumulated vacation pay. |
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|
Disability. If unable to perform services for the Company by reason of illness or
total incapacity, based on standards similar to those utilized by the U.S. Social
Security Administration, the Key Executive shall receive his total annual compensation
for one year of total incapacity through coordination of benefits with any existing
disability insurance program provided by the Company (a reduction in salary by that
amount paid by any Company provided insurance). Should the Key Executive be totally
incapacitated beyond a one-year period, so that he is not able to devote full time to
his employment with the Company, then the employment agreement shall terminate. |
Page 18
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Constructive Discharge. The Key Executives will incur a constructive discharge upon
the occurrence of any of the following: (1) a Key Executives base salary is reduced
below the Minimum Rate (as defined in the Employment Agreement section above), (2)
a material reduction in a Key Executives job function, authority, duties or
responsibilities, or other similar change that violates the spirit of the employment
agreement, (3) a required relocation to a location more than 100 miles from the Key
Executives job location at the time of the employment agreements execution, or
excessive travel in comparison to other executives in similar situations, (4) any
breach of the employment agreement that is not cured within 14 days following a written
notice to the Company describing the situation. If the Key Executives job
responsibilities are substantially modified as a result of one of the previous
conditions, the Key Executive could resign and be entitled to be paid an amount equal
to 2.99 times the average of the last three years total annual compensation paid to the
Key Executive. All amounts payable due to a constructive discharge shall be paid to
the Key Executives in a lump sum cash payment in accordance with the terms of the
employment agreement, as amended. |
Each of the employment agreements also contains a provision governing the disclosure of
information. The Key Executives are prevented, both during and following the term of the
employment agreement, from disclosing information on the operating procedures or service techniques
of the Company, the Companys customer lists, or similar valuable and unique Company information.
The breach or threatened breach by the Key Executive of this obligation will result in the Company
being entitled to an injunction restraining such breach, and the Company may also seek the recovery
of damages from the Key Executive.
The equity awards that are granted to each of the named executive officers are not governed by
the employment agreements, but rather through the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan and the accompanying
award agreements for each grant. The 2005 Equity Incentive Plan provides that upon either (1) the
dissolution or liquidation of the Company; (2) a sale of the Companys assets; (3) a merger,
consolidation, or reorganization where the outstanding shares are converted into a different kind
of security or for the successor entitys securities; or (4) the sale of all the Companys shares
to an unrelated party, all unvested share options shall receive accelerated vesting. While each of
the named executive officers held share options on December 31, 2008, by using the closing price of
the Companys shares on December 31, 2008 of $7.45, none of the executives would have received
value for their awards. The share options will only hold value if the option exercise price is
below the current value of the shares on the date of exercise. As disclosed in the Outstanding
Equity Awards at December 31, 2008 table above, the exercise price for each of the executives
options would be above $7.45, and thus no value is reported in the table below for the acceleration
of equity awards.
The following table sets forth the amount of the Companys payment obligation if each of the
named executive officers incurred a termination on December 31, 2008 as a result of the applicable
scenario. All vacation days are assumed to have been taken, and all reasonable business expenses
are assumed to have been previously reimbursed for purposes of the following table. Each of the
amounts in the table is the Companys best estimate of the amounts that the executives would
receive upon a termination or a change in control, but the precise amount would not be determinable
until an actual termination occurred.
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Change in Control/ |
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|
Constructive |
|
|
Employment |
|
Name |
|
Death(1) |
|
|
Disability(2) |
|
|
Discharge(3) |
|
|
Agreement(4) |
|
Lance B. Rosemore |
|
$ |
826,000 |
|
|
$ |
527,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,536,000 |
|
|
$ |
23,840 |
|
Barry N. Berlin |
|
|
557,000 |
|
|
|
388,000 |
|
|
|
1,101,000 |
|
|
|
23,840 |
|
Jan F. Salit |
|
|
557,000 |
|
|
|
387,000 |
|
|
|
1,100,000 |
|
|
|
23,840 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts in this column approximates two times the annual base salary of each of the named
executive officers in effect as of December 31, 2008. |
|
(2) |
|
Amounts in this column approximate the amount reported above in the Total column of the
Summary Compensation Table with respect to the year ended December 31, 2008. |
|
(3) |
|
The amounts shown in this column are based upon the product of the three-year average total
annual compensation and 2.99. Total annual compensation with respect to the calendar years
ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are reported above in the Total column of the
Summary Compensation Table. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents the accelerated vesting of the 3,200 unvested restricted shares held by each of
Mr. Rosemore, Mr. Berlin, and Mr. Salit as of December 31, 2008 pursuant to the 2005 Equity
Incentive Plan upon a change in control transaction. Values were calculated based on a per
share closing market price of $7.45 on December 31, 2008. |
Page 19
As disclosed above, Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore was terminated from his position of Chief Operating
Officer and employee effective October 15, 2008. Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore had an employment
agreement with the Company; however, the Company and Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore entered into a
separation agreement regarding the terms of his termination. Pursuant to the separation agreement,
the Company has agreed to pay Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore one lump sum payment in the gross amount of
$1,388,000 on April 23, 2009, subject to applicable taxes and lawful deductions. This
amount is more than the amount that would have been paid under Dr. Andrew S. Rosemores employment
agreement, partially because the payment was deferred instead of being paid immediately, as
provided in his employment agreement. The Company and Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore also entered into a
consulting agreement, as described under Related Person Transactions Consulting Agreement with
Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore. The Company has further agreed to continue, to the same extent provided
to Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore during his employment, health and dental insurance coverage for Dr.
Andrew S. Rosemore and his dependents for a period ending on the earlier of (1) the termination of
his consulting agreement as a result of his breach of the confidentiality provisions therein; (2)
his 66th birthday; (3) the date he obtains health and dental insurance coverage through subsequent
employment or work; or (4) the date the Company elects to no longer provide health and/or dental
coverage for its executives or reimbursement for such coverage (in any form, including a stipend or
compensatory salary increase). The provision of medical benefits was not contemplated by his
employment agreement. The amount disclosed as severance in the footnote to the Summary
Compensation Table includes this cash payment as well as the amount recognized as expense in the
Companys financial statements related to the provision of health benefits.
Also as disclosed above, as part of the Companys cost reduction initiatives, the position of
General Counsel was eliminated as of October 15, 2008. Mr. Dekelbaum was paid a total of $45,000
over a six month period ($7,500 per month), in connection with the elimination of his position.
Mr. Dekelbaum had a change in control agreement with the Company, which was not triggered by the
elimination of his position, and did not have an employment agreement with severance benefits. The
consideration paid to Mr. Dekelbaum was generally consistent with the consideration paid to other
employees impacted by the Companys reduction in force, except that other employees received their
payments in one lump sum, while Mr. Dekelbaum was paid over a six month period.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Compensation Committee consists of members of the Board who are neither former nor current
officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Compensation Committee of the
Board for 2008 consisted of Mr. Irving Munn and Mr. Barry A. Imber. In addition, Mr. Roy Greenberg
was a member of the Compensation Committee up until his resignation from the Board on October 15,
2008. His vacancy was filled by Mr. Nathan G. Cohen commencing December 2008.
No member of the Compensation Committee has any interlocking relationship with any other
company that requires disclosure under this heading. No executive officer of the Company served as
a director or member of the compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive
officers serving as a member of the Companys Board or of the Compensation Committee.
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 these reports, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 we
believe that all SEC filing requirements applicable to our trust managers and executive officers
were satisfied on a timely basis with the exception of Mr. Barry A. Imber, who filed one Form 5
late disclosing two transactions.
Page 20
RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
Approval of Related Person Transactions
The Board has adopted the following written related person transaction policy:
A Related Person Transaction is a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of
similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which the Company (including any of its
subsidiaries) was, is or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $5,000, and in which
a related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
A Related Person is:
Any person who was in any of the following categories during the applicable period:
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|
a trust manager or nominee for trust manager; |
|
|
|
any executive officer; or |
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|
|
any immediate family member of a trust manager or executive officer, or of any
nominee for trust manager, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent,
spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law,
brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the trust manager, executive officer, or nominee
for trust manager and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the
household of such trust manager, executive officer or nominee for trust manager; and |
Any person who was in any of the following categories when a transaction in
which such person had a direct or indirect material interest occurred or existed:
|
|
|
any person who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5%
of the Shares; and |
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|
|
any immediate family member of any such security holder, which means any child,
stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law,
son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of such security
holder, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of
such security holder. |
A person who has a position or relationship within a firm, corporation, or other entity that
engages in a transaction with the Company will not be deemed to have an indirect material
interest within the meaning of Related Person Transaction when:
The interest arises only:
|
|
|
from such persons position as a director of another corporation or organization
that is a party to the transaction; or |
|
|
|
from the direct or indirect ownership by such person and all other persons
specified in the definition of Related Person in the aggregate of less than 10%
equity interest in another person (other than a partnership) which is a party to the
transaction; or |
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|
|
from both such position and ownership; or |
|
|
|
from such persons position as a limited partner in a partnership in which the
person and all other persons specified in the definition of Related Person have an
interest of less than 10%, and the person is not a general partner of and does not
hold another position in the partnership. |
Each of the Companys executive officers is encouraged to help identify any potential Related
Person Transaction.
Page 21
As part of the Companys efforts to identify potential Related Person Transactions, the
Companys customary Trust Managers and Executive Officers Questionnaires will request information
regarding potential Related Person Transactions, and the following information to identify
affiliations of such persons:
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a list of entities for which the trust manager or trust manager nominee is an
employee, director or executive officer; |
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a list of entities for which the executive officer is a director; |
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each entity where an immediate family member of the trust manager, the trust
manager nominee or an executive officer is an executive officer; |
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|
each firm, corporation or other entity in which the trust manager, trust manager
nominee or an immediate family member of the trust manager or trust manager nominee
is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5%
or greater beneficial ownership interest; |
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|
each firm, corporation or other entity in which the executive officer or an
immediate family member is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in
which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest; |
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each charitable or non-profit organization where the trust manager, trust manager
nominee or an immediate family member of the trust manager or trust manager nominee
is an employee, executive officer, director or trustee; and |
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|
each charitable or non-profit organization where the executive officer or an
immediate family member is an employee, executive officer, director or trustee. |
If a new Related Person Transaction is identified, it will initially be brought to the
attention of the Chief Financial Officer, who will then prepare a recommendation to the Board
and/or a committee thereof regarding whether the proposed transaction is reasonable and fair to the
Company.
A committee comprised solely of independent trust managers, who are also independent of the
Related Person Transaction in question, will determine whether to approve a Related Person
Transaction. In general, the committee will only approve or ratify a Related Person Transaction if
it determines that the Related Person Transaction is reasonable and fair to the Company. In making
its determination, the committee may consider, among other things, the recommendation of the
individuals directly involved in the transaction and the recommendation of the Chief Financial
Officer.
Consulting Agreement with Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore
To facilitate a smooth transition of Dr. Andrew S. Rosemores responsibilities after his
termination as Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore will provide services as a
consultant to the Company pursuant to a consulting agreement. The consulting agreement has an
initial term of one year and thereafter is automatically renewed month-to-month unless either party
provides notice of non-renewal at least 30 days prior to the end of the applicable renewal term.
During the term of the consulting agreement, Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore will assist the Company with
such duties as are reasonably assigned to him, including loan origination and underwriting support,
site visits and loan committee participation, as well as other transition services and input. It
is expected that Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore will provide approximately 500 hours of consulting services
to the Company per year. For these services, Dr. Andrew S. Rosemore will be paid $4,166.67 per
month plus reimbursement of any approved out-of-pocket expenses. The consulting agreement with Dr.
Andrew S. Rosemore was approved by the Board in connection with its approval of our cost reduction
initiatives.
Page 22
PROPOSAL ONE ELECTION OF TRUST MANAGERS
At the Meeting, five trust managers will be elected by the shareholders, each trust manager to
serve for a one year term, until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until
the earliest of his or her death, resignation or retirement. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of
the votes cast at the Meeting is required to elect trust managers.
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. The Board has proposed the
following nominees for election as trust managers at the Meeting. All nominees are currently
serving as trust managers whose term will expire at the Meeting.
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Trust Manager |
Nominees Name |
|
Age |
|
Principal Occupation |
|
Since |
Nathan G. Cohen
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
Mr. Cohen was the Chief
Financial Officer of
Institution Solutions
LLC, a third person
administrator, from June
2005 through December
2006. He remains
President, since August
2001, of Consultants
Unlimited, a management
and financial consulting
firm. From November 1984
to 2001, he was the
Controller of Atco Rubber
Products, Inc.
|
|
May 1994 |
|
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|
Martha R. Greenberg
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
Dr. Greenberg has
practiced optometry for
32 years in Russellville,
Alabama and is the
President of the Alabama
Optometric Association.
Dr. Greenberg was a
director of PMC Capital
from 1984 to February
2004. Dr. Greenberg is
the sister of Mr. Lance
B. Rosemore.
|
|
May 1996 |
|
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|
Barry A. Imber
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
Mr. Imber has been a
principal of Imber and
Company, Certified Public
Accountants, or its
predecessor, since 1982.
Mr. Imber was previously
a trust manager of PMC
Commercial from September
1993 to March 1995 and a
director of PMC Capital
from March 1995 to
February 2004.
|
|
February 2004 |
|
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|
Irving Munn
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Mr. Munn has been the
President of Munn &
Morris Financial
Advisors, Inc. since July
1999. He has been a
registered representative
with Raymond James
Financial Services since
1997. Mr. Munn was a
principal of Kaufman,
Munn and Associates,
P.C., a public accounting
firm, from 1991 to
November 2000 and
President from 1993 to
November 2000. He is
currently the President
of Irving Munn, P.C., a
public accounting firm.
Mr. Munn is a certified
public accountant and
certified financial
planner.
|
|
September 1993 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Lance B. Rosemore
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Mr. Rosemore has been
President, Chief
Executive Officer and
Secretary of PMC
Commercial since June
1993 and Chairman of the
Board of Trust Managers
since June 2008. He was
the Chief Executive
Officer of PMC Capital
from May 1992 to February
2004 and President of PMC
Capital from 1990 to
February 2004. Mr.
Rosemore was a director
and the Secretary of PMC
Capital from 1983 to
February 2004. Mr.
Rosemore is the brother
of Dr. Martha R.
Greenberg.
|
|
June 1993 |
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the election of each trust manager as set
forth in Proposal One. Proxies solicited by the Board will be so voted unless you specify
otherwise in your proxy.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Since inception, the Companys Audit Committee has been composed entirely of independent trust
managers. The members of the Audit Committee meet the independence and experience requirements of
Section 803 of the NYSE Amex Listing Standards and those established by the SEC. In 2008, the
Audit Committee held four regular meetings and two other meetings. The Audit Committee has
adopted, and annually reviews, a charter outlining the practices it follows. The charter complies
with all current regulatory requirements.
During 2008, at each of its regularly scheduled meetings, the Audit Committee met with the
senior members of the Companys financial management team. Additionally, the Audit Committee,
either through separate private sessions or during its regularly scheduled meetings with the
independent registered public accounting firm and the manager of internal control testing, had
candid discussions regarding financial management, legal, accounting, auditing, and internal
control issues.
Page 23
The Audit Committee has been provided with quarterly updates on managements process to assess
the adequacy of the Companys system of internal control over financial reporting, the framework
used to make the assessment, and managements conclusions on the effectiveness of the Companys
internal control over financial reporting. The updates include discussions with the independent
registered public accounting firm about the Companys internal control assessment process and the
independent registered public accounting firms evaluation of the Companys system of internal
control over financial reporting.
The Audit Committee reviewed with executive management, and the manager of internal control
testing, (1) the Companys policies and procedures with respect to risk assessment and risk
management and (2) the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the Companys legal, regulatory and
ethical compliance programs, including the Codes of Conduct.
The Audit Committee recommended to the Board the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2008, and
reviewed with senior members of the Companys financial management team and the independent
registered public accounting firm, the overall audit scope and plans, the results of internal and
external audit examinations, evaluations by management and the independent registered public
accounting firm of the Companys internal controls over financial reporting and the quality of the
Companys financial reporting. The Audit Committee has the sole authority to appoint the
independent registered public accounting firm. Nonetheless, the Audit Committee will continue the
practice of recommending a shareholder vote, at the Companys annual meeting, to ratify their
appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements in the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K with management including a discussion of the accounting
principles, the reasonableness of significant accounting judgments and estimates, and the clarity
of disclosures in the financial statements.
The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm, who
are engaged to audit and report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company and
subsidiaries and the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting,
those matters required to be discussed by the auditors with the Audit Committee under the PCAOB
Auditing Standard Section 380, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The
Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent accountant
required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding
the independent accountants communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and
has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountants independence for 2008.
In performing all of these functions, the Audit Committee acts in an oversight capacity. The
Audit Committee reviews the Companys quarterly and annual reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K prior
to filing with the SEC. In its oversight role, the Audit Committee relies on the work and
assurances of the Companys management, which has the primary responsibility for establishing and
maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for preparing the financial
statements, and other reports.
In reliance on these reviews and discussions, and the reports of the independent registered
public accounting firm, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board, and the Board has
approved, that the audited financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, for filing with the SEC.
The Audit Committee also recommended the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
independent registered public accounting firm for 2009 and the Board concurred with such
recommendation.
This section of the proxy statement is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not incorporated
by reference into the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K.
This report is submitted by the following members of the Audit Committee:
Nathan G. Cohen (Chair)
Barry A. Imber
Irving Munn
Page 24
PROPOSAL TWO RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Based upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the shareholders are urged to ratify the
appointment by the Audit Committee of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered
public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since June 1993 and is familiar
with the Companys affairs and financial procedures. A representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
is expected to be present at the Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will have an
opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so.
Principal Accounting Firm Fees
Aggregate fees billed to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 by the
Companys principal accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, were as follows:
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2008 |
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2007 |
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Audit Fees (a) |
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638,000 |
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$ |
713,000 |
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Audit Related Fees (b) |
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12,000 |
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19,000 |
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Tax Fees (c) |
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100,000 |
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142,000 |
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All Other Fees |
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2,000 |
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2,000 |
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Total |
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752,000 |
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$ |
876,000 |
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Audit fees consisted of professional services performed in connection with (i)
the audit of the Companys annual financial statements and internal control over
financial reporting and (ii) review of financial statements included in its quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q. |
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Primarily consists of fees incurred in connection with the Companys compliance
with the minimum servicing standards identified in the Mortgage Bankers Association of
Americas Uniform Single Attestation Program (USAP). |
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Tax fees consisted principally of assistance with matters related to tax
compliance, tax planning, tax advice and the performance of a transfer pricing
analysis. |
Pre-Approval Policies
The Companys Audit Committee, pursuant to its exclusive authority, has reviewed and approved
the Companys engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as its independent registered public
accounting firm, and the incurrence of all of the fees described above, for 2008. The Audit
Committee has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent registered public accounting firm
for 2009, subject to review and approval of the final terms of its engagement as such and its audit
fees. The Audit Committee has also adopted Pre-Approval Policies for all other services
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP may perform for the Company in 2009. 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 for 2009 will require the further advance review and approval of the
Audit Committee. For each proposed service, the independent registered public accounting firm is
required to provide detailed back-up documentation at the time of approval to permit the Audit
Committee to make a determination whether the provision of such services would impair the
independent registered public accounting firms independence. The Audit Committee has delegated
the authority to grant any such additional required approval to its Chairman between meetings of
the Audit Committee, provided that the Chairman reports the details of the exercise of any such
delegated authority at the next meeting of the Audit Committee.
Ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm requires
the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. If the
shareholders do not ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Audit Committee will
reconsider the appointment.
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR this proposal. Proxies solicited by the
Board will be so voted unless you specify otherwise in your proxy.
Page 25
PROPOSAL THREE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL
The Company has been notified that a shareholder intends to present a proposal for
consideration at the Annual Meeting. The shareholder making this proposal has presented the
proposal below, and the Company is presenting the proposal as it was submitted to the Company. The
Company does not necessarily agree with the statements contained in the proposal, but we have
limited our responses to the most important points and have not attempted to address all the
statements with which we disagree. The following proposal was submitted by REIT Redux LP, 1336
Oakridge Drive, Suite 103, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525.
RESOLVED: That management immediately begins exploring any and all strategic alternatives in
order to maximize shareholder value. Such alternatives include, but are not limited to:
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Merging with another REIT or private real estate company to achieve economies of
scale and/or diversification of the portfolio into higher yielding assets |
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Beginning the orderly runoff of the mortgage portfolio combined with another
round of staff cuts to maximize returns to shareholders from liquidating dividends.
We estimate that proceeds from such a liquidation would be 160-190% more than the
current trading range of the stock. |
The Board recommends that you vote against the above shareholder proposal. Our Board and
executive officers regularly evaluate strategic alternatives available to the Company in an effort
to maximize shareholder return. For example, as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2008, we continue to explore and evaluate future opportunities as they
present themselves. We are currently evaluating the potential benefits that we could achieve
through investment in, acquisition of or conversion to, a bank. The Board believes the adoption of
the shareholder proposal is unnecessary because this evaluation already takes place as appropriate.
In addition, the Board believes that the percentage amounts contained in the second bullet point
of the shareholder proposal are not reasonable due to the current economic uncertainties
surrounding the valuation of and/or liquidation of long-term assets. The Board believes it is in
the Companys best interest for the Board and the Companys executive officers to continue to
evaluate strategic opportunities that are available to the Company.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting will be required for
approval of the proposal. Abstentions will be counted as represented and entitled to vote and will
have the effect of a negative vote on all proposals. Broker non-votes (as described in question 16
in Questions and Answers about the Meeting and Voting) will not be considered entitled to vote on
these proposals and will not be counted in determining the number of shares necessary for approval
of the proposal.
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote AGAINST this proposal. Proxies solicited by
the Board will be so voted unless you specify otherwise in your proxy.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2010 ANNUAL MEETING
To be included in the proxy statement, any proposals of holders of Shares intended to be
presented at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held in 2010 must be received
by the Company, addressed to Mr. Lance B. Rosemore, Secretary of the Company, 17950 Preston Road,
Suite 600, Dallas, Texas, 75252, no later than December 29, 2009, and must otherwise comply with
the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, to be
considered timely in accordance with the advance notice provisions of our Bylaws, a proposal sought
to be presented directly at the 2010 Annual Meeting must be received no earlier than February 13,
2010 and no later than the close of business March 15, 2010. Assuming that the 2010 Annual Meeting
is held within 30 days of the anniversary of the 2009 Annual Meeting, as to all matters which the
Company does not have notice on or prior to March 14, 2010, discretionary authority shall be
granted to the persons designated in the Companys proxy related to the 2010 Annual Meeting to vote
on such proposal.
ANNUAL REPORT
We have provided without charge a copy of the annual report to shareholders for fiscal year
2008, which includes a copy of the Form 10-K as filed with the SEC (excluding exhibits) 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 the Companys Investor Relations Department at 17950
Preston Road, Suite 600, Dallas, Texas 75252.
Page 26
REDUCE DUPLICATE MAILINGS
Beginning for our 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholder, unless we have received contrary
instructions, we may send a single copy of the proxy statement and notice of annual meeting to any
household at which two or more shareholders reside if we believe the shareholders are members of
the same family. Each shareholder in the household will continue to receive a separate proxy card.
This process, known as householding, reduces the volume of duplicate information received at any
one household and helps to reduce our expenses. However, if shareholders prefer to receive
multiple sets of our disclosure documents at the same address in future years, the shareholders
should follow the instructions described below. Similarly, if an address is shared with another
shareholder and together both of the shareholders would like to receive only a single set of our
disclosure documents, the shareholders should follow these instructions:
Shareholders of record should contact our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer and Trust,
at
59 Maiden Lane
Plaza Level
New York, NY 10038
(800) 937-5449
Shareholders who hold their shares in street name should contact their broker.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUST MANAGERS
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/s/ Lance B. Rosemore
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Lance B. Rosemore |
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Chairman of the Board and Secretary |
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Page 27
0
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THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUST MANAGERS OF
PMC COMMERCIAL TRUST
The undersigned hereby appoints Barry N. Berlin and Jan F. Salit, and each of them, with power to
act without the other and with power of substitution, as proxies and attorneys-in-fact and hereby
authorizes them to represent and vote, as designated on the reverse side, all the common shares of
beneficial interest (each a Share) of PMC Commercial Trust (PMC Commercial) which the
undersigned is entitled to vote, and, in their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may
properly come before the Annual Meeting of shareholders of PMC Commercial to be held at 8:30 a.m.
Central time, on Saturday, June 13, 2009 or any adjournment thereof, with all powers which the
undersigned would possess if present at the Meeting.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
PMC COMMERCIAL TRUST
June 13, 2009
NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:
The Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and proxy card
are available at www.pmctrust.com/proxy
Please sign, date and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
ê Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided
ê
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20530003000000000000 1 |
061309 |
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE
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Item 1. |
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To consider and elect five members of PMC Commercials board of trust
managers, each to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified. |
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Nominees: |
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FOR ALL NOMINEES
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Nathan G. Cohen Martha R. Greenberg
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
FOR ALL NOMINEES
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Barry A. Imber Irving Munn |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT (See instructions below)
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Lance B. Rosemore |
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The Board recommends you vote FOR each of the trust manager nominees.
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INSTRUCTIONS:
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To withhold authority to vote for any
individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in
the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as
shown here: |
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To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and
indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes
to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method.
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FOR |
AGAINST |
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Item 2. |
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To consider and ratify the appointment of Pricewater-houseCoopers
LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of PMC Commercial for the year ending December 31, 2009.
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The Board recommends you vote "FOR" the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
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FOR |
AGAINST |
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Item 3. |
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To consider the Shareholder Proposal. |
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The Board recommends you vote "AGAINST" the Shareholder Proposal.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUST MANAGERS.
If any other business is presented at the Meeting, this proxy will be voted by the proxies in their best judgment.
Please mark, sign and return this proxy in the enclosed envelope or by facsimile. The undersigned acknowledges receipt from PMC Commercial of a Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and a proxy statement.
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Signature of Shareholder |
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Date: |
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Signature of Shareholder |
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Date: |
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Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.
When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
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