DEF 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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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
VORNADO REALTY TRUST
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its
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VORNADO REALTY TRUST
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
AND PROXY STATEMENT
2007
888 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders To Be Held May 17, 2007
To our Shareholders:
The 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Vornado Realty Trust, a Maryland real estate investment
trust (the Company), will be held at the Saddle Brook Marriott, Interstate 80 and the Garden
State Parkway, Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663, on Thursday, May 17, 2007, beginning at 12:30 P.M.,
local time, for the following purposes:
(1) To elect three persons to the Board of Trustees of the Company. Each person elected will serve
for a term of three years and until his successor is duly elected and qualified.
(2) To consider and vote upon the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year.
(3) To consider and vote upon a shareholder proposal, if properly presented at the meeting.
(4) To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment
or postponement of the meeting.
The Board of Trustees of the Company has fixed the close of business on April 12, 2007 as the
record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the
meeting.
Please review the attached Proxy Statement and proxy card. Whether or not you plan to attend the
meeting, your shares should be represented and voted. You may authorize your proxy by the Internet
or by touch-tone phone as described on the proxy card. Alternatively, you may wish to sign the
enclosed proxy card and return it in the accompanying envelope. You will not need to attach postage
to the envelope if it is mailed in the United States. You may revoke your proxy by (1) executing
and submitting a later dated proxy card that is received prior to May 17, 2007, (2) subsequently
authorizing a proxy through the Internet or by telephone, (3) sending a written revocation of proxy
to our Secretary at our principal executive office, or (4) attending the Annual Meeting and voting
in person.
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By Order of the Board of Trustees,
Alan J. Rice
Secretary
April 26, 2007
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888 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Shareholders To Be Held May 17, 2007
The enclosed proxy is being solicited by the Board of Trustees (the Board) of Vornado Realty
Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (we, us, our or the Company), for use at our
2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on Thursday, May 17, 2007,
beginning at 12:30 P.M., local time, at the Saddle Brook Marriott, Interstate 80 and the Garden
State Parkway, Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663. Our principal executive office is located at 888
Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019. The accompanying Notice of the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, this Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card will first be mailed on or about
April 27, 2007, to our shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 12, 2007.
How do you vote?
You may authorize your proxy over the Internet, by telephone or by executing and returning the
enclosed proxy card. Once you authorize a proxy, you may revoke that proxy by (1) executing and
submitting a later dated proxy card, (2) subsequently authorizing a proxy through the Internet or
by telephone, (3) sending a written revocation of proxy to our Secretary at our principal executive
office, or (4) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attending the Annual Meeting
without submitting a new proxy or voting in person will not automatically revoke your prior
authorization of your proxy. Only the last vote of a shareholder will be counted.
We will pay the cost of soliciting proxies. We have hired Mackenzie Partners, Inc. to solicit
proxies for a fee not to exceed $5,000. In addition to solicitation by mail, by telephone and by
e-mail or the Internet, arrangements may be made with brokerage houses and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries to send proxies and proxy materials to their principals and we may
reimburse them for their expenses in so doing. If you hold shares in street name (i.e., through a
bank, broker or other nominee), you will receive instructions from your nominee which you must
follow in order to have your proxy authorized or you may contact your nominee directly to request
these instructions.
Who is entitled to vote?
Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 12, 2007 are entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Annual Meeting. We refer to this date as the record date. On that date there
were 151,886,067 of our common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.04 per share (the
Shares), outstanding. Holders of Shares as of the record date are entitled to one vote per Share
on each matter properly submitted at the Annual Meeting.
How do you attend the meeting in person?
If you would like to attend the Annual Meeting in person, you will need to bring an account
statement or other evidence acceptable to us of ownership of your Shares as of the close of
business on the record date. If you hold Shares in street
2 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
name and wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you will need to contact your nominee and
obtain a proxy from your nominee and bring it to the Annual Meeting.
How will your votes be counted?
The holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares as of the close of business on the record date,
present in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the
Annual Meeting. A broker non-vote and any proxy marked withhold authority or an abstention, as
applicable, will count for the purposes of determining a quorum, but will have no effect on the
result of the vote on the election of trustees, the ratification of the appointment of our
registered independent public accounting firm or the shareholder proposal.
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF TRUSTEES
TRUSTEES STANDING FOR ELECTION
Our Board currently has 10 trustees. On February 22, 2007, our Board, on the recommendation of our
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, nominated
Messrs. Robert P Kogod, David Mandelbaum
and Dr. Richard R. West for election at our Annual Meeting to the class of trustees to serve until
2010 and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Messrs. Kogod, Mandelbaum and Dr.
West have previously served as members of our Board. Our organizational documents provide that our
trustees are divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as reasonably possible, as
determined by the Board. One class of trustees is elected at each Annual Meeting to hold office for
a term of three years and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
Unless you direct otherwise in the proxy, each of the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote
your proxy for the election of the three nominees listed below as trustees. If any nominee at the
time of election is unavailable to serve, it is intended that each of the persons named in the
proxy will vote for an alternate nominee who will be nominated by our Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee and designated by the Board or the Board, on the recommendation of the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, may simply reduce the size of the Board and number
of nominees. Proxies may be voted only for the nominees named or such alternates. We do not
currently anticipate that any nominee for trustee will be unable to serve as trustee.
Under our Amended and Restated Bylaws (the Bylaws), the affirmative vote of a plurality of all
the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, if a quorum is present, is sufficient to elect a trustee.
Under Maryland Law, proxies marked withhold authority will be counted for the purpose of
determining the presence of a quorum but will have no effect on the result of the vote. A broker
non-vote will have no effect on the result of this vote.
The Board of Trustees recommends that shareholders vote FOR approval of the election of each of
the nominees listed below to serve as a trustee until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2010
and until his respective successor has been duly elected and qualified.
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 3
The following table lists the nominees and the other present members of the Board. All of the
nominees are currently members of the Board. For each such person, the table lists the age,
principal occupation, position presently held with the Company, if any, and the year in which the
person first became or was nominated to become a member of our Board or a director of our
predecessor, Vornado, Inc.
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Nominees for Election to Serve as Trustees Until the Annual Meeting in 2010 |
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Robert P. Kogod
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75 |
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Trustee of Archstone-Smith Trust
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2010 |
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2002 |
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David Mandelbaum(1)(2)
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A member of the law firm of Mandelbaum & Mandelbaum, P.C.;a general partner of Interstate Properties
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2010 |
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1979 |
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Dr. Richard R. West (1)(3)(4)
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Dean Emeritus, Leonard N. Stern
School of Business, New York University
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2010 |
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1982 |
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Present Trustees Elected to Serve as Trustees Until the Annual Meeting in 2008 |
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Robert H. Smith(5)
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78 |
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Chairman of the Vornado/Charles E. Smith Washington DC
Office Division of the Company; Trustee of Archstone-Smith
Trust
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2008 |
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2002 |
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Ronald G. Targan(1)(3)(4)
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80 |
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President of Malt Products Corporation of New Jersey
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2008 |
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1980 |
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Anthony W. Deering(1)(2)(3)
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62 |
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Chairman of Exeter Capital, LLC |
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2008 |
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2005 |
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Michael Lynne(1)(4)
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Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive
Officer of New Line Cinema Corporation
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2008 |
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2005 |
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Present Trustees Elected to Serve Until the Annual Meeting in 2009 |
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Steven Roth(5)
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Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company; Managing General Partner of Interstate Properties
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2009 |
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1979 |
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Michael D. Fascitelli(5)
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President of the Company
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2009 |
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1996 |
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Russell B. Wight, Jr.(1)(2)(5)
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67 |
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A general partner of Interstate Properties
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2009 |
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1979 |
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Independent pursuant to the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as determined
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Member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board. |
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Member of the Audit Committee of the Board. |
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Member of the Compensation Committee of the Board. |
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Member of the Executive Committee of the Board. |
4 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
BIOGRAPHIES OF OUR TRUSTEES
Mr. Kogod was appointed our trustee on January 1, 2002, the date Charles E. Smith Commercial Realty
L.P merged into a subsidiary of the Company. Previously, Mr. Kogod was Co-Chief Executive Officer
and Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Charles E. Smith
Commercial Realty L.P. from October
1997 through December 2001 and was Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Charles E. Smith Residential Realty from June 1994 to October 2001. Mr. Kogod is also
a trustee of Archstone-Smith Trust (a real estate investment trust).
Mr. Mandelbaum
has been a member of the law firm of Mandelbaum & Mandelbaum, P.C. since 1967. Since
1968, he has been a general partner of Interstate Properties (an owner of shopping centers and
investor in securities and partnerships; Interstate). Mr. Mandelbaum is also a director of
Alexanders, Inc. (Alexanders) (a real estate investment trust).
Dr. West is Dean Emeritus of the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University. He was
a professor there from September 1984 until September 1995 and Dean from September 1984 until
August 1993. Prior thereto, Dr. West was Dean of the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at
Dartmouth College. Dr. West is also a director of Alexanders, Bowne & Co., Inc. (a commercial
printing company) and a number of investment companies managed by BlackRock Advisors (an asset
management firm).
Mr. Smith was appointed our trustee and the Chairman of the Vornado/Charles E. Smith Washington DC
Office Division of the Company on January 1, 2002, the date Charles E. Smith Commercial Realty L.P.
merged into a subsidiary of the Company. Previously, Mr. Smith was Co-Chief Executive Officer and
Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Charles E. Smith Commercial
Realty L.P. from October 1997
until December 2001. Mr. Smith is also a trustee of Archstone-Smith Trust.
Mr. Targan has been the President of Malt Products Corporation of New Jersey (a producer of malt
syrup) since 1962. From 1964 until July 2002, Mr. Targan was a member of the law firm of Schechner
and Targan, P.A.
Mr. Deering is Chairman of Exeter Capital, LLC (a private investment firm). He previously served as
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Rouse Company (a public real estate
company), which merged with General Growth Properties in November 2004. Mr. Deering joined The
Rouse Company in 1972 and was previously its Vice President and Treasurer, Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, and President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Deering is also a
director of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation (a regional bank) and a number of the T. Rowe Price
Mutual Funds (investment management funds).
Mr. Lynne is Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of New Line Cinema Corporation (a
subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and a motion picture company). He has served in this position since
2001. Prior to that, Mr. Lynne served as President and Chief Operating Officer of New Line Cinema
starting in 1990. Mr. Lynne is also a director of Time Warner Cable (a cable operator).
Mr. Roth has been the Chairman of our Board and Chief Executive Officer since May 1989 and Chairman
of the Executive Committee of the Board since April 1980. Since 1968, he has been a general partner
of Interstate and, more recently, he has been its Managing General Partner. He is the Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Alexanders. Mr. Roth is also a director of Toys R Us,
Inc. (a retailer).
2007
PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 5
Mr. Fascitelli has been our President and a trustee since December 1996. From December 1992
to December 1996, Mr. Fascitelli was a partner at Goldman, Sachs & Co. (an investment banking firm)
in charge of its real estate practice and was a vice president prior thereto. He is also a director
and the President of Alexanders. Mr. Fascitelli is a director of Toys R Us, Inc. and a trustee
of GMH Communities Trust (a real estate investment trust).
Mr. Wight has been a general partner of Interstate since 1968. Mr. Wight is also a director of
Alexanders.
RELATIONSHIPS AMONG OUR TRUSTEES
Mr. Smith and Mr. Kogod are brothers-in-law. We are not aware of any other family relationships
among any of our trustees or executive officers or persons nominated or chosen by us to become
trustees or executive officers.
In
connection with the January 1, 2002 merger of Charles E. Smith
Commercial Realty L.P. into a
subsidiary of the Company, Mr. Roth, Mr. Fascitelli and Interstate, who collectively beneficially
own, as of April 12, 2007, 18,538,551 Shares representing approximately 12% of the outstanding
Shares, entered into an agreement with Mr. Smith, Mr. Kogod and Charles E. Smith Commercial Realty
L.L.C. pursuant to which they are obligated to vote all of the Shares which they own (or over which
they exercise voting control) in favor of the election of Mr. Smith and Mr. Kogod (or their
permitted designees) to the Board until the earlier to occur of (i) January 1, 2008 or (ii) the
date on which, under the terms of the agreement for the above merger, none of Mr. Smith, Mr. Kogod
or their respective designees is entitled to be nominated for election to the Board. Under the
terms of the merger agreement, upon the death of Mr. Smith, the Smith family will no longer have
the right to designate a nominee for election to the Board, and upon the death of Mr. Kogod, the
Kogod family will no longer have the right to designate a nominee for election to the Board. In the
event of the deaths of both Mr. Smith and Mr. Kogod, the Smith and Kogod families will have the
right, jointly, to appoint one designee approved by the Company to complete any unexpired term and
to be nominated for election as a trustee for the remaining period that Mr. Smith and Mr. Kogod
would have been entitled to be nominated for election to the Board. Furthermore, if the members of
the Smith family or the Kogod family and their permitted transferees beneficially own less than 75%
in number of the Vornado Realty L.P. Class A Units issued to such family in the merger, the Company
will no longer be obligated to provide Mr. Smith or Mr. Kogod, respectively, or their designees,
the rights described above. Upon the termination of such rights, the obligations of Mr. Roth, Mr.
Fascitelli and Interstate under the voting agreement will terminate.
Messrs. Roth, Wight and Mandelbaum are each general partners of Interstate. Since 1992, Vornado has
managed all the operations of Interstate for a fee as described in Certain Relationships and
Related TransactionsTransactions Involving Interstate Properties.
Messrs. Roth, Fascitelli, Wight, Mandelbaum and Dr. West are also directors of Alexanders. We,
together with Interstate, beneficially own approximately 60% of the common stock of Alexanders.
For more information concerning Interstate, Alexanders and other relationships involving
our trustees, see Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
6 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has been continuously listed on the NYSE since January 1962 and is subject to the
NYSEs Corporate Governance Standards.
The Board has determined that Messrs. Deering, Lynne, Mandelbaum, Targan, Wight and Dr. West are
independent under the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE, making six out of our 10 trustees
independent. The Board reached its conclusion after considering all applicable relationships
between or among such trustees and the Company or management of the Company. These relationships
are described in the sections of this proxy statement entitled Relationships Among Our Trustees
and Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. Among other factors considered by the Board
in making its determinations regarding independence was the Boards determination that these
trustees met all of the bright-line requirements of the NYSE Corporate Governance Rules as well
as the categorical standards adopted by the Board as contained in our Corporate Governance
Guidelines.
As part of its commitment to good corporate governance, the Board of Trustees has adopted the
following committee charters and policies which are attached to this proxy statement:
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Audit Committee Charter (attached as Annex A) |
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Compensation Committee Charter (attached as Annex B) |
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Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter
(attached as Annex C) |
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Corporate Governance Guidelines (attached as Annex D) |
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Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (attached as Annex
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We have also made available on our website (www.vno.com) copies of these charters, guidelines and
policies. We will post any future changes to these charters, guidelines and policies to our website
and may not otherwise publicly file such changes. Our regular filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) and our trustees and executive officers filings under Section 16(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are also available on our website. In addition, copies of
these charters, guidelines and policies are available free of charge from the Company.
The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to all of our trustees, executives
and other employees.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board has an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee. Other than the Executive Committee, each committee is
comprised solely of independent trustees.
The Board held six meetings during 2006. Each trustee attended at least 75% of the combined total
of the meetings of the Board and all committees on which he served during 2006.
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 7
In addition to full meetings of the Board, non-management trustees met twice in sessions
without members of management present. During these meetings, these trustees selected their own
presiding member. We do not have a policy with regard to trustees attendance at Annual Meetings of
Shareholders. All of our trustees were present at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee possesses and may exercise certain powers of the Board in the management of
the business and affairs of the Company. During 2006, the Executive Committee consisted of four
members, Messrs. Roth, Fascitelli, Smith and Wight. Mr. Roth is the Chairman of the Executive
Committee. The Executive Committee did not meet in 2006.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, which held four meetings during 2006, consists of three members: Dr. West,
as Chairman, and Messrs. Deering and Targan.
The Board has adopted a written Audit Committee Charter, which sets forth the membership
requirements of the Audit Committee, among other matters. The Board has determined that all
existing Audit Committee members meet the NYSE and SEC standards for independence and the NYSE
standards for financial literacy. In addition, at all times at least one member of the Audit
Committee has met the NYSE standards for financial management expertise.
The Board has determined that each of Dr. West and Mr. Deering is an audit committee financial
expert, as defined by SEC Regulation S-K, and thus, has at least one such individual serving on
its Audit Committee. The Board reached these conclusions based on their relevant experiences, as
described above under Biographies of our Trustees.
The Audit Committees purposes are to (i) assist the Board in its oversight of (a) the integrity of
our financial statements, (b) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (c) the
independent registered public accounting firms qualifications and independence, and (d) the
performance of the independent registered public accounting firm and the Companys internal audit
function; and (ii) prepare an Audit Committee report as required by the SEC for inclusion in our
annual proxy statement. The function of the Audit Committee is oversight. The management of the
Company is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of our financial statements
and for the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Management is responsible
for maintaining appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and policies and internal
controls and procedures that provide for compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws
and regulations. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for planning and
carrying out a proper audit of our annual financial statements, reviews of our quarterly financial
statements prior to the filing of each Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, annually auditing
managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and other
procedures. Persons interested in contacting our Audit Committee members with regard to accounting,
auditing or financial concerns will find information on how to do so on our website (www.vno.com).
8 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing the terms of the compensation of the
executive officers and the granting of awards under the Companys 2002 Omnibus Share Plan, as
amended. The committee, which held nine meetings and acted once by written consent during 2006,
consists of three members: Dr. West, as Chairman, and Messrs. Lynne and Targan. All members of the
Compensation Committee are independent. The Board has adopted a written Compensation Committee
Charter.
Compensation decisions for our executive officers and trustees are made by the Compensation
Committee. Decisions regarding compensation of other employees are made by our President in
consultation with the Chief Executive Officer and are subject to review and approval of the
Compensation Committee.
The agenda for meetings of the Compensation Committee is determined by its Chairman with the
assistance of the Companys Secretary. Compensation Committee meetings are attended from time to
time by members of management at the invitation of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation
Committees Chairman reports the committees recommendation on executive compensation to the Board.
The Compensation Committee has authority under its charter to retain, approve fees for and
terminate advisors, consultants and agents as it deems necessary to assist in the fulfillment of
its responsibilities. The Compensation Committee reviews the total fees paid by us to outside
consultants to ensure that the consultant maintains its objectivity and independence when rendering
advice to the committee.
The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, delegate all or a portion of its duties and
responsibilities to a subcommittee of the Committee. In particular, the Compensation Committee may
delegate the approval of certain transactions to a subcommittee consisting solely of members of the
Committee who are (i) Non-Employee Directors for the purposes of Rule 16b-3; and (ii) outside
directors for the purposes of Section 162(m).
See Compensation Discussion Analysis below for a discussion of the role of executive officers in
determining or recommending compensation for our executive officers. We have also included under
Compensation Discussion and Analysis a discussion of the role of compensation consultants in
determining or recommending the amount or form of executive or director compensation.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
During 2006, the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee were Mr. Wight, who
chairs the committee and Messrs. Deering and Mandelbaum. Prior to February 23, 2006, Dr. West
served on the committee and was replaced by Mr. Deering. Each of the committee members is
independent. The committees responsibilities include the selection of potential candidates for the
Board and the development and review of our governance principles. It also reviews trustee
compensation and benefits, and oversees annual self-evaluations of the Board and its committees.
The committee also makes recommendations to the Board concerning the structure and membership of
the other Board committees as well as management succession plans. The committee selects and
evaluates candidates for the Board in accordance with the criteria set out in the Companys
Corporate Governance Guidelines and pursuant to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 9
Charter. These criteria include, among others, personal qualities and characteristics,
accomplishments and reputation in the business community; current knowledge and contacts in the
communities in which we do business and in our industry or other industries relevant to our
business; ability and willingness to commit adequate time to Board and committee matters; the fit
of the individuals skills and personality with those of other trustees and potential trustees in
building a Board that is effective, collegial and responsive to our needs, and diversity of
viewpoints, experience and other demographics. The committee is then responsible for recommending
to the Board a slate of candidates for trustee positions for the Boards approval. Generally,
candidates for a position as a member of the Board are suggested by existing Board members,
however, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider shareholder
recommendations for candidates for the Board sent to the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee, c/o Alan J. Rice, Secretary, Vornado Realty Trust, 888 Seventh Avenue, New York, New
York 10019 and will evaluate any such recommendations using the criteria set forth in the Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee Charter. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met
twice in 2006.
*****
Persons wishing to contact the independent members of the Board should call (866) 537-4644. A
recording of each phone call to this number will be sent to one independent member of the Board who
sits on the Audit Committee as well as to a member of management who may respond to any such call
if the caller provides a return number. This means of contact should not be used for solicitations
or communications with us of a general nature. Information on how to contact us generally is
available on our website (www.vno.com).
10 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
PRINCIPAL SECURITY HOLDERS
The following table lists the number of Shares and Units as of April 12, 2007,
beneficially owned by (i) each person who holds more than a 5% interest in the
Company or our operating partnership, Vornado Realty L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership (the Operating Partnership),
(ii) trustees of the Company, (iii) the
executive officers of the Company defined as Covered Executives in Executive
Compensation below, and (iv) the trustees and all executive officers of the Company
as a group. Unless otherwise specified, Units are Class A units of limited
partnership interest of our Operating Partnership and other classes of units
convertible into Class A units. The Companys ownership of Units is not reflected in
the table but is described in footnote (2).
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Number of |
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Address of |
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Shares and Units |
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Beneficial |
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Beneficially |
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Percent of |
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Percent of All |
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Name
of Beneficial Owner |
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Owner |
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Owned(1)(2) |
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All Shares(1)(2)(3) |
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Shares and Units(1)(2)(4) |
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Named
Executive Officers and Trustees |
Steven Roth(5)(6)(7)(8) |
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(9 |
) |
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14,221,459 |
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9.09 |
% |
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8.26 |
% |
David Mandelbaum(5)(8) |
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(9 |
) |
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10,762,305 |
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7.09 |
% |
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6.42 |
% |
Russell B. Wight, Jr.(5)(8)(10) |
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(9 |
) |
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8,056,807 |
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5.30 |
% |
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4.81 |
% |
Michael D. Fascitelli(7)(8)(11) |
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(9 |
) |
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4,317,092 |
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2.78 |
% |
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2.52 |
% |
Robert P. Kogod(8)(12)(13) |
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(9 |
) |
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2,028,146 |
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1.32 |
% |
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1.21 |
% |
Robert H. Smith(7)(8)(12)(14) |
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(9 |
) |
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1,717,602 |
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1.12 |
% |
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1.02 |
% |
David R. Greenbaum(7)(8)(15) |
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(9 |
) |
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759,961 |
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* |
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* |
|
Ronald G. Targan(8) |
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(9 |
) |
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750,307 |
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* |
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* |
|
Joseph
Macnow(7)(8)(16) |
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(9 |
) |
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90,590 |
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* |
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* |
|
Sandeep Mathrani(7)(8) |
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(9 |
) |
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47,445 |
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* |
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* |
|
Richard R. West(8)(17) |
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(9 |
) |
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26,307 |
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* |
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|
|
* |
|
Anthony W. Deering(8) |
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(9 |
) |
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5,307 |
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* |
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* |
|
Michael Lynne(8) |
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(9 |
) |
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307 |
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* |
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* |
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All trustees and executive officers as
a group (17 persons)(7)(8) |
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(9 |
) |
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27,373,940 |
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16.62 |
% |
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15.51 |
% |
Other
Beneficial Owners
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Interstate Properties(5) |
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(9 |
) |
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7,943,000 |
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5.23 |
% |
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4.74 |
% |
Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc.(18) |
|
757 Third Avenue |
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7,873,092 |
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5.18 |
% |
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4.70 |
% |
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New York, NY |
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10017 |
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80 Devonshire Street |
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Boston, MA |
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FMR Corp.(19) |
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02109 |
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7,812,716 |
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5.14 |
% |
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4.66 |
% |
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* Less than 1%.
(1) |
|
Unless otherwise indicated, each person is the direct owner of, and
has sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to, such Shares
and Units. Numbers and percentages in the table are based on 151,886,067
Shares and 15,761,314 Units (other than Units held by the Company)
outstanding as of April 12, 2007. |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 11
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(2) |
|
In April 1997, the Company transferred substantially all of its assets to the Operating
Partnership. As a result, the Company conducts its business through, and substantially all of its interests in properties are
held by, the Operating Partnership. The Company is the sole general partner of, and owned approximately 91% of the
Units of, the Operating Partnership as of April 12, 2007. At any time after one year from the date of issuance (or two
years in the case of certain holders), holders of Units (other than the Company) have the right to have their Units redeemed
in whole or in part by the Operating Partnership for cash equal to the fair market value, at the time of redemption, of one
Share for each Unit redeemed or, at the option of the Company, one Share for each Unit tendered, subject to customary
anti-dilution provisions (the Unit Redemption Right). Holders of Units may be able to sell publicly Shares
received upon the exercise of their Unit Redemption Right pursuant to registration rights agreements with the Company. The
Company has filed registration statements with the SEC to register the issuance or resale of certain of the Shares
issuable upon the exercise of the Unit Redemption Right. |
|
(3) |
|
The total number of Shares outstanding used in calculating this percentage assumes that all
Shares that each person has the right to acquire within 60 days of the record date (pursuant to the exercise of options or
upon the redemption or conversion of other Company or Operating Partnership securities for or into Shares) are deemed to be
outstanding, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the ownership percentage of any other
person. |
|
(4) |
|
The total number of Shares and Units outstanding used in calculating this percentage assumes
that all Shares and Units that each person has the right to acquire within 60 days of the record date (pursuant to the
exercise of options or upon the redemption or conversion of Company or Operating Partnership securities for or into for
Shares or Units) are deemed to be outstanding, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the
ownership percentage of any other person. |
|
(5) |
|
Interstate, a partnership of which Messrs. Roth, Wight and Mandelbaum are the three general
partners, owns 7,943,000 Shares. These Shares are included in the total Shares and the percentage of class for each of
them and for Interstate. Messrs. Roth, Wight and Mandelbaum share voting power and investment power with respect to these
Shares. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 5,600 Shares owned by the Daryl and Steven Roth Foundation, over which Mr. Roth
holds sole voting power and sole investment power. Does not include 36,000 Shares owned by Mr. Roths wife, as to which
Mr. Roth disclaims any beneficial interest. Also includes shares issuable on the exercise of options that have been
pledged by Mr. Roth to the Company as security for a loan granted by the Company as described below (which have a value
at least twice that of the loan balance). |
|
(7) |
|
The number of Shares beneficially owned by the following persons includes the number of
Shares indicated due to the vesting of options: Steven Roth4,499,887; Michael D. Fascitelli3,456,928; Robert H.
Smith13,000; David R. Greenbaum438,000; Joseph
Macnow7,380; Sandeep Mathrani4,000, and all trustees and executive
officers as a group8,826,165. |
|
(8) |
|
The number of Shares beneficially owned by the following persons includes the number of
shares of unvested restricted stock indicated: Steven Roth23,670; David Mandelbaum246; Russell B. Wight, Jr.246; Michael
D. Fascitelli18,950; Robert P. Kogod246; Robert H. Smith6,550; Ronald G. Targan246; David R.
Greenbaum5,000; Joseph Macnow3,783; Sandeep Mathrani20,836; Richard R. West246; Anthony W. Deering246; Michael
Lynne246 and all trustees and executive officers as a group92,573. The named persons may direct the
voting of their unvested restricted Shares. The number of Shares and Units beneficially owned by the following persons
also includes the number of vested OPP Units (as defined below) and Restricted Units (as defined below) as indicated,
respectively: Steven Roth4,688 and 3,115; Michael D.
Fascitelli4,688 and 3,115; David R. Greenbaum833 and 0; Joseph
Macnow1,042 and 1,038; Sandeep Mathrani1,250 and 0; and all trustees and executive officers as a
group16,667 and 9,966. The |
12 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
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number of Shares and Units beneficially owned by the following persons does not include the
number of unvested OPP Units and Restricted Units as indicated, respectively: Steven
Roth192,980 and 46,803; Michael D. Fascitelli192,980 and 46,391; David R. Greenbaum34,308
and 6,169; Joseph Macnow42,883 and 12,380; Sandeep Mathrani51,461 and 4,113; and all
trustees and executive officers as a group686,150 and 153,187. |
|
(9) |
|
The address of such person(s) is c/o Vornado Realty Trust, 888 Seventh Avenue, New York, New
York 10019. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 19,800 Shares owned by the Wight Foundation, over which Mr. Wight holds sole voting
power and sole investment power. Does not include 2,000 Shares owned by children of Mr. Wight and 15,000 Shares owned
by Mr. Wights
wife. Mr. Wight disclaims any beneficial interest in these Shares. |
|
(11) |
|
The number of Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Fascitelli does not include 3,013 Shares
owned by a child of Mr.
Fascitelli. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes 34,717 Units as to which Mr. Kogod and Mr. Smith share investment power. |
|
(13) |
|
Does not include 205,063 Shares and 130,952 Units owned by Mr. Kogods wife. Mr. Kogod
disclaims any beneficial
interest in these Shares and Units. Includes 1,992,620 Units as to which Mr. Kogod shares
investment power with his
wife and/or children. |
|
(14) |
|
Does not include 219,713 Units owned by Mr. Smiths wife and/or children. Mr. Smith disclaims
any beneficial interest in
these Units. Includes 1,694,094 Units as to which Mr. Smith shares investment power with his
wife. |
|
(15) |
|
Includes 47,948 Units as to which Mr. Greenbaum shares investment power with his wife. Does
not include 16,909 Units
owned by his wife and 78,060 Units owned by his children in each case in which Mr. Greenbaum
disclaims any beneficial interest. |
|
(16) |
|
Mr. Macnow and his wife jointly own 77,347 of these Shares. |
|
(17) |
|
Dr. West and his wife own 3,000 of these Shares jointly. Also included are 1,385 Shares into
which 1,000 Series A preferred shares of beneficial interest owned by Dr. West are convertible. |
|
(18) |
|
According to an amendment to Schedule 13G jointly filed on February 14, 2005, Cohen & Steers,
Inc. and Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. beneficially own and have sole dispositive power with respect to
7,835,874 Shares. Cohen & Steers, Inc. holds a 100% interest in Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. and a 50%
interest in Houlihan Rovers SA, an investment adviser that owns 37,218 Shares over which shares there is shared
dispositive power. |
|
(19) |
|
According to a Schedule 13G jointly filed on February 14, 2007, FMR Corp., Edward C. Johnson
3rd and Fidelity Management & Research Company beneficially own and have sole dispositive power with respect to
7,812,716 shares. |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 13
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our trustees and executive
officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file
reports of ownership of, and transactions in, certain classes of our equity securities with the
SEC. Such trustees, executive officers and 10% shareholders are also required to furnish us with
copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.
Based solely on a review of the Forms 3, 4 and 5, and any amendments thereto, furnished to us, and
on written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that the only filing
deficiencies under Section 16(a) by our trustees, executive officers and 10% shareholders in the
year ended December 31, 2006 are as follows:
(a) one late filing by Robert Kogod, a trustee, with respect to one transaction;
(b) one
late filing by Anthony W. Deering, a trustee, with respect to one transaction;
(o) one late filing by Michael Lynne, a trustee, with respect to one transaction;
(d) one late filing by Ronald G. Targan, a trustee, with respect to one transaction;
(e) two
late filings by Steven Roth, an executive officer, with respect to one transaction; and
(f) one late filing by Christopher G. Kennedy, an executive officer, with respect to one transaction.
14 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Overview of Compensation Philosophy and Program
We believe that the quality, skills and dedication of our senior executive officers are
critical factors affecting the long-term value of our company. Our key compensation goals are to
attract world-class executive talent; retain our key leaders; reward past performance; provide an
incentive for future performance; and align our executives long-term interests with those of our
investors. We use a variety of compensation elements to achieve these goals, including base salary,
annual bonuses, options, Restricted Shares, Restricted Units and out-performance units, all of
which we discuss in detail below.
Implementing Our Objectives
Our decisions on senior executive officer compensation are based primarily upon our assessment
of each executives leadership, operational performance and potential to enhance long-term
shareholder value. We rely upon our judgment about each individualand not on rigid formulas or
short-term changes in business performancein determining the amount and mix of compensation
elements. Key factors affecting our judgment include: total return to shareholders during the year;
actual performance compared to the financial, operational and strategic goals established for the
executives operating division at the beginning of the year; the nature, scope and level of
responsibilities; the contribution to the Companys financial results, particularly with respect to
key metrics such as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA),
funds from operations (FFO), and the contribution to the Companys commitment to corporate
responsibility, including success in creating a culture of unyielding integrity and compliance with
applicable laws and our ethics policies. We also consider each executives current salary and
prior-year bonus, the value of an executives equity stake in the Company, and the appropriate
balance between incentives for long-term and short-term performance and the compensation paid to
the executives peers within the Company. We also consider competitive market compensation paid by
other companies that operate in our business or that compete for the same talent pool, such as
other S&P 500 REITS, other real estate companies operating in our core markets and, in some cases,
investment banking, hedge fund and private equity firms. However, we do not tie our compensation
decisions to any particular range or level of total compensation paid to executives at these
companies. In addition, we have no pre-established policy or target for the allocation of
compensation between cash and non-cash or short-term and long-term incentive elements. We apportion
cash payments and equity incentive awards as another tool to provide the appropriate incentives to
meet our compensation objectives both individually and in the aggregate for executives and other
employees. We believe the most important indicator of whether our compensation objectives are being
met is whether we have motivated our named executives to deliver superior performance and retained
them to continue their careers with us on a cost-effective basis.
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 15
Role of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Compensation Committee, the CEO
and the President
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of our Board is responsible for evaluating
potential candidates for executive positions, including the Chief Executive Officer, and for
overseeing the development of executive succession plans. The Compensation Committee of our Board
(1) reviews and approves the compensation of our officers and other employees whose total
compensation exceeds $200,000 per year, (2) administers our incentive compensation and other
equity-based plans, and (3) regularly evaluates the effectiveness of our overall executive
compensation program.
As part of this responsibility, the Compensation Committee oversees the design, development and
implementation of the compensation program for our Chief Executive Officer, our President and our
other named executives. The Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of our Chief Executive
Officer and our President and determines their compensation. Our Chief Executive Officer, our
President and the Compensation Committee together assess the performance of our named executives
and determine their compensation, based on the initial recommendations of our Chief Executive
Officer and our President. The other named executives do not play a role in determining their own
compensation, other than discussing individual performance objectives with our Chief Executive
Officer and our President.
In support of these responsibilities, members of our senior management in conjunction with other
senior executives, have the initial responsibility of reviewing the performance of the employees
reporting to him or her and recommending compensation actions for them.
Role of Compensation Consultants
We and the Compensation Committee also consult with one or more executive compensation experts,
from time to time, and consider the compensation levels of companies within our industry and other
industries that compete for the same talent. Neither we nor the Compensation Committee has
maintained any long-term contractual relationship with any compensation consultant. Periodically,
we have retained compensation consultants to assist in the design of programs that affect senior
executive compensation, most recently in development of our out-performance plan (described below).
Currently, the Compensation Committee has retained a compensation consultant, Watson Wyatt &
Company, to provide future assistance in reviewing our overall compensation plan, its objectives
and implementation. These consultants did not provide advice to either the Compensation Committee
or us for the most recent compensation awards.
Compensation Elements for Senior Executive Officers
The elements of our executive compensation program are set forth below. The factors we consider in
making compensation awards for our senior executive officers are set forth above and are based upon
a subjective, non-formulaic evaluation of senior executive and Company performance conducted by the
Compensation Committee together with our Chief Executive Officer and President, which we discuss
below. These factors are considered as a whole and no one factor is determinative of an executives
compensation. Among the factors considered were our total return to shareholders during the year,
the
16 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
changes in the Companys and the applicable divisions operating and performing metrics during
the year (EBITDA and FFO), asset and personnel development and the other factors previously
mentioned. Increases and allocations in 2006 and 2007 of various compensation elements to our named
executive officers (Messrs. Roth, Fascitelli, Greenbaum, Macnow and Mathrani) are based upon the
results of these reviews. In several cases, as described below, some aspects of the compensation
paid to our executives are affected by the terms of applicable employment agreements. In such
cases, for instance, base salaries cannot be decreased during the employment term.
Base Salary
Base salaries for our executives are established based on the scope of their responsibilities,
taking into account competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions
as well as salaries paid to the executives peers within the Company. We set base salaries at a
level designed to attract and retain superior leaders. Base salaries are typically reviewed every
12 months in the first quarter of each year in connection with annual performance reviews, and
adjusted to take into account outstanding individual performance, promotions and competitive
compensation levels.
Annual Bonus
We pay annual bonuses as a component of overall compensation as well as to provide an incentive
and reward for superior performance. From time to time, we may pay additional special bonuses for
superior performance. Bonuses are paid in cash (or from time to time, in equity interests),
generally in the first quarter of each year, for the prior years performance. These bonuses are
based upon our evaluation of each executives individual performance during the prior year in the
context of our assessment of the overall performance of the Company and the executives business
unit or function in meeting the budgeted financial and other key goals established for the Company
and the executives business unit or function. For our senior executives, the annual bonuses paid
to them in 2007 (for 2006 performance) were in the form of Restricted Units and cash with the
majority of the amounts paid being paid in Restricted Units. As described below, we believe
Restricted Units to be a tax-efficient form of compensation that continues to align the executives
interests with those of our shareholders, and provides added retention through vesting conditions.
Options, Restricted Shares and Restricted Units
Also, in the first quarter of each year in connection with annual performance reviews, we make
grants to the Companys officers, including our senior executive officers of: options to purchase
our common shares, Restricted Shares, and/or Restricted Units. The portion of the compensation, if
any, allocated each year among these types of grants is determined by the Compensation Committee,
in conjunction with our Chief Executive Officer and our President, taking into account our overall
compensation objectives. These grants are intended to serve as incentives for our superior
performers to remain with us and continue that performance. Generally, unvested equity grants are
forfeited if the executive leaves the Company, however, options fully vest if an executive departs
the Company after the age of 65 or his or her employment is terminated due
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 17
to a disability prior to retirement and all equity awards automatically vest on death or upon a
change of control. All equity grants are accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards 123R-Share Based Payment (SFAS 123R).
Upon vesting, each option permits the executive, for a period of ten years, to purchase the stated
number of common shares from the Company at an exercise price per share determined on the date of
grant. Options have value only to the extent the price of our shares on the date of exercise
exceeds the applicable exercise price. Options generally become exercisable in five equal annual
installments beginning approximately one year after the grant date.
Restricted Shares are grants of our common shares that generally vest in five equal annual
installments beginning approximately one year after the grant date. Restricted Units are grants
of limited partnership interests in Vornado Realty L.P., our operating partnership through which we
conduct substantially all our business. These units also generally vest in five equal annual
installments beginning approximately one year after the grant date and are exchangeable on a
one-for-one basis into Vornado Realty L.P.s Class A common units, and then for our common shares,
if, and only if, certain tax book-up events occur. Restricted Units also are intended to provide
recipients with a more favorable income tax treatment than Restricted Shares. During the restricted
period, each Restricted Share or Restricted Unit entitles the recipient to receive payments from
the Company equal to the dividends on one of our common shares.
Out-Performance Units (OPP Units)
We adopted our out-performance plan in 2006 (OPP Plan). In 2006, we compensated our senior
executives for 2005 performance with OPP Units in lieu of our other annual equity-based incentive
compensation such as options or Restricted Shares or Restricted Units. Under the OPP Plan, the
Companys senior management and approximately 45 of our other officers received the opportunity to
share in a performance pool if our total return to shareholders for the three-year period from
March 15, 2006 to March 14, 2009 were to exceed a cumulative 30%, including both share appreciation
and dividends paid. These benchmarks were fully achieved as of January 12, 2007. The size of the
pool was 10% of the out-performance return amount in excess of the 30% benchmark, subject to a
maximum dilution cap equal to $100 million. Compensation earned under the program vests 33-1/3% on
each of March 15, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
These awards are a separate class of units of the Companys operating partnership, Vornado Realty
L.P. As the specific performance objectives have been achieved, these OPP Units are convertible
into Class A common units of Vornado Realty L.P. (and ultimately into our common shares) following
vesting. If the performance objectives had not been met, the OPP Units would have been cancelled.
Generally, unvested OPP Units are forfeited if the executive leaves the Companys employment,
except that OPP Units vest automatically on death or upon a change of control. OPP Units are also
intended to provide recipients with a more favorable income tax treatment than grants of options.
All grants under the OPP Plan are accounted for in accordance with SFAS 123R.
18 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans
We maintain two nonqualified deferred compensation plans, the Vornado Realty Trust Nonqualified
Deferred Compensation Plan (Plan I) and the Vornado Realty Trust Nonqualified Deferred
Compensation Plan II (Plan II; collectively, the Plans). Plan I and Plan II are substantially
similar, except that Plan II, which applies to deferrals on and after January 1, 2005, is designed
to comply with the deferred compensation restrictions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended.
Employees having annual compensation of at least $200,000 are eligible to participate in Plan II
provided that they qualify as accredited investors under securities laws. Members of our Board of
Trustees are also eligible to participate. To participate, an eligible individual must make an
irrevocable election to defer at least $20,000 of his or her compensation per year. Participant
deferrals are always fully vested. The Company is permitted to make discretionary credits to the
Plans on behalf of participants, but as yet has not done so. Deferrals are credited with earnings
based on the rate of return of specific security investments or various benchmark funds selected
by the individual, some of which are based on the performance of the Companys securities.
Participants may elect whether to have their deferrals credited to a Retirement Account or a
Fixed Date Account. Retirement Accounts are generally payable following retirement or termination
of employment. Fixed Date Accounts are generally payable at a time selected by the participant that
is at least two full calendar years after the year for which deferrals are made. Participants may
elect to receive distributions as a lump-sum or in the form of annual installments over no more
than ten years. In the event of a change in control of the Company, all Accounts become immediately
payable in a lump-sum. Plan I also permits a participant to withdraw all or a portion of his or her
Accounts at any time, subject to a 10% withdrawal penalty.
The Company has established a grantor trust for the purpose of accumulating amounts payable under
the Plans. The assets of the trust are considered assets of the Company and are available for the
payment of claims of the Companys creditors in the event of the Companys bankruptcy or
insolvency.
Retirement and 401 (k) Plans
Our defined benefit retirement plan was terminated in 1997. Of the named executives, only Messrs.
Roth, Fascitelli and Macnow are participants. We offer a 401(k) Retirement Plan to all of our
employees for which we provide matching contributions (up to 75% of the statutory maximum but not
more than 7.5% of cash compensation) which vest over five years. We do not have any other
retirement plan.
2007
PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 19
Perquisites and Other Compensation
We provide our senior executive officers with perquisites that we believe are reasonable,
competitive and consistent with our overall executive compensation program. These perquisites may
include: use of a car owned or leased by the Company and a driver; financial counseling and tax
preparation services; and supplemental life insurance. The costs of these benefits constitute only
a small percentage of any applicable executives overall compensation.
Basis
for Chief Executive Officer Compensation
Mr. Roths base salary of $1,000,000 was established in March 2001 and remains unchanged.
In 2006, Mr. Roth was paid an incentive bonus (for 2005 performance) of $1,000,000 bringing his
total cash compensation paid in 2006 to $2,000,000. In 2007, Mr. Roths bonus for 2006 performance
was awarded solely in the form of equity interests. This compares to total cash compensation paid
in 2005 of $3,000,000 (inclusive of a $2,000,000 bonus paid in 2005 for 2004 performance).
In 2006 (with regard to 2005 performance), Mr. Roth received a grant of OPP Units and 15,578
Restricted Units. As a result of the performance of the Companys shares, on January 12, 2007,
awards under the OPP Plan were fully earned and Mr. Roth was granted 197,668 OPP Units (including
amounts for accrued dividends). In 2007 (with respect to 2006 performance), Mr. Roth was granted a
bonus in the form of 34,340 Restricted Units (having a grant date fair value calculated in
accordance with SFAS 123R of $3,004,177) and options to acquire 89,732 of our common shares with an
exercise price of $121.58 per share. This compares to Mr. Roths total equity compensation in 2005
(with respect to 2004 performance), of 11,500 Restricted Shares and 115,500 options with an
exercise price of $71.275 per share.
Mr. Roths salary, bonus and other equity awards were based on an evaluation of those factors
previously described and were approved by the Compensation Committee. Among the factors considered
were our total return to shareholders during the year, the strategic position of the Company, the
changes in the Companys operating and performing metrics during the year (EBITDA and FFO) and the
other factors previously mentioned.
We believe that Mr. Roths cash and equity compensation in and for 2006 appropriately reflects
his and the Companys performance, measured both objectively and subjectively, and the Companys
strategic growth position at the time such compensation was determined.
20 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
Other
Compensation Policies and Practices
Equity Grant Practices
All equity-based compensation awards are made under our 2002 Omnibus Share Plan, as amended, which
our shareholders approved in 2002 and as amended in 2006. This plan limits total shares that may be
issued pursuant to awards to 10,000,000 of our common shares. The exercise price of each stock
option awarded to our senior executives is the average of the high
and low price or our common
shares on the New York Stock Exchange on the date granted by the Compensation Committee. The vast
majority of our equity awards are determined and granted in the first quarter of each year, at the
same time as management and the Compensation Committee conclude their evaluation of the performance
of our senior executives as a group and each executive individually. In addition and from time to
time, additional equity awards may be granted in connection with new hires or promotions. We have
never repriced options.
Share Ownership Guidelines
As our senior executives generally have significant personal investments in our equity securities,
we have not established any policy regarding security ownership by management. In accordance with
Federal securities laws, we prohibit short sales by our executive officers of our equity
securities.
Employment, Severance and Change of Control Agreements
We do, from time to time, enter into employment agreements with some of our senior executive
officers that we negotiate on a case-by-case basis in connection with a new employment arrangement
or a new agreement governing an existing employment arrangement. Otherwise, our senior executives
and other employees serve at will. Except as may be provided in these employment agreements or
pursuant to our compensation plans generally, we have not entered into any separate severance or
change of control agreements. For those of our senior executives who have employment agreements,
these agreements generally provide for a severance payment (for termination by us without cause or
by the executive with good reason (each as defined in the applicable employment agreement)) and
change of control payment (if employment is terminated following a change of control) in the range
of one to three times the applicable executives annual salary and bonus. In addition, the
agreements evidencing awards under the Companys 2002 Omnibus Share Plan, as amended, generally
provide that equity grants will vest automatically on a change of control. These change of control
arrangements are designed to compensate management in the event of a fundamental change in the
Company, their employer, and to provide an incentive to these executives to continue with the
Company at least through such time. A more complete description of employment agreements, severance
and change of control arrangements pertaining to named executives and officers is set forth under
Employment Contracts and Severance and Change of Control Arrangements.
2007
PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 21
Tax
Deductibility of Compensation
The tax efficiency of compensation is one of many factors that enter into the design
of our current compensation programs. We look at a combination of the rates at which
our executives will be taxed and the value of any deduction that we may be entitled to
when developing our approach to compensation. We believe that the limitation of Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (which limits the corporate tax deduction for certain
executive officer compensation that exceeds $1 million a year) does not apply to most of
the compensation we paid to our Covered Executives for 2006 and only a small portion of
their compensation may not be deductible due to that limitation.
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of the Company has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Committee
Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on
such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Proxy Statement and incorporated by
reference in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2006.
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The Compensation Committee of the Board of Trustees:
DR. RICHARD R. WEST
MICHAEL LYNNE
RONALD G. TARGAN
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22 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the compensation earned by, each of the Companys Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers for
2006 (the Covered Executives).
Summary Compensation Table
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Changes in |
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Pension Value |
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and Non- |
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Non-Equity |
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qualified |
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Restricted |
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Incentive |
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Deferred |
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Share/Unit |
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Option |
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Plan |
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Compensation |
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All Other |
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Name and |
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Salary |
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Bonus |
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Awards |
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Awards |
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Compensation |
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Earnings |
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Compensation |
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Total |
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Principal Position |
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Year |
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($) |
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($)(1) |
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($)(2) |
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($)(3) |
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($) |
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($)(4) |
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($)(5) |
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($) |
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Steven Roth
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal Executive
Officer) |
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2006 |
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1,000,000 |
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3,111,767 |
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125,202 |
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38,653 |
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280,682 |
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4,556,304 |
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Michael D. Fascitelli
President |
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2006 |
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1,000,000 |
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2,974,507 |
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100,270 |
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357 |
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236,235 |
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4,311,369 |
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David R. Greenbaum
President New York
Office Division |
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2006 |
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1,000,000 |
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500,000 |
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516,700 |
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27,100 |
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263,089 |
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2,306,889 |
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Joseph Macnow
Executive Vice
President Finance
and Administration and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial
Officer) |
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2006 |
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1,000,000 |
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250,000 |
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699,529 |
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20,000 |
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17,355 |
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317,761 |
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2,304,645 |
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Sandeep Mathrani
Executive Vice
President Retail
Division |
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2006 |
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1,000,000 |
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1 ,000,000 |
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913,759 |
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727,130 |
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133,861 |
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3,774,750 |
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(1) |
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The information provided includes bonuses awarded in the first quarter of 2007 with
regard to 2006 performance. |
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(2) |
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Information presented in this column reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial
statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. Such amounts were
recognized in accordance with SFAS 123R and includes amounts for awards made pursuant to our
2002 Omnibus Share Plan and thus includes amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2006.
Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, the amounts shown exclude the impact of
estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. Assumptions used in the
calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 11 to our consolidated financial
statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (the Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2006 as filed with the SEC. Dividends are paid on both the vested and unvested
portion of restricted share and restricted unit awards. |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 23
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(3) |
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Information presented in this column reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial
statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with
SFAS 123R and includes amounts for awards made pursuant to our 2002 Omnibus Share Plan and
thus includes amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2006. Pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the SEC, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related
to service-based vesting conditions. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts
are included in footnote 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 as filed with the SEC. |
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(4) |
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Included in this column is the actuarial increase in the present value of the applicable
executives benefits under the Vornado Realty Trust Retirement Plan, a defined benefit
pension plan. The change in value was determined using interest and mortality rate
assumptions consistent with those used in our financial statements. There were no earnings on
amounts in the Vornado Realty Trust Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan that were
determined to be above-market or preferential, as defined in the rules and regulations of the
SEC. |
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(5) |
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See the All Other Compensation table for additional information. |
All Other Compensation Table
The following table describes each component of the All Other Compensation column in the Summary
Compensation Table.
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Supplemental |
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Use of Car |
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Life Insurance |
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and Driver |
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Premiums |
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Other |
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Total |
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Name |
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($)(1) |
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($) |
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($)(2) |
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($) |
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Steven Roth |
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191,536 |
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48,496 |
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40,650 |
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280,682 |
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Michael D. Fascitelli |
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190,380 |
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13,627 |
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32,228 |
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236,235 |
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David R. Greenbaum |
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187,240 |
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17,664 |
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58,185 |
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263,089 |
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Joseph Macnow |
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184,127 |
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84,938 |
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48,696 |
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317,761 |
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Sandeep Mathrani |
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97,187 |
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5,035 |
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31,639 |
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133,861 |
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(1) |
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For 2006, each of the Covered Executives was provided with a car and a driver. Each
Covered Executive has used the car and driver for both business and personal purposes and the
amounts shown for such executive reflect the aggregate incremental cost to the Company for
the car, driver and related expenses without allocating costs between business and personal
uses. |
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(2) |
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The information presented in this column includes the total amount of other benefits
provided in 2006. None of these benefits individually exceeds the greater of $25,000 and
10% of the total amount of benefits provided to the Covered Executive. |
24 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2006
The following table lists all grants of plan-based awards to the Covered Executives made in
2006 and their grant date fair value.
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All Other |
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All Other |
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Estimated Future |
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Share/Unit |
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Option Awards: |
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Payouts Under |
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Awards: |
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Number of |
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Equity Incentive |
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Number |
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Securities |
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Exercise or Base |
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Grant Date |
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Plan Awards(1) |
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of Shares of Stock |
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Underlying |
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Price of Option |
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Fair Value of |
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Name |
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Grant Date |
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Target (#) |
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or Units (#)(2) |
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Options (#)(3) |
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Awards($/Sh)(3) |
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Awards ($)(4) |
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Steven Roth |
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4/25/06 |
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197,668 |
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11,489,646 |
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4/25/06 |
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15,578 |
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1,078,883 |
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Michael D. Fascitelli |
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4/25/06 |
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197,668 |
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11,489,646 |
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4/25/06 |
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15,578 |
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1,078,883 |
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David R. Greenbaum |
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4/25/06 |
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35,141 |
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2,042,604 |
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Joseph Macnow |
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4/25/06 |
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39,532 |
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2,297,929 |
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4/25/06 |
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5,193 |
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359,651 |
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7/27/06 |
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4,393 |
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494,817 |
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Sandeep Mathrani |
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3/13/06 |
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200,000 |
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94.16 |
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2,027,797 |
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4/25/06 |
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52,711 |
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3,063,906 |
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(1) |
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The amounts shown in this column represent the actual and fixed number of OPP Units
that, upon vesting, will be distributed to each Covered Executive pursuant to our 2006
Outperformance Plan. The 2006 Outperformance Plan gave participants the opportunity to share
in a performance pool if the total return to our shareholders for a three-year period from
March 15, 2006 to March 14, 2009 were to exceed a cumulative 30% (including both share
appreciation and dividends paid). The performance hurdles were fully achieved as of January
12, 2007. Awards vest one-third on each of March 15, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and will be
convertible into Class A common units of Vornado Realty L.P. and ultimately redeemable for
our Shares on a one-for-one basis. |
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(2) |
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The information presented in this column represents the number of Restricted Units that
were granted to the Covered Executives. These Restricted Units vest ratably over five years
beginning in 2007. Restricted Units are a separate class of units in Vornado Realty L.P. and
will be convertible into Class A common units of Vornado Realty L.P. and ultimately
redeemable for our Shares on a one-for-one basis. On March 7, 2007, the Covered Executives
were granted the following numbers of Restricted Units which vest ratably over five years
beginning in 2008: Steven Roth, 34,340; Michael D. Fascitelli, 33,928; David R. Greenbaum,
6,169; Joseph Macnow, 8,225; and Sandeep Mathrani, 4,113. |
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(3) |
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The amount shown for Mr. Mathrani represents options granted pursuant to the terms of his
employment agreement with us, dated February 22, 2005. One-third of these options will vest
in each of January 2008, 2009 and 2010. The exercise price of these options is the average of
the high and low price of our Shares on the date of grant. On March 7, 2007, the Covered
Executives were granted options to acquire the following number of Shares at an exercise
price of $121.58 per Share: Steven Roth, 89,732; Michael D. Fascitelli, 85,914; David R.
Greenbaum, 19,092; Joseph Macnow, 19,092; and Sandeep Mathrani, 19,092. These options vest
ratably over five years beginning in 2008. |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 25
(4) |
|
The amounts presented reflect the full grant date fair value of equity awards
(calculated pursuant to SFAS 123R) granted to the Covered Executives in 2006. The full grant
date fair value is the amount we would expense in our consolidated financial statements over
the awards vesting schedule. For additional information on the value assumptions, refer to
footnote 11 of our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End
The following tables summarize the number and value of equity awards held at December 31,
2006 and the aggregate option exercises and shares vested in 2006 by the Covered Executives.
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|
Option Awards |
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|
Share and Unit Awards |
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Equity |
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Equity |
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Incentive |
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Incentive |
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|
Plan Awards: |
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Plan Awards: |
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Market or |
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Number of |
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Payout Value |
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|
Number of |
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Number of |
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|
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Unearned |
|
|
of Unearned |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Market Value of |
|
|
Shares, Units |
|
|
Shares, Units |
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
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|
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|
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Shares or |
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Shares or Units |
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or Other |
|
|
or Other |
|
Name and |
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Units of Shares |
|
|
of Shares |
|
|
Rights That |
|
|
Rights That |
|
Applicable |
|
Options (#) |
|
|
Options (#) |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Expiration |
|
|
That Have Not |
|
|
That Have Not |
|
|
Have Not |
|
|
Have Not |
|
Grant Date |
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
Price ($) |
|
|
Date |
|
|
Vested (#) |
|
|
Vested ($) |
|
|
Vested (#) |
|
|
Vested ($) |
|
|
Steven
Roth |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/25/06(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,578 |
|
|
|
1,892,727 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/25/06(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
83,128 |
|
|
|
10,100,052 |
|
|
|
114,540 |
|
|
|
13,916,610 |
|
2/8/05(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,240 |
|
|
|
1,122,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/05(1) |
|
|
23,100 |
|
|
|
92,400 |
|
|
|
71.28 |
|
|
|
2/8/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/6/04(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,860 |
|
|
|
1,683,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/03(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
1,822,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/02(3)(4) |
|
|
261,431 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41.86 |
|
|
|
1/28/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/02(3)(4) |
|
|
246,003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41.98 |
|
|
|
1/28/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/02(3)(4) |
|
|
245,297 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42.10 |
|
|
|
1/28/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/2/00(3) |
|
|
1,509,733 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30.58 |
|
|
|
3/2/10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/16/99(3) |
|
|
1,006,489 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.35 |
|
|
|
2/16/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/12/98(3) |
|
|
1,184,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45.02 |
|
|
|
1/12/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael
D. Fascitelli |
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/25/06(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,578 |
|
|
|
1,892,727 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/25/06(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
83,128 |
|
|
|
10,100,052 |
|
|
|
114,540 |
|
|
|
13,916,610 |
|
2/8/05(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,400 |
|
|
|
899,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/05(1) |
|
|
18,500 |
|
|
|
74,000 |
|
|
|
71.28 |
|
|
|
2/8/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/6/04(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,100 |
|
|
|
1,348,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/03(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
1,458,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/02(3)(4) |
|
|
261,431 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41.86 |
|
|
|
1/28/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/02(3)(4) |
|
|
246,003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41.98 |
|
|
|
1/28/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/02(3)(4) |
|
|
245,297 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42.10 |
|
|
|
1/28/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/2/00(3) |
|
|
1,409,085 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30.58 |
|
|
|
3/2/10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/16/99(3) |
|
|
754,867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.35 |
|
|
|
2/16/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/12/98(3) |
|
|
503,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45.02 |
|
|
|
1/12/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(table continued on following page)
26 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Share and Unit Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
Market or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Payout Value |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
of Unearned |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Market Value of |
|
|
Shares, Units |
|
|
Shares, Units |
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or |
|
|
Shares or Units |
|
|
or Other |
|
|
or Other |
|
Name and |
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Units of Shares |
|
|
of Shares |
|
|
Rights That |
|
|
Rights That |
|
Applicable |
|
Options (#) |
|
|
Options (#) |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Expiration |
|
|
That Have Not |
|
|
That Have Not |
|
|
Have Not |
|
|
Have Not |
|
Grant Date |
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
Price ($) |
|
|
Date |
|
|
Vested (#) |
|
|
Vested ($) |
|
|
Vested (#) |
|
|
Vested ($) |
|
|
David R. Greenbaum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/25/06(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,779 |
|
|
|
1,795,649 |
|
|
|
20,362 |
|
|
|
2,473,983 |
|
2/8/05(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
243,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/05(1) |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
71.28 |
|
|
|
2/8/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/6/04(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
364,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/03(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
364,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/02(3)(4) |
|
|
47,552 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41.86 |
|
|
|
1/28/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/02(3)(4) |
|
|
39,016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41.98 |
|
|
|
1/28/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/02(3)(4) |
|
|
38,904 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42.10 |
|
|
|
1/28/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/2/00(3) |
|
|
582 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30.58 |
|
|
|
3/2/10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/16/99(3) |
|
|
150,973 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.35 |
|
|
|
2/16/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/12/98(3) |
|
|
150,973 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45.02 |
|
|
|
1/12/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/12/97(3) |
|
|
1,661 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30.15 |
|
|
|
3/12/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph Macnow |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7/27/06(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,847 |
|
|
|
224,435 |
|
|
|
2,545 |
|
|
|
309,254 |
|
4/25/06(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,625 |
|
|
|
2,019,913 |
|
|
|
22,908 |
|
|
|
2,783,286 |
|
4/25/06(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,193 |
|
|
|
630,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/05(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,476 |
|
|
|
179,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/05(1) |
|
|
3,690 |
|
|
|
14,760 |
|
|
|
71.28 |
|
|
|
2/8/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/6/04(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,214 |
|
|
|
269,001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/03(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,400 |
|
|
|
291,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sandeep Mathrani |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4/25/06(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,779 |
|
|
|
1,795,649 |
|
|
|
20,362 |
|
|
|
2,473,983 |
|
3/13/06(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
94.16 |
|
|
|
3/13/16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/05(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,836 |
|
|
|
2,045,574 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/05(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,600 |
|
|
|
194,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/05(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
|
71.28 |
|
|
|
2/8/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/05(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
71.28 |
|
|
|
2/8/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/6/04(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
364,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/28/03(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
364,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
These awards vest ratably over five years from the date of grant. |
|
(2) |
|
These awards of OPP Units vest ratably over three years beginning in March of 2009.
Approximately 2.37% of the total OPP Unit award to each executive represents OPP Units earned
as a result of dividends paid which units vested in January 2007. |
|
(3) |
|
These awards vested ratably over three years from the date of grant. |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 27
|
|
|
(4) |
|
The exercise price and number of options for awards originally made at this date have
been subsequently adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Companys Omnibus Share Plans as a
result of one or more special (other than ordinary) dividends paid by the Company. All
options granted at this date originally had an exercise price of $42.13 per share (the
average of the high and low price of our Shares on the grant date). Due to the special
dividends and the resulting adjustments, these options are currently divided into three
groups having different exercise prices depending upon whether options were vested or
unvested at the time the special dividends were paid and whether they were non-qualified or
incentive options. |
|
(5) |
|
These awards were made pursuant to Mr. Mathranis employment agreement entered into in 2005
and vest ratably over three years beginning in March of 2009. |
Aggregated Option Exercises in 2006 and Shares Vested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Value Realized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquired on |
|
|
on Exercise |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
Value Realized |
|
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
|
($)(4) |
|
|
Acquired on Vesting(#) |
|
|
on Vesting ($)(4) |
|
|
Steven Roth (1) |
|
|
325,000 |
|
|
|
24,521,120 |
|
|
|
14,430 |
|
|
|
1,240,042 |
|
Michael D. Fascitelli(2) |
|
|
2,167,369 |
|
|
|
204,671,157 |
|
|
|
11,550 |
|
|
|
992,549 |
|
David R. Greenbaum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
257,805 |
|
Joseph Macnow |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,307 |
|
|
|
198,252 |
|
Sandeep Mathrani(3) |
|
|
19,792 |
|
|
|
1,246,512 |
|
|
|
2,400 |
|
|
|
206,244 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Roth exercised 325,000 options on December 22, 2006 with an exercise price of $45.02
per share and a market price of $120.47. |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. Fascitelli exercised 2,167,369 options on November 14, 2006 with an exercise price of
$23.11 per share and a market price of $117.54. |
|
(3) |
|
Mr. Mathrani exercised 19,421 options on August 22, 2006 with an exercise price of
$42.02 per share and a market price of $105.01 and 371 options on August 24, 2006 with an
exercise price of $41.99 per share and a market price of $104.54. |
|
(4) |
|
Values realized on exercise/vesting are based on: (1) for options, the difference between
the exercise price and the average of the high and low price of our common shares on the
applicable date if the resulting shares were held or, if the resulting shares were sold, the
actual sale price for such shares; and (2) for Restricted Shares, the average of the high and
low price of our common shares on the date of vesting. |
Employee Retirement Plan
Effective December 31, 1997, the Company froze its employee retirement plan, which provided
retirement benefits to full-time employees of the Company. Benefits under the plan vested upon the
completion of five years of service for all eligible employees. However, employees do not earn any
additional benefits after December 31, 1997. In addition, no new participants are eligible to enter
the frozen plan. Accordingly, the only covered executives who participate in the Plan are Messrs.
Roth, Fascitelli and Macnow. Annual retirement benefits are equal to 1% of the participants base
salary for each year of service.
28 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
However, the portion of retirement benefits payable for service prior to plan participation is
equal to 1% of the participants base salary as of December 31 of the year before the participant
began to participate in the plan for each year of the participants past service.
The amounts shown below are the estimated annual benefits (payable in the form of a life annuity)
for each of the Covered Executives who is a participant in the plan payable upon normal retirement
at age 65. The estimated annual benefit payable at age 65 to: Mr. Roth is $45,000; Mr. Fascitelli
is $1,946; and Mr. Macnow is $29,000.
Deferred Compensation
The following table summarizes the contributions, earnings, withdrawals and balance for the
Covered Executives for and at year-end 2006.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (amounts in dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive |
|
|
Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Type of Deferred |
|
|
Contributions |
|
|
Contributions |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
In Last Fiscal |
|
|
In Last Fiscal |
|
|
Earnings in Last |
|
|
Withdrawals/ |
|
|
Balance at |
|
Name |
|
Plan |
|
|
Year(1) |
|
|
Year |
|
|
Fiscal Year(2) |
|
|
Distributions(3) |
|
|
21/31/06(4) |
|
|
Steven Roth |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
2,086,732 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,728,738 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,430,708 |
|
Michael D. Fascitelli |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
4,405,079 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,055,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,601,827 |
|
|
|
Rabbi Trust |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,859,742 |
|
|
|
195,245,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
David R. Greenbaum |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
1,480,856 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,299,998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,180,955 |
|
Joseph Macnow |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
514,766 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300,551 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,022,828 |
|
Sandeep Mathrani |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,161,035 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,566,201 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Reflects the following amounts for each of the Covered Executives which are reported as
compensation to such Covered Executive in the Summary Compensation Table: Mr. Roth, $958,801;
Mr. Fascitelli, $965,411; and Mr. Greenbaum, $958,801. These amounts represent the deferred
portion for each of such Covered Executives 2006 annual salary, dividend equivalents and/or
bonuses in May 2006 for the prior years performance. In addition, included in the amount for
Mr. Fascitelli is $2,340,252 related to dividends in his Rabbi Trust that were deferred. |
|
(2) |
|
Contributions to the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan are credited with
earnings based on the rate of return of various benchmark funds selected by the
individual, some of which are based on the performance of the Companys securities. |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 29
(3) |
|
On December 29, 2006, 1,546,106 of our common shares, held in Mr. Fascitellis Rabbi Trust
that was established pursuant to his 1996 and 2002 employment agreements, were distributed to
Mr. Fascitelli. The shares were valued at $121.52 per share or $187,875,071. In addition,
$5,030,099 was distributed to Mr. Fascitelli and $2,340,252 was deferred in to the Vornado
Realty Trust Deferred Compensation Plan. |
(4) |
|
All amounts contributed by a Covered Executive in prior years have been reported in the
Summary Compensation Tables in our previously filed proxy statements in the year earned to
the extent he was a Covered Executive in such year for the purposes of the SECs executive
compensation disclosure rules. |
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
Michael D. Fascitelli
Mr. Fascitelli
had an employment agreement that commenced on December 2, 1996 pursuant to which he
joined the Company as President. The employment agreement had an initial term of five years and was
renewed in 2002. At the commencement of Mr. Fascitellis 1996 employment agreement, Mr. Fascitelli
received a deferred payment (the Deferred Payment) consisting of $5,000,000 in cash (which had
been invested in marketable securities at the direction of Mr. Fascitelli) and a $20,000,000
convertible obligation payable in 919,540 Shares. Until December 29, 2006, this cash and shares
were held in an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr. Fascitelli. In addition, Mr. Fascitellis
1996 employment agreement provided that he was able to borrow up to $10,000,000 from the Company
during the term of his employment at the applicable federal rate. On December 29, 2006, Mr.
Fascitelli paid in full the outstanding principal amount of loans made by the Company to him of
$8,600,000, plus interest.
Effective January 1, 2002, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Fascitelli
for a five-year period through December 31, 2006. Pursuant to the 2002 employment agreement on
January 1, 2006, and on each January 1 thereafter, the employment term was and will be,
automatically extended for one additional year unless either the Company or Mr. Fascitelli gives
written notice not to extend the agreement not less than 90 days before such date. The 2002
employment agreement provides that Mr. Fascitellis annual base salary will not be decreased during
the term and is currently $1,000,000. In addition to his annual salary, Mr. Fascitellis agreement
provided for a deferred payment consisting of 626,566 convertible units on December 29, 2006, with
each unit representing one Share. Accordingly, 626,566 Shares were being held in an irrevocable
trust for the benefit of Mr. Fascitelli. These 626,566 Shares as well as the 919,540 Shares from
his 1996 agreement were distributed to Mr. Fascitelli (after a deduction for applicable withholding
taxes) on December 29, 2006. In accordance with the terms of his employment agreement, Mr.
Fascitelli has also been given the use of a Company automobile.
The 2002 employment agreement also provides that if his employment is terminated by the Company
without cause or by him for good reason (as defined in the agreement to include, among other
things, a change in his responsibilities, change in control of the
Company, relocation of the Companys principal executive offices or the failure of the Company to
comply with the terms of the agreement), (i) payment of his base salary shall continue for three
years, offset in the second and third years for compensation received or deferred for services to
any other employer, (ii) benefits to him and his family shall continue for
30 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
three years. The agreement further provides that if his employment is terminated by him without
good reason or by the Company for cause (as defined in the agreement to include conviction of, or
plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, failure to perform his duties or willful
misconduct), payment of his salary will cease.
David R. Greenbaum
Mr. Greenbaum has an employment agreement that commenced on April 15, 1997 pursuant to which he
serves as PresidentNew York Office Division. The employment agreement provides that, commencing on
April 30, 2000, and on each April 30 thereafter, the employment term shall automatically be
extended for one additional year unless either the Company or Mr. Greenbaum gives written notice
not to extend the agreement, at least 90 days before such date. The employment agreement provides
that Mr. Greenbaums base salary shall not be reduced during the term of the agreement. Mr.
Greenbaums current annual base salary is $1,000,000. Mr. Greenbaums employment agreement provides
that he will be entitled to participate at a level commensurate with his position in any equity
and/or incentive compensation with respect to senior executives of the Company. In accordance with
the terms of his employment agreement, he has also been given the use of a Company automobile.
The agreement also provides that if Mr. Greenbaums employment is terminated by the Company
without cause or by him for good reason (as defined in the agreement to include, among other
things, a change in his responsibilities, change in control of the Company, relocation of the New
York Office Divisions principal executive offices, the failure of the Company to comply with the
terms of the agreement or the failure of the Company to renew the agreement upon expiration), Mr.
Greenbaum will receive (a) a lump sum payment of three times the sum of (i) his annual base
compensation and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses earned by him in the two fiscal years
ending immediately prior to his termination and (b) continued provision of benefits to him and his
family for three years. The agreement further provides that if his employment is terminated by him
without good reason or by the Company for cause (as defined in the agreement to include conviction
of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, failure to perform his duties or willful
misconduct), payment of his salary will cease.
Joseph Macnow
Mr. Macnow has had an employment agreement with the Company since November 21, 1980, pursuant to
which he serves as Executive Vice PresidentFinance and Administration and Chief Financial
Officer. His Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of July 27, 2006, provides that on
each December 31 the employment term shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless
either the Company or Mr. Macnow gives written notice not to extend the agreement 90 days before
such date. Mr. Macnows employment agreement provides that his base salary will not be reduced
during the term of the agreement and is currently at $1,000,000. Mr. Macnows agreement also
provides for his use of a Company automobile.
The agreement also provides that if Mr. Macnows employment is terminated by the Company without
cause or by him for good reason (as defined in the agreement to include, among other things, a
change in his responsibilities, change in control of the Company, relocation of the Companys
principal executive offices, the failure of the Company to comply with the terms
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 31
of the agreement or the failure of the Company to renew the agreement upon expiration), he will
receive: (a) a lump sum payment of three times the sum (not to exceed $3.3 million, in the
aggregate) of (i) his annual base compensation plus (ii) the average of the annual bonuses earned
by him in the two fiscal years ending immediately prior to his termination; (b) immediate vesting
in any equity awards granted to him by the Board; and (c) continued provision of benefits to him
and his family for three years. The agreement further provides that if Mr. Macnows employment is
terminated by him without good reason or by the Company for cause (as defined in the agreement to
include conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, failure to perform his
duties or willful misconduct) payment of salary will cease.
Sandeep Mathrani
Mr. Mathrani serves as Executive Vice PresidentRetail Division of the Company. His employment
agreement entered into in 2002 expired in March 2005. As of January 1, 2005, the Company and Mr.
Mathrani entered into a new employment agreement through January 1, 2010, with a term that
automatically extends for additional one-year periods unless terminated on at least six months
prior notice by either the Company or Mr. Mathrani. The employment agreement provides that Mr.
Mathranis annual base salary will not be decreased during the term and is currently $1,000,000.
In connection with his employment agreement, the Company granted Mr. Mathrani 16,836 restricted
Shares and options to acquire 300,000 of the Companys Shares at
$71.275 per share. In addition,
pursuant to his employment agreement, 200,000 options were granted to him on March 13, 2006 at an
exercise price of $94.16 per share. These restricted Share and option grants will vest one-third
each year on January 20th of 2008, 2009 and 2010. The vesting of these restricted Shares and
options granted pursuant to his employment agreement will accelerate upon certain events including
a change of control of the Company or a sale of its retail division.
Mr. Mathranis employment agreement also provides that if his employment is terminated by the
Company without cause or by him due to a material breach of the agreement by the Company (a
material breach is any failure by the Company to comply with any material provision of the
agreement that is not cured within 30 days of written notice by Mr. Mathrani of noncompliance), Mr.
Mathrani will immediately vest in any stock options and restricted Shares granted to him by the
Company. In addition, in such event, Mr. Mathrani will receive a lump sum payment equal to (i) his
annual base compensation plus (ii) the average of the annual bonuses earned by him in the two
fiscal years ending immediately prior to his termination. The agreement further provides that if
his employment is terminated by him without good reason or by the Company for cause (as defined in
the agreement to include conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, failure
to perform his duties or willful misconduct), payment of his salary and all other obligations of
the Company under the agreement will cease. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Mathrani also
receives the use of a Company automobile.
32 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
SEVERANCE AND CHANGE OF CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
Of our Covered Executives, Messrs. Fascitelli, Macnow, Greenbaum and Mathrani have employment
agreements that provide for certain payments in the event of a termination of employment, including
one following a change of control. None of Mr. Roth or any of our other trustees (other than Mr.
Fascitelli) has an employment agreement or other severance arrangement. Our Omnibus Share Plans,
which govern all of our equity-based awards, provide in certain circumstances that equity awards
that have been granted but are still subject to vesting will vest automatically or at the
discretion of our Board in certain circumstances. In particular, on a change of control, all equity
awards either vest automatically or at the discretion of our Board. In addition, our deferred
compensation plans provide that all applicable deferred compensation is paid out to an executive or
trustee upon their departure from the Company. Of our Covered Executives, only Messrs. Roth,
Fascitelli and Macnow are participants in our now-terminated retirement plan. Benefits under the
retirement plan for these persons are now fully vested. In addition, upon the death or disability
of an executive, that executive or his or her estate may be entitled to insurance benefits under
policies with third parties maintained by us.
With regard to our employment agreements, these agreements are negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
As discussed under Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we believe that in certain circumstances
such agreements are in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders to ensure the
continued dedication of such employees, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a
change of control. Generally, our agreements govern severance payments under the following
circumstances: (1) termination of the employee for cause; (2) termination by the employee for
good reason (such as breach of the employment agreement by the Company, or if a change of control
occurs and the employee then decides to terminate his employment) or by the Company without
cause; (3) termination following a disability; (4) termination due to death; and (5) termination
upon retirement after the employee reaches the age of 65. Reference should be made to the actual
employment agreements for the specific terms. Generally, however, on any termination, the
applicable executive officer will receive his accrued and unpaid salary and other benefits until
the date of termination. For cause terminations by the Company, the employee will not receive any
additional payment. If the employee terminates his employment for good reason or the Company
terminates the employment without cause, the employee typically receives an additional payment
(or payments over a specified period) that may vary from one year of salary and bonus to up to
three years of salary and bonus. For terminations due to disability or death, executives who have
this provision in their applicable agreement, typically receive between one year of salary or bonus
and three years of salary. In certain cases, the employment agreements also provide for continued
benefits for specified periods. None of our Covered Executives, who is a party to an employment
agreement, is currently eligible for retirement under their employment agreements. Severance
payments following a change of control under employment agreements are generally dual trigger
meaning the change of control must occur followed by a termination of employment. We believe that
this provision appropriately achieves the benefits of ensuring the dedication of employees in
connection with a change of control without providing for an automatic payment under the employment
agreement for a change of control.
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 33
Our equity-based compensation awards are governed by the individual award agreements issued under
our Omnibus Share Plans. Generally, for cause terminations, no unvested awards are accelerated
but employees are entitled to keep awards that have already vested if they exercise options or
similar awards within specified periods after termination. For terminations by the employee for
good reason or by the Company without cause, unvested OPP awards then vest, but other
then-unvested equity awards terminate in a manner similar to that of cause terminations. In Mr.
Macnows case, however, his employment agreement provides that on any departure from the Company
except as a result of a cause termination, his unvested equity awards then vest. Upon a change of
control, all unvested equity awards then vest. We believe that a single trigger for equity awards
following a change of control is appropriate due to the change in the nature of the form of award
caused by a change of control. In the case of retirement after the age of 65, options (but no other
equity-based award), automatically vest. In the case of a disability, option and OPP awards vest
and in the case of death, all equity awards vest.
The information presented below reflects the estimated payments that each of our Covered Executives
would have received under the employment termination scenarios (including, following a change of
control) if employment termination were to have occurred on December 31, 2006. In calculating the
value of equity-based awards, the presentation uses a price per share of $121.50, the closing
price on the last trading day in 2006. In addition, in estimating bonuses payable for the
calculation of severance payments, we have used the actual bonuses paid in 2007 for 2006
performance (including, for these presentation purposes only, the value of all Restricted Unit
grants made in the first quarter of 2007). The actual amounts that would be paid out on any
termination of employment can only be determined at the time of any actual separation from the
Company.
Steven Roth
Mr. Roth is not a party to any individual employment agreement, change of control or other
severance arrangement with the Company. In the event of any termination of his employment with the
Company, Mr. Roth would be entitled to receive the balance in his deferred compensation account of
$17,430,708 and the payment of his balance of $547,178 under our retirement plan ($268,075, in
the case of death). Under our Omnibus Share Plans, in the following circumstances, Mr. Roth (or
his estate) would have been entitled to have equity awards automatically vest having the following
values (determined as of December 31, 2006): (1) for a termination by Mr. Roth for good reason
or by the Company without cause, $24,016,662; (2) change of control; $35,179,329; (3)
retirement, $4,640,790; (4) disability, $28,657,452 and (5) death, $35,179,329.
Michael D. Fascitelli
Mr. Fascitelli has an employment agreement with the Company that governs his severance
arrangements. In the event of any termination of his employment with the Company, Mr. Fascitelli
would be entitled to receive the balance in his deferred compensation account of $22,601,827 and the payment of his balance of $9,774 under our retirement plan
($5,100, in the case of death). Under Mr. Fascitellis employment agreement, he would have been
entitled to the following payments and other benefits: (1) for a termination by Mr. Fascitelli for
good reason (including his resigning after a change of control) or by the
34 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
Company without cause, Mr. Fascitelli would have been entitled to receive a maximum $3,000,000
payable over three years plus continued benefits for three years (with an estimated value of
approximately $20,000 per year); (2) upon a termination of employment as a result of a disability,
Mr. Fascitelli would have been entitled to up to a maximum of $3,000,000 and benefits having an
estimated value not to exceed $20,000 per year (but for a period not to exceed the longer of six
months and when he is eligible for disability insurance); and (3) upon the death of Mr. Fascitelli,
his estate would have been entitled to $1,000,000 and his family would be entitled to have certain
benefits having an estimated value of approximately $20,000. Under our Omnibus Share Plans, in the
following circumstances, Mr. Fascitelli (or his estate) would have been entitled to have equity
awards automatically vest having the following values (determined as of December 31, 2006): (1) for
a termination by Mr. Fascitelli for good reason or by the Company without cause, $24,016,662;
(2) change of control; $33,331,789; (3) disability, $27,733,312; and (4) death, $33,331,789.
David R. Greenbaum
Mr. Greenbaum has an employment agreement with the Company that governs his severance arrangements.
In the event of any termination of his employment with the Company, Mr. Greenbaum would be entitled
to receive the balance in his deferred compensation account of $13,180,955. Under Mr. Greenbaums
employment agreement, he would have been entitled to the following payments and other benefits: (1)
for a termination by Mr. Greenbaum for good reason (including his resigning after a change of
control) or by the Company without cause (including failure to renew his contract), Mr. Greenbaum
would have been entitled to receive $5,750,000; (2) for a resignation without good reason, Mr.
Greenbaum would have been entitled to his bonus for 2006 which was made up of cash and equity
having an estimated value of $1,250,000; (3) upon a termination of employment as a result of a
disability, Mr. Greenbaum would have been entitled to $1,250,000 and benefits having an estimated
value of approximately $41,000 per year for three years; and (4) upon the death of Mr. Greenbaum,
his estate would have been entitled to $2,250,000 and his family would be entitled to have certain
benefits having an estimated value of approximately $41,000. Under our Omnibus Share Plans, in the
following circumstances, Mr. Greenbaum (or his estate) would have been entitled to have equity
awards automatically vest having the following values (determined as of December 31, 2006): (1)
termination of his employment for good reason or by the Company without cause, $4,269,632; (2)
change of control; $6,246,132; (3) disability, $5,274,132 and (4) death, $6,246,132.
Joseph Macnow
Mr. Macnow has an employment agreement with the Company that governs his severance arrangements. In
the event of any termination of his employment with the Company, Mr. Macnow would be entitled to
receive the balance in his deferred compensation account of $3,022,828 and the payment of the
balance of $289,294 under our retirement plan ($142,598, in the case of death). Under Mr. Macnows
employment agreement, he would have been entitled to the following payments and other benefits: (1)
for a termination by Mr. Macnow for good reason (including his resigning after a change of
control) or by the Company without cause (including
failure to renew his contract), Mr. Macnow would have been entitled to receive $3,300,000; (2) for
a resignation without good reason, Mr. Macnow would have been entitled to his bonus for 2006
which
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADQ REALTY TRUST 35
was made up of cash and equity having an estimated value of $1,250,000; (3) upon a termination of
employment as a result of a disability, Mr. Macnow would have been entitled to $1,250,000 and
benefits having an estimated value of approximately $104,000 (approximately $85,000 of which
relates to supplemental life insurance) per year for three years; and (4) upon the death of Mr.
Macnow, his estate would have been entitled to $2,250,000 and his family would be entitled to have
certain benefits having an estimated value of $104,000 (approximately $85,000 of which relates to
supplemental life insurance). Under our Omnibus Share Plans, in the following circumstances, Mr.
Macnow (or his estate) would have been entitled to have equity awards automatically vest having the
following values (determined as of December 31, 2006): (1) termination of his employment for good
reason or by the Company without cause, $7,449,093; (2) change of control; $7,449,093; (3)
disability, $6,078,209 and (4) death, $7,449,093.
Sandeep Mathrani
Mr. Mathrani has an employment agreement with the Company that governs his severance arrangements.
In the event of any termination of his employment with the Company, Mr. Mathrani would be entitled
to receive the balance in his deferred compensation account of $3,566,201. Under Mr. Mathranis
employment agreement, he would have been entitled to the following payments and other benefits: (1)
for a termination by Mr. Mathrani for good reason (not including his resigning after a change of
control) or by the Company without cause, Mr. Mathrani would have been entitled to receive
$3,700,000; and (2) upon the death of Mr. Mathrani, his estate would have been entitled to $1,500,000. Under our Omnibus Share Plans, in the following circumstances, Mr. Mathrani would have
been entitled to have equity awards automatically vest having the following values (determined as
of December 31, 2006): (1) termination of his employment for good reason or by the Company
without cause, $6,404,387; (2) change of control; $30,566,661; (3) disability, $27,743,487; and
(4) death, $30,566,661.
COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES
Trustees who are not officers of the Company receive an annual retainer and additional meeting fees
for each Board or committee meeting attended. Messrs. Roth, Fascitelli and Smith received no
compensation for their service as trustees. The non-management members of the Board of Trustees are
compensated as follows: (1) each such member receives an annual retainer equal to $60,000; (2) each
such member receives an annual grant of restricted shares with a value equal to $30,000 (not to be
sold while such member is a trustee, except in certain circumstances); (3) the Audit Committee
Chairman receives an annual retainer of $50,000 and other Audit Committee members receive an annual
retainer of $25,000; (4) the Chairman and members of all other committees (other than the Executive
Committee) receive an annual retainer of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively; and (5) each such
member receives a meeting fee of $1,000 for each Board or committee meeting attended.
36 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
The following table sets forth the compensation that was earned or paid in 2006 for the
non-management members of our Board.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fee Earned or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Paid in Cash $ |
|
|
Share Awards $
(1) |
|
|
Total $ |
|
|
Anthony W. Deering |
|
|
95,000 |
|
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
99,506 |
|
Robert P. Kogod |
|
|
65,000 |
|
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
69,506 |
|
Michael Lynne |
|
|
72,000 |
|
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
76,506 |
|
David Mandelbaum |
|
|
73,000 |
|
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
77,506 |
|
Ronald G. Targan |
|
|
108,000 |
|
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
112,506 |
|
Richard R. West |
|
|
144,000 |
|
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
148,506 |
|
Russell B. Wight, Jr. |
|
|
78,000 |
|
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
82,506 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Information presented in this column reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial
statement purposes for the year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with SFAS 123R of
awards made pursuant to our 2002 Omnibus Share Plan. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of
the SEC, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to
service-based vesting conditions. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are
included in note 11 of our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 as filed with the SEC. Dividends are paid on
both the vested and unvested portion of restricted share awards. |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Compensation Committee, consisting, in 2006, of Dr. West and Messrs. Lynne and Targan, grants
awards under the Companys 2002 Omnibus Share Plan, as amended, and makes all other executive
compensation determinations. Messrs. Roth, Fascitelli and Smith are the only officers or employees
of the Company who are also members of the Board. There are no interlocking relationships involving
the Companys Board that require disclosure under the executive compensation rules of the SEC.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Review and Approval of Related Person Transactions
We review all relationships and transactions in which we and our significant shareholders, trustees
and our executive officers or their respective immediate family members are participants to
determine whether such persons have a direct or indirect material interest in the transaction. Our
legal and financial staff are primarily responsible for the development and implementation of
processes and controls to obtain information from our significant shareholders, trustees and our
executive officers with respect to related person transactions and for then determining, based on
the facts and circumstances, whether we or a related person has a direct or indirect material
interest in the transaction. As required under SEC rules, transactions that are determined to be
directly or indirectly material to the Company or a related person are disclosed in our proxy
statement. We also disclose transactions or categories of transactions we consider in determining
that a trustee is independent. In addition, our Audit Committee and/or our Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee reviews and, if appropriate, approves or
2007
PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 37
ratifies any related person transaction that is required to be disclosed. These committees, in
the course of their reviews of a disclosable related party transaction consider: (1) the nature of
the related persons interest in the transaction; (2) the material terms of the transaction; (3)
the importance of the transaction to the related person; (4) the importance of the transaction to
the Company; (5) whether the transaction would impair the judgment of a trustee or executive
officer to act in the best interest of the Company; and (6) any other matters the Committee deems
appropriate.
Transactions Involving Interstate Properties
As of April 12, 2007, Interstate and its partners beneficially owned approximately 11% of our
outstanding Shares and approximately 28% of Alexanders outstanding common stock. Interstate is a
general partnership in which Steven Roth, David Mandelbaum and Russell B. Wight, Jr. are the
partners. Mr. Roth is our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, the Managing General
Partner of Interstate, and the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Alexanders.
Messrs. Mandelbaum and Wight are trustees of the Company and also directors of Alexanders.
We manage and lease the real estate assets of Interstate pursuant to a management agreement for
which we receive an annual fee equal to 4% of base rent and percentage rent and certain other
commissions. The management agreement has a term of one year and is automatically renewable unless
terminated by either of the parties on 60 days notice at the end of the term. We believe, based
upon comparable fees charged by other real estate companies, that the terms are fair to us. We
earned $798,000 in management fees under the management agreement for the year ended December 31,
2006.
Transactions Involving Alexanders
As of April 12, 2007, Interstate and its three general partnersSteven Roth (Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Alexanders), David Mandelbaum (a trustee of the
Company and director of Alexanders) and Russell B. Wight, Jr. (a trustee of the Company and
director of Alexanders)owned approximately 11% of our outstanding Shares and approximately 27%
of Alexanders common stock. The Company owns approximately 33% of the outstanding common stock of
Alexanders.
We manage, lease and develop Alexanders properties pursuant to the agreements described below,
which expire in March of each year and are automatically renewable.
Management and Development Agreements. We receive an annual fee for managing Alexanders and all
its properties equal to the sum of (i) $3,000,000, (ii) 3% of gross income from the Kings Plaza
Regional Shopping Center, (iii) $0.50 per square foot of the tenant-occupied office and retail
space at 731 Lexington Avenue and (iv) $220,000, escalating at 3% per annum, for managing the
common area of 731 Lexington Avenue.
In addition, we are entitled to a development fee of 6% of development costs, as defined, with
minimum guaranteed fees of $750,000 per annum.
Leasing Agreements. We provide Alexanders with leasing services for a fee of 3% of rent for the
first ten years of a lease term, 2% of rent for the eleventh through the twentieth year of a lease
term, and 1% of rent for the twenty-first through thirtieth year of a lease term, subject to the
payment of rents by Alexanders tenants. We are also entitled to a commission
38 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
upon the sale of any of Alexanders assets of 3% of gross proceeds, as defined. In the event
third-party real estate brokers are used, our sales commission increases by 1% and we are
responsible for the fees to the third-party real estate brokers. Such amounts are payable to us
annually in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000, with interest at 9% per annum on the unpaid
balance.
Effective January 1, 2007, we modified our leasing agreement with Alexanders. Pursuant to the
modification: (i) the existing 3% commission on asset sales was adjusted so that for asset sales
greater than $50,000,000, the fee is 1% of gross proceeds, as defined; (ii) in the event
third-party real estate brokers are used in connection with asset sales, our fee no longer
increases by 1% and we continue to be responsible for the fees to the third-parties; and (iii) the
annual amount payable to us for fees under this agreement was increased to $4,000,000, and the
interest rate on the unpaid balance was adjusted to one-year LIBOR plus 100 bps per annum (6.34%
at January 1, 2007).
Other Agreements. Building Maintenance Services, our wholly-owned subsidiary, supervises the
cleaning, engineering and security services at Alexanders Lexington Avenue and Kings Plaza
properties for an annual fee of the cost for such services plus 6%.
At December 31, 2006, Alexanders owed the Company (i) $32,214,000 in leasing fees and (ii)
$1,152,000 in management fees and other costs.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, Alexanders incurred $4,505,000 of leasing fees,
$750,000 of development fees, $4,465,000 of management fees and $1,923,000 of other fees and
rents under its agreements with the Company or BMS.
Certain Other Transactions
On November 20, 2006, Mr. Fascitelli, our President, repaid to us his $8,600,000 loan (the largest
outstanding balance during the last fiscal year) which was scheduled to mature in December 2006.
The loan was made to him in 1996 pursuant to his employment agreement. The loan was repaid in full
on December 29, 2006 together with interest, payable quarterly at a rate of 3.97% (based on the
applicable federal rate).
On December 31, 2006,1,546,106 shares held in a rabbi trust, established for deferred compensation
purposes as part of Mr. Fascitellis 1996 and 2002 employment agreements, were distributed to Mr.
Fascitelli, net of 739,130 shares which were used to satisfy tax withholding obligations. The
shares we received for the tax liability were retired upon receipt.
In the year ended December 31, 2006, we paid Mr. Kogod fees of $251,209 for consulting
services rendered to us. We expect to pay a similar fee during 2007.
The Company leases office space to Archstone-Smith Trust and these two companies share the costs of
certain office-related services. Under these agreements, for the year ended December 31, 2006, the
Company recorded rent from and paid fees to Archstone-Smith Trust in the amounts of $1,954,791 and
$441,871, respectively. Mr. Smith and Mr. Kogod are trustees and shareholders of Archstone-Smith
Trust.
2007
PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 39
With respect to one of our Manhattan properties, we are the lessee under a ground lease that
expires in 2067. The lessor under the ground lease is a limited liability company that is owned by
several members, some of which include David Mandelbaum (one of our trustees), his children, his
brother, his sister and his sisters family. The underlying fee property was purchased by the
parents of Mr. Mandelbaum in 1961 and placed into trusts at that time for the benefit of their
children and grandchildren. Since 1961, this property has been owned 20% by these trusts and, when
the trusts expired, descendents of Mr. Mandelbaums parents. The remaining 80% of the limited
liability company is owned by two unrelated families. One family owns 55% of the limited liability
company and is its managing member. Mr. Mandelbaums personal interest in the property is an
indirect 2.66% interest. We acquired the building at 888 Seventh Avenue (and the tenants interest
under the ground lease) from an unrelated party in 1998. The limited liability company owning the
ground receives under the ground lease an aggregate payment of $3,350,000 a year in rent.
On April 13, 2006, we acquired the 92.65% interest that we did not already own of 1925 K Street, a
150,000 square foot office building located in the Central Business District of Washington, DC. The
purchase price for the 92.65% interest was $52,800,000, consisting of $34,600,000 in cash and
$18,200,000 of existing mortgage debt. Mitchell N. Schear, President of our Vornado/Charles E.
Smith Washington DC Office Division, received $3,675,000 for his share of the proceeds as a partner
of the selling entity. Mr. Schear acquired this interest prior to his joining the Company.
On March 26, 2007, Joseph Macnow, our Chief Financial Officer, repaid in full, with
interest, his $2,000,000 loan from the Company (the largest outstanding balance during
2006). The loan bore interest at 4.65% (based on the applicable federal rate).
Other Transactions Considered in Determining Trustee Independence
Michael Lynne, a trustee of the Company, is the Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of New
Line Cinema Corporation. New Line Cinema Corporation is a tenant at our building at 888 Seventh
Avenue in New York City. During 2006, we recorded rent from New Line Cinema Corporation in the
amount of $3,207,563 under its lease. The lease was negotiated prior to us purchasing the building
and renewed prior to Mr. Lynne joining our Board.
REPORT
OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committees purposes are to (i) assist the Board in its oversight of (a) the integrity of
the Companys financial statements, (b) the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements, (c) the independent registered public accounting firms qualifications and
independence, and (d) the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm and the
Companys internal audit function; and (ii) prepare an Audit Committee report as required by the
SEC for inclusion in the Companys annual proxy statement. The function of the Audit Committee is
oversight. The Board of Trustees, in its business judgment and upon the recommendation of the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, has determined that all members of the Audit
Committee are independent, as required by applicable listing standards of the NYSE, as currently
in effect, and in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC. The Board of
Trustees has also determined that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate and
has accounting or related financial management expertise, as such qualifications are defined under
the rules of the NYSE, and that each of Dr. West and
Mr. Deering an audit
40
VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
committee financial expert within the meaning of the rules of the SEC. The Audit Committee
operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter.
Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Companys
financial statements and for the establishment and effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, and for maintaining appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and
policies and internal controls and procedures that provide for compliance with accounting standards
and applicable laws and regulations. The independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte &
Touche LLP, is responsible for planning and carrying out a proper audit of the Companys annual
financial statements in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States), expressing an opinion as to the conformity of such financial
statements with generally accepted accounting principles and auditing managements assessment of
the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
In performing its oversight role, the Audit Committee has considered and discussed the audited
consolidated financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting
firm. The Audit Committee has also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm
the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with
Audit Committees, as amended by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 90, Audit Committee
Communications. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the
independent registered public accounting firm required by Independence Standards Board Standard No.
1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, as currently in effect. The Audit Committee has
also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm its independence. The
independent registered public accounting firm has free access to the Audit Committee to discuss any
matters they deem appropriate.
Based on the reports and discussions described in the preceding paragraph, and subject to the
limitations on the role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee referred to below and in the
Audit Committee Charter in effect during 2006, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of
Trustees that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
Members of the Audit Committee rely without independent verification on the information provided to
them and on the representations made by management and the independent registered public accounting
firm. Accordingly, the Audit Committees oversight does not provide an independent basis to
determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles
or appropriate internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting
standards and applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Audit Committees considerations
and discussions referred to above do not assure that the audit of the Companys consolidated
financial statements has been carried out in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), that the consolidated financial statements are
presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America, that Deloitte & Touche LLP is in fact independent or the effectiveness of the Companys
internal controls.
DR. RICHARD R. WEST
ANTHONY W. DEERING
RONALD G. TARGAN
2007
PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 41
PROPOSAL
2: RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte
& Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective
affiliates (collectively, the Deloitte Entities) have been the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm since 1976. The Audit Committee has selected the Deloitte Entities as the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2007 as a result of a process most recently undertaken in 2003 and 2005 by which the Audit
Committee and management solicited and received proposals from each of the four largest independent
registered public accounting firms: Deloitte, KPMG LLP, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Ernst &
Young LLP. The Audit Committee initiated this process after consultation with management because it
determined that there were possible benefits to be considered with regard to audit firm
independence and obtaining a fresh look at the Companys financial accounting and internal controls
processes. This process was not related to the quality of services provided by the Deloitte
Entities. After consideration of each of the proposals, the Audit Committee retained the Deloitte
Entities as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm and has determined to
continue that retention for 2007. Among other matters, the Audit Committee concluded that current
requirements for audit partner rotation, auditor independence through limitation of services and
other regulations affecting the audit engagement process will substantially assist in supporting
auditor independence. As a matter of good corporate governance, the Audit Committee has determined
to submit its selection to shareholders for ratification. In the event that this selection of a
registered public accounting firm is not ratified by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
votes cast on the proposal, the Audit Committee will review its future selection of a registered
public accounting firm but will retain all rights of selection.
Even if the selection of the Deloitte Entities is ratified at the Annual Meeting, the Audit
Committee, in its discretion, may change the appointment at any time during the year.
We expect that representatives of the Deloitte Entities will be present at the Annual Meeting. They
will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire, and will be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
Audit
Fees
The aggregate fees billed by the Deloitte Entities for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005,
for professional services rendered for the audits of the Companys annual consolidated financial
statements included in the Companys Annual Reports on Form 10-K, for the reviews of the
consolidated interim financial statements included in the Companys Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
and reviews of other filings or registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933 and
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during those fiscal years were $4,869,000 and $4,339,000,
respectively. Audit fees for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 include $1,365,000 and
$1,063,000, respectively, for the audit of Americold Realty Trust of which the other shareholders
of Americold Realty Trust pay 53%. During 2006 and 2005, audit fees include the attestation report
on managements assessment of internal control, as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Sarbanes-Oxley), Section 404.
42 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
Audit-Related
Fees
The aggregate fees billed by the Deloitte Entities for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
for professional services rendered that are related to the performance of the audits or reviews of
the Companys consolidated financial statements which are not reported above under Audit Fees
were $2,306,000 and $1,879,000, respectively. Audit-Related Fees generally include fees for
stand-alone audits of subsidiaries, due diligence associated with mergers/acquisitions and
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 pre-implementation assistance.
Tax
Fees
The aggregate fees billed by the Deloitte Entities for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning were $408,000
and $480,000, respectively. Tax Fees generally include fees for tax consultations regarding
return preparation and REIT tax law compliance.
All
Other Fees
The aggregate fees billed by the Deloitte Entities for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
for professional services rendered other than those described above under Audit Fees,
Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees were $0 and $0, respectively. All Other Fees generally
includes fees for consultations relating to systems review.
Pre-approval
Policies and Procedures
In May 2003, the Audit Committee established a policy of reviewing and approving engagement letters
with the Deloitte Entities for the services described above under Audit Fees before the provision
of those services commences. For all other services, the Audit Committee has detailed polices and
procedures pursuant to which it has pre-approved the use of the Deloitte Entities for specific
services for which the Audit Committee has set an aggregate quarterly limit of $250,000 on the
amount of services that the Deloitte Entities can provide the Company. Any services not specified
that exceed the quarterly limit, or which would cause the amount of total services provided by the
Deloitte Entities to exceed the quarterly limit, must be approved by the Audit Committee Chairman
before the provision of such services commences. The Audit Committee also requires management to
provide it with regular quarterly reports of the amount of services provided by the Deloitte
Entities. Since the adoption of such policies and procedures, all of such fees were approved by the
Audit Committee in accordance therewith.
The Board of Trustees recommends that you vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of
Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm for 2007.
Unless you direct otherwise in your proxy, proxies will be voted for the proposal. The affirmative
vote of holders of the majority of the votes cast on the proposal is required for its approval.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the result of the vote.
2007
PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 43
PROPOSAL 3: SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL RELATING TO A CHANGE IN THE VOTING STANDARD FOR
TRUSTEE ELECTIONS
In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we have set forth below a
shareholder proposal submitted on behalf of the New England Carpenters Pension Fund (the
shareholder proponent), along with the supporting statement of the shareholder proponent, for
which the Company and the Board accept no responsibility. The shareholder proposal is required to
be voted upon at the Annual Meeting only if properly presented at the Annual Meeting by or on
behalf of the shareholder proponent. As explained below, the Board of Trustees recommends that you
vote AGAINST the shareholder proposal.
Director
Election Majority Vote Standard Proposal
Resolved: That the shareholders of Vornado Realty Trust (Company) hereby request that the Board
of Trustees initiate the appropriate process to amend the Companys governance documents (charter
or bylaws) to provide that trustee nominees shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the
majority of votes cast at an annual meeting of shareholders, with a plurality vote standard
retained for contested trustee elections, that is, when the number of trustee nominees exceeds the
number of board seats.
Supporting
Statement: In order to provide shareholders a meaningful role in trustee elections, our
companys trustee election vote standard should be changed to a majority vote standard. A majority
vote standard would require that a nominee receive a majority of the votes cast in order to be
elected. The standard is particularly well-suited for the vast majority of director elections in
which only board nominated candidates are on the ballot. We believe that a majority vote standard
in board elections would establish a challenging vote standard for board nominees and improve the
performance of individual trustees and entire boards. Our Company presently uses a plurality vote
standard in all trustee elections. Under the plurality vote standard, a nominee for the board can
be elected with as little as a single affirmative vote, even if a substantial majority of the votes
cast are withheld from the nominee.
In response to strong shareholder support for a majority vote standard in director elections, an
increasing number of companies, including Intel, Dell, Motorola, Texas Instruments, Wal-Mart,
Safeway, Home Depot, Gannett, Marathon Oil, and Supervalue, have adopted a majority vote standard in
company by-laws. Additionally, these companies have adopted director resignation policies in their
bylaws or corporate governance policies to address post-election issues related to the status of
director nominees that fail to win election. Other companies have responded only partially to the
call for change by simply adopting post-election director resignation policies that set procedures
for addressing the status of director nominees that received more withhold votes than for
votes. At the time of the submission of this proposal, our Company and its board had not taken
either action.
We believe the critical first step in establishing a meaningful majority vote policy is the
adoption of a majority vote standard in Company governance documents. Our Company needs to join the
growing list of companies that have taken this action. With a majority vote standard in place, the
board can then consider action on developing post-election procedures to
44 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
address the status of trustees that fail to win election. A combination of a majority vote
standard and a post-election trustee resignation policy would establish a meaningful right for
shareholders to elect trustees, while reserving for the board an important post-election role in
determining the continued status of an unelected trustee. We feel that this combination of the
majority vote standard with a post-election policy represents a true majority vote standard.
Board
of Trustees Statement Opposing Shareholder Proposal
After careful consideration of the proposal, your Board of Trustees and its Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committee, consisting entirely of independent directors, believe that the above
described proposed change to the voting standard for Vornado trustees would not serve the best
interests of the Company and its shareholders at this time. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees
unanimously recommends a vote AGAINST the proposed resolution for the reasons explained below.
Opposing
Statement: The Board believes, as discussed below, that the proposal should not be
approved because (a) the current plurality vote system is a fair, democratic way to ensure that
trustee positions are filled and (b) majority vote standards contain certain flaws under Maryland
law that we understand will be considered by the Maryland legislature in the near term. In
particular, the proposal is flawed because it does not clearly state how a majority of the votes
cast would be calculated and does not address what would happen if one or more trustees do not
receive a majority vote or other uncertainties that could occur in the election of trustees. To
address the situation in which one or more nominees in an uncontested election do not receive the
requisite majority, a majority of the votes cast standard is often combined with a policy requiring
each incumbent trustee to submit a contingent resignation effective in the event the trustee does
not receive the requisite vote. We are organized under Maryland law. Under Maryland law, there is a
question as to the enforceability and revocability of such a contingent resignation. We have been
informed by Maryland counsel that the Maryland legislature may consider in the near term an
amendment to the Maryland General Corporation Law that would clarify that such resignations are
effective and may be irrevocable.
Current Standard
In accordance with Maryland law and our Bylaws, our trustees are elected by a plurality vote.
Plurality voting was developed many years ago as a reform to eliminate the possibility of failed
elections, where no nominee or slate of nominees was able to achieve a majority. We believe this
system has served the Company and our shareholders well and has resulted in highly qualified
trustees, including a majority who are independent under the rules of the New York Stock
Exchange. Furthermore, we believe our current plurality voting requirement for the election of
trustees is fair and impartial. It applies equally to any candidate who is nominated for election
to the Board and avoids the possibility and consequences of a failed election. Under the current
system, the nominees who receive the most votes cast for the number of trustees to be elected will
be elected to the Board, whether the candidate is nominated by the Board or a shareholder. Thus,
shareholders can be certain that all trustee seats up for election will be filled. Although the
shareholder proponent states that a nominee may be elected by only one shareholder, this statement
is highly theoretical since there is no known example of a public company in which the vote of one
or a nominal number of shares has elected a director or trustee.
2007
PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 45
Problems with the Proposed Standard
The proposed change to the voting standard would require trustees to be elected by a majority of
the votes cast at annual shareholders meetings. Presumably, under this proposal, nominees who
receive less than 50 percent of the total of the number of votes cast for and withheld from a
particular nominee would not be elected. Under Maryland law and our Bylaws, once a trustee is
elected, he or she serves until that trustees successor is elected, the trustee resigns, or the
trustee is removed. The proposal does not address what would occur if a candidate does not receive
a majority of the vote. Consequently, if the proposed system were adopted, an incumbent trustee
standing for re-election who does not receive a majority of the votes cast would nevertheless
continue to serve as a trustee because no successor was elected. In other words, a shareholder vote
against an incumbent trustee would have no effect. Likewise, if a new nominee for trustee fails to
receive a majority of the votes cast (even if the new nominee would have been elected under a
plurality vote standard), the incumbent trustee not standing for re-election would continue in
office as a trustee until he or she resigns or until the next election of trustees. In both these
circumstances, there is a possibility of a failed election, where an incumbent trustee who has
not received a majority of the votes or who was intended to be replaced, continues to serve on the
Board. To further complicate matters, our Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust provides that a
special shareholders meeting must be called to remove a trustee, which trustee may only be removed
for cause, and a two-thirds vote of the outstanding shares is required for removal. Consequently,
under the proposal, in the case of such a failed election, there exists a significant possibility
that an incumbent trustee who does not receive the majority of the votes of the shareholders for
election will continue to serve on the Board and cannot be removed, because his or her removal
requires a much higher percentage of the vote. Consequently, the Board believes the potential
results of the proposal may be less desirable than the election of trustees by plurality vote. As
described above, under current Maryland law there is no easy solution to this problem.
We believe that the majority of S&P 500 companies do not use the majority voting system being
proposed, in part because of the inherent flaws described above. Furthermore, the proposal may have
the unintended consequences of unnecessarily increasing the cost of soliciting shareholder votes
without providing any practical benefit. As a result, the Board has concluded that a change from
the widely accepted plurality voting standard to a majority voting standard would not be in the
best interests of the Company or its shareholders. Your Board will continue to monitor the issue of
majority voting, including any changes in Maryland law.
The Board of Trustees unanimously recommends a vote AGAINST the proposal relating to the
change in the voting standard.
The affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, assuming a quorum
is present, is necessary for approval of this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not
be counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote, although they will
count towards the presence of a quorum. Shareholder approval of this proposal would not result in a
change to our Bylaws because this is only a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
46 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
To the extent this Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference into any other filing by the
Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the sections
entitled Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation and Report of the Audit
Committee (to the extent permitted by the rules of the SEC) will not be deemed incorporated unless
provided otherwise in such filing.
ADDITIONAL MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
The Board does not intend to present any other matter, nor does it have any information that any
other matter will be brought before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matter properly comes
before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of each of the individuals named in the enclosed
proxy to vote said proxy in accordance with their discretion on such matters.
PROXY AUTHORIZATION VIA THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE
We have established procedures where shareholders may authorize their proxies via the Internet or
by telephone. You may also authorize your proxy by mail. Please see the proxy card accompanying
this Proxy Statement for specific instructions on how to authorize your proxy by any of these
methods.
Proxies authorized via the Internet or by telephone must be received by 11:59 P.M., New York City
time, on Wednesday, May 16, 2007. Authorizing your proxy via the Internet or by telephone will not
affect the right to revoke your proxy should you decide to do so.
The Internet and telephone proxy authorization procedures are designed to
shareholders identities and to allow shareholders to give their voting instructions and
confirm that shareholders instructions have been recorded properly. The Company has been advised
that the Internet and telephone proxy authorization procedures that have been made available are
consistent with the requirements of applicable law. Shareholders authorizing their proxies via the
Internet or by telephone should understand that there may be costs associated with voting in these
manners, such as charges for Internet access providers and telephone companies that must be borne
by the shareholder.
2007
PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 47
ADVANCE NOTICE FOR SHAREHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
The Bylaws of the Company currently provide that in order for a shareholder to nominate a
candidate for election as a trustee at an Annual Meeting of Shareholders or propose business for
consideration at such meeting, notice must be given to the Secretary of the Company no more than
120 days nor less than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years Annual
Meeting. As a result, any notice given by or on behalf of a shareholder pursuant to the provisions
of our Bylaws must comply with the requirements of the Bylaws and be delivered to the Secretary of
the Company at the principal executive office of the Company, 888 Seventh Avenue, New York, New
York 10019 between and including January 18, 2008 and February 17, 2008.
Shareholders interested in presenting a proposal for inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the
Companys Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2008 may do so by following the procedures in Rule
14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. To be eligible for inclusion, shareholder
proposals must be received at the principal executive office of the Company, 888 Seventh Avenue,
New York, New York 10019, Attention: Secretary, not later than December 28, 2007.
By Order of the Board of Trustees,
Alan J. Rice
Secretary
New York, New York
April 26, 2007
It is important that Proxies be returned promptly. Therefore, shareholders are urged to fill in,
sign and return the accompanying proxy in the enclosed envelope.
48 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
ANNEX A
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
I.
Committee Membership: The Audit Committee of Vornado Realty
Trust (the Trust) shall be comprised of at least three
trustees, each of whom the Board has determined qualified as independent
under the Corporate Governance Rules of The
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended. In addition, the
Board shall determine that each member of the Audit Committee is financially
literate, and that one member of the Audit
Committee has accounting or related financial management expertise, as such
qualifications are interpreted by the Board
of Trustees in its business judgment, and whether any member of the Audit
Committee is an audit committee financial
expert, as defined by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
SEC). If the Board has determined that a
member of the Audit Committee is an audit committee financial expert, it may
presume that such member has accounting or
related financial management expertise.
No trustee may serve as a member of the Audit Committee if such trustee serves
on the audit committees of more than two other public companies unless the
Board of Trustees determines that such simultaneous service would not impair
the ability of such trustee to effectively serve on the Audit Committee, and
discloses this determination in the Trusts annual proxy statement.
Members shall be appointed by the Board based on nominations recommended by the
Trusts Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or otherwise by the full
Board (including the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee), and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and for such term or
terms as the Board may determine.
II.
Committee Purposes: The purposes of the Audit Committee are to:
|
A. |
|
assist Board oversight of (i) the integrity of the
Trusts financial statements, (ii) the Trusts compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements, (iii) the independent auditors qualifications and
independence, and (iv) the performance of
the independent auditors and the Trusts internal audit function; and |
|
|
B. |
|
prepare an audit committee report as required by the SEC for inclusion in the
Trusts annual proxy statement. |
The function of the Audit Committee is oversight. The management of the Trust
is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Trusts
financial statements and for the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting. Management is responsible for maintaining appropriate
accounting and financial reporting principles and policies and internal
controls and procedures that provide for compliance with accounting standards
and applicable laws and regulations. The independent auditors are responsible
for planning and carrying out a proper audit of the Trusts annual financial
statements, reviews of the Trusts quarterly financial statements prior to the
filing of each quarterly report on Form 10-Q, annually auditing managements
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
(commencing the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004) and other procedures. In
fulfilling their responsibilities hereunder, it is recognized that members of
the Audit Committee are not full-time
employees of the Trust and are not, and do not represent themselves to be,
performing the functions of auditors or accountants. As such, it is not the
duty or responsibility of the Audit Committee or its members to conduct field
work or other types of auditing or accounting reviews or procedures or to set
auditor independence standards.
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 49
The independent auditors shall submit to the Audit Committee annually a formal written statement
(the Auditors Statement) describing: the auditors internal quality-control procedures; any
material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review or peer review of the
auditors, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within
the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the auditors,
and any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and (to assess the auditors independence) all
relationships between the independent auditors and the Trust, including each non-audit service
provided to the Trust and at least the matters set forth in Independence Standards Board No. 1.
The independent auditors shall submit to the Audit Committee annually a formal written statement of
the fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for each of the following categories of
services rendered by the independent auditors: (i) the audit of the Trusts annual financial
statements and the reviews of the financial statements included in the Trusts Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q or services that are normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with
statutory and regulatory filings or engagements; (ii) assurance and related services not included
in clause (i) that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Trusts
financial statements, in the aggregate and by each service; (iii) tax compliance, tax advice and
tax planning services, in the aggregate and by each service; and (iv) all other products and
services rendered by the independent auditors, in the aggregate and by each service.
III. Committee Duties and Responsibilities: To carry out its purposes, the Audit Committee
shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
A. with respect to the independent auditors,
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(i) |
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to be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and
oversight of the work of the independent auditors (including the resolution of
disagreements between management and the independent auditors regarding financial
reporting), who shall report directly to the Audit Committee; |
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(ii) |
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to be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and
oversight of the work of any other registered public accounting firm engaged for the
purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or to perform audit, review or
attestation services, which firm shall also report directly to the Audit Committee; |
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(iii) |
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to pre-approve, or to adopt appropriate procedures to pre-approve, all audit and
non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors; |
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(iv) |
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to ensure that the independent auditors prepare and deliver annually an Auditors
Statement (it being understood that the independent auditors are responsible for the
accuracy and completeness of this Statement), and to discuss with the independent
auditors any relationships or services disclosed in this Statement that may impact the
quality of audit services or the objectivity and independence of the Trusts independent
auditors; |
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(v) |
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to obtain from the independent auditors in connection with any audit a timely
report relating to the Trusts annual audited financial statements describing all
critical accounting policies and practices used, all alternative treatments within
generally accepted accounting principles for policies and practices related to material
items that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such
alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the independent
auditors, and any material written communications |
50 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
|
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between the independent auditors and management, such as any
management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences; |
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(vi) |
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to review and evaluate the
qualifications, performance and independence of the lead
partner of the independent auditors; |
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(vii) |
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to discuss with management the timing and
process for implementing the rotation of the lead audit partner,
the concurring partner and any other active audit engagement team
partner and consider whether there should be a regular rotation of
the audit firm itself; and |
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(viii) |
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to take into account the opinions of management and the Trusts
internal auditing function in assessing the independent auditors
qualifications, performance and independence; |
B. |
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with respect to the internal auditing process, |
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(i) |
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to review the appointment and replacement of the director of the
internal auditing function; and |
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(ii) |
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to advise the director of the internal auditing function that he or
she is expected to provide to the Audit
Committee summaries of and, as appropriate, the significant reports to
management prepared by the internal auditing department and
managements responses thereto; |
C. |
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with respect to accounting principles and policies, financial reporting and
internal control over financial reporting, |
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(i) |
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to advise management, the internal auditing
function and the independent auditors that they are expected to
provide to the Audit Committee a timely analysis of significant
issues and practices relating to accounting principles and policies,
financial reporting and internal control over financial reporting; |
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(ii) |
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to consider any reports or communications
(and managements and/or the internal audit functions responses
thereto) submitted to the Audit Committee by the independent
auditors required by or referred to in SAS 61 (as codified by AU
Section 380), as it may be modified or supplemented, or other
professional standards including reports and communications related
to: |
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deficiencies, including significant
deficiencies or material weaknesses, in internal control
identified during
the audit or other matters relating to internal control over
financial reporting; |
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consideration of fraud in a financial statement audit; |
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detection of illegal acts; |
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the independent auditors responsibility under generally accepted
auditing standards; |
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any restriction on audit scope; |
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significant accounting policies; |
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significant issues discussed with the
national office respecting auditing or accounting issues
presented by
the engagement; |
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management judgments and accounting estimates; |
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any accounting adjustments arising from
the audit that were noted or
proposed by the auditors but were
passed (as immaterial or otherwise); |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 51
|
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the responsibility of the independent auditors for other information in documents
containing audited
financial statements; |
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disagreements with management; |
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consultation by management with other accountants; |
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major issues discussed with management prior to retention of the independent auditors; |
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difficulties encountered with management in performing the audit; |
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the independent auditors judgments about the quality of the entitys accounting principles; |
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reviews of interim financial information conducted by the independent auditors; and |
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the responsibilities, budget and staffing of the Trusts internal audit function; |
(iii) |
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to meet with management, the independent auditors and, if appropriate, the director of the
internal auditing function: |
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to discuss the scope of the annual audit; |
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to discuss the annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements,
including the Trusts
disclosures under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations; |
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to discuss any significant matters arising from any audit, including any audit problems or
difficulties,
whether raised by management, the internal auditing function or the independent auditors,
relating to the
Trusts financial statements; |
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to discuss any difficulties the independent auditors encountered in the course of the
audit, including
any restrictions on their activities or access to requested information and any significant
disagreements
with management; |
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to discuss any management or internal control letter issued, or proposed to be issued,
by the independent auditors to the Trust; |
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to review the form of opinion the independent auditors propose to render to the Board of
Trustees and
shareholders; and |
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to discuss, as appropriate: (a) any major issues regarding accounting principles and
financial statement
presentations, including any significant changes in the Trusts selection or application of
accounting principles, and major issues as to the adequacy of the Trusts internal controls and any special audit
steps
adopted in light of material control deficiencies; (b) analyses prepared by management and/or
the independent auditors setting forth significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in
connection with
the preparation of the financial statements, including analyses of the effects of alternative
GAAP methods
on the financial statements; and (c) the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as
well as
off-balance sheet structures, on the financial statements of the Trust; |
52 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
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(iv) |
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to inquire of the Trusts chief executive officer and chief financial officer as to the existence of any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Trusts ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and as to the existence of any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in
the Trusts internal control over financial reporting; |
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(v) |
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to discuss guidelines and policies governing the process by which senior management of the Trust and the relevant departments of the Trust assess and manage the Trusts exposure to risk, and to discuss the Trusts major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures; |
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(vi) |
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to obtain from the independent auditors assurance that the audit was conducted in a manner consistent with Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which sets forth certain procedures to be followed in any audit of financial statements required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; |
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(vii) |
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to discuss with the Trusts corporation counsel any significant legal, compliance or regulatory matters that may have a material effect on the financial statements or the Trusts business, financial statements or compliance policies, including material notices to or inquiries received from governmental agencies; |
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(viii) |
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to discuss and review the type and presentation of information to be included in earnings press releases; |
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(ix) |
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to discuss the types of financial information and earnings guidance provided, and the types of presentations made, to analysts and rating agencies; |
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(x) |
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to establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Trust regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and for the confidential, anonymous submission by Trust employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; |
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(xi) |
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to review and discuss any reports concerning material violations submitted to it by the Trusts internal counsel or outside counsel pursuant to the SEC attorney professional responsibility rules (17 C.F.R. Part 205), or otherwise; and |
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(xii) |
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to establish hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors; |
D. |
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with respect to reporting and recommendations, |
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(i) |
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to prepare any report or other disclosures, including any recommendation of the Audit Committee, required by
the rules of the SEC to be included in the Trusts annual proxy statement;
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(ii) |
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to prepare and issue the evaluation required under Performance Evaluation below; and |
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(iii) |
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to report its activities to the full Board of Trustees on a regular basis and to make such recommendations with respect to the above and other matters as the Audit Committee may deem necessary or appropriate; |
E. |
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to discharge any other duties or responsibilities delegated to the Audit Committee by the Board of Trustees from time
to time. |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 53
IV. Committee Structure and Operations: The Board shall designate one
member of the Committee as its chairperson. In the
event of a tie vote on any issue, the chairpersons vote shall decide the
issue. The Audit Committee shall meet once every
fiscal quarter, or more frequently if circumstances dictate, to discuss with
management the annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements, as applicable. The Audit Committee
should meet separately at least quarterly with
management, the director of the internal auditing function and the independent
auditors to discuss any matters that the Audit
Committee or any of these persons or firms believe should be discussed
privately. The Audit Committee may request any
officer or employee of the Trust or the Trusts outside counsel or independent
auditors to attend a meeting of the Audit
Committee or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the Audit
Committee. Members of the Audit Committee may
participate in a meeting of the Audit Committee by means of conference call or
similar communications equipment by means
of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other.
V. Delegation to Subcommittee: The Audit Committee may, in its
discretion, delegate all or a portion of its duties and
responsibilities to a subcommittee of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee
may, in its discretion, delegate to one
or more of its members the authority to pre-approve any audit or non-audit
services to be performed by the independent
auditors, provided that any such approvals are presented to the Audit Committee
at its next scheduled meeting.
VI. Performance Evaluation: The Audit Committee shall prepare and
review with the Board an annual performance evaluation
of the Audit Committee, which evaluation shall compare the performance of the
Audit Committee with the requirements of
this charter. The performance evaluation shall also recommend to the Board any
improvements to the Audit Committees
charter deemed necessary or desirable by the Audit Committee. The performance
evaluation by the Audit Committee shall be
conducted in such manner as the Audit Committee deems appropriate. The report
to the Board may take the form of an oral
report by the chairperson of the Audit Committee or any other member of the
Audit Committee designated by the Audit
Committee to make the report.
VII. Resources and Authority of the Audit Committee: The Audit
Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its duties and responsibilities, including the authority to
select, retain, terminate, and approve the fees and
other retention terms of special or independent counsel, accountants or other
experts and advisors, as it deems necessary or
appropriate, without seeking approval of the Board or management.
The Trust shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit
Committee, in its capacity as a committee of the Board, for payment of:
|
A. |
|
compensation to the independent auditors and any other
public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing
or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest
services for the Trust; |
|
|
B. |
|
compensation of any advisers employed by the Audit Committee; and |
|
|
C. |
|
ordinary administrative expenses of the Audit Committee that are necessary or
appropriate in carrying out its duties. |
54 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
ANNEX B
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE CHARTER
Committee Membership
The Compensation Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Trustees (the
Board) of Vornado Realty Trust (the Trust) shall consist solely of two or
more members of the Board, each of whom the Board has determined is
independent under the Corporate Governance Rules of The New York Stock
Exchange, Inc. At least two members of the Committee should qualify as
Non-Employee Directors for the purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as in effect from time to time (Rule 16b-3),
and as outside directors for the purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code, as in effect from time to time (Section 162(m)).
Members shall be appointed by the Board based on nominations recommended by the
Trusts Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or otherwise by the full
Board (including the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee), and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and for such term or
terms as the Board may determine.
Committee Duties and Responsibilities
The Committee shall have the purpose and direct responsibility to:
|
1. |
|
Review and approve corporate goals and objectives
relevant to the compensation of the Trusts Chief Executive Officer
(the CEO), evaluate the CEOs performance in light of those goals and
objectives, and either as a committee or
together with the other independent trustees (as directed by the Board),
determine and approve the CEOs compensa
tion level based on this evaluation. In determining the long-term incentive
component of CEO compensation, the
Committee shall consider, among other factors, the Trusts performance and
relative shareholder return, any applicable
employment agreement, the value of similar incentive awards to CEOs at
comparable companies, and the awards
given to the CEO in past years. |
|
|
2. |
|
Review and approve the total compensation package for
the Trusts officers at the level of executive vice-president
and above, and to review and approve any employment agreement to which the
Trust is a party where the total com-
pensation under the agreement is $1 million or more. |
|
|
3. |
|
Make recommendations to the Board with respect to other
non-CEO compensation, incentive compensation plans and
equity-based plans, including the Trusts 2002 Omnibus Share Plan and any
successor plan, oversee the activities of
the individuals and committees responsible for administering these plans,
and discharge any responsibilities imposed
on the Committee by any of these plans. To the extent required by
applicable law, rule or regulation, the Committee
will recommend to the Board that any applicable plan or material change to
a plan be submitted for approval by the
vote of the shareholders of the Trust. |
2007 PROXY
STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 55
|
4. |
|
Approve any new equity compensation plan or any material change to an
existing plan where shareholder approval
has not been obtained. |
|
|
5. |
|
In consultation with management, oversee regulatory
compliance with respect to compensation matters, including
overseeing the Trusts policies on structuring compensation programs to
preserve tax deductibility, and, as and when
required, establishing performance goals and certifying that performance
goals have been attained for purposes of
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
|
|
6. |
|
When, and if, the Committee deems it desirable, make
recommendations to the Board with respect to any severance
or similar termination payments proposed to be made to any current or
former executive officer of the Trust. |
|
|
7. |
|
Prepare an annual Report of the Compensation Committee
on Executive Compensation for inclusion in the Trusts
annual proxy statement in accordance with applicable rules and regulations
of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. |
|
|
8. |
|
Prepare and issue the evaluation required under Performance Evaluation below. |
|
|
9. |
|
Report to the Board on a regular basis, and not less than once per year. |
|
|
10. |
|
Perform any other duties or responsibilities
expressly delegated to the Committee by the Board from time to time
relating to the Trusts compensation programs. |
Committee Structure and Operations
The Board shall designate one member of the Committee as the Committees
chairperson. In the event of a tie vote on any matter, the chairpersons vote
shall decide the outcome of such vote. The Committee shall meet at least once a
year at a time and place determined by the Committee chairperson, with further
meetings to occur, or actions to be taken by unanimous written consent, when
deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee or its chairperson. Members of
the Committee may participate in a meeting of the Committee by means of
conference call or similar communications equipment by means of which all
persons participating can hear each other.
The Committee may invite such members of management to its meetings or
otherwise consult with members of management, in each case as the Committee
deems appropriate, consistent with the maintenance of the confidentiality of
compensation discussions. The Trusts CEO should not attend any meeting where
the CEOs performance or compensation is discussed, unless specifically invited
by the Committee.
Delegation to Subcommittee
The Committee may, in its discretion, delegate all or a portion of its duties
and responsibilities to a subcommittee of the Committee. In particular, the
Committee may delegate the approval of certain transactions to a subcommittee
consisting solely of members of the Committee who are (i) Non-Employee
Directors for the purposes of Rule 16b-3; and (ii) outside directors for the
purposes of Section 162(m).
56 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
Performance Evaluation
The Committee shall prepare and review with the Board an annual performance
evaluation of the Committee, which evaluation shall compare the performance of
the Committee with the requirements of this charter. The performance
evaluation shall also recommend to the Board any improvements to the
Committees charter deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee. The
performance evaluation by the Committee shall be conducted in such manner as
the Committee deems appropriate. The report to the Board may take the form of
an oral report by the chairperson of the Committee or any other member of the
Committee designated by the Committee to make this report.
Resources
and Authority of the Committee
The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge
its duties and responsibilities, including the authority to select, retain,
terminate, and approve the fees and other retention terms of special counsel
or other experts or consultants, as it deems appropriate, without seeking
approval of the Board or management. With respect to compensation consultants
retained to assist in the evaluation of trustee, CEO or senior executive
compensation, this authority shall be vested solely in the Committee.
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 57
ANNEX C
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER
Committee Membership
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (the Committee) of the
Board of Trustees (the Board) of Vornado Realty Trust (the Trust) shall
consist solely of one or more members of the Board, each of whom the Board
has determined is independent under the Corporate Governance Rules of The
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board. Candidates to
fill subsequent vacancies in the Committee shall be nominated by the
Committee as set forth below and considered for appointment by the Board as
described below. Members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the
Board and for such term or terms as the Board may determine.
Committee Purpose and Responsibilities
The Committee shall have the purpose and responsibilities to:
|
1. |
|
When, and if, the Committee deems it desirable, make
recommendations to the Board from time to time as to changes
to the size of the Board or any committee thereof. |
|
|
2. |
|
Identify individuals believed to be qualified to
become Board members, consistent with criteria approved by the Board,
and to select, or recommend to the Board, the nominees to stand for
election as trustees at the annual meeting of
shareholders or, if applicable, at a special meeting of shareholders. In
the case of a vacancy in the office of a trustee
(including a vacancy created by an increase in the size of the Board), the
Committee shall recommend to the Board an
individual to fill such vacancy. In selecting or recommending candidates,
the Committee shall take into consideration
the criteria approved by the Board, which are set forth in the Trusts
Corporate Governance Guidelines and such other
factors as it deems appropriate. These factors may include judgment, skill,
diversity, experience with businesses and
other organizations of comparable size, the interplay of the candidates
experience with the experience of other Board
members, and the extent to which the candidate would be a desirable
addition to the Board and any committees of
the Board. The Committee shall consider all candidates recommended by the
Companys shareholders in accordance
with the procedures set forth in the Companys annual proxy statement. The
members of the Committee may, in their
discretion, work or otherwise consult with members of management of the
Trust in preparing the Committees recommendations. |
|
|
3. |
|
When, and if, the Committee deems it desirable,
develop, or caused to be developed, and recommend to the Board,
categorical standards, or changes in then existing standards which may be
set forth in the Trusts Corporate
Governance Guidelines or otherwise, to be applied in making determinations
as to the absence of material relationships between the Trust and a trustee. |
|
|
4. |
|
In the case of a trustee nominee to fill a Board
vacancy created by an increase in the size of the Board, make a recommendation to the Board as to the class of trustees in which the
individual should serve. |
58 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
|
5. |
|
Identify Board members qualified to fill vacancies on any committee of
the Board (including the Committee) and to
recommend that the Board appoint the identified member or members to the
respective committee. In nominating a
candidate for committee membership, the Committee shall take into
consideration the factors set forth in the charter
of that committee, if any, as well as any other factors it deems
appropriate, including without limitation the consistency
of the candidates experience with the goals of the committee and the
interplay of the candidates experience with the
experience of other committee members. |
|
|
6. |
|
Oversee the annual performance evaluation of the Board
and management, and to study, and review with management, the overall effectiveness of the organization of the Board and the
conduct of its business, and make appropriate
recommendations to the Trustees with regard thereto. |
|
|
7. |
|
Develop, or cause to be developed, and recommend to the
Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable
to the Trust, and to review those principles at least once a year and to
recommend to the Board any revisions the
Committee deems necessary or desirable. |
|
|
8. |
|
Prepare and issue the evaluation required under Performance Evaluation below. |
|
|
9. |
|
Assist management in the preparation of the disclosure
in the Trusts annual proxy statement regarding the operations
of the Committee. |
|
|
10. |
|
Report to the Board on a regular basis, and not less than once per year. |
|
|
11. |
|
Approve, if it deems appropriate, conflicts of
interest, potential conflicts of interest or relationships which are
identified
as giving rise to potential conflicts of interest under the Trusts Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics (the Code). |
|
|
12. |
|
To apply and interpret the Code in any specific
situation and to take all action the Committee may deem necessary or
appropriate to investigate any violations of the Code reported to the
Committee. |
|
|
13. |
|
Grant waivers under the Code as the Committee may deem
necessary or appropriate and take reasonable steps to
insure that any such waiver is promptly disclosed to shareholders. |
|
|
14. |
|
Perform any other duties or responsibilities
expressly delegated to the Committee by the Board from time to time
relating to the nomination of Board and committee members. |
Committee Structure and Operations
The Board shall designate one member of the Committee as the Committees
chairperson. If there is only one member of the Committee, that person shall be
its chairperson. In the event of a tie vote on any matter, the chairpersons
vote shall decide the outcome of the vote. The Committee shall meet at least
once a year at a time and place determined by the Committee chairperson, with
further meetings to occur, or actions to be taken by unanimous written consent,
when deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee or its chairperson. Members
of the Committee may participate in a meeting of the Committee by means of
conference call or similar communications equipment by means of which all
persons participating can hear each other.
The Committee may invite such members of management and other persons to its
meetings as it deems appropriate.
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 59
Delegation to Subcommittee
The Committee may, in its discretion, delegate all or a portion of its
duties and responsibilities to a subcommittee of the Committee.
Performance Evaluation
The Committee shall prepare and review with the Board an annual performance
evaluation of the Committee, which evaluation shall compare the performance of
the Committee with the requirements of this charter. The performance evaluation
shall also recommend to the Board any improvements to the Committees charter
deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee. The performance evaluation by
the Committee shall be conducted in such manner as the Committee deems
appropriate. The report to the Board may take the form of an oral report by the
chairperson of the Committee or any other member of the Committee designated by
the Committee to make this report.
Resources and Authority of the Committee
The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge
its duties and responsibilities, including the authority to select, retain,
terminate and approve the fees and other retention terms of special counsel or
other experts or consultants, as it deems appropriate, without seeking approval
of the Board or management. With respect to consultants or search firms used to
identify trustee candidates, this authority shall be vested solely in the
Committee.
60 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
ANNEX D
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
I. Introduction
The Board of Trustees of Vornado Realty Trust (the Trust), acting on the
recommendation of its Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, has
developed and adopted a set of corporate governance principles (the
Guidelines) to promote the functioning of the Board and its committees and to
set forth a common set of expectations as to how the Board should perform its
functions. These Guidelines are in addition to the Trusts Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust and Amended and Restated Bylaws, in each case as amended.
II. Board Composition
The composition of the Board should balance the following goals:
§ |
|
The size of the Board should facilitate substantive
discussions of the whole Board in which each Trustee can participate
meaningfully; |
|
§ |
|
The composition of the Board should encompass a broad
range of skills, expertise, industry knowledge, diversity of opinion
and contacts relevant to the Trusts business; and |
|
§ |
|
A majority of the Board shall consist of Trustees who the
Board has determined are independent under the Corporate
Governance Rules (the NYSE Rules) of The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the
NYSE). |
III. Selection of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
The Board is free to select its Chairman and the Trusts Chief Executive
Officer in the manner it considers in the best interests of the Trust at any
given point in time. These positions may be filled by one individual or by two
different individuals.
IV. Selection of Trustees
Nominations. The Board is responsible for selecting the nominees for election
to the Trusts Board of Trustees. The Trusts Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board a slate of
Trustees or one or more nominees to fill vacancies occurring between annual
meetings of shareholders. The members of the Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee may, in their discretion, work or otherwise consult with
members of management of the Trust in preparing the Committees
recommendations.
Criteria. The Board should, based on the recommendation of the Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee, select new nominees for the position of
independent Trustee considering the following criteria:
§ |
|
Personal qualities and characteristics, accomplishments and reputation in the
business community; |
|
§ |
|
Current knowledge and contacts in the communities in
which the Trust does business and in the Trusts industry or other
industries relevant to the Trusts business; |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 61
§ |
|
Ability and willingness to commit adequate time to Board and committee matters; |
|
§ |
|
The fit of the individuals skills and personality with
those of other Trustees and potential Trustees in building a Board that is
effective, collegial and responsive to the needs of the Trust; and |
|
§ |
|
Diversity of viewpoints, experience and other demographics. |
Independence Standards. To qualify as independent under the NYSE Rules, the
Board must affirmatively determine that a Trustee has no material relationship
with the Trust and/or its consolidated subsidiaries. The Board has adopted the
following categorical standards to assist it in making determinations of
independence. For purposes of these standards, references to the Trust will
mean Vornado Realty Trust and its consolidated subsidiaries.
The following relationships have been determined not to be material
relationships that would categorically impair a Trustees ability to qualify as
independent:
|
1. |
|
Payments to and from other organizations. A
Trustees or his immediate family members status as executive officer
or
employee of an organization that has made payments to the Trust, or that
has received payments from the Trust, not in
excess of the greater of: |
|
(i) |
|
$1 million; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
2% of the other organizations
consolidated gross revenues for the fiscal year in which the
payments were made. |
In the case where an organization has received payments that ultimately
represent amounts due to the Trust and such amounts are not due in respect of
property or services from the Trust, these payments will not be considered
amounts paid to the Trust for purposes of determining (i) and (ii) above so
long as the organization does not retain any remuneration based upon such
payments.
|
2. |
|
Beneficial ownership of the Trusts equity
securities. Beneficial ownership by a Trustee or his immediate
family member |
|
|
|
|
of not more than 10% of the Trusts equity securities. A Trustee or his
immediate family members position as an |
|
|
|
|
equity owner, director, executive officer or similar position with an
organization that beneficially owns not more than |
|
|
|
|
10% of the Trusts equity securities. |
|
|
3. |
|
Common ownership with the Trust. Beneficial
ownership by, directly or indirectly, a Trustee, either individually or
with other Trustees, of equity interests in an organization in which the Trust
also has an equity interest. |
|
|
4. |
|
Directorships with, or beneficial ownership of, other organizations. A Trustees or his immediate family members
interest in a relationship or transaction where the interest arises from either
or both of: |
|
(i) |
|
his or his family members position as a director with an organization
doing business with the Trust; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
his or his family members beneficial
ownership in an organization doing business with the Trust so long
as the level of beneficial ownership in the organization is 25% or
less, or less than the Trusts beneficial ownership in such
organization, whichever is greater. |
62 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
|
5. |
|
Affiliations with charitable organizations.
The affiliation of a Trustee or his immediate family member with a
charitable
organization that receives contributions from the Trust, or an affiliate of
the Trust, so long as such contributions do not
exceed for a particular fiscal year the greater of: |
|
(i) |
|
$1 million; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
2% of the organizations consolidated gross revenues for that fiscal
year. |
|
6. |
|
Relationships with organizations to which the
Trust owes money. A Trustees or his immediate family members
status as an executive officer or employee of an organization to which
the Trust was indebted at the end of the
Trusts most recent fiscal year so long as that total amount of
indebtedness is not in excess of 5% of the Trusts
total consolidated assets. |
|
|
7. |
|
Relationships with organizations that owe money
to the Trust. A Trustees or his immediate family members status as
an executive officer or employee of an organization which is indebted to
the Trust at the end of the Trusts most recent
fiscal year so long as that total amount of indebtedness is not in excess
of
15% of the organizations total consolidated assets. |
|
|
8. |
|
Personal indebtedness to the Trust. A
Trustees or his immediate family members being indebted to the Trust
at any
time since the beginning of the Trusts most recently completed fiscal year
so long as such amount does not exceed
the greater of: |
|
(i) |
|
$1 million; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
2% of the individuals net worth. |
|
9. |
|
Leasing or retaining space from the Trust. The leasing or retaining of
space from the Trust by: |
|
(i) |
|
a Trustee; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
a Trustees immediate family member; or |
|
|
(iii) |
|
an affiliate of a Trustee or an affiliate of a Trustees immediate
family member; |
|
|
|
so long as in each case the rental rate and other lease terms are at market
rates and terms in the aggregate at the time the lease is entered into or,
in the case of a non-contractual renewal, at the time of the renewal. |
|
|
10. |
|
Other relationships that do not involve more than
$100.000. Any other relationship or transaction that is not covered
by
any of the categorical standards listed above and that do not involve
payments of more than $100,000 in the most
recently completed fiscal year of the Trust. |
|
|
11. |
|
Personal relationships with management. A
personal relationship between a Trustee or a Trustees immediate family
member with a member of the Trusts management. |
|
|
12. |
|
Partnership and co-investment relationships between
or among Trustees. A partnership or co-investment relationship
between or among a Trustee or a Trustees immediate family member and other
members of the Trusts Board of
Trustees, including management Trustees, so long as the existence of the
relationship has been previously disclosed in
the Trusts reports and/or proxy statements filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 63
The fact that a particular transaction or relationship falls within one or more
of the above categorical standards does not eliminate a Trustees obligation to
disclose the transaction or relationship to the Trust, the Board of Trustees or
management as and when requested for public disclosure and other relevant
purposes. For relationships that are either not covered by or do not satisfy
the categorical standards above, the determination of whether the relationship
is material and therefore whether the Trustee qualified as independent or not,
may be made by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or the Board.
The Trust shall explain in the annual meeting proxy statement immediately
following any such determination the basis for any determination that a
relationship was immaterial despite the fact that it did not meet the foregoing
categorical standards.
Invitation. The invitation to join the Board should be extended by the Board
itself via the Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Trust, together with an
independent Trustee, when deemed appropriate.
Orientation and Continuing Education. Management, working with the Board, will
provide an orientation process for new Trustees, including background material
on the Trust, its business plan and its risk profile, and meetings with senior
management. Members of the Board are required to undergo continuing education
as recommended by the NYSE. In connection therewith, the Trust will reimburse
Trustees for all reasonable costs associated with the attendance at or the
completion of any continuing education program supported, offered or approved
by the NYSE or approved by the Trust.
V. Election Term
The Board does not believe it should establish term limits.
VI. Retirement of Trustees
The Board believes it should not establish a mandatory retirement age.
VII. Board Meetings
The Board currently plans at least four meetings each year, with further
meetings to occur (or action to be taken by unanimous written consent) at the
discretion of the Board. The meetings will usually consist of committee
meetings and the Board meeting.
The agenda for each Board meeting will be established by the Chairman and CEO,
with assistance of the Trusts Secretary and internal Corporation Counsel. Any
Board member may suggest the inclusion of additional subjects on the agenda.
Management will seek to provide to all Trustees an agenda and appropriate
materials in advance of meetings, although the Board recognizes that this will
not always be consistent with the timing of transactions and the operations of
the business and that in certain cases it may not be possible.
Materials presented to the Board or its committees should be as concise as
possible, while still providing the desired information needed for the Trustees
to make an informed judgment.
64 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
VIII. Executive Sessions
To ensure free and open discussion and communication among the non-management
Trustees, the non-management Trustees will meet in executive sessions
periodically, with no members of management present. Non-management Trustees
who are not independent under the NYSE Rules may participate in these executive
sessions, but independent Trustees should meet separately in executive session
at least once per year.
The participants in any executive sessions will select by majority vote
of those attending a presiding Trustee for such sessions or any such
session.
In order that interested parties may be able to make their concerns known to
the non-management Trustees, the Trust shall disclose a method for such parties
to communicate directly with the presiding trustee or the non-management
trustees as a group. For the purposes hereof, communication through a
third-party such as an external lawyer or a third-party vendor who relays
information to non-management members of the Board will be considered direct.
IX. The Committees of the Board
The Trust shall have at least the committees required by the NYSE Rules.
Currently, these are the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and a
nominating/corporate governance committee, which in our Trust is called the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Each of these three committees
must have a written charter satisfying the rules of the NYSE.
All trustees, whether members of a committee or not, are invited to make
suggestions to a committee chair for additions to the agenda of his or her
committee or to request that an item from a committee agenda be considered
by the Board. Each committee chair will give a periodic report of his or
her committees activities to the Board.
Each of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Audit Committee
and the Compensation Committee shall be composed of at least such number of
trustees as may be required by the NYSE Rules who the Board has determined are
independent under the NYSE Rules. Any additional qualifications for the
members of each committee shall be set out in the respective committees
charters. A trustee may serve on more than one committee for which he or she
qualifies.
Each committee may take any action in a meeting of the full Board, and actions
of the Board, including the approval of such actions by a majority of the
members of the Committee, will be deemed to be actions of that committee. In
such circumstance only the votes cast by members of the committee shall be
counted in determining the outcome of the vote on matters upon which the
committee acts.
X. Management Succession
At least annually, the Board shall review and concur in a succession plan,
developed by management, addressing the policies and principles for selecting a
successor to the CEO, both in an emergency situation and in the ordinary course
of business. The succession plan should include an assessment of the
experience, performance, skills and planned career paths for possible
successors to the CEO.
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 65
XI. Executive Compensation
Evaluating and Approving Salary for the CEO. The Board, acting through the
Compensation Committee, evaluates the performance of the CEO and the Trust
against the Trusts goals and objectives and approves the compensation level of
the CEO.
Evaluating and Approving the Compensation of Management. The Board, acting
through the Compensation Committee, evaluates and approves the proposals for
overall compensation policies applicable to executive officers.
XII. Board Compensation
The Board should conduct a review at least once every three years of the
components and amount of Board compensation in relation to other similarly
situated companies. Board compensation should be consistent with market
practices but should not be set at a level that would call into question the
Boards objectivity.
XIII. Expectations of Trustees
The business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed under the direction of
the
Board in accordance with Maryland law. in performing his or her duties, the
primary responsibility of the trustees is to exercise his or her business
judgment in the best interests of the Trust. The Board has developed a number
of specific expectations of trustees to promote the discharge of this
responsibility and the efficient conduct of the Boards business.
Commitment and Attendance. All independent and management trustees should make
every effort to attend meetings of the Board and meetings of committees of
which they are members. Members may attend by telephone or similar
communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear
each other at the same time. The Board may act by unanimous written consent in
lieu of a meeting.
Participation in Meetings. Each trustee should be sufficiently familiar with
the business of the Trust, including its financial statements and capital
structure, and the risks and competition it faces, to facilitate active and
effective participation in the deliberations of the Board and of each committee
on which he or she serves. Upon request, management will make appropriate
personnel available to answer any questions a trustee may have about any aspect
of the Trusts business. Trustees should also review the materials provided by
management and advisors in advance of the meetings of the Board and its
committees and should arrive prepared to discuss the issues presented.
Loyalty and Ethics. In their roles as Trustees, all Trustees owe a duty of
loyalty to the Trust. This duty of loyalty mandates that the best interests of
the Trust take precedence over any interests possessed by a Trustee.
The Trust has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, including a
compliance program to enforce the Code. Certain portions of the Code deal with
activities of Trustees, particularly with respect to transactions in the
securities of the Trust, potential conflicts of interest, the taking of
corporate opportunities for personal use, and competing with the Trust.
Trustees should be familiar with the Codes provisions in these areas and
should consult with any member of the Trusts Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee or the Trusts internal Corporation Counsel in the event
of any concerns.
66 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is ultimately responsible
for applying the Code to specific situations and has the authority to
interpret the Code in any particular situation.
Other Directorships. The Trust values the experience Trustees bring from other
boards on which they serve, but recognizes that those boards may also present
demands on a Trustees time and availability and may present conflicts or legal
issues. Trustees should advise the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee and the CEO before accepting membership on other boards of
directors or other significant commitments involving affiliation with other
businesses or governmental units.
Contact with Management. All Trustees are invited to contact the CEO at any
time to discuss any aspect of the Trusts business. Trustees will also have
complete access to other members of management. The Board expects that there
will be frequent opportunities for Trustees to meet with the CEO and other
members of management in Board and committee meetings and in other formal or
informal settings.
Further, the Board encourages management to, from time to time, bring
managers into Board meetings who: (a) can provide additional insight into the
items being discussed because of personal involvement and substantial
knowledge in those areas, and/or (b) are managers with future potential that
the senior management believes should be given exposure to the Board.
Contact with Other Constituencies. It is important that the Trust speaks to
employees and outside constituencies with a single voice, and that management
serve as the primary spokesperson.
Confidentiality. The proceedings and deliberations of the Board and its
committees are confidential. Each Trustee shall maintain the confidentiality
of information received in connection with his or her service as a Trustee.
XIV. Evaluating Board Performance
The Board, acting through the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee,
should conduct a self-evaluation at least annually to determine whether it is
functioning effectively. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
should periodically consider the mix of skills and experience that Trustees
bring to the Board to assess whether the Board has the necessary tools to
perform its oversight function effectively.
Each committee of the Board should conduct a self-evaluation at least annually
and report the results to the Board, acting through the Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committee. Each committees evaluation must compare the
performance of the committee with the requirements of its written charter, if
any.
XV. Reliance on Management and Outside Advice
In performing its functions, the Board is entitled to rely on the advice,
reports and opinions of management, counsel, accountants, auditors and other
expert advisors. The Board shall have the authority to retain and approve the
fees and retention terms of its outside advisors.
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 67
ANNEX E
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
I. Introduction
Vornado Realty Trust and its subsidiaries (the Trust) are committed to
conducting all aspects of their business in accordance with the highest
ethical and legal standards. This commitment begins with the Trusts Chief
Executive Officer and is expected to be adhered to by all trustees, executive
officers and employees. In order to memorialize some of the core values and
spirit with which the Trusts business is expected to be conducted, the Board
of Trustees has adopted the following Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the
Code). More specifically, this Code is being adopted to:
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promote honest and ethical conduct, including fair dealing and the ethical
handling of conflicts of interest; |
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promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure; |
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promote compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and
regulations; |
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ensure the protection of the Trusts legitimate
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This Code is intended to serve as a guide for general decision making in a
variety of circumstances that might be encountered in conducting the Trusts
business. All trustees, officers and employees of the Trust are expected to be
familiar with the Code and to adhere to those principles and procedures set
forth in the Code that apply to them. The Trusts more detailed policies and
procedures set forth in the Trusts employee manual are separate from and are
not part of this Code. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of
this Code and the Trusts employee manual, the provisions of this Code will
govern. Recognizing that no code can describe every circumstance in which
trustees, officers and employees might be confronted with ethical and legal
challenges, in addition to compliance with the Code and applicable laws, rules
and regulations, all employees, officers and trustees are expected to observe
the highest standards of business and personal ethics in the discharge of
their assigned duties and responsibilities.
For purposes of this Code, the Code of Ethics Contact Person will be
different for various employees. For trustees and executive officers the Code
of Ethics Contact Person will be the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee. For non-executive officers and employees, the Code of
Ethics Contact Person will be the Trusts corporation counsel.
From time to time, the Trust may waive some provisions of this Code. Any
waiver of the Code for executive officers or trustees of the Trust may be made
only by the Board of Trustees or the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee of the Board and must be promptly disclosed as required by the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and The
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the NYSE) or other exchange upon which the
Trusts common equity is listed. Any waiver for other employees may be made
only by the Trusts corporation counsel.
68 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
II. Fair Dealing
We have a history of succeeding and growing through honest business
competition. We do not seek competitive advantages through illegal or unethical
business practices. Each trustee, officer and employee should endeavor to deal
fairly with the Trusts tenants, service providers, suppliers, competitors and
employees. No trustee, officer or employee should take unfair advantage of
anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information,
misrepresentation of material facts, or any unfair dealing practice.
III. Honest and Candid Conduct
Each trustee, officer and employee owes a duty to the Trust to act with
integrity. Integrity requires, among other things, being honest and candid.
Deceit and subordination of the principles of this Code are inconsistent with
integrity.
Each trustee, officer and employee must:
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while still maintaining the confidentiality of information where required
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Observe both the form and spirit of laws and governmental rules and regulations,
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Adhere to a high standard of business ethics. |
IV. Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest occurs when an individuals private interest
interferes or appears to interfere with the interests of the Trust. A conflict
of interest can arise when a trustee, officer or employee takes actions or has
interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her Trust work
objectively and effectively. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if
a trustee, officer or employee, or a member or his or her family, receives
improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position in the Trust.
Service to the Trust should never be subordinated to personal gain and
advantage. Conflicts of interest should, wherever possible, be avoided.
However, the Trust recognizes that its corporate structure and business
investments do not make it practicable or desirable to avoid all relationships
that could give rise to conflicts of interest. Accordingly, conflicts of
interest, potential conflicts of interest or relationships which are identified
as giving rise to potential conflicts of interest that are approved by, or at
the direction of, the Board of Trustees or the Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee or that have been previously disclosed in the Trusts
Annual Report on Form 10-K are permitted. Any material transaction or
relationship that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a conflict of
interest should be discussed with the appropriate Code of Ethics Contact Person
if not previously approved by, or at the direction of, the Board of Trustees or
the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or previously disclosed in
the Trusts Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Some conflict of interest situations involving trustees, executive officers and
other employees who occupy supervisory positions or who have discretionary
authority in dealing with any third party specified below may include the
following:
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any significant ownership interest in any tenant or service provider; |
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any consulting or employment relationship with any tenant, service provider,
supplier or competitor; |
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 69
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any outside business activity that detracts from
an individuals ability to devote appropriate
time and attention to his or her
responsibilities with the Trust; |
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the receipt of non-nominal gifts or excessive entertainment from any company with which the Trust has current
or prospective business dealings; |
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being in the position of supervising, reviewing or having any influence on the job evaluation, pay or benefit
of any immediate family member; and |
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selling anything to the Trust or buying anything from the Trust. |
Such situations, if material, should be discussed with the appropriate Code of Ethics Contact
Person.
Anything that would present a conflict for a trustee, officer or employee would likely also present
a conflict if it were related to a member of his or her family.
V. Disclosure
Each trustee, officer or employee involved in the Trusts disclosure process, including the Chief
Executive Officer, and the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President- Finance and
Administration (or those persons serving in comparable positions or those persons that may be so
designated from time-to-time by the Trusts Chief Financial Officer), is required to be familiar
with and comply with the Trusts disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over
financial reporting, to the extent relevant to his or her area of responsibility, so that the
Trusts public reports and documents filed with the SEC comply in all material respects with the
applicable federal securities laws and SEC rules. In addition, each such person having direct or
supervisory authority regarding these SEC filings or the Trusts other public communications
concerning its general business, results, financial condition and prospects should, to the extent
appropriate within his or her area of responsibility, consult with other Trust officers and
employees and take other appropriate steps regarding these disclosures with the goal of making
full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure.
VI. Compliance
It is the Trusts policy to comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. It is the
personal responsibility of each employee, officer and trustee to seek to adhere to the standards
and restrictions imposed by those laws, rules and regulations.
It is against Trust policy and in many circumstances illegal for a trustee, officer or employee to
profit from undisclosed information relating to the Trust or any other company. Any trustee,
officer or employee may not purchase or sell any of the Trusts securities while in possession of
material nonpublic information relating to the Trust in violation of Federal securities laws.
Please review Section 1.14 (or the applicable successor section) of our employee manual for a
discussion of what constitutes material information.
In addition, the trustees, executive officers and financial reporting
personnel of the Trust must also consider the Trusts pre-clearance and other policies and
procedures for transactions in the Trusts equity securities.
Any trustee, officer or employee who is uncertain about the legal rules involving a purchase or
sale of any Trust securities should consult with the Trusts corporation counsel before making any
such purchase or sale.
70 VORNADO REALTY TRUST 2007 PROXY STATEMENT
VII. Reporting and Accountability
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is ultimately responsible for applying this Code
to specific situations in which questions are presented to it and has the authority to interpret
this Code in any particular situation.
Any trustee or officer or employee who becomes aware of any existing or potential violation of this
Code is required to notify their Code of Ethics Contact Person
promptly.
Failure to do so is itself
a violation of this Code. Violations may be reported anonymously. The applicable Code of Ethics
Contact Person shall promptly inform the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee of any existing or potential violation of this Code reported to such Code of Ethics
Contact Person that such Code of Ethics Person deems not to be immaterial and, with respect to
potential violations, of reasonable probability of occurrence.
Each trustee, officer or employee must:
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Notify their Code of Ethics Contact Person promptly of any existing or potential violation of
this Code. |
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Not retaliate against any other trustee, officer or employee for reports of potential violations
that are made in good faith. |
Any employee may communicate with their Code of Ethics Contact Person in writing, addressed to the
Code of Ethics Contact Person, either by fax or by mail at his or her Trust address or fax number;
or by phone at his or her Trust phone number.
All communications will be kept confidential. The reporting procedures should be used for purposes
of furthering the purpose of this Code and not to report matters unrelated to this purpose.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee shall take all action they consider appropriate
to investigate any violations reported to them. If a violation has occurred, the Trust will take
such disciplinary or preventive action as it deems appropriate, after consultation with the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, in the case of a trustee or executive officer, or
the Trusts corporation counsel, in the case of any other employee.
From time to time, the Trust may waive some provisions of this Code. Any waiver of the Code for
executive officers or trustees of the Trust may be made only by the Board of Trustees or the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board and must be promptly disclosed as
required by SEC or NYSE rules. Any waiver for other employees may be made only by the Trusts
corporation counsel. Approvals of conflicts of interest or other determinations made by the Board,
the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or the applicable Code of Ethics Contact Person
made in accordance with the provisions of this Code will not be deemed a waiver of the provisions
of this Code.
VIII. Corporate Opportunities
Trustees, officers and employees owe a duty to the Trust to advance the Trusts business interests
when the opportunity to do so arises. Trustees, officers and employees are prohibited from taking (or directing to a third party) a
business opportunity that is discovered through the use of corporate property, information or
position, unless the Trust has already been offered the opportunity and turned it down. The term
third party for this purpose does not include companies or other entities that
2007 PROXY STATEMENT VORNADO REALTY TRUST 71
the Trust controls or with respect to which it has an arrangement pursuant to which it manages
such partys business or assets or develops or leases properties for such party.
Generally, trustees, officers and employees are prohibited from using corporate property,
information or position for personal gain and from competing with the Trust. However, as indicated
above and disclosed in the Trusts Annual Reports on Form 10-K, the Trust controls, or has
arrangements under which the Trust manages the business or assets of other companies or entities or
develops or leases their properties. Additionally, a significant portion of the Trusts outstanding
common shares is owned by entities and individuals who engage in the same or similar activities or
lines of business as the Trust. Certain of the trustees and executive officers are partners,
directors or executive officers of such companies. These overlapping ownership interests and the
unique management and corporate structure of the Trust may result in potential competition between
the business activities conducted, or sought to be conducted, by the Trust and its affiliates.
The Trust believes that these and similar arrangements that might arise in the future are important
to the success of the Trust. The Trust recognizes that it would not be practicable or desirable in
all circumstances to prohibit competition with the Trust. From time to time business opportunities
may arise which might be suitable for the Trust and one or more entities with which the Trust has
such a relationship. In such circumstances the opportunity may be directed by management of the
Trust in accordance with the agreements and historical relationship between the Trust and the other
entity. However, business opportunities which are presented to trustees, officers or employees of
the Trust either in their capacity as such or specifically for the use and benefit of the Trust
must be first presented to the Trust before being directed elsewhere.
IX. Confidentiality
In carrying out the Trusts business, trustees, officers and employees often learn confidential or
proprietary information about the Trust, its tenants, suppliers, or joint venture parties.
Trustees, officers and employees must maintain the confidentiality of all information so entrusted
to them, except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated. Confidential or proprietary
information of the Trust, and of other companies, includes any non-public information that would be
harmful to the relevant company or useful or helpful to competitors if disclosed.
X. Protection and Proper Use of Trust Assets
All trustees, officers and employees should protect the Trusts assets and ensure their efficient
use. All Trust assets should be used only for legitimate business purposes.
XI. General
The Board of Trustees believes it to be in the best interest of the Trust that the trustees,
officers and employees of the Trust act in a manner consistent with this Code and that such persons
should not suffer harm for doing so. Accordingly, the Trust will not take action against any
trustee, officer or employee of the Trust for any action taken or not taken in good faith
compliance with the provisions of this Code or otherwise with the approval of the Board, Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee or, as contemplated hereby, the applicable Code of Ethics
Contact Person. Each trustee, officer or employee of the Trust will be entitled to rely upon the
provisions of this Section.
888 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019
g
PROXY
VORNADO REALTY TRUST
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The undersigned shareholder, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints Steven Roth and
Michael D. Fascitelli, or either of them, as proxies for the undersigned, each with full power of
substitution, to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Vornado Realty Trust, a Maryland real
estate investment trust (the Company), to be held at the Saddle Brook Marriott, Interstate 80 and
the Garden State Parkway, Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663 on Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 12:30 P.M.,
local time, and any postponements or adjournments thereof, to cast on behalf of the undersigned all
votes that the undersigned is entitled to cast at such meeting and otherwise represent the
undersigned at the meeting with all powers possessed by the undersigned if personally present at
the meeting. Each proxy is authorized to vote as directed on the reverse side hereof upon the
proposals which are more fully set forth in the Proxy Statement and otherwise in his discretion
upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting and all postponements or
adjournments thereof, all as more fully set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
and Proxy Statement, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE COMPANY. WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF THIS PROXY IS EXECUTED BUT
NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED (1) FOR THE ELECTION OF TRUSTEES, (2) FOR THE
RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM AND (3)
AGAINST THE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING MAJORITY VOTING FOR TRUSTEES. THE VOTES ENTITLED TO BE
CAST BY THE UNDERSIGNED WILL BE CAST IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXY HOLDER ON ANY OTHER MATTER THAT
MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT OR POSTPONEMENT THEREOF.
(Continued and to
be executed on the reverse side)
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ANNUAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS OF
VORNADO REALTY
TRUST
May 17,
2007
Please date, sign
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
g 20330300000000000000 3
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THIS
PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF VORNADO
REALTY TRUST.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF TRUSTEES, FOR PROPOSAL 2 AND
AGAINST PROPOSAL 3. 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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the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2010 and
until his successor is duly elected and qualified: |
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RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM: |
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NOMINEES: |
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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING MAJORITY VOTING
FOR TRUSTEES: |
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FOR ALL NOMINEES |
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WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL
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TO VOTE AND OTHERWISE REPRESENT THE UNDERSIGNED ON ANY OTHER
MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY
ADJOURNMENT OR POSTPONEMENT THEREOF IN THE DISCRETION OF THE
PROXY HOLDER. |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT (See instructions below) |
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INSTRUCTION:
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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THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER
DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN,
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PRECEDING NOMINEES IN PROPOSAL 1
AND FOR PROPOSAL 2 AND AGAINST PROPOSAL 3. IF ANY NOMINEE
DECLINES OR IS UNABLE TO SERVE AS A TRUSTEE, THEN THE PERSONS NAMED
AS PROXIES SHALL HAVE FULL DISCRETION TO VOTE FOR ANY OTHER PERSON
DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. |
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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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Signature of
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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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ANNUAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS OF
VORNADO REALTY
TRUST
May 17,
2007
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PROXY VOTING
INSTRUCTIONS |
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THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF VORNADO REALTY TRUST
MAIL - Date, sign and mail your proxy card in
the envelope provided as soon as possible.
- or -
TELEPHONE - Call toll-free
1-800-PROXIES (1-800-776-9437) from any touch-tone telephone and follow
the instructions. Have your proxy card available when you call.
- or -
INTERNET - Access www.voteproxy.com
and follow the on-screen instructions. Have your proxy card available when you
access the web page.
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IN PERSON - You may vote your shares in person by
attending the Annual Meeting.
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You
may enter your voting instructions at 1-800-PROXIES or www.voteproxy.com up
until 11:59 PM Eastern Time May 16, 2007.
ê Please detach along perforated line and mail
in the envelope provided IF you are not voting via telephone or the
internet. ê
g 20330300000000000000 3
051707
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THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE
ELECTION OF TRUSTEES, FOR PROPOSAL 2 AND
AGAINST PROPOSAL 3. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN
HERE ý
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FOR |
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1. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES each for a term ending at
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2010 and
until his successor is duly elected and qualified: |
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RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM: |
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NOMINEES: |
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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING MAJORITY VOTING
FOR TRUSTEES: |
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FOR ALL NOMINEES |
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Robert P. Kogod |
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Richard R. West |
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TO VOTE AND OTHERWISE REPRESENT THE UNDERSIGNED ON ANY OTHER
MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY
ADJOURNMENT OR POSTPONEMENT THEREOF IN THE DISCRETION OF THE
PROXY HOLDER. |
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FOR ALL EXCEPT (See Instructions below) |
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INSTRUCTION:
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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THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER
DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN,
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PRECEDING NOMINEES IN
PROPOSAL 1,
FOR PROPOSAL 2 AND AGAINST PROPOSAL 3. IF ANY NOMINEE
DECLINES OR IS UNABLE TO SERVE AS A TRUSTEE, THEN THE PERSONS NAMED
AS PROXIES SHALL HAVE FULL DISCRETION TO VOTE FOR ANY OTHER PERSON
DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. |
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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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Signature of
Shareholder |
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Date: |
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Signature of Shareholder |
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Date: |
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Note: |
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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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