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. )
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AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Dear Fellow Stockholders:
I welcome you to join me and the entire Board of Directors at our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be held on May 23, 2018, at the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel, 801 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia.
At this year’s meeting we will vote on the election of eleven directors and the ratification of Ernst & Young as the Company’s independent auditor. We will also conduct a non‑binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we want your shares to be represented. Please authorize a proxy to vote your shares as soon as possible electronically through the Internet, by telephone, or by completing, signing and returning the proxy card enclosed with the Proxy Statement. More detailed instructions on how to vote are provided on page four of the Proxy Statement.
To attend the meeting, a government‑issued photo identification is required and we encourage you to register in advance for admission to the meeting. To register in advance, please follow the instructions on page three of the Proxy Statement.
Our Board of Directors values your participation as a stockholder and appreciates your continued support of AvalonBay.
April 6, 2018 | Sincerely, |
 | |
Timothy J. Naughton Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer | |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203 | ||
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS | ||
TO BE HELD ON MAY 23, 2018 | ||
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at 8:00 a.m., local time, at the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel, 801 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203, for the following purposes:
1. | To elect the following eleven directors to serve until the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors are elected and qualify: Glyn F. Aeppel, Terry S. Brown, Alan B. Buckelew, Ronald L. Havner, Jr., Stephen P. Hills, Richard J. Lieb, Timothy J. Naughton, Peter S. Rummell, H. Jay Sarles, Susan Swanezy and W. Edward Walter. |
2. | To consider and vote upon ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors to serve as the Company’s independent auditors for 2018. |
3. | To consider and vote upon a resolution to approve, on a non‑binding, advisory basis, the compensation of certain executives of the Company as more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement. |
4. | To transact such other business as may be properly brought before the Annual Meeting and at any postponements or adjournments thereof. |
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 9, 2018, as the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any postponements or adjournments thereof. Only holders of record of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), at that time will be entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any postponements or adjournments thereof.
We request that you authorize a proxy to vote your shares, which is being solicited by the Board of Directors, by telephone or over the Internet by following the instructions on your proxy card. If you request printed copies of the proxy statement by mail, you may also authorize a proxy to vote your shares by completing and signing the enclosed proxy card and by mailing it promptly in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. Any proxy authorized by a holder of Common Stock may be revoked by delivering notice to the Company stating that the proxy is revoked using the same method as the original proxy authorization or by delivery of a properly authorized, later dated proxy. Holders of record of Common Stock who attend the Annual Meeting may vote in person, even if they have previously delivered a signed proxy or authorized a proxy by telephone or over the Internet, but the presence (without further action) of a stockholder at the Annual Meeting will not constitute revocation of a previously delivered proxy.
If you plan to attend the meeting, we encourage you to register in advance for admission to the meeting. To register, please follow the instructions set forth on page three of the accompanying proxy statement. All meeting attendees must present government‑issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, at the meeting.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 23, 2018:
The Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, Annual Report to Stockholders and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, are available at www.proxyvote.com.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Arlington, Virginia Edward M. Schulman
April 6, 2018 Secretary
Proxy Statement Table of Contents
Page | ||
Proxy Summary | ||
I. | Some Questions You May Have Regarding This Proxy Statement | |
II. | Proposals | |
Proposal 3 -- Binding, Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation | ||
III. | Corporate Governance And Related Matters | |
Stockholder Engagement and Responsiveness | ||
Audit Committee Pre‑Approval of Audit and Permissible Non‑Audit Services of Independent Auditors | ||
IV. | Executive Compensation | |
CEO Pay Ratio | ||
V. | Officers, Stock Ownership And Other Information | |
VI. | Other Matters | |
Proxy Summary
This summary highlights certain information about AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and summarizes information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider and you should read the entire Proxy Statement before voting. For more complete information regarding the Company’s 2017 performance, please review the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the Company’s 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders, both of which are available to stockholders online at www.proxyvote.com and on the Company's website at www.avalonbay.com/investors. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and proxy card are first being made available to stockholders on or about April 6, 2018.
2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Information
Date and Time: | Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. local time |
Place: | The Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel, 801 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203 |
Record Date: | March 9, 2018 |
Meeting Agenda and Voting Matters
Proposal | Board’s Voting Recommendation | Page References |
1. Election of Directors | FOR EACH NOMINEE | 6-13 |
2. Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors | FOR | 14 |
3. Non-Binding, Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation | FOR | 15 |
Election of Directors (Proposal 1)
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each director nominee.
Name | Age | Director Since | Independent | Current Committees* | Proposed Committees* |
Timothy J. Naughton | 56 | 2005 | IFC | IFC | |
Glyn F. Aeppel | 59 | 2013 | X | IFC (Chair), NCG | IFC (Chair), NCG |
Terry S. Brown | 56 | 2015 | X | AC, IFC | IFC, NCG |
Alan B. Buckelew | 69 | 2011 | X | AC (Chair), CC | AC (Chair), CC |
Ronald L. Havner, Jr. | 60 | 2014 | X | AC, IFC | AC, IFC |
Stephen P. Hills | 59 | 2017 | X | *** | AC, IFC |
Richard J. Lieb | 58 | 2016 | X | AC, IFC | AC, CC |
Peter S. Rummell | 72 | 2007 | X | IFC, NCG | IFC, NCG |
H. Jay Sarles** | 72 | 2005 | X | CC, NCG (Chair) | CC, NCG (Chair) |
Susan Swanezy | 59 | 2016 | X | AC, IFC | AC, IFC |
W. Edward Walter | 62 | 2008 | X | CC (Chair), NCG | CC (Chair), NCG |
* IFC = Investment and Finance Committee, AC = Audit Committee, CC = Compensation Committee, NCG = Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the Board expects to make the changes to committee assignments reflected above.
** Lead Independent Director
***Mr. Hills, who joined the Board in September 2017, is not currently assigned to any committees in accordance with the Board's policy that new directors are generally not assigned to specific committees for a period of time, but are invited to attend meetings of the various committees as part of the director orientation process.
Ratification of Selection of Auditors (Proposal 2)
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors to serve as the Company’s independent auditors for 2018.
Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation (Proposal 3)
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the resolution to approve, on a non‑binding, advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on Page 48.
Corporate Governance Best Practices All directors are independent other than the CEO Commitment to board refreshment including guidelines on director and committee chairman tenure Regular Board, committee and director evaluations Annual election of all directors and majority voting in uncontested elections Lead Independent Director Independent Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees Regular executive sessions of independent directors, including at each regularly scheduled Board meeting Director and officer stock ownership guidelines Director and officer prohibition against hedging, pledging or borrowing against Company stock No former employees serve as directors Policy regarding stockholder approval of future severance agreements that provide for severance benefits above a certain level No employment agreements with officers Proxy access provision in Bylaws Bylaws permit stockholders to amend Bylaws Policy on recoupment of incentive compensation (clawback policy) No stockholder rights plan (“poison pill”) and policy regarding adoption of future plans Double trigger equity compensation vesting in the event of a change in control Policy on political contributions and government relations Policy to encourage and reimburse directors for attendance at director education events Published comprehensive sustainability and corporate social responsibility report Annual advisory vote to ratify independent auditor |
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I. Some Questions You May Have Regarding This Proxy Statement |
Q. | Why am I receiving these materials and what is included in the proxy materials? |
A. | The proxy materials for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders include the Notice of Annual Meeting, this Proxy Statement, our Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. If you received a paper copy of these materials, the proxy materials also include a proxy card or voting instruction form. The accompanying proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company. We are providing these proxy materials to you in connection with our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at 8:00 a.m., local time, at The Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel, 801 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia 22203, and any postponements or adjournments thereof (the “Annual Meeting” or the “2018 Annual Meeting”). As a Company stockholder, you are invited to attend the Annual Meeting and are entitled and requested to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement. Directions on how to attend the Annual Meeting in person are available on the Company’s Internet website at www.avalonbay.com. |
Q. | How can I access the proxy materials electronically? |
A. | This proxy statement, our 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders and our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2017 are available online at www.proxyvote.com. Instead of receiving copies of our future annual reports, proxy statements, and proxy cards by mail, stockholders can elect to receive an email that will provide electronic links to our proxy materials and an electronic link to the proxy voting site. Choosing to receive your future proxy materials online will save us the cost of printing and mailing documents to you and help conserve natural resources. You may sign up for electronic delivery by visiting www.proxyvote.com. If you elect to receive these materials by electronic delivery, you may change your election at any time. |
Q. | Who may vote at the Annual Meeting? |
A. | You may vote all the shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), that you owned at the close of business on March 9, 2018, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote on, these matters (the “Record Date”). On the Record Date, the Company had 138,209,942 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting. You may cast one vote for each share of Common Stock held by you on all matters. |
Q. | How do I obtain admission to the Annual Meeting? |
A. | If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to register in advance. All meeting attendees must present government‑issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, at the meeting. In addition, if you are authorized to represent a corporate or institutional stockholder, you must also present written evidence you are the authorized representative of such stockholder. Please submit your request to register on or before Friday, May 18, 2018, by mailing a request to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, or sending an email to 2018AnnualMeeting@AvalonBay.com. Please include the following information: (a) your name and mailing address, (b) whether you need special assistance at the meeting and (c) if your shares are held for you in the name of your broker, bank or other nominee, evidence of your stock ownership (such as a current letter from your broker or a photocopy of a current brokerage or other account statement) as of March 9, 2018. The meeting facilities will open at 7:30 a.m., local time, to facilitate your registration and security clearance. For your security you will not be permitted to bring any packages, briefcases, large pocketbooks or bags into the meeting. Also, cellular phones, audio (tape or digital) recorders, video and still cameras, pagers, laptops and other portable electronic devices as well as pets may not be permitted into the meeting. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with these rules. |
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Q. | What constitutes a quorum at the Annual Meeting? |
A. | The presence, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of all of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and “broker non‑votes” will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. A “broker non‑vote” refers to a share represented at the meeting held by a broker, as to which instructions have not been received from the beneficial owner or person entitled to vote such shares and with respect to which, on one or more but not all matters, the broker does not have discretionary voting power to vote such share. |
Note that under New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules, if you hold shares through a bank, broker or other institution and you do not provide your voting instructions to them at least 10 days before the Annual Meeting, that firm has the discretion to vote your shares on proposals that the NYSE has determined are routine, such as the ratification of the appointment of the independent public accounting firm. A bank, broker or institution that holds your shares cannot vote your shares on non‑routine matters, such as the election of directors, approval of compensation‑related matters, or a proposal submitted by a stockholder, without your voting instructions.
Q. | What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting? |
A. | At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to: (1) elect eleven directors of the Company, (2) consider and vote upon ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for 2018, (3) consider and vote upon a resolution to approve, on a non‑binding, advisory basis, the Company’s named executive officer compensation and (4) transact such other business as may be properly brought before the Annual Meeting, in each case as specified in the Notice of Annual meeting and more fully described in this proxy statement. |
Q. | How do I vote? |
A. | Whether you hold shares directly as the stockholder of record or indirectly as the beneficial owner of shares held for you by a broker or other nominee (i.e., in “street name”), you may direct your vote without attending the Annual Meeting. You may vote by granting a proxy or, for shares you hold in street name, by submitting voting instructions to your broker or nominee. In most instances, you will be able to do this over the Internet, by telephone or, if you request printed copies of the proxy materials, by mail. Please refer to the summary instructions below and those included on your proxy card or, for shares you hold in street name, the voting instruction card provided by your broker or nominee. |
By Internet—If you have Internet access, you may authorize your proxy from any location in the world by following the “By Internet” instructions on the proxy card or, if applicable, the Internet voting instructions that may be described on the voting instruction card sent to you by your broker or nominee.
By Telephone—If you are calling from the United States or Canada, you may authorize your proxy by following the “By Telephone” instructions on the proxy card or, if applicable, the telephone voting instructions that may be described on the voting instruction card sent to you by your broker or nominee.
By Mail—You may authorize your proxy by signing your proxy card and mailing it in the enclosed, postage‑prepaid and addressed envelope. For shares you hold in street name, you may sign the voting instruction card included by your broker or nominee and mail it in the envelope provided.
For shares held directly in your name, you may change your proxy instructions at any time prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting. You may do this by granting a new properly executed and later‑dated proxy, by filing a written revocation with the Secretary of the Company at the address of the Company set forth above, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting without further action will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked. You may change your proxy instructions for shares you beneficially own by submitting new voting instructions to your broker or nominee in the manner and within the time periods they prescribe.
If a properly signed proxy is submitted but not marked as to a particular item, the proxy will be voted (i) FOR the election of the nominees for director of the Company named in this Proxy Statement, (ii) FOR the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for 2018,
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and (iii) FOR the non‑binding, advisory resolution to approve the Company’s named executive officer compensation. It is not anticipated that any matters other than those set forth in the Proxy Statement will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If other matters are presented, proxies will be voted in the discretion of the proxy holders.
Q. | What is householding? |
A. | If you and other residents at your mailing address own shares of Common Stock in street name, your broker, bank or other nominee may have sent you a notice that your household will receive only one annual report, notice of annual meeting and proxy statement. This procedure is known as “householding” and is intended to reduce the volume of duplicate information stockholders receive and also reduce our printing and postage costs. If you consented or were deemed to have consented to householding, your broker, bank or other nominee may send one copy of our annual report, notice of annual meeting and proxy statement to your address for all residents that own shares of common stock in street name. If you wish to revoke your consent to householding, you must contact your broker, bank or other nominee. If you are receiving multiple copies of our annual report, notice of annual meeting and proxy statement, you may be able to request householding by contacting your broker, bank or other nominee. |
If you wish to request extra copies free of charge of our annual report or proxy statement, please send your request to the Corporate Secretary at the address below, call us with your request at 703‑329‑6300 or visit the “Investor relations” section of our website at www.avalonbay.com.
The Company’s 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders and a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are being made available to stockholders concurrently with the availability of this Proxy Statement. The Annual Report to Stockholders and Form 10‑K, however, are not part of the proxy solicitation materials. A copy of any or all exhibits to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K, and a copy of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, may be obtained free of charge by writing to the Company at its principal executive offices at the following address: AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, Attention: Corporate Secretary or by accessing the “Investor relations” section of the Company’s website (www.avalonbay.com).
Electronic Stockholder Document Delivery | Instead of receiving future proxy materials by mail, stockholders of record and most beneficial owners can elect to receive an e-mail that will provide electronic links to these documents. Opting to receive your proxy materials online will save us the cost of producing and mailing documents and also will give you an electronic link to the proxy voting site. | |
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II. PROPOSALS |
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
The Board of Directors currently consists of eleven members. The Board of Directors has nominated for election all current directors. Accordingly, eleven nominees will stand for election at the Annual Meeting and if elected will serve until the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualify. The following individuals have been nominated by the Board of Directors to serve as directors: Glyn F. Aeppel, Terry S. Brown, Alan B. Buckelew, Ronald L. Havner, Jr., Stephen P. Hills, Richard J. Lieb, Timothy J. Naughton, Peter S. Rummell, H. Jay Sarles, Susan Swanezy and W. Edward Walter (each, a “Nominee” and, collectively, the “Nominees”). The Board of Directors anticipates that each of the Nominees, if elected, will serve as a director. However, if any person nominated by the Board of Directors is unable to serve or for good cause will not serve, the proxies will be voted for the election of such other person as the Board of Directors may recommend. You may not vote for more than eleven directors at the Annual Meeting.
Required Vote and Recommendation |
Only holders of record of Common Stock as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote on this proposal. Proxies will be voted for all of the Nominees unless contrary instructions are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. Under the Company’s Bylaws, a majority of the total votes cast as to each Nominee is required to elect such Nominee. Under Maryland law, abstentions and broker non‑votes are not treated as votes cast. Accordingly, an abstention or broker non‑vote will have no effect on the result of the vote.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR all of the Nominees. |
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Information Regarding Nominees
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the full Board are focused on ensuring that the composition of the Board continues to provide the diversity of experience, functional skill set, expertise, and thought necessary to appropriately address the needs of the Company and its stockholders.
Board Tenure and Gender Diversity for 2018 Nominees
The Company’s Board of Directors has included in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines term expectations that reflect the Company’s view of the importance of board succession planning and refreshment.
In general, the Company expects that a non-employee director will not be re-nominated after the completion of 12 full years of service or within the several years that follow.
The section below, in addition to providing full biographies of each Nominee, summarizes key qualifications, skills and experiences of the Nominee that the Board considers important in its evaluation and decision to nominate or re-nominate that individual to the Board. Exclusion of a factor for a Nominee does not necessarily mean the Nominee does not possess that attribute. It means only that when the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considered the skills and experiences of that Nominee in the overall context of the members of the Board of Directors, that attribute is not considered a key factor in the determination to nominate or re-nominate that individual. The full Nominee biographies describe each director’s qualifications and relevant experience in more detail. The age of each Nominee shown below is as of the date of the Annual Meeting.
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Employee Director Nominee:
8
Non‑Employee Director Nominees:
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10
11
12
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Proposal 2: Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors
The Board recommends that the stockholders ratify the Audit Committee’s selection of Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”) as the independent auditors of the Company for fiscal year 2018. Ernst & Young was also the Company’s principal independent auditors for fiscal year 2017. If the selection of Ernst & Young is not ratified, the Audit Committee anticipates that it will nevertheless engage Ernst & Young as auditors for fiscal year 2018 but will consider whether it should select a different auditor for fiscal year 2019. If the selection of Ernst & Young is ratified by the stockholders, the Audit Committee may nevertheless determine, based on changes in fees, personnel or for other reasons, to engage a firm other than Ernst & Young for the 2018 audit.
Representatives of Ernst & Young are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and to respond to appropriate questions.
Required Vote and Recommendation |
Only holders of record of Common Stock as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote on this proposal. Proxies will be voted for ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young as the Company’s independent auditors for fiscal year 2018 unless contrary instructions are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. A majority of the total votes
cast on the proposal at the Annual Meeting is required to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young. Under Maryland law, abstentions and broker non‑votes are not treated as votes cast. Accordingly, an abstention or broker non‑vote will have no effect on the result of the vote.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young as the Company’s independent auditors for fiscal year 2018. |
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Proposal 3: Non‑Binding, Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
The Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 24 of this proxy statement describes the Company’s executive officer compensation program and decisions made by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors with respect to the 2017 compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 48 (the “Named Executive Officers”). As noted in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Company’s goals for its executive compensation program are (i) to attract, motivate and retain experienced and effective executives, (ii) to direct the performance of those executives with clearly defined goals and measures of achievement and (iii) to align the interests of management with the interests of our stockholders.
While the vote on the following resolution is advisory in nature and therefore will not bind us to take any
particular action, our Board of Directors will carefully consider the stockholder vote resulting from the proposal in making future decisions regarding our compensation program. The Board of Directors is asking stockholders to cast a non‑binding, advisory vote on the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and any related material disclosed in this proxy statement, is hereby APPROVED, on a non‑binding, advisory basis, by the stockholders of the Company.”
Required Vote and Recommendation |
Only holders of record of Common Stock as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote on this proposal. Proxies will be voted for adoption of the resolution approving the compensation disclosed unless contrary instructions are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. A majority of the votes cast on the proposal at the Annual
Meeting is required to provide non‑binding advisory approval of the compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers. Under Maryland law, abstentions and broker non‑votes are not treated as votes cast. Accordingly, an abstention or broker non‑vote will have no effect on the result of the vote.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the resolution to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers. |
Other Matters
The Board of Directors does not know of any matters other than those described in this Proxy Statement that will be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. If other matters are presented, proxies will be voted in the discretion of the proxy holders.
Regardless of the number of shares you own, your vote is very important to the Company. Please complete, sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card or authorize a proxy by telephone or over the Internet to vote your shares by following the instructions on your proxy card. |
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III. Corporate Governance And Related Matters |
Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”). The Code constitutes a “code of ethics,” as defined by the SEC, that applies to the Company’s Board of Directors as well as its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer, controller, and other employees of the Company. In addition, the Company has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines. Copies of the Code and the Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website (www.avalonbay.com) under “Corporate
Governance Documents.” To the extent required by the rules of the SEC and the NYSE, we will disclose amendments and waivers relating to these documents in the same place on our website. Additional information on corporate governance policies is included in “Compensation Policies” on page 45, including information on the following Company policies: Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines; Prohibition Against Hedging, Pledging or Borrowing against Company Stock; Severance Policy; and Policy on Recoupment of Incentive Compensation (Clawback Policy).
Board of Directors and its Committees
Board of Directors |
The Board of Directors currently consists of eleven directors, each of whom is a candidate for election. The Board of Directors met five times during 2017. The Board of Directors schedules regular executive sessions at each of its meetings during which the Company’s independent directors meet without management participation. During 2017, each of the directors attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of the committees of the Board of Directors of which he or she was a member. The Board’s policy is that each director attend the Company’s annual meetings of stockholders at which he or she is a nominee, and all directors who were nominees were in attendance at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
As discussed below under Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board considers a variety of factors when choosing candidates for Board appointment or nomination. While the Board values long‑tenured directors who know the Company and management well, the Board also believes that it is important to assure that from time to time vacancies occur on the Board that create opportunities for new directors who may bring
different or more recent experiences or expertise to the Board. Consistent with this philosophy, five new directors have joined the AvalonBay Board at or subsequent to the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders: Ron Havner (2014), Terry Brown (2015), Richard Lieb (2016), Susan Swanezy (2016), and Stephen Hills (2017).
The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines incorporate term expectations that reflect the Board’s view of the importance of board succession planning. Specifically, the Corporate Governance Guidelines (i) express an expectation that an independent director will not be re‑nominated after the completion of 12 full years of service or within the several years that follow; (ii) express an expectation that the Lead Independent Director will serve in that role for approximately three to five years; and (iii) express an expectation that Committee chairs will serve for three to five years. In each case, the guideline is flexible and the exact timing for any transition will depend on the needs of the Board at the time and the timing of identification and nomination of a successor.
Audit Committee |
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee. The current members of this committee are Mr. Buckelew (Chair), Messrs. Brown, Havner and Lieb, and Ms. Swanezy. Following the Annual Meeting, the Board expects that Mr. Brown will rotate off the Audit Committee and Mr. Hills will be appointed to the Audit Committee. The Board of
Directors has determined that Mr. Buckelew is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC, based on his MBA, experience as Chief Financial Officer at Princess Cruises, and the fact that the Internal Audit function of Carnival Corporation has reported to him. The designation of Mr. Buckelew by the Board as an “audit committee
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financial expert” is not intended to be a representation that he is an expert for any purpose as a result of this designation, nor is it intended to impose on him any duties, obligations or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations or liabilities imposed on him as a member of the Audit Committee and the Board in the absence of this designation. The Board of Directors has determined that the current and prospective members of the Audit Committee, including the audit committee financial expert, are “independent” under the rules of the NYSE and financially literate. The Audit Committee, among other functions, has the sole authority to appoint and replace the independent auditors, is responsible for the compensation and
oversight of the work of the independent auditors, reviews the results of the audit engagement with the independent auditors, and reviews and discusses with management and the independent auditors the Company's quarterly and annual financial statements and major changes in accounting and auditing principles. The Audit Committee met seven times during 2017. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. A copy of the Audit Committee charter is available on the “Investor relations” section of the Company’s website (www.avalonbay.com) under “Corporate Governance Documents.”
Compensation Committee |
The Board of Directors has established a Compensation Committee. The current members of this committee are Messrs. Walter (Chair), Buckelew and Sarles. Following the Annual Meeting, the Board expects that Mr. Lieb will be appointed to the Compensation Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that the current and prospective members of the Compensation Committee are “independent” under the rules of the NYSE. The Compensation Committee, among other functions, reviews, designs and determines management compensation structures, programs and amounts, establishes corporate and management performance goals and objectives, and reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the Company’s incentive compensation plans, including the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”). The Compensation Committee also reviews employment agreements and arrangements with senior officers (there are none at present). In addition, our Equity Incentive
Plan provides that the Committee, in its discretion, may delegate to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company all or part of the Committee’s authority and duties under the Equity Incentive Plan with respect to awards, including the granting of awards to individuals who are not subject to the reporting and other provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee has engaged Steven Hall & Partners, an executive compensation consulting firm, to provide it with independent advice and counsel on executive compensation, as well as competitive pay practices. Steven Hall & Partners does not provide any services directly to the Company or its management. The Compensation Committee met four times during 2017. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee. A copy of the Compensation Committee charter is available on the “Investor relations” section of the Company’s website (www.avalonbay.com) under “Corporate Governance Documents.”
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
Composition, Independence and Function: The Board of Directors has established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The current members of this committee are Messrs. Sarles (Chair), Ms. Aeppel, and Messrs. Rummell, and Walter. Following the Annual Meeting, the Board expects that Mr. Brown will be appointed to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are “independent” under the rules of the NYSE. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s functions include: identifying individuals qualified to become Board members; recommending to the full Board each year
a slate for nomination for election to the Board; considering policies relating to Board and committee meetings; reviewing and recommending changes to director compensation; recommending the establishment or dissolution of Board committees; reviewing and considering succession plans with respect to the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (including through periodic evaluation and discussion with the Board of internal candidates for such succession); reviewing policies and activities in the areas of political contributions, charitable giving and corporate responsibility; and addressing other issues regarding corporate governance. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met four times
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during 2017. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. A copy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter is available on the “Investor relations” section of the Company’s website (www.avalonbay.com) under “Corporate Governance Documents.”
Evaluation and Nomination of Director Candidates: One of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's key functions is identifying and nominating candidates for service on the Board. In this regard, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the qualifications set forth in the Company’s corporate governance guidelines, which include the nominee’s business and professional background; history of leadership or contributions to other organizations; functional skill set and expertise; general understanding of marketing, finance, accounting and other elements relevant to the success of a publicly‑traded company in today’s business environment; and service on other boards of directors.
Given the current business, opportunities and challenges of the Company, among the key attributes the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee looks for in director candidates are the following:
• | Accounting/Financial Literacy |
• | Public Company CEO Experience |
• | C-Level Management Experience |
• | Other Public Board Experience |
• | Financial/Capital Markets Experience |
• | Marketing/Brand Management/Consumer Focus |
• | Real Estate Industry Experience |
• | REIT Structure Experience |
• | Real Estate Development Experience |
• | Technology and Innovation Experience |
In recommending a slate of nominees for director and in identifying new candidates for service, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers whether there is and will be an adequate distribution and representation of relevant skills and experiences across the Board as a whole. In addition, the Board may consider diversity of background, experience and thought in evaluating and recommending candidates for election. The Board believes that diversity is important because a variety of points of view can contribute to a more effective decision‑making process. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may employ a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director.
In considering whether to recommend re-nomination of a current director for another term, the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee considers whether the skills, commitment and performance as a director of such individual are such that the individual's continued service on the Board is desirable. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also assess the size of the Board, the need for particular expertise on the Board, the upcoming election cycle of the Board and whether any vacancies are expected, due to retirement or otherwise.
In the event that vacancies are anticipated or otherwise arise, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider various potential candidates for director who may come to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s attention through current Board members, professional search firms, stockholders or other persons. These candidates are evaluated at regular or special meetings of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and may be considered at any time during the year.
Nominees Recommended by Stockholders: In exercising its function of recommending individuals for nomination by the Board for election as directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders. The procedure by which stockholders may submit such recommendations is set forth in the Company’s Bylaws. See “Other Matters – Stockholder Nominations for Directors and Proposals for Annual Meetings” for a summary of these requirements. When nominations are properly submitted, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates recommended by stockholders under the criteria summarized above. Following verification of the stockholder status of persons proposing candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee makes an initial analysis of the qualifications of any candidate recommended by stockholders or others pursuant to the criteria summarized above to determine whether the candidate is qualified for service on the Board of Directors before deciding to undertake a complete evaluation of the candidate. If any materials are provided by a stockholder or professional search firm in connection with the nomination of a director candidate, such materials are forwarded to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee as part of its review. The same identifying and evaluating procedures apply to all candidates for director nomination, including candidates submitted by stockholders. In the case of stockholder nominations, the Board may also consider the specific information required to be provided by the nominating stockholder pursuant to the requirements of the Company’s Bylaws. Stockholders may also nominate directors in accordance with the proxy access provisions of the Company’s Bylaws, as described in “Other Matters - Stockholder
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Nominations for Directors and Proposals for the Annual Meeting”.
If you would like the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to consider a prospective candidate, please submit the candidate’s name and qualifications and other information in accordance with the requirements for director nominations by
stockholders in the Company’s Bylaws to: AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, Attention: Corporate Secretary. See also the discussion of Stockholder Engagement and Responsiveness included in this Proxy Statement.
Investment and Finance Committee |
The Board of Directors has established an Investment and Finance Committee. The current members of this committee are Ms. Aeppel (Chair), and Messrs. Brown, Havner, Lieb, Naughton, and Rummell and Ms. Swanezy. Following the Annual Meeting, the Board expects that Mr. Lieb will rotate off and Mr. Hills will be appointed to the Investment and Finance Committee. The Investment and Finance Committee was formed, among other reasons, to review and monitor the acquisition,
disposition, development and redevelopment of the Company’s communities, and to review and monitor the financial structure, capital sourcing strategy and financial plans and projections of the Company. The Investment and Finance Committee has authority, subject to certain limits and guidelines set by the Board of Directors and Maryland law, to approve investment and financing activity. The Investment and Finance Committee met four times during 2017.
Leadership Structure and Lead Independent Director |
Timothy J. Naughton, our Chief Executive Officer and President, also serves as the Company’s Chairman of the Board. The Board believes that the Company is best served by having Mr. Naughton serve as Chairman of the Board in addition to Chief Executive Officer and President, as opposed to appointing one of the other current directors or a future director to serve as Chairman of the Board. Among other benefits, Mr. Naughton’s role as Chief Executive Officer and President enables him, working with the Lead Independent Director, to act as a bridge between management and the Board, helping management and the Board to act with a common purpose. Mr. Naughton’s combined roles as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board promote unified leadership and direction for the Company. To help assure sound corporate
governance practices, the Board of Directors established the position of Lead Independent Director in 2003 and Mr. Sarles currently serves in that role. Mr. Sarles’ role as Lead Independent Director includes presiding at all meetings of the Board of Directors at which the Chairman of the Board is not present, serving as a liaison between the Chairman of the Board and the independent directors, establishing and approving meeting agendas for the Board, having the authority to call meetings of the independent directors, conferring with the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer regularly, and acting as a contact person for stockholders and others who wish to communicate with the independent directors.
Board of Directors Risk Oversight |
The Company and the Board have a number of practices with regard to Board oversight of risk management matters. The charter of each of the Company’s Board committees provides that each committee shall, from time to time to the extent that committee deems appropriate, review risk and compliance matters relevant to that committee and report the results of such review to the full Board. As required by NYSE rules, the charter of the Audit Committee states that the Audit Committee will assist with Board oversight of risk and compliance matters, and in any event will review the perceived major financial risk exposures of the Company and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. At most regularly scheduled
Board meetings, the Board reviews key matters relating to the Company’s finances, liquidity, operations and investment activity. On an annual basis, the Board engages in a broader discussion about company‑wide risk management.
Although it is not the primary reason for the selection of the current leadership structure by the Board, the Company and the Board believe that the current leadership structure of the Board, including both a Chairman of the Board and a separate Lead Independent Director, helps facilitate these risk oversight functions by providing multiple channels for risk-related concerns and comments. The Company’s operations involve various risks that could have adverse consequences, including those
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described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K and other filings with the SEC. The Board recognizes that it is neither possible nor prudent to eliminate all risk. Despite the risk oversight activities described above, there can be no assurance that the Company’s current practices
have identified every potential material risk, are sufficient to address these risks, or that any risks will not result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or operations.
Independence of the Board |
The NYSE has adopted independence standards for companies listed on the NYSE, which apply to the Company. These standards require a majority of the Board of Directors to be independent and every member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to be independent. NYSE standards provide that a director is considered independent only if the Board of Directors “affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company).” In addition, NYSE rules and related NYSE commentary generally provide that:
• | A director who is an employee, or whose immediate family member is an executive officer, of the Company is not independent until three years after the end of such employment relationship; |
• | A director who receives, or whose immediate family member receives, more than $120,000 per year in direct compensation from the Company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service), is not independent until three years after he or she ceases to receive more than $120,000 per year in such compensation; compensation received by an immediate family member for service as an employee of the Company (other than an executive officer) need not be considered in determining independence under this test; |
• | A director is not independent if (A) the director is a current partner or employee of a firm that is the Company’s internal or external auditor; (B) the director has an immediate family member who is a current partner of such a firm; (C) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on the Company’s audit; or (D) the director or an immediate family member was within the last three years (but is no longer) a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on the Company’s audit within that time; |
• | A director who is employed, or whose immediate family member is employed, as an executive officer of another company where any of the Company’s present executives serve on that company’s compensation committee is not independent until three years after the end of such service or the employment relationship; and |
• | A director who is an executive officer or an employee, or whose immediate family member is an executive officer, of a company that makes payments to, or receives payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in a single fiscal year, exceeds the greater of $1 million or 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues, is not independent until three years after falling below such threshold. |
To determine which of its members is independent, the Board of Directors used the above standards and also considered whether a director had any other past or present relationships with the Company which created conflicts or the appearance of conflicts.
Based on consideration of the foregoing and the absence of any other such transactions, relationships or arrangements found as a result of this review, the Board determined that all nominees for directors are independent, except for Mr. Naughton, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Board and the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President.
NYSE rules provide for additional independence standards that apply to members of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. The Board has determined that each current and proposed member of these committees satisfies these additional standards.
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Stockholder Engagement and Responsiveness
We consider our relationship with our stockholders to be an important part of the Company’s success and we value the outlook and opinions of our investors. During 2017 our management reached out to stockholders who collectively held a majority of the Company’s outstanding stock to discuss the Company’s practices and policies with respect to environmental, social and governance matters (“ESG”), and other matters. Management spoke with stockholders who responded to that outreach regarding such issues, in addition to speaking with the stockholder advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis. These discussions addressed governance matters including board composition and refreshment, stockholder rights, executive compensation and sustainability efforts. The feedback from stockholders was conveyed to and discussed with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the full Board.
The goal of these conversations was to ensure that management and the Board understood and considered the ESG issues that matter most to our stockholders and to enable the Company to address them effectively.
In addition to conversations with our stockholders, the Company from time to time receives correspondence from stockholders and stockholder advocacy groups and responds and/or shares this correspondence with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the full Board where requested or otherwise appropriate.
The Board of Directors also considers the votes of stockholders at the Company's Annual Meeting and discusses potential issues raised through that forum. In that regard, during 2017 the Board considered that Ronald L. Havner, a director, did not receive a majority of the votes cast on his re-election to the Company in 2017. In accordance with the Company's Bylaws, Mr. Havner consequently offered to resign from the Board. The Board considered the matter and believes that Mr. Havner failed to receive a majority of votes cast for his re-election because of concern among many stockholders with respect to the number of boards of other publicly-traded companies on which Mr. Havner sits. Since the date of that vote, one of the other public companies for which Mr. Havner has served as a director publicly announced that Mr. Havner has decided that he will not serve after his current term on that other board expires in 2018, thus reducing the number of boards of publicly-traded companies that he sits on. After considering these facts, which the Board believes mitigate the stockholder concerns about over commitment, and
after considering Mr. Havner's dedicated service and contributions to the Board (including attending 100% of the meetings of the Board and the Committees of the Board on which he sits), the Board decided to reject Mr. Havner's offer to resign from the Board. In addition, in November 2017 the Board amended its Corporate Governance Guidelines to express its intent to not re-nominate a director who is a sitting CEO of another publicly-traded company and who serves on more than one other board in addition to his or her own and AvalonBay's. Recently, Public Storage, Inc. announced that Mr. Havner will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer of Public Storage at the end of 2018.
At the Company's 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee received the affirmative vote of less than 75% of votes cast while other directors received the affirmative vote of more than 90% of votes cast. Based on discussions with stockholders and ISS, the Board believed that this vote reflected a desire on the part of some stockholders that the Board review the fact that, like many Maryland corporations, stockholders did not have a right to unilaterally amend the Company's Bylaws. After review and discussion, including conversations with some major stockholders, the Board amended the Company's Bylaws to permit the stockholders of the Company to amend the Company's Bylaws by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to a binding proposal submitted by a stockholder or group of up to five stockholders holding at least 1% of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock for at least one year (except that stockholders may not amend or repeal (i) the bylaw that provides for indemnification of officers and directors without the consent of any indemnified person adversely affected by such amendment or (ii) the bylaw which addresses procedures for amendment of the Bylaws, without the approval of the Board). The Board believes that this bylaw amendment enables stockholders who hold a meaningful stake in the Company for more than a brief period to propose binding amendments to the Company's Bylaws. In that regard, the Board considered that at the time of the amendment holders of more than 93% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock would be able to propose binding bylaw amendments, either individually or in a group of up to five stockholders.
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Contacting the Board
Any stockholder or other interested party may contact any of our directors, including the Lead Independent Director or our independent directors as a group, by writing to them at the following address. The envelope in which you send your letter should clearly specify the name of the individual director or group of directors to whom your letter is addressed. Any communications received in this manner will be forwarded as addressed.
[Name of Director or Group of Directors] | ||
c/o AvalonBay Communities, Inc. Ballston Tower 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203 | ||
Attention: Corporate Secretary | ||
Report of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), reviews the financial reporting process of the Company on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has primary responsibility for this process, including the Company’s system of internal controls, and for the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and for the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Company’s independent auditors, and not the Audit Committee, are responsible for auditing and expressing an opinion on the conformity of the Company’s audited financial statements to generally accepted accounting principles. In this context, during 2017 and 2018, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements and E&Y’s evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting with management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by the Auditing Standards adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). In addition, the Audit Committee received from the independent auditors the written disclosures required by the PCAOB regarding the independent auditor’s communications
with the Audit Committee regarding independence, and the Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors their independence from the Company and its management. Relying on the reviews, disclosures and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2017, for filing with the SEC, and the Board of Directors has approved this recommendation. The Audit Committee and the Board have also recommended, subject to stockholder ratification, the selection of Ernst &Young as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2018.
Submitted by the Audit Committee
Alan B. Buckelew (Chair)
Terry S. Brown
Ronald L. Havner, Jr.
Richard J. Lieb
Susan Swanezy
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Fiscal 2016 and 2017 Audit Fee Summary
During fiscal years 2016 and 2017, the Company retained its principal independent auditors, Ernst & Young, to provide services in the categories and for the approximate fee amounts shown below:
2016 | 2017 | ||
Audit fees | $1,777,045 | $2,005,270 | |
Audit related fees(1) | $561,856 | $793,229 | |
Tax fees(2) | $796,260 | $686,757 | |
All other fees | $0 | $0 | |
(1) | Audit related fees include fees for services traditionally performed by the auditor such as subsidiary audits, employee benefit audits, and accounting consultation. |
(2) | Tax fees include preparation and review of subsidiary tax returns and taxation advice. |
Audit Committee Pre‑Approval of Audit and Permissible Non‑Audit Services of Independent Auditors
The Audit Committee pre‑approves all audit and permissible non‑audit services provided by the independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit‑related services, tax services and other services. Pre‑approval is provided for up to one year, and any pre‑approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is subject to a specific budget.
The independent auditors and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent auditors in accordance with this pre‑approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. The Audit Committee may also pre‑approve particular services on a case‑by‑case basis.
Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons
The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and evidenced in writing, provides that no employee of the Company, including an executive officer or director, may engage in activities that create a conflict of interest with the Company unless all relevant details have been disclosed and an appropriate waiver permitting the conduct has been received. An activity constitutes a conflict of interest under the Code if (i) the activity could adversely affect or compete with the Company, (ii) any interest, connection or benefit to the employee or director from the activity could reasonably be expected to cause such employee or director to consider
anything other than the best interest of the Company
when deliberating and voting on Company matters
or (iii) any interest, connection or benefit to the
employee or director from the activity could give such employee or director or a member of his or her family an improper benefit that he or she obtains on account of his or her position within the Company. An executive officer or member of the Board of Directors may only receive a waiver from the Board or any designated committee of the Board, and any waiver granted to an executive officer or director will be disclosed to the Company’s stockholders to the extent required by law or NYSE rules. The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board (or any other committee that is designated) is responsible for administering the Code for executive officers and directors.
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IV. Compensation |
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) provides a description of (i) how the Board of Directors and the Company think about compensation for the Company’s executive officers, and (ii) what decisions were made in setting 2017 compensation, including the establishment of goals and aligning of compensation with performance and shareholder interests.
Specifically, the CD&A contains the following sections:
INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Summary of 2017 Achievements
Summary of our Executive Compensation Program
Our Executive Compensation Philosophy
Our Named Executive Officers in 2017
Compensation Overview
Chairman and CEO 2017 Compensation At‑a‑Glance
Chairman and CEO 2017 Target Opportunity Mix
Impact of the Company’s Performance on our Named Executive Officer Compensation
Realized Pay for 2017 Performance
Our Compensation Programs Incorporate Best Practices
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION
Consideration of the Results of the 2017 Stockholder Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
Our Decision Making Process
Who is Involved in Compensation Decisions
How We Review Market Compensation
How We Select and Use Peer Groups
Who Are our Compensation Consultants
What We Pay and Why: Elements of Compensation
How We Establish Goals and Determine Achievement for Incentive Compensation
Review of 2017 Performance and Pay
Annual Cash and Stock Incentive Program
Long‑Term Incentive Program
2017 Compensation Determinations
2018 Compensation Determinations
INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Summary of 2017 Achievements |
Summary: 2017 was a productive year for AvalonBay. We completed a company record amount of new development, entered two new markets, reduced near-term debt maturities and enhanced financial flexibility, and delivered a seventh consecutive year of above sector average Core FFO per share growth. Some highlights for the year include:
Operating Activity: Rental revenue for Established Communities for 2017 increased 2.5% over the prior year period. NOI for Established Communities also increased 2.5% over the same period.
Development Activity: We completed 14 new development communities containing an aggregate of 5,189 apartment homes and 71,000 square feet of retail space, representing a total capitalized cost of approximately $1.897 billion. We also started eight new apartment communities that are projected to contain approximately 2,600 apartment homes and be completed for a total capitalized cost of $808 million. At year‑end 2017, we had 21 communities under construction that in the aggregate are expected to contain 6,544 apartment homes and 97,000 square feet of retail space and be completed for an estimated total capitalized cost of $2.928 billion, including the Company’s share of communities being developed through joint ventures.
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Dividend Growth: In January 2018 we announced a dividend increase of 3.5%. Since the first quarter of 2011 we have increased our quarterly dividend over 60%.
Capital Markets Activity: We raised approximately $2.3 billion in capital during 2017, including proceeds from dispositions. As a result of debt issuance and repayment activity during 2017, the Company’s debt profile as of December 31, 2017, improved as compared to December 31, 2016, by, among other things, (i) decreasing the weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding debt to 3.6% from 3.7%; (ii) decreasing the weighted average contractual interest rate on outstanding debt to 3.3% from 3.6%; and (iii) increasing weighted average years to maturity to 9.9 years from 8.6 years.
Portfolio Management: During 2017, the Company purchased three stabilized communities, containing an aggregate of 1,062 apartment homes, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $366 million, including two in new markets for the Company: Denver and Southeast Florida. We sold six wholly-owned operating communities in 2017, containing 1,624 apartment homes, for an aggregate sales price of about $475 million. The six communities yielded an Unleveraged IRR of 11.0% over a weighted average investment period of 9.6 years.
In 2017, AvalonBay Value Added Fund II, L.P. (“Fund II”) sold its final three communities for a total sales price of $272 million. As the General Partner of Fund II, the Company received a promoted return above its proportionate share of the venture’s results for achieving returns in excess of certain thresholds.
Earnings and Core FFO Growth: Earnings per share-diluted for the year was $6.35. Core FFO per share increased by 5.3% over the prior year to $8.62. For the three years ended December 31, 2017 (the period measured for this metric in our maturing performance awards), our Core FFO grew at an 8.3% annualized rate.
Other Achievements: We continued our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) leadership in the multifamily sector. The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) awarded us 4 out of 5 “Green Stars” for leadership in environmental sustainability, and we maintained our Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) score in a year when the CDP significantly increased the bar required to attain each letter grade. In addition, a number of ESG ratings agencies who evaluate our ESG performance for investors continue to rank us as one of the most advanced U.S. companies in our sector on a variety of ESG metrics. These include Euronext and VigeoEIRIS. Finally, Engineering News Record (ENR) rated us #52 in its ranking of the top 200 Green Building Contractors, up from #63 in 2016.
We remain in the 90th percentile in associate engagement, as measured by a third-party service provider who surveys leading companies on workforce engagement, and in 2018 we were recognized by Glassdoor employee choice ratings as one of the Top 100 companies to work for in the U.S.
Our residents value our efforts, too, and we ranked #1 among publicly-traded multifamily REITs for online reputation according to J. Turner Research’s Online Reputation Assessment Power Rankings, a company that compiles ratings and reviews of more than 63,000 properties nationwide each month.
Definitions and Reconciliations: For definitions and reconciliations of FFO, Core FFO, Established Communities, and NOI, see pages 32-34, 36, and 38-39, respectively, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Form 10-K”), as filed with the SEC.
Summary of our Executive Compensation Program |
Our Executive Compensation Philosophy
AvalonBay’s Total Compensation Program is designed to:
• | Attract, retain and motivate talent within the company, |
• | Align the interests of management with the interests of stockholders, |
• | Direct performance with clearly defined goals and measures of achievement, and |
• | Assure that compensation is aligned with performance |
Our Named Executive Officers in 2017
This CD&A describes the compensation of the following Named Executive Officers:
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Name | Title |
Timothy Naughton | Chairman, CEO and President |
Kevin O’Shea | Chief Financial Officer |
Matthew Birenbaum | Chief Investment Officer |
Sean Breslin | Chief Operating Officer |
Stephen Wilson | Executive Vice President, Development |
Compensation Overview
Our executive compensation programs covering the Named Executive Officers are designed to attract and retain key talent, to motivate behaviors that align with stockholders’ interests and to pay for performance. A substantial majority of the target pay of our Named Executive Officers is variable and contingent on performance.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 2017 Compensation At‑A‑Glance
Base Salary. Mr. Naughton’s base salary for 2017 was $1,000,000. His salary had been maintained at $950,000 since he was first appointed as the Company’s Chairman and CEO in 2013. This was the first increase in base salary that he had received since 2013. The base salary increase aligned with the increases that the remaining Named Executive Officers received in 2017.
Cash Bonus. Mr. Naughton’s target cash bonus increased from 150% to 175% of base salary in 2017. 75% of the target cash bonus is based on corporate performance factors and 25% is based on individual performance. The achievement levels for the corporate performance and individual factors were judged to be 95% and 115%, respectively, resulting in a final cash bonus for 2017 of $1,750,000.
Stock Bonus. Mr. Naughton’s target stock bonus for 2017 was $1,250,000. The performance measures used in calculating the stock bonus reflect different elements of the Company’s performance and are not duplicative of the performance measures used to evaluate corporate performance under the annual cash bonus program. The achievement level for these stock bonus performance measures for 2017 was 115.1%, which resulted in a payout of $1,438,750. The payout is delivered in the form of restricted stock that vests ratably over three years from the date of grant. Please note that under applicable SEC rules this award will be disclosed in the 2019 proxy statement Summary Compensation Table as it was granted in 2018.
Performance Awards. Mr. Naughton’s target performance award for the 2017 - 2019 performance period was $4,500,000. Sixty percent of the target award was tied to three-year total shareholder return (“TSR”) metrics, including absolute and relative comparisons, and 40% of the target award was tied to three-year relative financial operating metrics.
With respect to the prior performance cycle concluding in 2017, Mr. Naughton earned his 2015 - 2017 performance award totaling $4,903,240. The 2015 - 2017 performance award was awarded in February 2015 and the performance cycle ended in December 2017, with the Board of Directors certifying the actual achievement in February 2018. Consistent with the other performance awards granted by the Company, 60% of the target award was tied to three-year TSR metrics, including absolute and relative comparisons, and 40% of the target award was tied to three-year relative financial operating metrics. The Company achieved 107.3% of target payout for the 2015 - 2017 performance awards. Based on the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock on the
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NYSE on February 15, 2018 of $161.10, the earned performance awards (paid out in restricted shares subject to three‑year time vesting based on continued employment but subject to earlier acceleration of vesting in the event of a termination due to death, disability, termination without cause, or retirement) were valued at $4,903,240.
Chairman and CEO 2017 Target Opportunity Mix
Impact of Company’s Performance on Named Executive Officer Compensation
A substantial portion of our Named Executive Officers’ compensation is linked to performance, both short‑term and long‑term.
Annual Cash Bonus:
Core FFO per Share: The Board believes that Core FFO per Share is a key measure of the Company’s performance and accordingly it was given a 50% weighting in determining achievement of the corporate component of the 2017 Annual Bonus goals. The following table shows that the Company increased its target goal for Core FFO per Share in each of the past four years, from $6.74 per share in 2014 to $8.64 in 2017. The target goal represents a compounded annual growth rate of 8.63% for the past three years.
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Development and Redevelopment Net Operating Income (“NOI”): The operating performance of development and redevelopment communities is compared against budget. The target goal is to have no variance against budget.
Performance Measure | Weight | Threshold | Target | Max | Actual | % of Target |
2017 Development Lease-Up NOI vs. Budget | 10% | -7.5% | 0.0% | 7.5% | -7.2% | 51.8% |
2017 Redevelopment NOI vs. Budget | 5% | -3.0% | 0.0% | 3.0% | -1.8% | 69.8% |
Development Yield: The development yield performance for communities that achieve stabilized occupancy during the year is compared to our target yield for such developments. A community is considered to have stabilized occupancy at the earlier of (i) attainment of 95% physical occupancy or (ii) the one-year anniversary of completion of development or redevelopment. The target goal is to meet our pre-established target yield for each development community.
Performance Measure | Weight | Threshold | Target | Max | Actual | % of Target |
2017 Development Completions (Yield vs. Target Yield) | 10% | -0.75% | 0.0% | 0.75% | -0.2% | 87.7% |
Corporate Objectives: Progress on Strategic and Corporate initiatives is a qualitative judgment of the Company's achievement on multi-year corporate investments and projects.
Performance Measure | Weight | Threshold | Target | Max | % of Target |
Progress on Strategic and Corporate Initiatives | 10% | 50% | 100% | 200% | 125% |
Effectiveness of Management | 15% | 50% | 100% | 200% | 110% |
Our 2017 strategic initiatives included projects related to data analytics to drive business intelligence and more robust organizational decision making; study on the customer segmentation of the renter market; mixed use retail partnerships with owners, operators, and developers of retail property; and study on the feasibility of co-living/furnished housing communities/floors. Our 2017 corporate initiatives continued to focus on enhancing our technology platform, expanding internal capabilities to provide new business insights and competitive advantages, and continuing the focus on strengthening our core operations and commitment to safety. Substantial progress
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on each of these initiatives was made in 2017, and the Compensation Committee determined that the achievement on this category was 125% of target, based on significant progress on each of the initiatives during the year.
Effectiveness of Management is defined as capital allocation on development opportunities, portfolio management, balance sheet and liquidity management, as well as talent management and leadership development. For 2017, the Compensation Committee determined that achievement on this category was 110% of target, as management performed very well in all of these areas.
Annual Stock Bonus:
Mr. Naughton's 2017 annual stock bonus component consisted of the following performance measures:
Performance Measure | Weight | Threshold | Target | Max | Actual | % of Target |
Same Store Controllable Net Operating Income (NOI) vs. Budget | 20% | -2% | 0% | 2% | -0.09% | 95.5% |
Customer Service – Mid-Lease Net Promoter Score ("NPS") | 20% | 20 | 25 | 30 | 29 | 180.0% |
Construction Performance, including Budget, Quality, Schedule and Safety | 20% | Qualitative Assessment | 100.0% | |||
Development Starts and Completions against plan | 20% | Qualitative Assessment | 100.0% | |||
Talent Development and Succession Planning | 20% | Qualitative Assessment | 100.0% | |||
Total | 100% | 115.10% | ||||
The above performance measures represent different aspects of the Company’s business and are not duplicative of the measures under the corporate annual cash bonus program. Same store controllable NOI measures our stabilized community performance. In line with the Company’s focus on being customer service oriented, Net Promoter Score is a measure of customer loyalty and satisfaction. Construction and development metrics reflect key financial business drivers of the Company’s success and the CEO’s commitment to safety. Talent development and succession planning ensure that future leaders of the Company are thoroughly trained and developed.
The Annual Stock Bonus for the remaining Named Executive Officers was based on their respective business unit performance.
Once the final achievement for the annual stock bonus is determined, the number of shares of restricted stock is calculated and awarded to each Named Executive Officer. The restricted stock will vest ratably over three years after the date of grant, subject to the Named Executive Officer's continued employment through each such vesting date, but subject to earlier acceleration of vesting in the event of a termination due to death, disability, termination without cause, or retirement. The annual stock bonus performance period was calendar year 2017, with performance determined upon the completion of the 2017 year. The actual issuance of the time-based restricted stock occurred in early 2018.
Performance Awards: Our performance awards with performance periods ending in 2017 consisted of the following measures:
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Performance Measure | Weight | Threshold | Target | Max | Actual | % of Target | Achievement |
Absolute 3 yr TSR | 33.4% | 4.0% | 8.0% | 12.0% | 6.2% | 77.4% | Above Threshold |
AVB 3 yr TSR vs. NAREIT Equity REIT Index | 33.3% | -4.0% | 0.0% | 4.0% | 0.5% | 112.8% | Above Target |
AVB 3 yr TSR vs. NAREIT Apt Index | 33.3% | -3.0% | 0.0% | 3.0% | -1.6% | 73.6% | Above Threshold |
100.0% | 87.9% | ||||||
Performance Measure | Weight | Threshold | Target | Max | Actual | % of Target | Achievement |
3-yr Core FFO per share growth vs Peers | 62.5% | -4.0% | 0.0% | 4.0% | 1.8% | 145.9% | Above Target |
3-yr Net Debt-to-Core EBITDA vs Peers | 37.5% | 1.5X | 0.0X | -1.5X | -0.5X | 135.1% | Above Target |
100.0% | 141.9% | ||||||
Final Achievement % | 100.0% | 107.3% | |||||
Sixty percent of each officer's total performance award target value was tied to the TSR metrics identified above and 40% of the total performance award target value was tied to the operating metrics identified above. Because the Monte Carlo value of a unit was used to calculate the number of target performance units tied to TSR metrics and the actual stock price was used to calculate the number of target performance units tied to operating metrics, the actual total number of units awarded reflected 64.1% based on the TSR metrics and 35.9% based on the operating metrics.
Realized Pay for 2017 Performance
The following table shows one way in which our Compensation Committee looks at the compensation paid and awarded to each of the Named Executive Officers for service and performance with respect to 2017. This table differs from the Summary Compensation Table provided on page 48, which includes several items that are driven by accounting and reporting requirements that are not necessarily reflective of the compensation actually realized by the executive with respect to a particular year. The primary difference between this supplemental table and the Summary Compensation Table is the timing and method used to value multi‑year performance awards units and stock awards.
SEC rules require that the grant date fair value of all performance award units and stock awards be reported in the Summary Compensation Table in the row for the year in which they were granted, regardless of which year the awards were made or (in the case of performance awards) which year the awards pay out in the form of restricted shares. As a result, a significant portion of the total compensation for 2017 reported in the Summary Compensation Table relates to restricted stock awards granted in early 2017 for performance in 2016 or, in the case of performance awards, awards for the 2017 – 2019 performance cycle for which performance has not yet been determined and for which the value is uncertain (and which may end up having no realized value at all).
In contrast, the table immediately below is provided to illustrate the actual cash and restricted shares received by each Named Executive Officer for service and performance in 2017 and the restricted shares realized for performance awards maturing on December 31, 2017. Note that the amounts reported below differ substantially from the amounts determined under SEC rules and reported in the Summary Compensation Table. This table is not a substitute for the Summary Compensation Table. Total compensation figures reported below are higher than the Summary Compensation Table primarily due to the fact that actual payouts for the 2015-2017 performance cycle were above target for the performance awards that concluded in 2017.
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Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Annual Bonus and Earned Performance Awards | All Other Compensation ($)(3) | Total ($) | |
Cash (1) | Restricted Stock (2) | |||||
Timothy Naughton Chief Executive Officer | 2017 | 990,385 | 1,750,000 | 6,341,990 | 88,486 | 9,170,861 |
Kevin O’Shea Chief Financial Officer | 2017 | 570,192 | 711,528 | 1,508,870 | 23,608 | 2,814,198 |
Matthew Birenbaum Chief Investment Officer | 2017 | 570,192 | 725,880 | 1,719,580 | 23,608 | 3,039,260 |
Sean Breslin Chief Operating Officer | 2017 | 570,192 | 734,712 | 1,741,980 | 23,445 | 3,070,329 |
Stephen Wilson EVP, Development | 2017 | 495,192 | 632,400 | 1,480,632 | 21,527 | 2,629,751 |
(1) | Amounts in this column reflect the cash awards made in February 2018 with respect to performance under the Annual Bonus program in 2017. |
(2) | Amounts in this column reflect the value of shares of restricted stock awarded in February 2018 (i) with respect to performance under the Annual Bonus program in 2017, and (ii) for achievement under the long‑term incentive performance awards maturing on December 31, 2017, all with a value per share of $161.10, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE on February 15, 2018. |
(3) | Amounts in this column include the same components described in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table. |
Our Compensation Programs Incorporate Best Practices
The Company implements and maintains leading practices in its executive compensation programs. These practices include the following:
• | Pay for performance |
• | Review of competitive market information when considering executive pay |
• | Caps on annual and long‑term incentives |
• | Limited perquisites |
• | No employment agreements with officers |
• | Policy on recoupment of incentive compensation (clawback policy) |
• | Double-trigger equity compensation vesting in the event of a change in control |
• | Director and executive officer stock ownership guidelines |
• | Separate board and management compensation consultants |
• | Director and officer prohibition against hedging, pledging or borrowing against Company stock |
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION
Consideration of the Results of the 2017 Stockholder Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation and the Say-on-Pay Frequency Vote in 2017 |
As previously announced at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company’s executive officer compensation for 2016 was approved by over 90% of the votes cast on the matter. The Compensation Committee and the Company considered these results to be an endorsement by stockholders of the Company’s compensation structure, target level and actual executive compensation.
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In accordance with a majority of the votes cast at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company intends to hold an advisory stockholder vote on its executive compensation annually.
Our Decision Making Process |
Who is Involved in Compensation Decisions
Independent Board Members | Independent Compensation Committee |
Review and approve the Company’s business plan Review and approve the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Section 16(b) officers | Reviews and recommends to the independent members of the Board the setting of performance goals for Section 16(b) officers after the full Board reviews and approves the business plan Recommends to the independent members of the Board the target and actual total compensation of the CEO and Section 16(b) officers |
Independent Compensation Consultant | Shareholders and Other Key Stakeholders |
Provides guidance on executive compensation programs in terms of prevailing market practice Steven Hall & Partners is the Board’s independent compensation consultant | Provide feedback on various executive pay practices and governance during periodic meetings with management |
How We Review Market Compensation |
In determining the total compensation for each Named Executive Officer, which is the sum of base salary, bonus and long‑term incentives, the Compensation Committee generally considers a number of factors on a subjective basis, including:
(i) | the scope of the officer’s responsibilities within the Company and in relation to comparable officers at various companies within the peer group described below; |
(ii) | the experience of the officer within our industry and at the Company; |
(iii) | performance of the Named Executive Officer and his or her contribution to the Company; |
(iv) | the Company’s financial budget and general level of wage increases throughout the Company for the coming year; |
(v) | a review of historical compensation information for the individual officer; |
(vi) | the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer (other than with regard to his own compensation); and |
(vii) | data regarding compensation paid to officers with comparable titles, positions or responsibilities at REITs that are considered by the Compensation Committee to be comparable for these purposes. |
An officer’s target compensation is not mechanically set to be a particular percentage of the peer group average, although, as noted, the Compensation Committee does review the officer’s compensation relative to the peer group to help the Compensation Committee perform the subjective analysis described above.
An officer’s target compensation may vary from the peer group data for the following reasons:
(a) | the officer’s role and experience within the Company may be different from the role and experience of comparable officers at the peer companies; |
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(b) | the actual compensation for comparable officers at the peer companies may be the result of a year of over-performance or under-performance by the peer group; |
(c) | the target compensation and performance goals for comparable officers at peer companies may not have the same rigor as at the Company; and |
(d) | the Compensation Committee believes that ultimately the decision as to appropriate target compensation for a particular officer should be made based on the full review described above. |
Our incentive programs are designed so that actual performance in excess of the performance targets results in payouts above target and actual performance below the performance targets results in payouts below target or no payout, but there are caps on above‑target payouts.
How We Select and Use Peer Groups |
Companies for Market Compensation Purposes:
The Company regularly reviews the reference peer group described below, which it uses when evaluating the appropriate levels of executive compensation in order to maintain consistency and relevancy. In determining the peer group composition, the following elements are considered.
The final peers selected have one or more of the following characteristics:
• | Asset Focus (multi‑family/complexity of operations): contains a meaningful portfolio of multifamily properties and/or intense property management operations |
• | Size: defined as total capitalization (equity plus debt) within 0.5x to 2.0x of AvalonBay |
• | Talent: contains companies with whom we could compete for talent |
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The Company now uses the following 16 companies in its peer group for comparison of total compensation.
Source: S&P Global
Companies for Performance Award Measurement Purposes
The Company uses a different peer group for determining performance under its performance awards. The peer group for determining the level of total target compensation is based in part on size parameters since the Company is competing with similar sized companies for executive talent. For the performance awards, size is less of a consideration and more emphasis is placed on multi‑family peers since operating performance and shareholder return are more appropriately compared with direct competitors in our specific industry.
For the 2015 – 2017 performance awards relating to three‑year relative TSR, the following indices were used:
• | FTSE NAREIT Apartment Total Return Index represents REITs in the multifamily housing industry across the U.S. |
• | FTSE NAREIT Equity REITS Index represents a comprehensive group of REIT performance indices that spans a variety of commercial real estate space (such as retail, office, storage and multifamily) across the U.S. |
For the 2015 – 2017 performance awards relating to operating metrics, the following multifamily REITs were used as peer companies:
– | Apartment Investment and Management Company |
– | Associated Estates Realty Corporation |
– | Mid‑America Apartment Communities, Inc. |
– | Camden Property Trust |
– | Equity Residential |
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– | Essex Property Trust, Inc. |
– | Home Properties, Inc. |
– | Post Properties, Inc. |
– | UDR, Inc. |
These companies were chosen primarily because they are publicly-traded companies in the multifamily industry.
Please note that Associated Estates was acquired in August 2015, Home Properties was acquired in October 2015, and Post Properties was acquired in December 2016. For companies that were acquired during the performance period, their operating metrics were factored in for the portion of the performance period for which they were publicly traded companies that published operating results.
Who Are our Compensation Consultants |
The Compensation Committee has engaged Steven Hall & Partners, an executive compensation consulting firm, to provide it with advice and counsel on executive compensation as well as competitive pay practices. Steven Hall & Partners did not provide any services directly to the Company or its management. Management uses the services of FPL Associates, another compensation consulting firm, to provide it with advice and competitive pay practices and data. The Compensation Committee undertook an assessment of whether any material conflict of interest exists in connection with the services of Steven Hall & Partners to the Compensation Committee or the services of FPL Associates to management and concluded that there was no such material conflict of interest.
What We Pay and Why: Elements of Compensation |
Our executive compensation program contains the following pay components:
• | Base Salary – payable in cash |
• | Annual Incentive Award – payable in cash and stock contingent upon achievement of performance measures and goals |
• | Long‑term Incentive Awards – payable in the form of performance based awards with pre‑established measures and goals |
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Type | Component | Description | Connection to the Company’s business strategy/philosophy |
Fixed Compensation | Base Salary | This amount, payable in cash, is generally established each year in February and effective in March | Competitive base salaries help attract and retain key talent |
Performance‑based Compensation | Annual Incentive Award | Threshold, target and maximum targets and goals are established in February of each year and payouts are made the following year. Two forms of payments – cash and restricted stock that vests ratably over three years. | Drive Company and business unit performance Motivate individual performance Retain the services of the executive |
Long‑term Incentive Awards | A target number of performance units is granted with final payouts that may increase or decrease contingent upon absolute and relative TSR and operating performance against peer groups. The 2017 – 2019 performance awards are subject to additional three‑year time-vesting requirement. | Align executive officers’ compensation with the interests of stockholders Maximize the Company’s performance and reward management’s long‑term perspective | |
How We Establish Goals and Determine Achievement for Incentive Compensation |
Setting Goals: At the beginning of the year, the Board of Directors reviews and approves the Company’s business plan and budget. Subsequently, the Company’s management proposes corporate goals for that year for the annual bonus program and long‑term incentive program. The Compensation Committee reviews these proposed goals, adopts any revisions it may deem appropriate, and recommends the final corporate goals to the full Board of Directors for ratification and approval by a vote of the independent directors who would qualify for membership on the Compensation Committee.
Annual business unit goals are drafted by the head of each business unit and reviewed, modified and approved by the Chief Executive Officer.
The individual goals for the annual bonus program are determined in a similar manner, with the exception that the goals for the Chief Executive Officer are determined by the Compensation Committee and ratified by the independent directors of the Board who would qualify for membership on the Compensation Committee.
Determining Achievement: At the end of each year, the Chief Executive Officer reviews and recommends to the Compensation Committee his assessment of the achievement of corporate goals for both the annual bonus program and the long‑term incentive program, and the business unit and individual goals for the annual bonus program for the other Named Executive Officers. Recommendations for bonus awards and compensation changes for the Chief Executive Officer and all executive officers are approved by the Compensation Committee and are then ratified by the independent directors who qualify for membership on the Compensation Committee.
Design of the Annual Cash Incentive Program: Our annual bonus program emphasizes short term goals and is paid in cash.
Three components are measured to determine performance under the 2017 Annual Cash Incentive Program:
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• | Corporate performance, consisting of Core FFO per share, Development and Redevelopment NOI, Development Yield and Management Performance |
• | Business unit performance (applies to all Named Executive Officers except the Chief Executive Officer) |
• | Individual performance |
Why These Performance Measures are Selected:
Corporate Performance | Rationale |
Core FFO per Share | Core FFO per Share (or similar measures such as Operating FFO) is a key metric used by many REITS and tracked by equity research analysts. Core FFO per Share is reported in our quarterly results and periodic guidance to the market. Growth in Core FFO translates to confidence in the Company’s stock price. |
Development Lease-Up NOI & Redevelopment NOI vs. Budget | Development and Redevelopment are core competencies of the Company that contribute to value creation. Development and Redevelopment NOI are profit related measures that are important to fulfillment of the annual business plan. NOI helps investors and management to understand the core operations of a community or communities prior to the allocation of any corporate-level or financing-related costs. NOI reflects the operating performance of a community and allows for an easy comparison of the operating performance of individual assets or groups of assets. |
Development Completions (Yield vs. Target Yield) | Development yield is a return measure that reflects the economic returns from a development community as a percentage of the capital we invested in it. As a performance measure, we measure development yield on completed developments against the target yield we have for that asset. |
Management’s Performance against Goals | There are two components to the qualitative assessment of management’s performance: (i) strategic and corporate initiatives, and (ii) management effectiveness, where we gauge ourselves against pre‑established annual and multi-year goals. |
Review of 2017 Performance and Pay |
Annual Cash and Stock Incentive Program:
The goals, metrics and achievement for the corporate component of the 2017 Annual Cash Incentive Program are graphically illustrated in the following charts. Total performance under all corporate goals was determined to be 95% of target.
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Individual Goals and Achievement for Annual Cash Component
Individual goals for the officers include the executive’s leadership and managerial performance, as well as specific objectives, and are evaluated on a subjective basis annually. Individual performance for Mr. Naughton was determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee also determined individual performance for the other Named Executive Officers after receiving recommendations from Mr. Naughton. The Compensation Committee determinations were ratified and approved by the independent members of the Board who would qualify to serve on the Compensation Committee.
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Mr. Naughton’s individual goals for 2017 included (i) strategic portfolio management; (ii) investment and capital management with a focus on our balance sheet strength, liquidity management and development; (iii) operational and infrastructure enhancements and efficiency; (iv) continued focus on talent management, leadership development and succession planning; and (v) continued commitment on safety, innovation and stockholder engagement.
Individual goals for Mr. O’Shea in 2017 included (i) effective management of the Company’s capital plan; (ii) providing effective oversight of the accounting, financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, risk management, tax, treasury, and investment management functions; (iii) providing oversight of the Company’s shared service center; (iv) providing administrative oversight of the Company’s internal audit group; and (v) directing the Company’s investor relations efforts.
Mr. Birenbaum’s individual goals in 2017 included (i) advancing our portfolio management; (ii) developing market penetration strategies for potential market expansion; and (iii) continuing focus on brand implementation efforts.
Mr. Breslin’s individual goals in 2017 included (i) developing talent within the departments that fall under his primary areas of responsibility; (ii) executing initiatives to enhance portfolio revenue growth and reduce operating expenses; (iii) effectively managing the lease up performance of the Company’s Development and Redevelopment Communities; (iv) improving the Company’s Net Promoter Score and Online Reputation customer satisfaction metrics; and (v) maintaining high associate engagement scores.
Mr. Wilson’s individual goals in 2017 included: (i) effectively managing and staffing the West Coast and Mid Atlantic Development groups, with particular focus on building bench strength and succession planning; (ii) developing plans for regional rollout outs; and (iii) maintaining development rights pipeline with a balanced mix of new opportunities.
The achievement of individual goals by each of the Named Executive Officers in 2017 was determined to be within 20% of individual target performance.
Annual Stock Bonus Component
Each of the Named Executive Officers had an annual stock bonus component in their total pay package in 2017. Mr. Naughton’s annual stock bonus is based on a mix of quantitative and qualitative factors, as described below. Messrs. O’Shea, Birenbaum, Breslin and Wilson each received an annual stock bonus based upon the achievement of their business unit goals. When the annual stock bonus award is earned, it is awarded in the form of restricted stock that vests ratably over three years, based on continued employment but subject to earlier acceleration of vesting in the event of a termination due to death, disability, termination without cause, or retirement.
Mr. Naughton: Mr. Naughton’s performance measures for his annual stock bonus consisted of the following: (i) same store controllable net operating income vs budget; (ii) customer service – Net Promoter Score; (iii) review and assessment of overall construction performance, including budget, quality, schedule and safety; (iv) review and assessment of development starts and completions against plan; and (v) talent development and succession planning. Mr. Naughton’s achievement was determined to be 115.1%.
Mr. O’Shea: Mr. O’Shea’s business unit component was based on the achievements of the Financial Services Group, for which Mr. O’Shea has direct supervisory responsibility. The Financial Services Group includes the areas of capital markets, accounting, financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, risk management, tax, internal audit (for which he has administrative oversight), investor relations, and investment fund management, as well as our call center operations which support our apartment communities. The major goals of the Financial Services Group in 2017 included: (i) sourcing an attractive mix of debt and equity capital from the capital and transaction markets to fund our capital uses, primarily related to our investment and financing activity; (ii) executing the Company’s accounting, financial reporting, tax and risk management activities; (iii) executing and enhancing the Company’s budgeting and forecasting process; (iv) executing our internal audit program; (iv) ongoing management of the Company’s investment management funds; (v) executing the Company’s investor relations activities; and (vi) making improvements on the process and productivity for the Company’s shared service center. For 2017, the overall achievement for Mr. O’Shea’s business unit was determined to be 107.8% of target.
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Mr. Birenbaum: Mr. Birenbaum’s business unit component was based on the achievements of the Market Research, Design, Sustainability/Corporate Responsibility (CR) and Investments groups, for which Mr. Birenbaum has direct oversight responsibility. The major achievements of these groups in 2017 included: (i) investments transaction volume exceeding the target goal; (ii) actual acquisitions exceeding the target measure; (iii) total dispositions higher than the target goal; (iv) continuous development of new portfolio modeling and allocation tools to enhance portfolio management decisions; (v) rollout and implementation of the corporate philanthropy strategy and continued improvements against our 2020 Corporate Responsibility goals; and (vi) development of custom submarkets in the market research platform. For 2017, the overall achievement for Mr. Birenbaum’s business unit was determined to be 113.0% of target.
Mr. Breslin: Mr. Breslin’s business unit component was based on the achievements of the Residential Services, Redevelopment and Asset Management and Marketing, Consumer Insight and Brand Strategy functions, for which Mr. Breslin has direct oversight responsibility. The major goals of these groups in 2017 included: (i) the achievement of certain absolute and relative revenue, expense and NOI targets for the Company’s portfolio of properties; (ii) achievement of Net Promoter Score targets; (iii) redevelopment start volume and the completion of redevelopment communities at stabilized yields at or above pro forma expectations; and (iv) the execution of the Company’s marketing and brand strategy business plan for the year. For 2017, the overall achievement for Mr. Breslin’s business units was determined to be 116.2% of target.
Mr. Wilson: Mr. Wilson’s business unit component was based on the achievements of the West Coast and Mid Atlantic Development groups, as Mr. Wilson was the senior executive with oversight of those groups. Mr. Wilson’s business unit was evaluated against the following goals: (i) sourcing of new development rights, (ii) construction start volume and projected stabilized yields relative to target yields; (iii) construction completion volume as determined by total capital cost and actual stabilized yields relative to target yields; and (iv) actual construction costs relative to budgeted costs and actual schedule performance relative to budgeted schedule performance. For 2017, the overall achievement for Mr. Wilson’s business unit was determined to be 163.7% of target.
Long‑Term Incentive Program:
Design of the Long‑Term Incentive Program: Under our multi‑year, long‑term incentive award program, performance awards are granted each year with a target number of performance units that may be reduced or increased at the end of the three year performance period depending on achievement against established metrics. For the 2017-2019 performance period, the performance units that are earned at the end of the performance period are settled in restricted shares of common stock that are subject to an additional three‑year vesting requirement, based on continued employment but subject to earlier acceleration of vesting in the event of a termination due to death, disability, termination without cause, or retirement.
The metrics under the performance awards made in 2017 with a three‑year performance period ending on December 31, 2019 are as follows:
TSR Metrics (Weighted 60%) | Performance Level and Metric(1)(2) (relative performance stated as basis points above or below index performance) | |||
Threshold | Target | Maximum | Percent of Total Award | |
Absolute metric | 4.0% | 8.0% | 12.0% | 33.4% |
Relative to FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index | -4.0% | 0.0% | 4.0% | 33.3% |
Relative to FTSE NAREIT Apartments Index | -3.0% | 0.0% | 3.0% | 33.3% |
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Operating Metrics (Weighted 40%) | Performance Level and Metric(1)(2) (relative performance stated as (i) basis points above or below average peer performance(3) or (ii) difference between AVB performance and average peer performance) | |||
Threshold | Target | Maximum | Percent of Total Award | |
Core FFO per share growth vs. peers | -3.0% | Equal to Peer Avg. | +3.0% | 66.7% |
Net Debt-to-Core EBITDA ratio vs. peers | 1.5x | Equal to Peer Avg. | -1.5x | 33.3% |
(1) | For target performance, 100% achievement is earned, for performance at maximum or above, 200% achievement is earned, and for threshold performance, 50% achievement is earned. For results between threshold and target, or between target and maximum, payouts shall be based on interpolation. For performance below threshold, no achievement is earned. |
(2) | The absolute and relative metrics above reflect the metrics used for the awards made in 2017 for the performance period maturing on December 31, 2019. |
(3) | The peers used in calculating each of the Operating Performance Metrics include: Apartment Investment and Management Company, Mid‑America Apartment Communities, Inc., Camden Property Trust, Equity Residential, Essex Property Trust, Inc., and UDR, Inc. Operating metrics for companies that are acquired during the performance period will be factored in for the portion of the performance period for which they were publicly traded companies that published operating results. |
Why These Performance Measures are Selected
The Performance Awards strengthen the alignment of executive compensation with long‑term stockholder value creation. Our Named Executive Officers have the opportunity to earn shares of AvalonBay common stock with a value that adjusts based on absolute increases in our stock price as well as AvalonBay’s TSR relative to the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index and FTSE NAREIT Apartments Index. These two indices are selected because they represent the broader REIT industry and the REIT apartment industry, respectively.
Operating metrics in the form of Core FFO per share growth and Net Debt‑to‑Core EBITDA ratio against peers are chosen to motivate our officers to focus on critical operating performance objectives that we believe will translate into sustainable stockholder returns over the long term.
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How the Company Performed for Performance Awards Ending December 2017
The goals, metrics and achievement for the performance awards maturing on December 31, 2017 are graphically illustrated in the following charts:
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2017 Compensation Determinations |
The following tables provide information on the Named Executive Officers’ 2017 Compensation:
Review of 2017 Base Salary
Name | Base Salary ($) |
Mr. Naughton | 1,000,000 |
Mr. O’Shea | 575,000 |
Mr. Birenbaum | 575,000 |
Mr. Breslin | 575,000 |
Mr. Wilson | 500,000 |
Review of 2017 Annual Cash Bonus:
Annual Weight of Each Component | |||||
Name | Corporate | Business Unit | Individual | ||
Mr. Naughton | 75% | — | 25% | ||
Mr. O’Shea | 40% | 40% | 20% | ||
Mr. Birenbaum | 40% | 40% | 20% | ||
Mr. Breslin | 40% | 40% | 20% | ||
Mr. Wilson | 40% | 40% | 20% | ||
Name | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) | Actual Cash Bonus ($) |
Mr. Naughton | 875,000 | 1,750,000 | 3,500,000 | 1,750,000 |
Mr. O’Shea | 345,000 | 690,000 | 1,380,000 | 711,528 |
Mr. Birenbaum | 345,000 | 690,000 | 1,380,000 | 725,880 |
Mr. Breslin | 345,000 | 690,000 | 1,380,000 | 734,712 |
Mr. Wilson | 250,000 | 500,000 | 1,000,000 | 632,400 |
Review of 2017 Annual Stock Bonus (based on business unit performance for Named Executive Officers other than Mr. Naughton):
Name | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) | Actual Stock Bonus ($) |
Mr. Naughton | 625,000 | 1,250,000 | 2,500,000 | 1,438,750 |
Mr. O’Shea | 350,000 | 700,000 | 1,400,000 | 754,600 |
Mr. Birenbaum | 350,000 | 700,000 | 1,400,000 | 791,000 |
Mr. Breslin | 350,000 | 700,000 | 1,400,000 | 813,400 |
Mr. Wilson | 275,000 | 550,000 | 1,100,000 | 900,350 |
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2015 – 2017 Performance Awards Update
The following table shows the actual performance units earned at the completion of the three‑year performance period that are settled in restricted shares of stock subject to an additional three year service-based vesting requirement.
Name | Target Number of Performance Units | Actual Performance Achievement % | Actual Number of Performance Units earned (restricted shares subject to additional time vesting) |
Mr. Naughton | 28,380 | 107.30% | 30,436 |
Mr. O’Shea | 4,366 | 107.30% | 4,682 |
Mr. Birenbaum | 5,374 | 107.30% | 5,764 |
Mr. Breslin | 5,374 | 107.30% | 5,764 |
Mr. Wilson | 3,359 | 107.30% | 3,602 |
2018 Compensation Determinations |
The following compensation determinations were made for 2018 for the Named Executive Officers:
Base Salary for 2018, effective February 25, 2018
Name | Base Salary ($) |
Mr. Naughton | 1,000,000 |
Mr. O’Shea | 600,000 |
Mr. Birenbaum | 600,000 |
Mr. Breslin | 600,000 |
Mr. Wilson | 525,000 |
The target, threshold and maximum 2018 annual bonus for each Named Executive Officer:
Annual Cash Bonus Targets | Annual Restricted Stock Bonus Targets | |||||
Name | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) |
Mr. Naughton | 1,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 4,000,000 | 875,000 | 1,750,000 | 3,500,000 |
Mr. O’Shea | 375,000 | 750,000 | 1,500,000 | 350,000 | 700,000 | 1,400,000 |
Mr. Birenbaum | 375,000 | 750,000 | 1,500,000 | 390,000 | 780,000 | 1,560,000 |
Mr. Breslin | 375,000 | 750,000 | 1,500,000 | 390,000 | 780,000 | 1,560,000 |
Mr. Wilson | 262,500 | 525,000 | 1,050,000 | 287,500 | 575,000 | 1,150,000 |
The target, threshold and maximum number of performance units granted in 2018 that may be earned for the performance period 2018‑2020:
2018 – 2020 Total Shareholder Return Metric | 2018– 2020 Operating Metric | |||||
Name | Threshold (#) | Target(1) (#) | Maximum (#) | Threshold (#) | Target(1) (#) | Maximum (#) |
Mr. Naughton | 10,385 | 20,769 | 41,538 | 6,518 | 13,035 | 26,070 |
Mr. O’Shea | 2,077 | 4,154 | 8,308 | 1,304 | 2,607 | 5,214 |
Mr. Birenbaum | 2,314 | 4,628 | 9,256 | 1,453 | 2,905 | 5,810 |
Mr. Breslin | 2,314 | 4,628 | 9,256 | 1,453 | 2,905 | 5,810 |
Mr. Wilson | 1,138 | 2,275 | 4,550 | 714 | 1,428 | 2,856 |
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(1) | The target number of units is derived from the following target dollar values: $5,250,000 for Mr. Naughton; $1,050,000 for Mr. O’Shea, $1,170,000 for Mr. Birenbaum, $1,170,000 for Mr. Breslin and $575,000 for Mr. Wilson. To derive the target number of units, 60% of the target dollar value (representing the portion of the award tied to TSR Metrics) was divided by the Monte Carlo value as of February 15, 2018 (the approval date) for a unit based solely on the TSR metrics ($151.67 per unit) and 40% of the target dollar value (representing the portion of the award tied to Operating Metrics) was divided by the closing price of Common Stock on February 15, 2018 ($161.10 per share). After a review by the Compensation Committee of (i) market practices, and (ii) the Company's experience in recruiting candidates and discussing our compensation program, and a determination made as a result thereof, starting with the 2018 – 2020 performance units, no additional time vesting requirement will be attached to these awards after they are earned at the end of the three year performance cycle. Additionally, cash dividends will be accrued and paid at the end of the performance period based on actual earned performance units. The 2018 Performance Award Agreement also reflected changes to the weightings of certain metrics and changes to the threshold and maximum levels of certain metrics. |
Other Benefits |
Pursuant to our Deferred Compensation Plan, certain employees, including the Named Executive Officers, may defer up to 25% of base annual salary and up to 50% of annual cash bonus on a pre‑tax basis and receive a tax‑deferred return on those deferrals. Deferral elections are made by eligible employees during an open enrollment period each year for amounts to be earned in the following year. Participating employees direct the deemed investment of their deferral accounts by selecting among certain available investments in mutual funds.
We have an employee stock purchase plan that allows our employees the opportunity to purchase up to $25,000 of our Common Stock per year at a 15% discount to the lower of the closing price of the Common Stock, as reported on the NYSE, on the first business day of the purchase period or the closing price of the Common Stock on the last day of the purchase period. For 2017 there were two purchase periods, January 1 – June 10 and July 1 – December 10, with the opportunity to purchase up to $12,500 of our Common Stock at the discounted rate previously mentioned during each of the two purchase periods (up to $25,000 annually). In addition, we maintain a 401(k) retirement savings plan and match 50% of the contributions up to the first six percent of a participant's eligible compensation (subject to certain tax limitations). We offer medical, dental and vision plans, a portion of the cost of which is paid by the employee. We also provide life insurance, accidental dismemberment insurance, and short‑term and long‑term disability insurance for each employee.
Compensation Policies |
Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines. The Company believes that stock ownership by its executive officers is important and has established formal Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines for officers who are at the executive vice president level or above or are subject to reporting under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. These guidelines provide that persons holding the title of Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President are expected to maintain ownership of Common Stock (including unvested restricted shares) equal to six times their base salary. The multiples that apply to other covered officers are as follows: Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice Presidents—three times; Senior Vice Presidents—one and one‑half times; Vice Presidents—one time. The full text of the Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines, which includes the time periods by which such ownership must be achieved and a retention policy during periods of non‑achievement, is posted on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website (www.avalonbay.com) under “Corporate Governance Documents.” The Company also has Director Stock Ownership Guidelines as discussed in “Director Compensation and Director Stock Ownership Guidelines” of the proxy statement.
Prohibition Against Hedging, Pledging or Borrowing Against Company Stock. The Company has adopted a formal policy prohibiting its officers and directors from (i) borrowing money from a broker or other lender that is secured by Company securities, and (ii) holding Company securities in a brokerage account that has outstanding “margin” debt. In addition, the policy prohibits sales of Company securities by an officer or director if he or she does not own the security at the time of the sale (a “short sale”), and prohibits the buying or selling of puts or calls in respect of any Company securities.
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Severance Policy. The Board has adopted a Policy Regarding Shareholder Approval of Future Severance Agreements (the “Severance Policy”). The Severance Policy generally provides that the Company will not, without stockholder approval or ratification, enter into or bind the Company to the terms of any future severance agreement with a senior executive officer that provides for severance benefits (as defined) in excess of 2.99 times the sum of the officer’s base salary plus annual cash bonus. The Severance Policy, which is posted on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website (www.avalonbay.com) under “Corporate Governance Documents,” provides additional detail regarding the application of this policy.
Policy on Recoupment of Incentive Compensation (Clawback Policy). The Board has adopted a Policy for Recoupment of Incentive Compensation (i.e., a compensation clawback policy), which applies to senior officers (generally senior vice presidents and above). Pursuant to this policy, in the event the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material non‑compliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement, then an independent committee of the Board of Directors may require any covered officer to repay to the Company all or part of any “Excess Compensation” that such officer had previously received. Excess Compensation is defined as that part of the incentive compensation received by a covered officer during the 3‑year period preceding the publication of the restated financial statement that was in excess of the amount that such officer would have received had such incentive compensation been calculated based on the financial results reported in the restated financial statement. The full text of the policy is posted on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website (www.avalonbay.com) under “Corporate Governance Documents.”
Practices with Regard to Dates and Pricing of Stock and Option Grants |
The Compensation Committee determines the number of shares underlying options and shares of restricted stock to award to officers as part of annual compensation. Those members of the Board of Directors who would qualify for service on the Compensation Committee review and ratify these awards at the Board’s regularly scheduled February meeting. The award date for options and stock grants is generally the date of ratification, but may be delayed to a date after such ratification if there is a pending announcement by the Company of material non‑public information, such as an earnings release. In all cases, our options are granted: (i) on the dates described above; (ii) on the date of (or a date set in connection with) a new hire’s start with the Company as approved by the CEO in advance of the start date; or (iii) on the date of approval by the CEO for retention or recognition purposes up to a Board‑authorized maximum value of $250,000. Option exercise prices are determined by the NYSE closing price of our Common Stock on the date of grant. Additionally, all officers must receive prior authorization for any purchase or sale of our Common Stock (unless made pursuant to a previously approved Rule 10b5‑1 plan), which, in the case of open market transactions, is generally only given during approved trading windows that are generally established in advance based upon earnings release dates.
Risk Considerations |
The Compensation Committee reviewed and considered risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices for its employees. This review included consideration of the following specific elements of the Company’s executive compensation policies and procedures:
• | annual bonus and long‑term incentive awards are based upon pre‑existing, defined goals; |
• | annual goals contain multiple financial targets, including performance against a pre‑approved budget; |
• | performance goals include both absolute performance and performance relative to industry peers; |
• | annual goals balance financial and non‑financial performance; |
• | goals include corporate, business unit, and individual performance goals; |
• | performance goals include achievement against both single year and multiyear metrics; |
• | executive compensation is structured as a mix among salary, cash bonus, and equity awards; |
• | equity awards vest over time; |
• | bonus and long‑term equity programs include maximum payouts or “caps”; |
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• | all unvested equity awards are forfeited upon a termination for cause or voluntary termination under certain circumstances; |
• | the metrics that are included in our long‑term performance awards include a goal addressing appropriate leverage ratios; |
• | achievement of metrics is not determined on an “all or nothing” basis, but rather goals may be achieved on a graduated basis based on performance against the stated target; and |
• | while awards are generally made in relation to performance against specific goals, the Compensation Committee retains the discretion to adjust annual bonuses of cash and restricted stock as may be warranted by specific circumstances. |
Following this review, the Compensation Committee concluded that any risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company at this time, although no assurances can be given in this regard.
Section 162(m) |
The SEC requires that this report comment upon the Company’s policy with respect to Section 162(m) of the Tax Code, which limits the deductibility on the Company’s tax return of compensation over $1 million to the Chief Executive Officer and any of its three other most highly paid executive officers (other than the Chief Financial Officer) unless, in general, for the tax years prior to 2018, the compensation is paid pursuant to a plan which is performance‑related, non‑discretionary and has been approved by the Company’s stockholders. Although certain qualifying "performance-based compensation" was previously exempt from this deduction limit, the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made certain changes to Section 162(m) of the Tax Code. Pursuant to such changes, "performance-based compensation" is no longer exempt under Section 162(m) effective for tax years beginning after January 1, 2017, subject to a transition rule for written binding contracts which were in effect on November 2, 2017, and which were not modified in any material respect on or after such date. The Company believes that, because it qualifies as a REIT under the Tax Code and pays dividends sufficient to minimize federal income taxes, the payment of compensation that does not satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) will generally not affect the Company’s net income. If that compensation does not qualify for a deduction under Section 162(m), there could be a modest effect on the Company’s dividend requirements to qualify as a REIT or on the tax characterization of such dividends. The Company does not believe that Section 162(m) will materially affect its dividend requirements or the taxability of stockholder distributions, although no assurance can be given in this regard due to the variety of factors that affect the tax position of each stockholder. For these reasons, the Compensation Committee’s compensation policy and practices are not directly guided by considerations relating to Section 162(m).
Compensation Committee Report |
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation, has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S‑K of the Securities and Exchange Commission with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee
W. Edward Walter (Chair)
Alan B. Buckelew
H. Jay Sarles
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee currently consists of W. Edward Walter (Chair), Alan B. Buckelew and H. Jay Sarles. None of them has served as an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. No member of the Compensation Committee has any other business relationship or affiliation with the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than his service as a director).
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Summary Compensation Table
The table below summarizes the compensation amounts paid in or earned by each of the Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
Executives are eligible to defer a portion of their salaries and bonuses under our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The amounts shown below are before any deferrals under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($)(1) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($)(2)(3) | Option Awards ($)(2)(4) | Non–equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(5) | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(6) | All Other Compensation ($)(7) | Total ($) | |
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | |
Timothy J. Naughton | 2017 | 990,385 | 0 | 5,064,956 | (8) | 0 | 1,750,000 | 0 | 88,486 | 7,893,827 |
Chief Executive Officer | 2016 | 950,000 | 0 | 4,225,111 | 0 | 1,468,106 | 0 | 54,012 | 6,697,229 | |
2015 | 950,000 | 0 | 4,441,381 | 0 | 1,871,738 | 0 | 55,367 | 7,318,486 | ||
Kevin P. O’Shea | 2017 | 570,192 | 0 | 1,626,097 | (9) | 0 | 711,528 | 0 | 23,608 | 2,931,425 |
Chief Financial Officer | 2016 | 540,385 | 0 | 1,161,141 | 0 | 577,280 | 0 | 23,214 | 2,302,020 | |
2015 | 480,769 | 0 | 829,772 | 0 | 604,720 | 0 | 24,208 | 1,939,469 | ||
Matthew H. Birenbaum | 2017 | 570,192 | 0 | 1,798,004 | (10) | 0 | 725,880 | 0 | 23,608 | 3,117,684 |
Chief Investment Officer | 2016 | 540,385 | 0 | 1,402,621 | 0 | 616,880 | 0 | 23,214 | 2,583,100 | |
2015 | 490,385 | 0 | 1,095,481 | 0 | 625,800 | 0 | 24,208 | 2,235,874 | ||
Sean J. Breslin | 2017 | 570,192 | 0 | 1,718,139 | (11) | 0 | 734,712 | 0 | 23,445 | 3,046,488 |
Chief Operating Officer | 2016 | 540,385 | 0 | 1,468,050 | 0 | 568,700 | 0 | 16,939 | 2,594,074 | |
2015 | 490,385 | 0 | 1,201,249 | 0 | 629,800 | 0 | 17,390 | 2,338,824 | ||
Stephen W. Wilson | 2017 | 495,192 | 0 | 1,212,012 | (12) | 0 | 632,400 | 0 | 21,527 | 2,361,131 |
EVP, Development | 2016 | 465,385 | 0 | 1,385,859 | 0 | 547,390 | 0 | 21,021 | 2,419,655 | |
2015 | 425,000 | 0 | 1,451,958 | 0 | 624,240 | 0 | 21,374 | 2,522,572 | ||
(1) | The amounts shown as salary in column (c) reflect actual payments received in each indicated year, which may vary slightly from the salary described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis as a result of (i) the number of pay periods in each calendar year and (ii) the fact that salary increases do not go into effect until early March of each year. |
(2) | The amounts in column (e) and column (f) include restricted stock and option awards actually granted during the fiscal year for service in the prior fiscal year. For example, the row for 2017 includes the value of stock awards made in February 2017 with respect to 2016 service. |
(3) | The amounts in column (e) reflect the aggregate grant date fair value for awards made in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for restricted stock awards and performance unit awards made pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. The value of restricted stock awards is based solely on the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of grant and no assumptions were used in the calculation of this value. The value of performance unit awards is based on Operating Metrics established in 2017, for measurement periods January 1, 2017—December 31, 2019, is based on the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of grant of $179.07. The value of performance unit awards based on TSR metrics made in 2017, which were made for the measurement period 2017‑2019, is based on the Monte Carlo value of $175.86. The total value of 2017‑2019 performance unit award, if earned at maximum and valued at the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of grant, for the Named Executive Officers is: Mr. Naughton—$9,098,547; Messrs. O’Shea, Birenbaum, and Breslin—$2,122,696; and Mr. Wilson—$1,112,025. |
(4) | No stock options were granted to the Named Executive Officers in 2017, 2016 and 2015. |
(5) | The amounts shown in column (g) reflect the cash awards to the named individuals determined by the Compensation Committee in February of the following year (based upon the achievement of the performance metrics established in the year indicated, as more fully described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis above) and ratified by the members of the full Board of Directors who would be qualified to serve on the Compensation Committee. |
(6) | All earnings under the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation program are determined by reference to returns of actual mutual funds and the Company does not consider such earnings to be above market. |
(7) | For 2017, the amounts shown in column (i) include, for each Named Executive Officer (a) amounts contributed by the Company to the Named Executive Officers’ 401(k) accounts in the amount of $8,100 each for Messrs. Naughton, O’Shea, Birenbaum, and Wilson; and Mr. Breslin—$8,087, (b) and medical benefit premiums paid by the Company in the amount of $14,108 each for Messrs. Naughton, O’Shea, Birenbaum, and Breslin; and Mr. Wilson—$9,432 and (c) (i) with respect to Mr. Naughton, the net cash value of $66,278 in a Company-owned life insurance policy on Mr. Naughton which was assigned to Mr. Naughton in 2017, with the |
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Company recovering, in connection with such assignment, the cumulative corporate premiums that the Company had paid on such policy previously; see “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Sale Event – Endorsement Split Dollar Agreements" and (ii) with respect to the other Named Executive Officers, the premiums paid by the Company for a standard term life insurance policy in the face amount of $750,000 for: Mr. O’Shea—$1,400; Mr. Birenbaum—$1,400; Mr. Breslin—$1,250; and Mr. Wilson—$3,995.
(8) | Stock awards for Mr. Naughton in 2017 included the following: 3,155 shares of restricted stock awarded in respect of 2016 performance; 25,405 total target performance units maturing at the end of 2019 that are subject to three-year time‑based vesting thereafter. |
(9) | Stock awards for Mr. O’Shea in 2017 included the following: 3,218 shares of restricted stock awarded in respect of 2016 performance; 5,927 total target performance units maturing at the end of 2019 that are subject to three-year time‑based vesting thereafter,. |
(10) | Stock awards for Mr. Birenbaum in 2017 included the following: 4,178 shares of restricted stock awarded in respect of 2016 performance; 5,927 total target performance units maturing at the end of 2019 that are subject to three-year time‑based vesting thereafter. |
(11) | Stock awards for Mr. Breslin in 2017 included the following: 3,732 shares of restricted stock awarded in respect of 2016 performance; 5,927 total target performance units maturing at the end of 2019 that are subject to three-year time‑based vesting thereafter. |
(12) | Stock awards for Mr. Wilson in 2017 included the following: 3,697 shares of restricted stock awarded in respect of 2016 performance; 3,105 total target performance units maturing at the end of 2019 that are subject to three-year time‑based vesting thereafter. |
Grants of Plan‑Based Awards
The table below sets out the grants made to the Named Executive Officers in 2017 under the Company’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non–Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) | Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2) | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)(3) (i) | All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) (j) | Exercise or Base Price of Options Awards ($/Share) (k) | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Options Awards ($)(4) (l) | ||||||
Name (a) | Grant Date (b) | Threshold ($) (c) | Target ($) (d) | Maximum ($) (e) | Threshold (#) (f) | Target (#) (g) | Maximum (#) (h) | ||||
Mr. Naughton | 2/16/2017 | 1,500,000 | 3,000,000 | 6,000,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
2/16/2017 | -- | -- | -- | 12,703 | 25,405 | 50,810 | -- | -- | -- | 4,499,990 | |
2/16/2017 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 3,155 | -- | -- | 564,966 | |
Mr. O’Shea | 2/16/2017 | 695,000 | 1,390,000 | 2,780,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
2/16/2017 | -- | -- | -- | 2,964 | 5,927 | 11,854 | -- | -- | -- | 1,049,850 | |
2/16/2017 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 3,218 | -- | -- | 576,247 | |
Mr. Birenbaum | 2/16/2017 | 695,000 | 1,390,000 | 2,780,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
2/16/2017 | -- | -- | -- | 2,964 | 5,927 | 11,854 | -- | -- | -- | 1,049,850 | |
2/16/2017 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 4,178 | -- | -- | 748,154 | ||
Mr. Breslin | 2/16/2017 | 695,000 | 1,390,000 | 2,780,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
2/16/2017 | -- | -- | -- | 2,964 | 5,927 | 11,854 | -- | -- | -- | 1,049,850 | |
2/16/2017 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 3,732 | -- | -- | 668,289 | |
Mr. Wilson | 2/16/2017 | 525,000 | 1,050,000 | 2,100,000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
2/16/2017 | -- | -- | -- | 1,553 | 3,105 | 6,210 | -- | -- | -- | 549,990 | |
2/16/2017 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 3,697 | -- | -- | 662,022 | |
(1) | The amounts shown in columns (c), (d) and (e) reflect the threshold, target and maximum payment levels for 2017 under our annual bonus plan, which were established on February 16, 2017. The annual bonus is paid in cash and restricted stock. The actual cash bonuses received by each of the Named Executive Officers for performance in 2017, paid in 2018, are set out in column (g) of the Summary Compensation Table. |
(2) | The amounts shown in columns (f), (g) and (h) reflect the threshold, target and maximum number of performance units awarded in 2017 for the performance period 2017‑2019 under the long‑term incentive performance program. The grant date fair value of |
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2017‑2019 awards is based on the closing price on the grant date of $179.07 for the operating metric portion of the award and the Monte Carlo value of $175.86 for the TSR metric portion of the award. Dividends are not paid on outstanding performance units.
(3) | The number of shares of restricted stock shown in column (i) granted on February 16, 2017 represents the actual number of shares of restricted stock granted to the Named Executive Officers, with respect to performance in 2016, and do not represent compensation for performance in 2017. Dividends are payable on the shares at the same rate as dividends are paid on all outstanding shares of our Common Stock. |
(4) | For the February 16, 2017 grants of restricted stock, the value was calculated based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant of $179.07. |
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End |
Option Awards(1) | Stock Awards(2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Name | Grant Date | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options: Exercisable (#) | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options: Unexercisable (#) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) | Option Exercise Price ($) | Option Expiration Date | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(6) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)(7) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)(6) | |||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | ||||||||||
Mr. Naughton | 2/16/2012 | 18,602 | — | — | 132.95 | 2/16/2022 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||
2/13/2013 | 28,542 | — | — | 130.23 | 2/13/2023 | 23,906 | (3) | 4,265,069 | — | — | |||||||||
3/13/2013 | 26,634 | — | — | 126.78 | 3/13/2023 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
2/28/2014 | — | — | — | — | — | 52,628 | (4) | 9,389,361 | — | — | |||||||||
2/26/2015 | — | — | — | — | — | 30,436 | (5) | 5,430,087 | — | — | |||||||||
2/11/2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 59,554 | 10,625,029 | ||||||||||
2/16/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | 3,155 | 562,884 | 50,810 | 9,065,012 | ||||||||||
Mr. O’Shea | 2/13/2013 | — | — | — | — | — | 3,214 | (3) | 573,410 | — | — | ||||||||
2/28/2014 | — | — | — | — | — | 9,015 | (4) | 1,608,366 | — | — | |||||||||
2/12/2015 | — | — | — | — | — | 346 | 61,730 | — | — | ||||||||||
2/26/2015 | — | — | — | — | — | 4,682 | (5) | 835,316 | — | — | |||||||||
2/11/2016 | — | — | — | — | — | 1,450 | 258,695 | 11,416 | 2,036,729 | ||||||||||
2/16/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | 3,218 | 574,123 | 11,854 | 2,114,872 | ||||||||||
Mr. Birenbaum | 2/13/2013 | — | — | — | — | — | 3,863 | (3) | 689,198 | — | — | ||||||||
2/28/2014 | — | — | — | — | — | 12,582 | (4) | 2,244,755 | — | — | |||||||||
2/12/2015 | — | — | — | — | — | 568 | 101,337 | — | — | ||||||||||
2/26/2015 | — | — | — | — | — | 5,764 | (5) | 1,028,355 | — | — | |||||||||
2/11/2016 | — | — | — | — | — | 2,074 | 370,022 | 12,686 | 2,263,309 | ||||||||||
2/16/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | 4,178 | 745,397 | 11,854 | 2,114,872 | ||||||||||
Mr. Breslin | 2/16/2012 | 752 | — | — | 132.95 | 2/16/2022 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||
2/13/2013 | 7,644 | — | — | 130.23 | 2/13/2023 | 3,364 | (3) | 600,171 | — | — | |||||||||
2/28/2014 | — | — | — | — | — | 10,199 | (4) | 1,819,604 | — | — | |||||||||
2/12/2015 | — | — | — | — | — | 772 | 137,733 | — | — | ||||||||||
2/26/2015 | — | — | — | — | — | 5,764 | (5) | 1,028,355 | — | — | |||||||||
2/11/2016 | — | — | — | — | — | 2,551 | 455,124 | 11,980 | 2,137,352 | ||||||||||
2/16/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | 3,732 | 665,826 | 11,854 | 2,114,872 | ||||||||||
Mr. Wilson | 2/13/2013 | — | — | — | — | — | 1,903 | (3) | 339,514 | — | — | ||||||||
2/28/2014 | — | — | — | — | — | 6,885 | (4) | 1,228,353 | — | — | |||||||||
2/12/2015 | — | — | — | — | — | 1,831 | 326,669 | — | — | ||||||||||
2/26/2015 | — | — | — | — | — | 3,602 | (5) | 642,633 | — | — | |||||||||
2/11/2016 | — | — | — | — | — | 3,656 | 652,267 | 7,048 | 1,257,434 | ||||||||||
2/16/2017 | — | — | — | — | — | 3,697 | 659,582 | 6,210 | 1,107,926 | ||||||||||
(1) | Stock options granted under the Company’s 2009 Incentive Plan were fully vested as of December 31, 2017. Such awards became exercisable in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. |
(2) | Stock awards vest one-third starting on March 1 of the year following the date of the grant. Dividends are payable on the shares at the same rate as dividends are paid on all outstanding shares of our Common Stock. However, dividends are not payable on outstanding performance units. |
(3) | Represents performance units awards that were earned under the 2012-2014 and 2013-2015 performance periods that were converted into time-based restricted stock awards on February 12, 2015 and February 14, 2016 respectively. Such awards vest in three substantially equal installments beginning March 1, 2016 and March 1, 2017 respectively. |
(4) | Represents performance units awards that were earned under the 2014, 2014-2015 and 2014-2016 performance periods that were converted into time-based restricted stock awards on February 12, 2015, February 14, 2016, and February 16, 2017 respectively. Such awards vest in three substantially equal installments beginning March 1, 2016, March 1, 2017, and March 1, 2018 respectively. |
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(5) | Represents performance units awards that were earned under the 2015-2017 performance period that converted into time-based restricted stock awards on February 15, 2018. The converted time-based restricted stock awards vest in three substantially equal installments beginning March 1, 2019. |
(6) | Based on the closing price of the Common Stock of $178.41 per shares as reported on the NYSE on December 29, 2017, the final trading day of the fiscal year |
(7) | The amounts in column (i) include performance unit awards at maximum performance levels maturing at the end of 2018 and 2019, which are subject to time-based vesting thereafter. Earned performance units related to the performance period ending in 2018 will convert into shares of restricted stock on or around February 15, 2019 and vest ratably over three years starting on March 1, 2020. Earned performance units related to the performance period ending in 2019 will convert into shares of restricted stock on or around February 15, 2020 and will vest ratably over three years starting on March 1, 2021. Maximum performance levels were used because actual achievement for the performance awards concluded at the end of fiscal year 2017 was at or above target. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table
The following table identifies the number of shares underlying options exercised during 2017 for each of the Named Executive Officers, the value realized on such exercises, the number of shares of restricted stock that vested during 2017 for each such officer and the value of such shares on the date of vesting. The value realized upon exercise of the options is the product of (1) the stock price of our Common Stock on the date of exercise minus the exercise price multiplied by (2) the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the exercised options.
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||
Name (a) | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) (b) | Value Realized on Exercise ($) (1) (c) | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) (d) | Value Realized on Vesting ($)(2) (e) |
Mr. Naughton | 15,820 | 1,196,644 | 28,267 | 5,181,624 |
Mr. O’Shea | - | - | 6,184 | 1,133,589 |
Mr. Birenbaum | - | - | 7,166 | 1,313,599 |
Mr. Breslin | - | - | 7,974 | 1,461,714 |
Mr. Wilson | - | - | 7,381 | 1,353,011 |
(1) The closing stock price on the dates of exercise was $191.20 and $192.75 on May 2, 2017 and May 5, 2017 respectively.
(2) These shares of restricted stock vested on March 1, 2017. The closing price of our Common Stock, as reported on the NYSE for March 1, 2017 was $183.81 per share.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Pursuant to our Deferred Compensation Plan, certain employees of the Company, including the Named Executive Officers, may defer up to 25% of base annual salary and up to 50% of annual cash bonus on a pre‑tax basis and receive a tax‑deferred return on those deferrals. Deferral elections are made by eligible employees during an open enrollment period each year for amounts to be earned in the following year. Participating employees direct the deemed investment of their deferral
accounts by selecting among certain available investment funds. The table below shows the investment funds available under the Deferred Compensation Plan and their annual rate of return for the calendar year ended December 31, 2017. Since the investment funds are all publicly available, we do not consider any of the earnings credited under the Deferred Compensation Plan to be “above market".
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Name of Fund | 2017 Rate of Return (%) |
American Funds Europacific Growth R4 (REREX) | 30.70 |
American Funds Fundamental Invs R4 (RFNEX) | 23.29 |
Cohen & Steers Realty Shares (CSRSX) | 7.09 |
Columbia Dividend Opportunity Inst (CDOZX) | 14.51 |
Fidelity® 500 Index Institutional (FXSIX) (1) | 21.79 |
Fidelity® Government MMkt (SPAXX) (2) | 0.51 |
Fidelity® International Index Premium (FSIVX) (3) | 25.35 |
Fidelity® Mid Cap Index Premium (FSCKX) | 18.44 |
Fidelity® Small Cap Index Premium (FSSVX) | 14.83 |
Janus Henderson Triton A (JGMAX) | 26.65 |
JHancock Disciplined Value Mid Cap I (JVMIX) | 15.64 |
JPMorgan Large Cap Growth I (SEEGX) | 37.99 |
MFS® Value R3 (MEIHX) | 17.46 |
PIMCO Total Return Instl (PTTRX) | 5.13 |
T. Rowe Price Emerging Markets Stock (PRMSX) | 42.85 |
T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Growth Adv (PAMCX) | 24.53 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2005 (TRRFX) | 10.67 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2010 (TRRAX) | 11.66 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2015 (TRRGX) | 13.34 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2020 (TRRBX) | 15.74 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2025 (TRRHX) | 17.68 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2030 (TRRCX) | 19.45 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2035 (TRRJX) | 20.88 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2040 (TRRDX) | 22.02 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2045 (TRRKX) | 22.41 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2050 (TRRMX) | 22.38 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2055 (TRRNX) | 22.33 |
T. Rowe Price Retirement 2060 (TRRLX) (3) | 22.29 |
Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Adm (VBTLX) | 3.57 |
Wells Fargo Growth Admin (SGRKX) | 34.88 |
(1) The Fidelity® 500 Index Institutional (FXSIX) replaced the Fidelity® Spartan 500 Index Advtg (FUSVX) effective November 1, 2016.
(2) The Fidelity® Government MMkt (SPAXX) merged with Fidelity MMT Retirement Govt Mny Mkt II (FRTXX) effective September 22, 2017.
(3) Fidelity® International Index Premium (FSIVX) and T. Rowe Price Retirement 2060 (TRRLX) were added to the plan's investment fund
options effective June 1, 2017.
Benefits under our Deferred Compensation Plan will be paid out on the earlier of (i) the employee’s death or (ii) at the election of the employee (a) the date six months, 66 months, or 126 months following termination of employment (depending upon the employee’s properly made election), (b) in ten annual installments beginning in the seventh month following departure from the Company, or (c) in one lump sum (or four annual installments) on a
specified date that is at least five years after the deferral year while the employee is still employed with the Company. Benefits may be paid out earlier in the event of an “Unforeseeable Financial Emergency” as determined by our Retirement Planning Committee (a committee of management designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors) in its sole discretion and in accordance with tax law requirements.
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Name | Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($)(1) | Registrant Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($) | Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year ($) | Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions in Last Fiscal Year ($) | Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year End ($) |
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) |
Mr. Naughton | 981,649 | — | 2,069,806 | — | 9,968,800 |
Mr. O’Shea | — | — | — | — | — |
Mr. Birenbaum | — | — | — | — | — |
Mr. Breslin | — | — | — | — | — |
Mr. Wilson | — | — | — | — | — |
(1) | All contributions in column (b) are also included as compensation to the Named Executive Officers in the Salary column of the Summary Compensation Table. |
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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Sale Event
The summaries below are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete plans and agreements described, which have been included as exhibits to the Company’s SEC filings.
The Company is not party to employment agreements with any individual executive officers.
Officer Severance Plan for Sale Events |
We have adopted an Officer Severance Plan for Sale Events. Under this program, in the event an officer is terminated (other than for cause) in connection with or within 24 months of a sale of the Company (as defined therein), such officer will generally receive a multiple of his Covered Compensation (defined as the sum of his annual base salary plus the average of his or her last two annual cash bonuses as of the termination date) depending on the officer’s title: for the Chief Executive Officer, the multiple is three times, for the
Chief Financial Officer or an Executive Vice President, the multiple is two times, and for other officers the multiple is one times. The terminated officer would also receive (i) a cash payment representing the pro rata value of his or her annual bonus (cash and stock) for the portion of the year worked, valued at target, (ii) accelerated vesting of the officer’s unvested restricted stock and options, and (iii) payment of COBRA insurance premiums for up to 18 months.
Other Severance Arrangements |
Our agreements with our directors and officers governing compensatory stock option and restricted stock awards provide for vesting (and, in the case of stock options, exercisability for one year) if a “sale event” with respect to the Company occurs and the participant’s employment or other business relationship with the Company terminates for good reason or without cause in connection with or within 24 months of the sale event (as each such term is defined therein).
In addition, upon death, disability, termination without cause, or the retirement of an employee (as defined in the award agreements under the Equity Incentive Plan), (a) all of such employee’s options shall automatically become fully exercisable and (absent a specific agreement providing otherwise) shall be exercisable for one year thereafter and (b) all of such employee’s restricted shares of stock shall automatically vest 30 days following the triggering event; provided, at the Company’s option, that a separation agreement is executed and effective during such 30-day period. Retirement of an employee as defined in the award agreements under the Plan generally means the termination of employment, other than for cause, when the sum of the following equals or exceeds 70 years: (i) the number of full months (converted to years) of employment and other business relationships with the Company and any predecessor company (must be at least 120 months) and (ii) the employee’s age on the date of termination (must be at least 50 years old). To qualify for retirement, the employee must also give six months’ prior written notice to the
Company of his intention to retire and enter into a release and a one year non‑solicitation and non‑competition agreement with us.
Under this formula, Messrs. Naughton and Wilson are currently eligible for retirement, and Messrs. O’Shea, Birenbaum, and Breslin will become eligible for retirement in October 2019, June 2020, and December 2019, respectively.
Our multi-year performance awards under which restricted stock units are awarded and may be earned at the end of a performance period are not subject to the terms described above, but any restricted stock or options that are granted in settlement of units once a performance period is complete are subject to these terms. For performance awards with performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2015, following one full year of employment during the Performance Period, a pro rata portion of the award will be paid at the end of the performance period based on actual achievement if there is a separation of employment due to death, disability, retirement, or a termination without cause at a time when the age and service requirements for retirement eligibility are met. If a sale of the Company occurs during a performance period, then, (A) for performance awards with performance periods beginning before January 1, 2016, (i) if there is more than 12 months remaining in the performance period, all units with respect to that performance period are forfeited (unless the successor makes other arrangements for their continuation), and (ii) if there is less than 12 months
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remaining in the performance period, the performance period is deemed complete on the date of sale and achievement against the performance metrics is measured through the date of sale, with no proration on account of the shortened performance period and with vested stock (or options) issued in settlement of any units earned, and (B) for performance awards with performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016, all
outstanding performance awards vest at their target number of units and stock (and options) are issued for such number of units but subject (in the case of awards made before January 1, 2018) to the three year time based vesting described above for compensatory restricted stock and stock option awards, if applicable.
Endorsement Split Dollar Agreements |
Until late 2017, the Company owned a whole‑life insurance policy with respect to Mr. Naughton in the amount of $1,500,000. The Company endorsed this Company‑owned policy such that in the event of the death of the insured, the Company would be paid insurance proceeds equal to the cumulative premiums paid on the policy by the Company, with excess insurance proceeds, if any, being paid to the insured’s estate or named beneficiary. The Company agreed to (i) pay the premiums due on the policy through 2017 (provided that the insured paid a portion of the premium equal to the current term rate for the insured’s age multiplied by the insured’s current interest in the policy), (ii) after the last
Company payment, withdraw cash from the policy equal to the cumulative premiums paid and (iii) thereafter assign the policy to the insured.
In November, 2017 the policy was assigned to Mr. Naughton, with the Company recovering, in connection with such assignment, the cumulative corporate premiums that the Company had paid on such policy previously. As reported in the Summary Compensation Table, the net cash value of $66,278 was distributed to Mr. Naughton at the time of the assignment.
Severance Benefits |
The tables below, together with the footnotes thereto and the additional information below, reflect the payments and benefits that the Named Executive Officers would receive in the event of their termination of employment with the Company on December 31, 2017, under the indicated circumstances. These payments and benefits apply generally to all similarly situated employees. Where applicable, values are based on
the Company’s closing stock price on December 29, 2017, the final trading day of the fiscal year, of $178.41. As disclosed previously, Messrs. O’Shea, Birenbaum, and Breslin will become eligible for retirement in October 2019, June 2020, and December 2019, respectively. Therefore, no acceleration of vesting of restricted stock and performance awards would have occurred for them for a retirement as of December 31, 2017.
Timothy J. Naughton, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President | ||||||||||
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Termination | For Cause or Voluntary ($) | Termination Without Cause (Unrelated to a Sale Event) ($) | Death or Disability ($) | Qualified Retirement (1) ($) | Termination Without Cause (Related to a Sale Event) ($) | |||||
Severance (Cash) | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8,009,766 | (2) | ||||
Restricted Stock Vesting | — | 14,217,314 | 14,217,314 | 14,217,314 | 14,217,314 | |||||
Performance Awards Vesting | — | 10,482,480 | (3) | 10,482,480 | (3) | 10,482,480 | (3) | 15,275,107 | (4) | |
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Kevin P. O’Shea, Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Termination | For Cause or Voluntary ($) | Termination Without Cause (Unrelated to a Sale Event) ($) | Death or Disability ($) | Qualified Retirement ($) | Termination Without Cause (Related to a Sale Event) ($) | |||||
Severance (Cash) | — | — | — | — | 2,332,000 | (5) | ||||
Restricted Stock Vesting | — | 3,076,324 | 3,076,324 | — | 3,076,324 | |||||
Performance Awards Vesting | — | 835,316 | (3) | 1,866,704 | (3) | — | 2,911,116 | (4) | ||
Matthew H. Birenbaum, Chief Investment Officer | ||||||||||
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Termination | For Cause or Voluntary ($) | Termination Without Cause (Unrelated to a Sale Event) ($) | Death or Disability ($) | Qualified Retirement ($) | Termination Without Cause (Related to a Sale Event) ($) | |||||
Severance (Cash) | — | — | — | — | 2,392,680 | (5) | ||||
Restricted Stock Vesting | — | 4,150,709 | 4,150,709 | — | 4,150,709 | |||||
Performance Awards Vesting | — | 1,028,355 | (3) | 2,135,389 | (3) | — | 3,217,446 | (4) | ||
Sean J. Breslin, Chief Operating Officer | ||||||||||
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Termination | For Cause or Voluntary ($) | Termination Without Cause (Unrelated to a Sale Event) ($) | Death or Disability ($) | Qualified Retirement ($) | Termination Without Cause (Related to a Sale Event) ($) | |||||
Severance (Cash) | — | — | — | — | 2,348,500 | (5) | ||||
Restricted Stock Vesting | — | 3,678,457 | 3,678,457 | — | 3,678,457 | |||||
Performance Awards Vesting | — | 1,028,355 | (3) | 2,093,285 | (3) | — | 3,154,467 | (4) | ||
Stephen Wilson, Executive Vice President | ||||||||||
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Termination | For Cause or Voluntary ($) | Termination Without Cause (Unrelated to a Sale Event) ($) | Death or Disability ($) | Qualified Retirement (1) ($) | Termination Without Cause (Related to a Sale Event) ($) | |||||
Severance (Cash) | — | — | — | — | 2,171,630 | (5) | ||||
Restricted Stock Vesting | — | 3,206,385 | 3,206,385 | 3,206,385 | 3,206,385 | |||||
Performance Awards Vesting | — | 1,246,372 | (3) | 1,246,372 | (3) | 1,246,372 | (3) | 1,825,313 | (4) | |
Footnotes for all tables above:
(1) | Upon termination of any employee’s employment due to a qualified retirement as described above, in addition to the accelerated vesting of restricted stock and performance awards, the employee will receive their prorated annual bonus (cash and stock) paid in |
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cash, six months of Company-paid COBRA premiums, and choice of retirement gift from an online catalog. To receive retirement benefits, the employee must give six months’ prior written notice to the Company of his intention to retire and enter into a one year non-solicitation and non-competition agreement. Based on age and tenure with the Company, Messrs. Naughton and Wilson were eligible for a Qualified Retirement as of December 31, 2017. Messrs. O’Shea, Birenbaum and Breslin will become eligible for Qualified Retirement in October 2019, June 2020, and December 2019, respectively.
(2) | In accordance with the terms of the Company’s Officer Severance Plan, represents three times Covered Compensation (base salary and the average of the prior two year’s cash bonuses) for Mr. Naughton. |
(3) | For a “qualifying termination” after the first year of a performance period, a pro-rata portion of the performance awards will vest based on actual time worked at the Company, and the award shall be earned and paid at the end of the period based on actual achievement. A qualifying termination is termination due to death, disability, retirement or termination without cause at a time when the participant meets the age and service requirements for a Qualified Retirement. For events of death and disability for all Named Executive Officers and for Named Executive Officers who are retirement eligible, assumptions for the performance awards are as follows: 2015-2017 awards - value based on actual achievement, 2016-2018 and 2017-2019 awards - value assumes prorated vesting based on portion of the performance period completed and achievement assumed at target. For Named Executive Officers who are not retirement eligible, only 2015-2017 awards based on actual achievement are included for termination without cause scenario; 2016-2018 and 2017-2019 awards are excluded. |
(4) | For performance awards with performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2015, if a sale of the Company occurs during a performance period, then, (A) for performance awards with performance periods beginning before January 1, 2016, (i) if there is more than 12 months remaining in the performance period, all units with respect to that performance period are forfeited (unless the successor makes other arrangements for their continuation), and (ii) if there is less than 12 months remaining in the performance period, the performance period is deemed complete on the date of sale and achievement against the performance metrics is measured through the date of sale, with no proration on account of the shortened performance period and with vested stock (or options) issued in settlement of any units earned, and (B) for performance awards with performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016, all outstanding performance awards vest at their target number of units and stock (and options) are issued for such number of units but (in the case of awards made before January 1, 2018) subject to the three year time based vesting described above for compensatory restricted stock and stock option awards. For 2015-2017 awards, value based on actual achievement. For 2016-2018 and 2017-2019 awards, value based on full vesting at target. |
(5) | In accordance with the terms of the Company’s Officer Severance Plan, represents two times Covered Compensation (base salary and the average of the prior two year’s cash bonuses) for Messrs. O’Shea, Birenbaum, Breslin and Wilson. |
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Director Compensation and Director Stock Ownership Guidelines
A director of the Company who is also an employee receives no additional compensation for his services as a director. Our Board and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee periodically assess the total compensation for non‑employee directors relative to the compensation provided by similarly sized real estate investment trusts, by our multi‑family peer group, and by a group of cross‑industry similarly sized companies.
On the fifth business day following the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, each of our non‑employee directors automatically received a grant of a number of shares of restricted stock (or a deferred stock award in lieu thereof) equal to $135,000 divided by the closing price of Common Stock as reported by the NYSE on the date of grant. Based on this formula, following the 2017 Annual Meeting, each non‑employee director received a restricted stock or deferred stock grant of 703 shares of Common Stock. Mr. Hills received a prorated award on October 11, 2017 of 510 shares for service as a non‑employee director from September 12, 2017 through the 2018 Annual Meeting. Following the 2018 Annual Meeting, the value of the annual equity award to non-employee directors will increase to $140,000. All of such shares of restricted stock (or deferred stock awards) granted to non‑employee directors vest in four quarterly installments over a one-year period, subject to accelerated vesting upon departure from the Board except in the case of a voluntary departure by the director during the director’s elected term that is not due to death or disability, or the director’s removal for cause. If a director elected to receive a deferred stock award in lieu of restricted stock, then the director will receive shares of stock in respect of the vested portion of the deferred stock award within 30 days following termination of service as a director of the Company.
In addition, during 2017 non‑employee directors received $75,000 as an annual retainer paid in two installments of $17,500 and two installments of $20,000. Following the 2018 Annual Meeting, the annual cash retainer for non-employee directors will increase to $90,000 per year, paid in quarterly
installments. Non‑employee directors who served as the chairperson of the Audit or Compensation Committees during 2017 received additional cash compensation of $15,000, paid in two installments of $2,500 and two installments of $5,000 (or a deferred stock award in lieu of cash). Non-employee directors who served as the chairperson of the Investment and Finance or Nominating and Governance Committees during 2017 received additional cash compensation of $12,500, paid in two installments of $2,500 and two installments of $3,750 (or a deferred stock award in lieu of cash). Beginning with the 2018 Annual Meeting, non-employee directors who serve as the chairperson of the Audit or Compensation Committees will receive additional cash compensation of $20,000 per year, while non-employee directors who serve as the chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Investment and Finance Committees will receive additional cash compensation of $15,000 per year, in each case payable in four equal installments.
In consideration for serving as Lead Independent Director for 2017, Mr. Sarles received, in addition to the compensation described above, an annual fee of $27,500 paid in two installments of $6,250 and two installments of $7,500. Beginning with the 2018 Annual Meeting the annual fee payable to the Lead Independent Director will continue at a rate of $30,000 per year, payable in equal installments of $7,500.
Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, non‑employee directors are generally required to hold shares (or deferred stock units) having a value that equals or exceeds five times the annual cash retainer paid to non‑employee directors. Directors have five years from the commencement of their service as a director to comply with such requirement.
The following table sets forth the compensation for service as a director of the Company received by each non‑employee director in 2017, as recognized for financial reporting purposes.
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Director Compensation Table | |||||||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | ||||||
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)(1) | Stock Awards ($)(2) | Option Awards ($) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | ||||||
Glyn F. Aeppel | 87,500 | 135,096 | — | — | — | — | 222,596 | ||||||
Terry S. Brown | — | 209,955 | — | — | — | — | 209,955 | ||||||
Alan B. Buckelew | 90,000 | 135,096 | — | — | — | — | 225,096 | ||||||
Ronald L. Havner, Jr. | — | 209,955 | — | — | — | — | 209,955 | ||||||
Stephen P. Hills (3) | 17,582 | 91,790 | — | — | — | — | 109,372 | ||||||
Richard J. Lieb | 75,000 | 135,096 | — | — | — | — | 210,096 | ||||||
Lance R. Primis | 35,000 | — | — | — | — | — | 35,000 | ||||||
Peter S. Rummell | 75,000 | 135,096 | — | — | — | — | 210,096 | ||||||
H. Jay Sarles | 115,000 | 135,096 | — | — | — | — | 250,096 | ||||||
Susan Swanezy | — | 209,955 | — | — | — | — | 209,955 | ||||||
W. Edward Walter | 90,000 | 135,096 | — | — | — | — | 225,096 | ||||||
(1) | For Mr. Sarles, this includes $27,500 paid in 2017 for his service as Lead Independent Director during 2017. For Messrs. Buckelew, and Walter, this includes $15,000 each for service as a committee chairperson during 2017. For Ms. Aeppel and Mr. Sarles, this includes $12,500 each for service as a committee chairperson during 2017. |
(2) | The amounts in column (c) reflect the grant date fair value of the shares of restricted stock or deferred stock granted to each director on May 25, 2017 equal to $135,000 divided by $192.17, the closing price of Common Stock as reported by the NYSE on the date of grant. For Mr. Hills, the amount also includes the grant date fair value of the prorated grant of restricted stock, respectively, granted on October 11, 2017 equal to $91,726 divided by $179.98, the closing price on the date of grant. Stock award amounts also include elections by Mr. Brown, Mr. Havner, and Ms. Swanezy to receive deferred stock units in lieu of cash payments totaling $74,860 each. |
As of December 31, 2017, non-employee directors held the following number of unvested restricted stock and/or deferred stock units inclusive of dividend equivalent units:
Director | Unvested Restricted Stock | Unvested Deferred Stock Units |
Glyn F. Aeppel | — | 357 |
Terry S. Brown | — | 357 |
Alan B. Buckelew | 352 | — |
Ronald L. Havner, Jr. | — | 357 |
Stephen P. Hills | 340 | — |
Richard J. Lieb | 352 | — |
Lance R. Primis | — | — |
Peter S. Rummell | 352 | — |
H. Jay Sarles | 352 | — |
Susan Swanezy | — | 357 |
W. Edward Walter | — | 357 |
(3) | Mr. Hills began serving on the Board of Directors on September 12, 2017. |
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CEO Pay Ratio
Under rules adopted pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, we are required to calculate and disclose the total compensation paid to our medial paid employee, as well as the ratio of the total compensation paid to the median employee as compared to the total compensation paid to our CEO. The following describes our methodology and the resulting CEO pay ration and is a reasonable estimate, based on all individuals employed by AvalonBay Communities, Inc. as of December 31, 2017. To identify the median employee, we utilized wages reported in Box 1 of IRS Form W-2. Box 1 pay was selected as the most appropriate, consistently applied compensation measure as it captures compensation earned through various incentive plans offered throughout the Company. Wages were annualized for full-time employees who joined the Company during 2017. For employees who were hired in late December 2017 and did not receive wages until early 2018, wages were assumed to be below the median. After identifying the median employee based on W-2 wages, total compensation for the median employee was calculated using the same methodology as was used for calculating the CEO’s total compensation in the Summary Compensation Table. The annual total compensation for 2017 for the CEO was $7,893,827 and for the median employee was $60,332, which is comprised of approximately $54,000 in cash compensation and $6,000 in all other compensation, such as 401(k) company contributions and company paid health care benefits. As a result, the estimated ratio of the CEO's pay to the pay of the median employee is 131 to 1.
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V. Officers, Stock Ownership And Other Information |
Executive and Senior Officers
The following biographical descriptions set forth information with respect to each officer who is at the executive vice president level or above or who is subject to reporting under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. based on information furnished to the Company by each officer. There is no family relationship between any director or executive officer of the Company. Officers of the Company are elected annually at the first meeting of the Board of Directors following each annual meeting of stockholders. Each officer holds office until the first meeting of the Board of Directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal in the manner provided in the Company’s Bylaws.
The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Naughton, O’Shea, Birenbaum, Breslin, Horey, McLaughlin, Schulman, and Wilson, and Ms. Shea are executive officers of the Company within the meaning of Rules 3b‑7 and 16a‑1(f) of the Exchange Act.
Timothy J. Naughton, 56, is the Company’s Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President and has been a director of the Company since September 2005. He has served as Chairman of the Board since May 2013, as Chief Executive Officer since January 2012, and as President since February 2005. Mr. Naughton’s prior roles included serving as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Chief Investment Officer, and Regional Vice President—Development and Acquisitions. Mr. Naughton has been with the Company and its predecessors since 1989. Mr. Naughton is a director of Welltower Inc., a publicly traded investor in healthcare real estate, and Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a publicly traded hotel real estate investment trust. Mr. Naughton is a former Chairman of NAREIT, a member of The Real Estate Round Table, a member and past chairman of the Multifamily Council of the ULI, and a member of the Real Estate Forum. Mr. Naughton received his Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1987 and earned his undergraduate degree in Economics with High Distinction from the University of Virginia, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
Kevin P. O’Shea, 52, has been the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since June 2014. Prior to that he was Executive Vice President—Capital Markets, from January 2013 to May 2014 and Senior Vice President—Investment Management after joining the Company in July 2003 until January 2013. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. O’Shea was an Executive Director at UBS Investment Bank, where his experience included real estate investment banking. Earlier in his career, Mr. O’Shea practiced commercial real estate and banking law as an attorney. Mr. O’Shea received his Masters Degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School, his J.D. from Southern Methodist University and his undergraduate degree from Boston College. Mr. O’Shea is a Trustee of Urban Edge Properties, a publicly traded REIT.
Matthew H. Birenbaum, 52, became the Company’s Chief Investment Officer in January 2015. He is responsible for the Company’s investment strategy and oversees the Investments, Design, Sustainability/Corporate Responsibility and Market Research functions. Before assuming his current position, he was the Company’s Executive Vice President—Corporate Strategy, a position he held from October 2011 until January 2015. Prior to joining the Company in October 2011, Mr. Birenbaum was the founding principal of Abbey Road Property Group, LLC, a multi‑family development and investment firm based in Arlington, Virginia since 2006 and before that a Senior Vice President at EYA (formerly Eakin/Youngentob Associates). Prior to joining EYA in 2003, Mr. Birenbaum was a Regional Vice President of Development with the Company. Mr. Birenbaum received his Bachelor of Arts from Brown University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and his Master's Degree from The Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, where he graduated with honors. He is an active member of ULI and is certified LEED‑AP, and serves on the Board of the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH).
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Sean J. Breslin, 51, is the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, a position he has held since January 2015, with responsibility for the Company’s operating platform, including Property Operations, Asset Management, Engineering, Redevelopment, and Marketing and Brand Strategy. He was previously the Company’s Executive Vice President—Investments and Asset Management since April 2012 with overall responsibility for the Company’s investment and operating platforms, including property operations, asset management and redevelopment, and investment activity, including acquisitions, dispositions and investment strategy. Mr. Breslin’s other roles with the Company included Senior Vice President—Redevelopment and Asset Management and Senior Vice President—Investments. Prior to joining the Company in 2002, Mr. Breslin was the Chief Operating Officer of CWS Capital Partners. He received his Bachelor's Degree from California State University, Long Beach and his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Texas. Mr. Breslin is a member of the Executive Committee of NMHC and is past Chair of ULI’s Multifamily Council. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Real Estate Finance & Investment Center at the University of Texas at Austin and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross.
Michael M. Feigin, 57, is the Company’s Chief Construction Officer. Prior to joining the Company in June 2014, he was Corporate Vice President Global Procurement and Travel for AECOM, an engineering and construction services company, from May 2012 to May 2014. Before that he was SVP Corporate Operations at AECOM from January 2012 to May 2012, SVP General Counsel at Weeks Marine from May to August 2011 and Managing Director for Navigant Consulting from September 2010 to May 2011, working with clients to manage risk in their organizations. Prior to that, from September 2006 to December 2009 he was Global Construction Industry Practice Leader for Marsh, an insurance broker and risk advisor. From October 2005 to September 2006, Mr. Feigin served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Bovis Lend Lease Holdings, Inc. (now Lend Lease Americas) where he was responsible for commercial risk management and deal approval, legal, insurance and bonding, human resources, information technology and corporate affairs. Mr. Feigin earned his BA from Yale University and his JD from Brooklyn Law School.
Leo S. Horey, 55, is the Company’s Chief Administrative Officer. He has held this title since April 2012 and was Executive Vice President—Property Operations prior to that from January 2004. Mr. Horey joined a predecessor of the Company in 1990. Mr. Horey received his Masters of Business
Administration from the Kenan‑Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Richard H. Jenrette Fellow, and currently serves on the Board of Visitors and the Advisory Board for the Wood Center for Real Estate Studies. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Economics from Duke University. Mr. Horey is a member of the Executive Committee of NMHC.
William M. McLaughlin, 53, has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President—Development, with responsibility for all of the Company’s development activity in the Northeast, including New England, New York and New Jersey since 2014. He was Executive Vice President—Development and Construction from February 2010 until 2014 and prior to that was Senior Vice President—Development & Construction since 2009. He has been with the Company or its predecessors since 1994. Mr. McLaughlin received his BA in Economics from Harvard College.
Edward M. Schulman, 55, has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Secretary since 2012. Mr. Schulman joined the Company in February 1999 and has served as General Counsel since that time. Prior to joining the Company he was a corporate and securities law partner at Goodwin Procter LLP. Mr. Schulman is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School and received his undergraduate degree in economics from Princeton University, where he graduated with high honors and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
Stephen W. Wilson, 61, has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President—Development, with responsibility for all development activities for the West Coast, including Northern California, Southern California and the Pacific Northwest, as well as the Mid‑Atlantic region, since 2014. He was Executive Vice President—Development and Construction from February 2010 until 2014, and prior to that was Senior Vice President—Development & Construction for the West Coast and Mid‑Atlantic. Prior to joining the Company in 1998, Mr. Wilson was a Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for SU Development, Inc. of Bellevue, Washington and Senior Vice President of Continental Pacific, Inc. of Bellevue, Washington. Mr. Wilson received his B.A. in Business Administration (Accounting) from Washington State University. He is a member of ULI, former chair of the ULI Transit Oriented Development Council, a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and on the Board of Directors of the Housing Industry Foundation.
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Keri A. Shea, 48, has been the Company’s Senior Vice President—Finance & Treasurer since 2013, and since 2009 has also been designated as the Company’s principal accounting officer. Ms. Shea joined the Company in 2002 as Assistant Corporate Controller and was promoted to Corporate Controller in 2005 and Vice President in 2006. Prior to joining the Company, she served as the Corporate
Controller for two start‑up technology companies in the Washington, D.C. area. Prior to that, Ms. Shea was with Arthur Andersen LLP for eight years. She is a certified public accountant and has a B.B.A. in Accounting from the College of William & Mary.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of Common Stock, as of March 9, 2018, as to (i) each person or entity who is known by the Company to have beneficially owned more than 5% of the Common Stock; (ii) each of the Company’s directors and Nominees; (iii) each of the Named Executive Officers; and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group, based on representations of officers and directors of the Company and filings through March received by the Company on Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act. All such information was provided by the stockholders listed and reflects their beneficial ownership known by the Company. All percentages have been calculated as of March 9, 2018 and are based upon 138,209,942 shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on such date (unless otherwise indicated).
Name and Business Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned(2) | Percent of Class (%) | |
Glyn F. Aeppel | 4,231 | (3) | * |
Matthew H. Birenbaum | 44,201 | * | |
Sean J. Breslin | 48,481 | (4) | * |
Terry Brown | 3,734 | (5) | * |
Alan B. Buckelew | 5,579 | * | |
Ronald L. Havner, Jr. | 4,172 | (6) | * |
Stephen P. Hills | 510 | * | |
Richard Lieb | 1,230 | * | |
Timothy J. Naughton | 226,194 | (7) | * |
Kevin O'Shea | 23,656 | * | |
Peter S. Rummell | 11,600 | (8) | * |
H. Jay Sarles | 20,109 | * | |
Susan Swanezy | 1,724 | (9) | * |
W. Edward Walter | 10,641 | (10) | * |
Stephen Wilson | 35,437 | * | |
All current directors and executive officers as a group (19 persons) | 591,990 | (11) | 0.43 |
The Vanguard Group, Inc.100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355 (includes 6.73% held by Vanguard Specialized Funds Vanguard REIT Index Fund) | 22,345,854 | (12) | 16.17 |
BlackRock, Inc.40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022 | 15,114,729 | (13) | 10.94 |
State Street Corporation, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston MA 02111 | 7,972,415 | (14) | 5.77 |
* | Less than one percent |
(1) The address for all directors and executive officers is AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Ballston Tower,
671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203.
(2) Except as otherwise noted, each individual in the table above has the sole voting and investment power
over the shares listed.
(3) Includes 4,231 shares issuable in the future under deferred stock awards granted to Ms. Aeppel in lieu of
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restricted stock awards pursuant to elections under the Stock Incentive Plan.
(4) Includes 8,396 shares issuable upon the exercise of vested stock options.
(5) Includes 3,734 shares issuable in the future under deferred stock awards granted to Mr. Brown in lieu of
restricted stock awards pursuant to elections under the Stock Incentive Plan.
(6) Includes 4,172 shares issuable in the future under deferred stock awards granted to Mr. Havner in lieu of
restricted stock awards pursuant to elections under the Stock Incentive Plan.
(7) Includes 73,778 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
(8) Includes 1,764 shares issuable in the future under deferred stock awards granted to Mr. Rummell in lieu
of restricted stock awards pursuant to elections under the Stock Incentive Plan.
(9) Includes 1,724 shares issuable in the future under deferred stock awards granted to Ms. Swanezy in lieu
of restricted stock awards pursuant to elections under the Stock Incentive Plan.
(10) Includes 4,849 shares issuable in the future under deferred stock awards granted to Mr. Walter in lieu of
restricted stock awards pursuant to elections under the Stock Incentive Plan.
(11) Includes (i) 108,987 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and (ii) 20,474 shares issuable in
the future under deferred stock awards.
(12) | The number of shares reported is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed on February 12, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2017. The schedule 13G/A indicates that the reporting entity holds sole voting power with respect to 354,972 shares, shared voting power with respect to 209,616 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 21,949,108 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to 396,746 shares. The number of shares included reported held by Vanguard Specialized Funds‑Vanguard REIT Fund (9,296,839) is based on Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 2, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 20167 The Schedule 13G/A also reports that the reporting entity holds sole voting power with respect to all such reported shares. |
(13) | The number of shares reported is based on a Schedule 13G filed on January 19, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2017. The Schedule 13G indicates that the reporting person has sole voting power with respect to 13,761,353 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all reported shares. |
(14) | The number of shares reported is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed February 14, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2017. The schedule 13G/A indicates that the reporting entity holds shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to all reported shares. |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires persons who are officers of the Company as defined by Section 16, directors of the Company and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities (collectively, “Insiders”) to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and one national securities exchange on which such securities are registered. In accordance with Rule 16a‑3(c) under the Exchange Act, the Company has designated the NYSE as the national securities exchange with which reports pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act need to be filed. Insiders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of such reports and written representations that no other reports were required during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, all filing requirements applicable to the Insiders were timely satisfied.
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VI. Other Matters |
Solicitation of Proxies
The cost of solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting will be paid by the Company. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by internet, the directors, officers and employees of the Company may also solicit proxies personally or by telephone without additional compensation for such activities. The Company will also request persons, firms, and
corporations holding shares in their names or in the names of their nominees, which are beneficially owned by others, to send proxy materials to and obtain proxies from such beneficial owners. The Company will reimburse such holders for their reasonable expenses.
Stockholder Nominations for Directors and Proposals for Annual Meetings
Stockholder Proposals for our Proxy Statement. Stockholder proposals submitted pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 14a‑8 for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by the Company by December 7, 2018. Such a proposal must also comply with the requirements as to form and substance established by the SEC for such a proposal to be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy. Any such proposal and the supporting documentation should be mailed to: AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, Attention: Secretary.
Proxy Access Director Nominations. In order for an eligible stockholder or group of stockholders to nominate a director nominee for election at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting pursuant to the proxy access provision of our Bylaws, notice of such nomination and all other supporting documentation required by the Company’s Bylaws must be received by the Company within the time periods described below. In addition, our Bylaws require an eligible stockholder or group of stockholders to update and supplement such information (or provide notice stating that there are no updates or supplements) as of specified dates.
Matters to be Considered at Annual Meetings. In accordance with our Bylaws, as currently in effect, for a stockholder to nominate a director or for a proposal of a stockholder to be presented at the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, other than a stockholder proposal intended to be included in our proxy statement and submitted pursuant to Rule 14a‑8 of the Exchange Act, a stockholder’s notice must be received by the Company within the time periods described below.
Time Periods and Address for Proxy Access and Other Stockholder Nominations and Proposals. In order to be eligible under the provisions of our Bylaws governing (A) proxy access director nominations and (B) other director nominations and proposed matters to be presented at an annual meeting, our Bylaws require that proper notice of such nomination(s) or business matters, together with all supporting documentation required by our Bylaws, must be delivered to, or mailed and received at our principal executive office, which is currently AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, Attention: Secretary, (A) not prior to November 7, 2018 nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 7, 2018 or (B) in the event that the date of the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from May 23, 2019, (i) not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of that meeting, and (ii) not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of (x) the 120th day prior to the date of that meeting or (y) the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of such annual meeting is first made. You may contact the Company’s Secretary at the address mentioned above for a copy of the relevant Bylaw provisions regarding the requirements for making stockholder proposals and nominating director candidates.
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