Proxy Statement (Form DEF 14A)
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material under Rule
14a-12
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No fee required.
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules
14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11.
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Dear Fellow Stockholders:
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management, I cordially invite you to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of
Throughout 2024, office real estate fundamentals and leasing continued to gather positive momentum. There has been a sharp reduction in construction of new office buildings coupled with four years of record-setting office building conversions, demolitions and redevelopment. Since 2021, over 100 million square feet of office buildings have been removed from inventory according to
City Office is well positioned to take advantage of the trends in the office market. Our properties are located predominantly in desirable
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank you for your ongoing support and investment in our Company.
| Sincerely, |
| Chief Executive Officer and Director |
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NOTICE OF 2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
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1) The election of six directors nominated by the Board of Directors, each to serve until the 2026 Annual Meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies; |
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2) To ratify the appointment of |
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3) Advisory vote to approve executive compensation; |
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4) To approve an amendment to our Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of our common stock available for awards made thereunder and certain other administrative changes; and |
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5) To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Annual Meeting and any adjournment, postponement or continuation thereof. |
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| RECORD DATE | In order to vote, you must have been a stockholder of record at the close of business on |
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ADMISSION TO THE ANNUAL MEETING |
Only CIO's stockholders of record as of the close of business on the Record Date and beneficial owners who hold a legal proxy from the record owner, each as of the close of business on the Record Date, may attend the Annual Meeting. Proof of ownership of our common stock, par value |
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| We are pleased to take advantage of the |
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WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT AND WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VOTE PROMPTLY. It is important that your shares are represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. You may authorize your proxy by visiting www.voteproxy.com, by telephone as described on the proxy card accompanying this notice and the attached proxy statement or by signing and returning the proxy card in the enclosed envelope. The Company recommends that you authorize a proxy to vote even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. You can authorize a proxy to vote online or by telephone at any time prior to |
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| You may revoke your proxy by (1) executing and submitting a later dated proxy card by mail, (2) subsequently authorizing a proxy online or by telephone, (3) sending a written revocation of your proxy by mail to the Company's Secretary at its principal executive offices or (4) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Proxies submitted online or by telephone must be received by |
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| PROXY VOTING |
We cordially invite you to attend the meeting in person, but regardless of whether you plan to be present, please authorize your proxy in one of the following ways: 1) VISIT THE WEBSITE noted on your proxy card or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to authorize your proxy via the Internet; 2) If you receive a printed copy of the proxy materials by mail, USE THE TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER shown on your proxy card (this is a free call in the 3) If you receive a printed copy of the proxy materials by mail, MARK, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN your proxy card in the envelope provided, which requires no additional postage if mailed in the Any proxy may be revoked by you at any time prior to its exercise at the meeting. |
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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
FOR THE 2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON
The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Proxy Statement and the 2024 Annual Report are available on
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| By Order of the Board of Directors, |
| Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer |
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PROXY STATEMENT
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT |
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2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Unless the context suggests otherwise, references in this Proxy Statement to "City Office," "CIO," "Company," "we," "us" and "our" are to
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
At the Annual Meeting, our stockholders will be asked to consider and act upon the following matters:
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The election of six directors nominated by our Board of Directors (our "Board of Directors") and listed in this Proxy Statement to serve until the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2026 Annual Meeting") and until their successors are duly elected and qualify; |
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To ratify the appointment of |
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To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Named Executive Officers for 2024 as disclosed in this Proxy Statement; |
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To approve an amendment to our Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of our common stock available for awards made thereunder and certain other administrative changes; and |
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Such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment, continuation or postponement thereof. |
Why did I receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials in the mail instead of a printed set of proxy materials?
Pursuant to rules adopted by the
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Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on
If you hold your shares through a bank, broker or other nominee and intend to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you will need to provide a legal proxy from your bank, broker or other holder of record.
What are the voting rights of stockholders?
Each share of our common stock, par value
How many shares are outstanding?
At the close of business on
What constitutes a quorum?
The presence in person or by proxy of the stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Abstentions and broker non-votes,if any, will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.
What is the difference between a "stockholder of record" and a "street name" holder?
These terms describe how your shares are held. If your shares are registered directly in your name with
If you are a "street name" holder, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name and your broker or nominee is considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker on how to vote your shares. You are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares in person; however, in order to vote your shares in person, you must provide us with a legal proxy from your bank, broker or other stockholder of record. If you are a "street name" holder, in order to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting, you must first obtain a legal proxy from your bank, broker or other nominee reflecting the number of shares you held as of the Record Date for the Annual Meeting, your name and email address. You must submit a request for registration to EQ: (1) by email to [email protected]; (2) by facsimile to 718-765-8730;or (3) by mail to
How do I vote?
If you are a registered stockholder, meaning that your shares are registered in your name, you have four voting options. You may vote:
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online at the web address noted in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy card you received (if you have access to the Internet, we encourage you to vote in this manner); |
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by telephone using the number noted on the proxy card you received (if you received a proxy card); |
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by signing and dating your proxy card (if you received a proxy card) and mailing it in the prepaid, preaddressed envelope enclosed therewith; or |
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by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. |
Please carefully follow the directions in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy card you received. Proxies submitted online or by telephone must be received by
Can I vote my shares in person at the meeting?
If you are a "stockholder of record," you may vote your shares in person at the meeting. If you hold your shares in "street name," you must obtain a proxy from your broker, bank, trustee or nominee, giving you the right to vote the shares at the meeting.
What do I need to do to attend the meeting in person?
Proof of stock ownership and some form of government-issued photo identification (such as a valid driver's license or passport) will be required for admission to the meeting in person. If you wish to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, you may contact our
If your shares are registered in your name and you owned our common stock as of the close of business on
If your shares are held in a bank or brokerage account, contact your bank or broker to obtain a written legal proxy in order to vote your shares at the meeting. If you do not obtain a legal proxy from your bank or broker, you will not be entitled to vote your shares, but you can still attend the meeting if you bring a recent bank or brokerage statement showing that you owned shares of our common stock on
What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy card?
It means that you have multiple accounts with our transfer agent and/or with a broker, bank or other nominee. You will need to vote separately with respect to each Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy card you received. Please vote all of the shares you own.
Can I change my vote after I have mailed in my proxy card?
You may revoke your proxy by doing one of the following:
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by sending a written notice of revocation stating that you revoke your proxy by mail to our Secretary at |
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by signing a later-dated proxy card and submitting it so it is received prior to the meeting in accordance with the instructions included in the proxy card(s); |
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by subsequently authorizing a proxy online or by telephone; or |
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by attending the meeting and voting your shares in person. |
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How may I vote for each proposal?
| Proposal 1 - |
In the election of the six director nominees, you may vote "FOR," "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN" with respect to each of the director nominees. If a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, in an uncontested director election, directors will be elected by receiving the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast for and against the election of such nominee. Abstentions and broker non-votes,if any, are not treated as votes cast and thus will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the election of directors, although they will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. Under our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (our "Bylaws"), cumulative voting is not permitted. Under the terms of our director resignation policy included in our Fourth Amended and Restated Corporate Governance Guidelines (our "corporate governance guidelines"), by accepting a nomination to stand for election or re-electionas a director of the Company or an appointment as director to fill a vacancy or new directorship, each candidate, nominee or appointee for director agrees that he or she will promptly tender, upon such nomination or appointment and as a condition thereof, a written offer of resignation to the Board of Directors, which offer of resignation will be effective on his or her failure to receive, in an uncontested election of directors, the vote required for election or re-electionby the Bylaws. The nominating and corporate governance committee will promptly consider the director's offer of resignation and recommend to the Board of Directors whether to accept the resignation or reject it. The Board of Directors will act on the nominating and corporate governance committee's recommendation within 90 days following certification of the stockholder vote. In determining what action to recommend or take regarding the director's offer of resignation, each of the nominating and corporate governance committee and the Board of Directors may consider a range of alternatives as they deem appropriate. In a contested director election (i.e., where the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected at such meeting), the directors will be elected by the vote of a plurality of the votes cast. Under the plurality standard, the number of individuals equal to the number of directorships to be filled who receive more votes than other nominees are elected to the board, regardless of whether they receive a majority of votes cast. |
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| Proposal 2 - | If a quorum is present, the proposal to ratify the appointment of |
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| Proposal 3 - | If a quorum is present, the proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Named Executive Officers for 2024 as disclosed in this Proxy Statement will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal exceed the votes cast opposing the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes,if any, are not treated as votes cast and thus, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal, although they will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. | |
| Proposal 4 - | If a quorum is present, the proposal to approve an amendment to our Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of our common stock available for awards made thereunder and certain other administrative changes will be approved if the votes case in favor of the proposal exceed the votes cast opposing the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes,if any, are not treated as votes cast and thus will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal, although they will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. | |
None of the proposals, if approved, entitle stockholders to appraisal rights under
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What are the Board of Directors' recommendations on how I should vote my shares?
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote:
| Proposal 1 - | For all of the Board of Directors' six nominees for election as director. | |
| Proposal 2 - | For the proposal to ratify the appointment of |
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| Proposal 3 - | For the proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Named Executive Officers for 2024 as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. | |
| Proposal 4 - | Forthe proposal to approve an amendment to our Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of our common stock available for awards made thereunder and certain other administrative changes. | |
What if I authorize a proxy without specifying a choice on any given matter at the Annual Meeting?
If you are a stockholder of record as of the Record Date and you properly authorize a proxy (whether online, by telephone or by mail) without specifying a choice on any given matter to be considered at the Annual Meeting, the proxy holders will vote your shares according to the Board of Directors' recommendation on that matter. If you are a stockholder of record as of the Record Date and you fail to authorize a proxy or vote in person at the Annual Meeting, assuming that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, it will have no effect on the result of the vote on any of the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting.
What if I hold my shares through a broker, bank or other nominee?
If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee, under the rules of the
How are abstentions and broker non-votestreated?
A "broker non-vote"occurs when a bank, broker or other holder of record holding shares of our common stock for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal, because that holder does not have discretionary voting power for that particular item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. Pursuant to
Under the rules of the NYSE, brokerage firms may have the discretionary authority to vote their customers' shares of our common stock on certain routine matters for which they do not receive voting instructions, including the ratification of independent auditors, and thus brokers may vote at their discretion on Proposal 2 if they do not receive voting instructions from you on Proposal 2. Under the rules of the NYSE, Proposals 1, 3 and 4 are not considered "routine" matters for purposes of broker discretionary voting and therefore, brokers may not vote on Proposals 1, 3 or 4 if they do not receive voting instructions from you on Proposals 1, 3 or 4, respectively.
What if I retumy proxy card but do not provide voting instructions?
If you retua signed proxy card but do not provide voting instructions, your shares will be voted by the proxies identified in the proxy card as follows:
| Proposal 1 - | Forall of the Board of Directors' six nominees for election as director. |
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| Proposal 2 - | Forthe proposal to ratify the appointment of |
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| Proposal 3 - | Forthe proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Named Executive Officers for 2024 as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. | |
| Proposal 4 - | Forthe proposal to approve an amendment to our Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of our common stock available for awards made thereunder and certain other administrative changes. | |
What happens if additional matters are presented at the Annual Meeting?
We know of no other matters other than the items of business described in this Proxy Statement that can be considered at the meeting. If other matters requiring a vote do arise, the persons named as proxies will have the discretion to vote on those matters for you.
Who will count the votes?
A representative of EQ or one of its affiliates will act as the inspector of election and will tabulate votes.
Who pays the cost of this proxy solicitation?
We will pay the cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the proxy materials. We have retained EQ to assist us in the distribution of proxy materials and the passive solicitation of proxies. We expect to pay
How do I submit a stockholder proposal for inclusion in the proxy materials for next year's annual meeting, and what is the deadline for submitting a proposal?
Stockholders who wish to submit a stockholder proposal for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement for the 2026 Annual Meeting must comply with the requirements as to form and substance established by the
Stockholders who wish to submit a stockholder proposal outside of the processes of Rule 14a-8,but rather in compliance with the Company's Bylaws, must comply with the requirements of the Bylaws, which provide that, among other things, for business to be properly brought before the annual meeting by a stockholder, but not included in the Company's proxy statement, the stockholder must deliver the required materials to the Company's Secretary at the above address and give timely notice in writing not earlier than
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than the 150th day prior to the date of the annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of the annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which the Company first publicly announces the date of the annual meeting. As to each matter, the notice must contain the information specified in the Bylaws regarding the stockholder giving the notice and the business proposed to be brought before the annual meeting. If such notice is received by the Secretary of the Company on or after the close of business on
The Company's Bylaws provide that a stockholder of record, both at the time of the giving of the required notice set forth in this sentence and at the time of the 2026 Annual Meeting, entitled to vote at the annual meeting may nominate persons for election to the Board of Directors by delivering the required materials to the Secretary of the Company at the above address and giving timely notice in writing not earlier than
In addition, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company's nominees must provide notice to the Secretary of the Company that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19under the Exchange Act no later than
In addition to our Bylaws, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder. Our Bylaws do not affect any right of a stockholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or our right to omit a proposal from, our Proxy Statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8(or any successor provision).
If I share my residence with another stockholder, how many copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials should I receive?
We are sending only a single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to any household at which two or more stockholders reside if they share the same last name or we reasonably believe they are members of the same family, unless we have received instructions to the contrary from any stockholder at that address. This practice is known as "householding" and is permitted by rules adopted by the
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What if I consent to have one set of materials mailed now but change my mind later?
You may withdraw your householding consent at any time by contacting EQ at the address and phone number provided above. We will begin sending separate copies of stockholders communications to you within 30 days of receipt of your instructions.
The reason I receive multiple sets of materials is because some of the shares belong to my children. What happens if they move out and no longer live in my household?
When we receive notice of an address change for one of the members of the household, we will begin sending separate copies of stockholder communications directly to the stockholder at his or her new address. You may notify us of a change of address by contacting EQ at the address and phone number provided above.
Other Information
Our Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor the fiscal year ended
The 2024 Annual Report may also be accessed through our website at http://www.cioreit.comby clicking on the "Investor Relations" link. At the written request of any stockholder who owns our common stock as of the close of business on the Record Date, we will provide, without charge, additional paper copies of our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K,including the financial statements and financial statement schedule, as filed with the
Attention: Secretary
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PROPOSAL NO. 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Bylaws provide that the number of directors shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors, provided that there shall never be less than the minimum number required by
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE"FOR"
EACH OF THE NOMINEES NAMED IN PROPOSAL NO. 1.
It is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy, in the absence of a contrary direction, to vote for the election of all of the nominees named in Proposal No. 1. Should any of the nominees become unable or refuse to accept nomination or election as a director, the persons named as proxies intend to vote for the election of such other person as the
Nominees for Election
Information is set forth below regarding each of our Board of Directors' six nominees.
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| 80 | Independent Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors | |||
| 49 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | |||
| 57 | Independent Director | |||
| 84 | Independent Director | |||
| 50 | Independent Director | |||
| 49 | Independent Director |
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Board of Directors and Committees
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "CIO" and we are subject to the NYSE listing standards. We have adopted corporate governance guidelines and charters for the Audit, Compensation, Investment and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors intended to satisfy NYSE listing standards. We have also adopted a code of business conduct and ethics for our directors and officers intended to satisfy NYSE listing standards and the definition of a "code of ethics" set forth in applicable
We operate under the direction of our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors is responsible for the overall management and control of our affairs. Our Board of Directors, or the Investment Committee thereof, must approve all investment decisions involving the acquisitions of properties in accordance with our investment guidelines and upon recommendations made by our management.
We currently have six directors, five of whom our Board of Directors has determined are independent directors under standards established by the
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Our Board of Directors has approved our objectives and strategies on investments and borrowing. The Board of Directors has delegated certain decision-making authority regarding property acquisitions and dispositions to the Investment Committee. The directors may establish further written objectives and strategies on investments and borrowings, or modify existing strategies and objectives, and will monitor our administrative procedures, investment operations and performance.
Commitment to Good Corporate Governance
Our Company and our Board of Directors are committed to pursuing best practices for overall corporate governance. We have structured our corporate governance in a manner we believe closely aligns our interests with those of our stockholders. Highlights include the following:
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We are an internally managed Company in order to ensure optimal alignment of interests among our management, our Board of Directors and our stockholders; |
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Five of our six directors, or 83.3%, all of whom have been nominated for election at this year's Annual Meeting pursuant to Proposal 1, are independent under our corporate governance guidelines, the rules of the NYSE and Rule 10A-3under the Exchange Act; |
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Our Bylaws provide for a majority vote standard in uncontested director elections and permit stockholders to amend the Bylaws upon obtaining the requisite stockholder approval; |
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Our corporate governance guidelines provide for a director resignation policy; |
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We have adopted a policy prohibiting hedging in the Company's equity securities; |
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We have adopted a formal executive and director succession plan that provides various procedures to follow upon a vacancy created by an executive or director; |
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We have adopted a stock ownership policy (the "Stock Ownership Policy") for our Named Executive Officers and independent directors which requires Named Executive Officers and independent directors to purchase a requisite amount of shares of our common stock within five years of the date he or she was first elected or appointed that will further align the interests of the executives and independent directors with those of our stockholders; |
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Our Board of Directors is not staggered and is elected annually, and we have opted out of the board classification statute under Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the Maryland General Corporation Law ("MGCL") and therefore we cannot elect to stagger our Board of Directors in the future without a vote of our stockholders; |
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Our directors continue to partake in annual performance evaluations in order to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses; |
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We have adopted a Board Diversity Policy (the "Board Diversity Policy") to promote the inclusion of different opinions, perspectives, skills, experiences and backgrounds on the Board of Directors. As of the date hereof, 16.7% of the Board of Directors is female and 16.7% of the Board of Directors is of a diverse race or ethnicity; |
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We have adopted a compensation clawback policy (the "Clawback Policy") applicable to our Named Executive Officers in compliance with Rule 10D-1under the Exchange Act; |
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We have opted out of the business combination statute, Title 3, Subtitle 6 under the MGCL, and the control share acquisition statute, Title 3, Subtitle 7 under the MGCL; and |
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We do not have a stockholder rights plan (i.e., a "poison pill"). |
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The Board of Directors currently has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Investment Committee and
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Audit | Compensation | Nominating | Investment | Board | |||||
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X | X | Chairman | |||||||
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Chairman | X | X | |||||||
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X | X | Chairman | X | ||||||
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X | Chairman | X | |||||||
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X | Chairman | X | X |
The Board of Directors held a total of six meetings during 2024. The number of meetings held by each committee and the Board of Directors during 2024 is set forth below:
| Audit | Compensation | Nominating | Investment | Board | ||||||
| Number of Meetings | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
During 2024, all incumbent directors who served in 2024 attended at least 75% of the aggregate of:
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the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors held during the period for which the director had been a director; and |
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the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which the director served during the periods that the director served. |
Our corporate governance guidelines provide that directors are invited and encouraged to attend our annual meeting of stockholders. Each of our directors as of the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2024 Annual Meeting") attended our 2024 Annual Meeting.
Annual Board of Directors Evaluations
Pursuant to our corporate governance guidelines and the charter of the
Board of Directors Committees
We currently have a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Investment Committee and
Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee consists of
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"financially literate" as that term is defined by the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. Our Audit Committee is composed only of directors who are independent in compliance with applicable
Our Audit Committee, among other matters, oversees: (1) our financial reporting, auditing and internal control activities; (2) the integrity and audits of our financial statements; (3) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (4) the qualifications and independence of our independent auditors; (5) the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors; and (6) our overall risk exposure and management, including cybersecurity and data privacy. Our Audit Committee also has the following duties to:
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annually review and assess the adequacy of the Audit Committee charter and the performance of the Audit Committee; |
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be responsible for the appointment, retention and termination of our independent auditors and determine the compensation of our independent auditors; |
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review the plans and results of the audit engagement with the independent auditors; |
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evaluate the qualifications, performance and independence of our independent auditors; |
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have sole authority to approve in advance all audit and non-auditservices by our independent auditors, the scope and terms thereof and the fees therefor; |
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review the adequacy of our internal accounting controls; |
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meet at least quarterly with our executive officers, internal audit staff and our independent auditors in separate executive sessions; and |
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prepare the Audit Committee report required by the |
The Audit Committee has the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties and to retain counsel for this purpose where appropriate. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert," as such term is defined by the applicable
Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee consists of
The Compensation Committee has the sole authority to retain, and terminate, any compensation consultant to assist in the evaluation of employee compensation and to approve the consultant's fees and the other terms and conditions of the consultant's retention. The Compensation Committee's responsibilities include, among other matters:
| • |
reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer's compensation, if any, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer's performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration of our Chief Executive Officer based on such evaluation; |
| • |
reviewing and approving the compensation, if any, of all of our other officers; |
| • |
reviewing and approving the compensation of all of our directors; |
| • |
reviewing our executive compensation policies and plans; |
| • |
evaluating the performance of our officers; |
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| • |
administering the Company's Equity Incentive Plan (the "EIP") and the issuance of any common stock or other equity awards granted to plan participants; |
| • |
setting performance targets under the EIP and determining annual cash bonuses for our officers according to the satisfaction of those performance targets; |
| • |
preparing compensation committee reports; and |
| • |
assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and Annual Report on Form 10-Kdisclosure requirements. |
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Compensation Committee shall be entitled to delegate any or all of its responsibilities to a sub-committeeof the Compensation Committee to the extent consistent with the Company's charter, bylaws, and applicable law and rules of markets in which the Company's securities then trade. Pursuant to the Compensation Committee charter, the Compensation Committee may not delegate its responsibility to evaluate non-executiveofficer performance and compensation or its responsibility to review and approve all officers' employment agreements, executive retirement plans and severance agreements. Our Board of Directors adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee, which is available on our corporate website at http://www.cioreit.com.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our
| • |
personal and professional integrity, ethics and values; |
| • |
experience in corporate management, such as serving as an officer or former officer of a publicly held company; |
| • |
experience in the Company's industry; |
| • |
each director and director nominee's skills, principal occupation, reputation, age, tenure and diversity; |
| • |
experience as a board member of another publicly held company; |
| • |
ability and willingness to commit adequate time to the Board of Directors and its committee matters; |
| • |
the fit of the individual's skills with those of the other members of the Board of Directors and the committees of the Board of Directors, if any, such nominees are nominated to join, and potential members of the Board of Directors in the building of a board that is effective, collegial and responsive to the needs of the Company; |
| • |
academic expertise in an area of the Company's operations; |
| • |
practical and mature business judgment; and |
| • |
the independence of the director candidate. |
| • |
develop, and recommend to our Board of Directors for its approval, qualifications for director candidates and periodically review these qualifications with our Board of Directors; |
| • |
review the committee structure of our Board of Directors and recommend directors to serve as members or chairs of each committee of our Board of Directors; |
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| • |
review and recommend committee slates annually and recommend additional committee members to fill vacancies as needed; |
| • |
develop and recommend to our Board of Directors a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to us and, at least annually, review such guidelines and recommend changes to our Board of Directors for approval as necessary; and |
| • |
oversee the annual self-evaluations of our Board of Directors and management. |
In accordance with our Bylaws, any stockholder of record entitled to vote for the election of directors at the applicable meeting of stockholders may nominate persons for election to the Board of Directors if such stockholder complies with the notice procedures set forth in the Bylaws and summarized in "Stockholder Proposals and Nominations" elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. Nominees recommended by stockholders will be evaluated in the same manner as those recommended by our
Investment Committee
Our Investment Committee consists of
Audit Committee Report
In connection with the preparation and filing of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor the fiscal year ended
| • |
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of CIO, or the Audit Committee, has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor the fiscal year ended |
| • |
Prior to the commencement of the audit, the Audit Committee discussed with the Company's management and independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for the audit. Subsequent to the audit and each quarterly review, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, the results of their examinations or reviews, including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of specific judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the consolidated financial statements; |
| • |
The Audit Committee has discussed with CIO's independent registered public accounting firm, |
| • |
The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from |
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|
Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with |
| • |
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor the fiscal year ended |
The Audit Committee has provided this report. This report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"), and the Exchange Act, except to the extent CIO specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Our Compensation Committee consists of
Board Leadership Structure
The Board of Directors believes that it is in the best interests of the Company that the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors be separated in order for the individuals to focus on their primary roles. The Company's Chief Executive Officer is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Company and the day-to-dayleadership and performance of the Company, while the Chairman of the Board of Directors provides guidance to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, presides over meetings of the full Board of Directors and sets the agenda for Board of Directors meetings.
Role of our Board of Directors in Risk Oversight
One of the key functions of our Board of Directors is informed oversight of our risk management process. Our Board of Directors administers this oversight function directly, with support from the four standing committees, our Audit Committee, our Compensation Committee, our Investment Committee and our
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potential transactions in light of the Company's strategic goals and objectives. In addition, the Investment Committee has the authority to approve potential transactions subject to the requirements set forth in the Investment Committee charter, as applicable. Our
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Our Board of Directors adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that establishes the standards of ethical conduct applicable to all of our directors, officers, employees, consultants and contractors. The code of ethics addresses, among other things, competition and fair dealing, conflicts of interest, financial matters and external reporting, compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations, company funds and assets, confidentiality and corporate opportunity requirements and the process for reporting violations of the code of ethics, employee misconduct, conflicts of interest or other violations. Any waiver of our code of ethics with respect to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer and President, or persons performing similar functions may only be authorized by our
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Our Board of Directors adopted corporate governance guidelines that serve as a flexible framework within which our Board of Directors and its committees will operate. These guidelines cover a number of areas including the size and composition of our Board of Directors, Board of Directors membership criteria and director qualifications, director responsibilities, Board of Directors agenda, roles of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, meetings of independent directors, committee responsibilities and assignments, Board of Directors member access to management and independent advisors, director communications with third parties, director compensation, director orientation and continuing education, evaluation of senior management and management succession planning. Our
Employee, Officer and Director Hedging
Effective
18
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information of the Company or another company from trading in the securities of the Company or such other company while aware of material
information. The policy also prohibits providing any such material
information to any other person who may trade in securities while aware of such information. Our Insider Trading policy has procedures that require transactions in our stock by executive officers, directors and other designated employees only to be made during open trading windows after satisfying mandatory
requirements. The Company's Board of Directors believe the Insider Trading Policy is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and the exchange listing standards applicable to us. A copy of our Insider Trading Policy, including any amendments thereto, was filed as Exhibit 19.1 to our Annual Report on Form
for the year ended
under the Exchange Act, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Clawback Policy that requires the Company to recoup any cash bonus awarded and any equity-based awards granted to the Named Executive Officers pursuant to the EIP during a specified look-back period in the event that the Company is required to restate its financial statements due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under federal securities laws. This remedy would be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any actions imposed by law enforcement agencies, regulators or other authorities.
.
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PROPOSAL NO. 2. RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
On
We are asking our stockholders to ratify the appointment of
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE"FOR"THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP TO AUDIT THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CIO FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
Audit Fees
The following table presents the aggregate fees billed by
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
|
Audit Fees(1) |
$ | 638,174 | $ | 600,664 | ||||
|
Audit-Related Fees |
- | - | ||||||
|
Tax Fees |
- | - | ||||||
|
All Other Fees |
- | - | ||||||
|
Total |
$ | 638,174 | $ | 600,664 | ||||
| (1) |
Audit fees consisted of the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by |
Exchange Act rules generally require any engagement by a public company of an accountant to provide audit or non-auditservices to be pre-approvedby the Audit Committee of that public company. This pre-approvalrequirement is waived with respect to the provision of services other than audit, review or attest services if certain conditions set forth in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C)of Regulation S-Xare met. All of the audit and audit-related services described above were pre-approvedby the Audit Committee and, as a consequence, such services were not provided pursuant to a waiver of the pre-approvalrequirement set forth in this Rule. The Audit Committee charter provides guidelines for the pre-approvalof independent auditor services. All of the audit and audit-related services described above were completed by full-time, permanent employees of
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the number and percentage owned by each person who, to the knowledge of CIO, as of
|
Title of Class |
Owner |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percent of Class(1) |
|||||||
|
Common Stock |
60 East 42nd Street, 9th Floor |
3,938,000 | (2) | 9.8 | % | |||||
|
Common Stock |
50 Hudson Yards |
3,584,637 | (3) | 8.9 | % | |||||
|
Common Stock |
|
2,063,397 | (4) | 5.1 | % | |||||
| (1) |
Based on 40,358,240 shares of our common stock outstanding as of |
| (2) |
The number of shares of our common stock in the table above and the information in this footnote are based solely on the Schedule 13G/A filed on |
| (3) |
The number of shares of our common stock in the table above and the information in this footnote are based solely on the Schedule 13G/A filed on |
| (4) |
The number of shares of our common stock in the table above and the information in this footnote are based solely on the Schedule 13G/A filed on |
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The following tables set forth the number and percentage owned as of
|
|
Title of Securities | Shares Owned |
Percentage of All Shares(1) |
|||||||||
|
|
Common Stock | 701,090 | 1.7 | % | ||||||||
|
|
Common Stock | 615,710 | 1.5 | % | ||||||||
|
|
Common Stock | 227,778 | * | |||||||||
|
|
Common Stock | 63,015 | * | |||||||||
|
|
Common Stock | 41,900 | * | |||||||||
|
|
Common Stock | 41,179 | * | |||||||||
|
|
Common Stock | 18,813 | * | |||||||||
|
|
Common Stock | 38,337 | * | |||||||||
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons) |
Common Stock | 1,747,822 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||
| * |
Represents less than one percent of class. |
| (1) |
Based on 40,358,240 shares of our common stock outstanding as of |
| (2) |
Share amount includes indirect ownership through family members, trusts, corporations and/or partnerships. |
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors is currently comprised of three independent directors with the responsibility for establishing and administering the underlying policies and principles of our compensation program. We strive to provide a competitive total remuneration package to our Named Executive Officers ("NEOs") through a combination of base salary, annual cash incentive compensation and long-term equity incentive compensation. Our focus is to establish a program that aligns the Company's short- and long-term interests with those of our management. We strive to reward strong performance but designed our compensation program to have material consequences for NEOs if objectives established by the Compensation Committee are not satisfactorily met.
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis section describes our executive compensation program for 2024. It also describes how and why the Compensation Committee made its decisions regarding 2024 compensation. Set forth below is information concerning our NEOs and their respective titles as of
|
|
Age |
Position |
||||
|
|
49 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||||
|
|
53 | Chief Operating Officer and President | ||||
|
|
53 | Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer | ||||
Information regarding the background of our non-directorNEOs is set forth below.
The business address of all of our directors and NEOs is
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Executive Summary
Overview of 2024 Business Performance
The Company is focused on owning and operating office properties located predominantly in
Summary of Key 2024 Accomplishments
During 2024, the Company achieved substantial results that contributed to the overall strong operating performance of the Company, including, but not limited to:
| • |
Executed 806,000 square feet of new and renewal leases, representing a 35% increase as compared to 2023; |
| • |
Increased overall portfolio occupancy to 85.4% at year-endof 2024, as compared to 84.5% at year-endof 2023; |
| • |
Increased the Company's annualized gross rent per square foot by 1.8%; |
| • |
Achieved a 5.9% cash re-leasingspread across 2024; |
| • |
Completed loan renewals on two property mortgages; |
| • |
Continued construction and leasing of high-quality spec suites and successfully executed numerous renovation projects; |
| • |
Advanced significant value-creating redevelopment potential at one of the Company's properties; |
| • |
Actively positioned Company properties to maximize overall corporate value; |
| • |
Implemented cost savings measures to maximize returns; and |
| • |
Continued the Company's focus on improvement to sustainability measures. |
2024 Total Stockholder Return
The total retufor our common stock in 2024 was negative 2.7%. In comparison, the Dow Jones
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in its sole discretion, to substitute certain peer indices in any given year in order to ensure fair measurement of the Company against its peers.
Long-Term Stockholder Return
As of
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Executive Compensation Principles
We have established our compensation program to achieve various short and long-term objectives. Our overriding philosophy is to establish lower than average base salaries but provide our NEOs the ability to eahigher than average total remuneration through demonstrated performance, thereby better aligning their interests with those of our stockholders.
Our compensation program includes (i) a base salary component, (ii) an annual cash incentive compensation potential, and (iii) a long-term equity incentive potential. The Compensation Committee judges performance based on detailed criteria (the "Performance Objectives") that are established at the beginning of the year and are discussed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement under the heading "-2024 Performance Objectives."
The compensation program for our executives is designed to achieve the following core objectives:
| • |
Attract and retain executives capable of performing at the highest levels of our industry; |
| • |
Create and maintain a performance-focused culture, by rewarding Company and individual performance based upon objective, predetermined metrics; |
| • |
Align the interests of our executives and stockholders by motivating executives to achieve key corporate goals and objectives that should enhance stockholder value; |
| • |
Ensure that unsatisfactory performance has consequences and will result in materially reduced incentive compensation; |
| • |
Create an alignment between our executives' compensation and the enhancement of our corporate sustainability initiatives over time; |
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| • |
Encourage teamwork and cooperation while recognizing individual contributions by linking variable compensation to both corporate and individual performance; and |
| • |
Motivate our executives to manage our business to meet and appropriately balance our short and long-term objectives. |
Compensation Best Practices
The Compensation Committee and management periodically review the compensation and benefit programs for executives and other employees to align them with the core objectives discussed above. Additionally, we compare both compensation and Company performance against peer companies when evaluating the appropriateness of our compensation. We have implemented a number of measures in an effort to align the interests of the Company's NEOs with those of our stockholders, while also driving performance and achievement of long-term goals. Below we highlight our compensation and governance practices that support these principles.
What we do:
| ✓ |
Utilize a compensation structure that generally uses base salaries set below the comparable peer group average with the potential to eahigher than average total remuneration through additional compensation awarded for measured performance; |
| ✓ |
Link annual cash and long-term equity incentive compensation to the achievement of pre-establishedPerformance Objectives; |
| ✓ |
Provide long-term equity incentive compensation in the form of restricted stock units with a mix of time and performance-based vesting conditions to promote long-term stockholder alignment and continuity; |
| ✓ |
Balance short-term and long-term incentives; |
| ✓ |
Ensure an alignment exists between executive compensation and enhancing corporate sustainability initiatives over time; |
| ✓ |
Align executive compensation with stockholder returns; |
| ✓ |
Use appropriate peer groups when establishing compensation; |
| ✓ |
Provide the Compensation Committee with full discretion to score the achievement of the Performance Objectives; |
| ✓ |
Provide the Compensation Committee with full discretion to hire an independent compensation consultant to assist with peer groups analysis or other relevant matters; |
| ✓ |
Implement the Stock Ownership Policy to help align the interests of our NEOs with the interests of our stockholders; and |
| ✓ |
Implement the Clawback Policy, pursuant to which, under limited circumstances, we may seek to recover incentive-based compensation from any current or former executive officer who received incentive-based compensation during a specified look-back period. |
What we don't do:
| × |
Provide extensive perquisites to our NEOs; |
| × |
Provide pension plans, deferred compensation plans or supplemental executive retirement plans; |
| × |
Permit our officers and directors to purchase or sell any derivative securities based on the Company's equity securities; or |
| × |
Guarantee salary increases, bonuses, equity grants or provide for tax gross-ups. |
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Compensation Review Process
Role of the Compensation Committee and Management
The Compensation Committee evaluates Company and individual performance when making compensation recommendations to the Company's Board of Directors with respect to our NEOs. In making decisions regarding NEO remuneration, the Compensation Committee may consider recommendations from our CEO with respect to the performance and contributions of each of the other two NEOs but the Compensation Committee ultimately acts in its sole and absolute discretion.
Market Data and Peer Sets
A key consideration in determining levels of base and incentive compensation is the pay practices and performance of our peers.
For purposes of evaluating our performance relative to comparable companies, we focus on the performance of publicly traded office REITs. We believe this is appropriate because we most closely compete with other publicly traded office REITs for human capital, investments, etc. and broad market dynamics are likely to impact publicly traded office REITs in similar ways.
For purposes of evaluating the pay practices of our peers, we focus on both publicly traded office REITs and publicly traded REITs of a similar size to us. In determining pay practices, we believe it is important to evaluate REITs of a similar size, as we are one of the smaller REITs in the publicly traded office REIT peer group.
As part of our annual analysis, we utilize data provided by our association with the
2024 Performance Objectives
On
| 1. |
Operational Targets. The Compensation Committee believes that setting specific targets related to operations derived from the annual business plan and strategic plan is an appropriate measure of the Company's performance. Such targets in 2024 included achieving overall leasing targets and targets for specific tenants and properties while maximizing the lengths of renewal lease terms, maintaining high rent collection levels throughout 2024, achieving portfolio occupancy targets and Same Store Cash NOI targets, executing early lease extensions with key tenants, completing renovations and ready-to-leasespec suite projects on time and on budget, maintaining general and administrative expense ratio targets and enhancing service provider efficiency and execution. |
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| 2. |
Share Performance and Liquidity Targets. The Compensation Committee believes that setting specific targets related to the total retuperformance of the Company's common stock relative to the peer set is an appropriate measure of overall and corporate performance. These targets included one-yearand five-year total retuperformance relative to office REITs and a comparison of historical valuation metrics for the Company with the goal of delivering higher valuation multiples over time. The Company also set targets for maintaining liquidity and refinancing certain property loans to preserve liquidity. |
| 3. |
Financial Measure Targets. The Compensation Committee believes that establishing specific targets related to quantifiable financial measures derived from the annual business plan and strategic plan is an appropriate measure of corporate performance. These metrics included performance relating to core funds from operations ("Core FFO"), normalized per share FFO, portfolio NOI, dividend coverage and leverage targets, among others. |
| 4. |
Acquisition and Divestiture Targets. The Compensation Committee believes that setting specific targets related to acquisition strategy, as well as capital recycling activities, is an appropriate measure of corporate performance. Such targets in 2024 included strategically positioning certain properties for disposition or value maximization, identifying opportunities to de-riskthe portfolio and executing on opportunities to unlock property value. |
| 5. |
Capital Markets, Sustainability and Investor Relations Targets. The Compensation Committee believes that setting specific targets related to maintaining strong capital markets relationships, enhancing corporate sustainability initiatives and promoting investor relations is an appropriate measure of corporate performance. Such targets in 2024 included investor relations outreach to enhance the shareholder base, strengthening relationships with banks and lending syndicates, improving corporate sustainability ratings through enhanced disclosure and the implementation of new policies and programs (in a cost-effective manner appropriate for a company of our size) and expanding the Company's equity and enterprise value base over time. |
We use FFO, which NAREIT states should represent net income or loss (computed in accordance with
We also believe Core FFO, calculated using FFO as defined by NAREIT and adjusting for certain other non-coreitems, such as deducting acquisition costs, loss on early extinguishment of debt, changes in the fair value of earn-outs, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration and the amortization of stock-based compensation, provides a useful metric in comparing operations between reporting periods and in assessing the sustainability of the Company's ongoing operating performance.
We define NOI as total rental and other revenues less property operating expenses. We consider NOI to be an appropriate supplemental performance measure to net income because we believe it provides information useful in understanding the core operations and operating performance of the Company's portfolio. We believe that Same Store Cash NOI, calculated as the NOI attributable to the properties continuously owned and operated for the entirety of the reporting periods presented (excluding properties that were not stabilized during both of the applicable reporting periods), is an important measure of comparison, because it allows for comparison of operating results of stabilized properties owned and operated for the entirety of both applicable periods and therefore eliminates variations caused by acquisitions, dispositions or re-positioningsduring such periods.
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The Compensation Committee established the following relative weightings for these Performance Objectives in 2024:
Each Performance Objective is measured between 0-200%of the target weighting, with 100% established as target performance. The Compensation Committee believes that the 2024 Performance Objectives were established with the goal of promoting both short- and long-term stockholder value. In addition, the Compensation Committee believes that maintaining an ability to reward specific accomplishments outside of the Performance Objective criteria that generate incremental stockholder value is an important alignment tool. The Compensation Committee retains the ability to make adjustments in determining performance to reward special achievements or to account for negative factors.
2024 Performance Evaluation
The Compensation Committee evaluated the Company's actual performance against the 2024 Performance Objectives and formulated a recommendation to the Company's Board of Directors. Key factors driving the Compensation Committee's conclusions included, among other factors:
| 1. |
Operational Targets. The Compensation Committee considered the active steps taken by the Company to best position its available spaces for leasing in the current office leasing environment. The Company's spec suite program has been a success, with the Company having leased over 75% of the spec suites it has built since 2021. During 2024, the company completed or considerably progressed strategic renovations and capital projects at four properties, positioning them well for enhanced leasing. The Compensation Committee considered the increase in overall portfolio occupancy as compared to the prior year as well as specific leasing metrics achieved at various target properties, even with the headwinds of corporate downsizing. In 2024, the Company completed 430,000 square feet of new leases and 376,000 square feet of renewals. The Compensation Committee also evaluated the successful mitigation of the impact of the downsizing of one of the Company's largest tenants during the year. The Company achieved positive Same Store Cash NOI growth of 0.1% and a 5.9% cash re-leasingspread during 2024. |
| 2. |
Share Performance and Liquidity Targets. Total stockholder retuand earnings multiples across the public office real estate industry continued to face challenges in 2024. The Compensation Committee considered the Company's total stockholder retuduring 2024 and over a five-year period. The Company's total stockholder retuin 2024 was negative 2.7%, which was in the third quartile of the companies comprising the Dow Jones |
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| the third quartile of companies comprising the Dow Jones |
| 3. |
Financial Measure Targets. The Compensation Committee considered performance relative to the detailed financial measure targets. Core FFO per share and portfolio NOI were negatively impacted in 2024 by the downsizing of a significant tenant. The Company successfully mitigated the impacts of the downsizing through partially backfilling the space and negotiating an extension with the tenant for a portion of its space subsequent to the initial downsizing. After revising the guidance that the Company provided to shareholders at the beginning of the year to account for the impact of that tenant, the Company ended 2024 with Core FFO per share and portfolio NOI within the revised guidance ranges. The Compensation Committee considered that the Company covered its common stock dividend with cash flow in the aggregate for the year. The Company also achieved its primary goals relative to leverage targets. The Compensation Committee also considered initiatives enacted by management to both enhance and preserve corporate value. |
| 4. |
Acquisition and Divestiture Targets. The Compensation Committee considered performance relative to the acquisition and divestiture targets. Elevated interest rates and challenging investment conditions impacted the Company's opportunities for acquisitions, dispositions and capital recycling. The Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement in 2024 to sell its Superior Pointe property in |
| 5. |
Capital Markets, Sustainability and Investor Relations Targets. The Compensation Committee considered performance relative to the detailed capital markets, corporate sustainability and investor relations targets. Conditions in the capital markets were challenging in 2024 but investor sentiment towards the office real estate sector has started to improve as fundamentals and leasing stabilized in 2024. The Company focused on maintaining and strengthening existing capital markets and lending relationships, as well as continued investor outreach. Further, the Company continued to focus on its corporate sustainability-related disclosures, initiatives and programs, which resulted in the maintenance of the Company's ESG Corporate Rating as measured by |
Structure and Components of the Executive Compensation Program
The compensation program for NEOs generally consists of base salary, annual cash incentive compensation potential and long-term equity incentive compensation potential. Each year the Compensation Committee establishes a set of Performance Objectives (discussed further above) and weightings for each Performance Objective, which is used in evaluating performance and determining total remuneration of our NEOs.
Base Salary
Base salaries for NEOs are determined by position, which takes into consideration the scope of job responsibilities, the employee's level of experience and expertise and competitive market compensation paid by
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other public office REITs for similar positions. Base salaries for NEOs are generally fixed by the Compensation Committee for a two-yearperiod and reviewed for adjustment every other year and set to a level that the Compensation Committee believes is necessary and appropriate to attract and retain high-quality professionals. However, the Compensation Committee reviews base salaries paid by our peer groups on an annual basis to determine if adjustments should be made more frequently. Under guidelines established by our Compensation Committee, the target for base salaries for our NEOs is intended to be generally below the comparable peer groups' average while providing the ability to achieve above average total remuneration based on strong performance.
On
Base salaries for the NEOs were adjusted on
|
Recipient |
2024 Base Salary | 2023 Base Salary | ||||||
|
|
$ | 525,000 | $ | 525,000 | ||||
|
|
$ | 525,000 | $ | 525,000 | ||||
|
|
$ | 400,000 | $ | 400,000 | ||||
Annual Cash Incentive Compensation
Our NEOs have the opportunity to eaan annual cash incentive compensation designed to reward annual corporate performance. In determining the actual annual cash incentive compensation paid to an NEO, the Compensation Committee provides a score for each Performance Objective. However, the percentage amount an NEO may eaunder this program can generally range from 0-200%of base salary as determined by the Compensation Committee's measurement of achievement under the Performance Objectives, subject to special circumstance reward or punitive adjustments that may be approved by the Compensation Committee in its discretion.
The Compensation Committee considered the Company's actual performance for 2024 against the 2024 Performance Objectives as well as the other factors described above. Based on those considerations, the Compensation Committee made the following annual cash incentive compensation recommendations for 2024 performance, which were subsequently approved by the Company's Board of Directors and paid to the NEOs.
|
Recipient |
2024 Annual Cash Incentive Compensation |
|||
|
|
$ | 656,250 | ||
|
|
$ | 656,250 | ||
|
|
$ | 483,500 | ||
Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation
Our NEOs are eligible to receive long-term equity incentive compensation under the Company's EIP that promotes our long-term success by aligning the NEOs' interests with the interests of our stockholders. The EIP enables the Company to provide the NEOs with an ownership interest in our company through restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units. Such compensation is typically granted during the first quarter of each year relating to the prior year's performance.
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The Compensation Committee may, from time to time pursuant to the EIP, grant our NEOs certain equity-based awards. These awards are designed to align the interests of our NEOs with those of our stockholders by allowing our NEOs to share in the creation of value for our stockholders through capital appreciation and dividends. These equity awards are generally subject to vesting requirements, and are designed to promote the retention of management and to achieve strong performance for our company. Our NEOs and independent directors are subject to the Stock Ownership Policy and our NEOs are subject to an additional requirement to hold an amount of our common stock having an aggregate value of at least a certain multiple of the NEO's annual base salary. For more information on the Stock Ownership Policy, see the discussion elsewhere in this Proxy Statement under the heading "-Stock Ownership Policy."
REIT regulations require us to pay at least 90% of our REIT taxable income to stockholders as dividends. As a result, we believe that our common stockholders are interested in receiving attractive risk-adjusted dividends and the growth of our market capitalization. Accordingly, we want to provide incentives to our NEOs that reward success in achieving these goals. We believe that equity-based awards serve to align the interests of our NEOs with the interests of our stockholders since the value our NEOs receive from these awards is largely dependent on the value of our common stock, the potential for appreciation of that value and our capability to pay dividends. We believe that this alignment of interests provides an incentive to our NEOs to implement strategies that will enhance our overall performance.
Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation Objectives
The issuance of restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units are an important motivational and retention tool that serves to drive performance and deter our NEOs from seeking other employment opportunities. We also believe that it creates a good long-term alignment between our NEOs and stockholders. We utilize both time-based restricted stock units that generally vest ratably on an annual basis over a three-year term, as well as performance restricted stock units that generally cliff vest after three years with payouts ranging from 50% to 150%, depending on relative total shareholder retuversus the individual company constituents in a peer group set, subject to the Compensation Committee's discretion and as described further below. If an NEO leaves the employment of the Company, unvested restricted stock units and unvested performance restricted stock units are immediately forfeited, except in limited circumstances. Dividends received on the restricted stock units are accrued at the same rate and on the same date as our common stock and remain subject to forfeiture, and dividends on the performance restricted stock units are only accrued at the end of the applicable term based on the actual award vesting amount.
The Compensation Committee designed the long-term incentive awards to ensure that our NEOs have a continuing stake in our long-term success, that the total compensation realized by our NEOs reflects our multi-year performance as measured by the efficient use of capital and changes in stockholder value, and that a large portion of their total compensation opportunity is earned over a multi-year period and could be forfeitable in the event of termination of their service to us or our affiliates. This intent is reinforced through our Stock Ownership Policy and our Clawback Policy.
Our overall approach for setting the level of long-term equity incentive compensation is to create and sustain long-term stockholder value while rewarding employee performance. Under the guidelines established by our Compensation Committee, the base salaries our NEO's receive are intended to be below-market, with the ability to achieve total remuneration at the higher end of the market range, through bonuses and long-term incentive compensation based on performance. When considering market remuneration, our Compensation Committee evaluates remuneration levels of our publicly traded REIT peer set and considers our relative size and performance versus the comparison peer groups. As we intentionally set base salaries generally below the average of our peer groups, the long-term equity incentive compensation component is intended to comprise a material portion of total remuneration if strong performance is achieved by the NEOs.
For the fiscal year ending
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stock units and 60% performance restricted stock units, which the Company believes enhances the alignment of NEO compensation with the interests of our stockholders. This ratio was continued for the fiscal year ending
Grants of Time Vesting Restricted Stock Units to our NEOs in 2024
During the fiscal year ended
The Time Vesting Restricted Stock Unit component of the long-term equity incentive compensation that was issued in
|
Recipient |
Restricted Stock Units Granted During Calendar 2024 |
Value of Restricted Stock Units Granted During Calendar 2024(1) |
||||||
|
|
73,289 | $ | 399,425 | |||||
|
|
73,289 | $ | 399,425 | |||||
|
|
30,537 | $ | 166,427 | |||||
| (1) |
The amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair values, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Certification Topic 718, of restricted stock unit awards during the applicable fiscal year under the Company's EIP; these amounts do not reflect the value of any dividend equivalents related to such restricted stock units. |
Grants of Performance Restricted Stock Units to our NEOs in 2024
On
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the 75th percentile of the 2024
Subject to the terms of any applicable employment agreement, payouts of the Performance RSU Awards will vest, if at all, upon the completion of the Performance RSU Measurement Period, provided that the awardee remains continuously employed with the Company through the end of the applicable Performance RSU Measurement Period, except in certain cases of Changes of Control or a Covered Termination (each, as defined in each Performance RSU Award Agreement). Unless otherwise set forth in an awardee's employment agreement, if applicable, upon the occurrence of a Covered Termination the awardee will continue to hold the Performance RSU Award through the last day of the applicable Performance RSU Measurement Period, and the Performance RSU Award will vest as of such last day, if at all, based upon the above TSR sliding scale. To the extent earned, the payouts of the Performance RSU Awards will be settled in the form of shares of our common stock, pursuant to the EIP, or if approved by the Compensation Committee, in cash of equivalent value. Performance RSU Awards do not entitle the recipient to the rights of a holder of our common stock until shares are issued in settlement of the vested Performance RSU Awards. The Compensation Committee retains the discretion to remove or make adjustments to vesting conditions under the Performance RSU Awards.
Upon satisfaction of the vesting conditions, dividend equivalents in an amount equal to all regular and special dividends declared with respect to our common stock during each annual measurement period during the applicable Performance RSU Measurement Period are determined and paid on a cumulative, reinvested basis over the term of the applicable Performance RSU Award, at the time such award vests and based on the number of shares of our common stock that are earned. For example, if at the time of vesting, the TSR of our common stock is at the 50th percentile of the 2024
The following Performance RSU Awards were issued to our NEOs in 2024:
|
Recipient |
Performance RSU Awards Granted During Calendar 2024(1) |
Value of Performance RSU Awards Granted During Calendar 2024(1)(2) |
||||||
|
|
109,934 | $ | 599,140 | |||||
|
|
109,934 | $ | 599,140 | |||||
|
|
45,806 | $ | 249,643 | |||||
| (1) |
We granted dividend equivalency rights on each of the Performance RSU Awards listed. These dividend equivalency rights are reflected as in-kindpayments of additional Performance RSU Awards upon each regular common stock dividend payment. The terms of vesting for these in-kinddividend equivalency rights match those of the underlying Performance RSU Award grant. During the year ended |
| (2) |
The amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair values, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Certification Topic 718, of Performance RSU Awards during the applicable fiscal year under the Company's EIP without giving effect to the value of any dividend equivalents related to such Performance RSU Award. The grant date fair value of such dividend equivalents during the year ended |
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Payout of Performance Restricted Stock Units to our NEOs in 2024
The Performance RSU Awards granted in
|
Recipient |
Number of Target Performance RSUs Awarded |
Actual Performance RSUs Earned(1) |
||||||
|
|
37,500 | 18,750 | ||||||
|
|
37,500 | 18,750 | ||||||
|
|
15,000 | 7,500 | ||||||
| (1) |
Simultaneously with the vesting of the Performance RSU Awards, our NEOs were issued the following in-kindawards in respect of the dividend equivalency rights: |
Grants of Equity Compensation to our NEOs Year-to-Datein 2025
As detailed above, our long-term equity incentive compensation is typically granted during the first quarter of each year relating to the prior year's performance. After consideration of the Company's actual performance against the 2024 Performance Objectives, the total remuneration of the NEOs versus the Company's peer sets and overall performance, the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors approved and issued the following restricted stock units and Performance RSU Awards to our NEOs, which will be reflected in the 2025 total compensation table:
|
Recipient |
Number of Restricted Stock Unit Awards Awarded |
Number of Performance RSU Awards Awarded |
||||||
|
|
60,000 | 90,000 | ||||||
|
|
60,000 | 90,000 | ||||||
|
|
29,581 | 44,371 | ||||||
The Performance RSU Awards granted to our NEOs on
The Effect of Regulatory Requirements on Our Executive Compensation
Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Sections280G and 4999. IRC Section 280G limits our ability to take a tax deduction for certain "excess parachute payments" (as defined in Section 280G) and IRC Section 4999 imposes excise taxes on each executive that receives "excess parachute payments" paid by CIO in connection with a change in control. The Compensation Committee does not anticipate that the Company would be required to pay non-deductiblecompensation upon any change in control of the Company.
Accounting Rules. Various rules under generally accepted accounting principles determine the manner in which CIO accounts for grants of equity-based compensation to our employees in our financial statements. The Compensation Committee takes into consideration the accounting treatment of alternative grant proposals under
Potential Impact on Compensation from Financial Restatements. Effective
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Policy that requires the Company to recoup any cash bonus awarded and any equity-based awards granted to the Named Executive Officers pursuant to the EIP during a specified look-back period in the event that the Company is required to restate its financial statements due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under federal securities laws. This remedy would be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any actions imposed by law enforcement agencies, regulators or other authorities.
Stock Ownership Policy
The Company's Board of Directors adopted the Stock Ownership Policy for our NEOs and independent directors. This policy requires that each of our independent directors achieve ownership of our common stock having an aggregate value of at least three times his or her total annual base compensation in effect as of the date he or she first became an independent director prior to the fifth anniversary of the date he or she was first elected or appointed an independent director. In addition, we adopted a policy requiring each of our NEOs to achieve ownership of our common stock having an aggregate value of a certain multiple of the executive's annual base salary. Such multiples are as follows:
|
Position |
Multiple | |||
|
Chief Executive Officer |
4x | |||
|
Chief Operating Officer and President |
3x | |||
|
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer |
3x | |||
Say-on-PayVote Results
At the Company's 2024 Annual Meeting, over 81% of the votes cast supported the Company's approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation for the NEOs for 2023, or the "say-on-pay"vote. Given this strong support, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee did not implement any significant changes to the Company's compensation programs in 2024. The Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will continue to consider the outcome of future say-on-payvotes, as well as stockholder feedback received throughout the year, in determining the appropriate compensation techniques and levels to be utilized by the Company.
Say-on-FrequencyVote Results
At our 2020 Annual Meeting, we asked our stockholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation every "one year," or the "say-on-frequency"vote. Our stockholders approved holding an advisory vote on executive compensation every "one year," with approximately 85% of the votes cast voting in favor of an advisory vote on executive compensation every "one year." After considering the nonbinding results for the vote on frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation, the Board of Directors determined to hold nonbinding advisory votes on executive compensation every "one year" until the Company is next required, or the Board of Directors deems it appropriate, to submit to the Company's stockholders a proposal to approve, by a nonbinding advisory vote, the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation. Through our ongoing engagement with stockholders, the Board of Directors will continue to consider any stockholder concerns and feedback in the future.
Role of Management and
During 2024, the Compensation Committee did not retain an independent compensation consultant, though the Compensation Committee has the authority to retain, and terminate, any compensation consultant to assist in the evaluation of employee compensation and to approve the consultant's fees and the other terms and conditions of the consultant's retention.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, discharging the Board of Directors' responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company's executives, including recommending to the Board of
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Directors for approval and evaluating the compensation plans, policies and programs of the Company. The Compensation Committee has reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis herein and discussed it with management. Based on the review and the discussions with management, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement for filing with the
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
Summary Compensation Table
The table below summarizes the total compensation paid or awarded to each of our NEOs for the fiscal years indicated.
|
Position |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards ($)(1) |
All Other Compensation ($)(2) |
Total ($)(4) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
2024 | (3) | $ | 525,000 | $ | 656,250 | $ | 1,054,368 | $ | 91,017 | $ | 2,326,635 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | (3) | $ | 525,000 | $ | 551,250 | $ | 1,203,940 | $ | 98,198 | $ | 2,378,388 | |||||||||||||
| 2022 | (3) | $ | 475,000 | $ | 475,000 | $ | 2,067,352 | $ | 101,188 | $ | 3,118,540 | |||||||||||||
|
|
2024 | (3) | $ | 525,000 | $ | 656,250 | $ | 1,054,368 | $ | 91,017 | $ | 2,326,635 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | (3) | $ | 525,000 | $ | 551,250 | $ | 1,203,940 | $ | 98,198 | $ | 2,378,388 | |||||||||||||
| 2022 | (3) | $ | 475,000 | $ | 475,000 | $ | 2,067,352 | $ | 101,188 | $ | 3,118,540 | |||||||||||||
|
|
2024 | (3) | $ | 400,000 | $ | 483,500 | $ | 437,578 | $ | 37,527 | $ | 1,358,605 | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | (3) | $ | 400,000 | $ | 406,140 | $ | 497,140 | $ | 40,146 | $ | 1,343,426 | |||||||||||||
| 2022 | (3) | $ | 350,000 | $ | 350,000 | $ | 694,783 | $ | 41,826 | $ | 1,436,609 | |||||||||||||
| (1) |
The amounts in the Stock Awards column represent the aggregate grant date fair values, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of restricted stock unit awards and Performance RSU Awards during the applicable fiscal year under the Company's EIP. |
| (2) |
Represents the grant date fair value of in-kindpayments of additional Performance RSU Awards made in respect of the dividend equivalency rights issued at the time of grant. |
| (3) |
The NEOs received an annual base salary pursuant to their respective Employment Agreements and also received grants of restricted stock units and Performance RSU Awards pursuant to the EIP. |
| (4) |
During the fiscal year ended |
Grant of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the grants of plan-based awards to our NEOs under the EIP during the fiscal year ended
|
|
Grant Date | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)(1)(2) |
Estimated Number of Shares for Future Payouts under Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards ($)(3) |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Threshold | Target | Maximum | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
2,553 | - | - | - | $ | 14,476 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
2,514 | - | - | - | $ | 14,229 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
3,047 | - | - | - | $ | 13,925 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Performance RSUs |
109,934 | 54,967 | 109,934 | 164,901 | $ | 599,140 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
73,289 | - | - | - | $ | 399,425 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
2,417 | - | - | - | $ | 13,173 | ||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
Grant Date | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)(1)(2) |
Estimated Number of Shares for Future Payouts under Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards ($)(3) |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
2,553 | - | - | - | $ | 14,476 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
2,514 | - | - | - | $ | 14,229 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
3,047 | - | - | - | $ | 13,925 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Performance RSUs |
109,934 | 54,967 | 109,934 | 164,901 | $ | 599,140 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
73,289 | - | - | - | $ | 399,425 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
2,417 | - | - | - | $ | 13,173 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
1,001 | - | - | - | $ | 5,676 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
986 | - | - | - | $ | 5,581 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
1,196 | - | - | - | $ | 5,466 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Performance RSUs |
45,806 | 22,903 | 45,806 | 68,709 | $ | 249,643 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
30,537 | - | - | - | $ | 166,427 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted Stock Units |
878 | - | - | - | $ | 4,785 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (1) |
Reflects the allocable number of restricted stock unit awards and Performance RSU Awards in 2024 under the EIP. The restricted stock units vest ratably over three years and carry the right to receive dividends (through a related grant of dividend equivalent rights), which will be reinvested in shares of our common stock and delivered to the applicable executive upon, and subject to, satisfaction of the vesting criteria applicable to the related restricted stock units. The Performance RSU Awards are based upon the TSR of our common stock over the Performance RSU Measurement Period beginning |
| (2) |
In |
| (3) |
The amounts included in the Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Award column represents the grant date fair value of the awards made to the NEOs in 2024 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, using closing prices for our common stock of: (i) |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End2024
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the outstanding equity awards to our NEOs at
|
|
Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested (#) |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested ($)(1) |
||||||
|
|
369,738 | (2) | $ | 2,040,954 | ||||
|
|
369,738 | (2) | $ | 2,040,954 | ||||
|
|
149,848 | (3) | $ | 827,161 | ||||
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| (1) |
Pursuant to |
| (2) |
Included in this number are restricted stock units granted on the dates and in the amounts listed below. The market value of the amount to be earned upon vesting is based on the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on |
| (3) |
Included in this number are restricted stock units granted on the dates and in the amounts listed below. The market value of the amount to be earned upon vesting is based on the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth certain information regarding option award exercising and stock vesting during 2024.
| Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||
|
|
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) |
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting ($) |
||||||||||||
|
|
- | - | 142,212 | $ | 802,076 | |||||||||||
|
|
- | - | 142,212 | $ | 802,076 | |||||||||||
|
|
- | - | 54,290 | $ | 306,196 | |||||||||||
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Termination Without Cause, Resignation With Good Reason
Pursuant to each NEO's employment agreement with us, if the NEO's employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by the NEO upon a resignation with good reason, subject to the execution by the NEO of a release and waiver of claims, the NEO shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay or provide the NEO:
| • |
any annual base salary, annual cash bonus or other benefit accrued through, but unpaid as of, the date of termination; |
| • |
a single cash payment equal to the NEO's annual base salary as in effect on the date the NEO's employment terminates; |
| • |
a single cash payment of the average annual cash bonus paid to the NEO for the prior two fiscal years preceding the termination; |
| • |
a single cash payment equal to the NEO's annual bonus for the prior fiscal year prorated for the days served in the current fiscal year; |
| • |
a single cash payment of the average amount granted to the NEO under the EIP for the prior two fiscal years preceding the termination; |
| • |
continued coverage under the Company's group health plan for twelve months; and |
| • |
immediate vesting of all outstanding awards granted to the NEO under the EIP. |
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The following table sets forth the total cost that the Company would have incurred and the payments the NEOs would have received if the NEO's employment was terminated by the Company without cause or by the NEO upon a resignation with good reason as of
| Cash Payments for: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Base Salary in Effect on the Termination Date ($) |
Average Annual Cash Bonus for Fiscal Years ($) |
Prorated Annual Cash Bonus for Days Served in Current Fiscal Year ($) |
Average Value of Shares or Units of Stock Granted for Fiscal Years ($) |
Continued Plan Coverage ($) |
Total Cost of Termination ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
$ | 525,000 | $ | 513,125 | $ | 551,250 | $ | 1,129,154 | (1) | $ | - | $ | 2,718,529 | |||||||||||
|
|
$ | 525,000 | $ | 513,125 | $ | 551,250 | $ | 1,129,154 | (1) | $ | - | $ | 2,718,529 | |||||||||||
|
|
$ | 400,000 | $ | 378,070 | $ | 406,140 | $ | 467,359 | (2) | $ | - | $ | 1,651,569 | |||||||||||
| (1) |
Calculated by averaging the value of shares or units of stock granted as follows: (i) |
| (2) |
Calculated by averaging the value of shares or units of stock granted as follows: (i) |
Termination for Cause, Voluntary Termination by the NEO without Good Reason
Pursuant to such NEO's employment agreement with us, if the NEO's employment is terminated by the Company for cause, the NEO shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay or provide the NEO, any annual base salary, annual cash bonus or other benefit accrued through, but unpaid as of, the date of termination, but the NEO shall not be entitled to receive any other compensation or benefits on and after the date of termination.
If the NEO resigns or otherwise voluntarily terminates his employment (other than for good reason), the NEO shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay or provide the NEO, any annual base salary, annual cash bonus or other benefit accrued through, but unpaid as of, the date of termination but shall not be entitled to receive any other compensation or benefits on or after the date of termination, other than as expressly set forth in the employment agreement.
The following table sets forth the total cost that the Company would have incurred and the payments the NEOs would have received if the NEO's employment was terminated by the Company for cause, or if the NEO resigned or was unable to perform his employment obligations as a result of a disability which cannot be reasonably accommodated or otherwise voluntarily terminates his employment (other than for good reason), as of
| Cash Payments for: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Base Salary in Effect on the Termination Date ($) |
Average Annual Cash Bonus for Fiscal Years ($) |
Prorated Annual Cash Bonus for Days Served in Current Fiscal Year ($) |
Average Value of Shares or Units of Stock Granted for Fiscal Years ($) |
Continued Plan Coverage ($) |
Total Cost of Termination ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||
|
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||
|
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||
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Death or Disability
Pursuant to each NEO's employment agreement with us, if the NEO dies before the NEO's employment is terminated by the Company, the NEO's survivors or estate, as applicable, shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay or provide the NEO's survivors or estate, as applicable, subject to the execution by the survivors or estate, as applicable, of a release and waiver of claims, or if the NEO resigns or is unable to perform his employment obligations as a result of a disability which cannot be reasonably accommodated or otherwise voluntarily terminates his employment (other than for good reason), any annual base salary, annual cash bonus or other benefit accrued through, but unpaid as of, the date of termination, and all outstanding awards granted to the NEO under the EIP shall become fully vested. If the NEO becomes unable to perform his employment obligations as a result of a disability which cannot be reasonably accommodated in accordance with obligations under the British
The following table sets forth the total cost that the Company would have incurred and the payments the NEOs would have received if the NEO had died or had become disabled as of
|
|
Cash Payment(s) ($) |
Continued Plan Coverage ($) |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock to Vest Upon Death (#) |
Value of Shares or Units of Stock to Vest Upon Death ($)(1) |
Total Cost of Termination ($) |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
$ | - | $ | - | 369,738 | (2) | $ | 2,040,954 | $ | 2,040,954 | ||||||||||
|
|
$ | - | $ | - | 369,738 | (2) | $ | 2,040,954 | $ | 2,040,954 | ||||||||||
|
|
$ | - | $ | - | 149,848 | (3) | $ | 827,161 | $ | 827,161 | ||||||||||
| (1) |
Pursuant to |
| (2) |
Included in this number are restricted stock units granted on the dates and in the amounts listed below. The market value of the amount to be earned upon vesting is based on the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on |
| (3) |
Included in this number are restricted stock units granted on the dates and in the amounts listed below. The market value of the amount to be earned upon vesting is based on the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on |
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Change in Control
Pursuant to each NEO's employment agreement with us, in the event of a change in control of the Company, all outstanding awards granted to the NEO under the EIP fully vest immediately upon the change in control. In addition, if the NEO resigns for good reason within twelve months of a change in control, subject to the execution by the NEO of a release and waiver of claims, the NEO shall be entitled to receive:
| • |
a cash payment of two times the NEO's annual base salary in effect at the time of the change in control; |
| • |
a cash payment of two times the average annual cash bonus paid to the NEO for the prior two fiscal years preceding the change in control; |
| • |
a cash payment equal to the NEO's annual bonus for the prior fiscal year prorated for the days served in the current fiscal year; |
| • |
a cash payment of two times the average amount granted to the NEO under the EIP for the prior two fiscal years preceding the change in control; and |
| • |
continued coverage under the Company's group health plan for twelve months. |
The following table sets forth the total cost that the Company would have incurred and the payments the NEOs would have received if a change in control had occurred as of
| Cash Payments for: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Two the Base Salary in Effect on the Change of Control Date ($) |
Two Average Annual Cash Bonus for Fiscal Years ($) |
Prorated Annual Cash Bonus for Days Served in Current Fiscal Year ($) |
Two Average Value of Shares or Units of Stock Granted for Fiscal Years ($) |
Continued Plan Coverage ($) |
Total Cost of Termination ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
$ | 1,050,000 | $ | 1,026,250 | $ | 551,250 | $ | 2,258,308 | (1) | $ | - | $ | 4,885,808 | |||||||||||
|
|
$ | 1,050,000 | $ | 1,026,250 | $ | 551,250 | $ | 2,258,308 | (1) | $ | - | $ | 4,885,808 | |||||||||||
|
|
$ | 800,000 | $ | 756,140 | $ | 406,140 | $ | 934,718 | (2) | $ | - | $ | 2,896,998 | |||||||||||
| (1) |
Calculated by multiplying (i) the average of (a) |
| (2) |
Calculated by multiplying (i) the average of (a) |
Chief Executive Officer Pay Ratio
As required by
For 2024, our last completed fiscal year:
| • |
the median annual total compensation of all employees of our Company (other than our CEO) was |
| • |
the annual total compensation of the CEO, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, was |
Based on this information, for 2024 the ratio of the annual total compensation of the CEO to the median annual total compensation of all employees, as determined pursuant to
43
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Our pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with
| • |
We identified our median employee as of |
| • |
In determining our median employee from our 19 employees (other than the CEO), we calculated each employee's total compensation for 2024 in accordance with |
| • |
With the above information, we identified an employee whose compensation we believe best reflects the Company's employees' median 2024 compensation. Excluding our CEO, the median employee's annual total compensation totaled |
In accordance with
44
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This information is being provided for compliance purposes. Neither the Compensation Committee nor the executives of our Company use the information in this table when making compensation decisions.
|
Year
|
Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for PEO
(1)
($)
|
Compensation
Actually Paid
to PEO
(2)
($)
|
Average
Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for
Non-PEO
NEOs
(3)
($)
|
Average
Compensation
Actually Paid
to
Non-PEO
NEOs
(4)
($)
|
Value of Initial Fixed
|
Net Income
(7)
(in thousands, $)
|
Revenue
Percent
Change
(8)
(%)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total
Shareholder
Retu
(5)
|
Total
Shareholder
Retu
(6)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024
|
$ | 2,326,635 | $ | 2,318,077 | $ | 1,842,620 | $ | 1,837,606 | $ | 97.30 | $ | 95.76 | $ | (17,125 | ) | (4.5 | )% | |||||||||||||||
|
2023
|
$ | 2,378,388 | $ | 2,080,510 | $ | 1,860,907 | $ | 1,660,532 | $ | 80.50 | $ | 99.39 | $ | (2,035 | ) | (0.8 | )% | |||||||||||||||
|
2022
|
$ | 3,118,540 | $ | 138,016 | $ | 2,277,575 | $ | 205,427 | $ | 45.07 | $ | 64.45 | $ | 17,681 | 10.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
|
2021
|
$ | 3,494,683 | $ | 5,449,888 | $ | 2,500,297 | $ | 3,895,224 | $ | 212.21 | $ | 122.93 | $ | 485,281 | 2.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) |
The dollar amounts reported are the amounts of total compensation reported in the "Total" column of our Summary Compensation Table.
|
| (2) |
The name of the NEO included for purposes of calculating the amounts for each applicable year is Mr.
|
|
Year
|
Reported
Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for PEO
($)
|
Reported
Value of
Equity
Awards
(a)
($)
|
Equity
Award
Adjustments
(b)
($)
|
Compensation
Actually
Paid to PEO
($)
|
||||||||||||
|
2024
|
$ | 2,326,635 | $ | (1,054,368 | ) | $ | 1,045,810 | $ | 2,318,077 | |||||||
|
2023
|
$ | 2,378,388 | $ | (1,203,940 | ) | $ | 906,062 | $ | 2,080,510 | |||||||
|
2022
|
$ | 3,118,540 | $ | (2,067,352 | ) | $ | (913,172 | ) | $ | 138,016 | ||||||
|
2021
|
$ | 3,494,683 | $ | (1,037,662 | ) | $ | 2,992,867 | $ | 5,449,888 | |||||||
| (a) |
The grant date fair value of equity awards represents the total of the amounts reported in the "Stock Awards" column in our Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year.
|
| (b) |
The equity award adjustments for each applicable year include the addition (or subtraction, as applicable) of the following: (i) the
year-end
fair value of any equity awards granted in the applicable year that are outstanding and unvested as of the end of the year; (ii) the amount of change as of the end of the applicable year (from the end of the prior fiscal year) in fair value of any awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the end of the applicable year; (iii) for awards that are granted and vest in same applicable year, the fair value as of the vesting date; (iv) for awards granted in prior years that vest in the applicable year, the amount equal to the change as of the vesting date (from the end of the prior fiscal year) in fair value; (v) for awards granted in prior years that are determined to fail to meet the applicable vesting conditions during the applicable year, a deduction for the amount equal to the fair value at the end of the prior fiscal year; and (vi) the dollar value of any dividends or other earnings paid on stock or option awards in the applicable year prior to the vesting date that are not otherwise reflected in the fair value of such award or included in any other component of total compensation for the applicable year. The valuation assumptions used to calculate fair values did not materially differ from those disclosed at the time of grant. The amounts deducted or added in calculating the equity award adjustments are as follows: |
|
Year
|
Year End
Fair Value
of Outstanding
and Unvested
Equity
Awards
Granted in the
Year
|
Year over Year
Change in
Fair
Value of
Outstanding
and Unvested
Equity Awards
Granted in Prior
Years
|
Fair Value as of
Vesting Date of
Equity Awards
Granted and
Vested in the
Year
|
Year over
Year Change
in Fair Value
of Equity
Awards
Granted in
that Vested in
the Year
|
Fair Value at
the End of
the Prior
Year of
Equity
Awards that
Failed to
Meet Vesting
Conditions
in the Year
|
Value of
Dividends
or other
Earnings
Paid on
Stock or
Option
Awards not
Otherwise
Reflected
in Fair
Value
|
Total
Equity
Award
Adjustments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024
|
$ | 1,069,522 | $ | (103,831 | ) | $ | 135,653 | $ | (55,534 | ) | - | - | $ | 1,045,810 | ||||||||||||||
|
2023
|
$ | 841,683 | $ | (355,003 | ) | $ | 300,995 | $ | 118,387 | - | - | $ | 906,062 | |||||||||||||||
|
2022
|
$ | 1,002,751 | $ | (1,564,568 | ) | - | $ | (351,355 | ) | - | - | $ | (913,172 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
2021
|
$ | 2,081,623 | $ | 851,372 | - | $ | 59,872 | - | - | $ | 2,992,867 | |||||||||||||||||
| (3) |
The dollar amounts reported represent the average of the amounts reported for our NEOs as a group (excluding our CEO) in the "Total" column of our Summary Compensation Table in each applicable year. The names of each of the NEOs (excluding our CEO) included for purposes of calculating the average amounts for each applicable year are Mr.
|
| (4) |
The dollar amounts reported represent the average amount of "compensation actually paid" to the NEOs as a group (excluding our CEO), as computed in accordance with
|
|
Year
|
Average
Reported
Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for Non-PEO
NEOs
($)
|
Average
Reported
Value of
Equity
Awards
($)
|
Average
Equity
Award
Adjustments
(a)
($)
|
Average
Compensation
Actually Paid
to Non-PEO
NEOs
($)
|
||||||||||||
|
2024
|
$ | 1,842,620 | $ | (745,973 | ) | $ | 740,959 | $ | 1,837,606 | |||||||
|
2023
|
$ | 1,860,907 | $ | (850,540 | ) | $ | 650,165 | $ | 1,660,532 | |||||||
|
2022
|
$ | 2,277,575 | $ | (1,381,068 | ) | $ | (691,080 | ) | $ | 205,427 | ||||||
|
2021
|
$ | 2,500,297 | $ | (728,239 | ) | $ | 2,123,166 | $ | 3,895,224 | |||||||
| (a) |
The amounts deducted or added in calculating the total average equity award adjustments are as follows:
|
|
Year
|
Average
Year End
Fair Value
of Outstanding
and Unvested
Equity
Awards
Granted in the
Year
|
Year over Year
Change in
Fair
Value of
Outstanding and
Unvested
Equity
Awards
Granted in
|
Fair Value
as of
Vesting
Date of
Equity
Awards
Granted and
Vested in
the Year
|
Year over
Year Change
in Fair
Value
of Equity
Awards
Granted in
Prior
Years
that Vested
in the Year
|
Average
Fair Value at
the End
of the
Prior Year
of Equity
Awards that
Failed to
Meet Vesting
Conditions in
the Year
|
Average
Value of
Dividends or
other
Earnings
Paid on
Stock or
Option
Awards not
Otherwise
Reflected in
Fair Value
|
Total
Average
Equity
Award
Adjustments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
2024
|
$ | 756,676 | $ | (72,401 | ) | $ | 94,949 | $ | (38,265 | ) | - | - | $ | 740,959 | ||||||||||||||
|
2023
|
$ | 593,950 | $ | (242,710 | ) | $ | 216,364 | $ | 82,561 | - | - | $ | 650,165 | |||||||||||||||
|
2022
|
$ | 669,973 | $ | (1,106,495 | ) | - | $ | (254,558 | ) | - | - | $ | (691,080 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
2021
|
$ | 1,460,434 | $ | 617,164 | - | $ | 45,569 | - | - | $ | 2,123,166 | |||||||||||||||||
| (5) |
Total Shareholder Retu(TSR) is calculated by dividing the sum of the cumulative amount of dividends for the measurement period, assuming dividend reinvestment, and the difference between our share price at the end and the beginning of the measurement period by our share price at the beginning of the measurement period.
|
| (6) |
The peer group used for this purpose is the following published industry index: the Dow Jones
|
| (7) |
The dollar amounts reported represent the amount of net income reflected in our audited financial statements for the applicable year.
|
| (8) |
Revenue percent change indicates the year-over-year percent change in rental and other revenues as reflected in our audited financial statements for the applicable years.
|
NEOs was lower in 2023 and 2022 than in 2021. In 2021 the Company's TSR on an absolute basis and as compared to the peer group was exceptional, which contributed to higher executive compensation.
items and significant
events, such as gains or losses on sale, which can cause Net Income to be a
measure of overall performance in certain years. In 2024, the Company's Net Income was negative, in part due to approximately
depreciation and amortization. In 2023, the Company's Net Income was negative, in part due to approximately
depreciation and amortization. In 2022, the Company's Net Income was positive. In 2021, Net Income was substantial due to a gain on sale associated with the sale of the Company's life science portfolio.
| • |
Achievement of Leasing Targets
|
| • |
Core FFO per Share
|
| • |
Total Shareholder Return
|
| • |
Achievement of Occupancy and Rent Collection Targets
|
| • |
Leverage and Liquidity Metrics
|
| • |
Achievement of Acquisition and Disposition Targets
|
Table of Contents
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
We have approved and implemented a compensation program for our non-employeedirectors that consists of annual retainer fees and long-term equity awards. As compensation for serving on our Board of Directors, each director receives an annual base fee for his or her services of
We also reimburse our non-employeedirectors for reasonable out-of-pocketexpenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties as directors, including, without limitation, travel expenses in connection with their attendance in person at Board of Directors and committee meetings.
On
We do not have, and we do not currently intend to adopt, any plans or programs for our directors that provide for pension benefits.
The table below sets forth information regarding the compensation paid or accrued by the Company during 2024 to each of our directors.
|
|
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Stock Awards ($)(1)(2) |
Total ($) |
|||||||||
|
|
$ | 70,000 | $ | 65,317 | $ | 135,317 | ||||||
|
|
$ | 65,000 | $ | 62,045 | $ | 127,045 | ||||||
|
|
$ | 60,000 | $ | 65,317 | $ | 125,317 | ||||||
|
|
$ | 60,000 | $ | 65,317 | $ | 125,317 | ||||||
|
|
$ | 60,000 | $ | 65,317 | $ | 125,317 | ||||||
| $ | 315,000 | $ | 323,313 | $ | 638,313 | |||||||
| (1) |
In fiscal year 2024, each of |
| (2) |
The amounts in the Stock Awards column represent the aggregate grant date fair values, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of restricted stock unit awards during the applicable fiscal year under the EIP. |
| (3) |
On |
| (4) |
On |
| (5) |
Upon Mr. Murksi's request, fees earned may be payable to |
Our NEOs and independent directors are subject to the Stock Ownership Policy and our NEOs are subject to an additional requirement to hold a greater amount of our common stock having an aggregate value of a certain
48
Table of Contents
multiple of the executive's annual base salary. For more information on our Stock Ownership Policy, see "-Stock Ownership Policy" contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
Risk Management and the Company's Compensation Policies and Procedures
As part of the Board of Directors' role in risk oversight, the Compensation Committee considers the impact of our compensation plans, policies and practices, and the incentives created by the same, on our risk profile. Based on this consideration, the Compensation Committee concluded that our compensation policies and procedures are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Some of the factors the Compensation Committee considered as mitigating the risks of our compensation plans include:
| • |
The Compensation Committee retains discretion to determine incentive awards based on its consideration of multiple performance factors and does not rely on a purely formulaic approach; |
| • |
The Company will respond to any misconduct by our NEO pursuant to the Clawback Policy; and |
| • |
Our Stock Ownership Policy helps to mitigate risk. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth the number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights; weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights; and the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under the EIP as of
|
Plan Category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans |
|||||||||
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
1,294,927 | (1)(2) | N/A | 638,701 | ||||||||
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
- | - | - | |||||||||
|
Total(3) |
1,294,927 | 638,701 | ||||||||||
| (1) |
Represents restricted stock units issued under our EIP. |
| (2) |
In |
| (3) |
All equity-based compensation plans have been approved by our stockholders. |
49
Table of Contents
PROPOSAL NO. 3. ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Pay that reflects performance and alignment of pay with the long-term interests of our stockholders are key principles that underlie our compensation program. In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act, stockholders have the opportunity to vote, on an advisory basis, on the compensation of our NEOs. This is often referred to as "say-on-pay."At our 2020 Annual Meeting, we asked our stockholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation every "one year," or the "say-on-frequency"vote. Our stockholders approved holding an advisory vote on executive compensation every "one year," with approximately 85% of the votes cast voting in favor of an advisory vote on executive compensation every "one year." After considering the nonbinding results for the vote on frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation, the Board of Directors determined to hold nonbinding advisory votes on executive compensation every "one year" until the Company is next required, or the Board deems it appropriate, to submit to the Company's stockholders a proposal to approve, by a nonbinding advisory vote, the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.
The "say-on-pay"advisory vote provides you, as a stockholder, with the ability to cast a vote with respect to our 2024 executive compensation programs and policies and the compensation paid to the NEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement through the following resolution:
"RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and in the compensation tables and accompanying narrative disclosure in this Proxy Statement."
As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the compensation paid to our NEOs reflects the following goals of our compensation program:
| • |
To provide overall compensation that is designed to attract and retain talented executives; |
| • |
To create and maintain a performance-focused culture, by rewarding company and individual performance based upon objective, pre-determinedmetrics; and |
| • |
To align the interest of our executives and stockholders by motivating executives to achieve key corporate goals and objectives that should enhance stockholder value. |
Although the vote is non-binding,the Compensation Committee will review the voting results. To the extent there is any significant negative vote, we will consult directly with stockholders to better understand the concerns that influenced the vote. The Compensation Committee will consider the constructive feedback obtained through this process in making decisions about future compensation arrangements for our NEOs.
As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, this vote does not overrule any decisions by our Board of Directors, and will not create or imply any change to or any additional fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
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Table of Contents
PROPOSAL NO. 4. TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO OUR EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS MADE THEREUNDER AND CERTAIN OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES
Background to the Proposal
Our Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, the "EIP") was adopted in 2014 in connection with our initial public offering. On
The Board of Directors believes that the Plan has benefited the Company by assisting in recruiting and retaining the services of individuals with ability and initiative and enabling such individuals to participate in the future services of the Company and by aligning the interests of such individuals with the interests of the Company and its stockholders.
On
The increase in the EIP's share authorization will continue the Company's ability to provide incentive and equity compensation opportunities pursuant to the EIP. The Board of Directors believes that the Company's ability to provide competitive levels and types of compensation, including equity and incentive compensation opportunities, is important to recruiting and retaining talented executives and other key employees. Absent stockholder approval of the Third Amendment, the share authorization under the EIP would be exhausted, and the Company would be unable to provide equity and incentive compensation pursuant to awards granted under the EIP. The Company thus would be required to use cash-based awards as the medium of payment for all incentive compensation, especially any compensation in excess of the existing Annual Limitation.
The Third Amendment is described below and the material features of the EIP, as amended by the Third Amendment, are summarized below. A copy of the Third Amendment is included as
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE EIP.
Summary of the Third Amendment
As more fully described below, the Third Amendment (i) increases the EIP's share authorization; (ii) removes the limitations on the calendar-year individual award limits; and (iii) extends the expiration date of the EIP.
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Table of Contents
Share Authorization
As of
In determining the proposed increase in the EIP's share authorization, the Board of Directors considered anticipated share usage over the next five years for equity-based awards given past equity grant practices and the expected growth of the Company over the next five years and the size of the proposed increase relative to the number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, and the Company's understanding of its investors' perceptions of the appropriate size of the increase in the EIP's share authorization. The Board of Directors believes that the additional share authorization included in the Third Amendment will be sufficient to provide competitive equity grants to eligible employees over the next few years and will not be perceived by most shareholders as overly dilutive. In the event that our shareholders do not approve the Third Amendment at the 2025 Annual Meeting, we expect that we will have to adopt a cash-based incentive program in early 2026, which may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain highly qualified executives and directors and potentially could be detrimental to our results of operations.
Deletion of Individual Award Limits
The individual award limits contained within the existing EIP are related to I.R.C. Section 162(m), which generally limits the deductibility of compensation paid to certain "covered employees" of a publicly held corporation to
The Board of Directors believes that deleting the existing EIP's limitations on equity-based grants allows our Board greater flexibility in granting equity awards to new hires and for annual grants to employees, which may help attract and retain talent. The limits had previously been included in the 2016 Plan to ensure availability of the former exemption under Section 162(m) for qualified performance-based compensation, which is no longer available for future awards. If the individual limits remained in the plan, it would unduly restrict the Board's flexibility in determining the appropriate mix of equity compensation, but not other types of awards or all awards in the aggregate. The Board of Directors also notes that the Annual Limitation was not updated in connection with the First Amendment or the Second Amendment.
Term of the EIP
The original term of the EIP was for a ten year period from the effective date ending in 2024, and the Second Amendment extended the term of the EIP until
Summary of the EIP, as Amended by the Third Amendment
The summary of the EIP appearing below is qualified in its entirety by the actual terms of the EIP, as amended by the Second Amendment. As used in this summary, the term "Grant" means the issuance of an Incentive Stock Option, Nonqualified Stock Option, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Phantom Share,
52
Table of Contents
DER, or other equity-based grant as contemplated herein or any combination thereof as applicable to an eligible person. All capitalized terms in this summary not defined in this summary shall have the meaning in the EIP.
The EIP is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors or, if there is no compensation committee, by our Board of Directors (the "plan administrator"). The plan administrator has the full authority to administer and interpret the EIP; to authorize the granting of awards; to determine the eligibility of individuals to receive awards under the EIP; to determine the number of shares of common stock to be covered by each award; to determine the terms, provisions and conditions of each award (which may not be inconsistent with the terms of the EIP); to prescribe the form of agreement evidencing awards; and to take any other actions and make all other determinations that it deems necessary or appropriate in connection with the EIP or the administration or interpretation thereof. In connection with this authority, the plan administrator may, among other things, establish performance goals that must be met in order for awards to be granted or to vest, or for the restrictions on any such awards to lapse. The committee administering the EIP will consist of directors, each of whom is intended to be, to the extent required by Rule 16b-3of the Exchange Act, a non-employeedirector.
Eligibility
The plan administrator selects, from the eligible individuals, those individuals who receive awards under the EIP. Individuals eligible for awards are our officers, directors, advisors and personnel, and, with approval of our Board of Directors, those of our subsidiaries and their affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an individual is an eligible person only if shares of our common stock issued under awards to that person are eligible for registration with the
Available Shares
The EIP provides for grants of restricted common stock, restricted stock units, phantom shares, stock options, DERs and other equity-based awards (including LTIP Units), subject to the total number of shares available for issuance under the EIP. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the EIP was 3,763,580 shares prior to the Third Amendment. The Third Amendment increases this maximum number to 5,763,580. The aggregate share limit is subject to adjustment in the event of specified changes in our capitalization, including share splits and share dividends. The grant of an LTIP Unit shall count against the aggregate share limit on a one-for-onebasis, treating each LTIP Unit covered by an award as one share of common stock for these purposes. To the extent an award granted under EIP expires or terminates, the shares subject to any portion of the award that expires or terminates without having been exercised or paid, as the case may be, will again become available for the issuance of additional awards. In addition, if any phantom shares are paid out in cash, the underlying shares may again be made the subject of grants under the EIP. Unless previously terminated by our Board of Directors, no new award may be granted under the EIP on or after
Awards under the EIP
Restricted Shares of Common Stock. A restricted stock award is an award of shares of common stock that is subject to restrictions on transferability and such other restrictions, if any, that the plan administrator may impose at the date of grant. Grants of restricted shares of common stock may be subject to vesting schedules as determined by the plan administrator. The restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times and under such circumstances, including, without limitation, a specified period of employment or the satisfaction of pre-establishedcriteria, in such installments or otherwise, as the plan administrator may determine. Except to the extent restricted under the award agreement relating to the restricted shares of common stock, a participant granted restricted shares of common stock has all of the rights of a stockholder, including, without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive dividends on the restricted shares of common stock, although dividends paid
53
Table of Contents
with respect to unvested restricted shares of common stock may be subject to satisfaction of the vesting criteria of the underlying shares, and, in the case of dividends paid with respect to unvested restricted shares that do not vest solely upon satisfaction of continued employment or service, such dividends will be held by us and paid when, and only to the extent that, the underlying shares vest.
Restricted Stock Units.A restricted stock unit award represents the right to receive shares of our common stock in the future, after the applicable vesting criteria, determined by the plan administrator, has been satisfied. The holder of an award of restricted stock units has no rights as a stockholder until shares of our common stock are issued in settlement of vested restricted stock units. Our plan administrator may provide for a grant of DERs in connection with the grant of restricted stock units; provided, however, that if the restricted stock units do not vest solely upon satisfaction of continued employment or service, any payment in respect to the related DERs will be held by us and paid when, and only to the extent that, the related restricted stock units vest.
Phantom Shares.A phantom share represents a right to receive the fair value of a share of common stock, or, if provided by the plan administrator, the right to receive the fair value of a share of common stock in excess of a base value established by the plan administrator at the time of grant. Phantom shares will vest as determined by the plan administrator and specified in the applicable award agreement and may generally be settled in cash or by transfer of shares of common stock (as may be elected by the plan administrator, or, if permitted by the plan administrator, by the participant). Our plan administrator may provide for a grant of DERs in connection with the grant of Phantom shares which shall be payable at such time that dividends are paid on outstanding shares; provided, however, that if the phantom shares do not vest solely upon satisfaction of continued employment or service, dividend equivalent payments in respect of unvested phantom shares will be held by us and paid when, and only to the extent that, the related phantom shares vest.
Stock Options.A stock option award is an award of the right to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock at a fixed exercise price determined on the date of grant during a period of not more than ten years. Stock option awards may either be incentive or non-qualifiedstock options, provided that incentive stock options may only be granted to employees. The exercise price of stock options must equal at least the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant; provided, however, that an incentive stock option held by a participant who owns, or is deemed to own under applicable attribution rules, more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock, or of certain of our subsidiary corporations, may not have a term in excess of five years and must have an exercise price of at least 110% of the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. The plan administrator will determine the methods of payment of the exercise price of an option, which may include certified or bank cashier's check, shares of our common stock owned by the participant, cancellation of indebtedness owed by us to the participant, by certain loans or extensions of credit to the extent permitted by applicable law, or a combination of the foregoing or another method of payment acceptable to the plan administrator. Subject to the provisions of the EIP, the plan administrator determines the remaining terms of the options (e.g., vesting). After the termination of service, the participant may exercise his or her option, to the extent vested as of such date of termination, for the period of time stated in his or her option agreement. If termination is due to death or disability, the option, to the extent vested, generally will remain exercisable for 12 months. In all other cases, to the extent vested, the option generally will remain exercisable for three months following the termination of service. However, in no event may an option be exercised later than the expiration of its term. A participant shall have no rights as a stockholder until the participant exercises the option and a stock certificate is issued to the participant.
Other Share-Based Awards.The EIP authorizes the granting of other awards based upon shares of our common stock (including the grant of securities convertible into shares of common stock and share appreciation rights), subject to terms and conditions established at the time of grant by the plan administrator. The EIP also permits the grant of operating partnership long-term incentive plan units ("LTIP Units"). LTIP Units are a special class of units in our operating partnership. Each LTIP Unit awarded by the plan administrator will be equivalent to an award of one share, reducing the number of shares available for issuance under the EIP on a one-for-onebasis. In addition to the provisions of the EIP, LTIP Units shall be subject to the provisions of our partnership agreement.
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Dividend Equivalent Rights.The plan administrator may, in its discretion, grant awards of DERs. DERs provide the participant with the right to receive a payment, in cash or shares as determined by the plan administrator, determined in reference to dividends paid on our common stock. DERs typically are granted in connection with the grant of another type of award under the EIP, such as restricted stock units, although this is not required. DERs granted with respect to awards that do not vest solely upon satisfaction of continued employment or service shall entitle the participant to receive a payment only as, and only to the extent that, the related award vests.
Amendments and Termination
Our Board of Directors may amend, alter or discontinue the EIP but cannot take any action that would impair the rights of a participant with respect to grants previously made without such participant's consent. However, no amendment will be effective without the approval of our stockholders if the amendment (i) increases the number of shares that may be issued under the EIP (other than an increase to reflect changes in capitalization as provided in the EIP), (ii) change the class of eligible persons who may participate under the EIP, (iii) reprices a stock option or other award or (iv) requires stockholder approval in order to comply with applicable law or the requirements of an applicable stock exchange.
Change in Control
Under the EIP, a change in control is generally defined as the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the acquisition of more than 50% of (a) our voting shares or (b) all of our shares, by any person; (ii) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets; (iii) a merger, consolidation or statutory share exchange where our stockholders immediately prior to such event hold less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving or resulting entity; (iv) during any 12-calendar-monthperiod, our directors, including subsequent directors recommended or approved by our directors, at the beginning of such period cease for any reason to constitute a majority of our Board of Directors; or (v) our liquidation or dissolution.
Upon a change in control, the plan administrator may make such adjustments to the EIP and outstanding awards as it, in its discretion, determines are necessary or appropriate in light of the change in control. In addition, upon a change in control, all awards granted under the EIP shall vest in full, with stock options being exercisable as to all of the covered shares of common stock and all vesting criteria applicable to other awards treated as having been fully satisfied immediately prior to, but contingent on, the change in control.
The following is a very general description of some of the basic
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award, but will be entitled to no tax deduction relating to amounts that represent a capital gain to a participant. Thus, we will not be entitled to any tax deduction with respect to an incentive stock option if the participant holds the shares for the incentive stock option holding periods.
Please note, the foregoing is a general tax discussion and different tax rules may apply to specific participants and transactions under the EIP.
New EIP Benefits
Except for any common shares that may be issued in settlement of awards previously approved by the compensation committee, as described in this proxy statement under "Executive Officer and Director Compensation," the Company is unable to estimate or describe the Grants that may be issued under the EIP, as amended (if the amendments are approved by the stockholders), because the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors will determine the Grants that may be issued during the term of the EIP.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE PLAN.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
Policies with Respect to Conflicts of Interest
We adopted a code of ethics and related persons transactions policy that prohibits transactions involving conflicts of interest between us on the one hand, and our officers, employees and directors on the other hand, except for such transactions that are approved by a majority of our directors (including a majority of our independent directors) in compliance with the code of ethics and related persons transactions policy. A "conflict of interest" arises when the private interest of a person covered by the code interferes in any material respect with our interests or his or her service to us. Waivers of our code of ethics for certain covered persons must be disclosed in accordance with NYSE and
We do not have a policy that expressly prohibits our directors, officers, security holders or any of our affiliates from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by us.
Administrative Services Agreements
In connection with the internalization of our management in February 2016, a subsidiary of the Company entered into an Administrative Services Agreement with the Second City funds (the "Original Administrative Services Agreement"). The Original Administrative Services Agreement had a three year term and pursuant to the agreement, the Company, including
On October 29, 2018, the Company entered into the First Amendment (the "Amendment") to the Original Administrative Services Agreement with real estate investment funds affiliated with Second City Capital II Corporation and Second City Real Estate II Corporation ("SCRE II"). The terms of the Amendment became effective on February 1, 2019 (the "Effective Date"). After February 1, 2019, the annual fees payable to the Company were $500,000 for the first twelve months following the Effective Date and thereafter an amount equal to 40% of the management fee paid to SCRE II by the fund managed by SCRE II. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the Company earned $0.2 million, $0.1 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, in administrative services performed for SCRE II and its affiliates.
On July 31, 2019, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company entered into an administrative services agreement with Clarity Real Estate Ventures GP, Limited Partnership ("Clarity"), an entity affiliated with principals of Second City and officers of the Company. Pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement, the Company will provide various administrative services and support to the related entity managing the Clarity funds. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the amounts earned by the Company for administrative services performed for Clarity were nominal. For the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company earned $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for administrative services performed for Clarity.
The terms of the Administrative Services Agreements and our executive officers' employment agreements permit, under certain circumstances and subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors, our executive officers to advise or oversee new or additional funds in the future.
Employment Agreements
On August 4, 2021, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Company's employment agreements (collectively, the "Employment Agreement Amendments"), with each of
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OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors does not intend to present and has not been informed that any other person intends to present any other matters for action at the Annual Meeting. However, if other matters do properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment, postponement or continuation thereof, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote upon them in accordance with their best judgment.
Except as set forth in this section, all shares of our common stock represented by valid proxies received will be voted in accordance with the provisions of the proxy.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8,any stockholder desiring to make a proposal to be acted upon at the 2026 Annual Meeting must deliver such proposal to the Company's Secretary at its principal office in
Stockholders who wish to submit a stockholder proposal outside of the processes of Rule 14a-8,but rather in compliance with the Company's Bylaws, must comply with the requirements of the Bylaws, which provide that, among other things, for business to be properly brought before the annual meeting by a stockholder, but not included in the Company's proxy statement, the stockholder must deliver the required materials to the Company's Secretary at the above address and give timely notice in writing not earlier than October 13, 2025, nor later than the close of business on November 12, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., EasteTime, which is the time period that is not earlier than 150 days nor later than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding year's annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days, notice must be received by the Secretary of the Company not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of the annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of the annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which the Company first publicly announces the date of the annual meeting. As to each matter, the notice must contain the information specified in the Bylaws regarding the stockholder giving the notice and the business proposed to be brought before the annual meeting. If such notice is received by the Secretary of the Company on or after the close of business on November 12, 2025, then such notice will be considered untimely. Stockholder proposals
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submitted in this manner will not be included in the Company's proxy statement or form of proxy. The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.
The Company's Bylaws provide that a stockholder of record, both at the time of the giving of the required notice set forth in this sentence and at the time of the 2026 Annual Meeting, entitled to vote at the annual meeting may nominate persons for election to the Board of Directors by delivering the required materials to the Secretary of the Company at the above address and giving timely notice in writing not earlier than October 13, 2025, nor later than the close of business on November 12, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., EasteTime, which is the time period that is not more than 150 days nor less than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the preceding year's annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days, notice must be received by the Secretary of the Company not earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of the annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of the annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which the Company first publicly announces the date of the annual meeting. The notice must contain the information specified in the Bylaws regarding the stockholder giving the notice and each person whom the stockholder wishes to nominate for election as a director. The notice must be accompanied by the written consent of each proposed nominee to serve as one of the Company's directors, if elected.
In addition to our Bylaws, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder. The provisions of our Bylaws do not affect any right of a stockholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or our right to omit a proposal from, our Proxy Statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8(or any successor provision).
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ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-Kwas filed with the
The notice of annual meeting, Proxy Statement and our 2024 Annual Report are available at the following website: http://www.astproxyportal.com/ast/18940/.
| By order of the Board of Directors | ||
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Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer |
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March 12, 2025
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THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE
This Third Amendment (the "Third Amendment") to the
| 1. |
Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Plan. |
| 2. |
Section 3 of the Plan is hereby modified as follows: |
"The effective date of the Plan is January 1, 2025."
| 3. |
Section 6 of the Plan is hereby modified as follows: |
"Subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 16, Grants with respect to an aggregate of no more than 5,763,580 Shares may be granted under the Plan (all of which may be subject to Incentive Stock Option treatment). Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 6, (i) Shares that have been granted as Restricted Stock or that have been reserved for distribution in payment for Options, Restricted Stock Units or Phantom Shares but are later forfeited or for any other reason are not payable under the Plan; and (ii) Shares as to which an Option is granted under the Plan that remains unexercised at the expiration, forfeiture or other termination of such Option, may be the subject of the issue of further Grants. Shares of Common Stock issued hereunder may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares, or treasury shares. The certificates for Shares issued hereunder may include any legend which the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer hereunder or under the Agreement, or as the Committee may otherwise deem appropriate. For the avoidance of doubt, Shares subject to DERs shall be subject to the limitation of this Section 6. Notwithstanding the limitation above in this Section 6, there shall be no limit on the number of Phantom Shares or DERs to the extent they are paid out in cash that may be granted under the Plan. If any Phantom Shares or DERs are paid out in cash, the underlying Shares may again be made the subject of Grants under the Plan, notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 6. A Grant of LTIP Units under Section 13 hereof shall be treated for purposes of the limits in this Section 6 as a Grant covering Shares on a 1 Share for 1 LTIP Unit basis."
| 4. |
Section 15 of the Plan is hereby modified as follows: |
"Term of Plan. Grants may be granted pursuant to the Plan until the expiration of 10 years from the effective date of the Plan, as amended from time to time."
| 5. |
This Third Amendment shall be effective as of January 1, 2025 when it is approved by the Company's stockholders. |
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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
May 1, 2025
GO GREEN
| e-Consentmakes it easy to go paperless. With e-Consent,you can quickly access your proxy material, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter and paper waste. Enroll today via https://equiniti.com/us/ast-accessto enjoy online access. |
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY1, 2025:
The notice of annual meeting, Proxy Statement
and Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor the year ended December 31, 2024
are available at http://www.astproxyportal.com/ast/18940/
Please sign, date and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
¯ Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. ¯
|
00003333333030000000 7 |
050621 |
|
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE ☒
| The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal(s): | ||||||||||||||||
| 1. | The election of six directors, each for a one-yearterm expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2026 and until their successors are elected and qualify: | |||||||||||||||
|
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED. IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" ALL NOMINEES LISTED, "FOR" APPROVAL OF KPMG LLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR CITY OFFICE REIT, INC. FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025, "FOR" APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO CITY OFFICE REIT, INC.'S EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN. THIS PROXY ALSO DELEGATES DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY TO VOTE WITH RESPECT TO ANY OTHER MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT, POSTPONEMENT OR CONTINUATION THEREOF. BY EXECUTING THIS PROXY, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY REVOKES ALL PRIOR PROXIES. |
FOR |
AGAINST |
ABSTAIN |
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2. |
To ratify the appointment of |
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3. |
The approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the named executive officers for 2024. |
☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||||||||||
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4. |
To approve an amendment to |
☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||||||||||
| NOTE: To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the 2025 Annual Meeting and any adjournment, postponement or continuation thereof. | ||||||||||||||||
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To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. |
☐ |
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|
Signature of Stockholder |
Date: |
Signature of Stockholder |
Date: |
| Note: | Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
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PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CITY OFFICE REIT, INC.
The undersigned hereby appoints
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
| 1.1 |
14475 |
Attachments
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Proxy Statement (Form DEF 14A)
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