def14c
SCHEDULE 14C INFORMATION
(Rule 14c-101)
Information Statement Pursuant to Section 14(c) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Check the appropriate box:
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o Preliminary
information statement |
þ Definitive
information statement |
o Confidential,
for use of the Commission only (as permitted by
Rule 14c-5(d)(2)) |
POPE RESOURCES, A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
o Fee
computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14c-5(g) and 0-11.
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(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(3) |
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on
which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was
determined): |
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(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which
the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous
filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule
and the date of its filing. |
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(1) |
Amount Previously Paid: |
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(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
NOTICE OF ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY SECURITY HOLDERS
AS OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2005
POPE RESOURCES, A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
19245 Tenth Avenue NE
POULSBO, WASHINGTON 98370
DATE FIRST MAILED TO SECURITY HOLDERS: AUGUST 17,
2005
WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY
AND WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT SEND US A PROXY
Dear Limited Partner:
This Information Statement is being mailed or otherwise
furnished to the limited partners of Pope Resources, A Delaware
Limited Partnership (we, us,
our or the Partnership) in connection
with the plans of Pope MGP, Inc., the Partnerships general
partner, to take certain actions by written consent as permitted
by the Delaware Revised Limited Partnership Act and by our
Agreement of Limited Partnership, as amended (the
Partnership Agreement), without a meeting of the
limited partners. The actions to be taken are the approval of
the Pope Resources 2005 Unit Incentive Plan (the New
Plan) and the termination of the Pope Resources 1997 Unit
Option Plan (the 1997 Plan). We refer collectively
in this Information Statement to the approval of these matters
as the Consent Resolutions. The Consent Resolutions
will become effective at our headquarters, located at 19245
Tenth Avenue NE, Poulsbo, Washington, on September 6, 2005.
There will not be a meeting prior to or in connection with the
adoption of the Consent Resolutions, because MGP has the right,
pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, to approve the New Plan
and to terminate the 1997 Plan without a vote of our Limited
Partners, and because MGP intends to vote in favor of the
approval of each of these matters, approval of the Consent
Resolutions is assured.
The accompanying Information Statement is being furnished for
informational purposes only, and your proxy or consent is not
solicited by this Information Statement or otherwise. Please
review the Information Statement included with this notice for a
more complete description of the New Plan, a comparison of the
terms of the New Plan to those of the 1997 Plan, and related
matters.
The close of business on August 3, 2005 has been fixed as
the record date for the determination of limited partners
entitled to notice of the Consent Resolutions.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF POPE MGP, INC., OUR
MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER, |
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David L. Nunes |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
Poulsbo, Washington
August 17, 2005
INFORMATION STATEMENT
FOR POPE RESOURCES, A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
19245 Tenth Avenue NE
POULSBO, WASHINGTON 98370
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INFORMATION STATEMENT
FOR POPE RESOURCES, A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
19245 Tenth Avenue NE
Poulsbo, Washington 98370
This Information Statement is being mailed or otherwise
furnished to the limited partners of Pope Resources, A Delaware
Limited Partnership (we, us,
our or the Partnership) in connection
with the approval of certain matters by its managing general
partner, Pope MGP, Inc. (MGP) as described below.
WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND
YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY
The matters to be adopted by the Consent Resolutions are the
establishment of the Pope Resources 2005 Unit Incentive Plan
(the New Plan) and the termination of future awards
under the Pope Resources 1997 Unit Option Plan (the 1997
Plan), with options outstanding under the 1997 Plan as of
the date of the Consent Resolutions to remain outstanding until
exercised or terminated in accordance with their terms. These
actions will be taken by our managing general partner, Pope MGP,
Inc. (MGP), without a meeting because under the
Partnership Agreement and the Delaware Revised Limited
Partnership Act, MGP has the ability to cause the approval of
the New Plan and the termination of the 1997 Plan without a
meeting of or a vote by the Limited Partners. Because MGP has
indicated that it intends to approve the adoption of the New
Plan and the termination of the 1997 Plan, the approval of these
proposals is assured.
SUMMARY OF EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS
MGP has decided to adopt the 2005 Unit Incentive Plan as a
replacement for our existing equity based compensation plan, the
1997 Plan. We adopted the 1997 Plan in March 1997 in order to
provide for equity based incentives that would more closely
align the Partnerships executive compensation structure
with the interests of our security holders. A change in
accounting principles that will become effective on
January 1, 2006 will require us to recognize a compensation
expense for the value of unit options outstanding under the 1997
Plan from time to time after January 1, 2006, and the
uncertainty surrounding the valuation of such options and the
potential for undesirable and uncontrollable effects upon our
earnings suggested to our management and to MGP that we seek a
plan that preserves the incentives for executives while
mitigating the undesirable earnings impacts of option plans. The
1997 Plan will be terminated immediately after the adoption of
the New Plan, but options granted under the 1997 Plan will
remain outstanding until exercised or terminated in accordance
with their terms. The number of units available for award under
the New Plan is equal to the number of units originally made
available under the 1997 Plan, which was 1,500,000, less units
issued or issuable under the 1997 Plan.
The following table presents certain comparative information
about the New Plan as compared to the 1997 Plan. This comparison
is not complete, and you should read this entire Information
Statement for important information about the plans, their
respective terms, and certain other related matters.
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Terms |
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New Plan |
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1997 Plan |
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Type of Securities to be Issued
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Unit Grants; Unit Purchase Options; Unit Appreciation Rights |
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Unit Purchase Options |
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Number of Securities to be Issued |
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Up to 1,105,815 units, which represents the maximum number
of units that may be subject at any one time to unit grants,
unit options or unit |
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Up to 1,500,000 units, of which options to purchase
288,959 units were outstanding as of August 1, 2005.
Of the options outstanding as of |
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Terms |
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New Plan |
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1997 Plan |
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appreciation rights. This number represents the number of units
available under the 1997 Plan as of the date of the Consent
Resolutions, reduced by the number of units then outstanding or
issuable under the 1997 Plan. In addition, upon the expiration
of options under the 1997 Plan, the units subject to such
options are reserved for issuance under the New Plan. |
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August 1, 2005, options to purchase 205,859 units were
then vested. Additionally, 105,226 units were issued under
the plan through the exercise of vested options. |
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Rights of Security Holders at Date of Grant |
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Unit Grants: Ownership of limited partnership units,
subject to forfeiture wholly or in part if applicable
requirements for vesting are not met. The existence and terms of
vesting and forfeiture provisions in unit grants are reserved to
the discretion of the HR Committee. |
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Option to purchase limited partnership units at a price
determined based upon fair market value as of the date of grant. |
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Unit Purchase Options: Option to purchase units at a
price determined based upon fair market value as of the date of
grant. |
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Unit Appreciation Rights: Right to participate on
certain terms and conditions in the positive value created by
increases, if any, in the value of our limited partnership units
measured over a predetermined period. |
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Vesting Schedule |
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Variable at the discretion of the HR Committee. |
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Vest ratably at the end of each of the first four years of the
term of the option unless otherwise determined by the HR
Committee. |
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Expiration |
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Unit Grants: None. To the extent an award is vested,
the holder is the record and beneficial owner of the restricted
units granted unless he or she transfers the units. |
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Generally ten years after the date of grant, although the HR
Committee has the discretion to vary this term. |
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Unit Options: Generally ten years after the date of
grant, |
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Terms |
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New Plan |
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1997 Plan |
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although the HR Committee has the discretion to vary this term. |
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Unit Appreciation Rights: The term of unit
appreciation rights will be determined by the HR Committee as of
the date of the award. |
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Accounting Treatment by Partnership |
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Unit Grants: The Partnership will calculate
compensation expense as of the date of the grant in an amount
equal to the fair value of the units granted. That compensation
expense will then be recognized by the Partnership over the
requisite service period.
Unit Options: The Partnership will recognize a
compensation expense over the requisite service period. The
amount of this expense will be based on an estimate of the fair
value of the outstanding options at the date of the grant, and
this estimate will be based upon a variety of factors, including
the price of the units at the grant date, the estimated life of
the option, the volatility of the price of the units during a
predetermined period prior to the valuation date, and various
other factors.
Unit Appreciation Rights: The Partnership calculates
compensation expense each reporting period based upon the value
of the right granted and the portion of the right vesting during
the period. |
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The Partnership will recognize compensation expense over the
requisite service period. The amount of this expense will be
based on an estimate of the fair value of the outstanding
options at the date of the grant, and this estimate will be
based upon a variety of factors including the price of the units
at the grant date, the estimated life of the option, the
volatility of the price of the units during a predetermined
period prior to the valuation date, and various other factors. |
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Tax Consequences to Holders |
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Unit Grants: The recipient of a unit grant will have
taxable income at the time of the grant, in an amount equal to
the fair market value of the |
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Unit Options: The grant of a unit option does not
trigger taxable income to the recipient. However, upon exercise
of the option, the |
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Terms |
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New Plan |
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1997 Plan |
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unit. To the extent the granted units are restricted and subject
to forfeiture prior to the recipient completing a stated period
of employment or otherwise, the tax recognition is delayed until
the risk of forfeiture lapses. Upon the lapse of the risk of
forfeiture, the fair market value of the newly vested unit
(measured as of the vesting date) is included in the
recipients taxable income. As discussed more fully below,
recipients may choose to file a special election with the IRS,
accelerating the tax on the granted units to the time of grant,
even if still unvested. |
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optionee will have taxable income equal to the fair market value
of the unit, measured as of the time of exercise, less the
exercise price paid by the optionee. |
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Unit Options: The grant of a unit option does not
trigger taxable income to the recipient. However, upon exercise
of the option, the optionee will have taxable income equal to
the fair market value of the unit, measured as of the time of
exercise, less the exercise price paid by the optionee. |
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Unit Appreciation Rights: The grant of a unit
appreciation right does not trigger taxable income to the
recipient. Upon the surrender of a unit appreciation right, the
recipient will have taxable income equal to the fair market
value of the units or cash delivered as settlement for the
reward. |
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Terms |
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New Plan |
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1997 Plan |
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Tax Consequences to Partnership |
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The Partnership is entitled to a deduction at the same time, and
in the same amount, that the recipient of a unit grant, unit
option or unit appreciation right recognizes taxable income. |
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The Partnership is entitled to a deduction at the same time, and
in the same amount, that the recipient of a unit option grant
recognizes taxable income. |
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT
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Q: |
Why am I receiving this Information Statement? |
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This Information Statement provides notice to our limited
partners of certain actions to be taken by the written consent
of Pope MGP, Inc., our managing general partner, on
September 6, 2005. We are providing this information to you
under Rule 14c-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and we will not be holding a meeting or soliciting
proxies from limited partners. Although we would welcome your
inquiries about the Consent Resolutions and the adoption of the
New Plan, because MGP possesses sufficient equity interest and
has the right under the Partnership Agreement, as amended, to
cause the Partnership to adopt the New Plan, your vote is not
required for approval of, and we are not soliciting your proxy
in connection with, the Consent Resolutions. This Information
Statement is being furnished for informational purposes only. |
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What actions will be taken in connection with the Consent
Resolutions? |
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In the Consent Resolutions, MGP will cause the Partnership to
adopt the Pope Resources 2005 Unit Incentive Plan (described in
greater detail below and included as Annex A) and to
terminate the Pope Resources 1997 Unit Option Plan; provided
that options outstanding under the 1997 Plan will remain
outstanding until they are exercised or terminated in accordance
with their terms. |
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What is the purpose of the 2005 Unit Incentive Plan? |
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The 2005 Unit Incentive Plan is intended to promote the
financial success and interests of the Partnership and increase
value for our security holders by giving incentives to
executives, directors, consultants and independent contractors
of Pope Resources and those of our affiliated entities. Certain
provisions of the 2005 Unit Incentive Plan are described under
Explanation of the New Plan and the complete text of
the 2005 Unit Incentive Plan is included in this Information
Statement as Annex A. |
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Who is eligible to participate in the 2005 Unit Incentive
Plan? |
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Employees, directors, consultants and independent contractors of
the Partnership and its related entities (by which we mean
entities that control or are under common control with the
Partnership) are eligible to participate in the New Plan. |
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How many units are subject to the New Plan? |
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A total of 1,105,815 limited partnership units will be
reserved and made available for issuance under the 2005 Unit
Incentive Plan. This amount is equal to the number of units
available under the 1997 Plan, 1,500,000 units, less the
total of (a) units previously issued upon the exercise of
options under the 1997 Plan (105,226 as of August 1, 2005),
plus (b) units issuable upon the exercise of options
currently outstanding under the 1997 Plan (288,959 as of
August 1, 2005). To the extent options previously issued
under the 1997 Plan expire unexercised, the units subject to
those options will be made available for issuance under the New
Plan. |
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Did our board of directors approve the adoption of the New
Plan and the termination of the 1997 Plan? |
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These matters were approved by the board of directors of Pope
MGP, Inc., our managing general partner, which also serves as
the Partnerships board of directors, by a unanimous
affirmative vote of the independent members of our board of
directors, as well as by the HR Committee of that board. |
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Do I have any appraisal rights? |
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No. The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
(the DGCL) does not provide for dissenters
rights of appraisal in connection with the Consent Resolutions. |
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Will there be a meeting of limited partners? |
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No. Because the Delaware Revised Limited Partnership Act
and our Partnership Agreement, as amended, permit MGP to cause
the adoption of the Consent Resolutions by written action
without the vote or consent of our limited partners, we will not
hold a meeting to submit these matters for approval. |
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What do I do? |
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We are not soliciting your proxy and we are asking that you do
not send a proxy to us. We are providing this Information
Statement to you for informational purposes only, and we would
ask that you carefully read this Information Statement and the
New Plan attached as Annex A hereto. While we would invite
your questions about any matters relating to the Consent
Resolutions, we are not asking to take any action at this time. |
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Whom can I talk to if I have questions about this Information
Statement? |
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If you have questions regarding the Consent Resolutions or this
Information Statement, or if you would like additional copies of
this Information Statement or any document we refer to in this
Information Statement, please contact Thomas M. Ringo, the
Partnerships Chief Financial Officer, at
(360) 697-6626. Such documents will be provided to you free
of charge. |
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EXPLANATION OF THE TERMS OF THE NEW PLAN
The principal provisions of the New Plan are summarized below.
This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
actual plan, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this
Information Statement. A copy of the 1997 Plan may be obtained
upon written request to: Investor Relations Department, Pope
Resources, 19245 Tenth Avenue NE, Poulsbo, Washington 98370.
General. The purpose of the New Plan is to attract and
retain the services of experienced and knowledgeable personnel
and directors for the benefit of Pope Resources and its security
holders and to provide additional incentive for those
individuals to continue to work for the best interests of the
Partnership and its security holders through continuing
ownership of limited partnership units.
Administration. The HR Committee of the Board of
Directors of our managing general partner, Pope MGP, Inc.,
serves as the Partnerships HR Committee, and in that
capacity has authority to grant awards under, and is responsible
for the general administration and interpretation of, the New
Plan.
Plan Benefits. Because benefits under the New Plan will
depend on the HR Committees actions and the fair market
value of our limited partnership units at various future dates,
as well as upon the number of units currently reserved under the
1997 Plan that may be contributed to the New Plan in the future,
it is not possible to determine the benefits that will be
received by participants in the New Plan. In the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2004, unit options for an aggregate of
22,000 limited partnership units were granted to managers,
and options for an aggregate of 7,452 limited partnership
units were granted to non-employee directors. The closing price
of Pope Resources limited partnership units on August 1,
2005 was $36.00.
Eligibility. Each person who is an employee or a director
of the Partnership or any entity that directly or indirectly
controls or is under common control with the Partnership, as
well as any consultant, agent, advisor or independent contractor
to the Partnership or any entity so related, is eligible to
participate in the New Plan; provided that an award recipient
must (a) be a natural person or an alter-ego entity,
(b) render bona fide services that are not in connection
with the offer and sale of the Partnerships securities in
a capital-raising transaction, and (c) render bona fide
services that do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain
a market for the Partnerships securities.
Units Subject to the New Plan. An aggregate of
1,105,815 limited partnership units have been reserved for
issuance under the New Plan, which represents the number of
units authorized for issuance under the 1997 Plan, less the
number of units previously issued and less the number of units
issuable
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under options currently outstanding. Additionally, to the extent
options under the 1997 Plan expire unexercised, the units
issuable under those options will be deemed available under the
New Plan, as will units that relate to expired or forfeited
awards under the New Plan. The New Plan provides for the award
of unit grants (which may or may not be restricted and subject
to forfeiture), unit purchase options, and unit appreciation
rights. The terms of each of these securities are discussed
below, and in this Information Statement we refer collectively
to these securities as awards.
Unit Grants. A unit grant represents an award of units to
a participant, who will immediately become the record and
beneficial owner of the units covered by the award. The HR
Committee is authorized to make unit grants in such numbers, and
on such terms and conditions, as the HR Committee determines in
its sole discretion. These terms and conditions will be set
forth in the corresponding grant agreement, and these grants
may, but are not required to, include the possibility of
forfeiture if the participants relationship with the
Partnership or its affiliated company is terminated before the
award is fully vested. Notwithstanding any other provision of
the New Plan, the HR Committee may, in its sole discretion,
waive forfeiture restrictions and any other terms, conditions or
limitations on any Unit Grant under such circumstances and
subject to such terms and conditions as the HR Committee deems
appropriate.
In addition, the HR Committee may, in its complete discretion,
require that units granted pursuant to a forfeiture restriction
be held in escrow until the participant satisfies the applicable
vesting schedule, and that such units be subject to restrictions
on transfer and to forfeiture in the event the
participants relationship with the Partnership terminates
before the expiration (wholly or in part) of the vesting
schedule applicable to the unit grant.
Unit Options. A unit option conveys to the participant a
right to purchase limited partnership units from the Partnership
at a price established at the date of the grant. Each unit
option is to be evidenced by an option agreement that describes
the terms and conditions applicable to the option. In
particular, the option agreement will specify the number of
units that may be purchased, the expiration date for the option,
the schedule (if any) under which the option will vest, the
exercise price, and any other terms, conditions, restrictions,
representations or warranties required by the HR Committee. The
exercise price of options granted under the New Plan will be
equal to the fair market value of the units as of the grant
date. Unit options ordinarily will have a term of ten years from
the grant date unless the HR Committee establishes a shorter or
longer exercise period. Any unit option will vest and be
exercisable on the schedule and subject to the terms and
conditions that the HR Committee determines.
In addition, the HR Committee may, in its complete discretion
determine and provide in the relevant option agreement (or in an
addendum to a previously issued option agreement) for the
exercise of an option prior to its vesting, and in such cases
the Partnership may require that such units be held in escrow
until the participant satisfies the applicable vesting schedule,
and that such units be subject to restrictions on transfer and
to forfeiture in the event the participants relationship
terminates before the expiration (wholly or in part) of the
vesting schedule attendant to the option.
The participant may exercise an option by delivering written
notice to the Partnership of the number of units to be
exercised, together with payment of the exercise price and any
applicable taxes. A participant must pay the exercise price in
full at the time of exercise. Payment of the exercise price may
be in cash, by bank certified or cashiers check or by
personal check. The HR Committee may, at any time before
exercise of an option, permit alternative forms of payment,
including but not limited to installment payments and various
cashless exercise arrangements.
Unit Appreciation Rights. In addition to other awards
available under the New Plan, the HR Committee may grant unit
appreciation rights. Any grant of unit appreciation rights may,
but need not be, associated with units subject to a specific
option. If a unit appreciation right is associated with a
specific option, then, unless otherwise provided in the
applicable award agreement, the unit appreciation rights will
terminate upon the exercise or earlier expiration, termination,
forfeiture or cancellation of the relevant option. Similarly, if
a grant of unit appreciation rights is associated with units
subject to a specific option, then, unless otherwise provided in
the applicable award agreement, the related option terminates
upon the
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exercise of the unit appreciation right. Each grant of unit
appreciation right will be evidenced by an agreement that
specifies the term, which may not exceed ten years from the
grant date. In addition, the measurement price for each unit
appreciation right will be based upon the fair market value of
our units as of the grant date. Ownership of a unit appreciation
right does not convey any of the rights or attributes of a
limited partner, but only the right (subject to certain
conditions) to receive payment in connection with appreciation
(if any) of the units over the applicable measurement period.
The HR Committee also may, but is not required to, establish a
vesting schedule for grants of unit appreciation rights.
Upon the exercise of a unit appreciation right, the participant
will receive a cash payment for each unit covered by the portion
of the unit appreciation right being exercised, which payment is
equal to the excess of the fair market value of a unit on the
exercise date over the base value. Instead of cash, payment upon
the exercise of a unit appreciation right may be in units, in an
amount that has a fair market value equal to the cash otherwise
required to be paid. The exercise of a unit appreciation right
also may be subject to other terms and conditions as specified
in the corresponding unit appreciation right agreement, which
conditions may include minimum exercise amounts and the ability
to elect a partial exercise. Once a unit appreciation right is
exercised, and the appropriate payment is made to the holder,
the unit appreciation right becomes null and void.
Adjustments to Units Subject to the New Plan. If any
change is made to the Partnerships limited partnership
units by reason of any split, equity distribution,
recapitalization, combination of units, exchange of units or
other change affecting the outstanding units as a class without
the Partnerships receipt of consideration, appropriate
adjustments will be made to adjust proportionally the number of
units subject to outstanding awards and available under the New
Plan. Adjustments also may be made in the event of any
distribution of assets to security holders other than a normal
cash dividend. In determining adjustments to be made under these
circumstances, the HR Committee may take into account such
factors as it deems appropriate. Any such adjustments to
outstanding awards will be effected in a manner that precludes
the material enlargement of rights and benefits under such
awards. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the
Partnership, any unexercised awards will terminate immediately
prior to the proposed action unless otherwise determined by the
HR Committee. In the event of the sale of substantially all
assets of the Partnership or a merger with or into another
entity, each award will be assumed by, or an equivalent award
shall be substituted by, the successor entity or a parent or
subsidiary of the successor entity or, if not assumed, shall be
fully vested.
Federal Income Tax Consequences Relating to the New Plan
The U.S. federal income tax consequences to the Partnership
and recipients of awards under the New Plan are complex and
subject to change. The following discussion is only a summary of
the general rules applicable to the New Plan. Recipients of
awards under the New Plan should consult their own tax advisors
since a taxpayers particular situation may be such that
some variation of the rules described below will apply.
As discussed above, several different types of instruments may
be issued under the New Plan. The tax consequences related to
the issuance of each is discussed separately below.
Unit Grants. Grants of units will trigger taxable income
to the recipients, unless the grant is subject to a vesting
schedule or other substantial risk of forfeiture. The amount of
taxable income is equal to the fair market value of the units,
determined at the time of the grant. If a unit grant is subject
to a vesting schedule or other substantial risk of forfeiture,
then the tax consequences are delayed until the unit vests or
the risk of forfeiture lapses, at which time the fair market
value of the vested or unrestricted unit (determined at the time
of vesting) constitutes taxable income to the recipient. In the
event of a recipient who is an employee, the Partnership may
have an obligation to withhold taxes. The HR Committee may take
actions, such as the delay of releasing units from any escrow
arrangement, to ensure that sufficient funds are available for
the Partnership to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. The
Partnership expressly reserves the right to deduct the
applicable withholding tax amounts from other payments owed to
the recipient.
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A recipient who receives a unit grant that is subject to a
vesting schedule or other risk of forfeiture may affirmatively
elect to be taxed on the fair market value of the granted units
at the time of the grant, rather than waiting until the units
vest or other applicable risks of forfeiture lapse. A recipient
may elect this accelerated treatment by filing an election under
Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The
election must be made within thirty (30) days of the grant
of the units. The recipient may make the election under
Section 83(b) by filing a statement with his or her tax
return, as well as a copy of the statement with the Internal
Revenue Office where he or she files his or her tax return. It
is this later filing that must be completed within thirty
(30) days. In addition, the recipient must submit a copy of
the election and statement to the Partnership.
At the time a recipient recognizes income in connection with
unit grants, the Partnership is entitled to claim a tax
deduction equal to a like amount.
Unit Options. The grant of a unit option does not cause
the optionee to realize taxable income. Instead, the optionee
will recognize taxable income at the time he or she exercises
the option. The amount of the taxable income is equal to the
fair market value of the units (measured as of the time of
exercise), minus any exercise price paid by the optionee.
Correspondingly, the Partnership has a withholding tax
obligation with respect to the option-related taxable income
realized by the optionee. The HR Committee may take steps, such
as delaying the delivery of the units to the optionee, to
guarantee that sufficient funds are available for the
Partnership to satisfy its withholding tax obligations.
Unit Appreciation Rights. The grant of a unit
appreciation right does not trigger taxable income to the
recipient. Instead, the recipient will have taxable income upon
the exercise of the unit appreciation right, with the amount of
the taxable income equal to the fair market value of the units
designated by the appreciation right, less the initial fair
market value of the underlying units assigned as of the grant
date. For recipients of unit appreciation rights who are
employees of the Partnership, the Partnership will have
withholding tax obligations. The HR Committee may make
arrangements, such as the delay of payment, to ensure that
sufficient funds are available to satisfy the Partnerships
withholding tax responsibilities.
At the time of exercise of a unit appreciation right, the
Partnership may claim a tax deduction, in an amount equal to the
taxable compensation recognized by the holder of the unit
appreciation right.
At the time of exercise, the Partnership is also entitled to a
tax deduction, equal to the amount of income recognized by the
optionee upon exercise of the unit option.
This Information Statement is being furnished to our limited
partners pursuant to the requirements of Rule 14c-2 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This Information
Statement is first being mailed on August 17, 2005 to our
limited partners of record as of August 3, 2005. All
limited partners of record are entitled to notice of the Consent
Resolutions. We are not soliciting proxies in connection with
the Consent Resolutions, and we ask that you do not send a proxy
to us. This Information Statement is being furnished to our
limited partners for informational purposes only.
We will bear all of the costs of the preparation and
dissemination of this Information Statement.
Our principal executive offices are located at 19245 Tenth
Avenue NE, Poulsbo, Washington 98370, and our telephone number
is (360) 697-6626.
Record Date
The close of business on August 3, 2005 is the record date
for the determination of limited partners entitled to notice of
the Consent Resolutions.
Outstanding Units
The authorized equity of the Partnership consists of limited
partnership units, of which 4,614,696 were outstanding at
August 1, 2005. As of that same date, options to purchase
up to 288,959 limited partnership units were outstanding
under the 1997 Plan, of which options to purchase
205,859 units were vested.
10
APPROVAL OF CONSENT RESOLUTIONS
Approval by General Partner; Notice to Limited Partners
The actions described in this information statement have been
approved by Pope MGP, Inc., our managing general partner, to
become effective September 6, 2005. Only holders of record
of our equity securities as of the close of business on
August 3, 2005 (the Record Date) are entitled
to notice of the actions to be taken in connection with the
Consent Resolutions. This Information Statement is provided for
informational purposes only, and we are not soliciting a proxy
from you. We ask that you do not give us a proxy, and there will
be no meeting held in connection with the Consent Resolutions.
We would, however, welcome your questions and comments about the
New Plan and the other matters described herein; please direct
your questions and comments to Pope Resources, A Delaware
Limited Partnership, Attention: Thomas M. Ringo, 19245 Tenth
Avenue NE, Poulsbo, Washington 98370, or by calling
Mr. Ringo at (360) 697-6626.
Required Votes
Each limited partnership unit is entitled to one vote on each
matter set forth in the Consent Resolutions. However, because
the Delaware Revised Limited Partnership Act and our Partnership
Agreement permit our managing general partner to take the
actions described in this Information Statement without the need
to obtain a vote of the limited partners, we are not holding a
meeting in connection with this proposal, nor are we soliciting
proxies for the approval of such matters by our limited
partners. Because our managing general partner has indicated
that it intends to approve the Consent Resolutions, the adoption
of the New Plan and the termination of the 1997 Plan are assured.
No Dissenters Rights
Under Delaware law, limited partners are not entitled to
dissenters rights with respect to any of the Consent
Resolutions.
APPROVAL OF THE 2005 UNIT INCENTIVE PLAN
The creation of the 2005 Unit Incentive Plan was approved by the
Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of our
managing general partner, Pope MGP, Inc., which functions as our
board of directors and whose committees function as committees
of the Partnerships board of directors. This committee
consists of three independent directors as described in greater
detail below under Directors and Executive Officers of the
Registrant Board of Directors of Managing General
Partner Human Resources Committee. The
approval of our managing general partner will be effective on
September 6, 2005.
We believe that adoption of the New Plan will promote the
financial success and interests of the Partnership and increase
our value to security holders by giving incentives to directors,
employees, consultants and independent contractors of the
Partnership and its related entities. A copy of the New Plan is
included as Annex A to this Information Statement.
11
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
General Partner
The Partnership has no directors. Instead, the Board of
Directors of its managing general partner, Pope MGP, Inc.
(MGP), serves in that capacity, and the committees
of MGPs board of directors function in that same capacity
on behalf of the Partnership. MGPs address is the same as
the address of the principal offices of the Partnership. MGP
receives $150,000 per year for acting as managing general
partner of the Partnership.
The following table identifies the officers and directors of MGP
as of February 11, 2005. Officers of MGP hold identical
offices with the Partnership.
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|
|
Name |
|
Age | |
|
Position and Background |
|
|
| |
|
|
David L. Nunes(2)
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, from January
2002 to present. President and Chief Operating Officer from
September 2000 to January 2002. Senior Vice President
Acquisitions & Portfolio Development from November 1998
to August 2000. Vice President Portfolio Development from
December 1997 to October 1998. Director of Portfolio Development
of Pope MGP, Inc. and the Partnership from April 1997 to
December 1997. Strategic Planning Director of Weyerhaeuser
Company from June 1988 to April 1997. |
Thomas M. Ringo
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from December 2000 to
present. Senior Vice President Finance and Client Relations from
June 1996 to December 2000. Vice President Finance from November
1991 to June 1996. Treasurer of Pope MGP, Inc. and the
Partnership from March 1989 through October 1991. Tax Manager of
Westin Hotel Company, 1985 to March 1989. Tax Consultant for
Price Waterhouse, 1981 to 1985. |
Douglas E. Norberg(1)(3)(4)(5)
|
|
|
64 |
|
|
Director. Vice Chairman, Wright Runstad & Company,
since 2000; President, Wright Runstad & Company, 1975
until 2000. Wright Runstad & Company is in the business
of real estate investing, development, and management. |
Peter T. Pope(1)(4)
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
Director. Director, Pope & Talbot, Inc. 1971 to
present; Chairman of the Board and CEO of Pope &
Talbot, Inc., 1971 to 1999. Mr. Pope retired as CEO of
Pope & Talbot, Inc. in 1999. Mr. Pope is also a
director and President of Pope EGP, Inc. |
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age | |
|
Position and Background |
|
|
| |
|
|
J. Thurston Roach(1)(3)(4)(5)
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
Director. Private investor; Director, Deltic Timber Corporation,
December 2000 to present; Director The Liberty Corporation May
1994 to Present; President and CEO HaloSource Corporation,
October 2000 to November 2001; Director HaloSource Corporation,
October 2000 to February 2002; Senior Vice President and CFO,
Owens Corning, January 1999 to April 2000; Senior Vice President
and President of Owens Cornings North American Building
Materials Systems Business, February 1998 to December 1998; Vice
Chairman, Simpson Investment Company, July 1997 to February
1998; President, Simpson Timber Company, January 1996 to June
1997; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary, Simpson Investment Company, August 1984 to December
1995. |
Marco F. Vitulli(2)(3)(4)
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
Director. President, Vitulli Ventures Ltd., 1980 to present.
Vitulli Ventures Ltd. is in the business of real estate
investments. |
|
|
(1) |
Class A Director |
|
(2) |
Class B Director |
|
(3) |
Member of the Audit Committee |
|
(4) |
Member of the Human Resources Committee |
|
(5) |
Designated financial expert for the Board of Directors Audit
Committee |
Board of Directors of the
Managing General Partner
Board Composition. The managing general partners
Articles of Incorporation provide that directors are divided
into two classes, each class serving a period of two years. The
managing general partners shareholders elect approximately
one-half of the members of the Board of Directors annually. The
terms of the Class A directors expire on December 31,
2006, and the terms of the Class B directors expire on
December 31, 2005. The directors election to the
MGPs Board of Directors is subject to a voting agreement
between MGPs two security holders, Mr. Peter T. Pope
and Ms. Emily T. Andrews. Mr. Pope serves as his own
appointee, and J. Thurston Roach serves as
Ms. Andrews appointee to MGPs Board of
Directors. MGPs Board of Directors met 6 times in 2004
with 5 of those meetings in person and 1 telephonic, to
discuss Partnership matters.
The composition of MGPs Board of Directors is established
by the Partnership Agreement as permitted by NASD
Rules 4360(c) and 4350(c)(4). Accordingly, MGP has no need
for a separate nominating committee, and board nominations are
not made or approved by a separate nominating committee or by a
majority of directors who are independent as defined in NASD
Rule 4200(a). Furthermore, because the Boards
composition is determined by the Partnership Agreement, the
Partnership does not have a policy regarding the consideration
of director candidates recommended by security holders, nor are
there any specific minimum qualifications for director
candidates.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the MGPs
Board of Directors is comprised of three outside directors who
comply with the Securities Exchange Act and the Nasdaqs
qualification requirements for Audit Committee members. The
audit committee met to discuss the Partnership four times during
2004. The Audit Committee currently has two financial experts:
Douglas E. Norberg and J. Thurston Roach.
13
Human Resources Committee. The Human Resources Committee
is responsible for:
|
|
|
|
|
establishing compensation programs for executive officers and
senior management of the Partnership designed to attract,
motivate, and retain key executives responsible for the success
of the Partnership as a whole; |
|
|
|
administering and maintaining such programs in a manner that
will benefit the long-term interests of the Partnership and its
unit holders; and |
|
|
|
determining the salary, bonus, unit option and other
compensation of the Partnerships executive officers and
senior management. |
The Human Resources Committee met once during 2004. See report
of the Human Resources Committee on executive compensation below.
|
|
|
Beneficial Ownership and Section 16(a) Reporting
Compliance |
The Partnership is a reporting company pursuant to
Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Exchange Act). Under Section 16(a) of the
Exchange Act, and the rules promulgated hereunder, directors,
officers, greater than 10% security holders, and certain other
key personnel (the Reporting Persons) are required
to report their ownership and any change in ownership of
Partnership units to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Partnership believes that the Reporting Persons have complied
with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to
them. In making the foregoing statement, the Partnership has
relied solely upon oral or written representations of the
Reporting Persons, and copies of the reports that the Reporting
Persons have filed with the SEC.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain information concerning
the cash compensation paid to each of the five most highly
compensated executives of the Partnership (the Named
Executives) in fiscal year 2004, 2003 and 2002. The titles
used in this item correspond to these persons titles
during 2004.
Summary Compensation Table
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|
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|
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|
Long-term | |
|
|
Annual Compensation | |
|
Compensation | |
|
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| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Other Annual | |
|
All Other | |
|
LTIP | |
|
|
|
|
Salary | |
|
Bonus | |
|
Compensation | |
|
Compensation | |
|
Payments | |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year | |
|
($) | |
|
($)(1) | |
|
($) | |
|
($)(2) | |
|
($)(3) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
David L. Nunes
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
255,337 |
|
|
|
205,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,127 |
|
|
|
2,608 |
|
|
President and CEO |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
234,792 |
|
|
|
169,127 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
5,961 |
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
223,075 |
|
|
|
155,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,500 |
|
|
|
15,111 |
|
Thomas M Ringo
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
166,875 |
|
|
|
104,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,750 |
|
|
|
1,630 |
|
|
V.P. and CFO |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
153,125 |
|
|
|
103,289 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
4,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
148,174 |
|
|
|
78,720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,500 |
|
|
|
15,111 |
|
Jonathan P. Rose
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
123,257 |
|
|
|
66,440 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,740 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director Real Estate |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
120,327 |
|
|
|
48,152 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
115,774 |
|
|
|
44,203 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,205 |
|
|
|
|
|
John T. Shea
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
125,484 |
|
|
|
57,279 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,500 |
|
|
|
1,956 |
|
|
Director Business |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
122,500 |
|
|
|
101,522 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
4,471 |
|
|
Development |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
97,521 |
|
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,315 |
|
|
|
15,111 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Amounts represent bonuses or commissions earned in the year
shown but paid after year-end. |
|
(2) |
Amounts represent contributions to the Partnerships 401(k) plan. |
14
|
|
(3) |
The LTIP payments are made from Pope MGPs share of the
IPMB. Amounts shown above are earned in the year specified and
paid in the subsequent year. See Long-Term Incentive
Plans Awards in Last Fiscal Year. |
Compensation Pursuant To Unit Options
During 2004 there were no unit options issued to Named Executive.
Aggregated Option Exercises
The following table provides information on option exercises in
fiscal 2004 by the named executive officers and the value of
exercisable and unexercisable unit options at December 31,
2004.
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Number of | |
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Value of | |
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|
Securities Underlying | |
|
Unexercised In-the- | |
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|
|
Unexercised Options | |
|
Money Options | |
|
|
Units | |
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|
at Year-end (#) | |
|
at Year-end ($) | |
|
|
Acquired on | |
|
Value | |
|
| |
|
| |
Name |
|
Exercise | |
|
Realized | |
|
Exercisable | |
|
Unexercisable | |
|
Exercisable | |
|
Unexercisable | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
|
| |
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| |
David L. Nunes
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37,250 |
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29,500 |
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|
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257,000 |
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|
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345,000 |
|
|
President and CEO
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Thomas M. Ringo
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1,500 |
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7,620 |
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26,000 |
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15,375 |
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123,000 |
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|
|
174,000 |
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|
V.P. and CFO
|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
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|
|
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Jonathan P. Rose
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|
|
|
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9,175 |
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17,825 |
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|
|
68,000 |
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|
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168,000 |
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|
Director Real Estate
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John T. Shea
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2,400 |
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13,200 |
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3,900 |
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7,700 |
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|
34,000 |
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|
91,000 |
|
|
Director Business Development
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Long-Term Incentive Plans Awards in Last
Fiscal Year
During 2005 the following awards were made from the Long-Term
Incentive Plan based upon 2004 operating results for the IPMB:
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|
Award | |
|
|
Name and Principal Position |
|
($)(1) | |
|
Performance Period | |
|
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| |
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| |
David L. Nunes
President and CEO
|
|
|
2,608 |
|
|
|
1/1/2004 to 12/31/2004 |
|
Thomas M. Ringo
V.P. and CFO
|
|
|
1,630 |
|
|
|
1/1/2004 to 12/31/2004 |
|
John T. Shea
Director Business Development
|
|
|
1,956 |
|
|
|
1/1/2004 to 12/31/2004 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Awards from the LTIP are made based upon performance of the
Investor Portfolio Management Business (IPMB) during 2004
and are contingent upon the officers employment with the
Partnership on the last day of the award year. LTIP payments are
made from Pope MGPs share of the IPMB. |
Compensation of General Partners Directors
Compensation of the outside directors of Pope MGP, Inc. consists
of a monthly retainer of $1,500 plus a $1,000 per day fee
for each board meeting attended and $500 for participation in a
board meeting via telephone. The Chairman of the Audit Committee
receives an additional annual retainer amount of $3,000 that is
paid in a monthly pro rata fashion. The Chairmen of the Audit
and Human Resources Committees receive an additional
$500 per committee meeting fee. Outside directors have the
option of receiving their $1,500 monthly board retainer in
unit options. The number of options granted is based upon the
fair value of the options on the date of grant. All option
grants so made to outside directors in 2004
15
were made pursuant to the Partnerships 1997 Unit Option
Plan for their service as directors of Pope MGP, Inc.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, two outside directors
each received 3,726 options with exercise prices ranging from
$15.35 to $23.56. As of December 2004, two outside directors
were receiving their retainers in cash.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, two outside directors
each received 8,115 and one received 2,125 options with strike
prices ranging from $9.50 to $14.30. As of December 2003, two
outside directors were receiving their retainers in cash. One
director received a 6,000-option grant with an exercise price of
$10.00 vesting over five years.
1997 Unit Option Plan
The 1997 Plan authorizes the granting of nonqualified unit
options to employees, officers, and directors of the
Partnership. A total of 1,500,000 units have been reserved
for issuance under the plan. Unit options are granted at prices
not less than the fair value of the limited partnership units on
the date of the grant, and currently range from $9.30 to
$27.88 per unit. The options generally become exercisable
annually over a four-year period and have a maximum term of ten
years. Unit options issued and outstanding at December 31,
2004 and 2003 were 363,691 and 354,740, respectively, and unit
options vested at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were 233,441
and 199,965, respectively. During 2004 20,500 options were
exercised and options totaling 29,126 units have been
exercised since the Plan was authorized. The units issued under
the Unit Option Plan have been registered on a Form S-8
registration statement.
The Partnership accounts for unit-based compensation in
accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees. Accordingly, compensation cost for unit
options is measured as the excess, if any, of the fair value of
the Partnerships units at the date of grant over the
amount an employee must pay to acquire the unit.
Employee Benefit Plans
As of December 31, 2004 all employees of the Partnership
and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive benefits under a
defined contribution plan. During 2004 and 2003 the Partnership
matched 50% of the employees contribution up to 8% of
compensation. Partnership contributions to the plan amounted to
$90,000, $82,000, and $57,000, for each of the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Employees
become fully vested over a six-year period in the
Partnerships contribution.
Employment Contracts
Thomas M. Ringo Employment Agreement. Effective
January 1, 2003 the Partnership entered into a three-year
employment agreement with Mr. Ringo under which he has
served as the Partnerships Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer. Under that agreement, Mr. Ringo received
an annual salary in 2004 of $166,875, an annual target bonus of
35% of annual salary, and participation in the IPMB Incentive
Plan.
John T. Shea Employment Agreement. Effective
January 1, 2003 the Partnership entered into a three-year
employment agreement with Mr. Shea under which he has
served as the Partnerships Director of Business
Development. Under that agreement, Mr. Shea received an
annual salary in 2004 of $125,484, an annual target bonus of 25%
of annual salary, and participation in the IPMB Incentive Plan.
Supplemental Retirement Plan. The Partnership has a
supplemental retirement plan for George H. Folquet, a retired
key employee. The plan provides for a retirement income of 70%
of his base salary at retirement after taking into account both
401(k) and Social Security benefits and makes an annual
fixed-amount payment of $25,013. The Partnership accrued $80,000
and $109,000 in 2004 and 2002,
16
respectively, for this benefit based on an approximation of the
cost of purchasing a life annuity paying the aforementioned
benefit amount. The balance of the liability as of
December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $230,000 and $150,000,
respectively.
Report of the Human Resources Committee on Executive
Compensation
The Human Resources Committee of MGPs Board of Directors
(the HR Committee) has furnished the following
report on the Partnerships executive compensation for
fiscal year 2004. The HR Committees report is
intended to describe in general terms the process the HR
Committee undertakes and the matters it considers in determining
the appropriate compensation for the Partnerships
executive officers, Mr. Nunes and Mr. Ringo.
Responsibilities and Composition of the Committee
The HR Committee is responsible for (1) establishing
compensation programs for executive officers of the Partnership
designed to attract, motivate, and retain key executives
responsible for the success of the Partnership as a whole;
(2) administering and maintaining such programs in a manner
that will benefit the long-term interests of the Partnership and
its unit holders; and (3) determining the salary, bonus,
unit option, and other compensation of the Partnerships
executive officers.
The HR Committee is currently composed of Douglas E. Norberg,
Peter T. Pope, J. Thurston Roach, and Marco F. Vitulli.
Mr. Pope serves as HR Committee Chair. None of the members
are officers or employees of the Partnership or MGP.
Compensation Philosophy
The Partnerships strategic plan is to focus on growing its
fee timber and timberland management businesses. The
Partnerships growth strategy consists of the following
elements:
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Add to owned timberland asset base; |
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|
|
Build third-party service business by providing cost-effective
timberland management and forestry consulting services; |
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|
Launch a series of timberland investment funds that will
indirectly add to the Partnerships owned timberland asset
base and will also provide timberland management opportunities; |
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Focus real estate activities on where we can add the most
value; and |
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Support operations with appropriate, efficient levels of
overhead. |
The achievement of these goals is intended to create long-term
value for the Partnerships security holders.
The HR Committee believes that compensation of the
Partnerships Chief Executive Officer, other executive
officers and key personnel should be based to a substantial
extent on achievement of the goals and strategies that the
Partnership has established and enunciated.
When establishing salaries, bonus levels, and unit option awards
for executive officers, the HR Committee considers
(1) the Partnerships performance during the past year
and recent quarters in meeting its financial and other
performance goals; (2) the individuals performance
during the past year and recent quarters; and (3) the
salaries of executive officers in similar positions with
companies of comparable size, maturity and pursuing similar
objectives, and other companies within the timber industry. With
respect to executive officers other than the Chief Executive
Officer, the Committee takes into consideration the
recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer. The method for
determining compensation varies from case to case based on a
discretionary and subjective determination of what is
appropriate at the time.
17
Compensation Programs and Practices
The Partnerships compensation program for executives
consists of four key elements: base salary; a performance-based
annual bonus; periodic grants of unit options; and IPMB award
payments (referred to above as long-term incentive plan). The HR
Committee believes that this four-part approach best serves the
interests of the Partnership and its security holders. It
enables the Partnership to meet the requirements of the highly
competitive environment in which it operates, while ensuring
that executive officers are compensated in a way that advances
both the short- and long-term interests of security holders. The
variable, annual bonus permits individual performance to be
recognized and is based, in significant part, on an evaluation
of the contribution made by the executive to the
Partnerships overall performance. Unit options relate a
significant portion of long-term remuneration directly to unit
price appreciation. This type of compensation is intended to
align the interests of option holders and of the
Partnerships security holders, and further serve to
promote an executives continued service to the
organization. IPMB awards encourage business growth in the
Partnerships third-party timberland management and
forestry consulting businesses.
Base Salary. Base salaries for the Partnerships
executive officers are developed and approved by the HR
Committee with periodic consultation provided by Towers Perrin,
a nationally recognized compensation-consulting firm. Base
salary amounts for executive officers take into account such
factors as competitive industry salaries, an executives
scope of responsibilities, and individual performance and
contribution to the organization. The HR Committee obtains
executive compensation data through Towers Perrin who has
developed salary surveys that reflect a peer group of other
timber companies, including companies of different sizes. This
data is integral to the HR Committees deliberations and
conclusions regarding appropriate levels of executive
compensation. To the extent it deems appropriate, the
HR Committee also considers general economic conditions
within the area and within the industry. It is the
HR Committee and not management that consults with and
engages Towers Perrin.
Annual Bonus. Executive officers have an annual incentive
(bonus) opportunity with awards based on the overall
performance of the Partnership and on specific individual
performance targets. The performance targets may be based on one
or more of the following criteria: successfully pursuing the
Partnerships growth strategies, maintaining sound asset
quality, improving productivity, and increasing earnings and
return on equity.
The size of the bonus pool is based upon an assessment of the
Partnerships performance as compared to both budgeted and
prior fiscal year performance and the extent to which the
Partnership achieved its overall goals. Once the bonus pool is
determined, the Chief Executive Officer makes individual bonus
recommendations to the HR Committee, within the limits of the
pool, for eligible employees based upon an evaluation of their
individual performance and contribution to the
Partnerships overall performance.
Unit Options. The HR Committee follows a compensation
philosophy that includes unit options as a long-term incentive
program for management. The Partnerships use of unit-based
compensation focuses on the following guiding principles:
unit-based compensation has been and will continue to be an
important element of employee pay; the grant of unit options
will be based on performance measures within the employees
control; owning units is an important ingredient in forming the
partnership between employees and the organization; and
ownership of significant amounts of the Partnerships units
by executives and senior officers of the Partnership will
facilitate aligning managements goals with the goals of
unitholders. The HR Committee anticipates that it will continue
to emphasize unit-based compensation in the future but is
considering substituting a restricted unit plan for the
Partnerships Unit Option Plan.
IPMB Award. The IPMB awards are paid from Pope MGPs
share of earnings from the IPMB. Awards are paid in a lump sum
following the year in which the award was earned.
18
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
Mr. Nunes has been serving as Chief Executive Officer and
President since January 2002. In evaluating the compensation of
Mr. Nunes for services rendered in 2004, the HR Committee
considered both quantitative and qualitative factors.
In looking at quantitative factors, the HR Committee reviewed
the Partnerships 2004 financial results and compared them
with the Partnerships 2004 budget and with actual
financial results for 2003. Specifically, the HR Committee
considered the following:
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Progress towards goal of increasing the timber portfolio at
reasonable prices |
|
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Progress towards subscribing ORM Timber Fund I, LP |
|
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|
Successfully signing up a new 522,000 acre timberland
management client |
|
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|
Value added to the Partnerships portfolio of real estate
assets. |
In addition to these quantitative accomplishments, the HR
Committee also considered certain qualitative accomplishments by
Mr. Nunes in 2004. Specifically, the HR Committee
considered the following:
|
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|
|
|
Assessment and implementation of plan for high-yield forestry
applications on owned timberlands |
|
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Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certification |
|
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|
Retention and motivation of quality employees. |
Policy With Respect to $1 Million Deduction Limit
It is not anticipated that the limitations on deductibility,
under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), of compensation
to any one executive that exceeds $1,000,000 in a single year
will apply to the Partnership or its subsidiaries in the
foreseeable future. In the event that such limitations would
apply, the HR Committee will analyze the circumstances presented
and act in a manner that, in its judgment, is in the best
interests of the Partnership. This may or may not involve
actions to preserve deductibility.
Conclusion
The HR Committee believes that for 2004 the compensation terms
for Mr. Nunes, as well as for the other executive officers,
were clearly related to the realization of the goals and
strategies established by the Partnership. Further, based on our
consideration of all factors, bonuses were paid in February 2005
based on 2004 performance.
|
|
|
Douglas E. Norberg |
|
Peter T. Pope |
|
J. Thurston Roach |
|
Marco F. Vitulli |
19
UNIT PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Total Return
Stock Price Plus Reinvested Dividends
The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative
total unitholder returns for the Partnership, the Standard and
Poors Forest Products Index, and the Wilshire 4500
for the five years ended December 31, 2004. The total
unitholder return assumes $100 invested at the beginning of the
period in the Partnerships units, the Standard and
Poors Forest Products Index, and the Wilshire 4500.
The graph assumes distributions are reinvested.
Total Shareholder Return for the previous 1 year:
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12/31/2000 |
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12/31/2001 |
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12/31/2002 |
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12/31/2003 |
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12/31/2004 |
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Pope Resources
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(14.60)% |
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(39.80)% |
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(30.81)% |
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55.63% |
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65.29% |
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Standard and Poors Small Cap Index
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11.79% |
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|
6.54% |
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(14.63)% |
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38.77% |
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22.64% |
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Standard and Poors 500 Index
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(9.10)% |
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(11.88)% |
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(22.09)% |
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28.67% |
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6.18% |
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Standard and Poors Forest Product Index
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(16.75)% |
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0.82% |
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(14.44)% |
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37.83% |
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9.42% |
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Wilshire 5000
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(10.89)% |
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(10.97)% |
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(20.86)% |
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31.64% |
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|
12.48% |
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Wilshire 4500
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(15.77)% |
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(9.33)% |
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(17.80)% |
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43.84% |
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18.10% |
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Indexed Total Return: Stock Price Plus Reinvested
Dividends
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12/31/1999 |
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12/31/2000 |
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12/31/2001 |
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12/31/2002 |
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12/31/2003 |
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12/31/2004 |
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Pope Resources
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$ |
100.00 |
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$ |
85.40 |
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$ |
51.41 |
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$ |
35.57 |
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$ |
55.36 |
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$ |
91.51 |
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Standard and Poors Small Cap Index
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$ |
100.00 |
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$ |
111.79 |
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$ |
119.10 |
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$ |
101.68 |
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$ |
141.10 |
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$ |
173.04 |
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Standard and Poors 500 Index
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$ |
100.00 |
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$ |
90.90 |
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$ |
80.10 |
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$ |
62.41 |
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$ |
80.30 |
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$ |
89.03 |
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Standard and Poors Forest Products Index
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$ |
100.00 |
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|
$ |
83.25 |
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|
$ |
83.93 |
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$ |
71.80 |
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$ |
98.97 |
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$ |
108.29 |
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Wilshire 5000
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$ |
100.00 |
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$ |
89.11 |
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$ |
79.33 |
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$ |
62.79 |
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$ |
82.65 |
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$ |
92.97 |
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Wilshire 4500
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$ |
100.00 |
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$ |
84.23 |
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$ |
76.37 |
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$ |
62.78 |
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$ |
90.30 |
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$ |
106.64 |
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20
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
Principal Unit Holders
As of February 22, 2005, the following persons were known
or believed by the Partnership to be the beneficial owners of
more than 5% of the outstanding limited partnership units:
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|
Number of | |
|
Percent | |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Units(1) | |
|
of Class | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Private Capital Management, Inc.
|
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|
1,417,195 |
(2) |
|
|
30.9 |
|
|
8889 Pelican Bay Blvd
Suite 500
Naples, FL 34108 |
|
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|
Emily T. Andrews
|
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|
557,100 |
(3) |
|
|
12.2 |
|
|
600 Montgomery Street
35th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111 |
|
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|
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|
Peter T. Pope
|
|
|
335,892 |
(4) |
|
|
7.3 |
|
|
1500 S.W. 1st Avenue
Portland, OR 97201 |
|
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|
(1) |
Each beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power
unless otherwise indicated. Includes unit options exercisable
within 60 days. |
|
(2) |
Private Capital Management, Inc. is an investment adviser shown
registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Units are
held in various accounts managed by Private Capital Management,
Inc. which shares dispositive powers as to those units. |
|
(3) |
Includes 1,090 units owned by her husband, Adolphus
Andrews, Jr. as to which she disclaims beneficial
ownership. Also includes a total of 60,000 units held by
Pope MGP, Inc. and Pope EGP, Inc., as to which she shares voting
and investment power. |
|
(4) |
Includes (a) 44,600 units held in trust for his
children, and (b) 60,000 units held by Pope MGP, Inc.
and Pope EGP, Inc., as to which he shares investment and voting
power (c) currently exercisable options to
purchase 30,367 units and (d) 910 units
owned by spouse. |
21
Management
As of February 22, 2005, the beneficial ownership of the
Partnership units of (1) MGPs of the Partnership,
(2) the directors of the Partnerships general
partners, (3) the named executives, and (4) the
Partnerships general partners, directors and officers as a
group, was as follows. **
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|
|
Number of | |
|
Percent | |
Name | |
|
Position and Offices |
|
Units(1) | |
|
of Class | |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
David L. Nunes |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and President Pope MGP, Inc. and the
Partnership; Director, Pope MGP, Inc. |
|
|
60,753 |
(2) |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
Thomas M. Ringo |
|
|
Vice President and CFO, Pope MGP, Inc. and the Partnership |
|
|
32,855 |
(2) |
|
|
* |
|
|
Peter T. Pope |
|
|
Director, Pope MGP, Inc. and Pope EGP, Inc.; President, Pope
EGP, Inc. |
|
|
335,892 |
(3) |
|
|
7.3 |
|
|
J. Thurston Roach |
|
|
Director, Pope MGP, Inc. |
|
|
2,400 |
(4) |
|
|
* |
|
|
Pope EGP, Inc. |
|
|
Equity General Partner of the Partnership |
|
|
54,000 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
Pope MGP, Inc. |
|
|
Managing General Partner of the Partnership |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
Douglas E. Norberg |
|
|
Director, Pope MGP, Inc. |
|
|
58,394 |
(5) |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
Marco F. Vitulli |
|
|
Director, Pope MGP, Inc. |
|
|
21,989 |
(6) |
|
|
* |
|
All general partners, directors and officers of general
partners, and officers of the Partnership as a group (6
individuals and 2 entities) |
|
|
512,283 |
(7) |
|
|
11.2 |
|
|
|
** |
The address of each of these parties is c/o Pope Resources,
19245 Tenth Avenue NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370. |
|
|
(1) |
Each beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power
unless otherwise indicated. Includes unit options that are
exercisable within 60 days. |
|
(2) |
David L. Nunes data include owned units of 21,003 and options to
purchase 39,750 units that are exercisable within
60 days. Thomas M. Ringo data includes owned units of 4,980
and options to purchase 27,875 units that are
exercisable within 60 days. |
|
(3) |
Includes (a) 44,600 units held in trust for his
children, (b) 60,000 units held by Pope MGP, Inc. and
Pope EGP, Inc., as to which he shares investment and voting
power, (c) currently exercisable options to
purchase 30,367 units, and (d) 910 units
owned by his spouse. |
|
(4) |
Includes currently exercisable options to
purchase 2,400 units issued to Mr. Roach. |
|
(5) |
Includes currently exercisable options to
purchase 47,794 units issued to Mr. Norberg. |
|
(6) |
Includes currently exercisable options to
purchase 20,039 units issued to Mr. Vitulli. |
|
(7) |
For this computation, the 60,000 units held by Pope MGP,
Inc. and Pope EGP, Inc. are excluded from units beneficially
owned by Mr. Pope. Mr. Pope and Emily T. Andrews own
all of the outstanding stock of Pope MGP, Inc. and Pope EGP,
Inc. Includes currently exercisable options to
purchase 168,225 units. |
22
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table presents certain information with respect to
the Partnerships equity compensation plans and awards
thereunder on December 31, 2004.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Available for | |
|
|
Number of Securities to be | |
|
Weighted-average Exercise | |
|
Future Issuance Under Equity | |
|
|
Issued Upon Exercise of | |
|
Price of Outstanding | |
|
Compensation Plans | |
|
|
Outstanding Options, | |
|
Options, Warrants and | |
|
(Excluding Securities | |
|
|
Warrants and Rights | |
|
Rights | |
|
Reflected in Column (a)) | |
Plan Category |
|
(a) | |
|
(b) | |
|
(c) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
363,691 |
|
|
$ |
16.71 |
|
|
|
1,107,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
363,691 |
|
|
$ |
16.71 |
|
|
|
1,107,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Partnership Agreement provides that it is a complete defense
to any challenge to an agreement or transaction between the
Partnership and a general partner, or related person, due to a
conflict of interest if, after full disclosure of the material
facts as to the agreement or transaction and the interest of MGP
or related person, (1) the transaction is authorized,
approved or ratified by a majority of the disinterested
directors of MGP, or (2) the transaction is authorized by
partners of record holding more than 50% of the units held by
all partners.
General Partner Fee. Pope MGP, Inc. receives an annual
fee of $150,000, and reimbursement of administrative costs for
its services as managing general partner of the Partnership, as
stipulated in the Partnership Agreement.
Minority Interest Payments. The minority interest
represents Pope MGP, Inc.s interest in the IPMB. Net
income from the IPMB is paid 80% to ORM, Inc. and 20% to Pope
MGP, Inc. until net income from the IPMB reaches
$7.0 million in a fiscal year, at which time income will be
allocated evenly between ORM, Inc. and Pope MGP, Inc.
P&T Lease Payments. Mr. Peter T. Pope, a
director of Pope MGP, Inc., is also a director of P&T.
P&T leased an art collection from the Partnership through
October 2003. Revenue received from the art lease was $15,000
annually for the year ended December 31, 2002. Lease
payments received in 2003 were $12,239. The lease ended in
October 2003 when the art collection was sold to Mr. Pope.
Art Collection Sale. In October 2003 the art collection
that has been historically leased to P&T was sold to
Mr. Pope for $315,000. The price was based upon an
independent appraisal.
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SECURITY HOLDERS SHARING AN
ADDRESS
Only one copy of this Information Statement is being delivered
to our multiple limited partners who share an address unless we
or one of our mailing agents has received contrary instructions
from one or more of the limited partners sharing an address.
Upon the written or oral request of a limited partner at a
shared address to which a single copy of the Information
Statement was delivered, we shall promptly deliver a separate
copy of this Information Statement to such limited partner(s).
Limited partners may notify us that the limited partner wishes
to receive a separate copy of this Information Statement by
writing to Pope Resources, A Delaware Limited Partnership,
Attention: Investor Relations, 19245 Tenth Avenue NE,
Poulsbo, Washington 98370 or by calling Pope Resources Investor
Relations at (360) 697-6626. In addition, if any limited
partner wishes to receive separate copies of our annual reports
or information or proxy statements in the future, such limited
partner may notify us by writing to the foregoing address or
calling the foregoing telephone number. Limited partners sharing
an address may also
23
request delivery of a single copy of our annual reports or
information or proxy statements if they are receiving multiple
copies of the annual reports or information or proxy statements
by writing to the foregoing address or calling the foregoing
telephone number.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements
and other information with the SEC. You may read or copy any
document we file at the public reference room maintained by the
SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
Copies of this information may also be obtained by mail from the
SECs Public Reference Branch at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, our filings with
the SEC are also available to the public on the SECs
internet web site at http://www.sec.gov. We also make our
annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to
those reports filed or furnished with the SEC, and
Section 16 filings available on our website at
http://www.orminc.com as soon as practicable after we
have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it
to, the SEC.
Our limited partnership units trade on the Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol POPEZ.
WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO GIVE YOU ANY INFORMATION OR TO
MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT OR THE
OTHER TRANSACTIONS THAT ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS INFORMATION
STATEMENT OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED HEREIN. IF YOU ARE GIVEN
ANY INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THESE MATTERS THAT IS
NOT DISCUSSED IN THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT, YOU MUST NOT RELY
ON THAT INFORMATION. THE DELIVERY OF THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT
DOES NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, MEAN THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN
A CHANGE IN OUR AFFAIRS SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. IT ALSO DOES NOT
MEAN THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT IS
CORRECT AFTER THIS DATE.
24
ANNEX A
POPE RESOURCES
2005 UNIT INCENTIVE PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Section 1.
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Purpose |
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A-1 |
Section 2.
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Definitions |
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A-1 |
Section 3.
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Units Subject to This Plan |
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A-2 |
Section 4.
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Administration |
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A-3 |
Section 5.
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Awards and Eligible Participants |
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A-4 |
Section 6.
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Provisions Applicable to Options |
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A-4 |
Section 7.
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Unit Grants |
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A-5 |
Section 8.
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Unit Appreciation Rights |
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A-6 |
Section 9.
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Termination of Relationship with Company |
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A-6 |
Section 10.
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Awards Not Transferable |
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A-8 |
Section 11.
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Changes in Companys Capital Structure |
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A-8 |
Section 12.
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Securities Regulation, Tax Law and Other Required Approvals |
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A-9 |
Section 13.
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Withholding Tax Requirement |
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A-10 |
Section 14.
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Status of Unit Holder |
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A-11 |
Section 15.
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Rights and Relationships |
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A-11 |
Section 16.
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Amendment and Termination |
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A-11 |
Section 17.
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Applicable Law |
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A-11 |
Section 18.
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Effectiveness of This Plan |
|
A-11 |
A-i
2005 UNIT INCENTIVE PLAN
Section 1. Purpose.
The purpose of this Pope Resources 2005 Unit Incentive Plan
(this Plan) is to provide a means for Pope
Resources, A Delaware Limited Partnership (the
Company) and related entities to continue to
attract, motivate and retain key employees, consultants and
other independent contractors, and to provide these individuals
with greater incentive for their service to the Company (and
related entities) by linking their interests in the
Companys success with those of the Company and its unit
holders. The incentives will be in the form of options to
purchase units of the Companys limited partnership
interests, other awards of the Companys limited
partnership interests, and Unit Appreciation Rights (as defined
below).
Section 2. Definitions.
When used in this Plan the following terms are defined as set
forth below:
Administrator has the meaning provided in
Section 4.
Award means an Option, Unit Grant or Unit
Appreciation Right.
Award Agreement shall mean a written
agreement that details the terms and conditions of a particular
Award.
Base Value has the meaning provided in
Section 8.1.
Board means the Board of Directors of MGP.
Capitalization Change has the meaning
provided in Section 11.1.
Cause has the meaning provided in
Section 9.1.2.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.
Company means Pope Resources, A Delaware
Limited Partnership.
Effective Date has the meaning provided in
Section 18.
Eligible Participants has the meaning
provided in Section 5.2.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended.
Exercise Price means the amount to be paid by
an Optionee to exercise an Option.
Fair Market Value of a Unit is the fair
market value established in good faith by the Administrator,
unless one of the following applies: (a) if the Units are
listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, then the Fair Market Value is
the average of the last reported sale price for the Units as
recorded by the NASDAQ Stock Market on each of the five trading
days ending on and including the day before the award is priced;
(b) if the Units are not listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market
and are listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the American
Stock Exchange, then the Fair Market Value is the average of the
closing sales price for the Units as such price is officially
quoted in the composite tape of transactions on such exchange on
each of the five trading days ending on and including the day
before the Award is priced; (c) if the Units are of a class
for which reports are required to be filed pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, but
are not listed on a national securities exchange or on the
NASDAQ Stock Market, then the Fair Market Value shall be equal
to the average of the closing price or last reported sale price
of the Units on each of the five trading days ending on and
including the day before the Award is priced, as quoted or
disclosed by the market or exchange on which the Unit is listed.
For purposes of this definition a trading day on an
exchange or market is a day on which the number of Units traded
is equal to or greater than one-half of the average daily
trading volume of the Units measured over the then-current
ninety-day trailing average.
Grant Agreement means a written agreement
that details the terms and conditions of a particular Unit Grant.
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Grant Date means the date on which the
Administrator completes the corporate action relating to the
grant of an Award and all conditions precedent to the grant have
been satisfied, provided that conditions relating to
exercisability or vesting of an Award shall not defer the Grant
Date.
Grantee means an individual or entity who has
received a Unit Grant under this Plan.
Holder means an individual or entity who has
received a Unit Appreciation Right under this Plan.
Human Resources Committee means the Human
Resources Committee of the Board, as constituted from time to
time in compliance with the Bylaws of MGP and the rules of the
securities market (if any) upon which the Units are then listed
for trading.
MGP means Pope MGP, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, the managing general partner of the Company.
Option means an option granted pursuant to
this Plan for the purchase of Units.
Option Agreement means a written agreement
that details the terms and conditions of a particular Option.
Optionee means an individual or entity who
has received an Option under this Plan.
Plan means this Pope Resources 2005 Unit
Incentive Plan.
Prior Plan shall have the meaning specified
in Section 3.1.
Related Entity means any entity that,
directly or indirectly, is in control of, or under common
control with, the Company.
Sales Event has the meaning provided in
Section 11.2.1.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.
Unit has the meaning provided in
Section 3.
Unit Appreciation Right shall mean a right
awarded to a Holder to receive a cash payment equal to the
appreciation (if any) in the Fair Market Value of a Unit from
the date of grant until the Unit Appreciation Right is exercised
or cancelled for payment. At the discretion of the
Administrator, and as provided in each individual Award
Agreement, payment may be made in one or more cash installments
(each of which may be, but is not required to be, conditioned
upon the continuation of the Holders employment, the
achievement of other benchmarks, or both), or by delivering an
amount of Units that have a Fair Market Value equal to the cash
otherwise payable to the Holder, or a combination of cash and
Units.
Unit Appreciation Right Agreement means a
written agreement that details the terms and conditions of a
particular Unit Appreciation Right.
Unit Grant means a grant pursuant to this
Plan of one or more Units, subject to such terms and conditions
as the applicable Grant Agreement may provide.
Total Disability has the meaning provided in
Section 9.2.
Section 3. Units
Subject to This Plan. The securities and rights issuable
under this Plan relate to the Companys limited partnership
units, either available for original issuance or reacquired by
the Company (the Units).
3.1 Amount. Subject to
adjustment under Section 11.1, the maximum amount of Units
that may be issued for Awards under this Plan is 1,500,000, as
such Units were constituted on the Effective Date. The total
shall include any Units, as of the date of Unit holder approval
of this Plan, available for future awards under the Pope
Resources 1997 Unit Option Plan (the Prior Plan), as
well as any Units that are represented by awards under the Prior
Plan, which are forfeited or cancelled or expire without the
delivery of Units or which result in the reacquisition of Units
by the Company. From the date of unit holder
A-2
approval of this Plan, the Prior Plan shall cease to be
effective for purposes of granting any additional Awards;
provided, however, that the adoption of this Plan shall not be
construed to amend or affect any securities or rights previously
issued under the Prior Plan. The granting of Unit Appreciation
Rights shall not reduce the number of Units available under this
Plan, except to the extent the Companys obligations under
the Unit Appreciation Rights are satisfied by delivering Units
instead of cash.
3.2 Returned Units. If any
outstanding Option or Unit Appreciation Right expires, or is
exchanged, canceled or terminated for any reason without having
been exercised or realized in full, or all or part of a Unit
Grant is forfeited because the Grantee terminates employment or
other services with the Company prior to satisfying the
applicable vesting schedule, then the unpurchased, unissued or
forfeited Units subject to such Awards will again be available
for issuance under this Plan. If the Company repurchases Units
issued pursuant to an Award, then the repurchased Units will not
be available again for issuance under this Plan, unless the
units relate to an Option (or portion of an Option) that was
exercised prior to becoming vested, which Units are then
repurchased by the Company, for the Optionees Exercise
Price, in conjunction with the Optionee terminating employment
or services with the Company prior to satisfaction of the
underlying vesting schedule, in which case the repurchased Units
will again be available for issuance under this Plan.
Section 4. Administration.
4.1 Administrator. The Human
Resources Committee shall administer this Plan; provided,
however, that if the Human Resources Committee is not in
existence or otherwise cannot administer this Plan, then this
Plan may be administrated by the Board or by a committee or
subcommittee of the Board, which subcommittee shall be comprised
solely of independent directors (as determined by the rules of
the securities markets on which the Units are then listed for
trading). The body charged with administering the Plan is
referred to as the Administrator. Notwithstanding
the delegation of administrative authority, the Board has
exclusive authority to (a) amend or terminate this Plan as
provided in Section 16, and (b) remove members from
and add members to the Administrator. Subject to the rules of
the securities markets on which the Units are then listed for
trading, the Administrator may further delegate administrative
duties to those officers and managers of the Company as it so
determines.
4.2 Procedures. The
Administrator may hold meetings at such times and places as it
determines, and from time to time adopt and amend rules and
regulations relating to the administration of this Plan,
provided that absent the adoption of any formal rules, the acts
of a majority of the members of the Administrator at a meeting,
or acts approved in writing by all Administrator members, are
valid acts of the Administrator.
4.3 Responsibilities. Except
as stated elsewhere in this Plan, the Administrator has full
discretionary authority to determine all matters relating to
Awards, including but not limited to (a) the selection of
Eligible Participants to receive Awards, (b) the number of
Units subject to each Award, (c) the Exercise Price to be
paid for any Option, (d) any vesting or forfeiture
schedule, (e) the acceleration of the exercise date, and
(f) the extension of the exercise period. In exercising its
authority to set the terms and conditions of an Award, and
subject only to the limits of applicable law and the rules of
the securities markets on which the Units are then listed for
trading, the Administrator shall be under no obligation or duty
to treat, or to forbear from treating, similarly situated
Grantees, Holders or Optionees in the same manner, and any
action taken by the Administrator with respect to the grant of
an Award to one individual shall in no way obligate the
Administrator to take the same or similar action with respect to
any other individual. Subject to rules of the securities markets
on which the Units are then listed for trading, the
Administrator may exercise its discretion in a manner such that
Awards granted to individuals who are foreign nationals or are
employed outside the United States contain terms and conditions
that are different from the provisions otherwise anticipated in
this Plan, but which are consistent with the tax and other laws
of applicable foreign jurisdictions and consistent with the
Companys objectives in establishing this Plan.
4.4 Plan Construction and
Interpretation. Subject to Section 4.5, the
Administrator may correct any defect, supply any omission, or
reconcile any inconsistency (a) within this Plan,
(b) between this Plan and any related agreement, or
(c) between this Plan and any rule or regulation
promulgated under this
A-3
Plan, in the manner and to the extent the Administrator deems
appropriate to carry out this Plan, subject in each case to
rules of the securities markets on which the Units are then
listed for trading. The Administrators interpretation or
construction of any such Plan provision, related agreement, rule
or regulation shall be final, conclusive and binding on all
interested parties.
4.5 Amendment of Awards; Waiver
of Restrictions. The Administrator may modify or amend
outstanding Awards granted under this Plan. The modification or
amendment of an outstanding Award shall not, without the consent
of the Grantee, Holder or Optionee, impair, diminish or
terminate any of the rights of the Grantee, Holder or Optionee
or any of the obligations of the Company under the Award, except
as otherwise provided in this Plan, or as required to comply
with applicable law. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Plan, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, waive
forfeiture restrictions and any other terms, conditions or
limitations on any Option, Unit Grant or Unit Appreciation Right
under such circumstances and subject to such terms and
conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
Section 5. Awards
and Eligible Participants.
5.1 Types. Subject to
Section 4, the Administrator may, from time to time, grant
under this Plan (a) Options, (b) Unit Appreciation
Rights or (c) Unit Grants. Options, Unit Appreciation
Rights and Unit Grants may be granted singly or in combination.
5.2 Eligible Participants.
The Administrator, as it determines from time to time, may grant
Awards to officers, directors and employees of the Company and
its Related Entities. The Administrator may also grant Awards to
consultants, agents, advisors and independent contractors who
provide services to the Company or its Related Entities, or
both, provided that such Award recipients (a) are natural
persons or an alter-ego entity, (b) render bona fide
services that are not in connection with the offer and sale of
the Companys securities in a capital-raising transaction
and (c) render bona fide services that do not directly or
indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Companys
securities.
5.3 Terms and Conditions.
The terms and conditions of Awards granted under this Plan need
not be identical in any respect, even when grants are made
simultaneously or to persons with the same or similar status.
Section 6. Provisions
Applicable to Options.
6.1 Option Agreement. Each
Option shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement that
incorporates this Plan by reference and describes the terms and
conditions of the Option. In particular, the Option Agreement
shall specify the number of Units that may be purchased, the
Options expiration date, the schedule (if any) under which
the Option may be exercised, the Exercise Price, and any other
terms, conditions, restrictions, representations or warranties
required by the Administrator.
6.2 Exercise Price. The
Administrator shall establish the Exercise Price of Options at
the Fair Market Value of the underlying Units, determined as of
the Grant Date.
6.3 Term. The term of each
Option shall be ten years from the Grant Date, unless the
Administrator establishes a shorter or longer period of time as
evidenced in the Award Agreement.
6.4 Vesting. To ensure the
Company achieves the purposes and receives the benefits
contemplated in this Plan, any Option granted under this Plan
shall vest and be exercisable on the schedule and subject to the
terms and conditions that the Administrator, shall, in its
complete discretion, determine.
In addition, the Administrator may, in its complete discretion,
provide in an Option Agreement (or addendum to a previously
issued Option Agreement) for the Optionees ability to
exercise his or her Option prior to vesting, provided that the
Company may require that such units be held in escrow until the
Optionee satisfies the applicable vesting schedule, that such
units be subject to a requirement that they may not be sold,
gifted or otherwise transferred prior to vesting, and that if
the Optionee terminates employment or other service relationship
with the Company prior to satisfaction of the applicable vesting
schedule, then the Company may (but will not be obligated to)
repurchase the units that relate to the
A-4
unvested portion of the Option at the time of termination, with
the Companys repurchase price being the Optionees
original Exercise Price. In connection with an Optionees
exercise of an Option prior to vesting, the Optionee may file an
election under Code § 83(b) to accelerate the tax
consequence of the exercise.
6.5 Exercise. The Recipient
may exercise Options by delivering written notice to the
Administrator of the number of Units sought to be exercised,
together with payment of the Exercise Price, and any applicable
taxes. The Administrator may specify the form of such notice and
the manner of its delivery. Subject to any vesting schedule in
the Option Agreement and to any additional holding period
required by law, the Optionee may exercise each Option in whole
or in part, except that only whole Units will be issued pursuant
to the exercise of any Option.
6.6 Payment of Exercise
Price. An Optionee must pay the Exercise Price in full at
the time of exercise. Payment of the Exercise Price shall be in
cash, by bank certified or cashiers check or by personal
check (unless at the time of exercise the Administrator in a
particular case determines not to accept a personal check). The
Administrator may determine in its complete discretion at any
time before exercise of Options, that alternative forms of
payment will be permitted, including but not limited to
installment payments on such terms as the Administrator may
determine or various cashless exercise arrangements. Unless
otherwise provided by the Administrator, an Option may not be
exercised by tender to the Company, or attestation to the
ownership, of the Unit unless the Units either have been owned
by the Optionee for more than six months (and were not used for
another Option exercise by attestation during that period) or
were not acquired, directly or indirectly, from the Company.
Section 7. Unit
Grants.
7.1 Grants of Units. Each
Unit Grant shall be evidenced by a Grant Agreement that
incorporates this Plan by reference. The Administrator is
authorized to make Unit Grants (or Awards denominated in Units)
in such number of Units and on such terms and conditions and
subject to such restrictions, if any, as the Administrator
determines in its sole discretion, as set forth in the
corresponding Grant Agreement. The terms, conditions and
restrictions that the Administrator has the power to determine
includes, without limitation, the manner in which units subject
to Unit Grants are held during the periods they are subject to
restrictions and the circumstances under which forfeiture of the
underlying Units shall occur by reason of termination of the
Grantees employment or other service relationship.
7.2 Issuance of Units. Upon
the satisfaction of any terms, conditions and restrictions
prescribed in connection with a Unit Grant, or upon the
Grantees release from any terms, conditions and
restrictions, as determined by the Administrator, the Company
shall release, as soon as practicable, to the Grantee, or in the
case of the Grantees death, to the personal representative
of the Grantees estate or other individual or entity as an
appropriate court directs, the appropriate number of Units. At
the time the Award is made, the Administrator will determine
whether the certificates for unvested Units will be held is
escrow, pending vesting, or delivered to the Grantee for
holding, but containing a legend that outlines the potential
risk of forfeiture, as contemplated by Section 12.4.
7.3 Vesting. To ensure the
Company achieves the purposes and receives the benefits
contemplated in this Plan, any Unit Grant made under this Plan
shall vest on the schedule and subject to the terms and
conditions that the Administrator, shall, in its complete
discretion, determine. The Company may impose restrictions on
unvested Units, such as a requirement that the unvested Units be
held in escrow until the Grantee satisfies the applicable
vesting schedule, that the Units be subject to a requirement
that they may not be sold, gifted or otherwise transferred prior
to vesting, and that if the Grantee terminates employment or
other service relationship with the Company prior to
satisfaction of the applicable vesting schedule, then the
unvested Units automatically revert back to the Company.
In connection with a Grantees receipt of a Unit Grant, the
Grantee may file an election under Code § 83(b) to
accelerate the tax consequence of the exercise prior to its
vesting.
A-5
Section 8. Unit
Appreciation Rights.
8.1 Unit Appreciation
Rights. In addition to other Awards available under this
Plan, the Administrator may grant Unit Appreciation Rights. Any
grant of Unit Appreciation Rights may, but need not be,
associated with Units subject to a specific Option. If a grant
of Unit Appreciation Rights is associated with Units subject to
a specific Option, then, unless otherwise provided in the
applicable Award Agreement, the Unit Appreciation Rights shall
terminate upon (a) the expiration, termination, forfeiture
or cancellation of the Option or (b) the exercise of such
Option. Similarly, if a grant of Unit Appreciation Rights is
associated with Units subject to a specific Option, then, unless
otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Option
associated with the Unit Appreciation Rights shall terminate
upon the exercise of the Unit Appreciation Rights. Each grant of
Unit Appreciation Rights shall be evidenced by a Unit
Appreciation Right Agreement that specifies the term, which in
no event may exceed ten years from the Grant Date. In addition,
each Unit Appreciation Right Agreement representing a grant of
Unit Appreciation Rights shall designate the applicable Fair
Market Value of a Unit as of the Grant Date (sometimes referred
to as the Base Value). The possession of a Unit
Appreciation Right shall not, in and of itself, convey to the
Holder any of the rights or attributes of a Unit holder, but
only the right (subject to certain conditions) to receive
payment in connection with appreciation (if any) of the Units.
8.2 Eligibility. Unit
Appreciation Rights under this Section 8 may be granted to
any eligible Participant, as determined by the Administrator in
its complete discretion.
8.3 Vesting. To ensure the
Company achieves the purposes and receives the benefits
contemplated in this Plan, any Unit Appreciation Right granted
under this Plan shall vest on the schedule and subject to the
terms and conditions that the Administrator, shall, in its
complete discretion, determine.
8.4 Exercise of Unit
Appreciation Rights. Upon the exercise of an Unit
Appreciation Right, the Holder shall be entitled to receive a
cash payment for each Unit covered by the portion of the Unit
Appreciation Right being exercised, which payment is equal to
the excess of (a) the Fair Market Value of a Unit on the
exercise date over (b) the Base Value, as designated in the
corresponding Unit Appreciation Right Agreement. All payments in
connection with the exercise of Unit Appreciation Rights shall
be made as soon as practicable, but in no event later than seven
(7) business days after the effective date of the exercise
of the Unit Appreciation Right, unless provided otherwise in the
applicable Award Agreement. Each Unit Appreciation Right may be
exercised on such date or dates, and during such period and with
respect to a number of Units, as determined by the Administrator
and as set forth in the corresponding Unit Appreciation Right
Agreement. The exercise of a Unit Appreciation Right shall also
be subject to such terms and conditions as specified in the
corresponding Unit Appreciation Right Agreement, which
conditions may include minimum exercise amounts and the ability
to elect a partial exercise. Unless provided otherwise in the
Unit Appreciation Right Agreement, each Unit Appreciation Right
shall be exercised by delivering notice to the Companys
principal office, to the attention of its Secretary, no less
than five (5) business days in advance of the effective
date of the proposed exercise. The notice shall be accompanied
by the applicable Unit Appreciation Right Agreement and specify
the number of Units with respect to which the Unit Appreciation
Right is being exercised and the effective date of the proposed
exercise.
Section 9. Termination
of Relationship with Company. Except as provided
otherwise in the applicable Award Agreement, or as otherwise
agreed by the Partnership and the Holder, all Awards that are
unvested or still subject to forfeiture restrictions
automatically expire upon termination of an Optionees,
Holders or Grantees employment or other service
relationship with the Company (or a Companys affiliated
entity by which the Holder has been employed) for any reason
other than the transfer of such Holders employment,
without a break in employment other than for vacation or a bona
fide leave of absence approved by the Administrator, to another
entity affiliated with the Company. And
A-6
except as provided otherwise in the applicable Award Agreement,
the effect of a termination of employment or other service
relationship upon vested and non-forfeitable Awards is as
follows:
9.1 Termination For Cause.
9.1.1 Effect Upon Options and
Unit Appreciation Rights.
If the Company terminates an Optionees or Holders
employment or other service relationship for Cause, then, as of
the Companys first discovery of any of the grounds for
termination for Cause, any Option or Unit Appreciation Right
held by that Optionee or Holder shall automatically terminate.
If an Optionee or Holder is suspended pending an investigation
of whether or not the Optionee or Holder will be terminated for
Cause, then all of the Optionees or Holders rights
under any Option or Unit Appreciation Right will also be
suspended during the period of investigation.
9.1.2 Definition of Cause.
Termination for Cause means the Optionees,
Holders or Grantees (a) willful refusal to
perform his obligations to the Company, (b) willful
misconduct constituting either dishonesty toward the Company or
a deliberate attempt to do injury to the interests of the
Company, (c) commission of a serious criminal act whether
denominated a felony, misdemeanor or otherwise, or
(d) engaging in activities directly in competition or
antithetical to the best interests of the Company. To the extent
an Optionee, Holder or Grantee is a party to an employment
agreement or offer letter of employment with the Company that
defines cause or a similar term, then the meaning
set forth in that agreement shall also be considered
Cause for purposes of this Plan.
9.2 Termination Because of Total
Disability. If an Optionees or Holders
employment or other service relationship with the Company
terminates because of a Total Disability, as defined
below, then the Optionees or Holders vested Options
or Unit Appreciation Rights (determined as of the termination)
shall not terminate until the sooner of (a) the end of the
12-month period following such termination or (b) the
normal expiration date of the Option or Unit Appreciation Right.
Unless provided otherwise in the applicable Award Agreement, for
purposes of this Plan Total Disability means a mental or
physical impairment that (i) causes an individual to be
unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity, after
reasonable accommodation, and (ii) is expected to result in
death or has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous
period of 12 months or more. The status of Total Disability
will be determined by the Administrator and, if requested by the
affected Optionee or Holder, two independent physicians, and
shall be deemed to exist on the first day after the
Administrator (and the two independent physicians, if
applicable) reach the conclusion. The application of this
Section 9.2 will not accelerate the vesting of Options or
Unit Appreciation Rights. Once a determination of Total
Disability has been made, any unvested options will cancel.
9.3 Termination Because of, or
Shortly Before, Death. If an Optionee or Holder dies
(a) while still engaged in a service relationship with the
Company or (b) within the 60-day period (or 12-month period
in the case of Total Disability) following cessation of such
relationship, then any vested Options or Unit Appreciation
Rights may be exercised at any time prior to the end of the
12-month period following the death or the regular expiration
date applicable to the Option or Unit Appreciation Right,
whichever is earlier. Unless otherwise provided in the Award
Agreement, the application of this Section 9.3 will not
accelerate the vesting of Options or Unit Appreciation Rights.
The vested portion of the Option or Unit Appreciation Right
(determined as of the Optionees or Holders date of
death) may be exercised by the personal representative or the
person to whom the Optionees or Holders rights pass
by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
9.4 Other Terminations. If
an Optionees or Holders relationship with the
Company terminates for a reason other than Cause, death, or
Total Disability, the Optionee or Holder may exercise vested
Options or Unit Appreciation Rights until the earlier of
(a) the end of the 90-day period following termination of
an Optionees or Holders employment or other service
relationship with the Company, or (b) the expiration date
stated in the Award Agreement, after which all unexercised
Options or Unit Appreciation Rights will expire. However, the
Administrator may extend the exercise period, in its sole
discretion. Unless provided otherwise in an individual Award
Agreement, an Optionees or Holders change in status
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from being an employee to a non-employee worker (such as a
consultant) will not constitute a termination of the
Optionees or Holders employment with the Company. If
an Optionee or Holder dies during the 90-day post-employment
period (or within the 12-month period, in the event of Total
Disability), the exercise period will extend for a 12-month
period following death, unless sooner terminated, as provided in
Section 9.3.
9.5 Military Leave, Sick Leave
and Bona Fide Leave of Absence. To the extent determined by
the Administrator, an Optionees, Grantees or
Holders employment or other working relationship with the
Company may be deemed to continue while the Optionee, Grantee or
Holder is on military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave
of absence, except that the vesting provisions under the Option,
Unit Grant or Unit Appreciation Right may be suspended during
the period of leave, unless the individuals reemployment
rights are guaranteed by statute or by contract.
9.6 Effect of Termination Upon
Unit Grants. Unless provided otherwise in the applicable
Award Agreement, if a Grantees employment or other service
relationship with the Company terminates for any reason,
including Cause, death, Total Disability or otherwise, then all
units still subject to a vesting schedule and corresponding risk
of forfeiture (pursuant to the applicable Grant Agreement) at
the time of termination shall be deemed forfeited and revert
back to the Company, without payment or other consideration to
the Grantee. In the event a Grantee is suspended pending an
investigation of whether or not the Grantee will be terminated
for Cause, then all of the Grantees rights under any
unvested units will also be suspended during the period of
investigation.
9.7 Employment with Related
Entities. For purposes of this Plan, being engaged in
employment or other service relationship with a Related Entity
constitutes employment or other service relationship with the
Company, and the provisions of this Section 9 shall apply
by using the terms Company and Related
Entity interchangeably. A transfer between the Company and
one or more Related Entities will not constitute a termination
of employment or other service relationship with the Company.
Section 10. Awards
Not Transferable. Awards are personal to the Optionee,
Holder or Grantee during their lifetime and may not be
transferred, assigned, pledged, attached or otherwise disposed
of in any manner, except by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and provided further that to the extent authorized
by the Administrator, on a case by case basis, an Optionee,
Holder or Grantee may transfer Awards into a revocable trust
created by the Optionee, Holder or Grantee for the benefit of
the Optionees, Holders or Grantees
descendants, to an immediate family member, or to a partnership
in which only immediate family members or such trusts are
partners. Any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, attach or
otherwise dispose of any Award contrary to this Section 10
will be null and void.
Section 11. Changes
in Companys Capital Structure.
11.1 Adjustments Upon Changes in
Capitalization. In the event of any merger, consolidation,
reorganization, Unit split, Unit dividend or other event causing
a capital adjustment affecting the number of outstanding Units
(Capitalization Change), the Administrator will make
corresponding adjustments to preserve the relative value of
Awards. To that end the Administrator will make adjustments, as
necessary, in: (a) The aggregate number or kind of Units
for which Options or Unit Appreciation Rights may be granted
under this Plan; (b) the number or kind of units covered by
any outstanding Options or Unit Appreciation Rights under this
Plan; and (c) other terms of this Plan or outstanding
Options or Unit Appreciation Rights that merit a change in
conjunction with the Capitalization Change. Any fractional units
resulting from an adjustment will be disregarded. In the event
the Company issues additional Units for consideration (including
non-cash consideration), neither the total amount of units
subject to this Plan, nor the amount of units subject to any
outstanding Award, will be adjusted. The Administrators
determination as to what adjustments should be made and the
extent of the adjustments will be final, binding and conclusive.
11.2 Effect of Sale, Merger or
Exchange.
11.2.1 Termination of Options
and Unit Appreciation Rights. Subject to
Section 11.2.2, upon the occurrence of a Sales
Event (as defined below) any unexercised Options or Unit
Appreciation Rights
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will expire and cease to be effective, provided that Optionees
or Holders will have advance notice and an opportunity prior to
the Sales Event to exercise any vested Options or Unit
Appreciation Rights. Any units acquired through the exercise of
an unvested Option or Unit Appreciation Right, which units
remain subject to an underlying vesting schedule, will be
subject to repurchase at the original Exercise Price paid for
those Units. In the alternative, at the complete discretion of
the Administrator, the Company may (a) determine to cash
out some or all of the unexercised, vested Options or Unit
Appreciation Rights by paying each affected Optionee or Holder
an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of a Unit (as
determined for purposes of the Sales Event), multiplied by the
number of Units available under the vested portion of the
Optionees Option or Holders Unit Appreciation Right,
reduced by the aggregate Exercise Price or Base Value associated
with that portion of the Option or Unit Appreciation Right, or
(b) continue some or all of the Options or Unit
Appreciation Rights, subject to the same terms and conditions
(including the vesting schedule, if any) that applied prior to
the Sales Event, modified as deemed appropriate by the
Administrator in conjunction with the Sales Event. For purposes
of this Plan a Sales Event will include (i) a
complete liquidation of the Company, (ii) a sale of
substantially all of the Companys assets, (iii) a
sale of the Companys limited partnership units after which
voting control of the Company is held by persons who were not
unit holders of the Company prior to the sale or (iv) a
merger, consolidation, reorganization or other similar event
that shifts voting control of the Company (or any successor
entity) to persons who were not unit holders of the Company
prior to the transaction. Unless provided otherwise in the
applicable Award Agreements, or pursuant to an action of the
Board, the vesting schedules applicable to outstanding Options,
Unit Grants or Unit Appreciation Rights will not accelerate in
connection with a Sales Event.
11.2.2 Conversion of Units for
Stock Exchange. If pursuant to a Sales Event the Unit
holders of the Company receive securities of another entity
(Exchange Securities) in exchange for their Units,
then the Company and the entity issuing the Exchange Securities
may (at their discretion) provide that any unexercised Options
or Unit Appreciation Rights or unvested Unit Grants (or any
combination) under this Plan will be converted into unit
appreciation rights, options to purchase or grants to receive of
Exchange Securities. The number of shares and exercise price of
unit appreciation rights, options or grants for Exchange
Securities will be determined by adjusting the number of units
and Exercise Price of the unexercised Options, Unit Appreciation
Rights and Unit Grants (as applicable) in the same proportion as
used for determining the number of shares of Exchange Securities
that the holders of Units receive in the transaction. Other than
the potential changes to the Exercise Price, Base Value and
number of Units of the outstanding Unit Appreciation Rights or
Options, all of the terms and conditions relating to the
converted Options or Unit Appreciation Rights under this Plan
shall apply to options for the Exchange Securities, unless
otherwise determined by the Administrator.
11.3 No Restriction on Ability
to Accomplish Corporate Changes.
This Plan and Awards granted hereunder will not in any way limit
the right or power of the Company, or its Unit holders, to make
or authorize any or all adjustments in connection with
recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in the
Companys structure or its business, or any merger or
consolidation of the Company, or any issuance of Units or of
options, warrants or rights to purchase units or bonds,
debentures, preferred or prior preference units whose rights are
superior to or affect the Units or rights of holders thereof or
which are convertible into or exchangeable for Units, the
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or
transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any
corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or
otherwise.
Section 12. Securities
Regulation, Tax Law and Other Required Approvals. The
Company shall not issue Units subject to an Option, Unit
Appreciation Right or Unit Grant unless the exercise, issuance
and delivery of such units comply with all relevant provisions
of law, including any applicable state securities laws, the
Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any relevant securities rules
and regulations, and the requirements of any stock exchange or
interdealer quotation system in which the Units may then be
listed. The issuance of Units shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance, including the availability of an exemption from
registration for the issuance and sale of any Units under this
Plan.
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12.1 Effect of Lack of
Authority. The Company will use its best efforts to obtain
from the appropriate regulatory agencies any requisite
authorization in order to issue the number of Units as needed to
satisfy the requirements of this Plan. The Companys
inability to obtain the authority that Companys counsel
deems to be necessary for the lawful issuance of any units under
this Plan, or the unavailability of an exemption from
registration for the issuance and sale of any units under this
Plan, shall relieve the Company of any liability with respect to
the non-issuance of such units.
12.2 Section 16(b)
Compliance; Bifurcation of Plan. As long as the Company has
registered any of its equity securities pursuant to
Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, this Plan and
the Awards granted under this Plan shall comply in all respects
with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (or any successor
rule relating to the exemption from Section 16(b) of the
Exchange Act of disgorgement liability for arrangements
respecting the Units approved by the Board or a committee
thereof). If any Plan provision is later found not to be in
compliance with Rule 16b-3, the provision shall be deemed
null and void, or if possible construed in favor of its meeting
the requirements of Rule 16b-3. Notwithstanding anything in
this Plan to the contrary, the Administrator, in its absolute
discretion, may bifurcate this Plan so as to restrict, limit or
condition the use of any provision of this Plan to Optionees,
Holders and Grantees who are officers and directors subject to
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act without so restricting,
limiting or conditioning other Optionees. This provision shall
not obligate the Company to undertake registration of any of the
Awards.
12.3 Representations and
Warranties. As a condition to granting any Award, the
Company may require the recipient to make any representation or
warranty to the Company as may be required, in the judgment of
the Company, including executing and delivering to the Company
an agreement as may from time to time be necessary to comply
with federal and state securities laws. At the election of the
Company, a stop-transfer order against any Units may be placed
on the official unit books and records of the Company, and a
legend may be stamped on Unit certificates indicating that the
Unit may not be pledged, sold or otherwise transferred unless an
opinion of counsel is provided (concurred in by counsel for the
Company) stating that such transfer is not in violation of any
applicable law or regulation.
12.4 Legends on Option
Agreements, Unit Appreciation Rights and Unit Certificates.
Unless an appropriate registration statement is filed pursuant
to the Securities Act, with respect to the Units issued under
this Plan, each certificate representing such Unit shall be
endorsed with the following legend or its equivalent:
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The securities represented by this certificate have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
Act) and may not be sold, assigned, offered or
otherwise transferred unless (a) there is an effective
registration statement under the Act, or (b) the Company
receives an opinion of legal counsel for the holder of these
securities (concurred in by legal counsel for the Company)
stating that the transaction is exempt from registration or the
Company otherwise satisfies itself that the transaction is
exempt from registration. |
In addition to this legend, each Award Agreement and each
certificate representing Units acquired through an Award shall
be endorsed with all legends, if any, which are required by
applicable state securities laws and the Administrator,
including without limitation to reflect the existence of vesting
of ownership and contractual restrictions on transfer.
12.5 New Tax Regulations.
The Company acknowledges that as of the time of adopting this
Plan, Section 409A of the Code is effective, but in a state
of transition, with the IRS working on regulations. The Company
intends for this Plan and the Awards issued thereunder to comply
with Section 409A of the Code, and this Plan and all Award
Agreements will be interpreted to that end.
Section 13. Withholding
Tax Requirement. The Company will have the right to
retain and withhold from any payment of cash, or Units, the
amount of taxes required by any government to be withheld. The
Company may require an individual receiving cash or Units under
this Plan to advance or reimburse the Company for any such taxes
required to be withheld and may withhold any distribution in
whole or in part until the Company is so reimbursed. In lieu of
withholding or reimbursement, the
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Company has the right to withhold from any other cash amounts
due or to become due from the Company to the individual in an
amount equal to the taxes, or to retain and withhold a number of
units having a market value not less than the amount of the
taxes required to be withheld as reimbursement for any taxes and
cancel (in whole or in part) any units so withheld.
Section 14. Status
of Unit Holder. No Optionee or Holder, nor any party to
which an Optionees or Holders rights and privileges
may pass, will have any of the rights or privileges of a unit
holder of the Company with respect to the Units related to an
Option or Unit Appreciation Right unless, until and to the
extent the Option or Unit Appreciation Right has been properly
exercised for units.
Section 15. Rights
and Relationships.
15.1 This Plan. This Plan is
purely voluntary on the part of the Company. The adoption or
continuance of this Plan will not be deemed to constitute a
commitment to Eligible Participants by the Company to continue
this Plan.
15.2 No Employment Contract.
Nothing in this Plan, nor in any Award granted pursuant to this
Plan, shall give any Optionee, Holder or Grantee any right to
continued employment with the Company or a Related Entity, or to
interfere in any way with the right of the Company (or Related
Entity) to terminate the Optionee, Holders or
Grantees employment or service relationship with the
Company at any time.
15.3 Other Agreements. To
the extent required by the Administrator, each person who
receives units as a result of any Award shall agree to enter
into and be bound by any unit holders agreement, or the
agreement then in effect, if any, between the Company and its
unit holders relating to the repurchase by the unit holders
and/or the Company of outstanding Units. In addition, as
required by the Administrator, units available through Awards
may be subject to restrictions on the transfer of the units or
commitments regarding the Companys repurchase of the
Optionees, Holders or Grantees units, which
restrictions or commitments may be a condition of the delivery
of certificates representing the units to the Optionee, Holder
or Grantee.
Section 16. Amendment
and Termination.
16.1 Board Action. The Board
may at any time suspend, amend or terminate this Plan, provided
that the approval of the Companys unit holders is
necessary within 12 months before or after the adoption by
the Board of any amendment which will (a) increase the
number of units reserved for the issuance of Awards under this
Plan; or (b) permit the granting of Awards to a class of
persons other than those presently permitted to receive Awards
under this Plan.
16.2 Effect. No Award may be
granted after the termination or during any suspension of this
Plan. In addition, no amendment, suspension or termination of
this Plan shall adversely affect Awards granted on or prior to
the date thereof, without the consent of the Optionee, Holder or
Grantee, unless expressly provided for in this Plan or a
particular Award Agreement.
Section 17. Applicable
Law. This Plan shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Washington.
Section 18. Effectiveness
of This Plan. This Plan shall become effective upon
adoption by the Board, so long as it is approved by the
Companys unit holders any time within 12 months
before or after the adoption of this Plan.
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