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3235-0059 |
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Filed by the Registrant
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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o Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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x Definitive Proxy Statement |
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o Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Agree Realty Corporation
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy
Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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x No fee required. |
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o
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) 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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o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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o 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.: |
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SEC 1913 (02-02) |
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information
contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid
OMB control number. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AGREE REALTY CORPORATION
31850 Northwestern Highway
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On May 8, 2006
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of stockholders
of AGREE REALTY CORPORATION, a Maryland corporation, will be
held at 11:00 a.m. local time, on May 8, 2006, at the
Courtyard by Marriott, 31525 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington
Hills, Michigan for the following purposes:
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1. |
To elect two directors to serve until the annual meeting of
stockholders in 2009 or until their successors are duly elected
and qualified. |
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2. |
To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof. |
Stockholders of record at the close of business on
March 13, 2006 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at
the annual meeting or at any adjournment thereof.
Stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in
person. WHETHER OR NOT YOU NOW PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU
ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL PROMPTLY THE ENCLOSED
PROXY CARD FOR WHICH A POSTAGE PAID RETURN ENVELOPE IS PROVIDED.
If you decide to attend the meeting, you may revoke your proxy
and vote your shares in person. It is important that your shares
be voted.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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Kenneth R. Howe |
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Vice President, Finance and |
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Secretary |
March 31, 2006
Farmington Hills, Michigan
AGREE REALTY CORPORATION
31850 Northwestern Highway
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
May 8, 2006
GENERAL
This proxy statement is furnished by our board of directors in
connection with the solicitation by the board of directors of
proxies to be voted at the annual meeting of stockholders to be
held at 11:00 a.m. local time on May 8, 2006, at the
Courtyard by Marriott, 31525 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington
Hills, Michigan, and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof,
for the purposes set forth in the accompanying notice of such
meeting. All stockholders of record at the close of business on
March 13, 2006, will be entitled to vote.
Voting. Any proxy, if received in time, properly
signed and not revoked, will be voted at the annual meeting in
accordance with the directions of the stockholder. If no
directions are specified, the proxy will be voted for the
proposal set forth in this proxy statement. Any stockholder
giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it
is exercised. A proxy may be revoked (i) by delivery of a
written statement to our corporate Secretary stating that the
proxy is revoked, (ii) by preparation of a subsequent proxy
executed by the person executing the prior proxy, or
(iii) by attendance at the annual meeting and voting in
person.
Votes cast in person or by proxy at the annual meeting will be
tabulated by the election inspectors appointed for the meeting,
and the inspectors, assisted by the Companys Secretary,
will determine whether or not a quorum is present. The election
inspectors will treat abstentions as shares that are present and
entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence or
absence of a quorum, but as unvoted for purposes of determining
the approval of any matter submitted to the stockholders.
Quorum. The presence, in person or represented by
proxy, of the holders of a majority of our common stock
(3,853,424 shares) entitled to vote at the annual meeting
is necessary to constitute a quorum at the annual meeting.
However, if a quorum is not present at the annual meeting, the
stockholders, present in person or represented by proxy, have
the power to adjourn the annual meeting until a quorum is
present or represented. Pursuant to our bylaws, abstentions and
broker non-votes are counted as present and entitled
to vote for purposes of determining a quorum at the annual
meeting. A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee
holding common stock does not vote on a particular proposal
because the nominee does not have a discretionary voting power
with respect to that item and has not received instructions from
the beneficial owner.
Cost of Proxy Solicitation. Solicitation of
proxies will be primarily by mail. However, our directors and
officers also may solicit proxies by telephone or telecopy or in
person. All of the expenses of preparing, assembling, printing
and mailing the materials used in the solicitation of proxies
will be paid by us. Arrangements may be made with brokerage
houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward
soliciting materials, at our expense, to the beneficial owners
of shares held of record by such persons. It is anticipated that
this proxy
statement and the enclosed proxy card first will be mailed to
stockholders on or about March 31, 2006.
Outstanding Stock. As of March 13, 2006, the
record date, 7,706,846 shares of our common stock,
$.0001 par value per share, were outstanding. Each share of
common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each of
the matters to be voted upon at the annual meeting. As of the
record date, our executive officers and directors had the power
to vote approximately 3.58% of the outstanding shares of common
stock. Our executive officers and directors have advised us that
they intend to vote their shares of common stock in favor of the
proposal set forth in this proxy statement.
Required Vote. Plurality approval is required to
elect our directors. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not
counted for purposes of the election of directors.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
NOMINEES AND DIRECTORS
Our board of directors currently consists of six directors. The
directors are divided into three classes, consisting of two
members whose terms expire at this annual meeting, two members
whose terms expire at the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders
and two members whose terms expire at the 2008 annual meeting of
stockholders. At this annual meeting, two directors will be
elected and qualified. Richard Agree and Michael Rotchford are
nominees for election as directors at the annual meeting, to
hold office for a term of three years until the annual meeting
of stockholders to be held in 2009. The terms of Ellis Wachs and
Leon M. Schurgin expire in 2007 and the terms of Farris G. Kalil
and Gene Silverman expire in 2008. Directors are elected by a
plurality of the votes cast at the annual meeting either in
person or by proxy.
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTOR
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS ARE NOMINATED FOR ELECTION AS
DIRECTORS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
The board of directors, on the recommendation of the nominating
and corporate governance committee, has nominated
Mr. Richard Agree and Mr. Michael Rotchford to serve
as directors until the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders and
until their respective successors have been duly elected and
qualified. Each nominee has indicated a willingness to serve as
a director.
Richard Agree, 62, has been President and Chairman of the Board
of Directors since December 1993. Prior thereto, he worked as
managing partner of the general partnerships which held the
Companys properties prior to the formation of the Company
and the initial public offering and was President of the
predecessor company since 1971. Mr. Agree has managed and
overseen the development of over 5,000,000 square feet of
anchored shopping center space during the past 35 years. He
is a graduate of the Detroit College of Law, a member of the
State Bar of Michigan and the International Council of Shopping
Centers.
Michael Rotchford, 47, has been a Director of the Company since
December 1993. He is an Executive Managing Director for
Cushman & Wakefield, Inc., a company specializing in
real estate services. Prior to joining Cushman &
Wakefield in 2000 he served as Managing Director of The Saratoga
Group, an investment banking organization specializing in tax
and asset-based financing. Mr. Rotchford had been with The
Saratoga Group from 1991 to 2000. Prior to 1991,
Mr. Rotchford was a Director in the investment banking
division of Merrill Lynch & Co. where he managed the
commercial mortgage placement group. Mr. Rotchford holds a
bachelors degree, with high honors, from the State
University of New York at Albany. He is also a licensed real
estate broker.
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OTHER DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS OF OFFICE CONTINUE AFTER THE
ANNUAL MEETING
Ellis G. Wachs, 76, has been a Director of the Company since
1993. Mr. Wachs is one of the four founders of Charming
Shoppes, Inc. where, for a forty year period ending in 1991, he
held various positions, including Executive Vice President, with
various responsibilities including merchandise acquisition, real
estate leasing and site location. Since 1991 he has served as a
consultant to Charming Shoppes, Inc. and he currently is a real
estate investor. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois
and a board member of the Philadelphia Free Library.
Leon M. Schurgin, 64 has been a Director of the Company since
March 2004. He is a Senior Shareholder in the law firm of
Sommers Schwartz, a law firm with over seventy-five lawyers
located in Southfield, Michigan. Mr. Schurgin holds a
Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University
of Michigan, a Juris Doctorate Degree, Magna Cum Laude, from
Wayne State University and a Masters of Law Degree in Taxation
from Wayne State University. He is also a certified public
accountant.
Farris G. Kalil, 67, has been a director since December 1993.
Mr. Kalil has been a financial consultant since June 1999.
From November 1996 until his retirement in May 1999
Mr. Kalil served as Director of Business Development for
the Commercial Lending Division of Michigan National Bank, a
national banking institution. From May 1994 to November 1996,
Mr. Kalil served as a Senior Vice President for Commercial
Lending at First of America Bank Southeast Michigan,
N.A. Prior thereto, Mr. Kalil served as a Senior Vice
President of Michigan National Bank where he headed the
Commercial Real Estate Division, Corporate Special Loans, Real
Estate Asset Management/ Real Estate Owned Group, and the
Government Insured Multi-Family Department. Mr. Kalil
received his B.S. from Wayne State University and continued his
education at the Northwestern University School of Mortgage
Banking.
Gene Silverman, 72, has been a director since April 1994.
Mr. Silverman has been a consultant to the entertainment
industry since 1996. From July 1993 until his retirement in
December 1995, Mr. Silverman served as the President and
Chief Executive Officer of Polygram Video, USA, a division of
Polygram N.V., a New York Stock Exchange listed company. Prior
thereto, he was Senior Vice President of sales at Orion Home
Video from 1987 through 1992.
The Board of Directors met five times during fiscal year 2005.
During the year ended December 31, 2005, each director
attended 75 percent or more of the aggregate of both
(i) the total number of the meetings of the board of
directors, and (ii) the total number of meetings held by
all committees of the board on which each such director served.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Our directors are paid an annual fee of $17,500. In addition,
the chairman of our audit committee receives an annual fee of
$4,000. Directors traveling from outside the Farmington Hills,
Michigan area are reimbursed for
out-of-pocket expenses
in connection with their attendance at meetings. For the year
ended December 31, 2005, we paid total compensation of
$91,500 to our directors. No fees are paid to directors who are
our employees.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board of directors has an audit committee, an executive
committee, an executive compensation committee and a nominating
and governance committee.
Audit Committee. The audit committee members are:
Farris Kalil (Chairman), Ellis Wachs and Gene Silverman, each of
whom has been determined by our board of directors to meet the
standards for independence required of audit committee members
by the New York Stock Exchange and applicable SEC rules. The
board of directors has further determined that all members of
the audit committee are financially literate and the audit
committee chairman, Farris Kalil, possesses financial management
expertise, within the meaning of the listing standards of the
NYSE. No member of the audit committee is an audit committee
financial expert within the meaning of applicable SEC rules. Our
accounting policies and procedures and the financial information
related
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to our business are monitored by the audit committee and are
fully understood by the members. Our Board of Directors has
determined that an audit committee financial expert is not
required at this time. Since the audit committee does not have a
financial expert, the committee works closely with our
independent auditors and independent financial advisors in the
application of accounting standards and internal accounting
controls. The audit committee met two (2) times during
2005. In addition, on three (3) occasions the audit
committee authorized Farris Kalil, Chairman to act on behalf of
the committee in reviewing with management and our independent
public accountants, our quarterly financial statements.
Executive Committee. The executive committee
members are: Richard Agree (Chairman), Michael Rotchford and
Ellis Wachs. The committee has the authority to acquire and
dispose of real property and the power to authorize, on behalf
of the full board of directors, the execution of certain
contracts and agreements, including those related to our
borrowing of money, and generally to exercise all other powers
of the board of directors except for those which require action
by a majority of the independent directors or the entire Board.
Our executive committee met once during 2005.
Executive Compensation Committee. The executive
compensation committee members are: Gene Silverman (Chairman),
Ellis Wachs and Farris Kalil each of whom has been determined by
the board of directors to meet the NYSEs standards of
independence. The executive compensation committee determines
compensation for our executive officers, in addition to
administering our stock option and other employee benefit plans,
including our 1994 Stock Incentive Plan. Our executive
compensation committee met one (1) time during 2005.
Nominating and Governance Committee. The
nominating and governance committee members are: Michael
Rotchford (Chairman), Farris Kalil and Gene Silverman, each of
whom has been determined by the board of directors to meet the
NYSEs standards for independence. The committee
establishes criteria and qualifications for potential board
members and identifies high quality individuals with the core
competencies and experience to become members of our board of
directors. The committee also establishes corporate governance
practices in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements
and consistent with the highest standards and recommends to the
board the corporate governance guidelines applicable to us. The
nominating and governance committee met one (1) time during
2005.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following sets forth certain information with respect to
Mr. Agree, Mr. Howe, Mr. Prueter, Mr. Carter
and Ms. Whalen-Umphryes, our executive officers who are not
directors of the Company.
Joey Agree, 27, has been Executive Vice President since
January 2006. Prior to being appointed to this position,
Mr. Agree supervised our development and acquisition
activities. Prior to joining us in March 2005, Mr. Agree
was employed by Grand/ Swaka Properties, one of the largest
private developers in the Midwest, as a director of land
acquisitions. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and
the International Council of Shopping Centers. He holds a J.D.
from Wayne State University Law School and a B.A. in Political
Science from the University of Michigan.
Kenneth R. Howe, 57, has been Vice President, Finance since June
1994 and our Secretary since November 1993. Prior to being
appointed as Vice President, Finance, Mr. Howe served as
our Chief Financial Officer since November 1993. From 1989 to
April 1994 he was Controller of Agree Development Company, our
predecessor. From 1984 to 1989, he was a partner in Straka,
Jarackas and Company, a public accounting firm with which he was
employed since 1974. He is a graduate of Western Michigan
University and a certified public accountant.
David J. Prueter, 50, has been Vice President since
January 10, 2000. From 1997 until joining us,
Mr. Prueter was Director of U.S. Real Estate for
Borders, Inc. Prior to joining Borders, Inc. Mr. Prueter
served as the Senior Manager of Real Estate Operations for the
Kroger Co. Mr. Prueter is a state committee member of the
Michigan chapter of the International Council of Shopping
Centers, holds a MCR from NACORE and is a graduate of Western
Michigan University.
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Charles T. Carter, Jr., 45, has been a Vice President,
since August 1, 2005. From May, 2002 until joining us
Mr. Carter was employed by Watkins Associated Developers
where he was involved with the development of grocery anchored
shopping centers. Prior to joining Watkins he served as a
Development Director for JDN Corporation, a Real Estate
Investment Trust. Mr. Carter is a member of the
International Council of Shopping Centers. He graduated from the
University of Southern Mississippi.
Vicky Whalen-Umphryes, 44, has been Vice President since
October 1, 2005. From April 2003, until joining us
Ms. Whalen-Umphryes was employed by The Home Depot as
Director of Real Estate. Prior to joining Home Depot in November
2000, she was employed as a Senior Real Estate Manager for
Meijer Corporation, a Grand Rapids based Michigan retailer. She
is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and
the National Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives.
She is a graduate of Ferris State University.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING
COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, requires our executive officers and directors, and
persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock,
to file reports of holdings and transactions in our securities
with the SEC and NYSE. Executive officers, directors and 10%
stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with
copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file with the SEC.
Based solely upon a review of the reports furnished to us with
respect to fiscal 2005, we believe that all SEC filing
requirements applicable to our executive officers and directors
were satisfied.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The beneficial ownership of our common stock (our only
outstanding class of equity securities) with respect to each
director, each executive officer, each person known by us to be
the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the
outstanding shares of common stock, and all of our directors and
executive officers as a group as of March 10, 2006 is set
forth below.
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Amount and | |
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Nature of | |
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Name and Business |
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Beneficial | |
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Percent | |
Address of Beneficial Owners(1) |
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Ownership(2) | |
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of Class | |
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Richard Agree
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510,440 |
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6.09 |
% |
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
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482,506 |
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5.75 |
% |
Wells Fargo and Company
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448,200 |
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5.35 |
% |
David J. Prueter
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64,120 |
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Kenneth R. Howe
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55,750 |
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Gene Silverman
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20,159 |
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Farris G. Kalil
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8,000 |
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Leon M. Schurgin
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4,150 |
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Ellis G. Wachs
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4,000 |
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Joey Agree
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2,500 |
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Vicky Whalen-Umphryes
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2,000 |
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Michael Rotchford
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1,000 |
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All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)
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672,119 |
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8.02 |
% |
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(1) |
The address of each person is c/o the Company at 31850
Northwestern Highway, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. The address
for Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. is 30 Hudson Street,
Jersey City, NJ 0730. The address for Wells Fargo and Company is
420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. |
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(2) |
Includes shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of
limited partnership units held by Richard Agree in Agree Limited
Partnership, our operating partnership. These units entitle
Mr. Agree to acquire 347,619 shares of common stock.
These numbers also include shares of common stock subject to
options exercisable within 60 days granted to Mr. Howe
of 4,900 shares and 39,600 shares of common stock
assigned by Mr. Agree to his childrens irrevocable
investment trusts. These numbers also include 89,900, 50,250,
22,500, 2,500 and 2,000 shares of restricted stock held by
Messrs. Agree, Howe, Prueter, Joey Agree and
Ms. Whalen-Umphryes, respectively. |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We operate within a plan of corporate governance for the purpose
of defining independence, assigning responsibilities, setting
high standards of professional and personal conduct and assuring
compliance with such responsibilities and standards. The board
has affirmatively determined that Farris Kalil, Michael
Rotchford, Gene Silverman and Ellis Wachs, a majority of the
Board of Directors, are independent for the purposes of
Section 303A of the Listed Company Manual of the New York
Stock Exchange, and all of the members of the Audit Committee,
the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee are independent for the purposes of
Section 303A of the Listed Company Manual of the New York
Stock Exchange.
Our board has adopted a charter for each committee (other than
the Executive Committee) and our board has adopted a Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Code of
Professional Ethics. We also have a written Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics. These documents along with our governance
principles may be viewed by accessing the corporate governance
link on our website (www.agreerealty.com). In addition,
copies of these documents may be obtained without charge by
writing Agree Realty Corporation, 31850 Northwestern Highway,
Farmington Hills, MI 48334, Attention Kenneth R. Howe, Secretary.
DIRECTOR NOMINATION PROCEDURES
Director Qualifications. Our Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee has established policies for the
desired attributes of the Board as a whole. The Board will seek
to ensure that a majority of its members are independent within
NYSE listing standards. Each director generally may not serve as
a member of more than six other public company boards. Each
member of the Board must possess the individual qualities of
integrity and accountability, informed judgment, high
performance standards and must be committed to representing the
long-term interests of the Company and the stockholders. In
addition, directors must be committed to devoting the time and
effort necessary to be responsible and productive members of the
Board. The Board values diversity, in its broadest sense,
reflecting, but not limited to, profession, geography, gender,
ethnicity, skills and experience.
Identifying and Evaluating Nominees. Our
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee regularly assesses
the appropriate number of directors comprising the Board and
whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to
retirement or otherwise. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee may consider those factors it deems appropriate in
evaluating director candidates including judgment, skill, and
diversity, strength of character, experience with businesses and
organizations comparable to our size or scope, experience and
skill relative to other Board members and specialized knowledge
or experience. Depending on the current needs of the Board,
certain factor may be weighted more or less heavily by the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. In considering
candidates for the Board, the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee evaluates the entirety of each candidates
credentials and other than the eligibility requirements
established by the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee, does not have any specific minimum qualifications
that must be met by a nominee. The Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee considers candidates for the Board from any
responsible source, including current Board members,
stockholders, professional search firms or other persons. The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not evaluate
candidates differently based
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on who has made the recommendation. The Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee has the authority under its charter to hire
and pay a fee to consultants or search firms to assist in the
process of identifying and evaluating candidates
Stockholder Nominees. Our Bylaws permit
stockholders to nominate directors for consideration at an
annual meeting of stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee will consider properly submitted
stockholder nominees for election to the Board and will apply
the same evaluation criteria in considering such nominees as it
would to persons nominated under any other circumstances. Such
nominations may be made by a stockholder entitled to vote, who
delivers written notice along with the additional information
and materials required by the Bylaws to our Secretary not later
than the close of business on the 60th day, and not earlier
than the close of business on the 90th day, prior to the
anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting. For our
annual meeting in the year 2007, our Secretary must receive this
notice after the close of business on February 7, 2007, and
prior to the close of business on March 9, 2007. You can
obtain a copy of the full text of the Bylaw provision by writing
to our Secretary at the address appearing on the first page of
this Proxy Statement.
Any stockholder nominations proposed for consideration by the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee should include the
nominees name and sufficient biographical information to
demonstrate that the nominee meets the qualification
requirements for Board service as set forth under Director
Qualifications. The nominees written consent to the
nomination should also be included with nominating submission,
which should be addressed to: Agree Realty Corporation at the
address appearing on the first page of this Proxy Statement,
Attention: Secretary.
INDEPENDENCE OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which require
that a majority of our directors be independent within the
meaning of NYSE corporate governance standards, the Board
undertook a review of the independence of directors nominated
for election at this annual meeting. During this review, the
Board considered transactions and relationships during the prior
year between each director or any member of his or her immediate
family and the Company, including those reported under
Proposal One, and under Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions below. As provided in the Corporate
Governance Guidelines, the purpose of this review was to
determine whether any such relationships or transactions were
inconsistent with a determination that the director is
independent.
As a result of this review, the Board affirmatively determined
that Mr. Rotchford who is nominated for election at this
annual meeting is independent of the Company and its management.
Mr. Agree, who serves as our President and Chief Executive
Officer, is also nominated for election at this annual meeting
and is not deemed to be independent.
NON-MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
In accordance with New York Stock Exchange listing standards,
our non-management directors meet at least once a year without
management. Non-management directors are all directors who are
not employees or officers of the Company and include directors
who are determined to be independent by our board of directors
by virtue of the existence of a material relationship with the
company. The board has not designated a lead director, or a
single director to preside at executive sessions. The person who
presides over executive sessions of non-management directors is
selected at each meeting.
7
STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATION WITH NON-MANAGEMENT DIRECTORS
Our stockholders who want to communicate with our non-management
directors confidentially may do so by sending correspondence to:
|
|
|
Non-Management Directors |
|
Agree Realty Corporation |
|
31850 Northwestern Highway |
|
Farmington Hills, MI 48334 |
|
Attention: Secretary |
Please note that the mailing envelope must contain a clear
notification that it is confidential and your letter should
indicate that you are a stockholder of Agree Realty Corporation.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH DIRECTORS
Interested parties and stockholders of Agree Realty Corporation
who want to communicate with the board or any individual
director can write to:
|
|
|
Agree Realty Corporation |
|
31850 Northwestern Highway |
|
Farmington Hills, MI 48334 |
|
Attention: Secretary |
Your letter should indicate that you are an interested party or
a stockholder of Agree Realty Corporation. Depending on the
subject matter, the Secretary will:
|
|
|
|
|
Forward the communication to the director or directors to whom
it is addressed; |
|
|
|
Attempt to handle the inquiry directly; for example where it is
a request for information about our company or if it is a
stock-related matter; or |
|
|
|
Not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in
nature or if it relates to an improper or irrelevant topic. |
DIRECTORS ATTENDANCE AT ANNUAL MEETINGS OF
STOCKHOLDERS
It has been and is the policy of our board of directors to
expect that directors attend annual meetings of stockholders
except where the failure to attend is due to unavoidable
circumstances or conflicts discussed in advance by the director
with the Chairman of the Board. All members of the board of
directors with the exception of Ellis Wachs attended our 2005
annual meeting of stockholders.
8
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes the compensation paid by us for
each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and
2003, to the Chief Executive Officer and the four other
executive officers (named Executive Officers) who received a
total annual salary and bonus in excess of $100,000 in fiscal
2005.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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Long-term Compensation | |
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| |
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Common Stock | |
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|
Annual Compensation | |
|
Restricted | |
|
Underlying | |
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| |
|
Stock | |
|
Stock Option | |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year | |
|
Salary | |
|
Bonus | |
|
Awards($) | |
|
Awards (#Shs) | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
Richard Agree
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|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
240,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
244,521 |
(1)(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
Chairman of the Board
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|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
172,694 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
and President
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|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
189,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
128,634 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
Kenneth R. Howe
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
137,500 |
|
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
112,966 |
(1)(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
Vice President, Finance |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
131,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
86,090 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
and Secretary |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
123,000 |
|
|
$ |
17,500 |
|
|
$ |
69,782 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
David J. Prueter
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
168,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
78,649 |
(1)(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
Vice President |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
168,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
50,993 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
168,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
34,025 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
Charles T. Carter, Jr.
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
68,654 |
(3) |
|
$ |
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Vicky Whalen-Umphryes
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
55,385 |
(4) |
|
$ |
65,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vice President
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|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The dollar value of the award of restricted stock is calculated
by multiplying the closing market price of the common stock on
the date of the award by the number of shares awarded.
Messrs. Agree, Howe, Prueter and Ms. Whalen-Umphryes
were awarded 14,500, 6,000, 3,500 and 2,000 shares of
restricted stock on December 14, 2005 (a 2005 award);
Messrs. Agree, Howe and Prueter were awarded 14,500, 6,000
and 3,500 shares of restricted stock on January 3,
2005 (a 2004 award); Mr. Prueter was awarded
2,500 shares of restricted stock on July 16, 2005 and
October 3, 2005; Messrs. Agree, Howe and Prueter were
awarded 12,500, 5,500 and 3,000 shares of restricted stock,
respectively on January 1, 2004 (a 2003 award);
Messrs. Agree, Howe, and Prueter were awarded 8,000, 4,500
and 2,500 shares of restricted stock, respectively on
January 1, 2003 (a 2002 award). These shares of restricted
stock are (i) subject to restrictions on transfer which
lapse in equal annual installments over a five-year period from
the date of the grant and (ii) are entitled to and receive
dividends from the date of the grant. |
|
(2) |
At December 31, 2005, Messrs. Agree, Howe and Prueter
owned 75,400, 44,250 and 19,000 shares of restricted stock,
respectively, the market value (as computed pursuant to footnote
(1) above) of which was $2,179,060, $1,278,825 and
$549,100, respectively. |
|
(3) |
Mr. Carters annual salary at December 31, 2005
was $170,000 |
|
(4) |
Ms. Whalen-Umphryes annual salary at December 31, 2005
was $240,000 |
OPTION GRANTS
During the year ended December 31, 2005, we did not grant
any stock options to purchase shares of our common stock.
9
OPTION EXERCISES IN 2005 AND YEAR-END VALUES TABLE
The following table sets forth certain information with respect
to unexercised stock options held by the Named Executive Officer
at December 31, 2005.
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS(1)
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|
Number of Unexercised | |
|
|
Options At December 31, | |
|
|
2005(2) | |
|
|
| |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Exercisable | |
|
Unexercisable | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Kenneth R. Howe Vice President, Finance and Secretary
|
|
|
4,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
All options were
in-the-money at
December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2005 the closing
price of our common stock was $28.90 per share. |
|
(2) |
All unexercised options are fully vested, have an exercise price
of $19.50 per share and expire upon employment termination. |
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Our current employment agreements with Mr. Agree and
Mr. Howe became effective on July 1, 2004.
Mr. Prueters employment agreement became effective on
January 10, 2000. Mr. Carters employment
agreement became effective on August 1, 2005 and
Ms. Whalen-Umphryes employment agreement became effective
on October 1, 2005.
Mr. Agrees employment agreement, pursuant to which he
serves as our Chairman of the Board and President, has a
five-year term. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Agree
receives an annual base salary of $250,000, subject to annual
increases at the discretion of the executive compensation
committee, and is entitled to participate in the Stock Incentive
Plan and all other benefit programs generally available to our
executive officers.
If we terminate Mr. Agrees employment without cause
(as defined below), he is entitled to receive a payment of all
amounts payable during the term of the employment agreement
(including, but not limited to his salary at the then applicable
rate) and has the right to continue to participate in all
benefit plans made generally available by us to our executives.
In addition, all unvested shares of our common stock issued to
Mr. Agree under our Stock Incentive Plan will become fully
vested.
If a change-in-control
(as defined in the employment agreement) occurs prior to the
expiration of Mr. Agrees employment agreement and
within three years after the
change-in-control
Mr. Agrees employment is terminated by us,
Mr. Agree is entitled to be paid the greater of three times
his then compensation, or his compensation to be paid over the
remaining life of the employment agreement.
We may terminate Mr. Agrees agreement for
cause which is defined to include (1) willful
failure or refusal to perform specific reasonable written
directives of the board of directors; (2) conviction of a
felony; (3) dishonesty involving us which results in an
unjust gain or enrichment at our expense; (4) moral
turpitude which adversely affects our business; or (5) a
material breach of the non-competition section of the employment
agreement. In the event of Mr. Agrees termination for
cause he will forfeit his right to any and all benefits entitled
to be received pursuant to his employment agreement (other than
any previously vested benefits) following the date of
termination. Mr. Agrees agreement may also be
terminated if Mr. Agree dies or becomes disabled (as
defined in the agreement). In the event of termination of the
agreement because of Mr. Agrees death or disability,
Mr. Agree (or his estate) shall receive for the longer of
(x) the remainder of the calendar year; or (y) six
months, Mr. Agrees salary in effect at the date of
his death or disability.
The employment agreement with Mr. Howe, pursuant to which
he serves as our chief Financial Officer and Secretary, is
identical to Mr. Agrees employment agreement, except
that Mr. Howes
10
agreement provides for an annual base salary of $143,000 and is
for a three year term. The term can be extended for two
additional one year terms, at our option.
The employment agreement with Mr. Prueter, pursuant to
which he serves as a Vice President had an initial term of five
years and has been extended by the board for an additional two
year period, is similar to Mr. Agrees employment
agreement, except that Mr. Prueters agreement
provides for an annual base salary of $175,000 and entitles him
to receive at least 2,500 shares of restricted stock each
year.
The employment agreement with Mr. Carter, pursuant to which
he serves as a Vice President has an initial term of two years,
is similar to Mr. Agrees employment agreement, except
that Mr. Carters agreement provides for an annual
base salary of $170,000 and entitles him to receive an
additional bonus of at least 2,000 shares of our common
stock or an equivalent cash payment each year.
Mr. Carters agreement also provides for additional
compensation should he obtain and complete development projects.
The employment agreement with Ms. Whalen-Umphryes, pursuant
to which she serves as a Vice President has an initial term of
three years, is similar to Mr. Agrees employment
agreement, except that Ms. Whalen-Umphryes agreement
provides for an annual base salary of $240,000 and entitles her
to receive 2,000 shares of our restricted stock each year.
Ms. Whalen-Umphryes agreement also provides for
additional compensation should she obtain and complete
development projects.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The executive compensation committee determines compensation for
our executive officers and administers any stock incentive or
other compensation plans adopted by us, including the Stock
Incentive Plan. The executive compensation committee believes
that our compensation package must be structured in a manner
that will help us attract and retain qualified executives and
will align compensation of such executives with the interests of
the stockholders. The compensation package currently consists of
salary, bonus and long-term compensation in the form of stock
options and restricted stock awards issued pursuant to the Stock
Incentive Plan.
SALARY BONUS AND OTHER ANNUAL COMPENSATION
Salary and bonus amounts are determined by the executive
compensation committee using a subjective evaluation process. In
making determinations of salary and bonus amounts, the committee
considers our general performance, the officers position,
level and scope of responsibility and the officers
anticipated performance and contributions to our long-term
goals. The base salaries for Richard Agree, Kenneth R. Howe,
David J. Prueter, Charles T. Carter, Jr. and Vicky
Whalen-Umphryes were established pursuant to their employment
agreements. Joey Agree does not have an employment agreement
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
The executive compensation committee is responsible for
administering the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, which includes
determining the individuals to be granted stock option awards or
restricted stock grants and defining the terms of such awards,
including the number of shares, exercise price, vesting schedule
and expiration date.
The purpose of the 2005 Equity Stock Incentive Plan is to
provide compensation to persons whose services are considered
essential to us. By linking this compensation to the market
performance of our common stock and the growth in funds from
operations we intend to provide additional incentive for
officers and key employees to enhance our value and success and
align the long-term interests of the officers and key employees
with our interest.
The executive compensation committee uses a subjective
evaluation process to determine whether an officer or key
employee should receive a stock option grant or receive a
restricted stock
11
award and the number of shares to be granted or awarded to such
officer or key employee. The committee has not set specific
objective goals or standards that an officer or key employee
must meet to receive a stock option or restricted stock award.
The factors considered by the executive compensation committee
include our general performance, the position, level and scope
of responsibility of the respective officer or key employee and
the officers or key employees anticipated
performance and contributions to our achievement of our
long-term goals.
We did not grant any options to purchase shares of common stock
in 2005.
The foregoing report is given by the following members of the
executive compensation committee.
|
|
|
Gene Silverman, Chairman |
|
Ellis Wachs |
|
Farris Kalil |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Management is responsible for the financial reporting process,
including the system of internal controls and for the
preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance
with GAAP. Our independent auditors are responsible for auditing
those financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their
conformity with GAAP. Our responsibility is to oversee and
review these processes. We are not, however, professionally
engaged in the practice of accounting or auditing and do not
provide any expert or other special assistance as to such
financial statements concerning compliance with the laws,
regulation or GAAP or as to auditor independence. We rely,
without independent verification, on the information provided to
us and on the representations made by management and the
independent auditors. We held two meetings during fiscal 2005.
The meetings were designed among other things, to facilitate and
encourage communication among the committee, management and our
independent auditors, BDO Seidman, LLP. We discussed with BDO
Seidman the overall scope and plans for their audit. We met with
BDO Seidman, with and without management present, to discuss the
results of their examination and their evaluations of our
internal controls.
We have reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated
financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2005 with management and BDO Seidman. We also discussed with
management and BDO Seidman the process used to support
certifications by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer that are required by the SEC and the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to accompany our periodic filings
with the SEC.
In addition, the audit committee obtained from BDO Seidman a
formal written statement describing all relationships between
the auditors and us that might bear on the auditors
independence consistent with Independence Standards Board
Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees, discussed with the auditors any relationships
that may impact their objectivity and independence and satisfied
itself as to the auditors independence. When considering
BDO Seidmans independence, we considered whether their
provision of services to the company, beyond those rendered in
connection with their audit of our consolidated financial
statements and reviews of our consolidated financial statements,
including in its Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q, was
compatible with maintaining their independence. We also
reviewed, among other things, the audit and non-audit services
performed by, and the amount of fees paid for such services to,
BDO Seidman. The audit committee also discussed and reviewed
with the independent auditors all communications required by
GAAP, including those described in Statement on Auditing
Standards (SAS) No. 61, as amended,
Communication with Audit Committees, SAS99
Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement
Audit, and SEC rules discussed in Final Release Nos.
33-8183 and
33-8183a.
Based on our review and these meetings, discussions and reports,
and subject to the limitations on our role and responsibilities
referred to above and in the audit committee charter, we
recommended to the board of directors (and the board has
approved) that the audited financial
12
statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 be included
in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K for
filing with the SEC. We have selected BDO Seidman as our
independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2005 and the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2006,
June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006.
Respectively submitted on March 16, 2006, by the members of
the audit committee of the board of directors.
|
|
|
Farris Kalil, Chairman |
|
Ellis Wachs |
|
Gene Silverman |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table gives information about the common stock
that may be issued upon the exercise of options or grant of
other equity awards under the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan as of
December 31, 2005.
|
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|
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|
|
|
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|
Equity Compensation Plan Information | |
|
|
| |
|
|
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|
Number of securities | |
|
|
|
|
average | |
|
remaining available | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
for future issuance | |
|
|
Number of securities | |
|
Weighted-average | |
|
under equity | |
|
|
to be issued upon | |
|
exercise price of | |
|
compensation plan | |
|
|
exercise of | |
|
outstanding | |
|
(excluding | |
|
|
outstanding options, | |
|
options, warrants | |
|
securities reflected | |
Plan Category |
|
warrants and rights | |
|
and rights | |
|
in column (a)) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(a) | |
|
(b) | |
|
(c) | |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
4,900 |
(1) |
|
$ |
19.50 |
|
|
|
957,100 |
(2) |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
4,900 |
|
|
$ |
19.50 |
|
|
|
957,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Does not include restricted stock as they have been reflected in
our total shares of common stock outstanding. |
|
(2) |
Certain securities may be issued in the form of restricted stock. |
13
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
require us to present a graph comparing the cumulative total
stockholder return on its common stock with the cumulative total
stockholder return of (1) a broad equity market index, and
(2) a published industry index or peer group. The graph
compares the cumulative total stockholder return of the common
stock (NYSE: ADC), based on the market price of the common stock
and assuming reinvestment of dividends, with the SNL Shopping
Center REIT Index and the Russell 2000 Index. The graph assumes
the investment of $100 on January 1, 2001.
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PERIOD ENDING |
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Index |
|
|
12/31/00 |
|
|
12/31/01 |
|
|
12/31/02 |
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|
12/31/03 |
|
|
12/31/04 |
|
|
12/31/05 |
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| |
|
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| |
|
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| |
|
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| |
|
|
Agree Realty Corporation
|
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
|
148.67 |
|
|
|
|
150.11 |
|
|
|
|
271.99 |
|
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|
325.79 |
|
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|
318.16 |
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|
Russell 2000
|
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
|
102.49 |
|
|
|
|
81.49 |
|
|
|
|
120.00 |
|
|
|
|
142.00 |
|
|
|
|
148.46 |
|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
SNL Shopping Center REITS Index
|
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
|
128.54 |
|
|
|
|
148.57 |
|
|
|
|
210.64 |
|
|
|
|
286.18 |
|
|
|
|
312.28 |
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14
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS
Sommers Schwartz, the law firm of which Leon M. Schurgin, one of
our directors, is a senior shareholder, acted as our counsel in
various matters during 2005. We paid Mr. Schurgins
firm aggregate fees of approximately $239,000 during the year.
We lease our executive offices, located at 31850 Northwestern
Highway, Farmington Hills, Michigan from a limited liability
company controlled by Mr. Agrees children. Under the
terms of the lease, which expires December 31, 2009, we are
required to pay an annual rental of $90,000 and are responsible
for the payment of real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance
expenses relating to the building. Management believes that the
lease terms are consistent with leases for similar properties in
the area.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Upon recommendation of and approval by the Audit Committee, BDO
Seidman, LLP has been selected to act as our independent
certified public accountants during the current year. During
fiscal year 2005, BDO Seidman served as our independent auditors
and also provided certain tax and other audit related services.
The Audit Committee has not yet finalized the retention of BDO
Seidman for our audit for the year ended December 31, 2006.
The Audit Committee will review and discuss the audit fees for
the 2006 audit with BDO Seidman, and may determine to retain
another firm as our independent registered public accounting
firm if the Audit Committee determines that such retention is in
the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.
Aggregate fees for professional services rendered to us by BDO
Seidman as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and
2004 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Audit fees
|
|
$ |
82,500 |
|
|
$ |
67,000 |
|
Audit-related fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax fees
|
|
$ |
17,850 |
|
|
$ |
14,600 |
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All other fees
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$ |
12,000 |
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The audit committee approved all fees paid to BDO Seidman, LLP.
Audit Fees. Audit fees include fees for the audit
of our annual consolidated financial statements, for review of
the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q and for
the annual audit of internal controls over financial reporting
as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002.
Audit Related Fees. No audit related fees were
paid in 2005 or 2004.
Tax Fees. Tax fees related to professional
services for tax compliance and consulting.
All Other Fees. All other fees consist of fees
paid for the review of Registration Statements.
At its regularly scheduled and special meetings, the audit
committee considers and pre-approves any audit and non-audit
services to be performed by our independent accountants. The
audit committee has delegated to its chairman, Farris Kalil, an
independent member of our board of directors, the authority to
grant pre-approvals of non-audit services provided that any such
pre-approval by Mr. Kalil shall be reported to the audit
committee at its next scheduled meeting. However, pre-approval
of non-audit services is not required if (1) the aggregate
amount of non-audit services is less than 5% of the total amount
paid by us to the auditor during the fiscal year in which the
non-audit services are provided; (2) such services were not
recognized by the company as non-audit services at the time of
the engagement; and (3) such services are promptly brought
to the attention of the audit committee and, prior to completion
of the audit, are approved by the audit
15
committee or by one or more audit committee members who have
been delegated authority to grant approvals.
The audit committee had considered whether the provision of
these services is compatible with maintaining the independent
accountants independence and has determined that such
services have not adversely affected BDO Seidmans
independence.
A representative of BDO Seidman will be present at the annual
meeting and will be provided with the opportunity to make a
statement if such representative desires to do so. Such
representative is also expected to be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the mailing date of this proxy statement, the board of
directors does not know of any matters to be presented at the
annual meeting other than those stated above. If any other
business should come before the annual meeting, the persons
named in the enclosed proxy will vote thereon as they determine
to be in the best interests of us.
PROPOSALS FOR NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
Any stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in our
proxy statement and form of proxy for the annual meeting of
stockholders to be held in 2006 must be received at our office
at 31850 Northwestern Highway, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, no
later than November 21, 2006.
Any shareholder who intends to bring business before the annual
meeting in the year 2006, but not include the proposal in our
proxy statement, or to nominate a person to the board of
directors, must give written notice to our corporate secretary,
Kenneth R. Howe at our office at 31850 Northwestern Highway,
Farmington Hills, MI 48334, no later than January 20, 2007.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of our Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended
December 31, 2005 accompanies this proxy statement.
16
002CS-10619
Annual Meeting Proxy Card
A Election of Directors
1. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the listed nominees.
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For |
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Withhold |
01 Richard Agree
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o
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o |
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02 Michael Rotchford
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o
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o |
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2. |
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In their judgment, upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. |
o |
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Mark this box with an X if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. |
C Authorized Signatures Sign Here This section must be completed for your instructions to be executed.
(Please sign exactly as your name or names appear hereon. Where shares are held jointly both
holders should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give your full title as such.)
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Signature 1 Please keep signature within the box
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Signature 2 Please keep signature within the box
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Date (mm/dd/yyyy) |
Proxy Agree Realty Corporation
Proxy for Annual Meeting of Stockholders May 8, 2006
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Richard Agree and Kenneth R. Howe as Proxies, each with the
power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated
below, all the Common Stock of Agree Realty Corporation held on record by the undersigned on March
13, 2006 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 8, 2006, or any adjournment
thereof.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all of the nominees for director.
This Proxy when executed will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no direction is made this
Proxy will be voted FOR each of the matters hereon.
NOTE PLEASE COMPLETE THIS PROXY AND MAIL TO US PROMPTLY.