Definitive Proxy Statement
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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

Filed by the Registrant x            Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨

Check the appropriate box:

 

¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

¨ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

x Definitive Proxy Statement

 

¨ Definitive Additional Materials

 

¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

POST PROPERTIES, INC.

 

 

(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):

 

x No fee required.

 

¨ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

  (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

  (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

  (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):

 

 

  (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 

  (5) Total fee paid:

 

 

 

¨ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

¨ 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.

 

  (1) Amount Previously Paid:

 

 

  (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

 

  (3) Filing Party:

 

 

  (4) Date Filed:

 

 


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LOGO   

ONE RIVERSIDE

4401 NORTHSIDE PARKWAY, SUITE 800

ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30327-3057

404.846.5000

FAX 404.504.9388

WWW.POSTPROPERTIES.COM

April 6, 2011

Dear Shareholder:

We cordially invite you to attend the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Post Properties, Inc. to be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. local time at our offices, One Riverside, 4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30327.

The items of business are listed in the following Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and are more fully addressed in the Proxy Statement.

We are pleased to take advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission rule allowing companies to furnish proxy materials to shareholders over the Internet. We believe that this e-proxy process expedites shareholders’ receipt of proxy materials, while also lowering the costs and reducing the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. On April 6, 2011, we began mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and annual report and how to vote over the Internet or how to request and return a proxy card by mail. Shareholders who previously made a request to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials were mailed the Proxy Statement, an annual report and proxy card, and shareholders who previously made a request to receive email delivery of the proxy materials were sent a proxy materials email with instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and annual report and how to vote over the Internet. For information on how to vote your shares, please refer to the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy materials email or proxy card you received to assure that your shares will be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting even if you cannot attend.

On behalf of your board of directors, thank you for your continued support of and interest in Post Properties, Inc.

Sincerely,        

LOGO

            Robert C. Goddard, III

            Chairman of the Board


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LOGO   

ONE RIVERSIDE

4401 NORTHSIDE PARKWAY, SUITE 800

ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30327-3057

404.846.5000

FAX 404.504.9388

WWW.POSTPROPERTIES.COM

POST PROPERTIES, INC.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD MAY 25, 2011

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Post Properties, Inc. will be held at our offices, One Riverside, 4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30327 on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. local time, for the following purposes:

(1) to elect the nine directors nominated by the board of directors and listed in this Proxy Statement for a one-year term,

(2) to conduct an advisory vote on executive compensation, often referred to as a “say on pay,”

(3) to conduct an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on compensation, often referred to as a “say when on pay,”

(4) to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accountants for 2011, and

(5) to transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.

Only the holders of record of common stock of Post Properties, Inc. at the close of business on March 18, 2011 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting. A list of shareholders as of the close of business on March 18, 2011 will be available at the Annual Meeting for examination by any shareholder, his agent or his attorney.

Your attention is directed to the Proxy Statement provided with this Notice.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

LOGO

Sherry W. Cohen

Executive Vice President

and Corporate Secretary

Atlanta, Georgia

April 6, 2011


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Your vote is important. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote your shares over the Internet or, if you requested and received a paper copy of the proxy card by mail, vote your shares over the Internet or by telephone or sign and date the proxy card and return it in the envelope enclosed therewith, which does not require any postage if mailed in the United States. If you are a shareholder of record and you attend the Annual Meeting, you may revoke the proxy and vote your shares in person. If you are a beneficial owner and you have a legal proxy to vote your shares, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

If you hold shares of common stock through a bank, broker or other nominee, your bank, broker or other nominee will vote your shares for you if you provide instructions on how to vote the shares. In the absence of instructions, your bank, broker or other nominee can only vote your shares on certain limited matters, but will not be able to vote your shares on other matters. It is important that you provide voting instructions because banks, brokers and other nominees do not have the authority to vote your shares for the election of directors, for the “say on pay” advisory vote or for the “say when on pay” advisory vote without instructions from you.

Important Notice regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be held on May 25, 2011.

The Proxy Statement and Annual Report to security holders are available at www.edocumentview.com/ PPS2011.


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General Information

     1   

Proposal 1 — Election of Directors

     8   

Nominees for Election

     8   

Corporate Governance

     12   

Committees of the Board of Directors

     12   

Committee Charters and Corporate Governance Guidelines

     14   

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

     14   

Selection of Director Nominees

     14   

Policy on Majority Voting

     15   

Director Independence

     16   

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

     17   

Meetings of the Board of Directors

     18   

Executive Sessions of Non-Management Directors

     18   

Director Compensation

     19   

2010 Director Compensation Table

     20   

Mandatory Retirement for Directors

     21   

Communications with the Board of Directors

     21   

Common Stock Ownership by Management and Principal Shareholders

     22   

Executive Compensation

     26   

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

     26   

Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee Report

     45   

Review of Risk Associated with Compensation Plans

     46   

2010 Summary Compensation Table

     47   

2010 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

     49   

2010 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

     50   

2010 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

     51   

2010 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

     52   

Employment Agreements

     53   

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control

     54   

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

     58   

Proposal 2 — Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

     59   

Proposal 3 — Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Future Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation

     60   

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions

     61   

Loans to Executive Officers

     61   

Audit Committee Report

     62   

Independent Registered Public Accountant Fees and Services

     63   

2010 and 2009 Fees

     63   

Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services

     63   

Proposal 4 — Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accountants

     64   

Equity Compensation Plan Information

     65   

 

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Other Matters

     65   

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

     65   

Shareholder Proposals

     66   

Householding

     67   

 

 

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POST PROPERTIES, INC.

One Riverside

4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 800

Atlanta, Georgia 30327-3057

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD MAY 25, 2011

GENERAL INFORMATION

The 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Annual Meeting) of Post Properties, Inc. (Post Properties or the Company) will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at the Company’s offices, One Riverside, 4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30327, beginning promptly at 9:00 a.m. local time. The form of proxy provided herewith is solicited by our board of directors. We anticipate that a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and annual report and how to vote over the Internet or how to request and return a proxy card by mail will first be mailed to our holders on or about April 6, 2011. We anticipate that, for shareholders who previously made a request to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, a paper copy of the Proxy Statement, annual report and proxy card will first be mailed on or about April 6, 2011. We anticipate that, for shareholders who previously made a request to receive email delivery of the proxy materials, a proxy materials email with instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and annual report and how to vote over the Internet, will first be emailed on or about April 6, 2011.

Why is this Proxy Statement being made available?

Our board of directors has made this Proxy Statement available to you because you own shares of our common stock. This Proxy Statement describes issues on which we would like you, as a shareholder, to vote. It also gives you information on these issues so that you can make an informed decision.

When you vote over the Internet or (if you received a proxy card by mail) by telephone or by signing, dating and returning a proxy card, you appoint David P. Stockert and Sherry W. Cohen as your representatives at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Stockert and Ms. Cohen will vote your shares at the Annual Meeting as you have instructed them. This way, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend the Annual Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, it is a good idea to vote over the Internet or (if you received a proxy card by mail) by telephone or by signing, dating and returning your proxy card in advance of the Annual Meeting just in case your plans change.

If an issue comes up for vote at the Annual Meeting other than the proposals described in this Proxy Statement, Mr. Stockert and Ms. Cohen will vote your shares, under your proxy, at their discretion.

Why did I receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials in the mail instead of a printed set of proxy materials?

Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we are permitted to furnish our proxy materials over the Internet to our shareholders by delivering a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials in the mail. Unless requested, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail. Instead, the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials instructs you on how to access and review the Proxy Statement and 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders over the


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Internet at www.edocumentview.com/PPS2011. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials also instructs you on how you may submit your proxy over the Internet, or how you can request a full set of proxy materials, including a proxy card to return by mail. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials in the mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting these materials provided in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

What is the record date?

The record date is March 18, 2011. Only holders of record of common stock as of the close of business on this date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

How many shares are outstanding?

As of the record date, we had 49,513,265 shares of common stock outstanding in addition to 170,586 outstanding partnership units in Post Apartment Homes, L.P. (Post Apartment Homes), which are exchangeable for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis. Only shares of common stock outstanding as of the record date will be eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each holder of common stock on the record date is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held.

What am I voting on?

You are being asked to vote on the following:

 

   

to elect the nine directors nominated by the board and listed in this Proxy Statement for a one-year term,

 

   

to approve, on an advisory basis, the executive compensation of the Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement,

 

   

to indicate, on an advisory basis, whether future advisory votes on executive compensation should be held every one, two or three years, and

 

   

to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accountants for 2011.

No cumulative voting rights are authorized, and dissenters’ rights are not applicable to the matters being voted upon.

How do I vote?

If you are a registered shareholder, meaning that your shares are registered in your name, you have four voting options. You may vote:

 

   

over the Internet at the web address noted in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy materials email or proxy card you received (if you have access to the Internet, we encourage you to vote in this manner),

 

   

by telephone through the number noted in the proxy card you received (if you received a proxy card),

 

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by signing and dating your proxy card (if you received a proxy card) and mailing it in the prepaid and addressed envelope enclosed therewith, or

 

   

by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

Please follow the directions in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy materials email or proxy card you received carefully.

Are voting procedures different if I hold my shares in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee?

If your shares are held in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, please refer to the instructions they provide regarding how to vote your shares or to revoke your voting instructions. The availability of telephone and Internet voting depends on the voting processes of the broker, bank or other nominee. Street name holders may vote in person only if they have a legal proxy to vote their shares as described below.

In addition, if you hold shares through the Company’s 401(k) plan, your voting instructions (or any change to your voting instructions) must be received by 12:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on May 23, 2011 in order to allow the plan administrator to tabulate the vote for shares held in the 401(k) plan in accordance with the plan’s stock fund operating procedures.

What if I return my proxy card but do not provide voting instructions?

If you return a signed proxy card but do not provide voting instructions, your shares will be voted for the nine directors nominated by the board and listed in this Proxy Statement, for the approval, on an advisory basis, of executive compensation, for an advisory vote on executive compensation every one year and for the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accountants.

Can all shareholders vote in person at the Annual Meeting?

We will pass out written ballots to anyone who wants to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee, you must bring with you a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee authorizing you to vote such shares in order to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Please note that if you request a legal proxy, any previously submitted proxy will be revoked and your shares will not be voted unless you attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person or appoint another proxy to vote on your behalf.

What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy materials email or proxy card?

It means that you have multiple accounts with the transfer agent and/or with a broker, bank or other nominee. You will need to vote separately with respect to each Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy materials email or proxy card you received. Please vote all of the shares you own.

 

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What if I change my mind after I vote my proxy?

You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the polls close at the Annual Meeting. You may do this by:

 

   

voting again over the Internet or by telephone prior to 12:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on May 25, 2011,

 

   

signing and returning another proxy card with a later date,

 

   

voting in person at the Annual Meeting, or

 

   

giving written notice to the Corporate Secretary of Post Properties.

Please note that street name holders cannot vote in person at the Annual Meeting unless they have a legal proxy.

How many votes do you need to hold the Annual Meeting?

In order for us to conduct the Annual Meeting, we must have a quorum, which means that a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock as of the record date must be present at the Annual Meeting. Your shares will be counted as present at the Annual Meeting if you:

 

   

vote over the Internet or by telephone,

 

   

properly submit a proxy card (even if you do not provide voting instructions), or

 

   

attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person.

Will my shares be voted if I do not vote over the Internet, vote by telephone, sign and return my proxy card or vote in person at the Annual Meeting?

If you are a registered shareholder, meaning that your shares are registered in your name, and you do not vote over the Internet, by telephone, by signing and returning your proxy card or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting, then your shares will not be voted and will not count in deciding the matters presented for consideration in this Proxy Statement.

If your shares are held in street name and you do not vote your shares, your broker, bank or other nominee may vote your shares on your behalf under certain circumstances.

On “routine” matters, including the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accountants described in this Proxy Statement, brokerage firms have authority under New York Stock Exchange (or NYSE) rules to vote their customers’ shares if their customers do not provide voting instructions. When a brokerage firm votes its customers’ shares on a routine matter without receiving voting instructions, these shares are counted both for establishing a quorum to conduct business at the Annual Meeting and in determining the number of shares voted for or against the routine matter.

On “non-routine” matters, including the election of directors, the “say on pay” advisory vote and the “say when on pay” advisory vote described in this Proxy Statement, if the brokerage firm has not received instructions from the shareholder, the brokerage firm cannot vote the shares on that proposal.

 

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Accordingly, it is particularly important that you provide voting instructions to your brokerage firm, so that your shares may be voted in the election of directors, the “say on pay” advisory vote and the “say when on pay” advisory vote.

When a brokerage firm does not have the authority to vote its customers’ shares or does not exercise its authority, these are referred to as “broker non-votes.” Broker non-votes are only counted for establishing a quorum and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.

We encourage you to provide instructions to your brokerage firm by voting your proxy. This action ensures your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting.

How may I vote for each proposal?

 

   

For “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors,” you may vote for all nominees, withhold from all nominees or withhold from individual nominees.

 

   

For “Proposal 2 — Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation,” you may vote for, against or abstain on the advisory vote on executive compensation.

 

   

For “Proposal 3 — Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Future Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation,” you may indicate your preference for a vote on executive compensation every one, two or three years or abstain from voting.

 

   

For “Proposal 4 — Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accountants,” you may vote for, against or abstain from voting.

How many votes are needed to elect directors?

Directors are elected by a plurality vote. As a result, the nine director nominees receiving the highest number of for votes will be elected as directors. If you abstain from voting on the proposal and a quorum is present, abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the proposal.

In 2006, we adopted a Policy on Majority Voting. The policy sets forth our procedures if a nominee is elected but receives a majority of withheld votes. In an uncontested election, any nominee for director who receives a greater number of votes withheld from his or her election than votes for such election is required, within five days, to tender his or her resignation. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is required to make a recommendation to the board of directors with respect to the resignation. The board of directors is required to take action with respect to this recommendation and to disclose its decision-making process. The policy is more fully described under the caption “Corporate Governance — Policy on Majority Voting.”

How many votes are needed to approve the advisory vote on executive compensation?

With respect to the “say on pay” vote, in order to pass, the for votes cast at the Annual Meeting must exceed the against votes cast at the Annual Meeting. If you abstain from voting on the proposal and a quorum is present, abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the proposal.

How will you treat the voting results on the advisory vote on the frequency of future votes on executive compensation?

With respect to the “say when on pay” vote, the particular frequency (every one, two or three years) that receives the greatest number of votes will be considered the frequency selected by the shareholders. If you abstain from voting on the proposal and a quorum is present, abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the proposal.

 

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How many votes are needed to approve the proposal to ratify the appointment of the independent registered public accountants?

For the proposal to pass, the for votes cast at the Annual Meeting must exceed the against votes cast at the Annual Meeting. If you abstain from voting on the proposal and a quorum is present, abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on the proposal.

What happens if a director nominee is unable to stand for election?

The board of directors may, by resolution, provide for a lesser number of directors or designate a substitute nominee. In the latter event, shares represented by proxies will be voted for the substitute nominee designated by the board of directors. Proxies cannot be voted for more than nine director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?

We will announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting. We will publish the final results in a current report on Form 8-K within four business days of the Annual Meeting. We will file that report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or SEC), and you can get a copy from:

 

   

our website at www.postproperties.com by clicking on the For Investors link, followed by the SEC Filings tab,

 

   

the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov,

 

   

the SEC at (800) SEC-0330, or

 

   

our Corporate Secretary at Post Properties, Inc., One Riverside, 4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, Georgia 30327-3057.

Who will pay for the costs of soliciting proxies?

We will bear the costs of soliciting proxies. In an effort to have as large a representation at the Annual Meeting as possible, one or more of our employees, in certain instances, may personally make special solicitations of proxies either by telephone or mail. We also will reimburse brokers, banks, nominees and other fiduciaries for postage and reasonable clerical expenses of forwarding the proxy materials or sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to the beneficial owners of our common stock. In addition, we have retained Innisfree M&A Incorporated to assist in the solicitation of proxies with respect to shares of our common stock held of record by brokers, nominees and institutions and, in certain cases, by other holders. Such solicitation may be made through the use of mail, by telephone or by personal calls. The anticipated cost of the services of Innisfree M&A Incorporated is $8,500 plus expenses.

How can I obtain a copy of the 2010 Annual Report to Shareholders and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010?

Our Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2010, which includes our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, is available at www.edocumentview.com/PPS2011, and if you received a printed copy of this Proxy Statement, accompanies this Proxy Statement. However, the annual report forms no part of the material for the solicitation of proxies.

 

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This report may also be accessed through our website at www.postproperties.com by clicking on the For Investors link, followed by the Financial Reports tab. In addition, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, is available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. At the written request of any shareholder who owns common stock as of the close of business on the record date, we will provide, without charge, paper copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and financial statement schedule, as filed with the SEC, except exhibits thereto. If requested by eligible shareholders, we will provide copies of the exhibits for a reasonable fee. You can request copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or by mailing a written request to:

Post Properties, Inc.

One Riverside

4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 800

Atlanta, Georgia 30327-3057

Attention: Corporate Secretary

How do I obtain directions to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person?

Directions to the Annual Meeting are located at www.edocumentview.com/PPS2011.

 

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PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our bylaws provide that at least three and no more than fifteen directors shall constitute the full board of directors. Currently, our board of directors consists of nine members. The term of each of Robert C. Goddard, III, Douglas Crocker II, David P. Stockert, Herschel M. Bloom, Walter M. Deriso, Jr., Russell R. French, Dale Anne Reiss, Stella F. Thayer and Ronald de Waal expires at the 2011 Annual Meeting and when his or her respective successor is elected and qualified.

Upon the recommendation of our independent Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the board of directors has nominated incumbent directors Robert C. Goddard, III, Douglas Crocker II, David P. Stockert, Herschel M. Bloom, Walter M. Deriso, Jr., Russell R. French, Dale Anne Reiss, Stella F. Thayer and Ronald de Waal to stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting and to hold office until our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and when his or her successor is elected and qualified.

Biographical information about our nominees for director and the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills considered by our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the board of directors in determining that the nominee should serve as a director appears below. For additional information about how we identify and evaluate nominees for director, see “Selection of Director Nominees” below.

Nominees for Election

Robert C. Goddard, III has been a director of Post Properties since May 2002 and Chairman of the Board since February 2003. Since July 2000, Mr. Goddard has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goddard Investment Group, LLC, a commercial real estate investment firm focusing in the Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Denver and Miami markets. From 1988 to December 2000, Mr. Goddard served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NAI/Brannen Goddard Company, a real estate firm. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Emory University. Mr. Goddard is 56 years old.

We believe that Mr. Goddard’s experience of over 30 years in the real estate industry, knowledge of our core markets, and experience as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of other significant real estate businesses qualify him to serve as a director and Chairman of our Board.

Douglas Crocker II has been a director of Post Properties since May 2004 and Vice Chairman of the Board since August 2008. Mr. Crocker has been the Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Transwestern Multifamily Partners since 2006. Since 2003, Mr. Crocker has been a partner of DC Partners LLC. From 1993 until 2002, Mr. Crocker served as Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Equity Residential Properties Trust, a real estate investment trust focusing on apartment communities. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Equity Residential from January 2003 through May 2003. Mr. Crocker also is a director of Ventas, Inc., Cypress Sharpridge Investments, Inc. and Acadia Realty Trust and was a director of Prime Group Realty Trust, Wellsford Real Properties, Inc., REIS, Inc. and Reckson Associates Realty Group within the last five years. Mr. Crocker is 70 years old.

We believe that Mr. Crocker’s experience in the real estate industry, service as President and Chief Executive Officer of a large, publicly traded multi-family real estate investment trust, and service as a director of other public real estate companies, qualify him to serve as a director and as Vice Chairman of our Board.

 

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David P. Stockert has been a director of Post Properties since May 2002. Since July 2002, Mr. Stockert has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Post Properties. From January 2001 to June 2002, Mr. Stockert served as Post Properties’ President and Chief Operating Officer. From July 1999 to October 2000, Mr. Stockert was Executive Vice President of Duke Realty Corporation, a publicly traded real estate company. From June 1995 to July 1999, Mr. Stockert was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Weeks Corporation, also a publicly traded real estate company that was a predecessor by merger to Duke Realty Corporation. Prior to joining Weeks Corporation, Mr. Stockert worked as an investment banker and as a certified public accountant. Mr. Stockert is 48 years old.

We believe that Mr. Stockert’s 20 year real estate career, including his experience as a senior officer with public real estate companies and his service as our Chief Executive Officer, qualifies him to serve as a director.

Herschel M. Bloom has been a director of Post Properties since May 1994. Mr. Bloom is a retired partner from the law firm of King & Spalding LLP. Mr. Bloom’s practice was focused on corporate, partnership and real estate tax matters. Mr. Bloom was a partner with King & Spalding LLP for over 33 years until his retirement in April 2008. From 1986 to 2006, Mr. Bloom also served as a director of Russell Corporation. Mr. Bloom is 68 years old.

We believe Mr. Bloom’s extensive experience as a practicing tax lawyer counseling real estate concerns and public REITs and service on another public company board qualify him to serve as a director.

Walter M. Deriso, Jr. has been a director of Post Properties since May 2004. Mr. Deriso currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Atlantic Capital Bancshares, Inc. and of its subsidiary, Atlantic Capital Bank, a commercial banking and financial services company, and has held these positions since August 2006. From 1997 to February 2005, Mr. Deriso served as Vice Chairman of Synovus Financial Corp., a diversified financial services company. Mr. Deriso held various offices with Security Bank and Trust Company of Albany, a subsidiary of Synovus, beginning in 1991 and served as Chairman of the Board from 1997 to 2006. Mr. Deriso was a practicing attorney with the firm of Divine, Wilkin, Deriso, Raulerson & Fields from 1972 to 1991. In addition, Mr. Deriso has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including as Chairman of the Georgia Bankers Association, Chairman of the Program Management Team of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program and a member of the Board of Visitors of Emory University. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Emory University, Chairman of the Board of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority and a member of the board of directors of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Deriso is 64 years old.

We believe Mr. Deriso’s leadership background, roles with companies in the financial services sector, including his service on a public company board, his experience in finance, business operations and in evaluating real estate assets, and his experience as a practicing attorney, qualify him to serve as a director.

Russell R. French has been a director of Post Properties since July 1993. He is currently a special limited partner of Moseley & Co. VI, LLC and has held this position since 2007. Mr. French is a retired venture capitalist and was previously a member of Moseley & Co. III and a partner of Moseley & Co. II, positions he had held for more than the past five years. In addition, Mr. French has been a member of MKFJ-IV, LLC since 1998 and a member of Moseley & Co. V, LLC since 2000.

 

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Each of Moseley & Co. III, MKFJ-IV, LLC and Moseley & Co. V, LLC is the general partner of a venture capital fund. In addition, Mr. French is a member of the Board of Trustees of Emory University and a former member of the board of directors of the Georgia Tech/Emory Biomedical Engineering Department. Mr. French is also a director of the Georgia Research Alliance. Mr. French is 65 years old.

We believe his experience in evaluating and understanding businesses across a range of industries and his financial background qualify him to serve as a director. We also value Mr. French’s contributions as one of the audit committee financial experts on our board.

Dale Anne Reiss has been a director of Post Properties since October 2008. Ms. Reiss is currently a Senior Consultant of the Global Real Estate Center of Ernst & Young LLP, the Managing Director of Artemis Advisors LLC, Chairman of Brock Real Estate LLC and Senior Managing Director of Brock Capital LLC. Ms. Reiss retired in 2008 as the Global Director of Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction Services for Ernst & Young LLP. From 1995 through 2008, Ms. Reiss was a senior partner at Ernst & Young LLP. She also held the position of managing partner at its predecessor, Kenneth Leventhal & Company, from 1985 through its merger with Ernst & Young in 1995. Previously, she was Senior Financial Officer for Urban Investment and Development Company, a real estate investment and development company, from 1980 to 1985. Ms. Reiss is a trustee of the Urban Land Institute and the Pension Real Estate Association. Ms. Reiss is also a director of iStar Financial Incorporated, a commercial real estate finance company. Ms. Reiss is 63 years old.

We believe that Ms. Reiss’ many years of experience in the real estate industry, significant public company finance and accounting background, and service as a director of another public real estate company qualify her to serve as a director. We also value Ms. Reiss’ contributions as one of the audit committee financial experts on our board.

Stella F. Thayer has been a director of Post Properties since September 2005. Ms. Thayer is currently, and has been for more than the past five years, an attorney and shareholder of the law firm of Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen. She is also the President, Treasurer and a director of Tampa Bay Downs, Inc., an American thoroughbred horse racing facility. From June 1992 through May 1997, Ms. Thayer served as the Chairman of the Board of Reflectone, Inc., a public company that focused on flight simulators and training applications for the U.S. Government, commercial and international customers and the entertainment industry prior to the company’s sale to British Aerospace. In addition, among Ms. Thayer’s many civic and governmental activities, she is the past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tampa General Hospital Foundation, a Trustee Emerita of the Board of Trustees of the University of South Florida Foundation, a member of the Board of Advisors of Columbia Law School, former Chairman of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, former Chairman of the Hillsborough County Hospital Authority and a current or former trustee of the Ferguson Foundation, Inc., the Florida House, the LeRoy Collins Institute and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Ms. Thayer is 70 years old.

We believe Ms. Thayer’s experience as a practicing lawyer, her business background (including service as the Chairman of the Board of a public company and as President of a business enterprise), and her longstanding involvement in civic and charitable leadership roles in the community qualify her to serve as a director.

Ronald de Waal has been a director of Post Properties since May 2000. Mr. de Waal is Chairman of the Board of WE International b.v., a Netherlands corporation that operates fashion specialty stores

 

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in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and France, and has held this position since 1983. Mr. de Waal is also Chairman of Ronus Inc., an Atlanta-based real estate company which develops and manages mixed-use real estate properties. Mr. de Waal is also a director of Saks Incorporated and was a director of The Body Shop International plc (England) within the last five years. Mr. de Waal is 59 years old.

We believe Mr. de Waal’s experience as Chairman of the Board of a large, global business enterprise, knowledge of the real estate industry, including as Chairman of an Atlanta-based real estate company, and service on other public company boards qualify him to serve as a director.

The board of directors recommends a vote FOR the nine directors

nominated by the board and listed in this Proxy Statement.

 

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Committees of the Board of Directors

Audit Committee.    The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. Deriso and French and Mss. Reiss and Thayer. The board of directors has determined that Mr. French, the current committee chair, and Ms. Reiss qualify as “audit committee financial experts” within the meaning of SEC rules and regulations. All committee members are independent as defined in applicable SEC and NYSE rules and under the director independence standards specified in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. During 2010, the committee held 11 meetings. The committee chair also held an additional meeting with management and our independent registered public accounting firm.

The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

directly appointing, retaining, evaluating, compensating and terminating our independent registered public accounting firm,

 

   

discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management,

 

   

reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of their audit,

 

   

pre-approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm,

 

   

overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC,

 

   

reviewing and monitoring our accounting principles, accounting policies and financial and accounting controls,

 

   

overseeing our internal auditors and coordinating their audit efforts with our independent registered public accounting firm, and

 

   

reviewing policies with respect to risk and fraud assessment and risk and fraud management.

Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee.    The Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee currently consists of Messrs. Bloom, Deriso and French and Ms. Thayer. Ms. Thayer currently serves as chair. All committee members are independent as defined in applicable SEC and NYSE rules and under the director independence standards specified in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. During 2010, the committee held seven meetings.

The Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

annually reviewing and approving our goals and objectives for executive compensation,

 

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annually reviewing and approving for the Chief Executive Officer and the other senior executives (1) the annual base salary level, (2) the annual cash incentive opportunity level, (3) the long-term incentive opportunity level, and (4) special or supplemental benefits or perquisites (if any),

 

   

annually approving actual annual cash incentive plan payouts and long-term equity incentive grants,

 

   

reviewing and approving employment agreements, severance arrangements and change of control agreements for the senior executive officers, as appropriate,

 

   

making recommendations and reports to the board of directors concerning matters of executive compensation,

 

   

administering our executive incentive plans,

 

   

making recommendations to the board of directors concerning matters of director compensation,

 

   

reviewing compensation plans, programs and policies, and

 

   

reviewing incentive compensation arrangements to confirm that incentive pay does not encourage unnecessary risk taking.

See Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a description of the processes and procedures of the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee and for additional information regarding the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee’s role and management’s role in determining compensation for executive officers and directors.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.    The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee currently consists of Messrs. Crocker, Deriso and Goddard and Ms. Reiss. Mr. Deriso currently serves as chair. All committee members are independent as defined in applicable SEC and NYSE rules and under the director independence standards specified in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. During 2010, the committee held three meetings.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

seeking potential candidates to be considered for election to the board of directors,

 

   

recommending potential candidates for election to the board of directors,

 

   

reviewing corporate governance matters, and

 

   

making recommendations to the board of directors concerning the structure and membership of board committees.

Strategic Planning and Investment Committee.    The Strategic Planning and Investment Committee currently consists of Messrs. Bloom, Crocker, Goddard and de Waal. Mr. Crocker currently serves as chair. During 2010, the committee held four meetings.

 

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The Strategic Planning and Investment Committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

   

developing a multi-year strategic business plan with our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers and reviewing such plan annually,

 

   

evaluating and overseeing financial strategy, development, dispositions, acquisitions and certain investments on behalf of the Company,

 

   

considering the risks that may result from changes in the Company’s corporate strategy and the risks associated with specific transactions, and

 

   

reviewing and recommending to the board of directors approval of certain types of transactions on behalf of the Company and its subsidiaries.

In accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Chairman annually reviews committee chairs and membership and recommends any changes to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which will in turn conduct its own review and recommend any changes to the full board of directors.

Committee Charters and Corporate Governance Guidelines

The charters of each of the Audit Committee, the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Strategic Planning and Investment Committee and our Corporate Governance Guidelines may be accessed on our website at www.postproperties.com by clicking on the For Investors link, followed by the Corporate Governance tab, and are available in print upon request from our Corporate Secretary.

Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have a Code of Business Conduct, which is applicable to all directors and employees, including our executive and financial officers. There is a separate Code of Ethics for Senior Executive and Financial Officers that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and persons performing similar functions. The Code of Business Conduct and the Code of Ethics are available on our website at www.postproperties.com by clicking on the For Investors link, followed by the Corporate Governance tab, and are available in print upon request from our Corporate Secretary. Any amendments to, or waivers of, the Code of Business Conduct or the Code of Ethics will be disclosed on our website promptly following the date of such amendment or waiver.

Selection of Director Nominees

General Criteria and Process

It is the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s responsibility to review and recommend to the board of directors nominees for director and to identify one or more candidates to fill any vacancies that may occur on the board of directors. However, the board of directors expects the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider the views of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in making appointments to the board of directors. As expressed in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, we do not set specific criteria for directors, but we believe

 

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that candidates should show evidence of leadership in their particular field, have broad experience and the ability to exercise sound business judgment, possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values, and be committed to representing the long-term interests of the shareholders. In light of our focus in the multifamily real estate industry, when evaluating each candidate’s experience, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers real estate industry expertise. Although we have not adopted a formal policy with respect to diversity, our Corporate Governance Guidelines also provide that the membership of the board of directors should reflect a diversity of experiences, gender, ethnicity and age. Under the charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for determining desired board skills and attributes, including those described in the Corporate Governance Guidelines.

For each of the nominees to the board of directors, the biographies included in this Proxy Statement highlight the experiences and qualifications that were among the most important to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in concluding that the nominee should serve as a director.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also believes that directors must be willing to devote sufficient time to carrying out their duties and responsibilities effectively and should be committed to serve on the board of directors for an extended period of time. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines prohibit a director from serving on more than a total of six public company boards (including the board of the Company) at any one time.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may use a variety of sources to identify new candidates. New candidates may be identified through recommendations from independent directors or management, third-party search firms, discussions with others in the real estate industry who may know of suitable candidates, and shareholder recommendations. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee typically evaluates each prospective candidate’s background and qualifications. In addition, one or more committee members or the other board members interviews each prospective candidate. After completing the evaluation, prospective candidates are recommended to the full board by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, with the full board selecting the candidates to be nominated for election by the shareholders or to be elected by the board to fill a vacancy.

Shareholder Recommendation of Nominees

We have not adopted a specific policy regarding the consideration of director nominees recommended to our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee by shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend nominees for consideration by the committee may submit their nominations in writing to our Corporate Secretary at the address provided in this Proxy Statement. The committee may consider these shareholder recommendations when it evaluates and recommends nominees to the board of directors for submission to the shareholders at each annual meeting. For additional important information regarding shareholder nominations of directors and shareholder proposals, please see the “Other Matters” section of this Proxy Statement.

Policy on Majority Voting

In 2006, we adopted a policy on majority voting in the election of directors. Pursuant to this policy, in an uncontested election of directors, any nominee who receives a greater number of votes withheld from his or her election than votes for his or her election will, within five days following the

 

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certification of the shareholder vote, tender his or her written resignation to the chairman of the board for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider the resignation and, within 45 days following the date of the shareholders’ meeting at which the election occurred, will make a recommendation to the board of directors concerning the acceptance or rejection of the resignation.

In determining its recommendation to the board of directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider all factors deemed relevant, including:

 

   

the stated reason or reasons why shareholders who cast withhold votes for the director did so,

 

   

the qualifications of the director (including, for example, whether the director serves on the Audit Committee of the board of directors as an “audit committee financial expert” and whether there are one or more other directors qualified, eligible and available to serve on the Audit Committee in such capacity), and

 

   

whether the director’s resignation from the board of directors would be in the Company’s best interests and the best interests of our shareholders.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also will consider a range of possible alternatives concerning the director’s tendered resignation as the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee deem appropriate, including:

 

   

acceptance of the resignation,

 

   

rejection of the resignation, or

 

   

rejection of the resignation coupled with a commitment to seek to address and cure the underlying reasons reasonably believed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to have substantially resulted in the withheld votes.

Under the policy, the board of directors will take formal action on the recommendation no later than 75 days following the date of the shareholders’ meeting. In considering the recommendation, the board of directors will consider the information, factors and alternatives considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and any additional information, factors and alternatives as the board of directors deems relevant. We will publicly disclose, in a Form 8-K filed with the SEC, the board of directors’ decision within four business days after the decision is made. The board of directors will also provide a full explanation of the process by which the decision was made and, if applicable, the board of directors’ reason or reasons for rejecting the tendered resignation.

Director Independence

As part of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, we have established director independence standards which are set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which may be accessed on our website at www.postproperties.com by clicking on the For Investors link, followed by the Corporate Governance tab. Our director independence standards meet or exceed the requirements of SEC rules and regulations and the NYSE listing standards.

 

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As required by the Corporate Governance Guidelines, the board of directors reviewed and analyzed the independence of each director and director nominee. The purpose of the review was to determine whether any particular relationships or transactions involving directors or their affiliates or immediate family members were inconsistent with a determination that the director is independent for purposes of serving on the board of directors and its committees. During this review, the board of directors examined whether there were any transactions and/or relationships between directors or their affiliates or immediate family members and the Company and the substance of any such transactions or relationships.

As a result of this review, the board of directors affirmatively determined that the following directors and nominees are independent for purposes of serving on the board of directors and meet the requirements set forth in our director independence standards: Messrs. Goddard, Crocker, Bloom, Deriso, French and de Waal and Mss. Reiss and Thayer. The board of directors further determined that all current members of the Audit Committee, Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent and previously determined that all members of these committees during 2010 were independent. Mr. Stockert is not considered independent because he is an executive officer of the Company.

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

Mr. Goddard has served as the Chairman of our board of directors since May 2002. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the Chairman will be an independent director under our director independence standards and NYSE listing standards. The Chairman is elected by the other members of the board. Our Chairman provides leadership to ensure that the board functions in an independent, cohesive fashion.

Mr. Crocker has served as Vice Chairman of our board of directors since August 2008. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require any Vice Chairman to be a non-management director. The Vice Chairman is elected by the other members of the board of directors. In his roles as Vice Chairman of our board of directors and Chairman of the Strategic Planning and Investment Committee, we believe Mr. Crocker provides additional independent leadership and additional insight into the multifamily real estate industry.

We believe it is beneficial to have a non-executive Chairman and Vice Chairman who are responsible for leading the board. We also believe our President and Chief Executive Officer should be principally responsible for running the Company. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our bylaws, our non-executive Chairman:

 

   

provides leadership to the board and facilitates communication between, and information flow to, the directors;

 

   

presides at board meetings, executive sessions and shareholder meetings;

 

   

sees that all orders, resolutions and policies adopted or established by the board are carried into effect;

 

   

reviews and recommends any changes to committee chairs and membership to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; and

 

   

meets with shareholders and other constituencies from time-to-time.

 

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Our Chairman also has access to management and financial and other information as he deems appropriate from time-to-time to assist him and the board in discharging their responsibilities. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Chairman, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer set agendas for meetings of the board and jointly recommend new director candidates or changes in board membership to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. In addition, the Vice Chairman chairs any executive sessions of the board in the absence of the Chairman.

Our board has eight independent members and only one non-independent member, our Chief Executive Officer. We have four standing board committees, including our Strategic Planning and Investment Committee, comprised solely of independent directors, each with a different independent director serving as chair of the committee. We believe that the number of independent, experienced directors that make up our board, along with the independent oversight of the board by our non-executive Chairman and Vice Chairman, benefits our Company and our shareholders.

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our board of directors provides oversight of the Company’s risk management processes. Pursuant to the Corporate Governance Guidelines and the Charter of our Audit Committee, the Audit Committee is primarily responsible for reviewing policies with respect to risk and fraud assessment and risk and fraud management and meeting periodically with management to review the results of risk and fraud assessments conducted by management. The Audit Committee receives reports from management at least quarterly regarding the Company’s assessment of risks. In addition, our director of internal audit periodically provides an enterprise risk management assessment to our Audit Committee. The Audit Committee also reports regularly on these matters to the full board of directors, which the board considers in assessing the Company’s risk profile. Each of our board committees also considers the risks within its area of responsibilities. For example, in accordance with its Charter, our Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee reviews the Company’s incentive compensation arrangements to confirm that incentive pay does not encourage unnecessary risk taking and periodically considers the relationship between risk management and incentive compensation. Further, our Strategic Planning and Investment Committee is charged with considering the risks that may result from changes in our corporate strategy and considering the risks associated with specific transactions in determining whether to recommend a particular transaction to the full board of directors. We believe that the leadership structure of our board supports its effective oversight of the Company’s risk management.

Meetings of the Board of Directors

During 2010, our board of directors held six meetings. All directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of all board of directors and committee meetings on which he or she served in 2010. Directors are encouraged, but not required, to attend the annual shareholders meeting. All of our directors who were directors at the time of the 2010 annual shareholders meeting attended the meeting.

Executive Sessions of Non-Management Directors

Pursuant to the Corporate Governance Guidelines, Robert C. Goddard, III, our non-executive Chairman of the board, presides at regularly scheduled executive sessions of our non-management directors, and in the event of Mr. Goddard’s absence, Douglas Crocker II, our non-executive Vice Chairman of the board, is empowered to preside.

 

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Director Compensation

We pay our non-employee directors fees for their services as directors. For the year ended December 31, 2010, our non-employee directors were entitled to receive:

 

   

an annual retainer of $25,000,

 

   

a board of directors meeting attendance fee of $1,500 per meeting,

 

   

a committee meeting attendance fee of $1,000 per meeting (other than “chair-only” meetings),

 

   

an additional annual retainer for the Audit Committee chair of $20,000,

 

   

an additional annual retainer of $7,500 for the chairs of the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Strategic Planning and Investment Committee, and

 

   

an annual grant of the number of shares of restricted stock equal to $60,000 divided by the closing price of the common stock on the NYSE on December 31 to each non-employee director who is serving on the board of directors on December 31 of such year, with the shares vesting one-third each year over a three-year period beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.

Our non-executive chairman has waived his receipt of the cash and stock compensation paid to our other outside directors for the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company made an aggregate of $100,000 of cash donations to charitable organizations and educational institutions in the non-executive chairman’s honor. The charitable organizations and educational institutions that received these donations from us were selected by us in consultation with our non-executive chairman.

In general, equity awards to non-employee directors vest in connection with a change of control or upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 72.

 

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2010 Director Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the fiscal 2010 compensation of our non-employee directors:

 

Name

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)(1)
     Stock Awards
($)(2)
     Total
($)
 

Hershel M. Bloom

     40,000         60,004         100,004   

Douglas Crocker II

     43,500         60,004         103,504   

Walter M. Deriso, Jr.

     62,500         60,004         122,504   

Russell R. French

     72,000         60,004         132,004   

Robert C. Goddard, III(3)

                       

Dale Anne Reiss

     48,000         60,004         108,004   

Stella F. Thayer

     59,500         60,004         119,504   

Ronald de Waal

     38,000         60,004         98,004   

 

(1) Non-employee directors may elect to defer all or a part of their retainer and meeting fees under our Deferred Compensation Plan. Under the plan, we issue a number of shares equal in value to the fees deferred by the non-employee directors into a rabbi trust organized in connection with the plan. Directors have the right to vote the shares held in the rabbi trust. Ms. Thayer and Mr. de Waal were the only directors that elected to defer a part of their retainer and meeting fees under our Deferred Compensation Plan in 2010. The fees of Ms. Thayer and Mr. de Waal were deferred in the following number of shares for each director:

 

Name

   Number of Shares  

Stella F. Thayer

     2,300   

Ronald de Waal

     1,454   

 

(2) On December 31, 2010, we granted each non-employee director (other than Mr. Goddard) 1,653 shares of restricted stock. The amount shown in the table represents the grant date fair value of the restricted stock granted in 2010, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements in the Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2011 for information about the assumptions used to value these awards. These shares of restricted stock will vest one-third each year over a three year period, commencing December 31, 2011. Dividends are paid on all shares of restricted stock.

 

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The number of outstanding stock options and shares of restricted stock held as of December 31, 2010 by each individual who served as one of our non-employee directors during 2010 is summarized in the table below.

 

Name

   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)
     Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)
     Number of
Outstanding
Shares of
Restricted Stock
(#)
 

Herschel M. Bloom

     16,000                 4,906   

Douglas Crocker II

     10,000                 4,906   

Walter M. Deriso, Jr.

     10,000                 4,906   

Russell R. French

     16,000                 4,906   

Robert C. Goddard, III

     278,013                 1,212   

Dale Anne Reiss

                     4,906   

Stella F. Thayer

     7,500                 4,906   

Ronald de Waal

     16,000                 4,906   

 

(3) Mr. Goddard, our non-executive chairman, has waived his receipt of the cash and stock compensation paid to our other outside directors for the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company made an aggregate of $100,000 of cash donations to charitable organizations and educational institutions in Mr. Goddard’s honor.

All directors may make contributions and purchase shares under our employee stock purchase plan. Messrs. Bloom, Crocker, Deriso, French and Goddard and Mss. Reiss and Thayer participated in our employee stock purchase plan in 2010.

Our non-employee directors are reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending board meetings and director education programs.

Mandatory Retirement for Directors

In accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, no director may stand for election or re-election after the director’s 72nd birthday.

Communications with the Board of Directors

The board of directors has adopted a policy and process to facilitate communications with the board of directors as a group, our non-executive chairman of the board and our non-management directors as a group. Shareholders and interested parties who wish to communicate directly with the members of the board of directors may do so by writing to Post Properties, Inc., One Riverside, 4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, Georgia 30327-3057, Attn: Corporate Secretary, or by sending electronic mail to directors@postproperties.com. The Corporate Secretary will forward all such communications to directors.

 

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COMMON STOCK OWNERSHIP BY MANAGEMENT

AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

Except as otherwise indicated, the following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of shares of common stock as of February 15, 2011 for:

 

   

our directors,

 

   

our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers calculated in accordance with SEC rules and regulations (collectively the Named Executive Officers), and

 

   

our directors and executive officers as a group.

The table below also sets forth the beneficial ownership of shares of common stock for each shareholder that holds more than a 5% interest in our outstanding common stock.

Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, all of such interests are owned directly and the indicated person or entity has sole voting and dispositive power.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner(1)

   Number
of Shares
Owned
    Number of
Exercisable
Options(2)
     Total      Percent of
Class(3)
 

Directors and Executive Officers:

          

Herschel M. Bloom

     33,832 (4)      16,000         49,832         *     

Douglas Crocker II

     39,992 (5)      10,000         49,992         *     

Walter M. Deriso, Jr.

     40,905 (6)      10,000         50,905         *     

Russell R. French

     56,575 (7)      16,000         72,575         *     

Robert C. Goddard, III

     327,185 (8)      278,013         605,198         1.2%   

Dale Anne Reiss

     11,700                11,700         *     

Stella F. Thayer

     48,085 (9)      7,500         55,585         *     

Ronald de Waal

     169,260 (10)      16,000         185,260         *     

David P. Stockert

     143,471 (11)      457,272         600,743         1.2%   

Christopher J. Papa

     47,188 (12)      74,357         121,545         *     

Sherry W. Cohen

     29,181 (13)      115,644         144,825         *     

Charles A. Konas

     12,216 (14)      6,990         19,206         *     

S. Jamie Teabo

     14,253 (15)      12,060         26,313         *     

All directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)

     992,597        1,055,536         2,048,133         4.1%   

 

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Name of Beneficial Owner(1)

   Number
of Shares
Owned
     Number of
Exercisable
Options(2)
     Total      Percent of
Class(3)
 

Five Percent Shareholders:

           

Cohen & Steers, Inc.(16)

     7,877,103                 7,877,103         16.0%   

The Vanguard Group, Inc.(17)

     5,026,073                 5,026,073         10.2%   

FMR LLC(18)

     4,982,506                 4,982,506         10.1%   

BlackRock, Inc.(19)

     4,656,875                 4,656,875         9.5%   

Deutsche Bank AG(20)

     4,008,516                 4,008,516         8.1%   

Vanguard Specialized Funds—Vanguard REIT Index Fund (21)

     2,574,548                 2,574,548         5.2%   

 

 * Less than 1%

 

(1) Under SEC rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person also is deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities which that person has the right to acquire within 60 days. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which he or she has no economic or pecuniary interest.

 

(2) Includes options that become exercisable on or before April 16, 2011.

 

(3) Based on an aggregate of 49,227,186 shares issued and outstanding as of February 15, 2011. Assumes that all options beneficially owned by the person are exercised for shares of common stock. The total number of shares outstanding used in calculating this percentage assumes that none of the options beneficially owned by other persons are exercised for shares of common stock.

 

(4) Includes 4,589 shares held in the Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

(5) Includes 7,815 shares held in the Deferred Compensation Plan. Also includes 650 shares beneficially owned indirectly through a supplemental retirement plan.

 

(6) Includes 8,357 shares held in the Deferred Compensation Plan. Of shares reported, 6,683 are held in a margin account.

 

(7) Includes 21,966 shares held in the Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

(8) Includes 23,390 shares held in the Deferred Compensation Plan. Of shares reported, 7,000 are held through GIG REIT Fund #1 and 12,000 are held through the Goddard Foundation, in which Mr. Goddard has no pecuniary interest.

 

(9) Includes 11,498 shares held in the Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

(10) Includes 16,232 shares held in the Deferred Compensation Plan. Also includes 116,300 shares deemed beneficially owned by Mr. de Waal through his control of certain corporations.

 

(11) Includes 1,266 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan.

 

(12) Includes 859 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan.

 

(13) Includes 1,664 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan. Also includes 400 shares held by Ms. Cohen’s spouse.

 

(14) Includes 756 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan.

 

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(15) Includes 749 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan.

 

(16)

As of December 31, 2010. Based solely upon information provided in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2011. Represents shares of common stock owned by Cohen & Steers, Inc., Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. and Cohen & Steers Europe S.A. The business address for Cohen & Steers Inc. and Cohen Steers Capital Management, Inc. is 280 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, New York. The business address for Cohen & Steers Europe S.A. is Chausee de la Hulpe 116, 1170 Brussels, Belgium.

 

Beneficial Owner

   Sole
Voting
Power
     Shared
Voting
Power
     Sole
Dispositive
Power
     Shared
Dispositive
Power
 

Cohen & Steers, Inc.

     6,413,246                 7,877,103           

Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc.  

     6,218,165                 7,572,441           

Cohen & Steers Europe S.A.  

     195,081                 304,662           

 

(17) As of December 31, 2010. Based solely upon information provided in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 9, 2011. The Vanguard Group, Inc. beneficially owns 5,026,073 shares of common stock, of which it has sole voting power with respect to 76,001 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 4,950,072 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 76,001 shares. Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc. is the beneficial owner of 76,001 shares of common stock as a result of its serving as investment manager of collective trusts. The business address for The Vanguard Group, Inc. is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.

 

(18)

As of December 31, 2010. Based solely upon information provided in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 11, 2011. Includes 2,223,146 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Fidelity Management & Research Company (Fidelity), 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC and an investment advisor to various investment companies; 18,540 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (PGALLC), 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island, 02917, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC and an investment advisor to institutional accounts, non-U.S. mutual funds or investment companies; 858,780 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Pyramis Global Advisors Trust Company (PGATC), 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island, 02917, as a result of its serving as investment manager of institutional accounts owning such shares; 1,882,040 shares of common stock beneficially owned by FIL Limited (FIL), Pembroke Hall, 42 Crow Lane, Hamilton, Bermuda, and various foreign-based subsidiaries which provide investment advisory and management services to a number of non-U.S. investment companies and certain institutional investors. Each of Edward C. Johnson 3d and FMR LLC, through its control of Fidelity, has sole dispositive power over the 2,223,146 shares owned by funds advised by Fidelity. Members of the family of Edward C. Johnson 3d, Chairman of FMR LLC, are the predominant owners of shares representing 49% of the voting power of FMR LLC and have entered into a shareholders’ voting agreement with respect to their shares. As such, members of the Johnson family may be deemed to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC. The power to vote or direct the voting of the shares owned directly by the Fidelity funds resides with the funds’ boards of trustees. Each of Edward C. Johnson 3d and FMR LLC, through its control of PGALLC, has sole dispositive power over 18,540 shares and sole power to vote or to direct the voting of 18,540 shares owned by the institutional accounts or funds advised by PGALLC. Each of Edward C. Johnson 3d and FMR LLC, through its control

 

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of PGATC, has sole dispositive power over 858,780 shares and power to vote or to direct the voting of 858,780 shares owned by the institutional accounts managed by PGATC. Partnerships controlled predominately by members of the family of Edward C. Johnson 3d, Chairman of FMR LCC and FIL, or trusts for their benefit, own shares of FIL voting stock with the right to cast approximately 39% of the total votes which may be cast by all holders of FIL voting stock.

 

(19)

As of December 31, 2010. Based solely upon information provided in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 21, 2011. BlackRock, Inc. beneficially owns 4,656,875 shares, all of which it has sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect thereto. The business address for BlackRock, Inc. is 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022.

 

(20) As of December 31, 2010. Based solely upon information provided in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 11, 2011. Represents shares of common stock beneficially owned by the Private Clients and Asset Management business group of Deutsche Bank AG and its subsidiaries and affiliates, Deutsche Investment Management Americas, Oppenheim Asset Management Services S.à.r.l, and RREEF America, L.L.C. The business address for Deutsche Bank AG is Theodor-Heuss-Allee 70, 60468 Frankfurt am Main, Federal Republic of Germany.

 

Beneficial Owner

   Sole
Voting
Power
     Shared
Voting
Power
     Sole
Dispositive
Power
     Shared
Dispositive
Power
 

Deutsche Bank AG.  

     2,990,399                 4,008,516           

Deutsche Investment Management Americas

     32,650                 32,650           

Oppenheim Asset Management Services S.à.r.l.

     24,533                 24,533           

RREF America, L.L.C.  

     2,933,216                 3,951,333           

 

(21) As of December 31, 2010. Based solely upon information provided in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 9, 2011. The Vanguard Specialized Funds—Vanguard REIT Index Fund beneficially owns 2,574,548 shares of common stock, all of which it has sole voting power with respect thereto. The business address for The Vanguard Specialized Funds—Vanguard REIT Index Fund is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.

 

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Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Executive Summary

Business Environment

While the U.S. economy strengthened in 2010 as compared to 2009, it continues to be impacted by historically high levels of unemployment and ongoing challenges in the housing market. Despite these conditions, our Funds from Operations (FFO)1 improved significantly in 2010 as compared to 2009, and exceeded our internal budgets. Our stock price also improved during 2010, producing a total return to shareholders, including reinvested dividends, of approximately 90%. Operating results for our core apartment business, including same-store rents, property revenues, occupancy and net operating income, improved over the course of 2010. We also continued to strengthen our balance sheet, refinancing maturing debt at lower rates, and ending the year with ample liquidity, both in cash and in borrowing capacity under our unsecured lines of credit. Given the relative performance of the greater Washington, DC market, we commenced one new apartment development there in 2010, taking advantage of cyclically low construction costs and our expectation of gradually rising rents.

Key Compensation Decisions

Over the past few years, as part of our overall efforts to reduce overhead expenses in response to economic challenges we faced, we focused on streamlining our business and reducing costs, including reducing annual cash incentive awards in 2009, and generally holding base salaries flat. In 2010, our compensation program structure remained conservative, with no salary increases (other than for promotions or increases in responsibility), reduced maximum bonus payout opportunities, and generally flat long-term incentive grant values. With respect to compensation for 2010, the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee (the Committee) made the following key decisions:

 

   

Base salaries were generally kept flat for the third consecutive year. Ms. Teabo’s base salary was increased as a result of her assumption of additional responsibilities.

 

   

Our annual cash incentive award program allocates a portion of the award to achievement of corporate performance goals and the other portion to achievement of individual/business unit goals. In establishing targets for the year, the Committee reduced the overall 2010 target annual cash incentive award levels by 20% to 25% for Messrs. Stockert and Papa and Ms. Cohen, consistent with the Company’s multi-year cost reduction efforts. The Committee also reduced the maximum performance payout for the corporate performance portion of the award from

 

1 We use the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trust (NAREIT) definition of FFO. FFO is defined by NAREIT as net income available to common shareholders determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains (or losses) from extraordinary items and sales of depreciable property, plus depreciation of real estate assets, and after adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures all determined on a consistent basis in accordance with GAAP. FFO is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure. For a further discussion of FFO and a reconciliation of net income available to common shareholders to FFO, refer to pages 55 through 56 of our Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2011.

 

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150% of target to 125% of target, reflecting the expectation that the Company’s operating performance would continue to be impacted negatively by economic conditions and conditions in the housing market.

 

   

We achieved 2010 FFO per share in excess of the maximum performance goal for the plan. As a result, cash incentive awards for corporate performance were paid at the maximum level of 125% of target for company performance. As described above, we also achieved strong operating results in same-store rents, property revenues, occupancy and net operating income; improved our balance sheet and liquidity; and produced a total shareholder return of approximately 90%. As a result of these achievements as well as others described in more detail below, business unit/leadership performance components were also paid at above-target levels.

 

   

Long-term stock-based compensation grants made in 2011, for 2010 performance, were generally kept at the same grant date fair value as the prior year awards, and were generally allocated 80% to restricted stock and 20% to stock options.

We believe that our compensation programs encourage executive decision-making that is aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders by tying a significant portion of pay to Company performance over a multi-year period. Other compensation and governance practices that support these principles, each of which is described in more detail in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, include the following:

 

   

In 2010 we adopted enhanced stock ownership guidelines for our Named Executive Officers and non-employee directors. The Chief Executive Officer is expected to hold stock equivalent to six times his base salary, and non-employee directors are expected to hold stock equivalent to five times their annual cash retainer.

 

   

In early 2011 we amended the employment agreements with our Named Executive Officers to eliminate tax gross-ups and to require a “double trigger” for the payment of change in control severance compensation, eliminating the “modified single trigger” for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, which allowed them to resign for any reason within the 90-day period commencing on the one-year anniversary of a change in control and receive change in control severance.

Each of these is discussed in more detail in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

Named Executive Officers for 2010

Our Named Executive Officers include our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and the three other most highly compensated executive officers ranked by their total compensation. For 2010, our Named Executive Officers are:

 

   

David P. Stockert, President and Chief Executive Officer;

 

   

Christopher J. Papa, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;

 

   

Sherry W. Cohen, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary;

 

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Charles A. Konas, Executive Vice President, Construction and Development; and

 

   

S. Jamie Teabo, Executive Vice President, Property Management.

Executive Compensation Philosophy

Our mission is to deliver superior satisfaction and value to our residents, associates and investors. Our vision is to be the first choice in quality multi-family living. Our core values include: performance and accountability, honesty and integrity, innovation, quality, service and teamwork. To achieve our business strategies, it is critical that we are able to attract, retain, and motivate highly talented individuals at all levels who are committed to our mission, vision and core values.

Our compensation programs, for executives and non-executives alike, are designed with our mission, vision and core values in mind. Through our compensation programs, we strive to achieve the following objectives:

 

   

foster a high performance culture that appropriately motivates our associates;

 

   

link compensation to the achievement of our strategic and financial objectives;

 

   

drive shareholder value creation; and

 

   

attract and retain high-caliber talent.

Total compensation for our executives is oriented toward incentive pay components (annual cash incentive awards and long-term equity incentive awards) rather than fixed pay components (base salary), as we believe that the majority of our executives’ total compensation should be “at risk.” Target compensation opportunities are generally established at the market median of comparable Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs. In general, we believe that median levels of competitive pay are warranted when we achieve our internal targets and when we perform at the median relative to our peers. Actual compensation may be above or below the targeted level, based on our actual performance against a combination of corporate and business unit/leadership measures. We have not guaranteed our executives any minimum cash incentive or equity incentive payments, and in the event of poor performance, executives could receive no incentive compensation for the year.

Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee Procedures

The Committee is responsible for:

 

   

annually reviewing and approving our goals and objectives for executive compensation;

 

   

annually reviewing and approving for the Named Executive Officers (1) annual base salary levels, (2) annual cash incentive opportunity levels, (3) long-term incentive opportunity levels, and (4) special or supplemental benefits or perquisites (if any);

 

   

annually approving actual annual cash incentive plan payouts and long-term equity incentive grants;

 

   

reviewing and approving employment agreements, severance arrangements and change of control agreements for the senior executive officers, as appropriate;

 

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making recommendations and reports to the board of directors concerning matters of executive compensation;

 

   

administering our executive incentive plans, including equity plans;

 

   

reviewing compensation plans, programs and policies; and

 

   

reviewing our incentive compensation arrangements to confirm that incentive pay does not encourage unnecessary risk taking.

Role of Executive Officers in the Compensation Process

Our Chief Executive Officer provides his assessment of the individual performance achievement of the executives who report to him, including all of the Named Executive Officers. This individual performance assessment determines a portion of annual cash incentive compensation for each executive, and impacts decisions on long-term incentive grants. In addition, our Chief Executive Officer provides input on salary increases and increases to incentive compensation opportunities for executives, with the close involvement of the Senior Vice President, Human Resources. The Committee considers these recommendations when determining salary increases, awarding incentive compensation and setting incentive opportunities for the coming year. In addition, our Chief Financial Officer analyzes the financial implications of various executive compensation plan designs.

Committee’s Independent Compensation Consultant

Since 2006, the Committee has engaged Frederic W. Cook & Co. (Cook) as its independent compensation consultant to advise the Committee with respect to compensation program design, the components of our executive compensation programs, and amounts to be paid to our Named Executive Officers. Cook also advises the Committee with respect to the design of our compensation program for non-employee directors, and provides the Committee with information on executive compensation trends and best practices. In addition, Cook assisted in preparing the executive compensation sections of this Proxy Statement, including this Compensation Discussion and Analysis and assisted the Company in conducting a risk assessment of our executive compensation programs. All of Cook’s work is done at the direction of or on behalf of the Committee. Although the Committee considers the advice of its independent consultant, the Committee has the final decision-making authority with respect to all elements of compensation. Cook does not provide any additional services to the Company.

Annual Competitive Review of Executive Compensation

With regard to competitive compensation benchmarking, it has been the Committee’s intent to regularly conduct a competitive compensation analysis of our Named Executive Officers, as well as for the broader group of executives (approximately 10-15 individuals). The purpose of these analyses is to ensure compensation opportunities for our executives are set at levels competitive with our peers. The Committee may adjust compensation opportunities if the competitive analysis indicates that compensation opportunities for particular executives are not competitive.

In the fall of 2009, the Committee engaged FPL Associates to provide updated competitive compensation data for Company executives who form our Management Committee. The final report

 

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was delivered to the Committee in advance of its meeting held on January 11, 2010. The report included data for the 13 executives on our Management Committee as of January 1, 2010. Competitive compensation data for the reports was collected from two public REIT peer groups: an “Asset-Based” group and a “Size-Based” group.

The Asset-Based peer group included seven public multi-family REITs that focus on the multi-family property sector. In choosing the Asset-Based peer group, the Committee considered companies’ “total capitalization” (the total market value of the equity of the public REIT and the equity value of units of the REIT’s operating partnership plus long-term debt) and “UPREIT capitalization” (the total market value of the equity of the public REIT plus the equity value of units of the REIT’s operating partnership). The relative capitalization ranges for the Asset-Based peer group and us as of June 30, 2009 are described below:

 

     Low end of range      High end of range      Post Properties  

Total capitalization

   $ 2.4 billion       $  5.0 billion       $ 1.8 billion   

UPREIT capitalization

   $  430.3 million       $ 1.8 billion       $  597.9 million   

The Size-Based peer group included sixteen public REITs, in a variety of asset classes, of similar size to the Company in terms of UPREIT and total capitalization. The relative capitalization ranges for the Size-Based peer group and us as of June 30, 2009 are described below.

 

     Low end of range      High end of range      Post Properties  

Total capitalization

   $  673.2 million       $  2.6 billion       $  1.8 billion   

UPREIT capitalization

   $ 100.0 million       $ 1.4 billion       $ 597.9 million   

These peer groups were selected by FPL Associates with input from Cook, the Committee and management. The Committee deemed the groups to be appropriate. The companies in each peer group are as follows:

 

Asset-Based Peer Group

  

Size-Based Peer Group

BRE Properties

   Acadia Realty Trust    Inland Real Estate Corporation

Camden Property Trust

   American Campus Communities, Inc.    Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

Colonial Properties Trust

   Associated Estates Realty Corp    National Retail Properties, Inc.

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

   Colonial Properties Trust    Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

Home Properties, Inc.

   Cousins Properties Incorporated    Parkway Properties

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

   DCT Industrial Trust Inc.    PS Business Parks, Inc.

UDR, Inc.

   EastGroup Properties, Inc.    Sun Communities, Inc.
   Equity One, Inc.    Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

No further benchmarking studies were conducted in 2010; however, in making its compensation determinations for 2010, the Committee also purchased, reviewed and considered third party survey data, including data from The 2010 SNL Executive Compensation Review for real estate public companies, published by SNL Financial, which contains data from 144 public real estate companies, and the NAREIT 2010 Compensation Survey, which contains data from 94 NAREIT member companies. The Committee had no input regarding the companies included in the SNL Financial or NAREIT surveys.

Annual Review of Compensation Tally Sheets

Each year, at the request of the Committee, management prepares compensation tally sheets for each of our executive officers. The tally sheets assist the Committee in making decisions about compensation for the current year, as well as setting target compensation opportunities for the upcoming year. The tally sheets

 

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summarize, by individual executive, historical compensation for prior years, targeted compensation for the current year, proposed compensation for the current year, and proposed target compensation for the upcoming year.

With respect to determining 2010 compensation, the proposed 2010 compensation amounts included on the tally sheets were initially determined based on the target compensation opportunities set forth at the beginning of the year and an assessment of Company and individual performance for each executive. The Chief Executive Officer initially proposed the compensation amounts for the current year for executives as a starting point for discussion. The proposed compensation levels were based on a range of quantitative and qualitative factors, including historic performance, and the Company’s performance versus its peers. Also included on the tally sheets were proposed base salaries for 2011, as well as target annual cash incentive and long-term incentive grant values with respect to 2011 performance. Proposed target compensation levels considered a variety of factors, including information gathered as part of the competitive review of executive compensation, each executive’s roles and responsibilities, and internal equity among executives in positions of similar importance to our organization.

The tally sheets and management’s proposals were presented and discussed at the January 27, 2011 Committee meeting. No decisions were made at this meeting; rather, the purpose of this meeting was to allow the Committee to develop an understanding of the information presented and the rationale for each recommendation, and to engage in meaningful discussion.

On February 7, 2011, the Committee met again with management and Cook to discuss the tally sheets and management’s proposals. At the meeting, the Committee approved cash and equity incentive compensation awards with respect to 2010 performance and approved base salaries and cash and equity incentive compensation targets for 2011.

Compensation Elements

Our executive compensation program has the following elements:

 

   

base salary,

 

   

annual cash incentives,

 

   

long-term equity incentives, and

 

   

benefits and limited perquisites.

Base Salary

Our base salary program is designed to provide a secure amount of cash compensation that is competitive with salaries of executives at the peer group REITs outlined above. Our base salaries are generally targeted at market median, but may be higher or lower than market median based on considerations including individual performance over time, experience level and each individual’s role and responsibilities in the organization. In some cases, base salaries are also set by employment agreements negotiated in connection with recruiting or retaining a senior executive.

 

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Base salaries are not subject to any automatic annual cost of living or similar adjustments, and are increased only at the Committee’s discretion. In making its decisions about annual salary increases, the Committee takes into account the executive’s performance, our overall company financial performance and changes in the competitive marketplace. The Committee considers a number of factors when evaluating individual performance, including the executive’s contribution to:

 

   

generating favorable financial performance,

 

   

achieving the objectives set forth in our strategic plan,

 

   

promoting our values,

 

   

improving product and service quality,

 

   

developing strong relationships with residents, employees and suppliers, and

 

   

demonstrating leadership abilities.

The Committee’s review is of a qualitative nature based on the performance of the executives. No particular weight is assigned to any particular factor.

The table below summarizes the 2009, 2010 and 2011 base salaries for each Named Executive Officer.

 

Name

   2009
Salary
($)
     2010
Salary
($)
     2011
Salary
($)
 

David P. Stockert

     420,000         420,000         420,000   

Christopher J. Papa

     342,000         342,000         342,000   

Sherry W. Cohen

     290,000         290,000         290,000   

Charles A. Konas(1)

     257,200         260,000         260,000   

S. Jamie Teabo(2)

     N/A         240,000         260,000   

 

(1) In 2009, Mr. Konas received an auto allowance of $7,200 that was treated as a perquisite and included in the summary compensation table as all other compensation, rather than base salary, for 2009. Starting in 2010, the $7,200 was added to his base salary, and he no longer receives a separate auto allowance. For comparison purposes, the amount for 2009 reflects the inclusion of the auto allowance in Mr. Konas’ salary.

 

(2) Ms. Teabo was not a Named Executive Officer in 2009. She assumed a new role with significant new responsibilities beginning in 2010.

The Committee did not increase the 2010 base salaries of the Named Executive Officers other than Mr. Konas and Ms. Teabo. The Committee increased Mr. Konas’ 2010 base salary in recognition of the additional responsibilities assumed by him for maintenance and capital expenditures following a 2009 management restructuring. The Committee increased Ms. Teabo’s 2010 base salary in recognition of her new role as head of the Company’s Property Management and Corporate Apartments divisions. For 2011, the Committee did not increase the base salaries of the Named Executive Officers other than Ms. Teabo. The Committee increased Ms. Teabo’s 2011 base salary in recognition of her performance of her new duties, as well as in consideration of internal equity among executive officers.

 

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Annual Cash Incentive Awards

The purpose of the annual cash incentive plan is to provide opportunities for executives to earn cash compensation contingent upon achieving specified annual corporate and individual objectives. The plan is structured to foster teamwork among the executive officers, to focus efforts on corporate results that directly impact shareholders and to link individual performance to our strategic plan.

Our annual cash incentive plan promotes our pay-for-performance philosophy through the use of our “Partners in Performance” framework. Through this framework we develop with our senior management specific annual corporate and business unit/leadership performance goals based on our strategic plan, and reward senior management if they achieve those goals.

2010 Annual Cash Incentive Award Program

At its February 3, 2010 meeting, the Committee set specific annual cash incentive plan targets for the Named Executive Officers, and at its February 24, 2010 meeting, the Committee approved the framework for the administration of the annual cash incentive plan during 2010, consistent with historical practice. This framework set the allocation between corporate and business unit/leadership performance discussed below and set the matrix for measuring corporate performance against our annual budget.

Allocation Between Corporate and Business Unit/Leadership Performance

The Committee allocated 80% of the Chief Executive Officer’s annual cash incentive plan opportunity to corporate performance and 20% to business unit/leadership performance. For Mr. Papa and Ms. Cohen, 40% of the annual cash incentive plan opportunity was allocated to corporate performance and 60% to business unit/leadership performance. For Mr. Konas and Ms. Teabo, 30% of the annual cash incentive plan opportunity was allocated to corporate performance and 70% to business unit/leadership performance. The Committee chose to have a higher portion of the Chief Executive Officer’s annual cash incentive opportunity determined by corporate performance because the Chief Executive Officer has greater overall responsibility for setting corporate strategy and has greater accountability for our corporate-wide results. For other Named Executive Officers, the Committee chose to have a higher percentage allocated to business unit/leadership performance, to focus these executives both on their specific areas of responsibility and on overall corporate performance.

Possible Payouts Under Annual Cash Incentive Plan

There was no threshold payout level under the annual cash incentive plan. The maximum amount payable for the corporate performance portion of the annual incentive award was 125% of target, which represented a reduction from the maximum payout level of 150% in past years. The maximum amount payable for the business unit/leadership performance portion of the annual incentive award was 150% of target. Further, in order to have received the maximum amount payable, the corporate performance measure must have equaled or exceeded 106% of the target for FFO per share, and the Named Executive Officer must have significantly exceeded the achievement of his or her business unit/leadership goals (see below for further discussion of business unit/leadership components). Actual payouts for 2010 for each Named Executive Officer are reflected in the 2010 Summary Compensation Table in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column.

 

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2010 Annual Cash Incentive Target Award

For 2010, the Committee decided to reduce the target annual cash incentive plan award levels for Messrs. Stockert and Papa and Ms. Cohen, as compared with 2009 targets, in light of our multi-year cost reduction efforts, our expected operating cash flows at that time and the outlook for the real estate industry and the broader economy in 2010. The Committee decided to maintain Mr. Konas’ target annual cash incentive plan award as a percentage of base salary at the 2009 level, and Ms. Teabo’s target annual cash incentive plan award was set at the same percentage of base salary as that established for Mr. Konas.

The table below summarizes the 2009 and 2010 target annual cash incentive awards for each Named Executive Officer.

 

Name

   2009
Target %
of Salary
     2009
Target
Annual Cash
Incentive Plan
Award
($)
     2010
Target %
of Salary
     2010
Target
Annual Cash
Incentive Plan
Award
($)
 

David P. Stockert

     100%         420,000         75%         315,000   

Christopher J. Papa

     75%         256,000         60%         205,200   

Sherry W. Cohen

     60%         174,000         45%         130,500   

Charles A. Konas

     35%         87,500         35%         91,000   

S. Jamie Teabo(1)

     N/A         N/A         35%         84,000   

 

(1) Ms. Teabo was not a named Executive Officer in 2009. She assumed a new role with significant new responsibilities in 2010.

2010 Corporate Financial Measure and Outcome

In 2010, FFO per share was the primary corporate performance measure. Target FFO per share for 2010 was $1.05, before budgeted non-cash charges. Achievement of between 98% and 102% of the target FFO per share goal would result in a cash incentive payout of 100% of target. Maximum FFO per share was set at $1.11 per share, which would result in a cash incentive payout of 125% of target.

FFO per share in 2010 was $1.21. Our reported FFO for 2010 included non-cash impairment charges of approximately $35.1 million primarily related to our Austin condominium project, offset by a net gain of $20.9 million related to the acquisition of all remaining interests in our Atlanta condominium project and adjacent land and infrastructure and the acquisition of the related construction loan, resulting in total net charges included in FFO of $14.2 million, or $0.29 per share. Excluding the impact of these charges, FFO was $1.50 per share. Accordingly, each Named Executive Officer received the corporate performance portion of the annual incentive award at maximum, or 125% of target.

2010 Business Unit/Leadership Measures

Specific business unit/leadership goals are established for each executive. With respect to executives other than himself, the Chief Executive Officer provided input to the Committee on each Named Executive Officer’s performance along with each of his or her business unit/leadership goals.

 

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The Committee then reviewed the Chief Executive Officer’s evaluation of the performance of each of the other Named Executive Officers. The Committee also evaluated the performance of the Chief Executive Officer relative to his leadership goals. A summary of the business unit/leadership goals for each of the Named Executive Officers for 2010 is included below:

 

David P. Stockert

  

•   meeting or beating budgeted goals for FFO per share and the operating results of the Company’s properties

  

•   refinancing debt and execution of other capital transactions consistent with the Company’s long-term financing plan

•   success of specific developments, renovations and condominium sales

•   success in resolving the construction loan at the Company’s Atlanta condominium project

•   leasing results at particular properties in development and lease-up

•   developing associates

•   completing specific capital projects at particular properties

•   implementing technology initiatives

Christopher J. Papa

  

•   refinancing debt and execution of other capital transactions consistent with the Company’s long-term financing plan

•   monitoring financial results, including controlling overhead costs

•   providing financial support to assist various projects

  

•   implementing technology initiatives

Sherry W. Cohen

  

•   overseeing and resolving various litigation and diligence matters

•   securing legal cost savings

•   coordinating governance and board activities

•   administering the Company’s insurance and risk management programs

•   overseeing completion of and legal documentation for various real estate and corporate transactions

Charles A. Konas

  

•   success of specific development and construction projects and renovations

•   developing future development project standards

•   integrating LEED into new developments, as appropriate

•   meeting or beating capital expenditure budgets

S. Jamie Teabo

  

•   meeting or beating property budgets for specific properties

•   meeting or beating leasing goals and overhead budgets for various property segments

•   developing strategies for cash flow conservation and capital expenditures for specific projects

•   meeting or beating goals for associate and resident retention

•   implementing technology initiatives

 

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The payouts for achievement of specific business unit/leadership goals are based on the performance guidelines outlined in the following table:

 

Significantly Exceeds

     111-150%   

Meets and Exceeds

     101-110%   

Successfully Meets (target)

     100%   

Underperforms

     0-90%   

As illustrated by the table, to the extent goals are exceeded, the plan provides for a payment of up to 150% of target level, as determined by the Committee. If goals are only partially met, the Committee could pay nothing for the business unit/leadership portion of the annual cash incentive plan award for an executive or up to 90% of target level. The Committee also has the discretion to pay an amount above the 150% target level for exceptional performance.

At its February 7, 2011 meeting, based on the analysis and recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer (for executives other than himself), the Committee determined cash incentive payout levels for 2010 for each Named Executive Officer’s achievement of his or her business unit/leadership goals. The Committee determined that each of the Named Executive Officers successfully achieved his or her business unit/leadership goals at a level that significantly exceeded target. For each of the Named Executive Officers (other than Ms. Teabo), the Committee approved payouts of between 125% and 150% of target. For Ms. Teabo, the Chief Executive Officer recommended and the Committee approved a payout that exceeded 150% of target in recognition of her efforts in attaining property revenues that greatly exceeded budget, and in consideration of internal equity among executive officers.

2010 Annual Cash Incentive Plan Awards

The table below shows 2010 target and actual annual cash incentive awards for each Named Executive Officer.

 

Name

   Target
($)
     Actual
($)
 

David P. Stockert

     315,000         400,000   

Christopher J. Papa

     205,200         260,200   

Sherry W. Cohen

     130,500         180,500   

Charles A. Konas

     91,000         125,000   

S. Jamie Teabo

     84,000         145,000   

In light of our strong performance during the year and the uncertainty with respect to personal federal income tax rates for 2011, the Committee approved the payment of 80% of the target annual incentive award in December 2010. The remainder of the award was paid in February 2011.

2011 Annual Cash Incentive Award Program

The Committee intends to continue to use FFO per share as the primary corporate performance measure for 2011, with the target corresponding to our internal budget. The Committee believes that FFO is the most reflective measure of our short-term operating performance. It is also a primary metric that potential and current investors use to measure our profitability against other REITs and to make decisions about investments in our common stock.

 

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For 2011, the Committee decided to increase the target annual cash incentive plan award levels for each of the Named Executive Officers, though the levels for Messrs. Stockert and Papa and Ms. Cohen continue to remain below their target award levels for 2009. In addition, the Committee restored the maximum amount payable under the annual cash incentive plan for the corporate performance portion of the award to 150% of the targeted award in 2011, from 125% in 2010.

The table below summarizes the 2010 and 2011 target annual cash incentive awards for each Named Executive Officer.

 

Name

   2010
Target %
of Salary
     2010
Target
Annual Cash
Incentive Plan
Award
($)
     2011
Target %
of Salary
     2011
Target
Annual Cash
Incentive Plan
Award
($)
 

David P. Stockert

     75%         315,000         79%         330,000   

Christopher J. Papa

     60%         205,200         66%         225,000   

Sherry W. Cohen

     45%         130,500         50%         145,000   

Charles A. Konas

     35%         91,000         46%         120,000   

S. Jamie Teabo

     35%         84,000         46%         120,000   

Long-Term Incentive Awards

We grant long-term equity incentive awards to align executive compensation more closely with shareholder interests, such as long-term corporate performance and shareholder value creation, and to retain our key executives. Our long-term equity incentive awards have traditionally been a combination of stock options with stock appreciation rights and restricted stock, each of which are described in more detail later in this section.

Due to SEC requirements for compensation reporting, the grant date fair values for equity awards that are included in the Summary Compensation Table for 2010 are the stock and option awards granted in early 2010, for 2009 performance. The grant date fair values for the equity awards made in early 2011, for 2010 performance, will be included in next year’s summary compensation table. We discuss both the awards granted in 2010 (for 2009 performance) and 2011 (for 2010 performance) below.

Total Long-Term Incentive Award Values and Grant Type Mix

Each year, the Committee determines aggregate long-term incentive grant values for each executive based on multiple factors including competitive levels of compensation among comparable REITs, corporate and individual performance, the executive’s level of responsibility and the level of compensation provided to comparable positions within our organization (internal equity). It is primarily our future stock price performance, however, that determines the value of long-term incentive grants ultimately received by the Named Executive Officers. Our Named Executive Officers and non-employee directors are required under our Stock Ownership Guidelines to own and hold an amount of our common stock equal in value to a multiple of such Named Executive Officer’s base salary or non-employee director’s annual cash retainer. Our stock ownership guidelines are described below under the heading “Stock Ownership Guidelines.”

 

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2009 Long-Term Incentive Awards Granted in 2010

The Committee granted awards with respect to 2009 performance in February 2010. In recognition of 2009 performance and after considering the benchmarking analysis described above, without any specific weight to either factor, the Committee decided to increase 2009 long-term incentive awards (granted in 2010) relative to actual 2008 long-term incentive awards (granted in 2009).

With respect to 2009 long-term incentive awards (granted in 2010), the Committee determined that long-term incentive award values would be allocated as 80% restricted stock and 20% stock options. The Committee decided on the larger allocation to restricted stock based on their view that restricted stock is more aligned with total shareholder return as a result of the high proportion of shareholder value created through the dividend based on our REIT status. However, the Committee determined that inclusion of stock options as part of the long-term incentive award program was still an important additional tool to incentivize share price appreciation. These grants are reflected in the 2010 Summary Compensation Table and in the 2010 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table. The restricted stock and stock option awards granted to the Named Executive Officers for 2009 performance vest in three equal annual installments and are not subject to separate post-vesting holding periods.

The grant date fair value of the long-term equity incentive awards for 2009 (granted in 2010) for the Named Executive Officers is shown below.

 

Name

   Actual 2009
LTI Value
(Granted in
2010)
($)
 

David P. Stockert

     600,007   

Christopher J. Papa

     400,011   

Sherry W. Cohen

     210,044   

Charles A. Konas(1)

     121,530   

S. Jamie Teabo

     100,033   

Further detail about the restricted stock and stock option awards granted to the Named Executive Officers for 2009 (granted in 2010) is shown below.

 

Name

   Value
of Restricted
Stock Portion
($)
     Number
Restricted
Shares
Granted
(#)
     Value of
Stock Option
Portion
($)
     Number
Stock Options
Granted
(#)
 

David P. Stockert

     480,009         26,230         119,998         23,610   

Christopher J. Papa

     320,012         17,487         79,999         15,740   

Sherry W. Cohen

     168,012         9,181         42,032         8,270   

Charles A. Konas(1)

     103,487         5,655         18,043         3,550   

S. Jamie Teabo

     80,008         4,372         20,025         3,940   

 

(1) The Committee also awarded Mr. Konas 860 shares of common stock and 860 shares of restricted stock under the Incentive Stock Plan in February 2010, the value of which shares is included in the above tables. The shares were awarded upon meeting performance goals in accordance with a value creation program that we have historically maintained for our development and construction personnel.

 

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2010 Long-Term Incentive Awards Granted in 2011

The Committee granted awards with respect to 2010 performance in February 2011 in recognition of 2010 performance and after considering the competitive compensation analysis described above, and without any specific weight to either factor. The Committee determined that long-term incentive award values would be allocated as 80% restricted stock and 20% stock options, which is the same allocation it approved for 2009 long-term incentive awards (granted in 2010). The Committee continues to believe that restricted stock is more aligned with total shareholder return as a result of the high proportion of shareholder value created through the dividend based on our REIT status. However, the Committee continues to believe that inclusion of stock options as part of the long-term incentive award program is still an important additional tool to incentivize share price appreciation. These grants will be reflected in next year’s summary compensation table. The restricted stock and stock option awards granted to the Named Executive Officers for 2010 performance vest in three equal annual installments and are not subject to separate post-vesting holding periods.

The grant date fair value of the long-term equity incentive awards for 2009 (granted in 2010) and for 2010 (granted in 2011) for the Named Executive Officers is shown below.

 

Name

   Actual 2009
LTI Value
(Granted in
2010)
($)
     Actual 2010
LTI Value
(Granted in
2011)
($)
 

David P. Stockert

     600,007         550,087   

Christopher J. Papa

     400,011         400,028   

Sherry W. Cohen

     210,044         210,057   

Charles A. Konas(1)

     121,530         100,039   

S. Jamie Teabo

     100,033         100,039   

 

(1) See footnote (1) above under the heading “2009 Long-Term Incentive Awards Granted in 2010” regarding the inclusion of 860 shares of common stock and 860 shares of restricted stock under the Incentive Stock Plan granted in February 2010 for 2009 performance.

Further detail about the restricted stock and stock option awards granted to the Named Executive Officers for 2010 (granted in 2011) is shown below.

 

Name

   Value
of Restricted
Stock Portion
($)
     Number
Restricted
Shares
Granted
(#)
     Value of
Stock Option
Portion
($)
     Number
Stock Options
Granted
(#)
 

David P. Stockert

     440,035         11,880         110,052         8,350   

Christopher J. Papa

     320,026         8,640         80,002         6,070   

Sherry W. Cohen

     168,013         4,536         42,044         3,190   

Charles A. Konas

     80,006         2,160         20,033         1,520   

S. Jamie Teabo

     80,006         2,160         20,033         1,520   

 

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Types of Long-Term Award Grants

Our long-term equity incentive awards have traditionally been a combination of stock options with stock appreciation rights and restricted stock, each of which are described in detail below. Grants of equity compensation are made under our shareholder-approved Amended and Restated 2003 Incentive Stock Plan (the Incentive Stock Plan), which allows the Committee to grant stock options with stock appreciation rights and make restricted stock grants to our key employees and outside directors.

Stock Options

Stock options reward our executives for increases in the value of our common stock. They are “pay-for-performance” and aligned with shareholder interests because they have no value unless the share price appreciates. We recognize that options have high share price “leverage” and, as a result, tend to be a high-risk, high-reward long-term incentive vehicle. However, we believe they provide a good balance with the restricted stock component of our long-term incentive program. The multi-year vesting of our stock options also serves as a retention incentive for our executives.

Options are granted with exercise prices equal to the fair market value (closing price) of our common stock on the date of grant. The Committee is prohibited without the approval of our shareholders from repricing or making a cash payment for granted options if the effect of any such action would be to directly or indirectly reduce the exercise price of such options. Option grants include a stock-settled stock appreciation right, or SAR, feature that allows the option holder to receive the net appreciation of the underlying option in shares of our common stock. Annual option grants have ten-year terms and generally vest in three equal annual installments. From time to time, special grants of options have been made to executives for retention purposes. These special option grants generally have vested over longer than three-year periods. No such special option grants were made to the Named Executive Officers in 2010. We do not have separate post-exercise holding periods for stock options granted to our Named Executive Officers.

Vesting of the options accelerates upon death, disability, approved retirement, or upon a change of control, as defined in our Incentive Stock Plan. Upon termination for any other reason, unvested options are forfeited, unless specified differently in employment and change of control agreements. Upon termination for any reason other than cause, options remain outstanding for one year (or the remaining term, if shorter); upon termination for cause, all options are immediately forfeited, in each case, unless specified differently in employment or change of control agreements.

Restricted Stock

We grant restricted stock because we believe it aligns the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders by creating a strong incentive to create and preserve long-term shareholder value. Through restricted stock, our executives, like our shareholders, share both the risks and rewards of stock ownership. In addition, restricted stock rewards total shareholder return, whether delivered through share price appreciation or dividends. We believe this is appropriate since, as a REIT, our dividend distribution requirements lead to a significant portion of our total shareholder return being delivered through our dividends. Through multi-year vesting, the restricted stock grants also serve as a retention device.

 

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Restricted stock grants typically vest in three equal annual installments. Dividends are paid in cash on unvested shares. From time to time, special grants of restricted stock have been made to executives for retention purposes. These shares vest ratably over longer periods (up to eight years). No such special grants were provided to the Named Executive Officers in 2010. We do not have separate post-vesting holding periods for restricted stock awards granted to our Named Executive Officers.

For restricted stock grants made on or after February 2, 2007, vesting accelerates upon death, disability, approved retirement, or upon a change of control, as defined in the Incentive Stock Plan, consistent with the treatment of stock options upon the same termination scenarios. For grants made prior to February 2, 2007, unvested restricted stock is forfeited upon termination resulting from death, disability or retirement. Upon termination for other reasons, unvested restricted stock is forfeited, unless specified differently in employment or change of control agreements.

Timing of Awards/Equity Award Granting Policy

The Committee approves all grants of stock options and shares of restricted stock to employees and directors. The Committee determines grants to the Chief Executive Officer and reviews recommendations for and approves equity compensation grants to other executives on the Management Committee and to associates.

Annual grants are made at a scheduled Committee meeting in the first quarter of the fiscal year, generally in January or February. For grants with respect to 2009 performance, the Committee approved grant values and made the grants at the meeting on February 3, 2010. For grants with respect to 2010 performance, the Committee approved grant values and made the grants at the meeting on February 7, 2011. For other equity awards (e.g., new hire grants, promotion-related grants, or other special grants), the grant date is the approval date or the hire or promotion date. The grant price is the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.

Benefits and Perquisites

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

To encourage ownership of our stock among employees, we maintain a non-qualified employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) which allows eligible participants to purchase our common stock through payroll deductions or contributions of cash. Eligible participants include employees and non-employee directors. The purchase price is 85% of the lesser of the closing price per share on the first trading day of the purchase period or the closing price per share on the last trading day of the purchase period. There are two six-month purchase periods each year, and the maximum purchase amount is $100,000 per year. Because our ESPP includes a purchase price “look-back” and our purchase discount is higher than 5%, our ESPP is deemed compensatory. Compensation cost is calculated under FASB ASC Topic 718 and accrued over the purchase period. Because this stock purchase discount is generally available to all salaried employees, no disclosure of the cost attributable to purchases by our Named Executive Officers is required in the 2010 Summary Compensation Table.

Deferred Compensation Plan

We maintain a board-approved Deferred Compensation Plan for directors and eligible employees, to provide them the opportunity to defer compensation and the associated income taxes, and to allow

 

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for investment growth on the deferred amounts on a pre-tax basis. Employee participants may voluntarily defer all or a portion of base salary, annual cash incentive awards and/or bonuses into the plan’s “benchmark investment alternatives” similar to those provided in our 401(k) plan. Non-employee director participants may defer cash fees into our common stock. The plan does not permit us to make contributions to employee and director accounts. For further details about the Deferred Compensation Plan, see the 2010 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table and related narrative disclosure.

Other Benefits

The Named Executive Officers participate in the same benefits programs as all of our employees, including health, dental and vision insurance, group term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and participation in our tax-qualified 401(k) plan (our match for 2010 was 50% of each employee’s contributions up to 6% of earnings).

Perquisites

We provide limited executive perquisites.

 

   

We maintain corporate memberships at certain private clubs, of which Messrs. Stockert and Konas were the “designated members” during 2010. These clubs are used for business purposes. We require reimbursement of all expenses associated with any personal use of the clubs.

 

   

We provide supplemental long-term disability insurance to our executives.

Loans to Executive Officers

We made loans to certain executive officers in 1999 and 2001. The purpose of these loans was generally to facilitate the executive’s purchase of our common stock. Some of these loans included forgiveness provisions where the principal amount would be forgiven in annual installments over five or ten years. In this way, these loans were economically similar to a restricted stock grant with annual installment vesting.

All of the loans bore interest at 6.32%. Interest was payable quarterly and, at the Company’s election, the loans were due in full on the earlier of (1) the tenth anniversary of the date of the note or (2) 30 days after the employee ceased for any reason to be our employee. The loans were made prior to July 30, 2002, the effective date of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we may not extend further loans or change the payment terms of existing loans, but we may allow existing loans to remain in place under their original terms.

During 2010, Mr. Stockert had two outstanding loans, and we forgave $100,000 of the outstanding balance under one of the loans. As of January 1, 2011, Mr. Stockert has repaid his loans in full and no amounts were outstanding under any of these loans to executive officers. For further details regarding the loans, see “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions — Loans to Executive Officers.”

 

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Stock Ownership Guidelines

We have adopted stock ownership guidelines which require our Named Executive Officers and non-employee directors to own and hold our common stock equal in value to a multiple of base salary or annual cash retainer. In December 2010, we amended the guidelines. The current guidelines are as follows:

 

Chief Executive Officer

   6x base salary

Chief Financial Officer

   2x base salary

Other Named Executive Officers

   1x base salary

Non-employee Directors

   5x annual cash retainer

Named Executive Officers and non-employee directors must achieve the required stock ownership within five years from the implementation of the guideline. New Named Executive Officers and non-employee directors must achieve the guidelines within five years from the date of their initial election or change in status. Shares counted toward the ownership requirement include all shares beneficially owned by an officer or director, as such term is defined under Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), excluding shares that would be deemed to be beneficially owned as a result of the ownership of stock options.

To facilitate compliance with the guidelines, 50% of the net after-tax profit shares acquired by the executive or director through equity compensation programs (e.g., stock option exercises, earned performance shares and vested restricted stock) must be held until the executive or director satisfies the ownership guidelines. Net after-tax profit shares are the shares remaining after payment of any exercise price and taxes owed at the exercise of any option or stock appreciation right, vesting of restricted stock or earn-out of performance shares. If an executive or director fails to comply with the guidelines within five years, 100% of the executive’s or director’s net after-tax profit shares acquired through equity compensation programs must be held until the executive or director meets the guideline.

All of our Named Executive Officers and non-employee directors are currently in compliance with our stock ownership guidelines.

Employment Agreements

We have employment agreements with each of our Named Executive Officers. We entered into these agreements to recruit and/or retain each executive. These agreements provide each Named Executive Officer with a competitive level of financial security in the event of certain involuntary terminations. In particular, these agreements provide for severance in the event of an involuntary termination without cause related to a change of control (as defined below), which allows each executive to remain neutral and encourages each executive to maximize shareholder value in the face of a transaction that could eliminate his or her job.

We amended the employment agreements in early 2011 to eliminate any right to a tax gross-up payment and to change the “modified single-trigger” change in control provision in the Chief Executive Officer’s, Chief Financial Officer’s and Corporate Secretary’s agreements to a “double-trigger”. Under the current employment agreements for all of our Named Executive Officers, change of control severance for the Named Executive Officers would be provided only if the executive is

 

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involuntarily terminated without cause or resigns for good reason within a certain period of time following a change of control. In return for severance benefits, these agreements protect us through certain restrictive covenants (e.g., non-competition, non-solicitation, etc.) for a period of time post-termination. See the discussion under “Employment Agreements” for more detail regarding these agreements.

Effect of Regulatory Requirements on Executive Compensation

Code Section 162(m)

Under Code Section 162(m), certain limits are placed on the tax deductibility of compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and our three other most highly compensated executives unless the compensation meets the requirement for “performance-based compensation” as set forth in the tax law and the related regulations. In designing our compensation programs and practices, we have taken the possible effect of Code Section 162(m) into account, but we recognize the need to maintain flexibility in establishing compensation plans and arrangements for our executive officers in order to achieve our business objectives. As long as we qualify as a REIT, we do not pay taxes at the corporate level. As such, we believe any loss of deductibility of compensation does not have a significant adverse impact on us. To the extent that any part of our compensation expense does not qualify for deduction under Code Section 162(m), a larger portion of stockholder distributions may be subject to federal income tax as ordinary income rather than return of capital, and any such compensation allocated to our taxable REIT subsidiaries whose income is subject to federal income tax would result in an increase in income taxes due to the inability to deduct such compensation. The Committee will continue to use its best judgment when adopting any plan or compensation arrangement by taking into account all factors, including the materiality of any deductions that might be lost as well as the broader interests to be served by paying competitive compensation.

Code Section 409A

Code Section 409A generally changes the tax rules for executives that affect most forms of nonqualified deferred compensation for executives that were not earned and vested prior to 2005. The Committee takes the additional tax risk for executives under Code Section 409A into account in determining the terms of the nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements for our executives. We intend to draft, operate and administer our nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements to minimize any additional tax risk to executives under Code Section 409A. See the 2010 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table and associated narrative for a more detailed discussion of our nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements.

 

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Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee Report

The Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee of the board of directors consists of the four directors named below, each of whom is independent as defined in applicable SEC and NYSE rules and under the director independence standards specified in our Corporate Governance Guidelines.

We have the authority to engage an independent compensation consultant or other advisors. We currently use Cook as our independent compensation consultant. Cook does no work for management unless requested by our Committee chair, receives no compensation from the Company other than for its work in advising the Committee and maintains no other economic relationships with the Company.

We held seven meetings during 2010. The meetings were designed, among other things, to facilitate and encourage free and frank discussion between Committee members and our consultant as well as extensive communication among Committee members, executive management, and other Company personnel involved in executive compensation matters.

We reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis that appears in this Proxy Statement. Based on our review and these discussions with management and our compensation consultant, we recommended to the board of directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement for filing with the SEC.

Submitted by the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee:

Stella F. Thayer, Chair

Herschel M. Bloom

Walter M. Deriso, Jr.

Russell R. French

 

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Review of Risk Associated with Compensation Plans

Based on a review conducted in early 2010 of the Company’s compensation policies and practices for all employees, including executive officers, the Company determined that our compensation programs are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Cook, the Committee’s independent compensation consultant, advised the Committee with respect to the risk assessment of the Company’s compensation programs for executive officers. Management performed a separate risk assessment for all other employees and reported the results of its review to the Committee.

The risk assessment for the Company’s executive officers included a review of each of the Company’s compensation policies and practices applicable to executive officers. As part of the review, we identified the potential risk areas associated with each practice, and we assessed whether the Company’s practices posed any actual risks. The assessment noted several design features of the Company’s cash and equity incentive programs that reduce the likelihood of excessive risk-taking:

 

   

an appropriate pay philosophy, peer group, and market positioning to support business objectives;

 

   

an effective balance in:

-the mix of cash and equity

-corporate, business unit and individual performance focus

-financial and non-financial performance measurement, and discretion; and

 

   

meaningful risk mitigants, including stock ownership guidelines and independent oversight by the Committee.

As part of the assessment for all other employees, management reviewed the Company’s compensation policies and practices and incentive compensation plans relative to the broader employee base. Management also reviewed the Company’s most recent enterprise risk assessment in analyzing enterprise risks, the incentive compensation plans relative to those risks, and actual payouts. Management noted that the Company’s compensation policies and practices for all other employees are competitive in payout and realistic in achievement. In addition, management noted that the Company has established a hierarchy of responsibilities and authority, and has a system of internal controls in place to monitor, manage and approve the performance-based incentive compensation policies and practices to mitigate the likelihood of significant risk taking.

 

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2010 Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning total compensation for the Named Executive Officers for 2008, 2009 and 2010 (except for Mr. Konas, which is only for 2009 and for 2010, and for Ms. Teabo, which is only for 2010).

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year     Salary
($)(1)
    Bonus
($)
    Stock
Awards
($)(2)
    Option
Awards
($)(2)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)
    All Other
Compensation
($)(4)
    Total
($)
 

David P. Stockert

    2010        420,000               480,009        119,998        400,000        115,162        1,535,169   

President & Chief Executive Officer

    2009        420,000               325,871        167,592               290,162        1,203,625   
    2008        420,000               600,023                      111,241        1,131,264   

Christopher J. Papa

    2010        342,000               320,012        79,999        260,200        8,027        1,010,238   

Executive VP & Chief
Financial Officer

    2009        342,000               203,671        125,694        153,600        128,027        952,992   
    2008        342,000        226,800        400,001                      7,363        976,164   

Sherry W. Cohen

    2010        290,000               168,012        42,032        180,500        9,346        689,890   

Executive VP & Corporate Secretary

    2009        290,000               122,200        83,796        104,400        84,346        684,742   
    2008        290,000        202,200        250,027                      8,682        750,909   

Charles A. Konas(5)

    2010        260,000               103,487        18,043        125,000        9,301        515,831   

Executive VP Construction & Development

    2009        250,000               35,035        16,759        61,250        36,741        399,785   

S. Jamie Teabo(6)

    2010        240,000               80,008        20,025        145,000        8,174        493,207   

Executive VP Property Management

               

 

 

(1) In 2010, each of the Named Executive Officers contributed a portion of his or her salary to our 401(k) plan. In addition, Mr. Konas and Ms. Teabo each deferred a portion of his or her salary under the Deferred Compensation Plan, which is included in the 2010 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table.

 

(2) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value for restricted stock awards and option awards granted in the applicable year, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Information about the assumptions used to value these awards can be found in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed on March 1, 2011. An overview of the features of these awards can be found in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above.

 

(3) Represents amounts earned under the annual cash incentive plan for the applicable fiscal year. For information about the 2010 plan, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Annual Cash Incentive Awards — 2010 Annual Cash Incentive Award Program.”

 

(4) All Other Compensation for 2010 is as follows:

 

Name

   401(k) Match
($)(a)
     Insurance
Premiums
($)(b)
     Perquisites
($)(c)
 

David P. Stockert

     7,350         1,504         106,308   

Christopher J. Papa

     7,350         677           

Sherry W. Cohen

     7,350         1,996           

Charles A. Konas

     7,350         1,951           

S. Jamie Teabo

     7,350         824           

 

 

  (a) This column represents amounts contributed by the Company to each Named Executive Officer’s account under the 401(k) plan. Amounts contributed to the 401(k) plan are calculated on the same basis for all participants including the Named Executive Officers.

 

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  (b) This column represents the Company’s contribution for long-term executive disability premiums for each Named Executive Officer.

 

  (c) This column reports perquisites in 2010 for Mr. Stockert, including $100,000 loan forgiveness described in more detail under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions — Loans to Executive Officers” and $6,308 for club memberships. The perquisites for the other Named Executive Officers were less than $10,000 in 2010.

 

(5) Mr. Konas first became a Named Executive Officer in fiscal 2009. Under SEC rules, we are not required to provide compensation information for Mr. Konas prior to the time he became a Named Executive Officer.

 

(6) Ms. Teabo first became a Named Executive Officer in fiscal 2010. Under SEC rules, we are not required to provide compensation information for Ms. Teabo prior to the time she became a Named Executive Officer.

 

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2010 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth information with respect to possible payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards and restricted stock and option awards granted to each of the Named Executive Officers during 2010.

 

Name

   Grant Date     Estimated Possible Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
     All  Other
Stock

Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock
(#)(1)
     All Other
Option
Awards
(#)(2)
     Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
     Grant
Date
Fair
Value of
Stock or
Option
Awards
($)(3)
 
     Threshold
($)
     Target
($)
     Maximum
($)
             

David P. Stockert

     02/03/2010                 26,230               480,009   
     02/03/2010                    23,610         18.30         119,998   
     02/03/2010 (4)              315,000         409,500               

Christopher J. Papa

     02/03/2010                 17,487               320,012   
     02/03/2010                    15,740         18.30         79,999   
     02/03/2010 (4)              205,200         287,280               

Sherry W. Cohen

     02/03/2010                 9,181               168,012   
     02/03/2010                    8,270         18.30         42,032   
     02/03/2010 (4)              130,500         182,700               

Charles A. Konas

     02/03/2010                 5,655               103,487   
     02/03/2010                    3,550         18.30         18,043   
     02/03/2010 (4)              91,000         129,675               

S. Jamie Teabo

     02/03/2010                 4,372               80,008   
     02/03/2010                    3,940         18.30         20,025   
     02/03/2010 (4)              84,000         119,700               

 

 

(1) Represents restricted stock granted on February 3, 2010. One-third of these shares vested on December 31, 2010, one-third will vest on December 31, 2011 and one-third will vest on December 31, 2012. Dividends are paid on all shares of restricted stock. For Mr. Konas, includes 860 shares of common stock and 860 shares of restricted stock awarded to him under the Incentive Stock Plan.

 

(2) Represents stock option awards granted on February 3, 2010. One-third of these options vested on February 3, 2011, one-third will vest on February 3, 2012 and one-third will vest on February 3, 2013.

 

(3) Represents the grant date fair value of the restricted stock and stock option awards granted during 2010 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements in the Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2011 for the assumptions made in determining the grant-date fair values. There can be no assurance that the restricted stock or stock option awards will vest (in which case no value will be realized by the executive) or that the value received upon the vesting of such awards will be equal to the FASB ASC Topic 718 value. The closing price of our common stock on the NYSE as of February 3, 2010 was $18.30.

 

(4) Represents possible payouts under an annual cash incentive plan as determined under the Company’s “Partners in Performance” framework. There is no threshold level under the plan. Actual payouts for 2010 have been determined and are reflected in the 2010 Summary Compensation Table in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column. Mr. Stockert’s annual cash incentive was allocated 80% to corporate performance and 20% to business unit/leadership measures. For Mr. Papa and Ms. Cohen, 40% of the annual incentive opportunity was allocated to corporate performance, and 60% to business unit/leadership performance. For Mr. Konas and Ms. Teabo, 30% of the annual incentive opportunity was allocated to corporate performance, and 70% to business unit/leadership performance. For further detail about the Partners in Performance framework see the discussion under “Annual Cash Incentives” in Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

 

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2010 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth information with respect to outstanding option and stock awards for each of the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2010.

 

 

    Option Awards     Stock Awards  

Name

  Grant Date     Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
    Option
Exercise
Price
($)
    Option
Expiration
Date
    Number of
Shares of Stock
That
Have Not
Vested (#)(1)
    Market
Value of
Shares of Stock
That Have Not
Vested ($)(2)
 

David P. Stockert

    05/31/2001        175,000               36.47        05/31/2011       
    01/30/2003        23,000               24.01        01/30/2013       
    07/17/2003        175,000               26.07        07/17/2013       
    01/20/2004        50,000               27.98        01/20/2014       
    01/18/2005        50,000               32.53        01/18/2015       
    01/18/2006        60,000               40.15        01/18/2016       
    02/02/2007        38,070               48.00        02/02/2017       
    02/09/2009        26,666        53,334 (3)      12.22        02/09/2019       
    02/03/2010               23,610 (4)      18.30        02/03/2020       
              31,171        1,131,507   

Christopher J. Papa

    12/01/2003        15,000               28.99        12/01/2013       
    01/18/2005        16,667               32.53        01/18/2015       
    01/18/2006        30,000               40.15        01/18/2016       
    02/02/2007        27,690               48.00        02/02/2017       
    02/09/2009               40,000 (3)      12.22        02/09/2019       
    02/03/2010               15,740 (4)      18.30        02/03/2020       
              18,885        685,526   

Sherry W. Cohen

    07/17/2003        48,334               26.07        07/17/2013       
    01/20/2004        20,000               27.98        01/20/2014       
    01/18/2005        12,500               32.53        01/18/2015       
    01/18/2006        17,500               40.15        01/18/2016       
    02/02/2007        17,310               48.00        02/02/2017       
    02/09/2009               26,667 (3)      12.22        02/09/2019       
    02/03/2010               8,270 (4)      18.30        02/03/2020       
              10,894        395,452   

Charles A. Konas

    01/18/2005        1,000               32.53        01/18/2015       
    01/18/2006        3,700               40.15        01/18/2016       
    02/02/2007        2,290               48.00        02/02/2017       
    02/09/2009               5,334 (3)      12.22        02/09/2019       
    02/03/2010               3,550 (4)      18.30        02/03/2020       
              4,441        161,208   

S. Jamie Teabo

    01/18/2005        2,334               32.53        01/18/2015       
    01/18/2006        3,500               40.15        01/18/2016       
    02/02/2007        2,080               48.00        02/02/2017       
    02/09/2009               5,667 (3)      12.22        02/09/2019       
    02/03/2010               3,940 (4)      18.30        02/03/2020       
              3,677        133,475   

 

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(1) The shares of restricted stock vest as follows:

 

     2/03/11      07/17/11      12/31/11      12/31/12  

David P. Stockert

             4,795         17,632         8,744   

Christopher J. Papa

                     13,056         5,829   

Sherry W. Cohen

             1,439         6,394         3,061   

Charles A. Konas

     860                 2,268         1,313   

S. Jamie Teabo

                     2,219         1,458   

 

(2) The market value of the restricted stock awards is based on the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE as of December 31, 2010, which was $36.30.

 

(3) Vested one-third on each of February 9, 2010 and February 9, 2011, and one-third will vest on February 9, 2012.

 

(4) Vested one-third on February 3, 2011, and one-third will vest on each of February 3, 2012 and 2013.

2010 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth information concerning the amounts realized upon the exercise of options and on the vesting of stock during 2010 by each of the Named Executive Officers.

 

Name

   Option Awards      Stock Awards  
   Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
     Value Realized on
Exercise ($)(1)
     Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)
     Value Realized on
Vesting ($)(2)
 

David P. Stockert

                     27,160         923,094   

Christopher J. Papa

     35,000         385,650         16,830         610,929   

Sherry W. Cohen

     13,333         199,995         9,805         337,071   

Charles A. Konas

     2,666         42,677         3,623         116,035   

S. Jamie Teabo

     15,333         127,477         2,604         94,525   

 

 

(1) Amounts are calculated by subtracting the exercise price from the price of our common stock on the date of exercise and multiplying the number of stock appreciation rights or shares underlying the options, as applicable. The amounts in this column may not represent amounts that were actually realized.

 

(2) Amounts reflect the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on the day the restricted stock vested multiplied by the number of shares of restricted stock that vested.

 

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2010 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The following table sets forth information regarding deferred compensation that is not tax-qualified for each of the Named Executive Officers.

 

Name

   Executive
Contributions
in 2010
($)(1)
     Aggregate
Earnings in
2010
($)
     Aggregate
Balance at
December 31,
2010
($)(2)
 

David P. Stockert

                       

Christopher J. Papa

                       

Sherry W. Cohen

             56,571         439,038   

Charles A. Konas

     6,500         6,457         39,379   

S. Jamie Teabo

     11,229         26,301         256,536   

 

(1) The amounts in this column are also included in the salary column of the 2010 Summary Compensation Table.

 

(2) Of the totals in this column, the following amounts have previously been reported (or would have been reported had the person been a Named Executive Officer) in the Summary Compensation Table for this year, and for previous years:

 

Name

   Reported in
Current
Summary
Compensation
Table ($)
     Reported in
Previous
Years’
Summary
Compensation
Table ($)
     Total
($)
 

David P. Stockert

                       

Christopher J. Papa

                       

Sherry W. Cohen

             300,052         300,052   

Charles A. Konas

     6,500         26,000         32,500   

S. Jamie Teabo

     11,229         183,473         194,702   

Each Named Executive Officer may elect to defer the payment of all or a portion of his or her salary and bonus for any calendar year under our Deferred Compensation Plan. The amount of compensation that may be deferred under the plan is not limited.

The deferrals made by a participant under the plan are credited to a bookkeeping account for the participant. We will make adjustments to each participant’s account balance to reflect the investment return that would have been received had the account balance been invested in one or more benchmark return options which the participant elects for us to use in making such adjustments to his or her account. The array of benchmark return options changes from time to time. As of December 31, 2010, Named Executive Officers and other participants could choose among several different investments, including domestic and international equity, income, short-term investment and balanced mutual fund investments. Participants can change their deferral elections in accordance with procedures established by the Company from time to time. All deferred amounts are held in a rabbi trust.

When participants elect to defer amounts, they may also select when the amounts ultimately will be distributed to them. Distributions may be either made at a fixed time specified by the participant — whether or not employment has then ended — or as of the participant’s retirement or

 

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separation, disability, death or upon a change of control. Distributions may also be made in the event of certain unforeseeable emergencies. A participant may elect to have the Company distribute his or her account in one of the following methods: (1) one lump sum; (2) five annual installments; or (3) ten annual installments. However, if the balance credited to the participant’s account does not exceed $10,000, the participant’s account will automatically be distributed in one lump sum. In addition, all distributions made pursuant to a fixed time election, an unforeseeable emergency, death, or a change of control will be made in one lump sum. All distributions are made in cash.

Employment Agreements

We have employment agreements with our Named Executive Officers. We entered into amended and restated employment agreements with Messrs. Stockert, Papa and Konas and Ms. Cohen, and we entered into a new employment agreement with Ms. Teabo on April 4, 2011. The amendments to the agreements with Messrs. Stockert and Papa and Ms. Cohen change the “modified single-trigger” change-in-control provisions to “double-trigger” change-in-control provisions. The current agreements for all Named Executive Officers now contain “double-trigger” change-in-control provisions. In addition, the amendments to the agreements with Messrs. Stockert, Papa and Konas and Ms. Cohen eliminate tax gross-up payments and achieve more consistency among the agreements. The discussion below reflects the agreements as currently in effect. The agreements generally provide for a minimum base salary and eligibility to receive (1) an annual bonus based on individual and corporate goals established by the Committee, and (2) awards under incentive and equity compensation programs maintained by the Company, as determined by the Committee.

The agreements also provide for participation in our employee benefit plans and specified executive benefits disclosed in the 2010 Summary Compensation Table above. As part of the employment agreements, our Named Executive Officers agree to protect our trade secrets for so long as such information remains a trade secret, to protect any confidential or proprietary information for the one year period following his or her termination of employment and to refrain from soliciting our customers and our employees for the two year period following his or her termination of employment. In addition, our Named Executive Officers agree not to compete with us for the one-year period following his or her termination of employment. Included in the employment agreements are termination and change of control provisions, which are more fully described in “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control” below. Each agreement provides for a one-year term that is automatically renewed each year for one additional year unless we provide 30 days notice of nonrenewal. The minimum annual base salary for each executive under his or her employment agreement is set forth below:

 

Name

   Minimum
Annual
Base
Salary ($)
 

David P. Stockert

     420,000   

Christopher J. Papa

     342,000   

Sherry W. Cohen

     290,000   

Charles A. Konas

     260,000   

S. Jamie Teabo

     260,000   

 

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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control

As part of the employment agreements with our Named Executive Officers, we have agreed to pay certain amounts and provide certain benefits following termination of employment or a change of control under certain circumstances, as described below.

Termination For Cause or By Executive Without Good Reason.    In the event of termination by us for cause or by the executive without good reason, the executive will forfeit all compensation, perquisites and benefits provided in the agreements and will forfeit all unvested options to purchase common stock and unvested restricted stock.

Termination Without Cause or By Executive For Good Reason.    If an executive’s employment agreement is terminated by us without cause or by the executive for good reason, the executive will continue to receive (i) his or her base salary, other benefits under our benefit plans and certain executive benefits owed for the period specified in the table below (column A) as if he or she continued to be employed for such period, and (ii) a lump sum payment equal to a pro rata portion (based on the number of days the executive already worked during the calendar year) of the average percentage payout of the target bonus, if any, awarded to executives at or above the Executive Vice President level, payable at the same time annual bonuses are paid to executives at or above the Executive Vice President level, plus the multiple of the executive’s average bonus over the prior three years specified in the table below (column B); provided that certain payments may be delayed for up to six months in accordance with 409A of the Code. In addition, any unvested stock options and restricted stock shall vest on the date of termination to the extent that any such option or restricted stock would have vested during the period specified in the table below (column A) from the termination date. The outstanding options will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the 10-year term of the option and (ii) the date the option would have expired if the executive’s employment had terminated at the end of the period specified in the table below (column A).

 

Name

  

Period of Continued Coverage
and Benefits Under Employee
Benefit Plans

(column A)

  

Payment Multiple of
Average Bonus
Following Termination

(column B)

David P. Stockert

   30 months    2.5 times average bonus

Christopher J. Papa

   18 months    1.5 times average bonus

Sherry W. Cohen

   18 months    1.5 times average bonus

Charles A. Konas

   18 months    1.5 times average bonus

S. Jamie Teabo

   18 months    1.5 times average bonus

Termination in Connection with Change of Control.    For each executive, if a change of control (as defined below) occurs and an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by the executive for good reason during the three-year period following the change of control (the protection period), the executive will receive a lump sum payment equal to a pro rata portion of the target bonus, if any (as set by the Committee), that the executive would have been eligible to receive for the days the executive already worked during the calendar year, plus a multiple of the executive’s cash compensation specified in the table below (column A); provided that certain payments may be delayed for up to six months in accordance with 409A of the Code. Cash compensation, for purposes of change of control severance, is defined in the agreements as the executive’s base salary at the time of termination (or if greater, the average salary over the prior three years) plus the executive’s target bonus as approved by the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee for the

 

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calendar year in which the termination occurs, or if no such target bonus has been approved for the calendar year, then the average annual cash bonuses earned over the prior three years. The value of the stock options and restricted shares are not included. In addition, any unvested stock options and restricted stock of each executive shall fully vest, and notwithstanding the terms of the stock options, the options shall remain exercisable for the remaining terms of the options as if there had been no termination of employment. The executive will also continue to receive coverage and benefits under the employee benefit plans for the period specified in the table below (column B) following the change of control.

 

Name

  

Payment Multiple of Cash
Compensation Following
Termination

(column A)

  

Period of Continued Coverage
and Benefits Under Employee
Benefit Plans

(column B)

David P. Stockert

   3 times cash compensation    36 months

Christopher J. Papa

   3 times cash compensation    36 months

Sherry W. Cohen

   3 times cash compensation    36 months

Charles A. Konas

   2 times cash compensation    24 months

S. Jamie Teabo

   2 times cash compensation    24 months

Definitions and Other Provisions

Under the employment agreements, “Cause” is defined, in summary, as the executive’s (i) conviction or guilty plea to a felony or any act of fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement, (ii) malfeasance or gross negligence in the performance of his or her duties, or (iii) breach of the covenants of the employment agreement. “Good Reason” is defined, in summary, as (i) certain reductions in the executive’s compensation or benefits, (ii) certain reductions in the executive’s responsibility or authority, (iii) a transfer of the executive’s primary place of work, and (iv) a failure by Post to renew the term of the executive’s employment agreement.

Under the employment agreements, a change of control is defined as:

 

   

any change of control which is required to be reported in a proxy statement,

 

   

a person becoming a beneficial owner of 45% or more of the combined voting power of our then outstanding securities for the election of directors,

 

   

the members of our board of directors at the beginning of any period of two consecutive years or less cease for any reason to constitute a majority of our board of directors unless their successors were approved by at least two-thirds of the members of our board of directors at the beginning of such period,

 

   

the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or share exchange which results in our common stock being converted or changed into securities of another non-Company affiliated organization,

 

   

any dissolution or liquidation of the Company or the sale or disposition of 50% or more of our assets or business, or

 

   

the consummation of any reorganization, merger, consolidation or share exchange with another corporation that would cause existing shareholders of the Company to hold less than 60% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the surviving entity.

 

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A change of control is “effective” under these agreements on the date of the closing of the transaction which effects the change of control or, if there is no such closing, on the date the change of control is reported to the SEC (or otherwise publicly announced as effective).

The tables below were prepared as though the Named Executive Officers’ employment was terminated or a change of control occurred on December 31, 2010 using the closing price of our common stock as of December 31, 2010, the last day of the trading year, and the terms of the executives’ current employment agreements as if such agreements were in place at December 31, 2010. The amounts reflect the acceleration of benefits described above as well as benefits payable or other consequences under our benefit plans in connection with a change of control. There can be no assurance that a termination or change of control would produce the same or similar results as those shown below if it occurs on any other date or at any other price.

 

     Cash
Severance
($)(1)
     Continued
Benefits
and
Perquisites
($)(2)
     Accelerated
Vesting of
Unvested
Equity
Compensation
($)(3)
     Total
($)
 

David P. Stockert

           

•  For Cause/Resignation without Good Reason

                               

•  Death/Disability/Retirement

                     2,666,712         2,666,712   

•  Involuntary Termination without Cause, Resignation for Good Reason

     1,493,270         43,857         2,840,770         4,377,898   

•  Termination in connection with a Change of Control

     2,268,000         52,628         2,840,770         5,161,398   

Christopher J. Papa

           

•  For Cause/Resignation without Good Reason

                               

•  Death/Disability/Retirement

                     1,932,046         1,932,046   

•  Involuntary Termination without Cause, Resignation for Good Reason

     840,530         24,575         1,625,989         2,491,094   

•  Termination in connection with a Change of Control

     1,682,640         49,149         1,932,046         3,663,835   

Sherry W. Cohen

           

•  For Cause/Resignation without Good Reason

                               

•  Death/Disability/Retirement

                     1,134,218         1,134,218   

•  Involuntary Termination without Cause, Resignation for Good Reason

     654,738         20,000         1,025,695         1,700,434   

•  Termination in connection with a Change of Control

     1,287,600         40,000         1,186,454         2,514,054   

Charles A. Konas

           

•  For Cause/Resignation without Good Reason

                               

•  Death/Disability/Retirement

                     353,551         353,551   

•  Involuntary Termination without Cause, Resignation for Good Reason

     534,315         27,153         284,577         846,045   

•  Termination in connection with a Change of Control

     720,200         36,204         353,551         1,109,955   

 

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     Cash
Severance
($)(1)
     Continued
Benefits
and
Perquisites
($)(2)
     Accelerated
Vesting of
Unvested
Equity
Compensation
($)(3)
     Total
($)
 

S. Jamie Teabo

           

• For Cause/Resignation without Good Reason

                               

• Death/Disability/Retirement

                     340,856         340,856   

• Involuntary Termination without Cause, Resignation for Good Reason

     520,061         17,533         264,279         801,873   

• Termination in connection with a Change of Control

     704,800         23,377         340,856         1,069,033   

 

(1) Upon involuntary termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, with respect to Mr. Stockert, includes cash severance equal to the sum of (i) his annual base salary continued for 30 months, plus (ii) a lump sum payment equal to his average bonus earned for 2007-2009 multiplied by 2.5, plus (iii) a lump sum payment of the average percentage payout of the 2010 target bonus awarded to executives at or above the Executive Vice President level (less the amount of such bonus previously paid to executive in December 2010 as described above in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”), and with respect to Messrs. Papa and Konas, and Mss. Cohen and Teabo, includes cash severance equal to the sum of (i) his or her annual base salary continued for 18 months, plus (ii) a lump sum payment equal to his or her average bonus earned for 2007-2009 multiplied by 1.5, plus (iii) a lump sum payment of the average percentage payout of the 2010 target bonus awarded to executives at or above the Executive Vice President level (less the amount of such bonus previously paid to executive in December 2010). Upon termination in connection with a Change of Control, includes cash severance equal to a multiple of the executive’s annual cash compensation (his or her annual base salary, plus his or her 2010 target bonus), plus a pro rata portion of the target bonus, if any (as set by the Committee), that the executive would have been eligible to receive for the days the executive already worked during the calendar year, or if no target has been set, then a pro rata portion of the average bonus earned over the prior three years. For purposes of this table, each executive is deemed to have earned his or her 2010 target bonus, and would be entitled to a lump sum payment of such amount less the amount of such bonus previously paid to such executive in December 2010. For Messrs. Stockert and Papa and Ms. Cohen, the Change in Control multiple is three, and for Mr. Konas and Ms. Teabo the Change in Control multiple is two. For purposes of this table, cash severance is calculated using the annual base salary of each executive in effect under his or her amended and restated or new employment agreement, dated as of April 4, 2011.

 

(2) Includes medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, long-term disability, and supplemental long-term disability coverage. Cost of continued benefits is estimated using 2010 annual costs over the continuation period, plus reimbursement for any income and employment taxes due on such amounts at the maximum marginal tax rates.

 

(3) Amounts in this column represent the “in-the-money” value of unvested stock options and the full value of unvested restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2010 (the assumed termination date) to the extent vesting would be accelerated upon termination under these scenarios. These amounts are different than our compensation expense for granting these awards. The assumed share price upon each termination scenario is $36.30, which was the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2010, the last trading day of the year.

 

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2010, Messrs. Bloom, Deriso and French and Ms. Thayer served as members of the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee. During 2010:

 

   

none of our executive officers was a director of another entity where one of that entity’s executive officers served on the Committee,

 

   

no member of the Committee was during the year or formerly an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries,

 

   

no member of the Committee entered into any transaction with our Company in which the amount involved exceeded $120,000,

 

   

none of our executive officers served on the compensation committee of any entity where one of that entity’s executive officers served on the Committee, and

 

   

none of our executive officers served on the compensation committee of another entity where one of that entity’s executive officers served as a director on our board of directors.

 

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PROPOSAL 2 — ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Pay that reflects performance and alignment of pay with the long-term interests of our shareholders are key principles that underlie our compensation program. In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act), shareholders have the opportunity to vote, on an advisory basis, on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. This is often referred to as a “say on pay,” and provides you, as a shareholder, with the ability to cast a vote with respect to our 2010 executive compensation programs and policies and the compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement through the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the shareholders approve the compensation of the Named Executive Officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and in the compensation tables and accompanying narrative disclosure in this Proxy Statement.”

As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers reflects the following objectives of our compensation program:

 

   

foster a high performance culture that appropriately motivates our associates,

 

   

link compensation to the achievement of our strategic and financial objectives,

 

   

drive shareholder value creation, and

 

   

attract and retain high-caliber talent.

Although the vote is non-binding, the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee will review the voting results. To the extent there is any significant negative vote, we will consult directly with shareholders to better understand the concerns that influenced the vote. The Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee would consider the constructive feedback obtained through this process in making decisions about future compensation arrangements for our Named Executive Officers.

As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, this vote does not overrule any decisions by the board, will not create or imply any change to or any additional fiduciary duties of the board and will not restrict or limit the ability of shareholders generally to make proposals for inclusion in proxy materials related to executive compensation.

The board of directors recommends a vote FOR the approval,

on an advisory basis, of executive compensation.

 

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PROPOSAL 3 — ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Dodd-Frank Act also provides shareholders with the opportunity to indicate, on an advisory basis, their preference as to the frequency of future say on pay votes, often referred to as a “say when on pay.” For this proposal, shareholders can indicate whether they would prefer that we hold future advisory votes on executive compensation every one, two or three years.

The optimal frequency of future say on pay votes rests on a judgment about the relative benefits and burdens of each of the choices: one, two or three years. There have been diverging views expressed on this question and the board believes there is a reasonable basis for each of the choices. Some have suggested that less frequent votes are preferable, arguing that a less frequent vote would allow shareholders to focus on overall design issues rather than details of individual decisions, would align with the goal of compensation programs which are designed to reward performance that promotes long-term shareholder value, and would avoid the burden that annual votes would impose on shareholders required to evaluate the compensation programs of a large number of companies each year. Others have suggested that annual votes are preferable, arguing that an annual vote is needed to give shareholders the opportunity to react promptly to trends in compensation, provide feedback before those trends become pronounced over time, and give the board and the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee the opportunity to evaluate individual compensation decisions each year in light of the ongoing feedback from shareholders. After careful consideration of the frequency alternatives, the board recommends that future advisory votes on executive compensation should be held every year, or on an annual basis.

Although the vote is non-binding, the board and the Executive Compensation and Management Development Committee will review the voting results in making a decision as to the policy to be adopted by the board on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.

As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, this vote does not overrule any decisions by the board, will not create or imply any change to or any additional fiduciary duties of the board and will not restrict or limit the ability of shareholders generally to make proposals for inclusion in proxy materials related to executive compensation.

The board of directors recommends that shareholders vote for an advisory vote on executive compensation every ONE year.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

In accordance with our Audit Committee charter, our Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the terms, conditions and arrangements involving any related person or potential conflict of interest transaction and for overseeing our Code of Business Conduct, which includes disclosure requirements applicable to our employees and our directors relating to conflicts of interest. Accordingly, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the terms and conditions of all transactions that involve the Company, one of our directors or executive officers or any of their immediate family members. Although we have not entered into any such transactions since January 1, 2010 that meet the requirements for disclosure in this Proxy Statement, if there were to be such a transaction, we would need the approval of our Audit Committee prior to entering into such transaction.

Loans to Executive Officers

We made loans to certain executive officers in 1999 and 2001. The purpose of those loans was generally to facilitate the executive’s purchase of our common stock. Some of those loans included forgiveness provisions where the principal amount would be forgiven in annual installments over five or ten years. In this way, those loans were economically similar to a restricted stock grant with annual installment vesting. All of the loans bore interest at 6.32%. Interest was payable quarterly and, at the Company’s election, the loans were due in full on the earlier of (1) the tenth anniversary of the date of the note or (2) 30 days after the employee ceased for any reason to be an employee of the Company. The loans were made prior to July 30, 2002, the effective date of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we may not extend further loans or change the payment terms of existing loans, but we may allow existing loans to remain in place under their original terms.

We had outstanding loans to Mr. Stockert during 2010. We made a loan of $1,000,000 to Mr. Stockert in May 2001. Pursuant to the terms of this loan, we forgave $100,000 of the loan in January 2010, resulting in an outstanding balance at December 31, 2010 of $100,000. The “All Other Compensation” column in the 2010 Summary Compensation Table reflects loan forgiveness of $100,000 for Mr. Stockert during 2010. Pursuant to the terms of this loan, we forgave the remaining $100,000 balance on January 1, 2011. We additionally made a loan of $1,000,000 to Mr. Stockert in June 2001. Mr. Stockert repaid the remaining $625,000 balance of this loan in November 2010. As of January 1, 2011, all loans to Mr. Stockert have been paid in full.

 

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, reviewing with Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte), our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2010, the scope and results of their audit engagement. In connection with the audit for the year ended December 31, 2010, the Audit Committee has:

 

   

reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements of Post Properties and Post Apartment Homes to be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010;

 

   

discussed with Deloitte the matters required by the statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1 AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T; and

 

   

received the written disclosures and letter from Deloitte required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Deloitte’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Deloitte their independence.

Management is primarily responsible for Post Properties’ financial reporting process (including its system of internal control) and for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of Post Properties and Post Apartment Homes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Deloitte is responsible for auditing those financial statements and issuing an opinion on whether the audited financial statements conform with GAAP. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and review these processes. It is not the Audit Committee’s duty or responsibility to conduct auditing or accounting reviews or procedures. Therefore, the Audit Committee has relied on management’s representation that the financial statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and on the representations of Deloitte included in their report to the financial statements of Post Properties and Post Apartment Homes.

Based on the review and the discussions described in the preceding bullet points, the Audit Committee has recommended to the board of directors that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Submitted by the Audit Committee:

Russell R. French, Chair

Walter M. Deriso, Jr.

Dale Anne Reiss

Stella F. Thayer

 

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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

2010 and 2009 Fees

Deloitte served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The table below summarizes fees for professional services rendered by Deloitte for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP Fees

   Year Ended
December 31, 2010
($)
     Year Ended
December 31, 2009
($)
 

Audit Fees(1)

     665,000         665,000   

Audit-Related Fees(2)

     232,650         192,650   

Tax Fees(3)

             10,000   

All other Fees

               
                 

Total

     897,650         867,650   
                 

 

 

(1) Represents audit fees and expenses related to audits of the annual financial statements of Post Properties and Post Apartment Homes, reviews of quarterly financial statements of Post Properties and Post Apartment Homes, audits of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Post Properties and Post Apartment Homes and other attest services rendered in connection with securities offerings and registration statements.

 

(2) Represents fees principally related to separate joint venture audits, other statutory audits and comfort letter procedures.

 

(3) Represents fees principally related to tax consulting.

Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services

The Audit Committee has established a pre-approval policy for audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firms. The policy gives detailed guidance to management as to the specific services that are eligible for general pre-approval and provides specific cost limits for certain services on an annual basis. Pursuant to the policy and the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee has delegated to its chair the authority to address any requests for pre-approval of other non-audit services between Audit Committee meetings that do not exceed $75,000 per non-audit service. Any such approvals are required to be subsequently ratified by the full Audit Committee.

None of the services provided by Deloitte for 2010 and 2009, that were approved by the Audit Committee, made use of the de minimus exception to pre-approval set forth in applicable rules of the SEC.

 

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PROPOSAL 4 — RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF

THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Our Audit Committee appointed Deloitte to audit our consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2011 and to prepare a report on this audit. A representative of Deloitte will be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to appropriate questions by shareholders.

We are asking our shareholders to ratify the appointment of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm. Although ratification is not required by our bylaws or otherwise, the board of directors is submitting the selection of Deloitte to our shareholders for ratification because we value our shareholders’ views on the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and as a matter of good corporate practice. In the event that our shareholders fail to ratify the appointment, it will be considered as a direction to the board of directors and the Audit Committee to consider the appointment of a different firm. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.

The board of directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of

the independent registered public accountants.

 

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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table presents information as of December 31, 2010 about our common stock that may be issued under our 1993 Employee Stock Plan and our Amended and Restated 2003 Incentive Stock Plan. As of December 31, 2010, there were outstanding stock grants subject to forfeiture for 129,395 shares which are not reflected in the table.

 

 

Plan Category

  (a)
Number of Securities to
be Issued upon Exercise
of  Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights (#)
    (b)
Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and
Rights ($)/Sh
    (c)
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance  under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities Reflected
in Column (a)) (#)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:

     

1993 Employee Stock Plan

    365,483        32.98          

Amended and Restated 2003 Incentive Stock Plan

    1,702,333        30.33        2,149,802   
                 

Total

    2,067,816        30.80        2,149,802   

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders:

    N/A        N/A        N/A   
                 

Total

    2,067,816        30.80        2,149,802   
                 

 

 

(1) The term for all outstanding options and SARs is ten years from the date of grant.

 

(2) The Amended and Restated 2003 Incentive Stock Plan applies share counting on a fungible basis, which means that stock grants will count against the total shares available under the plan as 2.7 shares for every one share issued, while options will count against the total shares available as one share for every one share issued on the exercise of an option and SARs will count against the total shares available as one share for each share with respect to which the appreciation in the SAR is based if the SAR is settled in shares (as distinguished from one share for each share issued in satisfaction of the SAR). Shares issued that are forfeited will be added back to the total shares available on the same fungible basis. However, shares tendered by a participant or withheld by us to pay the exercise price of options or to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to an award, and shares that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the SAR when the SAR is exercised, will not be added back to the shares authorized under the plan.

OTHER MATTERS

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of our common stock to file with the SEC certain reports with respect to each such person’s beneficial ownership of our equity securities. Based solely upon a review of the reports furnished to the company, or written representations from reporting persons that all reportable transactions were reported, the company believes that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 the Company’s officers, directors and greater than ten percent owners timely filed all reports they were required to file under Section 16(a).

 

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Shareholder Proposals

Rule 14a-8 Proposals for Our 2010 Proxy Statement

Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, a shareholder proposal submitted for inclusion in our proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting must be received by December 8, 2011. However, pursuant to such rule, if the 2012 Annual Meeting is held on a date that is before April 25, 2012 or after June 24, 2012, then a shareholder proposal submitted for inclusion in our proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting must be received by us a reasonable time before we begin to print and mail our proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting.

Shareholder Proposals of Business

Under our bylaws which will be in effect for the 2012 Annual Meeting, a shareholder is eligible to submit a shareholder proposal of business (other than nominations of directors, the procedures for which are described below) at an annual meeting outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 if the shareholder is (1) of record based on the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting and (2) of record on the date the shareholder gives notice of the proposal to our Corporate Secretary. In addition, the proposal must be a proper matter for shareholder action under Georgia law and the shareholder must provide timely notice of the proposal in writing to our Corporate Secretary. To be timely under our bylaws, our Corporate Secretary must receive advance notice of a proposal for business at the 2012 Annual Meeting between January 26, 2012 and February 25, 2012; provided, however, if and only if the 2012 Annual Meeting is not scheduled to be held between April 30, 2012 and June 19, 2012, such shareholder’s notice must be delivered to our Corporate Secretary by the tenth day following the day on which the date of the 2012 Annual Meeting is publicly disclosed or notice of the 2012 Annual Meeting is mailed, whichever occurs first. The advance notice of the proposal must contain certain information specified in our bylaws, including information concerning the proposal and the shareholder proponent, and the shareholder must update and supplement that information as of, and within five days of, the record date for the 2012 Annual Meeting. The foregoing description is only a summary of the requirements of our bylaws. Shareholders intending to submit a proposal of business at the 2012 Annual Meeting outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 must comply with the provisions specified in our bylaws, as amended and restated effective June 9, 2009, which were filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form 8-K on February 11, 2009.

Shareholder Nominations of Directors

Shareholders may nominate directors for election without consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee by complying with the eligibility, advance notice and other provisions of our bylaws. Under our bylaws which will be in effect for the 2012 Annual Meeting, a shareholder is eligible to submit a shareholder nomination of directors at an annual meeting if the shareholder is (1) of record based on the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting and (2) of record on the date the shareholder gives notice of the nomination to our Corporate Secretary. The shareholder also must provide timely notice of the nomination in writing to our Corporate Secretary. To be timely under our bylaws, our Corporate Secretary must receive advance notice of a nomination for election of a director at the 2012 Annual Meeting between January 26, 2012 and February 25, 2012; provided, however, if and only if the 2012 Annual Meeting is not scheduled to be held between April 30, 2012 and June 19, 2012, such shareholder’s notice must be delivered to our Corporate Secretary by the tenth day following the day on which the date of the 2012 Annual Meeting

 

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is publicly disclosed or notice of the date of the 2012 Annual Meeting is mailed, whichever occurs first. The advance notice of the nomination must contain certain information specified in our bylaws, including information concerning the nominee and the shareholder proponent, and the shareholder must update and supplement that information as of, and within five days of, the record date for the 2012 Annual Meeting. The foregoing description is only a summary of the requirements of our bylaws. Shareholders intending to submit a nomination for the 2012 Annual Meeting must comply with the provisions specified in our bylaws, as amended and restated effective June 9, 2009, which were filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form 8-K on February 11, 2009.

Contact Information

Shareholder proposals should be sent to:

Post Properties, Inc.

One Riverside

4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 800

Atlanta, Georgia 30327-3057

Attention: Corporate Secretary

Householding

As permitted by the Exchange Act, only one copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or of this Proxy Statement is being delivered to shareholders residing at the same address unless such shareholders have notified us of their desire to receive multiple copies. Upon oral or written request, we will promptly deliver a separate copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or of this Proxy Statement, as applicable, to any shareholder residing at an address to which only one copy was mailed. Shareholders who participate in householding will continue to be able to separately vote their proxy. Also, householding will not in any way affect dividend check mailings.

Shareholders residing at the same address and currently receiving only one copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or of this Proxy Statement may contact us to request multiple copies in the future, and shareholders residing at the same address and currently receiving multiple copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or of this Proxy Statement may contact

 

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us to request a single copy in the future. All such requests should be directed to our Corporate Secretary by mail to Post Properties, Inc., One Riverside, 4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, Georgia, 30327-3057, or by phone at (404) 846-5000.

The board of directors knows of no other matters to be brought before the Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

LOGO

Sherry W. Cohen

Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary

Atlanta, Georgia

April 6, 2011

 

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LOGO


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

POST

PROPERTIES

IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION 000004

ENDORSEMENT LINE SACKPACK

MR A SAMPLE

DESIGNATION (IF ANY)

ADD 1

ADD 2

ADD 3

ADD 4

ADD 5

ADD 6

C123456789

000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext

Electronic Voting Instructions

You can vote by Internet or telephone!

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the two voting

methods outlined below to vote your proxy.

VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR.

Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by

12:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on May 25, 2011.

Vote by Internet

• Log on to the Internet and go to www.envisionreports.com/PPS2011

• Follow the steps outlined on the secured website.

Vote by telephone

• Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada any time on a touch tone telephone. There is NO CHARGE to you for the call.

• Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message.

Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas.

Annual Meeting Proxy Card

1234 5678 9012 345

IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

A Proposals – The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed, FOR Proposal 2, for ONE YEAR on Proposal 3 and FOR Proposal 4.

1. Election of Directors: For Withhold

01 - Robert C. Goddard, III

04 - Herschel M. Bloom

07 - Dale Anne Reiss

02 - Douglas Crocker II

05 - Walter M. Deriso, Jr.

08 - Stella F. Thayer

For Withhold

03 - David P. Stockert

06 - Russell R. French

09 - Ronald de Waal

For Withhold

2. Advisory vote on executive compensation.

4. To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the

independent registered public accountants for 2011.

For Against Abstain

3. Advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.

5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual

Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.

1 Yr 2 Yrs 3 Yrs Abstain

B Non-Voting Items

Change of Address – Please print new address below.

C Authorized Signatures – This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. – Date and Sign Below

Please sign exactly as your name or names appear hereon. For more than one owner, each should sign. When signing in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please give full title. If this proxy is submitted by a corporation, it should be executed in the full corporate name by a duly authorized officer. If submitted by a partnership, please sign in the partnership’s name by an authorized person.

Date (mm/dd/yy) – Please print date below.

Signature 1 – Please keep signature within the box.

Signature 2 – Please keep signature within the box.

C 1234567890

1 U P X

J N T

1 1 3 1 5 0 1

MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND


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LOGO

 

IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

POST PROPERTIES

Proxy — Post Properties, Inc.

PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ON MAY 25, 2011

The undersigned hereby appoints David P. Stockert and Sherry W. Cohen, and each of them, proxies, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in the name of the undersigned, to vote all shares of common stock of Post Properties, Inc. which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. The Annual Meeting will be held on May 25, 2011, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at One Riverside, 4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 800, Atlanta, Georgia 30327. The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement, and will vote on the matters described in both and upon any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Said proxies are directed to vote on the matters described in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement as follows, and otherwise in their discretion upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL DIRECTOR NOMINEES LISTED IN PROPOSAL 1, FOR PROPOSAL 2, FOR ONE YEAR ON PROPOSAL 3, FOR PROPOSAL 4, AND, IN THE DISCRETION OF MR. STOCKERT AND/OR MS. COHEN, UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT OR POSTPONEMENT THEREOF.

THE VALIDITY OF THIS PROXY IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA. THIS PROXY DOES NOT REVOKE ANY PRIOR POWERS OF ATTORNEY EXCEPT FOR PRIOR PROXIES GIVEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS.

PLEASE DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF YOU ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU MAY VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU WISH, EVEN IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY RETURNED YOUR PROXY.