def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
þ Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to 240.14a-11(c) or 240.14a-12
M.D.C.
Holdings, 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):
þ
No fee required.
o 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:
o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
o
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the
filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
3) Filing Party:
4) Date Filed:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
4350 South Monaco Street, Suite 500
Denver, Colorado 80237
March 6, 2006
To Our Shareowners:
You are invited to attend the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareowners (the Meeting) of M.D.C.
Holdings, Inc. (the Company) to be held at 4350 South Monaco Street, 6th Floor,
Assembly Room, Denver, Colorado, on Monday, April 24, 2006, at 8:00 a.m., Denver time.
Following this letter is the formal notice of the Meeting and a Proxy Statement describing the
matters to be acted upon at the Meeting. Shareowners also are entitled to vote on any other
matters that properly come before the Meeting.
While some of our shareowners have exercised their right to vote their shares in person, we
recognize that most of you are unable to attend the Meeting. Accordingly, enclosed is a proxy card
that enables shareowners to vote their shares on the matters to be considered at the Meeting, even
if they are unable to attend. Please mark the proxy card to indicate your vote, date and sign the
proxy card and return it to the Company in the enclosed postage-paid envelope as soon as
conveniently possible. If you desire to vote in accordance with managements recommendations, you
need not mark your vote on the proxy card, but need only sign, date and return it in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope.
WHETHER YOU OWN FEW OR MANY SHARES OF STOCK, PLEASE BE SURE YOU ARE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING
BY ATTENDING IN PERSON OR BY RETURNING YOUR PROXY CARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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Sincerely, |
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Larry A. Mizel |
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Chairman of the Board |
M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
4350 South Monaco Street, Suite 500
Denver, Colorado 80237
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF
SHAREOWNERS
To Our Shareowners:
The 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareowners (the Meeting) of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (the
Company) will be held at 4350 South Monaco Street, 6th Floor, Assembly Room, Denver,
Colorado, on Monday, April 24, 2006, at 8:00 a.m., Denver time, to consider and act upon the
following matters:
1. the election of Steven J. Borick, David D. Mandarich and David E. Blackford as
Class III Directors for three-year terms expiring in 2009;
2. an amendment to the Companys Certificate of Incorporation increasing the number
of authorized shares of Common Stock; and
3. such other business as properly may come before the Meeting and any postponements
or adjournments thereof.
Only shareowners of record at the close of business on February 23, 2006, the record date,
will be entitled to vote at the Meeting.
Management and the Board of Directors desire to have maximum representation at the Meeting and
respectfully request that you date, execute and timely return the enclosed proxy in the
postage-paid envelope provided.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, |
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Joseph H. Fretz |
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Secretary |
March 6, 2006
M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
4350 South Monaco Street, Suite 500
Denver, Colorado 80237
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREOWNERS
April 24, 2006
To Our Shareowners:
This proxy statement (the Proxy Statement) is furnished in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the Board of Directors (the Board of Directors or the Board) of M.D.C. Holdings,
Inc. (the Company) to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareowners of the Company (the Meeting)
to be held at our principal executive offices, 4350 South Monaco Street, 6th Floor,
Assembly Room, Denver, Colorado, on Monday, April 24, 2006, at 8:00 a.m., Denver time, and any
postponements or adjournments thereof. The Meeting is being held for the purposes set forth in the
accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareowners. This Proxy Statement, the accompanying proxy
card and the Notice of Annual Meeting, collectively referred to as the Proxy Materials, are first
being sent to shareowners on or about March 6, 2006.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Solicitation
The enclosed proxy is being solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company, which will pay
the cost of solicitation. In addition to solicitations by mail, solicitations may be made in
person, by telephone or by other means of communication by directors, officers and regular
employees of the Company. The Company will reimburse bankers, brokers and others holding shares in
their names or in the names of nominees or otherwise for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred
in sending the Proxy Materials to the beneficial owners of such shares. Although we presently do
not intend to do so, we may retain the services of Georgeson Shareholder to solicit proxies and we
would pay all reasonable costs associated with such firm, which we anticipate would not exceed
$10,000 plus costs and expenses.
Householding
Only one Annual Report (as defined below) or Proxy Statement may be delivered to multiple
shareowners sharing an address, unless the Company has received contrary instructions from one or
more of the shareowners. The Company will deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a
separate copy of the Annual Report or Proxy Statement, as applicable, to a shareowner at a shared
address to which a single copy of the Proxy Statement was delivered. To request a separate copy in
the future, or to request delivery of a single copy if multiple copies are being received, the
shareowner can direct the request to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 4350 South
Monaco Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80237.
Voting Rights
Holders of shares of the Companys common stock, $.01 par value (the Common Stock) at the
close of business on February 23, 2006 (the Record Date) are entitled to notice of, and to vote
at, the Meeting. As of the Record Date, approximately 44,861,000 shares of Common Stock were
issued and outstanding. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of one-third of the
total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding constitutes a
quorum for transacting business at the Meeting. Each share of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date is
entitled to one vote on each matter
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presented at the Meeting. The affirmative vote of the holders
of a plurality of the shares of Common Stock present or represented and entitled to vote at the
Meeting will be required for election to the Board of Directors. Adoption of the proposal to amend
the Companys Certificate of Incorporation, to increase the number of authorized shares of Common
Stock, requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock. In general, approval of other matters requires the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented and entitled to vote at the Meeting.
If your shares are held by a broker, bank or other nominee (often referred to as holding in
street name) and you wish to attend the meeting, you will need to bring a legal proxy from the
nominee reflecting your share ownership as of the Record Date. All shareowners must check in at
the registration desk at the meeting.
Voting Proxies
Shares of Common Stock represented by properly executed proxy cards received by the Company in
time for the Meeting will be voted in accordance with the instructions specified in the proxies.
Unless contrary instructions are indicated on a proxy, the shares of Common Stock represented by
such proxy will be voted FOR the election as directors of the nominees named in this Proxy
Statement and FOR the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation increasing the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock.
Rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) determine whether proposals presented at
shareowner meetings are routine or non-routine. If a proposal is routine, a broker or other
entity holding shares for an owner in street name may vote on the proposal without voting
instructions from the owner. If a proposal is non-routine, the broker or other entity may vote on
the proposal only if the owner has provided voting instructions. A broker non-vote occurs when
the broker or other entity is unable to vote on a proposal because the proposal is non-routine and
the owner does not provide instructions. Proposal One, the proposal to elect directors, and
Proposal Two, the proposal to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock, are routine
proposals under the rules of the NYSE. As a result, brokers or other entities holding shares for
an owner in street name may vote on the proposals even if no voting instructions are provided by
the owner.
The following table reflects the vote required for each proposal and the effect of broker
non-votes, withhold votes and abstentions on the vote, assuming a quorum is present at the meeting:
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Effect of Broker Non-Votes, |
Proposal |
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Vote Required |
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Withhold Votes and Abstentions |
Election of Directors
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The three nominees who receive the
most votes will be elected |
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Broker non-votes and withhold
votes have no legal effect |
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Approve increase in the
number of authorized
shares of Common Stock
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An affirmative vote
of the majority of
the shares
outstanding as of
the Record Date
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Broker non-votes and
abstentions have the same
effect as a vote against the
proposal |
Management and the Board of Directors of the Company know of no other matters to be brought
before the Meeting. If other matters are properly presented to the shareowners for action at the
Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof, it is the intention of the proxy holders
named in the proxy to vote in their discretion on all matters on which the shares of Common Stock
represented by such proxy are entitled to vote.
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Revocability of Proxy
The giving of the enclosed proxy does not preclude the right of a shareowner to vote in
person. A proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by notice of revocation in
writing sent to the Secretary of the Company, by presenting to the Company a later-dated proxy card
executed by the person executing the prior proxy card or by attending the Meeting and voting in
person.
Annual Report
The Companys 2005 Annual Report to Shareowners, including the Companys 2005 audited
financial statements (the Annual Report), is enclosed with these Proxy Materials. The Annual
Report is not incorporated into this Proxy Statement by reference, nor is it a part of the Proxy
Materials.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Following enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), new rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and amended listing standards of the NYSE
implemented new corporate governance provisions. Prior to the adoption of these new requirements,
the Company already had corporate governance measures in place. In addition, the Company adopted
other measures designed to comply with the new requirements. Among the measures the Company
already had in place, and other measures that the Company has implemented to comply with the new
requirements, are the following:
Director Independence
The amended NYSE listing standards require that the Board of Directors be comprised of a
majority of independent directors. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, SEC rules and amended NYSE listing
standards require that audit committees be comprised solely of independent directors. The amended
NYSE listing standards also require that corporate governance/nominating committees be established,
and that corporate governance/nominating committees and compensation committees be comprised solely
of independent directors.
Prior to the adoption of these requirements, the Companys Board of Directors included a
majority of independent directors and the Companys Audit Committee and Compensation Committee
already were comprised solely of independent directors.
The Board of Directors has adopted the following standards for determining whether a director
of the Company (Director) is independent:
Unless there exists a material relationship between the Company and a Director of the
Company, such Director will be deemed independent if:
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The Director has not been an employee of the Company, and no immediate
family member of the Director has been an executive officer of the Company, within
the last three years. |
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The Director has not received, and no immediate family member of the
Director has received, during any twelve-month period within the last three years,
more than $100,000 per year in direct compensation from the Company, other than (a)
director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for
prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued
service), (b) compensation paid to the Director for former service as an interim
chairman, chief executive officer or other executive officer of the Company, or (c)
compensation paid to an immediate family member of the Director as an employee of
the Company (other than an executive officer of the Company). |
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(a) Neither the Director nor an immediate family member of
the Director is a current partner of a firm that is the
Companys internal or external auditor; (b) the Director is not
a current employee of such a firm; (c) the Director does not have an
immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and
who participates in the firms audit, assurance or tax
compliance (but not tax planning) practice; or (d) neither the Director nor an immediate family member of the Director
was within the last three years (but is no longer) a partner or employee of such a
firm and personally worked on the Companys audit within that time. |
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Neither the Director nor an immediate family member of the Director is,
or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another
company where any of the Companys present executives at the same time serves or
served on the other companys compensation committee. |
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The Director is not a current employee, and no immediate family member of
the Director is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to,
or received payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which,
in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million or 2% of
such other companys consolidated gross revenues. |
The Board of Directors also has adopted the following, additional standards of independence
with respect to members of the Companys Audit Committee:
A Director will be deemed independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, provided:
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The Director has not directly or indirectly accepted any consulting,
advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Company (or any subsidiary), other than
(1) in the Directors capacity as a member of the Board of Directors and any Board
committee, (2) fixed amounts under a retirement plan for prior service or (3)
dividends to shareowners. |
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The Director has not been an affiliated person of the Company (or any
subsidiary), apart from his/her capacity as a member of the Board or any Board
committee. An affiliated person means a person that directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common
control with, the Company. |
The Companys Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Herbert T. Buchwald,
William B. Kemper, Steven J. Borick and David E. Blackford have no material relationship with the
Company and that each is independent under the rules of the SEC and the NYSE listing standards,
each meets the foregoing standards of independence adopted by the Board and each is an outside
director within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations
thereunder.
Frequent Meetings of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee
Even prior to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the new corporate governance standards required by
the SEC and the NYSE, and continuing through 2005, the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee
have held monthly meetings and additional meetings as necessary. In 2002, the Board held 11
regularly scheduled meetings and 11 special meetings, and the Audit Committee met 11 times. During
2003, the Board held 11 regularly scheduled meetings and 10 special meetings, and the Audit
Committee met 11 times. In 2004, the Board held 12 regularly scheduled meetings and 10 special
meetings, and the Audit Committee met 17 times. Most recently, in 2005, the Board held 12 regularly
scheduled meetings and 9 special meetings, and the Audit Committee met 18 times.
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Asset Management Committee
Also prior to passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the new SEC and NYSE corporate governance
requirements, the Company had in place an Asset Management Committee (AMC). As a result of the
Companys continued growth of operations, the Company currently has three separate AMCs, primarily
composed of members of our senior management. The AMCs generally meet weekly to review all
proposed land acquisitions and review other proposed non-land transactions at or above certain
thresholds. Land acquisitions and other transactions that exceed certain thresholds also are
reviewed by an executive committee of senior officers and the Board of Directors.
Lead Director
On February 20, 2006, the Board designated Herbert T. Buchwald, an independent member of the
Board, as Lead Director for a one-year term commencing March 1, 2006. Mr. Buchwald is a member of
the Audit, Compensation, Legal and Corporate Governance/Nominating Committees, is the Companys
Audit Committee Financial Expert and serves on the board of M.D.C. Land Corporation, a subsidiary
of the Company. Among other responsibilities, the Lead Director will assist in providing effective
corporate governance in the management of the affairs of the Board and the Company, advise the
Chairman as to an appropriate schedule of Board and Committee meetings, provide input as to meeting
agendas and topics, coordinate the activities of the various Committees, coordinate the agenda for
and preside at executive sessions of the non-management Directors, facilitate the process of
conducting Committee and Board self-evaluations, mentor new Directors and perform such other
responsibilities as may be delegated to the Lead Director by the Board from time to time.
Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee
In 2003, the Board of Directors established a Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee,
consisting of Messrs. Kemper, Buchwald and Blackford, who serves as its Chairman. Each member of
the Committee is independent as defined in the listing standards of the NYSE. The organization,
functions and responsibilities of the Committee are described in the Corporate
Governance/Nominating Committee charter.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee, the Board of
Directors adopted a set of corporate governance guidelines to implement the new requirements of the
NYSE. These guidelines, as amended, are posted under the corporate governance documents on the
investor relations section of the Companys website, www.richmondamerican.com, and are available
without charge to any shareowner who requests a copy by writing to the Corporate Secretary at the
address listed above.
Equity Ownership Guidelines for Directors
In order to evidence the financial alignment of the Companys Directors with the interests of
the Companys shareowners, on March 21, 2005, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee
established Equity Ownership Guidelines for Directors of the Company. Under these guidelines, each
Director is encouraged to acquire and maintain ownership of Common Stock with an acquisition value
of not less than ten times the annual amount of the retainer paid for serving on the Board of
Directors (as of February 2006, $48,000 paid $4,000 per month). Each Director is encouraged to achieve
this goal within five years of the adoption of the guidelines.
Regularly Scheduled Executive Sessions of Non-Management Directors
The Companys corporate governance guidelines provide for the non-management Directors to meet
at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management present. At least once a year, the
independent Directors meet in an executive session including only
independent Directors. In 2005, the non-management Directors selected
a presiding Director for each executive session. In 2006, the Lead
Director will preside at the executive sessions. In order that
interested
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parties may be able to contact non-management Directors, such persons may use the
procedures established by the Audit Committee for receipt of complaints and concerns. These
procedures are posted under the corporate governance documents on the investor relations section of
the Companys website, www.richmondamerican.com.
Committee Charters
Upon the recommendations of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee, respectively,
the Board of Directors has adopted re-stated charters for those committees, designed to comply with
the applicable requirements of the amended NYSE listing standards and SEC regulations. The Board
of Directors also has adopted a charter for the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee. These
charters are posted under the corporate governance documents on the
investor relations section of the Companys website, www.richmondamerican.com, and are available without
charge to any shareowner who requests a copy by writing to the Corporate Secretary at the address
listed above.
Corporate Code of Conduct
Prior to passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the new requirements of the SEC and the NYSE,
the Company already had in place a Corporate Code of Conduct designed to provide that all persons
associated with the Company, including employees, officers and Directors, follow the Companys
compliance program and legal and ethical obligations and conduct themselves accordingly. In 2004,
the Company revised its Corporate Code of Conduct to include, among other things, a code of ethics
for senior financial officers and Audit Committee complaint procedures, as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and SEC regulations. The Corporate Code of Conduct, the code of ethics for
senior financial officers and the Audit Committee complaint procedures for handling confidential
complaints regarding accounting or auditing matters are posted under the corporate governance
documents on the investor relations section of the Companys website, www.richmondamerican.com and
are available without charge to any person who requests a copy by writing to the Corporate
Secretary at the address listed above.
PROPOSAL ONE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Companys Certificate of Incorporation provides for three classes of Directors with
staggered terms of office, to be divided as equally as possible. Nominees of each class serve for
terms of three years (unless a nominee is changing to a different class) and until election and
qualification of their successors or until their resignation, death, disqualification or removal
from office.
The Board of Directors currently consists of seven members, including three Class III
Directors whose terms expire in 2006, two Class I Directors whose terms expire in 2007 and two
Class II Directors whose terms expire in 2008. At the Meeting, three Class III Directors are to be
elected to three-year terms expiring in 2009. The nominees for the Class III Directors are Messrs.
Steven J. Borick, David D. Mandarich and David E. Blackford. All of the nominees presently serve
on the Board of Directors of the Company.
Unless otherwise specified, the enclosed proxy card will be voted FOR the election of Messrs.
Borick, Mandarich and Blackford. Management and the Board of Directors are not aware of any
reasons which would cause Messrs. Borick, Mandarich or Blackford to be unavailable to serve as
Directors. If Messrs. Borick, Mandarich or Blackford become unavailable for election,
discretionary authority may be exercised by the proxy holders named in the enclosed proxy card to
vote for a substitute nominee or nominees proposed by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of Messrs. Borick, Mandarich and
Blackford as Directors.
Certain information, as of February 6, 2006, with respect to Messrs. Borick, Mandarich and
Blackford, the nominees for election, and the continuing Directors of the Company, furnished in
part by each such person, appears below (unless stated otherwise, the named beneficial owner
possesses the sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares):
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Shares Beneficially |
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Positions and Offices with the Company |
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Owned as of the |
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and Other Principal Occupations |
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Percentage of Class (3) |
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NOMINEES: |
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Class III |
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Terms Expire in 2006 |
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Steven J. Borick
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53 |
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Director, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Superior
Industries International, Inc.,
President of Texakota, Inc. and a
General Partner in Texakota Oil
Company
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25,500 |
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David D. Mandarich |
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58 |
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President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company |
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3,476,146 |
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7.67 % |
David E. Blackford |
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57 |
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President, Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board of California Bank & Trust |
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31,000 |
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* |
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CONTINUING
DIRECTORS: |
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Class I |
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Terms Expire in 2007 |
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Herbert T. Buchwald |
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75 |
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Principal in the law firm of
Herbert T. Buchwald, P.A. and President and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of BPR Management Corporation |
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119,823 |
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Larry A. Mizel |
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63 |
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Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company |
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7,771,237 |
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17.16 % |
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Class II |
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Terms Expire in 2008 |
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Gilbert Goldstein |
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87 |
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Principal in the law firm of
Gilbert Goldstein, P.C. |
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93,965 |
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William B. Kemper |
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69 |
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Private real estate investor |
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57,500 |
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Represents less than one percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. |
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Includes, where applicable, shares of Common Stock owned by such persons minor children and
spouse and by other related individuals or entities over whose shares such person may be
deemed to have beneficial ownership. |
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Includes the following shares of Common Stock subject to options that are exercisable or
become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date at prices ranging from $18.47 to $78.89
per share: Herbert T. Buchwald 102,575; Larry A. Mizel 632,537; Gilbert Goldstein 93,250;
William B. Kemper 57,500; Steven J. Borick 25,000; David D. Mandarich 632,537; and David E.
Blackford 25,000. |
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(3) |
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The percentage shown is based on the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of
January 31, 2006 and includes shares of Common Stock actually owned and shares of Common Stock
subject to options that are exercisable or become exercisable within
60 days of the Record Date. All shares of Common Stock which the person had the right to acquire within 60 days of
that date are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of shares
of Common Stock owned by such person, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of
computing the percentage of shares of Common Stock owned by any other person. |
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Mr. Mizel has sole voting power over 5,886,599 shares, shared voting power over 1,884,638
shares, sole investment power over 5,886,599 shares and shared investment power over 1,884,638
shares. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 1,886 shares owned by Mr. Mandarichs minor children. |
Other Information Relating to Directors
The following is a brief description of the business experience during at least the past five
years of each nominee for the Board of Directors of the Company and of the continuing members of
the Board.
David E. Blackford has been employed with California Bank & Trust since 1998 and in May 2001
he was appointed Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Previously he served as managing
director and as a member of the board of directors and the Senior Loan Committee for Real Estate
Finance. Prior to 1998, he served as an executive officer in different financial institutions,
including Bank One and Chemical Bank. He was appointed to the Companys Board of Directors in
April 2001. Mr. Blackford is Chairman of the Corporate
Governance/Nominating Committee. Effective
February 20, 2006, he was appointed as a member of both the Audit Committee and the Compensation
Committee.
Steven J. Borick was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Superior Industries
International, Inc. effective January 1, 2004. Mr. Borick had been named President and Chief
Operating Officer effective January 1, 2003 and, prior to that date, he served as Executive Vice
President of that company. Mr. Borick has been a director of that company since 1981. Superior
Industries International, Inc. is a NYSE-listed manufacturer of automobile wheels and suspension
parts. Mr. Borick has been President of Texakota, Inc., an oil and gas exploration and development
company, and general partner in Texakota Oil Company, a private oil and gas partnership, for the
last eight years. Mr. Borick has been a Director since April 1987 and is Chairman of the
Compensation Committee. He was a member of the Audit Committee,
having left that committee effective February 20, 2006.
Herbert T. Buchwald has been a principal in the law firm of Herbert T. Buchwald, P.A. and
president and chairman of the board of directors of BPR Management Corporation, a property
management company located in Denver, Colorado, for more than the past five years. Mr. Buchwald
has been a practicing Certified Public Accountant and served as principal financial officer of a
publicly held homebuilder in Florida. He is an attorney admitted to practice before federal and
state trial and appellate courts in Florida and Colorado. In addition, Mr. Buchwald has been
engaged for over 30 years in the real estate development of residential and commercial properties
in Florida, New Jersey and Colorado, serving as chief executive officer of various entities. Mr.
Buchwald was appointed to the Companys Board of Directors in March 1994 and is a member of the
Audit, Compensation, Legal and Corporate Governance/Nominating Committees. He also is a director
of M.D.C. Land Corporation (MDC Land), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company. On February 20,
2006, the Board designated Mr. Buchwald as Lead Director for a one-year term commencing March 1,
2006.
Gilbert Goldstein has been engaged in private law practice for more than the past five years
as the principal in the law firm of Gilbert Goldstein, P.C. See Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions below. Mr. Goldstein has been a Director since January 1976. Mr. Goldstein is the
Chairman of the Legal Committee.
William B. Kemper has been engaged in private real estate investments, real estate development
and property management since May 1982. Prior to May 1982, he was president of Gold Crown, Inc., a
real estate development company. He also is a director of HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation
(HomeAmerican), the Companys wholly-owned mortgage
8
lending subsidiary. Mr. Kemper has been a
Director since January 1972. He is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the
Compensation and Corporate Governance/Nominating Committees.
David D. Mandarich was elected President of the Company in July 1999, Chief Operating Officer
in March 1996, Co-Chief Operating Officer in September 1994 and Executive Vice President-Real
Estate in April 1993. He was appointed a Director in March 1994. Mr. Mandarich also was a
Director from September 1980 until April 1989.
Larry A. Mizel has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company for more than five years and was elected President of the Company in March
1996. Mr. Mizel resigned as President of the Company in July 1999. Mr. Mizel has been a Director
since founding the Company in January 1972. Mr. Mizel was a Trustee of the Marsico Investment
Fund, an open-end investment company, and resigned that position in February 2004. In 2003, Mr.
Mizel was elected Chairman of the Board of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an international human
rights organization. Mr. Mizel is a member of the Legal Committee.
Information Concerning the Board of Directors
During 2005, the Board of Directors held 12 regularly scheduled meetings and nine special
meetings. The Directors also considered Company matters and had numerous communications with the
Chairman of the Board of Directors and other officials of the Company wholly apart from the formal
Board meetings. In 2005, all of the Companys Directors attended at least 75% of the total number
of meetings of the Board of Directors and of the committees of the Board of Directors on which they
served. Directors are expected to attend annual meetings and, to facilitate their attendance,
annual meetings typically are scheduled the same day as a monthly Board meeting. All of the
Directors attended the 2005 annual meeting.
Security Holder Communications to the Board of Directors
The Company has two sets of procedures by which security holders may send communications
directly to the Board of Directors. Security holders may use the procedures that the Audit
Committee has adopted for handling confidential complaints regarding accounting or auditing
matters. These procedures are posted under the corporate governance documents on the investor
relations section of the Companys website, www.richmondamerican.com. Alternatively, security
holders may send communications directly to Mr. Blackford, Chairman of the Corporate
Governance/Nominating Committee, at 1900 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Irvine, CA 92614.
Audit Committee
During
2005, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors consisted of Messrs. Borick, Buchwald
and Kemper, who serves as its Chairman. Effective February 20, 2006, Mr. Borick left the
committee and Mr. Blackford was appointed to the committee. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent and
financially literate in the judgment of the Board of Directors, as defined in the listing
standards of the NYSE and the rules of the SEC. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined
that Mr. Buchwald is an audit committee financial expert as defined by applicable SEC
regulations. Mr. Buchwald acquired his audit committee financial expert attributes through his
experience and qualifications described above under Other Information Relating to Directors.
The Audit Committee met 18 times during 2005. The organization, functions and
responsibilities of the Audit Committee are described in the re-stated charter for the Audit
Committee, a copy of which is included as Appendix A to this Proxy
Statement. The Audit Committees functions include oversight of the Companys external auditors,
review of the Companys financial statements, review of the annual audit plan and results of the
audit, review of any significant modification in accounting policies and oversight of the duties of
the Companys internal audit department.
9
Compensation Committee
During
2005, the Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Buchwald, Kemper and Borick, who
serves as its Chairman. Effective February 20, 2006,
Mr. Blackford was appointed to the committee. During 2005, the
Compensation Committee met 10 times. Each member of the committee is
independent in the judgment of the Board of Directors, as defined in
the listing standards of the NYSE. The Compensation Committee approves executive compensation plans, reviews
salaries, bonuses and other forms of compensation for officers and
key employees of the Company, establishes salary levels, benefits and other forms of compensation
for employees and addresses other compensation and personnel matters as the Board of Directors from
time to time may request. For a discussion of the criteria utilized and factors considered by the
Compensation Committee in reviewing, approving and making recommendations with respect to executive
compensation, see the Report of the Compensation Committee below. The organization, functions
and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are described in the Compensation Committees
restated charter, which was adopted by the Board of Directors in January 2004.
Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee
The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee, consists of Messrs. Kemper, Buchwald and
Blackford, who serves as its Chairman. Each member of the Committee is independent in the judgment
of the Board of Directors, as defined in the listing standards of the NYSE. During 2005, the
Committee met eight times. The organization, functions and responsibilities of the Corporate
Governance/Nominating Committee are described in the Committees charter. The functions of the
Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee include development and recommendations as to corporate
governance principles and codes of conduct, identification of individuals qualified to become Board
members, the selection process for Director nominees and oversight of the self-evaluation of the
Board and its committees.
Procedures for nominating persons for election to the Board are contained in the Companys
By-Laws and, accordingly, those procedures constitute the Companys policy with regard to the
nomination and consideration of Director candidates recommended by shareowners. The By-Laws
provide that only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in the
By-Laws shall be eligible for election as Directors at any meeting of shareowners. In addition to
nominations by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, by any nominating committee or person
appointed by the Board, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made
at a meeting of shareowners by any shareowner entitled to vote for the election of Directors at the
meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in the By-Laws.
Specifically, such nominations shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the
Secretary of the Company. To be timely, a shareowners notice shall be delivered to, or mailed and
received at, the principal offices of the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior
to the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than 75 days notice or prior public
disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to shareowners, notice by the shareowner to
be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the
day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made.
Such shareowners notice shall set forth in writing:
|
(a) |
|
as to each person whom the shareowner proposes to nominate for election or re-election
as a Director: |
|
(i) |
|
the name, age, business address and residence address of such person,
|
|
|
(ii) |
|
the principal occupation or employment of such person, |
|
|
(iii) |
|
the class and number of shares of the Company which are beneficially owned by
such person and |
|
|
(iv) |
|
any other information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in
solicitations of proxies for election of Directors pursuant to Rule 14(a) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any other applicable laws or rules or regulations of
any governmental authority or of any national securities exchange or similar body
overseeing any trading market on which shares of the Company are traded, and |
10
|
(b) |
|
as to the shareowner giving the notice: |
|
(i) |
|
the name and record address of the shareowner and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
the class and number of shares of the Company beneficially owned by the
shareowner. |
The chairman of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that
a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and, if so determined, shall
so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.
The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee believes that all candidates for the Board,
including candidates recommended by shareowners, should have experience in appropriate areas and
disciplines and that the criteria that should be considered in selecting candidates for the Board
include, in addition to applicable requirements of law and of the NYSE, business experience,
specific expertise, strength of character, judgment, and other factors deemed appropriate in adding
value to the composition of the Board. At such times as may be appropriate, the Corporate
Governance/Nominating Committee will lead the search for individuals qualified to become members of
the Board, seeking candidates who have experience in appropriate areas and disciplines. The
Committee has authority to engage search firms to identify candidates for nomination to the Board.
Legal Committee
The Legal Committee currently consists of Messrs. Buchwald, Mizel and Goldstein, who serves as
its Chairman. During 2005, the Legal Committee met 15 times. The Legal Committee has been active
in reviewing legal issues affecting the Companys business with the Companys inside and outside
counsel.
Director Compensation
During 2005, each Director who was not an officer of the Company (non-management Director)
was paid $3,000 per month as a retainer and $1,500 for each Board meeting attended. Each
respective Board committee member was paid $2,500 for attending each meeting of the Audit
Committee, $2,000 for attending each meeting of the Compensation and the Corporate
Governance/Nominating Committees, and (except for Mr. Mizel) $2,000 per month for service on the
Legal Committee. On February 20, 2006, effective as of February 1, 2006, the Company increased
the retainer from $3,000 per month to $4,000 per month and increased the fee for attendance at
Board meetings from $1,500 per meeting to $2,500 per meeting.
As noted above, on February 20, 2006, the Board designated Mr. Buchwald as Lead Director for a
one-year term commencing March 1, 2006. In lieu of all other cash compensation paid to
independent Directors, including retainer fees and Board and Committee meeting fees, the Lead
Director will receive monthly compensation of $27,500.
Pursuant to the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
Directors, approved by the shareowners in 2001, each non-management Director is granted options to
purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock annually. The options are fully vested as of the date of
grant. Each Director also is reimbursed for expenses related to his attendance at Board of
Directors and committee meetings.
Mr. Kemper received fees of $1,500 per meeting during 2005 for services as a director of
HomeAmerican. Mr. Kemper attended ten meetings of the HomeAmerican board. In 2005, Mr. Buchwald
was paid $4,000 per month for service as chairman of the board of MDC Land.
Messrs. Kemper and Buchwald and their spouses are covered by the Companys self-funded
contributory medical plan, for which they pay 100% of the premiums.
11
PROPOSAL TWO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF
AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
The Companys Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, presently authorizes the issuance of
100 million shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, and 25 million shares of preferred stock, $.01
par value (the Preferred Stock). On January 31, 2006, 46,164,011 shares of Common Stock were
issued (with only 11,761 shares held in treasury) and no shares of Preferred Stock were issued. On
that date, 9,471,877 shares of Common Stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to the M.D.C.
Holdings, Inc. Employee Equity Incentive Plan, the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive
Plan, the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors and the Companys
401(k) Savings Plan (collectively, the Company Plans). Accordingly, of the 100 million shares
of Common Stock currently authorized, the Company has approximately 55,635,888 shares of Common
Stock issued or reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company Plans.
Further, up to $1 billion of
Company debt securities, Preferred Stock or Common Stock also may be offered from time to time
pursuant to an effective SEC registration statement.
The proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation would increase the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock from 100 million to 250 million. If additional shares of Common
Stock are issued, it may have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. In addition, the issuance of additional shares may have a
dilutive effect on the voting power of the current shareowners because such shareowners do not have
preemptive rights with respect to the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock, including the
shares of Common Stock to be authorized by the proposed amendment to the Certificate. The full
text of the proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation is set forth in Appendix B to
this Proxy Statement.
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to ensure that the Company has adequate authorized
shares of Common Stock available from time-to-time if needed for such corporate purposes as may be
deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. These corporate purposes might include stock splits,
stock dividends, public or private stock offerings, acquisitions and other corporate purposes.
Although we have no specific plans or commitments for the issuance of the additional shares of
Common Stock for which authorization is solicited, the Board of Directors believes that it would be
desirable for the shareowners to authorize such additional shares at this time so that the Company
is prepared to meet possible future needs for such shares without delay.
If the proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation is adopted, the additional
authorized shares of Common Stock could be issued at the discretion of the Board of Directors for
any corporate purpose without further action by the shareowners, except as may be required by
applicable laws or regulations, or the rules of the NYSE. While in certain instances an issuance
of additional shares could have the effect of rendering a hostile attempt to acquire the Company
more difficult, the Board of Directors is not aware of any circumstance potentially having such an
anti-takeover effect.
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock.
The amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation will become effective on the date the amendment
is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. It is anticipated that the
appropriate filing to effect the share increase will be made as soon as practicable following
approval of this proposal.
The Board of Directors has approved this proposal to amend the Companys Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 100 million to 250
million and recommends voting FOR adoption of Proposal Two.
12
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Set forth below are the names and offices held by the executive officers of the Company as of
the Record Date. The executive officers of the Company hold office until their successors are duly
elected and qualified or until their resignation, retirement, death or removal from office.
Biographical information on Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich, who serve as Directors and executive
officers of the Company, is set forth under Election of Directors above. Biographical
information for the other executive officers of the Company is set forth below.
|
|
|
Name |
|
Offices Held as of February 6, 2006 |
Larry A. Mizel
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer |
David D. Mandarich
|
|
President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director |
Paris G. Reece III
|
|
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer |
Michael Touff
|
|
Senior Vice President and General Counsel |
Paris G. Reece III, 51, was elected Executive Vice President of the Company in July 1999,
Senior Vice President in September 1994, Treasurer in September 1993, Chief Financial Officer in
June 1990, Secretary in February 1990 and a Vice President of the Company in August 1988. Mr.
Reece resigned as Treasurer of the Company in November 1996 and as Secretary of the Company in May
1996. Mr. Reece also is an officer, director or both of most of
the Companys subsidiaries.
Michael Touff, 61, was elected Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Company
in July 1999 and as Vice President and General Counsel in December 1994. From August 1992 through
December 1994, he was an officer in the law firm of Ireland, Stapleton, Pryor & Pascoe, P.C. Prior
to August 1992, Mr. Touff was an officer in the law firm of Holmes & Starr, a Professional
Corporation.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the compensation received by the Chief Executive Officer and
the three other executive officers for each of the last three fiscal years.
|
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Long-Term |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation |
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|
|
|
|
Compensation Awards |
|
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Shares |
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|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Annual |
|
|
Restricted |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
All Other |
|
Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
|
Salary |
|
|
Bonus |
|
|
Compensation (3) |
|
|
Stock Awards (6) |
|
|
Options (7) |
|
|
Compensation (9) |
|
Larry A. Mizel, |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
1,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,500,000 |
(1) |
|
$ |
59,140 |
(4) |
|
|
- 0 - |
|
|
|
180,000 |
(8) |
|
$ |
7,700 |
|
Chairman of the Board |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
1,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,119,338 |
(1) |
|
$ |
92,196 |
(4) |
|
|
- 0 - |
|
|
|
234,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,150 |
|
of Directors and Chief |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
1,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
10,852,916 |
(1) |
|
$ |
107,793 |
(4) |
|
|
- 0 - |
|
|
|
357,500 |
|
|
$ |
6,600 |
|
Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David D. Mandarich, |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
830,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,500,000 |
(1) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
- 0 - |
|
|
|
180,000 |
(8) |
|
$ |
7,700 |
|
President, Chief |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
830,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,119,338 |
(1) |
|
$ |
53,013 |
(5) |
|
|
- 0 - |
|
|
|
234,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,150 |
|
Operating Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
830,000 |
|
|
$ |
10,852,916 |
(1) |
|
$ |
58,256 |
(5) |
|
|
- 0 - |
|
|
|
357,500 |
|
|
$ |
6,600 |
|
and a Director |
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Paris G. Reece III, |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
420,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000,000 |
(2) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
150,000 |
|
|
|
70,000 |
(8) |
|
$ |
7,700 |
|
Executive Vice President |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
378,778 |
|
|
$ |
800,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
150,000 |
|
|
|
91,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,150 |
|
Chief Financial Officer and |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
315,000 |
|
|
$ |
590,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
150,000 |
|
|
|
100,100 |
|
|
$ |
6,600 |
|
Principal
Accounting Officer |
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|
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|
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Michael Touff, |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
339,691 |
|
|
$ |
425,000 |
(2) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
75,000 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
(8) |
|
$ |
7,700 |
|
Senior Vice President |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
309,691 |
|
|
$ |
325,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
75,000 |
|
|
|
39,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,150 |
|
and General Counsel |
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|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
289,691 |
|
|
$ |
260,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
40,000 |
|
|
|
44,330 |
|
|
$ |
6,600 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
These bonuses were paid in January following the year indicated in accordance with the terms
of the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Executive Officer Performance-Based Compensation Plan approved by
the Companys shareowners at the 1994 Annual Meeting, as amended (the Executive Compensation
Plan). The amount of these bonuses is |
13
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|
|
|
|
determined based on the Companys Adjusted Pre-Tax
Return on Average Stockholders Equity (as defined in the Executive Compensation Plan), which
must equal or exceed 10% before bonuses are payable. On December 30, 2005, the Compensation
Committee amended the Executive Compensation Plan to provide that the Compensation Committee
may, in its sole discretion, reduce the amount otherwise payable under the Executive
Compensation Plan for any fiscal year by determining, on or before the last day of the fiscal
year, that the payment shall not exceed a dollar amount then specified by the Compensation
Committee. Also on December 30, 2005, the Compensation Committee specified that the bonus
payment to each of Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich for fiscal year 2005 would be the calculated
amount under the Executive Compensation Plan, provided that the bonus payment amount would not
exceed $20,500,000. Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich consented to this exercise of the
Compensation Committees discretion for the 2005 fiscal year. All of the 2005, 2004 and 2003
bonuses were paid in cash. |
|
(2) |
|
These bonuses were approved by the Compensation Committee on December 30, 2005, and were paid
in January of 2006. |
|
(3) |
|
The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the
Company for its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Operating
Officer to utilize Company aircraft for non-Company business purposes, when the aircraft are not being utilized in the ordinary
course of Company business. Accordingly, the Company leases the aircraft to those officers on a non-exclusive basis when the aircraft are not required for
Company business. The lease agreements, filed on Form 8-K dated February 25, 2005, require the officers to pay each month the
Incremental Expenses incurred by the Company for each flight, as defined in the lease
agreements. The Incremental Expenses represent the maximum reimbursement permitted by the
Federal Aviation Administration in Federal Aviation Regulation Part 91.501(d). For 2005, Mr.
Mizel pre-paid $385,000 and Mr. Mandarich pre-paid $75,000 for future Incremental Expense
lease payments. They each incurred, respectively, $309,625 and $38,779, in actual lease
payments for 2005. Accordingly, they had a credit at the end of the year of $75,375 and
$36,221, respectively. When seats on the aircraft are available on a business flight and
occupied for non-business purposes, income is imputed to the attributed officer for federal
income tax purposes. |
|
(4) |
|
This includes $25,160 of taxable income in 2005, $75,115 of taxable income in 2004 and
$80,000 of taxable income in 2003 imputed for federal income tax purposes for non-business use
of Company aircraft as authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors. |
|
(5) |
|
This includes $34,461 of taxable income in 2004 and $31,076 of taxable income in 2003 imputed
for federal income tax purposes for non-business use of Company aircraft as authorized by
resolution of the Board of Directors. |
|
(6) |
|
In 2005, the Company granted restricted stock awards to Messrs. Reece and Touff, pursuant to
Restricted Stock Agreements effective December 30, 2005. The awards were valued at $61.98 per
share, the closing price of the Common Stock on December 30, 2005. In 2004, the Company
granted restricted stock awards to Messrs. Reece and Touff pursuant to Restricted Stock
Agreements effective November 22, 2004. The awards were valued at $59.18 per share, the
closing price of the Common Stock on November 22, 2004. In 2003, the Company granted
restricted stock awards to Messrs. Reece and Touff pursuant to Restricted Stock Agreements
effective November 17, 2003. The awards were valued at $44.68 per share, the closing price of
the Common Stock on November 17, 2003. The restrictions on the shares awarded pursuant to the
Restricted Stock Agreements lapse as to 25% of such shares each year, commencing on the first
anniversary of the award. The restrictions on the shares awarded in these years may lapse in
the event of a change in control transaction, will lapse in part in the event of the
employees death, disability or retirement, and will lapse in total in the event the
employees employment is terminated by the Company without cause. As of December 31, 2005,
Mr. Reece held 7,295 shares of unvested restricted stock with a value of $452,144, and Mr.
Touff held 2,954 shares of unvested restricted stock with a value of $183,089. Dividends are
paid on the restricted stock. The per share valuations throughout this footnote and every
other footnote included with this table have been adjusted to reflect the Companys May 27,
2003 10% stock dividend, March 23, 2004 10% stock dividend and January 10, 2005 1.3 for 1
stock split. |
14
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Pursuant to the stock option plan under which the options were granted, as a result of the
10% stock dividends, the number of shares that may be acquired upon exercise of the options
that were outstanding as of the time of the stock dividend increased by 10% and the exercise
price of unexercised options decreased by dividing the exercise price by 1.1 for each of the
10% stock dividends. Also, as a result of the 1.3 for 1 stock split, the number of shares
that may be acquired upon exercise of the options outstanding as of the time of the stock
split increased by 30% and the exercise price of unexercised options decreased by dividing the
exercise price by 1.3. |
|
(8) |
|
See Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year, below. |
|
(9) |
|
The amounts in this column consist of Company contributions allocated to the executive
officers accounts pursuant to the Companys 401(k) Savings Plan. The Companys 2005
contribution to these officers was funded in cash. |
|
|
|
N/A: Disclosure is not required under the SECs rules. |
Severance benefits for Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich are included in their employment
agreements. Severance benefits for Messrs. Reece and Touff are included in their change in control
agreements. See Employment Agreements and Change in Control Agreements below.
The Companys severance pay policy provides severance pay to eligible employees, including
each of the executive officers (other than Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich, whose severance pay is
provided for in their employment agreements), whose employment is involuntarily terminated by the
Company for reasons other than gross misconduct. Employees generally are eligible for severance
pay under this policy if involuntarily terminated after 90 days of employment for reasons other
than gross misconduct or if terminated in a reduction in force. The amount of severance pay under
the policy generally is based on the length of service with the Company and other factors, and
payment of severance is conditioned upon execution of a release agreement with the Company.
Option Grants In Last Fiscal Year
The table below provides information on option grants in fiscal 2005 to the executive
officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Individual Grants |
|
|
Potential Realizable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent of Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value at Assumed Annual |
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
Options Granted to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rates of Stock Price |
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Employees in Fiscal |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Expiration |
|
|
Appreciation for |
|
Name |
|
Options |
|
|
Year (3) |
|
($/Sh) |
|
Date |
|
|
Option Term |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5% |
|
|
10% |
|
Larry A. Mizel |
|
|
90,000 |
(1) |
|
|
10.21 |
% |
|
$ |
61.98 |
|
|
|
12/30/15 |
|
|
$ |
3,508,100 |
|
|
$ |
8,890,214 |
|
|
|
|
90,000 |
(2) |
|
|
10.21 |
% |
|
$ |
68.18 |
|
|
|
12/30/15 |
|
|
$ |
2,950,100 |
|
|
$ |
8,332,214 |
|
David D. Mandarich |
|
|
90,000 |
(1) |
|
|
10.21 |
% |
|
$ |
61.98 |
|
|
|
12/30/15 |
|
|
$ |
3,508,100 |
|
|
$ |
8,890,214 |
|
|
|
|
90,000 |
(2) |
|
|
10.21 |
% |
|
$ |
68.18 |
|
|
|
12/30/15 |
|
|
$ |
2,950,100 |
|
|
$ |
8,332,214 |
|
Paris G. Reece III |
|
|
70,000 |
(1) |
|
|
7.94 |
% |
|
$ |
61.98 |
|
|
|
12/30/15 |
|
|
$ |
2,728,522 |
|
|
$ |
6,914,611 |
|
Michael Touff |
|
|
30,000 |
(1) |
|
|
3.40 |
% |
|
$ |
61.98 |
|
|
|
12/30/15 |
|
|
$ |
1,169,367 |
|
|
$ |
2,963,405 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This option granted on December 30, 2005 is exercisable as to 33-1/3% on each of the third,
fourth and fifth anniversary dates. The exercise price is $61.98, the closing price of the
Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of grant. |
|
(2) |
|
This option granted on December 30, 2005 is exercisable as to 33-1/3% on each of the third,
fourth and fifth anniversary dates. The exercise price is 110% of $61.98, the closing price
of the Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of grant. |
15
|
|
|
(3) |
|
The Company granted options representing 881,500 shares of Common Stock to 184 employees in
fiscal 2005. |
Aggregate Option Exercises In Last Fiscal Year And Fiscal Year-End Option Values
The table below provides information on option exercises in fiscal 2005 by the executive
officers and the value of such officers unexercised options at December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of Unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Underlying Unexercised |
|
|
In-the-Money Options |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Options at Fiscal Year End |
|
|
at Fiscal Year End(1) |
|
Name |
|
Acquired on Exercise |
|
|
Value Realized |
|
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
Larry A. Mizel |
|
|
285,499 |
|
|
$ |
19,420,472 |
|
|
|
606,287 |
|
|
|
991,038 |
|
|
$ |
27,264,460 |
|
|
$ |
18,999,069 |
|
David D. Mandarich |
|
|
285,499 |
|
|
$ |
20,537,113 |
|
|
|
606,287 |
|
|
|
991,038 |
|
|
$ |
27,264,460 |
|
|
$ |
18,999,069 |
|
Paris G. Reece III |
|
|
133,233 |
|
|
$ |
9,023,885 |
|
|
|
169,488 |
|
|
|
330,138 |
|
|
$ |
7,623,708 |
|
|
$ |
5,855,886 |
|
Michael Touff |
|
|
57,099 |
|
|
$ |
3,688,939 |
|
|
|
67,637 |
|
|
|
124,151 |
|
|
$ |
3,047,077 |
|
|
$ |
1,805,345 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The closing price of the Common Stock on December 30, 2005 on the NYSE was $61.98. |
Report of the Compensation Committee
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Companys previous filings
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
that might incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the
following Report of the Compensation Committee and Performance Graph shall not be incorporated by
reference into any such filing.
The Committee exercises oversight responsibility over all employee compensation of the
Company, including benefits, as outlined in the Committees charter adopted by the Board of
Directors.
There are three principal objectives in setting the Companys executive compensation. First,
the compensation is designed to attract, retain and reward highly qualified executives. Second,
the stock-based compensation is intended to create and maintain a significant and effective
correlation between the level of executive compensation, the Companys financial performance and
the totality of the returns realized by the shareowners. Third, the Companys executive
compensation addresses, among other factors, the Committees concern that competitors might target
its highly qualified and experienced executives.
The primary components of the Companys executive compensation are: a base salary, annual
performance-based incentive bonus compensation and an equity-based, long-term incentive.
Base salaries for the Companys executive officers are established with a view to attracting
and retaining experienced and skilled executives in an exceedingly competitive market. The
Committee believes that the Companys overall management costs are reasonable and comparable to
other major homebuilders, including those that are included in the peer group index shown on the
performance graph below. Base salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted, as deemed appropriate,
depending on individual performance, the rate of annual salary increases experienced in the
industry, local economic and employment conditions, the Companys over-all performance and the
compensation being paid for similar positions at similar companies.
The amount of the annual performance-based incentive bonus compensation for Messrs. Mizel and
Mandarich is determined by a formula calculated under the Executive Compensation Plan adopted by
the shareowners, as described in footnote 1 to the Summary Compensation Table above. On December
30, 2005, the Compensation Committee amended the Executive Compensation Plan to provide that the
Compensation Committee may, in its sole discretion, reduce the amount
16
otherwise payable under the
Executive Compensation Plan for any fiscal year by determining, on or before the last day of the
fiscal year, that the payment shall not exceed a dollar amount then specified by the Compensation
Committee. Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich consented to the Committees exercise of its authority to reduce the
amount otherwise payable for the 2005 fiscal year under the Executive Compensation Plan.
Annual performance-based incentive bonus compensation for Messrs. Reece and Touff and annual
grants of stock options, restricted stock or stock bonuses for the four executive officers are
based on individual performance and the role played by the recipient in achieving the Companys
results and objectives.
2005 Compensation
In preparation for making compensation decisions for 2005, the Committee reviewed its
responsibilities with respect to CEO and non-CEO executive officer compensation; obtained outside
legal guidance as it deemed appropriate; reviewed the employment agreements of Messrs. Mizel and
Mandarich; reviewed pertinent provisions of the Executive Compensation Plan, as amended, and the
Companys 2001 Equity Incentive Plan; reviewed historical summaries of the executive officers
compensation, including prior bonuses, stock option awards, options exercised, options outstanding,
stock ownership and salary levels; reviewed financial materials relating to the Companys
performance and achievements in 2005; and reviewed the Companys accomplishments, stock performance
and executive officer compensation in comparison with that of other homebuilders and other
information as the Committee deemed appropriate.
The Committee considered numerous factors in establishing an appropriate level of total
compensation for 2005 and the incentive compensation to be awarded. These factors included (1) the
Companys record earnings per share, which increased by 25%; (2) record levels of net income, total
revenues, home closings, home orders and home gross margins; (3) attaining shareowners equity
exceeding $1.9 billion for the first time in Company history; (4) expanding analyst coverage of the
Company from five to ten analysts; (5) achieving returns on revenues, assets and capital that rank
among the highest in the industry; (6) the issuance of $250 million of 10-year, 5.375% medium term
senior notes; (7) increasing the Companys available cash and borrowing capacity at year-end to
more than $1.2 billion; and (8) maintaining a status enjoyed by only seven companies in the entire
homebuilding industry an investment grade rating by all three of the major rating agencies.
No relative quantitative weights were assigned to any of these factors.
As noted above, the annual performance-based incentive bonus compensation for Messrs. Mizel
and Mandarich was computed pursuant to the Executive Compensation Plan approved by the Companys
shareowners. On December 30, 2005, the Compensation Committee exercised its discretion to provide
that the bonus payment to each of Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich for fiscal year 2005 would be the
calculated amount under the Executive Compensation Plan, but not to exceed $20,500,000. The
Committee determined that this was appropriate action to be taken in light of all of the factors
outlined above. As a result, the Company paid to each of Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich
performance-based compensation of $20,500,000 for fiscal year 2005.
In recognition of their individual performance and the role played in achieving the Companys
results and objectives, the Committee authorized the bonuses set forth in the Summary Compensation
Table for Messrs. Reece and Touff, the other executive officers.
The Committee also awarded long-term, equity-based incentives in the form of stock options and
grants of restricted stock to the executive officers and other key employees. In 2005, the
Committee awarded stock options to acquire 881,500 shares of Common Stock to a total of 184
employees, including the executive officers, and 30,243 shares of restricted stock to 27 employees,
including Messrs. Reece and Touff. The long-term vesting conditions contained in the option grants
and restricted stock award agreements effectively provide additional long-term incentives to retain
key officers and other employees. As a result, management and shareowner interests are linked and
executives are motivated to conduct the Companys business in a manner intended to serve the
long-term interests of the shareowners.
17
In addition, the Committee established the following base salaries for the executive officers
for fiscal year 2006: Mr. Mizel $1,000,000; Mr. Mandarich $830,000; Mr. Reece $440,028;
and Mr. Touff $353,279. The base salaries of Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich are provided for in each of their employment agreements and, for
all of the executive officers, are based on comparable industry wage levels and the financial
condition and performance of the Company.
CEO Compensation
Mr. Mizels base salary for 2005 of $1,000,000 was the same as that in 2004 and was based on
comparable industry wage levels and the financial condition and performance of the Company. The
Committee reviewed and approved an annual performance-based incentive bonus for 2005 of $20,500,000
for Mr. Mizel, calculated in accordance with the terms of the Executive Compensation Plan, as
amended. In taking these actions, the Committee considered the accomplishments of Mr. Mizel with
respect to the record breaking financial performance achieved by the Company as described above,
both in regard to prior years and among the Companys peer group.
Also in view of these accomplishments, the Committee approved the award of a long term
incentive grant of non-qualified stock options for 180,000 shares of Common Stock in accordance
with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, with the following terms, conditions and restrictions:
|
|
A vesting schedule that would provide for no vesting during the first three years and
33-1/3% vesting per year on the third through the fifth anniversaries of the date of
grant; |
|
|
|
The price at which 90,000 shares covered by the option may be purchased shall be
equal to the NYSE closing price of the Common Stock on December 30, 2005; and |
|
|
|
The price at which 90,000 shares covered by the option may be purchased shall be
equal to 110% of the NYSE closing price of the Common Stock on December 30, 2005. |
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (Section 162(m)) generally disallows a tax
deduction to publicly held companies for compensation over $1 million paid for any fiscal year to
the chief executive officer and the other executive officers as of the end of any fiscal year who
are disclosed in the summary compensation table of the proxy statement. However, the statute
exempts qualifying performance-based compensation if certain requirements are met. The Company
intends for awards under the Executive Compensation Plan and the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan to
qualify for the performance-based compensation exemption under
Section 162(m). While the Company generally structures its executive compensation to comply with the exemption
requirements of Section 162(m), corporate objectives or other circumstances may not always be
consistent with the requirements for, or permit, full deductibility. Accordingly, the Board of
Directors and the Compensation Committee reserve the authority to award non-deductible compensation
to its executive officers as may be deemed appropriate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Steven J. Borick, Chairman
William B. Kemper
Herbert T. Buchwald
David E. Blackford
|
|
18
Performance Graph
Set forth below is a graph comparing the yearly change in the cumulative total return of the
Common Stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index and with
that of a peer group of other homebuilders over the five-year period ending on December 31, 2005.
It is assumed in the graph that $100 was invested (1) in the Companys Common Stock; (2) in
the stocks of the companies in the Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index; and (3) in the stocks of the
peer group companies just prior to the commencement of the period and that all dividends received
within a quarter were reinvested in that quarter. The peer group index is composed of the
following companies: Beazer Homes USA, Inc., Centex Corporation, D.R. Horton, Inc., Hovnanian
Enterprises, Inc., KB Home, Lennar Corporation, M/I Homes, Inc., Meritage Homes Corporation, NVR,
Inc., Pulte Homes, Inc., The Ryland Group, Inc., Standard Pacific Corp. and Toll Brothers, Inc.
The stock price performance shown on the following graph is not indicative of future price
performance.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
OF MDC COMMON STOCK, THE S&P 500 STOCK INDEX
AND A SELECTED PEER GROUP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FIVE YEAR PLOT POINTS |
|
|
|
12/29/2000 |
|
|
12/31/2001 |
|
|
12/31/2002 |
|
|
12/31/2003 |
|
|
12/31/2004 |
|
|
12/30/2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
139.88 |
|
|
$ |
142.69 |
|
|
$ |
266.78 |
|
|
$ |
396.75 |
|
|
$ |
373.76 |
|
Weighted Avg. Peer Group |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
140.52 |
|
|
$ |
155.26 |
|
|
$ |
319.60 |
|
|
$ |
427.53 |
|
|
$ |
480.19 |
|
S&P 500 |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
88.11 |
|
|
$ |
68.64 |
|
|
$ |
88.33 |
|
|
$ |
97.94 |
|
|
$ |
102.75 |
|
19
Report of the Audit Committee
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Companys filings under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might
incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the following
Report of the Audit Committee shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filing.
Management is responsible for the Companys internal controls and the financial reporting
process. The Companys outside auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, are responsible for
performing an independent audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements in
accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and for
issuing a report thereon. The Audit Committee meets monthly, or more often as necessary, to
fulfill its responsibility to monitor and oversee these processes, as described in the Audit
Committee Charter.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 with the Companys management, the outside auditors and the
Companys internal audit department. The Audit Committee has discussed with the Companys outside
auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
(Communications with Audit Committees).
The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the Companys
outside auditors required by the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence
Discussions with Audit Committees, and has discussed with the auditors their independence status.
Based on the review and discussions described above, the Audit Committee recommended to the
Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 for filing with the SEC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
William B. Kemper, Chairman
Herbert T. Buchwald
David E. Blackford
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENTS
Employment Agreements
Mr. Mizel and Mr. Mandarich (each an Executive or together the Executives) each entered
into an Employment Agreement with the Company effective October 1, 1997, and restated as of
February 26, 2003 (the Employment Agreements). The Employment Agreements provide for each
Executives continued employment by the Company: Mr. Mizel as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
and Mr. Mandarich as President and Chief Operating Officer. The Initial Term of each Employment
Agreement continued through September 30, 2002. The term of each Employment Agreement is extended
automatically for two additional years unless either the Company on the one hand or either
Executive on the other hand elects to terminate by notice in writing delivered to the other at
least six months prior to the expiration of the then current term, subject to earlier termination
as provided pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement (the Employment Term). Neither the
Company nor either Executive has delivered notice to terminate an Employment Agreement.
Pursuant to the Employment Agreements, the Executives base salaries (Base Salaries) are
subject to annual review under the Companys normal policies and procedures for executive salary
increases. Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich also are
20
to be paid incentive compensation pursuant to the
Executive Compensation Plan (Annual Incentive Compensation) and long-term
incentive compensation pursuant to the Companys employee equity incentive plans (the Equity
Plans).
Each Executive will be entitled to a retirement benefit under the Employment Agreement. The
retirement benefit shall be equal to 70% of the Executives highest Base Salary during the final
three years of the Employment Term and shall be payable for the duration of the Executives life.
In addition, the Employment Agreements provide for medical insurance benefits, reimbursement of
certain expenses, and entitle each of the Executives to participate in the Companys benefit plans.
If Mr. Mizel and Mr. Mandarich each retired at the end of 2005, their annual retirement benefits
would approximate $700,000 and $581,000, respectively.
Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich may be terminated for cause, as defined in the Employment
Agreements. If an Executive is terminated without cause (including the Companys election not to
extend the term of the Employment Agreement) during the Employment Term, he will be entitled to
receive (i) an amount equal to the aggregate Base Salary earned by the Executive during the three
years prior to such termination, plus (ii) an amount equal to 300%, for Mr. Mizel, and 200%, for
Mr. Mandarich, of the Annual Incentive Compensation paid for the year prior to termination, and
(iii) the retirement benefits payable under the Employment Agreement commencing on the date of
termination. In addition, in the event of termination without cause, each Executives options and
other rights under the Equity Plans shall vest immediately and the Executive and his spouse and
dependents shall be entitled to continued medical benefits.
If a Change in Control (as described below) occurs, all options, dividend equivalents and
other rights granted to Executives under the Equity Plans and any other Company plans shall be
accelerated and become exercisable immediately prior to the occurrence of the transaction giving
rise to the Change in Control.
Within two years after a Change in Control or a Material Change (as described below), the
Executive may terminate his employment, if not already terminated by the Company. In the event of
such termination or a termination of employment by the Company without cause upon or within two
years following a Change in Control, then (A) each Executive shall receive the amounts payable in
the event the Executives employment were terminated without cause as described above and (B) with
respect to the retirement benefit, either (1) the Company shall establish and fund an irrevocable
grantor trust in conformance with the model trust set forth in Internal Revenue Service Revenue
Procedure 92-64, or (2) the Company shall, if it so elects, pay to the Executive, in a lump sum
cash payment, the amount that otherwise would be required to be contributed to such trust.
If the amounts payable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control or Material Change, either
alone or together with any other payments which the Executive has the right to receive, would be
subject to an excise tax as an excess parachute payment under Section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code, each Executive agrees in his Employment Agreement that such aggregate amounts shall
be paid in annual installments over the shortest period of time over which such aggregate amounts
may be paid and not be treated as excess parachute payments under Section 4999.
For purposes of this description of the Employment Agreements, a Change in Control shall
occur if:
(i) a report on Schedule 13D is filed with the SEC disclosing that any person, other than the
Company or any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company, or any Director as of the date of
the Employment Agreements, or affiliate of such Director, is the beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding
securities of the Company;
(ii) any person, other than the Company or any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company
or any Director as of the date of the Employment Agreements, or affiliate of such Director, shall
purchase securities pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer to acquire any Common Stock (or
securities convertible into Common Stock) for cash, securities or any other consideration, provided
that after consummation of the offer, the person in question is the beneficial owner of twenty
percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of the
Company;
21
(iii) the shareowners of the Company shall approve: (A) any consolidation or merger of the
Company (1) in which the Company is not the continuing or surviving corporation; or (2) pursuant to
which shares of Common Stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property; or (B) any
sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of
all or substantially all the assets of the Company; or
(iv) there shall have been a change in a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of
the Company within a twelve month period, unless the election or nomination for election by the
Companys shareowners of each new Director during such twelve month period was approved by the vote
of two-thirds of the Directors then still in office who were Directors at the beginning of such
twelve month period.
For purposes of the Employment Agreements, a Material Change shall occur if:
(i) the Company makes any of certain specified adverse changes in an Executives reporting
relationship, titles, functions, duties or responsibilities from those that the Executive occupied
on the date of the last renewal or extension of the Executives Employment Agreement;
(ii) the Company assigns or reassigns the Executive (without his written permission) to
another place of employment;
(iii) the Company reduces the Executives Base Salary, Annual Incentive Compensation or
long-term incentive compensation or the manner in which such compensation is determined, or
retirement benefits, unless such reduction similarly applies to all Senior Executive Officers of
the Company, as defined in the Employment Agreements, or the Company breaches the terms of the
Employment Agreements; provided, however, that nothing in this clause (iii) shall be construed to
permit the Company to reduce either Executives retirement benefit, as provided in the Employment
Agreements, in any event, and regardless of whether such reduction would similarly apply to all
Senior Executive Officers of the Company; or
(iv) a purchaser of all or substantially all of the Companys assets or any successor or
assignee of the Company fails to assume the Employment Agreements.
Certain Other Change in Control Agreements
Messrs. Reece and Touff (each, the Employee) have entered into change in control agreements
with the Company (the Agreements). The Agreements are effective January 26, 1998 and terminate
on the earlier of termination of the employees employment or December 31 of each year after 2005.
Unless either party elects by notice in writing delivered to the other at least 90 days prior to
December 31 of each year after 2005, the term of the Agreement will be renewed automatically for
successive one-year terms. No notice has been delivered by either party. In addition, if an
Agreement has not been terminated prior to a Change in Control (as defined below), upon a Change
in Control, the term of an Agreement shall extend automatically for two years.
For purposes of the Agreements, the definition of Change in Control is generally the same as
the definition of Change in Control in the description of the Employment Agreements above, except
that the applicable percentage of beneficial ownership of outstanding securities of the Company is
50% rather than 20%.
For purposes of the Agreements, a Change in Control Event occurs if a Change in Control is
followed by a Material Change within two years. A Material Change is defined in the Agreements
to occur if the Employees employment is terminated without cause (as defined in the Agreements)
or if, in general, any of the events set forth under the definition of Material Change described
above with respect to the Employment Agreements takes place, taking into account the titles,
positions and reporting relationships of the Employee.
22
Pursuant to the Agreements, if a Change in Control Event occurs, the Employee may elect within
90 days after the Change in Control Event to terminate the Employees employment, if not previously
terminated by the Company, and to receive a Change in Control payment. The Change in Control
payment equals two times the sum of the Employees base salary, in effect immediately prior to the
Change in Control Event, plus the amount of the Employees last regular annual bonus, provided that
the amount of such annual bonus shall not exceed 50% of the Employees annual base salary in effect
immediately prior to the Change in Control Event.
If a Change in Control as defined above occurs, all options, dividend equivalents and other
rights granted to the Employee under any Company equity incentive plan shall be accelerated and
become exercisable immediately prior to the closing of the Change in Control. If the Change in
Control is not consummated, the Employees election to exercise such options and other rights shall
be of no effect and the Employees options shall remain subject to their original restrictions.
Any amounts payable pursuant to the Agreement are in addition to any payments otherwise
payable to the Employee pursuant to any agreement, plan or policy of the Company. If the amounts
payable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Event, either alone or together with other
payments which the Employee has the right to receive, would be subject to an excise tax as an
excess parachute payment under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, each Employee agrees in
the Agreement that such aggregate amounts shall be paid in annual installments over the shortest
period of time over which such amounts may be paid and not be treated as excess parachute
payments under Section 4999.
Certain other employees of the Company (the Covered Employees) have been provided change in
control agreements containing substantially the same terms and conditions as the Agreements
described above for Messrs. Reece and Touff, taking into account the respective titles, positions
and reporting relationships of the other Covered Employees and with changes to certain other
provisions. If the agreements for the Covered Employees have not been
terminated prior to a Change in Control, upon a Change in Control, the term of the agreements for the
other Covered Employees shall extend automatically for one year, rather than two years as in the
cases of Messrs. Reece and Touff. The Change in Control payment for a Covered Employee would equal
the sum of the Covered Employees base salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control
Event plus an amount equal to the Covered Employees last regular annual bonus, provided that the
amount of such bonus shall not exceed 50% of the Covered Employees annual base salary in effect
immediately prior to the Change in Control Event.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company leased its prior headquarters office space at 3600 S. Yosemite Street, Denver CO
80237 and leases its current headquarters office space at 4350 S. Monaco Street, Denver CO 80237.
Approximately 7,000 square feet in the Companys prior office building at 3600 S. Yosemite were
subleased by various affiliates of Mr. Mizel, for which they collectively paid rent, including
parking, to the Company of approximately $22,750 through May of 2005.
Approximately 5,437 square
feet in the Companys current office building at 4350 S. Monaco are now leased by various
affiliates of Mr. Mizel, for which they paid rent in 2005 to the
Company of approximately $53,920,
commencing in June of 2005. In addition, Mr. Mizel owns a building that was leased to the Company
through June 2, 2005, for which the Company paid Mr. Mizel rent and common area fees of $29,400 in
2005.
Effective as of March 1, 2003, the Company entered into a two-year agreement with Gilbert
Goldstein, P.C., of which Gilbert Goldstein, a Director, is the sole shareholder. By amendment
dated July 26, 2004, the term of the agreement was extended to February 28, 2006. Pursuant to the
agreement, Mr. Goldstein acts as a consultant to the Company on legal matters. In return, the
Company has agreed that, from March 1, 2003 through February 28, 2006, the Company will pay Mr.
Goldsteins firm $21,000 per month for a minimum of 30 hours per week in legal services; and $180
per hour for services performed in excess of 120 hours in any month. Effective March 1, 2006, the
Company has entered into a new agreement with Mr. Goldsteins firm in which the Company has agreed
that, from March 1, 2006 through February 28, 2008, it will pay Mr. Goldsteins firm $30,000 per
month. In the event that Mr. Goldstein retires from the practice of law, becomes disabled, dies or
the consulting agreement with the Company is not renewed or extended during the term of the
agreement, the Company will pay the firm or Mr. Goldsteins estate, in lieu of any other payments,
other benefits or services
23
to be provided by the Company pursuant to the agreement, $15,000 per
month for five years or the duration of Mr. Goldsteins life, whichever is longer.
Pursuant
to the terms of the consulting agreement, the Company also provides Mr.
Goldsteins firm with office space. Previously, the Company
provided Mr. Goldsteins firm with office space in its prior office building at 3600 S. Yosemite
Street, which had an estimated annual rental value of $17,100. The Company now provides Mr.
Goldsteins firm with office space in the Companys current office building at 4350 S. Monaco
Street, which has an estimated annual rental value of $6,500.
Pursuant to the terms of the consulting agreement, the Company also provides Mr.
Goldsteins firm with the part-time services of a secretary (in 2005, this secretary received a
salary of approximately $32,750, plus benefits), and reimburses actual expenses incurred related to
services provided. Payment of $252,000 was made
directly to Mr. Goldsteins firm in 2005 for services
performed. On February 20, 2006, the Board approved payment to Mr. Goldsteins firm of a
one-time cash bonus in the amount of $200,000 for additional services and exceptional value
previously provided to the Company.
During 2005, the Company paid a firm owned by Carol Mizel, Mr. Mizels spouse, $120,000 for
consulting services in connection with corporate and consumer marketing, merchandising, design
work, human resources development, product development, and such other matters as were requested by
the Companys senior management. The firm, Mizel Design and Decorating Company, provided these
services under an Independent Contractor Agreement with the Company, dated as of January 1, 2005.
On February 24, 2005, effective as of January 1, 2005, Larry A. Mizel, Chief Executive
Officer, and David D. Mandarich, President and Chief Operating Officer, each entered into a lease
agreement with the Company and M.D.C. Land Corporation for use of Company aircraft when the
aircraft are not required for Company business. The lease agreements require payment of the
Incremental Expenses incurred by the Company for each flight, as defined in the lease
agreements. The Incremental Expenses represent the maximum reimbursement permitted by the
Federal Aviation Administration in Federal Aviation Regulation Part 91.501(d). Copies of the lease
agreements are filed with the SEC on Form 8-K. For 2005, Mr. Mizel pre-paid $385,000 and Mr.
Mandarich pre-paid $75,000 for future incremental expense lease payments. They each incurred,
respectively, $309,625 and $38,779 in actual lease payments for 2005.
Accordingly, they had remaining prepaid amounts owed to them at year
end of $75,375 and $36,221, respectively.
Christopher Mandarich, the son of David D. Mandarich, is employed by one of the Companys
subsidiaries as the regional president for Southern California and Nevada. In 2005, Christopher
Mandarich was paid a salary of $215,000 and a performance bonus of $438,250 and was awarded
$133,000 in shares of restricted Common Stock (vesting 25% per year over four years) and $8,250 in
shares of unrestricted Common Stock. On December 1, 2005, the Company granted him a stock option
covering 12,500 shares of Common Stock, exercisable as to 20% of the shares on each of the first
through the fifth anniversary dates of the date of grant, with an exercise price of $67.88 per
share, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant. Carol Mandarich, the sister of
David D. Mandarich, is employed by one of the Companys subsidiaries as a regional trade manager.
In 2005, Carol Mandarich was paid a salary of $80,000 and bonus
payments totaling $30,600.
In the ordinary course of its business, HomeAmerican originates mortgage loans to Company
employees, including officers. Substantially all of the mortgage loans originated by HomeAmerican
are sold to investors within 45 days of origination. Mortgage loans originated for Company
employees are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as
those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and did not involve
more than the normal risk of collection or present other unfavorable
features. In December 2005, the son of Paris G. Reece III, an employee of one of the Companys
subsidiaries, purchased a Richmond American home for $269,065, on the same terms
offered to the public, and obtained a mortgage loan from HomeAmerican.
Mr. Reece is a co-borrower on the mortgage loan and also is on the property title.
24
During 2005, the Company committed to contributing $8.1 million in cash and/or Common Stock to
the MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation (the Foundation), formerly known as the M.D.C.
Holdings, Inc. Charitable Foundation, a Delaware non-profit corporation that was incorporated on
September 30, 1999. In January 2006, the Company contributed to the Foundation 125,562 shares of
Common Stock, then valued at $8.1 million, in fulfillment of the 2005 commitment. During 2004, the
Company contributed 115,296 shares of Common Stock, then valued at $6.3 million, to the Foundation,
and during 2003, contributed 88,989 shares of Common Stock, then valued at $4.0 million, to the
Foundation (the 2004 and 2003 share amounts being adjusted for the January 10, 2005 stock split and
the prior stock dividends). The Company made no contributions to the Foundation in 2002.
The Foundation is a non-profit organization operated exclusively for charitable, educational and
other purposes beneficial to social welfare within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code. As of December 31, 2005, the Foundation had a net worth of $26,434,000 and, since
its formation in 1999, has made donations totaling $2,245,000. The following Directors and/or
officers of the Company are the trustees of the Foundation, all of whom serve without compensation:
|
|
|
Name |
|
Title |
Larry A. Mizel
|
|
Trustee, President and Assistant Secretary |
Paris G. Reece III
|
|
Trustee, Vice President and Secretary |
Steven J. Borick
|
|
Trustee |
Gilbert Goldstein
|
|
Trustee |
David D. Mandarich
|
|
Trustee |
The authority to vote all securities that the Foundation is entitled to vote is vested in the
five member board of trustees and voting of the securities is determined by majority vote of the
board of trustees. Accordingly, none of the trustees should be considered to beneficially own such
securities. As permitted by the Foundations Bylaws, the Trustees have established an Investment
Committee, consisting of Trustees Borick and Mizel, to supervise the finances of and make
investment decisions for the Foundation in furtherance of its purposes. Also as permitted by the
Bylaws, the Trustees have established a Donations Committee, consisting of Trustees Borick,
Mandarich and Mizel, to supervise donations and make donation decisions for the Foundation in
furtherance of its purposes.
HOLDERS OF FIVE PERCENT OR MORE OF VOTING SHARES
OF THE COMPANY AND OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The table below sets forth those persons known by the Company to have owned beneficially 5% or
more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and the number of shares beneficially owned by the
Companys executive officers individually and by all of the Companys executive officers and
Directors as a group, each as of February 23, 2006. The information as to beneficial ownership is
based upon statements furnished to the Company by such persons, including Schedule 13G statements
filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Information with respect to the
beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock held by each of the Directors of the Company, two of
whom beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, is set forth in
Election of Directors above.
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares of Common |
|
|
Percent |
|
Name
and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) |
|
Stock Owned Beneficially |
|
|
of Class (2) |
|
Greenlight
Capital, L.L.C. and affiliates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
140 East
45th
Street,
24th Floor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY
10017 |
|
|
4,430,000 |
(3) |
|
|
9.92 |
% |
Marsico Capital Management, LLC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1200 17th Street, Suite 1600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denver, CO 80202 |
|
|
4,108,936 |
(4) |
|
|
9.20 |
% |
Barclays Global Investors, NA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45 Fremont
Street,
17th Floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Francisco, CA 94105 |
|
|
2,767,606 |
(5) |
|
|
6.20 |
% |
Franklin
Resources, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Franklin
Parkway |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Building 920 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Mateo,
CA 94403 |
|
|
2,345,537 |
(6) |
|
|
5.25 |
% |
Paris G. Reece III |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4350 South Monaco St., Suite 500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denver, CO 80237 |
|
|
432,335 |
(7) |
|
|
0.96 |
% |
Michael Touff |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4350 South Monaco St., Suite 500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denver, CO 80237 |
|
|
191,690 |
(8) |
|
|
* |
|
All executive officers and Directors as a group (9 persons) |
|
|
12,199,196 |
|
|
|
26.26 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1%. |
|
(1) |
|
The address of Messrs. Mizel and Mandarich, the Directors who beneficially own more than 5%
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, is 4350 South Monaco Street, Suite 500, Denver,
Colorado 80237. (See Election of Directors above.) |
|
(2) |
|
Based on 44,659,380 shares outstanding at January 31, 2006, except as otherwise noted. In
calculating the percentage of ownership, all shares of Common Stock the identified person or
group had the right to acquire within 60 days of the Record Date by the exercise of options
are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the shares of
Common Stock owned by such person or group but are not deemed to be outstanding for the
purpose of computing the percentage of the shares of Common Stock owned by any other person.
As a group, the executive officers and Directors had the right to acquire within 60 days of
the Record Date by the exercise of options an aggregate of 1,816,534 shares of Common Stock. |
|
(3) |
|
Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2006 disclosed that Greenlight Capital,
L.L.C. has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 2,039,400 shares, Greenlight
Capital, Inc. has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 2,065,000 shares, DME
Advisors, L.P. has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 325,600 shares and David
Einhorn has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 4,430,000 shares. |
26
|
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13,
2006 disclosed sole voting power over 3,467,270 shares and sole
dispositive power over 4,108,936 shares. |
|
(5) |
|
Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 26, 2006
disclosed that Barclays Global Investors, NA has sole voting power
over 1,918,531 shares and sole
dispositive power over 2,126,499 shares, Barclays Global Fund Advisors has sole voting power over 505,464 shares and sole
dispositive power over 506,523 shares, and Barclays Global Investors, Ltd has sole voting
power over 129,290 shares and sole dispositive power over 134,584 shares. |
|
(6) |
|
Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 7, 2006 disclosed that Franklin Advisers, Inc.
has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 1,861,877 shares, Franklin Advisory
Services, LLC has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 480,000 shares and
Franklin Templeton Portfolio Advisers, Inc. has sole voting power and sole dispositive power
over 3,660 shares. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 176,566 shares of Common Stock that Mr. Reece has the right to acquire within 60
days of the Record Date by the exercise of stock options at prices ranging from $18.47 to
$26.56 per share. Mr. Reece has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares
set forth in the table. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 71,569 shares of Common Stock that Mr. Touff has the right to acquire within 60 days
of the Record Date by the exercise of stock options at prices ranging from $18.47 to $26.56
per share. Mr. Touff has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares set forth
in the table. |
No change in control of the Company has occurred since the beginning of the last fiscal year.
The Company knows of no arrangement the operation of which, at a subsequent date, may result in a
change in control of the Company.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
The Companys executive officers and Directors and any beneficial owner of more than ten
percent of the Companys Common Stock are required under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership
of Common Stock of the Company with the SEC, the NYSE and the Pacific Stock Exchange, Inc. Copies
of those reports also must be furnished to the Company. Based solely upon a review of the copies of
reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required,
the Company believes that during the year ended December 31, 2005, all such reports were filed on a
timely basis, except for one report filed six business days late by Mr. Mizel with respect to one
transaction.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP audited the Companys financial statements for the year ended December 31,
2005. The Companys audit engagement agreement with Ernst & Young LLP extended through the year
ending December 31, 2005, and the parties are negotiating a new agreement for the current year. A
representative of Ernst & Young LLP is expected to be present at the Meeting and will have the
opportunity to make a statement if so desired and will be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
27
Audit Fees and All Other Fees
A summary of the fees of Ernst & Young LLP for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 are
set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
Fees |
|
|
Fees |
|
Audit Fees (1) |
|
$ |
1,272,200 |
|
|
$ |
1,119,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit-Related Fees (2) |
|
|
18,190 |
|
|
|
16,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees (3) |
|
|
77,190 |
|
|
|
34,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fees |
|
$ |
1,367,580 |
|
|
$ |
1,170,966 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Consists of fees and expenses for the audit of consolidated financial statements and
SAS 100 interim reviews, the audit of internal control over financial reporting and
services rendered in connection with SEC filings. |
|
(2) |
|
Consists of fees and expenses for Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Section 404 consultation and other audit-related fees. |
|
(3) |
|
Consists of fees and expenses for tax consulting and review services. |
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Procedures
Under the procedures established by the Audit Committee, all audit services and all non-audit
services by the Companys auditors are to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee, subject to the de
minimus exception provided under Section 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In certain cases,
pre-approval is provided by the Committee for up to a year as to particular categories of services,
subject to a specific budget. The Committee also has delegated to each of its members the
authority to grant pre-approvals, such pre-approvals to be presented to the full Committee at the
next scheduled meeting. The Committee approved all audit and permitted non-audit services provided
by Ernst & Young LLP during the 2005 fiscal year.
OTHER MATTERS
Management and the Board of Directors of the Company know of no matters to be brought before
the Meeting other than as set forth above. However, if any other matters are properly presented to
the shareowners for action, it is the intention of the proxy holders named in the enclosed proxy to
vote in their discretion on all matters on which the shares represented by such proxy are entitled
to vote.
SHAREOWNER PROPOSALS
Any proposal a shareowner desires to present at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and to
have included in the Companys proxy soliciting materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, must be received in writing by the Secretary of the Company prior
to November 6, 2006.
In addition, for shareowner proposals submitted outside the Rule 14a-8 process, the Companys
By-Laws provide that only business properly brought before a meeting will be transacted. For business to be properly brought before a meeting by a shareowner, the shareowner must give timely
notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Company. To be
28
timely, the notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices
of the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting; however, in the
event that less than 75 days notice or prior public disclosure of the date of such meeting is
given or made to shareowners, notice by the shareowner to be timely must be so received not later
than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which notice of the date
of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. A shareowners notice to the
Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the shareowner proposes to bring before the meeting:
(i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons
for conducting such business at the meeting, (ii) the name and record address of the shareowner
proposing such business, (iii) the class and number of shares of the Company which are beneficially
owned by the shareowner and (iv) any material interest of the shareowner in such business.
|
|
|
|
|
|
BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Larry A. Mizel |
|
|
Chairman of the Board |
|
|
29
APPENDIX A
M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
RE-STATED CHARTER FOR THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors (the Board) of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., (MDC or the Company) previously
established an Audit Committee. This Restated Charter for the Audit Committee (the Charter)
restates the authority, responsibilities and specific duties of MDCs Audit Committee (the
Committee). This Charter is to be reviewed, and if appropriate, approved by the Board at least
annually.
The purpose of the Committee is to assist Board oversight of: (1) the integrity of the Companys
financial statements; (2) the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (3) the
external auditors qualifications and independence; and (4) the performance of the Companys
internal audit function and external auditors. Primary oversight responsibility for the foregoing
four matters rests with the Board. Primary responsibility for MDCs financial reporting and
internal controls is vested in Management. In performing its designated functions, the Committee
shall not assume or diminish Managements responsibility for the content of the Companys financial
statements or for other financial information disseminated by the Company.
|
A. |
|
Composition |
|
|
|
|
The Committee shall be comprised of three or more directors designated by the Board. If the
Board fails to designate a Chair, the members of the Committee shall designate a Chair by
majority vote of the Committee membership. Each member of the Committee shall serve until
such member resigns or is removed by the Board. Members may be removed by the Board in its
discretion. Each member of the Committee shall be independent as provided by the regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the listing standards of the New York Stock
Exchange and applicable legal requirements. Each member of the Committee must be financially
literate or become so within a reasonable period after appointment to the Committee and at
least one member of the Committee shall have accounting or related financial management
expertise as determined by the Board in its business judgment. Each year, the Company shall
disclose in its annual report whether or not at least one member of the Audit Committee
qualifies as an audit committee financial expert, as defined by SEC regulations. |
|
|
B. |
|
Access and Resources |
|
|
|
|
The Committee shall have unrestricted access to MDCs personnel and records, to the Companys
external auditors, and shall have authority to retain independent counsel and other advisers.
The Company shall provide the resources necessary for the Committee to discharge its
responsibilities including, but not limited to, appropriate funding (as determined by the
Committee) for payment of (1) compensation to external auditors for the purpose of preparing
or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the
Company; (2) compensation to any advisers employed by the Committee; and (3) ordinary
administrative expenses of the Committee that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out
its duties. |
|
|
C. |
|
Meetings |
|
|
|
|
The Committee shall meet on a regular basis, at least quarterly, and may call additional
meetings as required. Further, the Committee, at least once during the year, shall hold
separate executive sessions with management, the internal auditors and the external auditors.
A quorum of the Committee shall consist of two members or a majority of the Committee
membership, whichever is greater. |
A-1
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D. |
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Minutes |
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Minutes of each meeting shall be in writing and copies provided to Committee members for
their approval. A permanent record of approved minutes shall be maintained by the Committee. |
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E. |
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Reporting to the Board |
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At least quarterly, the Committee shall report to the Board regarding its activities. |
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F. |
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Indemnification |
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Each Committee member shall be entitled to indemnification by the Company to the maximum
extent permitted by Delaware law, the Companys Certificate of Incorporation, By-laws and
resolutions of the Board. |
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G. |
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Compensation and Expense Reimbursement |
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The Committee members shall be compensated for attendance at meetings as determined by the
Board. Travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Committee members in connection
with the performance of their duties shall be documented and reimbursed in accordance with
the Companys expense reimbursement policies. |
II. |
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FUNCTIONS EXTERNAL AUDIT MATTERS |
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A. |
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Select External Auditors; Review Independence |
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The Committee shall be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention,
oversight, and termination of the work of any registered public accounting firm engaged
(including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial
reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit,
review or attest services for the Company (external auditors). |
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Each such external auditor will report directly to the Committee in accordance with New York
Stock Exchange listing standards or any other applicable requirements. |
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To the extent required by New York Stock Exchange listing standards or other applicable
requirements, each year the Committee shall obtain from the Companys external auditor and
review a report describing: |
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The external auditors internal control procedures; |
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Any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or
peer review, of the external auditor, or by any inquiry or investigation by
governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years,
respecting internal audits carried out by the external auditor and any steps taken
to deal with such issues; and |
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All relationships between the external auditor and the Company (in order to
assess the external auditors independence). |
The Committee shall engage in a dialogue with the Companys external auditor concerning
any relationships or services disclosed in its written report that may impact the
objectivity or independence of the external auditor and shall recommend that the Board
take appropriate action in response to the external auditors statement as might be
deemed necessary to satisfy the Board as to the external auditors independence.
A-2
The Committee shall pre-approve all audit services and, subject to the de minimus exception
provided under Section 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, all non-audit services provided by the
external auditors. The external auditors shall not be
engaged to perform non-audit services proscribed by law or regulation. The Committee may
delegate to any of its members the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and other permitted
services, provided that any such pre-approval shall be presented to the full Committee at the next
scheduled meeting. All approvals by the Committee for non-audit services to be performed by the
external auditors shall be disclosed in the Companys periodic reports filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission as required by SEC regulations.
The Committee shall review the report prepared by management concerning the Companys internal
controls over financial reporting in accordance with SEC regulations.
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B. |
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Review Annual Audit Plan |
The Committee shall discuss with the Companys external auditor the overall approach to, and
scope of, the audit examination with particular attention focused on issues where the Committee,
the Board, Management or the external auditor believes special emphasis may be desirable or
necessary. This review shall include a discussion concerning the effect of significant changes in
accounting principles, auditing standards and SEC reporting requirements with reference to the
scope of the audit.
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C. |
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Review Results of the Annual Audit |
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The Committee shall review the Companys audited financial statements. The Committee shall
discuss the financial statements and the results of the audit with the Companys external
auditor and management, including disclosures under the heading Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Companys Form 10-K. The
Committee shall recommend to the Board whether or not the audited financial statements should
be included in the Companys Form 10-K. |
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The Committee shall review with the Companys external auditor any audit problems or
difficulties and managements response. |
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Each external auditor that performs for the Company any audit required under the securities
laws shall report, prior to the filing of the audit report with the SEC, to the Committee on:
the critical policies and practices of the Company, all alternative treatments of financial
information within generally accepted accounting principles that have been discussed with
management, and all other material written communications between the Companys external
auditor and management. |
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The Committee shall review managements disclosure as to the effectiveness of their controls
and procedures, all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of the internal
controls, and any fraud, whether material or not, involving management or other employees who
have a significant role in internal controls. |
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D. |
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Review of Recommendations for Improvements |
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Each year the Committee shall obtain from the the external auditor a report of its perception
of strengths and weaknesses in the system of internal controls including recommendations for
improvements and proposed timetable for implementation. |
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E. |
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Review Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q |
Prior to filing with the SEC, the Committee shall review interim financial statements that
have been the subject of an SAS 100 review performed by the Companys external auditor, and discuss
with management and the external
A-3
auditor
the interim financial information contained in the Companys
Form 10-Q, including the Companys disclosures under
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.
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F. |
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Release of Material Financial Information |
Management shall not release material financial information to the public until after the
Chair or another member of the Committee has discussed directly with the external auditor the
results of their examination. Management shall discuss with the Committee the Companys earnings
press releases, and financial information and earnings guidance, if any, to be provided to analysts
and rating agencies.
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G. |
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Review Second Opinion Issues |
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The Committee shall be notified by Management whenever a second opinion is being sought from
an independent public accountant. |
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H. |
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Review Management Representation Letters |
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The Committee shall periodically review managements representation letters furnished to the
external auditors and shall be advised of any difficulties encountered by management in
preparing the letter; and by the external auditors as to any difficulties encountered in
obtaining the letter. |
III. |
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FUNCTIONS FINANCIAL REPORTING MATTERS |
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A. |
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Related Party and Major Transactions |
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The Committee shall review the major transaction memoranda and 18-month report prepared by
Management including a review of material transactions and their effect on the financial
statements. In addition, Management shall inform the Committee of related party
transactions, including relationships and dollar volume (if applicable), at least quarterly. |
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B. |
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Status of Income and Other Tax Reserves and Significant Disputes with Taxing
Authorities |
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At least quarterly, the Vice President of Taxation or the Chief Financial Officer shall
report to the Committee on the status of all income and other tax reserves and deferrals and
shall update the Committee concerning new or ongoing disputes with taxing authorities. |
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C. |
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Other Significant Reserves |
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The Committee shall be advised by management concerning the existence of and reasons for any
other significant accounting accruals, reserves or estimates that have or may have a material
impact on the financial statements. |
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D. |
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Accounting Policies and Policy Decisions |
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The Committee shall review: |
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Any major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement
presentations, including any significant changes in the Companys selection or
application of accounting principles, and major issues as to the adequacy of the
Companys internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of
material control deficiencies; |
A-4
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Analyses prepared by management and/or the external auditors setting forth
significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the
preparation of the financial statements including analyses of the effects of
alternative GAAP methods on the financial statements; |
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The effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance sheet
structures, on the financial statements of the Company; and |
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The type and presentation of information to be included in earnings press
releases (including any use of pro forma or adjusted non-GAAP information), as
well as review any financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts
and rating agencies. |
IV. |
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FUNCTIONS INTERNAL AUDITING MATTERS |
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A. |
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Personnel Decisions |
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The Company shall employ a Chief Audit Executive to administer an internal audit department,
whose duties shall be set by the Committee. The Committee shall have sole responsibility for
all personnel decisions regarding the Companys Chief Audit Executive and is to be consulted
by the Chief Audit Executive concerning decisions affecting the other Internal Audit
Department personnel, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination and compensation
arrangements. |
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The Committee shall establish clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the
external auditors that meet SEC regulations, New York Stock Exchange listing standards and
any other applicable requirements. |
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B. |
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Internal Audit Functions |
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At least annually, the Committee shall review the functions and goals of the Internal Audit
Department and may review its findings with Management. |
V. |
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FUNCTIONS OTHER MATTERS |
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A. |
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Receipt of Complaints |
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The Committee shall establish procedures for (1) the receipt, retention, and treatment of
complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or
auditing matters and (2) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company
of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. |
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B. |
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Notification by Management of Fraud or Other Serious Breakdowns in Internal Control |
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The Committee shall be immediately informed by Management or the Internal Audit Department,
as appropriate, of any perceived fraud or other material breakdowns in internal control.
Upon being informed, the Committee shall: |
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Inform the Board; and |
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Oversee managements response to the situation. |
A-5
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C. |
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Report of Audit Committee |
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The Committee shall prepare a report to be included in the Companys annual proxy statement in
accordance with SEC regulations.
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D. |
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Written Affirmations |
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The Committee shall review and, if required, approve the annual written affirmations to be
provided to the New York Stock Exchange and any other exchanges on which the Companys
securities may trade. |
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E. |
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Other Responsibilities. |
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The Committee shall also have responsibility to discuss policies with respect to risk
assessment and risk management, including a discussion of guidelines and policies to
govern the process by which the Companys exposure to risk is assessed and managed. |
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The Committee shall perform such other duties and functions as the Board may direct
from time to time. |
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F. |
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Annual Performance Evaluation |
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The Committee shall make provision for an annual performance evaluation of the Committee. |
____________________
Restated as of April 21, 2005.
A-6
APPENDIX B
AMENDMENT TO
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
Article Fourth, Paragraph A of the Corporations Certificate of Incorporation, is hereby
amended to read in its entirety, as follows:
A. The total number of shares of capital stock which the Corporation shall have ability to
issue is 275,000,000 shares consisting of 250,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value
(the Common Stock), and 25,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par value (the
Preferred Stock).
B-1
M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF
SHAREOWNERS APRIL 24, 2006
The undersigned hereby appoints PARIS G.
REECE III and MICHAEL TOUFF, or either one of them, as
proxies or proxy for the undersigned, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to attend the 2006 Annual
Meeting of Shareowners and any adjournments or postponements
thereof (the Meeting) and to vote as designated
below, all the shares of Common Stock of M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
that the undersigned is entitled to vote. In their discretion,
the proxies are hereby authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the Meeting and any
adjournments or postponements thereof.
Please specify your choice by clearly marking
the appropriate box. Unless otherwise specified, this proxy will
be voted FOR Proposal 1 and
Proposal 2.
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x
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Please mark your votes as in this
example. |
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE
FOR THE ELECTION OF MESSRS. BORICK, MANDARICH
AND BLACKFORD.
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1.
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.
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NOMINEES: Steven J. Borick, David D.
Mandarich and David E. Blackford
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o FOR
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o WITHHELD
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o FOR,
except vote withheld from the following nominee(s):
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(continued and to be signed and dated on the
other side)
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE
FOR PROPOSAL 2.
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2. |
To approve an amendment to our Certificate of
Incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of
Common Stock.
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o FOR o AGAINST o ABSTAIN
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3. |
To vote upon such other business as may properly
come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement
thereof.
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Please sign exactly as your name appears on this
proxy. Joint owners should each sign individually. If signing as
attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
include your full title. Corporate proxies should be signed by
an authorized officer.
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Signature(s):
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Date:
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Signature(s):
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Date:
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