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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

Filed by the Registrantý

Filed by a Party other than the Registranto

Check the appropriate box:

o

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

o

 

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

ý

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

o

 

Definitive Additional Materials

o

 

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

LTC Properties, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ý

 

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:
         

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LOGOLOGO

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 10, 20143, 2015



        The 20142015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of LTC Properties, Inc. will be held on Tuesday,Wednesday, June 10, 20143, 2015 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd.,Four Seasons Hotel, Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village, California 91361CA 91362, to conduct the following items of business:

        Only stockholders whose names appear of record on our books at the close of business onApril 15, 201417, 2015 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such 20142015 Annual Meeting or any adjournments of such 20142015 Annual Meeting.

  By Order of the Board of Directors

 

 


SIGNATURE
  PAMELA J. SHELLEY-KESSLER
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Corporate Secretary

Westlake Village, California
April 28, 201424, 2015

IMPORTANT: Whether or not you plan to attend the 20142015 Annual Meeting in person, please vote as promptly as possible (a) via the internet or telephone, if and as instructed by your broker or other nominee holder, or (b) if this proxy statement was mailed to you by completing, dating and signing the enclosed proxy card and mailing it in the accompanying postage paid envelope.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholder Meeting to Be Held on June 10, 2014—3, 2015—the Proxy Statement and the Annual Report are available at
http://www.astproxyportal.com/ast/26002/.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROXY STATEMENT

 1

Solicitation

 1

Voting Rights

 1

Voting of Proxy

 1

Broker Non-Votes

 2

Majority Voting

2

Board of Director'sDirectors' Recommendations

 2

Revocability of Proxy

 23

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND BOARD MATTERS

 3

Code of Ethics

 3

Corporate Governance Guidelines

 3

Board Structure and Committee Composition

 3

Communications with the Board

 56

Consideration of Director Nominees

 56

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 67

PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 78

PROPOSAL 2 APPROVAL OF THE 2015 EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLAN OF LTC PROPERTIES,  INC. 

11

PROPOSAL 3 RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 1020

PROPOSAL 34 ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

 1121

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 1223

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 1324

Executive Summary

24

Executive Compensation Program Philosophy and Objectives

 1426

Executive Compensation Program Elements

 1526

Compensation Committee

 1527

Competitive Considerations

 1627

Executive Compensation Practices

 1930

Stock Ownership Guidelines

 2537

Prohibition on Pledging and Hedging Stock

 2537

Tax and Accounting Considerations

 2537

Clawback Policy

 2638

Compensation Risk Assessment

 2638

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 2739

Description of Employment Agreements

 2841

Grants of Plan BasedPlan-Based Awards

 2942

Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End

 2943

Option Exercises and Stock Vested During 2013

 3043

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control

 3044

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 3347

Director Compensation for the Year ended December 31, 20132014

 3347

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 3549

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 3549

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 3650

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 3852

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 3953

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

 3953

Transactions with Related Persons

 3953

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Director Independence

 3953

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES AND SERVICES

 4154

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 4256

RISK OVERSIGHT

 4458

OTHER MATTERS

 4458

Stockholder Proposals

 4458

Householding

 4459

Directions

 4559

Appendix A—RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

A-1

Appendix B—THE 2015 EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLAN OF LTC PROPERTIES, INC. 

B-1

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LTC PROPERTIES, INC.GRAPHIC




PROXY STATEMENT

Solicitation

        This proxy statement is furnished to the stockholders of LTC Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("LTC"), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by ourthe Board of Directors ("Board") for use at our 20142015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Tuesday,Wednesday, June 10, 20143, 2015 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd.,Four Seasons Hotel, Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village, California 91361CA 91362 and at any and all adjournments of our 20142015 Annual Meeting. The approximate date on which this proxy statement and the form of proxy are first being sent to our stockholders is April 28, 2014.24, 2015.

        The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by us. In addition to solicitation by mail, our directors and officers, without receiving any additional compensation, may solicit proxies personally, by telephone, by facsimile or electronically. We will request brokers, banks, and other nominees holding stock in their names for others to forward proxy materials to their customers or principals who are the beneficial owners of common shares and will reimburse them for their expenses in doing so. We have retained the services of Georgeson Shareholder, Inc. for a fee of $8,000 plus out-of-pocket expenses, to assist in the solicitation of proxies.

        We will provide without charge to any person solicited hereby, upon the written request of any such person, a copy of our Annual Report on our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20132014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or SEC)("SEC"). Such requests should be directed to our Investor Relations Department, at 2829 Townsgate Road, Suite 350, Westlake Village, CA 91361. Also, ourOur Annual Report also is available on our website at www.LTCproperties.com.www.LTCreit.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this proxy statement.


Voting Rights

        At the close of business on April 15, 2014,17, 2015, there were 34,817,38535,540,762 shares of common stock outstanding and eligible for voting at the 20142015 Annual Meeting. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2014,17, 2015, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 20142015 Annual Meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at the 20142015 Annual Meeting.


Voting of Proxy

        You may vote by attending the 20142015 Annual Meeting and voting in person, or you may vote by submitting a proxy. The method of voting by proxy differs depending on whether (1) you are viewing this proxy statement on the internet or receiving a paper copy, and (2) you hold your shares as a record holder or in "street name".name."

        If you are the record holder of your stock and you are receiving a paper copy of this proxy statement, you may vote by completing, dating and signing the proxy card that was included with the proxy statement and promptly returning it in the pre-addressed, postage paid envelope provided to you.


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If you do not have a postage-prepaid envelope, please mail your completed proxy card to the following address: American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, Proxy Department, 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219.

        If you hold your shares of common stock in "street name",name," you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares. Your broker, bank or other nominee may allow you to deliver your voting instructions via the internet and may also permit you to submit your voting instructions by telephone. Please note that, if you hold your shares in "street name" and you


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wish to vote in person at the 20142015 Annual Meeting, you must obtain and present a proxy card issued in your name from your broker, bank or other nominee.


Broker Non-Votes

        If you are a "street name" beneficial owner whose shares are held of record by a broker, the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (or NYSE)("NYSE") require your broker to ask you for instructions on how to vote. If you do not provide voting instructions to your broker, then your broker may only exercise discretionary authority to vote on routine matters. Of the items described in this proxy statement, routine matters consist only of Proposal 2,3 ratification of independent registered public accounting firm. Your broker may not exercise discretionary authority to vote on non-routine matters. This lack of discretionary authority is called a "broker non-vote." Of the items described in this proxy statement, non-routine matters consist of Proposal 1 election of directors, Proposal 2 approval of the 2015 Equity Participation Plan, and Proposal 3,4 advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation. The effect of broker non-votes is set forth in the description of each item in this proxy statement. Despite limitations impacting broker non-votes, your broker can register your shares as being present at the 20142015 Annual Meeting for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.


Majority Voting

        In February 2015, the Board of Director'sDirectors amended the Bylaws of our company to adopt a majority voting standard for the election of directors. Under this voting standard, once a quorum has been established with respect to an election that is not contested, directors are elected by a majority of the votes cast. This means that the number of shares votedfor a director nominee must exceed the number of shares votedagainst that director nominee. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not counted as a vote cast either for or against a director nominee. If a director standing for reelection is not elected by the requisite majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election, that director must tender his or her resignation, subject to acceptance by the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will then make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation or whether other action should be taken. Within 90 days of certification of the stockholder vote, the Board will publicly disclose its decision and rationale regarding whether it accepted or rejected the resignation or describe what other action it took in response to the tendered resignation. In a contested election, where the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast.The election of directors at the 2015 Annual Meeting is uncontested and, therefore, the majority voting standard will apply.

Board of Directors' Recommendations

        The Board of Directors' recommendations are set forth together with the description of each item in this proxy statement. In summary, the Board of Directors recommends a vote:


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Revocability of Proxy

        The giving of a proxy does not preclude the right to revoke the proxy or vote in person should the stockholder giving the proxy so desire.

        If you are a stockholder of record, you have the power to revoke your proxy at any time prior to its exercise by: (a) delivering a written statement to our Investor Relations Department that the proxy is revoked; (b) by delivering to us a later-dated proxy executed by the person executing the prior proxy; or (c) by attending the 20142015 Annual Meeting and voting in person.

        If you hold your shares in "street name" through a broker, bank or other nominee, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee. Please note that voting in person at the 20142015 Annual Meeting will only act to revoke prior voting instructions if you have obtained and present a proxy card issued in your name from your broker, bank or other nominee.

        ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO VOTE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE VIA (A) THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, IF AND AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR BROKER OR OTHER NOMINEE, OR (B) IF THIS PROXY STATEMENT WAS MAILED TO YOU, BY COMPLETING, DATING AND SIGNING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND MAILING IT IN THE ACCOMPANYING POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE.


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND BOARD MATTERS

Code of Ethics

        LTC Properties, Inc. (or LTC) is committed to having sound corporate governance principles. To that end, we have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to ourthe Board of Directors, principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and other officers and employees.employees of our company. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website (www.LTCproperties.com).at www.LTCreit.com. If we amend or waive the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics with respect to our directors, principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, we will post the amendment or waiver on our website.


Corporate Governance Guidelines

        To guide us in director independence and other governance matters, we have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines as required by the NYSE listing standards of the NYSE.standards. The matters addressed in our Corporate Governance Guidelines include Board composition, Board meetings, Board committees, management responsibility, and stock ownership guidelines. A copy of our Corporate Governance Guidelines is available on our website at www.LTCproperties.com.www.LTCreit.com.


Board Structure and Committee Composition

        The business of LTC is managedconducted under the direction of the Board of Directors, (or Board), which is elected by our stockholders. The basic responsibility of the Board is to lead our company by exercising its business judgment to act in what each director reasonably believes to be the best interests of our company and its stockholders. Leadership is important to facilitate the Board acting effectively as a


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working group so that our company and its performance may benefit. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines contemplate that the Chief Executive Officer shall be nominated annually to serve on the Board.

        Our Boardcompany currently combines the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Separation of the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is not mandated by our company's articles, bylaws,Articles, Bylaws, or Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board believes that the advisability of having a separate or combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is dependent upon the strength(s)strengths of the individual(s) holding these positions. Ms.Wendy L. Simpson, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has served as a senior executive officer and director of our company for more than a decade. She has a deep understanding of our company's historical and current business and financial operations and is able to lead the Board in anticipating and responding to key company developments, challenges, and opportunities. At this time, the Board believes that combining the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman positions provides our company with the right foundation to pursue strategic and operational objectives, while maintaining effective oversight and objective evaluation of the performance of our company. Ms. Simpson does not serve on any outside boards of directors other than LTC, so that she is able to devote her full attention to our company.

        Aside from Ms. Simpson, all members of ourthe Board are independent directors. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that one independent director may be appointed lead independent director. Currently, Mr.Boyd W. Hendrickson is the lead independent director. Particularly given that our Boardcompany combines the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the lead independent director serves an important role in our leadership structure. The positionBoard has adopted a Lead Independent Director Charter governing the responsibilities and duties of the lead independent director. A copy of our Lead Independent Director Charter is available on our website at www.LTCreit.com. As set forth in the Lead Independent Director Charter, the lead independent director enhancesposition serves to enhance Board effectiveness, by servingoversee Board matters, and act as a liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman, and by ensuringChairman. The lead independent director position also serves to ensure the independent directors have adequate resources in making decisions. The lead independent director is empowered to approve meeting agendas, meeting schedules and information sent to the Board. The lead independent director also has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors.


Tabledirectors and presides at executive sessions of Contentsthe independent directors.

        Effective March 1, 2014,Independent director Edmund C. King's term on the Board will expire directly after the 2015 Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors thanks Mr. King for his many years of service to our company. We expect that, after the 2015 Annual Meeting, four of the five directors of the Board elected James J. Pieczynskiwill be independent. Assuming the nominees are reelected as recommended in this proxy statement, the average tenure of the independent directors of the Board following the 2015 Annual Meeting will be 8 years of service.

        The Board annually conducts a new memberself-evaluation to determine whether it and its committees are functioning effectively. This annual performance evaluation is a component of our Board of Directors. As a result, our total number of directors increased from fiveCorporate Governance Guidelines. The evaluation includes discussions to six and total independent directors increased from fourdetermine what, if any, actions should be taken to five.improve the Board's effectiveness.

        OurThe Board has the following three committees: (1) Audit; (2) Compensation; and (3) Nominating and Corporate Governance. The function of each of the committeescommittee and the membership of the committees currently and during the last year are described below. Each of the committeescommittee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. All of the committee charters are available on our website (www.LTCproperties.com).at www.LTCreit.com.

        During fiscal 2013, theThe Board held five meetings.six meetings in 2014. Each Board member attended 100% of Board and Committeecommittee meetings in 2013.2014. Our policy is to schedule our annual meeting of stockholders after consulting with each director regarding their availability to help ensure their ability to attend. All Board members attended our 20132014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


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        Each independent director currently serves on each committee. The following table reflects the current composition of each committee:

Director

Audit
Committee


Compensation
Committee


Nominating and
Corporate Governance
Committee



Boyd W. Hendrickson+***
​  Edmund C. King***
James J. Pieczynski**
​  Devra G. Shapiro**
Wendy L. Simpson
​  Timothy J. Triche, MD**

GRAPHIC   + Lead Independent Director                  * Member                   Chairman

Audit Committee

        The Audit Committee has oversight of all compliance related to financial matters, SEC reporting and auditing. The "ReportReport of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors"Directors is contained herein on page 22.31 of this proxy statement. The Audit Committee Charter is available on our website (www.LTCproperties.com).at www.LTCreit.com. The Audit Committee met five times during 2013.in 2014.

        The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is independent within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or ("Exchange Act)Act"), and theNYSE listing standards of the NYSE.standards. The Board also has determined that Ms. Shapiro, the current chair of the Audit Committee, Mr. King, and Mr. Pieczynski each qualify as an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by SEC rules and that they each have accounting and related financial management expertise within the meaning of theNYSE listing standards of the NYSE.standards. Ms. Shapiro has servedserves as Chairman of the Audit Committee since May 2013. Prior to May 2013, Mr. Kingand served as Chairman of the Audit Committee.in that role throughout 2014.

Compensation Committee

        The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing, reviewing, and administering our compensation and benefit practices. The Compensation Committee oversees our general compensation policies, reviews and approves compensation of our executive officers and administers all of our employee benefit plans. The Compensation Committee Charter is available on our website (www.LTCproperties.com).at www.LTCreit.com. The Compensation Committee met fourthree times during 2013.


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        The Board has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee is independent within the meaning of theNYSE listing standards of the NYSE.standards. Dr. Triche serves as Chairman of the Compensation Committee and served in that role throughout 2013.2014.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

        The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for (i) identifying, screening and reviewing individuals qualified to serve as directors and recommending to the Board candidates for nomination for election at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders or to fill Board vacancies; (ii) overseeing our policies and procedures for the receipt of stockholder suggestions regarding Board composition and recommendations of candidates for nomination by the Board; (iii) developing, recommending to the Board and overseeing implementation of our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; and (iv) reviewing on a regular basis our overall corporate governance guidelines and recommending improvements when necessary. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter is available on our website (www.LTCproperties.com).at www.LTCreit.com. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met once during 2013.three times in 2014.


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        The Board has determined that each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is independent within the meaning of theNYSE listing standards of the NYSE.standards. Mr. Pieczynski has servedserves as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and has served in that role since April 2014. Previously since May 2013, Mr. King served as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Prior toCommittee between May 2013 Ms Shapiro served as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.March 2014.


Communications with the Board

        Stockholders and all other parties interested in contacting the Board, its committees, the independent directors as a group, the presidinglead independent director, or individual directors may send written correspondence to the Audit Committee Chairman of LTC Properties, Inc. at 2829 Townsgate Road, Suite 350, Westlake Village, California 91361. All such communications will be forwarded to the relevant director(s), except for solicitations or other matters unrelated to our company.


Consideration of Director Nominees

        The Board is responsible for the selection of candidates for the nomination or appointment of all Board members. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, recommends candidates for election to ourthe Board and considers recommendations for Board candidates submitted by stockholders using the same criteria it applies to recommendations from Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members, directors and members of management. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider whether to nominate any person nominated by a stockholder pursuant to the provisions of our company's Bylaws relating to stockholder nominations as described immediately below. Since 2013,2014, there have been no material changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend nominees. Stockholders may submit recommendations in writing addressed to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, LTC Properties, Inc., 2829 Townsgate Road, Suite 350, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

        Stockholders may directly nominate persons for director only by complying with the procedure set forth in our company's Bylaws, which in summary requires that the stockholder submit the names of such persons in writing to our Corporate Secretary not less than 60 days nor more than 150 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year's Annual Meeting. The nominations must set forth (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director and as to the stockholder giving the notice (a) the name, age, business address and residence address of such person, (b) the principal occupation or employment of such person, (c) the class and number of


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shares of our capital stock which are beneficially owned by such person on the date of such stockholder notice, (d) such nominee's consent to serve as a director if elected and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice (a) the name and address, as they appear on our books, of such stockholder to be supporting such nominees and (b) the class and number of shares of our capital stock which are beneficially owned by such stockholder on the date of such stockholder notice and by any other stockholders known by such stockholder to be supporting such nominees on the date of such stockholder notice.

        Once a prospective nominee has been identified, by either the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or proposed by the stockholders,a stockholder, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee makes an initial determination as to whether to conduct a full evaluation of the prospective candidate. This initial determination would include whatever information is provided with the recommendation of the prospective candidate and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's own knowledge of the prospective candidate. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may make inquiries of the person making the recommendation or of others regarding the qualifications of the prospective candidate. The preliminary determination is based primarily on the need for additional Board members to fill vacancies or expand the size of the Board. The Board's policy is to encourage selection of directors who will contribute to our overall corporate goals and to


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the discharge of the Board's responsibility to our stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may, at the request of the Board from time to time, review the appropriate skills and characteristics required of Board members in the context of the current makeup of the Board. Board members are expected to prepare for, attend and participate in meetings of the Board and the committees on which they serve; therefore, a prospective candidate must have the ability to dedicate sufficient time, energy and attention to the diligent performance of his or her duties as a Board member.

        The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may conduct interviews with prospective nominees in person or by telephone. After completing the evaluation and interviews, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee makes a recommendation to the full Board as to the persons who should be nominated by the Board, and the Board determines the nominees after considering the recommendation and report of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

        The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not have a specific policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees. As part of its periodic review of the composition of the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers whether the composition of the Board reflects the appropriate balance of independence, sound judgment, business specialization, technical skills, diversity, and other desired qualities. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not have formal objective criteria for determining the amount of diversity needed or present on the Board. Instead, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks to have a Board with a diversity of background and experience.


Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

        Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities of our company.

        To our knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports and written representations that no other reports were required, duringfor the year ended December 31, 20132014 all directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock have complied with the reporting requirements of Section 16(a); except that one report, covering one transaction, was filed late for Mr. King.


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PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        SixFive directors will be elected at the 20142015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Each person elected as director will hold office until the 20152016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and, in each case, until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified.

        In accordance with the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board of Directors has nominated Boyd W. Hendrickson, James J. Pieczynski, Devra G. Shapiro, Wendy L. Simpson, and Timothy J. Triche for election as director. Each nominee listed below is currently a director of our company. The names of the sixfive director nominees, their business experience, and specific qualifications, attributes, or skills to serve as director, are set forth below:

Boyd W. Hendrickson
Director since 2005
Age 6970
 Mr. Hendrickson has served as a consultant to Skilled Healthcare Group, Inc. (or SHG) since November 2013. Mr. Hendrickson previously was the Chief Executive Officer of SHGSkilled Healthcare Group, Inc. ("SHG") from April 2002 through November 2013. From November 2013 through December 2014, Mr. Hendrickson served as a consultant to SHG. Mr. Hendrickson also previously wasserved as a Member of the Board of Directors of SHG from August 2003 through November 2013, including as Chairman of the Board of Directors of SHG from December 2005 through November 2013. SHG iswas a publicly-traded company with subsidiaries that own and operate skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. SinceIn February 2015, SHG was acquired by Genesis HealthCare, Inc. Prior to joining SHG, Mr. Hendrickson was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Healthcare, LLC, an operator of long-term health care facilities, from January 2000 through April 2002. Additionally since 2005, Mr. Hendrickson also has served as a managing member of Executive Search Solutions,  LLC, a provider of recruiting services to the healthcarehealth care services industry. Previously, Mr. Hendrickson wasis a member of the PresidentBoard of Directors of Earthling Interactive, a private software development company, and Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Healthcare, LLC, an operator of long-term healthcare facilities, from January 2000 through April 2002. Mr. Hendrickson is a former member of senior management and the Boards of Directors of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and Hallmark Health Services.

 

 

Mr. Hendrickson's prior service as an independent director of LTC, Properties, Inc., past executive and director experience with other public companies, and his multi-decade involvement in the understanding of the health care industry led the Board to conclude he should be nominated to serve another term as director.

Edmund C. King
Director since 1992
Age 79


Mr. King has served as Chief Financial Officer and on the Board of Directors of Invisa, Inc., a publicly-held industrial instrument company, since February 2000, and currently serves as their Chief Executive Officer. He also has been the general partner of Trouver Capital Partners, an investment banking firm with locations in the Western United States, since 1997. Previously, Mr. King was Ernst & Young LLP's Southern California senior health care partner from 1973 through September 1991. He is on the Board of Directors of Biovest International, Inc., a publicly-traded biopharmaceutical company.



Mr. King's prior service as an independent director of LTC Properties, Inc., financial management background, history of working with public companies, knowledge of health care matters, and multi-decade experience with accounting-related reporting and controls led the Board to conclude he should be nominated to serve another term as director.

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James J. Pieczynski
Director since March 2014
Age 5152
 Mr. Pieczynski is currently the President of the CapitalSource division of Pacific Western Bank and is a member of the board of directors of Pacific Western Bank and PacWest Bancorp. Prior to that he was a member of the Board of Directors of CapitalSource, Inc. (or CSE)("CSE") from January 2010 until April 2014 when CSE was acquired by PacWest Bancorp. Mr. Pieczynski served as Chief Executive Officer from January 2012 until the acquisition in April 2014. CSE was a publicly heldpublicly-held bank providing commercial loans to small and middle-market businesses nationwide and depository products and services in southern and central California. Mr. Pieczynski previously served as CSE's Co-Chief Executive Officer from January 2010 through December 2011, CSE's President—Healthcare Real Estate Business from November 2008 until January 2010, and CSE's Co-President—Healthcare and Specialty Finance from January 2006 until November 2008. In addition,Additionally, Mr. Pieczynski served as LTC Properties, Inc.'s President, Chief Financial Officer,an executive officer of our company from 1994 to 2001, and as a member of the Board of Directors of LTC from 19931997 to 2001.

 

 

Mr. Pieczynski's prior service as an executive officer and director of LTC, Properties, Inc., his recent position as Chief Executive Officer of a public financial company, his years of experience in financial and executive positions with health care companies, and his expertise in accounting, financial reporting and controls led the Board to conclude that he should be nominated to serve as director.

Devra G. Shapiro CPA
Director since 2009
Age 6768

 

Ms. Shapiro served as Chief Financial Officer of IPC The Hospitalist Company (NASDAQ-IPCM)Healthcare, Inc. ("IPC") from the time she joined IPC in March 1998 through October 2011. From 2011 to her retirement in 2014, she served as IPC's Chief Administrative Officer. IPC is a publicly-traded national physician group practice company focused on the delivery of acute and post-acute hospitalist medicine services. Prior to joining IPC, Ms. Shapiro held chief financial officer and other executive financial positions with several health care companies and was in the health care practice of an international accounting firm for 11 years. Formerly, Ms. Shapiro was with Arthur Andersen & Company.

 

 

Ms. Shapiro's prior service as an independent director of LTC, Properties, Inc., her sixteen years prior experience as a senior executive officer of a public health care company, her many years of experience in financial and executive positions with health care companies and in public accounting, and her expertise in accounting, financial reporting and controls led the Board to conclude that she should be nominated to serve a another term as director.

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Wendy L. Simpson
Director since 1995
Age 6566
 Ms. Simpson was appointed Chairman of ourthe Board of Directors of LTC in August 2013 and has served as Chief Executive Officer and President since March 2007. She also served as Chief Financial Officer from July 2000 through March 2007, Treasurer from January 2005 through March 2007, and President and Chief Operating Officer from October 2005 through March 2007. She also was Vice Chairman of the Board from April 2000 through October 2005.

 

 

Having served as a senior executive officer of LTC Properties, Inc. for more than a decade, including currently as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Ms. Simpson brings a deep understanding of our company's historical and current business and financial operations. In addition,Additionally, our Corporate Governance Guidelines contemplate that our Chief Executive Officer shall be nominated to serve on the Board of Directors. These factors, and Ms. Simpson's prior service as director of LTC, Properties, Inc., led the Board to conclude that she should be nominated to serve another term as director.

Timothy J. Triche, MD
Director since 2000
Age 6970

 

Dr. Triche has been the Director of the Center for Personalized Medicine at Children's Hospital Los Angeles since July 2010 and previously served as the Chairman of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Children's Hospital Los Angeles since 1988. He has also been a Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California since 1988. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Novelix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a private California-based biotechnology company, NanoValent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a private nanotechnology company, GenomeDx, a private Canadian biotechnology company, developing prognostic tests for cancer,Lifecode, Inc. (f/k/a Silicon Valley Biosystems,Biosystems), a private California-based biotechnology company, and Sanguine BioSciences, a private biomedical research company.

 

 

Dr. Triche's prior service as an independent director of LTC, Properties, Inc., current and past executive and director experience with other health care companies, and his overall background in the health care industry led the Board to conclude he should be nominated to serve another term as director.

        If any nominee becomes unavailable to serve as a director for any reason (which event is not anticipated), the shares of common stock represented by proxy may (unless such proxy contains instructions to the contrary) be voted for such other person or persons as may be determined by the holders of such proxies.


Required Vote and Recommendations

        The six nominees receivingAs described under "Majority Voting" on page 2 of this proxy statement, a majority of the most votes (providingcast is required for the election of each director in an uncontested election, which is the case at the 2015 Annual Meeting. A majority of the votes cast means that the number of votes cast FOR a quorum is present) will be elected as directors.nominee must exceed the number of votes cast AGAINST that nominee. For purposes of the vote on Proposal 1, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote, although they will count towards the presence of a quorum for Proposal 1. Properly executed and unrevoked proxies will be voted FOR the Board's nominees unless contrary instructions or an abstention are indicated in the proxy.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR.


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PROPOSAL 2
APPROVAL OF THE 2015 EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLAN OF LTC PROPERTIES, INC.

        On March 16, 2015, the Board of Directors approved, subject to stockholder approval, The 2015 Equity Participation Plan of LTC Properties, Inc. ("2015 Equity Participation Plan" or "2015 Plan"), under which 1,400,000 shares of our common stock (approximately 3.9% of the outstanding shares as of April 17, 2015) will be reserved for issuance. The 2015 Equity Participation Plan will not become effective until it is approved by our stockholders. The Board is asking our stockholders to approve the 2015 Equity Participation Plan so that we may issue to independent directors, key employees and consultants awards that are linked to the value of our common stock. The 2015 Equity Participation Plan will replace the 2008 Equity Participation Plan ("2008 Plan"). If the 2015 Plan is not approved, we intend to continue to grant stock awards under the 2008 Plan to the extent we were authorized to grant such awards when the plan was approved.

        The Board of Directors believes that equity ownership provides an important link between the interests of our stockholders and our executives, managers and key employees by rewarding the creation of long-term stockholder value. The Board believes that our ability to grant equity awards has helped us attract, retain and motivate talented professionals with superior leadership capabilities. As described in the Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement, equity awards are a key component of our compensation program and constitute a significant portion of our executive officers' total compensation.

        In recommending approval of the 2015 Plan, the Board of Directors asks that stockholders also consider the following factors:

We Manage Our Equity Award Use Carefully

        We manage our long-term stockholder dilution by limiting the number of equity awards granted annually. The Board of Directors carefully monitors our total dilution and annual equity grant rate ("burn rate"), and our company has followed a responsible approach to equity based compensation in the past.

        As of December 31, 2014, the total number of shares subject to outstanding awards under the 2008 Plan was 244,168 shares, or 0.71% of our basic weighted average shares outstanding. With the proposed increase of 1,400,000 shares in the 2015 Plan, a total of 1,644,168 shares or 4.75% of basic weighted average shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014 will be outstanding or available for issuance through the 2015 Plan.

        As shown in the following table, our company's three year average burn rate is 0.24%.

​  

 

 

Key Equity Metric



2012


2013


2014


3-year average

​  

 

 

Total number of shares granted

  90,500  34,400  110,000  78,300  

​  

 

Basic Wtd. Avg. Shares Outstanding

 30,238,000 33,111,000 34,617,000 n/a 

 

 

Burn rate(1)

  0.30% 0.10% 0.32% 0.24% 
​  
(1)
Burn rate is calculated by dividing the total number of shares granted each fiscal year by the basic weighted average shares outstanding for the period.

        Additionally, if each equity award is counted as a "full-value" award subject to a multiplier of 3.0, consistent with the methodology employed by certain proxy advisory firms, the three year average "adjusted burn rate" is 0.69%, well below the burn rate "cap" of 2.71% applied to our industry.


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Key Features of the 2015 Plan Reflect Use of Compensation and Governance Best Practices

        The proposed 2015 Plan includes new and continued provisions designed to protect our stockholders' interests and reflect corporate governance best practices, including:

Description of the 2015 Equity Participation Plan

        The following is a description of the purpose and a summary of the provisions of the 2015 Plan. The summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the 2015 Plan, which is attached hereto as Appendix B.

        General.    The 2015 Plan permits us to issue stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalents, deferred stock, stock payments and stock appreciation rights to independent directors, key employees (including officers who are directors) and consultants. The 2015 Plan does not permit the repricing of stock options or stock appreciation rights without approval of our stockholders or the granting of discounted stock options or stock appreciation rights.

        Purpose.    The purpose of the 2015 Plan is three-fold:


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        Administration of the 2015 Plan.    The Board has the authority and the discretion under the 2015 Plan to grant awards to independent directors and to administer those awards. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has the authority and the discretion under the 2015 Plan to issue awards to key employees and consultants and to administer those awards. The term "Grantor" as used in this summary refers to the Board, with respect to awards to independent directors, and to the Compensation Committee, with respect to awards to key employees and consultants. Except as expressly limited by the 2015 Plan, the authority of the Grantor includes the authority to determine the timing of awards, to select the recipients of awards, and to determine the terms of each award, including, among other things, any modifications of awards, applicable restrictions, termination and vesting conditions, provided however, that to the extent vesting provisions are addressed by an employment agreement, such employment agreement controls.

        The Compensation Committee is comprised solely of non-employee directors of the Board.

        Number of Shares Available for Issuance.    The aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be issued upon exercise of options or in connection with other awards under the 2015 Plan shall not exceed One Million Four Hundred Thousand (1,400,000). No individual may be granted in any calendar year stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, deferred stock, stock payments and independent stock appreciation rights representing more than 200,000 shares of common stock, or a number of dividend equivalents that exceed the number of stock appreciation rights, deferred stock awards and performance awards payable in common stock granted in such calendar year. The Compensation Committee or the Board may adjust the aggregate 1,400,000 limit and the individual 200,000 limit if it determines that a dividend, recapitalization, stock split, merger, consolidation or other similar corporate transaction or event equitably requires an adjustment.

        Types of Awards.    The 2015 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive stock options to our key employees and nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalents, deferred stock, stock payments and stock appreciation rights to our non-employee directors, key employees and consultants. Rights to awards may be contingent on the satisfaction of performance criteria ("Performance Criteria") determined by the Grantor, including but not limited to net income; performance of investments; cash flow; earnings per share; return on equity; return on invested capital or assets; total shareholder return; cost reductions or savings; funds from operations; adjusted funds from operations; funds available for distribution; appreciation in the fair market value of common stock; earnings before one or more of the following items: interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization; new investments; and credit metrics. Additionally, to the degree consistent with the U.S. Internal Revenue Code ("Code"), such Performance Criteria may be calculated without regard to extraordinary, unusual and/or non-recurring items.

        Stock Options.    The 2015 Plan provides for two types of stock options: incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options. The differences between incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options relate mainly to their tax treatment under the Code (see "U.S. Tax Consequences" below). A stock option gives the holder the right to receive a designated number of shares of our common stock during the period that the option is exercisable upon payment of the exercise price for the stock options, subject to the terms and conditions that the Grantor, in its sole discretion, shall determine at the time the award is made. The per share exercise price of an option that is granted to a key employee or consultant may not be less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant of the option, except for incentive stock options granted to 10% stockholders, in which case the per share exercise price must be at least 110% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options must expire no later than the tenth anniversary of the date of grant, except for incentive stock options granted to 10% stockholders, which may expire no later than the fifth anniversary of the date of grant.


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        Unless otherwise specified by the Grantor or in an employment agreement, all options granted to key employees and consultants become vested upon a separation of service without cause or for good reason following a change in control (see "Change in Control" below).

        Restricted Stock.    A restricted stock award is an award of shares of our common stock for consideration or without consideration, subject to the vesting and other terms and conditions that the Grantor, in its sole discretion, shall determine at the time the award is made. Restricted stock for which the holder paid no consideration is forfeited to LTC if the independent director, key employee or consultant to whom it was awarded terminates service prior to the end of the vesting period determined by the Grantor. However, unless otherwise provided by the Grantor, such restricted stock will not be forfeited if the termination follows a change in control (see "Change in Control" below) or is due to death or disability. Restricted stock for which the holder paid consideration may be repurchased by LTC at a price equal to the price paid by the holder, if the independent director, key employee or consultant to whom it was awarded terminates service prior to the end of the vesting period, except that the Grantor may provide that no such right exists if the termination follows a change in control (see "Change in Control" below) or is due to death or disability. The vesting of restricted stock may be subject to satisfaction of company performance goals, individual performance goals and one or more of the Performance Criteria.

        Unless otherwise specified by the Grantor or in an employment agreement, all shares of restricted stock become vested upon a separation of service without cause or for good reason following a change in control (see "Change in Control" below).

        Restricted Stock Unit.    A restricted stock unit entitles the holder to receive a share of our common stock upon the terms and conditions set forth in the 2015 Plan and the applicable award agreement. A restocked stock unit is subject to the terms and conditions that the Grantor, in its sole discretion, shall determine at the time the award is made. A holder of a restricted stock unit shall possess no ownership rights with respect to our common stock unless and until the unit is converted to common stock. Dividend equivalents may be earned by holders of restricted stock based on dividends declared on our common stock, to be credited as of dividend payment dates.

        Unless otherwise specified by the Grantor or in an employment agreement, all restricted stock units become vested upon a separation of service without cause or for good reason following a change in control (see "Change in Control" below).

        Stock Appreciation Rights.    A stock appreciation right entitles the holder to a payment in cash or shares of our common stock equal to the excess of the fair market value of the number of shares of our common stock underlying the stock appreciation right as of the date the stock appreciation right is exercised over such fair market value as of the date the stock appreciation right is granted. A stock appreciation right is subject to the terms and conditions that the Grantor, in its sole discretion, shall determine at the time the award is made. The 2015 Plan provides for two types of stock appreciation rights: coupled stock appreciation rights and independent stock appreciation rights. A coupled stock appreciation right is related to a stock option, is exercisable only when and to the extent that the stock option is exercisable and is exercised when the holder surrenders the related unexercised stock option. An independent stock appreciation right is not related to an option. Unless the Grantor determines otherwise, an independent stock appreciation right is exercisable only while the recipient is an independent director, key employee or consultant.

        Performance Awards.    A performance award represents the right to receive a payment in cash or shares of our common stock subject to satisfaction of specific performance criteria, including one or more of the Performance Criteria. A performance award is payable only while the holder is an independent director, key employee or consultant, except that the Grantor may provide that a


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performance award is payable upon a separation of service without cause or for good reason following a change in control (see "Change in Control" below).

        Dividend Equivalents.    Dividend equivalents are granted in conjunction with stock appreciation rights, deferred stock or performance awards. A dividend equivalent represents the right to receive payments in cash or shares of our common stock in the amount of the dividend paid on a share of our common stock between the date that such an award is granted and the date such an award is exercised, vests or expires. Payment of a dividend equivalent may not be related to or contingent upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right. A dividend equivalent is payable only while the holder is an independent director, key employee or consultant, except that the Grantor may provide that a dividend equivalent is payable upon a separation of service without cause or for good reason following a change in control (see "Change in Control" below).

        Stock Payments.    A stock payment award represents the right to receive a share of our common stock, subject to the terms and conditions that the Grantor, in its sole discretion, shall determine at the time the award is made, which may include satisfaction of one or more of the Performance Criteria. A stock payment is payable only while the holder is an independent director, key employee or consultant, except that the Grantor may provide that a stock payment is payable upon a separation of service without cause or for good reason following a change in control (see "Change in Control" below).

        Deferred Stock.    A deferred stock award represents the right to receive one share of our common stock in the future, subject to the terms and conditions that the Grantor, in its sole discretion, shall determine at the time the award is made, which may include satisfaction of one or more of the Performance Criteria. A deferred stock award is payable only while the holder is an independent director, key employee or consultant, except that the Grantor may provide that a deferred stock award is payable upon a separation of service without cause or for good reason following a change in control (see "Change in Control" below).

        Adjustments for Changes in Capitalization.    If the Grantor determines that a dividend, recapitalization, stock split, merger, consolidation, or other similar corporate transaction or event, equitably requires an adjustment, then the Grantor shall adjust any or all of:

        Change in Control.    As described above, an independent director's, key employee's or consultant's rights in an award may vest upon a "change in control." "Change in control" shall mean a change in ownership or control of LTC effected through any of the following transactions:


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        Amendment and Termination.    The 2015 Plan may be terminated by the Board at any time. The Board may amend the 2015 Plan (and the awards issued thereunder), but may not, without prior approval of the stockholders:

        U.S. Tax Consequences.    The following brief description, which is based on existing law, sets forth certain of the federal income tax consequences of the grant of awards under the 2015 Plan. This description may differ from the actual tax consequences incurred by any individual recipient of an award. Moreover, existing law is subject to change by new legislation, by new regulations, by administrative pronouncements and by court decisions or by new or clarified interpretations or applications of existing laws, regulations, administrative pronouncements and court decisions. Any such change may affect the federal income tax consequences described below. The following summary of the federal income tax consequences in respect of the 2015 Plan is for general information only. Interested parties should consult their own advisors as to specific tax consequences, including the application and effect of foreign, state and local tax laws.

        Non-Qualified Stock Options.    An independent director, key employee or consultant who is granted a non-qualified stock option will not recognize taxable income at the time the stock option is granted. In general, an optionee will be subject to tax for the year of exercise on an amount of ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the option exercise price, and LTC will receive a corresponding Federal income tax deduction. Income tax withholding requirements apply upon exercise. The optionee's basis in the shares so acquired will be equal to the option exercise price plus the amount of ordinary income upon which he or she is taxed. Upon subsequent disposition of the shares, the optionee will recognize capital gain or loss, long-term or short-term, depending upon the length of time the shares are held after the stock option is exercised.

        Incentive Stock Options.    An optionee is not taxed at the time an incentive stock option is granted. The tax consequences upon exercise and later disposition generally depend upon whether the optionee was an employee of LTC or a subsidiary at all times from the date of grant until three months preceding exercise (one year in the case of disability) and on whether the optionee holds the shares for more than one year after exercise and two years after the date of grant of the stock option.

        If the optionee satisfies both the employment rule and the holding rule, the optionee will not be subject to income taxation upon exercise of the stock option and LTC will not be allowed an income tax deduction at any time. Instead, upon subsequent disposition of the shares acquired upon exercise of


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the option (and assuming the holding rule has been satisfied) the optionee will recognize a long-term capital gain or a long-term capital loss with respect to the difference between the option exercise price and the amount realized upon disposition of the shares.

        If the optionee meets the employment rule but fails to observe the holding rule (a "disqualifying disposition"), the optionee generally recognizes as ordinary income, in the year of the disqualifying disposition, the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the date of exercise over the option exercise price. Any excess of the sales price over the fair market value at the date of exercise will be recognized by the optionee as capital gain (long-term or short-term depending on the length of time the stock was held after the stock option was exercised). If, however, the sale price is less than the fair market value at the date of exercise, then the ordinary income recognized by the optionee is generally limited to the excess of the sale price over the option exercise price. In both situations, the tax deduction allowable to LTC is limited to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee. Under current Internal Revenue Service guidelines, LTC is not required to withhold any Federal income tax in the event of a disqualifying disposition.

        Different consequences may apply for an optionee subject to the alternative minimum tax.

        Restricted Stock.    An independent director, key employee or consultant who is granted restricted stock generally will not recognize taxable income at the time the restricted stock is granted. Instead, a restricted stockholder will recognize ordinary taxable income when the stock is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture and LTC will receive a corresponding Federal income tax deduction at that time. However, a restricted stockholder may file with the IRS a "section 83(b) election" when he or she receives the restricted stock, as a result of which he or she will recognize taxable ordinary income when the stock is granted. Upon subsequent disposition of the shares, the restricted stockholder will recognize capital gain or loss, long-term or short-term, depending on the length of time the shares are held after the date of grant.

        Stock Appreciation Rights.    An independent director, key employee or consultant will not realize taxable income upon the award of stock appreciation rights. Upon the exercise of stock appreciation rights, any cash received and the fair market value on the exercise date of any shares of common stock received would constitute ordinary income to the participant, and LTC would be entitled to a deduction in the amount of such income at the time of exercise.

        Performance Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Dividend Equivalents, Deferred Stock and Stock Payments.    An independent director, key employee or consultant normally will not realize taxable income upon the award of performance awards, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent awards, deferred stock awards or stock payment awards. When the conditions and requirements established with respect to such an award have been satisfied and the payment amount determined, any cash and the fair market value of any shares of our common stock received will constitute ordinary income to the participant in the year in which paid or when no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, and LTC will be entitled to a deduction in the same amount.

        Deductibility of Executive Compensation.    Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code disallows a tax deduction to publicly held companies for compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and the three most highly compensated executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, to the extent that total compensation exceeds $1 million per covered officer in any taxable year. The limitation applies only to compensation which is not considered to be performance-based. Compensation is considered to be performance-based if it is paid pursuant to a plan that is approved by stockholders at least once every five years and it satisfies certain other requirements.

        By approving the 2015 Plan, stockholders also will be approving the eligibility of executive officers and others to participate, the per-person limitations, and the general business criteria on which


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performance objectives for performance-based awards may be based. The 2015 Plan imposes per-person limitations as described under "Number of Shares Available for Issuance" above.

        Compensation paid by us in connection with restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalent awards, deferred stock awards or stock payment awards granted to a key employee covered by Section 162(m) may be taken into account for purposes of the $1 million limitation unless the individual award is specifically designed to comply with Section 162(m)'s performance-based exemption. In order to satisfy Section 162(m)'s performance-based exemption, payment of the award must be contingent on the satisfaction of objective performance goals established in writing by a committee comprised solely of two or more outside directors (such as the Compensation Committee) no later than 90 days after the beginning of the applicable performance period and not later than 25% of the performance period has elapsed. The performance goals must be stated by the committee as specific amounts of, or specific changes in, one or more of the Performance Criteria with respect to LTC or any subsidiary. The 2015 Plan permits the Compensation Committee to specify any reasonable definition of the financial measures it uses, to make reasonable adjustments to such measures, and to include or exclude certain items. Within a reasonable time after the close of a performance period, the committee must determine whether the performance goals for that performance period have been met. The committee may not exercise discretion to increase any amount intended to qualify as performance-based under Section 162(m).

        Compensation deemed paid by LTC in connection with disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock option shares or exercises of non-qualified stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the 2015 Plan qualifies as performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) if the grants were made by a committee of outside directors such as the Compensation Committee. We anticipate that any compensation deemed paid by us in connection with disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock option shares or exercises of non-qualified stock options and stock appreciation rights will qualify as performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) and will not have to be taken into account for purposes of the $1 million limitation. Accordingly, all compensation deemed paid with respect to those stock options should be deductible by us without limitation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

        A number of other requirements must be met in order for particular compensation to qualify as performance-based under Section 162(m). There can be no assurance that compensation resulting from awards intended to qualify under Section 162(m) will in fact be fully deductible under all circumstances. Additionally, the 2015 Plan authorizes the grant of awards that will not qualify as performance-based. Compensation paid as a result of any such awards may be subject to the cap on deductibility under Section 162(m) if it and other non-performance-based compensation exceed $1 million in a given year.

        Because the Compensation Committee and the Board have discretion to determine the amount and types of awards to be granted under the 2015 Plan, all of the benefits that will be received in the future by participants are not readily determinable, but in no case will the awards granted annually exceed the limitations set forth in the 2015 Plan.

        Impact of Section 409A.    Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code applies to deferred compensation, unless the compensation was both deferred and vested prior to January 1, 2005. Generally speaking, "deferred compensation" is compensation earned currently, the payment of which is deferred to a later taxable year, and an amount is "vested" on the date that the participant's right to receive the amount is no longer conditioned on the participant's performance of substantial future services or upon the occurrence of an event (such as a change in control) or the achievement of performance goals that are substantially related to the purpose of the compensation.

        Options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, and restricted stock awarded under the 2015 Plan are designed to be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A. Other awards granted under the plan may be subject to Section 409A, unless the terms of the award satisfy an exemption


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from Section 409A. An award that is subject to Section 409A and fails to satisfy its requirements will subject the holder of the award to immediate taxation, an interest penalty and an additional 20% tax on the amount underlying the award.

        Clawback.    In the event that a mandatory restatement of LTC's financial results occurs and is released to the public at a time when LTC's securities are traded on any U.S. securities exchange (a "Restatement"), and the Restatement is attributable to misconduct or wrongdoing by a holder of an award and such holder has received payment or benefits under the 2015 Plan (whether cash or non-cash) within three years preceding the date of the issuance and release of such Restatement, and the amount of such payment or benefits under the 2015 Plan has been calculated and awarded pursuant to a specific financial formula, and such payment or benefits would have been diminished based on the restated financial results had the financial formula pursuant to which the payment or benefits for which an award has been calculated been applied to the restated financial restates (the amount of such diminution, is the "Clawback Amount"), then, upon written demand from LTC setting forth the basis for such demand, the holder shall remit to LTC the Clawback Amount less the amount of any taxes paid or payable by the holder in respect of such bonus or share grant with certain exceptions.

Required Vote and Recommendation

        Stockholder approval of the 2015 Equity Participation Plan is required (i) under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange for listing the shares of common stock reserved under the 2015 Equity Participation Plan and (ii) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, in order for options granted under the 2015 Equity Participation Plan to be considered "incentive stock options" and for awards to qualify as "performance-based" for purposes of Code Section 162(m). The affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes cast at the meeting, provided that the total votes cast represent over 50% in interest of all shares entitled to vote, is required to approve the 2015 Equity Participation Plan as set forth in this Proposal 2. For purposes of the vote on Proposal 2, any abstention will have the effect of a vote against the proposal and broker non-votes will not be treated as votes cast for such purpose and therefore any broker non-vote will have the effect of a vote against Proposal 2 unless the total votes cast on the proposal represent over 50% in interest of all shares entitled to vote on Proposal 2. If the total votes cast on Proposal 2 represent over 50% in interest of all shares entitled to vote on the proposal, then broker non-votes will have no effect on the result of the vote. Properly executed, unrevoked proxies will be voted FOR Proposal 2 unless a vote against Proposal 2 or abstention is specifically indicated in the proxy.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE
2015 EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLAN


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PROPOSAL 23
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit LTC Properties, Inc.'sLTC's consolidated financial statements for the year endedending December 31, 2014. During 2013,2015. Ernst & Young LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm during 2014 and also provided certain tax and other audit related services. Seeservices as described in the "IndependentIndependent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services" on page 38.Services section of this proxy statement. A representative of Ernst & Young LLP is expected to be present at the 20142015 Annual Meeting.

        Although ratification is not required by our company's Bylaws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the selection is not ratified, the Audit Committee will consider whether it is appropriate to select another registered public accounting firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of theour company and our stockholders.


Required Vote and Recommendation

        Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 20142015 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present. For purposes of the vote on Proposal 2, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast and this will have no effect on the result of the vote although they will count towards the presence of a quorum for Proposal 2. Properly executed, unrevoked proxies will be voted FOR Proposal 2 unless a vote against Proposal 2 or abstention is specifically indicated in the proxy.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS LTC PROPERTIES, INC.'S
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2014.


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PROPOSAL 3
ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

        The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (or Dodd-Frank Act) requires that we provide our stockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a nonbinding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC. This proposal, commonly known as a "say-on-pay" proposal, gives stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our named executive officers' compensation. As previously reported in the Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on June 3, 2011, our Board of Directors has determined that LTC will hold a nonbinding, advisory "say-on-pay" vote every year to approve named executive officer compensation until the next required advisory vote on the frequency of such vote, which will occur no later than the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

        As described below under "Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis" (or CD&A), we seek to align compensation for executive management with our overall performance as well as the individual performance of each executive officer. Our compensation programs are designed to attract and retain key executives responsible for our company's success and are administered in the long-term interests of our company and our stockholders. In connection with services provided in 2013, approximately 38% of total named executive officer compensation was in the form of long-term equity incentives.

        As noted in the CD&A, our 2013 financial performance was characterized by growth in assets, growth in revenues, and increased liquidity. Please refer to CD&A and accompanying tables, and in particular the Executive Summary contained therein for details regarding how our compensation program for executive management is structured to support and reward our annual and long-term financial performance as an organization.

        Pursuant to the resolution below, we are asking our stockholders to indicate their support for our named executive officer compensation as described in this proxy statement. The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation. Rather, the vote relates to the compensation of our named executive officers, as described in the CD&A and accompanying tables.

        Accordingly, stockholders are being asked to vote on the following resolution at the 2014 Annual Meeting:


Required Vote and Recommendation

        Because the vote is advisory, it is not binding on our company, our Board of Directors, or the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote, however, when designing future executive compensation programs.

For purposes of the vote on Proposal 3, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast and this will have no effect on the result of the vote although they will count towards the presence of a quorum for Proposal 3. Properly executed, unrevoked proxies will be voted FOR Proposal 3 unless a vote against Proposal 3 or abstention is specifically indicated in the proxy.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS LTC'S
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015.


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PROPOSAL 4
ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

        The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 ("Dodd-Frank Act") requires that we provide our stockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a nonbinding, advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC. This proposal, commonly known as a "say-on-pay" proposal, gives stockholders the opportunity to express their views on named executive officer compensation. As previously reported in the Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on June 3, 2011, the Board of Directors has determined that LTC will hold a nonbinding, advisory "say-on-pay" vote every year to approve named executive officer compensation until the next required advisory vote on the frequency of such vote, which will occur no later than the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

        As described in the Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis ("CD&A") section of this proxy statement, we seek to align compensation of our executives with our overall performance as well as the individual performance of each executive. As noted in the CD&A section, our 2014 financial performance was characterized by growth in assets, growth in revenues, and increased liquidity. As also described in the CD&A section, we implemented a new Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan in 2014 for which 50% of the bonus opportunity for participating executives was based on achievement of performance goals.

        Our compensation programs are designed to attract and retain executives responsible for our company's success and are administered in the long-term interests of our company and our stockholders. In connection with services provided in 2014, approximately 61% of total named executive officer compensation was in the form of long-term incentive awards. In 2014, we also entered into new employment agreements with senior executives to reflect changes that proxy advisory services generally believe are more consistent with compensation best practices.

        Please see the CD&A (and in particular its "Executive Summary" on page 20) and the Summary Compensation Table sections of this proxy statement for further details regarding our executive compensation decisions for 2014 and how our compensation program for executives is structured to support and reward our annual and long-term financial performance as an organization.

        Pursuant to the resolution below, we are asking our stockholders to indicate their support for named executive officer compensation. The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation. Rather, the vote relates to the compensation of the named executive officers, as described in the CD&A and accompanying tables.

        Accordingly, stockholders are being asked to vote on the following resolution at the 2015 Annual Meeting:

Required Vote and Recommendation

        Because the vote is advisory, it is not binding on our company, the Board of Directors, or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Board and the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote, however, when designing future executive compensation programs.


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        For purposes of the vote on Proposal 4, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast and this will have no effect on the result of the vote although they will count towards the presence of a quorum for Proposal 4. Properly executed, unrevoked proxies will be voted FOR Proposal 4 unless a vote against Proposal 4 or abstention is specifically indicated in the proxy.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE
COMPENSATION OF OURTHE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS,
AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.


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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Wendy L. Simpson
Chief Executive Officer and
President
Age 6566
 Wendy L. Simpson has been a director of our company since 1995, Vice Chairman from April 2000 through October 2005, Chief Financial Officer from July 2000 through March 2007, Treasurer from January 2005 through March 2007, President and Chief Operating Officer from October 2005 through March 2007 and Chief Executive Officer and President from March 2007 through August 2013. In August 2013, Ms. Simpson was appointed Chairman of ourthe Board of Directors.

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and
Corporate Secretary
Age 4849

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler joined theour company as Vice President and Controller in July 2000. In March 2007 she was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In December 2010 she was promoted to Executive Vice President. Prior to joining theour company Ms. KesslerShelley-Kessler was the Corporate Controller for a privately held commercial and multifamily real estate developer and the Director of Financial Reporting for a Southern California apartment REIT. Formerly she was with Ernst &Young LLP.

Clint B. Malin
Executive Vice President and
Chief Investment Officer
Age 4243

 

Clint B. Malin joined theour company as Vice President and Chief Investment Officer in May 2004. In December 2010 he was promoted to Senior Vice President. In June 2012 he was promoted to Executive Vice President. Mr. Malin was employed by Sun Healthcare Group, Inc., (or Sun)("Sun") a nationwide operator of long-term health care facilities from 1997 through 2004. During his tenure at Sun, Mr. Malin was promoted to Vice President of Corporate Real Estate.

Peter G. LyewBrent P. Chappell
Senior Vice President, Investment and
Director of Tax Portfolio Management
Age 5650

 

Peter G. LyewBrent P. Chappell joined theour company as Vice President, Investment and Portfolio Management in June 20002013. In June 2014, he was appointed Senior Vice President. Mr. Chappell was employed by Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. ("NHP,"), which was acquired by Ventas, Inc. in July 2011, as Director of Tax and was promoted to Vice President, in December 2001.Portfolio Management from March 2006 through February 2012. Prior to joining the company heNHP, Mr. Chappell was Director, Asset Management with Pacific Life. Mr. Chappell also previously held taxasset and portfolio management positions with Sun America Affordable Housing, where he specialized in real estate partnerships,Catellus Development Corporation and Ernst & Young Kenneth Leventhal. Formerly he was with Arthur Andersen &The Koll Company.

Caroline L. Chikhale
Vice President, Controller
and Treasurer
Age 3738

 

Caroline L. Chikhale joined theour company as Accounting Manager in May 2002. In May 2005 she was appointed Assistant Controller and Assistant Treasurer and in March 2007, Ms. Chikhale was appointed Vice President, Controller and Treasurer. Prior to joining theour company she was employed by Ernst & Young, LLP.

Peter G. Lyew
Vice President and
Director, Tax
Age 57


Peter G. Lyew joined our company in June 2000 as Director of Tax and was promoted to Vice President in December 2001. Prior to joining our company he held tax management positions with Sun America Affordable Housing, where he specialized in real estate partnerships, and Ernst & Young Kenneth Leventhal. Mr. Lyew also previously was employed at Arthur Andersen & Company.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Executive Summary

20132014 Business Highlights

        20132014 represented a year focused on capitalizing on opportunities for long-term growth for our company and stockholders. We successfully re-leased 20 properties at rates similar to rates under the expiring leases. We believe prudent recycling of capital by disposing of non-core and non-strategic assets enhances stockholder value over the long-term. Accordingly, we sold 20 properties resulting in a net gain of $5.0 million and reinvested the net proceeds of $33.6 million in the development and construction of new assets.

        We have adhered to a disciplined investment underwriting policy and do not make investments in assets believed by management to be overpriced. This disciplined investment policy has allowed us to weather the challenging economic environmentenvironments and positioned us well to take advantage of investment opportunities. We believe in today's environment of above historic average real estate values compressing investment spreads, a better risk adjusted return for our company is to develop new properties at costs significantly below current per unit/bed market values. Accordingly, we continued to explore and underwrite development opportunities in 2014.

        Also, weWe also have continued our marketing strategy designed to enhance awareness of our company among local and regional operators of skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living and memory care properties in certain states. The marketing campaign highlights our low-levered balance sheet, our access to capital to invest, our ability and interest in doing small transactions and development, our strong but small management team and our many years in the industry. Additionally in 2014, we enhanced our brand recognition with a new logo design and website.

        As a result of these efforts, in 20132014 we grew substantially by fundingoriginating a mortgage loan of approximately $124.4$3.0 million, purchasing real estate assets of approximately $15.6$9.8 million, excluding transaction fees, and provided $45.0providing $12.2 million of investmentdevelopment commitments, including the purchase of land. Also during 2013,in 2014, we completed and opened a 120-bed143-bed skilled nursing propertycenter in Texas,Kentucky, a 60-unit106-bed skilled nursing center in Wisconsin, two memory care propertycommunities in Colorado (one with 60 units and a 77-unitone with 48 units), and an 80-unit combination assisted living and memory care propertycommunity in Kansas.Texas. We completed the expansion and renovation of three assisted living and memory care communities in Colorado, the renovation of two skilled nursing centers in New Mexico and the renovation of a skilled nursing center in Florida. Our 20132014 year-over-year revenue growth was 13.5%13.3% and our year-over-year normalized funds from operations(1) growth was 14.8%12.8%.

        In addition,        We continue to maintain a conservative capital structure with debt to enterprise value of 15.4% and debt to normalized EBITDA(1) of 2.6x at December 31, 2014. During the year, we sold 4,025,000$30.0 million of 4.5% senior unsecured notes with a 12-year maturity. Additionally, we sold 600,000 shares of commoncommons stock in a public offeringregistered direct placement at a price of $44.50 per share, before fees and costs of $7.7 million, and received$41.50 resulting in net proceeds of $171.4$24.6 million. We also sold 8-year 3.99% senior unsecured term notes in the amount of $70.0 million.

        Finally, as the stock performance graph in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2013 shows, $100 invested in LTC common stock on December 31, 20082009 would be worth $234.75$212.64 on December 31, 2013,2014, as compared to $214.56$218.16 from a like investment in the NAREIT Equity REIT Index, or $228.19$205.14 in the Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index.


(1)
A reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures is presented in Appendix A to this proxy statement.

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20132014 Compensation Highlights

        We seek to closely align the interests of our named executive officers (or NEOs) with those of our stockholders. Accordingly, we have structured our executive compensation program to support this alignment, with relatively lower base salaries and by delivering a greater proportion of total compensation through annual bonus and long-term equity incentive opportunities.

        In view of their accomplishments and our financial performance during 2013,2014, the Compensation Committee and the Board approved:

2014 Cash Bonus Incentive Plan and Employment Agreements

        For 2014, we are implementingalso implemented a new Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan applicable to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer. The new plan has defined incentive opportunities for each executive based on achievement of funds from operations (or FFO)("FFO") and new investments goals. The Annual Cash Bonus Incentive


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Plan is described in further detail under "Executive Compensation Practices" of this Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis.below.

        In addition, forAdditionally in 2014, the Compensation Committee intends to propose amendments to thewe entered into new employment agreements forwith the NEOs to,Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, among other provisions we, (i) replace single triggerreplaced single-trigger with double trigger change-in-controldouble-trigger change in control benefits; (ii) removeremoved tax gross-up benefits; (iii) included a claw back provision; and (iii) remove(iv) removed lifetime health benefits.

20132014 "Say-On-Pay" Vote

        At LTC's 20132014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, approximately 94% of the votes cast in the advisory "say-on-pay" vote were voted for approval of the named executive officer compensation as disclosed in the 2013 proxy statement.compensation. The Board of Directors and Compensation Committee have considered the results of the 20132014 "say-on-pay" vote and believe that the overwhelming support by our stockholders indicates they generally are supportive of our approach to executive compensation. This support was one of the factors the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee took into account in not making material changes to our compensation philosophy for executive officers or the components of executive compensation. The Board of Directors and Compensation Committee will continue to consider "say-on-pay" votes in formulating future executive compensation policies and decisions.

Corporate Governance Highlights

        We seek to maintain good governance standards, including with respect to the oversight of our compensation policies and practices. Following are highlights of the policies and practices in effect during 2013:2014:


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Executive Compensation Program Philosophy and Objectives

        We endeavor to ensure that the compensation programs for our executive officersexecutives are effective in attracting and retaining key executives responsible for our company's success and are administered in appropriate fashion in the long-term interests of our company and our stockholders. Through the oversight of the Compensation Committee, we seek to align total compensation for executive management with our overall performance as well as the individual performance of each executive officer.executive.

        Our executive compensation policies may be summarized as follows:


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        We encourage you to read this Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis ("CD&A") for a detailed discussionfurther details about of our executive compensation program, including information about the fiscal 20132014 compensation of the NEOs.named executive officers.


Executive Compensation Program Elements

        We seek to achieve our compensation program objectives through the following key compensation elements: base salary, annual bonus opportunity, long-term equity incentive opportunity and severance upon termination of the executive officers' employment under certain conditions or change in control of our company. We believe that each element of our executive compensation program helps us to achieve one or more of our compensation objectives as follows:

        Base salaries and severance are designed primarily to attract, motivate and retain qualified key executives. These are the elements of our executive compensation program where the value of the benefit in any given year is typically not variable. We believe that it is important to provide executives


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with predictable benefit amounts that reward the executive's continued service. Base salaries are paid out on a short-term basis and are intended to attract and motivate executives. Severance and other benefits are paid out on a longer-term basis such as upon termination of employment or change in control of our company and are designed to aid in retaining executives.


Compensation Committee

        The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the compensation of our executive officers and determines our general compensation policy. The Compensation Committee considers risk in making the compensation decisions. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for the administration of our Equity Participation Plans. We have aequity compensation plans. Under the 2008 Equity Participation Plan under whichof LTC Properties, Inc. ("2008 Equity Participation Plan" or "2008 Plan"), 600,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for awards, including nonqualified stock options


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grants and restricted common stock grants to officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The Compensation Committee is authorized to determine the options and restricted common stock awards to be granted under such planequity compensation plans and the terms and provisions of such options and restricted common stock awards. The Compensation Committee determines the base salary, annual bonus and long-term equity incentives of our Chief Executive Officer. Wendy L.Ms. Simpson, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, recommends to the Compensation Committee the base salary, annual bonus and long-term compensation levels for all of our other officers. None of the other senior executive officersexecutives had any role in determining or recommending the form or amount of the compensation of the other senior executive officers.executives.


Competitive Considerations

        In determining the level and composition of compensation for theour executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers various corporate performance measures, both in absolute terms and in relation to similar companies, and individual performance measures. Although the Compensation Committee considers FFO per share as an important measure of our performance, the Compensation Committee in 2013 did not apply any specific quantitative formula in making compensation decisions. However, effective forIn 2014, the Compensation Committee has established specific quantitative measurements and targets based upon our company's FFO and new investments to determine the annual bonus awards for our senior executive officersexecutives as described in "Cashunder "Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan" below. The Compensation Committee also may evaluate the following factors in establishing executive compensation: (a) comparative compensation surveys and other material concerning compensation levels and stock grants at similar companies; (b) our historical compensation levels and stock awards; (c) overall competitive environment for executives and the level of compensation necessary to attract and retain executive talent; (d) financial performance of other real estate investment trusts relative to market condition; and (e) from time to time, the Compensation Committee may seek the advice of an independent compensation consultant in assessing its overall compensation philosophy. The Compensation Committee assigns no specific weight to any of the factors discusseddescribed above in establishing executive compensation. In determining the appropriate levels of compensation to be paid to our executive officers, we do not generally factor in amounts realized from prior compensation.

        While the Compensation Committee may review broad-based third party compensation surveys in determining the reasonableness of the compensation of our executive officers, compensation, compensation levels are not set by reference to any percentile or benchmark within any peer group of companies or otherwise. Consistent with our compensation philosophies described above, our goal is to provide each executive officer with a current compensation package that is at market based upon the Compensation Committee's perception of comparable executives at comparable companies, including real estate investment trusts.


Compensation Consultant

        Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to engage independent compensation consultants and other professionals to assist in the design, formulation, analysis, and implementation of compensation programs for our executive officers. The Compensation Committee's


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practice has been to retain an independent compensation consultant approximately every three years to assist the Compensation Committee with its responsibilities related to our executive officer and director compensation.

        In November 2010,December 2013, the Compensation Committee retained Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC (or ("PM&P)&P") as an independent compensation consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of our company's executive compensation programs. PM&P provided a report of its review to the Compensation Committee in February 2011. The Compensation Committee continued to reference the


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2011 PM&P report in makinghad previously reviewed our executive compensation decisions for 2012 and 2013. A discussion of the 2011 PM&P report is containedprogram in the Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis of our definitive proxy statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

        In December 2013, the Compensation Committee again retained PM&P as an independent compensation consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of our company's executive compensation programs.November 2010. PM&P provided a report of its review to the Compensation Committee in February 2014; see2014 as described under "Executive Compensation Review" below for further details.below. The Compensation Committee referenced the comprehensive 2014 PM&P report in making bonus determinations for 2013 and broader executive compensation decisions for 2014.

        After review and consultation with PM&P, the Compensation Committee has determined that PM&P is an independent advisor and no conflict of interest resulting from retaining PM&P exists currently or existed during the year ended December 31, 2013.2014. In reaching these conclusions, the Compensation Committee considered NYSE listing standards and the factors listed below:

        PM&P consults with the company's management only with the Compensation Committee's knowledge and approval, as necessary to obtain compensation, performance and other data for the executives and the company so that it can effectively support the Compensation Committee with appropriate competitive market information and relevant analyses.


Executive Compensation Review

        As discusseddescribed above, in December 2013 PM&P was engaged by the Compensation Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of our executive compensation programs. The review was completed in February 2014 and included the following:


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        In evaluating and selecting companies for inclusion in the peer group, the Compensation Committee considered REITs with a healthcarehealth care focus and/or primary operations in California,


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recognizing that business model differences may have an impact on size comparisons. The Peer Group includes the following sixteen REITs with assets ranging from $500 million to $4 billion:

        The table below summarizes theour company's total assets and market capitalization relative to the Peer REITS:

($ millions)
 Total Assets
as of 12/31/13
 Market Cap.
as of 12/31/13
 

25th Percentile

 $1,303 $965 

Median

 $1,982 $1,563 

75th Percentile

 $2,790 $2,115 

LTC Properties Inc. 

 $931 $1,230 

LTC Percent Rank

  10  40 
​  

 

 

($ millions)




Total Assets
as of 12/31/13




Market Cap.
as of 12/31/13


​  

 

 

25th Percentile

 
$

1,303
 
$

965
  

 

 

Median

 $1,982 $1,563 

 

 

75th Percentile

 $2,790 $2,115  

​  

 

LTC Properties Inc.

 $931 $1,230 

 

 

LTC Percent Rank

  10  40  
​  

Source: SNL Financial

        In developing market levels of compensation PM&P supplemented data from the Peer REITs with data from selected compensation surveys to develop estimated market levels for theour company's executives. The compensation surveys included real estate industry surveys as well as additional general industry surveys. Among the compensation surveys, positions were matched to organizations of similar revenue or asset size.

        PM&P compared the Company'sour company's 2013 total direct compensation (base salary, annual and long-term incentives) for each executive position against the market compensation levels for similar


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executives in the Peer Group and the compensation surveys. TheOur company's aggregate total direct compensation was somewhat below the 50th percentile of the market.


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        The Compensation Committee used the results of the review to inform 2013 bonus determinations and 2014 compensation decisions.


Executive Compensation Practices

Base Salaries

        The named executive officers each have an employment agreement granting them the contractual right to receive a fixed base salary as described under "Descriptions of Employment Agreements" on page 34 of this proxy statement.

        Base salaries are reviewed and adjusted by the Compensation Committee on an annual basis. We typically pay base salaries in cash at regular intervals throughout the year. The Compensation Committee seeks to ensure that the base salaries are established at levels considered appropriate in light of the responsibilities and duties of our executive officersexecutives as well as at levels which are competitive towith amounts paid to executive officersexecutives of other real estate investment trusts.trusts, including our Peer Group companies. In determining an individual executive's actual base salary, the Compensation Committee also considers other factors, which may include the executive's past performance and contributions to our success.

        Our named executive officers each have an employment agreement (see "Description of Employment Agreements" below) granting them the contractual right to receive a fixed base salary as disclosed in the "Summary Compensation Table" below.

Based on the recommendations received from the Chief Executive Officer (except with respect to the Chief Executive Officer's own salary) and taking into account theour company's performance andas well as the 2011findings from the 2014 PM&P report, the Compensation Committee approved the following increases to base salaries for the named executive officers. Base salary increases were effective June 1, 2013.2014. The base salary increase for Mr. Chappell reflects his promotion to senior vice president. The following table summarizes salary adjustments approved by the Compensation Committee for 2013.2014.

Named Executive Officer
 2013 Base
Salary
 2012 Base
Salary
 Year over
Year
Increase
 

Wendy L. Simpson

 $600,000 $525,000  14.3%

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

 $360,000 $300,000  20.0%

Clint B. Malin

 $360,000 $300,000  20.0%

Peter G. Lyew

 $180,000 $165,000  9.1%

Caroline L. Chikhale

 $170,000 $150,000  13.3%
​  

 

 

Named Executive Officer




2014 Base
Salary




2013 Base
Salary





Year over
Year
Increase



​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

 
$

618,000
 
$

600,000
  
3.0

%
 

 

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 $370,000 $360,000 2.8%

 

 

Clint B. Malin

 $370,000 $360,000  2.8% 

​  

 

Brent P. Chappell

 $275,000 $205,000 34.1%

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

 $175,000 $170,000  2.9% 
​  

Annual Incentives and Bonuses

        Bonuses are awardedWe award annual incentives to our executive officers based on our overall company financial performance and individual performance of each executive officer.performance. We typically pay annual cash bonuses; however, bonuses may be awarded in other forms, such as restricted stock awards, in lieu of cash payments. Bonus amounts awarded may vary from year to year and are typically paid, or awarded, at or after the end of the period for which performance is being rewarded. Annual bonuses for executive officersincentives are awarded by the Compensation Committee within its discretion and after considering the Chief Executive Officer's recommendations.

        In formulating bonus recommendations, the Chief Executive Officer takes into consideration the company's performance, individual executive performance,determining annual incentives and the executive's total compensation package including base salary, equity awards and annual dividends earned on outstanding unvested equity awards.


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        In determining bonuses, the Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of our company for the year compared to other real estate investment trusts and the overall market. Accomplishments during 2013in 2014 included the following:


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        The Compensation Committee did not rely upon any specific performance targets or measurements related to our company when determining bonuses. Overall company performance was evaluated relative to stockholder value and return over the year, revenue growth, new investment levels relative to market constraints and external factors outside the control of our company.

        In considering the Chief Executive Officer's bonus recommendations, the Compensation Committee seeks to ensure that bonuses are established at levels considered appropriate in light of responsibilities and duties of our executive officers as well as at levels competitive to amounts paid to executive officers of other real estate investment trusts. In determining the individual bonus amounts the Compensation Committee considered the responsibilities and duties of our executive officers, the executive officers total compensation package including raises and equity awards, competitive amounts paid to executive officers at other real estate investment trusts, and the executive's performance and contributions to our success.

        For 2013, there were no specific performance targets or measurements for our executive officers that impact their bonuses. None of our executive officers have a contractual right to receive a fixed actual or target bonus for any given year. However, Ms. Simpson's employment agreement provides for an annual target bonus equal to 100% of her base salary awarded at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. The following table shows the aggregate 2013 bonuses awarded to our Named Executive Officers for services provided in 2013, which amounts are reflected in the "Summary Compensation Table" below. Discretionary cash bonuses awarded for 2013 performance were paid in 2014.

Named Executive Officer
 Discretionary
Cash Bonus
 

Wendy L. Simpson

 $580,000 

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

  250,000 

Clint B. Malin

  250,000 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  70,000 

Peter G. Lyew

  50,000 

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Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan

        Effective for 2014, the Compensation Committee approved and the company is implementing aBoard implemented an Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan to provide an annual incentive bonus for selected executive officers.executives. Under the plan, each participating executive will havehas a range of bonus opportunitiesincentive opportunity (threshold, target and maximum) defined as a percentage of base salary. Annually, the Compensation Committee will select the participants in the plan and establish its performance goals.

For 2014, the Compensation Committee selected senior executives Ms. Simpson, Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin will participateas participants in the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan, with the following range of bonus opportunities:

​  

 

 

 

 Bonus Opportunity as a % of
Base Salary
 



 

 

Executive



Threshold


Target


Maximum

​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

  
50

%
 
100

%
 
150

%
 

 

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 37.5%75%112.5%

 

 

Clint B. Malin

  37.5% 75% 112.5% 
​  

GRAPHIC        The Compensation Committee selected Diluted Normalized FFO(1) per share in 2014 as a financial performance measure for the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan. FFO, as defined by National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT"), means net income available to common stockholders (computed in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) excluding gains or losses on the sale of real estate and impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate plus real estate depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Normalized FFO is FFO adjusted for non-recurring one-time items. Diluted Normalized FFO, including the means of calculating it, is disclosed in our annual earnings release and in Appendix A to this proxy statement. The Board may adjust the Diluted Normalized FFO component to

   


(1)
A reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures is presented in Appendix A to this proxy statement.

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reflect the pro forma impact of changes to our company's capital structure, strategic changes and other items, at the Board's discretion, that were not contemplated at the time of adoption of the performance goals.

        The Compensation Committee also selected new investments in 2014 as a performance measure for the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan. New investments include acquisitions, mortgage loan originations, equity investments and total commitments underwritten for developments, redevelopments, expansions and renovations.

        Additionally, the Compensation Committee determined that a portion of the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan should be within the Compensation Committee's subjective evaluation. The subjective component in 2014 included factors such as individual performance, capital structure management, credit ratings, dividend growth and total stockholder return relative to peers. Performance achievement for the subjective component is determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

        The following table summarizes each metric and its relative weighting, the approved 2014 performance goals at threshold, target and maximum levels, and actual performance achieved. Resulting bonus payouts for performance achieved between threshold and target and target and maximum is linearly interpolated.

​  

 

 

 

   2014 Performance Goals 


Performance



% of
Target






Wtd. %
of
Target
Bonus




 

 

Metric



Weight


Threshold


Target


Maximum


Achieved


Achieved


Earned

​  

 

 

Diluted Normalized FFO per share

  
40

%

$

2.52
 
$

2.57
 
$

2.62
 
$

2.55
  
80

%
 
32

%
 

 

 

New Investments ($ in millions)

 10%$100 $150 $200 $25 0%0%

 

 

Subjective Performance

  50% Compensation Committee
Determination
  Maximum  150% 75% 

​  

 

Total bonus as a % of target


107%
​  

For 2014, the Compensation Committee awarded the subjective performance based on the maximum achieved as a result of the participants' accomplishments: re-leasing 20 properties at rates similar to existing rates, sold 20 properties for a $5.0 million gain, credit rating upgrade, sold $30.0 million of 4.5% senior unsecured notes, increased our unsecured line of credit commitments while reducing our pricing grid and the completion of two skilled nursing centers, two memory care communities and a combination assisted living and memory care property.

        Based on the performance achieved the Compensation Committee approved the following payouts under the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan. The following table summarizes bonus payouts by metric.

​  

 

 

Metric




Wendy L.
Simpson




Pamela J. Shelley-
Kessler




Clint B.
Malin


​  

 

 

Diluted Normalized FFO per share

 
$

197,760
 
$

88,800
 
$

88,800
  

 

 

New Investments ($ in millions)

    

 

 

Subjective Performance

  463,500  208,125  208,125  
​  

​  

 

Total Bonus Earned

 $661,260 $296,925 $296,925 
​  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
​  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
​  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 
​  

        At the Compensation Committee's discretion, in lieu of cash, a portion of the earned annual incentive was granted in restricted stock. Shares were granted on February 10, 2015 and will vest


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equally over three years based on the executive's continued employment. The table summarizes our bonus payouts by non-equity and equity awards:

​  

 

 

Executive





Total
bonus
earned




Cash



Restricted
Stock


​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

 
$

661,260
 
$

200,000
 
$

461,260
  

 

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 $296,925 $90,000 $206,925 

 

 

Clint B. Malin

 $296,925 $90,000 $206,925  
​  

        For 2015, the Compensation Committee again selected senior executives Ms. Simpson, Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin as participants in the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan, with the following range of bonus opportunities which are the similar to 2014 range of bonus opportunities:

​  

 

 

 

 Bonus Opportunity as a % of
Base Salary
 



 

 

Executive



Threshold


Target


Maximum

​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

  
50

%
 
100

%
 
150

%
 

 

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 37.5%75%112.5%

 

 

Clint B. Malin

  37.5% 75% 112.5% 
​  

        For 2015, similar to 2014, the following performance measures and weightings will be utilized for the plan:Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan:

        FFO, as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (or NAREIT), means net income available to common stockholders and "Normalized FFO" adjusted for non-cash interest related to earn-out liabilities and non-recurring one-time items. The company's "Diluted Normalized FFO", including the means of calculating it, is disclosed in our annual earnings release. The Board may adjust the Diluted Normalized FFO component to reflect the pro forma impact of changes to the company's capital structure, strategic changes and other items, at the Board's discretion, that were not contemplated at the time of adoption of the Cash Bonus Incentive Plan.

Threshold, target and stretch (maximum) performance goals for 20142015 have been established for Diluted Normalized FFO per share and new investments. Since the target goals represent a significant increase relative to our 20132014 actual results for these metrics, the Compensation Committee believes the goals to be sufficiently challenging and difficult to achieve. Actual 20142015 performance relative to the goals will determine the actual bonus amounts earned, with payouts interpolated for performance between threshold and target or between target and maximum.

        The subjective component of the 2015 bonus, similar to 2014, includes factors such as individual performance, capital structure management, credit ratings, dividend growth and total stockholder return relative to peers. Performance achievement and payouts for the subjective component will be determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

        The other named executive officers continue to beAnnual Discretionary Bonuses

        Our executives also are eligible to receive cashannual bonuses for 2014 within the discretion of the Compensation Committee. For 2014 performance, the Compensation Committee on February 10, 2015


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approved discretionary cash bonuses to the following named executive officers, who were not selected as participants in the same mannerAnnual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan.

​  

 

 

Named Executive Officer




Discretionary
Cash Bonus


​  

 

 

Brent P. Chappell

 
$

90,000
  

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

 $70,000 
​  

        The Compensation Committee does not rely upon any specific performance targets or measurements related to our company when determining discretionary bonuses. The Compensation Committee evaluates the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer as prior yearswell as overall company performance including relative stockholder value and return over the year, revenue growth, new investment levels relative to market constraints and external factors outside the control of our company.

        In formulating bonus recommendations, the Chief Executive Officer takes into consideration our company's performance, individual executive performance, and the executive's total compensation package including base salary, equity awards and annual dividends earned on outstanding unvested equity awards.

        In considering the Chief Executive Officer's bonus recommendations, the Compensation Committee seeks to ensure that bonuses are established at levels considered appropriate in light of responsibilities and duties of our executives as described above under "Annual Bonuses".well as at levels competitive to amounts paid to executive officers of other real estate investment trusts. In determining the individual bonus amounts, the Compensation Committee considers the responsibilities and duties of our executives, their total compensation package including raises and equity awards, competitive amounts paid to executives at other real estate investment trusts, and the executive's performance and contributions to our success.

Long-Term Equity Incentives

        Long-term incentives are designed to align the executives' financial interests with those of our stockholders. Therefore, our long-term incentive compensation for our executive officers has historically taken the form ofincluded a mixcombination of restricted common stock and stock option awards. The Compensation


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Committee does not have a formula for determining the mix of restricted common stock and/or stock options awarded. Awards are made on an individual basis and are not granted at any pre-determined time during the year. Restricted common stock and stock option awards typically vest ratably over a three to five-year period and are generally subject to the individual executive officer's continued employment. The level of long-term incentive compensation is determined by the Compensation Committee based on an evaluation of competitive factors in conjunction with total compensation provided to each individual executive officer. The relevant weight given to each of these factors varies from individual to individual. Stock price performance has not been a factor in determining annual compensation because the price of our common stock is subject to a variety of factors outside of our control. We do not have an exact formula for allocating between cash and non-cash compensation. Nor do we have a policy for allocating between long-term and currently paid out compensation.

        The grant date of an equity award is typically the date the Compensation Committee approves the equity award. The grant date may also be a future date from the date of approval as specified by the board resolution. In no instances has the grant date been retroactive or prior to the date the Compensation Committee approved the equity award. For long-term incentive awards in the form of stock options, the exercise price is the closing price of our company's stock as reported by the NYSE on the grant date. The Compensation Committee has not and does not time the granting of equity awards with any favorable or unfavorable news released by us.


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        Under ourthe 2008 Equity Participation Plan, (or 2008 Plan), awards that may be granted includinginclude stock options (incentive or non-qualified), stock appreciation rights, restricted common stock, deferred stock and dividend equivalents. We reserved 600,000 shares of common stock for issuance under this plan. As of December 31, 2013, there were 202,521 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2008 Plan. The 2008 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee which sets the terms and provisions of the awards granted under the plan. Incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted common stock, deferred stock and dividend equivalents may only be awarded to officers and other full-time employees to promote our long-term performance and specifically, to retain and motivate senior management to achieve a sustained increase in stockholder value. Non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted common stock, deferred stock and dividend equivalents may be awarded to non-employee directors, officers, employees, consultants and other key persons who provide services to us.

        The Compensation Committee reviews and evaluates the overall compensation package of the executive officers and determines theapproved awards based on our overall performance and the individual performance of the executive officers.

        During 2013, the Compensation Committee approved an award of 20,000 restricted common shares to Ms. Simpson as part of bonuses but related to services provided in 2012. These shares will vest on June 1, 2016. In February 2014, the Compensation Committee approved an award of restricted common shares to the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Executive Officer recommended and the Compensation Committee approved an awardawards of restricted common shares to Mses. Shelley-Kessler


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and Chikhale and Messrs. Malin and Lyew. The following table shows the awards, which reflect the aggregate long-term equity incentives awarded to our Named Executive Officers to dateChappell for service in 2014.

Named Executive Officer
 Restricted
Stock
Value(1)
 Number of
Restricted
Stock
 

Wendy L. Simpson

 $736,200  20,000 

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

  588,960  16,000 

Clint B. Malin

  588,960  16,000 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  73,620  2,000 

Peter G. Lyew

  36,810  1,000 

(1)
Awarded in 2014 as bonus but related to services provided in 2013. These shares vest ratably over a three-year period from the grant date.

In approving the restricted common stock awards, the Compensation Committee took into consideration the executive's historical performance and contributions, total ownership levels and the value of equity delivered historically, the below-marketmarket positioning of the executives' base salaries and theour company's desire to retain the executives by providing a meaningful long-term incentive award to each executive which is aligned with stockholder interests. The magnitude of the awards combined with a future vesting date effectively serves as a retention vehicle.

        These awards were granted February 10, 2015. The following table shows the awards.

​  

 

 

Named Executive Officer





Restricted
Stock
Value(1)






Number of
Restricted
Stock



​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

 
$

1,022,350
  
23,000
  

 

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 711,200 16,000 

 

 

Clint B. Malin

  711,200  16,000  

​  

 

Brent P. Chappell

 177,800 4,000 

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  133,350  3,000  
​  
(1)
Awarded in 2015 as bonus but related to services provided in 2014. For Ms. Simpson, Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin, amounts include the portion of the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan earned and paid in restricted stock. All of these shares vest ratably over a three-year period from the grant date.

        Additionally, in connection with the execution of their new employment contracts, Ms. Simpson, Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin were each awarded 2,500 shares of restricted common stock at $41.34 per share on November 12, 2014. These shares vest ratably over a one-year period from the grant date.

Severance and Other Benefits Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control

        As discussed in greater detail in the section "Employment Agreements" below, we have provided ourThe employment agreements with certain executive officers withof our company provide severance and other benefits upon termination of employment or a change in control of our company. We believe that we need to provide our executive officerskey executives with severance protections that are competitive with severance protectionsthose offered by companies similar to ours. We believe theThe severance protections we have provided ourthe named executive officers are consistent with our compensation objective to attract, motivate and retain qualified key executives.

        We believe that severance should be payable to our executive officerskey executives if their employment is terminated for any reason, except for a termination for cause or a voluntary resignation.resignation without a good reason. The amount of severance we have agreed to pay and other severance benefits we extend to our


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executive officers upon such an occurrence is intended to help them avoid financial hardship during the period of time when they may be unemployed or seeking new employment.

        We also believe that severance should be payable to our key executives in connection with a change in control transaction. A change in control creates uncertainty regarding the continued employment of the executives. The amount of cash severance we have agreed to pay and other severance benefits we extend to our executive officers upon such an occurrence is intended to help them avoid financial hardshipencourage the executives to remain employed by us during the period ofan important time when their prospects for continued employment following the executive officer is likelychange in control transaction are often uncertain. Until recently, our practice for change in control severance followed a "single-trigger" approach to be unemployedpayment regardless of whether the executive's employment terminated as a result of a change in control. Ms. Chikhale's legacy 2008 employment agreement contains a single-trigger change in control provision. Our current practice for change in control severance follows a "double-trigger" approach. Ms. Simpson's, Ms. Shelley-Kessler's, and seeking new employment. IfMr. Malin's 2014 employment agreements and Mr. Chappell's 2013 employment agreements contain double-trigger change in control provisions. Under a double-trigger approach, a severance payment obligation arises only if a change in control occursand the executive officer'sexecutive's employment is terminated for any reason, except for a termination for cause or a voluntary resignation without a good reason, thenwithin a specific period of time (typically 24 months) after the change in control.

        Additionally, upon the circumstances described above regarding termination of employment or change in control, we have agreed to pay the officer a lump sum severance payment equal to the following:

Chief Executive OfficerFour times base salary
Chief Financial OfficerOne times base salary
Executive Vice PresidentsOne times base salary
Vice PresidentsOne times base salary

        Additionally, we have agreed to extend medical and dental insurance coverage for up to 18 months at our expense to the executive officer. We also have agreed to provide Ms. Simpson with health insurance benefits for life if Ms. Simpson's employment terminates for any reason exceptto each named executive officer for a terminationperiod of between 18 and 24 months (except for cause or a voluntary resignation without good reason. We may electMs. Chikhale who is not entitled to pay Ms. Simpson a one-time cash payment of $250,000 in lieu of continuing health insurance benefits.

        Further, under the standard terms of our equity award agreements, unvested options, restricted stock, and other equity awards will accelerate and vest if the employment of a grantee terminates for any reason, such as, death, disability, termination without cause, or a resignation with good reason.


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        We believe that severance should be payable to our executive officers upon a change of control because a change of control transaction creates uncertainty regarding the continued employment of the executive officers. The amount of cash severance we have agreed to pay and other severance benefits we extend to our executive officers upon a change of control is intended to encourage the executive officers to remain employed by us during an important time when their prospects for continued employment following the change of control transaction are often uncertain.

        Upon a change in control of our company whether or not the officer's employment is terminated, we have agreed to pay the officer a severance payment in cash equal to the following:

Chief Executive Officer$3,000,000
Chief Financial OfficerTwo times base salary
Executive Vice PresidentsTwo times base salary
Vice PresidentsTwo times base salary

        Further, upon a change of control all stock options and/or restricted common stock automatically vest. We have agreed to provide Ms. Simpson with health insurance benefits for life upon change of control of our company whether or not Ms. Simpson's employment is terminated. We may elect to pay Ms. Simpson a one-time cash payment of $250,000 in lieu of continuing health insurance benefits. The Compensation Committee believes that a change of control typically results in a constructive termination of the executive officer's employment and therefore designed severance protection effective upon a change of control, rather than actual termination in the event of a change ofin control of our company.

        The Compensation Committee believes that there are several situations that could result in equivalent continuing health care coverage not being available to these executives as a result of an action taken by us or a transaction involving our company. The provision of continuing health insurance benefits was included in the evaluationunder her 2008 employment agreement). None of the overall compensation package we have providedemployment agreements with our executive officers provide for lifetime benefits.

        None of the employment agreements with our executive officers provide for "gross-up payments" to our Chief Executive Officer. The buyout clause was designed to limit our exposure to increasing health insurance costs.

        If any paymentoffset taxes due for severance or benefit received by Ms. Simpson from us subjects her to excise taxes under the "golden parachute" rules on payments andother benefits then she will be entitled to receive an additional amount (a "gross-up payment" to make her whole for these excise taxes and for all taxes on the gross-up payment). Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will have no liability if an executive officer'supon termination of employment is terminated for cause or by voluntary resignation without a good reason.change in control.

401(k) Savings Plan

        We have a 401(k) Savings Plan which is a defined contribution plan covering all of our employees. Each year participants may contribute up to 15% of pre-tax annual compensation. In 2014,2015, the contributions may not exceed $17,500,$18,000, or $23,000$24,000 if the employee is 50 years or older. We match up to 3% of salaries for our vice presidents and contribute 3% of the individual's salary for staff that open an account. We will not contribute any amount, nor match contributions for our executive officers at the senior vice president level and higher.

Benefits

        With limited exceptions, the Compensation Committee's policy is to provide benefits to executive officers that are substantially the same as those offered to other officers of our company at or above the level of vice president. Except for the lifetime health insurance benefits described in "Severance and Other Benefits Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control" above and the supplemental medical insurance discusseddescribed below, the employee benefits programs in which our executive officers participate (which provide benefits such as medical, dental and vision benefits


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coverage, life insurance protection, and 401(k) savings plan) are generally the same programs offered to all of our full-time employees. Our officers at the level of vice president and above are eligible to participate in a supplemental medical insurance program which provides participants with reimbursements for eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses such as primary insurance co-payments, deductibles, and certain elective medical procedures not covered by the employee's primary insurance policy. Amounts reimbursed to our executive officers during 2013 are included in the "Summary Compensation Table" below.


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Stock Ownership Guidelines

        We encourage our executives to hold our company's stock on a long-term basis. The following table represents theour company's stock ownership guidelines for our executive officersexecutives and independent directors (reflects the increased requirements adopted in February 2014):

​  



Chief Executive Officer

 

Six times base salary


Chief Financial Officer Three times base salary
Executive Vice Presidents Three times base salary
Senior Vice PresidentsThree times base salary
​  Vice Presidents One times base salary
Independent Directors Five times annual fee
​  

        TheOur company's stock ownership guidelines recommend that the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents achieve the targeted level of ownership within three years from the date of hire, promotion or appointment. Also, theThe stock ownership guidelines recommend that the independent directors achieve the targeted level of ownership within five years from date of election. At this time all of our executive officers and independent directors except for Mr. Pieczynski, hold at least the full amount of the guideline. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee receives from the company a quarterly report on executive and independent director stock ownership of company stock.


Prohibition on Pledging and Hedging Stock

        Pursuant to theour company's Insider Trading Policy, as amended in May 2013, we prohibit our executivesemployees and directors from (i) pledging their shares in our company's stock, and (ii) purchasing financial instruments or otherwise engaging in transactions that are designed to or have the effect of hedging the economic risk of ownership in our company's stock. All of our executive officers and directors are in compliance with these anti-pledging and anti-hedging provisions.


Tax and Accounting Considerations

Policy with Respect to Section 162(m)

        Section 162(m) of the Code denies deduction for Federal income tax purposes for certain compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to certain executive officers, unless certain performance, disclosure, stockholder approval and other requirements are met. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the effects of its compensation programs with regard to Code Section 162(m). We periodically and evaluates evaluate alternatives to ensure executive compensation is reasonable, performance-based, and consistent with our overall compensation objectives. The Compensation Committee reserves the right to design programs that recognize a full range of performance criteria important to our success, even where the compensation paid under such programs may not be deductible. Interpretations of and changes in the tax laws and other factors beyond the Compensation Committee's control may affect the deductibility of certain compensation payments. The Compensation Committee may consider various alternatives to preserve the deductibility of compensation payments and benefits to the extent reasonably practicable and to the extent consistent with its other compensation objectives.


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Tax Withholding

        We permit our employees and directors to elect to withhold shares of stock to satisfy their tax withholding requirements upon the vesting of restricted stock.


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Clawback Policy

        We have adopted a policyClawback Policy granting the companyBoard the discretion to recoup from Section 16executive officers, including each currently serving NEO,named executive officer, all cash bonuses paid that would not have been paid if performance had been measured in accordance with restated financials, for the periods covering any of the three fiscal years preceding a restatement (other than to comply with changes in applicable accounting principles).

The Board of Directors is responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of this Clawback Policy. We plan to amend this policy as needed to comply with the additional requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act after the SEC adopts new regulations implementing those requirements.

        Each of the senior executive employment agreements we entered into in 2014 with Ms. Simpson, Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin contains a clawback provision. In particular, the employment agreements provide the Board of the Directors with the contractual ability to clawback a cash or share grant bonus in the event of a restatement of our financial results if:


Compensation Risk Assessment

        We have reviewed our compensation policies and practices to determine whether risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our company. The review included assessment of our various compensation programs and consideration of risk mitigating factors. We believe that our compensation policies and practices for employees do not present risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our company. We generally take a conservative approach to managing our business. Although some risk taking is necessary to manage and grow any business, we believe our compensation policies and practices do not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking and do not promote short term rewards for management decisions that could pose long-term risks to our company. With particular respect to compensation of our executive officers:


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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

        ThisThe following table presents information regarding compensation of our Named Executive Officersthe named executive officers for services provided in 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011.2012.

Name and Principal Position
 Year Salary Bonus(1) Stock
Awards(2)
 Options
Awards(2)
 All other
Compensation(3)
 Total 

Wendy L. Simpson

  2013 $568,750 $580,000 $736,200(4)$ $2,157 $1,887,107 

Chairman, Chief

  2012  514,583  650,000  725,200(5)   2,366  1,892,149 

Executive Officer and

  2011  465,000    953,100(7)   7,946  1,426,046 

President

                      

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

  
2013
  
335,000
  
250,000
  
588,960

(4)
 
  
10,771
  
1,184,731
 

Executive Vice President,

  2012  289,583  300,000  349,000(6)   7,605  946,188 

Chief Financial Officer and

  2011  250,000  275,000  193,797(7)   12,696  731,493 

Corporate Secretary

                      

Clint B. Malin

  
2013
  
335,000
  
250,000
  
588,960

(4)
 
  
2,584
  
1,176,544
 

Executive Vice President

  2012  289,583  300,000  349,000(6)   5,766  944,349 

and Chief Investment Officer

  2011  235,417  275,000  193,797(7)   5,983  710,197 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  
2013
  
161,667
  
70,000
  
73,620

(4)
 
  
16,196
  
321,483
 

Vice President, Controller

  2012  143,750  85,000  69,800(6)   18,640  317,190 

and Treasurer

  2011  127,686  80,000  127,080(7)   12,942  347,708 

Peter G. Lyew

  
2013
  
173,750
  
50,000
  
36,810

(4)
 
  
8,229
  
268,789
 

Vice President and

  2012  158,750  60,000  34,900(6)   5,407  259,057 

Director of Taxes

  2011  147,500  70,000  63,540(7)   4,966  286,006 

T. Andrew Stokes(8)

  
2013
  
62,500
  
  
  
  
260,438
  
322,938
 

Former Senior Vice

  2012  245,833  75,000      7,998  328,831 

President, Marketing and

  2011  215,000  180,000      16,117  411,117 

Strategic Planning

                      

​  

 

 

Name and Principal Position



Year


Salary


Bonus(1)



Stock
Awards(2)





Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation





All other
Compensation(3)



Total

​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

  2014 $610,500 $ $664,440(4)(5)$661,260(6)$1,067 $1,937,267  

 

 

Chairman, Chief

  2013  568,750  580,000  736,200(7)   2,157  1,887,107  

 

 

Executive Officer and

  2012  514,583  650,000  725,200(8)   2,366  1,892,149  

 

 

President

                       

​  

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 2014 365,833  607,625(4)(5)296,925(6)10,000 1,280,383 

​  

 

Executive Vice President,

 2013 335,000 250,000 588,960(7) 10,771 1,184,731 

​  

 

Chief Financial Officer and

 2012 289,583 300,000 349,000(9) 7,605 946,188 

​  

 

Corporate Secretary

               

 

 

Clint B. Malin

  2014  365,833    607,625(4)(5) 296,925(6) 467  1,270,850  

 

 

Executive Vice President

  2013  335,000  250,000  588,960(7)   2,584  1,176,544  

 

 

and Chief Investment Officer

  2012  289,583  300,000  349,000(9)   5,766  944,349  

​  

 

Brent P. Chappell(10)

 2014 245,833 90,000 778,550(4)(11)  1,114,383 

​  

 

Senior Vice President,

 2013       

​  

 

Investment and Portfolio

 2012       

​  

 

Management

               

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  2014  163,327  70,000  133,350(4)   14,455  381,132  

 

 

Vice President, Controller

  2013  161,667  70,000  73,620(7)   16,196  321,483  

 

 

and Treasurer

  2012  143,750  85,000  69,800(9)   18,640  317,190  
​  
(1)
Bonuses awarded for 2014, 2013 2012 and 20112012 performance were paid in 2015, 2014 2012 and 2012, respectively.

(2)
Represents the fair value on the grant date of the stock awards, and option awards granted, as required by SEC rules. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, compensation expense with respect to stock awards and option awards granted is generally recognized over the vesting periods applicable to the awards. For a discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used to value the stock awards and option awards granted refer toNote 10. Equity of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's 2013our company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(3)
Represents supplemental health insurance benefits, our match of up to 3% of the individual's salary under our 401(k) savings plan for our vice presidentspresidents. In 2014, 2013, and severance paid to Mr. Stokes. During 2013, 2012, and 2011, Mses. Simpson and Shelley-Kessler and Messrs. Malin and StokesChappell were not eligible for 401(k) matching. DuringIn 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011,2012, Ms. Chikhale and Mr. Lyew received the following 401(k) matching and supplemental health insurance benefits.

Named Executive Officer
 Year 401(k)
Matching
 Supplemental
Insurance Plan
 Severance Total
All Other
Compensation
 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  2013 $4,850 $11,346 $ $16,196 

  2012  4,313  14,328    18,640 

  2011  3,844  9,098    12,942 

Peter G. Lyew

  
2013
  
5,213
  
3,016
  
  
8,229
 

  2012  4,763  645    5,407 

  2011  4,439  527    4,966 

T. Andrew Stokes

  
2013
  
  
10,438
  
250,000
  
260,438
 

  2012    7,998    7,998 

  2011    16,117    16,117 
​  

 

 

Named Executive Officer



Year



401(k)
Matching




Supplemental
Insurance Plan




Total All Other
Compensation


​  

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  2014 $4,900 $9,555 $14,455  

 

    2013  4,850  11,346  16,196  

 

    2012  4,313  14,328  18,640  
​  

Table of Contents

(4)
Named Executive Officersexecutive officers received the following restricted common stock awards on February 10, 2015. This award relates to services provided in 2014. These shares vest ratably over a three-year period from the grant date.

​  

 

 

Named Executive Officer




Restricted
Stock Value





Number of
Restricted
Stock



​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

 $561,090  12,623  

​  

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 504,275 11,345 

 

 

Clint B. Malin

  504,275  11,345  

​  

 

Brent P. Chappell

 177,800 4,000 

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  133,350  3,000  
​  
(5)
Ms. Simpson, Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin were each granted 2,500 shares of restricted common stock at $41.34 per share on November 12, 2014 in accordance with and upon entering into their 2014 executive employment agreements. These shares vest ratably over a one-year period from the grant date.

(6)
Represents amounts earned in cash and shares of restricted stock under the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan for performance in 2014. The Compensation Committee exercised its discretion to award shares of restricted stock in lieu of cash for the subjective component of the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan. The named executive officers who participated in the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan received the following restricted stock awards on February 10, 2015. These shares vest ratably over a three-year period from the grant date. The amount shown in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column corresponding to this footnote includes the fair value of the restricted stock in this table and was determined in accordance with footnote (2) to this summary compensation table.

​  

 

 

Named Executive Officer




Restricted
Stock Value





Number of
Restricted
Stock



​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

 $461,260  10,377  

​  

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 206,925 4,655 

 

 

Clint B. Malin

  206,925  4,655  
​  
(7)
Named executive officers received the following restricted common stock awards on February 12, 2014. This award relates to services provided in 2013. These shares vest ratably over a three-year period from the grant date. Mr. Chappell was not an executive officer in 2013.

Named Executive Officer
 Restricted
Stock Value
 Number of
Restricted
Stock
 

Wendy L. Simpson

 $736,200  20,000 

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

  588,960  16,000 

Clint B. Malin

  588,960  16,000 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  73,620  2,000 

Peter G. Lyew

  36,810  1,000 
​  

 

 

Named Executive Officer




Restricted
Stock Value





Number of
Restricted
Stock



​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

 $736,200  20,000  

​  

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 588,960 16,000 

 

 

Clint B. Malin

  588,960  16,000  

​  

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

 73,620 2,000 
​  
(5)(8)
Ms. Simpson was awarded 20,000 restricted common shares on January 7, 2013 for services provided in 2012. These shares will all vest on June 1, 2016.

(6)(9)
Named Executive Officers,executive officers, except Ms. Simpson, received the following restricted common stock awards on December 20, 2012. This award relates to services provided in 2012. The shares granted to Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin will all vest

Table of Contents

Named Executive Officer
 Restricted
Stock Value
 Number of
Restricted
Stock
 

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

 $349,000  10,000 

Clint B. Malin

  349,000  10,000 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  69,800  2,000 

Peter G. Lyew

  34,900  1,000 
​  

 

 

Named Executive Officer




Restricted
Stock Value





Number of
Restricted
Stock



​  

 

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 $349,000  10,000  

​  

 

Clint B. Malin

 349,000 10,000 

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  69,800  2,000  
​  
(7)(10)
Named Executive Officers received the followingOn June 10, 2013, Mr. Chappell joined our company as Vice President, Investment and Portfolio Management and became an executive officer of our company upon his promotion to Senior Vice President on June 9, 2014.

(11)
Mr. Chappell was awarded 15,000 shares of restricted common stock awards on January 10, 2012. This award relates to services provided in 2011. The shares granted to Ms. Simpson will all vestat $40.05 per share on June 15, 2015. The shares granted9, 2014 in connection with his promotion to Senior Vice President, Investment and Portfolio Management.

Employment Agreements

        Our company has entered into employment agreements with each of the named executive officers. In 2014, our company entered into new employment agreements with Ms. Simpson, Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin will all vest on January 10, 2016. The shares granted to Ms. Chikhale and Mr. Lyew vest ratably over a five-year period fromreplace the grant date.

Named Executive Officer
 Restricted
Stock Value
 Number of
Restricted
Stock
 

Wendy L. Simpson

 $953,100  30,000 

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

  193,797  6,100 

Clint B. Malin

  193,797  6,100 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  127,080  4,000 

Peter G. Lyew

  63,540  2,000 
(8)
Mr. Stokes retired effective March 31, 2013.


Description of Employment Agreements

employment agreements they entered into in 2007. The following table provides detailspresents information regarding the employment agreements with the named executive officers for our Named Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 2013:2014:

Named Executive Officer
 Agreement
Date
 Agreement Term Salary Change of Control
Severance
 Termination Severance

Wendy L. Simpson(1)

  12/4/07 3-year evergreen $600,000 $3,000,000 Four times base salary

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

  12/4/07 1-year evergreen  360,000 Two times base salary One times base salary

Clint B. Malin

  12/4/07 1-year evergreen  360,000 Two times base salary One times base salary

Caroline L. Chikhale

  6/10/08 1-year evergreen  170,000 Two times base salary One times base salary

Peter G. Lyew

  12/4/07 1-year evergreen  180,000 Two times base salary One times base salary
​  

 

 

Named Executive Officer



Agreement Date

Agreement Term


Salary

​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

  12/4/07 3-year evergreen $600,000  

 

    11/12/14 3-year evergreen  618,000  

​  

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 12/4/07 1-year evergreen 360,000 

​  

 

 11/12/14 2-year evergreen 370,000 

 

 

Clint B. Malin

  12/4/07 1-year evergreen  360,000  

 

    11/12/14 2-year evergreen  370,000  

​  

 

Brent P. Chappell

 6/10/13 1-year evergreen 275,000 

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  6/10/08 1-year evergreen  175,000  
​  

(1)
Ms. Simpson's employment agreement provides Ms. Simpson with health insurance benefits for life if Ms. Simpson's employment with us is terminated for any reason, except for a termination for cause or a voluntary resignation without a good reason, or upon a change in control of our company whether or not Ms. Simpson's employment is terminated. However, we may elect to pay Ms. Simpson a one-time cash payment of $250,000 in lieu of continuing health insurance benefits. See "Severance and Other Benefits Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control" above for further discussion.

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        The employment agreements provide that the base salaries may be increased at the discretion of ourthe Board. Any increase in base salary will automatically amend each executive's respective employment agreement to provide that thereafter the executive's annual base salary will not be less than the increased base salary approved by ourthe Board. During the term of his or her employment by us, each officer will devote the time necessary to provide the services reasonably required by ourthe Board and will not, without the express approval of ourthe Board, engage for his or her own account or for the account of any other person or entity, in a business which competes with us.

        The employment agreements contain standard provisions regarding bonuses and benefits, as described in the CD&A section of this proxy statement. Additionally, the employment agreements with the named executive officers provide payments for severance upon termination of employment, including in connection with a change in control, as described under "Severance and Other Benefits Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control" on page 37 of this proxy statement and under "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control" below.


Table of Contents


Grants of Plan BasedPlan-Based Awards

        DuringThe following table presents information regarding plan-based awards made in 2014 to the year ended December 31, 2013, our Compensation Committee did not award stock optionsnamed executive officers and is intended to supplement the summary compensation table above.

​  

 

 

 

   Estimated Possible Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
 









All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Restricted












All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying










Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option




 

 

Named Executive Officer



Grant Date


Threshold


Target


Maximum


Stock


Options


Awards

​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

  2/12/14(1)$ $ $  20,000   $736,200  

 

    (2) 309,000  618,000  927,000        

 

    11/12/14(3)       2,500    103,350  

​  

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 2/12/14(1)   16,000  588,960 

​  

 

 (2)138,750 277,500 416,250    

​  

 

 11/12/14(3)   2,500  103,350 

 

 

Clint B. Malin

  2/12/14(1)       16,000    588,960  

 

    (2) 138,750  277,500  416,250        

 

    11/12/14(3)       2,500    103,350  

​  

 

Brent P. Chappell

 2/12/14(1)   1,500  55,215 

​  

 

 6/9/14(4)   15,000  600,750 

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  2/12/14(1)       2,000    73,620  
​  
(1)
Awarded under ourthe 2008 Equity Participation Plan to our Named Executive Officers. Duringin 2014 for 2013 ourperformance. These shares vest ratably over a three-year period from the grant date.

(2)
The amounts shown represents bonus opportunities for 2014 performance under the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan as approved by the Compensation Committee on February 12, 2014. The actual amount awarded 20,000was based on the achievement of certain performance measures as described under "Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan" on page B-1 of this proxy statement. The awards earned for such performance in 2014 were granted on February 10, 2015 as shown in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column of the summary compensation table above. A portion of the amount shown was granted in the form of shares of restricted common sharesstock as described under our"Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan" on page B-1 of this proxy statement and in footnote (6) to the summary compensation table above.

(3)
Awarded under the 2008 Equity Participation Plan as a bonus to Ms. Simpson as partthe named executive officer in accordance with and upon entering into his or her 2014 executive employment agreement. These shares vest over a one-year period.

(4)
Awarded under the 2008 Equity Participation Plan in connection with Mr. Chappell's promotion to Senior Vice President, Investment and Portfolio Management. These shares vest ratably over a three-year period from the grant date.

Table of 2012 bonuses for services provided in 2012.Contents


Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End

        The following table presents information regarding the outstanding equity awards held by each Named Executive Officerthe named executive officers as of December 31, 2013.2014.

 
 Option awards Stock awards 
Named Executive Officer
 Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
exercisable
 Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
unexercisable
 Option
exercise
price
 Option
expiration
date
 Number
of shares or
units of stock
that have not
vested
 Market value
of shares or
units of stock
that have not
vested(1)
 

Wendy L. Simpson

     $    69,933(4)$2,474,929 

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

  10,000(2)   23.79  05/15/17  28,220(5) 998,706 

Clint B. Malin

  10,000(3)   23.79  05/15/15  28,220(5) 998,706 

  10,000(3)   23.79  05/15/16       

  10,000(3)   23.79  05/15/17       

Caroline L. Chikhale

          4,800(6) 169,872 

Peter G. Lyew

          2,400(7) 84,936 
​  

 

 

 

 Option awards 

Stock awards 

 

 

Named Executive Officer








Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
exercisable












Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
unexercisable









Option
exercise
price






Option
expiration
date









Number of
shares or
units of
stock that
have not
vested












Market value
of shares
or units of
stock that
have not
vested(1)






​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

     $    72,500(2)$3,129,825  

​  

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

     40,660(3)1,755,292 

 

 

Clint B. Malin

          40,660(3) 1,755,292  

​  

 

Brent P. Chappell

     20,500(4)884,985 

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

          5,600(5) 241,752  
​  

(1)
The market value is the number of shares that have not vested multiplied by the closing market price of our common stock as reported by the NYSE on December 31, 2013, the last trading day of 2013.2014.

(2)
Vested May 15, 2010.
(3)
Vested as follows: 10,000 on May 15, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
(4)
Vests as follows: 19,9336,666 on December 31, 2014;February 12, 2015; 30,000 on June 15, 2015; 2,500 on November 12, 2015; 20,000 on June 1, 2016.2016; 6,667 on February 12, 2016 and 2017.

(5)(3)
Vests as follows: 2,500 on November 12, 2015; 6,060 on December 14, 2014 and 2015; 10,000 on December 20, 2015; 6,100 on January 10, 2016.2016; 5,333 on February 12, 2015 and 2016; 5,334 on February 12, 2017.

(6)(4)
Vests as follows: 500 on February 12, 2015, 2016 and 2017; 5,000 on June 9, 2015, 2016 and 2017; 2,000 on June 10, 2015 and 2016.

(5)
Vests as follows: 800 on January 10, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017; 666 on February 12, 2015, 667 on February 12, 2016 and 2017; 400 on December 20, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
(7)
Vests as follows: 400 on January 10, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017; 200 on December 20, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

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Option Exercises and Stock Vested During 2013

        The following table shows the number and value of stock options exercised and the number of shares and value of restricted common stock that vested related to each of our Named Executive Officers duringthe named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2013.2014.

 
 Option awards Stock awards 
Name
 Number of shares
acquired on
exercise
 Value realized
on exercise(1)
 Number of shares
acquired on
vesting
 Value realized
on vesting(2)
 

Wendy L. Simpson

   $  19,932 $705,393 

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

      7,412  271,804 

Clint B. Malin

      7,253  265,595 

Caroline L. Chikhale

      1,325  48,049 

Peter G. Lyew

      725  26,465 

T. Andrew Stokes

      19,059(3) 775,524 
​  

 

 

 

 Option awards 

Stock awards 

 

 

Name






Number of
shares
acquired
on exercise







Value
realized
on exercise(1)







Number of
shares
acquired
on vesting







Value
realized
on vesting(2)



​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson

   $  19,933 $860,508  

​  

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 10,000 179,900 6,060 249,854 

 

 

Clint B. Malin

  30,000  505,200  6,060  249,854  

​  

 

Brent P. Chappell

   2,000 78,980 

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

      1,200  46,176  
​  

(1)
The value realized is the difference between the market price of the underlying securities at exercise, as measured by the closing market price of our common stock as reported by NYSE on the date of exercise, and the exercise price times the number of shares acquired on exercise.

(2)
The value realized is the number of shares that vested multiplied by the closing market price of our common stock as reported by the NYSE on the vesting date. This differs from the compensation expense disclosed in the "Summary Compensation Table"summary compensation table above which is determined using the fair value on the grant date of the stock award.

(3)

Includes the vestingTable of 879 restricted common shares as scheduled on March 1, 2013 and the vesting of 18,180 restricted common shares were accelerated as a result of Mr. Stokes retirement on March 31, 2013.
Contents


Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control

        WeAs described under "Severance and Other Benefits Upon Termination of Employment or Change in Control" on page 37 of this proxy statement, we have provided ourthe named executive officers with employment contractsagreements that provide certain severance and other benefits depending on the circumstances surrounding their termination of employment with us.us, including upon a change in control of our company. In addition to the benefits describedreferenced below, upon termination of employment with us, the executive officer is generally entitled to amounts or benefits earned or accrued during the term of employment, including earned but unpaid salary. We have calculated the amount of any potential payments as if the termination or change of control occurred on December 31, 2013 and therefore used the closing price of our common stock as reported by the NYSE on December 31, 2013, the last trading day of 2013.

Severance and Other Benefits Upon Termination of Employment

        As described above under "Description of Employment Agreements" the employment agreements we have with our executive officers provide for payments of severance and other benefits upon termination of employment. If thea named executive officer's employment is terminated, for any reason, except for a termination for cause or a voluntary resignation without a good reason, then we have agreed to pay the officer a lump sum severance payment equal to four times base salary for Ms. Simpson and one times base salary for Mses. Shelley-Kessler and Chikhale and Messrs. Malin and Lyew. Additionally, we have agreed to extend medical and dental insurance coverage for up to 18 months, at our expense, to the executive officer. Further, we have agreed to provide Ms. Simpson with health insurance benefits for life. However, we may elect to pay Ms. Simpson a one-time cash payment of $250,000 in lieu of continuing health insurance benefits. If any payment or benefit received by Ms. Simpson from us subjects her to excise taxes under the "golden parachute" rules on payments and benefits, then we have agreed to provide her an additional "gross-up payment" to make her whole for these excise taxes and for all taxes on the gross-up payment.

        The following table lists the Named Executive Officers and the estimated amounts they would have received under their respective employment agreements if their employment with us terminated for any


Table of Contents

reason, except for a termination for cause or a voluntary resignation without a good reason on December 31, 2013:

Name
 Estimated Total
Value of Cash
Payments-Base
Salary(1)
 Estimated Total
Value of Health
Coverage
Continuation(2)
 Estimated Total
Value of Equity
Acceleration(3)(4)
 Estimated Total
Value of Excise
Tax "Gross-Up"
 

Wendy L. Simpson

 $2,400,000 $250,000 $2,474,929 $ 

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

  360,000  35,000  1,114,706   

Clint B. Malin

  360,000  19,000  1,346,706   

Caroline L. Chikhale

  170,000  34,000  169,872   

Peter G. Lyew

  180,000  20,000  84,936   

(1)
Represents base salaries and termination provisions in effect at December 31, 2013.
(2)
The employment agreements state that if the executive officer's employment is terminated for any reason, except for a termination for cause or a voluntary resignation without a good reason, we have agreed to extend medical and dentalpay the named executive officer a lump sum severance equal to the following:

​  
Wendy L. SimpsonFour times base salary
​  Pamela J. Shelley-KesslerThree times base salary
Clint B. MalinThree times base salary
​  Brent P. ChappellOne times base salary
Caroline L. ChikhaleOne times base salary
​  

        Upon such a termination of employment, we also have agreed to continue health insurance coverage for up to 18 months,benefits at our expense up to an 18 month period for the named executive officer. Estimates providedFurther, all stock options and restricted common stock automatically vest for the named executive officer.

        Additionally, the provisions of the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan, in this table are based on amounts we paid for medical and dental insurance for our Named Executive Officers in 2013. As described above under "Description of Employment Agreements," we agreed to providewhich Ms. Simpson, with health insurance benefits for lifeMs. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin participate, provide that the participant is eligible to receive a pro-rated award if Ms. Simpson'sher or his employment with us is terminated for any reason,terminates, except for a termination for cause or a voluntary resignation without a good reason. However, we may elect


Table of Contents

        The following table lists the named executive officers and the potential amounts they would have received under their respective employment agreements if their employment with us terminated and their severance and benefits became payable on December 31, 2014:

​  

 

 

Name




Cash
Severance(1)




Maximum
Bonus(2)




Health Benefits
Continuation(3)




Equity
Acceleration(4)


​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson(5)

 $2,472,000 $927,000 $19,900 $3,129,825  

​  

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler(5)

 1,110,000 $416,250 34,500 1,775,292 

 

 

Clint B. Malin(5)

  1,110,000 $416,250  16,400  1,775,292  

​  

 

Brent P. Chappell

 275,000  1,700 1,161,985 

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  175,000    32,100  451,752  
​  
(1)
Represents base salaries and termination provisions in effect at December 31, 2014.

(2)
Represents the maximum payable to payparticipants in the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan for 2014. The actual amount for 2014 performance was less, as shown in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column of the summary compensation table above. For Mr. Chappell and Ms. Simpson a one-time cash paymentChikhale, assumes no bonus is paid because they were not participants in the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan for 2014 and their bonuses were within the discretion of $250,000 in lieu of continuing health insurance benefits.the Compensation Committee.

(3)
UnderAssumes the standard termsvalue of our option and restricted stock award agreements, the term of any unvested option or restricted stock will accelerate if the employment ofbenefits for an 18 month period required by the named executive officer terminatesofficer's employment agreement is at the same monthly amount paid for any reason, such as, death, disability, termination without cause,her or a resignation with good reason.his medical, dental and vision insurance in 2014.

(4)
For unvested restricted common stock, this amount represents the closing market price as reported by the NYSE on December 31, 2013,2014.

(5)
The employment agreements for Ms. Simpson, Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin contain "cut back" provisions to reduce severance benefits if an excise tax otherwise would be due and payable by them. We have assumed that no severance benefits would be cut back under the last trading daynamed executive officer's employment agreement. The actual severance benefits payable to the named executive officer may be less than the amounts shown above as a result of 2013. For stock options this amount represents the difference betweenapplication of the exercise price and the closing market price as reported by the NYSE on December 31, 2013, the last trading day of 2013.cut back.

Severance and Other Benefits Upon Change ofin Control

        As described above under "Description"Severance and Other Benefits Upon Termination of Employment Agreements" the employment agreements we have with our Named Executive Officers provide for paymentsor Change in Control" on page 37 of severance and other benefits upon a change of control of our company. Upon a change in control of our company whether or not the Named Executive Officer's employment is terminated,this proxy statement, we have agreed to pay severance and other benefits to the Named Executive Officernamed executive officers upon our company's change in control as defined in each named executive officer's employment agreement. The triggering event for a change in control severance payment in cash equal to $3,000,000varies for each named executive officer. The 2014 employment agreements with Ms. Simpson, and two times base salary for Mses.Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin each are triggered if (i) her or his employment is terminated, except for a termination for cause or a voluntary resignation without a good reason, and (ii) such termination occurs within 24 months following a change in control or in contemplation of a change in control which actually occurs. The 2013 employment agreement with Mr. Chappell is triggered if (i) his employment is terminated, except for a termination for cause or a voluntary resignation without a good reason, and (ii) such termination occurs within 24 months following a change in control. The legacy 2008 employment agreement with Ms. Chikhale and Messrs. Malin and Lyew. If any payment or benefit received by Ms. Simpson from us subjects her to excise taxes under the "golden parachute" rules on payments and benefits, then we have agreed to provide her an additional "gross-up payment" to make her whole for these excise taxes and for all taxes on the gross-up payment. Further,is triggered upon a change in control regardless of control all stock options and/or restricted common stock automatically vest.

        A "Changewhether her employment terminated as a result of a change in Control" occurs if:control.

            (a)   Any Person or related group of Persons (other than Executive and her Related Persons, our company or a Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, our company) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of our company representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of our company's then outstanding securities;

            (b)   The stockholders of our company approve a merger or consolidation of our company with any other corporation (or other entity), other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of our company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 662/3% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; provided,


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    however, that        Upon such an occurrence, we have agreed to pay the named executive officer a merger or consolidation effectedseverance payment in cash equal to implementthe following:

    ​  
    Wendy L. SimpsonGreater of $3,000,000 or 300% of 5-year average
    annual compensation
    ​  Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler250% of 5-year average annual compensation
    Clint B. Malin250% of 5-year average annual compensation
    ​  Brent P. ChappellTwo times base salary
    Caroline L. ChikhaleTwo times base salary
    ​  

            Upon such an occurrence, we also have agreed to continue health insurance benefits at our expense on behalf of the named executive officer up to a recapitalizationperiod as set forth in this table:

    ​  
    Wendy L. Simpson18 months
    ​  Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler18 months
    Clint B. Malin18 months
    ​  Brent P. Chappell24 months
    Caroline L. Chikhalenone
    ​  

            Further, under the standard provisions of our company (or similar transaction)equity compensation plan award agreements, all stock options and restricted common stock automatically vest upon a change in control.

            Additionally, the provisions of the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan, in which no Person acquires 30% or moreMs. Simpson, Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin participate, provide that the participant is eligible to receive a portion of the combined voting power of our company's then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control;

            (c)   The stockholders of our company approve a plan of complete liquidationtarget amount of the company or an agreement foraward based upon the sale or disposition by our companynumber of all or substantially all of our company's assets; or

            (d)   A majority ofdays remaining in the members ofperformance period upon the Board of Directors of our company cease to be Continuing Directors.change in control.

        The following table lists the Named Executive Officersnamed executive officers and the estimated amounts they would have received under their respective employment agreements if there had been a change ofin control of our company and their severance and benefits were triggered on December 31, 2013 whether or not the Named Executive Officer's employment is terminated:2014:

Name
 Estimated Total
Value of Cash
Payments-
Base Salary(1)
 Estimated Total
Value of Health
Coverage
Continuation(2)
 Estimated Total
Value of Equity
Acceleration(3)
 Estimated Total
Value of Excise
Tax "Gross-Up"
 

Wendy L. Simpson

 $3,000,000 $250,000 $2,474,929 $ 

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

  720,000    1,114,706   

Clint B. Malin

  720,000    1,346,706   

Caroline L. Chikhale

  340,000    169,872   

Peter G. Lyew

  360,000    84,936   
​  

 

 

Name




Cash
Severance(1)



Target Bonus(2)



Health Benefits
Continuation(3)




Equity
Acceleration(4)


​  

 

 

Wendy L. Simpson(5)

 $5,235,314 $618,000 $19,900 $3,129,825  

​  

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler(5)

 1,777,648 277,500 34,500 1,775,292 

 

 

Clint B. Malin(5)

  1,760,928  277,500  16,400  1,775,292  

​  

 

Brent P. Chappell

 550,000  2,200 884,985 

 

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

  350,000      241,752  
​  

(1)
Represents base salaries and change ofin control provisions in effect at December 31, 2013.2014.

(2)
The employment agreements state that ifRepresents the target amount payable to participants in the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan for 2014. For Mr. Chappell and Ms. Chikhale, assumes no bonus was paid because they were not participants in the Annual Cash Bonus Incentive Plan in 2014 and their bonuses were within the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

(3)
Assumes the value of benefits for a period required by the named executive officer's employment agreement is terminated upon a changeat the same monthly amount paid for her or his medical, dental and vision insurance in control of our company then the executive shall not be given the opportunity to participate in any medical or dental insurance coverage. As described above under "Description of Employment Agreements," we agreed to provide Ms. Simpson with health insurance benefits for life upon a change in control of our company whether or not Ms. Simpson's employment is terminated. However, we may elect to pay Ms. Simpson a one-time cash payment of $250,000 in lieu of continuing health insurance benefits.2014.

(3)(4)
For unvested restricted common stock, this amount represents the closing market price as reported by the NYSE on December 31, 2013,2014.

(5)
The employment agreements for Ms. Simpson, Ms. Shelley-Kessler and Mr. Malin contain "cut back" provisions to reduce severance benefits if an excise tax otherwise would be due and payable by them. We have assumed that no severance benefits would be cut back under the last trading daynamed executive officer's employment agreement. The actual severance benefits payable to the named executive officer may be less than the amounts shown above as a result of 2013. For stock options this amount represents the difference betweenapplication of the exercise price and the closing market price as reported by the NYSE on December 31, 2013, the last trading day of 2013.cut back.

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

        Compensation for ourthe Board of Directors typicallycurrently consists of quarterly board fees fees for attending meetings whether in-person or by telephone, and periodic equity awards. The following table presents information regarding the compensation during 2013 earned by or paid to non-employee members of our Board of Directors. One member of ourthe Board, Ms. Simpson, is also employed by us and therefore is not entitled to receive additional compensation for her services as director. Compensation information related to our employee directorMs. Simpson is included in the previous discussion and tables related to executive compensation.

        Concurrent with its review of executive officer compensation described in "Executive Compensation Review" on page 23 of this proxy statement, PM&P also conducted a competitive assessment of the compensation of non-employee members of the Board. The assessment was completed in February 2014. The Board of Directors considered the results of the assessment and recommendations and approved the following revisions, effective July 1, 2014, to our non-employee director compensation program to better align with peer group levels and best practices:

    Retainer and meeting fees. Increased the retainer for Board service to $45,000 and eliminated Board meeting fees.

    Equity grants. Changed the equity award practices to grant a fixed dollar value of $90,000 in restricted common stock annually for Board service, rather than a fixed number of shares. The restricted common stock vests ratably over a one year period from the grant date.

    Committee chairman and member fees. Increased the retainer for Committee Chairman to $20,000 for the Audit Committee, and $15,000 for each of the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. Additionally, committee meeting fees were eliminated and replaced with retainers of $5,000 for service on each committee.

    Lead Independent Director fee. Increased the retainer for the Lead Independent Director to $20,000.

    Stock ownership guidelines. Substantially increased stock ownership requirements for non-employee directors to a multiple of five times the level of the Board retainer to be achieved within five years.


Director Compensation for the Year ended December 31, 20132014

        The following table presents information regarding the compensation earned by or paid to non-employee members of the Board for their services in 2014.

Name
 Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
 Stock
Awards(1)
 Option
Awards(1)
 Total 

Boyd W. Hendrickson

 $53,700 $97,734 $ $151,434 

Edmund C. King

  52,300  97,734    150,034 

Devra G. Shapiro

  50,900  97,734    148,634 

Timothy J. Triche

  53,400  97,734    151,134 
​  

 

 

Name




Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash




Stock
Awards(1)




Option
Awards(1)


��
Total

​  

 

 

Boyd W. Hendrickson

 $65,283 $84,105 $ $149,388  

​  

 

Edmund C. King

 53,928 84,105  138,033 

 

 

James J. Pieczynski

  51,065  199,395  44,400  294,860  

​  

 

Devra G. Shapiro

 61,383 84,105  145,488 

 

 

Timothy J. Triche

  66,383  84,105    150,488  
​  

(1)
SeePlease see "Equity Awards" below for the aggregate number of stock awards and option awards outstanding at year end. Represents the fair value on the grant date of the stock awards and option awards granted. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, compensation expense with respect to stock awards and option awards granted is generally recognized over the vesting periods applicable to the awards. For a discussion of the assumptions and methodologies used to value the stock awards and option awards granted refer toNote 10. Equity of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's 2013our company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Quarterly Board and Meeting Fees

        The following table represents the schedule of meeting fees and quarterly fees for each non-employee director in effect during 2013:2014:

Type of Fee(1)
 January to June July to December 

Quarterly Fee

 $6,750 $7,000 

Quarterly Lead Director Fee

  3,750  4,000 

Quarterly Audit Committee Chairman Fee

  3,750  4,000 

Quarterly Compensation Committee Chairman Fee

  2,500  2,750 

Quarterly Nominating Committee Chairman Fee

  2,500  2,750 

Meeting Fee(2)

  1,600  1,600 

Committee Meeting Fee(2)

  1,100  1,100 
​  

 

 

Type of Fee(1)



January to May


June to December

​  

 

 

Quarterly Fee

 $7,000 $11,250  

​  

 

Quarterly Lead Independent Director Fee

 4,000 5,000 

 

 

Quarterly Audit Committee Chairman Fee

  4,000  5,000  

​  

 

Quarterly Compensation Committee Chairman Fee

 2,750 3,750 

 

 

Quarterly Nominating Committee Chairman Fee

  2,750  3,750  

​  

 

Meeting Fee(2)

 1,600  

 

 

Committee Meeting Fee(2)

  1,100    

​  

 

Quarterly Committee Membership Fee(2)

  1,250 
​  

(1)
Along with meeting fees and quarterly fees,Additionally, we reimburse non-employee directors for travel expenses incurred in connection with their duties as our director. Travel expense reimbursements are not included in this table.

(2)
The board meeting and committee meeting fees arewere paid to each non-employee director for attendance in person or telephonically at each meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee meeting held on a day on which the Board of Directors did not meet. If a committee meeting iswas held on a day on which a meeting of the Board of Directors is held, there is no fee was paid for the committee meeting. Effective June 1, 2014, each non-employee director is paid for being a committee member and no longer paid for each board and committee meeting.

Equity Awards

        Directors participate in ourthe 2008 Equity Participation Plan which permits the Compensation Committee to grant nonqualified stock options or restricted common shares to directors from time-to-time. In 2013,2014, in connection with his appointment to the Board, the Compensation Committee granted 2,10015,000 stock options and 3,000 shares of restricted common stock to Ms. Shapiro, Messrs. Hendrickson and King and Dr. TricheMr. Pieczynski at $46.54$38.43 per share. These shares vest ratably over a three-year period from the grant date. Additionally, the Compensation Committee granted 2,100 shares of restricted common stock at $40.05 per share to each non-employee director. These shares vest ratably over a one-year period from the grant date. The following table presents the number of


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outstanding and unexercised option awards and the number of unvested shares of restricted common stock held by each of our non-employee directors at December 31, 2013.2014.

Name
 Number of options
outstanding
 Number of unvested
shares of restricted
common stock
outstanding
 

Boyd W. Hendrickson

    3,934(4)

Edmund C. King

  3,334(1) 3,934(4)

Devra G. Shapiro

  15,000(2) 3,934(4)

Timothy J. Triche

  10,000(3) 3,934(4)
​  

 

 

Name




Number of options
outstanding






Number of unvested
shares of restricted
common stock
outstanding




​  

 

 

Boyd W. Hendrickson

    4,167(5) 

​  

 

Edmund C. King

 3,334(1)4,167(5)

 

 

James J. Pieczynski

  15,000(2) 5,100(6) 

​  

 

Devra G. Shapiro

 15,000(3)4,167(5)

 

 

Timothy J. Triche

  10,000(4) 4,167(5) 
​  

(1)
3,334 vested on May 15, 2010

(2)
5,000 vests on March 1, 2015, 2016 and 2017

(3)
5,000 vested on July 30, 2010, 2011 and 2012

(3)(4)
3,333 vested on May 15, 2008 and 2009; 3,334 vested on May 15, 2010

(4)(5)
Vests as follows: 500 on June 1, 2014; 667 on May 23, 2014 and 2015; 700 on May 22, 2014, 2015 and 2016; 2,100 on June 9, 2015

(6)
Vests as follows: 1,000 on March 1, 2015, 2016 and 2017; 2,100 on June 9, 2015

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

        TheThis Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statementproxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that weLTC specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.

        The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed with management the Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis for 2013.2014. Based on the review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board has approved, that the Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.proxy statement.

  Compensation Committee*

 

 

Timothy J. Triche, M.D., ChairMD, Chairman
Edmund C. King
James J. Pieczynski
Devra G. Shapiro

*
James J. PieczynskiBoyd W. Hendrickson joined the Compensation Committee on March 1, 2014.February 9, 2015. Mr. PieczynskiHendrickson did not participate in the matters discussed in this Compensation Committee Report.


Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        During 2013, theThe Compensation Committee in 2014 consisted of Timothy J. Triche, MD, Edmund C. King, James J. Pieczynski and Devra G. Shapiro, all of whom are independent directors. None of the members of the Compensation Committee are, or have been, officers or employees of theour company. There are no "interlocks" (asas defined by theSEC rules of the SEC) with respect to any member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.


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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        ThisThe following table showspresents information as of April 8, 201410, 2015 with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock by (1) each person who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common shares based on the most recent Schedule 13D or 13G filings made by such person with the Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC pursuant to SEC rules and regulations, promulgated under the Exchange, (2) each director and director nominee, (3) each Named Executive Officernamed executive officer identified in the Summary Compensation Table above,summary compensation table on page 32 of this proxy statement, and (4) the current directors and executive officers as a group.

Beneficial Owner
 Title of Class Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership(1)
 Percent of
Outstanding
Shares in Class(2)
 

Principal Stockholders:

         

         

The Vanguard Group, Inc.
100 Vanguard Boulevard
Malvern, PA 19355

 Common Stock  4,494,013(3) 12.9%

         

BlackRock, Inc.
40 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022

 Common Stock  3,789,827(4) 10.9%

         

AllianceBernstein LP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105

 Common Stock  2,618,818(5) 7.5%

         

Vanguard Specialized Funds—Vanguard REIT Index Fund

 Common Stock  2,349,456(6) 6.7%

100 Vanguard Boulevard

         

Malvern, PA 19355

         

         

National Health Investors, Inc.

 Common Stock  2,293,800(7) 6.2%

222 Robert Rose Drive

         

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

         

         

Named Executive Officers:

         

         

Wendy L. Simpson

 Common Stock  402,479(8) 1.2%

         

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

 Common Stock  97,022(9)(10) * 

         

Clint B. Malin

 Common Stock  92,513(9) * 

         

Caroline L. Chikhale

 Common Stock  13,381  * 

         

Peter G. Lyew

 Common Stock  9,546  * 

         

T. Andrew Stokes

 Common Stock  26,219(11) * 

         

Directors and Director Nominees: +

         

         

Boyd W. Hendrickson

 Common Stock  7,267  * 

         

Edmund C. King

 Common Stock  46,335(9)(12) * 

         

James J. Pieczynski

 Common Stock  3,000  * 

         

Devra G. Shapiro

 Common Stock  24,600(9) * 

         

Timothy J. Triche, M.D.

 Common Stock  42,202(9) * 

         

All current directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)

 Common Stock  738,345(8)(9)(10)(12) 2.1%
​  

 

 

Beneficial Owner


Title of Class



Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership(1)





Percent of
Outstanding
Shares in Class(2)



​  

 

 

Principal Stockholders:

          

​  

 

BlackRock, Inc.
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022



 
Common Stock 4,998,636(3)14.1%

 

 

The Vanguard Group, Inc.
100 Vanguard Boulevard
Malvern, PA 19355

 Common Stock  4,927,997(4) 13.9% 

​  

 

Vanguard Specialized Funds—Vanguard REIT Index Fund


 
Common Stock 2,588,146(5)7.3%

​  

 

100 Vanguard Boulevard


 
      

​  

 

Malvern, PA 19355

       

 

 

AllianceBernstein LP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105

 Common Stock  2,548,691(6) 7.2% 

​  

 

National Health Investors, Inc.
222 Robert Rose Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37129



 
Common Stock 2,075,000(7)5.5%

 

 

Named Executive Officers:

          

​  

 

Wendy L. Simpson

 Common Stock 325,500 * 

 

 

Pamela J. Shelley-Kessler

 Common Stock  101,252(8) *  

​  

 

Clint B. Malin

 Common Stock 86,416 * 

 

 

Brent P. Chappell

 Common Stock  26,500  *  

​  

 

Caroline L. Chikhale

 Common Stock 10,381 * 

 

 

Directors and Director Nominees: +

          

​  

 

Boyd W. Hendrickson

 Common Stock 11,267 * 

 

 

Edmund C. King

 Common Stock  45,685(9)(10) *  

​  

 

James J. Pieczynski

 Common Stock 15,100(9)* 

 

 

Devra G. Shapiro

 Common Stock  26,700(9) *  

​  

 

Timothy J. Triche

 Common Stock 39,302(9)* 

 

 

All current directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons)

 Common Stock  698,503(8)(9)(10) 2.0% 
​  

*
Less than 1%

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+
Does not include information concerning director Wendy L.Ms. Simpson, who is also an executive officer and for whom information is provided under the Named Executive Officers heading above.

(1)
Except as otherwise noted below, all shares are owned beneficially by the individual or entity listed with sole voting and/or investment power.

(2)
For purposes of computing the percentages, the number of shares outstanding on April 8, 201410, 2015 was 34,817,385.35,540,762.

(3)
Based upon information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 12, 2014January 9, 2015 by The Vanguard Group,BlackRock, Inc. (or VGI)("BlackRock") with respect to the ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2013,2014, BlackRock beneficially owns 4,998,636 shares. BlackRock has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote of 4,886,811 shares and sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 4,998,636 shares.

(4)
Based upon information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 11, 2015 by The Vanguard Group, Inc. ("VGI") with respect to the ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2014, VGI beneficially owns 4,494,0134,927,997 shares. VGI has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote of 94,412100,033 shares and sole power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 4,412,3014,848,164 shares. Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company (or VFTC)("VFTC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VGI, is the beneficial owner of 48,91248,033 shares of our common stock outstanding as a result of its serving as investment manager of collective trust accounts. Vanguard Investments Australia, Ltd. (or VIA)("VIA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VGI, is the beneficial owner of 78,30083,800 shares of our common stock outstanding as a result of its serving as investment manager of Australian investment offerings.

(4)(5)
Based upon information contained in the a Schedule 13G13G/A filed with the SEC on January 10, 2014February 6, 2015 by BlackRock, Inc. (or BlackRock)Vanguard Specialized Funds—Vanguard REIT Index ("Vanguard REIT") with respect to the ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2013, BlackRock2014, Vanguard REIT beneficially owns 3,789,827 shares. BlackRockand has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote of 3,675,548 shares and sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 3,789,827over 2,588,146 shares.
(5)
Based upon information contained in the a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 11, 2014 by AllianceBernstein, LP (or AllianceBernstein) with respect to the ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2013, AllianceBernstein beneficially owns 2,618,818 shares. AllianceBernstein has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote of 2,208,228 shares and sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 2,618,818 shares. AllianceBernstein is a majority owned subsidiary of AXA Financial, Inc. (or AXA Financial) and an indirect majority owned subsidiary of AXA SA (AXA). AllianceBernstein operates under independent management and makes independent decisions from AXA and AXA Financial and their respective subsidiaries and AXA and AXA Financial calculate and report beneficial ownership separately from AllianceBernstein. AllianceBernstein may be deemed to share beneficial ownership with AXA reporting persons by virtue of 0 shares of common stock acquired on behalf of the general and special accounts of the affiliated entities for which AllianceBernstein serves as a subadvisor. Each of AllianceBernstein and the AXA entities reporting herein acquired their shares of common stock for investment purposes in the ordinary course of their investment management and insurance businesses.

(6)
Based upon information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 4, 201410, 2015 by Vanguard Specialized Funds—Vanguard REIT Index (or Vanguard REIT) with respect to ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2013, Vanguard REIT beneficially owns and has sole voting power over 2,349,456 shares.
(7)
Based upon information contained in National Health Investors, Inc.'s (or NHI) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC andAllianceBernstein, LP ("AllianceBernstein") with respect to the ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2011, NHI2014, AllianceBernstein beneficially owns 2,548,691 shares. AllianceBernstein has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote of 2,155,516 shares and sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 2,548,691 shares.

(7)
Includes 75,000 shares of common stock owned directly and 2,000,000 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of preferred stock. Based upon information in our company's register of stockholders, National Health Investors, Inc. ("NHI") directly owns 293,80075,000 shares of our common stock. In addition, as reflected in our records and has sole voting and dispositive power over these shares. Based uponas disclosed in NHI's Annual ReportsReport on Form 10-K for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 filed with the SEC, NHI did not disclose any changes to its ownership of our common stock. Additionally,2014, NHI owns our Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock which has an option to convert at a price of $19.25 per share into 2,000,000 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2013.2014. For the purpose of computing this percentage, the number of shares subject to conversion is deemed to be outstanding only for the calculation of NHI's percent of class calculation.


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(8)
Includes 102,4791,000 shares of common stock held by spouse in the Estate of Andre C. Dimitriadis (or the Estate) of which Ms. Simpson is executor and as such has sole power to vote or to direct the vote and sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of these shares. Ms. Simpson has no financial interest in these shares and her beneficial interest in these shares arises solely from her duties as executor of the estate and her ability to vote and direct the vote and to dispose or to direct the disposition of these shares.an individual retirement account.

(9)
Includes shares purchasable by such individual upon exercise of outstanding options that are presently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of April 8, 201410, 2015 as follows:

​  

Director and Director Nominees:





Exercisable
Outstanding
Options



​  

Named Executive Officer:

 

Pamela Shelley-Kessler

10,000

Clint B. Malin

20,000

Director and Director Nominees:


Edmund C. King

  3,334 

​  

James J. Pieczynski

5,000

Devra G. Shapiro

  15,000 

Timothy J. Triche, M.D.  

 

Timothy J. Triche

10,000
​  
(10)
Includes 1,000 shares of common stock held by spouse in an individual retirement account.
(11)
Based upon information known to the company as of the effective date of Mr. Stokes' retirement.
(12)
Includes 1,575 shares of common stock held by spouse in an individual retirement account.

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Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

        Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 20132014 is as follows:

Equity Compensation Plan Information 
 
 (a) (b) (c) 
Plan Category
 Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options
warrants and rights
 Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  73,334 $23.97  202,521 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

       
        

Total

  73,334 $23.97  202,521 
        
​  

 

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information 



 

 

 

 (a) 

​(b) 

​(c) 

 

 

Plan Category






Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options
warrants and rights








Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights









Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))





​  

 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  43,334 $29.16  92,521  

​  

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

    
​  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 

 

 

Total

  43,334 $29.16  92,521  
​  
​  
​  
​  

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

        We have adopted a written policy that addresses related person transactions requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act. AUnder our Related Person Transaction Policy, a related person of our company includes a director, a director nominee, an executive officer, a stockholder beneficially owning a 5% voting interest in our company, or an immediate family member of any of the foregoing. Under the policy, any transaction in which a related person has a direct or indirect material interest and where the amount exceeds $120,000 must be approved by disinterested members of ourthe Board of Directors.

        In determining whether to approve or ratify a related person transaction, ourthe Board of Directors will take into account, whether (i) the terms are fair to our company and on the same basis generally available to an unrelated person, (ii) there are business reasons for our company to enter into the transaction, (iii) it would impair independence of an outside director, and (iv) it would present an improper conflict of interest, taking into account factors that ourthe Board deems relevant.


Transactions with Related Persons

        During 2013, the only relationshipThere were no transactions within the scope of Item 404our Related Person Transactions Policy since the beginning of Regulation S-K involved Boyd W. Hendrickson, one of our independent directors. His interest arose indirectly and as a result of previously serving as Chief Executive Officer of SHG. Mr. Hendrickson retired as Chief Executive Officer of SHG and stepped down from SHG's board of directors on November 20, 2013.

        During September 2007, SHG purchased the assets of Laurel Healthcare (or Laurel). One of the assets SHG purchased was Laurel's leasehold interests in the skilled nursing properties Laurel leased from us under a 15-year master lease agreement dated in February 2006. Our Board of Directors, with Mr. Hendrickson abstaining, ratified our consent to the assignment of Laurel's master lease to subsidiaries of SHG. The economic terms of the master lease agreement did not change as a result of our assignment of the master lease to subsidiaries of SHG. During 2013, subsidiaries of SHG paid us approximately $4,479,000 in rent and2014 nor are expected to pay approximately $4,591,000 in rent to us during 2014. During 2013, we recorded approximately $22,000 of straight-line rental income from subsidiaries of SHG and expect to reduce straight-line rental income from subsidiaries of SHG by approximately $90,000 in 2014. At December 31, 2013, the straight-line rent receivable from subsidiaries of SHG was $3,213,000.any current proposed.


Director Independence

        In accordance with theNYSE listing standards, of the NYSE, our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that:

    A director who is, or has been within the last three years, an employee of theour company, or whose immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years an executive officer of theour company may not be deemed independent. Employment as an interim Chairman or Chief Executive Officer will not disqualify a director from being considered independent following that employment.

    A director who has received, or who has an immediate family member who has received, during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from theour company, other than 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), may not be deemed independent. Compensation received by a director for former service as an interim Chairman or Chief Executive Officer and compensation received by an immediate family member for service as a non-executive employee of theour company will not be considered in determining independence under this test.


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    A director who is, or whose immediate family member is, a current partner of a firm that is theour company's external auditor; a director who is a current employee of such a firm; a director who has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and who participates in the firm's audit, assurance or tax compliance (but not tax planning) practice; or a director who was, or whose immediate family member was, within the last three years (but is no longer) a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on theour company's audit within that time may not be deemed independent.

    A director who is, or whose immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of theour company's present executive officers at the time serves or served on that company's compensation committee may not be deemed independent.

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    A director who is a current employee or whose immediate family member is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, theour company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three years, exceeds the greater of $1 million or 2% of such other company's consolidated gross revenues, may not be deemed independent.

        Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, on Director Independence, the Board undertook its annual review of director independence in 2013.2014. During this review, the Board considered transactions and relationships between each director or any member of his or her immediate family and our company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including those within the scope of "Transactions with Related Persons" above.affiliates. The Board also considered whether there were any transactions or relationships between directors or any member of their immediate family (or any entity of which a director or an immediate family member is an executive officer, general partner or significant equity holder) and members of our senior management or their affiliates. The purpose of this review was to determine whether any such relationships or transactions existed that were inconsistent with a determination that the director is independent.

        The Board has affirmatively determined that each of the current directors standing is independent within the meaning of our director independence standards, which reflect the NYSE director independence standards, except for Ms. Simpson. Ms. Simpson is considered an inside director because of her employment as a senior executive officer of our company. In determining that each of the other directors is independent, the Board considered that Boyd W. Hendrickson, one of our independent directors, did serve as the chief executive officer of SHG. During 2007, SHG purchased the assets of one of our operators and now operates skilled nursing properties under a master lease with us. The payments received from SHG did not exceed 2% of SHG's consolidated gross revenues. Mr. Hendrickson does not have a direct material interest in these transactions and his only interest arises solely from his former position as Chief Executive Officer of SHG. On November 20, 2013, Mr. Hendrickson retired as Chief Executive Officer of SHG and stepped down from SHG's board of directors. The Board determined that this former relationship did not impair Mr. Hendrickson's independence.


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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES AND SERVICES

        Ernst & Young LLP audited our financial statements during year ended December 31, 20132014 and have been our auditors since our organization in May 1992. Their fees for the last two fiscal years were:

 
 2013 2012 

Audit Fees

 $496,045 $483,385 

Audit-Related Fees

     

Tax Fees

  54,680  51,330 

All Other Fees

     
​  

 

 

 
2014


2013

​  

 

 

Audit Fees

 $520,000 $496,045  

​  

 

Audit-Related Fees

   

 

 

Tax Fees

  61,583  54,680  

​  

 

All Other Fees

   
​  

Audit Fees

        For 20132014 and 2012,2013, these fees represent aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, the review of the financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, advice on audit and accounting matters that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements and work on securities and other filings with the SEC, including comfort letters and consents.

Tax Fees

        These fees represent aggregate fees billed for services rendered for tax compliance and consultation, including REIT qualification matters during 20132014 and 2012.2013.

        All audit, audit related and tax services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. On an annual basis the Audit Committee pre-approves specifically described audit, audit-related and tax services to be performed by Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee has delegated to the Chair of the Audit Committee Chairman the authority to pre-approve non-audit services to be performed by Ernst & Young LLP, provided that the ChairChairman shall report any decision to pre-approve such non-audit services to the full Audit Committee at its next regular meeting.


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        In accordance with Section III, Item 6 of the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee reviewed the effectiveness of Ernst & Young LLP's audit effort, including approval of the scope of, and fees charged in connection with, the annual audit, quarterly reviews and any non-audit services provided. The Audit Committee concluded that the provision of the non-audit services by Ernst & Young��Young LLP was compatible with the maintenance of that firm's independence in the conduct of its auditing functions.


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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

        TheThis Audit Committee Report of LTC Properties, Inc. (or company) shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statementproxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.

        The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has oversight of all compliance related to financial matters, Securities and Exchange Commission reporting and auditing. Additionally, it is the Audit Committee's duty to review annually the Audit Committee Charter and recommend any changes to the Board.

        The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board to assist the Board in its oversight function by monitoring, among other things, the integrity of the company'sLTC's financial statements, the company'sLTC's financial reporting process and the independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm. It is the responsibility of LTC's management of the company to prepare financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and of the company'sLTC's independent registered public accounting firm to audit those financial statements. The Audit Committee has the sole authority and responsibility to select, appoint, evaluate, compensate and retain, approve significant non-audit services, confirm the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm and, where appropriate, replace the independent registered public accounting firm. Additionally, the Audit Committee determines the extent of funding that the companyLTC must provide to it.

        Management is responsible for the company'sLTC's internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of the company'sLTC's consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and to issue a report thereon. The Audit Committee's responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.

        In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and Ernst & Young LLP, the company'sLTC's independent registered public accounting firm. Management represented to the Audit Committee that the company'sLTC's consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements with management and Ernst & Young LLP. The Audit Committee discussed with Ernst & Young LLP matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

        In addition,Additionally, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's Ethic and Independence Rule 3526 (Communications with Audit Committees Concerning Independence), as amended, from Ernst & Young LLP and has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP its independence from the companyLTC and its management. Further, theThe Audit Committee also has considered whether the non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP are compatible with maintaining its independence.

        Further, the Audit Committee periodically meets with Ernst & Young LLP, without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluations of the company'sLTC's internal controls and the overall quality of the company'sLTC's financial reporting.

        During the past year, the Audit Committee met with Ernst & Young LLP seven times in total and without management present once.

        Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, and subject to the limitations on the role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee referred to above and set forth in the Charter, the Audit


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Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the company's 2013LTC's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

  Audit Committee*Committee

 

 

Devra G. Shapiro, ChairChairman
Boyd W. Hendrickson
Edmund C. King
James J. Pieczynski
Timothy J. Triche, M.D.MD

*
James J. Pieczynski joined the Audit Committee on March 1, 2014. Mr. Pieczynski did not participate in the matters discussed in this Report of the Audit Committee.

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RISK OVERSIGHT

        Management continually monitors the material risks facing our company, including financial risk, strategic risk, operational risk, and legal and compliance risk. The Board of Directors is responsible for exercising oversight of management's identification of, planning for, and managing those risks. The Board may delegate to its committees oversight responsibility for those risks that are directly related to their area of focus. Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee has the responsibility and duty to review the financial, investment and risk management policies followed by our company in operating its business activities. The full Board reviews risks that may be material to our company, including those detailed in the Audit Committee's reports and as disclosed in our quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC. We believe that our leadership structure also enhances the Board's risk oversight function. Due to her role as Chief Executive Officer, and President, and knowledge of our company and industry, our ChairmanMs. Simpson is well-positioned to lead Board discussions on risk areas. Our ChairmanMs. Simpson regularly discusses with management the material risks facing our company and is also expected to report candidly to her fellow directors on her assessment of those material risks. This structure fosters greater communication between management and the Board on matters including with respect risk.


OTHER MATTERS

        Other business may properly come before the 20142015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and in that event, the proxy holders will vote as recommended by the Board of Directors or, if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion. However, we have not received timely and proper notice from any stockholder of any other matter to be prepared at the 20142015 Annual Meeting. Our management and Board of Directors know of no matters to be brought before the 20142015 Annual Meeting other than as set forth herein.described in this proxy statement.


Stockholder Proposals

        Stockholder proposals intended to be presented at the 20152016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by us for inclusion in our proxy statement by December 29, 201426, 2015 and otherwise comply with theSEC rules and regulations of the SEC governing inclusion of such proposals. Stockholders intending to present proposals should note that December 26, 2015 is a Saturday. Any proposal received after December 26, 2015 will be untimely, in accordance with SEC rules and regulations.

        Matters (other than nominations of candidates for election as directors) may be brought before the meeting by stockholders only by complying with the procedure set forth in our company's Bylaws, which in summary requires that notice be delivered to our principal executive offices not less than 60 days nor more than 150 days prior to the anniversary of the 20142015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Each such stockholder notice shall set forth (i) as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the 20152016 Annual Meeting, (a) a brief description of the matter desired to be brought before the 20152016 Annual Meeting and the reasons for bringing such matter before the 20152016 Annual Meeting and (b) any material interest of the stockholder in such matter; and (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice (a) the name and address, as they appear on our books, of such stockholder and any other stockholders known by such stockholder to be supporting the bringing of such matter before the 20152016 Annual Meeting as of the date of such stockholder notice and (b) the class and number of shares of our capital stock which are beneficially owned by such stockholder on the date of such stockholder notice and by any other stockholder known by such stockholder to be supporting the bringing of such matter before the 20152016 Annual Meeting as of the date of such stockholder notice.

        For information regarding nominating candidates for election as directors, please refer tosee "Consideration of Director Nominees" in the Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters section above.on page 5 of this proxy statement.


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Householding

        We have adopted a procedure permitted by SEC rules called "householding." Under this procedure, stockholders of record who have the same address and last name will receive only one copy


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of our Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement, and Annual Report, unless one or more of these stockholders notifies us that they wish to continue receiving individual copies. This procedure will reduce our printing costs and postage fees.

        Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards. Also, householdingHouseholding will not in any way affect dividend check mailings.

        If you are eligible for householding, but you and other stockholders of record with whom you share an address currently receive multiple copies of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement and the accompanying documents, or if you hold stock in more than one account, and in either case you wish to receive only a single copy of each of these documents for your household, please contact our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, at 866-708-5586.

        If you participate in householding and wish to receive a separate copy of this Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and the accompanying documents, or if you do not wish to participate in householding and prefer to receive separate copies of these documents in the future, please also contact our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, at 866-708-5586.

        "Street name" beneficial owners can request information about householding from their banks, brokers, or other nominee holders of record.


Directions

        Directions to the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd.,Four Seasons Hotel, Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village, California 91361.CA 91362.

US-101 North US-101 South

Exit Westlake Blvd.Lindero Canyon Road

 

Exit Westlake Blvd.Lindero Canyon Road

Go straight at the traffic lightTurn right onto Lindero Canyon Road

 

Turn left onto Westlake Blvd.Lindero Canyon Road

First right will take you directly to the HyattTurn left onto Via Colinas

 

Turn left at the first traffic lightonto Via Colinas

Turn left onto Via Rocas

 

Turn left onto Via Rocas

First right will take you directly

Turn left onto Dole Drive;
the entrance to the HyattHotel will be on the right

Turn left onto Dole Drive;
the entrance to the Hotel will be on the right

 

  By Order of the Board of Directors

 

 


SIGNATURE
  PAMELA J. SHELLEY-KESSLER
Westlake Village, California
April 28, 201424, 2015
 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

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Appendix A


RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP
FINANCIAL MEASURES

NORMALIZED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS(1)
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

​  

 

 

 

 Year Ended December 31, 

 

 

 

 
2014


2013

​  

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 $69,645 $54,159  

​  

 

Add: Depreciation and amortization (including continuing and discontinued operations)

 25,529 23,706 

 

 

Less: Gain on sale of real estate, net

  (4,959) (1,605) 
​  

​  

 

FFO available to common stockholders(1)

 90,215 77,260 

 

 

Add: Non-recurring one-time items

    2,687  
​  

​  

 

Normalized FFO available to common stockholders

 90,215 79,947 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

        

​  

 

Participating securities

 481 383 

 

 

Convertible preferred stock

  3,273  3,273  
​  

​  

 

Diluted normalized FFO available to common stockholders

 $93,969 $83,603 
​  ​ ​ ​ ​ 
​  ​ ​ ​ ​ 
​  ​ ​ ​ ​ 

 

 

Shares for basic FFO per share

  34,617  33,111  

​  

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

   

 

 

Stock options

  23  31  

​  

 

Participating securities

 226 200 

 

 

Convertible preferred securities

  2,000  2,000  
​  

​  

 

Shares for diluted FFO per share

 36,866 35,342 
​  ​ ​ ​ ​ 
​  ​ ​ ​ ​ 
​  ​ ​ ​ ​ 

 

 

Based normalized FFO per share

 $2.61 $2.41  

​  

 

Diluted normalized FFO per share

 $2.55 $2.37 
​  
(1)
Funds From Operations ("FFO") is a supplemental measure of a real estate investment trust's ("REIT") financial performance that is not defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Investors, analysts and our management and board of directors use FFO as a supplemental measure of operating performance. We believe FFO is helpful in evaluating the operating performance of a REIT. Real estate values historically rise and fall with market conditions, but cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. We believe that by excluding the effect of historical cost depreciation, which may be of limited relevance in evaluating current performance, FFO facilitates like comparisons of operating performance between periods. Additionally, we believe that normalized FFO provides useful information because it allows investors, analysts, our management and the Board of Directors to compare our company's operating performance on a consistent basis without having to account for differences caused by unanticipated items. FFO, as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT"), means net income available to common stockholders (computed in accordance with GAAP) excluding gains or losses on the sale of real estate and impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate plus real estate depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Normalized FFO represents FFO adjusted for certain items detailed in the reconciliation. Our company's computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT

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    definition or have a different interpretation of the current NAREIT definition from that of our company; therefore, caution should be exercised when comparing our company's FFO to that of other REITs.

    DEBT TO NORMALIZED EBITDA(1)
    (Unaudited, amounts in thousands)

​  

 

 

 


Year Ended
December 31,
2014



​  

 

 

Bank borrowings

 $  

​  

 

Senior unsecured notes

 281,633 

 

 

Bonds payable

    
​  

​  

 

Total debt

 $281,633 
​  ​ ​ ​ 
​  ​ ​ ​ 
​  ​ ​ ​ 

 

 

Net income

 $73,399  

​  

 

Less: Gain on sale of real estate, net

 (4,959)

 

 

Add: Interest expense

  13,128  

​  

 

Add: Depreciation and amortization (including continuing and discontinued operations)

 25,529 
​  ​ ​ ​ 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  107,097  

​  

 

Add: Non-recurring one-time items

  
​  ​ ​ ​ 

 

 

Normalized EBITDA

 $107,097  
​  
​  
​  

​  

 

Debt to Normalized EBITDA

 2.6x 
​  ​ ​ ​ 
(1)
Adjusted EBITDA, Normalized EBITDA, and debt to Normalized EBITDA are supplemental measures of a REIT's financial performance that are not derived in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, but excluding gains or losses from real estate dispositions. Normalized EBITDA is Adjusted EBITDA excluding non-recurring, one-time items. Debt to Normalized EBITDA is our company's total debt as a percentage of Normalized EBITDA. Our management and board of directors measure operating performance, liquidity, and credit strength in terms of coverage ratios such as Debt to Normalized EBITDA. Coverage ratios are widely used by investors, analysts and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of REITs. Adjusted EBITDA, Normalized EBITDA, and Debt to Normalized EBITDA are not alternatives to net income, operating income, income from continuing operations or cash flows from operating activities as calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. You should not rely on Adjusted EBITDA, Normalized EBITDA, and Debt to Normalized EBITDA as substitutes for any GAAP financial measures. You should not consider these non-GAAP numbers in isolation, for the purpose of analyzing our financial performance, financial position or cash flows. Our company's computation of Adjusted EBITDA, Normalized EBITDA and Debt to Normalized EBITDA may not be comparable to non-GAAP measures reported by other REITs that do not use, or have different interpretations of, Adjusted EBITDA, Normalized EBITDA Debt to Normalized EBITDA; therefore, caution should be exercised when comparing our company's non-GAAP measures to that of other REITs.

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DEBT TO ENTERPRISE VALUE(1)
(Unaudited, amounts in thousands)

​  

 

 

 


Year Ended
December 31,
2014



​  

 

 

Bank borrowings

 $  

​  

 

Senior unsecured notes

 281,633 

 

 

Bonds payable

    
​  

​  

 

Total debt

 281,633 

 

 

Preferred stock—Series C(2)

  38,500  

​  

 

Common stock market value(3)

 1,531,683 
​  ​ ​ ​ 

 

 

Total equity

  1,570,183  

​  

 

Total market value

 1,851,816 

 

 

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

  (25,237) 
​  

​  

 

Enterprise value

 $1,826,579 
​  ​ ​ ​ 
​  ​ ​ ​ 
​  ​ ​ ​ 

 

 

Debt to Enterprise Value

  15.4% 
​  
(1)
Enterprise Value is calculated as the sum of our company's total debt and market value of outstanding securities, less cash and cash equivalents. Debt to Enterprise Value is our company's total debt as a percentage of Enterprise Value. Our management and board of directors measure operating performance, liquidity, and credit strength in terms of leverage ratios such as Debt to Enterprise Value. Leverage ratios are widely used by investors, analysts and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of REITs. Enterprise Value and Debt to Enterprise Value are not alternatives to net income, operating income, income from continuing operations or cash flows from operating activities as calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. You should not rely on Enterprise Value and Debt to Enterprise Value as substitutes for any GAAP financial measures. You should not consider these non-GAAP numbers in isolation, for the purpose of analyzing our financial performance, financial position or cash flows. Our company's computation of Enterprise Value and Debt to Enterprise Value may not be comparable to non-GAAP measures reported by other REITs that do not use, or have different interpretations of, Enterprise Value and Debt to Enterprise Value; therefore, caution should be exercised when comparing our company's non-GAAP measures to that of other REITs.

(2)
Non-traded shares. Two million shares outstanding with a face rate of 8.5% and a liquidation value of $19.25 per share, convertible into common stock on a one-for-one basis. Our Series C preferred stock is not redeemable by us.

(3)
At December 31, 2014, we had 35,480,261 shares outstanding. Closing price of our common shares as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 2014 was $43.17 per share.

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Appendix B


THE 2015 EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLAN
OF
LTC PROPERTIES, INC.

        LTC Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("Company"), originally adopted The 2008 Equity Participation Plan of LTC Properties, Inc. ("the 2008 Plan"), effective June 10, 2008, for the benefit of its eligible employees, consultants and directors. The Company now desires to adopt a new plan, The 2015 Equity Participation Plan of LTC Properties, Inc. (the "Plan"). The Company has terminated the 2008 Plan, contingent with the adoption of this Plan. All outstanding awards granted under the 2008 Plan shall remain subject to the terms of the 2008 Plan.

        The purposes of the Plan are as follows:

        (1)   To provide an additional incentive for Independent Directors, key Employees and consultants to further the growth, development and financial success of the Company by personally benefiting through the ownership of Company stock and/or rights which recognize such growth, development and financial success;

        (2)   To enable the Company to obtain and retain the services of Independent Directors, key Employees and consultants considered essential to the long range success of the Company by offering them an opportunity to own stock in the Company and/or rights which will impact the growth, development and financial success of the Company; and

        (3)   To encourage participants to contribute materially to the growth of the Company, thereby benefiting the Company's stockholders, and align the economic interests of the participants with those of the stockholders.


ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

        Wherever the following terms are used in the Plan they shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

        "Administrator" shall mean the party that conducts the general administration of the Plan as provided in Article XII. With reference to the administration of the Plan with respect to Awards granted to Independent Directors, the term "Administrator" shall refer to the Board. With reference to the administration of the Plan with respect to any other Award, the term "Administrator" shall refer to the Committee, unless the Board has assumed the authority for administration of the Plan generally as provided in Section 12.2.

        "Award" shall mean an Option, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, a Performance Award, Dividend Equivalents, Deferred Stock, Stock Payment or a Stock Appreciation Right, which may be awarded or granted under the Plan (collectively, "Awards").

        "Award Agreement" shall mean a written agreement executed by an authorized director or officer of the Company and the Holder which contains such terms and conditions with respect to an Award as the Administrator or Committee shall determine, consistent with the Plan.

        "Award Limit" shall mean two hundred thousand (200,000) shares of Common Stock, as adjusted pursuant to Section 13.3 of the Plan.

        "Base-Line Value" shall mean the base value assigned to each Restricted Stock Unit by the Administrator, in his discretion, as of the date of grant and set forth in the Award Agreement.


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        "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

        "Cause" unless otherwise defined in an individual's employment agreement (or, as applicable, independent directorship agreement or consultancy agreement) shall mean a Separation From Service if, and only if, it is based upon (i) conviction of a felony; or (ii) material disloyalty to the Company or its Subsidiaries such as embezzlement, misappropriation of corporate assets; or (iii) breach of an employment (or other similar consultancy or directorship) agreement not to engage in business for another enterprise of the type engaged in by the Company or its Subsidiaries, except where expressly permitted under such agreement; or (iv) the engaging in unethical or illegal behavior which is of a public nature, brings the Company or its Subsidiaries into disrepute, and results in material damage to the Company or its Subsidiaries; or (v) a material breach of an employment (or other similar consultancy or directorship) agreement which causes material and demonstrable harm to the Company or its Subsidiaries.

        "Change in Control" shall mean, unless otherwise defined in an Award Agreement, a change in ownership or control of the Company effected through any of the following transactions:

            (a)   any person or related group of persons (other than the Company or a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company) directly or indirectly acquires beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the total combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or

            (b)   the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation (or other entity), other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than sixty six and two-thirds percent (662/3%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;provided, however, that a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no person, directly or indirectly, becomes the beneficial owner of securities representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control; or

            (c)   the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, or

            (d)   a majority of members of the Board of Directors of the Company cease to be Continuing Directors.

        "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

        "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, or another committee or subcommittee of the Board, appointed as provided in Section 12.1.

        "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share.

        "Company" shall mean LTC Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation.

        "Continuing Directors" means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors who (i) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date the Plan was approved, or (ii) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election.


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        "Corporate Transaction" shall mean any of the following stockholder-approved transactions to which the Company is a party:

            (a)   a merger, consolidation or acquisition in which the Company is not the surviving entity, except for a transaction the principal purpose of which is to change the state in which the Company is incorporated, form a holding company or effect a similar reorganization as to form whereupon the Plan and all Awards are assumed by the successor entity;

            (b)   the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company in a transaction not covered by the exceptions to clause (a), above; or

            (c)   any reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but in which securities possessing more than thirty percent (30%) of the total combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities are transferred or issued to a person or persons different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such merger.

"Coupled Stock Appreciation Right" shall mean an Award granted under Section 10.2 of the Plan.

        "Covered Employee" shall means either a "Covered Employee" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code or an individual who the Committee has identified as a potential Covered Employee within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

        "CSAR" shall mean a Coupled Stock Appreciation Right.

        "Deferred Stock" shall mean Common Stock awarded under Section 9.5 of the Plan.

        "Director" shall mean a member of the Board.

        "Dividend Equivalent" shall mean a right to receive the equivalent value (in cash or Common Stock) of dividends paid on Common Stock, awarded under Section 9.3 of the Plan.

        "Employee" shall mean any officer or other employee (as defined in accordance with Section 3401(c) of the Code) of the Company, or of any corporation which is a Subsidiary.

        "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

        "Fair Market Value" of a Restricted Stock Unit or share of Common Stock as of a given date shall be (i) the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the principal exchange on which shares of Common Stock are then trading, if any (or as reported on any composite index which includes such principal exchange), on the date of grant, or if shares were not traded on the date of grant, then on the next preceding date on which a trade occurred, or (ii) if Common Stock is not traded on an exchange but is quoted on NASDAQ or a successor quotation system, the mean between the closing representative bid and asked prices for the Common Stock on the date of grant as reported by NASDAQ or such successor quotation system; or (iii) if Common Stock is not publicly traded on an exchange and not quoted on NASDAQ or a successor quotation system, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as established by the Administrator acting in good faith through the reasonable application of a reasonable valuation method.

        "Good Reason" shall have the meaning defined in an individual's employment agreement (or as applicable, independent directorship agreement or consultancy agreement). If an individual is not subject to an employment agreement (or as applicable, an independent directorship agreement or consultancy agreement) or such agreement does not define "Good Reason," then a Separation From Service for Good Reason shall not exist for such individual.

        "Grantee" shall mean an Employee, Independent Director or consultant granted an Award under the Plan.


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        "Holder" shall mean a person who has been granted or awarded an Award.

        "Incentive Stock Option" shall mean an Option that is designated as an Incentive Stock Option by the Committee to the extent such Option complies with the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code.

        "Independent Director" shall mean a member of the Board who is not an Employee.

"Independent Stock Appreciation Right" shall mean an Award granted under Section 10.3 of the Plan.

"ISAR" shall mean an Independent Stock Appreciation Right.

        "Non-Qualified Stock Option" shall mean an Option that is not designated as an Incentive Stock Option by the Committee, or an Option that is designated as an Incentive Stock Option to the extent such Option does not comply with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code.

        "Option" shall mean an Award granted under Article IV of the Plan. An Option granted under the Plan shall, as determined by the Committee, be either a Non-Qualified Stock Option or an Incentive Stock Option;provided, however, that Options granted to Independent Directors and consultants shall be Non-Qualified Stock Options.

        "Optionee" shall mean an Employee, consultant or Independent Director granted an Option under the Plan.

        "Performance Award" shall mean a cash bonus, stock bonus or other performance or incentive award that is paid in cash, Common Stock or a combination of both, awarded under Section 9.2 of the Plan.

        "Performance Based Compensation Award" shall mean an Award designated by the Committee that is intended to qualify as "Performance-Based Compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code.

        "Performance Criteria" shall mean the following business criteria with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary: (a) net income; (b) performance of investments; (c) cash flow; (d) earnings per share; (e) return on equity; (f) return on invested capital or assets; (g) total shareholder return; (h) cost reductions or savings; (i) funds from operations; (j) adjusted funds from operations; (k) funds available for distribution; (l) appreciation in the fair market value of the Company common stock; (m) earnings before any one or more of the following items: interest, taxes, depreciation or amortization; (n) new investments; and (o) credit metrics. In addition, to the degree consistent with the Code, the Performance Criteria may be calculated without regard to extraordinary, unusual and/or non-recurring items.

        "Performance Goals" shall mean the one or more goals for the performance period established by the Committee. The Committee shall establish the Performance Goals for Performance Based Compensation Awards within the first ninety (90) days of the performance period (or if longer, within the maximum period allowed pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code) based upon the Performance Criteria.

        "Performance Year" shall mean the Company's fiscal year.

        "Plan" shall mean The 2015 Equity Participation Plan of LTC Properties, Inc., as set forth herein and as amended from time to time.

        "Restricted Stock" shall mean Common Stock awarded under Article VII of the Plan.

        "Restricted Stockholder" shall mean an Employee, Independent Director or consultant granted an Award of Restricted Stock under Article VII of the Plan.


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        "Restricted Stock Unit" means an incentive unit granted under Article VIII. Each Restricted Stock Unit will be will be deemed to be the equivalent of one share of Common Stock of the Company.

        "Rule 16b-3" shall mean Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, amended from time to time.

        "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

        "Separation From Service" shall mean (i) with respect to an Employee, the termination of his or her employment with the Company and all Subsidiaries that constitutes a "separation from service" within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1); (ii) with respect to a consultant of the Company or any Subsidiary, the expiration of his or her contract or contracts under which services are performed that constitutes a "separation from service" within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(2); or (iii) with respect to an Independent Director, the date on which such Independent Director ceases to be a member of the Board for any reason.

        "Stock Appreciation Right" shall mean an Award granted under Article X of the Plan.

        "Stock Payment" shall mean an Award granted under Section 9.4 of the Plan.

        "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain then owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.


ARTICLE II.

SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN and other limitations

        2.1    Aggregate Limit on Shares Subject to Plan and Individual Award Limits.

            (a)   The shares of stock subject to Awards shall be Common Stock. The aggregate number of such shares which may be issued upon exercise of Options or in connection with any other Awards under this Plan shall not exceed one million four hundred thousand (1,400,000).

            (b)   The Administrator may not grant to any individual in any calendar year Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Independent Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Awards, Stock Payments and Deferred Stock representing in the aggregate a number of shares in excess of the Award Limit. For this purpose, a Performance Award payable in cash shall represent a number of shares equal to the amount of such cash divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Performance Award is granted. The Administrator may not grant to any individual in any calendar year Divided Equivalents in excess of the aggregate number of Stock Appreciation Rights, Deferred Stock Awards and Performance Awards payable in shares of Common Stock granted to such individual in such calendar year. The Administrator may not grant to any individual in any calendar year Coupled Stock Appreciation Rights in excess of the Options granted to such individual in such calendar year.


ARTICLE III.

GRANTING OF AWARDS

        3.1    Award Agreement.    Each Award shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement. Award Agreements evidencing Incentive Stock Options shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code.

        3.2    Consideration.    In consideration of the granting of an Award under the Plan, the Holder shall agree, in the Award Agreement, to remain in the employ of (or to consult for or to serve as an Independent Director of, as applicable) the Company or any Subsidiary for a period of at least one


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(1) year (or such shorter period as may be fixed in the Award Agreement, an applicable employment agreement, or by action of the Administrator following grant of the Award) after the Award is granted (or, in the case of an Independent Director, until the next annual meeting of stockholders of the Company). The Committee may waive this requirement in the event of a Change in Control.

        3.3    At-Will Employment.    Nothing in the Plan or in any Award Agreement hereunder shall confer upon any Holder any right to continue in the employ of, or as a consultant for, the Company or any Subsidiary, or as a Director of the Company, or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and any Subsidiary, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge any Holder at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause and with or without notice, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written employment agreement between the Holder and the Company or any Subsidiary.

        3.4    Repricing.    The Committee may modify the purchase price or the exercise price of any outstanding Award, provided that if the modification results in a repricing, shareholder approval shall be required before the repricing is effective.


ARTICLE IV.

GRANTING OF OPTIONS TO EMPLOYEES,
CONSULTANTS AND INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

        4.1    Eligibility.    Any Employee or consultant selected by the Committee pursuant to Section 4.4(a)(i) shall be eligible to be granted Options. Each Independent Director of the Company shall be eligible to be granted Options at the times and in the manner set forth in Sections 4.5 and 4.6. An Option shall give the Optionee the right to purchase shares of Common Stock under the terms and conditions set forth in the Award Agreement applicable to the Option.

        4.2    Disqualification for Stock Ownership.    No person may be granted an Incentive Stock Option under the Plan if such person, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any then existing Subsidiary or parent corporation (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) unless such Incentive Stock Option conforms to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code.

        4.3    Qualification of Incentive Stock Options.    No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who is not an Employee.

        4.4    Granting of Options to Employees and Consultants.

            (a)   The Committee shall from time to time, in its absolute discretion, and subject to applicable limitations of the Plan:

                (i)  Determine which Employees are key Employees and select from among the key Employees or consultants (including Employees or consultants who have previously received Awards under the Plan) such of them as in its opinion should be granted Options;

               (ii)  Subject to the Award Limit, determine the number of shares to be subject to such Options granted to the selected key Employees or consultants;

              (iii)  Subject to Section 4.3, determine whether such Options are to be Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options; and

              (iv)  Determine the terms and conditions of such Options, consistent with the Plan.

            (b)   Upon the selection of a key Employee or consultant to be granted an Option, the Committee shall instruct the Secretary of the Company to issue the Option and may impose such conditions on the grant of the Option as it deems appropriate.


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            (c)   Any Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan may be modified by the Committee, with the consent of the Optionee, to disqualify such Option from treatment as an "incentive stock option" under Section 422 of the Code, provided that no such modification may result in the imposition on the Optionee of a twenty percent (20%) tax pursuant to Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code.

        4.5    Granting of Options to Independent Directors.    The Board shall from time to time, in its absolute discretion, and subject to applicable limitations of the Plan determine (i) which Independent Directors, if any, should, in its opinion, be granted Non-Qualified Stock Options, (ii) subject to the Award Limit, determine the number of number of shares to be subject to such Options, and (iii) the terms and conditions of such Options, consistent with the Plan.

        4.6    Options in Lieu of Cash Compensation.    Options may be granted under the Plan to Employees and consultants in lieu of cash bonuses which would otherwise be payable to such Employees and consultants and to Independent Directors in lieu of directors' fees which would otherwise be payable to such Independent Directors, pursuant to such policies which may be adopted by the Administrator from time to time.


ARTICLE V.

TERMS OF OPTIONS

        5.1    Option Price.    The price per share of the shares subject to each Option granted to Employees and consultants shall be set by the Committee;provided, however, that such price shall not be less than the par value of a share of Common Stock, unless otherwise permitted by applicable state law, and shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted; and provided further that in the case of Incentive Stock Options granted to an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Subsidiary or parent corporation thereof (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code), such price shall not be less than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted.

        5.2    Option Term.    The term of an Option granted to an Employee or consultant shall be set by the Committee in its discretion;provided, however, that the term shall not be more than ten (10) years from the date the Option is granted, or five (5) years from such date if the Option is an Incentive Stock Option granted to an individual then owning (directly and through application of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Subsidiary or parent corporation thereof (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code). Except as limited by requirements of Section 422 of the Code and regulations and rulings thereunder applicable to Incentive Stock Options, the Committee may extend the term of any outstanding Option in connection with any Separation From Service or amend any other term or condition of such Option relating to such a Separation From Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not extend the term of any outstanding Option beyond the earlier of (1) the original expiration date of the Option and (2) the ten-year anniversary of the grant date of the Option.

        5.3    Option Vesting.

            (a)   The period during which the right to exercise, in whole or in part, an Option granted to an Employee or a consultant vests in the Optionee shall be set by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion and the Committee may determine that an Option may not be exercised in whole or in part for a specified period after it is granted;provided, however, that, unless the Committee otherwise provides in the terms of the Award Agreement or otherwise, no Option shall


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    be exercisable by any Optionee who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act within the period ending six (6) months and one (1) day after the date the Option is granted. At any time after grant of an Option, the Committee may, in its sole and absolute discretion and subject to whatever terms and conditions it selects, accelerate the period during which an Option granted to an Employee or consultant vests.

            (b)   No portion of an Option granted to an Employee or consultant which is unexercisable at Separation From Service shall thereafter become exercisable, except as may be otherwise provided by the Committee either in the Award Agreement or employment agreement or by action of the Committee following the grant of the Option.

            (c)   To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of Common Stock with respect to which "incentive stock options" (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, but without regard to Section 422(d) of the Code) are exercisable for the first time by an Optionee during any calendar year (under the Plan and all other incentive stock option plans of the Company and any parent or subsidiary corporation (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) of the Company) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Options to the extent required by Section 422 of the Code. The rule set forth in the preceding sentence shall be applied by taking Options into account in the order in which they were granted. For purposes of this Section 5.3(c), the Fair Market Value of stock shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Common Stock is granted.

            (d)   Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or employment agreement, in the event of an Optionee's Separation From Service without Cause or for Good Reason during the twelve (12) month period following a Change in Control, Options shall become fully vested as of the date of the Separation from Service, or because of the Optionee's death or disability.


ARTICLE VI.

EXERCISE OF OPTIONS

        6.1    Partial Exercise.    An exercisable Option may be exercised in whole or in part. However, an Option shall not be exercisable with respect to fractional shares and the Administrator may require that, by the terms of the Option, a partial exercise be with respect to a minimum number of shares.

        6.2    Manner of Exercise.    All or a portion of an exercisable Option shall be deemed exercised upon delivery of all of the following to the Secretary of the Company or his/her office:

            (a)   A written notice complying with the applicable rules established by the Administrator stating that the Option, or a portion thereof, is exercised. The notice shall be signed by the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise the Option or such portion of the Option;

            (b)   Such representations and documents as the Administrator, in its absolute discretion, deems necessary or advisable to effect compliance with all applicable provisions of the Securities Act and any other federal or state securities laws or regulations. The Administrator may, in its absolute discretion, also take whatever additional actions it deems appropriate to effect such compliance including, without limitation, (i) placing legends on share certificates or, if shares are uncertificated, noting such legends on the book entry account for the shares, and (ii) issuing stop-transfer notices to agents and registrars;

            (c)   In the event that the Option shall be exercised pursuant to Section 13.1 by any person or persons (other than the Optionee), who have been transferred an Option pursuant to Section 13.1, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option; and

            (d)   Full cash payment to the Secretary of the Company for the shares with respect to which the Option, or portion thereof, is exercised. However, the Administrator, may in its discretion


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    (i) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery of shares of Common Stock owned by the Optionee, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Option or exercised portion thereof; (ii) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the surrender of shares of Common Stock then issuable upon exercise of the Option having a Fair Market Value on the date of Option exercise equal to the excess of the aggregate exercise price of the Option or exercised portion thereof over the Option price of the Option or exercised portion thereof; (iii) allow payment, in whole or in part, in accordance with a cashless exercise program under which, if so instructed by the Optionee, shares of Common Stock may be issued directly to the Optionee's broker or dealer who in turn will sell the shares and pay the Option price in cash to the Company from the sale proceeds; or (iv) allow payment through any combination of the consideration provided in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), and (iii).

        6.3    Conditions to Issuance of Stock Certificates.    The Company shall not be required to issue shares of Common Stock, either in certificated or uncertificated form, purchased upon the exercise of any Option or portion thereof prior to the fulfillment of all of the following conditions:

            (a)   The admission of such shares to listing on all stock exchanges on which such class of stock is then listed;

            (b)   The completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law, or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable;

            (c)   The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

            (d)   The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the Option as the Administrator may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience; and

            (e)   The receipt by the Company of full payment for such shares, including payment of any applicable tax withholdings, which in the discretion of the Administrator may be in the form of consideration used by the Optionee to pay for such shares under Section 6.2(d).

        6.4    Rights as Stockholders.    Optionees shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, stockholders of the Company in respect of any shares purchasable upon the exercise of any part of an Option unless and until such shares, in certificated or uncertificated form, have been issued by the Company to such Optionees.

        6.5    Ownership and Transfer Restrictions.    The Administrator, in its absolute discretion, may impose such restrictions on the ownership and transferability of the shares purchasable upon the exercise of an Option as it deems appropriate. Any such restriction shall be set forth in the respective Award Agreement and may be referred to on any certificates evidencing such shares or, if the Restricted Stock is uncertificated, may be noted on the restricted book entry account for such shares and referred to on any notices or written statements that may be delivered to the Holders of such shares. The Committee may require the Employee to give the Company prompt notice of any disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired by exercise of an Incentive Stock Option within (i) two (2) years from the date of granting (including the date the Option is modified, extended or renewed for purposes of Section 424(h) of the Code) such Option to such Employee or (ii) one (1) year after the transfer of such shares to such Employee. The Administrator may direct that any certificates evidencing, or any notices or written statements regarding, shares acquired by exercise of any such Option refer to such requirement to give prompt notice of disposition.


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        6.6    Additional Limitations on Exercise of Options.    Optionees may be required to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement or exercise of an Option, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the discretion of the Administrator.


ARTICLE VII.

AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK

        7.1    Eligibility.    Subject to the Award Limit, shares of Restricted Stock may be awarded to any Employee or consultant selected by the Committee pursuant to Section 7.2 or any Independent Director who the Board determines should receive such an Award.

        7.2    Award of Restricted Stock.

            (a)   The Administrator may from time to time, in its absolute discretion:

                (i)  Determine which Employees are key Employees and select from among the key Employees, Independent Directors or consultants (including Employees, Independent Directors or consultants who have previously received other Awards under the Plan) such of them as in its opinion should be awarded Restricted Stock; and

               (ii)  Determine the purchase price, if any, and other terms and conditions applicable to such Restricted Stock, consistent with the Plan.

            (b)   The Administrator shall establish the purchase price, if any, and form of payment for Restricted Stock.

            (c)   Upon the selection of a key Employee, Independent Director or consultant to be awarded Restricted Stock, the Administrator shall instruct the Secretary of the Company to issue such Restricted Stock and may impose such conditions on the issuance of such Restricted Stock as it deems appropriate.

        7.3    Rights as Stockholders.    Subject to Section 7.4, upon delivery of the shares of Restricted Stock to the escrow holder pursuant to Section 7.6, the Restricted Stockholder shall have, unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, all the rights of a stockholder with respect to said shares, subject to the restrictions in his/her Award Agreement, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect to the shares;provided, however, that in the discretion of the Committee and as set forth in the Award Agreement, any extraordinary distributions with respect to the Common Stock shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7.4 or such other restrictions as may be determined by the Committee.

        7.4    Restriction.    All shares of Restricted Stock issued under the Plan (including any shares received by Holders thereof with respect to shares of Restricted Stock as a result of stock dividends, stock splits or any other form of recapitalization) shall, in the terms of each individual Award Agreement, be subject to such terms, conditions and restrictions as the Administrator shall provide, which restrictions may include, without limitation, forfeiture of such shares in the event of Separation From Service prior to completion of a term of service and restrictions concerning voting rights and transferability, Company performance and individual performance and satisfaction of one or more Performance Criteria;provided, however, that, by action taken after the Restricted Stock is issued, the Administrator may, on such terms and conditions as it may determine to be appropriate, remove any or all of the restrictions imposed by the terms of the Award Agreement. Restricted Stock may not be sold or encumbered until all restrictions are terminated or expire. If no consideration was paid by the Restricted Stockholder upon issuance, a Restricted Stockholder's rights in unvested Restricted Stock shall lapse upon Separation From Service prior to the termination or expiration of all restrictions;provided, however, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or employment agreement, in the event of a Restricted Stockholder's Separation From Service without Cause or for Good Reason during


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the twelve (12) month period following a Change in Control, Restricted Stock shall become fully vested as of the date of the Separation from Service or because of the Restricted Stockholder's death or disability.

        7.5    Repurchase of Restricted Stock.    The Administrator shall provide in the terms of each individual Award Agreement that the Company shall have the right to repurchase from the Restricted Stockholder the Restricted Stock then subject to restrictions under the Award Agreement immediately upon a Separation From Service prior to the termination or expiration of all restrictions, at a cash price per share equal to the price paid by the Restricted Stockholder for such Restricted Stock.

        7.6    Escrow.    Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the Secretary of the Company or such other escrow holder as the Administrator may appoint shall retain physical custody of any certificates representing Restricted Stock or, if such Restricted Stock is uncertificated, shall cause such uncertificated shares of Restricted Stock to be held by the Company's transfer agent in a restricted book entry account, in each case until all of the restrictions imposed under the Award Agreement with respect to such shares of Restricted Stock terminate, expire or have been removed.

        7.7    Legend / Notice.    In order to enforce the restrictions imposed upon shares of Restricted Stock hereunder, the Administrator, for all shares of Restricted Stock that are still subject to restrictions under Award Agreements, shall cause a legend or legends that make appropriate reference to the conditions imposed thereby to be placed on any certificates representing such shares, or, if such shares are in uncertificated form, shall cause the Company's transfer agent to note such legend or legends on the restricted book entry account for such shares and to issue such notices or written statements containing information on the conditions imposed under the Award Agreements to the Holders of such shares as may be required by law, the Company's charter and bylaws or otherwise deemed appropriate by the Company.

        7.8    Section 83(b) Election.    If a Restricted Stockholder makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, or any successor section thereto, to be taxed with respect to the Restricted Stock as of the date of transfer of the Restricted Stock rather than as of the date or dates upon which the Restricted Stockholder would otherwise be taxable under Section 83(a) of the Code, the Restricted Stockholder shall deliver a copy of such election to the Company immediately after filing such election with the Internal Revenue Service.

        7.9    Restricted Stock in Lieu of Cash Compensation.    Restricted Stock may be awarded under the Plan to Employees and consultants in lieu of cash bonuses which would otherwise be payable to such Employees and consultants and to Independent Directors in lieu of directors' fees which would otherwise be payable to such Independent Directors, pursuant to such policies which may be adopted by the Administrator from time to time.


ARTICLE VIII.

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

        8.1    Grant of Restricted Stock Units.    Restricted Stock Units may be granted to any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee or any Independent Director selected by the Board. Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to such terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Administrator shall impose and shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement.

        8.2    Awards of Restricted Stock Units.

            (a)   The Administrator may from time to time, in its absolute discretion:

                (i)  Determine which Employees are key Employees and select from among the key Employees, Independent Directors or consultants (including Employees, Independent Directors or consultants who have previously received other Awards under the Plan) such of them as in its opinion should be awarded Restricted Stock Units; and


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                 (ii)  Determine the purchase price, if any, and other terms and conditions applicable to such Restricted Stock Units, consistent with the Plan.

            8.3    Payment and Limitations on Exercise.

              (a)   Payment of Restricted Stock Units shall be made in Common Stock (based on its Fair Market Value as of the date of payment). Payment shall be made subject to satisfaction of all provisions of Section 6.3 above pertaining to Options.

              (b)   Grantees of Restricted Stock Units may be required to comply with any timing or other restrictions, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the discretion of the Administrator.

            8.4    Vesting.    Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or employment agreement, in the event of a Holder's Separation From Service without Cause or for Good Reason during the twelve (12) month period following a Change in Control, Restricted Stock Units shall become fully vested as of the date of the Separation from Service or upon Holder's death or disability.

            8.5    No Rights as a Stockholder.    Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, a Holder of Restricted Stock Units shall possess no incidents of ownership with respect to the Common Stock represented by such Restricted Stock Units, unless and until such stock is transferred to the holder pursuant to the terms of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.

            8.6    Dividend Equivalents.    Subject to Section 9.3, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide that Dividend Equivalents shall be earned by a Holder of Restricted Stock Units based on dividends declared on the Common Stock, to be credited as of dividend payment dates during the period between the date an Award of Restricted Stock Units is granted to a Holder and the maturity date of such Award.


    ARTICLE IX.

    PERFORMANCE AWARDS, DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS, DEFERRED STOCK,
    STOCK PAYMENTS

            9.1    Eligibility.    Subject to the Award Limit, one or more Performance Awards, Dividend Equivalents, Awards of Deferred Stock, Awards of Restricted Stock Units and/or Stock Payments may be granted to any Employee who the Committee determines is a key Employee, any consultant who the Committee determines should receive such an Award or any Independent Director who the Board determines should receive such an Award.

            9.2    Performance Awards.    Any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee or any Independent Director selected by the Board may be granted one or more Performance Awards. A Performance Award represents the right to receive a payment subject to satisfaction of any one or more of the Performance Criteria or other specific performance criteria determined appropriate by the Administrator on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator. In making such determinations, the Administrator shall consider (among such other factors as it deems relevant in light of the specific type of Award) the contributions, responsibilities and other compensation of the particular key Employee, Independent Director or consultant.

            9.3    Dividend Equivalents.    Any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee or any Independent Director selected by the Board may be granted Dividend Equivalents. A Dividend Equivalent represents the right to receive payments in the amount of the dividend on a share of Common Stock. Dividend Equivalents shall be credited as of dividend payment dates, during the period between the date a Stock Appreciation Right, Deferred Stock or Performance Award is granted, and the date such Stock Appreciation Right, Deferred Stock or Performance Award is exercised, vests or expires, as determined by the Administrator. Such Dividend Equivalents shall be converted to cash or


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    additional shares of Common Stock by such formula and at such time and subject to such limitations as may be determined by the Administrator, provided that in no event may the payment of such cash or additional shares of Common Stock be contingent upon a Holder's exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right.

            9.4    Stock Payments.    Any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee or any Independent Director selected by the Board may receive Stock Payments in the manner determined from time to time by the Administrator. A Stock Payment represents the right to receive one share of Common Stock. The number of shares shall be determined by the Administrator and may be based upon the Performance Criteria or other specific performance criteria determined appropriate by the Administrator, determined on the date such Stock Payment is made or on any date thereafter.

            9.5    Deferred Stock.    Any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee or any Independent Director selected by the Board may be granted an Award of Deferred Stock in the manner determined from time to time by the Administrator. Deferred Stock represents the right to receive one share of Common Stock in the future. The number of shares of Deferred Stock shall be determined by the Administrator and may be linked to the satisfaction of Performance Criteria or other specific performance criteria determined to be appropriate by the Administrator, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator. Common Stock underlying a Deferred Stock Award will not be issued until the Deferred Stock Award has vested, pursuant to a vesting schedule or satisfaction of Performance Criteria or other specific performance criteria set by the Administrator. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, a Holder of Deferred Stock shall have no rights as a Company stockholder with respect to such Deferred Stock until such time as the Award has vested and the Common Stock underlying the Award has been issued.

            9.6    Term.    The term of a Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment shall be set by the performance period.

            9.7    Exercise or Purchase Price.    The Administrator may establish the exercise or purchase price, if any, of a Performance Award, shares of Deferred Stock, or shares received as a Stock Payment.

            9.8    Exercise Upon Separation From Service.    A Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment is exercisable or payable only while the Holder is an Employee, Independent Director or consultant;provided, however, that the Administrator in its sole and absolute discretion may provide that the Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, Award of Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment may be exercised or paid subsequent to a Separation From Service without Cause or for Good Reason following a Change in Control.

            9.9    Payment on Exercise.    Payment of the amount determined under Section 9.2 or 9.3 above shall be in cash, in Common Stock or a combination of both, as determined by the Administrator. To the extent any payment under this Article VIII is effected in Common Stock, it shall be made subject to satisfaction of all provisions of Section 6.3.

            9.10    Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment in Lieu of Cash Compensation.    Performance Awards, Dividend Equivalents, Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payments may be awarded under the Plan to Employees and consultants in lieu of cash bonuses which would otherwise be payable to such Employees and consultants and to Independent Directors in lieu of directors' fees which would otherwise be payable to such Independent Directors, pursuant to such policies which may be adopted by the Administrator from time to time.

            9.11    Section 409A Compliance.    The Common Stock or cash payment distributable to a Holder pursuant to a Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment shall be distributed to the Holder no later than two and one half (21/2) months following the end of the calendar year in which the Award vests or on a specified date or schedule or other distribution event permitted under Section 409A of the Code, in each case as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.


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    ARTICLE X.

    STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

            10.1    Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights.    A Stock Appreciation Right entitles the Holder to a payment equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Stock Appreciation Right as of the date the Award is exercised over such Fair Market Value as of the date the Award is granted. A Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee or any Independent Director selected by the Board. A Stock Appreciation Right may be granted (i) in connection and simultaneously with the grant of an Option or (ii) independent of an Option. A Stock Appreciation Right shall be subject to such terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Administrator shall impose and shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement.

            10.2    Coupled Stock Appreciation Rights.

              (a)   A CSAR is a Stock Appreciation Right that is related to a particular Option and is exercisable only when and to the extent the related Option is exercisable.

              (b)   A CSAR may be granted to the Grantee for no more than the number of shares subject to the simultaneously granted Option to which it is coupled.

              (c)   A CSAR shall entitle the Grantee (or other person entitled to exercise the Option pursuant to the Plan) to surrender to the Company unexercised a portion of the Option to which the CSAR relates (to the extent then exercisable pursuant to its terms) and to receive from the Company in exchange therefore an amount determined by multiplying the difference obtained by subtracting the exercise price of the CSAR from the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise of the CSAR by the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the CSAR shall have been exercised, subject to any limitations the Administrator may impose.

            10.3    Independent Stock Appreciation Rights.

              (a)   An Independent Stock Appreciation Right (ISAR) is a Stock Appreciation Right that is unrelated to any Option. ISARs shall have terms set by the Administrator and shall cover such number of shares of Common Stock as the Administrator may determine;provided, however, that the term of an ISAR shall not be more than ten (10) years from the date the ISAR is granted. An ISAR is exercisable only while the Grantee is an Employee, Independent Director or consultant; provided that the Administrator may determine that the ISAR may be exercised subsequent to Separation From Service without Cause or for Good Reason, or upon a Separation From Service without Cause or for Good Reason during the twelve (12) month period following a Change in Control, or because of the Grantee's retirement, death or disability, or otherwise, and provided further, that unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or employment agreement, ISARs shall become fully vested as of the date of a Separation From Service without Cause or for Good Reason during the twelve (12) month period following a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may not extend the term of any outstanding ISAR beyond the earlier of (1) the original expiration date of the ISAR and (2) the ten-year anniversary of the grant date of the ISAR.

              (b)   An ISAR shall entitle the Grantee (or other person entitled to exercise the ISAR pursuant to the Plan) to exercise all or a specified portion of the ISAR (to the extent then exercisable pursuant to its terms) and to receive from the Company an amount determined by multiplying the difference obtained by subtracting the exercise price per share of the ISAR from the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise of the ISAR by the


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      number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the ISAR shall have been exercised, subject to any limitations the Administrator may impose.

            10.4    Payment and Limitations on Exercise.

              (a)   Payment of the amount determined under Sections 9.2(c) and 9.3(b) above shall be in cash, in Common Stock (based on its Fair Market Value as of the date the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised) or a combination of both, as determined by the Administrator. To the extent such payment is effected in Common Stock it shall be made subject to satisfaction of all provisions of Section 6.3 above pertaining to Options.

              (b)   Grantees of Stock Appreciation Rights may be required to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement or exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the discretion of the Administrator.


    ARTICLE XI.

    SECTION 162(M) PERFORMANCE BASED COMPENSATION

            11.1    General Requirements.    To the extent that a Performance Award, a Stock Payment or an Award of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock is intended to qualify as Performance Based Compensation Award, such Award must (1) be granted by the Committee; (2) be earned based on the achievement over a performance period established by the Committee of objective performance goals as are established by the Committee no later than ninety (90) days after the commencement of the performance period and not after twenty five percent (25%) of the performance period has elapsed; and (3) be paid only after the Committee has certified, after the completion of the performance period, that the Performance Goals have been met. To the extent that an Award of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights is intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, such Award must be granted by the Committee.

            11.2    Performance Goals.    The objective Performance Goals shall be stated as specific amounts of, or specific changes in, one or more of the Performance Criteria. The objective Performance Goals need not be the same for different performance periods and for any performance period may be stated: (a) on an absolute basis or relative to the performance of other companies or of a specified index or indices, or be based on any combination of the foregoing and (b) separately for one or more of the Holders, collectively for the entire group of Holders, or in any combination of the two.

            11.3    Certification of Performance.    As soon as practical following the availability of performance results for the completed performance period, the Committee shall determine whether, and to what extent, the Performance Goals have been satisfied.

            11.4    Attainment of Performance Goals.    The Committee certifies that the Performance Goals for a performance period were satisfied, the Awards shall be granted. To the extent that an Award is designated as a Performance Based Compensation Award, if the Committee certifies that the Performance Goals for a Covered Employee for a performance period have not been satisfied then the Covered Employee shall not receive an the Performance Based Compensation Award for the performance period

            11.5    Adjustment to Performance Goals.    The Committee is specifically authorized at any time during the first ninety (90) days of the performance period, or at any time thereafter in its sole and absolute discretion, to adjust or modify the calculation of a Performance Goal for such performance period to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants (a) in the event of, or in anticipation of, any unusual or extraordinary corporate item, transaction, event or development; (b) in recognition of, or in anticipation of, any other unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company, or the financial statements of the Company, or in response to, or in anticipation of changes in


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    applicable law, regulations, accounting principles, or business conditions; and (c) in view of the Committee's assessment of the business strategy of the Company, performance of comparable organizations, economic and business conditions, and any other circumstances deemed relevant. However, to the extent the exercise of such authority after the first ninety (90) days of the performance period would cause any Award granted for the performance period to fail to qualify as "Performance Based Compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code, then only (a) Awards to Participants who are not Covered Employees and (b) Awards which are not performance based shall be adjusted.

            11.6    Committee Requirements.    Determinations by the Committee as to the establishment of Performance Goals, the amount potentially payable in respect of, the level of actual achievement of the specified Performance Goals relating to any Performance Award, a Stock Payment or an Award of Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock intended to qualify as Performance Based Compensation, and the amount of any such final Award shall be recorded in writing. Specifically, the Committee shall certify in writing, in a manner conforming to applicable regulations under Section 162(m) of the Code, prior to settlement of each such Award that the performance objectives relating to the such Award and other material terms of such Award upon which settlement of the Award was conditioned have been satisfied. To the extent that an Award is designated as a Performance Based Compensation Award, the Committee shall have no discretion to increase the amount of any Award to a Covered Employee, but may reduce the amount of or totally eliminate an Award to a Covered Employee if it determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that such a reduction or elimination is appropriate.


    ARTICLE XII.

    ADMINISTRATION

            12.1    Compensation Committee.    The Compensation Committee (or another committee or a subcommittee of the Board assuming the functions of the Committee under the Plan) shall consist solely of two or more Independent Directors appointed by and holding office at the pleasure of the Board, each of whom is both a "non-employee director" as defined by Rule 16b-3 and an "outside director" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. Appointment of Committee members shall be effective upon acceptance of appointment. Committee members may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the Board. Vacancies in the Committee may be filled by the Board.

            12.2    Duties and Powers of Committee.    It shall be the duty of the Committee to conduct the general administration of the Plan in accordance with its provisions. The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan and the Award Agreements, and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation, and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the full Board, acting by a majority of its members in office, shall conduct the general administration of the Plan with respect to Awards granted to Independent Directors. In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan, except with respect to matters which under Rule 16b-3, Section 162(m) or other applicable law (including stock exchange rules), are required to be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

            12.3    Compensation; Professional Assistance; Good Faith Actions.    Members of the Committee shall receive such compensation for their services as may be determined by the Board. All expenses and liabilities which members of the Committee incur in connection with the administration of the Plan shall be borne by the Company. The Committee may, with the approval of the Board, employ attorneys, consultants, accountants, appraisers, brokers, or other persons. The Committee, the Company and the Company's officers and Directors shall be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such persons. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee or the Board in good faith shall be final and binding upon all Holders, the Company and all other interested persons. No members of the Committee or Board shall be personally liable for


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    any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or Awards, and all members of the Committee and the Board shall be fully protected by the Company in respect of any such action, determination or interpretation.


    ARTICLE XIII.

    MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

            13.1    Not Transferable.    No Award under the Plan may be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, unless and until such Award has been exercised, or the shares underlying such Award have been issued, and all restrictions applicable to such shares have lapsed. No Option, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Deferred Stock, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent or Stock Payment or interest or right therein shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Holder or his/her successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect, except to the extent that such disposition is permitted by the preceding sentence.

            During the lifetime of the Holder, only he may exercise an Option or other Award (or any portion thereof) granted to him/her under the Plan. After the death of the Holder, any exercisable portion of an Option or other Award may, prior to the time when such portion becomes unexercisable under the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement, be exercised by his/her personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Holder's will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

            13.2    Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan.    Except as otherwise provided in this Section 13.2, the Plan may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Board. However, without approval of the Company's stockholders given within twelve (12) months before or after the action by the Board, no action of the Board may, except as provided in Section 13.3, increase the limits imposed in Section 2.1 on the maximum number of shares which may be issued under the Plan. No amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan shall, without the consent of the Holder materially impair any rights or obligations under any Award theretofore granted or awarded, unless the Award itself otherwise expressly so provides. No Awards may be granted or awarded during any period of suspension or after termination of the Plan, and in no event may any Incentive Stock Option be granted under the Plan after the first to occur of the following events:

              (a)   The expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board; or

              (b)   The expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Plan is approved by the Company's stockholders under Section 13.4.

            13.3    Changes in Common Stock or Assets of the Company, Acquisition or Liquidation of the Company, Change in Control and Other Corporate Events.

              (a)   Subject to Section 13.3(d), in the event that the Administrator determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including, but not limited to, a Corporate Transaction), or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event, in the


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      Administrator's opinion, affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is determined by the Administrator to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to an Award, then the Administrator shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of:

                  (i)  the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted or awarded (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 2.1 on the maximum number and kind of shares which may be issued and adjustments of the Award Limit),

                 (ii)  the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Options, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Units, Dividend Equivalents, or Stock Payments, and in the number and kind of shares of outstanding Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock, and

                (iii)  the grant or exercise price with respect to any Award.

              (b)   Subject to Sections 13.3(b)(vii) and 13.3(d), in the event of any Corporate Transaction or other transaction or event described in Section 13.3(a) or any unusual or nonrecurring transactions or events affecting the Company, any affiliate of the Company, or the financial statements of the Company or any affiliate, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, the Administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, either by the terms of the Award or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such transaction or event, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any Award under the Plan, to facilitate such transactions or events or to give effect to such changes in laws, regulations or principles:

                  (i)  To provide for either the purchase of any such Award for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Holder's rights had such Award been currently exercisable or payable or fully vested or the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion;

                 (ii)  To provide that the Award cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after such event;

                (iii)  To provide that such Award shall be exercisable as to all shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in (i) Articles V, VII, VIII or IX or (ii) the provisions of such Award;

                (iv)  To provide that such Award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar options, rights or Awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices;

                 (v)  To make adjustments in the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards, and in the number and kind of outstanding Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock and/or in the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the criteria included in, outstanding Awards and Awards which may be granted in the future;

                (vi)  To provide that, for a specified period of time prior to such event, the restrictions imposed under an Award Agreement upon some or all shares of Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock may be terminated, and, in the case of Restricted Stock, some or all shares of such


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        Restricted Stock may cease to be subject to repurchase under Section 7.5 or forfeiture under Section 7.4 after such event; and

               (vii)  None of the foregoing discretionary actions taken under this Section 13.3(b) shall be permitted with respect to Options granted under Section 4.5 to Independent Directors to the extent that such discretion would be inconsistent with the applicable exemptive conditions of Rule 16b-3. In the event of a Change in Control or a Corporate Transaction, to the extent that the Board does not have the ability under Rule 16b-3 to take or to refrain from taking the discretionary actions set forth in Section 13.3(b)(iii) above, each Option granted to an Independent Director shall be exercisable as to all shares covered thereby upon such Change in Control or during the five (5) days immediately preceding the consummation of such Corporate Transaction and subject to such consummation, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 5.4 or the vesting schedule of such Options. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, to the extent that the Board does not have the ability under Rule 16b-3 to take or to refrain from taking the discretionary actions set forth in Section 13.3(b)(ii) above, no Option granted to an Independent Director may be exercised following such Corporate Transaction unless such Option is, in connection with such Corporate Transaction, either assumed by the successor or survivor corporation (or parent or subsidiary thereof) or replaced with a comparable right with respect to shares of the capital stock of the successor or survivor corporation (or parent or subsidiary thereof).

              (c)   Subject to Section 13.3(d) and 13.8, the Administrator may, in its discretion, include such further provisions and limitations in any Award, agreement, certificate or book entry account, as it may deem equitable and in the best interests of the Company.

              (d)   No adjustment or action described in this Section 13.3 or in any other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the Plan to violate Section 422(b)(1) of the Code or would result in the imposition on any Holder of a twenty percent (20%) tax pursuant to Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code. Furthermore, no such adjustment or action shall be authorized to the extent such adjustment or action would result in short-swing profits liability under Section 16 or violate the exemptive conditions of Rule 16b-3 unless the Administrator determines that the Award is not to comply with such exemptive conditions. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to any Award shall always be rounded to the next whole number.

            13.4    Approval of Plan by Stockholders.    The Plan will be submitted for the approval of the Company's stockholders and shall be effective on the date of approval. Awards may be granted or awarded prior to such stockholder approval;provided that such Awards shall not be exercisable nor shall such Awards vest prior to the time when the Plan is approved by the stockholders; andprovided further, that if such approval is not obtained, all Awards previously granted or awarded under the Plan shall thereupon be canceled and become null and void.

            13.5    Tax Withholding.    The Company shall be entitled to require payment in cash or deduction from other compensation payable to each Holder of any sums required by federal, state or local tax law to be withheld with respect to the issuance, vesting, exercise or payment of any Award. The Administrator may in its discretion and in satisfaction of the foregoing requirement allow such Holder to elect to have the Company withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable under such Award (or allow the return of shares of Common Stock) having a Fair Market Value equal to the sums required to be withheld.

            13.6    Forfeiture Provisions.    Pursuant to its general authority to determine the terms and conditions applicable to Awards under the Plan, the Administrator shall have the right (to the extent consistent with the applicable exemptive conditions of Rule 16b-3) to provide, in the terms of Awards made under the Plan, or to require a Holder to agree by separate written instrument, that (i) any


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    proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by the Holder upon any receipt or exercise of the Award, or upon the receipt or resale of any Common Stock underlying the Award, must be paid to the Company, and (ii) the Award shall terminate and any unexercised portion of the Award (whether or not vested) shall be forfeited, if (a) a Separation From Service occurs prior to a specified date, or within a specified time period following receipt or exercise of the Award, or (b) the Holder at any time, or during a specified time period, engages in any activity in competition with the Company, or which is inimical, contrary or harmful to the interests of the Company, as further defined by the Committee (or the Board, as applicable) or the Holder incurs a Separation From Service for Cause.

            13.7    Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons and Performance-Based Compensation.    Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Plan, and any Award granted or awarded to any individual who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan and Awards granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

            13.8    Effect of Plan Upon Options and Compensation Plans.    The adoption of the Plan shall not affect any other compensation or incentive plans in effect for the Company or any Subsidiary. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company (i) to establish any other forms of incentives or compensation for Employees, Independent Directors or consultants of the Company or any Subsidiary or (ii) to grant or assume options or other rights or Awards otherwise than under the Plan in connection with any proper corporate purpose including but not by way of limitation, the grant or assumption of options in connection with the acquisition by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the business, stock or assets of any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm or association.

            13.9    Compliance with Laws.    The Plan, the granting and vesting of Awards under the Plan and the issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock and the payment of money under the Plan or under Awards granted or awarded hereunder are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities law and federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. Any securities delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such restrictions, and the person acquiring such securities shall, if requested by the Company, provide such assurances and representations to the Company as the Company may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal requirements. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan and Awards granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations.

            13.10    Clawback.    In the event that:

              (a)   a mandatory restatement of the Company's financial results occurs and is released to the public at a time when the Company's securities are traded on any United States securities exchange (a "Restatement"), and

              (b)   the Restatement is attributable to misconduct or wrongdoing by a Holder, and

              (c)   such Holder has received payment or benefits under this Plan (whether cash or non-cash) within three (3) years preceding the date of the issuance and release of such Restatement, and

              (d)   the amount of such payment or benefits under this Plan has been calculated and awarded pursuant to a specific financial formula, and


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              (e)   such payment or benefits would have been diminished based on the restated financial results had the financial formula pursuant to which the payment or benefits for which the Award has been calculated (the "Formula") been applied to the restated financial restates (the amount of such diminution, is the "Clawback Amount"),

    then, upon written demand from the Company setting forth the basis for such demand, the Holder shall remit to the Company the Clawback Amount less the amount of any taxes paid or payable by Holder in respect of such bonus or share grant. Provided, however, that if and to the extent that (i) the Restatement results in the Company increasing expenses or reducing income, revenues or another component of the Formula during the measurement period during which the applicable bonus or share grant was calculated, but also results in (ii) the Company increasing or shifting such income, revenues or expenses into a different fiscal period, such that the net effect of the Restatement is effectively neutral to the Company over the applicable time periods, then no Clawback Amount shall be due from the Holder.

            To the extent that, subsequent to the approval of the Plan by the Company's stockholders, any governmental or regulatory agency issues guidance or requirements that require amendment or modification of this provision to remain or become compliant with those provisions, the Committee, without additional stockholder approval, may so amend this provision.

            13.12    Titles.    Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of the Plan.

            13.13    Governing Law.    The Plan and any agreements hereunder shall be administered, interpreted and enforced under the internal laws of the State of Maryland without regard to conflicts of laws thereof.


    PROXY

     

    LTC PROPERTIES, INC.

    THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - JUNE 3, 2015

    The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders of LTC Properties, Inc. dated April 24, 2015 and a related Proxy Statement furnished by the Board of Directors, and revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints: Wendy L. Simpson and Pamela Shelley-Kessler, or either of them, each with the power of substitution, as proxies, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and vote, as indicated on the reverse side, the shares the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village, CA 91362, on Wednesday, June 3, 2015, or any adjournments or postponements thereof, and in their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

    (Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)

      1.1

    14475 


    ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF

     

    LTC PROPERTIES, INC.

     

    June 10, 20143, 2015

     

    GO GREEN

    e-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. With e-Consent, you can quickly access your proxy material, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter and paper waste. Enroll today via www.amstock.com to enjoy online access.

     

    NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:

    The Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and proxy card

    are available at http://www.astproxyportal.com/ast/26002/

     

    Please sign, date and mail

    your proxy card in the

    envelope provided as soon

    as possible.

     

     

    Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided.

     

    00000333330303031000  7

    060315

     

     

    PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.  PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x

    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR

    1.  Election of Directors: Six directors will be elected to hold office until the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and, in each case, until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified.

    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2

    NOMINEES:

    FOR

    AGAINST

    ABSTAIN

    o

    FOR ALL NOMINEES

    Boyd W. Hendrickson

    2.  Ratification of independent registered public accounting firm.

    o

    o

    o

    Edmund C. King

    o

    WITHHOLD AUTHORITY

    FOR ALL NOMINEES

    James J. Pieczynski

    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 3

    Devra G. Shapiro

    o

    FOR ALL EXCEPT

    Wendy L. Simpson

    FOR

    AGAINST

    ABSTAIN

    (See instructions below)

    Timothy J. Triche, M.D.

    3.  Advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation.

    o

    o

    o

     

     

    INSTRUCTIONS:To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:

    Please check here if you would like to receive future documents electronically.

    o

    ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO FUTURE DOCUMENTS

    If you would like to receive future shareholder communications over the Internet exclusively, and no longer receive any material by mail please visit http://www.amstock.com.  Click on Shareholder Account Access to enroll. Please enter your account number and tax identification number to log in, then select Receive Company Mailings via E-Mailand provide your e-mail address.

     

    This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’Directors' recommendations, and in the discretion of the proxy holder on any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR

    1. Election of Directors: Five directors will be elected to hold office until the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and, in each case, until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified.

     

    FOR

    AGAINST 

     ABSTAIN

    Boyd W. Hendrickson

    James J. Pieczynski

    Devra G. Shapiro

    Wendy L. Simpson

    Timothy J. Triche, M.D.

    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2

    FOR

    AGAINST 

     ABSTAIN

    2. Approval of the Company’s 2015 Equity Participation Plan.

    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 3

    FOR

    AGAINST 

     ABSTAIN

    3. Ratification of independent registered public accounting firm.

    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 4

    FOR

    AGAINST 

     ABSTAIN

    4. Advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation.

    Please check here if you would like to receive future documents electronically.

    To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method.

     

    Signature of Stockholder

     

    Date:

     

    Signature of Stockholder

     

     Date:

    Date:

     

     Signature of Stockholder

     Date:

     

    Note:Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this proxy card. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.  When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such.  If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.

     


     

    PROXY

    LTC  PROPERTIES, INC.

    THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - JUNE 10, 2014

    The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders of LTC Properties, Inc. dated April 15, 2014 and a related Proxy Statement furnished by the Board of Directors, and revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoints: Wendy L. Simpson and Pamela Shelley- Kessler, or either of them, each with the power of substitution, as proxies, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and vote, as indicated on the reverse side, the shares the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village, CA 91361, on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, or any adjournments or postponements thereof, and in their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

    (Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)

    14475