UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

 the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. _____)

Filed by the Registrant  S

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ¨

Check the appropriate box:

S

☐ 

Preliminary Proxy Statement.

¨

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

¨

☒ 

Definitive Proxy Statement.

¨

Definitive Additional Materials.

¨

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12.

Hovnanian Enterprises, 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):

S

No fee required.

¨

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

(1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

(2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

(3)

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

(4)

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

(5)

Total fee paid:

¨

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

¨

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

(1)

Amount Previously Paid:

(2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

(3)

Filing Party:

(4)

Date Filed:


  

(3)Filing Party:
(4)Date Filed:

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, N.J. 07701 (732) 747-7800

January 28, 2013

26, 2015

Dear Shareholder:


You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013,10, 2015, at the offices of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, 425 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017. The meeting will start promptly at 10:30 a.m., Eastern Time.

In accordance with the Securities and Exchange CommissionCommission’s rule allowing companies to furnish proxy materials to their shareholders over the Internet, the Company is primarily furnishing proxy materials to our shareholders of Class A Common Stock and registered shareholders of Class B Common Stock on the Internet, rather than mailing paper copies of the materials (including our Annual Report to Shareholders for fiscal 2012)2014) to each of those shareholders. We believe that this e-proxy process will expedite our shareholders’ receipt of proxy materials, lower costs and reduce the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. If you received only a Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) by mail or electronic mail, you will not receive a paper copy of the proxy materials unless you request one. Instead, the Notice will instruct you as to how you may access and review the proxy materials on the Internet. The Notice will also instruct you as to how you may access your proxy card to vote over the Internet, by telephone or by mail. If you received a Notice by mail or electronic mail and would like to receive a paper copy of our proxy materials, free of charge, please follow the instructions included in the Notice.

We anticipate that the Notice will first be mailed to our shareholders on or about January 28, 2013,26, 2015, and will be sent by electronic mail to our shareholders who have opted for such means of delivery on or about January 28, 2013.

All26, 2015.All shareholders of record of Class B Common Stock who hold in nominee name have been sent a full set of paper proxy materials, including a proxy card. As in the past, shareholders of record of Class B Common Stock held in nominee name will only be able to vote by returning the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided for this purpose or by voting in person at the Company’s 2013 Annual Meeting.

Attached to this letter isare a Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement, which describesdescribe the business to be conducted at the meeting. We will also report on matters of current interest to our shareholders.

It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. Therefore, we urge you to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card or, if applicable, register your vote via the Internet or by telephone according to the instructions on the proxy card. If you attend the meeting, you may still choose to vote your shares personally even though you have previously designated a proxy.

We sincerely hope you will be able to attend and participate in the Company’s 20132015 Annual Meeting. We welcome the opportunity to meet with many of you and give you a firsthand report on the progress of your Company.

Sincerely yours,

Ara K. Hovnanian

Chairman of the Board

 

 

PROXY VOTING METHODS

If at the close of business on January 14, 2013,9, 2015, you were a shareholder of record or held shares through a broker or bank, you may vote your shares as described below or you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. To reduce our administrative and postage costs, we would appreciate if shareholders of Class A Common Stock and registered shareholders of Class B Common Stock would please vote through the Internet or by telephone, both of which are available 24 hours a day. You may revoke your proxies at the times and in the manners described on page 1 of the Proxy Statement. If you are a shareholder of record or hold shares through a broker or bank and are voting by proxy, your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on March 11, 20139, 2015 to be counted unless otherwise noted below.

To vote by proxy:

Shareholders of Class A Common Stock and Registered Shareholders of Class B Common Stock:


BY INTERNET

·

Go to the website atwww.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

·

You will need the 12-digit Control Number included on your Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

BY TELEPHONE

·

From a touch-tone telephone, dial (800) 690-6903 and follow the recorded instructions, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

·

You will need the 12-digit Control Number included on your Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials in order to vote by telephone.

BY MAIL

·

Request a proxy card from us by following the instructions on your Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials.

·

When you receive the proxy card, mark your selections on the proxy card.

 ��

·

Date and sign your name exactly as it appears on your proxy card.

·

Mail the proxy card in the postage-paid envelope that will be provided to you.

·

Mailed proxy cards must be received no later than March 11, 20139, 2015 to be counted for the Annual Meeting.

Shareholders of Record of Class B Common Stock held in Nominee Name:


·

Nominees of shareholders of Class B Common Stock may only appoint proxies by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided.
·

Shares of Class B Common Stock held in nominee name will be entitled to ten votes per share only if the beneficial owner voting instruction card and the nominee proxy card relating to such shares isare properly completed, mailed and received not less than 3three nor more than 20 business days prior to March 12, 2013.10, 2015.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANTTHANK YOU FOR VOTING

 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS


NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013,10, 2015, at the offices of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, 425 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017 at 10:30 a.m. for the following matters:

1.

The election of directors of the Company for the ensuing year, to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, and until their respective successors may be elected and qualified;

2.

The ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to examine the financial statements of the Company for the year ending October 31, 2013;2015;


3.

To approve an amendment to the Company’s Amended Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock;
4.To approve an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class B Common Stock;

5.

To approve, in a non-binding, voluntary advisory vote, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers; and


6.

4.

The transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment thereof.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each of the nominees listed in proposal 1, FOR proposal 2 FOR proposal 3, FOR proposal 4 and FOR proposal 5.

3.

Only shareholders of record at the close of business on January 14, 2013January9, 2015 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Accompanying this Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders is a proxy statement, proxy card(s) and the Company’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.

2014.

To ensure your shares are voted, if you are a shareholder of Class A Common Stock or a registered shareholder of Class B Common Stock, you may vote your shares over the Internet, by telephone, or by requesting a paper proxy card to complete, sign and return by mail. Shares of Class B Common Stock held in nominee name will be entitled to ten votes per share only if the beneficial owner voting instruction card and the nominee proxy card relating to such shares are properly completed, mailed and received not less than three nor more than 20 business days prior to March 10, 2015. These voting procedures are described on the preceding page and on the proxy card.

If you are a shareholder of record of Class B Common Stock held in nominee name, you may only appoint proxies to vote your shares by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided.

All shareholders are urged to attend the meeting in person or by proxy. Shareholders who do not expect to attend the meeting are requested to complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly, or, if applicable, to register their vote via the Internet or by telephone according to the instructions on the preceding page and the proxy card.

By order of the Board of Directors,

MICHAEL DISCAFANI

Secretary

January 26, 2015

 
MICHAEL DISCAFANI
Secretary
January 28, 2013

If you are a shareholder of record and you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please mark the appropriate box on your proxy card or, if applicable, so indicate when designating a proxy via the Internet or by telephone. If your shares are held by a bank, broker or other intermediary and you plan to attend, please send written notice to Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., 110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, Attention: Michael Discafani, Secretary, and enclose evidence of your ownership (such as a letter from the bank, broker or other intermediary confirming your ownership or a bank or brokerage firm account statement). The names of all those planning to attend will be placed on an admission list held at the registration desk at the entrance to the meeting. In order to be admitted to the Annual Meeting, you will need a form of personal identification (such as a driver’s license) along with your Notice, proxy card or proof of Common Stock ownership. If your shares are held beneficially in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record and you wish to be admitted to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, you must present proof of your ownership of our Common Stock, such as a bank or brokerage account statement. If you do not plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please designate a proxy by mail or, if applicable, via the Internet or by telephone. If you choose to vote by mail, please complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly so that your shares will be voted. If you have received a hard copy of the proxy materials, the enclosed envelope requires no postage if mailed in the United States.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

GENERAL

1

VOTING RIGHTS AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

2

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

3

4

(1)

PROPOSAL 1  — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

4

5

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

7

8

(2)

PROPOSAL 2  —  RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF AN INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBICPUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

9

10

(3)   APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK
9
(4)   APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK
12
(5)

PROPOSAL 3  —  VOLUNTARY ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

14

10

THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

16

12

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

18

14

Executive Summary

18

14

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

22

18

Fiscal 20122014 Compensation Elements and Compensation Mix

24

21

Details of Compensation Elements

25

22

Actions for Fiscal 20132015

35

33

Tax Deductibility and Accounting Implications

36

34

Timing and Pricing of Stock Options and MSUs

36

34

Stock Ownership Guidelines

36

34

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

37

35

Summary Compensation Table

37

35

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 20122014

41

39

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 20122014 Year-End

44

43

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 20122014

47

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 20122014

47

48

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control Table

49

50

NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

51

53

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

56

58

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

57

59

FEES PAID TO PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT

57

59

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT INDEPENDENCE

58

60

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

58

60

OVERSIGHT OF RISK MANAGEMENT

59

61

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

60

62

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

60

62

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MARCH 12, 2013

10, 2015

    62

   64

GENERAL

62

64

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 20142016 ANNUAL MEETING

63

65


 

 

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

110 WEST FRONT STREET

P.O. BOX 500

RED BANK, NEW JERSEY 07701



PROXY STATEMENT


GENERAL

The accompanying proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders referred to in the foregoing noticeNotice and at any adjournment thereof.

Shares represented by properly executed proxies that are received or executed in time and not revoked will be voted in accordance with the specifications thereon. If no specifications are made in an executed proxy, the persons named in the accompanying proxy card(s) will vote the shares represented by such proxies for the Board of Directors’ slate of directors, for the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to examine the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2013, for the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock, for the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class B Common Stock,2015 and for the approval, in a non-binding, voluntary advisory vote, of the compensation of the Company's named executive officers and on any other matters as recommended by the Board of Directors, unless contrary instructions are given.


Any person may revoke a previously designated proxy before it is exercised. If you voted by Internet, telephone or mail and are a shareholder of record, you may change your vote and revoke your proxy by (i)(1) delivering written notice of revocation to Michael Discafani, Secretary, provided such statement is received no later than March 11, 2013, (ii)9, 2015, (2) voting again by Internet or telephone at a later time before the closing of voting facilities at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on March 11, 2013, (iii)9, 2015, (3) submitting a properly signed proxy card with a later date that is received no later than March 11, 20139, 2015 or (iv)(4) revoking your proxy and voting in person at the 20132015 Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares in street name, you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your bank, broker or other nominee. You may also change your vote or revoke your proxy in person at the 20132015 Annual Meeting if you obtain a signed proxy from the record holder (broker or other nominee) giving you the right to vote the shares. Please note that attendance at the 20132015 Annual Meeting will not by itself revoke a proxy.

We will bear the costs of soliciting proxies from the holders of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (collectively, “Common Stock”). We are initially soliciting these proxies by mail and electronic mail, but solicitation may be made by our directors, officers and selected other employees telephonically, electronically or by other means of communication. Directors, officers and employees who help us in the solicitation will not be specially compensated for those services, but they may be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation. Brokerage houses, nominees, fiduciaries and other custodians will be requested to forward soliciting materials to beneficial owners and will be reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners.

 


VOTING RIGHTS AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF

CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The Board of Directors has set January 14, 20139, 2015 as the record date for the 20132015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. As of the close of business on the record date, there were         shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding and         shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.


As of November 1, 2012, the outstanding voting securities of the Company consisted of 118,362,931131,417,519 shares of Class A Common Stock, each share entitling the holder thereof to one vote, and 14,658,35314,983,719 shares of Class B Common Stock, each share entitling the holder thereof to ten votes provided thatif specified ownership criteria have been met. Other than as set forth in the table below, there are no persons known to the Company to be the beneficial owners of shares representing more than 5% of either the Company’s Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, which represent the classes of the Company’s voting stock.

The following table sets forth as of November 1, 2012,January 9, 2015, (1) the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of the Company beneficially owned by holders of more than 5% of either the Class A Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock of the Company and (2) the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Depositary Shares of the Company beneficially owned by each Director, each nominee for Director, each executive officer named in the tables set forth under “Executive Compensation” below and all Directors and executive officers as a group.  The table does not include ownership with respect to our 7.25% Tangible Equity Units because none of the individuals or groups listed below has any beneficial ownership of such securities.


  Class A Common Stock (1)  Class B Common Stock (1)  
Depositary Shares
(1) (3)
 
Directors, Nominees for Director, Certain Executive Officers, Directors and Executive Officers as a Group and Holders of More Than 5% 
Amount
and
Nature of Beneficial Ownership
  
Percent
of
Class (2)
  
Amount
and
Nature of Beneficial Ownership
  
 
Percent
of
Class (2)
  
Amount
and
Nature of Beneficial Ownership
  
Percent
of
Class (2)
 
Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian (4)  7,567,392   6.40%  7,138,646   48.70%      
Ara K. Hovnanian (5)  4,137,001   3.50%  1,856,314   12.05%      
Robert B. Coutts  131,112   0.11%            
Edward A. Kangas  231,217   0.20%            
Joseph A. Marengi  121,512   0.10%            
Brad G. O’Connor  38,895   0.03%            
Vincent Pagano Jr.                  
Thomas J. Pellerito  1,243,668   1.05%            
Peter S. Reinhart as Trustee of the Sirwart Hovnanian 1994 Marital Trust (6)        5,210,091   35.54%      
John J. Robbins  160,705   0.14%            
J. Larry Sorsby  274,302   0.23%            
David G. Valiaveedan  26,105   0.02%        2,000   0.04%
Stephen D. Weinroth  279,309   0.24%  4,500   0.03%      
All Directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)  13,771,218   11.55%  8,999,460   58.41%  2,000   0.04%

  

Class A

Common Stock (1)

  

Class B

Common Stock (1)

  

Depositary Shares (1) (3)

 
  

Amount

and

Nature of Beneficial Ownership

  

Percent

of

Class (2)

  

Amount

and

Nature of Beneficial Ownership

  

Percent

of

Class (2)

  

Amount

and

Nature of Beneficial Ownership

  

Percent

of

Class (2)

 

Directors, Nominees for Director, Named Executive Officers and Directors and Executive Officers as a Group

                              

Ara K. Hovnanian (4)

  3,782,392    2.88%

 

  3,161,256    18.92%

 

        

Robert B. Coutts

  164,988    0.13%

 

                

Edward A. Kangas

  266,906    0.20%

 

                

Joseph A. Marengi

  143,851    0.11%

 

                

Brad G. O’Connor

  109,312    0.08%

 

                

Vincent Pagano Jr.

  53,956    0.04%

 

                

Thomas J. Pellerito

  1,331,114    1.01%

 

                

J. Larry Sorsby

  824,832    0.63%

 

                

David G. Valiaveedan (5)

  82,665    0.06%

 

          2,000    0.04%

 

Stephen D. Weinroth

  295,248    0.22%

 

  4,500    0.03%

 

        

All Directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)

  14,182,656    10.68%

 

  10,304,402    61.67%

 

  2,000    0.04%

 

                               

Holders of More Than 5%

                              

Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian (6)

  6,596,543    5.02%

 

  3,255,251    21.73%

 

        

Peter S. Reinhart as Trustee of the Sirwart Hovnanian 1994 Marital Trust (7)

          5,210,091    34.77%

 

        

Hovnanian Family 2012 L.L.C. (8)

  970,849    0.74%

 

  3,883,395    25.92%

 

        

(1)

The figures in the table with respect to Class A Common Stock do not include the shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by the specified persons. Shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible at any time on a share for shareshare-for-share basis to Class A Common Stock. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which generally attributes ownership to persons who have or share voting or investment power with respect to the relevant securities. Shares of Common Stock that may be acquired within 60 days upon exercise of outstanding stock options are deemed to be outstanding.beneficially owned. Securities not outstanding, but included in the beneficial ownership of each such person, are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of outstanding securities of the class owned by such person, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class owned by any other person. Except as indicated in these footnotes, and subject to community property laws where applicable, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all securities shown as beneficially owned by them. Shares of Class A Common Stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of November 1, 2012,January 9, 2015, whether or not in-the-money, include the following: A. Hovnanian (0), R. Coutts (67,900), E. Kangas (106,700), J. Marengi (48,300)(67,900), B. O’Connor (27,500)(63,000), V. Pagano (0)(13,072), T. Pellerito (240,000), J. Robbins (110,030)(260,000), J. Sorsby (150,000)(547,500), D. Valiaveedan (15,002)(38,440), S. Weinroth (168,273), and all Directors and executive officers as a group (933,705)(1,332,785). Shares of Class B Common Stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of November 1, 2012,January 9, 2015, whether or not in-the-money, include the following: A. Hovnanian (750,000)(1,725,000).

 

2

On July 29, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of one Preferred Stock Purchase Right for each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. The dividend was paid to stockholders of record on August 15, 2008. Subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Rights Plan, if the Preferred Stock Purchase Rights become exercisable, each Preferred Stock Purchase Right would initially represent the right to purchase from the Company one ten-thousandth1/10,000th of a share of Series B Junior Preferred Stock for a purchase price of $35.00 per share. However, prior to exercise, a Preferred Stock Purchase Right does not give its holder any rights as a stockholder, including without limitation, any dividend, voting or liquidation rights.


(2)

Based upon the number of shares outstanding plus options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of November 1, 2012,January 9, 2015, held by the applicable Director, nominee, executive officer, group or other holder.


(3)

Each Depositary Share represents 1/1,000th of a share of 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock.

(4)

Includes 7,127,392372,116 shares of Class A Common Stock and 7,138,646431,394 shares of Class B Common Stock held in family-related trusts as to which Ara K. Hovnanian has shared voting power and shared investment power and 37,374 shares of Class A Common Stock and 195,274 shares of Class B Common Stock held by Mr. Hovnanian’s wife and children. Ara K. Hovnanian disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares, except to the extent of his potential pecuniary interest in such other accounts and trusts.Of the shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially held by Mr. Hovnanian, 1,995,397 shares have been pledged as collateral for a loan with Deutsche Bank, and 1,377,505 shares have been pledged as collateral for a loan with Morgan Stanley, both of which loans remain outstanding.

(5)

Includes 8,785 shares of Class A Common Stock that are held jointly with Mr.Valiaveedan’s spouse.Mr.Valiaveedan and his spouse share voting and investment power with respect to such shares.

(6)

Includes 6,156,543 shares of Class A Common Stock and 3,255,251 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Executors of the Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian, deceased (the “Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian”). Ara K. Hovnanian is special purpose Executor with respect to investments in the Companyand, accordingly, the shares held by the Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian are included in “All Directors and executive officers as a group,” but such shares are not also included in hisMr. Hovnanian’s separate figures of beneficial ownership. Also includes 440,000 shares of Class A Common Stock held in the name of Sirwart Hovnanian, wife of the Company’s deceased Chairman Kevork S. Hovnanian. The business address of each of the Executors is 110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701.

(5)

(7)

Includes 372,116 shares of Class A Common Stock and 431,394 shares of Class B Common Stock held in family-related trusts as to which Ara K. Hovnanian has shared voting power and shared investment power and 37,374 shares of Class A Common Stock and 185,274 shares of Class B Common Stock held by Mr. Hovnanian’s wife and children. Ara K. Hovnanian disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares, except to the extent of his potential pecuniary interest in such other accounts and trusts.  Of the shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially held by Mr. Hovnanian, 1,995,397 shares have been pledged as collateral for a loan with Deutsche Bank, and 1,337,505 shares have been pledged as collateral for a loan with Morgan Stanley, both of which loans remain outstanding.
(6)

Includes 4,833,826 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Kevork S. Hovnanian Family Limited Partnership, a Connecticut limited partnership (the “Limited Partnership”). Peter S. Reinhart, as trustee of the Sirwart Hovnanian 1994 Marital Trust (the “Marital Trust”), is the managing general partner of the Limited Partnership and, as such, has the sole power to vote and dispose of the shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Limited Partnership, as well as of the 376,265 shares of Class B Common Stock held directly by the Marital Trust. Mr. Reinhart disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by the Limited Partnership and the Marital Trust. Mr. Reinhart's business address is 110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701.

(8)

Represents 970,849 shares of Class A Common Stock and 3,883,395 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the Hovnanian Family 2012 L.L.C. (the “2012 LLC”).  Ara K. Hovnanian is the special purpose manager with respect to investments in the Companyand, accordingly, the shares held by the 2012 LLC are included in “All Directors and executive officers as a group,” but such shares are not also included in Mr. Hovnanian’s separate figure of beneficial ownership. The business address of the 2012 LLC is 110 West Front Street, P.O. Box 500, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701.

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), requires the Company’s executive officers, directors, persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities and certain entities associated with the foregoing (“Reporting Persons”) to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These Reporting Persons are required by SEC rules to furnish the Company with copies of all Forms 3, 4 and 5, and amendments thereto, that they file with the SEC.

Based solely on the Company’s review of copies of the forms and amendments of forms it has received and written representations from the Company’s officers and directors, the Company believes that, with respect to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012,2014, all the Reporting Persons complied with all applicable filing requirements.

 

3

(1)

PROPOSAL 1  —  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Company’s Restated By-laws provide that the Board of Directors shall consist of up to eleven Directors who shall be elected annually by the shareholders. The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Certificate of Incorporation”) requires that, at any time when any shares of Class B Common Stock are outstanding, one-third of the Directors shall be independent, as defined therein.

Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE“NYSE”), listed companies of which more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, group or other entity are not required to have a majority of independent directors, as defined by NYSE rules, or to comply with certain other requirements. Because Mr. A. Hovnanian, the Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian, the Limited Partnership and the 2012 LLC established for members of his family and family trusts hold more than 50% of the voting power of the Company, the Company is a controlled company within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE.  However, the Company does not avail itself of any of the exemptions afforded to controlled companies under the NYSE rules. This may change in the future at the Company’s discretion.

The Board of Directors has determined that a Board of Directors consisting of the seven nominees listed below is the best composition in order to satisfy both the independence requirements of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation as well as the rules of the NYSE.  The Board of Directors has also determined that Messrs. Coutts, Kangas, Marengi, Pagano and Weinroth are independent as defined under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and the NYSE rules.  In reaching its determination that Mr. Pagano is independentThe Company’s Certificate of Incorporation may be found on the Company’s website at www.khov.com under applicable standards, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered that he was a partner with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP until his retirement on December 31, 2012.  Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has provided, and continues to provide, legal services to the Company.


Investor Relations tab, “SEC Filings/Current Reports/03-15-13.”

The following individuals have been recommended to the Board of Directors by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors to serve as Directors of the Company to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified. Mr. Robbins, a current director, is not standing for re-election at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  Mr. Robbins will serve through the remainder of his term, which will end at the Company’s 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  The Board of Directors thanks Mr. Robbins for his many years of service to the Company.  Mr. Pagano has been nominated as Mr. Robbins’ successor to the Board of Directors.


In the event that any of the nominees for Director should become unavailable to serve as a Director, it is intended that the shares represented by proxies will be voted for such substitute nominees as may be nominated by the Board of Directors, unless the number of Directors constituting a full Board of Directors is reduced. The Company has no reason to believe, however, that any of the nominees is, or will be, unavailable to serve as a Director. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees shown below.

Board of Directors

NameAgeCompany Affiliation 
Year
First
Became
a
Director
 
Ara K. Hovnanian55President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board & Director  1981 
Robert B. Coutts62Director  2006 
Edward A. Kangas68Director  2002 
Joseph A. Marengi59Director  2006 
Vincent Pagano Jr.62Director Nominee   
J. Larry Sorsby57Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Director  1997 
Stephen D. Weinroth 74Director  1982 
4

Name

Age

Company Affiliation

  

Year

First

Became

a Director

  

Ara K. Hovnanian

57

President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board & Director

  

  

1981

  

Robert B. Coutts

64

Director

  

  

2006

  

Edward A. Kangas

70

Director

  

  

2002

  

Joseph A. Marengi

61

Director

  

  

2006

  

Vincent Pagano Jr.

64

Director

  

  

2013

  

J. Larry Sorsby

59

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Director

  

  

1997

  

Stephen D. Weinroth 

76

Director

  

  

1982

  

Board of Directors — Composition

The Board of Directors seeks to ensure that the Board of Directors is composed of members whose particular experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, when taken together, will allow the Board of Directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively. As discussed below under “Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee” beginning on page 8,9, a slate of Directors to be nominated for election at the annual shareholders’ meeting each year is approved by the Board of Directors after recommendation by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. In the case of a vacancy on the Board of Directors (other than one resulting from removal by shareholders), the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will identify individuals believed to be qualified candidates to serve on the Board of Directors and shall review the candidates who have met those qualifications with the Company’s Chairman who will recommend any director nomineesdetermine if the candidate is eligible for recommendation by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee to the full Board of Directors for election.Directors. The Board of Directors will then approve a director nominee to fill the vacancy on the Board of Directors.  In identifying candidates for Director, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Chairman and the Board of Directors take into account (1) the comments and recommendations of board members of the Board of Directors regarding the qualifications and effectiveness of the existing Board of Directors or additional qualifications that may be required when selecting new board members that may be made in connection with the self-examinations described below under “Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee” beginning on page 8,9, (2) the requisite expertise and sufficiently diverse backgrounds of the Board of Directors’ overall membership composition, (3) the independence of outside Directors and other possible conflicts of interest of existing and potential members of the Board of Directors and (4) all other factors such bodies and persons consider appropriate. Although the Company has no formal policy regarding diversity, the charter of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee includes a statement that it and the Board of Directors believe that diversity is an important component of a board of directors, including such factors as background, skills, experience, expertise, gender, race and culture.  As mentioned above, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors include diversity as one of several criteria that they consider in connection with selecting candidates for the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors seeks to ensure that it is composed of members whose particular background, expertise, qualifications, attributes and skills, when taken together, allow the Board of Directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively.


When considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, taken as a whole, to enable the Board of Directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of the Company’s business and structure, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors focused primarily on the information discussed in each of the Directors’ individual biographies set forth below on pages 5 and 6.6 to 7. In particular, with regard to Mr. Coutts, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his strong background in the manufacturing sector, believing that his experience with a large multinational corporation engaged in the manufacture of complicated products is invaluable in evaluating the multiple integrated processes in the homebuilding business and also valuable in performance management and other aspects of the Company.  With regard to Mr. Kangas, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his significant experience, expertise and background with regard to accounting matters, including the broad perspective brought by his experience in consulting to clients in many diverse industries. With regard to Mr. Marengi, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his strong background in the technology sector, because new technologies and their cost and benefit analyses are important factors in the success of the Company. With regard to Mr. Pagano, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his significant experience, expertise and background with regard to legal and capital markets matters, including the broad perspective brought by his experience in advising clients in the homebuilding industry and many other diverse industries.  With regard to Mr. Weinroth, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his many years of experience in the investment banking field, which are very valuable to the Company as it continues to evaluate its debt profile and capital structure and various financing and refinancing alternatives. With regard to Mr. Hovnanian, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his more than thirty years of experience with the Company. With regard to Mr. Sorsby, our Chief Financial Officer, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his more than twenty years of experience with the Company.


to:

Mr. Coutts, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his strong background in the manufacturing sector, believing that his experience with a large multinational corporation engaged in the manufacture of complicated products is invaluable in evaluating the multiple integrated processes in the homebuilding business and also valuable in performance management and other aspects of the Company.

Mr. Kangas, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his significant experience, expertise and background with regard to accounting matters, including the broad perspective brought by his experience in consulting to clients in many diverse industries. 

Mr. Marengi, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his strong background in the technology sector, because new technologies and their cost and benefit analyses are important factors in the success of the Company.

Mr. Pagano, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his significant experience, expertise and background with regard to legal and capital markets matters, including the broad perspective brought by his experience in advising clients in the homebuilding industry and many other diverse industries.  

Mr. Weinroth, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his many years of experience in the investment banking field, which experiences are particularly valuable to the Company as it continues to evaluate its debt profile and capital structure and various financing and refinancing alternatives.

Mr. Hovnanian, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his more than thirty years of experience with the Company.

Mr. Sorsby, our Chief Financial Officer, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered his more than twenty years of experience with the Company.

Board of Directors — Nominees’ Biographies

Mr. Hovnanian has been Chief Executive Officer since July 1997 after being appointed President in 1988 and Executive Vice President in 1983. Mr. Hovnanian joined the Company in 1979 and has been a Director of the Company since 1981 and was Vice Chairman from 1998 through November 2009. In November 2009, he was elected Chairman of the Board following the death of Kevork S. Hovnanian, the chairman and founder of the Company and the father of Mr. Hovnanian.

 

5

Mr. Coutts retired from the position of Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE), which he held from 2000 to 2008. Mr. Coutts was President and COOChief Operating Officer of the former Electronics Sector of Lockheed Martin. He was elected an officer by the Board of Directors of Lockheed Martin in December 1996. Mr. Coutts held management positions with General Electric Corporation (NYSE) from 1972 to 1993, and was with GE Aerospace when it became part of Lockheed Martin in 1993. Mr. Coutts is the retired Chairman of Sandia Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp.,Corporation, and is on the Board of Directors of Stanley Black and Decker (NYSE), as well as the Pall Corporation (NYSE), and. Mr. Coutts is also a member of the Board of Overseers, College of Engineering, Tufts University. HeUniversity and is a Member of the Chapter of the National Cathedral. He was elected as a Director of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. in March 2006 and is a member of the Company’s Audit Committee and Compensation Committee.

Mr. Kangas was the Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu from December 1989 to May 2000, when he retired. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE), Tenet Healthcare Corporation, Inc. (NYSE), and Intuit, Inc. (NASDAQ) and Intelsat (NYSE). He was on the Board of Directors of Electronic Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE) from 2004 to 2008 and AllScripts, Inc. (NASDAQ) (and, prior to its merger with AllScripts, Inc., Eclipsys Corporation (NASDAQ)) from 2004 to 2012. Mr. Kangas is the pasta former Chairman of the Board of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Mr. Kangas was elected as a Director of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. in September 2002, is Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee and a member of the Company’s Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.

  

Mr. Marengi, from July 2007 to March 2012, served as a Venture Partner for Austin Ventures. Prior to that date, Mr. Marengi served as senior vice president for the Commercial Business Group of Dell Inc. (NASDAQ). In this role, Mr. Marengi was responsible for the Dell units serving medium business, large corporate, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States. Mr. Marengi joined Dell in July 1997 from Novell Inc. (NASDAQ), where he was president and chief operating officer. He joined Novell in 1989 and moved through successive promotions to become executive vice president of worldwide sales and field operations. He isMr. Marengi also an outside Director forserved on the Boards of Directors of Quantum Corporation (NYSE) from 2008 to 2013 and sits on the Board of Entorian Technologies, Inc. (formerly, the OTC Markets). from 2008 to 2012. Mr. Marengi was elected to the Board of Directors of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. in March 2006 and is a member of the Company’s Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.

  
Mr. Pagano was a partner at the law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP until his retirement at the end of 2012. He was the head of the firm’s capital markets practice from 1999 to 2012, and, before that, administrative partner of the firm from 1996 to 1999. He was a member of the firm’s executive committee during nearly all of thatthe 1996 - 2012 period. He also serves on the BoardBoards of Directors of Cheniere Energy Partners GP, LLC, the general partner of Cheniere Energy Partners (NYSE MKT) and L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (NYSE). Mr. Pagano serves on the Engineering Advisory Council of Lehigh University.
Mr. Pagano was elected to the Board of Directors of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. in March 2013 and is the Chairman of the Company’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and is a member of the Company’s Audit Committee. 
  

Mr. Sorsby has been Chief Financial Officer of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. since 1996, and Executive Vice President since November 2000. Mr. Sorsby was also Senior Vice President from March 1991 to November 2000 and was elected as a Director of the Company in 1997. He is Chairman of the Board of Visitors for Urology at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (“CHOP”) and also serves on the Institutional Advancement CommitteeFoundation Board of Overseers at CHOP.

  

Mr. Weinroth was from 2003 to mid-2008 a Managing Member of Hudson Capital Advisors, LLC and since then he has been an advisor to Coral Reef Capital Partners, a successor firm to some of the Hudson Capital employees.

He is Chairman of the Board (Emeritus) of Core Laboratories, N.V. (NYSE), a global oil field service company, where he had previously been Chairman from 1994 through 2001. From l9891989 to 2003, he served as Co-Chairman and head of the Investment Committee of First Britannia Mezzanine, N.V., a European private investment firm. He is presently Chairman of the Central Asia Education Foundation, a successor to the Central Asian-American Enterprise Fund, to which he was appointed by the President of the United States. Mr. Weinroth has been Chairman of four NYSE-listed companies and Chief Executive of three of them.
He is also a Trustee and the immediate past Chairman of The Joyce Theatre Foundation, Inc., and Vice Chairman and a Trustee of the Paul Taylor Dance Foundation as well as a Board member of the Flea Theater. Mr. Weinroth has been a Director of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. since 1982, is Chairman of the Company's Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and is a member of its Audit Committee.

 

6

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

During the year ended October 31, 2012,2014, the Board of Directors held four regularly scheduled meetings and onetwo telephonic meeting.meetings. In addition, Directors considered Company matters and had communications with the Chairman of the Board of Directors and others outside of formal meetings. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012,2014, each Director attended 100% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and at least 95%99% of the meetings of its Committees on which such Director served. DirectorsThe Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines (“Guidelines”) provide that directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, but the Company does not have a formal policy with respect to attendance.Shareholders. All of the members of the Board of Directors attended the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on March 27, 2012.

11, 2014.

Audit Committee

For fiscal 2012, the

The members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors wereare Messrs. Kangas, RobbinsCoutts, Pagano and Weinroth. The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee meet the standards for independence in our Certificate of Incorporation, which is available on our website at www.khov.com under the Investor Relations tab, “SEC Filings/Quarterly Filings/09-08-08 Filing Date,Current Reports/03-15-13,” and the independence requirements mandated by the NYSE listing standards.


During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, the Audit Committee met on four occasions and held eight telephonic meetings.

The Audit Committee is currently chaired by Mr. Kangas and is responsible for reviewing and approving the scope of the annual audit undertaken by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and meeting with them to review the results of their work as well as their recommendations. The Audit Committee selects the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and also approves and reviews their fees. The duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in its charter, which may be foundis available at www.khov.com under “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.”  During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012, the Audit Committee met on three occasions and held eight telephonic meetings. The Audit Committee also authorizes staffing and compensation of the Internal Audit Department. The Vice President of Internal Audit for the Company reports directly to the Audit Committee on, among other things, the Company’s compliance with certain Company procedures which are designed to enhance management’s understanding of operating issues and the results of the Audit Department’s annual audits of the various aspects of the Company’s business. In fiscal 2012, the Audit Department issued eight traditional audit reports and performed 16 reviews pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. For additional information related to the Audit Committee, see “The Audit Committee” below.

Compensation Committee

The Company has a Compensation Committee, although it is not required to have such a committee because it is a controlled company under the rules of the NYSE. The members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors during fiscal 2012 wereare Messrs. Weinroth, Coutts, Kangas and Coutts.Marengi. The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Compensation Committee meet the standards for independence in our Certificate of Incorporation and the independence requirements mandated by the rules of the NYSE listing standards.and SEC. In addition, all members of the Compensation Committee qualify as “Non-Employee Directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and as “outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) (“Section 162(m)”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are set forth in its charter, which may be found on our websiteis available at www.khov.com under “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.”

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, the Compensation Committee met on four occasions and held no telephonic meetings.

The Compensation Committee is currently chaired by Mr. Weinroth and is responsible for reviewing salaries, bonuses and other forms of executive compensation for the Company’s senior executives, key management employees and non-employee Directors, and is active in other compensation and personnel areas as the Board of Directors from time to time may request.  In addition, all members of the Compensation Committee qualify as “non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, and as “outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) (“Section 162(m)”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. For a discussion of the criteria used and factors considered by the Compensation Committee in reviewing and determining executive compensation, see “The Compensation Committee” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” below. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012, the Compensation Committee met on four occasions and held no telephonic meetings.

 

7

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

The Company has established a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, although the Company is not required to have such committee because it is a controlled company under the rules of the NYSE. The members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors during fiscal 2012 wereare Messrs. Weinroth,Pagano, Kangas and Marengi. The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee meet the standards for independence in our Certificate of Incorporation and the independence requirements mandated by the NYSE listing standards.

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met on three occasions and held no telephonic meetings.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is currently chaired by Mr. Weinroth.Pagano. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for corporate governance matters, and reviewing and recommending nominees for the Board of Directors, succession planning and other Board-related policies. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committeealso overseesthe annual performance evaluation of the Board of Directors and its Committees, the Board’sBoard of Directors’ periodic review of the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines (“Guidelines”) and compliance with the Company’s Related Person Transaction Policy. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met on three occasions and held no telephonic meetings.


The Guidelines require that each Director prepares annually an assessment of each Board committee on which such Director serves as well as of the full Board of Directors as to the effectiveness of each committee and the full Board of Directors and any recommendations for improvement.  The duties and responsibilities of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are set forth in its charter, which may be foundis available at www.khov.com under “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance,” and the Guidelines may be foundare available at the same website address under “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.Governance/Guidelines.

In conducting its nomination function, among other factors, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee generally considers the size of the Board of Directors best suited to fulfill its responsibilities, the Board of Directors’ overall membership composition to ensure the Board of Directors has the requisite expertise and consists of persons with sufficiently diverse backgrounds, the independence of outside directors and other possible conflicts of interest of existing and potential members of the Board of Directors as more fully described under “Election of Directors – Board of Directors – Composition” above.

The Company does not have a specific policy regarding shareholder nominations of potential directors to the Board of Directors, other than through the process described under “Shareholder Proposals for the 20142016 Annual Meeting” below.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider director candidates recommended by shareholders.shareholders in the same manner as it considers candidates recommended by others. Possible nominees to the Board of Directors may be suggested by any Director and given to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may seek potential nominees and engage search consultants to assist it in identifying potential nominees. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee adopted an amendment to itsCommittee’s charter in November 2009contains a provision affirming its belief that diversity is an important factor to consider in evaluating potential nominees. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee recommends to the Board of Directors a slate of nominees for the Board of Directors for inclusion in the matters to be voted upon at theeach Annual Meeting. The Company’s Restated By-laws provide that Directors need not be shareholders. Vacancies on the Board of Directors, other than those resulting from removal by shareholders, may be filled by action of the Board of Directors.

As of the 120th calendar day prior to MarchJanuary 27, 2013,2015, the Board of Directors had not received any recommendation for the nomination of a candidate to the Board of Directors by any shareholder or group of shareholders that at such time held more than 5% of the Company’s voting stock for at least one year.

VOTE REQUIRED

The election of the nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors for the ensuing year, to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, and until their respective successors may be elected and qualified, requires that each director be elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together, represented in person or by proxy at the 20132015 Annual Meeting. In determining whether each director has received the requisite number of affirmative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no impact on such matter because such shares are not considered votes cast.

 

8

Mr. Hovnanian and others with voting power over the shares held by the Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian, the Limited Partnership, the 2012 LLC and certain family trusts have informed the Company that they intend to vote in favor of the nominees named in this proposal. Because of their collective voting power, this proposal is assured passage.

Our Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of the nominees named in this proposal to the Company’s Board of Directors.

(2)

PROPOSAL 2  —  RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF AN INDEPENDENT

REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The selection of an independent registered public accounting firm to examine financial statements of the Company to be made available or transmitted to shareholders and to be filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ending October 31, 20132015 is submitted to this Annual Meeting of Shareholders for ratification. Deloitte & Touche LLP has been selected by the Audit Committee of the Company to examine such financial statements. In the event that the shareholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will consider the view of the shareholders in determining its selection of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the subsequent fiscal year. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, direct the appointment of a new independent registered public accounting firm at any time if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.


The Company has been advised that representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP will attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to respond to appropriate questions and will be afforded the opportunity to make a statement if the representatives so desire.

VOTE REQUIRED

Ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to examine financial statements of the Company for the year ending October 31, 20132015 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together, presentrepresented in person or by proxy at the 20132015 Annual Meeting. In determining whether the proposal has received the requisite number of affirmative votes, abstentions will have no impact on such matter because such shares are not considered votes cast.

Mr. Hovnanian and others with voting power over the shares held by the Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian, the Limited Partnership, the 2012 LLC and certain family trusts have informed the Company that they intend to vote in favor of this proposal. Because of their collective voting power, this proposal is assured passage.

Our Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

(3) APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK
On December 14, 2012, subject to shareholder approval, the Board authorized an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Class A Common Stock”) from 200,000,000 shares to 400,000,000 shares (the “Class A Amendment”). Pursuant to Proposal 4, we are separately proposing an increase to our authorized Class B Common Stock, but we are not proposing an increase to the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock.
If approved by shareholders, the Class A Amendment would be reflected in an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., and the first paragraph of paragraph Fourth of our Certificate of Incorporation would be amended to provide as follows:
9

“FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 430,100,0001 shares, of which 400,000,000 shares shall be Class A Common Stock having a par value of one cent ($0.01) per share, 30,000,0002 shares shall be Class B Common Stock having a par value of one cent ($0.01) per share and 100,000 shares shall be Preferred Stock having a par value of one cent ($0.01) per share.”
If the shareholders approve the proposed amendment, it will become effective upon filing of an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State, which the Company anticipates doing as soon as practicable following shareholder approval.
The newly authorized shares of Class A Common Stock will have all the rights and privileges of the shares of Class A Common Stock presently authorized. Therefore, approval of this proposal and any subsequent issuance of additional shares of Class A Common Stock would not affect your current rights as a shareholder, except for any dilutive effects of a potential increase in the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock to, among other things, earnings per share, book value per share and the voting power of current holders of our Class A Common Stock.
Reasonsfirm for the Proposal
Our Board believes that the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that is available for issuance is not sufficient. We are currently authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.  As of November 1, 2012, 118,362,931 shares of Class A Common Stock were issued and outstanding and 73,181,095 shares of Class A Common Stock were reserved (1) for conversions of our Class B Common Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock, (2) for the issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options and stock awards, (3) for stock options and stock awards that may be granted in the future under our stock option or other incentive programs and (4) for stock that may be issued upon settlement or exchange of our outstanding equity-linked securities.  As a result, there are currently only 8,455,974 shares of Class A Common Stock available, including shares held in Treasury, for other purposes.
The Board believes that it is advisable and in the Company’s and its shareholders’ best interests to have a greater number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock in order to maintain the Company’s flexibility to use its capital stock for business and financing purposes in the future.  The additional shares will be available for issuance from time to time at the discretion of the Board, normally without further shareholder action (except as may be required for a particular transaction by applicable law, requirements of regulatory agencies or by NYSE rules), for any proper corporate purpose including, among other things, capital-raising and deleveraging transactions, investment opportunities, to issue under stock option or other incentive programs, to attract and retain talented personnel and for other value-creating opportunities and strategic transactions.  The Board believes that the proposed increase in the Company’s authorized Class A Common Stock will provide a sufficient number of shares available to maintain the flexibility necessary to pursue the foregoing and other opportunities in the foreseeable future.
The Board believes that prudent corporate governance includes the Company having a sufficient number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock available for various purposes, and the Board regularly evaluates the Company’s needs and opportunities to utilize shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock.  In recent years, the Company has been focused on evaluating its debt profile, capital structure and various financing and refinancing alternatives and has successfully completed several deleveraging transactions, including with issuances of Class A Common Stock and securities which may be settled or exchanged for Class A Common Stock.  These issuances represent the primary use of the Class A Common Stock over the past few years.
The Company has no current plans, and there are currently no agreements or arrangements to issue any of the additional shares of Class A Common Stock that would be authorized by the proposed Class A Amendment.  However, if shareholders approve the proposed Class A Amendment, the additional authorized shares would give the Board more flexibility in responding to a variety of corporate opportunities, including those discussed above, which, if they become available, are likely to require prompt action on our part. The Board believes that the increase in the authorized number of shares of Class A Common Stock will enable the Company to take timely advantage of market conditions and the availability of favorable opportunities without the delay and expense associated with convening a special meeting to obtain shareholder approval at that time (unless otherwise required by regulatory agencies or by NYSE rules).

year ending October 31, 2015.

PROPOSAL 31  The Company will have the authority to issue a total of 460,100,000 shares of all classes of stock if Proposal 4 is also approved.

2  The Company will have the authority to issue a total of 60,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock if Proposal 4 is approved.
10

Possible Effects of the Increase in Class A Common Stock
The Company has not proposed the increase in the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock with the intent of using the additional shares to prevent or discourage any actual or threatened takeover of the Company.  The Company currently has in effect a shareholder approved rights plan that is not designed to protect shareholders against the possibility of a hostile takeover.  Instead, it is meant to preserve shareholder value and the value of certain tax assets primarily associated with net loss carryforwards and built-in losses under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The proposed Class A Amendment does not change any of the existing terms of the rights plan.
The increase in the authorized number of shares of Class A Common Stock and the subsequent issuance of such shares could, however, have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of the Company without further action by shareholders. Shares of authorized and unissued Class A Common Stock could (within the limits imposed by applicable law) be issued in one or more transactions that could make a change of control of the Company less likely. The additional authorized shares could be used to discourage persons from attempting to gain control of the Company by diluting the voting power of shares then outstanding or by increasing the voting power of persons who would support the Board in a potential takeover scenario. However, this proposal is not made in response to any effort of which we are aware to accumulate our stock or to obtain control of us, nor do we have a present intent to use the additional shares of authorized Class A Common Stock to oppose a hostile takeover attempt or to delay or prevent changes in control of management.  In addition, members of the Hovnanian family, including Ara Hovnanian, the Chairman of our Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, have the power to cast a majority of the votes that can be cast by the holders of all our currently outstanding common stock, voting together, through personal holdings, the Limited Partnership, family trusts and shares held by the Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian.
You will not realize any dilution in your percentage ownership or your voting rights as a result of increasing our authorized Class A Common Stock.  In the absence of future issuances of our Class A Common Stock to you, issuances of additional shares of our Class A Common Stock in the future would dilute your percentage ownership and the voting power of the outstanding shares of our Class A Common Stock. In addition, the issuance of additional shares of our Class A Common Stock (or even the potential issuance) may have a depressive effect on the market price of our Class A Common Stock.  Shareholders do not have preemptive rights, which means that they do not have the right to purchase shares in any future issuance of Class A Common Stock in order to maintain their proportionate equity interests in the Company.
VOTE REQUIRED
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock requires the affirmative vote of the holders, represented in person or by proxy at the 2013 Annual Meeting, of (1) a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together, and (2) a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of Class A Common Stock.  In determining whether this proposal has received the requisite number of affirmative votes, abstentions will have no effect on the outcome because they are not considered votes cast. Approval of the Class A Amendment is not conditioned on the approval of the Class B Amendment described in Proposal 4.
If our shareholders approve the proposed Class A Amendment, it will become effective upon filing of an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State, which we anticipate doing as soon as practicable following shareholder approval. However, if our shareholders approve the proposed Class A Amendment, our Board retains discretion under Delaware law not to implement the proposed amendment. If our Board were to exercise such discretion, the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock would remain at current levels.
Mr. Hovnanian and others with voting power over the shares held by the Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian, the Limited Partnership and certain family trusts have informed the Company that they intend to vote in favor of this proposal.
11

Our Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the approval of the proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock.
(4) APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK
On December 14, 2012, subject to shareholder approval, the Board authorized an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class B Common Stock (the “Class B Common Stock”) from 30,000,000 shares to 60,000,000 shares (the “Class B Amendment”). Pursuant to Proposal 3, we are separately proposing an increase to our authorized Class A Common Stock, but we are not proposing an increase to the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock.
If approved by shareholders, the Class B Amendment would be reflected in an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., and the first paragraph of paragraph Fourth of our Certificate of Incorporation would be amended to provide as follows:
“FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 260,100,0003 shares, of which 200,000,0004 shares shall be Class A Common Stock having a par value of one cent ($0.01) per share, 60,000,000 shares shall be Class B Common Stock having a par value of one cent ($0.01) per share and 100,000 shares shall be Preferred Stock having a par value of one cent ($0.01) per share.”
If the shareholders approve the proposed amendment, it will become effective upon filing of an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State, which the Company anticipates doing as soon as practicable following shareholder approval.
The newly authorized shares of Class B Common Stock will have all the rights and privileges of the shares of Class B Common Stock presently authorized.  Therefore, approval of this proposal and any subsequent issuance of additional Class B Common Stock would not affect your current rights as a shareholder, except for any dilutive effects of a potential increase in the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock to, among other things, earnings per share, book value per share and the voting power of holders of our Class B Common Stock.
Reasons for the Proposal
The Company is a family enterprise that has been in operation since 1959, and the Company has maintained a shareholder approved dual-class capital structure since 1992. The Board established this structure as part of its philosophy to foster continuity and stability in the Company’s operations.
The Board continues to believe that it important to the Company’s continued and future development to provide for continuity of direction and management and to maintain stability in the Company’s relationships with its lenders, suppliers, contractors and others who are important to the conduct of the Company’s business. The Board also believes that the Hovnanian family’s direction and management of the Company and the stability in the Company’s relationships with others fostered by their control have been crucial to the growth and success of the Company over its history and will continue to be so in the future.
In light of the benefits to the Company of the continuity of share ownership and control of the Hovnanian family, the Board believes that it is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to maintain the relative proportion of the Class B Common Stock to the Class A Common Stock.  If Proposal 3 is approved, we would be authorized to issue 400,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.  Therefore, approval of the Class B Amendment would maintain the proportion of authorized Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as it currently stands and enable the Company to pursue the initiatives described in Proposal 3.

3  The Company will have the authority to issue a total of 460,100,000 shares of all classes of stock if Proposal 3 is also approved.
4  The Company will have the authority to issue a total of 400,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock if Proposal 3 is approved.
12

The Company has historically issued Class B Common Stock to the Hovnanian family in connection with equity awards and with the anticipation that the Class B Common Stock would be held for investment.  Under the terms of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, transfers of Class B Common Stock are restricted to certain permitted transferees (otherwise each share of Class B Common Stock would be converted into Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis) and, if the Class B Common Stock is held in nominee name, the beneficial owner of the Class B Common Stock is required to make representations that such holder has held continuously since the date of issuance in order to receive the benefit of the Class B Common Stock voting.  Absent such representations, each share of Class B Common Stock would carry the same number of votes as a share of Class A Common Stock.
Possible Effects of the Increase in Class B Common Stock
The Company has not proposed the increase in the number of authorized shares of Class B Common Stock with the intent of using the additional shares to prevent or discourage any actual or threatened takeover of the Company.  The Company currently has in effect a shareholder approved rights plan that is not designed to protect shareholders against the possibility of a hostile takeover.  Instead, it is meant to preserve shareholder value and the value of certain tax assets primarily associated with net loss carryforwards and built-in losses under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The proposed Class B Amendment does not change any of the existing terms of the rights plan.
The increase in the authorized number of shares of Class B Common Stock and the subsequent issuance of such shares could, however, have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of the Company without further action by shareholders.  Shares of authorized and unissued Class B Common Stock could (within the limits imposed by applicable law) be issued in one or more transactions that could make a change of control of the Company less likely. The additional authorized shares could be used to discourage persons from attempting to gain control of the Company by diluting the voting power of shares then outstanding or by increasing the voting power of persons who would support the Board in a potential takeover scenario. However, this proposal is not made in response to any effort of which we are aware to accumulate our stock or to obtain control of us, nor do we have a present intent to use the additional shares of authorized Class B Common Stock to oppose a hostile takeover attempt or to delay or prevent changes in control of management.   In addition, members of the Hovnanian family, including Ara Hovnanian, the Chairman of our Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, have the power to cast a majority of the votes that can be cast by the holders of all our currently outstanding common stock, voting together, through personal holdings, the Limited Partnership, family trusts and shares held by the Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian.
You will not realize any dilution in your percentage ownership or your voting rights as a result of increasing our authorized Class B Common Stock.  Issuances of additional shares of our Class B Common Stock in the future would dilute your percentage ownership and the voting power of the outstanding shares of our Class A Common Stock. In addition shareholders do not have preemptive rights.
VOTE REQUIRED
Approval of the proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class B Common Stock requires the affirmative vote of the holders, represented in person or by proxy at the 2013 Annual Meeting, of (1) a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together, and (2) a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of Class B Common Stock.  In determining whether this proposal has received the requisite number of affirmative votes, abstentions will have no effect on the outcome because they are not considered votes cast.  Approval of the Class B Amendment is not conditioned on the approval of the Class A Amendment described in Proposal 3.
If our shareholders approve the proposed Class B Amendment, it will become effective upon filing of an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State, which we anticipate doing as soon as practicable following shareholder approval. However, if our shareholders approve the proposed Class B Amendment, our Board retains discretion under Delaware law not to implement the proposed amendment. If our Board were to exercise such discretion, the number of authorized shares of Class B Common Stock would remain at current levels.
13

Mr. Hovnanian and others with voting power over the shares held by the Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian, the Limited Partnership and certain family trusts have informed the Company that they intend to vote in favor of this proposal.  Because of their collective voting power, this proposal is assured passage.
Our Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the approval of the proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class B Common Stock.
 (5) VOLUNTARY ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

In accordance with the requirements of Section 14A of the Exchange Act (which was added by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”))Act) and the related rules of the SEC, we are including in these proxy materials a separate resolution subject to shareholder vote to approve, in a non-binding vote, the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed on pages 1814 to 50.


52.

In light of the voting results with respect to the frequency of shareholder votes on executive compensation at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in which a substantial majority of our shareholders (96.3% of the votes cast by shareholders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together) voted for “say-on-pay” proposals to occur every three years, the Board of Directors initially decided that the Company would hold, in accordance with the vote of an overwhelming majority, a triennial advisory vote on the compensation of named executive officers, whichofficers. The next required “say-on-pay” vote would nextwill take place at the Company’s 20142017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  However,Shareholders; however, we have voluntarily elected to hold our nexta “say-on-pay” vote at this 20132015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


In considering their vote, shareholders may wish to review with care the information on the Company’s compensation policies and decisions regarding the named executive officers presented in Compensation Discussion and Analysis on pages 1814 to 36,34, as well as the discussion regarding the Compensation Committee on pages 16 and 17.

12 to 14.

As we discuss in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the Board of Directors believes that the Company’s long-term success depends in large measure on the talents of the Company’s employees. The Company’s compensation system plays a significant role in the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate the highest quality associates in a difficult market. The principal underpinnings of the Company’s compensation system are an acute focus on performance, shareholder alignment, sensitivity to the relevant market place and a long-term orientation.

The Compensation Committee ties increases or decreases in overall compensation with the overall financial performance of the Company. During fiscal years when the Company’s profitability has been higher, total compensation has been higher. During more recent years when the Company’s performance has been lower due in part to the economic downturn and recession, particularly in the housing industry, the Compensation Committee’s policies and actions have significantly lowered overall compensation.  These policies and actions include:


include the following.

·

Significant reductions in annual bonus opportunity,opportunities, where, on average, the maximum award for fiscal 2014 for all named executive officers is(“NEOs”) was approximately 92%79% lower than the maximum award received during the last ten years and approximately 39% lower thanyears.

Selection of bonus metrics to correspond to the maximum awardfinancial needs of the Company during the last four years;relevant period. During periods of profitability, the bonus metrics were focused on profitability and return on shareholders’ equity measures. During periods when there was little or no likelihood of profits, bonus metrics were focused on reducing the Company’s debt obligations and improving cash flow and liquidity to enable the Company to weather the difficult economic conditions and return to profitability.

·

Focus on improving EBITDA through a bonus component for our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and our Chief Operating Officer that is only earned if EBITDA improvement performance goals are met;
·

Focus on a return to profitability and lowering net debt or refinancing debt over a three-yearmulti-year performance periodperiods through a long-term incentive awardawards for all named executive officersNEOs in fiscal 2010;2010 and fiscal 2013.

·

Policy

Practice of generally targeting a fixed numbertying portions of stock options rather than a specific option value as partequity awards to performance criteria. For example, in fiscal 2014, the Chairman of the annual compensation program (sinceBoard, President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), the numberExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) and the Chief Operating Officer (the “COO”) were granted Market Share Units (“MSUs”). This award type, which we have not used previously, is tied to stock price performance. For the MSUs granted in fiscal 2014, 50% are subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price performance conditions applicable to all of stock options generally was not increased as stock prices in the homebuilding industry declined, the valueMSU awards. Additional details are described below under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Details of stock option grants to our named executive officers has declined significantly); andCompensation Elements – Stock Grants.”

·

Reduction in shareholder dilution through the Compensation Committee’s active

Active management of both equity award levels and the number of shares available for new equityequity-based awards.

14

The text of the resolution in respect of this proposal is as follows:


“Resolved, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K in the Proxy Statement relating to the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 12, 2013,10, 2015, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby approved.”

The Board recommends that shareholders vote FOR approval of this resolution.

 

15

THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) is the principal overseer of the Company’s various policies and procedures related to executive compensation. The Committee meets at least four times a year to discuss industry trends with regard to overall compensation issues and consults with outside compensation consultants as needed. The Committee is governed by its Charter, which is available on the Company’s public website (www.khov.com)at www.khov.com under “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance”.

Areas of Responsibility

The Committee, in conjunction with the Board of Directors and with management’s input, shapes the Company’s executive compensation philosophy and objectives. In particular, the Committee is charged with:


·

Reviewing and approving, at least annually, the salaries, bonuses and other forms of compensation, including stock optionequity grants, for the Company’s senior executives (which include the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”),  the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), the Chief Operating Officer (the “COO”)CEO, CFO, COO and the other named executive officers (“NEOs”)NEOs for whom compensation is reported in the tables below);

·

Reviewing, at least annually, compensation paid to the Company’s non-employee Directors;

·

Participating in the review of compensation of other designated key employees of the Company;

·

Periodically reviewing the Company’s policies and procedures pertaining to the Company’s equity award plans and forms of equity grants to all employees and non-employee Directors, employee benefit plans (for example, the 401(k) plan and deferred compensation plans), severance agreements and executive perquisites, and forms of equity grants to all employees and non-employee directors;perquisites;

·

Fostering good corporate governance practices as they relate to executive compensation; and

·

Reviewing, at least annually, as part of the Board of Directors’ oversight responsibilities, the Company's compensation program and reports from the Company’s CFOmanagement regarding hisits assessment of whether there are any compensation risks that are reasonably likely to result in a material adverse effect on the Company (see "Oversight of Risk Management" below).  In addition, the Committee regularly considers business and compensation risks as part of its process for establishing performance goals and determining incentive awards for each of the NEOs.NEOs; 

These

Preparing the compensation committee report on executive compensation for inclusion in the Company’s annual proxy statement, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE, SEC and other applicable regulatory bodies; and

Reviewing and discussing with management the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” (the “CD&A”) for inclusion in the Company’s annual proxy statement and, based on that review and discussion, determining whether or not to recommend to the Board of Directors that the CD&A be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement.

The Committee’s areas of responsibilities are discussed in more detail below under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”  During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012, the members of the Committee were all “non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, and “outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Compensation Review Process for the Named Executive Officers

The Committee, in conjunction with the Board of Directors and with management’s input, is responsible for making decisions related to the overall compensation of the NEOs.

At least annually, the Committee establishes objective financial measures for determining bonus awards to the NEOs. The Committee also considers salary, employee benefits and discretionary bonus awards, if any, for the NEOs.

 

In determining overall compensation for the NEOs, the Committee may consult with other members of the Board of Directors, including the CEO and the CFO. Each of theseCFO, rather than relying solely on the Company’s financial performance measures in determining their compensation. These individuals often providesprovide the Committee with insight on the individual and overall performance of executives (other than with respect to himself), including the achievement of personal objectives, if any, rather than relying solely on the Company’s financial performance measures in determining their compensation.any.  The CEO and CFO are not present for the Committee’s evaluation of their individual performance. The Committee also reviews and analyzes the compensation of the named executive officers of the Company’s peer group of 11 publicly-traded homebuilding companies (the “Peer Group”), discussed further below.  The Committee may engage outside compensation consultants in relation to various compensation issues.  The Committee may also instruct a compensation consultant to provide assistance in fostering an overall compensation program that aligns with its compensation philosophy to guide, motivate, retain and reward its executives for the achievement of the Company’s financial performance, strategic initiatives and individual goals, including increased long-term shareholder value in the context of a challenging business environment.  Notwithstanding any input from compensation consultants, the Committee has the sole discretion to make all final decisions related to NEO compensation.

16

Outside Compensation Consultant and No Conflicts of Interest

For fiscal 2012,2014, the Committee engaged Pearl MeyerFrederic W. Cook & PartnersCo., Inc. (“PM&P”F.W. Cook”) as the Committee’s outside compensation consultant to provide certain services related to executive and non-employee Director compensation.  PM&P does not provide any other services to the Company unless approved by the Committee, and no such services were provided in fiscal 2012.  After considering the relevant factors, the Company has determined that no conflicts of interest have been raised in connection with the services PM&P performed for the Company in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2012, PM&P2014, F.W. Cook assisted the Committee with its review of the Company’s annual bonus and long-term incentive plans for the NEOs as well as its review of the compensation program for the non-employee directors.

F.W. Cook does not provide any other services to the Company unless approved by the Committee, and no such services were provided in fiscal 2014.  After considering the relevant factors, the Company has determined that no conflicts of interest have been raised in connection with the services F.W. Cook performed for the Company in fiscal 2014.

The Committee’s primary objective in engaging PM&PF.W. Cook has been to obtain advice and feedback related to maintaining programs that provide compensation opportunities for executives within the median range of the competitive homebuilderPeer Group forcomparable financial performance and PM&Pperformance. F.W. Cook also provided assistance to the Committee in fostering an overall compensation program as discussed above.

The Committee weighs the advice and feedback from its compensation consultant and the members of the Board of Directors, as well as the views of, and information gathered by, the members of management it has consulted in conjunction with its review of other information the Committee considers relevant when making decisions or making recommendations to the full Board of Directors regarding executive compensation.


Board Communication


The Company’s Board of Directors is updated at least quarterly of any compensation decisions or recommendations made by the Committee, and the Committee requests feedback from the Board of Directors regarding specific compensation issues as it deems necessary.

Compensation Committee Report

The Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis provided below with the Company’s management. Based on this review and discussion, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statementProxy Statement and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.

2014.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Stephen D. Weinroth, Chair

Robert B. Coutts

Edward A. Kangas

Joseph A. Marengi

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012,2014, the members of the Compensation Committee were Messrs. Weinroth, Coutts, Kangas and Coutts.Marengi. Each of Messrs. Weinroth, Coutts, Kangas and Coutts areMarengi is a non-employee Directors, wereDirector, was never officersan officer or employeesemployee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and did not have any relationships requiring disclosure under Item 404404(a) of Regulation S-K during fiscal 2012.in this Proxy Statement. None of our executive officers served on the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has or had one or more executive officers who served on our Board of Directors or our Compensation Committee during fiscal 2012.

17

2014.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


Company Performance in Fiscal 2012


Beginning2014

In fiscal 2014, the Company generated growth in revenues and achieved its second consecutive year of profitability.  However, the significant market growth exhibited in the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company began to see positive operating trends, which continued into the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2012.housing industry in 2013 moderated in 2014.  Below are some highlights forof the Company’s performance during fiscal 2012:


2014:

·

Total revenues for fiscal 20122014 were $1.5$2.06 billion, up 30.9%11.4% from $1.1$1.85 billion during all of fiscal 2011;2013;


·

During fiscal 2012,2014, the dollar value of consolidated net contracts including unconsolidated joint ventures, increased 43.9%10.0% to $1.9$2.11 billion compared with $1.3$1.91 billion for fiscal 2011,2013, and the number of consolidated net contracts increased 30.1%slightly to 5,8385,559 homes for fiscal 2014 compared with 4,4885,544 homes in the previous year;


·

During fiscal 2012,2014, consolidated deliveries including those in our unconsolidated joint ventures, were 5,3565,497 homes compared with 4,2165,266 homes during fiscal 2011,2013, representing an increase of 27.0%4.4%;


·

Contract

Consolidated contract backlog as of October 31, 2012, including that in our unconsolidated joint ventures,2014 was $742.2$855.8 million for 2,1452,229 homes, which was an increase of 34.4%12.3% and 29.0%2.9%, respectively, compared to October 31, 2011;2013;


·

During all of fiscal 2012,2014, homebuilding gross margin percentage, before interest expense and land charges included in cost of sales, was 17.8%19.9% compared with 15.6%20.1% in 2011;fiscal 2013;


·

During all of fiscal 2012,2014, total selling, general and administrative expenses were $190.3$254.9 million, or 12.8%12.4% of total revenues, compared with $211.4$220.2 million, or 18.6%11.9% of total revenues, for fiscal 2011;2013;


·

The Company refinanced $797

Pre-tax profit for fiscal 2014 was $20.2 million compared with pre-tax profit of $21.9 million for fiscal 2013;

A non-cash tax benefit of $285.1 million from the reduction of the Company’s valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets was included in net income for fiscal 2014;

Net income for fiscal 2014 was $307.1 million, or $1.87 per fully diluted common share, compared with net income of $31.3 million, or $0.22 per fully diluted common share for fiscal 2013; and

Total liquidity as of October 31, 2014 was $309.2 million compared to $373.5 million as of October 31, 2013. Total liquidity as of October 31, 2014 included $255.1 million of securedhomebuilding cash, $5.6 million of restricted cash required to collateralize letters of credit and $48.5 million of availability under the unsecured revolving credit facility. Total liquidity pro forma for the $250.0 million senior notes during the fourth quarteroffering in November 2014 would have been $554.9 million as of fiscal 2012, which reduces annual cash interest payments by approximately $17 million and extends the maturity of the refinanced debt from 2016 until 2020; andOctober 31, 2014.


Best Practices

·

The fiscal year-end closing price of a share of Class A Common Stock increased 199% compared to 2011.

Best Practices
·

Pay-for-Performance:  The Compensation Committee (“Committee”) ties increases or decreases in overalltotal compensation with the overall financial performance of the Company. During fiscal years when the Company’s profitability has been higher, total compensation has been higher. During more recent years when the Company’s performance has been lower due in part to the economic downturn and recession, which ishas been particularly significant in the housing industry, the overalltotal compensation has been lower.  The Committee seeks to motivate management to achieve improved financial performance of the Company through bonus plans that reward higher performance with increased bonus opportunities. In its selection ofbonuses. The metrics the Committee has selected to measure bonus achievement the Committee has selected metrics to correspondhave corresponded to the financial needs of the Company during the relevant period. During periods of profitability, the bonus metrics were focused on profitability and return on shareholders’ equity measures. During recent periods when there was little or no likelihood of profits, bonus metrics were focused on opportunities that would reducereducing the Company’s debt obligations and improveimproving cash flow and liquidity to enable the Company to weather the difficult economic conditions and return to profitability.

 

18


The following graph demonstrates the link between the CEO’s annual realized pay and the Company’s Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”).  Annual realized pay includes: (1) base salary, annual bonus, perquisites and other compensation (“Annual Compensation”) plus (2) long-term cash awards and stock awards vesting during the fiscal year and the realized value of options exercised during the year (“Realized Value of Long-Term Compensation”).

(1)

Represents the value of (1) the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Program award for performance during fiscal 2011, 2012 and 2013, which vested during fiscal 2013 and 2014 and (2) the June 10, 2011 restricted stock unit award (the only restricted stock unit award vesting in these years) for performance during fiscal 2012 and 2013, which vested during fiscal 2013 and 2014. The CEO did not exercise any stock options during the fiscal 2011 through 2014 period.

  The following graph demonstrates the link between the CEO’s annual realized pay and the Company’s Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”).  Annual realized pay includes salary, annual bonus, perquisites and other compensation plus the realized value of options exercised and shares vesting during the fiscal year.

 (1)(2)

The TSR Index measures the change in the Company's stock price relative to fiscal 2006.2011.  The index for each fiscal year is determined by comparing the fiscal year-ending stock price to the ending stock price in fiscal 20062011 which is set at 100.


·

Emphasis on Long-Term Value Creation and Retention:  The Committee seeks to align the interests of management with the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders by granting a significant portion of thetheir total compensation in the form of stock optionsequity that increaseincreases in value as the Company’s financial performance improves.  The Committee also seeks to retain management through the utilization ofby using compensation methods that require executives to be employed through various vesting periods in order to receive the full financial benefits of stock optionequity grants that vest over multiple years deferred shares as part of an annual bonus, and awards under the Long-Term Incentive Programlong-term incentive programs implemented in fiscal 2010.2010 and 2013.

·

Maintaining an Appropriate Peer Group:  In constructing the Peer Group described below, the Committee selected those companies that compete directly with the Company in the homebuilding industry, are of comparable size and complexity in operations to the Company and are generally in the markets in which the Company competes. The Committee reviews the composition of the Peer Group on an annual basis and makes adjustments, if needed.  The Committee reviews the executive compensation of the Peer Group companies and seeks to award target total direct compensation (the sum of base salary, annual bonus/incentive awards and long-term incentive awards (including the grant date fair value of equity awards and the annualized value of long-term incentive program awards at the target outcome for the performance criteria), but excluding all other compensation elements) opportunity for our NEOs near the median of the Peer Group, with variation in actual compensation earned both above and below the median, depending on performance.

CEO Total Direct Compensation vs. Peer Group:  The following graphs compare the CEO’s total direct compensation to the Peer Group chief executive officer median data for fiscal 2011 through 2013. No comparison is shown for fiscal 2014 because complete Peer Group chief executive officer median data was not available at the time of filing this Proxy Statement. For fiscal 2014, our CEO’s base salary was $1.1 million, his bonus was $1.1 million and his long-term incentive awards (including the grant date fair value of MSUs and the annualized value of long-term incentive program awards at the target outcome for the performance criteria) were $4.7 million.

Hovnanian CEO Total Direct Compensation vs.

Peer Group CEO Median Total Direct Compensation (1)(2) ($`000)

 

(1)

Reflects the sum of base salary, annual bonus/incentive awards and long-term incentive awards (including thegrant date fair value of equity awards and theannualized value of long-term incentive program awards at the target outcome for the performance criteria) and excludes all other compensation elements.

 ·

(2)

Data shown is based on each Peer Group company’s respective fiscal year which varies among Peer Group companies and, consequently, may be different than the Company’s fiscal year.

(3)

Long-term incentives include the grant date fair value of equity awards and the annualized value of long-term incentive program awards at the target outcome for the performance criteria.


Hovnanian CEO Total Direct Compensation vs.

Peer Group CEO Median Total Direct Compensation (1)(2)

(1)

Reflects the sum of base salary, annual bonus/incentive awards and long-term incentive awards (including thegrant date fair value of equity awards and theannualized value of long-term incentive program awards at the target outcome for performance criteria) but excludes all other compensation elements.

(2)

Data shown is based on each Peer Group company’s respective fiscal year which varies among Peer Group companies and, consequently, may be different than the Company’s fiscal year.

No Employment Agreements, Excise Tax Gross-Ups SERPs or Defined Benefit Plans:  The Company does not maintain employment or other agreements that provide contractual rights to employees upon termination of employment (other than upon death or disability), except for the change in control severance agreements the Company entered into with Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan in January 2012 discussed below and in footnote (5) to the “Potential Payments Upon Termination Oror Change-In-Control Table,” and the vesting of equity-based awards in the case of retirement or in connection with a qualifying termination in case of a change in control. The Company does not provide excise tax gross-ups supplemental executive retirement plans or defined benefit pension plans for any NEOs.

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·

Maintenance and EnforcementMonitoring of Stock Ownership Guidelines: The Board of Directors has established stock ownership guidelines pursuant to which the CEO, CFO and COO are requested to achieve and maintain recommended minimum levels of stock ownership as set forth below under “Stock Ownership Guidelines.”

·

Perquisites:  The Committee has provided NEOs only a few perquisites in addition to typical medical, dental and life insurance benefits.  The Company limits the personalPersonal use of Company automobiles and its fractional aircraft share, reimbursement for country club dues and personal income tax preparation and accounting services are limited to the CEO.  Our perquisites do not includeThere are no tax gross-ups on any tax gross-ups.of our perquisites.

Clawback Policy:  Under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, if we are required to restate our financial results due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirements as a result of misconduct, the CEO and CFO could be required to reimburse us for any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation received during the 12 months following the first public issuance of the non-complying document and any profits realized from the sale of our securities during those 12 months. In addition to this requirement, it is the Company’s policy that, if we are required to restate our financial results due to material noncompliance by the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws as a result (directly or indirectly) of an executive officer’s misconduct, the Board of Directors will require, at its discretion and approval, the reimbursement and/or cancellation of any incentive-based compensation (including stock options awarded as compensation) in excess of the amount that would have been awarded based on the restated financial results.  This policy applies to incentive-based compensation awarded to the executive officer during the three-year period preceding the date on which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement based on erroneous data.

 

Compensation Decisions for Fiscal 2012


2014

The Committee’s compensation decisions for fiscal 20122014 reflected a conservative approach to fixed pay elements (base salary), the achievement of pre-established goals (annual bonuses) and long-term equity awards well below median of the Peer Group in view of the challenging business environment and the Company’s stock performance in such environment.

awards.

·

Base Salaries:   For the eighth year in a row, the Committee did not increase the CEO’s base salary. The CEO and CFO received noCommittee approved a 3% base salary increase, which was effective December 21, 2013, for fiscal 2012.  The remaining three NEOs received a salary increase.  In December 2011, the Committee approved fiscal 2012 increases foreach of Messrs. Sorsby, Pellerito, Valiaveedan and O’Connor.  The increases for Messrs. PelleritoO’Connor and Valiaveedan were approved in order to move them closer to the Peer Group medianconsideration of their individual performance and in the case of Mr. Valiaveedan, to further align himline with the median level for the broad-based compensation survey data (as described further under “Compensation PhilosophyCompany’s ordinary course merit-based salary and Objectives – Peer Group Considerations”).  Mr. O’Connor received ancost of living increase as a result of his promotion to Vice President Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller.practices. See “Details of Compensation Elements – Base Salaries” below for additional information on base salaries.

·

Regular Annual Bonuses:  Consistent with the achievement of specified financial or personal objectives, fiscal 20122014 annual bonuses were paid to all NEOs.  Bonuses for the CEO, CFO and COO, however, were lower than in fiscal 2013 because the Company did not achieve at least a 20% improvement in Pre-tax Profit (as defined below) compared to fiscal 2013, which was required in order for these NEOs to be eligible to earn the same bonuses as forthey did in fiscal 2011.2013.  Bonuses for the other NEOsMessrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan each increased 3%, which was in proportion to the amount of their annual salary increases, asbecause they again achieved maximum performance under the personal objectives component of their respective bonus calculations are a percentage of base salary.formulas.  Additional details are described below under “Details of Compensation Elements – Annual Bonuses – Regular Bonuses.”

·

Discretionary Bonuses:  Discretionary  The Committee did not award discretionary bonuses were awarded to Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Valiaveedan inany NEO for fiscal 2013 in respect of their performance in fiscal 2012, as described further under “Details of Compensation Elements – Annual Bonuses – Discretionary Bonuses.”2014.


·

Long-Term Awards, including stock options, market share units and participation in the Long-Term Incentive Program (described below):  Grants of equity awards made to NEOs in fiscal 2012 and the annualized target value of the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Program fell considerably below median Peer Group long-term incentive compensation levels.  The Long-Term Incentive Program was implemented in fiscal 2010 as a multi-year award with a three-year performance period (fiscal 2011-2013), with additional vesting conditions indescribed below: For fiscal 2014, and 2015.  In fiscal 2012, the Committee determined that stock options granted in June 2012 to the CEO, CFO and COO would have an exercise price 33 1/3% aboveawards in the closingform of MSUs rather than stock price onoptions, although the grant date.  In determining to granttarget number of shares underlying the MSU awards for fiscal 2014 and the target number of shares underlying the stock options with an exercise price at this premium level,for fiscal 2013 remained the Committee sought to provide a stronger link with increased shareholder value, as these executives have more significant responsibility for the Company’s long-term strategy as compared to the other NEOs.same. The Committee also determined to increase the number of options awarded in recognitionthat 50% of the premium pricing and its determination thatMSUs would be subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the CEO, CFO and COO’s long-term incentive values on the grant date (including recent annual option grants and the annualized fiscal 2010 valuestock price performance conditions applicable to all of the LTIP at target, discussed below) were considerably belowMSU awards. These additional performance-based MSUs will not vest unless the median value of long-term incentive awards granted to the Peer Group chief executive officers, chiefspecific financial officers and chief operating officers.  Additional details areperformance conditions described below under “Details of Compensation Elements – Stock Grants.”


·
ChangeGrants” are met. Mr. O’Connor received the same number of stock options as in Controlfiscal 2013 and Severance Agreements:  In January 2012, the Company entered into changeMr. Valiaveedan’s grant increased from 15,000 stock options in control severance protection agreements with Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan.fiscal 2013 to 20,000 stock options in fiscal 2014 (as discussed below under “Details of Compensation Elements – Stock Grants”). The Committee considers the continued services of these key executives whose skills are not specifically tied to the homebuilding industry to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.  The agreements are designed to reinforce and encourage their continued attention and dedication to their duties of employment without personal distraction or conflict of interest in circumstances which could arise from the occurrence of a change in control of the Company.  These agreements provide benefits following a change in control only if the executive is terminated involuntarily or terminates with Good Reason.  Neither of these agreements provide for excise tax gross-ups. The provisions of such agreements are2013 LTIP, described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination Or Change-In-Control Table.“Details of Compensation Elements,
20

·
Impact on CEO Total Direct Compensation:  The following graphs compare was implemented in fiscal 2012 CEO total direct compensation (the sum of base salary, annual bonus/incentive2013 as a multi-year award with a 31-month performance period and long-term incentive awards, excluding all other compensation elements) to the most recently published Peer Group median data available to the Committee when finalizing fiscal 2012 CEO compensation.

(1)Reflects the most recently published Peer Group Median data available to the Committee when finalizing fiscal 2012 CEO compensation. Note that the annual incentive and long-term incentive compensation levelsadditional vesting conditions for two offiscal years beyond the eleven peer group CEOs reflected in the Peer Group Median were substantially lower than their prior year levels because these CEOs were no longer serving in such positions during or just after the end of the year for which the data was gathered.  Had these two CEOs been excluded from the Peer Group CEO Median, the Peer Group CEO Median would have been higher and, consequently, the CEO’s Total Direct Compensation would have been further below the Peer Group CEO Median Total Direct Compensation.performance period.

(1)Reflects the most recently published Peer Group Median data available to the Committee when finalizing fiscal 2012 CEO compensation. Note that the annual incentive and long-term incentive compensation levels for two of the eleven peer group CEOs reflected in the Peer Group Median were substantially lower than their prior year levels because these CEOs were no longer serving in such positions during or just after the end of the year for which the data was gathered. Had these two CEOs been excluded from the Peer Group CEO Median, the Peer Group CEO Median would have been higher and, consequently, the CEO’s Total Direct Compensation would have been further below the Peer Group CEO Median Total Direct Compensation.
21

2. COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES

The Committee, in conjunction with the Board of Directors and with senior management, has been instrumental in shaping the Company’s compensation philosophy and objectives because of its responsibilities and oversight of the Company’s various policies and procedures concerning executive compensation.

The six primary objectives that the Committee considers in making compensation decisions are discussed below, as are our other philosophies and mechanisms for determining compensation. In making compensation-related decisions, the Committee also considered its role in promoting good corporate governance practices.

Primary Objectives for the Compensation Program

The Company’s primary objectives for compensating its executives are as follows:

1.

To fairly compensate its executives in a manner that is appropriate with respect to their performance, level of responsibilities, abilities and skills;

2.

To offer compensation that guides, motivates, retains and rewards its executives for the achievement of the Company’s financial performance, strategic initiatives and individual goals;

3.

To align the executive’s interests with the interests of theour shareholders;

4.

To maintain competitive pay opportunities for its executives so that it retains its talent pool and, at the same time, has the ability to attract new and highly-qualified individuals to join the organization as it grows or in the event of succession or replacement of an executive;

5.

To safeguard that the reward system is appropriately designed in the context of a challenging business environment; and

6.

To ensure that compensation plans do not incentivize a level of risk that is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

Tailored Compensation

Consistent with these objectives, the Company’s compensation philosophy also takes into consideration the very unique roles played by each of the NEOs for whom compensation is reported in the tables below, and the Committee seeks to individually tailor their compensation packages to align their pay mix and pay levels with their contributions to, and positions within, the Company. For example:

·

CEO, CFO and COO: The compensation packagepackages of the CEO, Mr. Ara K. Hovnanian, the CFO, Mr. J. Larry Sorsby, and the COO, Mr. Thomas J. Pellerito, differ from that of the other NEOs due to their unique roles and elevated set of responsibilities. Because the CEO, CFO and COO make executive decisions that influence the direction, stability and profitability of the Company, their overall compensation is intended to strongly align with objective financial measures of the Company.

·

Other NEOs: The Company’s Vice President — Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller, Mr. Brad G. O’Connor, and Vice President — Finance and Treasurer, Mr. David G. Valiaveedan, have, as a result of their respective positions, less direct influence on the Company’s strategic and operational decisions. Therefore, overall compensation levels for these NEOs reflect both objective financial measures of the Company and the attainment of personal objectives (as determined by the Committee, which may consult with the CFO, the CEO and other members of senior management)management regarding these determinations).  

22

Variable Incentive Compensation and Discretionary Awards

The Company’s compensation philosophy emphasizes variable incentive compensation elements (bonus and long-term incentives), the value of which reflects the Company’s financial and stock performance. For executives who report to the CFO, including Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan, the variable compensation elements also include personal performance objectives.

For all executive officers, the Committee retains the flexibility to adjust incentive awards downward or to consider discretionary bonus awards in “special circumstances”special circumstances as described on page 31below under “Discretionary Bonuses.”  

Peer Group Considerations

As context for setting the compensation levels for the CEO, CFO and COO in fiscal 2012,2014, the Committee considered the compensation levels and practices of its Peer Group companies. The Company’s Peer Group includes the following 11 publicly-traded homebuilding companies: (1) Beazer Homes USA, Inc.; (2) D.R. Horton, Inc.; (3) KB Home; (4) Lennar Corporation; (5) M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.; (6) Meritage Homes Corporation; (7) NVR, Inc.; (8) Pulte Homes,Group, Inc.; (9) Ryland Group, Inc.; (10) The Standard Pacific Corp.; and (11) Toll Brothers, Inc. The companies in the Peer Group are the same as those used in fiscal 20112013 and were selected by the Committee, in consultation with PM&Pthe Committee’s compensation consultant, F.W. Cook, and management, because of their comparable business profile. In particular, the Company’s revenue size relative to the companies in the Peer Group and the presence of the Peer Group companies in the Company’s markets were considered the most relevant factors for selection of peer companies within the homebuilding industry. The Committee will continue to review the appropriateness of the Peer Group composition.  For the other NEOs, the Committee places equal or greater weight on its consideration of internal pay equity, an evaluation of individual performance contributions and other factors described in detail below.


The Committee relies heavily on Peer Group comparisons for the CEO, CFO and COO.  Because only fourfive of the 11 Peer Group companies report data for a chief operating officer position, the Committee may also review broad-based compensation survey data for the COO.  The Committee periodically reviews the compensation for the other NEOs relative to the Peer Group and broad-based compensation survey data, with consideration of internal pay relationships in years when market benchmarking is not conducted. The Committee does not consider the specific participants in the broad-based compensation survey data to be a material factor in its review.reviews.  The Committee believes that a review of market survey data periodically (but not necessarily every year) is sufficient for these positions based on their roles and historical compensation levels. The Committee consideredreviewed broad-based market survey data in connectionfiscal 2014 to assess current market trends with its fiscal 2012respect to compensation determinations.

for the positions held by the other NEOs.

 

Consideration of Market Conditions

In determining overall compensation for all the NEOs, the Committee also takes into account leadership abilities and risk management contributions, which are especially critical during difficult market conditions.  In addition, in establishing compensation levels, the Committee takes into consideration competitive market pressures, both within and outside of the homebuilding industry.

Since

From late 2006 through the beginning of 2012, the homebuilding industry hashad been impacted by a lack of consumer confidence, increasing home foreclosure rates, large supplies of resale and new home inventories, and more restrictive lending standards for homebuyers, resulting in weak demand for new homes, slower sales, higher than normal cancellation rates, and increased price discounts and other sales incentives to attract homebuyers. BeginningIn 2013, the homebuilding industry showed significant market growth over the prior years, however the growth exhibited in the second quarter of fiscal 2012,2013 moderated in 2014. During 2014, the Company began to seeexperienced some positive operating trends which continued intocompared to the thirdprior year such as higher revenues, higher deliveries and fourth quarters of fiscal 2012.increased community count. See “Executive Summary” for highlights of the Company’s performance in fiscal 2012.

During fiscal 2012,2014.

As an example of the Committee’s consideration of market conditions at the time of setting bonus formulas, the Committee sought to emphasize improving EBITDA without limiting management’s ability to strategically deploy cash, suchpre-tax profit and liquidity and, as for repurchasing debt and making land purchases, in anticipation of the initial stages of recovery in the homebuilding industry.  As a result, the Committee approvedfiscal 2014 bonus formulas for the CEO, CFO and COO included both a pre-tax profit and a liquidity balances component. In addition, the bonus formulas for these NEOs were structured so that they required at least a 20% improvement in Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2014 over fiscal 2013 in order for the CEO, CFO and COO to be eligible for the same bonus metrics foramount under their new fiscal 20122014 bonus formula as inthey earned under their fiscal 2011, except that the cash balances component was removed.   For fiscal 2012, the CEO and CFO salaries remained the same as in fiscal 2011.  The salaries2013 bonus formula.

As another example of the COO, Mr. Thomas Pellerito, Vice President — Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller, Mr. Brad G. O’Connor, and Vice President — Finance and Treasurer, Mr. David G. Valiaveedan, were increased by 10%, 8.5% and 5.3%, respectively, over fiscal 2011.  The salary increases for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan resulted in a corresponding increase in the dollar amountconsideration of their bonus opportunity for fiscal 2012.  The adjustments for Messrs. Pellerito and Valiaveedan were made to provide better alignment with the compensation of comparable positions in the Peer Group and, for Mr. Valiaveedan, to further align him with the median level in the broad-based compensation survey data.  Mr. O’Connor’s base salary was increased as a result of his promotion to Vice President — Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller.

23


In setting fiscal 2012 compensation,market conditions, the Committee determined that stock options50% of the MSUs granted in June 20122014 to the CEO, CFO and COO would have an exercise price 33 1/3% abovebe subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the closing stock price onperformance conditions applicable to all MSU awards. These additional performance-based MSUs will not vest unless the grant dateCommittee determines that the Company achieved specified total revenue growth goals in connection with an increase in the number of options awarded for the reasonsfiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2014, as discussed above under “Executive Summary – Compensation Decisions for Fiscal 2012.”

below.

Say-on-Pay and Say-on-Frequency Votes


In light of the voting results with respect to the frequency of shareholder votes on executive compensation at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at which a substantial majority of our shareholders (96.3% of the votes cast by shareholders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together) voted for “say-on-pay” proposals to occur every three years, the Board of Directors initially decided that the Company would hold, in accordance with the vote of an overwhelming majority, a triennialan advisory vote on the compensation of named executive officers which would next take place atevery three years. However, the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  However, we haveCompany voluntarily elected to hold our nexta “say-on-pay” vote at thisits 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.   We currently expectShareholders in advance of the next required vote. Because the last scheduled “say-on-pay” vote was held at the 2014 Annual of Meeting of Shareholders, the Company’s next advisory vote on the frequencycompensation of shareholder votes onits named executive officer compensationofficers is required to occurbe held at the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


Nonetheless, the Company has again voluntarily elected to hold a “say-on-pay” vote at its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The Board of Directors thoughtfully considers the opinions expressed by shareholders through their votes, periodic meetings and other communications, and believes that shareholder engagement leads to enhanced governance practices. During fiscal 2012,2014, the Company conducted proactive investor outreach programs, including attending 1013 investor conferences as well as other meetings with the investment community and meeting one-on-one or in small groups with more than 250200 investors. Additionally, the Company periodically engages investors to discuss specific matters of importance to shareholders.  For example, in March 2012, the CFO contacted several major institutional shareholders to obtain feedback regarding the Company’s compensation philosophy and pay levels for which he received positive feedback.


In addition, the Committee considered the result of the 2014 advisory, non-binding “say-on-pay” proposal in connection with the discharge of its responsibilities. A substantial majority of our shareholders (99.1% of the votes cast by shareholders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together) approved the compensation of our named executive officers for fiscal 2013 described in our proxy statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. As this level of support was extremely high, the Committee decided that the say-on-pay vote result did not necessitate substantive changes to our compensation programs.

3. FISCAL 20122014 COMPENSATION ELEMENTS AND COMPENSATION MIX

Compensation Elements at a Glance

There are five main compensation elements that support the Company’s compensation objectives, each of which is discussed in detail below.

1.     Base salaries;
2.     Annual bonuses;
3.     Stock grants (for example, stock options and restricted stock unit awards);
4.     Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTIP”) (described below) (payable in both cash and stock); and
5.     Other employee benefits, including limited perquisites.

1.

Base salaries;

2.

Annual bonuses;

3.

Stock grants (for example, stock options and MSU and restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards);

4.

Long-Term Incentive Programs (“LTIPs”) (described below) (payable in both cash and stock); and

5.

Other employee benefits, including limited perquisites.

Compensation Mix

Fixed vs. Variable Compensation. A significant portion of executives’ “Total Direct Compensation” (which includes base salary, annual bonuses, stock grants and LTIP awards) opportunity consists of variable compensation – that is, the compensation ultimately realized compensation on an annualized basis is dependent on either Company or individual performance. Of the elements of Total Direct Compensation, base salary is fixed compensation, while annual bonuses, stock grants and LTIP awards are variable compensation. An important part of each NEO’s compensation package consists of stock options,equity, the ultimate value of which is tied to the Company’s stock performance. These variable elements are intended to align the executives’ performance and interests with Company performance and long-term shareholder value.

The intent of the Committee for fiscal 20122014 was to maintain variable compensation opportunity as a significant percentage of Total Direct Compensation opportunity for all NEOs and to maintain its approximate level from year to year. In addition, the Committee intends for Total Direct Compensation and the level of variable compensation realized to align with the median level of the Peer Group in years when the Company performs at median levels compared to the Peer Group. From fiscal 2007 through fiscal 2012,2014, the percentage of variable compensation received by the Company’s NEOs had declined from historical levels because total bonus amounts ultimately received by our NEOs were zero for the CEO for fiscal 2007 and significantly lower than historical amounts for all NEOs from fiscal 2007 through fiscal 2012.2014.  Fiscal 20122014 bonus amounts, on average, were approximately 92%89% lower than the highest award for these NEOs during the last ten years.  InFor fiscal 2012,2014, the Committee also awarded stock grants to each of the NEOs, as discussed below, at values that were lower than historical levels even when considering the greater number of options awarded togranted the CEO, CFO and COO with an exercise price 33 1/3% aboveawards in the closingform of MSUs rather than stock options, although the target number of shares underlying the MSU awards for fiscal 2014 and the target number of shares underlying the stock options for fiscal 2013 remain the same. The Committee also determined that 50% of the MSUs would be subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price onperformance conditions applicable to all MSU awards. Mr. O’Connor received the same number of stock options as in fiscal 2013 and Mr. Valiaveedan’s grant date.  The value of theincreased from 15,000 stock options in fiscal 20122013 to 20,000 stock grants were also well below the Peer Group median long-term incentive values for the CEO, CFO and COO and well below the Peer Group and broad-based compensation survey median for the other NEOs.

24

options in fiscal 2014, as discussed below.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Compensation. An important portion of each NEO’s Total Direct Compensation is long-term compensation, which normally includesmay include stock option, MSU, RSU and/or restricted stock unitLTIP awards and deferred share awards granted in lieu of cash for a portion of total bonus amounts.  Short-term compensation consists of base salary and the cash portion of annual bonus amounts. Long-term compensation is intended to foster long-term commitment by the executive, employee-shareholder alignment and improved long-term shareholder value.  From fiscal 2009 through fiscal 20122014 there were no deferred shares awarded to NEOs due to the reduced amount of the overall bonuses for each NEO as compared to more profitable years, and the annual bonus amounts were paid 100% in cash.cash.  In fiscal 2010,2013, the Committee also adopted a specialan LTIP for the named executive officersNEOs and other key senior executives of the Company, as discussed below. No RSUs were granted to any NEOs in fiscal 2014.


The average long-term compensation amounts (including stock and option grants at their grant date fair value and the LTIP award annualized at target) as a percent of Total Direct Compensation for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 for the CEO and CFO were 48% and 34%, respectively.  The average long-term compensation amount (including stock and option grants at their grant date fair value and the LTIP awardawards annualized at target) as a percent of Total Direct Compensation for fiscal years 2010 through 20122014 for the CEO, CFO and COO (who was promoted to his current position in fiscal 2010) was 36%.were 57%, 43% and 40%, respectively. The average long-term compensation amounts (including stock and option grants at their grant date fair value and the LTIP awards annualized at target) as a percent of Total Direct Compensation for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan arehave been and continue to be lower than that of the CEO, CFO and COO because while the Committee believes it is important for these executives to be compensated in part based on the long-term performance of the Company, they have less direct influence on the long-term financial success of the Company as compared to the CEO, CFO and COO.

4. DETAILS OF COMPENSATION ELEMENTS

Base Salaries

Base salaries are intended to reward executives for their day-to-day contributions to the Company. The Committee believes that base salaries within the competitive median range are necessary to retain the Company’s executive talent pool, and it determined that the fiscal 20122014 base salaries of the Company’s executive officers were necessary to retain their services.

Base salaries of all the NEOs are reviewed annually by the Committee and are subject to adjustment based on factors that may include individual performance, change in responsibilities, average salary increases or decreases in the industry, compensation for similar positions involvingin the Company’s Peer Group or broad-based compensation survey data if comparable data were unavailable from the Peer Group companies, as well as other factors such as cost of living increases and internal pay relationships with other executives.

·

CEO: For fiscal 2007 through 2012,2014, the CEO did not receive any adjustments in his existing annual base salary. This reflectssalary, which was reflective of the Company’s budget cuts and downsizing due to industry conditions. Based on discussions with PM&PF.W. Cook and peer groupPeer Group market data gathered by management, the Committee determined that the CEO’s fiscal 20122014 base salary was near the median base salary level of other chief executive officers at Peer Group companies.

·

CFO: For fiscal 2011 and 2012,through 2013, the CFO did not receive any adjustments in his annual base salary.  The Committee determined that the CFO’s fiscal 2012 base salary was near the median base salary level of other chief financial officers at Peer Group companies.

·COO: For fiscal 2012, the COO2014, Mr. Sorsby received a 10%3% salary increase in consideration of his annual baseindividual performance and in line with the Company’s ordinary course merit-based and cost of living salary to move him closer to the Peer Group median. Notwithstanding that increase the Committee determined that Mr. Pellerito’s base salary remains below the median base salary level of other chief operating officers at Peer Group companies. practices.

·

COO and Other NEOs: For fiscal 2012, Mr.2014, Messrs. Pellerito, O’Connor and Valiaveedan each received an 8.5%a 3% salary increase as a resultin consideration of his promotion to Vice President – Chief Accounting Officertheir individual performance and Corporate Controllerin line with the Company’s ordinary course merit-based and Mr. Valiaveedan received a 5.3%cost of living salary increase to move him closer to the Peer Group median and to further align him with the median level in the broad-based compensation survey data.practices.  

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Annual Bonuses

Regular Bonuses

The Company provides each of the NEOs with an opportunity to earn annual bonuses, which are intended to reward executives for the attainment of short-term financial objectives and, in the case of some NEOs, individual performance objectives.objectives, and for which the relevant metrics and formulas are assessed annually. Fiscal 20122014 annual bonus awards were made pursuant to the Company’s amendedAmended and restatedRestated Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Senior Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan (the “Short-Term Incentive Plan”) and the 2012 Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (“2012 Plan”), each of which is a shareholder approved plan, although no stock-based awards were paid as partshareholder-approved plan.

The Committee has discretion under the Short-Term Incentive Plan to reduce or eliminate the amount of any bonus amounts payable to any participant based on performance or any other factors the fiscal 2012 bonus awards under either plan.

Committee deems appropriate.

Bonus opportunities are intended to be competitive with industry-wide practices in order to retain and attract executive talent.  For fiscal 2012,2014, as in the past several fiscal years, 2009 through 2011, the earned bonuses for the NEOs were paid 100% in cash.


The regular annual bonus opportunities in fiscal 20122014 for each of the NEOs are shown in the following table.  The performance goals for each NEOMessrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan are discussed below.


CEO

CFO

COO

Vice President — Chief

Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller

Vice President —

Finance and Treasurer

Return on Average Common Equity ("ROACE"(“ROACE”) (1)

% of Pre-tax IncomeProfit based on ROACE

$ Bonusbonus based on ROACE

N/A

$ Bonusbonus based on ROACE

$ Bonusbonus based on ROACE

EBITDA Improvement

Pre-tax Profit plus Liquidity Balances

$ Bonusbonus based onPre-tax Profit plus LiquidityBalances

$ bonus based onPre-tax Profit plusLiquidity Balances

$ bonus based on EBITDA Improvement

Pre-tax Profit plus Liquidity Balances

$ Bonus based on EBITDA Improvement

N/A

$ Bonus based on
EBITDA Improvement

N/A

N/A

Positive Pre-tax Profit in Both the Third and Fourth Fiscal Quarters (1)

N/A

N/A

$ Bonus based on achievement of Positive Pre-tax Profit in Both the Third and Fourth Fiscal Quarters

N/A

N/A

Tailored Personal Objectives

N/A

N/A

N/A

$ Bonusbonus based on achievement of specific goals

$ Bonusbonus based on achievement of specific goals

Formula

Formula

Total award is greater of (a) ROACE factor or EBITDA improvement(b) sum of Pre-tax Profit plus Liquidity Balances factors, with maximum amount of $949,500$2,500,000

Total award is greater of (a) ROACE factor or EBITDA improvement(b) sum of Pre-tax Profit plus Liquidity Balances factors, with maximum amount of $350,000$950,000

Total award is sum of  EBITDA improvement and Positivedetermined solely by Pre-tax Profit plus Liquidity Balances factors, with a maximum amount of $350,000$950,000

Total award is sum of ROACE and personal objectives factors, with maximum amount of 30%60% of base salary if the Company achieves positive Pre-tax Profit (otherwise the maximum is 30%)

Total award is sum of ROACE and personal objectives factors, with maximum amount of 25%50% of base salary if the Company achieves positive Pre-tax Profit (otherwise the maximum is 25%)


(1)  Based on fiscal 2012 results, payments under the ROACE and Positive Pre-tax Profit in Both the Third and Fourth Fiscal Quarters award components were zero.

(1)

Based on fiscal 2014 results, payments under the ROACE award component were zero.

Historically, annual bonuses for the CEO and the CFO have been linked to a measure of the Company’s return on average equity (ROACE, as the current example), a common industry practice. For fiscal 2011,2013, the bonus formula for the CEO, CFO and CFO, the bonus formulaCOO included a component related to net debt was changed to a calculation based onadjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) improvement and a separate cash balances.  Duringbalances measure. For fiscal 2012,2014, the Committee sought to emphasize improving EBITDA without limiting management’s ability to strategically deploy cash, such as for repurchasing debtpre-tax profit and making land purchases, in anticipationliquidity (as discussed above under “Consideration of the initial stages of recovery in the homebuilding industry.Market Conditions”). As a result, the Committee approveddetermined that for fiscal 2014, the Adjusted EBITDA component of these NEOs’ bonus formulas would change to a Pre-tax Profit (defined below) component. The bonus formulas for these NEOs were structured so that they required at least a 20% improvement in Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2014 over fiscal 2013 in order for the CEO, CFO and COO to be eligible for the same bonus metrics foramount under their new fiscal 20122014 bonus formula as inthey earned under their fiscal 2011, except that2013 bonus formula. In addition, the cash balances component of these NEOs’ bonus formulas was removed. The COO’smodified to also take into account the available borrowing capacity under the Company’s revolving credit facility (that is, to make it a liquidity balances measure). In recognition of the Company’s continued improvements in operating trends and to further incentivize future improvements, the Committee increased the overall fiscal 20122014 maximum bonus opportunity was based in part on the same EBTIDA improvement goals and was also based on the Company achieving positive pre-tax profit in both the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2012 in order to provide an additional incentive to achieve pre-tax profitability given his oversight of homebuilding operations.  The Committee believes that the goals established for fiscal 2012, which are described below, supported the financial objectives of the Company and were set at levels that were challenging, but attainable.  Furthermore, the maximum bonus levels for the CEO, CFO and CFO were capped at no more than the actual 2011 bonus amounts earned.  The COO’s maximum bonus level was capped at $350,000, which included an additional $100,000 bonus opportunity comparedCOO to $2,500,000, $950,000 and $950,000, respectively, from $1,500,000, $575,000 and $575,000, respectively, in fiscal 2011 related to the pre-tax profit component of his bonus formula.

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2013.

Specifically, the bonus formulas for the CEO and the CFO for fiscal 20122014 provided that annual bonuses would be equal to the greater of (a) the executive’s bonus formula based on the Company’s ROACE andor (b) the bonus formula based on the Company’s Pre-tax Profit plus ending Liquidity (defined below) balances in each fiscal quarter. The COO’s bonus formula for fiscal 2014 was based solely on the sum of the Company’s EBITDA improvement.Pre-tax Profit plus ending Liquidity balances factors. “ROACE” is defined as “net income” (as described below) divided by “average common equity” (stockholders’ equity less preferred stock at the beginning of the fiscal year and at the end of each fiscal quarter during the year divided by five). “EBITDA improvement”For all of the ROACE bonus formulas discussed below for the NEOs, “net income” used in calculating ROACE is after taxes and preferred dividends (as reflected on the Company’s financial statements) and excludes land charges. “Pre-tax Profit” is defined as the difference between the EBITDAearnings (losses) before income tax expense as reflected inon the Company’s fiscal 2012audited financial statements, excluding the impact of any items deemed by the Committee to be extraordinary items (for example, losses from land impairments and losses from debt repurchases/debt retirements such as call premiums, above par purchase prices and related issuance costs or gains or losses on extinguishmentfrom debt repurchases). “Liquidity” is defined as homebuilding cash and cash equivalents plus restricted cash that collateralizes letters of debt, inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs, andcredit plus the available borrowing capacity under the Company’s EBITDA reflected in its fiscal 2011 financial statements.revolving credit facility. The Committee used this EBITDA improvement measure because it believed it was appropriate to exclude from the bonus formula items outside management’s control (e.g., impairments driven by a declining market) and it did not want to discourage management from making capital structure improvements (e.g., debt extinguishments, which could result in gains or losses on the extinguishment of debt).  However, if fiscal 2012 EBITDA had not been adjusted, the bonuses earned by the CEO, CFO and COO under the EBITDA improvement component of the annual bonus would still have been the same.  While the EBITDA component of the bonus formula for the CEO, CFO and COO in prior years compared adjusted EBITDA to EBITDA in the preceding year, for fiscal 2013, the EBITDA component of the bonus formulas for these NEOs is structured so that it will require improvement in adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2013 over fiscal 2012 adjusted EBITDA in order for the CEO, CFO and COO to be eligible for the same or increased bonus levels under this component of the fiscal 2013 bonus formula compared to their earned fiscal 2012 bonuses.  Specifically, the Committee determined that the fiscal 2013 EBITDA2014 Pre-tax Profit component of the bonus formulas for the CEO, CFO and COO willwould be based on achieving targeted levels of the Company’s adjusted EBITDAPre-tax Profit for fiscal 2013,2014 (as shown below), which levels have beenwere set in reference to fiscal 2012 adjusted EBITDA.2013 Pre-tax Profit. The fiscal 2013 bonus formulas forLiquidity balances component of the NEOs are described in more detail below under “Actions for Fiscal 2013.”

For fiscal 2012, theCEO, CFO and COO’s bonus formula was based in part on EBITDA improvement.  Mr. Pellerito also had the opportunity to earn an additional $100,000 if the Company achieved positive Pre-tax Profit in both the third and fourth quartersnumber of fiscal 2012.  For this purpose, “Pre-tax Profit” is defined as earnings (loss) before income taxes as reflected on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, excluding gains2014 quarter-ends in which Liquidity was at or losses on extinguishment of debt, inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs.above $170 million.


For fiscal 2012,2014, the bonus formulas for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan remained the same as their fiscal 20112013 formulas.  Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan have, as result of their respective positions, less direct influence on the Company’s strategic and operational decisions compared to the CEO, CFO and COO, and, therefore, their bonus formulas do not include an EBITDA improvement component. Specifically, these NEOs’ fiscal 20122014 bonus formulas provided as in fiscal 2011, that bonuses would be based on both (a) a formula based on the Company’s ROACE and (b) the attainment of tailored personal objectives. 


Fiscal 2012 bonus formulas for each of the NEOs are further tailored as set forth below and are assessed annually. For all of the ROACE bonus formulas discussed below for each of the NEOs, “net income” used in calculating ROACE is after taxes and preferred dividends and, at the Committee’s discretion, excludes land charges.

Since fiscal 2007, the NEOs have also been offered the opportunity to earn a one-time retention bonus equal to 3% of such NEO’s fiscal year endyear-end 2007 base salary if the NEO remains employed with the Company through the end of the first fiscal year in which the Company’s ROACE returns to 20%. At the end of fiscal 2012,2014, the Company’s ROACE did not meet this threshold, so there were no resulting retention bonuses were earned for this year.


fiscal 2014.

The following description provides detail as to the determination of each NEO’s fiscal 2014 annual bonus. Due to the reduced amount of the bonuses as compared to more profitable years, all bonuses for fiscal 2014 were paid in 100% in cash.  In addition, for fiscal 2012,2014, the Committee had imposed a cap on each NEO’s bonus, was subject to a cap, whichas had been the case for NEOs since fiscal 2009. In light of improvements in key financial indicators over the last few years and the revised fiscal 2015 bonus structure as discussed below under “Actions for Fiscal 2015,” the Committee has increased for fiscal 2013 bonuses and intends to consider removing or further increasing in future fiscal years asdetermined that if the Company’s financial results improveperformance exceeds the levels established under the Pre-tax Profit component of the CEO, CFO and COO’s bonus formulas for fiscal 2015, the Committee may extrapolate the amount of the bonus above these levels. The caps for the other NEOs for fiscal 2015 remain the same as they did in fiscal 2012.  See “Actions for Fiscal 2013.”


2014.  

·

CEO: The CEO’s bonus formula for fiscal 20122014 provided for a bonus award equal to the greater of (a) a fixed percentage of pre-tax incomePre-tax Profit based on the Company’s ROACE andor (b) a fixed dollar amount based on the Company’s EBITDA improvement,Pre-tax Profit plus a fixed dollar amount based on the Company’s quarterly Liquidity balances, with his finaltotal bonus not to exceed $949,500, the amount of his annual bonus for fiscal 2011.$2,500,000. The methodology underlying the ROACE portion of the formula was historically designed to yield an annual bonus that would result in a Total Direct Compensation opportunity that falls within the median range of the Peer Group for comparable financial performance as well as supporting the financial objectives of the Company.   Prior to fiscal 2009, there was no imposed cap on the CEO’s bonus.  The Committee intends to consider removing or increasing the cap as the Company’s financial results improve.

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FOR THE CEO, THE BONUS FORMULA WAS THE GREATER OF:

(a) ROACE Calculation Method*

 ROACE percentage% Pre-tax Income
0.0%0.00%
5.0%1.00%
10.0%1.25%
15.0%1.50%
20.0%2.00%

 ROACE percentage

% Pre-tax Profit

0.0%

0.00%

5.0%

1.00%

10.0%

1.25%

15.0%

1.50%

20.0%

2.00%

 *

*

The bonus is interpolated on a linear basis between the points shown in the table, and may be extrapolated beyond the maximum ROACE percentage shown at a rate of 0.10% of pre-tax incomePre-tax Profit per percentage point increase in ROACE, which is the rate applied between the last two tiers of the above chart, but was capped at $949,500$2,500,000 and was also subject to the maximum bonus payable under the Short-Term Incentive Plan.

OR


AND

(b) EBITDA ImprovementPre-tax Profit plus Liquidity Balances Calculation Method*

EBITDA Improvement (millions) $0.0  $37.5  $75.0 
Bonus (thousands) $0.0  $474.8  $949.5 

 Percentage Change in Pre-tax Profit

betweenFiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2014

Bonus

(thousands)

Below -40%

$       0.0

-40%

$   250.0

-20%

$   550.0

0%

$   850.0

20%

$1,150.0

40%

$1,350.0

60%

$1,550.0

80%

$1,750.0

100%

$1,950.0

120% or greater

$2,150.0

PLUS

Number of Fiscal 2014Quarter-Ends

at or Above $170 Million Liquidity

Bonus

(thousands)

Less than 2

$    0.0

2

$150.0

3

$250.0

4

$350.0

 *

*

The Pre-tax Profit bonus is interpolated on a linear basis between the points shown in the table.  The total bonus was capped at $949,500,$2,500,000 and was also subject to the maximum payout under the Short-Term Incentive Plan.

Based on the bonus formula above, because there was no payment under the ROACE component, and EBITDA Improvementthe CEO’s 2014 cash bonus was $213.8entirely attributed to the Pre-tax Profit plus Liquidity Balances Calculation Method of his bonus formula. Fiscal 2014 Pre-tax Profit was $26.6 million, which significantly exceededrepresented a percentage change in pre-tax profit between fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014 of -4%, and the maximum performance level,Liquidity balances at the end of all four fiscal 2014 quarters were above $170 million. As a result, Mr. Hovnanian earned a cash bonus equal to the cap of $949,500,$1,140,293, which was entirely attributed to the EBITDA Improvement Calculation Method ofrepresented a 24% decrease from his bonus formula.  

fiscal 2013 bonus.

·

CFO: The CFO’s bonus formula for fiscal 20122014 provided for a bonus amountaward equal to the greater of (a) a fixed dollar amount based on the Company’s ROACE andor (b) a fixed dollar amount based on the Company’s EBITDA improvement,Pre-tax Profit plus a fixed dollar amount based on the Company’s quarterly Liquidity balances, with his finaltotal bonus not to exceed $350,000, the amount of the annual bonus for fiscal 2011.$950,000. The ROACE portion of the formula was historically designed to yield an annual bonus that would result in a Total Direct Compensation opportunity that falls within the median range of the Peer Group chief financial officers for comparable financial performance.  Prior to fiscal 2009, there was no imposed cap on the CFO’s bonus. The Committee intends to consider removing or increasing the cap as the Company’s financial results improve.  


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FOR THE CFO, THE BONUS FORMULA WAS THE GREATER OF:

(a)ROACE Calculation Method*

ROACE percentage  Bonus (thousands)
0.0%   $    0.0
4.7%
5.0%
 10.0%
 15.0%
 20.0%
 25.0%
  $350.0

 

ROACE

percentage

Bonus

 (thousands)

 

  

 

0.0%

$    0.0

 

  

 

5.0%

$375.0

 

  

 

10.0%

$750.0

 

  

 

12.0%

$950.0

Capped

 

15.0%

$950.0

 

20.0%

$950.0

 

25.0%

$950.0

*

The bonus is interpolated on a linear basis between the first twofour percentage points shown in the table, but was capped at $350,000$950,000 and was also subject to the maximum payment under the Short-Term Incentive Plan.

 
AND

OR

(b) Pre-tax Profit plusLiquidity Balances Calculation Method*

 Percentage Change in Pre-tax Profit

betweenFiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2014

Bonus

(thousands)

Below -40%

$    0.0

-40%

$  95.0

-20%

$205.0

0%

$315.0

20%

$425.0

40%

$500.0

60%

$575.0

80%

$650.0

100%

$725.0

120% or greater

$800.0

PLUS

Number of Fiscal 2014Quarter-Ends

at or Above $170 Million Liquidity

Bonus

(thousands)

Less than 2

$    0.0

2

$  75.0

3

$100.0

4

$150.0

 *

The Pre-tax Profit bonus is interpolated on a linear basis between the points shown in the table. The total bonus was capped at $950,000 and was also subject to the maximum payout under the Short-Term Incentive Plan.

  Based on the bonus formula above and the ROACE and Pre-tax Profit plus Liquidity balances results as described above for the CEO, Mr. Sorsby earned a cash bonus equal to $443,108, which represented a 23% decrease from his fiscal 2013 bonus. Mr. Sorsby’s bonus was entirely attributed to the Pre-tax Profit plus Liquidity Balances Calculation Method of his bonus formula.

COO: The COO’s bonus formula for fiscal 2014 provided for a bonus award equal to a fixed dollar amount based on the Company’s Pre-tax Profit plus a fixed dollar amount based on the Company’s quarterly Liquidity balances, with his total bonus not to exceed $950,000.  

FOR THE COO, the Pre-tax Profit plusLiquidity Balances Calculation Method*

 Percentage Change in Pre-tax Profit

betweenFiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2014

Bonus

(thousands)

Below -40%

$    0.0

-40%

$  95.0

-20%

$205.0

0%

$315.0

20%

$425.0

40%

$500.0

60%

$575.0

80%

$650.0

100%

$725.0

120% or greater

$800.0

PLUS

 
(b) EBITDA Improvement Calculation Method*
EBITDA Improvement (millions) $0.0  $37.5  $75.0 
Bonus (thousands) $0.0  $175.0  $350.0 

Number of Fiscal 2014 Quarter-Ends

at or Above $170 Million Liquidity

Bonus

(thousands)

Less than 2

$    0.0

2

$  75.0

3

$100.0

4

$150.0

 *

The Pre-tax Profit bonus is interpolated on a linear basis between the points shown in the table. The bonus was capped at $350,000,$950,000 and was also subject to the maximum payout under the Short-Term Incentive Plan.

Based on the bonus formula above and the ROACE and EBITDA ImprovementPre-tax Profit plus Liquidity balances results described above Mr. Sorsby earned a cash bonus equal tofor the cap of $350,000, which was entirely attributed to the EBITDA Improvement Calculation Method of his bonus formula.

·COO: The COO’s bonus formula for fiscal 2012 provided for a bonus amount equal to a fixed dollar amount based on the Company’s EBITDA improvement, with his EBITDA improvement bonus not to exceed $250,000, the amount of the annual bonus for fiscal 2011.  Mr. Pellerito also had the opportunity to earn an additional $100,000 bonus if the Company achieved positive Pre-tax Profit (as defined above) in both the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2012.  The Committee intends to consider removing or increasing the COO’s total bonus cap of $350,000 as the Company’s financial results improve.

FOR THE COO, THE BONUS FORMULA WAS BOTH:
(a) EBITDA Improvement Calculation Method*
EBITDA Improvement (millions) $0.0  $37.5  $75.0 
Bonus (thousands) $0.0  $125.0  $250.0 
*The bonus is interpolated on a linear basis between the points shown in the table.  The EBITDA improvement bonus was capped at $250,000 and was also subject to the maximum payout under the Short-Term Incentive Plan.
AND
(b) Pre-tax Profit in Third and Fourth Fiscal Quarters*
Pre-tax ProfitGreater than zero in both third and fourth quarters
Bonus (thousands) $100.0

*The Pre-tax Profit bonus was capped at $100,000 and was also subject to the maximum payout under the Short-Term Incentive Plan.
29

Based on the bonus formula and the EBITDA Improvement results described above and the fact that the Company did not achieve positive Pre-tax Profit (as defined above) in both the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2012,CEO, Mr. Pellerito earned a cash bonus equal solely to the EBITDA improvement bonus cap of $250,000.  

$443,108, which represented a 23% decrease from his fiscal 2013 bonus.  

·

Other NEOs: Fiscal 20122014 incentive opportunities for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan were based on a combination of Company performance and individual performance factors that were within each of these executives’ control and that would have a positive impact on the Company. Therefore, the bonus program for these NEOs targeted the achievement of both (a) ROACE financial performance objectives for the Company and (b) personal objectives, and, forobjectives. For fiscal 2012,2014, the total bonuses payable under both components combined were capped at 50% of the maximum percentages of base salary they could otherwise achieve under the personal objectives portion of their respective bonus formulas (theformulas. If the Company achieved positive Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2014, the caps were 60% and 50% of base salary, respectively.  If the Company did not achieve positive Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2014, the caps would be 30% and 25% of base salary, respectively).respectively. The Committee intends to consider removing or increasingevaluate the caps as the Company’s financial results continue to improve.

FOR OTHER NEOs, THE BONUS FORMULA WAS BOTH:

(a) Calculation Method – for Achievement of Financial Performance Measure*

ROACE Percentage Brad O’Connor  David Valiaveedan 
0.0%  $0   $0 
5.0% 10% of base salary  15% of base salary 
10.0% 20% of base salary  30% of base salary 
15.0% 40% of base salary  40% of base salary 
20.0% 60% of base salary  50% of base salary 

ROACE Percentage

Brad O’Connor

David Valiaveedan

0.0%

$0

$0

5.0%

10% of base salary

15% of base salary

10.0%

20% of base salary

30% of base salary

15.0%

40% of base salary

40% of base salary

20.0% or greater

60% of base salary

50% of base salary

*

The bonuses are interpolated on a linear basis between the points shown in the table. The total bonuses payable under both components combined were capped at 50% of the maximum percentages of base salary these NEOs could otherwise achieve under the personal objectives portion of their respective bonus formulas (the capsand were 30% and 25% of base salary, respectively) and werealso subject to the maximum bonus payable under the Short-Term Incentive Plan. If the Company achieved positive Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2014, Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan’s caps were 60% and 50% of base salary, respectively. If the Company did not achieve positive Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2014, the caps were 30% and 25% of base salary, respectively.

AND

(b) Calculation Method – for Meeting Personal Objectives Measure*


Goals

Brad O’Connor

David Valiaveedan

Threshold

Up to 20% of base salary

Up to 30% of base salary

Target

Up to 40% of base salary

Up to 40% of base salary

Outstanding

Up to 60% of base salary

Up to 50% of base salary

*

 “Threshold,“Threshold,“target,”“target” and “outstanding” levels are determined by the CFO and the CEO, who may consult with other members of senior management, other than Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan with respect to their own compensation, and are used for internal evaluation purposes only. As stated above, the total bonuses payable under both components combined were capped at 50% of the maximum percentages of base salary these NEOs could otherwise achieve under the personal objectives portion of their respective bonus formulas (the capsand were 30% and 25% of base salary, respectively) and werealso subject to the maximum bonus payable under the Short-Term Incentive Plan.  If the Company achieved positive Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2014, the caps were 60% and 50% of base salary, respectively. If the Company did not achieve positive Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2014, the caps were 30% and 25%, respectively.

 

Mr. O’Connor’s fiscal 20122014 personal objectives included implementing controls, either systemic or manual, for the segregation ofensuring federal and state deferred tax assets among the groups of entities securingwere used effectively and in accordance with federal and state tax laws; leading the Company’s secured bonds; providing support to operating group management related to centralizing accounting functions at the operating group leveldepartment in preparing and exploring the centralization of functions at headquarters (e.g., vendor maintenance); ensuring the timely filing of all SEC-requiredrequired SEC documents, including any transaction-related prospectus supplements or other offering documents; and overseeingenhancing the adoption offinancial planning process to more fully utilize the tools available to complete the financial plan more extensive second year SEC-mandated requirements for XBRL filings.quickly and accurately. Mr. O'Connor successfully completed these objectives by ensuring timely compliancecoordinating with SEC requirementsthe company’s auditors and leading the tax team in their analysis and preparation for XBRL filings,fully and properly utilizing the federal and state deferred tax assets as well as the efficiency and accuracy of new internal reporting tools.  He also led thethey become available; spearheading a cross-functional team of Senior Accountingaccounting and Finance Managersinformation technology associates to identifyenhance the use of enterprise-wide systems to more quickly and implement accounting process centralization ataccurately complete the operating groupfinancial plan; and headquarters levelsoverseeing the preparation and led a project team that implemented system improvements relating to the segregationfiling of assets for the Company’s secured bonds.

30


all SEC and transaction-related offering documents.

Mr. Valiaveedan’s fiscal 20122014 personal objectives included developing and executing the Company’s capital structure strategy, including obtaining non-recourse bank financing, negotiating joint venture and land banking agreements, preparing Company projections and managing existing joint ventures. During fiscal 2012,2014, Mr. Valiaveedan successfully negotiated and closed a land banking arrangement with GSO Capital Partners, LP and the buyout of a joint venture partner.  In addition, he played an instrumentalintegral role in the developmentdeveloping and execution ofexecuting the Company’s capital markets strategy including several debt refinancing transactionsin both the public and equityprivate markets. He led the origination and equity-linkedexecution of non-recourse loans, joint ventures and our land banking transactions. These significant transactions raisedIn addition, he negotiated a new benchmark covenant package and was instrumental with respect to our ability to successfully issue bonds in the capital extended debt maturitiesmarkets and reducedobtain amendments for certain of the Company’s interest expense.

existing bonds. These transactions significantly improved the Company’s returns, liquidity and risk profile. Mr. Valiaveedan continues to be responsible for the preparation of Company financial projections and managing the Company’s joint ventures.

Based on the bonus formulas above, actual financial results and the Committee’s determinations regarding each executive’s personal objectives, neither of these NEOs earned bonuses related to the ROACE Calculation Method for fiscal 2012,2014, but each earned a cash bonus for meeting his respective fiscal 20122014 personal objectives in full (the “outstanding” category).  Since, however,Because the outstanding payouts for meeting personal objectives would exceedCompany achieved positive Pre-tax Profit of $26.6 million in 2014, the cap described above the bonuses werewas not reduced, by 50% to comply with the cap, resulting in payments of $93,000$197,327 (representing 60% of base salary) and $72,500$153,831 (representing 50% of base salary) for Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Valiaveedan, respectively.


Discretionary Bonuses

The Committee has the authority to make discretionary bonus awards, which it considers under special circumstances, including exceptional contributions not reflected in the regular bonus measures, new hire sign-on bonuses and retention rewards.  Discretionary bonuses of $50,000No discretionary bonus awards were granted to each of Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan for their performance duringthe NEOs in fiscal 2012.  These awards recognized their significant contributions involving capital raising/restructuring activities as well as their leadership and assistance in generating positive operating trends in the latter half of fiscal 2012.

2014.

Stock Grants

The Committee may make grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, MSUs, restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”),RSUs, unrestricted shares of stock or stock-based awards settled in cash pursuantunder the shareholder-approved 2012 Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (as further amended or amended and restated from time to time, the 2012 Plan.“Stock Plan”). In fiscal 2012,2014, the Committee awarded MSUs to the CEO, CFO and COO and stock options to each of the other NEOs.  Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan were eligible to elect to receive RSUs in lieu of stock options, but neither made such an election.  No other stock-based awards were made to NEOs in fiscal 2012.

Stock options2014.

Equity awards are intended to establish a strong commitment to maintain employment with the Company and focus on creating long-term shareholder value. In addition, stock options are selected over other types of stock-based awards because their design inherently rewards executives only if the stock price increases, which provides a balance with cash incentives and the more retention-oriented RSU grants.  Because the ultimate value received by stock option and RSU holdersequity award recipients is directly tied to increases in the Company’s stock price, stock options and RSUs alsothey serve to link the interests of management and shareholders and to motivate executive officers to make decisions that will increase the long-term total return to shareholders. Additionally, grants under the 2012Stock Plan include vesting and termination provisions that the Committee believes will encourage stock option and RSU holdersequity award recipients to remain long-term employees of the Company.

The Committee ultimately approves the size of the grants taking into account the recommendations by the CEO (other than for his own grant) and other criteria as determined by the Committee.  The Committee generally targets a specific number of optionsshares rather than a specific optionshare value.  This philosophy directly aligns optionequity grant values with shareholder value since optionequity values are generally higher when the stock price is increasing and lower when the stock price is decreasing.  Consequently, despiteIn fiscal 2014, the fact that the stock price has remained significantly lower than historical levels, the number of each NEO’s option grants has generally remained relatively consistent, with the exception of the option grants forCommittee granted the CEO, CFO and COO awards in the form of MSUs rather than stock options, although the target number of shares underlying the MSU awards for fiscal 2012 which had an exercise price 33 1/3% above2014 and the closingtarget number of shares underlying the stock options for fiscal 2013 remain the same. The Committee also determined that 50% of the MSUs would be subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price onperformance conditions applicable to all the grant date.MSU awards. The Committee’s determination and rationale for the fiscal 20122014 grants is described below. The Committee will continue to determine the appropriate mix of optionsequity and other award types based on the objectives of the compensation program, the Company’s business needs, the potential dilution impact and the pool of shares remaining available for grant under the Company’s shareholder-approved incentive plans.

 

Stock options, MSUs and RSUs generally vest (assuming, in the case of the performance-based awards, that the conditions have been met), in four equal annual installments, commencing on the second anniversary date of the grant date, providing a five-year period before becoming fully vested.

31


During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, the Committee conducted its annual review of the Company’s and NEO’s performance during fiscal 2011.  The Committee also periodically considers emerging trends in incentive plan design and “best practices” for aligning executive pay and performance.  Following its review, the Committee requested, and the CEO and CFO agreed, to apply specific performance conditions to the stock option and RSU awards previously granted during fiscal 2011 (when the full year performance results were not yet known).  The performance conditions require that, as a condition of vesting, the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA must exceed “fiscal 2011 actual EBITDA” for two consecutive fiscal years, in the case of options, during the option term and, in the case of RSUs, prior to the tenth anniversary of the grant date.  Regardless of when the performance criteria are met, vesting will not occur sooner than 25% per year beginning on the second anniversary of the grant date.  For this purpose, “fiscal 2011 actual EBITDA” is the amount from our consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2011.  Adjusted EBITDA will be based on EBITDA from the consolidated financial statements for the applicable fiscal year-end, excluding inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs and gains or losses on extinguishment of debt.  These conditions reflect the Company’s heightened focus on cash flow and liquidity.  At the end of fiscal 2012, the Committee determined that the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA exceeded fiscal 2011 actual EBITDA and that the performance criteria of “two consecutive fiscal years” had not yet been met.

Fiscal 2012 Stock Option2014 Equity Awards

In determining the fiscal 20122014 equity awards for the NEOs, the Committee considered, without giving specific weight to any one factor, then-available information on Peer Group equity awards for the NEOs, the anticipated changes in equity award values across industries, the Company’s available share pool and the potential impact on shareholder dilution, the Company’s stock performance, the historical equity awards provided to each NEO, the desire to retain the employment of each NEO, and the desire to continue to link a portion of each NEO’s compensation with future Company performance. Except for the CEO, all stock optionequity awards in fiscal 20122014 were made in the form of optionsrights to purchasereceive shares of Class A Common Stock.  Because the Committee took into consideration the potential benefits to the Company previously expressed by the Board of Directors of the continuity of share ownership and control of the Hovnanian family, the CEO’s stock optionequity award was made in the form of optionsright to purchasereceive shares of Class B Common Stock.


·

CEO, CFO and COO. TheIn fiscal 2014, the CEO, CFO and COO were granted 600,000, 120,000 and 80,000 stock options,target MSUs, respectively. These grants represented the same number of shares granted to these NEOs in fiscal 2013, though the fiscal 2013 grant was made in the form of stock options. The Committee decided to award MSUs because it believes MSUs provide a higher award levelclear linkage to shareholder value creation, provide less market leverage than fiscal 2011,stock options but more market leverage than time‐vested restricted stock and balance retention and performance objectives.

          Fifty percent of the MSUs will vest in recognition that these options have a premium exercise price 33 1/3% above the closing stock pricefour equal annual installments, commencing on the grant date.  In contrast, the 2011 option grants for these NEOs had an exercise price set at the fair market value assecond anniversary of the grant date. In determiningThe remaining fifty percent of the MSUs are subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price performance conditions applicable to all MSUs. These additional performance-based MSUs vest in four equal installments with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2017 and the remaining annual installments commencing on the third anniversary of the grant options with an exercise price at this premium level,date, except that no portion of the award will vest unless the Committee sought to provide a stronger link with increased shareholder value, as these executives have more significant responsibility fordetermines that the Company’s long-term strategy asCompany achieved specified total revenue growth goals in fiscal 2016 compared to the other NEOs.fiscal 2014 (as discussed below).

          The Committee alsonumber of shares to be delivered at each MSU vesting date, if any, will be determined to increaseby multiplying the number of options awarded basedMSUs that become vested on its determination thatsuch applicable vesting date by the CEO, CFO and COO’s long-term incentive valuesStock Performance Multiplier. The “Stock Performance Multiplier” is the percentage calculated by dividing (x) the average closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the vesting date by (y) the average closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the grant date (including recent annual option grantsdate; provided, however, that (a) if such percentage is less than 50%, then the Stock Performance Multiplier will equal zero and (b) if such percentage exceeds 175%, then the annualized fiscal 2010 valueStock Performance Multiplier is capped at 175%.

          In the case of the LTIP at target, discussed below) were considerably below the median value of long-term incentive awards grantedMSUs subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the Peer Group chief executive officers, chiefstock price performance conditions applicable to all MSUs, the result above will be further multiplied by the Revenue Multiplier. The “Revenue Multiplier” will be determined as follows by reference to the percentage increase (if any) in the Company’s consolidated revenues for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2016 as measured against the Company’s consolidated revenues for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2014, in each case, as reported in the Company’s audited financial officers and chief operating officers.  Additional details are described above under “– Stock Grants.”statements:

 

Total Revenue Growth:  

FYE 2016 vs. FYE 2014

Applicable Revenue Multiplier*

0.0% or less

0%

12.5%

50%

25.0% or greater

100%

*

·

The applicable Revenue Multiplier for revenue growth between 0% and 12.5% or between 12.5% and 25.0% will be determined by linear interpolation.

Other NEOs.  In fiscal 2012,2014, Mr. O’Connor was granted 20,000 stock options, andthe same number as in fiscal 2013. Mr. Valiaveedan was granted 20,000 stock options, up from 15,000 stock options both with exercise prices set atgranted in fiscal 2013, in consideration of internal pay relationships and in recognition of his efforts to improve the fair market value on the date of grant.  The number of options granted to Mr. O’Connor was higher than fiscal 2011 due to his promotion, and the number of options granted to Mr. Valiaveedan was the same as fiscal 2011.  These awards for fiscal 2012 were considerably below the median levels for the Peer Group and broad-based compensation surveys.Company’s capital structure.  

2010 Long-Term Incentive Program

In fiscal 2010, the Company adopted a Long-Term Incentive Program (the “2010 LTIP”) under its previous stockholder-approved Amended and Restated 2008 Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (“2008 Plan”) to aid the Company in retaining key employees and to motivate them to exert their best efforts to promptly return the Company to profitability and lower debt levels by providing rewards at the end of a multi-year period. The 2010 LTIP iswas intended to incentivize achievement of specified pre-tax profit goals and specified improvements in the Company’s capital structure through reductions in homebuilding debt.

32

Each of the NEOs iswas a participant in the 2010 LTIP and their awards, if any, will beaward payouts were determined based on actual performance for the full 36-month performance period, subject to the vesting requirements over an additional 24-month period, as described below. This performance period commenced on November 1, 2010 (the beginning of fiscal 2011) and will endended on October 31, 2013 (that is, the performance period coverscovered fiscal 2011, 2012 and 2013). After the performance period, the awards remain subject to vesting conditions during fiscal 2014 and 2015. The executive will not receive the full award payout unless the executive remains employed for the entire five-year period.

At the end of fiscal 2013, the Company achieved $27.7 million in pre-tax profit and reduced homebuilding debt to $1.44 billion, resulting in a payout of 157.75% of the target award. As a condition of earning each portion of the award, and as a retention inducement, following the performance period, a participant must also be employed through the vesting dates outlined below (other than in cases of death, disability or qualified retirement, or in the case of Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan, specified termination following a change in control of the Company). The vesting percentages relate to the earned award value as of October 31, 2013.

1.

50% of the award vested on October 31, 2013 and was paid in January 2014;

2.

30% of the award vested on October 31, 2014 and was paid in January 2015; and

3.

20% of the award will become vested on October 31, 2015 and is payable in January 2016;

with the cash portion of the earned award value having vested and been paid before any share portion of the earned award value becomes vested and payable.

2013 Long-Term Incentive Program

In fiscal 2013, the Company adopted a Long-Term Incentive Program (the “2013 LTIP”) under its stockholder-approved Stock Plan to further aid the Company in retaining key employees and to motivate them to exert their best efforts to achieve greater levels of profitability and to extend the maturity and/or reduce the amount of existing homebuilding debt by providing rewards at the end of a multi-year period.  The 2013 LTIP is intended to incentivize achievement of specified pre-tax profit goals and specified improvements in the Company’s capital structure through refinancings of, or reductions in, homebuilding debt.

Each of the NEOs is a participant in the 2013 LTIP and their award payouts, if any, will be determined based on actual performance for the full 31-month performance period, subject to vesting requirements over an additional 24-month period, as described below.  This performance period commenced on March 11, 2013 and will end on October 31, 2015 (that is, the performance period covers a portion of fiscal 2013 and all of fiscal years 2014 and 2015). After the performance period, the awards, to the extent earned, remain subject to vesting conditions during fiscal 20142016 and 2015.2017.  The executive will not receive the full award unless the Company achieves the pre-tax profit and refinancings and/or reductions in existing homebuilding debt performance goals and the executive remains employed for the entire five-year55-month period.

 

Pre-tax profit and refinancings and/or reductions in existing homebuilding debt were chosen as the performance metrics for the 2013 LTIP because they are critical during this challenging economic cycle.  The Committee determined that other goals, such as revenue growth and cost reductions, would be reflected in pre-tax profit calculations, but in a balanced way with an emphasisto focus management on achieving profitability.  The Committee believed that a focus on revenue growth alone would not adequately emphasize profitability and that a focus on cost-cutting alone could emphasize short-term achievements that may sacrifice future profitability.  The Committee also determined that ifimproving the current difficult economic conditions continue during all or mostoperating performance of the LTIP’s performance period and achievement of pre-tax profit is not attainable, then realization of reduced homebuilding debt would put the Company in a better financial position to weather suchwhile ensuring an extended downturn and return to profitability when the economic conditions ultimately improve.


Awards,adequate capital structure for growth.

Award payouts, if any, will be based on a specific target multiple of each participant’s base salary in effect on the date the participant iswas granted the award (the “Grant Date,“grant date,” or JuneMarch 11, 20102013, for all NEOs).  If shares of stock are elected as a form of payout, theThe target number of shares iswas set based on the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the Grant Date,grant date, regardless of whether the share price increases or decreases by the time the award is determined or distributed. In order to manage the potential dilution impact of the 2013 LTIP, the Committee required that at least 20%40% of the payout be in the form of cash.  All stock awards under the 2013 LTIP were made in the form of rights to receive shares of Class A Common Stock, except for the CEO whose award was made in the form of rights to receive shares of Class B Common Stock because the Committee took into consideration the potential benefits to the Company previously expressed by the Board of Directors of the continuity of share ownership and control of the Hovnanian family.  The following describes the target multiple of base salary and form of irrevocable payout election for each NEO:


Target Multiple

of 20102013 Base Salary

Payout Method

CEO

3.00

3.00

20%

40% cash / 80%60% shares

CFO

2.00

2.00

20%

40% cash / 80%60% shares

COO

2.00

2.00

20%

40% cash / 80%60% shares

Other NEOs

1.00

1.00

20%

40% cash / 80%60% shares

Although the Committee views both the stock and cash portions of the 2013 LTIP as multi-year incentive plan awards, they are reported differently for purposes of the Summary Compensation Table.Table under “Executive Compensation” below.  The share payout portions are reflected as “Stock Awards” in fiscal 20102013 at their grant date fair value under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"(“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation ("(“ASC Topic 718"718”), which was based on the probable outcome as of the Grant Date.grant date.  Conversely, the actual amounts earned on the cash payout portions, if any, will be reflected in the Summary Compensation Table as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” in fiscal 20132015 (which coincides with the end of the performance period) or, if participants achieve a minimum performance payment during an earlier fiscal year, even though such payment remains subject to subsequent vesting restrictions, then such minimum payment would be reflected in that earlier fiscal year.  At the end of fiscal 2012, the Company did not reach breakeven or positive Pre-tax Profit (as defined below), so no minimum payment was achieved for this year.

restrictions.

For purposes of the 2013 LTIP, “Pre-tax Profit”“pre-tax profit” is defined as earnings (loss) before income tax paymentsexpense as reflected on our audited financial statements, excluding the impact of any items deemed to be extraordinary items for financial reporting purposes.  “Homebuildingpurposes and excluding losses from land impairments and losses from debt repurchases/debt retirement such as call premiums, above par purchase prices and related issuance costs. “Existing Homebuilding Debt” is defined as total (recourse) notes payable excluding accrued interest, as reflected on our consolidated audited balance sheet as of January 31, 2013 (the most current balance sheet at the time the 2013 LTIP was adopted), less any debt issued after January 2010 that has an equity component such as debt convertible into sharesequity, tangible equity units and/or exchangeable notes. To qualify under the 2013 LTIP as a refinancing of stock.

“Existing Homebuilding Debt,” any such refinanced Existing Homebuilding Debt must have a minimum maturity date of five years from the date of the refinancing or be refinanced with a revolving line of credit.

 

33

The following table illustrates the percent of the target award that can be achieved at each performance level.  Awards will be interpolated on a linear basis between performance levels but will not be extrapolated above the maximum performance levels listed below.

  
Homebuilding Debt as of 10/31/2013
(in billions)
  Greater than $1.70$1.65$1.60$1.55$1.50$1.40 or less
 
$100
or more
100%
of target award
125%
of target award
150%
of target award
175%
of target award
200%
of target award
250%
of target award
 $75
75%
of target award
100%
of target award
125%
of target award
150%
of target award
175%
of target award
225%
of target award
FY 2013
Pre-tax Profit
(in millions)
$50
50%
of target award
75%
of target award
100%
of target award
125%
of target award
150%
of target award
200%
of target award
 $25
25%
of target award
50%
of target award
75%
of target award
100%
of target award
125%
of target award
175%
of target award
 
Less
than $0
0%
of target award
25%
of target award
50%
of target award
75%
of target award
100%
of target award
150%
of target award
If

  

  

Refinancings of Existing Homebuilding Debt Between 3/11/2013 and 10/31/2015

and/or

Reductions of Existing Homebuilding Debt Between 11/01/2013* and 10/31/2015

(in millions)

  

  

 

$125 or less

$165

$205

$245

$285

$325 or more

 

$200 or more

100%
of target award

125%
of target award

150%
of target award

175%
of target award

200%
of target award

250%
of target award

FY 2015

Pre-tax

$150

75%
of target award

100%
of target award

125%
of target award

150%
of target award

175%
of target award

225%
of target award

Profit
(in millions)

$100

50%
of target award

75%
of target award

100%
of target award

125%
of target award

150%
of target award

200%
of target award

  

$50 or less

0%
of target award

15%
of target award

30%
of target award

45%
of target award

60%
of target award

90%
of target award

*This date was chosento avoid overlap with the Company reached breakeven or positive Pre-tax Profit for either of fiscal 2011 or 2012, a participant was eligibleperformance period for a minimum payment equal to 50% ofsimilar metric in the target award, provided that he met the vesting requirements described below.  This minimum payment would have been inclusive of and not incremental to any other award granted to the participant under the LTIP and would not have exceeded 50% of target award if the Company achieved breakeven or positive Pre-tax Profit in both fiscal 2011 and 2012.  No minimum payout was achieved in either fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2012.

2010 LTIP.

As a condition of earning each portion of the award, and as a retention inducement, following the performance period, a participant must also be employed through the vesting dates outlined below (other than in cases of death, disability or qualified retirement, or in the case of Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan, specified termination following a change in control of the Company). The vesting percentages relate to the earned award value as of October 31, 2013.


2015.

1.

50% of the award will become vested on October 31, 2013 and payable in January 2014;

2.30% of the award will become vested on October 31, 2014 and payable in January 2015; and

3.

20% of the award will become vested on October 31, 2015 and would be payable in January 2016.2016;

2.

30% of the award will become vested on October 31, 2016 and would be payable in January 2017; and

3.

50% of the award will become vested on October 31, 2017 and would be payable in January 2018;

with the cash portion of the earned award value becoming vested and payable before any share portion of the earned award value becomes vested and payable.

Other Employee Benefits

The Company maintains additional employee benefits that the Committee believes enhance executive safety, efficiency and time that the executive is able to devote to Company affairs.

We do not believe that special perquisites or other personal benefits should play a major role in our executive compensation program. However, some NEOs are provided one or more of the following items:

·

Auto allowance, including car maintenance and fuel expense;

·

Personal use of the Company’s automobiles (including driver’s compensation) and a fractional share in an aircraft;

·

Executive term life insurance;

·

Annual Executive Physical Exam Program;

·

Golf membership or country club fee reimbursement; and

·

Personal income tax preparation services; andservices. 


·Personal accounting services.
34

The Committee annually reviews the elements and level of executive perquisites for the NEOs.  In particular, in evaluating the appropriateness of these benefits for the CEO, the Committee tooktakes into consideration the degree to which the CEO is required to travel to various Company locations and business functions on a daily basis.  Based on its review, the Committee has requested that the CEO use Company-provided transportation to enhance the efficient use of his time.

The Company’s contributions to the NEOs’ 401(k) plan and executive deferred compensation plan (“EDCP”) accounts were suspended on February 20, 2009 and continued to be suspended throughout fiscal 2012.  However, in2009. In fiscal 2012, a one-time employer non-elective contribution funded by the use of the amount of forfeitures account was made to all eligible participants’ 401(k) plan accounts for the 2011 calendar year, in accordance with the terms of the 401(k) plan. Beginning with the January 11, 2013 pay period, however, the Company will reinstatereinstated its 401(k) match of employee contributions, but at 50% of the level it matched prior to its suspension in February 2009. This will applyThe reinstated match was up to 3% of eligible employee compensation, based on tenure. Beginning with the January 10, 2014 pay period, the Company reinstated its 401(k) match of employee contributions at 100% of the level it matched prior to its suspension in February 2009. The reinstated match is up to 6% of eligible employee compensation, based on tenure. The reinstatement applies to all participants in the 401(k) plan, including the NEOs.

Consistent with the partial reinstatement of the 401(k) match in January 2013, the Committee approved the partial reinstatement of the EDCP contribution for the NEOs and certain other executives of the Company to provide up to 3% of earnings above the annual 401(k) limit for calendar 2013, based on tenure. Consistent with the full reinstatement of the 401(k) match in January 2014, the Committee approved the full reinstatement of the EDCP contribution for the NEOs and certain other executives of the Company to provide up to 6% of earnings above the annual 401(k) limit for calendar 2014, based on tenure. Calendar year contributions are credited in the subsequent fiscal year and reflected in the proxy statement for that year.

Specific benefits and the incremental costs of such benefits are described in detail in the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table. The Company does not offer any defined benefit pension plans to its employees.


5. ACTIONS FOR FISCAL 2013

2015

The Committee approved a base salary increase to $600,000 for Mr. Pellerito, effective in December 2012, to move him closer to the Peer Group median.   Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan each received a 3% base salary increase, also effective in December 2012,20, 2014, for each of Messrs. Hovnanian, Sorsby, Pellerito and O’Connor, in consideration of their individual performance and in line with the Company’s ordinary course merit-based salary and cost of living increase practices. The increase for Mr. Hovnanian was his first base salary increase in nine years. For Mr. Valiaveedan, the Committee maintainedapproved a 7.3% base salary increase, effective December 20, 2014, in consideration of internal pay relationships and in recognition of his efforts to improve the base salaries of the CEO and CFO at their fiscal 2012 amounts, which amounts have not changed since December 2005 for the CEO and January 2010 for the CFO.


In prior fiscal years, the EBITDA component of the bonus formula for the CEO, CFO and COO compared adjusted EBITDA to EBITDA in the preceding year.  For fiscal 2013, the EBITDA component of the bonus formulas for these NEOs is structured so that it will require improvement in adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2013 over fiscal 2012 adjusted EBITDA in order for the CEO, CFO and COO to be eligible for the same or increased bonus levels under this component of the fiscal 2013 bonus formula compared to their earned fiscal 2012 bonuses. Specifically, theCompany’s capital structure.

The Committee determined that for fiscal 2015, the fiscal 2013 EBITDAPre-tax Profit component of the bonus formulas for the CEO, CFO and COO will be based on achieving targetedwould remain the same as in fiscal 2014, except that the formulas would provide for increased bonus opportunities for greater levels of improvement in Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. To further emphasize liquidity and strengthen the Company’s adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2013, which levels have been set in reference to fiscal 2012 adjusted EBITDA.  Thebalance sheet, the Committee also determined thatraised the fiscal 2013minimum liquidity threshold under the Liquidity balances component of the bonus formulas for the CEO, CFO and COO will includefrom $170 million to $200 million and increased the CEO, CFO and COO’s bonus potential under that component of their respective bonus formulas. Finally, to incentivize the CEO, CFO and COO to further improve financial performance through actions that increase top line growth, the Committee added a liquiditytotal revenue growth component in addition to the EBITDA component.  In recognitiontheir respective bonus formulas for fiscal 2015. As a result, this portion of the Company’s improvements in operating trends beginning inCEO, CFO and COO’s fiscal 2015 bonus formulas will be the second quartersum of the Pre-tax Profit, Liquidity balances and total revenue growth factors. The ROACE portion of the fiscal 2012 and to further incent future improvements, the Committee increased the overall maximum2015 bonus opportunityformulas for the CEO, CFO and COO, to $1,500,000, $575,000 and $575,000, respectively.  The fiscal 2013if applicable, will remain the same as the ROACE portion of their bonus formulas for such NEOs will otherwise remain the same except that the COO’s bonus formula will not include the Pre-tax Profit in Third and Fourth Fiscal Quartersfiscal 2014. The total revenue growth component of histhe 2015 bonus formulas will measure total consolidated revenues for fiscal 2012 bonus formula.


2015 as compared to total consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014. This differs from the fiscal 2014 financial performance-based MSU awards which are conditioned upon improvement in total consolidated revenues for fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2014.

The Committee determined that the fiscal 20132015 bonus formulas for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan will remain the same as those in fiscal 2012 except that, for the reasons discussed above with respect to the CEO, CFO and COO, if the Company’s fiscal 2013 Pre-tax Profit is greater than zero, the maximum amounts these NEOs could receive under the personal objectives component of their respective bonus formulas will no longer be reduced by 50%.2014. In addition, the personal objectives for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan were updated to reflect key goals for fiscal 2013.

2015.

 

35


6. TAX DEDUCTIBILITY AND ACCOUNTING IMPLICATIONS


As a general matter, the Committee always takes into account the various tax and accounting implications of compensation. When determining amounts of equity grants to executives and employees, the Committee also examines the accounting cost associated with the grants.

The

Certain of the Company’s annual bonus and stock optionincentive compensation programs are intended to allow the Company to make awards to executive officers that are deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code,, which provision otherwise sets limits on the tax deductibility of compensation paid to a company’s most highly compensated executive officers (with the exception of the Company’s CFO). The Committee will continue to seek ways to limit the impact of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.. However, the Committee believes that the tax deduction limitation should not compromise the Company’s ability to establish and implement compensation and incentive programs that support the compensation objectives discussed above. Accordingly, achieving these objectives and maintaining required flexibility in this regard may result in compensation that is not deductible for federal income tax purposes. The bonus formulas approved by the Committee for fiscal 20122014 were, however, intended to be established in accordance with the requirements for deductibility as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.


.

7. TIMING AND PRICING OF STOCK OPTIONS

AND MSUs

For fiscal 2012,2014, stock options and MSUs were granted on the second Friday in June for all eligible employees, consistent with our practice of granting equity awards annually on the second Friday in June. The Company’s practice of setting “fixed” equity award grant dates is designed to avoid the possibility that the Company could grant stock awards prior to the release of material, non-public information that is likely to result in an increase in its stock price, or delay the grant of stock awardsuntil after the release of material, non-public information that is likely to result in a decrease in the Company’s stock price.  Other than with respect to the CEO’s, CFO’s, and COO’s stock option grants in fiscal 2012, exerciseExercise prices of stock options were set at the closing trading price per share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE on the date the options were granted. TheNo stock options were granted to the CEO, CFO andor COO in fiscal 2012 were granted with an exercise price 33 1/3% above the closing stock price on the grant date.  See “Stock Grants – Fiscal 2012 Stock Option Awards” above.2014. 


8. STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES


The Board of Directors has adopted stock ownership guidelines, recommended by the Committee, which set forth recommended minimum amounts of stock ownership, directly or beneficially, for the CEO, CFO, COO and non-employee Directors because they have the most long-term strategic impact for shareholders.Directors.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews adherence to the Company’s stock ownership guidelines on an annual basis, which guidelines are incorporated into the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.  The Company believes these guidelines further enhance the Company’s commitment to aligning the interests of our non-employee Directors and senior management with those of itsour shareholders.

In its annual review in 2008,

Under the Committee determined that,terms of the ownership guidelines, once the stock ownership guidelines wereare met, they would beare deemed satisfied for subsequent annual review periods, regardless of decreases in the Company’s stock price on the New York Stock Exchange, so long as the executive or non-employee Director does not sell any portion of the share amounts which were originally included in determining that the recommended thresholds were met.  The Committee reviewed this determination in fiscal 2012 and maintained this policy.

NYSE.

Senior Executive Officers

All senior executive officers meet the Company’s stock ownership guidelines.

The guidelines provide that the following senior executive officers of the Company are requested to achieve and maintain minimum stock ownership amounts as follows:

Chairman, President and

CEO – 6x6 times current base salary

CFO – 2x3 times current base salary

COO – 2x3 times current base salary


The CEO, CFO and COO currently meet their respective stock ownership guidelines.

See “Non-Employee Director Compensation” for information on the stock ownership guidelines for non-employee Directors.

 

36

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

(1)

1. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table summarizes the compensation for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2012,2014, October 31, 2011,2013, and October 31, 20102012 of the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, and the next three most highly compensated executive officerspersons serving as executive officers as of October 31, 2012.2014. These five individuals compose our named executive officers or “NEOs.”

NEOs.

Summary Compensation Table

Name and Principal PositionYear Salary (1)  
Bonus (2)
  Stock Awards (3)  Option Awards (4)  Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensa-tion (5)  Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings  All Other Compensa-tion (6)  Total (7) 
Ara K. Hovnanian, (8)2012 $1,092,606     $  $1,032,000  $949,500     $181,582  $3,255,688 
President, Chief2011 $1,092,606     $24,125  $529,875  $949,500     $170,049  $2,766,155 
Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
2010 $1,092,606     $2,622,255  $1,413,750  $949,500     $188,189  $6,266,300 
                                  
J. Larry Sorsby,2012 $600,000     $  $206,400  $350,000     $50,433  $1,206,833 
Executive2011 $600,000     $4,825  $105,975  $350,000     $48,259  $1,109,059 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
2010 $572,308     $960,001  $282,750  $350,000     $52,229  $2,217,288 
                                  
Thomas J. Pellerito,2012 $538,462     $  $137,600  $250,000     $46,406  $972,468 
Chief Operating2011 $500,000     $3,217  $70,650  $250,000     $42,913  $866,780 
Officer2010 $468,870  $28,750  $799,999  $188,500  $203,548     $38,276  $1,727,943 
                                  
Brad G. O’Connor,2012 $308,029  $50,000  $  $35,600  $93,000     $28,303  $514,932 
Vice President — Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller
2011 $284,523     $965  $21,195  $85,680     $27,401  $419,764 
                                  
David G. Valiaveedan,2012 $288,821  $50,000  $  $26,700  $72,500     $28,269  $466,290 
Vice President —2011 $274,361  $  $2,413  $17,663  $68,850     $27,357  $390,644 
Finance and Treasurer2010 $270,000  $  $221,913  $42,413  $67,500     $24,696  $626,522 

Name and Principal Position

Year

 

Salary
($)
(1)

  

Bonus
($)
(2)

  

Stock Awards
($)
(3)

  

Option Awards
($)
(4)

  

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
($)
(5)

  

Change in

Pension Value

and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings
($)

  

All Other Compen-

sation
($)
(6)

  

Total
($) 
(7)

 

Ara K. Hovnanian,

2014

  1,092,606      3,433,500      1,140,293      250,220   5,916,619 

President, Chief Executive

2013

  1,092,606      1,966,692   3,084,000   2,534,152      185,619   8,863,069 

Officer and Chairman of theBoard

2012

  1,092,606         1,032,000   949,500      181,582   3,255,688 
                                  

J. Larry Sorsby,

2014

  617,885      686,700      443,108      61,698   1,809,391 

Executive Vice President

2013

  600,000      719,999   616,800   953,600      49,897   2,940,296 

and Chief Financial Officer

2012

  600,000         206,400   350,000      50,433   1,206,833 
                                  

Thomas J. Pellerito,

2014

  617,885      457,800      443,108      64,150   1,582,943 

Chief OperatingOfficer

2013

  590,385      719,999   411,200   890,500      41,823   2,653,907 
 

2012

  538,462         137,600   250,000      46,406   972,468 
                                  

Brad G. O’Connor,

2014

  328,818         61,200   197,327      32,299   619,644 

Vice President — Chief

2013

  317,512      191,583   102,800   279,920      16,626   908,441 

Accounting Officer and

2012

  308,029   50,000      35,600   93,000      28,303   514,932 

CorporateController

                                 
                                  

David G. Valiaveedan,

2014

  307,603         61,200   153,831      28,072   550,706 

Vice President — Finance

2013

  297,027      179,222   77,100   234,535      16,622   804,506 

and Treasurer

2012

  288,821   50,000      26,700   72,500      28,269   466,290 

(1)

“Salary” ColumnThe “Salary” Column. The effective date of the last base salary increaseincreases for Mr.Messrs. Sorsby, Pellerito, O’Connor and Valiaveedan was January 19, 2012. This increaseDecember 21, 2013.  These increases occurred after the beginning of fiscal 20122014, resulting in a prorated base salary for fiscal 2012. Messrs. O’Connor’s and Valiaveedan’s salary increases were effective as of the beginning of fiscal 2012,  however, amounts reflected in the Summary Compensation Table reflect payment of two weeks’ salary at the fiscal 2011 rate, which was paid in fiscal 2012.2014. 

(2)

The “Bonus”“Bonus” Column. In accordance with SEC rules, the “Bonus” column discloses discretionary cash bonus awards.  Mr. Pellerito was awarded a discretionary cash bonus of $28,750 for fiscal 2010 for service performed prior to his becoming an executive officer.Discretionary bonuses of $50,000 were granted to each of Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan, for their performance during fiscal 2012. These awards recognized their significant contributions involving capital raising/restructuring activities as well as their leadership and assistance in generating positive operating trends in the latter half of fiscal 2012. The cash portion of bonuses earned based on the NEOs meeting either financial performance-based measures or personal objectives portions of their regular bonus programs are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” and described under footnote (5) below.

37

(3)

The “Stock“Stock Awards” Column. This column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of RSUs granted in fiscal 2011 (and, for Mr. Valiaveedan, in fiscal 2010 and 2011) and the portion of the 2013 LTIP awarded in fiscal 20102013 that may be paid out in shares and, for Messrs. Hovnanian, Sorsby and Pellerito, the aggregate grant date fair value of the MSUs granted in fiscal 2014, which were, in each case, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are set forth in Footnotes 3 and 1516 to the Company’s audited financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.2014.  The grant date fair value of the share portion of the 2013 LTIP awards in fiscal 2010 (which for Mr. Valiaveedan equaled $216,000 of the total value reflected for that year) is based upon the probable outcome of the performance conditions as of the grant date. The maximum valuevalues of thosethe share portion of the 2013 LTIP shares at grant date fair value was: $6,555,638, $2,400,002, $2,000,000would be $4,916,734, $1,799,998, $1,799,998, $478,960 and $540,000$448,054 for Messrs. Hovnanian, Sorsby, Pellerito, O’Connor and Valiaveedan, respectively.  The 2013 LTIP award levels above are subject to performance over a three-year31-month period (fiscal 2011-2013)(grant date through the end of fiscal 2015) and, if earned, awards are subject to vesting restrictions that extend through the end of fiscal 2015,2017, or a total of five years55 months from grant. Therethe grant date. Fifty percent of the MSU awards are subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price performance conditions applicable to all MSU awards, and the grant date fair value of the MSU awards reported above is based upon the maximum achievement of the financial performance conditions.The stock price performance conditions applicable to all MSU awards are a market condition as defined under FASB ASC Topic 718, and not a performance condition as defined under FASB ASC Topic 718.Accordingly, there are no assurancemaximum grant date fair values that differ from the LTIP awards will be earned at the levels shown above and actual awards could be zero if the performance goalsfair values presented in this column. The MSUs are not achieved.subject to vesting restrictions that extend through June 13, 2019.


(4)

The “Option“Option Awards” Column. Similar to the “Stock Awards” column, this column reflects the aggregate grant date fair values of stock options awarded in the fiscal year indicated whichand, in the case of performance-based options, at maximum performance. Amounts were computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are set forth in Footnotes 3 and 1516 to the Company’s audited financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.2014.The number of options granted in fiscal 2013 for all NEOs was the same as the number of options granted in fiscal 2012; however, fiscal 2013 option values reported in this column are significantly higher because the closing stock price on the 2013 grant date on which the Black-Scholes calculation was based was 191% higher than the closing stock price on the 2012 grant date. Fifty percent of the fiscal 2013 option awards for Messrs. Hovnanian, Sorsby and Pellerito vest in four equal annual installments, commencing on the second anniversary date of the grant, except that no portion of the award will vest unless the Committee determines that the Company achieved $100 million in pre-tax profit in at least one of fiscal 2014, fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2016, as described further below under footnote (6) to the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2014 Year-End table. All of the fiscal 2012 option awards for Messrs. Hovnanian, Sorsby and Pellerito were premium-priced options withhad exercise prices set 33 1/3% above the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant and vest in four equal annual installments, commencing on the second anniversary date of the grant.

(5)

“Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” Column. This column represents the cash portion of the performance-based annual bonus awards earned by the NEOs in the fiscal year indicated.indicatedand the cash portion of the 2010 LTIP award earned by the NEOs in fiscal 2013. The fiscal 2013 annual bonus awards for Messrs. Hovnanian, Sorsby, Pellerito, O’Connor and Valiaveedan were $1,500,000, $575,000, $575,000, $191,580 and $149,350, respectively.The cash portions of the 2010 LTIP awards earned in fiscal 2013by Messrs.Hovnanian, Sorsby, Pellerito, O’Connor and Valiaveedan were $1,034,152, $378,600, $315,500, $88,340 and $85,185, respectively.

(6)

“All Other Compensation” Column. This column discloses all other compensation for the fiscal year indicated, including reportable perquisites and other personal benefits.

For fiscal 2012,2014, total perquisites and other personal benefits, and those that exceeded the greater of $25,000 or 10% of total perquisites and other personal benefits for each NEO, were as follows:

Fiscal 2012 Perquisites (Supplemental Table)
  Total Perquisites and Description 
Fiscal 2012 Perquisites that Exceeded
the Greater of $25,000 or 10% of Total Perquisites
Name
Total Fiscal 2012
Perquisites
Types of Perquisites (a)
Personal Use of
Company’s Fractional Aircraft Share
 
Personal Use
of Company’s
Automobiles (c)
 
Personal
Income Tax Preparation (d)
Ara K. Hovnanian $180,230 (1) (2) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (b)  $86,658  $30,843 
J. Larry Sorsby $49,081 (3) (4) (5)  N/A   N/A   N/A 
Thomas J. Pellerito $45,054 (3) (4) (5)  N/A   N/A   N/A 
Brad G. O’Connor $26,954 (3) (4) (5)  N/A   N/A   N/A 
David G. Valiaveedan $26,934 (3) (4) (5)  N/A   N/A   N/A 

 

 

Total Perquisites and Description

 

Fiscal 2014 Perquisites that Exceeded 

the Greater of $25,000 or

10% of Total Perquisites 

Name

 

Total

Fiscal 2014

Perquisites
($)

 

Types of Perquisites
(a)

 

Personal Use

of the Company’s Fractional Aircraft Share ($) (b)

 

 

Personal Use

of Company’s

Automobiles
($) (c)

 

Personal

Income Tax Preparation
($) (d)

Ara K. Hovnanian

 

207,264

 

 

(1) (2) (4) (5) (6) (7)

 

59,211

 

 

 

103,084

  

25,056

 

J. Larry Sorsby

 

33,932

 

 

(3) (4) (5)

 

N/A

 

 

 

N/A

  

N/A

 

Thomas J. Pellerito

 

35,705

 

 

(3) (4) (5)

 

N/A

 

 

 

N/A

  

N/A

 

Brad G. O’Connor

 

14,527

 

 

(3) (4) (5)

 

N/A

 

 

 

N/A

  

N/A

 

David G. Valiaveedan

 

14,527

 

 

(3) (4) (5)

 

N/A

 

 

 

N/A

  

N/A

 

(a)

(1) Personal use of the Company’s fractional aircraft share; (2) Personal use of the Company’s automobiles; (3) Perquisites related to executives’ use of their own vehicles;Auto allowance and/or car maintenance and fuel expenses; (4) SubsidizedCompany-subsidized medical premiums;premiums under grandfathered service provision and premiums for long-term disability insurance; (5) Use of the Company’s Annual Executive Physical Exam Program; (6) Golf/country club membership fees; and (7) Personal income tax preparation; and (8) Personal accounting services.preparation.


(b)

The incremental costs of Mr. Hovnanian’s personal use of the Company’s fractional aircraft share were less thanare calculated as (1) the greatertotal operating costs (including trip-based management fees) directly associated with personal trips, plus (2) the allocable share of $25,000all other costs of the aircraft for the fiscal year (including depreciation or 10%lease payments) based upon the percentage of total perquisites.hours flown during the fiscal year represented by personal trips.No “deadhead” flights occurred in fiscal 2014.


(c)

The incremental costs of personal use of the Company’s automobiles are calculated as the allocable share of all costs of the automobiles for the fiscal year (including depreciation and, for the CEO, the Company's driver's salary and benefits) based upon the percentage of total miles driven during the fiscal year represented by personal trips.


(d)

Reflects the Company’s reimbursement of actual tax preparation expenses incurred by Mr. Hovnanian.

38

In addition to the perquisites and other personal benefits listed above, the NEOs received the following other compensation in fiscal 2012:


2014:

Fiscal 20122014 All Other Compensation Other Than Perquisites (Supplemental Table)

Name  Term Life Insurance Premiums  Company Contributions to the Executive’s Retirement Plan
(401(k)) (a)
  Company Contributions to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (“EDCP”) 
Ara K. Hovnanian $427  $925   
J. Larry Sorsby $427  $925   
Thomas J. Pellerito $427  $925   
Brad G. O’Connor $423  $925   
David G. Valiaveedan $410  $925   

Name

Term Life

Insurance

Premiums
($)

Company

Contributions to the

Executive’s Retirement

Plan

(401(k))
($) (a)

Company

Contributions to the

Executive Deferred

Compensation Plan

(EDCP)
($)

Ara K. Hovnanian

1,713

15,600

25,643

J. Larry Sorsby

1,713

15,600

10,453

Thomas J. Pellerito

2,267

15,600

10,578

Brad G. O’Connor

   708

15,600

  1,464

David G. Valiaveedan

   860

11,541

  1,144

(a)

This column represents a one-time Employer Non-Elective Contribution, funded by

Beginning with the useJanuary 10, 2014 pay period, the Company reinstated its 401(k) match to up to 6% of the forfeitures account, which was madeemployee’s contribution, based on tenure.  This applied to all eligible participants’participants in the 401(k) plan, accounts forincluding the 2011 calendar year, in accordance with termsNEOs.  For the portion of fiscal 2014 prior to that pay period, the Company’s 401(k) match was up to 3% of the 401(k) plan.employee’s contribution, based on tenure.

(7)

“Total” Compensation Column.This column reflects the sum of all the columns other than the Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column (the Salary, Bonus, Stock Awards, Option Awards, Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings, and All Other Compensation columns) of the Summary Compensation Table.

Fiscal 20122014 Total Compensation (Supplemental Table). The Fiscal 20122014 Total Compensation (Supplemental Table) below includes the same amounts as the “Salary,” “Bonus,” “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation,” “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings,”Earnings” and “All Other Compensation” columns of the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal 2012,2014, but values stock awards and option awards for the fiscal year differently, as explained in footnotes (a), (b) and (b)(c) below.

 

39

The table below is intended to provide additional, supplemental compensation disclosure and not as a replacement for the Summary Compensation Table.


Fiscal 20122014 Total Compensation (Supplemental Table)


Name 
Fiscal 2012
Salary
  
Cash Awards
of Fiscal 2012
Bonus
  
Stock Awards
(a)
  
Intrinsic
Expense
Value of
Outstanding
Options in
Fiscal 2012
(b)
  
Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
  
All Other
Compensation in Fiscal
2012
  
Total of All Columns of Supplemental
Table
 
Ara K. Hovnanian $1,092,606  $949,500           $181,582  $2,223,688 
J. Larry Sorsby $600,000  $350,000           $50,433  $1,000,433 
Thomas J. Pellerito $538,462  $250,000  $1,851        $46,406  $836,719 
Brad G. O’Connor   $308,029  $143,000  $5,083        $28,303  $484,415 
David G. Valiaveedan  $288,821  $122,500  $5,180        $28,269  $444,770 

Name

 

Fiscal

2014

Salary
($)

  

Fiscal

2014

Cash

Bonus
($)

  

Fiscal

2014

Stock

Vested (excluding

LTIP)
($)
(a)

  

Intrinsic

Value of

Options Granted in

Fiscal 2014
($)
(b)

  

2010

LTIP

Stock

Realized
($)
(c)

  

Change in

Pension

Value and

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings
($)

  

Fiscal

2014

All Other

Compensation
($)

  

Total of All Columns of Supplemental

Table
($)

 

Ara K. Hovnanian

  1,092,606    1,140,293    14,313   

N/A

  1,217,029      250,220   3,714,461  

J. Larry Sorsby

  617,885    443,108    2,863   

N/A

  445,552      61,698   1,571,106  

Thomas J. Pellerito

  617,885    443,108    1,910   

N/A

  371,292      64,150   1,498,345  

Brad G. O’Connor

  328,818    197,327    573       103,964      32,299   662,981  

David G. Valiaveedan

  307,603    153,831    4,445       100,249      28,072   594,200  

(a)

"

Fiscal 2014 Stock Awards" in thisVested (excluding LTIP) column, for Mr.Messrs. Hovnanian, Sorsby, Pellerito representand O'Connor, represents the portion of the RSU awardawards granted to himthem on June 13, 2008, which10, 2011 that vested and was issued in fiscal 20122014, at the stock price on the date of issue.  For Mr. O’Connor, the amount represents the portion of the RSU award granted to him on May 19, 2006 and the deferred shares awards granted for service performed in fiscal years 2007 and 2008, which vested and were issued in fiscal 2012 at the stock price on the date of issue.vesting.  For Mr. Valiaveedan, the amount represents the portion of RSU awards granted to him on June 13, 2008, June 12, 2009, and June 11, 2010 and the deferred shares awards granted for service performedJune 10, 2011 that vested in fiscal years 2007 and 2008, which vested and were issued in fiscal 20122014, at the stock price on the date of issue.vesting.

(b)

(b)

The “Intrinsic Expense Value of Outstanding Options Granted in Fiscal 2012”2014” column is based on the intrinsic expense value or degree to which the stock option was “in-the-money” of stock option awardsfor options granted in fiscal 2012 at2014 as of the grant date, instead of the grant date fair values of option awards granted in fiscal 2012,2014, as discussed under footnote (4) above. The

(c)

Reflects the stock portion of the 2010 LTIP awards that were realized in fiscal 2012 option grants for Messrs. Hovnanian, Sorsby and Pellerito were premium-priced options with an exercise price 33 1/3% above2014 based on the closing stock price on the grant dateOctober 31, 2014 vesting date.   The shares relating to the stock portion of the 2010 LTIP awards began to be distributed in January 2014, and were therefore underwater onare subject to additional vesting terms as described in the grant date.“Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section above.

 
(8)Beginning in fiscal 2010, the Committee approved a $250,000 increase in the maximum annual bonus amount for the CEO, reported under “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation,” in recognition of his increased responsibilities in assuming the position of Chairman of the Board.

40

(2)

2. GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS IN FISCAL 2012

2014

The following table summarizes both:

(1)         The potential equity and non-equity incentive plan awards that could have been or could be earned by each of the NEOs at the defined levels of “Threshold,” “Target” and “Maximum” based on the performance-based awards granted to the NEOs in fiscal 2012;2014; and

(2)         All other plan-based awards, such as stock options and non-performance-based RSUs, granted in fiscal 2012.

2014.

Each of the following columns is described in the footnotes below the table.


Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2012

 Grant  
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards
  
Estimated Future
Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards (#)
  All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units  All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#)  Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards
NameDate  Threshold  Target  Maximum  Threshold  Target  Maximum  (#)  (4)  (5) (6)
Ara K. (1)  $0      $949,500   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A           
Hovnanian02/10/2012(2)              0   337,500   337,500           $1.93  $0
 06/08/2012(3)                              600,000   $2.88  $1,032,000
                                         
J. Larry (1)  $0   $350,000   $350,000   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A           
Sorsby02/10/2012(2)              0   67,500   67,500           $1.93  $0
 06/08/2012(3)                              120,000   $2.88  $206,400
                                         
Thomas J. (1)  $0   $225,000   $350,000   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A           
Pellerito06/08/2012(3)                              80,000   $2.88  $137,600
                                         
Brad G. (1)  $62,000   $93,000   $93,000   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A           
O’Connor06/08/2012(3)                              20,000   $2.16  $35,600
                                         
David G. (1)  $72,500   $72,500   $72,500   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A           
Valiaveedan06/08/2012(3)                              15,000   $2.16  $26,700

2014

   

Estimated Possible Payouts

Under Non-Equity

Incentive Plan Awards ($)

 

Estimated Future

Payouts Under Equity

Incentive Plan Awards (#)

 

All

Other

Stock

Awards:

Number

of

Shares

of Stock

or Units

All Other

Option

Awards:

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Options

Exercise

or Base

Price of

Option

Awards

($/Sh)

Grant

Date Fair

Value of

Stock and

Option

Awards

Name

GrantDate

 

Threshold

Target

Maximum

 

Threshold

Target

Maximum

 

(#)

(#) (5)

(6)

($) (7)

Ara K.

 

(1)

0

2,500,000

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

  

 

  

Hovnanian

6/13/2014

(2)

    

150,000

300,000

525,000

    

1,705,500

 

6/13/2014

(3)

    

0

300,000

525,000

    

1,728,000

               

J. Larry

 

(1)

0

950,000

950,000

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

  

 

  

Sorsby

6/13/2014

(2)

 

 

 

 

30,000

60,000

105,000

  

 

 

341,100

 

6/13/2014

(3)

    

0

60,000

105,000

    

345,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

Thomas J.

 

(1)

0

525,000

950,000

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

  

 

  

Pellerito

6/13/2014

(2)

 

 

 

 

20,000

40,000

70,000

  

 

 

227,400

 

6/13/2014

(3)

    

0

40,000

70,000

    

230,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Brad G.

 

(1)

65,776

197,327

197,327

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

  

 

  

O’Connor

6/13/2014

(4)

 

 

 

     

 

20,000

4.41

 61,200

                

David G.

 

(1)

76,915

153,831

153,831

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

  

 

  

Valiaveedan

6/13/2014

(4)

 

 

 

     

 

 20,000

4.41

 61,200

(1)

Regular Bonuses for CEO and CFO. As stated above under “Regular Bonuses” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the fiscal 20122014 bonus formulas for Messrs. Hovnanian and Sorsby were based on the greater of (a) the ROACE calculation method or (b) the sum of the Pre-tax Profit and the EBITDA ImprovementLiquidity Balances calculation method, providedexcept that their finaltotal bonuses could not exceed $949,500$2,500,000 and $350,000,$950,000, respectively.  TheseAs described above under “Regular Bonuses” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, these NEOs would not earn any bonus under the ROACE calculation method if the ROACE percentage (as defined above under “Regular Bonuses” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis) was zero or lower (as was the case in fiscal 2012)2014) and would not earn any bonus under the EBITDA ImprovementPre-tax Profit and Liquidity Balances calculation method if (a) the EBITDA improvement calculation (as discussedpercentage change in Pre-tax Profit between fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014 was below -40% and (b) Liquidity Balances were above under “Regular Bonuses” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis) was $0 or lower.$170 million for less than two fiscal 2014 quarter-ends.  Because bonus amounts above those levels,that level in Pre-tax Profit change, however, would be interpolated, $0 has been disclosed at the “threshold” level for purposes of the above table for these NEOs.

For purposes of the above table presentation, bonuses earned at the “target” levels for the CEO and the CFO would be equal to the greater of (a) the ROACE calculation method assuming a “target” ROACE percentage of 15% in accordance with the respective bonus formula tables andor (b) the amount that could be earned under the EBITDA ImprovementPre-tax Profit and Liquidity Balances calculation at the “target” level or the “mid-point” range of the respective bonus formula tables as described above under “Regular Bonuses” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, providedexcept that their finaltotal bonuses could not exceed $949,500$2,500,000 and $350,000$950,000 for the CEO and CFO, respectively. Based on the greater of both components of their respective “target” levels of the bonus formulas, the ROACE portion of the bonus formulas would be greater than the EBITDA ImprovementPre-tax Profit and Liquidity Balances portion for Mr. Sorsby. As a result, the total cash bonus payable to Mr. Sorsby at this level would be capped at $350,000.$950,000.  Mr. Hovnanian’s ROACE calculation method would provide for a payment of 1.5% of pre-tax incomePre-tax Profit and, because pre-tax incomePre-tax Profit was not determinable at the time the fiscal 20122014 bonus formula was established, no target amount is reflected for Mr. Hovnanian in the above table.

 

41

  

The maximum cash bonuses that could be earned by Messrs. Hovnanian and Sorsby for fiscal 20122014 under either the ROACE calculation method or the EBITDA ImprovementPre-tax Profit and Liquidity Balances calculation method in total were $949,500capped at $2,500,000 and $350,000,$950,000, respectively.

Regular Bonus for COO. As stateddescribed above under “Regular Bonuses” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the fiscal 20122014 bonus formula for Mr. Pellerito was based solely on the EBITDA ImprovementPre-tax Profit and Liquidity Balances calculation method, providedexcept that his bonus could not exceed $250,000.  Mr. Pellerito would not earn any bonus under the EBITDA Improvement calculation method if the EBITDA improvement calculation (as discussed above under “Regular Bonuses” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis) was $0 or lower.  Because bonus amounts above that level, however, would be interpolated and because$950,000.  Mr. Pellerito would not earn any bonus under the Pre-tax Profit and Liquidity Balances calculation method if (a) the percentage change in ThirdPre-tax Profit between fiscal 2013 and Fourth Fiscal Quarters component if the Company did not achieve pre-tax profitabilityfiscal 2014 was below -40% and (b) Liquidity Balances were above $170 million for less than two fiscal 2014 quarter-ends.  Because bonus amounts above that level in both the third and the fourth quarters of fiscal 2012,Pre-tax Profit change, however, would be interpolated, $0 has been disclosed at the “threshold” level for purposes of the above table for this NEO.

For purposes of the above table presentation, the bonus earned at the “target” level for the COO would be the amount that could be earned under the EBITDA ImprovementPre-tax Profit and Liquidity Balances calculation at the “target” level or the “mid-point” range of the bonus formula as described above under “Regular Bonuses” in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis plus an additional $100,000 if the Company achieved positive pre-tax profit in both the third and fourth fiscal quarters.Analysis. The total cash bonus payable to Mr. Pellerito at this level would be $225,000.

$525,000. This is based on a 20% change in Pre-tax Profit between fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014, which would earn $425,000, plus $100,000 earned for three quarter-ends at or above the target liquidity amount under the Liquidity measure.

The maximum cash bonus that could be earned by Mr. Pellerito for fiscal 20122014 was $350,000, which consisted of the maximum bonus of $250,000 based on the EBITDA Improvement calculation method plus an additional $100,000 if the Company achieved positive pre-tax profit in both the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2012.

capped at $950,000.

Regular Bonuses for the Vice President — Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller and the Vice President — Finance and Treasurer. As stated above under “Regular Bonuses” of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the fiscal 20122014 bonus formulas for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan were based on both the ROACE calculation method and the “Meeting Personal Objectives” method, subject to a cap of 50% ofequal to the maximum percentages of base salary they could otherwise achieve under the personal objectives portion of their respective bonus formulas (theformulas. If the Company achieved positive Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2014, the caps were 30%60% and 25%50% of base salary, respectively).respectively. If the Company did not achieve positive Pre-tax Profit in fiscal 2014, the caps would be 30% and 25%, respectively.

For purposes of the above table presentation, the “threshold” level is defined as when the ROACE percentage isand Pre-tax Profit are at or below zero and the “threshold” achievement of the personal objectives established for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan at the beginning of the fiscal year as(as described above in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis under “Regular Bonuses”) is achieved. Based on the “threshold” level, these NEOs would not have earned a bonus payout for fiscal 20122014 based on the ROACE percentage, but, based upon the “threshold” achievement of their personal objectives, Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan would have earned bonus payouts of 20% and 30% of their base salary, respectively.  However, because Mr. Valiaveedan’s bonus payout would exceed the cap of 25% of his base salary, his award would be capped. As a result, for fiscal 2012,2014, Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan at “threshold” would have earned total cash bonuses of $62,000$65,776 and $72,500,$76,915, respectively.  Since the payout based on Mr. Valiaveedan’s “target” level would exceed 50% of the maximum percentage of base salary he could otherwise achieve under the personal objectives portion of his bonus formula, the bonus for Mr. Valiaveedan at this level would be capped at $72,500 which is 25% of his base salary.

For purposes of thisthe above table presentation, the “target” level assumes the Company’s ROACE percentage is at 15%, the Company achieves positive Pre-tax Profit and the “target” or a “substantial” percentage of the personal objectives established for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan at the beginning of the fiscal year is achieved. Since the payouts based on their respective “target” levels would exceed 50% of the maximum percentages of base salary they could otherwise achieve under the personal objectives portion of their respective bonus formulas, the bonuses for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan at this level would be capped at $93,000capped. The applicable caps of 60% and $72,500, respectively (the caps were 30% and 25%50% of base salary respectively).

for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan, respectively, would result in bonuses of $197,327 and $153,831, respectively.

For purposes of this table presentation, the “maximum” level is defined as when the Company achieves positive Pre-tax Profit and when the maximum award earned under the ROACE calculation method and the maximum award if all or an “outstanding” percentage of the personal objectives established for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan at the beginning of the fiscal year are achieved. The maximum bonus payable under the ROACE calculation is capped at a 20% ROACE level for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan. Since the payouts based on the maximum level would exceed 50% of the maximum percentages of base salary they could otherwise achieve under the personal objectives portion of their respective bonus formulas, the bonuses for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan would be capped. The applicable caps of 60% and 50% of base salary for Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan, respectively, would result in bonuses of $197,327 and $153,831, respectively.


(2)

MSU Awards Not Subject to Financial Performance Conditions.Represents the portion ofthe MSU awards for Messrs. Hovnanian, Sorsby and Pellerito that is not subject to performance conditions in addition to the stock price performance condition applicable to all MSU awards.Mr.Hovnanian’sMSUaward was granted in the form of rights to receive shares of Class B Common Stock and theMSU awards forMessrs. Sorsby and Pellerito were granted in the form of rights to receive shares of Class A Common Stock.

For purposes of the above table presentation, the “threshold” level is defined asthe level at thiswhich the average closing trading price of the Company’sClass A Common Stock on theNYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the vesting date is equal to 50% of the average closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the grant date.The “target” level is defined as whenthe average closing trading price of the Company’sClass A Common Stock on theNYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the vesting date is equal to the average closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the grant date.The “maximum” level is defined as whenthe average closing trading price of the Company’sClass A Common Stock on theNYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the vesting date is greater than or equal to 175% of the average closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the grant date

(3)

Financial Performance-BasedMSU Awards.Represents the portion ofthe MSU awards for Messrs. Hovnanian, Sorsby and Pellerito that is subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price performance conditions applicable to all MSU awards.Mr.Hovnanian’sMSU award was granted in the form of rights to receive shares of Class B Common Stock and theMSU awards forMessrs. Sorsby and Pellerito were granted in the form of rights to receive shares of Class A Common Stock.

For purposes of the above table presentation, the “threshold” level is defined as when fiscal 2016 total revenue growth compared to fiscal 2014 total revenue is 0% andthe average closing trading price of the Company’sClass A Common Stock on theNYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the vesting date is equal to 50% of the average closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the grant date.The “target” level is defined as when fiscal 2016 total revenue growth compared to fiscal 2014 total revenue is 12.5% andthe average closing trading price of the Company’sClass A Common Stock on theNYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending onthe vesting date is equal to the average closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the grant date.The “maximum” level is defined as whenfiscal 2016 total revenue growth compared to fiscal 2014 total revenue is 25% or greater andthe average closing trading price of the Company’sClass A Common Stock on theNYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the vesting date is greater than or equal to 175% of the average closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on the grant date. Because payout calculations of the “threshold” level would be cappedinterpolated, $0 has been disclosed at $93,000 and $72,500, respectively (30% and 25% of base salary, respectively).

42

(2)Awards reported reflect the options modified on February 10, 2012.  On February 10, 2012, the June 10, 2011 option awards of 337,500 and 67,500“threshold” level for the CEO and CFO, respectively, and the June 10, 2011 RSU awards of 12,500 and 2,500 for the CEO and CFO, respectively, were amended to require that, as a condition of vesting, the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA must exceed “fiscal 2011 actual EBITDA” for two consecutive fiscal years, in the case of options, during the option term and, in the case of RSUs, prior to the tenth anniversarypurposes of the grant date.  Regardless of when the performance criteria are met, vesting will not occur sooner than 25% per year beginning on the second anniversaryabove table for this portion of the grant date.  For this purpose, “fiscal 2011 actual EBITDA” is the amount from our consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2011.  Adjusted EBITDA will be based on EBITDA from the consolidated financial statements for the applicable fiscal year-end, excluding inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs and gains or losses on extinguishment of debt.  At the end of fiscal 2012, the Committee determined that the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA exceeded fiscal 2011 actual EBITDA. No incremental fair value was recognized under FASB AFC Topic 718 in connection with the modification of these options or  RSUMSU awards.


(3)

(4)

Stock Option Awards.These rows represent the number of stock options awarded each NEOgranted to Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan in fiscal 2012.  For the CEO, CFO and COO, the options have a premium exercise price set 33 1/3% above the closing stock price on the grant date. Mr. Hovnanian’s stock option award was granted in the form of options to purchase shares of Class B Common Stock and the stock option awards for the other NEOs were granted in the form of options to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock.2014.

(4)

(5)

“All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options” Column. This column discloses the number of stock options (not tied to any financial or personal objectives performance measure) awarded to an NEO in fiscal 2012.  2014.  These stock options generally vest in four equal installments, commencing on the second anniversary of the grant date.


(5)

(6)

“Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards” Column. With the exception of the June 8, 2012 grants for the CEO, CFO and COO, theThe option exercise price is the closing price per share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE on the day of the option grant.  For the CEO, CFO and COO, options granted on June 8, 2012 have a premium exercise price set 33 1/3% above the closing stock price on the grant date.


(6)

(7)

“Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards” Column.The grant date fair value of the stock option grants was computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are set forth in Footnotes 3 and 1516 to the Company’s audited financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012. This2014. The value for options was calculated based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model in which the option fair value as of the grant date June 8, 2012(June 13, 2014) was determined to be $1.72 for$3.06. The grant date fair value of all MSU awards was determined under FASB ASC Topic 718 using a Monte Carlo simulation model which simulates a range of possible future stock prices and estimates the CEO, CFO and COO and $1.78 forprobabilities of the other NEOs.  potentialpayouts.The grant date fair valueof the MSUs that are subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price performance conditions applicable to all MSU awards was determined under FASB ASC Topic 718 on the basis of the expected outcome as of the grant date, which was the maximum achievement of the financial performance conditions. 

 

43

(3)

3. OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL 20122014 YEAR-END

The following table shows all unexercised stock options, unvested deferred shares, unvested RSUs, unearned and unvested restricted stock unitsMSUs, unvested share portions of the 2010 LTIP and unearned and unvested share portions of the 2013 LTIP held at the end of fiscal 20122014 by the NEOs.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 20122014 Year-End

   OPTION AWARDS  STOCK AWARDS 
Name
Grant
Date (1)
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options #
Exercisable
  
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options #
Unexercisable
  
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options #
  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 ($)
  
Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares or
other Rights
that have not
vested (#)
  
Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares or
other Rights
that have not
vested ($)
 
Ara Hovnanian (4)06/13/08  281,250   93,750     $6.46  06/12/18     $      $  
 06/12/09  375,000(2) 375,000(2)   $2.55  06/11/19     $      $  
 06/11/10  93,750   281,250     $4.73  06/10/20     $   1,385,970(3) $5,959,671(3)
 06/10/11        337,500(5)$1.93  06/09/21     $   12,500(5) $53,750  
 06/08/12     600,000     $2.88  06/07/22     $      $  
                                       
J. Larry Sorsby (4)06/13/08  56,250   18,750     $6.46  06/12/18     $      $  
 06/12/09  75,000(2) 75,000(2)   $2.55  06/11/19     $      $  
 06/11/10  18,750   56,250     $4.73  06/10/20     $   507,400(3) $2,181,820(3)
 06/10/11        67,500(5)$1.93  06/09/21     $   2,500(5) $10,750  
 06/08/12     120,000     $2.88  06/07/22     $      $  
                                       
Thomas J. Pellerito01/23/03  20,000        $15.95  01/22/13     $      $  
 06/13/08  10,000        $6.46  06/12/18     $      $  
 06/12/09  35,000        $2.55  06/11/19     $      $  
 06/11/10  50,000        $4.73  06/10/20     $   422,833(3) $1,818,182(3)
 06/10/11  45,000        $1.93  06/09/21     $      $  
 06/08/12  80,000        $2.88  06/07/22     $      $  
                                       
Brad G. O’Connor06/13/08  11,250   3,750     $6.46  06/12/18     $      $  
 10/31/08          $   —     $   2,621   $11,270  
 06/12/09  12,500   12,500     $2.55  06/11/19     $      $  
 06/11/10  3,750   11,250     $4.73  06/10/20     $   118,393(3) $509,090(3)
 06/10/11     13,500     $1.93  06/09/21   500  $2,150      $  
 06/08/12     20,000     $2.16  06/07/22     $      $  
                                       
David G. Valiaveedan06/13/08  5,625   1,875     $6.46  06/12/18   206  $886      $  
 10/31/08          $   —     $   1,844   $7,929  
 06/12/09  6,564   6,561     $2.55  06/11/19   728  $3,130      $  
 06/11/10  2,813   8,437     $4.73  06/10/20   937  $4,029   114,165(3) $490,910(3)
 06/10/11     11,250     $1.93  06/09/21   1,250  $5,375      $  
 06/08/12     15,000     $2.16  06/07/22     $      $  

 

 

 

OPTION AWARDS

 

 

STOCK AWARDS

 

Name

Grant

Date (1)

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

Exercisable
(#)

 

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options

Unexercisable
(#)

 

 

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Unearned

Options
(
#)

 

 

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
($)

 

 

Equity

Incentive

Plan Awards:

Number of

Unearned

Shares or

other Rights

that have not

vested
(#)

 

 

Equity

Incentive

Plan Awards:

Market or

Payout Value

of Unearned

Shares or

other Rights

that have not

vested
($)

 

Ara

06/13/08

 

375,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.46

 

 

06/12/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hovnanian

06/12/09

 

750,000

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.55

 

 

06/11/19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

281,250

 

 

 

93,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.73

 

 

06/10/20

 

 

215,784

(3)

 

811,348

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

168,750

(4)

 

 

168,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

 

 

06/09/21

 

 

6,250

(4)

 

23,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/08/12

 

150,000

 

 

 

450,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.88

 

 

06/07/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

03/11/13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

331,093

(5)

 

1,244,910

(5)

 

06/14/13

 

 

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

300,000

(6)

 

 

6.28

 

 

06/13/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/13/14

 

   

   

   

  

  

  

  

300,000

(7)

 

1,128,000

(7)

 

06/13/14

 

   

   

   

  

  

  

  

0

(8)

 

0

(8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Larry

06/13/08

 

75,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.46

 

 

06/12/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorsby

06/12/09

 

150,000

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.55

 

 

06/11/19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

75,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.73

 

 

06/10/20

 

 

(3)

 

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

67,500

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

 

 

06/09/21

 

 

1,250

(4)

 

4,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/08/12

 

120,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.88

 

 

06/07/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

03/11/13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

121,212

(5)

 

455,757

(5)

 

06/14/13

 

60,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

60,000

(6)

 

 

6.28

 

 

06/13/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/13/14

 

   

   

   

  

  

  

  

60,000

(7)

 

225,600

(7)

 

06/13/14

 

   

   

   

  

  

  

  

0

(8)

 

0

(8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas J.

06/13/08

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.46

 

 

06/12/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pellerito

06/12/09

 

35,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.55

 

 

06/11/19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.73

 

 

06/10/20

 

 

(3)

 

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

45,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

 

 

06/09/21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/08/12

 

80,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.88

 

 

06/07/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

03/11/13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

121,212

(5)

 

455,757

(5)

 

06/14/13

 

40,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

40,000

(6)

 

 

6.28

 

 

06/13/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/13/14

 

   

   

   

  

  

  

  

40,000

(7)

 

150,400

(7)

 

06/13/14

 

   

   

   

  

  

  

  

0

(8)

 

0

(8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brad G.

06/13/08

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.46

 

 

06/12/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O’Connor

06/12/09

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.55

 

 

06/11/19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

11,250

 

 

 

3,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.73

 

 

06/10/20

 

 

18,432

(3)

 

69,304

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

6,750

 

 

 

6,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

 

 

06/09/21

 

 

250

 

 

940

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/08/12

 

5,000

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.16

 

 

06/07/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

03/11/13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32,253

(5)

 

121,271

(5)

 

06/14/13

 

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.28

 

 

06/13/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

— 

 

 

06/13/14

 

   

20,000

   

   

4.41

  

06/12/24

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David G.

06/13/08

 

7,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.46

 

 

06/12/18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valiaveedan

06/12/09

 

13,125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.55

 

 

06/11/19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

8,439

 

 

 

2,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.73

 

 

06/10/20

 

 

18,085

(3)

 

68,000

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

5,626

 

 

 

5,624

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

 

 

06/09/21

 

 

624

 

 

2,346

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/08/12

 

3,750

 

 

 

11,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.16

 

 

06/07/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

03/11/13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,172

(5)

 

113,447

(5)

 

06/14/13

 

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.28

 

 

06/13/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/13/14

 

   

20,000

   

   

4.41

  

06/12/24

  

  

  

  

 

(1)

The options represented in the table (except as discussed in footnotes (2), (4) and (5)(6) below) vest 25% per year beginning on the second anniversary of the date of grant except for Mr. Pellerito whose January 23, 2003 option grant vested 25% per year beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. In each case, upon termination due to death, disability or qualified retirement, the options, to the extent not previously vested and exercised, would become fully vested and exercisable.exercisable, subject, in the case of the 2013 grants, to meeting the performance conditions discussed in footnote (6) below. The RSU awards represented in the table (except as discussed in footnote (4) below) vest 25% per year beginning on the second anniversary of the date of grant. In each case, upon termination due to death, disability or qualified retirement, but only if such retirement occurs on or after the first anniversary of the date of the grant, the RSUs, to the extent not previously vested and distributed, would become fully vested and distributable. Currently, Mr.Messrs. Sorsby and Pellerito isare the only NEONEOs who isare retirement eligible and qualifiesqualify for accelerated vesting on the basis of retirement. Therefore, all of Mr. Pellerito’sthese NEOs’ outstanding options for which the performance conditions, if any, have been met have been treated as immediately vested, and hisMr. Pellerito’s RSUs are treated as vested on the first anniversary of the grant date, for purposes of this table. In connection with the amendments to their options and RSUs awarded in fiscal 2011 described underin footnote (5)(4) below, Messrs. Hovnanian and Sorsby agreed to eliminate accelerated vesting of such RSUs on the basis of qualified retirement. In addition, following fiscal 2011 year-end, the Company entered into change in control severance agreements with Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan pursuant to which their unvested options would become fully vested and exercisable and their RSUs would become fully vested and distributable if they are terminated under specified conditions following a change in control of the Company.  All stock option and RSU grants were made in the form of rights to receive shares of Class A Common Stock except for the CEO, whose grants were made in the form of rights to receive shares of Class B Common Stock.

 

44

(2)

Included in these numbers are 375,000 and 75,000 performance-based options for Mr. Hovnanian and Mr. Sorsby, respectively (50% of the options reflected infor each column)NEO).  These performance-based options follow the same time vesting schedule as standard stock options, providedexcept that the Committee determinedmust determine that (1)(a) the Company’s EBITDA for fiscal 2009 was at least $200,000,000$200 million greater than the Company’s EBITDA for fiscal 2008 and (2)(b) the Company’s EBITDA for fiscal 2010 was at least $300,000,000$300 million greater than the Company’s EBITDA for fiscal 2008. For this purpose, “EBITDA” was defined as the Company’s consolidated earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (but including inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs and gain on extinguishment of debt), determined in a manner consistent with the Company’s ordinary course practices for quarterly press release financial reporting purposes. At the end of fiscal 2009, the Committee determined that the first performance hurdle was achieved since the Company’s EBITDA for fiscal 2009 was at least $200,000,000$200 million greater than in fiscal 2008.  At the end of fiscal 2010, the Committee determined that the second performance hurdle was achieved since the Company’s EBITDA for fiscal 2010 was at least $300,000,000$300 million greater than in fiscal 2008.


(3)

Represents the number and value of shares underlying the share portion of the 2010 LTIP awards granted on June 11, 2010.  Because performance through the end of fiscal 2012 was between the target2010 earned based on actual results that are still subject to future vesting and, maximum levels, the numberfor Mr. Valiaveedan, 311 unvested RSUs from his June 10, 2011 grant. Messrs. Sorsby and value of shares underlying thePellerito’s 2010 LTIP awards are basednot included because Messrs. Sorsby and Pellerito are “retirement eligible” and qualify for accelerated vesting on maximum performance.  There is no assurance that the LTIP awards will be earned at the levels shown above, and actual awards could be zero if the performance goals are not achieved.basis of retirement.

(4)

In October 2011, in the interest of reducing the Company’s overall shareholder dilution, Messrs. Hovnanian and Sorsby voluntarily cancelled all of the outstanding options from their 2001 and 2002 grants to further reduce (as they did in fiscal 2008) a portion of the equity reserve “overhang” under the Company’s equity compensation plans.  As a result, the total number of shares of common stock available for future issuance was reduced by 1,200,000 shares (1,100,000 and 100,000, for the options cancelled by Mr. Hovnanian and Mr. Sorsby, respectively).

(5)

In February 2012, these awards were amended to require that, as a condition of vesting, the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA must exceed “fiscal 2011 actual EBITDA” for two consecutive fiscal years, in the case of options, during the option term and, in the case of RSUs, prior to the tenth anniversary of the grant date.  Regardless of when the performance criteria are met, vesting will not occur sooner than 25% per year beginning on the second anniversary of the grant date.  For this purpose, “fiscal 2011 actual EBITDA” is defined as the amount fromCompany’s consolidated earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, each as reported in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2011.  Adjusted EBITDA will be based on EBITDA, fromcalculated as described in the consolidated financial statements for the applicable fiscal year-end,previous sentence, excluding inventory impairment losses and land option write-offs and gains or losses on extinguishment of debt.  At the end of both fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013, the Committee determined that the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA exceeded fiscal 2011 actual EBITDA and that the performance criteria of “two consecutive fiscal years” had not yet been met.

(5)

Represents the number and value of the shares underlying the share portion of the 2013 LTIP awards granted on March 11, 2013.  Because performance through the end of fiscal 2014 was between the threshold and target levels, the number and value of shares underlying the awards are based on target performance.

(6)

In fiscal 2013, the Committee determined that 50% of the stock options granted in June 2013 to the CEO, CFO and COO would be subject to performance conditions. These performance-based options vest in four equal annual installments, commencing on the second anniversary date of the grant, except that no portion of the award will vest unless the Committee determines that the Company achieved $100 million in pre-tax profit in at least one of fiscal 2014, fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2016. For this purpose, “pre-tax profit” is defined as earnings (losses) before income tax expense as reflected on our audited financial statements, excluding the impact of any items deemed by the Committee to be extraordinary items (for example, losses from land impairments and losses from debt repurchases/debt retirement such as call premiums, above par purchase prices and related issuance costs or gains from debt repurchases). As of the end of fiscal 2014, the performance criteria had not been met.

 

(7)

Represents the number and value of the shares underlying the portion of the MSU awards granted on June 13, 2014 that is not subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price performance conditions applicable to all MSU awards. Based onthe average closing trading price of the Company’sClass A Common Stock on theNYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on October 31, 2014, stock price performance was between the threshold and target levels, therefore the number and value of shares underlying the awards are based on target stock price performance.

(8)

Represents the number and value of the shares underlying the MSU awards granted on June 13, 2014 that is subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price performance conditions applicable to all MSU awards.  Because the performance period will commence on November 1, 2015, which is after the date of this table, the number and value of shares underlying the awards are based on threshold performance. At threshold performance, no shares would be paid out to the NEOs.

 
45


The following table shows the total value of all unexercised stock options (exercisable and unexercisable) that each of the NEOs held at the end of fiscal 2012:


2014:

Value of Outstanding Option Awards at Fiscal 20122014 Year-End (Supplemental Table)

Name Grant Date Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#) 
Value of Unexercised In The Money Options Exercisable
($) (a)
 Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) Value of Unexercised In The Money Options Unexercisable ($) (a)
Ara Hovnanian 06/13/08  281,250  $0  93,750  $0 
  06/12/09  375,000  $656,250  375,000  $656,250 
  06/11/10  93,750  $0  281,250  $0 
  06/10/11    $0  337,500  $799,875 
  06/08/12    $0  600,000  $852,000 
                  
J. Larry Sorsby 06/13/08  56,250  $0  18,750  $0 
  06/12/09  75,000  $131,250  75,000  $131,250 
  06/11/10  18,750  $0  56,250  $0 
  06/10/11    $0  67,500  $159,975 
  06/08/12    $0  120,000  $170,400 
                  
 Thomas J. Pellerito 01/23/03  20,000  $0    $0 
  06/13/08  10,000  $0    $0 
  06/12/09  35,000  $61,250    $0 
  06/11/10  50,000  $0    $0 
  06/10/11  45,000  $106,650    $0 
  06/08/12  80,000   $113,600     $0 
                  
Brad G. O’Connor 06/13/08  11,250  $0  3,750  $0 
  06/12/09  12,500  $21,875  12,500  $21,875 
  06/11/10  3,750  $0  11,250  $0 
  06/10/11    $0  13,500  $31,995 
  06/08/12    $0  20,000  $42,800 
                  
David G. Valiaveedan 06/13/08  5,625  $0  1,875  $0 
  06/12/09  6,564  $11,487  6,561  $11,482 
  06/11/10  2,813  $0  8,437  $0 
  06/10/11    $0  11,250  $26,663 
  06/08/12    $0  15,000  $32,100 

Name

Grant Date

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable
(#)

 

 

Value of Unexercised In The Money Options Exercisable

($) (a)

 

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable
(#)

 

 

Value of Unexercised In The Money Options Unexercisable
($) (a)

 

Ara Hovnanian

06/13/08

 

375,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/12/09

 

750,000

 

 

907,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

281,250

 

 

0

 

 

93,750

 

 

0

 

 

06/10/11

 

168,750

 

 

308,813

 

 

168,750

 

 

308,813

 

 

06/08/12

 

150,000

 

 

132,000

 

 

450,000

 

 

396,000

 

 

06/14/13

 

 

 

 

 

600,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Larry Sorsby

06/13/08

 

75,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/12/09

 

150,000

 

 

181,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

75,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

67,500

 

 

123,525

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/08/12

 

120,000

 

 

105,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/14/13

 

60,000

 

 

0

 

 

60,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas J. Pellerito

06/13/08

 

10,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/12/09

 

35,000

 

 

42,350

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

50,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

45,000

 

 

82,350

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/08/12

 

80,000

 

 

70,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/14/13

 

40,000

 

 

0

 

 

40,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brad G. O’Connor

06/13/08

 

15,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/12/09

 

25,000

 

 

30,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

11,250

 

 

0

 

 

3,750

 

 

0

 

 

06/10/11

 

6,750

 

 

12,353

 

 

6,750

 

 

12,353

 

 

06/08/12

 

5,000

 

 

8,000

 

 

15,000

 

 

24,000

 

 

06/14/13

 

 

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

0

 

 

06/13/14

 

  

  

20,000

  

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David G. Valiaveedan

06/13/08

 

7,500

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/12/09

 

13,125

 

 

15,881

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

8,439

 

 

0

 

 

2,811

 

 

0

 

 

06/10/11

 

5,626

 

 

10,296

 

 

5,624

 

 

10,292

 

 

06/08/12

 

3,750

 

 

6,000

 

 

11,250

 

 

18,000

 

 

06/14/13

 

 

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

0

 

 

06/13/14

 

  

  

20,000

  

0

 

(a)

(a)

Based on the difference between the closing markettrading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE at October 31, 20122014 and the exercise price of the options.

 

46

(4)

4. OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED IN FISCAL 2012

2014

The following table discloses information with respect to stock options exercised by the NEOs in fiscal 20122014 and stock awards held by them that vested in fiscal 2012:

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2012
  Option Awards  Stock Awards
  
Number of
Shares Acquired
on Exercise
  
Value Realized
on Exercise
  
Number of
Shares Acquired
on Vesting
  
Value Realized
on Vesting
Name  (#)  ($)   (#)  ($)
Ara K. Hovnanian            —     
J. Larry Sorsby           —     
Thomas J. Pellerito        1,667  $3,517 (1) 
Brad G, O’Connor          3,779  $5,083 (2)
David G. Valiaveedan         3,365  $5,180 (2)
2014:

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

Stock Awards

 

 

 

Number of

Shares Acquired

on Exercise

 

 

Value Realized

on Exercise

 

 

Number of

Shares Acquired

on Vesting

 

 

Value Realized

on Vesting

 

Name

 

(#)

 

 

($)

 

 

(#)

 

 

($) (1)

 

Ara K. Hovnanian

 

 

 

 

 

326,803

 

 

 

1,231,342

(2)

 

J. Larry Sorsby

 

 

 

 

 

625

 

 

 

2,863

(3)

 

Thomas J. Pellerito

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Brad G. O’Connor

 

 

 

 

 

27,775

 

 

 

104,537

(4)

 

David G. Valiaveedan

 

 

 

 

 

27,651

 

 

 

104,694

(5)

 

(1)

(1)Represents 1,667 RSUs granted to Mr. Pellerito in fiscal 2011 that were considered vested in fiscal 2012 due to Mr. Pellerito’s “retirement eligibility,” but that were not delivered in fiscal 2012.  These RSUs had a market value of $3,517 as of June 11, 2012, based on the closing price for shares of Class A Common Stock on the first business day after the June 10, 2012 deemed vesting date.

(2)

Based on the closing markettrading price of the Company'sCompany’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of vesting.vesting date.

(2)

Represents 323,678 shares from the 2010 LTIP award and 3,125 shares from June 10, 2011 RSU grant that vested during fiscal 2014.

(3)

Represents 625 shares from June 10, 2011 RSU grant that vested during fiscal 2014.

(4)

Represents 27,650 shares from the 2010 LTIP award and 125 shares from June 10, 2011 RSU grant that vested during fiscal 2014.

(5)

Represents26,662 shares from the 2010 LTIP award and 363, 313 and 313 shares from June 12, 2009, June 11, 2010 and June 10, 2011 RSU grants, respectively, that vested during fiscal 2014.


(5)

5. NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL 2012

2014

The following table provides a summary of the NEOs’ participation in the Company’s nonqualified executive deferred compensation plan (“EDCP”)(EDCP) during fiscal 2012.  No deferrals2014. Executives may defer both salary and performance and non-performance based bonus awards under the EDCP were permitted in fiscal 2012.  Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan are not eligible to participate in the EDCP. For Mr. Pellerito, theThe table also provides (1) for Mr. Pellerito, information regarding RSUs that were considered to have vested in a prior fiscal year due to his “retirement eligibility” because of age and/or years of service, but upon which the underlying shares of Class A Common Stock have not yet been delivered, and (2) for Messrs. Sorsby and Pellerito, information regarding the share portion of their 2010 LTIP awards that were considered to have vested in fiscal 2014 due to their “retirement eligibility” because of age and/or years of service, but upon which the underlying shares of Class A Common Stock have not yet been delivered.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2012

Name 
Executive
Contributions in
Last Fiscal Year
  
Registrant
Contributions in
Last Fiscal Year (1)
  
Aggregate
Earnings
in
Last Fiscal
Year (2)
  
Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions (3)
  
Aggregate Balance at
Last Fiscal
Year (4)
 
Ara K. Hovnanian $  $  $990,293  $181,968  $1,469,486 
J. Larry Sorsby $  $  $550,270  $  $827,329 
Thomas J. Pellerito $  $  $  $  $ 
  $  $3,517  $6,678  $1,851  $10,741 
Brad G. O’Connor $  $  $  $  $ 
David G. Valiaveedan $  $  $  $  $ 

2014

Name

 

Executive

Contributions in

Last Fiscal Year

($)

 

 

Registrant

Contributions in

Last Fiscal Year
($) (1)

 

Aggregate

Earningsin

Last FiscalYear
($) (2)

 

Aggregate

Withdrawals/

Distributions

($) (3)

 

Aggregate

Balance at

Last FiscalYear
($) (4)

 

Ara K. Hovnanian

 

 

 

25,643

 

 

(443,244) 

 

 

— 

 

 

1,311,609

 

 

J. Larry Sorsby

 

 

 

10,453

 

 

(249,707) 

 

 

— 

 

 

734,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

—  

 

 

(67,826) 

 

 

809,648

 

 

742,581

 

 

Thomas J. Pellerito

 

 

 

10,578

 

 

421 

 

 

— 

 

 

10,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(57,805) 

 

 

676,615

 

 

621,949

 

 

Brad G. O’Connor

 

 

 

1,464

 

 

58 

 

 

— 

 

 

1,522

 

 

David G. Valiaveedan

 

 

 

1,144

 

 

45 

 

 

— 

 

 

1,189

 

 

(1)

(1)Represents 1,667 RSUs granted

“Registrant Contributions in Last Fiscal Year” ColumnThis column represents, in the first or only row for each NEO, the Company’s contributions to Mr. Pelleritothe EDCP accounts of the NEOs in fiscal 20112014to make them wholefor the fact that were considered vestedthe 401(k) plan imposes limits on compensation that may be recognized for employer contribution purposes. These values are also reflected in fiscal 2012 with a market valuethe “All Other Compensation” column of $3,517 as of June 11, 2012, based on the closing price for shares of Class A Common Stock onSummary Compensation Table. See footnote (6) to the first business day after the June 10, 2012 deemed vesting date.Summary Compensation Table.


(2)

(2)

“Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year” Column.This column represents, in the first or only row for each NEO, both realized and unrealized earnings/(losses) of the EDCP’s total account balance. For Mr.Messrs. Sorsby and Pellerito, the second row under his nametheir names represents earnings/(losses) on the undelivered portionportions of the shares of Class A Common Stock underlying his RSUs that had been considered vested in a prior fiscal year,the share portion of the 2010 LTIP awards for these NEOs, which earnings/(losses) have been “realized” only to the extent of the shares delivered during fiscal 2012.  Also2014. These awards are deemed vested due to retirement eligibility but will not be delivered until future years. For Mr. Pellerito, the second row under his name also includes earnings/(losses) on the 1,667his RSUs that werehad been considered vested in fiscal 2012.2012, which earnings/(losses) have been “realized” only to the extent of the shares delivered during fiscal 2014. No such earnings are considered above-market or preferential and, accordingly, are not included in the Summary Compensation Table.

47

(3)

(3)

“Aggregate Withdrawals/Distribution” Column.This column represents, in the first or only row for each NEO, the payouts or distributions to the NEOs of vested amounts of deferred compensation pursuant to their elections. For Mr.Messrs. Sorsby and Pellerito, the second row under his nametheir names represents the value “realized” upon the delivery of the thirdshares of Class A Common Stock underlying the share portion of their 2010 LTIP awards that had been considered vested in fiscal 2013, based upon the closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of delivery. For Mr. Pellerito, the second row under his name also includes the value “realized” upon the delivery of the second 25% of the shares of Class A Common Stock underlying his RSUs that had been considered vested in a prior fiscal year,2012, based upon the closing markettrading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of delivery.  

(4)

(4)

“Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year” Column. This column represents, in the first or only row for each NEO, the net balance of the NEOs’ EDCP accounts based on an aggregation of all sub-accounts (discussed below). The majority of such balances reflects executive and Company contributions that were included in Summary Compensation tables in previous years. For Messrs.Mr. Hovnanian and Sorsby, the first row under Mr. Sorsby’s name,this column represents the net balance of their EDCP Deferred Share Deferral accounts based on the value of 341,741 and 192,402 deferred shares, respectively, as of October 31, 2012.2014.  Such totals have been previously reported in the Summary Compensation Table and, due to the decrease in value, were previously reported as $12,144,650 and $2,439,784 for Messrs. Hovnanian and Sorsby, respectively, as the employee’s compensation.  For Mr.Messrs. Sorsby and Pellerito, the second row under his nametheir names represents the market value of the undelivered sharesshare portion of Class A Common Stock underlying his RSUs granted in fiscal 2011their 2010 LTIP awards that were consideredare deemed vested in fiscal 2012 (1,667 RSUs) and the remaining undelivered shares underlying his RSUs granted in fiscal 2008 that were considered vested in fiscal 2009 (831 RSUs),due to retirement eligibility but which will not be delivered until future years, based upon the closing markettrading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE as of October 31, 2012.2014. The grant date fair value of the 1,6672010 LTIP awards was $592,173 and $493,477 for Messrs. Sorsby and Pellerito, respectively, based upon the probable outcome of the performance conditions on the grant date and was included in the Summary Compensation Table in fiscal 2010.  For Mr. Pellerito, the second row under his name also includes the market value of the undelivered shares of Class A Common Stock underlying 833 RSUs granted in fiscal 2011 that were considered vested in fiscal 2012, based upon the closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE as of October 31, 2014. The grant date fair value of the 833 RSUs was $3,217,$1,608, which amount was reported in the Summary Compensation Table in fiscal 2011.  The grant date fair value of the remaining undelivered shares that were considered vested in fiscal 2009 was $5,368. Because these shares were awarded to Mr. Pellerito in fiscal 2008 prior to his becoming an NEO, this grant was not reflected in the Summary Compensation Table in fiscal 2008.


Narrative to the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 20122014 Table

The EDCP’s total account balance is equal to the sum of (1) the “Deferred Share Deferral Account” balance and (2) the “Company Contribution Account” balance. The “Deferred Share Deferral Account” balance includes the value of vested stock awarded under any Company stock incentive plan for which shares may have been deferred under the EDCP. The “Company Contribution Account” balance consists of the annual company “make-whole” contribution amounts under the plan. Upon a termination of employment before retirement, EDCP account balances generally are paid in a lump sum during the 60-day period immediately following the last day of the calendar quarter of termination. Upon a termination of employment due to retirement, EDCP account balances for Messrs. Hovnanian and Sorsby will be paid in a lump sum no earlier than six months after the date of retirement or in installments over 2two to 15 years.  In the event of Mr. Sorsby’s or Mr. Pellerito’s termination of employment for any reason, including death, disability or qualified retirement, all undelivered shares of Class A Common Stock underlying their 2010 LTIP awards and, in the case of Mr. Pellerito, his RSUs, that have been considered vested will be delivered.delivered in accordance with the terms of these awards.  See footnote (4) to the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2012”2014” table above.

 

48


(6)

6. POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL TABLE

The following table summarizes payments and benefits that would be payable to each of the NEOs in the event of their termination of employment or upon the occurrence of a change-in-control (“triggering event”). For purposes of this table, the effective date of termination is assumed to be October 31, 2012,2014, the last business day of fiscal 2012.2014. The table does not include any payments that are described in the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2012”2014” table above.


Potential Payments Upon Termination Or Change-In-Control Table


Named Executive Officer Voluntary Termination  Involuntary Termination  Change in Control (5) 
Form of Compensation 
With or Without Good
Reason
  
Normal
Retirement
  
Without
Cause
  With Cause  Death or Disability  
Without
Termination
  With Involuntary Termination Other Than for Cause or Termination with Good Reason 
Ara K. Hovnanian                     
Accelerated vesting of annual bonus awards (1)       $949,500     $949,500       
Accelerated vesting of equity awards (2)             $2,361,875       
Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards (3)             $2,634,177       
Contractual disability/death payment (4)             $10,000,000        
Cash severance payment                     
Accrued and unpaid vacation (6)                     
Total       $949,500     $15,945,552       
                             
J. Larry Sorsby                            
Accelerated vesting of annual bonus awards (1)       $350,000     $350,000       
Accelerated vesting of equity awards (2)             $472,375       
Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards (3)             $964.370       
Contractual disability/death payment                     
Cash severance payment                     
Accrued and unpaid vacation (6) $93,569  $
93,569
  $
93,569
  $
93,569
  $
93,569
     $
93,569
 
Total $
93,569
  $
93,569
  $443,569  $
93,569
  $1,880,314     $
93,569
 
                             
Thomas J. Pellerito                            
Accelerated vesting of annual bonus awards (1) $250,000  $250,000  $250,000     $250,000       
Accelerated vesting of equity awards (2)     
   
   
   
       
Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards (3)             $803,640       
Contractual disability/death payment                     
Cash severance payment                     
Accrued and unpaid vacation (6) $32,682  $
32,682
  $
32,682
  $
32,682
  $
32,682
     $
32,682
 
Total $282,682  $
282,682
  $
282,682
  $32,682  $1,086,322     $
32,682
 
                             
Brad G. O’Connor                            
Accelerated vesting of annual bonus awards (1)       $93,000     $93,000       
Accelerated vesting of equity awards (2)             $110,090     $110,090 
Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards (3)             $225,023       
Contractual disability/death payment                     
Cash severance payment                   $397,560 
Accrued and unpaid vacation (6) $16,526  $
16,526
  $
16,526
  $
16,526
  $
16,526
     $
16,526
 
Total $
16,526
  $
16,526
  $109,526  $
16,526
  $444,639     $524,176 
                             
David G. Valiaveedan                            
Accelerated vesting of annual bonus awards (1)       $72,500     $72,500       
Accelerated vesting of equity awards (2)             $91,595     $91,595 
Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards (3)             $216,985       
Contractual disability/death payment                     
Cash severance payment                   $359,617 
Accrued and unpaid vacation (6) $19,920  $
19,920
  $
19,920
  $
19,920
  $
19,920
     $
19,920
 
Total $
19,920
  $
19,920
  $92,420  $
19,920
  $401,001     $471,132 

Named Executive Officer

 

Voluntary Termination

 

 

Involuntary Termination

 

 

Change in Control 

 

Form of Compensation

 

With or Without Good

Reason
($)

 

  

Qualified

Retirement
($)

  

 

Without

Cause
($)

 

 

With Cause
($)

 

 

Death or

Disability
($)

 

 

Without

Termination
($)

 

 

With Involuntary Termination Other Than for Cause or Termination with Good Reason
($)

 

Ara K. Hovnanian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated vesting of annual bonusawards (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,140,293

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated vesting of equity awards (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,635,700

 

 

 

 

1,907,388

 

Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

958,219

 

 

 

 

 

Contractual disability/death payment (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued and unpaid vacation (6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,734,212

 

 

 

 

1,907,388

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. Larry Sorsby

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated vesting of annual bonusawards (1)

 

443,108

 

 

443,108

 

 

 

 

 

 

443,108

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated vesting of equity awards (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

386,175

 

 

 

 

381,475

 

Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53,769

 

 

 

 

 

Contractual disability/death payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued and unpaid vacation (6)

 

94,332

 

 

94,332

 

 

94,332

 

 

94,332

 

 

94,332

 

 

 

 

94,332

 

Total

 

537,440

 

 

537,440

 

 

94,332

 

 

94,332

 

 

977,384

 

 

 

 

475,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas J. Pellerito

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated vesting of annual bonusawards (1)

 

443,108

 

 

443,108

 

 

 

 

 

 

443,108

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated vesting of equity awards (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

254,319

 

 

 

 

254,319

 

Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53,769

 

 

 

 

 

Contractual disability/death payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued and unpaid vacation (6)

 

55,680

 

 

55,680

 

 

55,680

 

 

55,680

 

 

55,680

 

 

 

 

55,680

 

Total

 

498,788

 

 

498,788

 

 

55,680

 

 

55,680

 

 

806,876

 

 

 

 

309,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brad G. O’Connor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated vesting of annual bonusawards (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

197,327

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated vesting of equity awards (2) (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37,293

 

 

 

 

37,293

 

Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards (3) (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

83,610

 

 

 

 

69,304

 

Contractual disability/death payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance payment (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

489,515

 

Accrued and unpaid vacation (6)

 

15,039

 

 

15,039

 

 

15,039

 

 

15,039

 

 

15,039

 

 

 

 

15,039

 

Total

 

15,039

 

 

15,039

 

 

15,039

 

 

15,039

 

 

333,269

 

 

 

 

611,151

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David G. Valiaveedan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated vesting of annual bonusawards (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

153,831

 

 

 

 

 

Accelerated vesting of equity awards (2) (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,808

 

 

 

 

31,808

 

Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards (3) (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80,215

 

 

 

 

66,830

 

Contractual disability/death payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash severance payment (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

432,888

 

Accrued and unpaid vacation (6)

 

18,802

 

 

18,802

 

 

18,802

 

 

18,802

 

 

18,802

 

 

 

 

18,802

 

Total

 

18,802

 

 

18,802

 

 

18,802

 

 

18,802

 

 

284,656

 

 

 

 

550,328

 

For purposes of this table presentation, consideration of the forms of compensation or additional payments or benefits to an NEO in the event of a triggering event includes:

49

(1) 

Accelerated vesting of annual bonus awards.According to the Company’s bonus program’s policies and procedures, the fiscal 2012 performance-based2014 regular bonus award is considered earned only if an NEO is on the payroll and employed by the Company on the date that it is scheduled to be paid. However, if an NEO’s termination were due to retirement on or after age 58, a reduction in force, position elimination, death or disability, the NEO would be eligible for a prorated payment through his termination date, less any amounts previously paid. The values in the table represent 100% of the NEOs’ fiscal 20122014 bonuses that were payable no later than January 15, 2013.2015. Because Mr.Messrs. Sorsby and Pellerito hashave reached age 58, any voluntary termination of histheir employment other than for cause, would be considered a qualified retirement. Bonus amounts payable with respect of fiscal 2014 are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.


(2) 

Accelerated vesting of equity awards.Under circumstances other than death, disability or qualified retirement, or, for fiscal 2014 awards,in connection with a qualifying termination in case of change in control, any unvested stock options, MSUs and RSUs are cancelled in accordance with the Company’s stock option, MSU and RSU agreements.  Due toBoth Mr. Pellerito's "retirement eligibility"Sorsby and Mr. Pellerito are “retirement eligible” under thesetheir stock option agreements and all of their outstanding stock options for which the performance conditions, if any, have been met are already considered vested. In addition, Mr. Pellerito'sPellerito is “retirement eligible” under his RSU agreement and all of his outstanding options and RSUs are already considered vested. In February 2012, when Mr. Sorsby’s RSU award granted on June 10, 2011 was amended to include performance conditions, Mr. Sorsby forfeited his right to accelerated vesting upon retirement. The amounts in this table are calculated at the closing markettrading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on October 31, 2014 ($3.76) except for the number of shares underlying the MSU awards for Messrs. Hovnanian, Pellerito and Sorsby, which are calculated based onthe average closing trading price of the Company’sClass A Common Stock on theNYSE over the 60 calendar day period ending on October 31, 2014 ($3.83).

(3) 

Accelerated vesting of LTIP awards.

2010 LTIP:Except in the case of death, disability or qualified retirement, 2010 LTIP participants who terminate prior to the date of vesting forfeit their unvested 2010 LTIP awards.  Therefore, no amounts are shown under “Voluntary Termination.” Similarly, no amounts are shown under “Involuntary Termination” except in the case of death or disability.  In the case of death following the end of the performance period, the participant is eligible to receive the unpaid portion within 75 days. In the case of disability or qualified retirement, the participant is eligible to receive the remaining 20% of the 2010 LTIP awards in January 2016.  The values in the “Death or Disability” column represent the unvested portion (20%) of the NEOs’ LTIP award based on actual results and the closing trading price of the Company’s stock on October 31, 20122014 ($4.30)3.76).


(3) 
Accelerated vesting Both Mr. Sorsby and Mr. Pellerito are “retirement eligible” under their 2010 LTIP agreements and all of their outstanding 2010 LTIP awards.awards are already considered vested.

2013 LTIP: Except in the case of death or disability, 2013 LTIP participants who terminate prior to the end of the performance period (October 31, 2013)2015) forfeit all of their 2013 LTIP awards.  Therefore, no amounts are shown under “Voluntary Termination.” Similarly, no amounts are shown under “Involuntary Termination” except in the case of death or disability.  In the case of death prior to the end of the performance period, the participant is eligible to receive a prorated award payable in January 2014.2016.  In the case of disability, the participant is eligible to receive a prorated award in accordance with the following schedule: (1) 50%20% of the award will become vested on October 31, 2013 and payable in January 2014,2016, (2) 30% of the award will become vested on October 31, 2014 and payable in January 20152017 and (3) 20%50% of the award will become vested on October 31, 2015 and payable in January 2016.2018.  The values in the “Death or Disability” column represent two-thirds61.3% of the NEOs’ LTIP award based on performance through October 31, 20122014 and, for the stock portion, based on the closing markettrading price of the Company’s stock on October 31, 20122014 ($4.30)3.76).


(4) 

Contractual Disability and Death Payment.The Company has an agreement with Mr. Hovnanian which provides that in the event of his disability or death during his employment with the Company he (or his designated beneficiary, estate or legal representative) will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment of $10 million.


(5) 

Change in Control.Following the end of fiscal 2011, the Company entered into change in control agreements with Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan.  Such agreements provide that if, within two years of the occurrence of a change in control, the NEO is involuntarily terminated other than for cause or the NEO terminates for good reason (a material reduction in duties, title or responsibilities or any reduction in base salary), the NEO, upon execution of the Company’s standard release, would receive a lump sum cash payment equal to one year’s annual base salary plus the average of the last three year’s bonuses and become 100% vested in all outstanding stock options, RSUs and deferred shares granted prior to the change in control, to the extent not previously vested.  In addition, if the change in control occurs following the end of the anLTIP performance period, (October 31, 2013), the unpaid cash and stock portions of theLTIP award will continue to be paid to the NEO on the scheduled payout dates.  The amounts in the table reflect the additional payments that Messrs. O’Connor and Valiaveedan would have received had a change in control occurred and Messrs. O’Connor’s and Valiaveedan’s employment were terminated involuntarily other than for cause or for good reason on the last business day of the fiscal year.  Neither of these agreements provide for excise tax gross-ups.


(6) 

Accrued and Unpaid Vacation.Represents accrued but unpaid vacation payable upon termination for any reason.  Mr. Hovnanian does not accrue vacation.

For purposes of this table, the following programs were also considered.

·

Base salary continuation plan payments.The Company does not maintain such plans.

·

Contractual disability/death payments.Only Mr. Hovnanian has this arrangement, which is described under footnote (4) above.

·

Other perquisites and benefits.Except as noted above, there are no existing severance arrangements or policies which would extend perquisites or other benefits to the NEOs upon a triggering event that would not otherwise be also available to any employee of the Company.

 

50

NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The Committee annually reviews the compensation program for directorsDirectors who are not employees of the Company and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for their approval. The Committee has periodically engaged PM&Pengages a consultant to conduct independent, comprehensive reviews of non-employee Directordirector compensation, including a review of Directordirector compensation for the Peer Group which PM&P last conducted in 2010.Group.  After consideration of the compensation philosophy, the historical and marketplace compensation values and practices for Director directorcompensation, as well as the anticipated Director time commitments and value added activities for fiscal 2012,2014, the Committee recommended, and the Board of Directors approved the continuation for fiscal 20122014 of the annual retainers and meeting fees at the same levels as fiscal 2011.2013.  These retainer and meeting fee levels have remain unchanged since fiscal 2005.

Prior to fiscal 2012, non-employee Directors generally received an annual grant consisting of a fixed number of 15,000 stock options with an additional 6,000 stock options for each committee on which a Director served.  In fiscal 2011, however, due to the limited share reserves under the 2008 Plan, non-employee Directors received an annual grant consisting of a fixed number of 13,500 stock options and 500 RSUs with an additional 5,400 stock options and 200 RSUs for each committee on which a Director served.  

In May 2012, the Committee reviewed and determined the level of annual and committee equity grants.  The Committee considered the grant date fair value of equity grants in comparison with historical grant values, information on general industry and Peer Group director compensation levels and practices, including a comprehensive review of non-employee Directordirector compensation for the Peer Group prepared by the Company’s compensation department, and the added value and guidance the non-employee Directors provided in the strategic decisions concerning the Company’s capital structure and refinancing of the Company’s debt. Based on these factors, the Committee recommended and the Board of Directors approved for fiscal 2012, the adoption of a fixed value approach for Director equity awards, which is described below.  The fixed value approach is a majority practice among general industry companies and is intended to avoid significant fluctuations in non-employee Director compensation from year-to-year.  The Committee continued this approach in fiscal 2014. The total value of non-employee Director stock and stock option awards for fiscal 20122014 was near the median of the Peer Group.

In May 2012, the Committee also authorized the amendment of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (“EDCP”)(EDCP) to allow for Director deferrals of retainers, meeting fees and restricted share units,RSUs, including a choice to defer such compensation until termination from the Board of Directors.  Deferrals of stock retainers had been previously authorized under the EDCP.


Below is a summary of non-employee Director compensation for fiscal 2012:

2014:

·

Annual board retainer of $40,000 with an additional retainer of $20,000 for each committee on which a Director serves, (each paidpayable either 100% in cash);cash or 50% in cash and 50% in stock at the Director’s election.

·

Annual fixed value restricted share unitequity award valued at $50,000 for each Directorboard service plus an additional $15,000 for each committee on which a Director serves,serves. Directors may elect to receive RSUs based on the closing stock price on the date of grant provided that, for fiscal 2012, Directors were given the opportunity to elect prior toor stock options based on the grant date to receive stock options in lieu of restricted share units at a ratio 1.4 stock options per restricted share unit.Black-Scholes value.

·

Meeting fees of $3,000 per board meeting held in person, $2,000 per telephonic board meeting, $5,000 per committee meeting held in person and $2,500 per telephonic committee meeting.

For fiscal 2013,2015, the Committee determined that the amounts of the annual and committee retainer payments to non-employee DirectorsDirector compensation would remain the same butas that at each non-employee Director’s election, such payments may be made either 50% in cash and 50% in stock or 100% in cash.  The Committee also determined that meeting fees would remain the same for fiscal 2013.  In addition, the Committee determined that, for fiscal 2013, each Director would receive an annual fixed value restricted share unit award valued at $50,000 plus an additional $15,000 for each committee on which the Director serves, based on the closing stock price on the date of grant, provided that, Directors will be given the opportunity to elect prior to the grant date to receive an equivalent value of stock options in lieu of restricted share units.


2014.

For additional information related to non-employee Director compensation, please also refer to the “Director Compensation for Fiscal 2012”2014” table below.

51


In conjunction with promoting high ethical standards for the distribution of equity-based incentives, the Committee also established the second Friday in January of each year as the date for payment of the non-employee Director annual and committee retainers and the date for establishment of the stock price for purposes of calculation of theany stock portion of the non-employee Director annual and committee retainers. The Committee also established the second Friday in June as the date of the annual stock option and RSU grants for all non-employee Directors of the Company (other than newly elected Directors), which is the same as the grant date for all employees. The Company’s practice of setting “fixed” equity award grant dates is designed to avoid the possibility that the Company could grant stock awards prior to the release of material, non-public information that is likely to result in an increase in its stock price, or delay the grant of stock awards until after the release of material, non-public information that is likely to result in a decrease in the Company’s stock price.  Exercise prices of stock options granted to non-employee Directors were set at the closing trading price per share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE on the date the options were granted.


The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted stock ownership guidelines, recommended by the Committee, which set forth recommended minimum amounts of stock ownership, directly or beneficially, for the Company’s non-employee Directors.  The guidelines provide that non-employee Directors are requested to achieve and maintain stock ownership amounts which equal 2xthree times the total value of their annual retainer, exclusive of any committee retainers, (which represents $80,000$120,000 in total) within 5five years after they become subject to the guidelines. Under the policy, once the stock ownership guidelines are met, they are deemed satisfied for subsequent annual review periods, regardless of decreases in the Company’s stock price on the New York Stock Exchange, so long as the non-employee Director does not sell any portion of the share amounts which were originally included in determining that the recommended thresholds were met.

On an annual basis, theNYSE.   

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews adherence to the Company’s stock ownership guidelines which are incorporated into the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.on an annual basis. The Company believes these ownership guidelines further enhance the Company’s commitment to aligning the interests of non-employee Directors with those of its stockholders.  As of November 1, 2012,January 9, 2015, all incumbent, non-employee Directors were in compliance with these stock ownership guidelines.


The following table summarizes the compensation of the Company’s non-employee Directors related to their servicesservice in fiscal 2012.

2014.

Director Compensation for Fiscal 2012


Name 
Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash (1)
  Stock Awards (2)  Option Awards (3)  Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation  Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings  
All Other
Compensation
  Total 
Robert B. Coutts $94,000  $65,001  $           $159,001 
Edward A. Kangas $201,500  $94,999  $           $296,499 
Joseph A. Marengi $89,000  $65,001  $           $154,001 
John J. Robbins $134,000  $  $74,991           $208,991 
Stephen D. Weinroth $206,500  $  $109,600           $316,100 
2014

Name

 

Fees Earned

or Paid in Cash
($) (1)

 

Stock

Awards

($) (2)

 

Option

Awards

($) (3)

 

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan Compensation
($)

 

Change in Pension Value and

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings
($)

 

All Other

Compensation

($) 

 

Total
($)

 

Robert B. Coutts

 

156,000

 

 

80,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

236,002

 

 

Edward A. Kangas

 

191,000

 

 

95,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

286,000

 

 

Joseph A. Marengi

 

128,500

 

 

80,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

208,502

 

 

Vincent Pagano

 

121,000

 

 

39,999

 

 

40,000

 

 

 

 

 

200,999

 

 

Stephen D. Weinroth

 

153,500

 

 

80,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

233,502

 

 

(1)

“Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” Column.The amounts in this column represent, as shown below, the combined value of the fiscal 20122014 annual retainer and meeting feesretainers, which are paid in cash as shown below.or in stock at each non-employee Director’s election, and cash meeting fees.  For a full description of the annual retainer and meeting fees, share awards and stock option awards to non-employee directors,Directors, see the discussion preceding this table.

52

Total Fees Earned andor Paid in Cash (Supplemental Table)


Name FY12 Meeting Fees (a)  FY12 Annual Retainer Fees Cash Payment (represents 100% of the total Annual Retainer Fees)  Cash Total 
Robert B. Coutts $34,000  $60,000  $94,000 
Edward A. Kangas  $101,500  $100,000  $201,500 
Joseph A. Marengi   $29,000  $60,000  $89,000 
John J. Robbins             $74,000  $60,000  $134,000 
Stephen D. Weinroth $106,500  $100,000  $206,500 

 

Name

FY14
Meeting

Fees
($)

FY14

Annual

Retainer

Fees
($)

Total Fees

Earned

or Paid

in Cash
($)

 
 

Robert B. Coutts

76,000

80,000

156,000

 
 

Edward A. Kangas

91,000

100,000  

191,000

 
 

Joseph A. Marengi

48,500

80,000

128,500

 
 

Vincent Pagano (a)

51,000

70,000

121,000

 
 

Stephen D. Weinroth

73,500

80,000

153,500

 

(a)

FY12 Meeting Fees include fees due to

 Mr. Pagano received 50% of the annual committee retainer for his service on the Audit Committee members for Audit Committee Earnings Press Release and Form 10-Q telephonic meetings that occurred between the third quarter of fiscal 2010 through the first quarter of fiscal 2012.  Such payments hadsince such service did not been paid to the Audit Committee members in prior years.  The amounts related to prior years are $30,000, $35,000 and $32,500 for Messrs. Kangas, Robbins and Weinroth, respectively.commence until March 2014.

 

Total Annual Retainer (Supplemental Table)

Name

 

FY14 Annual

Retainer Fees

Stock Payment

($) (a) (b)

  

Number

of Shares

Represented
(#)

  

FY14 Annual

Retainer Fees

Cash Payment

($) (b)

  

Total FY14

Annual

Retainer Fees
($)

 

Robert B. Coutts

  40,000    6,400    40,000    80,000  

Edward A. Kangas

  50,000    8,000    50,000    100,000  

Joseph A. Marengi

          80,000    80,000  

Vincent Pagano (c)

  35,000    5,839    35,000    70,000  

Stephen D. Weinroth

  20,000    3,200    60,000    80,000  

(2)

(a)

Non-employee Director stock awards for the Annual Retainer Fees have no vesting restrictions and are valued as of the closing trading price of the Company's Class A Common Stock on the NYSE on the date of grant.

(b)

Subject to rounding.

(c)

Mr. Pagano deferred 50% of the cash portion of his annual retainer under the EDCP.

(2)

“Stock Awards” Column.The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of RSUs awarded in fiscal 2012 and are2014 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are set forth in Footnotes 3 and 1516 to the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.2014.


Grant Date Fair Value for the Total RSUs Granted to Non-Employee Directors in Fiscal 2012 (Supplemental2014

(Supplemental Table)


Name 
Grant
Date
  
Number of RSUs
Granted (a)
  
Total Grant Date
Fair Value of RSUs
 
Robert B. Coutts 06/08/2012    30,093   $65,001 
Edward A. Kangas 06/08/2012    43,981   $94,999 
Joseph A. Marengi 06/08/2012    30,093   $65,001 
John J. Robbins        $ 
Stephen D. Weinroth        $ 

Name

Grant

Date

 

Number of

RSUs

Granted
(#) (a)

  

Total

Grant Date

Fair Value

of RSUs
($)

 

Robert B. Coutts

06/13/2014

  18,141    80,002  

Edward A. Kangas

06/13/2014

  21,542    95,000  

Joseph A. Marengi

06/13/2014

  18,141    80,002  

Vincent Pagano

06/13/2014

  9,070    39,999  

Stephen D. Weinroth

06/13/2014

  18,141    80,002  

(a)

For fiscal 2012,2014, non-employee Directors were granted RSUs valued at $50,000 on the grant date for serving on the Company’s Board of Directors and additional RSUs valued at $15,000 on the grant date for each Board committee on which the non-employee Director served, providedexcept that Directors were given the opportunity to elect prior to the grant date to receive the equivalent value of options to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock in lieu of RSUs at a ratio 1.4based on the grant date Black-Scholes value. Only Mr. Pagano elected to receive stock options, per RSU.for 50% of his annual equity awards, in fiscal 2014. The vesting terms of RSUs are set forth in footnote (a) to the Outstanding Non-Employee Director Equity Awards at Fiscal 2014 Year-End (Supplemental Table) below.


(3)

“Option Awards” Column. The amounts in this column reflect Only Mr. Pagano elected to receive stock options to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock, awardedfor 50% of his annual equity awards, in fiscal 2012 and are based on the aggregate grant date fair value of the option awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are set forth in Footnotes 3 and 15 to the Company’s audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.2014.

53

The following table discloses the grant date fair value (based on Black-Scholes option pricing model) for the total stock options granted to non-employee Directors in fiscal 2012:

Grant Date Fair Value for the Total Stock Options Granted to Non-Employee Directors in Fiscal 2012

2014

(Supplemental Table)


Name 
 
 
Grant
Date
  
Number of Options
Granted (a)
  Total Grant Date Fair Value of Options 
Robert B. Coutts        $ 
Edward A. Kangas        $ 
Joseph A. Marengi        $ 
John J. Robbins 06/08/2012    42,130   $74,991 
Stephen D. Weinroth 06/08/2012    61,573   $109,600 

Name

 

Grant

Date

  

Number of

Options

Granted
(#) (a)

 

Total

Grant Date

Fair Value

of Options
($)

 

Robert B. Coutts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edward A. Kangas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph A. Marengi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vincent Pagano

 

06/13/2014

 

 

 

13,072

 

 

40,000

 

 

Stephen D. Weinroth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

(a)

For fiscal 2012,2014, non-employee Directors were granted RSUs valued at $50,000 on the grant date for serving on the Company’s Board of Directors and additional RSUs valued at $15,000 on the grant date for each Board committee on which the non-employee Director served, except that Directors were given the opportunity to elect prior to the grant date to receive the equivalent value of options to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock in lieu of RSUs at a ratio of 1.4based on the grant date Black-Scholes value. Only Mr. Pagano elected to receive stock options, per RSU.for 50% of his annual equity awards, in fiscal 2014. The vesting terms of stock options are set forth in footnote (a) to the Outstanding Non-Employee Director Equity Awards at Fiscal 2014 Year-End (Supplemental Table) below.

 

54

The following table shows all unexercised stock options and unvested RSUs that each of the non-employee directorsDirectors held at the end of fiscal 2012:


2014:

Outstanding Non-Employee Director Equity Awards at Fiscal 20122014 Year-End (Supplemental Table)

    OPTION AWARDS STOCK AWARDS
Name 
Grant Date
(a)
 Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#) 
Value of Unexercised
In The Money Options Exercisable
($) (b)
 Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) 
Value of Unexercised
In The Money Options Unexercisable ($) (b)
 
Option
Exercise
Price ($)
Option
Expiration Date
 Number of Shares or Units of Stock that have not vested (#) Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that have not vested ($)
Robert B. Coutts 06/13/08  7,000  $0     $0  $6.46 06/12/18    $ 
  06/12/09  21,000  $36,750     $0  $2.55 06/11/19    $ 
  06/11/10  21,000  $0     $0  $4.73 06/10/20    $ 
  06/10/11  18,900  $44,793     $0  $1.93 06/09/21    $ 
  06/08/12    $0     $0  $2.16 06/07/22  30,093  $129,400 
                                
Edward A. Kangas 06/13/08  11,000  $0     $0  $6.46 06/12/18    $ 
  06/12/09  33,000  $57,750     $0  $2.55 06/11/19    $ 
  06/11/10  33,000  $0     $0  $4.73 06/10/20    $ 
  06/10/11  29,700  $70,389     $0  $1.93 06/09/21    $ 
  06/08/12    $0     $0  $2.16 06/07/22  43,981  $189,118 
                                
Joseph A. Marengi 06/13/08  7,000  $0     $0  $6.46 06/12/18    $ 
  06/12/09  21,000  $36,750   
  $0  $2.55 06/11/19    $ 
  06/11/10  14,000  $0   7,000  $0  $4.73 06/10/20    $ 
  06/10/11  6,300  $14,931   12,600  $29,862  $1.93 06/09/21  466  $2,004 
  06/08/12    $0     $0  $2.16 06/07/22  30,093  $129,400 
                                
John J. Robbins 06/13/08  7,000  $0     $0  $6.46 06/12/18    $ 
  06/12/09  21,000  $36,750     $0  $2.55 06/11/19    $ 
  06/11/10  21,000  $0     $0  $4.73 06/10/20    $ 
  06/10/11  18,900  $44,793     $0  $1.93 06/09/21    $ 
  06/08/12  42,130  $90,158     $0  $2.16 06/07/22    $ 
                                
Stephen D. Weinroth 06/13/08  11,000  $0     $0  $6.46 06/12/18    $ 
  06/12/09  33,000  $57,750     $0  $2.55 06/11/19    $ 
  06/11/10  33,000  $0     $0  $4.73 06/10/20    $ 
  06/10/11  29,700  $70,389     $0  $1.93 06/09/21    $ 
  06/08/12  61,573  $131,766     $0  $2.16 06/07/22    $ 

 

 

 

OPTION AWARDS

 

STOCK AWARDS

 

Name

Grant Date

(a)

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable
(#)

 

 

Value of

Unexercised

In The Money

Options

Exercisable

($)(b)

 

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable
(#)

 

 

Value of Unexercised

In The Money Options Unexercisable
($) (b)

 

 

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
($)

 

Robert B. Coutts

06/13/08

 

7,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.46

 

06/12/18

 

 

 

 

 

06/12/09

 

21,000

 

 

25,410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.55

 

06/11/19

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

21,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.73

 

06/10/20

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

18,900

 

 

34,587

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

 

06/09/21

 

 

 

 

 

06/13/14

 

  

   

  

  

 

 

18,141

  

68,210

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edward A. Kangas

06/13/08

 

11,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.46

 

06/12/18

 

 

 

 

 

06/12/09

 

33,000

 

 

39,930

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.55

 

06/11/19

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

33,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.73

 

06/10/20

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

29,700

 

 

54,351

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

 

06/09/21

 

 

 

 

 

06/13/14

 

  

   

  

  

 

 

21,542

  

80,998

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph A. Marengi

06/13/08

 

7,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.46

 

06/12/18

 

 

 

 

 

06/12/09

 

21,000

 

 

25,410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.55

 

06/11/19

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

21,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.73

 

06/10/20

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

18,900

 

 

34,587

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

 

06/09/21

 

 

 

 

 

06/13/14

 

  

   

  

  

 

 

18,141

  

68,210

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vincent Pagano 

06/13/14

 

13,072

  

0

   

  

  

4.41

 

06/12/24

 

9,070

  

34,103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen D. Weinroth

06/13/08

 

11,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.46

 

06/12/18

 

 

 

 

 

06/12/09

 

33,000

 

 

39,930

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.55

 

06/11/19

 

 

 

 

 

06/11/10

 

33,000

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.73

 

06/10/20

 

 

 

 

 

06/10/11

 

29,700

 

 

54,351

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

 

06/09/21

 

 

 

 

 

06/08/12

 

61,573

 

 

98,517

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.16

 

06/07/22

 

 

 

 

 

06/13/14

 

  

   

  

  

 

 

18,141

  

68,210

 

(a)

Stock options vest one-third per year beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. If, prior to the stock option termination date, the non-employee Director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors due to death, disability or Retirement,retirement, the stock option, to the extent not previously vested and exercised, immediately becomes fully vested and exercisable.  RSUs vest one-third per year beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant; provided, however, that, if the non-employee Director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors due to death, disability or Retirement, butretirement (but only if such Retirementretirement occurs on or after the first anniversary of the date of the grant,grant), the RSUs, to the extent not previously vested and distributed, would become fully vested and distributable.  “Retirement” is defined as termination as a member of the Board of Directors on or after age 60, or on or after age 58 with at least 15 years of Serviceservice to the Company immediately preceding such termination.  All stock option and RSU grants were made in the form of rights to receive Class A Common Stock. Currently, Messrs. Coutts, Kangas, Robbins and Weinroth qualifyeach non-employee Director qualifies for accelerated vesting on the basis of theirhis eligibility for retirement and, therefore, all options granted to these Directors are treated as immediately vested, and all RSUs are treated as vested on the first anniversary of the grant date for the purposes of this table. Mr. Pagano elected to defer the receipt of 50% of his RSUs scheduled to vest on June14, 2014 under the EDCP

(b)

Based on the difference between the closing markettrading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the NYSE at October 31, 20122014 and the exercise price of the options.

 

55

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Membership, Independence &and Qualifications

For fiscal 2012,

Messrs. Kangas, as Chairman, RobbinsCoutts, Pagano and Weinroth wereare the members of the Audit Committee. The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is independent as required by both the rules of the NYSE and regulations of the SEC, and that Messrs. Kangas and Weinroth are each an “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with SEC regulations. With regard toIn determining that Mr. Kangas is an “audit committee financial expert,” the Board of Directors considered his significant experience, expertise and background with regard to accounting matters, including the broad perspective brought by his experience in consulting to clients in many diverse industries. With regard to Mr. Robbins, the Board of Directors considered his significant experience, expertise and background with regard to accounting matters, which includes specialization in homebuilding companies. With regard todetermination for Mr. Weinroth, the Board of Directors considered his many years of experience as a Managing Member or partner in several merchant and investment banking companies, which are very valuable to the Company as it continues to evaluate its debt profile and capital structure and various financing and refinancing alternatives.

companies.

Responsibilities of the Audit Committee &and Charter

The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors and is governed by its Charter, which is available on the Company’s public website,at www.khov.com under “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.”

Policies &and Procedures Established Byby Audit Committee

In accordance with SEC regulations, the Audit Committee has established procedures for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm engaged to prepare or issue an audit report or other audit, review or attest services. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm reports directly to the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee is responsible for the resolution of disagreements between such firm and management regarding financial reporting.

In fiscal year 2003, the

The Audit Committee has established whistle blowing procedures as required by Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 303A.07(c)(iii)Rule 10A-3 of the NYSE Corporate Governance Rules.Exchange Act. These procedures are discussed in the Company’s Code of Ethics (Section IV.G.) which is available on the Company’s public website at www.khov.com under “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.”

Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy

The Audit Committee has also established procedures for the pre-approval of audit and permitted non-audit services provided by an independent registered public accounting firm. The Company’s “Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy” (“Pre-Approval Policy”) was most recently reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee at its meeting held on November 13, 2012.

September 17, 2014.

As set forth in the Pre-Approval Policy, audit services require specific approval by the Audit Committee, except for certain services that have received general pre-approval by the Audit Committee.

In accordance with the Pre-Approval Policy, the Audit Committee annually reviews and pre-approves the services that may be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm without obtaining specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee. Prior to establishing the list of pre-approved services, the Audit Committee determines if the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is an effective provider of services. The Audit Committee may revise the list of general pre-approved services from time to time, based on subsequent determinations. For fiscal year 2012,2014, there arewere four categories of services that have received general pre-approval by the Audit Committee: Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and All Other Services and the pre-approved dollar amount for such services may not exceed $100,000 per engagement.

The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more of its members the authority to approve in advance all significant audit or permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, so long as decisions are presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

56


THE AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal controls over financial reporting. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20122014 with management. This review included a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.


The Audit Committee has reviewed with the independent registered public accounting firm, which is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles:

·

the overall scope and plans for such accounting firm’s respective audits of the Company,Company;

·

such accounting firm’s judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles,principles;

·

such accounting firm’s independence from management and the Company, including matters in the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Accounting Oversight Board, which we refer to as the PCAOB, concerning independence and received by the Company,Company; and

·

such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under generally accepted auditing standards and under Statements on Auditing StandardsPCAOB Standard No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards Vol. I. AU Section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which we refer to as the PCAOB, in Rule 3200T,16, “Communications with Audit Committees,” other standards of the PCAOB, rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission,SEC and other applicable regulations.

The Audit Committee, under the Audit Committee Charter, reviews with management the Company’s annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements prior to their being filed with the SEC. The Audit Committee, in reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.

2014.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Edward A. Kangas, Chair

John J. Robbins

Robert B. Coutts

Vincent Pagano Jr.

Stephen D. Weinroth

FEES PAID TO PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT


Audit Fees

The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP in each of fiscal 20122014 and 20112013 for professional services rendered for the audit of our consolidated financial statements, for the reviews of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods during fiscal 20122014 and 2011,2013, the audit of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controlcontrols over financial reporting as of October 31, 20122014 and 2011, or2013, and for services normally provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory or regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort and consent letters in connection with SEC filings and financing transactions, were $2,995,940$2,024,000 and $2,721,000,$2,039,000, respectively. There were no fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP in fiscal 2012 for these audit services.  The aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP in fiscal 2011 for these audit services were $208,000.

 

Audit-Related Fees

The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP in botheach of fiscal 20122014 and 20112013 for assurance and related services that were reasonably related to performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and that are not reported under “Audit Fees” above were $2,000.$2,100 and $2,500, respectively. These fees were primarily for electronic access to the Deloitte & Touche LLP Technical Library.

Tax Fees

There were no fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP in either of fiscal 2012 and 2011 for these audit-related services.

57

Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP in fiscal 2012 and 2011 for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice andor tax planning were $21,000 and $22,000, respectively. The aggregate fees billed by ErnstDeloitte & YoungTouche LLP in each of fiscal 2012 and 2011 for these tax services were $33,000 and $38,000, respectively.
2014 or fiscal 2013.

All Other Fees

There were no fees billed for products and services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP or by Ernst & Young LLP in either of fiscal 2012 and 20112014 or 2013 other than the services described above.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

All of the services covered under the captions “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. For a discussion of the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures, see “The Audit Committee” above.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT INDEPENDENCE

The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of all non-audit services performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP and Ernst & Young LLP were compatible with maintaining the independence of eachsuch firm.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is primarily responsible for reviewing the Company’s existing Corporate Governance Guidelines and further developing such guidelines and other policies and procedures that enhance the Company’s corporate governance.

In accordance with promoting strong corporate governance, the Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, controller and all other associates of the Company, including its Directors and other officers. The Company has also adopted Corporate Governancethe Guidelines.

The Company makes available to the public various corporate governance related information on its public website (www.khov.com) under “Investor Relations/Corporate Governance” and to any shareholder who requests such information in writing. Information on the website includes the Company’s Code of Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines (including the Related Person Transaction Policy) and Charters of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.

Shareholders, associates of the Company and other interested parties may communicate directly with the Board of Directors by corresponding to the address below. Correspondence will be discussed at the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors, or as indicated by the urgency of the matter.

Attn: Board of Directors of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.

c/o Mr. Edward A. Kangas, Director & Chairman of the Audit Committee

Privileged & Confidential

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.

110 West Front Street

P.O. Box 500

Red Bank, N.J. 07701

 

The Company’s non-employee Directors meet without management after each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. The presiding Director is selected to preside at these executive sessions by the directors in attendance.

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Shareholders, associates of the Company and other interested parties may communicate directly with non-employee Directors as a group by corresponding to the address below. Following this Annual Meeting and, assuming the election of all the director nominees, members of the non-employee Director group will include: Messrs. Coutts, Kangas, Marengi, Pagano and Weinroth. All such non-employee Directors are “independent” in accordance with NYSE rules and as defined under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation. Mr. Kangas will report to all non-employee Directors any correspondence which is received by him as indicated by the urgency of the matter, or at the next scheduled meeting of non-employee Directors.

Attn: Non-Employee Directors of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.

c/o Mr. Edward A. Kangas, Director & Chairman of the Audit Committee

Privileged & Confidential

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.

110 West Front Street

P.O. Box 500

Red Bank, N.J. 07701

In addition, associates of the Company may anonymously report concerns or complaints via the K. Hovnanian Corporate Governance Hotline or by following the procedure discussed in the Company’s Code of Ethics.

OVERSIGHT OF RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company is exposed to a number of risks and undertakes at least annually an Enterprise Risk Management review to identify and evaluate these risks and to develop plans to manage them effectively. The Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Sorsby (who is himself a member of the Board of Directors), is directly responsible for the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management function and reports both to the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman and to the Audit Committee in this capacity. In fulfilling his risk management responsibilities, the CFO works closely with members ofsenior management,including the Vice President — Corporate Counsel, Vice President — Risk Management, Vice President — Human Resources, Vice President — Chief Information Officer, Vice President — Audit Services, including persons performing the functions of such officers, and others.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee plays a key role in the oversight of the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management function. In that regard, the CFO meets with the Audit Committee at least four times a year to discuss the risks facing the Company, highlighting any new risks that may have arisen since they last met. The Audit Committee also reports to the Board of Directors on a regular basis to apprise them of their discussions with the CFO regarding the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management efforts. Finally,

In fiscal 2014, we systematically reviewed all of our incentive compensation programs for potential risk areas as well the CFO reports directlykey enterprise risks facing the Company and concluded that our compensation programs were not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Board of Directors on at least an annual basis to apprise them directly of the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management efforts.

Company.

By design, the Company’s compensation program for executive officers does not incentivize excessive risk-taking. Our base salary component of compensation does not encourage risk-taking because it is a fixed amount. The remaining elements of executive officer compensation have the following risk-limiting characteristics:

·

We

we do not provide guaranteed bonuses, nor have we awarded excessively large equity grants with unlimited upside but no downside risk;

·

In

in recent years whenas industry conditions have been difficult and ROACE bonuses were not attainable, bonuses based on net debt or EBITDA improvementsthe other bonus metrics have been capped based on specific dollar amounts;

·

We maintain a

the elements of our compensation program are balanced portfolio between long-term and short-term;short-term, fixed and variable;variable and cash and equity in our compensation program;equity;

 

·

A

we use a variety of performance measures are used in our short-term and long-term incentive plans;


·

We

we do not provide lucrative severance packages or any supplementaldefined benefit pension plans;

·

A

a large portion of our compensation program is tied to long-term and sustained company performance, and our LTIP grant requiresgrants require a two-year holding period for full vesting even after awards are earned after a three-yearmulti-year performance period;

·

Our

our incentive plans are not tied to formulas that could focus executives on specific short-term outcomes to the detriment of long-term results;

·

The

the Compensation Committee reserves the right to apply negative discretion to bonus amounts calculated under the bonus formulas; and

·

Our

our CEO, CFO and COO are subject to our stock ownership and holding guidelines, discussed on page 36; and34.


·Our compensation programs do not provide high or inappropriate pay opportunities compared to our Peer Group and broad-based compensation survey data.
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LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

From 1997 to 2009, the Company had separate individuals serving as Chairman of the Board and as Chief Executive Officer. This structure reflected the continuing strong leadership, energy and passion brought to the Board of Directors by our founder, Mr. Kevork Hovnanian, and the day-to-day management direction of the Company under Mr. Ara Hovnanian as President and CEO. Following the death of Mr. K. Hovnanian in September 2009, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. A. Hovnanian to the additional position of Chairman, believing that his more than 30 years of service to the Company, vast industry experience and close relationship with our founder uniquely qualified him for this role. The Board of Directors believes that combining these positions under Mr. A. Hovnanian’s leadership has enabled him to carry on the tradition of a strong leader that has always marked this family-controlled company and to successfully navigate the Company through the current challenging economic environment, as well as any future challenges.  In the view of the Board of Directors, this leadership structure also enables the Board of Directors to better fulfill its risk oversight responsibilities, as described above under “Oversight of Risk Management.”

Although the Board of Directors has not formally designated a lead independent Director, Mr. Kangas, the chairman of the Audit Committee, serves as the Director to whom correspondence may be directed on behalf of both the Board of Directors and the non-employee Directors, as described above under “Corporate Governance” beginning on page 58.

60.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The Board of Directors has adopted a written Related Person Transaction Policy (the “Related Person Transaction Policy”) to assist it in reviewing, approving and ratifying related person transactions and to assist the Company in the preparation of related disclosures required by the SEC. This Related Person Transaction Policy supplements the Company’s other policies that may apply to transactions with related persons, such as the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and its Code of Ethics.

The Related Person Transaction Policy provides that all Related Person Transactions (as defined in the Related Person Transaction Policy) covered by the Related Person Transaction Policy and involving a director, director nominees,nominee, executive officer or greater than 5% shareholder or an immediate family member of any such person are prohibited, unless approved or ratified by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors or the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Company’s employees, directors, director nominees, executive officers and their immediate family members are required to provide prompt and detailed notice of any purported Related Person Transaction to the Company’s Corporate Counsel or Chief Financial Officer, who in turn must promptly forward such notice and information to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors or the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and will advise the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or disinterested directors as to whether the Related Person Transaction will be required to be disclosed in applicable regulatory filings. The Company’s Corporate Counsel will document all non-reportable and reportable Related Person Transactions.

 

In reviewing Related Person Transactions for approval or ratification, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or disinterested directors will consider the relevant facts and circumstances, including, without limitation:


·

the commercial reasonableness of the terms of the transaction;

·

the benefit and perceived benefit, (oror lack thereof)thereof, to the Company;

·

opportunity costs of alternate transactions;

·

the materiality and character of the Company’s and related person’s direct or indirect interest, and the actual or apparent conflict of interest of the Company and related person;

whether the proposed transaction would likely impair the judgment of the related person to act in the best interest of the Company;

whether the proposed transaction includes any potential reputational risk issues that may arise as a result of, or in connection with, the proposed transaction; and

·

with respect to a non-employee director or nominee, whether the transaction would compromise the director’s (1) independence under the NYSE rules and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, if such non-employee director serves on the Audit Committee; (2) independence under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation; (3)(2) status as an “outside director” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code if such non-employee director serves on the Compensation Committee; or (4) status as a “non-employee director” under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act if such non-employee director serves or will serve on the Compensation Committee.Committee; or (3) an independent director under Rule 10A-3 or Rule 10C-1 of the Exchange Act, if such non-employee director serves or will serve on the Audit Committee or Compensation Committee, respectively.

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The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or the disinterested directors will not approve or ratify a Related Person Transaction unless, after considering all relevant information, it has determined that the transaction is in, or is not inconsistent with, the Company’s best interests and the best interests of its shareholders.

Generally, the Related Person Transaction Policy applies to any current or proposed transaction in which:

·

the Company was or is to be a participant;

·

the amount involved exceeds $120,000; and

·

any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

A copy of our Related Person Transaction Policy is available as part of our Corporate Governance Guidelines on our website at www.khov.com under “Investors Relations/Corporate Governance.”

Related Person Transactions

The relatedfollowing transactions discussed below were entered into prior toreviewed, approved and ratified by the adoptionBoard of Directors and by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee in accordance with our Related Person Transaction Policy and were approved by the Board of Directors.

Policy:

During the year ended October 31, 2003, we entered into an agreement (as subsequently amended) to purchase land in California for approximately $31.4 million from an entity that is owned by Hirair Hovnanian, a family relative of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. AsWe took ownership of October 31, 2012, we have an option deposit of $3.0 million related to this land acquisition agreement. Inthe final lots in December 2013, and in accordance with ASC 810-10, we no longer have any balancebalances consolidated under “Consolidated inventory not owned” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative’s company from whom the land was purchased.


The following transactions were reviewed, approved and ratified by the Board of Directors or by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee in accordance with our Related Person Transaction Policy:

During the fiscal yearsyear ended October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010,2014, an engineering firm owned by Tavit Najarian, a relative of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, provided services to the Company totaling $0.9 million, $1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively.$1.2 million. Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative’s company from whom the services were provided.


During

Ms. Jovana Pellerito, the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010, a real estate development firm owned by Mazin Kalian, a relative of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, provided consulting services to the Company totaling less than $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, including significant travel related expenses.  The consulting services consisted primarily of negotiations, community design and cost analysis on a potential joint venture.   During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012, there were no consulting services provided.  Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer has or had a financial interest in the relative’s company from whom the services were provided.


In November 2012, one of our joint ventures in which we have a 50% interest sold an option to acquire a parcel of land for approximately $5.5 million. The total cost to the buyer was approximately $11.1 million and on which the commission was paid. The sondaughter-in-law of Mr. Pellerito, one of our executive officers, was employed by the brokerage firmCompany and, in fiscal 2014, her total compensation, including salary, commissions and other benefits, totaled approximately $96,000. Her compensation was commensurate with that handledof similarly situated employees in her position. Ms. Pellerito left the transaction and received $145,710 as a commission in connection with the transaction.  Mr. Pellerito did not have a financial interest in the brokerage firm involved in the transaction nor did he receive any portionemploy of the commission paid to his son.
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Company in May 2014.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MARCH 12, 2013

10, 2015

Our 20132015 proxy statement, the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended October 31, 20122014 (which is not deemed to be part of the official proxy soliciting materials), proxy cards (for Class A Common Stock shareholders and registered Class B Common Stock shareholders) and any amendments to the foregoing materials that are required to be furnished to shareholders are available online atwww.proxyvote.comwww.proxyvote.com.

For information on how to obtain directions to the Company’s 20132015 Annual Meeting, please call our Investor Relations department at 1-800-815-9680.

GENERAL

Solicitation

The solicitation of proxies is being made by our Board of Directors on our behalf primarily through the internet and by mail, but directors, officers, employees, and contractors retained by us may also engage in the solicitation of proxies by telephone. The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by us. In addition, we may reimburse brokers, custodians, nominees and other record holders for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in forwarding proxy material to beneficial owners.

Voting

Unless otherwise directed, the persons named in the proxy card(s) intend to vote all shares represented by proxies received by them in favor of the election of the nominees to the Board of Directors of the Company named herein, in favor of the ratification of the selected independent registered public accounting firm in favor of amending the Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock, in favor of amending the Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Class B Common Stock, and in favor of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, andin each case as recommended by the Board of Directors. All proxies will be voted as specified.

Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote, and each share of Class B Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to ten votes (except as provided below). Votes of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be counted together without regard to class for proposals that require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast. All votes will be certified by the Inspectors of Election, who are employees of the Company. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the vote for proposal one and proposal fivethree, because such shares are not considered votes cast. Abstentions will have no effect on the vote for proposalsproposal two, three and four because such shares are not considered votes cast. Brokers may vote shares with respect to proposalsproposal two three and four in the absence of client instructions and thus there will be no broker non-votes with respect to proposals two, three and four.

proposal two.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation provides that each share of Class B Common Stock held, to the extent of the Company’s knowledge, in nominee name by a stockbroker, bank or otherwise will be entitled to only one vote per share unless the Company is satisfied that such shares have been held continuously, since the date of issuance, for the benefit or account of the same named beneficial owner of such shares (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) or any Permitted Transferee (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation). Beneficial owners of shares of Class B Common Stock held in nominee name wishing to cast ten votes for each share of such stock must properly complete their voting instruction card, which is specially designed for beneficial owners of Class B Common Stock. The Company has also supplied nominee holders of Class B Common Stock with instructions and specially designed proxy cards to accommodate the voting of the Class B Common Stock. In accordance with the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, shares of Class B Common Stock held in nominee name will be entitled to ten votes per share only if the beneficial owner voting instruction card and the nominee proxy card relating to such shares is properly completed, mailed and received not less than 3three nor more than 20 business days prior to March 12, 2013.10, 2015. Proxy cards should be mailed to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, N.Y. 11717.

 

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Additional Matters

Management does not intend to present any business at the meeting other than that set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and it has no informationis not aware that others will attempt to do so. If other matters requiring the vote of shareholders properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy cards to vote the shares represented by the proxies held by them in accordance with their judgment on such matters.

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 20142016 ANNUAL MEETING

Under the SEC’s rules and regulations, any stockholder desiring to submit a proposal to be included in our 20142016 proxy statement must submit such proposal to us at our principal executive offices to the attention of our Secretary no later than the close of business on September 28, 2013.

2015.

Our restated bylaws require timely notice of business to be brought before a shareholders’ meeting, including nominations of persons for election as directors. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to our Secretary at our principal executive offices not earlier than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the 20132015 Annual Meeting (November 12, 2013)10, 2015) but not later than 90 days prior to such anniversary date (December 12, 2013)10, 2015), provided, however, that in the event that the date of the 20142016 annual meeting is advanced by more than 20 days, or delayed by more than 70 days, from such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. Our restated bylaws have other requirements that must be followed in connection with submitting director nominations and any other business for consideration at a shareholders’ meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC.

Red Bank, New Jersey

January 28, 2013

63

26, 2015

65