<PAGE> 1
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. __)
(Mark One)
[X] Filed by the Registrant
[ ] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box:
[X] 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 Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
240.14a-12
FELCOR SUITE HOTELS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
NOT APPLICABLE
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)
and 0-11
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES TO WHICH TRANSACTION APPLIES:
-------
AGGREGATE NUMBER OF SECURITIES TO WHICH TRANSACTION APPLIES:
----------
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.)
PROPOSED MAXIMUM AGGREGATE VALUE OF TRANSACTION:
----------------------
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.
AMOUNT PREVIOUSLY PAID:
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FORM, SCHEDULE OR REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO.:
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FILING PARTY:
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DATE FILED:
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<PAGE> 2
PRELIMINARY COPY
[FELCOR SUITE HOTELS, INC. LETTERHEAD]
April ___, 1997
Dear Shareholders:
You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of shareholders
of FelCor Suite Hotels, Inc. ("Company") to be held at 9:00 a.m. local time,
May 22, 1997, at the Embassy Suites (Dallas Love Field) hotel located at 3880
West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas.
At the meeting you will be asked (1) to elect three Class III directors
of the Company for a three-year term, (2) to approve a proposal to amend the
Company's 1995 Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan ("1995 Plan") to increase
the maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under
the 1995 Plan from 1,200,000 to 1,500,000, (3) to approve an amendment to the
Company's Charter to remove the current limitation on indebtedness, and (4) to
transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
The Company's Charter currently limits the Company's consolidated
indebtedness to an amount not to exceed 40% of the Company's investment in
hotel properties, at its cost. The limitation was developed at the time of the
Company's initial public offering in July 1994. Since that time, the Company
has acquired interests in a total of 58 hotels, which acquisitions were
financed principally with proceeds from public offerings of the Company's
Common Stock. Also, since the initial public offering, a number of other hotel
REITs and entities have been formed for purposes similar to those of the
Company, most of which have no corporate limitation on their ability to incur
debt, and the Company believes the market for total acquisitions has become
more competitive. The Company believes that by removing the limitation on
indebtedness, the Company will have flexibility in financing the acquisition of
hotel properties. In addition, the Company believes adoption of this proposed
amendment will permit the Company to access debt financing sources more readily
while maintaining a policy limiting indebtedness to a level which the Board of
Directors believes is prudent. The Board of Directors has expressed its
intention to adopt a policy limiting the Company's indebtedness to an amount
not in excess of 40% of the Company's investment in hotel properties, at its
cost, which is the same limitation currently imposed under the Company's
Charter.
The Company's Board of Directors has approved the proposed amendment to
the 1995 Plan and the proposed amendment to the Company's Charter and
recommends that you vote FOR the approval of each such proposal.
The formal Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement
accompanying this letter provide detailed information concerning the matters to
be considered and acted upon at the meeting. The Company's Annual Report for
the year ended December 31, 1996 also accompanies this letter.
It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting, whether
or not you attend personally. I urge you to sign, date and return the enclosed
proxy in the postage-paid return envelope at your earliest convenience.
Thomas J. Corcoran, Jr.
President
<PAGE> 3
PRELIMINARY COPY
[FELCOR SUITE HOTELS, INC. LETTERHEAD]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 22, 1997
To the Shareholders of
FelCor Suite Hotels, Inc.:
Notice is hereby given that the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
("Annual Meeting") of FelCor Suite Hotels, Inc., a Maryland corporation
("Company"), will be held at the Embassy Suites (Dallas Love Field) hotel
located at 3880 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, May 22,
1997, at 9:00 a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect three Class III directors to serve on the Board of
Directors until the annual meeting of shareholders in 2000 or
until their successors are elected and qualified or until their
earlier resignation or removal;
2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to amend the Company's 1995
Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan to increase the maximum
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued
under the 1995 Plan from 1,200,000 to 1,500,000;
3. To consider and vote upon a proposal to delete Article IX of the
Company's Charter, which limits the Company's consolidated
indebtedness to 40% of the Company's investment in hotel
properties, at its cost; and
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting.
It is desirable that as large a proportion as possible of the
shareholders' interests be represented at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not
you plan to be present at the meeting, you are requested to date, sign and
return the enclosed proxy, as soon as possible, in the postage-paid return
envelope provided so that your stock will be represented. The giving of such
proxy will not affect your right to vote in person, should you later decide to
attend the meeting.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 1997
are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any
adjournment thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
HERVEY A. FELDMAN
Chairman of the Board
Irving, Texas
April ___, 1997
<PAGE> 4
PRELIMINARY COPY
[FELCOR SUITE HOTELS, INC. LETTERHEAD]
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PROXY STATEMENT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 22, 1997
------------------------------
This Proxy Statement is furnished to shareholders of FelCor Suite
Hotels, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("Company"), in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company ("Board of
Directors") for use at the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at
9:00 a.m., local time, on May 22, 1997, at the Embassy Suites (Dallas Love
Field) hotel located at 3880 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas ("Annual
Meeting"), and at any adjournment thereof. Proxies in the form enclosed will
be voted at the Annual Meeting, if properly executed, returned to the Company
prior to the meeting and not revoked. A proxy may be revoked at any time
before it is voted by voting in person at the meeting or by the execution of a
revised proxy bearing a later date or by a written notice of revocation sent to
the Secretary of the Company at the address set forth above that is received
prior to the Annual Meeting. This proxy statement was first sent or given to
the Company's shareholders on or about April ___, 1997.
OUTSTANDING CAPITAL STOCK
The record date for shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at,
the Annual Meeting is April 15, 1997. At the close of business on that date,
the Company had issued and outstanding and entitled to receive notice of, and
to vote at, the meeting ___________ shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value
("Common Stock"). No other class of securities of the Company is entitled to
notice of, or to vote at, the Annual Meeting.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN AT THE MEETING
The accompanying proxy, unless the shareholder specifies otherwise, will
be voted:
1. FOR the election of the Class III director nominees named
herein, to serve on the Board of Directors until the annual
meeting of shareholders in 2000 or until their successors shall
be elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or
removal;
2. FOR the proposal to amend the Company's 1995 Restricted Stock and
Stock Option Plan, as amended ("1995 Plan"), to increase the
maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be
issued under the 1995 Plan from 1,200,000 to 1,500,000;
3. FOR the proposal to delete Article IX of the Company's Charter,
which limits the Company's consolidated indebtedness to 40% of
the Company's investment in hotel properties, at its cost; and
4. In the discretion of the proxyholders, as to the transaction of
such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Where shareholders have appropriately specified the manner in which
their proxies are to be voted, they will be voted in such manner. If any other
matter or business is brought before the meeting, the proxyholders may vote the
proxies in their discretion. The Board of Directors is not presently aware of
any other matters or business to be brought before the Annual Meeting.
<PAGE> 5
QUORUM AND VOTING
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock is necessary to constitute a quorum at the
Annual Meeting. In deciding each matter to be voted on at the Annual Meeting,
a holder is entitled to one vote, in person or by proxy, for each share of
Common Stock held in his name on the record date. With respect to the election
of directors, under applicable law, directors must be elected by a plurality of
the votes cast. Under the terms of the 1995 Plan, to be adopted at the Annual
Meeting, the proposed amendment to the 1995 Plan must be approved by a majority
of the shareholders voting thereon at the Annual Meeting, provided that a
quorum is present. With respect to the adoption of the proposed amendment to
delete Article IX of the Charter ("Amendment"), under applicable law, the
Amendment must be approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding
Common Stock. Assuming a quorum is present, abstentions and "broker non-votes"
would have no effect on the election of directors or the adoption of the
amendment to the 1995 Plan. A "broker non-vote" occurs if a broker or other
nominee holding shares for beneficial owners does not have discretionary voting
power as to such shares and has not received specific voting instructions from
the beneficial owner. As in the case of the Amendment, where the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to
vote is required for approval, abstentions and "broker non-votes" would have
the effect of negative votes.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth information, as of March 18, 1997,
regarding each person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more
than five percent (5%) of its Common Stock. Unless otherwise indicated, such
shares of Common Stock are owned directly and the indicated person has sole
voting and investment power with respect thereto.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP CLASS(1)
------------------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Growth Management Limited Partnership . . . . . . . . . 2,185,000(2) 8.2%
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Franklin Resources, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,291,304(3) 11.7%
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, California 94404
FMR Corp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,332,001(4) 8.7%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
LaSalle Advisors Limited Partnership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,643,600(5) 6.2%
100 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Promus Hotels, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,886,792(6) 10.5%
755 Crossover Lane
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
</TABLE>
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(1) Based upon 26,539,676 shares outstanding as of March 18, 1997.
(2) Based solely upon information contained in Schedule 13G, dated February
11, 1997. Capital Growth Management Limited Partnership reported that
it had sole voting power, but not sole dispositive power, with respect
to such shares, and disclaims any beneficial interest in these shares.
(3) Based solely upon information contained in Schedule 13G, dated February
12, 1997. Franklin Resources, Inc. reported that, through its
subsidiaries, it has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to
these shares. Includes 1,471,756 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of 1,898,550 shares of the Company's $1.95 Series A
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock").
Footnotes continued on following page
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<PAGE> 6
(4) Based solely upon information contained in Schedule 13G, dated February
14, 1997. FMR Corp. reported that, through its subsidiaries, it had
sole dispositive power with respect to such shares and sole voting power
with respect to 479,806 of such shares. Includes 220,961 shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of 285,000 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock.
(5) Based solely upon information contained in Schedule 13G, dated February
11, 1997. Represents (i) 916,900 shares owned by LaSalle Advisors
Limited Partnership ("LaSalle"), as to which LaSalle reported it had
sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 448,100 shares, shared
voting power with respect to 174,500 shares and shared dispositive power
with respect to 468,800 shares, and (ii) 726,700 shares beneficially
owned by ABKB/LaSalle Securities Limited Partnership ("ABKB/LaSalle"),
as to which ABKB/LaSalle reported that it had sole voting and
dispositive power with respect to 160,100 shares, shared voting power
with respect to 448,870 shares and shared dispositive power with respect
to 566,600 shares.
(6) Based solely upon information contained in Schedule 13D, dated February
5, 1997. Includes 1,000,000 units of partnership interest ("Units") in
FelCor Suites Limited Partnership ("Partnership") held by Promus Hotels,
Inc. ("Promus") which are currently redeemable for a like number of
shares of Common Stock, subject to the prohibitions contained in the
Company's Charter which prohibit ownership of more than 9.9% of any
class of the Company's outstanding capital stock by any person.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Company's
Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock, as of March 18, 1997, by (i) each
director and director nominee, (ii) each named executive officer and (iii) all
directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, such
shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock are owned directly and the
indicated person has sole voting and investment power.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF NATURE OF
BENEFICIAL PERCENT BENEFICIAL PERCENT
NAME OF OWNERSHIP OF OF OWNERSHIP OF OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER COMMON STOCK CLASS(1) PREFERRED STOCK CLASS(1)
---------------- ------------ -------- --------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Hervey A. Feldman . . . . . . . 433,315(2)(3) 1.6% 3,000(10) (12)
Thomas J. Corcoran, Jr. . . . . 433,415(2)(4) 1.6% 3,000 (12)
Richard S. Ellwood . . . . . . 4,500 (9) 0 0
Richard O. Jacobson . . . . . . 21,200 (9) 0 0
Charles N. Mathewson . . . . . 609,777(5) 2.2% 90,000(11) 1.5%
Thomas A. McChristy . . . . . . 45,900(6) (9) 0 0
Donald J. McNamara . . . . . . 4,600 (9) 0 0
Nicholas R. Peterson . . . . . 25,000(7) (9) 0 0
June H. McCutchen . . . . . . . 0 0 0 0
William P. Stadler . . . . . . 2,500(8) (9) 0 0
All executive officers and 0
directors as a group
(12 persons . . . . . . . . . . 1,296,292 4.7% 96,000 1.6%
</TABLE>
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(1) Based upon 26,539,676 shares outstanding as of March 18, 1997.
(2) Includes 294,915 shares issuable to FelCor, Inc. upon exercise of
redemption rights with respect to Units issued to it in connection with
the Company's initial public offering in July 1994 ("IPO"). Messrs.
Feldman and Corcoran are the sole shareholders and directors of FelCor,
Inc. and each may be deemed to own beneficially all of the Units owned
by FelCor, Inc. Also includes (i) an aggregate of 33,000 shares issued
pursuant to stock grants (9,000 in February 1995, 9,000 in December
1995, and 15,000 in February 1997), which shares vest over a five-year
period from the date of grant at the rate of 20% per year, (ii) 90,000
shares issuable pursuant to currently exercisable stock options, and
(iii) 2,325 shares issuable upon the conversion of 3,000 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock. Does not include 296,000 shares issuable
pursuant to outstanding stock options which are not currently
exercisable.
(3) Includes 200 shares owned of record by Mr. Feldman's minor children.
Footnotes continued on following page
-3-
<PAGE> 7
(4) Includes 300 shares owned of record by Mr. Corcoran's minor children.
(5) Includes 540,009 shares issuable to or for the benefit of Mr. Mathewson
upon exercise of redemption rights with respect to Units, which
represents Mr. Mathewson's pro rata interest in Units issued in
connection with the IPO to partnerships in which Mr. Mathewson is a
limited partner. Also includes 69,768 shares issuable upon conversion
of 90,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock.
(6) Includes 38,000 shares owned of record by the T.A. McChristy Living
Trust, over which Mr. McChristy has sole investment and voting power,
and 3,000 shares owned of record by his spouse's individual retirement
account.
(7) Includes (i) 4,100 shares owned of record by family trusts of which Mr.
Peterson is trustee and over which he has sole investment and voting
power, and (ii) 20,000 shares issuable pursuant to currently exercisable
stock options. Does not include 10,000 shares issuable pursuant to
outstanding stock options which are not currently exercisable.
(8) Represents 2,500 shares issued in July 1995 pursuant to a stock grant,
which shares vest over a five-year period from the date of grant at the
rate of 20% per year.
(9) Represents less than 1% of the outstanding Common Stock.
(10) Includes 1,000 shares owned by Mr. Feldman's spouse and 1,000 shares
owned by trust for the benefit of his minor children.
(11) Represents shares owned of record by the Charles M. Mathewson Trust.
(12) Represents less than 1% of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act")
requires officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than ten
percent (10%) of the Company's stock, to file initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC"). Officers, directors and greater than ten percent (10%) beneficial
owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of
all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of the copies furnished to the Company and
representations from the officers and directors, the Company believes that all
Section 16(a) filing requirements for the year ended December 31, 1996
applicable to its officers, directors and greater than ten percent (10%)
beneficial owners were satisfied.
Based on written representations from the officers and directors, the
Company believes that no Forms 5 for directors, officers and greater than ten
percent (10%) beneficial owners were required to be filed with the SEC for the
period ended December 31, 1996.
PROPOSAL 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The bylaws of the Company provide for three classes of directors, who
serve staggered three-year terms, with the term of each director expiring at
the annual meeting of shareholders held three years after his election. The
Board of Directors currently consists of seven members, four of whom are
Independent Directors. An "Independent Director" is a director of the Company
who is not an officer or employee of the Company, any affiliate of an officer
or employee or an affiliate of (i) any advisor to the Company under an advisory
agreement, (ii) any lessee of any property of the Company, (iii) any subsidiary
of the Company, or (iv) any partnership which is an affiliate of the Company.
The terms of three of the Company's directors, Mr. Richard S. Ellwood,
Mr. Richard O. Jacobson and Mr. Thomas A. McChristy, expire at the Annual
Meeting. The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Ellwood, Mr. Jacobson and
Mr. McChristy, the incumbent Class III directors ("Nominees"), to be reelected
as Class III directors for an additional three-year term expiring with the
annual meeting of shareholders in 2000 or until their successors shall be
elected and shall qualify or until their earlier resignation or removal.
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<PAGE> 8
Set forth below is certain information regarding the directors and
Nominees of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM
NAME POSITION CLASS EXPIRES
---- -------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Hervey A. Feldman . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman of the Board Class I 1998
Thomas J. Corcoran, Jr. . . . . . . . . President and Chief Executive
Officer, Director Class II 1999
Richard S. Ellwood . . . . . . . . . . Independent Director Class III 1997
Richard O. Jacobson . . . . . . . . . . Independent Director Class III 1997
Charles N. Mathewson . . . . . . . . . Director Class I 1998
Thomas A. McChristy . . . . . . . . . . Independent Director Class III 1997
Donald J. McNamara . . . . . . . . . . Independent Director Class II 1999
</TABLE>
The following discussion sets forth the names, ages and business
histories of the nominee directors and of the five directors whose terms will
continue after the Annual Meeting and the year of the annual meeting of
shareholders at which each director's term will expire (assuming, in the case
of the Nominees, that they are elected). All of the following directors were
initially elected or appointed as a director in 1994.
NOMINEES FOR CLASS III DIRECTORS (TERMS EXPIRING IN 2000)
Richard S. Ellwood (age 65) is the founder and principal owner of R. S.
Ellwood & Co., Inc., a real estate investment banking firm which was organized
in 1987. Prior to 1987, as an investment banker, Mr. Ellwood was elected
successively in 1968 a general partner of White Weld & Co., in 1978 a managing
director of Warburg Paribas Becker, Incorporated and in 1984 a managing
director and senior banker of Merrill Lynch Capital Markets. Mr. Ellwood has
extensive experience in hotel financing. He was a founder of Hotel Investors
Trust, a REIT, and served as a Trustee from 1970 until its merger with another
REIT in 1987. He also serves as a director of two additional REITs, Apartment
Investment and Management Company and Corporate Realty Income Trust.
Richard O. Jacobson (age 60) is the President and Chief Executive
Officer of Jacobson Warehouse Company, Inc., a privately-held warehouse company
with facilities in 15 locations in seven states, which Mr. Jacobson founded 29
years ago. He is also President and Chief Executive Officer of Jacobson
Transportation Company, Inc., a truckload common carrier with authority to
operate in 48 states and Canada. Mr. Jacobson is a member of the Boards of
Directors of Advanced Oxygen Technology, Inc., AlaTenn Resources, Inc., Allied
Group, Inc., Firstar Bank Des Moines, N.A., Firstar Bank of Iowa, N.A. and
Heartland Express, Inc.
Thomas A. McChristy (age 70) is the President of T. A. McChristy Co.
Inc., a real estate investment company, and has served in that capacity since
1957. Mr. McChristy also served as the President and Chief Operating Officer
of Syntech International Inc., a lottery systems and equipment manufacturing
company, from 1986 to 1988 and as its Chief Executive Officer from 1989 to
1992.
CONTINUING CLASS I DIRECTORS (TERMS EXPIRING IN 1998)
Hervey A. Feldman (age 59) is the Chairman of the Board of the Company
and has served in such capacity since its formation in 1994. He is also a co-
founder of FelCor, Inc. and has served as its Chairman since its formation in
1991. Prior to that time, he held executive positions with Embassy Suites,
Inc., serving as its Chairman of the Board from June 1990 until January 1992,
and as its President and Chief Executive Officer from the founding of that
company in January 1983 to April 1990. Prior to 1990, Mr. Feldman had spent
over 25 years in the hotel industry, including serving in various management
positions with Brock Hotel Corporation during a period when that company was
one of the largest franchisees of Holiday Inn(R) hotels in the U. S.; as
Executive Vice President for North American Development of Holiday Inns, Inc.;
and President and Chief Executive Officer of Brock Residence Inns, Inc., which
founded the extended-stay, all-suite chain now known as Residence Inns by
Marriott(R).
-5-
<PAGE> 9
Charles N. Mathewson (age 68) has served, for more than the past five
years, in various positions with International Game Technology ("IGT"), a
company engaged in the design and manufacture of microprocessor based gaming
products and gaming monitoring systems. Since February 1988, he has served as
the Chairman of the Board of IGT. He has served as a director of IGT since
December 1985, as President from December 1986 to February 1988, and as Chief
Executive Officer from December 1986 until June 1993 and from February 1996
until the present. Mr. Mathewson also is a member of the Board of Directors of
Baron Asset Fund.
CONTINUING CLASS II DIRECTORS (TERMS EXPIRING IN 1999)
Thomas J. Corcoran, Jr. (age 48) is the President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and has served in such capacity since its formation in
1994. He is also a co-founder of FelCor, Inc. and has served as its President
and Chief Executive Officer since its formation in 1991. From October 1990 to
December 1991, he served as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Fiesta Foods, Inc., a manufacturer of tortilla chips and taco shells. From
1979 to 1990, Mr. Corcoran held various positions with Integra - A Hotel and
Restaurant Company (formerly Brock Hotel Corporation), including serving as the
President and Chief Executive Officer of that company from 1986 to 1990, and
with ShowBiz Pizza Time, Inc., an operator and franchisor of family
entertainment center/pizza restaurants.
Donald J. McNamara (age 44) is the founder and Chairman of The Hampstead
Group, a real estate investment company with substantial activities in the
hospitality and retirement housing industries. Mr. McNamara also is the
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bristol Hotel Company, and a director of
Mountasia Entertainment International.
There are no family relationships between any of the directors. Except
as described above, none of the Company's directors hold directorships in any
company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the
Exchange Act or pursuant to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Exchange
Act or any company registered as an investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. There are no arrangements or understandings between any
director and any other person pursuant to which that director was nominated.
COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Director Meetings. The business of the Company is under the general
management of its Board of Directors as required by the Company's Bylaws and
the laws of Maryland, the Company's state of incorporation. The Company's
Charter requires that a majority of the Company's directors be Independent
Directors. There are presently seven directors, including four Independent
Directors. The Board of Directors held ___ meetings during 1996. In addition,
significant communications between the directors and the Company occur apart
from the formal meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees thereof.
Accordingly, management does not regard attendance at meetings to be the
primary criterion in evaluating the contributions a director makes to the
Company. Each of the Company's directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate
of all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of committees
thereof on which such director served.
The Company presently has an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee and
a Compensation Committee of its Board of Directors. In addition, the Company
has a Capital Approval Committee consisting of the senior executive officers of
the Company. The Company has no standing Nominating Committee of the Board of
Directors, with the entire Board of Directors acting in such a capacity. The
Company may, from time to time, form other committees as circumstances warrant.
Such committees have authority and responsibility as delegated by the Board of
Directors.
-6-
<PAGE> 10
Executive Committee. The Board of Directors has established an
Executive Committee consisting of Messrs. Corcoran, Feldman and Mathewson. The
Executive Committee is empowered to exercise the powers of the Board of
Directors in the management of the answers and affairs of the Company, except
when the Board of Directors is in session and except for certain powers which
may be exercised only by the Board of Directors. Although informal
communication among members of the Executive Committee occurred frequently
during 1996 and certain actions taken by unanimous written consent, the
Executive Committee held no formal meetings during the year.
Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has established an Audit
Committee consisting of Messrs. Ellwood, Jacobson, McChristy and McNamara,
constituting all of the Independent Directors. The Audit Committee makes
recommendations concerning the engagement of independent public accountants,
reviews with the independent public accountants the plans and results of the
audit engagement, approves professional services provided by the independent
public accountants, reviews the independence of the independent public
accountants, considers the range of audit and non-audit fees and reviews the
adequacy of the Company's internal accounting controls. The Audit Committee
held three meetings in 1996.
Compensation Committee. The Board of Directors has established a
Compensation Committee consisting of Messrs. Ellwood, Jacobson, McChristy and
McNamara, constituting all of the Independent Directors. The Compensation
Committee determines compensation for the Company's executive officers and
advises the Board on the adoption and administration of employee benefit or
compensation plans. The Compensation Committee also administers the Company's
stock option and stock grant plans. The Compensation Committee held one
meeting in 1996.
Capital Approval Committee. In November 1996, the Board of Directors
established the Capital Approval Committee consisting of the Company's senior
executive officers, Messrs. Feldman (Chairman of the Board), Corcoran
(President and Chief Executive Officer), William S. McCalmont (Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer) and Lawrence D. Robinson (Senior Vice
President and General Counsel). The Capital Approval Committee has been
delegated the authority to authorize, take or cause to be taken, any action in
connection with the acquisition, improvement, disposition or financing of any
hotel assets involving an actual or reasonably anticipated investment by the
Company of up to $25 million (relating to a single hotel transaction) and $50
million (relating to more than a single hotel), subject, in both cases, to
certain limitations. Due to its formation in late 1996, the Capital Approval
Committee held no meetings and took no action in 1996.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
In lieu of cash compensation, on February 19, 1997, the Company granted
to each Independent Director 1,500 shares of Restricted Stock under the
Company's 1994 Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plan ("1994 Plan") for serving
as a director of the Company during 1996. The Company intends to provide a
similar grant to each Independent Director in lieu of cash compensation for
service during 1997. None of the other directors received any compensation for
their service as directors of the Company during 1996. The Company reimburses
directors for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their
service on the Board of Directors.
-7-
<PAGE> 11
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
CURRENT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive officers of the Company, their respective ages, positions
held and tenure as officers are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OFFICER OF THE
NAME AGE POSITION(S) HELD WITH THE COMPANY COMPANY SINCE
---- --- --------------------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Hervey A. Feldman 59 Chairman of the Board 1994
Thomas J. Corcoran, Jr. 48 President and Chief Executive Officer 1994
William S. McCalmont 41 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial 1996
Officer and Treasurer
Lawrence D. Robinson 53 Senior Vice President, General Counsel 1996
and Secretary
Jack Eslick 45 Vice President, Director of Asset 1996
Management (1)
June H. McCutchen 41 Vice President, Director of Design and 1995
Construction (1)
William P. Stadler 42 Vice President, Director of Acquisition 1995
and Development (1)
</TABLE>
- ------------------
(1) In recognition of the increasing responsibilities undertaken by Mr.
Eslick, Ms. McCutchen and Mr. Stadler in their respective offices, the
Company elevated these officers to executive officers in March 1997.
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Information concerning the business experience of Messrs. Feldman and
Corcoran is provided under the section captioned "Election of Directors."
William S. McCalmont has served as Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company since August 1996. For
approximately 12 years prior to joining the Company, Mr. McCalmont had been
employed in various positions with The Promus Companies Incorporated and with
Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., which was created as a result of the spin-off of
Promus Hotel Corporation. During his 12-year career with these companies, Mr.
McCalmont served in various management positions in finance at the Embassy
Suites Hotel division, was Director of Finance, Corporate Director of Asset
Management and Project Finance, and Vice President and Treasurer of its parent,
and most recently served as the Vice President and Treasurer of Harrah's.
Lawrence D. Robinson has served as Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary of the Company since May 1996. From 1972 to 1989, Mr.
Robinson was a partner in the Kansas City based law firm of Stinson, Mag &
Fizzell, for which he founded and managed a Dallas, Texas office from 1982 to
1989. From 1989 through April 1996, Mr. Robinson was a partner in the Houston
based law firm of Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P., where he served as the
managing partner of its Dallas office until 1992, as the head of that office's
corporate and securities law section and as chairman of its firm-wide
hospitality group. Mr. Robinson continues to maintain an "of counsel"
relationship with that firm.
Jack Eslick joined the Company in April 1996 as its Vice President,
Director of Asset Management. Mr. Eslick has over 20 years experience in hotel
operations. From April 1991 until he joined the Company,
-8-
<PAGE> 12
Mr. Eslick served as Vice President of Operations of Promus, where he had
direct responsibility for all operations in a region that grew from 14 hotels
to 26 hotels. Prior to April 1991, he served in various capacities with
Holiday Inns, Inc., including serving as general manager of various hotels and
as a Regional Director of Operations.
June H. McCutchen joined the Company in October 1995 as Vice President,
Director of Design and Construction. Her most recent experience was as Account
Executive for Hospitality Restoration & Builders, Inc. since 1994. From 1992
to 1994 she was Project Manager for American General Hospitality, Inc. where
she managed all capital improvement work for over 35 properties each year.
Prior to 1992, Ms. McCutchen was Project Manager for Hilton Hotels, Inc. from
1987 to 1992, and prior to 1987, she served as design coordinator and
purchasing manager for Embassy Suites, Inc.
William P. Stadler began his employment with the Company in July 1995 as
Vice President, Director of Acquisition and Development. Mr. Stadler has over
17 years of experience in hotel acquisition and development, having served as
Vice President-Development for Coastal Hotel Group from 1994 until he joined
the Company in 1995, as Vice President-Development for Embassy Suites, Inc.
from 1992 to 1994, as Senior Vice President-Development for Landmark Hotels,
Inc. from 1989 to 1991 and as Vice President-Development for Marriott
Corporation from 1985 to 1989.
TERMS OF OFFICE; RELATIONSHIPS
The officers of the Company are elected annually by the Board of
Directors at a meeting held following each annual meeting of shareholders, or
as soon thereafter as necessary and convenient in order to fill vacancies or
newly created offices. Each officer holds office until his successor is duly
elected and qualified or until his death, resignation or removal, if earlier.
Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be
removed by the Board of Directors whenever in its judgment the best interests
of the Company will be served thereby, but such removal shall be without
prejudice to the contractual rights, if any, of the person so removed.
There are no family relationships among the executive officers. There
are no arrangements or understandings between any officer and any other person
pursuant to which that officer was selected.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
The Company, which was formed in 1994 to acquire equity interests in
hotel properties, completed its IPO on July 28, 1994 and contributed the net
proceeds therefrom to the Partnership in exchange for an approximately 75%
equity interest in the Partnership, which owned six Embassy Suites(R) hotels
("Initial Hotels"). The Partnership had acquired the Initial Hotels through a
merger with entities ("FelCor Affiliates"), originally formed in 1991,
controlled by Hervey A. Feldman and Thomas J. Corcoran, Jr., the Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, respectively. References
herein to the business of the Company includes the business conducted by the
Company and its subsidiaries (including the Partnership) on a consolidated
basis. The Company has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust
("REIT"). In order to qualify as a REIT, neither the Company nor the
Partnership may operate hotels. At March 20, 1997, the Company owned interests
in 58 hotels, all of which were leased to DJONT Operations, L.L.C. or a
consolidated subsidiary thereof (collectively, "Lessee") pursuant to separate
percentage lease agreements ("Percentage Leases"), each providing for rent
payments equal to the greater of (i) fixed base rent ("Base Rent") or (ii)
percentage rent ("Percentage Rent") based in large part on the suite revenues
of the hotels. All of the voting Class A membership interest in the Lessee
(representing a 50% equity interest) is beneficially owned by Messrs. Feldman
and Corcoran. All of the non-voting Class B membership interest in the Lessee
(representing the remaining 50% equity interest) is owned by RGC Leasing, Inc.,
a Nevada corporation owned by the children of Charles N. Mathewson, a director
of the Company.
The Company and the Partnership have entered into a number of
transactions with the Lessee and certain other affiliates. Mr. Feldman and
Mr. Corcoran, who are officers and directors of the Company, control and are
also officers and directors of the Lessee.
-9-
<PAGE> 13
The Percentage Leases
The Partnership and the Lessee have entered into the Percentage
Leases, each with a term of ten years, relating to each hotel in which the
Company owns an interest. The Company anticipates that similar Percentage
Leases will be executed with respect to any additional hotel properties
acquired by it in the future. Pursuant to the terms of the Percentage Leases,
the Lessee is required to pay the greater of Base Rent or Percentage Rent and
certain other additional charges, and is entitled to all profits from the
operation of the hotels after the payment of operating, management and other
expenses. Lease rent paid by the Lessee under the Percentage Leases totaled
approximately $108 million for the year ended December 31, 1996.
Employment Agreements
The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of
Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran ("Employment Agreements") that will continue in
effect until December 31, 1999 and, thereafter, will be automatically renewed
for successive one year terms, unless otherwise terminated. Pursuant to such
Employment Agreements, Mr. Feldman serves as Chairman of the Board, and Mr.
Corcoran serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, of the Company. Each
was paid a base salary of $5,000 per month through 1994, $10,000 per month in
1995 and $10,270 per month in 1996. Effective January 1, 1997, Mr. Feldman is
entitled to receive $12,500 per month and Mr. Corcoran is entitled to receive
$16,667 per month. Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran have agreed to devote
substantially all of their time to the business of the Company. The
Compensation Committee of the Board may provide for additional compensation as
a bonus should it determine, in its discretion, based on merit, the Company's
anticipated financial performance and other criteria, that such additional
compensation is appropriate. The Company maintains a comprehensive medical
plan for the benefit of Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran and their dependents.
Option and Right of First Refusal
In 1994, the Company was granted a two-year option to purchase,
at fair market value, and a right of first refusal with respect to an Embassy
Suites hotel located in St. Louis, Missouri that was developed by a FelCor
Affiliate and opened for business on December 21, 1994 under the management of
Promus. In anticipation of the December 21, 1996 expiration date of such
option and right of first refusal, the Independent Directors, following an
inspection of the hotel and a thorough consideration of all matters deemed
relevant by them, determined, at a meeting held at such hotel in June 1996,
that it would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to
allow this option and right of first refusal to expire unexercised. Such
decision was based, in part, upon the fact that the Company had other purchase
opportunities, that the option was only exercisable at full fair market value
and that the hotel offered little opportunity for the Company to benefit from
additional capital expenditures, or changes in brand or management.
Accordingly, this option and right of first refusal was not exercised and
expired by its terms on December 21, 1996.
Sharing of Offices and Employees
The Company shares the executive offices and certain employees
with FelCor, Inc. and the Lessee, and each company bears its share of the
costs thereof, including an allocated portion of the rent, salaries of certain
personnel (other than Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran, whose salaries are borne
solely by the Company), office supplies, telephones and depreciation of office
furniture, fixtures and equipment. Any such allocation of shared expenses to
the Company must be approved by a majority of the Independent Directors.
During 1996, the Company paid approximately $807,000 (approximately 38%) of the
allocable expenses under this agreement.
Certain Relationships with Promus
As of February 5, 1997, Promus held of record 1,886,792 shares of
Common Stock and 1,000,000 Units which are currently redeemable, at the option
of Promus, subject to certain limitations, into a like number of shares of
Common Stock. Assuming all Units held by Promus were redeemed for Common
Stock, Promus would own approximately 10.5% of the Company's Common Stock. The
Company has numerous significant contractual relationships with Promus.
-10-
<PAGE> 14
Compensation of Director for Special Services
In connection with the Company's acquisition, during February
1997, of interests in 10 hotels at an aggregate cost of approximately $139
million (including the Company's share of certain assumed indebtedness), Mr.
Richard S. Ellwood, an Independent Director of the Company, was paid a one-time
fee in the amount of $200,000 for his services in facilitating this
transaction.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information, for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, regarding the compensation of the Company's
President and Chief Executive Officer and the four other most highly
compensated executive officers during 1996:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------
SECURITIES
OTHER ANNUAL RESTRICTED UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION STOCK OPTIONS/ COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($) ($) AWARDS($)(5) SARS(#) ($)(10)
--------------------------- ---- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas J. Corcoran, Jr . . . 1996 123,240 None None None None 4,875
President and Chief 1995 120,000 None None 194,625(6) 150,000 4,875
Executive Officer 243,000(7)
1994(2) 26,774 None None None 150,000 None
Hervey A. Feldman . . . . . . 1996 123,240 None None None None 4,875
Chairman of the Board 1995 120,000 None None 194,625(6) 150,000(9) 4,875
243,000(7)
1994(2) 26,774 None None None 150,000 None
Nicholas R. Peterson . . . . 1996 100,000(1) 80,000 None None None 4,875
Chief Financial Officer(1) 1995 100,000 165,219(4) None None None 29,375
1994(1) 3,788 None None 50,000 None
William P. Stadler . . . . . 1996 79,020 100,000 None None None 4,875
Vice President, Director 1994(3) 34,125 45,000 None 66,100(8) 25,000 2,438
of Acquisition and
Development
June H. McCutchen . . . . . . 1996 70,000 52,100 None None 20,000(9) 1,970
Vice President, Director 1995(3) 17,500 2,000 None None None None
of Design and
Construction
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Mr. Peterson was employed as the Company's Chief Financial Officer from
December 19, 1994 until May 31, 1996. The information for 1994 includes
compensation only during the period from December 19, 1994 through
December 31, 1994. The salary for 1996 includes the amount of $58,333
paid to Mr. Peterson upon the termination of his employment.
(2) Includes compensation only during the period from July 28, 1994
(inception of operations) through December 31, 1994.
Footnotes continued on following page
-11-
<PAGE> 15
(3) Includes compensation only during the periods from the date of
commencement of employment (July 1995 in the case of Mr. Stadler and
October 1995 in the case of Ms. McCutchen) through December 31, 1995.
(4) Includes a cash bonus of $62,500 and the fair market value of a stock
grant of 5,000 shares of Common Stock awarded to Mr. Peterson in
February 1995, all of which shares were fully vested as of the date of
the grant.
(5) An aggregate of 29,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded in the
1996 fiscal year, each with vesting occurring over a five-year period.
Holders of restricted stock are entitled to vote and receive dividends
on such shares from the date of grant. The amount reported in the table
represents the market value of the shares awarded on the date of grant,
determined by the closing price of the Common Stock on such date,
without giving effect to the diminution of value attributable to the
restrictions on such stock. As of December 31, 1996, the aggregate
restricted stock holdings by the above-named current executive officers
consisted of 30,800 shares owned as set forth below, with a then current
aggregate market value, determined in the same manner as of such date,
of $1,089,550 as follows: Mr. Corcoran (14,400 shares, $509,400 value);
Mr. Feldman (14,400 shares, $509,400 value); and Mr. Stadler (2,000
shares, $70,750 value).
(6) Represents an award of 9,000 shares of restricted stock on February 16,
1995 which become vested over a five-year period at the rate of 20% per
year. The value is based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on
the date of grant of $21.625 per share.
(7) Represents an award of 9,000 shares of restricted stock as of December
15, 1995, which become vested over a five-year period from the date of
grant at the rate of 20% per year. The value is based upon the closing
price of the Common Stock on the date of grant of $27.00 per share.
(8) Represents an award of 2,500 shares of restricted stock on July 24, 1995
which become vested over a five-year period at the rate of 20% per year.
The value is based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on the
date of grant of $26.44 per share.
(9) Represent shares purchasable pursuant to options granted February 21,
1996. See "--Option Grants" below.
(10) These amounts represent the Company's contributions to the Company's
employee savings and investment plan in the amount of up to $4,875 to
each executive officer and, in the case of Mr. Peterson, a moving
allowance of $25,000 paid to Mr. Peterson in connection with the
commencement of his employment with the Company.
The executive officers, receive health and disability insurance benefits
which do not exceed 10% of their respective salaries. These benefits are also
provided to all other employees of the Company.
Option Grants
The following table sets forth information regarding grants of stock
options to the Company's named executive officers during the 1996 fiscal year.
The options were granted pursuant to the Company's 1995 Plan. No stock
appreciation rights ("SARs") were granted during the 1996 fiscal year.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Individual Grants
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of Total Potential Realizable Value at
Number of Options Market Price Assumed Annual Rate of Stock
Securities Under- Granted to Exercise or on Date Price Appreciation for Option Term
lying Options Employees in Base Price of Grant Expiration ----------------------------------
Name Granted (#) Fiscal Year ($/Share) ($/Share) Date 0%($) 5%($) 10%($)
- ---- -------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---- ---- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
June H. McCutchen 20,000 6.1% $30.00 $30.00 2/21/06 $0 $377,337 $956,245
</TABLE>
The options granted to Ms. McCutchen were granted February 21, 1996, at
an exercise price of $30.00 per share, which was the closing price of the
Common Stock on such date. Each of such options becomes exercisable over a
five year period, with 20% of the total number of shares covered thereby
becoming exercisable on each of the first five anniversaries of the date of
grant, and expires on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant.
The unexpired stock options to purchase the Company's Common Stock held
by named executive officers of the Company at December 31, 1996, are summarized
in the following table:
-12-
<PAGE> 16
FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1996 (1)
------------------------------- ---------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas J. Corcoran, Jr. . . . . . . 90,000 210,000 $1,113,750 $2,336,250
Hervey A. Feldman . . . . . . . . . 90,000 210,000 1,113,750 2,336,250
Nicholas R. Peterson . . . . . . . 20,000 10,000 332,500 116,250
William P. Stadler . . . . . . . . 5,000 20,000 44,675 178,700
June H. McCutchen . . . . . . . . -- 20,000 -- 107,500
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1) Based on the difference between the option exercise price and the
closing sales prices for the Common Stock on The New York Stock
Exchange for December 31, 1996, which was $35.375 per share.
Employment Agreements
The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs.
Feldman and Corcoran, as described above under "Certain Transactions--
Employment Agreements."
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION ON
COMPENSATION DECISIONS
During 1996, the Company's Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors consisted of Donald J. McNamara, Richard S. Ellwood, Richard O.
Jacobson and Thomas A. McChristy, constituting all of the Independent
Directors, none of whom was, prior to or during 1996, an officer or employee of
the Company. None of such persons had any relationships requiring disclosure
under applicable rules and regulations. The Company did not have a policy
during 1996 prohibiting its executive officers from participating in
deliberation of the Board of Directors regarding executive compensation.
Consequently, Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran, who are also directors of the
Company, and Mr. Robinson, as Secretary of the Company, were present during
deliberations of the Board of Directors regarding executive compensation during
1996. Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran, in their capacities as directors,
participated in such deliberations.
In connection with the Company's acquisition, during February 1997, of
interests in 10 hotels at an aggregate cost of approximately $139 million
(including the Company's share of certain assumed indebtedness), Mr. Richard S.
Ellwood, an Independent Director of the Company, was paid a one-time fee in the
amount of $200,000 for his services in facilitating this transaction.
REPORT OF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is currently
comprised of Messrs. McNamara, Ellwood, Jacobson and McChristy, none of whom is
or was an employee or officer of the Company. The Compensation Committee is
authorized to determine the compensation of the Company's executive officers,
administer the Company's employee benefit plans, including determining the
terms and conditions of the benefits and the recipients thereof in accordance
with the plans, review all existing and proposed employee benefit plans and
advise the Board of Directors regarding the results and benefits thereof, and
perform such other functions as necessary, advisable or appropriate in the
efficient discharge of its duties.
Compensation Philosophy
The Compensation Committee works with senior management to develop and
implement the Company's executive compensation philosophy and the policies upon
which the Committee's decisions are based. Generally,
-13-
<PAGE> 17
the Company's philosophy regarding executive compensation is to provide a base
cash compensation level that is at or below the average of other equity hotel
REITs, and to provide additional incentive compensation, in the form of cash
bonuses and grants of options and restricted stock, based upon the realization
of stated objectives, such as hotel acquisitions, financings and renovations,
improvements in funds from operations and other similar criteria linked to
realized or anticipated improvements in total shareholder return. No variation
from the standard terms of grants of options or restricted stock may be made
without prior Compensation Committee approval. The Company believes that the
award of significant incentive compensation in the form of options and
restricted stock provides management with incentives consistent with the
interests of shareholders. As a consequence of this philosophy, executive
compensation may be at or below other equity hotel REITs during periods of
average performance and above that of the competitive set during periods of
above average growth or performance. The competitive set utilized by the
Committee to measure performance includes other equity hotel REITs, with
particular emphasis placed on those whose capitalization, revenues, assets,
market value and total shareholder returns are most nearly comparable to those
of the Company. Since REITs do not pay taxes at the corporate level, no policy
has been established with respect to qualifying compensation paid to executive
officers under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Executive Compensation
During the year ended December 31, 1996, the base compensation payable
to Thomas J. Corcoran, Jr., the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and Hervey
A. Feldman, its Chairman of the Board, were set by the terms of their
respective employment contracts, which were entered into by the Company at the
closing of the Company's IPO in July 1994 prior to the formation of the
Compensation Committee, and subsequently were ratified by the Board of
Directors, including the members of the Compensation Committee. The Board did
not review any particular criteria or factors in determining whether to ratify
the contracts, except that the existence and basic terms of the contracts were
disclosed in the IPO Prospectus, that copies of the form of the contracts were
filed with the Commission in connection with the registration of the IPO and
that the terms of the employment agreements had been negotiated with
representatives of the IPO's underwriters. Under the employment contracts,
each of Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran received $10,270 per month in base cash
compensation during 1996. The base cash compensation for the executive
officers of the Company is related primarily to competitive factors and is not
based on or tied to the Company's financial performance. The base cash
compensation of each of the Company's executive officers is adjusted annually
based upon changes in the Consumer Price Index. In determining whether to
further adjust base cash compensation or to award additional cash compensation
to an executive officer, the Committee takes into account competitive factors
as well as the individual's overall performance, including the achievement of
stated objectives established by senior management or, in the case of the
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, by the Committee. In
evaluating an executive's total compensation (base cash compensation plus
incentive compensation and benefits) both objective and subjective factors are
considered. Additional cash compensation may be awarded as bonuses to such
persons, as well as to other officers of the Company, as determined by the
Compensation Committee. It is expected that future cash bonuses, if any,
payable to the Company's executive officers will be similarly based upon the
Company's future growth and financial performance, although no generally
applicable policy or formula has been established. At the request of such
officers, no consideration of additional cash compensation for Messrs. Feldman
or Corcoran was considered for 1996.
The Company added two new executive officers in 1996: Lawrence D.
Robinson became the Company's Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary in May 1996, and William S. McCalmont became the Company's Senior
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in August 1996. The base
compensation for these officers ($100,000 annually for Mr. Robinson and
$162,500 annually for Mr. McCalmont) was recommended by the President and Chief
Executive Officer and approved by the Compensation Committee in accordance with
the guidelines set forth above. In addition, in connection with the
commencement of employment of these officers, the Compensation Committee
approved the grant of certain shares of restricted stock and options, as
discussed below. Also in 1996, the Company's former Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Nicholas R. Peterson, resigned effective
May 1996. In connection with his resignation, the Compensation Committee
approved the payment to Mr. Peterson, effective upon his resignation, of the
balance of his annual compensation
-14-
<PAGE> 18
of $100,000. In addition, the Compensation Committee had previously approved a
bonus program for Mr. Peterson pursuant to which he would be awarded a cash
bonus of $5,000 for each hotel acquired by the Company. At the time of Mr.
Peterson's resignation, the Company had acquired 16 hotels in 1996, and as a
result, the Compensation Committee approved the payment of a cash bonus of
$80,000 to Mr. Peterson. Further, Mr. Peterson held options to purchase 50,000
shares at the time of his resignation. Such options were awarded in December
1994 in connection with the commitment of Mr. Peterson's employment with the
Company. Options with respect to 10,000 shares had vested, but the remaining
options had not vested and, pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option Agreement
pursuant to which the options were issued, such options would have lapsed upon
his resignation. In recognition of the services provided by Mr. Peterson
during his tenure with the Company, including the extraordinary growth in
number of hotels acquired during his tenure, the Compensation Committee
approved an amendment to Mr. Peterson's Stock Option Agreement pursuant to
which Mr. Peterson was entitled to retain options for an additional 20,000
shares, vesting over a two-year period, with the remaining 20,000 options to be
forfeited.
Other Incentive Compensation
In February 1996, Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran were each awarded 9,000
shares of Restricted Stock, effective as of December 1995, based upon 1995
performance. In connection with the employment of Mr. Robinson, and as an
inducement to Mr. Robinson to accept such employment, the Compensation
Committee awarded a grant of 12,000 shares of restricted stock to Mr. Robinson,
which shares will become vested over a five-year period at the rate of 20% per
year. In addition, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Robinson options to
purchase 100,000 shares at an exercise price of $29.12 per share, the fair
market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of Mr. Robinson's
employment. Such options will also become vested over a five-year period at
the rate of 20% per year. In connection with the employment of Mr. McCalmont,
and as an inducement to Mr. McCalmont to accept such employment, the
Compensation Committee awarded Mr. McCalmont a grant of an aggregate of 15,000
shares of Restricted Stock, 2,500 of which will become vested within one year
from the date of grant, and the remainder of which will become vested over a
five-year period at the rate of 20% per year. In addition, the Compensation
Committee awarded Mr. McCalmont options to purchase 92,500 shares of Common
Stock at an exercise price of $30.50 per share, the fair market value of the
Company's Common Stock on the date of Mr. McCalmont's employment. Such options
will become vested over a five-year period at the rate of 20% per year.
In February 1997, the Compensation Committee determined to continue the
practice of awarding options to Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran upon successful
completions of public offerings of equity securities by the Company. The
Compensation Committee also determined that for future offerings, the amount of
such options to be granted should be equal to approximately 1% of the number of
shares of Common Stock, or Common Stock equivalents, sold by the Company in the
offering. The Compensation Committee noted that Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran had
not previously received options in connection with the Company's public offering
of 6,000,000 of Series A Preferred Stock at $25.00 per share in May 1996, and
consequently, consistent with this practice, awarded each of Messrs. Feldman
and Corcoran options to purchase 46,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $29.50 per share. The number of options awarded approximates the
number of shares of Common Stock that would be issuable upon conversion of 1%
of the Series A Preferred Stock sold in the offering, and the exercise price
was based upon the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the
closing of the offering. The Company also maintains a 401(k) Plan, health
insurance and other benefits generally available to all employees.
This report has been furnished by the members of the Compensation
Committee.
Donald J. McNamara, Chairman
Richard S. Ellwood
Richard O. Jacobson
Thomas A. McChristy
-15-
<PAGE> 19
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the change in the Company's shareholder
return on the Common Stock for the period July 28, 1994 (the date upon which
the Common Stock was issued in the IPO at $21.25 per share) through December
31, 1996, with the changes in the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (the "S&P
500 Index") and the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trust Equity
Index (the "NAREIT Equity Index") for the same period, assuming a base
investment of $100 in the Common Stock in each index for comparative purposes.
Total return equals appreciation in stock price plus dividends paid, and
assumes that all dividends are reinvested. During the period presented, the
Common Stock was traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "FLCO"
until March 13, 1996, when it was approved for listing, and commenced trading,
on the NYSE under the symbol "FCH." The Company will provide upon request the
names of the companies included in the NAREIT Equity Index. The NAREIT Equity
Index is published monthly by the National Association of Real Estate
Investment Trusts, Inc. ("NAREIT") in its publication, REITWatch. The index is
available to the public upon request to NAREIT.
[PERFORMANCE GRAPH]
The foregoing graph is based upon the following data:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
07/28/94 09/30/94 12/31/94 03/31/95 06/30/95 09/30/95 12/31/95
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FelCor Suite Hotels, Inc. $100.00 $108.24 $92.96 $115.96 $126.13 $150.94 $141.86
NAREIT Equity Index 100.0 98.44 98.45 98.28 104.07 108.96 113.48
S&P 500 Index 100.0 101.56 101.54 111.42 121.99 131.69 139.54
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
03/31/96 06/30/96 09/30/96 12/31/96
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FelCor Suite Hotels, Inc. $160.35 $160.26 $172.18 $191.09
NAREIT Equity Index 116.1 121.2 129.2 153.5
S&P 500 Index 147.0 153.6 158.4 171.6
</TABLE>
The foregoing price performance comparisons shall not be deemed
incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference
this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), or under the Exchange Act, except to the extent
that the Company specifically incorporates this graph by reference, and shall
not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.
There can be no assurance that the Company's share performance will
continue into the future with the same or similar trends depicted in the graph
above. The Company will not make or endorse any predictions as to future share
performance.
-16-
<PAGE> 20
PROPOSAL 2. ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT TO 1995 PLAN
The Board of Directors approved the 1995 Plan to provide incentives to
attract and retain executive officers and key employees. The 1995 Plan was
approved by the Company's shareholders at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on
May 15, 1996. The Board of Directors proposes that the shareholders approve an
increase in the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable under the
1995 Plan from 1,200,000 to 1,500,000. The proposed amendment was adopted by
the Board as of February 19, 1997, subject to the approval of the Company's
shareholders.
The proposed amendment to the 1995 Plan will be approved if a majority
of the shareholders voting at the Annual Meeting vote in favor of such
amendment, assuming a quorum is present.
The following paragraphs summarize the more significant features of
the 1995 Plan. The following summary is subject, in all respects, to the terms
of the 1995 Plan. The Company will provide promptly, upon request and without
charge, a copy of the full text of the 1995 Plan to each person to whom a copy
of this proxy statement is delivered. Requests should be directed to FelCor
Suite Hotels, Inc., 545 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 1300, Irving, Texas
75062, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
SUMMARY OF THE 1995 PLAN
Purpose and Administration. The 1995 Plan is administered by the
Compensation Committee or, in the case of grants to Independent Directors, by
the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee generally has the
authority, within limitations set forth in the 1995 Plan, (i) to establish
rules and regulations concerning the 1995 Plan, (ii) to determine the persons
to whom Options (as defined below) and Restricted Stock (as defined below) may
be granted, (iii) to fix the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by
each Option and the number of shares of Restricted Stock granted, and (iv) to
set the terms and provisions of each grant of Options or Restricted Stock to be
granted. The Compensation Committee has the right to cancel any outstanding
Options and to issue new Options on such terms and upon such conditions as may
be consented to by the optionee affected.
Share Authorization. The 1995 Plan provides for the grant of stock
options to purchase a specified number of shares of Common Stock ("Options") or
grants of restricted shares of Common Stock ("Restricted Stock"). Under the
1995 Plan, the total number of shares originally available for grant was equal
to 1,200,000 shares of Common Stock, of which not more than 133,333 shares
could be grants of Restricted Stock. Of the shares of Common Stock originally
available under the 1995 Plan, 1,050,000 shares were designated for grant to
the officers and eligible employees of the Company, of which 83,333 shares
could be granted as Restricted Stock. The remaining 150,000 shares of Common
Stock were designated for grant to the Independent Directors, of which 50,000
shares could be granted as Restricted Stock. At March 18, 1997, there remained
available under the 1995 Plan only 59,667 shares available for grants of
options and 5,333 shares available for grants of Restricted Stock to officers
and eligible employees of the Company. All of the 150,000 shares originally
available for grants to independent directors remained available. If approved
by the Company's shareholders, the proposed amendment to the 1995 Plan would
increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable under the 1995
Plan from 1,200,000 to 1,500,000. The additional 300,000 shares will be
designated for (i) grants of Options to the officers and eligible employees of
the Company (270,000 shares) and (ii) grants of Restricted Stock to the
officers and eligible employees of the Company (30,000 shares). Upon the
occurrence of certain extraordinary events, the Board of Directors or the
Compensation Committee may make such adjustments in the aggregate number and
kind of shares reserved for issuance, the number of shares and kind covered by
outstanding awards and the exercise prices specified therein as may be
determined to be appropriate.
Eligibility. Participants in the 1995 Plan may be directors, officers
or employees of the Company, its subsidiaries (including the Partnership) or
designated affiliates, and are selected by the Compensation Committee.
Options. Options granted under the 1995 Plan may be incentive stock
options ("ISOs") under Section 422 of the Code or non-qualified options, at the
discretion of the Compensation Committee, provided that no Independent Director
may receive a grant of ISOs. The 1995 Plan provides that the exercise price of
an Option will be fixed by the Compensation Committee on the date of grant;
however, the exercise price of an ISO must be not less than
-17-
<PAGE> 21
the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of the grant. Any
ISOs granted to such participants also must expire within ten years from the
date of adoption of the 1995 Plan. Moreover, Options granted under the 1995
Plan will not be ISOs to an individual participant to the extent that the
aggregate fair market value of the shares of Common Stock with respect to which
such Options under the 1995 Plan (or under any other plan maintained by the
Company or a subsidiary thereof) first become exercisable by such participant
in any year exceeds $100,000.
No Option may be exercised within six months after the date of grant
or in such circumstances where exercise would violate Federal or State
securities laws. Options will be non-transferable and non-assignable;
provided, however, that the estate of a deceased holder can exercise Options.
Options generally will be exercisable by the holder thereof subject to terms
fixed by the Compensation Committee. The right of any participant to exercise
an Option may not be transferred in any way other than by will or the laws of
descent and distribution.
Restricted Stock Awards. The 1995 Plan also permits the Compensation
Committee to grant up to 83,333 shares of Restricted Stock to officers and
employees of the Company and 50,000 shares to Independent Directors.
Restricted Stock will be subject to the terms and conditions imposed by the
Compensation Committee. Except for such restrictions on transfer as the
Compensation Committee may impose, the participants have all the rights of a
holder of Common Stock as to such Restricted Stock including the right to vote
the shares and the right to receive any cash distributions. Except as provided
by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant or otherwise, upon a
termination of employment for any reason during the Restriction Period, all
unvested shares will be forfeited by the participant.
Termination and Amendment. No Options shall be granted and no
Restricted Stock shares may be awarded under the 1995 Plan on or after November
1, 2005. The Compensation Committee may amend any award theretofore granted,
prospectively or retroactively. No such amendment may impair the rights of any
participant under any award without the consent of such participant (except for
any amendment made to cause the plan to qualify for an exemption provided by
Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act). The 1995 Plan may be terminated and may be
modified or amended by the Board of Directors at any time; however, (i) any
modification or amendment either increasing the aggregate number of shares
which may be issued under Options, increasing materially the benefits accruing
to participants under the 1995 Plan (whether through a repricing of options or
otherwise) or materially modifying the requirements as to eligibility to
receive Options is subject to shareholder approval within one year of the
adoption of such amendment; and (ii) no such termination, modification or
amendment of the 1995 Plan will alter or affect the terms of any then
outstanding Options or Restricted Stock without the consent of the holders
thereof.
Awards. In 1995, the Compensation Committee awarded each of Messrs.
Feldman and Corcoran a grant of 9,000 shares of Restricted Stock and an Option
covering 150,000 shares, and awarded two non-executive officers Options
covering an aggregate of 45,000 shares. In February and March 1996, Options
for an aggregate of 135,000 shares were granted to certain non-executive
officers and employees. All such awards and grants were subject to shareholder
approval of the 1995 Plan, which was obtained in May 1996. In May and August
1996, the Compensation Committee awarded grants of an aggregate of 25,000
shares of Restricted Stock and Options covering an aggregate of 192,500 shares
to two new executive officers of the Company in connection with such offices'
commencement of employment with the Company. See "Report of Compensation
Committee on Executive Compensation." With the exception of a grant of 2,500
shares of Restricted Stock to Mr. McCalmont, which will vest one year from the
date of grant, each of such grants of Restricted Stock and Options will vest
over a five-year period from the date of grant at the rate of 20% per year.
In February 1997, the Compensation Committee awarded grants of 15,000
shares of Restricted Stock to each of Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran, and grants
of 2,500 shares of Restricted Stock to each of Messrs. McCalmont and Robinson.
Also in February 1997, the Compensation Committee awarded Options covering an
aggregate of 86,500 shares to each of Messrs. Feldman and Corcoran, and
covering 10,000 shares to each of its other executive officers (Mr. Eslick, Mr.
McCalmont, Ms. McCutchen, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Stadler). In addition, Options
covering an aggregate of 17,500 shares were awarded to certain non-executive
officers and employees of the Company. Each of such grants of Restricted Stock
and Options will vest over a five-year period from the date of grant at the
rate of 20% per year.
-18-
<PAGE> 22
Except for the foregoing awards of Restricted Stock and Options,
neither the number of individuals who will be selected to participate in the
1995 Plan nor the type or size of awards that will be approved by the
Compensation Committee can be determined. The Company is also unable to
determine the number of individuals who would have participated in the 1995
Plan or the type or size of awards that would have been made under the 1995
Plan if the proposed amendment to the 1995 Plan had been in effect in 1996.
Federal Income Taxes. No income is recognized by a participant in the
1995 Plan at the time the Option is granted. If the Option is an ISO, no
income will be recognized upon the participant's exercise of the Option.
Income is recognized by a participant when he disposes of shares acquired under
an ISO. The exercise of a nonqualified stock option generally is a taxable
event that requires the participant to recognize, as ordinary income, the
difference between the shares' fair market value and the Option price.
A participant will recognize income on account of a Restricted Stock
award on the first day that the shares are either transferable or not subject
to a substantial risk of forfeiture. The amount of income recognized by the
participant is equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock received on
that date.
The employer (either the Company or its affiliate) will be entitled to
claim a federal income tax deduction on account of the exercise of a
nonqualified option or the vesting of a stock award. The amount of the
deduction is equal to the ordinary income recognized by the participant. The
employer will not be entitled to a federal income tax deduction on account of
the grant or the exercise of an ISO. The employer may claim a federal income
tax deduction on account of certain dispositions of Common Stock acquired upon
the exercise of an ISO.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ADOPTION OF THE
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE 1995 PLAN.
PROPOSAL 3. AMENDMENT OF CHARTER
The Board of Directors has approved and recommends to the shareholders
approval of the proposed amendment to the Company's Charter to delete Article
IX of the Charter (the "Debt Limitation"). Article IX of the Charter currently
provides as follows:
Article IX.
Limitation on Indebtedness
The Corporation may not incur or suffer to exist as of the end
of any month Indebtedness (as defined below) in an amount in excess of
40% of the Corporation's investment in hotel properties, at its cost,
after giving effect to the Corporation's use of proceeds from any
Indebtedness. The Corporation's investment in hotel properties shall
include all investments by the Corporation constituting, evidencing or
secured by an interest in property, whether tangible or intangible and
whether real, personal or mixed, that is used or intended for use in,
or in any manner connected with or relating to, the ownership or
leasing of hotels. In determining its cost of such investments, there
shall be included (1) the amount of all cash paid and the value (as
determined by the Board of Directors for purposes of such investment)
of any other property transferred therefor by the Corporation, (2) the
amount of all Indebtedness and other obligations assumed or incurred
by the Corporation or to which the Corporation takes subject, and (3)
the value (as determined by the Board of Directors for the purposes of
such investment) of all equity securities of which the issuer is an
entity that is, or upon such investment will be, included within the
Corporation and which are issued (otherwise than for cash) to, or
retained by, any person other than the Corporation in connection with
such investment. For purposes of the foregoing restrictions, (A)
"Indebtedness" of the Corporation shall mean the consolidated
liabilities of the Corporation for borrowed money (including all notes
payable and drafts accepted representing extensions of credit) and all
obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar
instruments on which interest charges are customarily paid, including
obligations under capital leases, and (B) "Corporation" shall mean
this Corporation and any subsidiary entity consolidated therewith,
under generally accepted accounting principles.
-19-
<PAGE> 23
The Debt Limitation was developed at the time of the Company's IPO in
July 1994. Since the IPO, the Company has acquired interests in a total of 58
hotels, which acquisitions were financed principally with proceeds from the
Company's public offerings of Common Stock. The Company's ability to raise
equity capital is dependent, in large part, upon capital market conditions,
including the general levels of interest rates. The Board of Directors believes
adoption of the amendment to remove the Debt Limitation will increase the
Company's ability to obtain capital on advantageous terms to enable it to take
advantage of desirable acquisition and development opportunities. Also, since
the IPO, a number of other hotel REITs and entities have been formed for
purposes similar to those of the Company and the Company believes the market
for hotel acquisitions has become more competitive. Most of these entities have
no corporate limitation on their ability to incur indebtedness. As competition
for acquisitions has increased, the ability of buyers to close on acquisitions,
without a financing contingency, can be an important advantage in acquiring
hotel properties on favorable terms.
The Company believes that it is important for the Company to have
flexibility in financing the acquisition of hotel properties. The Company
believes that as the Company continues to grow it will have access to a range
of financing alternatives, including public and private issuances of debt
securities as well as continued equity financings. Management believes that the
selective use of longer term debt can lower the Company's overall cost of
capital and increase shareholder value. Management believes adoption of
Proposal Three will permit the Company to access debt financing sources more
readily while maintaining a policy limiting indebtedness to a level which the
Board of Directors believes is prudent.
If this proposal is approved by the shareholders of the Company at the
Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors has expressed its intention to adopt a
policy limiting the amount of indebtedness that the Company will incur to an
amount not in excess of 40% of the Company's investment in hotel properties, at
its cost, after giving effect to the Company's use of proceeds from any
indebtedness and accounting for all investments in hotel properties under the
purchase method of accounting. This policy of the Board of Directors will
implement the same limitation currently imposed under the Company's Charter.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had outstanding indebtedness of
approximately $____ million, including approximately $____ million under its
line of credit and approximately $____ million of other mortgage indebtedness.
If the proposed amendment to remove the Debt Limitation is approved by
the shareholders, there will be no limitation in the Company's Charter or
bylaws on the Company's ability to incur indebtedness and the Board of
Directors, in its discretion, will be able to change its policy on limiting
debt without shareholder approval. Accordingly, the elimination of the Debt
Limitation in the Charter, while providing flexibility in the timing and amount
of borrowings, will make it possible for the Company, with the prior approval
of the Board of Directors, to increase the Company's level of indebtedness,
from time to time, beyond that currently permitted in the Charter.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ADOPTION OF THE
PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY'S CHARTER BY DELETING ARTICLE IX.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Company is not aware of any business to be acted upon at the
Annual Meeting other than that which is explained in this Proxy Statement. In
the event that any other business calling for a vote of the shareholders is
properly presented at the meeting, the holders of the proxies will vote your
shares in accordance with their best judgment.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Company's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders is enclosed herewith.
The Company also will furnish to each beneficial owner of Common Stock entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting, upon written request to the Company at 545 E.
John Carpenter Frwy., Suite 1300, Irving, Texas 75062, Attn: Corporate
Secretary, a copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996, including the financial statements and financial
statement schedules filed by the Company with the SEC.
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<PAGE> 24
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The firm of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P. has served as auditors for the
Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1996 and will
continue to so serve for the year ending December 31, 1997 until and unless
changed by action of the Board of Directors. A representative of Coopers &
Lybrand, L.L.P. is expected to be present and available at the Annual Meeting
to respond to appropriate questions and will be given an opportunity to make a
statement, if desired.
SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any shareholder who wishes to present a proposal for action at the
1998 annual meeting of shareholders and who wishes to have it set forth in the
proxy statement and identified in the form of proxy prepared by the Company,
must deliver such proposal to the Company at its principal executive offices,
no later than December 31, 1997, in such form as is required under regulations
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
MISCELLANEOUS
The accompanying proxy is being solicited on behalf of the Board of
Directors of the Company. The expense of preparing, printing and mailing the
proxy and the material used in the solicitation thereof will be borne by the
Company. Proxies may be solicited by directors and regular officers and
employees of the Company by means of personal interview, telephone or telegram.
In addition, the Company has retained Corporate Investor Communications, Inc.
of Carlstadt, New Jersey, to assist in the solicitation of proxies, and it is
estimated that their charges and expenses will not exceed $5,000. Arrangements
may also be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation materials to the beneficial
owners of stock held of record by such persons, and the Company may reimburse
them for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of such solicitation.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Hervey A. Feldman
Chairman of the Board
Irving, Texas
April ___, 1997
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<PAGE> 25
PRELIMINARY COPY
NO. OF SHARES ______
PROXY
FELCOR SUITE HOTELS, INC.
545 E. JOHN CARPENTER FREEWAY, SUITE 1300, IRVING, TEXAS 75062
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 22, 1997
The undersigned hereby appoints Hervey A. Feldman, Thomas J.
Corcoran, Jr. and Lawrence D. Robinson, or any of them, with full power of
substitution in each, proxies (and if the undersigned is a proxy, substitute
proxies) to vote all Common Stock of the undersigned in FelCor Suite Hotels,
Inc. at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Embassy Suites
(Dallas Love Field) Hotel, 3880 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas, at 9:00
a.m., local time, on May 22, 1997, and at any adjournments thereof, as
specified below:
1. ELECTION OF CLASS II DIRECTORS
[ ] FOR THE NOMINEES LISTED BELOW [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
Nominees: Richard S. Ellwood
Richard O. Jacobson
Thomas A. McChristy
To vote FOR or WITHHOLD AUTHORITY with respect to all nominees, check the
appropriate box above. To WITHHOLD AUTHORITY with respect to any individual
nominee, check the FOR box and write the name of such nominee in the space
below:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. PROPOSAL TO ADOPT THE AMENDMENT TO THE 1995 PLAN TO INCREASE THE
MAXIMUM AGGREGATE NUMBER OF SHARES THAT MAY BE ISSUED UNDER THE 1995
PLAN FROM 1,200,000 TO 1,500,000.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
3. PROPOSAL TO DELETE FROM THE COMPANY'S CHARTER ARTICLE IX, WHICH LIMITS
THE COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED INDEBTEDNESS TO 40% OF THE COMPANY'S
INVESTMENT IN HOTEL PROPERTIES, AT ITS COST.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
4. In their discretion, the proxies (and if the undersigned is a proxy,
any substitute proxies) are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
PLEASE SIGN AND DATE ON REVERSE SIDE OF THIS PROXY.
-22-
<PAGE> 26
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner
directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this
proxy will be voted FOR the election of the nominees for Class III director,
FOR adoption of the amendment to the Company's 1995 Plan and FOR adoption of
the proposal to amend the Charter of the Company .
Dated: , 1997
---------------------------
PLEASE SIGN NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON STOCK
CERTIFICATE. ONLY ONE OF SEVERAL JOINT OWNERS
NEED SIGN. FIDUCIARIES SHOULD GIVE FULL TITLE.
------------------------------------------------
Signature
------------------------------------------------
Title
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IF NO
SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2 AND 3.
-23-
