DEF 14A
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant    x

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant    ¨

Check the appropriate box:

 

¨  Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

¨  CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE 14A-6(E)(2))

 

x  Definitive Proxy Statement

 

¨  Definitive Additional Materials

 

¨  Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

RAYONIER INC.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

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

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

x  No fee required.

 

¨  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

  (4)  Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 

  (5)  Total fee paid:

 

 

 

¨  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

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

 

  (1)  Amount Previously Paid:

 

 

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

 

 

  (3)  Filing Party:

 

 

  (4)  Date Filed:

 

 


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  Corporate Headquarters

 

LOGO

April 2, 2012

Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, at 4:00 p.m. local time. In the following Notice of 2012 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, we describe the matters you will be asked to vote on at the meeting.

Once again, we are pleased to utilize the Securities and Exchange Commission rules allowing us to furnish our proxy materials to you over the Internet. We believe this allows us to provide the information you need in a more timely, efficient and cost-effective manner. As always, your vote is very important. I urge you to vote on the Internet, by telephone or by mail in order to be certain that your shares are represented at the meeting, even if you plan to attend.

As planned, I will be retiring following the Annual Meeting. It has been my honor and privilege to lead Rayonier for the last five years, and I am grateful for your support. I am also very excited about our Company’s future prospects. With a solid strategy, talented management team, dedicated employees and strong businesses, Rayonier is well-positioned to continue delivering superior returns to its shareholders.

Sincerely yours,

 

LOGO

LEE M. THOMAS

Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

Rayonier Inc.        1301 Riverplace Boulevard        Jacksonville, FL 32207

Telephone (904) 357-9100        Fax (904) 357-9101


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     Corporate Headquarters   

 

LOGO

April 2, 2012

NOTICE OF 2012 ANNUAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Rayonier Inc., a North Carolina corporation, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. local time, for the purposes of:

 

  1)

electing five directors named herein: four as Class III directors to terms expiring in 2015 and one as a Class I director to a term expiring in 2013;

 

  2)

approving an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to remove the board’s classified structure;

 

  3)

approving an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized common shares from 240 million to 480 million shares;

 

  4)

approving an amendment to the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan to increase the number of shares available under the Plan;

 

  5)

reapproving the material terms of performance-based awards under the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan;

 

  6)

approving, in a non-binding vote, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the attached Proxy Statement; and

 

  7)

acting upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.

All Rayonier shareholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 2012 are entitled to vote at the meeting.

We urge you to vote your shares over the Internet, by telephone or through the mail at your earliest convenience.

 

LOGO

W. EDWIN FRAZIER, III

Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer

    and Corporate Secretary

Rayonier Inc.        1301 Riverplace Boulevard        Jacksonville, FL 32207

Telephone (904) 357-9100        Fax (904) 357-9101


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND THE ANNUAL MEETING

     1   

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting

     1   

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

     1   

ITEM 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

     8   

Director Qualifications

     8   

Information as to Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors

     9   

Information as to Other Directors

     10   

Information as to Retiring Directors

     12   

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

     13   

Corporate Governance Principles

     13   

Director Independence

     13   

Committees of the Board of Directors

     14   

Non-Management Director Meetings and Lead Director

     15   

Board Leadership Structure and Oversight of Risk

     15   

Director Attendance at Annual Meeting of Shareholders

     16   

Communications with the Board

     16   

Director Nomination Process

     16   

Diversity

     16   

Related Person Transactions

     16   

Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct

     17   

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Processes and Procedures

     17   

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

     18   

Executive Summary

     18   

Named Executive Officers for 2011

     20   

Roles of the Committee, Management and Advisors

     20   

Our Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

     21   

How We Set Executive Compensation

     21   

Components of Executive Compensation for 2011

     23   

Retirement Plans and Programs

     28   

Severance and Change in Control Plans

     28   

Perquisites and Personal Benefits

     29   

Share Ownership and Retention Requirements

     29   

2012 Compensation Decisions

     30   

CEO Succession Compensation Actions

     30   

Report of the Compensation and Management Development Committee

     30   

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

     31   

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

     32   

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

     33   


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OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

     34   

PENSION BENEFITS

     35   

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

     36   

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

     38   

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

     40   

Cash Compensation Paid to Non-Management Directors

     40   

Annual Equity Awards

     40   

Other Fees

     40   

Other Compensation and Benefits

     41   

Director Compensation Table

     41   

SHARE OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

     42   

SHARE OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

     43   

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

     43   

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

     44   

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

     44   

ITEM  2— APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO REMOVE THE BOARD’S CLASSIFIED STRUCTURE

     45   

ITEM  3—PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED COMMON SHARES

     46   

ITEM 4—PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SHARES AVAILABLE UNDER THE RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

     47   

ITEM  5—PROPOSAL TO REAPPROVE THE MATERIAL TERMS OF PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS UNDER THE RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

     48   

ITEM 6—ADVISORY VOTE ON “SAY ON PAY”

     53   

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

     54   

Audit Committee Financial Expert

     55   

Information Regarding Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     55   

MISCELLANEOUS

     56   

Annual Report

     56   

Delivery of Materials to Shareholders Sharing an Address

     56   

RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

     A-1   

RAYONIER AUDIT COMMITTEE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

     B-1   


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PROXY STATEMENT

2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Rayonier Inc.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

The 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Rayonier Inc. (the “Annual Meeting”) will be held on May 17, 2012, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of 2012 Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of proxies to be used at the meeting and at any adjournment of the meeting. We may refer to Rayonier in this Proxy Statement as “we”, “us”, “our”, the “Company” or “Rayonier”.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting

This year we are once again utilizing the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules that allow companies to furnish proxy materials to shareholders via the Internet. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Internet Notice”) by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you specifically request one. The Internet Notice tells you how to access and review the Proxy Statement and our 2011 Annual Report to Shareholders (the “Annual Report”), which includes our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including financial statements, as well as how to submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received the Internet Notice and would still like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, simply follow the instructions for requesting printed materials included in the Internet Notice.

The Internet Notice, these proxy solicitation materials and our Annual Report were first made available on the Internet and mailed to certain shareholders on or about April 2, 2012.

The Notice of 2012 Annual Meeting, this Proxy Statement and our Annual Report are available at www.ProxyVote.com.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

 

 

Q:

WHAT AM I VOTING ON?

 

A:

You are being asked by the Company to vote on six matters: (1) the election of five directors: Richard D. Kincaid, V. Larkin Martin, James H. Miller, Thomas I. Morgan and Ronald Townsend (more information on each nominee is included beginning on page 9); (2) approval of an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to remove the Board’s classified structure (see page 45); (3) approval of an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized common shares from 240 million to 480 million shares (see page 46); (4) approval of an amendment to the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan to increase the number of shares available under the Plan (beginning on page 47); (5) reapproval of the material terms of performance-based awards under the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan (see page 48); and (6) the approval, in a non-binding vote, of the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement (referred to herein as “Say on Pay”, beginning on page 53). The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” each of the director nominees listed above and “FOR” each of the other proposals.

 

Q:

WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?

 

A:

The record holder of each of the 122,449,096 shares of Rayonier common stock (“Common Shares”) outstanding at the close of business on March 19, 2012 is entitled to one vote for each share owned.

 

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Q:

WHY DID I RECEIVE A ONE-PAGE NOTICE REGARDING THE INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS INSTEAD OF A FULL SET OF PROXY MATERIALS?

 

A:

As allowed under SEC rules, we are providing access to our proxy materials and the Annual Report over the Internet to all shareholders who have not previously indicated a preference to receive paper copies. The Internet Notice advised you of the website where you can access the proxy materials and the Annual Report, request a printed set of the proxy materials and the Annual Report if you would like, and submit your proxy over the Internet.

 

Q:

HOW DO I VOTE?

 

A:

You can vote in any one of the following ways:

 

   

You can vote on the Internet by following the “Vote by Internet” instructions on your Internet Notice or proxy card.

 

   

You can vote by telephone by following the “Vote by Phone” instructions on the www.ProxyVote.com website referred to in the Internet Notice.

 

   

If you receive hard-copies of the proxy solicitation materials, you can vote by mail by signing and dating your proxy card and mailing it in the provided prepaid envelope. If you mark your voting instructions on the proxy card, your shares will be voted as you instruct. If you return a signed and dated card but do not provide voting instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors.

 

   

You can vote in person at the Annual Meeting by delivering a completed proxy card or by completing a ballot available upon request at the meeting. However, if you hold your shares in a bank or brokerage account rather than in your own name, you must obtain a legal proxy from your stockbroker in order to vote at the meeting.

Regardless of how you choose to vote, your vote is important and we encourage you to vote promptly.

 

Q:

HOW DO I VOTE SHARES THAT I HOLD THROUGH AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN SPONSORED BY THE COMPANY?

 

A:

If you hold shares of the Company through any of the following employee benefit plans, you vote them by following the instructions above:

Rayonier Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees

Rayonier Inc. Savings Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Hourly Employees at Certain Locations

Rayonier-Jesup Mill Savings Plan for Hourly Employees

Rayonier Inc.-Fernandina Mill Savings Plan for Hourly Employees

If you hold shares in any of these Company employee benefit plans and do not vote your shares or specify your voting instructions on your proxy card, the trustee of the employee benefit plans will vote your plan shares in the same proportion as the shares for which voting instructions have been received. To allow sufficient time for voting by the trustee, your voting instructions for employee benefit plan shares must be received by May 14, 2012.

 

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Q:

IS MY VOTE CONFIDENTIAL?

 

A:

Proxy cards, ballots and reports of Internet and telephone voting results that identify individual shareholders are mailed or returned directly to Broadridge Financial Services, Inc. (“Broadridge”), our vote tabulator, and handled in a manner that protects your privacy. Your vote will not be disclosed except:

 

   

as needed to permit Broadridge to tabulate and certify the vote;

 

   

as required by law;

 

   

if we determine that a genuine dispute exists as to the accuracy or authenticity of a proxy, ballot or vote; or

 

   

in the event of a proxy contest where all parties to the contest do not agree to follow our confidentiality policy.

 

Q:

WHAT SHARES ARE COVERED BY MY INTERNET NOTICE OR PROXY CARD?

 

A:

You should have been provided an Internet Notice or proxy card for each account in which you own Common Shares either:

 

   

directly in your name as the shareholder of record, which includes shares purchased through any of our employee benefit plans; or

 

   

indirectly through a broker, bank or other holder of record.

 

Q:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE INTERNET NOTICE OR PROXY CARD?

 

A:

It means that you have multiple accounts in which you own Common Shares. Please vote all shares in each account for which you receive an Internet Notice or proxy card to ensure that all your shares are voted. However, for your convenience we recommend that you contact your broker, bank or our transfer agent to consolidate as many accounts as possible under a single name and address. Our transfer agent is Computershare. All communications concerning shares you hold in your name, including address changes, name changes, requests to transfer shares and similar issues, can be handled by making a toll-free call to Computershare at 1-800-659-0158. From outside the U.S. you may call Computershare at 201-680-6685.

 

Q:

HOW CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE?

 

A:

You can revoke your proxy and change your vote by:

 

   

voting on the Internet or by telephone before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the day before the Annual Meeting or, for employee benefit plan shares, the cut off date noted above (only your most recent Internet or telephone proxy is counted);

 

   

signing and submitting another proxy card with a later date at any time before the polls close at the Annual Meeting;

 

   

giving timely written notice of revocation of your proxy to our Corporate Secretary at 1301 Riverplace Boulevard, Suite 2300, Jacksonville, Florida 32207; or

 

   

voting again in person before the polls close at the Annual Meeting.

 

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Q:

HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO HOLD THE MEETING?

 

A:

In order to conduct the Annual Meeting, a majority of the Common Shares outstanding as of the close of business on March 19, 2012 must be present, either in person or represented by proxy. All shares voted pursuant to properly submitted proxies and ballots, as well as abstentions and shares voted on a discretionary basis by banks or brokers in the absence of voting instructions from their customers, will be counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of satisfying this requirement.

 

Q:

HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO ELECT THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR?

 

A:

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast with respect to each nominee at the Annual Meeting is required to elect that nominee as a director. For this proposal, a majority of the votes cast means that the number of votes “FOR” a nominee must exceed the number of votes “AGAINST” a nominee. Abstentions will therefore not affect the outcome of director elections.

Please note that under New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules, banks and brokers are not permitted to vote the uninstructed shares of their customers on a discretionary basis in the election of directors (referred to as “broker non-votes”). As a result, if you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote your shares in the election of directors, no votes will be cast on your behalf in the election of directors. Because broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote, it is critical that you instruct your bank or broker if you want your vote to be counted in the election of directors.

 

Q:

HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO REMOVE THE BOARD’S CLASSIFIED STRUCTURE?

 

A:

The proposal to amend the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to remove the Board’s classified structure will be approved if the number of votes cast “FOR” the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast “AGAINST”. Abstentions will not count as votes cast and therefore will not affect the outcome.

Banks and brokers are not permitted to vote uninstructed shares for a Board declassification proposal. As a result, if you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote your shares on this proposal, no votes will be cast on your behalf with regard to approval of the proposal. Because broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote, it is critical that you instruct your bank or broker if you want your vote to be counted in the approval of the proposal.

 

Q:

HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED SHARES?

 

A:

The proposal to amend the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized shares will be approved if the number of votes cast “FOR” the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast “AGAINST”. Abstentions will not count as votes cast and therefore will not affect the outcome. Because brokerage firms and banks are permitted to vote on proposals to increase authorized shares in the absence of instructions from their customers, we do not anticipate that there will be any broker non-votes with regard to this proposal.

 

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Q:

HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES AVAILABLE UNDER THE PLAN?

 

A:

The proposal to amend the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan will be approved if the number of votes cast “FOR” the Plan exceeds the number of votes cast “AGAINST” it, and a majority of the Common Shares outstanding and entitled to vote on this proposal are cast on this proposal. As a result, abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome, provided that a majority of outstanding Common Shares vote on the proposal.

Banks and brokers are not permitted to vote uninstructed shares for any company proposals relating to executive compensation. As a result, if you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote your shares on this proposal, no votes will be cast on your behalf with regard to approval of the proposal. Because broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote, it is critical that you instruct your bank or broker if you want your vote to be counted in the approval of the proposal.

 

Q:

HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL TO REAPPROVE THE MATERIAL TERMS OF PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS UNDER THE RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN?

 

A:

The proposal to reapprove the material terms of performance-based awards under the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan will be approved if the number of votes cast “FOR” reapproval exceeds the number of votes cast “AGAINST” it. As a result, abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the proposal.

Since banks and brokers are not permitted to vote uninstructed shares for any company proposals relating to executive compensation, if you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote your shares on this proposal, no votes will be cast on your behalf with regard to approval of the proposal. Because broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote, it is critical that you instruct your bank or broker if you want your vote to be counted in the approval of the proposal.

 

Q:

HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO APPROVE THE “SAY ON PAY” PROPOSAL?

 

A:

The vote on the Say on Pay proposal is advisory only and non-binding on the Company or our Board of Directors. However, the proposal will be approved on a non-binding, advisory basis if the number of votes cast “FOR” the proposal exceeds the number of votes cast “AGAINST” it. Abstentions therefore will not affect the outcome of the proposal.

Banks and brokers are not permitted to vote uninstructed shares for any company proposals relating to executive compensation. As a result, if you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker and you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote your shares on this proposal, no votes will be cast on your behalf with regard to approval of the proposal. Because broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote, it is critical that you instruct your bank or broker if you want your vote to be counted in the approval of the proposal.

 

Q:

WHY ARE SHAREHOLDERS NOT BEING ASKED TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2012?

 

A:

As discussed under “Information Regarding Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” on page 55, the Audit Committee has not yet appointed an independent registered public accounting firm for 2012 as it has elected to initiate a Request for Proposal for the 2012 audit, which will not be concluded prior to the Annual Meeting.

 

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Q:

WILL ANY OTHER MATTERS BE VOTED ON?

 

A:

We do not expect any other matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting. However, if a matter not listed on the Internet Notice or proxy card is legally and properly brought before the Annual Meeting, the proxies will vote on the matter in accordance with their judgment of what is in the best interest of our shareholders. Under the Company’s bylaws, all shareholder proposals must have been received by December 6, 2011 to be considered for inclusion in this Proxy Statement, and all other shareholder proposals and director nominations must have been received between January 20 and February 19, 2012 to be otherwise properly brought before the Annual Meeting. We have not received any other shareholder proposals or director nominations from shareholders to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting.

 

Q:

WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTES?

 

A:

Representatives of Broadridge will count the votes, however submitted. A Company representative will act as inspector of elections.

 

Q:

HOW WILL I LEARN THE RESULTS OF THE VOTING?

 

A:

We will announce the voting results of the proposals at the Annual Meeting and on a Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC no later than May 23, 2012.

 

Q:

WHO PAYS THE COST OF THIS PROXY SOLICITATION?

 

A:

The Company pays the costs of soliciting proxies and has retained Innisfree M&A Incorporated (“Innisfree”) to aid in the solicitation of proxies. For these services the Company will pay Innisfree a fee of $17,500, plus expenses. The Company will also reimburse brokers, dealers, banks and trustees, or their nominees, for reasonable expenses incurred by them in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of the Common Shares. Additionally, directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies on behalf of the Company by mail, telephone, facsimile, email and personal solicitation. Directors, officers and employees will not be paid additional compensation for such services.

 

Q:

WHEN ARE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2013 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS DUE?

 

A:

For a shareholder proposal (other than a director nomination) to be considered for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2013 Annual Meeting”), the Company’s Corporate Secretary must receive the written proposal at our principal executive offices no later than the close of business on December 4, 2012. Such proposals also must comply with SEC regulations under Rule 14a-8 regarding the inclusion of shareholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials. The submission of a proposal in accordance with these requirements does not guarantee that we will include the proposal in our proxy statement or on our proxy card. Proposals should be addressed to:

Corporate Secretary

Rayonier Inc.

1301 Riverplace Boulevard, Suite 2300

Jacksonville, FL 32207

For a shareholder proposal (including a director nomination) to be properly brought before the shareholders at the 2013 Annual Meeting outside of the Company’s proxy statement, the shareholder must provide the information required by the Company’s bylaws and give timely notice in accordance with such bylaws, which, in general, require that the notice be received by the Company’s Secretary: (i) no earlier than the close of business on January 17, 2013; and (ii) no later than the close of business on February 15, 2013.

 

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If the date of the 2013 Annual Meeting is moved more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after May 17, 2013, then notice of a shareholder proposal that is not intended to be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement must be received no earlier than the close of business 120 days prior to the meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of: (a) 90 days prior to the meeting; and (b) 10 days after public announcement of the meeting date.

We strongly encourage any shareholder interested in submitting a proposal to contact our Corporate Secretary at (904) 357-9100 prior to submission in order to discuss the proposal.

 

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ITEM 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing overall corporate policy and for overseeing management and the ultimate performance of the Company. The Board reviews significant developments affecting the Company and acts on matters requiring Board approval. The Board held six meetings during 2011.

Our Board currently consists of eleven directors divided into three classes (I, II and III) serving staggered three-year terms. The terms of the Class III directors, Richard D. Kincaid, V. Larkin Martin, James H. Miller and Ronald Townsend, will expire at the 2012 Annual Meeting, and Lee M. Thomas, a Class I director, will retire following the Annual Meeting. Ms. Martin and Messrs. Kincaid, Miller and Townsend have each been nominated for re-election for a term expiring in 2015.

Thomas I. Morgan was appointed as a Class I director on January 3, 2012. North Carolina law requires that any director appointed by the Board stand for election at the first Annual Meeting following his or her appointment. Accordingly, Mr. Morgan has been nominated for election as a Class I director for a term expiring in 2013.

If the proposal to remove the Board’s classified structure is approved by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting (see page 45), beginning in 2013 all director nominees will be elected for one-year terms. However, previously-elected directors not standing for election will be allowed to serve out their current terms.

The Board has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve as a director. If, however, a nominee should be unable to serve at the time of the Annual Meeting, Common Shares properly represented by valid proxies will be voted in connection with the election of a substitute nominee recommended by the Board. Alternatively, the Board may either allow the vacancy to remain unfilled until an appropriate candidate is located or may reduce the authorized number of directors to eliminate the unfilled seat.

If any incumbent nominee for director should fail to receive the required affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast with regard to his or her election, under North Carolina law (the Company’s state of incorporation) the director would remain in office as a “holdover” director until his or her successor is elected and qualified or he/she resigns, retires or is otherwise removed. In such a situation, our Corporate Governance Principles require the director to tender his/her resignation to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Nominating Committee”) would then consider such resignation and make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation. The Board would then make a determination and publicly disclose its decision and rationale within 90 days after receipt of the tendered resignation.

Director Qualifications

We believe the members of our Board of Directors have the proper mix of relevant experience and expertise given the Company’s businesses and REIT structure, together with a level of demonstrated integrity, judgment, leadership and collegiality, to effectively advise and oversee management in executing our strategy. There are no specific minimum qualifications for director nominees other than a maximum permitted age of 72. However, in identifying or evaluating potential nominees, it is the policy of our Nominating Committee to seek individuals who have the knowledge, experience, diversity and personal and professional integrity to be most effective, in conjunction with the other Board members, in collectively serving the long-term interests of our shareholders. These criteria for Board membership are periodically evaluated by the Nominating Committee taking into account the Company’s strategy, its geographic markets, regulatory environment and other relevant business factors, as well as changes in applicable laws or listing standards.

A biography of each member of Rayonier’s current Board of Directors, including the five nominees for election, is set forth below. Also included is a statement regarding each director’s or nominee’s individual qualifications for Board service.

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE FIVE NOMINEES NAMED BELOW FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Information as to Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors

Class III, Terms Expire in 2012

 

RICHARD D. KINCAID, Age 50

  Director Since 2004

Mr. Kincaid is the President and Founder of the BeCause Foundation (a non-profit corporation that heightens awareness of complex social problems and promotes change through the power of film). He is also an investor and adviser to twelve early stage companies that are in the social media, healthcare, beverage and media industries. Mr. Kincaid was the President, Chief Executive Officer and a trustee of Equity Office Properties Trust (an owner and manager of office buildings and, at the time, the largest U.S. real estate investment trust) until March 2007. He was named President of Equity Office in November 2002 and Chief Executive Officer in April 2003. Mr. Kincaid joined Equity Office Properties Trust as a Senior Vice President in 1996, was named Chief Financial Officer in 1997 and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2001. He previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Equity Office Holdings, L.L.C. (a predecessor of Equity Office Properties Trust), and was Senior Vice President of Equity Group Investments, Inc. (a private investment company). Mr. Kincaid serves on the Boards of Directors of Vail Resorts, Inc. and Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. He is a graduate of Wichita State University and holds an MBA from the University of Texas.

Mr. Kincaid has significant financial expertise together with broad experience in the real estate industry and a deep understanding of the structural and strategic implications of REIT status. We believe his experience and expertise are particularly well suited to assist the Board in understanding the opportunities and challenges presented by our REIT structure, as well as overseeing the Board’s management of our real estate business and general financing decisions.

 

V. LARKIN MARTIN, Age 48

  Director Since 2007

Ms. Martin is the Managing Partner of Martin Farm and Vice President of The Albemarle Corporation (family businesses with interests in agriculture and timberland), positions she has held since 1990. She also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta from January 2007 until December 2008 and is a director and officer of Servico, Inc. and Cottonseed, LLC (operations involved in cotton ginning, warehousing and whole cottonseed sales). Ms. Martin is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Cotton Board, a member of the President’s Advisory Council of the University of Alabama in Birmingham and has been named a 2012 Eisenhower Fellow for agriculture. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University.

Ms. Martin has direct operating experience in the land-based businesses of agriculture and timberland management, particularly in the Southeastern United States, together with an understanding of national and regional financial markets. We believe this skill set allows Ms. Martin to add substantial value to Board discussions regarding our forest resources business and overall economic forces and trends impacting the Company.

 

JAMES H. MILLER, Age 63

  Director Since 2011

Mr. Miller served as Chairman of PPL Corporation (an energy and utility holding company) from October 2006 until his retirement, March 31, 2012. He also served as Chief Executive Officer from October 2006 to November 2011, President from 2005 to July 2011 and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2004 to 2005. Mr. Miller joined PPL in 2001 as President of PPL Generation, LLC, a subsidiary that

 

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operates power plants in the United States. Before joining PPL, Mr. Miller was Executive Vice President of USEC Inc., and President of two ABB Group subsidiaries: ABB Environmental Systems and ABB Resource Recovery Systems. He also served as President of the former UC Operating Services. He began his career in the electric utility industry at the former Delmarva Power & Light Co. Mr. Miller serves on the Board of Crown Holdings, Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Delaware after serving in the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine program.

Mr. Miller brings both domestic and international senior management experience to our Board. We believe his experience as Chief Executive Officer of a highly-regulated public utility company, and his resulting expertise with regard to safety, environmental regulation and governmental and regulatory agency relations, are particularly relevant to Board oversight of our manufacturing operations.

 

RONALD TOWNSEND, Age 70

  Director Since 2001

Mr. Townsend is an independent communications consultant based in Jacksonville, Florida since 1997. He retired from Gannett Company (a diversified news and information company) in 1996 after serving 22 years in positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as President of Gannett Television Group. Mr. Townsend currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Jacksonville Electric Authority, a trustee of the University of North Florida and formerly served as a director of Alltel Corporation. He attended The City University of New York, Bernard Baruch.

Mr. Townsend brings significant experience in media and public relations issues to the Board and is familiar with public company board processes. We believe his background and expertise, including his political and civic activities in the Jacksonville, Florida area, provide the Board with a unique perspective on high-profile issues facing our core businesses.

Class I, Term Expires in 2013

 

THOMAS I. MORGAN, Age 58

  Director Since 2012

Mr. Morgan has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baker & Taylor, Inc. (a leading distributor of books, videos, and music products to libraries, institutions and retailers) since July 7, 2008. Mr. Morgan served as the Chief Executive Officer of Hughes Supply Inc. (a diversified wholesale distributor of construction, repair and maintenance-related products) from 2003 to 2006, as President from 2001 to 2006, and as Chief Operating Officer from 2001 to 2003. Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer of EnfoTrust Network, Value America and US Office Products. He served for 22 years at Genuine Parts Company in positions of increasing responsibility from 1975 to 1997. Mr. Morgan is a director of Baker & Taylor, Inc. and Tech Data Corporation and formerly served as a director of ITT Educational Services, Inc. and Waste Management, Inc. Mr. Morgan holds a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee.

Mr. Morgan brings both public and private company CEO experience and a deep understanding of distribution and global supply chain management. As a result, we believe he is particularly well suited to contribute to Board discussions regarding overall management and governance issues and our increasingly global performance fibers and timber businesses.

Information as to Other Directors

Class II, Terms Expire in 2013

 

PAUL G. BOYNTON, Age 47

  Director Since 2011

Mr. Boynton is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, a position he has held since January 1, 2012. Previously he held a number of positions of increasing responsibility with Rayonier, including

 

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Senior Vice President, Performance Fibers from 2002 to 2008, Senior Vice President, Performance Fibers and Wood Products from 2008 to 2009, Executive Vice President, Forest Resources and Real Estate from 2009 to 2010, and President and Chief Operating Officer from October 2010 to December 2011. Mr. Boynton joined the Company as Director, Specialty Pulp Marketing and Sales in 1999. Prior to joining Rayonier, he held positions with 3M Corporation from 1990 to 1999, most recently as Global Brand Manager, 3M Home Care Division (a global manufacturer and marketer of cleaning tool products). Mr. Boynton serves on the Board of Directors of The Brink’s Company, as a director of the National Alliance of Forest Owners and on the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University, an M.B.A. from the University of Iowa, and graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.

Mr. Boynton has direct operational experience leading each of our three core businesses with resulting significant international experience and long-standing relationships with our major customers. We believe this history with Rayonier, together with his marketing and engineering background, make Mr. Boynton uniquely well suited to contribute to Board considerations of operational and strategic decisions and to manage our core businesses.

 

MARK E. GAUMOND, Age 61

  Director Since 2010

Mr. Gaumond is the former Americas Senior Vice Chair – Markets of Ernst & Young (a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services), a position he held from 2006 to 2010. Previously he served as Ernst & Young’s Managing Partner, San Francisco from 2003 to 2006 and as an audit partner on several major clients. Prior to joining Ernst & Young, Mr. Gaumond was a Managing Partner with Arthur Andersen from 1994 to 2002 and a partner in the firm’s audit practice from 1986 to 1994. Mr. Gaumond serves on the Board of Directors of Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation and the Board of Trustees of the California Academy of Sciences. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and an MBA from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University. In addition, Mr. Gaumond is a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Mr. Gaumond has 35 years of managerial, financial and accounting experience working extensively with senior management, audit committees and boards of directors of public companies, including several in the forest products industry. We believe Mr. Gaumond’s experience and financial expertise allow him to contribute strongly to our Board’s oversight of the Company’s overall financial performance, reporting and controls.

 

DAVID W. OSKIN, Age 69

  Director Since 2009

Mr. Oskin is President of Four Winds Ventures, LLC (a private investment and advisory company). He was the Executive Vice President of International Paper Company (a paper, packaging and forest products company) from 1996 to 2003. Previously Mr. Oskin was Chief Executive Officer of Carter Holt Harvey Limited (a New Zealand based forest products company) from 1992 to 1996 and Senior Vice President of International Paper from 1975 to 1992. Mr. Oskin is a director of Verso Paper Corp., Pacific Millennium Corporation, Samling Global Limited, and Big Earth Publishing LLC, and serves as Chair Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of Widener University. He formerly served on the Board of Goodman Global Inc. Mr. Oskin holds bachelor and doctoral degrees from Widener University.

Mr. Oskin has long and extensive experience in the global forest products industry, having managed both manufacturing and timber operations, and also brings global public company board experience to Rayonier. We believe this industry experience is particularly well suited to assisting the Board in understanding the key drivers of our timber and performance fibers businesses.

 

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Class I, Terms Expire in 2013

 

C. DAVID BROWN, II, Age 60

  Director Since 2006

Mr. Brown is Chairman of Broad and Cassel (a law firm based in Orlando, Florida), a position he has held since 2000. Previously, he served as Managing Partner of the firm’s Orlando office from 1990. He joined the firm in 1980. Prior to joining Broad and Cassel, Mr. Brown was an associate with Rowland, Bowen and Thomas, P.A. and served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Mr. Brown serves on the Board of Directors of CVS Caremark Corporation, the Board of Trustees for the University of Florida and the Board of Directors of Orlando Health, a not-for-profit healthcare network. He holds bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Florida.

Over a 33-year legal career, Mr. Brown has developed and demonstrated expertise in finance, environmental and land use issues, particularly in complex jurisdictions, as well as extensive experience in structuring real estate transactions. We believe his experience and expertise facilitate our Board’s discussions regarding our timberland and real estate assets.

 

JOHN E. BUSH, Age 59

  Director Since 2008

Mr. Bush is President of Jeb Bush and Associates (a consulting firm). He served as the 43rd Governor of the State of Florida from January 1999 until January 2007. Prior to his election as Governor, Mr. Bush worked as a real estate executive and pursued other entrepreneurial ventures in Florida from 1981 to 1998, and served as Secretary of Commerce for the State of Florida from 1987 to 1988. He formed and serves as chairman of The Foundation for Florida’s Future, a non-profit public policy organization and the Foundation for Excellence in Education, a non-profit charitable organization. Mr. Bush serves on the Boards of Directors of Tenet Healthcare Corporation and Swisher Hygiene Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin American affairs from the University of Texas at Austin.

In addition to his invaluable political experience in the State of Florida, Mr. Bush has expertise in the real estate industry and brings a unique understanding of global public policy issues. Given this background, we believe Mr. Bush brings a valuable perspective to our Board’s consideration of the issues facing our land holdings and global performance fibers business.

Information as to Retiring Directors

 

LEE M. THOMAS, Age 67

  Director Since 2006

Mr. Thomas is Chairman of the Company, a position he has held since July 1, 2007. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer from March 2007 to July 2007, as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer from July 2007 to October 2010, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from October 2010 to January 2012 and has served as a Director since March 2006. Prior to joining Rayonier, Mr. Thomas served as President of Georgia-Pacific Corporation (a global manufacturer and marketer of tissue, packaging, paper, building products and related chemicals), beginning in September 2002, and as its Chief Operating Officer from March 2003 to December 2005. Prior to becoming President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Thomas served in a number of management positions with Georgia-Pacific, including President-Building Products and Distribution, Executive Vice President-Consumer Products and Executive Vice President-Paper and Chemicals. Mr. Thomas previously served as chairman and chief executive officer of Law Companies Environmental Group Inc., as administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as executive deputy director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as director of the Division of Public Safety Programs-Office of the Governor of South Carolina and on the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Mr. Thomas serves on the Boards of Directors of Airgas, Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of the South and an M.Ed. from the University of South Carolina.

 

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Mr. Thomas has broad forest products industry experience, both domestic and international, along with an extensive knowledge of the environmental regulatory process and general political framework. We believe his industry and governmental experience and expertise are uniquely well suited to oversight of our core businesses and leadership of our Board.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

Corporate Governance Principles

Our Board of Directors operates under a set of Corporate Governance Principles, which includes guidelines for determining director independence and consideration of potential director nominees. The Corporate Governance Principles can be found on the Company’s website at www.rayonier.com. The Board, through the Nominating Committee, regularly reviews developments in corporate governance and best practices and, as warranted, modifies the Corporate Governance Principles, committee charters and key practices.

Director Independence

The Company’s Common Shares are listed on the NYSE. In accordance with NYSE rules, the Board makes affirmative determinations annually as to the independence of each director and nominee for election as a director. To assist in making such determinations, the Board has adopted a set of Director Independence Standards which conform to or are more exacting than the independence requirements set forth in the NYSE listing standards. Our Director Independence Standards are appended to the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, available at www.rayonier.com. In applying our Director Independence Standards, the Board considers all relevant facts and circumstances.

Based on our Director Independence Standards, the Board has affirmatively determined that all persons who have served as directors of our Company at any time since January 1, 2011, other than Messrs. Thomas and Boynton, are independent.

The Nominating Committee, on behalf of the Board of Directors, annually reviews any transactions undertaken or relationship existing between the Company and other companies in connection with which any of our directors are affiliated. The Board determined that none of the transactions or relationships identified for 2011 were material to the Company, the other companies or the subject directors.

 

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Committees of the Board of Directors

As indicated below, our Board of Directors has three standing committees, each of which operates under a written charter available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.rayonier.com.

 

Name of Committee and Members

  

Functions of the Committee

   Number of
Meetings
in 2011
 

AUDIT:

Richard D. Kincaid, Chair

John E. Bush

Mark E. Gaumond

V. Larkin Martin

James H. Miller

Ronald Townsend

  

This committee is responsible for advising the Board concerning the financial structure of the Company and oversight of our accounting and financial reporting policies, processes and systems of internal control, including:

•    financings;

•    risk management policies;

•    compliance with various REIT qualification tests;

•    investment policies;

•    performance of our pension and savings plans;

•    monitoring the independence and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm, with responsibility for such firm’s selection, evaluation, compensation and discharge;

•    approving, in advance, all of the audit and non-audit services provided to the Company by the independent registered public accounting firm;

•    facilitating open communication among the Board, senior management, internal audit and the independent registered public accounting firm; and

•    overseeing our enterprise risk management and legal compliance and ethics programs, including our Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct.

     9   

COMPENSATION AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT:

C. David Brown, II, Chair

John E. Bush

Richard D. Kincaid

David W. Oskin

Ronald Townsend

  

This committee is responsible for overseeing the compensation and benefits of employees, including:

•    evaluating management performance, succession and development matters;

•    establishing executive compensation;

•    reviewing the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in the annual Proxy Statement;

•    approving individual compensation actions for all senior executives other than our Chief Executive Officer; and

•    recommending compensation actions regarding our Chief Executive Officer for approval by our non-management directors.

     4   

NOMINATING AND

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:

V. Larkin Martin, Chair

C. David Brown, II

Mark E. Gaumond

James H. Miller

David W. Oskin

  

This committee is responsible for advising the Board with regard to board structure, composition and governance, including:

•    establishing criteria for Board nominees and identifying qualified individuals for nomination to become Board members, including considering potential nominees recommended by shareholders;

•    recommending the composition of Board committees;

•    overseeing processes to evaluate Board and committee effectiveness;

•    recommending director compensation and benefits programs to the Board;

•    overseeing our corporate governance structure and practices, including our Corporate Governance Principles; and

•    reviewing and approving changes to the charters of the other Board committees.

     4   

 

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On average, our directors attended 95 percent of the aggregate meetings of the Board of Directors and committees on which they served during 2011. No director attended less than 75 percent of such meetings except Mr. Miller, who missed one meeting due to a known conflict following his appointment to the Board in October 2011.

Non-Management Director Meetings and Lead Director

Our non-management directors met separately in five regularly scheduled meetings, chaired by the Lead Director, during 2011. The non-management directors elected Mr.  Townsend to a two-year term as Lead Director in 2011.

Board Leadership Structure and Oversight of Risk

Lee Thomas served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company until January 1, 2012, when Paul Boynton was elected President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Thomas has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Board until immediately following the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, at which time Mr. Boynton will also assume the role of Chairman. We believe that given the Board and committee structure and governance processes discussed above, the appropriate leadership structure for our Company is to have a combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer together with a Lead Director, elected by and from the independent Board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties, including:

 

   

To act as intermediary between the non-management directors and the Chairman/CEO;

 

   

To suggest calling full Board meetings to the Chairman/CEO when appropriate;

 

   

To call meetings of the non-management directors;

 

   

To set the agenda for and lead meetings of the non-management directors;

 

   

To brief the Chairman/CEO on issues arising in the meetings of non-management directors;

 

   

To collaborate with the Chairman/CEO to set the agenda for Board meetings; and

 

   

To facilitate discussions among the non-management directors on key issues and concerns outside of Board meetings.

The combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer role provides unambiguous reporting lines for management and allows the Company to communicate to customers, suppliers, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders with a single, consistent voice.

The Board oversees risk management at Rayonier by annually appointing the members of the Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) Committee, which consist of senior executives chaired by the Chief Executive Officer, who also serves as the Company’s Chief Risk Officer. The ERM Committee in turn appoints the members of business unit and staff function-level Risk Assessment and Management teams, which continually identify and assess the material risks facing their respective business or function and submit semi-annual reports to the ERM Committee. These reports form the basis for the ERM Committee’s annual risk assessment whereby risks are evaluated and categorized based on probability, potential impact and the Company’s tolerance for the risk type, and used to develop a list of enterprise-level material risks which are reported to the Audit Committee for review and evaluation of mitigation strategies. The Audit Committee then assigns on-going board level oversight responsibility for each material risk to either the full Board or the appropriate Board committee. The ERM Committee’s annual risk assessment with regard to the Company’s overall compensation policies and practices is approved by the Compensation and Management Development Committee. In addition, the ERM Committee annually reports on the overall risk management program and the identified material risks to the full Board. We believe that these governance practices, including the interaction of the various committees with our Chief Executive Officer, facilitate effective Board oversight of our significant risks, but have not affected our Board’s leadership structure.

 

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Director Attendance at Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Directors are encouraged, but not required, to attend each Annual Meeting of Shareholders. At the 2011 Annual Meeting, eight of nine directors were in attendance.

Communications with the Board

Shareholders and other interested parties who would like to communicate their concerns to one or more members of the Board, a Board committee, the Lead Director or the independent non-management directors as a group may do so by writing to any such party at Rayonier, c/o Corporate Secretary, 1301 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207. All concerns received will be appropriately forwarded and, if deemed appropriate by the Corporate Secretary, may be accompanied by a report summarizing such concerns.

Director Nomination Process

Potential director candidates may come to the attention of the Nominating Committee through current directors, management, shareholders and others. It is the policy of our Nominating Committee to consider director nominees submitted by shareholders based on the same criteria used in evaluating candidates for Board membership identified from any other source. The directions for shareholders to submit director nominations for the 2013 Annual Meeting are set forth beginning on page 6 under “When Are Shareholder Proposals for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Due?” The Nominating Committee has from time to time utilized independent third-party search firms to identify potential director candidates. In 2011, Mr. Miller was identified by such a firm that also assisted with his evaluation for Board membership. In 2012, Mr. Morgan was recommended by current directors based on his previous service on our Board.

Diversity

Our Nominating Committee has not adopted a formal diversity policy in connection with the consideration of director candidates or the selection of nominees. However, the Nominating Committee does utilize a skills-matrix to evaluate the specific personal and professional attributes of each director candidate versus those of the existing Board members to ensure diversity of experience and expertise among our directors. The Nominating Committee assesses such diversity through its annual review of Board structure and composition and review of the annual Board and committee performance evaluations.

Related Person Transactions

Our Board has adopted a written policy designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest in connection with Company transactions with related persons. Our policy defines a “Related Person” to include any director, executive officer or person owning more than 5% of the Company’s stock, any of their immediate family members and any entity with which any of the foregoing persons are employed or affiliated. A “Related Person Transaction” is defined as a transaction, arrangement or relationship in which the Company is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and a Related Person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

To implement the policy, each year a Related Person list is compiled based on information obtained from our annual Director and Officer Questionnaires and, after review and consolidation by our Corporate Secretary, is provided to business unit, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial, legal and communications managers and other persons responsible for purchasing or selling goods or services for the Company. Prior to entering into any transaction with a Related Person, the manager responsible for the potential transaction and/or the Related Person must provide notice to the Corporate Secretary setting out the facts and circumstances of the proposed transaction. If the Corporate Secretary determines that the transaction would constitute a Related Person Transaction, it is then submitted for consideration by the Nominating Committee, which will approve only those transactions determined to be in, or not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. In reviewing Related Person Transactions, the Nominating Committee will consider:

 

   

the Related Person’s relationship to the Company and interest in any transaction with the Company;

 

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the material terms of a transaction with the Company, including the type and amount;

 

   

the benefits to the Company of any proposed or actual transaction;

 

   

the availability of other sources of comparable products and services that are part of a transaction with the Company; and

 

   

if applicable, the impact on a director’s independence.

In the event we become aware of a completed or ongoing Related Person Transaction that has not been previously approved, it is promptly submitted to the Nominating Committee for evaluation and, if deemed appropriate, ratification.

In addition, each year the persons and entities identified as Related Persons are matched against the Company’s accounts payable and accounts receivable records to determine whether any Related Person participated in a transaction with the Company, regardless of the amount involved. A report of all such transactions is prepared by the Corporate Secretary and reviewed with the Nominating Committee to determine if any would constitute a Related Person Transaction under our policy or would require proxy statement disclosure under SEC rules and regulations.

For 2011, no Related Person Transactions were submitted to the Nominating Committee for approval or ratification, and no transaction with any Related Person was identified as requiring proxy statement disclosure.

Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct

The Company’s Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct is available on the Company’s website at www.rayonier.com.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; Processes and Procedures

Each of Messrs. Brown, Bush, Kincaid, Oskin, Sloane (who retired effective as of the 2011 Annual Meeting) and Townsend served as a member of our Compensation and Management Development Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. No member of the Compensation Committee served as one of our officers or employees at any time during 2011 or had any related person transaction or relationship required to be disclosed in this Proxy Statement. None of our executive officers serve, or served during 2011, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of a public company with at least one of its executive officers serving on our Board or Compensation Committee.

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

 

Executive Summary

Our executive compensation philosophy, and the primary programs supporting that philosophy, are long-standing and tightly focused on tying the success of management with that of our shareholders. We believe our compensation programs have been an important part of our ability to attract and retain a talented management team and to consistently out-perform our competitors in the delivery of long-term value to shareholders.

 

LOGO

In 2011, Rayonier again achieved outstanding financial results including:

 

   

A total shareholder return of over 32%;

 

   

A record high share price;

 

   

Record earnings for the second consecutive year excluding gains from one-time special items; and

 

   

An 11% dividend increase to $0.40 per quarter, the sixth increase since our REIT conversion in 2004.

In addition, we made significant strategic investments to strengthen our core businesses including:

 

   

Acquisition of 320,000 acres of high-quality timberlands in the Gulf States region for $426 million; and

 

   

Launch of a $300 million cellulose specialties expansion project at our Jesup, Georgia operations.

Our 2011 results are discussed further beginning at page 25 (Results of Operations) of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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The cornerstone of our compensation philosophy is to provide a substantial majority of senior executive compensation in the form of “at risk” performance-based incentives. For 2011, the portion of total compensation for our named executive officers allocated to such incentives ranged between 75 and 81 percent.

 

LOGO

The primary components of our “at risk” performance-based incentives are long-term stock-based awards, specifically stock options and performance shares. The ultimate value of these awards to the executive is dependent upon our performance in delivering value to shareholders both in absolute terms (through stock options) and relative to our peers (through performance shares). We believe that tying a majority of our senior executives’ compensation directly to our ability to deliver shareholder value over a meaningful period of time is a powerful tool to (1) properly align management interests with those of our investors, (2) promote an “ownership” mentality among our executives that fosters the long-term perspective necessary for sustained success, and (3) minimize the possibility that our incentive programs could promote excessive risk taking.

Annual stock-based award grants are made, and the exercise price for options is set, on the first trading day of the year to remove discretion and avoid any concern that awards are “timed” to take advantage of market fluctuations or Company announcements, and our plans do not allow “repricing” of stock options. All of our corporate officers, including all of the named executive officers, are subject to minimum share ownership requirements and share retention mandates until such requirements are fully met. Last year, the Compensation and Management Development Committee of our Board of Directors (referred to in this discussion as the “Committee”) increased the share ownership requirement for our Chief Executive Officer to six times base salary. The Committee receives a report at each regular meeting showing the current number and value of all Rayonier shares owned by each senior executive, as well as vested and unvested equity awards.

Short-term incentives for our executives consist of an annual cash bonus based on the Company’s performance against budgeted earnings and cash flow metrics and the Committee’s assessment of management’s performance in obtaining identified strategic objectives. We also provide a competitive base salary and benefit package.

Our executives do not have employment agreements and, with the exception of accrued pension benefits, all of their compensation and benefits are subject to modification or cancellation by the Committee. Perquisites provided to our executives are limited to annual physical examinations and reimbursement of tax and financial planning expenses, subject to an annual dollar cap.

 

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The Committee considers the over 93% approval received from shareholders under last year’s inaugural “Say-on-Pay” advisory vote as evidencing strong support for our compensation programs and practices. Accordingly, the Committee continued in 2011 to consistently adhere to its pay-for-performance philosophy and compensation system.

As detailed in the following discussion and analysis, our executive compensation and benefit programs are closely managed by the Committee and our Board of Directors, are well aligned with our business strategies, and provide a powerful and consistent incentive to our management team to continue to deliver above-market returns to our shareholders over the long-term.

Named Executive Officers for 2011

Throughout this Proxy Statement, the following individuals are referred to as our “named executive officers”. Their compensation is disclosed in the tables following this discussion and analysis.

 

   

Lee M. Thomas, our Chairman, who also served as Chief Executive Officer during 2011;

 

   

Paul G. Boynton, our President and Chief Executive Officer since January 1, 2012, who served as President and Chief Operating Officer during 2011;

 

   

Hans E. Vanden Noort, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;

 

   

W. Edwin Frazier, III, our Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary; and

 

   

Jack M. Kriesel, our Senior Vice President, Performance Fibers.

While the focus of the following disclosure is on the compensation for these officers, the types of compensation and benefits provided to them are generally similar to those provided to our other executives.

Roles of the Committee, Management and Advisors

The Committee has responsibility for establishing our compensation philosophy and for monitoring our adherence to it. The Committee reviews and approves compensation levels for all executive officers as well as all compensation, retirement, perquisite and benefit programs applicable to such officers.

The Committee establishes annual performance objectives for the Chief Executive Officer, evaluates his accomplishments and performance against those objectives, and, based on such evaluation, makes recommendations regarding his compensation for approval by the independent members of our Board of Directors.

All of these functions are set forth in the Committee’s Charter, which appears on our website (www.rayonier.com) and is reviewed annually by the Committee.

The Committee’s work is accomplished through a series of meetings, following a regular calendar schedule to ensure that all major elements of compensation are appropriately considered and that compensation and benefit programs are properly designed, implemented and monitored. Special meetings are held as needed to address matters outside the regular compensation cycle.

Working with the Committee Chair, Mr. Frazier prepares an agenda and supporting materials for each meeting. Messrs. Thomas, Boynton and Frazier, along with our Vice President, Human Resources and Director, Compensation, Benefits and Employee Services, generally attend Committee meetings by invitation, but are excused for executive sessions. The Committee invites other members of management to attend meetings as it deems necessary to cover issues within their specific areas of expertise or responsibility.

 

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The Committee also seeks advice and assistance from compensation consultants and outside counsel. The Committee has engaged Exequity, LLP (“Exequity”) to provide advice, relevant market data and best practices to consider when making compensation decisions, including decisions involving the Chief Executive Officer and the programs applicable to senior executives generally. Exequity also provides the Committee meaningful input on program design features and the balance of pay among the various components of executive compensation. Total fees paid to Exequity for these services in 2011 were $73,859.

Our Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Our compensation philosophy emphasizes “pay for performance” programs designed to reward superior financial performance and sustained increases in the value of our shareholders’ investment in Rayonier, while recognizing the need to maintain competitive base pay, retirement, healthcare, severance and other fixed compensation programs. We strive to use long-term incentive compensation, rather than base salary or annual cash bonuses, to provide executives with an above-median compensation opportunity if they can, over time, drive increases in shareholder value and outperform our peers on a relative total shareholder return basis.

We have no pre-established policy or target for the allocation between either cash and non-cash or short-term and long-term incentive compensation. However, our practice has been to pay a majority of the value of total compensation to our named executive officers in the form of long-term stock-based incentive compensation.

The primary compensation programs for our named executive officers are designed to reflect their success, both individually and as a management team, in attaining key objectives as established by the Committee or our Board of Directors, and to provide rewards based on meaningful measures of performance. The Committee considers adjustments to our compensation program each year in light of past experience, changes in the competitive environment, regulatory requirements and other relevant factors. In addition, the Committee periodically oversees a comprehensive strategic review of our executive compensation practices.

How We Set Executive Compensation

The Committee evaluates and balances each of the primary components of executive compensation at Rayonier. The role of each such component is discussed separately below, together with factors considered in the setting of executive compensation.

Setting Base Salary

We provide cash base salaries to meet competitive market demands based on each executive’s position, skills and experience. Each year, the Committee reviews the base salary of our Chief Executive Officer and each of his direct reports, including all of our named executive officers. In making adjustments (or, in the case of our Chief Executive Officer, recommendations for adjustment) to base salary levels, the Committee considers:

 

   

budgeted levels for annual salary merit and equity adjustments;

 

   

the executive’s level of responsibilities;

 

   

the executive’s experience and breadth of knowledge;

 

   

the executive’s individual performance as assessed through annual performance reviews;

 

   

the executive’s role in management continuity and development plans;

 

   

the perceived retention risk; and

 

   

internal pay equity factors.

Setting Annual Bonus Opportunities

We also provide cash compensation in the form of annual bonus incentives, which are designed to reward executives based on the Company’s financial performance against key budgeted financial metrics, and the

 

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attainment of identified strategic objectives. This is accomplished each year by the Committee adopting an Annual Corporate Bonus Program under the Rayonier Non-Equity Incentive Plan (the “Bonus Plan”), which was approved by our shareholders in 2008. The Bonus Program provides for a target bonus award for each executive, based on salary grade.

Setting Long-Term Incentive Compensation

The Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan (the “Stock Plan”), which was approved by our shareholders in 2008, allows the Committee the flexibility to award long-term compensation incentives through a variety of equity-based awards. The Committee has historically chosen to award primarily stock options and performance shares. The Committee’s objective in granting such awards is to provide a strong incentive to our executives to focus on the ongoing creation of shareholder value by offering above-median compensation opportunities for sustained increases in the Company’s market valuation and out-performance of our peers on a total shareholder return basis. These award opportunities allow us to offer a competitive overall compensation package, and also further opportunities for share ownership by our executives in order to increase their proprietary interest in Rayonier and, as a result, their interest in our long-term success and commitment to creating shareholder value. The three-year vesting and payment periods for our stock-based awards also provide a retention incentive for our executives. Each year the Committee approves a dollar award value for each participating executive, which is converted into a specific number of stock options and performance shares on the grant date as discussed under “Long-Term Incentive Compensation” on page 26.

Internal Pay Equity Factors

By “internal pay equity” we mean seeing that relative pay differences among our executives are consistent with different job levels and responsibilities. Mr. Thomas, for example, held the dual responsibilities of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer during 2011. As a result, the Committee believes that he had substantially more responsibility and impact on shareholder value than any other named executive officer over the last year. Therefore, the Committee set his total 2011 compensation level appreciably higher in relation to that of other named executive officers, but at a level the Committee believes was appropriate and reflective of market practice.

Tax Considerations—Section 162(m)

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Tax Code”) precludes a public corporation from taking a deduction for compensation in excess of $1 million for its named executive officers unless certain criteria are satisfied. The Committee considers the anticipated tax treatment to Rayonier and the named executive officers in its review and establishment of compensation programs and payments. However, deductibility of compensation is only one factor that the Committee takes into account in setting executive compensation terms and levels and, in an appropriate case, would not preclude an award that is not deductible.

Use of Peer Group and Other Compensation Data

Given the diversity of our businesses and our REIT structure, we compete with companies across multiple industries for top executive-level talent. As such, the Committee studies market norms among both forest products industry peers and among comparably-sized general industry companies, and manages executive compensation within the ranges defined by these two groups. However, the Committee does not benchmark any individual executive’s compensation level to the median of any range or to certain amounts or percentages of compensation, but consistent with our emphasis on providing “pay for performance”, we generally expect our base salary and annual bonus opportunities to be lower in the ranges and our long-term incentive award opportunities to be higher in the ranges. Of course, variations from these general expectations may occur based on the expertise and experience level of a given executive as well as individual, company and market factors.

Consistent with past practice, in setting 2011 compensation levels for senior executives, including each of the named executive officers, the Committee reviewed salary, annual bonus and long-term incentive

 

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compensation levels at both comparably-sized general industry companies and industry peers. Specifically, Hewitt Associates, working with Exequity, performed a custom survey covering the 20 companies immediately above and the 20 companies immediately below Rayonier in the Standard & Poor’s 400 based on market capitalization (referred to in this discussion as the “Hewitt Survey”). Given the heavy asset management component of our businesses and the inherent variations in margins and revenues, we believe market capitalization is a better measure of overall management responsibility than revenues. The companies included in the Hewitt Survey are:

 

•    Mohawk Industries

 

•    Owens Corning

 

•    Constellation Brands

 

•    Alliance Data Systems

 

•    Goodyear

 

•    Global Payments

 

•    Sealed Air

 

•    Covance

 

•    Gannett CO.

 

•    Nalco Company

 

•    Wyndham Worldwide Corporation

 

•    Foster Wheeler

 

•    Tyson Foods

 

•    BorgWarner

 

•    Equifax Inc.

 

•    Martin Marietta

 

•    FMC Corporation

 

•    Avery Dennison

 

•    Ametek

 

•    Newell Rubbermaid

 

•    Church & Dwight

 

•    Eastman Chemical

 

•    Dun & Bradstreet

 

•    Hasbro

 

•    R. R. Donnelley

 

•    Energizer Holdings

 

•    McCormick & Co.

 

•    Pitney Bowes

 

•    Ball Corporation

 

•    Hormel Foods

 

•    MeadWestvaco

 

•    Windstream

 

•    Masco

 

•    Textron

 

•    Joy Global

 

•    Flowserve

 

•    Scripps Networks

 

•    Owens-Illinois

 

•    Waters Corp.

 

•    Harley Davidson

We also had Exequity perform a proxy review of compensation levels for named executive officers at each of the 15 peer group companies under the 2010 Performance Share Award Program (the “2010 Industry Peers”).1

2011 aggregate named executive officer target cash compensation fell between the medians for the 2010 Industry Peers and the Hewitt Survey, and aggregate targeted long-term incentives fell between the 75th percentiles for the two groups.

For 2011, any payouts under our Performance Share Award Program will be calculated based on the relative performance of Rayonier against a custom peer group of 15 forest products, real estate and REIT companies. This peer group (the “2011 Performance Share Peer Group”) is unchanged from the 2010 program and consists of the following 15 companies, chosen by the Committee as those companies most likely to be considered “operating competitors” competing in the same markets as Rayonier:

 

•    Buckeye Technologies

 

•    International Paper

 

•    Sappi

•    Cousins Properties

 

•    Mead-Westvaco

 

•    St. Joe Company

•    Deltic Timber

 

•    Neenah Paper

 

•    Tembec

•    Domtar

 

•    Plum Creek

 

•    TimberWest

•    Forestar

 

•    Potlatch Corporation

 

•    Weyerhaeuser

Components of Executive Compensation for 2011

Looking at the named executive officers as a group, 78% of their 2011 target total compensation was allocated to “at risk”, performance-based components consisting of annual bonus, performance shares and stock

 

1 

Buckeye Technologies, Cousins Properties, Deltic Timber, Domtar, Forestar, International Paper, Mead-Westvaco, Neenah Paper, Plum Creek, Potlatch Corporation, Sappi, St. Joe Company, Tembec, TimberWest, Weyerhaeuser.

 

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options, with the remaining 22% allocated to base salary (see “2011 Target Compensation Mix for Named Executive Officers” chart on page 19). Compensation paid to the named executive officers in 2011 ranged from 55% to 62% in non-cash compensation. We believe this mix is both competitive within the marketplace and consistent with our executive compensation philosophy.

Base Salary

Base salary is the component of compensation that is fixed and intended to compensate our executives, based on their experience, expertise and job responsibilities, for work performed during the fiscal year. Our Annual Executive Salary Administration Plan, which sets budget levels for annual salary merit and equity adjustments, is structured to be generally consistent with market trends based on published salary survey data.

Our named executive officers received salary increases averaging 4.3% for 2011. Mr. Thomas’ annual base salary for 2011 was $940,000. All salary adjustments were effective April 1, 2011.

Annual Bonus Awards

Payments under our annual bonus program are based on Rayonier’s performance for the year with regard to: (i) key corporate financial metrics measured against budgeted levels, and (ii) identified strategic objectives.

Setting 2011 Target Bonus Awards.    The Committee established a target bonus for each named executive officer as a percentage of base salary, with the applicable percentage set uniformly by salary grade. For 2011 the target bonus percentages of base salary for the named executive officers were as follows: Mr. Thomas, 100%; Mr. Boynton, 80%; Messrs. Vanden Noort and Frazier, 65%; and Mr. Kriesel, 61%.

Under the Bonus Plan, the awards for named executive officers are funded at the maximum allowable award level, equal to 200% of target awards, once threshold financial levels of performance are met. The funded award levels are then subject to adjustment by the Committee’s exercise of negative discretion based on performance against the financial and strategic performance metrics set at the beginning of the year, and a subjective evaluation of the executive’s performance against individual performance objectives, also set at the beginning of the year. Individual objectives for 2011, which consist of personal performance goals outside of the executive’s normal job responsibilities, were approved by the Committee for Mr. Thomas and by Mr. Thomas for the other named executive officers. This funding mechanism for named executive officers is a result of the Committee’s desire to have maximum flexibility in setting award levels for these executives within the limitations on discretionary adjustments of performance-based awards under Section 162(m) of the Tax Code.

Setting 2011 Performance Factors.    The Committee established performance factors for the 2011 Annual Corporate Bonus Program (the “2011 Bonus Program”) prior to the beginning of the year. The performance factors were designed to focus management on the two financial metrics considered most critical to Rayonier in measuring annual performance: Net Income and Cash Available for Distribution, or “CAD”. The Committee selected these financial metrics due to the importance of earnings and cash generation given our REIT structure and the importance investors continue to place on our ability to pay, and grow, our dividend.

CAD measures the Company’s ability to generate cash that can be distributed to shareholders as dividends or used for strategic acquisitions, debt reduction or share repurchases. We define CAD as Cash Provided by Operating Activities2 adjusted for capital spending, the tax benefits associated with certain strategic acquisitions, the change in committed cash, and other items which include cash provided by discontinued operations, proceeds from matured energy forward contracts, excess tax benefits on stock based compensation and the change in capital expenditures purchased on account.

 

2 

GAAP measure included in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow in our 2011 Financial Statements.

 

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In exercising its discretion in determining the bonus award for each named executive officer, the Committee’s initial consideration is the level of the officer’s “formula award”, calculated based on actual performance against the financial metrics and strategic objectives, weighted 80% and 20% respectively. Accordingly, such formula award is determined based 80% on the Company’s performance for the year with regard to Net Income and CAD as measured against budgeted levels and weighted equally, and 20% based on our performance against identified strategic objectives.

The payout percentages calculated based on performance against the financial metrics and the strategic objectives are added together to create a single measurement of performance that we call our Corporate Performance Factor, or “CPF”.

Measuring 2011 Results–Accounting Adjustments.    Before the Committee set the available bonus pool for 2011 bonus awards for named executive officers, Mr. Vanden Noort presented an analysis of all material unusual, nonrecurring and non-budgeted items impacting the bonus calculation for review by the Committee to determine whether, based on factors such as frequency, foreseeability, manageability and past treatment, any particular item should be included or excluded from the calculation. For 2011, the Committee adjusted items resulting in decreases in Net Income of $14 million and in CAD of $10 million, with a corresponding reduction of financial performance versus budget from 121.4% to 118.7%. Items adjusted included the exclusion of the benefits from several one-time tax items, the net impact of an environmental equipment write-off resulting from the Cellulose Specialties Expansion project, and a delay in settlement of an environmental insurance claim.

Payout at target award levels for 2011 required achievement of net income of $221 million and CAD of $257 million, the annual budgeted amounts approved by the Board of Directors in December 2010, and the Committee’s determination that performance against the 2011 strategic objectives (as identified by the Committee in December 2010) were sufficient to warrant an at-target payout. Performance against the 2011 financial metrics, taking into account the Committee’s adjustments, was well above target (120% of budgeted net income and 108% of budgeted CAD) as the Company capitalized on strong log export markets from the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand, achieved record operating income in Performance Fibers and maintained price discipline as demand held steady for our rural and conservation HBU properties.

After assessing performance for 2011 against the identified strategic objectives, the Committee approved a payout level of 24.5%, reflecting performance slightly exceeding expectations. The Committee intends that the identified strategic objectives be ambitious but achievable, with specific objective measures of success, consistent with the financial metrics component of the CPF calculation. Taking into account both financial (weighted 80%) and strategic performance (weighted 20%), CPF for 2011 was 179%.

At its December 2011 meeting, the Committee reviewed the projected available bonus pool and resulting “formula award” levels. The Committee also reviewed the overall “quality” of 2011 financial results, with management reporting on the primary drivers of variances, both positive and negative, to key budget metrics. Following such analysis, the Committee approved the projected CPF and resulting bonus pool under the 2011 Bonus Program.

Final 2011 Bonus Awards.    The final annual bonuses earned by our named executive officers for 2011 were approved by the Committee and, for Mr. Thomas and Mr. Boynton, the Board of Directors in February 2012, taking into account the level of each executive’s formula award and attainment of his individual performance objectives. The final awards appear in the Summary Compensation Table on page 31, under the heading “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation”. Aggregate 2011 bonus awards for the named executive officers were within 8.6% of the corresponding aggregate formula awards, and individual named executive officer awards for 2011 reflected adjustments to formula awards ranging from 0% to 12%.

 

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Long-Term Incentive Compensation

Long-term incentive awards for 2011 were approved at the Committee’s December 2010 meeting for all named executive officers except Mr. Thomas, whose award was approved by the Board of Directors at its December 2010 meeting. The awards are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table on page 31 and the “Grants of Plan Based Awards” table on page 32.

For senior executives, 2011 stock option and performance share award levels were based on three factors:

 

  (i)

the aggregate dollar value of the total long-term incentive award opportunity for the executive approved by the Committee, or, for Mr. Thomas, the Board of Directors;

 

  (ii)

the Committee’s allocation of that total value between stock options and performance share awards; and

 

  (iii)

the value of a stock option and performance share award calculated at the grant date of January 3, 2011.

For award purposes, the value of a stock option was based on the Black-Scholes valuation model, which is the same method we use in our financial statements. The value of a performance share was determined based on the closing price of Rayonier stock on the grant date. Consistent with applicable accounting rules, we use a different performance share valuation model for financial statement purposes, which is derived from a simulation model run after the awards are made.

For 2011, the Committee approved increases in long-term incentive award values, compared to 2010 awards, of 18.4% for Mr. Boynton consistent with his role in CEO succession planning and increasing responsibilities, and 23.6% for Mr. Kriesel consistent with his maturation leading the Performance Fibers business and internal pay equity. Long-term incentive award values for the other named executive officers were held at 2010 levels.

For 2011, the Committee maintained the allocation of long-term incentive grant date value at 80% to performance share awards and 20% to stock options, consistent with the Committee’s belief that Rayonier’s relative total shareholder return versus its operational peers, over a meaningful period of time, is the single best measure of overall management performance.

The long-term incentive award values approved by the Committee for each participant, including each of the named executive officers, were converted into a specified number of stock options and performance shares on January 3, 2011 using the Black-Scholes value and closing Rayonier share price as discussed above.

Stock Options

2011 stock option awards to our named executive officers are shown on the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table on page 32.

Our stock option award program helps us:

 

   

motivate and reward superior performance on the part of executives and key employees;

 

   

directly link the creation of shareholder value and long-term executive incentive compensation;

 

   

encourage increased stock ownership in Rayonier by executives; and

 

   

maintain competitive levels of total compensation.

Each December, the Committee approves the grant date dollar value of the annual stock option award for the upcoming year for selected executives and key employees, as well as the award date, on which the exercise

 

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price for the award is set. For annual grants the award date has historically been the first trading day in January. Accordingly, we do not backdate stock options, grant options retroactively or coordinate grants so that they are made before the announcement of favorable information, or after the announcement of unfavorable information. For 2011, options to purchase 90,500 shares of Rayonier stock were awarded to the named executive officers as a group. This reflects a 28% decrease from the 125,670 shares awarded to our named executive officers in 2010, due to a higher Black-Scholes value driven primarily by our higher share price.

Performance Shares

2011 grants of performance share awards for our named executive officers are shown on the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table on page 32.

Our Performance Share Award Program helps us to:

 

   

focus executives on the long-term creation of shareholder value;

 

   

provide a retention incentive for our executives;

 

   

provide an opportunity for executives to increase their stock ownership in Rayonier; and

 

   

maintain competitive levels of total compensation.

As discussed above, 80% of the aggregate grant date dollar value of the annual long-term incentive award for each executive, as approved by the Committee, is allocated to a performance share award. This target award level, expressed as a number of shares of Rayonier stock, is determined at the beginning of a 36-month performance period. Awards are approved by the Committee at its regular December meeting and the performance period begins on the following January 1. Awards granted for the performance period beginning January 1, 2011 (and ending December 31, 2013) are referred to as the “2011 Class” of performance share awards. 2011 Class target awards totaling 97,590 shares were awarded to the named executive officers as a group, compared to 125,850 shares under the 2010 Class awards. This 22% decrease in performance shares awarded reflects the higher year-over-year Rayonier share price on grant date.

The payout, if any, is based on the level of economic return we produce for our shareholders (referred to as “Total Shareholder Return”, or “TSR”) as compared to that produced by the 2011 Performance Share Peer Group companies listed on page 23 during the same period. TSR is calculated for the performance period based upon the return on a hypothetical investment in Rayonier shares versus the return on an equal hypothetical investment in each of the peer companies, in all cases assuming reinvestment of dividends. The 2011 Class awards will be paid out, if at all, in January 2014 after the end of the performance period on December 31, 2013, based on our percentile TSR performance against the peer group, as follows:

 

Percentile Rank

  

Payout Level (Expressed As Percent of Target Award)

80th and Above

   200%

61st – 79th

  

100%, plus 5% for each incremental percentile position over the 60th

Percentile

60th

   100%

31st – 59th

  

30%, plus 2.33% for each incremental percentile position over the 30th

Percentile

30th

   30%

Below 30th

   0%

The Committee annually considers the terms of our Performance Share Program and seeks to ensure that awards provide appropriate and competitive incentives and that the peer group is representative of our businesses.

 

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Retirement Plans and Programs

We maintain the following plans and programs to provide retirement benefits to salaried employees, including the named executive officers:

 

   

the Rayonier Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees;

 

   

the Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rayonier;

 

   

the Rayonier Excess Benefit Plan;

 

   

the Rayonier Salaried Retiree Medical Plan; and

 

   

the Rayonier Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan.

The Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rayonier and the Rayonier Salaried Retiree Medical Plan were closed to new employees on January 1, 2006, so Mr. Thomas does not participate.

The benefits available under these Plans are intended to provide income replacement after retirement, either through a defined pension benefit, withdrawals from a 401(k) plan or deferred compensation, as well as access to quality healthcare. We place great value on the long-term commitment that many of our employees and named executive officers have made to us and wish to incentivize them to remain with the Company with a focus on building sustainable value over the long-term. Therefore, the Company has determined that it is appropriate to provide employees with competitive retirement benefits as part of their overall compensation package.

Our retirement plans are designed to encourage employees to take an active role in planning, saving and investing for retirement. For a detailed description of our retirement plans, see the discussion following the “Pension Benefits” table on page 35. The Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan is designed to provide employees with a convenient and efficient opportunity to save for retirement or other future events, such as college expenses, while deferring applicable income taxes until withdrawal. For a detailed description of the Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan, see the discussion following the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” table on page 36.

The Rayonier Salaried Retiree Medical Program provides salaried employees eligible for retirement with access to a Company-sponsored healthcare plan funded entirely by the plan participants. This benefit is extended on an equivalent basis to all eligible retirees.

The Committee reviews these retirement benefit programs periodically to evaluate their continued competitiveness. However, these programs are generally not considered in setting the level of key elements of compensation for the named executive officers.

Severance and Change in Control Plans

Severance Pay Plan.     The Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees provides severance benefits to all salaried employees of Rayonier, including the named executive officers, in the event their employment is terminated (other than “for cause” and other non-qualifying terminations defined in the plan). Upon execution of a satisfactory separation agreement, the severance benefit available to a named executive officer may range from 17 weeks to 26 weeks of base salary, plus an additional week of base salary for each year of service over one year.

Executive Severance Pay Plan.     The Committee recognizes that, as with all publicly-traded corporations, there exists the possibility of a change in control of Rayonier and that the uncertainty created by that possibility could result in the loss or distraction of senior executives, to the detriment of Rayonier and our shareholders. The Executive Severance Pay Plan, referred to in this discussion as the “Executive Plan”, reflects the Committee’s view that it is critical for executive retention to be encouraged and that the continued attention and dedication to

 

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duty of our senior executives be fostered, notwithstanding the possibility, threat, rumor or occurrence of a change in control of Rayonier. In addition, the Executive Plan is intended to align executive and shareholder interests by enabling executives to consider corporate transactions that may be in the best interests of our shareholders and other constituents without undue concern over whether the transaction would jeopardize the executives’ own employment or significantly disrupt or change the culture or environment of their employment.

The Executive Plan achieves these objectives by providing benefits to eligible executives designated by the Committee, which currently include all of our named executive officers, in the event of a change in control of the Company. The benefits include the vesting of outstanding stock option, performance share and restricted stock awards, without regard to whether or not the executive continues to be employed by the Company. In addition, if the executive is involuntarily terminated (other than “for cause”) within 24 months of the change in control, he or she will be entitled to enhanced severance benefits, which depend on the executive’s status as a Tier I or Tier II executive. The Executive Plan also provides that in the event of the imposition of an excise tax on the benefits paid, such benefits are to be “grossed-up” through the payment of an additional amount so that the executive would receive the same amount after tax as he or she would have received had there been no excise tax imposed.

The Committee reviews the Executive Plan annually and retains the discretion to terminate the Executive Plan, or to include or exclude any executive, including any named executive officer, at any time prior to a change in control. The Executive Plan presently covers 10 executives: 7 are designated Tier I and 3 are designated Tier II. At the present time, all of our named executive officers are included as Tier I executives.

The potential payments under the Executive Plan are calculated in the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control” table on page 38. Such potential payments do not affect the Committee’s decisions regarding executive compensation, including base salary, annual bonus and long-term incentive award levels.

Perquisites and Personal Benefits

Rayonier provides our named executive officers with limited perquisites that the Committee reviews annually. Under our perquisites program, in addition to personal benefits that are available broadly to our employees, our named executive officers are eligible to participate in the following two programs:

 

   

Executive Physical Program—Each executive-level employee of the Company is required to have a physical examination every other year until age 50, and every year after 50.

 

   

Senior Executive Tax and Financial Planning Program—This program provides reimbursement to nine senior executives (including the named executive officers) for expenses incurred for financial and estate planning and for preparation of annual income tax returns. Reimbursements are taxable to the recipient, and are not grossed-up for tax purposes. The annual reimbursement limit for 2011 was $25,000 for Mr. Thomas, $20,000 for Mr. Boynton, and $10,000 for all other participants.

The total cost of these programs to the Company with regard to our named executive officers for 2011 was $67,317. The Company does not pay car allowances (or provide company cars), personal club membership dues, home security expenses or allow personal use of chartered aircraft.

Share Ownership and Retention Requirements

We believe that share ownership requirements help to further focus the senior management team on the long-term success of our businesses and the interests of our shareholders. All executives at the Vice President level and higher are required to acquire and hold, within five years after taking such position, Rayonier shares with a value equal to a designated multiple of their base salary. There are four tiers within senior management covered by ownership requirements. For the Chief Executive Officer, the requirement is six times base salary; for Executive Vice Presidents, three; for Senior Vice Presidents, two; and for Vice Presidents, one. We also require

 

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that each director, within four years of joining our Board, maintain a minimum ownership interest in Rayonier at a level equal to four times the director’s annual equity retainer. Prior to satisfying his or her ownership requirement, a director or executive is prohibited from selling any Rayonier shares other than shares withheld or sold to satisfy taxes in connection with a performance share payout or stock option exercise.

As of March 1, 2012, all directors and officers were in compliance with our share ownership and retention requirements.

2012 Compensation Decisions

With the substantial plan design changes implemented in connection with our short- and long-term incentive compensation programs in 2010, the Committee believes our current executive compensation programs are well-designed and appropriately aligned with our business strategies and compensation philosophy. Accordingly, no material changes to our programs have been made for 2012.

CEO Succession Compensation Actions

Mr. Boynton was elected as Rayonier’s President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2012, succeeding Mr. Thomas, who will continue to serve as Chairman until his retirement on May 17, 2012. Mr. Boynton’s 2012 compensation package consists of: (i) an annual base salary of $700,000; (ii) a target bonus equal to 100% of base salary; (iii) 45,020 Performance Shares (2012 Class); and (iv) 42,210 nonqualified stock options. In recognition of his service to Rayonier and leadership in setting the Company’s current strategic direction, the Board approved a full payout of Mr. Thomas’ outstanding 2010 and 2011 Class Performance Share awards at the end of their performance periods (December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, respectively), which payouts would otherwise have been prorated for the length of employment during the performance period.

Report of the Compensation and Management Development Committee

The Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Rayonier Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement, which is incorporated by reference into the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

The Compensation and Management Development Committee

 

C. David Brown, II Chair  

David W. Oskin

John E. Bush

Richard D. Kincaid

  Ronald Townsend

 

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

 

This table discloses compensation for 2009, 2010 and 2011 for Rayonier’s Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers.

 

Name and Principal  Position   Year    

Salary

($)

   

Bonus

($)

   

Stock
Awards

(1) (2) ($)

   

Option
Awards

(1) ($)

   

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

(3) ($)

   

Change in
Pension Value
and
Non-Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

(4) ($)

   

All Other
Compensation

(5) ($)

   

Total

($)

 

Lee M. Thomas
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer

   

 

 

2011

2010

2009

  

  

  

   

 

 

931,250

897,500

871,827

  

  

  

   

 

 

—  

—  

—  

  

  

  

   

 

 

3,454,124

3,431,030

3,312,436

  

  

  

   

 

 

620,075

619,507

511,640

  

  

  

   

 
 

1,880,000

1,810,000
1,312,500

  

  
  

   

 

 

—  

—  

—  

  

  

  

   

 

 

273,784

157,783

95,409

  

  

  

   

 

 

7,159,233

6,915,820

6,103,812

  

  

  

Hans E. Vanden Noort
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial
Officer

   

 

 

2011

2010

2009

  

  

  

   

 

 

361,250

345,250

325,865

  

  

  

   

 

 

—  

—  

—  

  

  

  

   

 

 

961,585

955,603

923,186

  

  

  

   

 

 

172,543

172,703

142,466

  

  

  

   

 
 

424,678

420,000
350,000

  

  
  

   

 

 

401,546

225,594

140,269

  

  

  

   

 

 

28,408

89,869

30,287

  

  

  

   

 

 

2,350,010

2,209,019

1,912,073

  

  

  

Paul G. Boynton
President and Chief Operating Officer

   

 

 

2011

2010

2009

  

  

  

   

 

 

518,750

448,750

362,635

  

  

  

   

 

 

—  

—  

—  

  

  

  

   

 

 

1,281,082

1,075,712

923,186

  

  

  

   

 

 

230,206

193,894

142,466

  

  

  

   

 
 

840,000

700,000
400,000

  

  
  

   

 

 

621,225

273,801

132,327

  

  

  

   

 

 

39,937

90,067

27,817

  

  

  

   

 

 

3,531,200

2,782,224

1,988,431

  

  

  

W. Edwin Frazier, III
Senior Vice President,
Chief Administrative Officer
and Corporate Secretary

   

 

 

2011

2010

2009

  

  

  

   

 

 

361,250

346,250

329,061

  

  

  

   

 

 

—  

—  

—  

  

  

  

   

 

 

961,585

955,603

923,186

  

  

  

   

 

 

172,543

172,703

142,466

  

  

  

   

 
 

424,678

420,000
335,000

  

  
  

   

 

 

505,304

272,328

187,976

  

  

  

   

 

 

28,394

91,585

30,009

  

  

  

   

 

 

2,453,754

2,258,469

1,947,698

  

  

  

Jack M. Kriesel
Senior Vice President,
Performance Fibers

   

 

 

2011

2010

2009

  

  

  

   

 

 

314,750

303,750

256,214

  

  

  

   

 

 

—  

—  

—  

  

  

  

   

 

 

891,187

717,142

116,525

  

  

  

   

 

 

160,111

129,475

17,991

  

  

  

   

 
 

375,000

340,500
260,000

  

  
  

   

 

 

1,017,295

585,898

223,155

  

  

  

   

 

 

167,107

91,280

13,758

  

  

  

   

 

 

2,925,450

2,168,045

887,643

  

  

  

 

(1)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value for performance share, restricted stock and stock option awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Values for awards subject to performance conditions are computed based on probable outcome of the performance condition as of the grant date for the award. A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these values may be found in the “Incentive Stock Plans” sections included in the notes to our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for 2009, 2010 and 2011.

 

(2)

The following amounts reflect the grant date award value assuming that the highest level of performance is achieved under the relevant Performance Share Award Program: For 2011, Mr. Thomas, $4,959,722, Mr. Boynton, $1,839,485, Messrs. Vanden Noort and Frazier, $1,380,724, Mr. Kriesel, $1,279,642. For 2010, Mr. Thomas, $4,956,518, Mr. Boynton, $1,553,990, Messrs. Vanden Noort and Frazier, $1,380,478, Mr. Kriesel, $1,036,238. For 2009, Mr. Thomas, $5,373,344, Messrs. Vanden Noort, Boynton and Frazier, $1,497,567, Mr. Kriesel, $189,107.

 

(3)

Represents awards under the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Annual Corporate Bonus Programs discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 18.

 

(4)

Represents the annual change in actuarial present value of the participant’s pension benefit under the Company’s retirement plans.

 

(5)

For each year presented, these amounts include Company contributions to the Rayonier Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees, a 401(k) Plan; Company contributions to the Rayonier Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan; premiums for group life insurance; reimbursement of expenses incurred under the Senior Executive Tax and Financial Planning Program; restricted stock dividends and accrued interest; wellness reimbursements; and the costs of mandatory executive physical examinations. For 2011, Mr. Thomas received $16,170 in 401(k) contributions and Messrs. Frazier and Kriesel received $10,045. Mr. Thomas received $83,655 in excess savings contributions in 2011 which includes a 3% retirement contribution discussed in the narrative following the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table on page 36. Mr. Boynton received $11,550 in excess savings contributions for 2011. The following restricted stock dividends and accrued interest were paid in 2011: Mr. Thomas, $151,830 and Mr. Kriesel, $22,206. Mr. Kriesel’s amount includes relocation benefits associated with his promotion and transfer to our corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Kriesel received $118,942 in relocation benefits and associated tax gross-ups in 2011 and $65,702 in 2010. All amounts reflect actual expenses incurred and paid by the Company in providing these benefits.

 

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Table of Contents

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

 

 

This table discloses 2011 stock option, performance shares and restricted stock awards along with potential payouts under the 2011 Annual Corporate Bonus Program for the named executive officers.

 

Name   Grant
Date
    Approval
Date (1)
   

Estimated Future

Payouts Under

Non-Equity Incentive

Plan Awards (2)

   

Estimated Future

Payouts Under Equity

Incentive Plan

Awards (3) (6)

   

All

Other

Stock

Awards:

Number

of

Shares

of Stock

or Units

(#)

 

All

Other

Option

Awards:

Number

of

Securities

Underlying

Options

(#) (4) (6)

   

Exercise

or Base

Price of

Option

Awards

($/Sh)

   

Grant

Date

Fair

Value

of

Stock

and

Option
Awards

($) (5)

 
     

Thres-

hold

($)

   

Target

($)

   

Maxi-

mum

($)

   

Thres-

hold

(#)

   

Target

(#)

   

Maxi-

mum

(#)

         

Lee M. Thomas

    —          12/16/10        188,000        940,000        1,880,000                               
      1/3/11        12/16/10                    13,395        44,650        89,300                    3,454,124   
      1/3/11        12/16/10                                                            41,400        55.54        620,075   

Hans E. Vanden Noort

    —          12/16/10        47,450        237,250        474,500                               
      1/3/11        12/16/10                    3,729        12,430        24,860                    961,585   
      1/3/11        12/16/10                                                            11,520        55.54        172,543   

Paul G. Boynton

    —          12/16/10        84,000        420,000        840,000                               
      1/3/11        12/16/10                    4,968        16,560        33,120                    1,281,082   
      1/3/11        12/16/10                                                            15,370        55.54        230,206   

W. Edwin Frazier, III

    —          12/16/10        47,450        237,250        474,500                               
      1/3/11        12/16/10                    3,729        12,430        24,860                    961,585   
      1/3/11        12/16/10                                                            11,520        55.54        172,543   

Jack M. Kriesel

    —          12/16/10        38,796        193,980        387,960                               
      1/3/11        12/16/10                    3,456        11,520        23,040                    891,187   
      1/3/11        12/16/10                                                            10,690        55.54        160,111   

 

(1)

2011 annual equity grants were approved in December 2010 and effective the first trading day of January 2011. For the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards, the approval date reflects the date on which the Compensation Committee approved the 2011 Annual Corporate Bonus Program.

 

(2)

Reflects potential awards under the 2011 Annual Corporate Bonus Program. Awards can range from 0% to 200% of the target award. See the “Annual Bonus Awards” section of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 24. The actual amount earned by each named executive officer in 2011 is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table on page 31 under the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column.

 

(3)

Reflects potential awards, in number of shares, under the 2011 Class Performance Share Award Program. Awards can range from 0% to 200% of the target award. Please refer to the “Performance Shares” section of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis on page 27.

 

(4)

Reflects annual stock option awards for 2011. The exercise price of all awarded stock options is equal to the closing price of Rayonier shares on the NYSE on the grant date. The awards vest and become exercisable in one-third increments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date or earlier upon certain terminations of employment.

 

(5)

Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

 

(6)

The share amounts shown reflect the number of shares awarded in January 2011 and have not been adjusted to reflect the August 2011 3-for-2 stock split.

As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 23, the Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table reflect that, consistent with the Compensation Committee’s stated philosophy, the majority of total compensation for named executive officers for 2011 was allocated to performance-based incentives. Performance-based incentive awards are discussed in further detail in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 18.

 

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Table of Contents

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

 

 

This table discloses outstanding stock option, performance share and restricted stock awards for the named executive officers as of December 31, 2011.

 

Option Awards (5)     Stock Awards (5)  
Name  

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexer-

cised
Options (#)

Exercisable

   

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexer-

cised

Options (#)

Unexer-

cisable (1)

   

Option

Exercise

Price

($)

   

Option

Grant

Date

   

Option

Expiration

Date

   

Number of

Shares or

Units of

Stock

That Have

Not

Vested

(#) (2)

   

Market

Value of

Shares

or Units

of Stock

That Have

Not

Vested

($) (3)

   

Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

 
               

Number of

Unearned

Shares,

Units or

Other

Rights

That Have

Not

Vested

(#) (4)

   

Market or

Payout

Value of
Unearned

Shares,

Units or

Other

Rights

That

Have Not

Vested

($) (3)

 

Lee M. Thomas

    0        62,100        37.03        01/03/11        01/03/21                 
      29,235        58,470        28.22        01/04/10        01/03/20                 
      108,350        54,175        20.18        01/02/09        01/01/19                 
      112,500        0        31.06        01/02/08        01/02/18                 
      73,800        0        29.67        03/01/07        03/01/17                 
                      37,500        1,673,625         
                              133,950        5,978,189   
                              175,680        7,840,598   
                                                              266,359        11,887,602   

Hans E. Vanden Noort

    0        17,280        37.03        01/03/11        01/03/21                 
      8,150        16,300        28.22        01/04/10        01/03/20                 
      30,170        15,085        20.18        01/02/09        01/01/19                 
      30,030        0        31.06        01/02/08        01/02/18                 
      18,450        0        27.36        01/03/07        01/03/17                 
                              37,290        1,664,253   
                              48,930        2,183,746   
                                                              74,235        3,313,108   

Paul G. Boynton

    0        23,055        37.03        01/03/11        01/03/21                 
      9,150        18,300        28.22        01/04/10        01/03/20                 
      30,170        15,085        20.18        01/02/09        01/01/19                 
      30,030        0        31.06        01/02/08        01/02/18                 
      25,800        0        27.36        01/03/07        01/03/17                 
                              49,680        2,217,218   
                              55,080        2,458,220   
                                                              74,235        3,313,108   

W. Edwin Frazier, III

    0        17,280        37.03        01/03/11        01/03/21                   
      8,150        16,300        28.22        01/04/10        01/03/20                   
      30,170        15,085        20.18        01/02/09        01/01/19                   
      30,030        0        31.06        01/02/08        01/02/18                   
      25,800        0        27.36        01/03/07        01/03/17                   
                                  37,290        1,664,253   
                                  48,930        2,183,746   
                                                              74,235        3,313,108   

Jack M. Kriesel

    0        16,035        37.03        01/03/11        01/03/21                   
      6,110        12,220        28.22        01/04/10        01/03/20                   
      3,810        1,905        20.18        01/02/09        01/01/19                   
      3,555        0        31.06        01/02/08        01/02/18                   
      3,300        0        27.36        01/03/07        01/03/17                   
                                  34,560        1,542,413   
                                  36,720        1,638,814   
                                                              9,371        418,228   

 

33


Table of Contents

 

(1)

Option awards vest and become exercisable in one-third increments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.

 

(2)

Represents the unvested portion of the 2007 restricted stock awards vesting as follows: 37,500 shares on March 1, 2012.

 

(3)

Value based on the December 30, 2011 closing share price of $44.63 and the maximum potential payout for Equity Incentive Plan Awards.

 

(4)

Represents awards under the Performance Share Award Program for 2009, 2010 and 2011, each with a 36-month performance period. Awards for the relevant performance share program period are immediately vested upon determination of the amount earned. As required, this disclosure reflects the maximum potential award payout. Under the Performance Share Award Program, the actual award value can range from zero to the maximum shown. See the “Performance Shares” section of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis on page 27.

 

(5)

Shares amounts and option exercise prices shown have been adjusted to reflect the August 2011 3-for-2 stock split.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

 

 

 

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

Lee M. Thomas

    —          —          148,750        8,525,475   

Hans E. Vanden Noort

    36,600        859,354        36,978        2,107,006   

Paul G. Boynton

    66,600        1,434,654        36,978        2,107,006   

W. Edwin Frazier, III

    36,600        582,665        36,978        2,107,006   

Jack M. Kriesel

    8,300        198,851        7,893        434,133   

 

(1)

Represents restricted share awards vesting in 2011 and payouts under the 2008 Class Performance Share Award Program.

 

34


Table of Contents

PENSION BENEFITS

 

 

The following table illustrates the present value of accumulated benefits payable under the Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rayonier Inc., a tax qualified retirement plan (the “Retirement Plan”), and the Rayonier Inc. Excess Benefit Plan, a non-qualified retirement plan (the “Excess Plan”), at the earliest eligible retirement age.

 

Name   Plan Name  

Number

of Years

Credited

Service

(#)

   

Present

Value of

Accumulated
Benefit (1)

($)

   

Payments

During

Last

Fiscal

Year ($)

 

Lee M. Thomas

 

Rayonier Salaried Employees Retirement Plan

    n/a        n/a        n/a   
   

Rayonier Excess Benefit Plan

    n/a        n/a        n/a   

Hans E. Vanden Noort

 

Rayonier Salaried Employees Retirement Plan

    10.2        399,901        —     
   

Rayonier Excess Benefit Plan

    10.2        705,076        —     

Paul G. Boynton

 

Rayonier Salaried Employees Retirement Plan

    12.7        415,868        —     
   

Rayonier Excess Benefit Plan

    12.7        1,039,546        —     

W. Edwin Frazier, III

 

Rayonier Salaried Employees Retirement Plan

    12.6        547,817        —     
   

Rayonier Excess Benefit Plan

    12.6        973,009        —     

Jack M. Kriesel

 

Rayonier Salaried Employees Retirement Plan

    33.5        1,048,131        —     
   

Rayonier Excess Benefit Plan

    33.5        1,915,433        —     

 

(1)

Determined using the assumptions that applied for FASB ASC Topic 715-30 disclosure as of December 31, 2011. These assumptions include the RP-2000 mortality table and an interest rate of 4.20%. Employees are assumed to retire at the earliest age that they will be eligible for an unreduced pension (i.e., age 60 and 15 years of service or age 65). None of our named executive officers are currently eligible for an unreduced pension. Mortality is assumed from that date only. Benefits are assumed to be paid in the normal form of payment which is a life annuity for single employees and the 90/50 survivor form for married employees.

The Retirement Plan is a tax-qualified retirement plan covering substantially all eligible salaried employees hired prior to January 1, 2006. Mr. Thomas is not eligible for the Retirement Plan because he was hired after January 1, 2006. This Plan provides income replacement following retirement through the payment of monthly pension benefits based upon the employee’s average final compensation and years of service. The costs of benefits under the Retirement Plan are borne entirely by the Company. Consistent with our desire that salaried employees take a more active role in saving for retirement, this benefit was replaced by an increased retirement contribution under the Rayonier Investment Savings Plan for Salaried Employees for new salaried employees effective January 1, 2006.

For the period through December 31, 2003, the annual pension amounts to two percent of a member’s average final compensation for each of the first 25 years of benefit service, plus one and one-half percent of a member’s average final compensation for each of the next 15 years of benefit service, reduced by one and one-quarter percent of the member’s primary Social Security benefit for each year of benefit service to a maximum of 40 years, provided that no more than one-half of the member’s primary Social Security benefit is used for such reduction. Effective January 1, 2004, the Retirement Plan was amended so that for future service the annual pension amounts to one and one-half percent of a member’s final average compensation for each year of benefit service to a maximum of 40 years.

A member is vested in benefits accrued under the Retirement Plan upon completion of five years of eligibility service. All of our eligible named executive officers are vested in their accrued benefits. Normal retirement is at age 65. The Retirement Plan also provides for unreduced early retirement pensions for participants who retire at or after age 60 following completion of 15 years of eligibility service. Reduced benefits

 

35


Table of Contents

are available at age 55 with at least 10 years of service (“Standard Early Retirement”) or as early as age 50 with age plus eligibility service equal to at least 80 or age 55 with at least 15 years of eligibility service (“Special Early Retirement”). Mr. Kriesel is currently eligible for reduced benefits. The plan benefit for a member eligible for Standard Early Retirement will be reduced by 3% for each year of age under 65 (e.g., age 64 would result in 97% of the benefit payable). The Retirement Plan benefit for a member eligible for Special Early Retirement will receive a 5% reduction for each year of age under 60 (e.g., age 59 would result in 95% of the benefit payable).

A member’s average final compensation includes salary and approved bonus payments calculated under the Retirement Plan as follows: (1) the member’s average annual base salary for the five calendar years during the member’s last 120 calendar months of service which yield the highest such average, plus (2) the member’s average approved bonus payments for the five calendar years during the member’s last 120 calendar months of service which yield the highest such average.

Rayonier has adopted the Excess Plan to meet the retirement needs of a small segment of its salaried employee population affected by limiting federal legislation. Applicable federal legislation limits the amount of benefits that can be paid and the compensation that may be recognized under a tax-qualified retirement plan. Tax-qualified retirement plan participants whose annual benefit at the time of payment exceeds the Tax Code Section 415 limitations or whose benefit is limited on account of the Tax Code Section 401(a)(17) limitation on compensation are participants in the Excess Plan. The practical effect of the Excess Plan is to continue calculation of benefits after retirement to all employees on a uniform basis regardless of compensation levels. All employees covered by the Retirement Plan are eligible under the Excess Plan. We believe the extension of these benefits to executives is consistent with historic and current market practice for companies offering qualified defined benefit plans.

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

 

 

 

Name  

Executive

Contributions

in Last FY

($) (1)

   

Registrant

Contributions

in Last FY

($) (1)

   

Aggregate

Earnings

in Last FY

($)

   

Aggregate

Withdrawals /

Distributions

in Last FY

($)

   

Aggregate

Balance at

Last FYE

($) (2)

 

Lee M. Thomas

    33,875        83,655        18,911        —          483,153   

Hans E. Vanden Noort

    12,987        8,374        5,237        —          138,066   

Paul G. Boynton

    16,969        11,550        16,449        —          414,962   

W. Edwin Frazier, III

    2,738        4,766        2,664        —          68,988   

Jack M. Kriesel

    3,975        2,860        26,454        —          645,495   

 

(1)

All executive and company contributions in the last fiscal year are reflected as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table on page 31.

 

(2)

To the extent that a participant was a named executive officer in prior years, executive and company contributions included in the Aggregate Balance at Last FYE column have been reported as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year. The registrant contribution for Mr. Thomas includes the 3% retirement contribution discussed below since he was hired after January 1, 2006 and is not eligible to participate in the Retirement Plan.

The Rayonier Inc. Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Excess Savings Plan”) is a nonqualified, unfunded plan that consists of two components, an Excess Savings component (a supplement to the Rayonier Investment Savings Plan for Salaried Employees (the “Savings Plan”)) and an Excess Base Salary and Bonus Deferral component.

The Savings Plan, a qualified 401(k) plan, is designed to encourage salaried employees to save and invest for retirement. Under this Plan, employees may contribute up to the annual IRS limits on a pre-tax basis. The

 

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Company will match such contributions at a rate of $.60 for each $1.00 up to 6% of the employee’s base salary. In addition, the Company will make an annual retirement contribution to each participant’s account equal to 3% of base salary and annual bonus for employees hired after January 1, 2006, or 0.5% of base salary for employees hired before 2006. The retirement contribution was increased, and automatic enrollment of all new salaried employees in the Savings Plan implemented, coincident with the closing of our defined benefit pension plan to new salaried employees effective January 1, 2006. This change reflects our desire that salaried employees take a more active role in planning, saving and investing for retirement.

Rayonier contributions to the Savings Plan, both matching and retirement contributions, vest at a rate of 20% per year over the participant’s first five years of employment, and are made in the form of Rayonier stock in order to encourage employee share ownership. However, employees are free to transfer Company contributions to other investment options available under the Savings Plan immediately.

The Excess Savings Plan supplements the Savings Plan by providing employees with Rayonier contributions lost due to the federal tax regulations limiting employee contributions to defined contribution plans (401(k)). Participants can contribute up to 6% of total base salary. The Company contributes up to 3.6% of total base salary (reduced by the regular matching contributions made under the Savings Plan). Amounts contributed, and the Rayonier match, are unsecured, but earn a return equal to 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate (adjusted monthly). The average interest rate in 2011 was 4.4%. Excess Savings participants may elect to receive a lump sum or annual installments upon termination of employment.

The Excess Base Salary and Bonus Deferral component of the Excess Savings Plan allows employees with a base salary in excess of $170,000 the opportunity to defer up to 100% of their base salary and all or any portion of their annual bonus. Amounts deferred are unsecured, but earn a return equal to the 10-year treasury rate plus 1.50% (adjusted monthly). The average interest rate in 2011 was 4.2%. Excess Base Salary Deferral and Annual Bonus Deferral participants may elect to receive a lump sum or annual installments not to exceed fifteen years upon termination of employment or a specific date.

All named executive officers were eligible and participating in the Excess Savings component of this Plan in 2011. While all named executive officers were eligible, only Mr. Boynton currently has amounts deferred under the Excess Base Salary and Bonus Deferral component.

 

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POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

 

 

The following table reflects potential termination or change in control payments to named executive officers if a triggering event were to have occurred on December 30, 2011. All payments are as provided under the Executive Plan discussed on page 28 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.

 

Name   Scheduled
Severance
($)(1)
    Bonus
Severance
($)(2)
    Pension /
401(k)
Benefit
($)(3)
   

Medical /
Welfare, Tax
and
Outplacement
Benefits

($)(4)

   

Acceleration
of Equity
Awards

($)(5)

    Other    

Excise Tax

Reimburse-
ments

($)(6)

 

Lee M. Thomas

               

Voluntary termination

    —          —            —          —          —          —     

Terminated for cause

    —          —            —          —          —          —     

Retirement

    —          —            —          —          —          —     

Change in Control

    —          —            —          27,146,940        —          10,564,234   

Involuntary or voluntary for good reason termination after change in control

    2,820,000        5,430,000        349,020        83,326        —          —          3,555,612   

Hans E. Vanden Noort

               

Voluntary termination

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Terminated for cause

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Retirement

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Change in Control

    —          —          —          —          7,096,620        —          2,479,432   

Involuntary or voluntary for good reason termination after change in control

    1,095,000        1,260,000        885,123        70,452        —          —          1,352,733   

Paul G. Boynton

               

Voluntary termination

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Terminated for cause

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Retirement

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Change in Control

    —          —          —          —          7,724,287        —          —     

Involuntary or voluntary for good reason termination after change in control

    1,575,000        2,100,000        508,802        77,217        —          —          3,946,843   

W. Edwin Frazier, III

               

Voluntary termination

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Terminated for cause

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Retirement

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Change in Control

    —          —          —          —          7,096,620        —          2,276,328   

Involuntary or voluntary for good reason termination after change in control

    1,095,000        1,260,000        1,287,888        70,452        —          —          1,537,669   

Jack M. Kriesel

               

Voluntary termination

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Terminated for cause

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Retirement

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Change in Control

    —          —          —          —          3,197,232        —          1,128,198   

Involuntary or voluntary for good reason termination after change in control

    954,000        1,021,500        891,082        69,906        —          —          1,202,520   

 

(1)

Represents the executive’s base pay times the applicable tier multiplier under the Executive Plan (3 times for Tier I).

 

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(2)

Represents three times the greater of: (i) the highest annual bonus received over the three years preceding the termination of employment; (ii) the target bonus for the year in which the change in control occurred; or (iii) the target bonus in the year of termination.

 

(3)

Represents the actuarial value of an additional three years of eligibility service and age under the Company’s retirement plans and three additional years participation in the Savings Plan at the executive’s current contribution levels.

 

(4)

Represents: (i) the present value of the annual Company contribution to health and welfare plans times the applicable tier multiplier of three; (ii) the value of the executives annual tax and financial planning allowance of $25,000 for Mr. Thomas, $15,000 for Mr. Boynton and $10,000 for Messrs. Vanden Noort, Frazier and Kriesel; and, (iii) up to $30,000 in outplacement services.

 

(5)

For stock option awards, the value was calculated as the difference between the closing price of the Company stock on December 31, 2011 and the option exercise price. Performance share and restricted stock awards were valued using the closing price of the Company stock on December 31, 2011.

 

(6)

Upon a change in control, executives may be subject to excise tax under Section 280G of the Tax Code. The Excise Tax Reimbursement column represents the excise tax as well as any excise and income taxes payable as a result of the excise tax reimbursement. The amounts in the table are based on a 280G excise tax rate of 20 percent, 35 percent federal income tax and 1.45 percent Medicare tax.

The amounts shown in the table above do not include payments and benefits to the extent they are provided on a non-discriminatory basis to salaried employees generally upon termination of employment, including accrued salary, vacation pay, regular pension benefits, welfare benefits and 401(k) and nonqualified deferred compensation distributions. As a result, payments under the Severance Pay Plan, described on page 28, which may be payable upon a termination other than in the context of a change in control, are not included in the table. Amounts that would be distributed pursuant to our nonqualified deferred compensation plans are indicated in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table on page 36. Other than as reflected in the table and footnote (3) above, amounts that would be distributed pursuant to our tax-qualified and non-qualified retirement plans are indicated in the Pension Benefits table on page 35.

A termination by an executive within two years after a change in control would generally be for “good reason” if it results from: (i) a significant diminution in the executive’s position or the assignment to the executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with his or her position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities immediately before the change in control; (ii) any material reduction in the executive’s salary, bonus opportunities, benefits or other compensation; (iii) the relocation of the executive’s principal place of business by more than 35 miles from his or her previous principal place of business; or (iv) any termination of the Executive Plan other than by its express terms. Regardless of whether a change in control had occurred, an executive would not be entitled to payments under the Executive Plan if he or she was terminated for cause. A termination of an executive generally would be “for cause” if it was due to: (i) the willful and continued refusal of the executive to substantially perform his or her employment duties following written notification by our Board; or (ii) engagement by the executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is demonstrably injurious to the Company, including an indictment or charge by any prosecuting agency with the commission of a felony.

The Company may condition payment of a portion of an executive’s severance benefits (generally, up to three times base salary) upon his or her agreement to adhere to confidentiality covenants, as well as to refrain from disparaging the Company or its products; competing directly with the Company; inducing clients from reducing or terminating their business with the Company; or inducing certain employees to terminate employment or service with the Company. These covenants would generally remain in effect for the shorter of one year from the executive’s termination or two years following a change in control, except that the confidentiality covenants would remain in effect for the longer of two years from the executive’s termination or three years following a change in control. By accepting the conditioned payments, an executive will be deemed

 

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to have consented to the issuance of a temporary restraining order to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of any equitable proceeding that may be brought by the Company to enforce such covenants.

Unless otherwise indicated, all cash payments would be made by the Company in a lump sum, although the timing of some payments and benefits may be delayed for six months after termination in accordance with Tax Code Section 409A, which regulates deferred compensation. The Company has established two rabbi trusts related to the Executive Plan. One is designed to defray the legal costs incurred by the executives in enforcing their rights under the Executive Plan were the Company not to meet its obligations. The Company has transferred $250,000 per participant to this trust. Were there to be a change in control of Rayonier, the Company would transfer to the second trust an amount sufficient to satisfy the cash payments that would be required to be paid in the event of a qualifying termination of executives covered under the Executive Plan.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

 

The Company uses a combination of cash and stock-based incentive compensation to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the Board. In setting director compensation, the Board considers the significant time commitment and the skills and experience level necessary for directors to fulfill their duties. Our directors are subject to a minimum share ownership requirement similar to the requirement for our executive officers.

Cash Compensation Paid to Non-Management Directors

Non-management director compensation is set by the Board at the recommendation of the Nominating Committee. For the 2011-2012 period, each non-management director receives the following cash compensation (which is prorated for partial year service): (i) an annual cash retainer of $50,000, payable in equal quarterly installments; (ii) an additional annual cash retainer of $10,000 for the Audit and Compensation Committee chairs and $5,000 for the chair of the Nominating Committee, payable in equal quarterly installments; (iii) meeting fees of: (A) $2,000 per Board meeting attended, (B) $2,000 per Audit Committee meeting attended and (C) $1,500 per Committee meeting attended, other than the Audit Committee; (iv) $2,000 for each trip taken at the request of management to one of the Company’s facilities for a business purpose other than a Board or Committee meeting; and (v) $2,000 for any other business trip taken at the request of management. The fee for a director participating by telephone in a non-telephonic meeting of the Board or any Committee is half of the otherwise applicable fee.

Directors may defer up to 100% of their cash compensation. Any deferred amounts are paid to the director in a single lump sum on the later of the date the director becomes 72 or the conclusion of the director’s term, or upon termination as a director, if prior to age 72. Any deferred amounts earn interest at a rate equal to the Prime Rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal and is compounded annually (the “Prime Rate”).

Annual Equity Awards

For the 2011-2012 period, each non-management director received a restricted stock award equivalent to $75,000 based on grant date value (which is prorated for partial year service) vesting on the one year anniversary of the date of grant (May 17, 2012) assuming continued service through the vesting period. Dividends on restricted stock awards accrue in a separate account and are paid upon vesting together with interest equal to the Prime Rate. A comparable 2012-2013 restricted stock award for non-management directors is expected to be made after the Annual Meeting.

Other Fees

Fees for the Lead Director are established by the Board upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee. The current annual cash retainer for the Lead Director is $20,000, payable in equal quarterly installments.

 

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Other Compensation and Benefits

The Directors’ Charitable Award Program, established in 1995 and, discontinued for new directors effective January 1, 2004, allowed directors to nominate up to five organizations to share a total contribution of $1 million from The Rayonier Foundation, a tax-exempt charitable foundation funded by the Company. Mr. Townsend is the only current director who participates in this program. Ten retired directors also participate. The Company has acquired joint life insurance contracts on the lives of eligible participants, the proceeds of which will be adequate to fund the necessary contributions to The Rayonier Foundation, as well as the premium costs of the contracts. Directors receive no financial benefit from this program since the charitable deduction and insurance proceeds accrue solely to the Company.

Director Compensation Table

The following table provides compensation information for the one-year period ended December 31, 2011 for all individuals serving on our Board of Directors at any time during 2011. Note that Messrs. Kirk and Sloane retired effective as of the 2011 Annual Meeting.

 

Name    Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
    Stock
Awards
($) (1)
     All Other
Compensation
($)
    Total ($)  

Boynton, Paul G. (2)

     —          —           —          —     

Brown, II, C. David

     92,000        75,039         3,594 (3)      170,633   

Bush, John E.

     86,000        75,039         3,594 (3)      164,633   

Gaumond, Mark E.

     94,000        75,039         1,351 (3)      170,390   

Kincaid, Richard D.

     99,000        75,039         3,594 (3)      177,633   

Kirk, Jr., Paul G.

     31,000 (4)      —           3,594 (3)      34,594   

Martin, V. Larkin

     95,750        75,039         4,212 (3)      175,001   

Miller, James H.

     24,819        46,987         618 (5)      72,424   

Morgan, Thomas I. (6)

     —          —           —          —     

Oskin, David W.

     84,000        75,039         3,594 (3)      162,633   

Sloane, Carl S.

     24,000        —           41,755 (7)      65,755   

Thomas, Lee M. (2)

     —          —           —          —     

Townsend, Ronald

     101,750 (8)      75,039         43,038 (7)      219,827   

 

(1)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these values may be found in Note 19 “Incentive Stock Plans” included in the notes to financial statements in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. All awards reflect the May 2011 awards of 1,123 shares (1,685 shares as adjusted to reflect the August 2011 stock split) of restricted stock to each director, except Mr. Miller’s award reflects a grant of 1,318 shares of restricted stock granted upon his joining the Board in October 2011.

 

(2)

Messrs. Boynton and Thomas, as executive officers of Rayonier, were not compensated for service as a director. See the Summary Compensation Table on page 31 for compensation information relating to Messrs. Boynton and Thomas during 2011.

 

(3)

Represents accrued dividends and interest on restricted stock awards during 2011 and $498 in spousal travel expenses (which includes a tax gross up of $215) for Mr. Gaumond and $618 in spousal travel expenses (which includes a tax gross-up of $245) for Ms. Martin.

 

(4)

Includes $5,000 in Lead Director fees.

 

(5)

Spousal travel expenses (which includes a tax gross up of $245).

 

(6)

Mr. Morgan was appointed to the Board on January 3, 2012.

 

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(7)

Represents accrued dividends and interest on restricted stock awards during 2011, $1,283 in spousal travel expenses (which includes a tax gross-up of $468) for Mr. Townsend and a $38,161 life insurance premium associated with the Directors’ Charitable Award Program as discussed above under “Other Compensation and Benefits”. For Mr. Kirk, the only other director eligible to participate in the Directors’ Charitable Award Program, policy premiums were paid prior to 2011. Additional policy premiums may be required in the future based on insurance company crediting rates.

 

(8)

Includes $15,000 in Lead Director fees.

SHARE OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

 

 

The following table shows the holdings of persons known to us to beneficially own more than five percent of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

   Amount and Nature
Of Beneficial
Ownership
    Percent of
Class
 

BlackRock, Inc

    40 East 52nd Street

    New York, NY 10022

     11,168,402  (1)      9.17

Invesco Ltd

    1555 Peachtree Street NE

    Atlanta, GA 30309

     7,356,729  (2)      6.00

 

(1)

Holdings and percent of class as of December 31, 2011 as reported to the SEC on Schedule 13G/A on February 9, 2012, indicating sole voting and dispositive power over all shares.

 

(2)

Holdings and percent of class as of December 31, 2011 as reported to the SEC on Schedule 13G on February 14, 2012, indicating sole voting power over 1,889,352 shares and sole dispositive power over 7,356,729 shares.

 

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SHARE OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

 

The following table shows the Common Shares beneficially owned as of March 1, 2012 by each of the Company’s directors, each of the named executive officers and all directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, all Common Shares listed below are owned directly by the named individual:

 

     Beneficial Ownership  
Name of Beneficial Owner  

        (A)

        Common

        Shares

        Owned

   

(B)

Column

(A) as

Percent

of Class

   

(C)

Exercisable

Stock

Options (1)

   

(D)

Sum of

Columns (A)

and (C) as

Percent of
Class

 

Paul G. Boynton

    278,600  (2)      *        127,070        *   

C. David Brown, II

    15,212  (3)      *        -0-        *   

John E. Bush

    7,529  (3)      *        -0-        *   

Mark E. Gaumond

    2,859 (3)      *        -0-        *   

Richard D. Kincaid

    16,799  (3)(4)      *        -0-        *   

V. Larkin Martin

    10,493  (3)      *        -0-        *   

James H. Miller

    1,318  (3)      *        -0-        *   

Thomas I. Morgan

    631  (3)      *        -0-        *   

David W. Oskin

    6,891  (3)      *        -0-        *   

Lee M. Thomas

    359,571  (2)(3)      *        498,630        *   

Ronald Townsend

    15,072  (3)(5)      *        -0-        *   

W. Edwin Frazier, III

    218,240  (2)      *        123,145        *   

Jack M. Kriesel

    26,025  (2)      *        30,135        *   

Hans E. Vanden Noort

    184,588  (2)      *        115,795        *   

Directors and executive officers as a group (16 persons)

    1,371,806  (2)(3)      1.12     1,006,575        1.94

 

*

Less than 1%.

 

(1)

Pursuant to SEC regulations, shares receivable through the exercise of employee stock options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 1, 2012 are deemed to be beneficially owned as of March 1, 2012.

 

(2)

Includes the following share amounts allocated under the Savings Plan to the accounts of: Mr. Thomas, 1,680; Mr. Boynton, 9,922; Mr. Frazier, 792; Mr. Kriesel, 9,184; Mr. Vanden Noort, 6,846; and all directors and executive officers as a group, 42,172.

 

(3)

Includes outstanding unvested restricted stock awards as follows: Ms. Martin and Messrs. Brown, Bush, Gaumond, Kincaid, Oskin and Townsend, 1,685; Mr. Miller, 1,318; Mr. Morgan, 631; Mr. Thomas, 364; and all directors and executive officers as a group, 14,074.

 

(4)

Includes 13,926 shares held by brokers in margin loan accounts whether or not there are loans outstanding.

 

(5)

Includes 13,387 shares pledged as security, including shares held by brokers in margin loan accounts whether or not there are loans outstanding.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Federal securities laws require each director, executive officer and person owning more than ten percent of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares to file with the SEC an initial report of ownership and subsequent reports of changes in ownership of any equity securities of the Company. To our knowledge, based solely on representations by these individuals that no additional reports needed to be filed, all required reports were filed during 2011 on a timely basis by or on behalf of all persons subject to these requirements, except that Mr. Kriesel failed to file reports relating to three discretionary transactions within his Investment and Savings Plan (401(k)) account, all occurring in December 2011. The transactions were fully reported in Mr. Kriesel’s year-end report on Form 5, which was timely filed.

 

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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

 

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2011 regarding all compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance. The number of securities underlying outstanding awards and the weighted average exercise price shown have been adjusted to reflect our June 2003, October 2005 and August 2011 3-for-2 stock splits and our December 2003 special stock dividend.

 

Plan category

   (A)
Number of securities to be issued
upon exercise of  outstanding
options, warrants and rights
    (B)
Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights
     (C)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column
(A))
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     4,270,799 (1)    $ 26.77         2,195,835 (2) 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

     N/A        N/A         N/A   

Total

     4,270,799      $ 26.77         2,195,835   

 

(1)

Consists of 2,346,451 outstanding stock options awarded under the 1994 Incentive Stock Plan and the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan and 1,924,348 performance shares (assuming maximum payout) awarded under the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan. The weighted-average exercise price in column (B) does not take performance shares into account.

 

(2)

Consists of shares available for future issuance under the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

 

Our executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors and hold office for such terms as determined by the Board. The information set forth below includes the current executive officers of the Company who are not also serving as directors.

W. Edwin Frazier, III, 54, Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary—Mr. Frazier joined Rayonier in 1999 as Assistant General Counsel, was promoted to Associate General Counsel in 2000 and elected Corporate Secretary in 2001. He was named Vice President, Governance and Corporate Secretary in 2003, Senior Vice President, Administration and Corporate Secretary in July 2004 and was promoted to his current position in January 2008. Previously, Mr. Frazier was a member of the legal department of Georgia-Pacific Corporation, last serving as Chief Counsel, Corporate. Prior to that, he practiced corporate law with Troutman Sanders in Atlanta. Mr. Frazier holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, a J.D. from Emory University and graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.

Jack M. Kriesel, 57, Senior Vice President, Performance Fibers—Mr. Kriesel joined Rayonier in 1978, was named Vice President & General Manager, Jesup Mill in November 2001, Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Sourcing in May 2004, Vice President, Marketing & Research in November 2006, Vice President, Marketing, Research and Strategic Sourcing in November 2008 and was elected to his current position effective November 2009. Mr. Kriesel graduated from Washington State University and from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.

Charles Margiotta, 59, Senior Vice President, Real Estate—Mr. Margiotta joined Rayonier in 1976, was named Managing Director, Rayonier New Zealand in 1992, Vice President, Forest & Wood Products in 1997,

 

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Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategic Planning in 1998, Senior Vice President, Business Development in May 2005, and was elected to his current position in May 2008. Mr. Margiotta holds a B.B.A. from Pace University and graduated from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.

Hans E. Vanden Noort, 53, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer—Mr. Vanden Noort joined Rayonier as Corporate Controller in 2001, was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer effective August 2005 and was elected to his current position in July 2007. Prior to joining Rayonier, he held a number of senior management positions with Baker Process, a division of Baker Hughes, Inc. (a manufacturer of oilfield service equipment and supplies), most recently as Vice President of Finance and Administration. Prior to that, he was with the public accounting firm of Ernst & Young. Mr. Vanden Noort holds a B.B.A. in accounting from the University of Cincinnati, an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Nancy Lynn Wilson, 47, Senior Vice President, U.S. Forest Resources—Ms. Wilson joined the Company as Vice President, U.S. Forest Resources in August 2010 and was elected to her current position in February 2012. Prior to joining Rayonier, Ms. Wilson served as Vice President, Operations Support of Plum Creek Timber Company (a REIT whose primary business is to grow, harvest and sell timber) beginning in 2009. She previously held various positions with Plum Creek, including General Manager from 2006 to 2009, Senior Resource Manager from 2004 to 2006, Resource Manager from 2001 to 2004, Log Merchandising Superintendent from 1999 to 2001 and other positions beginning in 1992. Ms. Wilson began her forestry career with Scott Paper in 1986. She holds a bachelor’s degree in forest management from the University of Maine and an MBA from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine.

ITEM 2—APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO REMOVE THE BOARD’S CLASSIFIED STRUCTURE

Background

Rayonier’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation currently provide for a classified board structure whereby the Board of Directors is divided into three classes and directors are elected to staggered three-year terms. This classified board structure, whereby roughly one-third of our directors stand for election each year, is designed to provide stability, protect independence, prevent sudden disruptive changes to the Board’s composition, enhance long-term planning and ensure that, at any given time, there are directors serving on the Board who are familiar with our Company, our businesses and our strategic goals and values. At our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a majority of shares outstanding were voted in favor of a shareholder proposal requesting that the Board of Directors take the necessary steps to remove its classified structure and provide for the annual election of all directors. The proposal specifically provided that declassification could be effected through a phased-in approach that would not impact the terms of previously-elected directors. The same proposal was presented at our 2008 Annual Meeting and received the support of the holders of a majority of the votes cast, although less than a majority of shares outstanding.

Management and our Board continue to believe that the classified board structure has helped to provide stability and continuity, as well as valuable protection against inadequate offers for the Company. However, following consideration of the shareholder preference expressed at the 2008 and 2011 Annual Meetings, the Board, upon recommendation of the Nominating Committee, has determined that it is appropriate to propose amendments to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation that would eliminate the classified board structure over a three-year period. Phasing in annual elections of directors over a three-year period will allow directors who are elected prior to the Board’s declassification to complete their terms, helping to ensure a smooth transition to annual elections of all of our directors.

 

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Proposed Amendments to Restated Articles of Incorporation

If this proposal is approved by shareholders, the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation will be amended to provide that, beginning with the 2013 Annual Meeting, all director nominees standing for election would be elected to one-year terms. This would result in a majority of directors standing for annual election at the 2014 Annual Meeting, and full declassification, with all director nominees standing for election each year, implemented at the 2015 Annual Meeting.

The following proposed Article V, Section (a) of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as approved by our Board and now recommended for shareholder approval, eliminates the existing provision providing that our Board be divided into three classes:

V.

(a) The number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors shall be not less than three nor more than twelve, as may be fixed from time to time by resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors. (except that until the annual meeting of Shareholder in 1994 such number shall be three). Provided that at the record date for the annual meeting of Shareholders in 1995 the number of members of the Board of Directors equals or exceeds the number then required under the NCBCA to stagger the terms of directors, the Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as may be possible, to serve respectively until the annual meetings in 1995, 1996 and 1997 in the classes designated by the Shareholder at the 1994 annual meeting, and until their successors shall be elected and shall qualify, and thereafter the successors shall be elected to serve for terms of three years and until their successors shall be elected and shall qualify. However, if at the record date for the annual meeting of Shareholders in 1995 there is not a sufficient number of members of the Board of Directors to permit the terms of the Directors to be staggered under the NCBCA, the terms of all Directors shall expire at the next annual meeting of Shareholders. In the event of any increase or decrease in the number of Directors during the time as there shall be classes of Directors, the additional or eliminated directorships shall be so classified or chosen such that all classes of Directors shall remain or become equal in number, as nearly as may be possible. Beginning at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire at that meeting shall be elected to a term of office to expire at the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders; at the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire at that meeting shall be elected to a term of office to expire at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders; and at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and each annual meeting of shareholders thereafter, all directors shall be elected for terms expiring at the next annual meeting of shareholders and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified.

If approved by shareholders, the proposed amendments to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation will become effective upon filing of a certificate of amendment with the Secretary of State of North Carolina. Such filing would be made as promptly as reasonably practicable following the 2012 Annual Meeting. If the proposed amendments are not approved, the Board of Directors will remain classified.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL TO APPROVE REMOVAL OF OUR BOARD’S CLASSIFIED STRUCTURE.

ITEM 3—PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED COMMON SHARES

 

 

The Board of Directors believes that it is in the Company’s best interest to amend its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of Common Shares that the Company is authorized to issue from

 

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240 million to 480 million shares. Approximately 122 million of the Company’s authorized Common Shares are now outstanding, and an additional 33 million shares are reserved for issuance in connection with the 2007 and 2009 exchangeable note offerings and the Company’s stock-based compensation plans. Since the last increase in authorized Common Shares was approved by the shareholders in 2010, we also declared a three-for-two stock split in August 2011. As a result, 155,095,824 Common Shares were outstanding or reserved for issuance as of March 1, 2012.

While we do not have any current agreements or understandings to issue Common Shares or equity-based incentive awards that in the aggregate would exceed the number of shares currently available, the Company is constrained in its ability to issue Common Shares going forward. For example, absent an increase in authorized Common Shares, the Company will be unable to effect a meaningful stock split or to pay a stock dividend, without the time and expense of a special shareholders’ meeting. More problematic, however, is the limitation on the Company’s ability to issue Common Shares in connection with acquisitions. A major benefit of our REIT status is our ability to more competitively pursue timberland acquisitions, particularly by using Common Shares as all or part of the consideration for such acquisitions. Alternatively, we may wish to finance future acquisitions through equity offerings to raise capital. In either case, the number of authorized Common Shares will have to be increased to allow for such transactions. Of course, the Board would approve the terms of any future issuance of Common Shares.

Under current New York Stock Exchange rules, if this proposal is approved, authorized Common Shares may be issued in a transaction (or series of transactions) without further shareholder action up to an amount equal to 20 percent of the then-outstanding Common Shares, unless such approval is otherwise required by applicable law or regulatory authorities, and subject to certain exceptions. The issuance of Common Shares (other than on a pro-rata basis to all shareholders) would, of course, reduce the proportionate interest in the Company of each shareholder. This could be used to dilute the stock ownership of one or more shareholders seeking to obtain control of the Company and make more difficult or discourage such an attempt to acquire control. However, we have not proposed an increase in the authorized number of Common Shares with the intention of using the additional shares for anti-takeover purposes. We are not proposing any increase in the 15 million Preferred Shares currently authorized.

On February 28, 2012, the Board of Directors unanimously approved resolutions authorizing this proposal for submission to a vote of the shareholders and recommending that shareholders approve the proposal. If this proposal is approved, the first sentence of Article II of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation will be amended to read as follows:

“The Corporation shall have authority to issue 495,000,000 shares, of which 480,000,000 shall be Common Shares, and of which 15,000,000 shares shall be Preferred Shares, with the following powers, preferences and rights, and qualifications, limitations and restrictions:”

If approved by the shareholders, the increase in authorized Common Shares will become effective upon filing of Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of State of North Carolina.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL

TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED COMMON SHARES.

ITEM 4—PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AN INCREASE

IN THE NUMBER OF SHARES AVAILABLE UNDER THE RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

 

 

On March 16, 2012, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan (the “Plan”), for consideration and approval by the shareholders, to increase the number of shares that may be awarded under the Plan. The Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee believe the increase in shares

 

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is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and will enable us to continue to offer our employees and our non-employee directors competitive and efficient equity incentive compensation, and to focus them on providing superior returns to our shareholders.

If approved by shareholders, the total number of shares that may be awarded under the Plan will be increased by 5,800,000 shares from the 1,441,663 shares remaining available under the Plan as of March 16, 2012, to 7,241,663 shares effective May 17, 2012. The available shares exclude shares that have previously been reserved for issuance as awards under outstanding programs under the Plan.

The Plan includes provisions to meet the requirements for deductibility of executive compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, so as to qualify awards of performance shares as “performance-based compensation” with respect to the executives whose compensation is required to be reported in the Company’s Proxy Statement. In addition to the approval of the amendment to increase the shares covered by the Plan, shareholders are being asked under Item 5 of this Proxy Statement to reapprove the material terms of performance-based compensation components of the Plan in accordance with the shareholder voting requirements of Section 162(m).

A description of the Plan, reflecting this proposed amendment, appears under Item 5 below. The full text of the Plan is attached as Appendix A and the description is qualified in its entirety by reference to Appendix A.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SHARES AVAILABLE UNDER THE RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN.

ITEM 5—PROPOSAL TO REAPPROVE THE MATERIAL TERMS OF

PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS UNDER THE RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

 

 

Shareholders are being asked to reapprove the material terms of performance-based awards under the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan (the “Plan”) in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Section 162(m) limits the deductions a publicly-held company can claim for compensation in excess of $1 million in a given year paid to the chief executive officer and the four other most highly-compensated executive officers serving on the last day of the fiscal year (generally referred to as the “covered employees”). “Performance-based” compensation that meets certain requirements is not counted against the $1 million deductibility cap and remains deductible. Shareholder approval of the material terms used in setting performance goals permits qualification of performance-based awards for tax deductibility.

Because the Compensation Committee has the authority to change the targets under the Plan’s performance goals, the regulations under Section 162(m) require that the material terms of the performance goals be disclosed to, and reapproved by, the Company’s shareholders periodically. The material terms include (1) the employees eligible to receive compensation upon attainment of a goal, (2) the business criteria on which the goals may be based, and (3) the maximum amount payable to an employee upon attainment of a goal. The following is a brief description of the Plan, including the material terms of the performance goals, and reflecting the increase in shares proposed under Item 4. The full text of the Plan is attached as Appendix A and the description is qualified in its entirety by reference to Appendix A.

Administration of the Plan

The selection of key employees who may participate in the Plan, and the terms and conditions of each award, are determined by the Compensation Committee, with the exception of awards to the Chief Executive

 

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Officer, which require Board approval. Each member of the Compensation Committee is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m). The Compensation Committee has full power, discretion and authority to interpret, construe and administer the Plan, and all decisions, determinations or actions of the Compensation Committee pursuant to the Plan will be final and binding on all persons for all purposes. The Compensation Committee may delegate its powers as it deems appropriate, but may not delegate responsibility to make awards to executive officers, make awards intended to qualify as performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) or certify the satisfaction of performance objectives for purposes of Section 162(m). The Board itself serves to administer and interpret the Plan with respect to awards made to non-employee directors.

Eligibility

All non-employee directors and salaried employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the Plan. We currently have 10 non-employee Directors and approximately 755 salaried employees.

Types of Awards

The Plan permits the grant of:

 

   

non-qualified and incentive stock options

 

   

stock appreciation rights granted in tandem with stock options

 

   

restricted stock

 

   

performance shares and restricted stock units

 

   

limited stock appreciation rights

Non-employee directors are eligible only for stock options and restricted stock awards.

Shares Covered by the Plan; Limit on Awards

The Plan permits the granting of awards covering 7,241,663 common shares (excluding shares that have been previously reserved for issuance as awards for outstanding programs under the Plan). The Common Shares issued under the Plan may be either authorized but unissued Common Shares or Common Shares purchased on the open market. As of March 2, 2012, there were approximately 122 million Common Shares outstanding, and the closing price per Common Share on March 2, 2012 was $44.34.

Any shares that are reserved for options or performance shares that lapse, expire or are forfeited may be available for subsequent awards to persons other than directors or executive officers of Rayonier. No more than 1,000,000 shares of stock may be cumulatively available for awards of incentive stock options. The number of shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced by 1 share for each option or right granted and by 2.27 shares for each performance share, restricted share or restricted stock unit granted. No single employee may receive options, performance shares, restricted stock or rights in any calendar year for more than four percent (4%) of the total number of shares authorized under the Plan.

Stock Options and Rights

Options granted under the Plan may be either non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options qualifying for special tax treatment under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. The exercise price of any stock option may not be less than the fair market value of the Common Shares on the date of grant. The exercise price is payable in cash, Common Shares previously owned by the optionee or a combination of cash and

 

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Common Shares previously owned by the optionee. Both non-qualified stock options and incentive stock options will generally expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant.

Stock appreciation rights may be granted in tandem with stock options to executive officers and employee directors of the Company. The optionee may elect to exercise a stock appreciation right in lieu of an option. The exercise of a right will entitle the holder to receive cash or Common Shares (or a combination of cash and Common Shares) having a value equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Common Shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the option.

The stock option awards previously made to the named executive officers are set forth in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End Table at page 33.

Performance Shares

Performance shares are rights to receive Common Shares, as determined by the Compensation Committee, on the achievement of certain performance goals over a specified performance period.

The Compensation Committee determines the performance objectives of awards of performance shares. Performance objectives may vary for key employees and groups of key employees and are based on the performance goals that the Compensation Committee deems appropriate. The performance period and goals will be determined by the Compensation Committee prior to or reasonably promptly after the commencement of any performance period, but no later than the earlier of (i) ninety days after the commencement of the performance period or (ii) the day prior to the date on which 25 percent of the performance period has elapsed.

Performance goals may be expressed in terms of the following business criteria:

 

   

net income

 

   

earnings per share

 

   

operating income

 

   

operating cash flow

 

   

cash available for distribution

 

   

earnings before income taxes and depreciation

 

   

earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization

 

   

increases in operating margins

 

   

reductions in operating expenses

 

   

earnings on sales growth

 

   

total stockholder return

 

   

return on equity

 

   

return on total capital

 

   

return on invested capital

 

   

return on assets

 

   

economic value added

 

   

cost reductions and savings

 

   

increase in surplus

 

   

productivity improvements

 

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A performance goal may also be based on an executive’s attainment of personal objectives with respect to the foregoing criteria or other criteria such as growth and profitability, customer satisfaction, leadership effectiveness, business development, negotiating transactions and sales or developing long-term business goals. Performance goals may be measured on a periodic, annual, cumulative or average basis and may be established on a corporate-wide basis or established with respect to one or more operating units.

Following the completion of each performance period, the Compensation Committee will certify in writing as to whether the performance goals and other material terms of the performance award have been achieved or met. Unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise, performance awards will not be settled until the Compensation Committee has made this certification.

The Compensation Committee may reduce or eliminate performance awards for any employee for any reason at any time. To the extent necessary to preserve the intended economic effects of the Plan, the Compensation Committee may also adjust the performance objectives or awards to take into account: (i) a change in corporate capitalization, (ii) a corporate transaction, (iii) a partial or complete liquidation of the Company or a subsidiary, or (iv) a change in accounting or other relevant rules or regulations; provided, however, that no such adjustment may be made if it would cause the awards to fail to qualify as performance-based compensation.

The Compensation Committee may structure the performance awards as restricted stock units or any substantially similar instrument evidencing the right to receive a share of stock at some future date upon the lapse of the applicable restrictions established by the Compensation Committee or upon the satisfaction of any applicable performance goals established by the Compensation Committee under the Plan.

Amendment and Termination of the Plan

The Board may, at any time, amend or terminate the Plan and, specifically, may make such modifications to the Plan as it deems necessary to qualify payments under the Plan as deductible performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). No amendment may, without approval of a majority of the Company’s shareholders:

 

   

alter the group of persons eligible to participate in the Plan;

 

   

increase the number of Common Shares available for awards (except for adjustments made on a recapitalization, reclassification, split-up or consolidation of the Common Shares or a stock dividend, merger or consolidation of the Company or sale by the Company of all or a portion of its assets); or

 

   

decrease the exercise price of an outstanding option or stock appreciation right after the date of grant or permit the surrender of any outstanding option or stock appreciation right at a time when its exercise price exceeds the fair market value of the underlying Common Shares, in exchange for another award, cash or other property or as consideration for the grant of a new option or stock appreciation right with a lower exercise price than the option or stock appreciation right being surrendered (except for adjustments made on a recapitalization, reclassification, split-up or consolidation of the Common Shares or a stock dividend, merger or consolidation of the Company or sale by the Company of all or a portion of its assets).

Special Rights Provided in the Event of a Change in Control

The Plan provides for certain special rights upon the occurrence of a “Change in Control,” as defined in the Plan and as the same may be thereafter amended from time to time prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control. A Change in Control as defined in the Plan includes (i) certain acquisitions of 20 percent or more of the Company’s voting securities; (ii) the approval by Shareholders of the Company and subsequent occurrence of (a) a consolidation or merger in which the Company is not the surviving corporation or (b) the sale or other transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or (iii) a change in the composition of the Board of

 

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Directors of the Company over any period of 24 consecutive months, so that the persons who were members of the Board at the beginning of such period or who were elected on the nomination or recommendation of such persons fail to constitute at least 70 percent of the Board at the end of such period.

Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control:

 

  (1)

All outstanding options and related rights will become immediately exercisable in full and will remain exercisable for cash for a period of 60 calendar days beginning on the date the Change in Control occurs (but no option or right will be exercisable beyond the expiration date of its original term).

 

  (2)

Options and rights will continue to be fully exercisable for a period of seven months following the occurrence of a Change in Control in the case of employees whose employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for other than just cause or who voluntarily terminate their employment because they believe in good faith that as a result of such Change in Control they will be unable to effectively discharge the duties of the position they occupied just prior to the occurrence of such Change in Control.

 

  (3)

Any right or portion thereof (other than a right related to an incentive stock option) may be exercised based on a “formula price” equal to the highest of: (a) the fair market value, or (b) the average composite daily selling prices of the Stock during the performance period beginning on the 30th calendar day prior to the date on which the Right is exercised and ending on the date such Right is exercised, or (c) the highest gross price paid for the Common Shares during the same period of time, as reported in a report on Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or (d) the highest gross price paid or to be paid for a Common Share (whether by way of exchange, conversion, distribution upon merger, liquidation or otherwise) in any of the transactions set forth in the definition of “Change in Control”; provided that, if any of these alternative calculations is not a permitted calculation of “fair market value” under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iv) in the circumstances, it shall not be included.

 

  (4)

Limited stock appreciation rights will be automatically granted as to any option with respect to which rights are not then outstanding. The limited stock appreciation rights will entitle the holder to receive, without payment to the Company (except for applicable withholding taxes), an amount in cash equal to the excess of the formula price described above over the exercise price for the related option. Limited stock appreciation rights granted with respect to incentive stock options will entitle the holder to receive, without payment to the Company (except for applicable withholding taxes), an amount in cash equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Common Shares at the time of exercise over the exercise price of the related incentive stock option. Each limited stock appreciation right will be exercisable only during the period beginning on the first business day following the Change in Control and ending on the 60th calendar day following such date and will be exercisable only to the same extent that the related option is exercisable. Upon the exercise of a limited stock appreciation right, the related option, or portion thereof, will be deemed surrendered and no longer exercisable.

 

  (5)

The restrictions applicable to shares of restricted stock will lapse upon the occurrence of a Change in Control. Employees holding restricted stock on the date of a Change in Control may, within the next succeeding 60 days, tender such restricted stock to Rayonier in exchange for cash in the amount of the formula price described above.

 

  (6)

If a Change in Control occurs during the course of a performance period applicable to an award of performance shares, then the employee will be deemed to have satisfied the performance objectives and settlement of the performance shares will be based on the “formula price” described above.

Tax Consequences of Equity Awards

Non-Qualified Stock Options.    On the exercise of a non-qualified stock option, the optionee will recognize ordinary income for federal income tax purposes on the amount by which the fair market value of the stock on

 

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the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price of the option. The optionee will be taxed on this amount in the year of exercise, and the Company generally will be allowed a deduction in this amount for federal income tax purposes in the same year. When the optionee disposes of shares acquired on the exercise of a non-qualified stock option, any amount received in excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise will be treated as either a long- or short-term capital gain to the optionee, depending on the holding period of the shares. If the amount received is less than the market value of the shares on the date of exercise, the loss will be treated as either a long- or short-term capital loss, depending on the holding period of the shares.

Incentive Stock Options.    On the exercise of an incentive stock option, no ordinary income will be recognized by the optionee, although the spread between the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the option is an item of tax preference for purposes of the calculation of the optionee’s alternative minimum tax. If the optionee holds the shares for over one year after the date of exercise and two years from the date of grant, then on the sale of the shares (i) the excess of the sale proceeds over the aggregate exercise price of the option will be long-term capital gain to the optionee, and (ii) the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction under such circumstances. Generally if the optionee sells or otherwise disposes of the shares within one year after the date of exercise, the excess of the fair market value of such shares at the time of exercise over the aggregate exercise price (but generally not more than the amount of gain realized on the disposition) will be ordinary income to the optionee at the time of such disposition. This is sometimes referred to as a “disqualifying disposition.” The Company generally will be entitled to a federal tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee upon a disqualifying disposition.

Other Equity Based Awards.    With respect to other awards granted under the Plan that result in a transfer to the participant of shares that are restricted as to transferability or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the participant generally must recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of shares actually received. Except as discussed below, the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction for the same amount. With respect to awards involving shares that are restricted as to transferability and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the participant generally must recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares at the earliest time the shares become transferable or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. The Company generally will be entitled to a deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the participant.

The value of awards under the Plan that are conditioned upon achievement of performance goals are intended to qualify as “performance-based” compensation that is not subject to the $1 million cap on deductibility under Section 162(m), and is intended to be deductible by the Company provided the other requirements for deductibility under Section 162(m) are satisfied.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR

THIS PROPOSAL TO REAPPROVE THE MATERIAL TERMS OF PERFORMANCE-BASED

AWARDS UNDER THE RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN.

ITEM 6—ADVISORY VOTE ON “SAY ON PAY”

 

 

In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), and the rules of the SEC, we are providing our shareholders with an advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis, beginning with the Executive Summary on pages 18, 19 and 20, and in the tables and other narrative disclosure in this Proxy Statement.

As described in detail in such disclosures, our executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate and retain the highest quality leaders, and to focus them on the creation of long-term shareholder value. In 2011, our shareholders enjoyed an over 32% total return, as we grew earnings significantly, allowing an

 

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increase in our regular dividend. Our compensation programs provide a substantial majority of the named executive officers’ compensation in the form of “at risk” performance-based incentives, consisting primarily of long-term stock-based awards. We believe this properly aligns the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders, and with the long-term interests of the Company.

This proposal provides shareholders with the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our compensation arrangements for named executive officers through the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s Shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (which disclosure includes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the executive compensation tables and any related material).”

While this vote is not binding on our Board of Directors, the Board values the opinions of our shareholders and will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL TO

APPROVE, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE

OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

 

Management has primary responsibility for the Company’s financial statements and its reporting process, including the Company’s internal control system. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the Company’s financial statements and expressing an opinion as to the conformity of such statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as well as auditing the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

The Audit Committee’s role is to assist the Board of Directors in oversight of the Company’s financial reporting process, including annual audits and quarterly reviews of its financial statement filings and audits of internal control over financial reporting. The Committee has sole responsibility for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Committee is currently composed of six directors, all of whom have been determined by the Board of Directors to be “independent” and “financially literate” as defined under applicable securities laws and rules of the NYSE, and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy of the Audit Committee charter can be found on the Company’s website at www.rayonier.com. The Committee held nine meetings during 2011.

The Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 2011 with management and with Deloitte & Touche, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2011. In addition, the Committee has held discussions with Deloitte & Touche covering the matters required by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees). The Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte & Touche required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB for independent auditor communications with audit committees concerning independence, and has held discussions with Deloitte & Touche regarding their independence.

The Committee discussed with the Company’s chief internal audit executive, and with Deloitte & Touche representatives, the overall scope and plans for their respective audits, and met with each of them to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the adequacy of the Company’s internal control over financial

 

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reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting. Separate private meetings without management present were also held with the Company’s chief internal audit executive and with representatives of Deloitte & Touche at five meetings of the Committee in 2011. The Committee also held five regularly scheduled private meetings with the Company Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is responsible for handling concerns and inquiries regarding compliance matters, including any submissions regarding the Company’s accounting, internal controls and auditing, as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

In reliance on the Committee’s reviews and discussions with management, and the independent registered public accounting firm as discussed above, the Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the audited financial statements of the Company in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This report is furnished by the members of the Audit Committee.

 

Richard D. Kincaid Chair

   V. Larkin Martin

John E. Bush

   James H. Miller

Mark E. Gaumond

   Ronald Townsend

Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Board has evaluated whether at least one Audit Committee member meets the qualifications to serve as an “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with SEC rules. Based on its evaluation, the Board has determined that Richard D. Kincaid is independent of management and qualifies as an audit committee financial expert.

Information Regarding Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte & Touche has served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm since 2002 and shareholders have ratified their appointment each year since 2007. However, this year the Audit Committee has not yet appointed an independent registered public accounting firm as it has elected to initiate a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 2012 audit, which will not be concluded prior to the Annual Meeting. Once the RFP process has concluded, the Audit Committee will appoint the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2012. Going forward, we expect the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to be presented to the shareholders for ratification at each Annual Meeting. The Audit Committee has the discretion to appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee believes that such a change would be in the best interest of the Company and our shareholders.

Representatives of Deloitte & Touche will attend the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Deloitte & Touche billed the Company the following fees for services performed in fiscal 2011 and 2010:

 

     2011      2010  

Audit fees

   $ 1,102,915       $ 1,077,940   

Audit-related fees

     7,150         7,150   

Tax fees

     350,095         338,920   

All other fees

     3,080         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,463,240       $ 1,424,010   

Audit fees include amounts for the audits of the annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, quarterly reviews of Forms 10-Q, statutory audits, accounting research and consents for SEC filings.

 

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Audit-related services include services such as internal control reviews and transaction-related fees.

Tax fees include income tax services other than those directly related to audit of the tax accrual.

The independent registered public accountants are prohibited by Company policy from providing professional services to Company executives for personal income tax return preparation or for financial or estate tax planning.

All fiscal 2011 services provided by the independent registered public accountant were pre-approved in accordance with the Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures set forth on the attached Appendix B.

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

Annual Report

A copy of our Annual Report, which includes the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K (without exhibits), is available on the Internet at www.proxyvote.com as set forth in the Internet Notice.

We will send a copy of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K to any shareholder without charge upon written request addressed to:

Rayonier Inc.

Shareholder Relations

1301 Riverplace Boulevard

Suite 2300

Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA

(904) 357-9100

Delivery of Materials to Shareholders Sharing an Address

In addition to furnishing proxy materials over the Internet, the Company takes advantage of the SEC’s “householding” rules to reduce the delivery cost of materials. Under such rules, only one Internet Notice or, if paper copies are requested, only one Proxy Statement and Annual Report is delivered to multiple shareholders sharing an address unless the Company has received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders. If a shareholder sharing an address wishes to receive a separate Internet Notice or copy of the proxy materials, that shareholder may do so by contacting Broadridge Householding Department via telephone at 1-800-542-1061 or via mail addressed to Broadridge Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. Any shareholder making such request will promptly receive a separate copy of the proxy materials, and separate copies of all future proxy materials. Any shareholder currently sharing an address with another shareholder, but nonetheless receiving separate copies of the materials, may request delivery of a single copy in the future by contacting Broadridge Householding Department by telephone or mail as indicated above.

 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOGO

 

W. EDWIN FRAZIER, III

Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer     and Corporate Secretary

 

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APPENDIX A

RAYONIER INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN

 

1.

Purpose

The purpose of the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan is to attract and retain highly qualified employees and directors and to motivate and reward performance that will lead to sustained increases in shareholder value. The Plan furthers opportunities for share ownership by our employees in order to increase their proprietary interest in Rayonier and, as a result, their interest in our long-term success and their commitment to creating shareholder value.

 

2.

Definitions

When used herein, the following terms shall have the indicated meaning:

“Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

“Award” means an award granted to any Key Employee in accordance with the provisions of the Plan in the form of Options, Rights, Performance Shares, Restricted Stock or any combination of the foregoing.

“Award Agreement” means the written agreement or document, including electronic communication, evidencing each Award granted to a Key Employee under the Plan.

“Beneficiary” means the estate of a Key Employee or such other beneficiary or beneficiaries lawfully designated pursuant to Section 10 to receive the amount, if any, payable under the Plan upon the death of a Key Employee.

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Change in Control” has the meaning set forth in Section 9(g).

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now in effect or as hereafter amended. (All citations to sections of the Code are to such sections as they may from time to time be amended or renumbered.)

“Committee” means the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board or such other committee as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan.

“Company” means Rayonier Inc. and its successors and assigns.

“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 17.

“Fair Market Value”, unless otherwise indicated in the provisions of this Plan, means, as of any date, the closing price for one share of Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the most recently completed trading day or, if no sales of Stock have taken place on such date, the closing price on the most recent date on which selling prices were quoted, the determination to be made in the discretion of the Committee.

“GAAP” means U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

“Incentive Stock Option” means a stock option qualified under Section 422 of the Code.

“Key Employee” means an employee (including any officer or director who is also an employee) of any Participating Company whose responsibilities and decisions, in the judgment of the Committee, directly affect the performance of the Company and its subsidiaries. References to the term “Key Employees” shall be read to include “Non-employee Directors” in the application of Sections 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 through 16 of the Plan as the context may require in relationship to Awards to Non-employee Directors hereunder. Except as otherwise may be determined by the Board, a Non-employee Director’s ceasing to be a director of the Company shall be treated in the same manner as a voluntary termination of employment by a Key Employee on such date.

 

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“Limited Stock Appreciation Right” means a stock appreciation right that shall become exercisable automatically upon the occurrence of a Change in Control as described in Section 9 of the Plan.

“Non-employee Director” means a member of the Board who is not otherwise an employee of the Company.

“Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a non-qualified stock option awarded under Section 5 of the Plan.

“Original Plans” means the 2004 Rayonier Incentive Stock and Management Bonus Plan, as subsequently amended and restated prior to the Effective Date.

“Participating Company” means the Company or any subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company; provided, however, for Incentive Stock Options only, “Participating Company” means the Company or any corporation that at the time such Option is granted qualifies as a “subsidiary” of the Company under Section 424(f) of the Code.

“Performance Goals” means or may be expressed in terms of any, but not limited to, of the following business criteria: (i) net income, (ii) earnings per share, (iii) operating income, (iv) operating cash flow, (v) cash available for distribution, (vi) earnings before income taxes and depreciation, (vii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, (viii) operating margins (ix) reductions in operating expenses, (x) sales or return on sales, (xi) total stockholder return (xii) return on equity, (xiii) return on total capital, (xiv) return on invested capital, (xv) return on assets, (xvi) economic value added, (xvii) cost reductions and savings, (xviii) increase in surplus, (xix) productivity improvements, and (xx) an executive’s attainment of personal objectives with respect to any of the foregoing criteria or other criteria such as growth and profitability, customer satisfaction, leadership effectiveness, business development, negotiating transactions and sales or developing long term business goals. A Performance Goal may be measured over a Performance Period on a periodic, annual, cumulative or average basis and may be established on a corporate-wide basis or established with respect to one or more operating units, divisions, subsidiaries, acquired businesses, minority investments, partnerships or joint ventures. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Performance Goals will be determined using GAAP consistently applied during a Performance Period by no later than the earlier of the date that is ninety days after the commencement of the Performance Period or the day prior to the date on which twenty-five percent of the Performance Period has elapsed.

“Performance Objective” means the level or levels of performance required to be attained with respect to specified Performance Goals in order that a Key Employee shall become entitled to specified rights in connection with a Performance Share. The level or levels of performance specified with respect to a Performance Goal may be established in absolute terms, as objectives relative to performance in prior periods, as an objective compared to the performance of one or more peer companies or an index covering multiple companies, or otherwise as the Committee may determine.

“Performance Period” means the calendar year, or such other shorter or longer period designated by the Committee, during which performance will be measured in order to determine a Key Employee’s entitlement to receive payment of a Performance Share.

“Performance Share” means a performance share awarded under Section 6 of the Plan.

“Plan” means this Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan, which amends and restates the Original Plans, as the same may be further amended, administered or interpreted from time to time.

“Plan Year” means the calendar year.

“Retirement” means an employee’s separation from service having met the age and service requirements that would have resulted in the employee’s being eligible to receive immediate retirement benefits under a Participating Company qualified defined benefit pension plan, but without regard to whether or not such employee participates in such pension plan.

 

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“Restricted Stock” means Stock awarded under Section 7 of the Plan subject to such restrictions as the Committee deems appropriate or desirable. ”Restricted Stock Unit” has the meaning set forth in Section 6 of the Plan.

“Retirement Plan” means the Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rayonier Inc., as amended effective July 18, 1997, and as the same may be thereafter amended from time to time prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control.

“Right” means a stock appreciation right awarded in connection with an option under Section 5 of the Plan.

“Share Limit” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.

“Shareholder Approval” shall mean approval of holders of a majority of the shares of Stock represented and voting in person or by proxy at an annual or special meeting of shareholders of the Company where a quorum is present.

“Stock” means the common shares of the Company.

“Total Disability” means the complete and permanent inability of a Key Employee to perform all of his or her duties under the terms of his or her employment with any Participating Company, as determined by the Committee upon the basis of such evidence, including independent medical reports and data, as the Committee deems appropriate or necessary.

“Voting Securities” means any securities of the Company that vote generally in the election of directors.

 

3.

Shares Subject to the Plan

(a) From and after the Effective Date, the total number of shares of Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards under the Plan shall not exceed 7,241,663, together with any shares of Stock reserved for issuance as Awards under Original Plans programs outstanding on the Effective Date. The shares of Stock may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired shares of Stock. Subject to Section 3(b), the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced by: (i) 1 share for each share of stock issued pursuant to an Option or a Right granted under Section 5, and (ii) 2.27 shares for each share of Stock issued pursuant to a Performance Share, Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit granted under Section 6 and Section 7, respectively. Shares may be issued in connection with a merger or acquisition as permitted by NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.08, and such issuance shall not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan. No more than 1,000,000 shares of Stock may be cumulatively available for Awards of Incentive Stock Options under the Plan. For any Plan Year, no individual employee may receive an Award of Options, Performance Shares, Restricted Stock or Rights for more than four percent (4%) of the total number of shares authorized under the Plan (with respect to any Key Employee, his or her “Share Limit”). The number of shares available in each category hereunder shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13 in connection with a Stock split, Stock dividend, or other extraordinary transaction affecting the Stock.

(b) Subject to the above limitations, shares of Stock to be issued under the Plan may be made available from the authorized but unissued shares, or from shares purchased in the open market. For the purpose of computing the total number of shares of Stock available for future Awards under the Plan, shares of Stock shall be reserved for issuance under outstanding Performance Shares programs at the maximum award level and counted against the foregoing limitations. If any Awards under the Plan are forfeited, terminated, expire unexercised, are settled in cash in lieu of Stock, are exchanged for other Awards or are released from a reserve for failure to meet the maximum payout under a program, the shares of Stock that were theretofore subject to or reserved for such Awards shall again be available for Awards under the Plan to the extent of such forfeiture, expiration of such Awards or so released from a reserve. To the extent there is issued a share of Common Stock pursuant to a Stock Award that counted as 2.27 shares against the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a) and such share of Common Stock again becomes available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to this Section 3(b), then the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall

 

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increase by 2.27 shares. Any shares that are exchanged (either actually or constructively) by optionees as full or partial payment to the Company of the purchase price of shares being acquired through the exercise of a stock option granted under the Plan will not be available for subsequent Awards. If any shares subject to a Stock Award are not delivered to a Participant because such shares are withheld for the payment of taxes or the Stock Award is exercised through a reduction of shares subject to the Stock Award (i.e., “net exercised”) or an appreciation distribution in respect of a Right is paid in shares of Common Stock, the number of shares subject to the Stock Award that are not delivered to the Participant shall not remain available for subsequent issuance under the Plan. If the exercise price of any Stock Award is satisfied by tendering shares of Common Stock held by the Participant (either by actual delivery or attestation), then the number of shares so tendered shall not remain available for issuance under the Plan.

 

4.

Grant of Awards and Award Agreements

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall (i) determine and designate from time to time those Key Employees or groups of Key Employees to whom Awards are to be granted; (ii) determine the form or forms of Award to be granted to any Key Employee; (iii) determine the amount or number of shares of Stock subject to each Award, and (iv) determine the terms and conditions of each Award.

(b) The Board shall serve to administer and interpret the Plan with respect to any grants of Awards made to Non-employee Directors. Non-employee Directors shall only be eligible for Stock Options pursuant to Section 5 and/or Restricted Stock under Section 7. Non-employee Directors shall not be entitled to receive any Rights. Any such Awards, and all duties, powers and authority given to the Committee in this Plan, including those provided for in this Section 4, in Section 11 and elsewhere in the Plan, in connection with Awards to Participants shall be deemed to be given to the Board in its sole discretion in connection with Awards to Non-employee Directors. The Board may request of the Committee, its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or of any other Board committee comprised of independent directors, its recommendation on the level of Awards for this purpose. Except as may be specifically provided by the Board at the time of grant or in the applicable Award Agreement, the provisions of Sections 9, 14 and 15 shall not apply in respect of Awards made to Non-employee Directors.

(c) Each Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement. Such agreement shall be subject to and incorporate the express terms and conditions, if any, required under the Plan or required by the Committee, including such covenants and agreements with respect to the subject matter of Sections 14 and 15 as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion.

 

5.

Stock Options and Rights

(a) With respect to Options and Rights, the Committee shall (i) authorize the granting of Incentive Stock Options, nonqualified stock options, or any combination thereof; (ii) authorize the granting of Rights that may be granted in connection with all or part of any Option granted under this Plan, either concurrently with the grant of the Option or at any time thereafter during the term of the Option; (iii) determine the number of shares of Stock subject to each Option or the number of shares of Stock that shall be used to determine the value of a Right; and (iv) determine the time or times when and the manner in which each Option or Right shall be exercisable and the duration of the exercise period.

(b) Any Option issued hereunder that is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option shall be subject to such limitations or requirements as may be necessary for the purposes of Section 422 of the Code or any regulations and rulings thereunder to the extent and in such form as determined by the Committee in its discretion.

(c) Rights may be granted to any Key Employee or director, in the discretion of the Committee.

 

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(d) The exercise period for Options and any related Rights shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant.

(e) The Option price per share shall be determined by the Committee at the time any Option is granted and shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the date the Option is granted.

(f) No part of any Option or Right may be exercised until the Key Employee who has been granted the Award shall have remained in the employ of a Participating Company for such period after the date of grant as the Committee may specify, if any, and the Committee may further require exercisability in installments; provided, however, the period during which a Right is exercisable shall commence no earlier than six months following the date the Option or Right is granted.

(g) The Option purchase price shall be paid to the Company at the time of exercise either in cash or Stock already owned by the optionee, or any combination thereof, having a total Fair Market Value equal to the purchase price. The Committee shall determine acceptable methods for tendering Stock as payment upon exercise of an Option and may impose such limitations and prohibitions on the use of Stock to exercise an Option as it deems appropriate.

(h) Unless Section 9 shall provide otherwise, Rights granted to a director or officer shall terminate when such person ceases to be considered a director or officer of the Company subject to Section 16 of the Act.

(i) In case of termination of employment, the following provisions shall apply:

(A) If a Key Employee who has been granted an Option shall die before such Option has expired, his or her vested Options may be exercised in full by the person or persons to whom the Key Employee’s rights under the Option pass by will, or if no such person has such right, by his or her executors or administrators, at any time, or from time to time, in each such case, such heir, executor or administrator may exercise the Option within five years after the date of the Key Employee’s death or within such other period, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, but in all events not later than the expiration date specified in Section 5(d) above. Unless the Committee or the Award Agreement shall specify otherwise, unvested Options shall be forfeited as of the date of the Key Employee’s death.

(B) If the Key Employee’s employment by any Participating Company terminates because of his or her Retirement or Total Disability, he or she may exercise his or her Options in full at any time, or from time to time, within five years after the date of the termination of his or her employment or within such other period, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, but not later than the expiration date specified in Section 5(d) above. Any such Options not fully exercisable immediately prior to such optionee’s Retirement shall become fully exercisable upon such Retirement unless the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall otherwise determine.

(C) Except as provided in Section 9, if the Key Employee shall voluntarily resign before eligibility for Retirement or he or she is terminated for cause as determined by the Committee, the Options shall be cancelled coincident with the effective date of the termination of employment.

(D) If the Key Employee’s employment terminates for any other reason, he or she may exercise his or her Options, to the extent that he or she shall have been entitled to do so at the date of the termination of his or her employment, at any time, or from time to time, within three months after the date of the termination of his or her employment or within such other period, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, but not later than the expiration date specified in Section 5(d) above.

(j) No Option or Right granted under the Plan shall be transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During the lifetime of the optionee, an Option or Right shall be exercisable only by the Key Employee to whom the Option or Right is granted.

(k) With respect to an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee shall specify such terms and provisions as the Committee may determine to be necessary or desirable in order to qualify such Option as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

 

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(l) With respect to the exercisability and settlement of Rights:

(A) Upon exercise of a Right, the Key Employee shall be entitled, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify, to receive upon exercise thereof all or a portion of the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of a specified number of shares of Stock at the time of exercise, as determined by the Committee, over (ii) a specified amount that shall not, subject to Section 5(e), be less than the Fair Market Value of such specified number of shares of Stock at the time the Right is granted. Upon exercise of a Right, payment of such excess shall be made in cash, the issuance or transfer to the Key Employee of whole shares of Stock with a Fair Market Value at such time equal to any excess, or any combination thereof, all as determined by the Committee. The Company will not issue a fractional share of Stock and, if a fractional share would otherwise be issuable, the Company shall pay cash equal to the Fair Market Value of the fractional share of Stock at such time.

(B) In the event of the exercise of such Right, the Company’s obligation in respect of any related Option or such portion thereof will be discharged by payment of the Right so exercised.

 

6.

Performance Shares

(a) Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall (i) determine and designate from time to time those Key Employees or groups of Key Employees to whom Awards of Performance Shares are to be made, (ii) determine the Performance Period and Performance Objectives applicable to such Awards, (iii) determine the form of settlement of a Performance Share and (iv) generally determine the terms and conditions of each such Award. At any date, each Performance Share shall have a value equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock at such date; provided that the Committee may limit the aggregate amount payable upon the settlement of any Award.

(b) The Committee shall determine a Performance Period of not less than two nor more than five years with respect to the award of Performance Shares. Performance Periods may overlap and Key Employees may participate simultaneously with respect to Performance Shares for which different Performance Periods are prescribed.

(c) The Committee shall determine the Performance Objectives of Awards of Performance Shares. Performance Objectives may vary from Key Employee to Key Employee and between groups of Key Employees and shall be based upon such Performance Goals as the Committee may deem appropriate. The Performance Objective shall be established by the Committee prior to, or reasonably promptly following the inception of, a Performance Period but, to the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, by no later than the earlier of the date that is ninety days after the commencement of the Performance Period or the day prior to the date on which twenty-five percent of the Performance Period has elapsed.

(d) Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Committee shall certify in writing, in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent applicable, whether the Performance Objective and other material terms for paying amounts in respect of each Performance Share Award related to that Performance Period have been achieved or met. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, Performance Share Awards shall not be settled until the Committee has made the certification specified under this Section 6(d).

(e) The Committee is authorized at any time during or after a Performance Period to reduce or eliminate the Performance Share Award of any Key Employee for any reason, including, without limitation, changes in the position or duties of any Key Employee with the Participating Company during or after a Performance Period, whether due to any termination of employment (including death, disability, retirement, voluntary termination or termination with or without cause) or otherwise. In addition, to the extent necessary to preserve the intended economic effects of the Plan to the Participating Company and the Key Employee, the Committee shall adjust Performance Objectives, the Performance Share Awards or both to take into account: (i) a change in corporate

 

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capitalization, (ii) a corporate transaction, such as any merger of the Company or any subsidiary into another corporation, any consolidation of the Company or any subsidiary into another corporation, any separation of the Company or any subsidiary (including a spin-off or the distribution of stock or property of the Company or any subsidiary), any reorganization of the Company or any subsidiary or a large, special and non-recurring dividend paid or distributed by the Company (whether or not such reorganization comes within the definition of Section 368 of the Code), (iii) any partial or complete liquidation of the Company or any subsidiary or (iv) a change in accounting or other relevant rules or regulations (any adjustment pursuant to this Clause (iv) shall be subject to the timing requirements of the last sentence of the definition of Performance Goal set forth in Section 2 of the Plan); provided, however, that no adjustment hereunder shall be authorized or made if and to the extent that the Committee determines that such authority or the making of such adjustment would cause the Performance Bonus Awards to fail to qualify as “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to a particular Key Employee.

(f) At the beginning of a Performance Period, the Committee shall determine for each Key Employee or group of Key Employees the number of Performance Shares or the percentage of Performance Shares that shall be paid to the Key Employee or member of the group of Key Employees if Performance Objectives are met in whole or in part.

(g) If a Key Employee terminates service with all Participating Companies during a Performance Period because of death, Total Disability, Retirement, or under other circumstances where the Committee in its sole discretion finds that a waiver would be in the best interests of the Company, that Key Employee may, as determined by the Committee, be entitled to an Award of Performance Shares at the end of the Performance Period based upon the extent to which the Performance Objectives were satisfied at the end of such period, which Award, in the discretion of the Committee, may be maintained without change or reduced and prorated for the portion of the Performance Period during which the Key Employee was employed by any Participating Company; provided, however, the Committee may provide for an earlier payment in settlement of such Performance Shares in such amount and under such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate or desirable, but only to the extent consistent with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent applicable in respect of such Key Employee. If a Key Employee terminates service with all Participating Companies during a Performance Period for any other reason, then such Key Employee shall not be entitled to any Award with respect to that Performance Period unless the Committee shall otherwise determine.

(h) Each Award of a Performance Share shall be paid in whole shares of Stock, with payment to commence as soon as practicable after the end of the relevant Performance Period but no earlier than following the determination made in Section 6(d) hereof. To the extent provided at the beginning of a Performance Period and in the applicable Award Agreement, the Award may be individual dividends deemed invested in additional shares of stock. Subject to the terms of the applicable program, the Award may also be paid in shares of Stock or Restricted Stock.

(i) A Key Employee shall not be granted Performance Shares for all of the Performance Periods commencing in the same calendar year that permit the Key Employee to earn Stock covering more than the Share Limit in respect of such Key Employee. In addition, separate and apart from the limit in the previous sentence, with respect to Performance Share Awards to be settled in cash, a Key Employee shall not be granted Performance Share Awards for all of the Performance Periods commencing in a calendar year that permit the Key Employee in the aggregate to earn a cash payment in excess of the Fair Market Value of the Share Limit as of the first day of the first Performance Period commencing in such calendar year.

(j) Performance Share Awards may be structured in the form of Restricted Stock Units or any substantially similar instrument evidencing the right to receive a share of Stock at some future date upon the lapse of the applicable restrictions established by the Committee or upon the satisfaction of any applicable Performance Goals established by the Committee hereunder. To the extent provided for by the Committee, the rules of Section 7 shall apply to Restricted Stock Units.

 

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7.

Restricted Stock

(a) Restricted Stock shall be subject to a restriction period (after which restrictions will lapse), which shall mean a period commencing on the date the Award is granted and ending on such date as the Committee shall determine (the “Restriction Period”). The Committee may provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments where deemed appropriate.

(b) Except when the Committee determines otherwise pursuant to Section 7(d), if a Key Employee terminates employment with all Participating Companies for any reason before the expiration of the Restriction Period, all shares of Restricted Stock still subject to restriction shall be forfeited by the Key Employee and shall be reacquired by the Company.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7, no shares of Restricted Stock received by a Key Employee shall be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of during the Restriction Period.

(d) In cases of death, Total Disability or Retirement or in cases of special circumstances, the Committee may, in its sole discretion when it finds that a waiver would be in the best interests of the Company, elect to waive any or all remaining restrictions with respect to such Key Employee’s Restricted Stock.

(e) The Committee may require, under such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate or desirable, that the certificates for Stock delivered under the Plan may be held in custody by a bank or other institution, or that the Company may itself hold such shares in custody until the Restriction Period expires or until restrictions thereon otherwise lapse, and may require, as a condition of any Award of Restricted Stock that the Key Employee shall have delivered a stock power endorsed in blank relating to the Restricted Stock.

(f) Nothing in this Section 7 shall preclude a Key Employee from exchanging any shares of Restricted Stock subject to the restrictions contained herein for any other shares of Stock that are similarly restricted.

(g) Subject to Section 7(e) and Section 8, each Key Employee entitled to receive Restricted Stock under the Plan shall be issued a certificate for the shares of Stock. Such certificate shall be registered in the name of the Key Employee, and shall bear an appropriate legend reciting the terms, conditions and restrictions, if any, applicable to such Award and shall be subject to appropriate stop-transfer orders.

 

8.

Certificates for Awards of Stock

(a) The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates for shares of Stock prior to (i) the listing of such shares on any stock exchange on which the Stock may then be listed and (ii) the completion of any registration or qualification of such shares under any federal or state law, or any ruling or regulation of any government body that the Company shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.

(b) All certificates for shares of Stock delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Stock is then listed and any applicable federal or state securities laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be placed on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. The foregoing provisions of this Section 8(b) shall not be effective if and to the extent that the shares of Stock delivered under the Plan are covered by an effective and current registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, or if and so long as the Committee determines that application of such provisions is no longer required or desirable. In making such determination, the Committee may rely upon an opinion of counsel for the Company. The rules applicable to certificates hereunder shall apply equally to noncertificated shares of Stock held pursuant to any electronic, book entry or other means or record of ownership and transfer.

 

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(c) Except for the restrictions on Restricted Stock under Section 7, each Key Employee who receives Stock in settlement of an Award of Stock, shall have all of the rights of a shareholder with respect to such shares, including the right to vote the shares and receive dividends and other distributions. No Key Employee awarded an Option, a Right or Performance Share shall have any right as a shareholder with respect to any shares covered by his or her Option, Right or Performance Share prior to the date of issuance to him or her of a certificate or certificates for such shares.

 

9.

Change in Control

Notwithstanding any provisions in this Plan to the contrary:

(a) Each outstanding Option granted under the Plan shall become immediately exercisable in full for the aggregate number of shares covered thereby and all related Rights shall also become exercisable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and shall continue to be exercisable in full for cash for a period of 60 calendar days beginning on the date that such Change in Control occurs and ending on the 60th calendar day following that date; provided, however, that no Option or Right shall be exercisable beyond the expiration date of its original term.

(b) Options and Rights shall not terminate and shall continue to be fully exercisable for a period of seven months following the occurrence of a Change in Control in the case of an employee who is terminated other than for just cause or who voluntarily terminates his or her employment because he or she in good faith believes that as a result of such Change in Control he or she is unable effectively to discharge the duties of the position he or she occupied just prior to the occurrence of such Change in Control. For purposes of Section 9 only, termination shall be for “just cause” only if such termination is based on fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement on the part of the employee that results in a final conviction of a felony. Under no circumstances, however, shall any Option or Right be exercised beyond the expiration date of its original term.

(c) Any Right or portion thereof may be exercised for cash within the 60-calendar-day period following the occurrence of a Change in Control with settlement, except in the case of a Right related to an Incentive Stock Option, based on the “Formula Price” that shall mean the highest of (A) the Fair Market Value, or (B) the average composite daily selling prices of the Stock during the period beginning on the 30th calendar day prior to the date on which the Right is exercised and ending on the date such Right is exercised, or (C) the highest gross price paid for the Stock during the same period of time, as reported in a report on Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or (D) the highest gross price paid or to be paid for a share of Stock (whether by way of exchange, conversion, distribution upon merger, liquidation or otherwise) in any of the transactions set forth in the definition of “Change in Control” in subsection (g) below; provided that, if any of these alternative calculations is not a permitted calculation of “fair market value” under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iv) in the circumstances, it shall not be included.

(d) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, Limited Stock Appreciation Rights shall automatically be granted as to any Option with respect to which Rights are not then outstanding; provided, however, that Limited Stock Appreciation Rights shall be provided at the time of grant of any Incentive Stock Option subject to exercisability upon the occurrence of a Change in Control. Limited Stock Appreciation Rights shall entitle the holder thereof, upon exercise of such rights and surrender of the related Option or any portion thereof, to receive, without payment to the Company (except for applicable withholding taxes), an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any, of the Formula Price as that term is defined in Section 9 over the exercise price of the Stock as provided in such Option; provided that in the case of the exercise of any such Limited Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof related to an Incentive Stock Option, the Fair Market Value of the Stock at the time of such exercise shall be substituted for the Formula Price. Each such Limited Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable only during the period beginning on the first business day following the occurrence of such Change in Control and ending on the 60th calendar day following such date and only to the same extent the related Option is exercisable. Upon exercise of a Limited Stock Appreciation Right and surrender of the related Option, or portion thereof, such Option, to the extent surrendered, shall not thereafter be exercisable.

 

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(e) The restrictions applicable to Awards of Restricted Stock issued pursuant to Section 7 shall lapse upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and the Company shall issue stock certificates without a restrictive legend. Key Employees holding Restricted Stock on the date of a Change in Control may tender such Restricted Stock to the Company that shall pay the Formula Price as that term is defined in Section 9; provided, such Restricted Stock must be tendered to the Company within 60 calendar days of the Change in Control.

(f) Subject to any change or interpretation of the Committee under Section 16(f), if a Change in Control occurs during the course of a Performance Period applicable to an Award of Performance Shares pursuant to Section 6, then the Key Employee shall be deemed to have satisfied the Performance Objectives and settlement of such Performance Shares shall be based on the Formula Price, as defined in this Section 9.

(g) For purposes of this Plan, “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:

 

(i)

subject to the conditions contained in the final paragraph of this definition, the filing of a report on Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) disclosing that any person, other than the Company or any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company, is the beneficial owner (as the term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act) directly or indirectly, of securities representing 20 percent or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities (calculated as provided in paragraph (d) of Rule 13d-3 under the Act in the case of rights to acquire Voting Securities); or

 

(ii)

the purchase by any person, other than the Company or any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company, of shares pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer to acquire any Voting Securities of the Company (or securities convertible into such Voting Securities) for cash, securities, or any other consideration, provided that after consummation of the offer, the person in question is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities representing 20 percent or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities (all as calculated under clause (i)); or

 

(iii)

the approval by the shareholders of the Company, and the subsequent occurrence, of (A) any consolidation or merger of the Company in which the Company is not the continuing or surviving corporation (other than a merger of the Company in which holders of Common Shares of the Company immediately prior to the merger have the same proportionate ownership of Common Shares of the surviving corporation immediately after the merger as immediately before), or pursuant to which Common Shares of the Company would be converted into cash, securities, or other property, or (B) any sale, lease, exchange, or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all the assets of the Company; or

 

(iv)

a change in the composition of the Board of the Company at any time during any consecutive 24-month period such that “continuing directors” cease for any reason to constitute at least a 70 percent majority of the Board.

For purposes of this definition of “Change in Control,” the term “Voting Securities” means any securities of the Company that vote generally in the election of members of the Board and the term “continuing directors” means those members of the Board who either were directors at the beginning of a consecutive 24-month period or were elected during such period by or on the nomination or recommendation of at least a 70 percent majority of the then-existing Board. So long as there has not been a Change in Control within the meaning of clause (iv) above, the Board may adopt by a 70 percent majority vote of the “continuing directors” a resolution to the effect that the occurrence of an event described in clause (i) (a “Clause (i) Event”) does not constitute a “Change in Control” (an “Excluding Resolution”) or a resolution to the effect that the occurrence of a Clause (i) Event does constitute a “Change in Control” (an” Including Resolution”). The adoption of an Excluding Resolution with respect to any Clause (i) Event shall not deprive the Board of the right to adopt an Including Resolution with respect to such Clause (i) Event at a later date. A Clause (i) Event shall not in and of itself constitute a “Change in Control” until the earlier of (x) the effective date of an Including Resolution with respect thereto or (y) the passage of a period of 30 calendar days after the occurrence thereof without an Excluding Resolution having been adopted with

 

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respect thereto; notwithstanding the adoption of an Excluding Resolution within the 30-day period referred to in (y), an Including Resolution may subsequently be adopted with respect to the relevant Clause (i) Event while it continues to exist, in which event a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this definition upon the effective date of such Including Resolution. The provisions of this paragraph of the definition of “Change in Control” relate only to situations where a Clause (i) Event has occurred and no Change in Control within the meaning of clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) of the preceding paragraph has occurred, and nothing in this paragraph shall derogate from the principle that the occurrence of an event described in clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) of the preceding paragraph shall be deemed an immediate Change in Control regardless of whether or not a Clause (i) Event has occurred and an Excluding Resolution or Including Resolution become effective.

 

10.

Beneficiary

The Beneficiary of a Key Employee shall be the Key Employee’s estate, which shall be entitled to receive the Award, if any, payable under the Plan upon his or her death. A Key Employee may file with the Company a written designation of one or more persons as a Beneficiary in lieu of his or her estate, who shall be entitled to receive the Award, if any, payable under the Plan upon his or her death, subject to the enforceability of the designation under applicable law at that time. A Key Employee may from time-to-time revoke or change his or her Beneficiary designation, with or without the consent of any prior Beneficiary as required by applicable law, by filing a new designation with the Company. Subject to the foregoing, the last such designation received by the Company shall be controlling; provided, however, that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Company prior to the Key Employee’s death, and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to such receipt. If the Committee is in doubt as to the right of any person to receive such Award, the Company may retain such Award, without liability for any interest thereon, until the Committee determines the rights thereto, or the Company may pay such Award into any court of appropriate jurisdiction and such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Company therefore.

 

11.

Administration of the Plan

(a) Each member of the Committee shall be both a member of the Board, a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3)(i) under the Act or successor rule or regulation and an “outside director “ within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

(b) All decisions, determinations or actions of the Committee made or taken pursuant to grants of authority under the Plan shall be made or taken in the sole discretion of the Committee and shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons for all purposes.

(c) The Committee shall have full power, discretion and authority to interpret, construe and administer the Plan and any part thereof, and its interpretations and constructions thereof and actions taken thereunder shall be, except as otherwise determined by the Board, final, conclusive and binding on all persons for all purposes.

(d) The Committee’s decisions and determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Key Employees, whether or not such Key Employees are similarly situated.

(e) The Committee may, in its sole discretion, delegate such of its powers as it deems appropriate; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its responsibility (i) to make Awards to executive officers of the Company; (ii) to make Awards that are intended to constitute “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code; or (iii) to certify the satisfaction of Performance Objectives pursuant to Section 6(d) or in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee may also appoint agents to assist in the day-to-day administration of the Plan and may delegate the authority to execute documents under the Plan to one or more members of the Committee or to one or more officers of the Company.

(f) If a Change in Control has not occurred and if the Committee determines that a Key Employee has taken action inimical to the best interests of any Participating Company, the Committee may, in its sole discretion,

 

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terminate in whole or in part such portion of any Option (including any related Right) as has not yet become exercisable at the time of termination, terminate any Performance Share Award for which the Performance Period has not been completed or terminate any Award of Restricted Stock for which the Restriction Period has not lapsed.

 

12.

Amendment, Extension or Termination

The Board may, at any time, amend or terminate the Plan and, specifically, may make such modifications to the Plan as it deems necessary to avoid the application of Section 162(m) of the Code and the Treasury regulations issued thereunder. However, no amendment shall, without approval by a majority of the Company’s stockholders, (a) alter the group of persons eligible to participate in the Plan, (b) except as provided in Section 13 increase the maximum number of shares of Stock that are available for Awards under the Plan, or (c) except for adjustments pursuant to Section 13 or as otherwise provided for in the Plan, decrease the Option price for any outstanding Option or Right after the date the Option or Right is granted, or cancel or accept the surrender of any outstanding Option or Right at a time when its exercise price exceeds the fair market value of the underlying Stock, in exchange for another Award, cash or other property or the grant of a new Option or Right with a lower price than the Option or Right being surrendered. If a Change in Control has occurred, no amendment or termination shall impair the rights of any person with respect to a prior Award.

 

13.

Adjustments in Event of Change in Common Stock

In the event of any recapitalization, reclassification, split-up or consolidation of shares of Stock or stock dividend, merger or consolidation of the Company or sale by the Company of all or a portion of its assets, the Committee may make such adjustments in the Stock subject to Awards, including Stock subject to purchase by an Option, or the terms, conditions or restrictions on Stock or Awards, including the price payable upon the exercise of such Option, as the Committee deems equitable. With respect to Awards intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, such adjustments shall be made only to the extent that the Committee determines that such adjustments may be made without a loss of deductibility for such Awards under Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

14.

Forfeiture of Gains on Exercise

Except following a Change in Control, if the Key Employee terminates employment in breach of any covenants and conditions subsequent set forth in Section 15 and becomes employed by a competitor of the Company within one year after the date of exercise of any Option or the receipt of any Award, the Key Employee shall pay to the Company an amount equal to any gain from the exercise of the Option or the value of the Award other than Options, in each case measured by the amount reported as taxable compensation to the Key Employee by the Company for federal income tax purposes and in the case of Options that are incentive stock options, in an amount equal to the amount that would have been reported as taxable income were such Options not incentive stock options, and in each case without regard to any subsequent fluctuation in the market price of the shares of common stock of the Company. Any such amount due hereunder shall be paid by the Key Employee within thirty days of becoming employed by a competitor. By accepting an Option or other Award hereunder, the Key Employee is authorizing the Company to withhold, to the extent permitted by law, the amount owed to the Company hereunder from any amounts that the Company may owe to the Key Employee in any capacity whatsoever.

 

15.

Conditions Subsequent

Except after a Change in Control, the exercise of any Option or Right and the receipt of any Award shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions subsequent: (i) that Key Employee refrain from engaging in any activity that in the opinion of the Committee is competitive with any activity of the Company or any Subsidiary, excluding any activity undertaken upon the written approval or request of the Company, (ii) that Key

 

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Employee refrain from otherwise acting in a manner inimical or in any way contrary to the best interests of the Company, and (iii) that the Key Employee furnish the Company such information with respect to the satisfaction of the foregoing conditions subsequent as the Committee shall reasonably request. In addition, except as may otherwise be excused by action of the Committee, the Key Employee by the exercise of the Option or the receipt of the Award agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, unless earlier terminated by the Company or by the Key Employee by reason of his or her death, disability or retirement.

 

16.

Miscellaneous

(a) Except as provided in Section 9, nothing in this Plan or any Award granted hereunder shall confer upon any employee any right to continue in the employ of any Participating Company or interfere in any way with the right of any Participating Company to terminate his or her employment at any time. No Award payable under the Plan shall be deemed salary or compensation for the purpose of computing benefits under any employee benefit plan or other arrangement of any Participating Company for the benefit of its employees unless the Company shall determine otherwise. No Key Employee shall have any claim to an Award until it is actually granted under the Plan. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company under this Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company. All payments to be made hereunder shall be paid from the general funds of the Company and no special or separate fund shall be established and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure payment of such amounts except as provided in Section 7(e) with respect to Restricted Stock.

(b) The Committee may cause to be made, as a condition precedent to the payment of any Award, or otherwise, appropriate arrangements with the Key Employee or his or her Beneficiary, for the withholding of any federal, state, local or foreign taxes.

(c) The Plan and the grant of Awards shall be subject to all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations and to such approvals by any government or regulatory agency as may be required.

(d) The terms of the Plan shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.

(e) Captions preceding the sections hereof are inserted solely as a matter of convenience and in no way define or limit the scope or intent of any provision hereof.

(f) To the extent Awards issued under the Plan are intended to be exempt from the application of Section 162(m) of the Code, which restricts under certain circumstances the Federal income tax deduction for compensation paid by a public company to named executives in excess of $1 million per year, the Committee may, without stockholder approval, amend the Plan retroactively or prospectively to the extent it determines necessary in order to comply with any subsequent clarification of Section 162(m) of the Code required to preserve the Company’s Federal income tax deduction for compensation paid pursuant to the Plan.

(g) To the extent applicable, the Plan is intended to be compliant with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and the Plan and Award Agreements shall be interpreted and administered accordingly, though no guarantee or warranty of such compliance is made to any individual.

 

17.

Effective Date, Term of Plan and Shareholder Approval

This Plan, which amends and restates the Original Plans, shall become effective upon Shareholder Approval on May 17, 2012 (the “Effective Date”). The Plan will continue in effect for existing Awards as long as any such Award is outstanding. Unless the Company determines otherwise, Section 6 of the Plan and the definition of “Performance Goal” shall be submitted to the Company’s stockholders for Shareholder Approval at the first stockholder meeting that occurs in the fifth year following the year in which the Plan was last approved by stockholders (or any earlier meeting designated by the Board), or at such other time as may be required by Section 162(m) of the Code, and in accordance with the requirements thereof.

 

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APPENDIX B

Rayonier Audit Committee

Policies and Procedures

Pre-approval of Services Provided by the Independent Auditor

To ensure the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) approves all services to be provided by the Company’s independent auditors and maintains appropriate oversight, the following policies and procedures have been established.

Policies and Procedures

1. The Committee will approve the fees for the annual audit of the Company’s financial statements and reviews of quarterly financial statements.

2. The Committee will also approve at one of its regularly scheduled meetings an annual plan of all permissible services to be provided by the independent auditors as well as unanticipated projects that arise.

3. When the timing of the services does not allow for pre-approval in regularly scheduled Committee meetings, the Chairman of the Committee (or another member of the Committee so designated) may approve any audit or allowable non-audit services provided that such approved services are reported to the full Committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Approval must be received prior to commencement of the service, unless the service is one of the specific services listed below (see No. 4) that is permitted to be performed on a pre-approval basis.

4. The following audit-related services are pre-approved as they become required and need commencement before notifying the Chairman:

a. Required audits of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company,

b. Consent letters,

c. Audits of statutory financial statements in countries where audited financial statements must be filed with government bodies,

d. Annual audits of the Company’s defined benefit and savings plans,

e. Agreed-upon procedures or other special report engagements performed in connection with requirements under debt agreements or environmental laws, and

f. Subscription services for technical accounting resources and updates.

This pre-approval (prior to notifying the Committee) is for audit services or allowable audit-related services engagements for which fees are less than $10,000.

Any services performed in these pre-approved services categories that were not anticipated will be reported to the Committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting after commencement of the services. The requirements, scope and objectives of the service as well as estimated fees and timing will be reported to the Committee.

Any other services, such as for tax services unrelated to the audit, will require the explicit approval of the Chairman or the Committee prior to engaging the independent auditor.

 

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LOGO    VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com

RAYONIER INC.

ATTN: W. Edwin Frazier, III

1301 Riverplace Blvd.

Suite 2300

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207

   Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time the day before the meeting date or the cut off date. Have your proxy/voting instruction card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
   ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
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   VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
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   VOTE BY MAIL
   Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

 

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
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   DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

 

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

 

                   
                   

 

   The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following:
   1.   Election of Directors   For   Against   Abstain        
   1   Richard D. Kincaid   ¨   ¨   ¨        
   2   V. Larkin Martin   ¨   ¨   ¨     For   Against   Abstain
   3   James H. Miller   ¨   ¨   ¨  

5   Reapproval of the material terms of performance-based awards under the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan

  ¨   ¨   ¨
   4   Thomas I. Morgan   ¨   ¨   ¨        
   5   Ronald Townsend   ¨   ¨   ¨  

6   Approval, in a non-binding vote, of the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement

  ¨   ¨   ¨
   The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 through 6.   For   Against   Abstain  

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   2   Approval, of an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to remove the board’s classified structure  

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

  NOTE: Properly executed proxies will be voted on such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.      
  

 

3

 

 

Approval of an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized common shares

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 
  

 

4

 

 

Approval of an amendment to the Rayonier Incentive Stock Plan to increase the number of shares available under the Plan

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 
  

 

Please sign your name where indicated below, including any joint owners. If signing as an attorney, executor, administrator or other fiduciary, please give your full title. If signing as an entity, please have an authorized signatory sign in full corporate or partnership name.

     

 

                           
                           
     Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]    Date         Signature (Joint Owners)   Date  


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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Annual Report, Notice & Proxy Statement is/are available at www.proxyvote.com.

 

 

   
   RAYONIER INC.    
   PROXY/VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD    
  

This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of

Rayonier Inc. for the Annual Meeting on May 17, 2012

   
   
  

By signing this card, I (we) hereby (i) authorize PAUL G. BOYNTON, W. EDWIN FRAZIER, III, and MICHAEL R. HERMAN, or any of them, each with full power to appoint his substitute, to vote as Proxy for me (us), and (ii) direct Reliance Trust Company, Trustee under the Rayonier Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees, the Rayonier Inc. Savings Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Hourly Employees at Certain Locations, the Rayonier-Jesup Mill Savings Plan for Hourly Employees and the Rayonier Inc.-Fernandina Mill Savings Plan for Hourly Employees, to vote in person or by proxy all shares of Common Stock of Rayonier Inc. allocated to any accounts of the undersigned under such Plans, and which the undersigned is entitled to vote, in each case, on all matters which properly come before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Rayonier to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, or at any adjournment thereof, the number of shares which I (we) would be entitled to vote if personally present. The proxies shall vote subject to the directions indicated on the reverse side of this card and proxies are authorized to vote in their discretion upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or at any adjournment thereof.

   
   

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The shares represented by this proxy when properly executed by the Shareholder(s) will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted “FOR” all nominees and “FOR” proposals 2 through 6. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named in this proxy will vote in their discretion.

   
  

 

YOU MAY VOTE BY INTERNET OR PHONE BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE REVERSE SIDE. IF YOU CHOOSE TO VOTE BY MAIL, PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE

 

(Continued, and to be signed and dated, on reverse side.)