10. Equity

Simon’s Board of Directors is authorized to reclassify excess common stock into one or more additional classes and series of capital stock, to establish the number of shares in each class or series and to fix the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, and qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of such class or series, without any further vote or action by the stockholders. The issuance of additional classes or series of capital stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us without further action of the stockholders. The ability to issue additional classes or series of capital stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring, a majority of Simon’s outstanding voting stock.

Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, other than for the election of directors. The holders of Simon’s Class B common stock have the right to elect up to four members of Simon’s Board of Directors. All 8,000 outstanding shares of the Class B common stock are subject to two voting trusts as to which Herbert Simon and David Simon are the trustees. Shares of Class B common stock convert automatically into an equal number of shares of common stock upon the occurrence of certain events and can be converted into shares of common stock at the option of the holders.

Common Stock and Unit Issuances and Repurchases

In 2016, Simon issued 5,020,919 shares of common stock to fourteen limited partners of the Operating Partnership in exchange for an equal number of units pursuant to the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership. These transactions increased Simon’s ownership interest in the Operating Partnership.

On April 2, 2015, Simon’s Board of Directors authorized Simon to repurchase up to $2.0 billion of common stock over a twenty-four month period as market conditions warrant, and on February 13, 2017, Simon’s Board of Directors authorized a two-year extension of the program to March 31, 2019. Simon may repurchase the shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. During the year ended December 31, 2016, Simon repurchased 1,409,197 shares at an average price of $181.14 per share as part of this program. During the year ended December 31, 2015, Simon repurchased 1,903,340 shares at an average price of $180.19 per share as part of this program. As Simon repurchases shares under this program, the Operating Partnership repurchases an equal number of units from Simon.

Temporary Equity

Simon

We classify as temporary equity those securities for which there is the possibility that we could be required to redeem the security for cash irrespective of the probability of such a possibility. As a result, we classify one series of preferred units in the Operating Partnership and noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties in temporary equity. Each of these securities is discussed further below.

Limited Partners’ Preferred Interest in the Operating Partnership and Noncontrolling Redeemable Interests in Properties. The redemption features of the preferred units in the Operating Partnership contain provisions which could require us to settle the redemption in cash. As a result, this series of preferred units in the Operating Partnership remains classified outside permanent equity.

The remaining interests in a property or portfolio of properties which are redeemable at the option of the holder or in circumstances that may be outside our control, are accounted for as temporary equity. The carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest is adjusted to the redemption amount assuming the instrument is redeemable at the balance sheet date. Changes in the redemption value of the underlying noncontrolling interest are recorded within accumulated deficit. There are no noncontrolling interests redeemable at amounts in excess of fair value as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The following table summarizes the preferred units in the Operating Partnership and the amount of the noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties as of December 31.


	2016		2015

7.50% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units, 260,000 units authorized, 255,373 issued and outstanding	$	25,537	$	25,537
Other noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties		112,225		—
Limited partners’ preferred interest in the Operating Partnership and noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties	$	137,762	$	25,537

7.50% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units. This series of preferred units accrues cumulative quarterly distributions at a rate of $7.50 annually. The preferred units are redeemable by the Operating Partnership upon the death of the survivor of the original holders, or the transfer of any preferred units to any person or entity other than the persons or entities entitled to the benefits of the original holder. The redemption price is the liquidation value ($100.00 per preferred unit) plus accrued and unpaid distributions, payable either in cash or fully registered shares of common stock at our election. In the event of the death of a holder of the preferred units, the occurrence of certain tax triggering events applicable to the holder, or on or after November 10, 2006, the holder may require the Operating Partnership to redeem the preferred units at the same redemption price payable at the option of the Operating Partnership in either cash or shares of common stock. These preferred units have a carrying value of $25.5 million and are included in limited partners’ preferred interest in the Operating Partnership in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

The Operating Partnership

We classify as temporary equity those securities for which there is the possibility that we could be required to redeem the security for cash, irrespective of the probability of such a possibility. As a result, we classify one series of preferred units and noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties in temporary equity. Each of these securities is discussed further below.

Noncontrolling Redeemable Interests in Properties Redeemable instruments, which typically represent the remaining interest in a property or portfolio of properties, and which are redeemable at the option of the holder or in circumstances that may be outside our control, are accounted for as temporary equity. The carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest is adjusted to the redemption amount assuming the instrument is redeemable at the balance sheet date. Changes in the redemption value of the underlying noncontrolling interest are recorded within equity. There are no noncontrolling interests redeemable at amounts in excess of fair value as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The following table summarizes the preferred units and the amount of the noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties as of December 31.


	2016		2015

7.50% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units, 260,000 units authorized, 255,373 issued and outstanding	$	25,537	$	25,537
Other noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties		112,225		—
Total preferred units, at liquidation value, and noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties	$	137,762	$	25,537

7.50% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units The 7.50% preferred units accrue cumulative quarterly distributions at a rate of $7.50 annually. We may redeem the preferred units upon the death of the survivor of the original holders, or the transfer of any preferred units to any person or entity other than the persons or entities entitled to the benefits of the original holder. The redemption price is the liquidation value ($100.00 per preferred unit) plus accrued and unpaid distributions, payable either in cash or fully registered shares of common stock of Simon at our election. In the event of the death of a holder of the 7.5% preferred units, the occurrence of certain tax triggering events applicable to the holder, or on or after November 10, 2006, the holder may require the Operating Partnership to redeem the preferred units at the same redemption price payable at the Operating Partnership’s option in either cash or fully registered shares of common stock of Simon. These preferred units have a carrying value of $25.5 million and are included in preferred units, at liquidation value in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Permanent Equity

Simon

Preferred Stock. Dividends on all series of preferred stock are calculated based upon the preferred stock’s preferred return multiplied by the preferred stock’s corresponding liquidation value. The Operating Partnership pays preferred distributions to Simon equal to the dividends Simon pays on the preferred stock issued.

Series J 83/₈% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. Dividends accrue quarterly at an annual rate of 83/₈% per share. Simon can redeem this series, in whole or in part, on or after October 15, 2027 at a redemption price of $50.00 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. This preferred stock was issued at a premium of $7.5 million. The unamortized premium included in the carrying value of the preferred stock at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $3.6 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

The Operating Partnership

Series J 83/₈% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units. Distributions accrue quarterly at an annual rate of 83/₈% per unit on the Series J 83/₈% preferred units, or Series J preferred units. Simon owns all of the Series J preferred units which have the same economic rights and preferences of an outstanding series of Simon preferred stock. The Operating Partnership can redeem this series, in whole or in part, when Simon can redeem the related preferred stock, on and after October 15, 2027 at a redemption price of $50.00 per unit, plus accumulated and unpaid distributions. The Series J preferred units were issued at a premium of $7.5 million. The unamortized premium included in the carrying value of the preferred units at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $3.6 million and $3.9 million, respectively. There are 1,000,000 Series J preferred units authorized and 796,948 issued and outstanding.

Other Equity Activity

Notes Receivable from Former CPI Stockholders. Notes receivable of $14.8 million from stockholders of an entity we acquired in 1998 are reflected as a deduction from capital in excess of par value in the Simon consolidated statements of equity and as a deduction from general partner’s equity in the Operating Partnership consolidated statements of equity in the accompanying financial statements. The notes do not bear interest and become due at the time the underlying shares are sold.

The Simon Property Group 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended. This plan, or the 1998 plan, provides for the grant of equity‑based awards with respect to the equity of Simon in the form of options to purchase shares, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock grants and performance‑based unit awards. Options may be granted which are qualified as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and options which are not so qualified. An aggregate of 16,300,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 1998 plan. Additionally, the partnership agreement requires Simon to purchase units for cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of such shares.

Administration. The 1998 plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of Simon’s Board of Directors, or the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee determines which eligible individuals may participate and the type, extent and terms of the awards to be granted to them. In addition, the Compensation Committee interprets the 1998 plan and makes all other determinations deemed advisable for its administration. Options granted to employees become exercisable over the period determined by the Compensation Committee. The exercise price of an employee option may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. Employee options generally vest over a three‑year period and expire ten years from the date of grant.

Awards and Compensation for Eligible Directors. Directors who are not also our employees or employees of our affiliates are eligible to receive awards under the 1998 plan. Each independent director receives an annual cash retainer of $100,000, and an annual restricted stock award with a grant date value of $150,000. Committee chairs receive annual retainers for the Company’s Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Governance Committees of $35,000, $35,000 and $25,000, respectively. Directors receive fixed annual retainers for service on the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committees, of $15,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively. The Lead Director receives an annual retainer of $50,000. These retainers are paid 50% in cash and 50% in restricted stock.

Restricted stock awards vest in full after one year. Once vested, the delivery of the shares of restricted stock (including reinvested dividends) is deferred under our Director Deferred Compensation Plan until the director retires, dies or becomes disabled or otherwise no longer serves as a director. The directors may vote and are entitled to receive dividends on the underlying shares; however, any dividends on the shares of restricted stock must be reinvested in shares of common stock and held in the Director Deferred Compensation Plan until the shares of restricted stock are delivered to the former director.

Stock Based Compensation

Awards under our stock based compensation plans primarily take the form of LTIP units and restricted stock grants. Restricted stock and awards under the LTIP programs are all performance-based and are based on various individual, corporate and business unit performance measures as further described below. The expense related to these programs, net of amounts capitalized, is included within home and regional office costs and general and administrative costs in the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive income.

LTIP Programs. Every year since 2010, the Compensation Committee has approved long‑term, performance-based incentive compensation programs, or the LTIP programs, for certain senior executive officers. Awards under the LTIP programs take the form of LTIP units, a form of limited partnership interest issued by the Operating Partnership, and will be considered earned if, and only to the extent to which, applicable total shareholder return, or TSR, performance measures are achieved during the performance period. Once earned, LTIP units are subject to a two year vesting period. One-half of the earned LTIP units will vest on January 1 of each of the second and third years following the end of the applicable performance period, subject to the participant maintaining employment with us through those dates and certain other conditions as described in those agreements. Awarded LTIP units not earned are forfeited. Earned and fully vested LTIP units are the equivalent of units. During the performance period, participants are entitled to receive distributions on the LTIP units awarded to them equal to 10% of the regular quarterly distributions paid on a unit of the Operating Partnership. As a result, we account for these LTIP units as participating securities under the two‑class method of computing earnings per share.

From 2010 to 2016, the Compensation Committee approved LTIP unit grants as shown in the table below. Grant date fair values of the LTIP units are estimated using a Monte Carlo model, and the resulting expense is recorded regardless of whether the TSR performance measures are achieved if the required service is delivered. The grant date fair values are being amortized into expense over the period from the grant date to the date at which the awards, if any, would become vested. The extent to which LTIP units were earned, and the aggregate grant date fair values adjusted for estimated forfeitures, are as follows:


LTIP Program	LTIP Units Earned	Grant Date Fair Value
2010 LTIP program
1-year 2010 LTIP program	133,673	1-year program — $7.2 million
2-year 2010 LTIP program	337,006	2-year program — $14.8 million
3-year 2010 LTIP program	489,654	3-year program — $23.0 million
2011-2013 LTIP program	469,848	$35.0 million
2012-2014 LTIP program	401,203	$35.0 million
2013-2015 LTIP program	482,779	$29.5 million
2014-2016 LTIP program	To be determined in 2017	$30.0 million
2015-2017 LTIP program	To be determined in 2018	$27.4 million
2016-2018 LTIP program	To be determined in 2019	$28.8 million

We recorded compensation expense, net of capitalization, related to these LTIP programs of approximately $31.0 million, $24.9 million, and $27.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Restricted Stock. The 1998 plan also provides for shares of restricted stock to be granted to certain employees at no cost to those employees, subject to achievement of individual performance and certain financial and return‑based performance measures established by the Compensation Committee related to the most recent year’s performance. Once granted, the shares of restricted stock then vest annually over a three‑year or a four‑year period (as defined in the award). The cost of restricted stock grants, which is based upon the stock’s fair market value on the grant date, is recognized as expense ratably over the vesting period. Through December 31, 2016 a total of 5,658,007 shares of restricted stock, net of forfeitures, have been awarded under the 1998 plan. Information regarding restricted stock awards is summarized in the following table for each of the years presented:


	For the Year Ended
	December 31,
	2016		2015		2014
Shares of restricted stock awarded during the year, net of forfeitures		63,324		63,738		83,509
Weighted average fair value of shares granted during the year	$	209.16	$	197.17	$	166.36
Amortization expense	$	12,024	$	13,692	$	18,256

We recorded compensation expense, net of capitalization, related to restricted stock for employees and non-employee directors of approximately $9.1 million, $9.4 million, and $12.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Other Compensation Arrangements. On July 6, 2011, in connection with the execution of an employment agreement, the Compensation Committee granted David Simon, Simon’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a retention award in the form of 1,000,000 LTIP units, or the Award, for his continued service as Simon’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer through July 5, 2019. Effective December 31, 2013, the Award was modified, or the Current Award, and as a result the LTIP units will now become earned and eligible to vest based on the attainment of Company‑based performance goals, in addition to the service‑based vesting requirement included in the original Award. If the relevant performance criteria are not achieved, all or a portion of the Current Award will be forfeited. The Current Award does not contain an opportunity for Mr. Simon to receive additional LTIP units above and beyond the original Award should our performance exceed the higher end of the performance criteria. The performance criteria of the Current Award are based on the attainment of specific funds from operations, or FFO, per share. If the performance criteria have been met, a maximum of 360,000 LTIP units, or the A units, 360,000 LTIP units, or the B units, and 280,000 LTIP units, or the C units, may become earned on December 31, 2015, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Based on the Company’s performance in 2015, 360,000 A units were earned. Based on the Company’s performance in 2016, 360,000 B units were earned. The earned A units will vest on January 1, 2018, earned B units will vest on January 1, 2019 and earned C units will vest on June 30, 2019, subject to Mr. Simon’s continued employment through such applicable date. The grant date fair value of the retention award of $120.3 million is being recognized as expense over the eight‑year term of his employment agreement on a straight‑line basis based through the applicable vesting periods of the A units, B units and C units.

Since 2001, we have not granted any options to officers, directors or employees, except for a series of reload options we assumed as part of a prior business combination. As of December 31, 2014, there were no remaining options outstanding.

We also maintain a tax‑qualified retirement 401(k) savings plan and offer no other post‑retirement or post‑employment benefits to our employees.

Exchange Rights

Simon

Limited partners in the Operating Partnership have the right to exchange all or any portion of their units for shares of common stock on a one‑for‑one basis or cash, as determined by Simon’s Board of Directors. The amount of cash to be paid if the exchange right is exercised and the cash option is selected will be based on the trading price of Simon’s common stock at that time. At December 31, 2016, Simon had reserved 50,775,934 shares of common stock for possible issuance upon the exchange of units, stock options and Class B common stock.

The Operating Partnership

Limited partners have the right under the partnership agreement to exchange all or any portion of their units for shares of Simon common stock on a one-for-one basis or cash, as determined by Simon in its sole discretion. If Simon selects cash, Simon cannot cause the Operating Partnership to redeem the exchanged units for cash without contributing cash to the Operating Partnership as partners’ equity sufficient to effect the redemption. If sufficient cash is not contributed, Simon will be deemed to have elected to exchange the units for shares of Simon common stock. The amount of cash to be paid if the exchange right is exercised and the cash option is selected will be based on the trading price of Simon’s common stock at that time. The number of shares of Simon’s common stock issued pursuant to the exercise of the exchange right will be the same as the number of units exchanged.