Definitive Proxy Statement
Table of Contents

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

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-11(c) or §240.14a-12

     

 

WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY

(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:

  

 
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  ¨    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.

 

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Notes:


Table of Contents

 

NOTICE OF THE 2009

ANNUAL MEETING

AND THE 2009

PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

    WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY    

 

 

 

LOGO


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LOGO

DEAR SHAREHOLDER:

I am pleased to invite you to attend your company’s annual meeting of shareholders at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, April 16, 2009, at the Corporate Headquarters Building, 33663 Weyerhaeuser Way South, Federal Way, Washington. A map and directions to the building are on the back cover.

A notice of the annual meeting and the proxy statement follow. Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting in person, I urge you to vote your shares by phone, via the internet or by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card promptly.

Sincerely,

LOGO

Steven R. Rogel

Chairman of the Board


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Notice of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders

   1

Proxy and Voting Information

  

2

Voting Information

   2

Information About the Meeting

   3

Item 1Election of Directors

  

4

Nominees for Election — Term Expires in 2012

   4

Nominee for Election — Term Expires in 2011

   5

Continuing Directors — Term Expires in 2010

   5

Continuing Directors — Term Expires in 2011

   6

Board of Directors and Committee Information

  

7

Consideration of Director Nominees

   8

Shareholder Communications

   10

Annual Meeting Attendance

   10

Directors’ Compensation

   10

Beneficial Ownership of Common Shares

  

13

Directors and Executive Officers

   13

Owners of More Than 5%

   14

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

  

14

Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A)

  

14

Executive Summary

   14

Overview

   14

Compensation Philosophy and Principles

   15

Determination of Compensation

   15

Named Executive Officers

   18

Compensation Components

   18

Supplementary Compensation Policies

   24

Other Factors Affecting Compensation

   24

Compensation Committee

  

26

Compensation Committee Report

  

27

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

  

27

Audit Committee Report

  

27

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

  

28

Code of Ethics

  

29

Summary Compensation Table

  

30

Grants of Plan-Based Award

  

33

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

  

36

Option Exercises

  

38

Pension Benefits

  

38

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

  

41

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

  

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Item  2Shareholder Proposal on the Chairman Position

  

48

Item 3Shareholder Proposal to Adopt Simple Majority Vote

  

49

Item  4Proposal to Approve, on an Advisory Basis, the Appointment of Auditors

  

50

Shareholder Rights Plan Policy

  

51

Confidential Voting Policy

  

51

Relationships with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  

51

Proxy Solicitation Expenses

  

52

Other Business

  

52

Future Shareholder Proposals and Nominations

  

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NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

Meeting Date:   April 16, 2009
Meeting Time:   9:00 a.m. PDT
Location:  

Weyerhaeuser Company

Corporate Headquarters Building

33663 Weyerhaeuser Way South

Federal Way, Washington 98003

Record Date:   February 20, 2009

Agenda

 

Ÿ  

To elect five Directors;

Ÿ  

To take action on the shareholder proposals;

Ÿ  

To approve, on an advisory basis, the appointment of auditors; and

Ÿ  

To transact any other business that may be properly brought before the annual meeting.

Admission

All shareholders are invited to attend the annual meeting. You will need an admission ticket or proof of ownership of Weyerhaeuser common stock, as well as a form of personal photo identification, to be admitted to the annual meeting.

The annual meeting will be held at the Weyerhaeuser Company Corporate Headquarters Building in Federal Way, Washington. Seating will be limited and on a first come basis. Please refer to page 3 of this Proxy Statement for information about attending the meeting.

Voting

Shareholders owning Weyerhaeuser common stock on the Record Date, or their legal proxy holders, are entitled to vote at the annual meeting. For information on how to vote your shares, please refer to the instructions on the enclosed proxy card or review the section titled “Proxy and Voting Information” on pages 2 and 3 of this Proxy Statement.

This Proxy Statement, form of proxy and Weyerhaeuser Company 2008 Annual Report are being distributed to shareholders on or about March 11, 2009.

The 2008 Annual Report and this Proxy Statement can be viewed at http://bnymellon.mobular.net/bnymellon/wy in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules.

LOGO

Claire S. Grace

Vice President and Corporate Secretary

Federal Way, Washington

 

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2009 PROXY STATEMENT

WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY

P.O. Box 9777

Federal Way, Washington 98063-9777

(253) 924-2345

March 11, 2009

 

 

PROXY AND VOTING INFORMATION

 

Weyerhaeuser Company (the “Company”) will hold its annual meeting of shareholders at its Corporate Headquarters Building, Federal Way Washington on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 9 a.m. to consider the items on the attached notice of shareholder meeting. All items on the attached notice are more fully described in this proxy statement.

The only securities eligible to vote at the annual meeting are the Company’s common shares. Proxy cards are enclosed for shareholders who hold common shares.

Only shareholders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2009 will be eligible to vote at the annual meeting. On that date, 211,280,657 common shares were outstanding. Each common share entitles the holder to one vote at the annual meeting. The enclosed form of proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company. A proxy may be revoked by notice in writing to the Corporate Secretary at any time before it is voted. If not revoked, the proxy will be voted as directed by the shareholder.

Under Washington law and the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation, if a quorum is present at the meeting:

 

Ÿ  

the five nominees for election as directors will be elected to the Board of Directors if the votes cast for each nominee exceeds the votes cast against the nominee and

Ÿ  

the shareholder proposals included in this proxy statement will be approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the proposals exceed the number of votes cast against the proposals.

 

In the election of directors, certain shares present at the meeting are counted as not voted. These include any shares:

 

Ÿ  

for which there is an abstention,

Ÿ  

for which no authority or direction to vote in the election is given or specified or

Ÿ  

for which the ballot is marked withheld.

In the votes on the shareholder proposals, certain actions will have no effect on the vote for a proposal. For example, if a shareholder or broker abstains from voting or fails to vote it will have no effect on the approval of the proposal because abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast by shareholders.

The Company’s annual report to shareholders for 2008 is being mailed with this proxy statement to shareholders entitled to vote at the 2009 annual meeting.

VOTING INFORMATION

You may vote your shares in one of several ways, depending upon how you own your shares.

Shareholders of record (you own shares in your own name) can vote by telephone, on the Internet or by mail as described below. Street name shareholders (you own shares in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record) should refer to the proxy form or the information you receive from the record holder to see which voting methods are available to you.

 

Ÿ  

Voting by Telephone. Call the toll-free number listed on the proxy card and follow the instructions. Have your proxy card in hand when you call.

Ÿ  

Voting on the Internet. Go to www.proxyvoting.com/wy and follow the instructions. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site.

 

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Ÿ  

Voting by Mail. Complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card in the envelope provided.

Ÿ  

Voting at the annual meeting. If you decide to attend the meeting and vote in person, you may deposit your proxy card in the ballot box at the registration desk at the annual meeting or you may complete a ballot that will be distributed at the annual meeting.

If you are a street name shareholder, you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder of record to be able to vote at the annual meeting.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING

Attendance at the annual meeting is limited to shareholders. The meeting will be held at Weyerhaeuser’s Corporate Headquarters Building, 33663 Weyerhaeuser Way South, Federal Way, Washington.

If you are a shareholder of record, an admission ticket is attached to your proxy card. You must present this admission ticket at the registration desk to be allowed into the annual meeting. If you plan to attend the annual meeting, please vote your proxy, but keep the admission ticket and bring it to the annual meeting along with photo identification. If you arrive at the meeting without your admission ticket, we will admit you only if you have photo identification and we are able to verify that you are a shareholder of record.

 

If you are a street name shareholder and you plan to attend the annual meeting, you must present proof of your ownership of Weyerhaeuser common shares as of the record date, February 20, 2009. Acceptable proof would be an original bank or brokerage account statement as of that date. You also must present photo identification to be admitted. If you arrive at the meeting without proof of your ownership of common shares as of the record date, you will not be admitted to the meeting.

If you are a street name shareholder and intend to designate a proxy holder, the designee must present:

 

Ÿ  

your original signed form of proxy;

Ÿ  

proof of your ownership of common shares (such as a bank or brokerage statement) as of the record date, February 20, 2009; and

Ÿ  

photo identification.

If we cannot verify that you are a shareholder, your designee will not be admitted to the meeting.

If you are hearing impaired or require other special accommodations due to disability, please write to the Corporate Secretary prior to the meeting to indicate the accommodations that you will need.

No banners, placards, signs, literature for distribution, cameras, recording equipment, electronic devices, including cell phones, large bags, briefcases or packages will be permitted in the annual meeting.


 

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ITEM 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation provide that the directors of the Company are classified into three classes and that each class should be as nearly equal in number as possible. The classes relate to the director’s term of office. At each annual meeting of shareholders the successors to the directors whose terms expire at that meeting are elected for terms expiring at the third annual meeting after their election by the shareholders. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix the number of directors within the range of 9 to 13 members, and has fixed the number at 12. Four of the nominees identified below are nominated to be elected at the 2009 annual meeting for three-year terms expiring at the 2012 annual meeting and one nominee is nominated for a two-year term expiring at the 2011 annual meeting. Mses. Cafaro and Piasecki currently are directors of the Company elected by the shareholders. Messrs. Emmert, Fulton and Murdy were appointed by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the Board. Under the terms of the Company’s Bylaws, these three directors are required to stand for election at the shareholders’ meeting.

Unless a shareholder instructs otherwise on the proxy card, it is intended that the shares represented by properly signed proxies in the accompanying form will be voted for the persons nominated by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors anticipates that the listed nominees will be able to serve, but if at the time of the meeting any nominee is unable or unwilling to serve, the proxy holders may vote such shares at their discretion for a substitute nominee.

 

NOMINEES FOR ELECTION

TERM EXPIRES IN 2012

 

LOGO

Debra A. Cafaro, 51, a director of the Company since 2007, has been chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ventas, Inc. (health care real estate investment trust) since 2003. She was its president and chief executive officer from 1999 when she joined the company until 2003, and has been a director of the company since 1999. She served as president and director of Ambassador Apartments, Inc. (real estate investment trust) from 1997 until 1998 when it merged with AIMCO. She is the first vice chair of NAREIT (National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts), a member of the Real Estate Roundtable and immediate past chair of the University of Chicago Law School Visiting Committee.

 

LOGO

Nicole W. Piasecki, 46, a director of the Company since 2003, is president of Boeing Japan. Previously, she served as executive vice president of Business Strategy & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, The Boeing Company, from 2003 to 2006; was vice president of Commercial Airplanes Sales, Leasing Companies from 2000 until January 2003; and served in various positions in engineering, sales, marketing, and business strategy for the Commercial Aircraft Group from 1991. She is a member of the Board of Governors, Tokyo, of the American Chamber of Commerce of Japan a former member of the Federal Aviation’s Management Advisory Council, the YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County and a former director of Washington Works.


 

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LOGO

Mark A. Emmert, 56, a director of the Company since June 2008, has been the president of the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, since 2004. He served as chancellor of Louisiana State University from 1999 to 2004 and chancellor and provost of the University of Connecticut from 1994 to 1999. Prior to 1994, he was provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Montana State University and held faculty and administrative positions at the University of Colorado. He also is a director of Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. He served as chair of the Council of Academic Affairs for the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and is co-chair to that organization’s Board of Oceans and Atmosphere. He also is a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

 

LOGO

Daniel S. Fulton, 60, has been chief executive officer and a director of the Company since April 2008 and has been its president since January 2008. He was president of Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company, a subsidiary of the Company, from 2001 to 2008; and president of Weyerhaeuser Realty Investors Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, from 1998 to 2000. He joined Weyerhaeuser in 1976 and has held various management and investment positions with the Company and its subsidiaries. He also serves as a board member of United Way of King County. He is a member of the Advisory Board for the University of Washington Business School and the Policy Advisory Board of the Joint Center of Housing with Harvard University.

 

NOMINEE FOR ELECTION

TERM EXPIRES IN 2011

 

LOGO

Wayne W. Murdy, 64, a director of the Company since January 2009, was chairman of the board of Newmont Mining Corporation (international mining) from 2002 to December 2007. He was the chairman and chief executive officer of Newmont Mining from 2002 until his retirement in 2007, its president and chief executive officer from 2001 to 2002, its president from 1999 to 2001, its executive vice president and chief financial officer from 1996 to 1999 and its senior vice president and chief financial officer from 1992 to 1996. Before joining Newmont Mining, Mr. Murdy spent 15 years serving in senior financial positions in the oil and gas industry, including positions with Apache Corporation and Getty Oil Company. He also is a director of Qwest Communications International Inc.

CONTINUING DIRECTORS

TERMS EXPIRE IN 2010

 

LOGO

Richard H. Sinkfield, 66, a director of the Company since 1993, is a senior partner in the law firm of Rogers & Hardin in Atlanta, Georgia, and has been a partner in the firm since 1976. He was a director of United Auto Group, Inc. (automobile retailer) from 1993 to 1999 and its executive vice president and chief administrative officer from 1997 to 1999. He was a director of Central Parking Corporation from 2000 to February 2005. He is a former director of the Metropolitan Atlanta Community Foundation, Inc. and the Atlanta College of Art. He is a Trustee of Vanderbilt University, a member of the executive board of the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, a member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice and was a member of the board of governors of the State Bar of Georgia from 1990 to 1998.


 

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LOGO

D. Michael Steuert, 60, a director of the Company since 2004, has been senior vice president and chief financial officer for Fluor Corporation (engineering and construction) since 2001. He served as senior vice president and chief financial officer at Litton Industries Inc. (defense electronics, ship construction and electronic technologies) from 1999 to 2001 and as a senior officer and chief financial officer of GenCorp Inc. (aerospace, propulsion systems, vehicle sealing systems, chemicals and real estate) from 1990 to 1999. He also serves as Trustee of Prologis.

 

LOGO

James N. Sullivan, 71, a director of the Company since 1998, is the retired vice chairman of the board of Chevron Corporation (international oil company) where he was a director from 1988 to 2000. He joined Chevron in 1961, was elected a vice president in 1983 and served as its vice chairman from 1989 to 2000.

 

LOGO

Kim Williams, 53, a director of the Company since 2006, was senior vice president and associate director of global industry research for Wellington Management Company LLP (investment management) from 2001 to 2005, was elected a partner effective January 1995 and held various management positions with Wellington from 1986 to 2001. Prior to joining Wellington, she served as vice president, industry analyst for Loomis, Sayles & Co., Inc (investment management) from 1982 to 1986. She is also a director of E.W. Scripps Company and MicroVest. She is a member of the Overseer Committee of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and a Trustee of

Brookwood School, Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts.

 

CONTINUING DIRECTORS

TERMS EXPIRE IN 2011

 

LOGO

John I. Kieckhefer, 64, a director of the Company since 1990, has been president of Kieckhefer Associates, Inc. (investment and trust management) since 1989, and was senior vice president prior to that time. He has been engaged in commercial cattle operations since 1967 and is a trustee of J.W. Kieckhefer Foundation, an Arizona charitable trust.

 

LOGO

Arnold G. Langbo, 71, a director of the Company since 1999, was chairman of Kellogg Company (cereal products) from 1992 until his retirement in 2000. He joined Kellogg Canada Inc. in 1956 and was elected president, chief operating officer and a director of Kellogg Company in 1990. He served as chief executive officer of Kellogg Company from 1992 to 1999. He also is a director of The Hershey Company, Johnson & Johnson and Whirlpool Corporation.

 

LOGO

Charles R. Williamson, 60, a director of the Company since 2004 and chairman since 2009, was the executive vice president of Chevron Texaco Corporation (international oil company) from August, 2005 until his retirement on December 1, 2005. He was chairman and chief executive officer of Unocal Corporation (oil and natural gas) from 2000 until its acquisition by Chevron Corporation in 2005. He served as Unocal Corporation’s executive vice president, International Energy Operations from 1999 to 2000. He was a director of Unocal Corporation and former chairman of the US-ASEAN Business Council. He also is a director of Talisman Energy Inc. and PACCAR Inc.


 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE INFORMATION

 

The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that each of the Company’s directors, with the exception of the Company’s chief executive officer, is independent within the meaning of the listing requirements established by the New York Stock Exchange. The independent directors regularly meet in separate executive session without any member of Company management present. The Chairman of the Board, who is an independent director, presides over these meetings.

The Board of Directors has documented the governance practices followed by the Company by adopting Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Corporate Governance Guidelines establish the practices the Board of Directors follow with respect to Board function and operation, Company operations, Board organization and composition and Board conduct. The Governance Guidelines are available on the Company’s website at

www.weyerhaeuser.com under “Company” at the top of the page, “Investors,” and then under the “Governance” link. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you may request one by writing to Claire S. Grace, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Weyerhaeuser Company, P.O. Box 9777, Federal Way, WA 98063-9777 or by sending an email to CorporateSecretary@Weyerhaeuser.com.

The Board of Directors has a number of committees that perform certain functions for the Board. The current committees of the Board of Directors are the Executive Committee, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Corporate Governance Committee and Finance Committee.

The Board of Directors met on eight occasions in 2008. Each of the directors attended at least 75% of the total meetings of the Board and the committees on which he or she served in 2008. The following table provides membership and meeting information for each of the Board committees.


 

Name   Audit
Committee
  Compensation
Committee
  Executive
Committee
  Corporate
Governance
Committee
  Finance
Committee

Debra A. Cafaro

                  X

Mark A. Emmert

  X           X    

Daniel F. Fulton

                   

John I. Kieckhefer

  X       X        

Arnold G. Langbo

      X           X*

Wayne W. Murdy (1)

                   

Nicole W. Piasecki

              X   X

Richard H. Sinkfield

              X*   X

D. Michael Steuert

  X*           X    

James N. Sullivan

      X*       X    

Kim Williams

  X   X            

Charles R. Williamson

      X   X*       X

Total meetings in fiscal year 2008

  6   6   3   3   5
* Committee Chairman

 

(1) Mr. Murdy was appointed to the Board in January 2009 and has not yet been appointed to serve on any committee of the Board.

 

Each committee of the Board of Directors is described below. Each of the committees has adopted a charter and the current charter for each committee can be found on the Company’s website at www.weyerhaeuser.com under “Company” at the top of the page, “Investors,” and then under the “Governance” link. If you would like to receive a

paper copy of any committee charter, you may request one by writing to Claire S. Grace, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Weyerhaeuser Company, P.O. Box 9777, Federal Way, WA 98063-9777 or by sending an email to CorporateSecretary@Weyerhaeuser.com.


 

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The Board of Directors has given the Executive Committee the power and authority to act for the Board in the interval between Board meetings, except to the extent limited by law. The chairman of the Board, who is an independent director, also serves as the chairman of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee acted by consent in lieu of meeting on one occasion during the year in addition to the meeting information in the table above.

The Audit Committee provides oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of the Company. It also is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and for other duties that the Board or the Audit Committee chair deems appropriate. It exercises its oversight obligations through regular meetings with management, the director of internal audit and the Company’s Independent Auditor. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is independent within the meaning of the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for

 

Ÿ  

reviewing and approving the strategy and design of the Company’s compensation and benefits systems,

Ÿ  

making recommendations to the Board for incentive compensation and equity-based plans,

Ÿ  

making recommendations to the Board regarding the compensation of the Company’s directors and chief executive officer,

Ÿ  

reviewing and approving salaries and incentive compensation of Company executive officers and certain other positions and

Ÿ  

administering the Company’s stock option and incentive compensation plans.

The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee is independent within the meaning of the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Corporate Governance Committee takes a leadership role in shaping the governance of the company. It provides oversight and direction regarding the functioning and operation of the Board. It also recommends to the Board candidates for election as directors and director candidates for election as the chairman of the Board. The

Committee manages the processes used by the Board to evaluate the chief executive officer and provides oversight of:

 

Ÿ  

senior management succession planning,

Ÿ  

ethics and business conduct of the Company,

Ÿ  

human resources practices,

Ÿ  

environmental and safety issues at the Company and

Ÿ  

political activities.

The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Corporate Governance Committee is independent within the meaning of the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Finance Committee monitors and oversees the Company’s financial resources and strategies, with emphasis on those issues that are long-term in nature. The Committee:

 

Ÿ  

provides guidance to the Board regarding major financial policies of the Company;

Ÿ  

oversees financial matters of importance to the Company;

Ÿ  

reviews with management the Company’s major financial risk exposure;

Ÿ  

reviews and approves credit policies, cash management and pension fund investment strategies;

Ÿ  

makes recommendations to the Board regarding operating plans, debt and equity programs; and

Ÿ  

makes recommendations to the Board regarding significant mergers, acquisitions, asset sales or purchases and other significant business opportunities.

The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Finance Committee is independent within the meaning of the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTOR NOMINEES

Director Qualifications

The Board codified standards for directors in the Board’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Guidelines provide that the Board should encompass a range of talent, skill and expertise sufficient to provide sound and prudent guidance with respect to the Company’s operations and interests. The Corporate Governance Guidelines also provide that at all times a majority of the Board must be “independent directors” as defined from time to time by the listing requirements of the New


 

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York Stock Exchange and any specific requirements established by the Board. Each director also is expected to:

 

Ÿ  

exhibit high standards of integrity, commitment and independence of thought and judgment;

Ÿ  

use his or her skills and experiences to provide independent oversight to the business of the Company; and

Ÿ  

represent the long-term interests of all the shareholders.

Directors must be willing to devote sufficient time to carrying out their duties and responsibilities effectively. Directors also must be committed to devoting the time and effort necessary to learn the business of the Company and the Board.

As part of its periodic self-assessment process, the Board of Directors has determined that the Board as a whole must have the right diversity, mix of characteristics and skills for the optimal functioning of the Board in its oversight of the Company. The Board believes it should be comprised of persons with skills in areas such as:

 

Ÿ  

finance;

Ÿ  

sales and markets;

Ÿ  

strategic planning;

Ÿ  

human resources and diversity;

Ÿ  

safety;

Ÿ  

industry business;

Ÿ  

leadership of large, complex organizations;

Ÿ  

legal;

Ÿ  

banking;

Ÿ  

government and governmental relationships;

Ÿ  

international business and international cultures; and

Ÿ  

information technology.

In addition to the targeted skill areas, the Corporate Governance Committee has identified key knowledge areas that it believes are critical for directors to add value to a Board, including:

 

Ÿ  

Strategy – knowledge of the Company business model, the formulation of corporate strategies, knowledge of key competitors and global markets;

Ÿ  

Leadership – skills in coaching senior executives and the ability to assist the CEO in his development;

Ÿ  

Organizational Issues – understanding of the implementation of strategies, change management processes, group effectiveness and organizational design;

   

Relationships – understanding how to interact with governments, investors, financial analysts, and communities in which the Company operates;

   

Functional – understanding of finance matters, financial statements and auditing procedures, technical expertise, legal issues, information technology and marketing; and

Ÿ  

Ethics – the ability to identify and raise key ethical issues concerning the activities of the Company and senior management as they affect the business community and society.

Identifying and Evaluating Nominees for Directors

The Corporate Governance Committee uses a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director. The Corporate Governance Committee regularly assesses the mix of skills and industries currently represented on the Board, whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to retirement or otherwise, the skills represented by retiring directors, and additional skills highlighted during the Board self-assessment process that could improve the overall quality and ability of the Board to carry out its function. In the event vacancies are anticipated, or arise, the Corporate Governance Committee considers various potential candidates for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the Corporate Governance Committee through current Board members, professional search firms, shareholders or other persons. The Corporate Governance Committee or a subcommittee may interview potential candidates to further assess their ability to serve as a director, as well as the qualifications possessed by the candidates. The Corporate Governance Committee then determines the best qualified candidates based on the established criteria and recommends those candidates to the Board for election at the next annual meeting of shareholders.

Shareholder Nominees

The Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees for the Board of Directors recommended by shareholders. If a shareholder wishes to recommend a nominee, he or she should write to the Corporate Governance Committee, care of Claire S. Grace, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Weyerhaeuser Company, P. O. Box 9777, Federal Way, WA 98063-9777, specifying the name of the nominee and the nominee’s


 

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qualifications for membership on the Board of Directors. All recommendations will be brought to the attention of and considered by the Committee.

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

Communications may be addressed to Claire S. Grace, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Weyerhaeuser Company, P. O. Box 9777, Federal Way, WA 98063-9777 marked to the attention of the Board or any of its committees, the independent directors or individual directors. Communications also may be sent by email to CorporateSecretary@Weyerhaeuser.com.

ANNUAL MEETING ATTENDANCE

The directors are expected to attend the Company’s annual meetings, if possible. All of the directors attended the 2008 annual meeting.

DIRECTORS’ COMPENSATION

The following table shows the annual compensation of our non-employee directors for 2008, which consisted of annual retainer fees paid in cash, including amounts associated with chairing Board committees, and retainer deferred stock unit awards that are payable only in cash. All values are reported in U.S. dollars.

 

Name   Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash
($) (1)
  Stock
Awards
($) (2)
 

Total

($)

Debra A. Cafaro

  70,000   68,105   138,105

Mark A. Emmert (4)

  58,335   56,754   115,089

Arnold G. Langbo (3)

  80,000   68,105   148,105

Donald F. Mazankowski (3)(4)

  80,000   68,105   148,105

Richard H. Sinkfield (3)

  80,000   68,105   148,105

John I. Kieckhefer

  70,000   68,105   138,105

Nicole W. Piasecki

  70,000   68,105   138,105

D. Michael Steuert (3)

  80,000   68,105   148,105

James N. Sullivan (3)

  80,000   68,105   148,105

Kim Williams

  70,000   68,105   138,105

Charles R. Williamson (3)

  80,000   68,105   148,105

 

(1) The amounts in this column reflect director compensation earned and paid in cash, including amounts voluntarily deferred under our Fee Deferral Plan for Directors. Of the amounts of compensation earned, the following directors elected to defer fees into the Weyerhaeuser common stock fund under our Fee Deferral Plan for Directors and were credited with the following common stock equivalent units: Ms. Cafaro, $70,000 or 1079 units; Mr. Mazankowski, $20,000 or 308 units; Mr. Kieckhefer, $70,000 or 1079 units; Mr. Steuert, $80,000 or 1233 units; Mr. Sullivan,
 

$80,000 or 1233 units; Ms. Williams, $70,000 or 1079 units; and Mr. Williamson, $80,000 or 1233 units.

 

(2) The amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair value of director compensation earned and paid in the form of retainer amounts that automatically were deferred into the Weyerhaeuser common stock fund under our Fee Deferral Plan for Directors. The grant date fair value was computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“FAS 123R”), and is based on a grant date that is the date of the Company’s annual meeting. Under the terms of the Fee Deferral Plan for Directors, the number of retainer stock units awarded is based on the amount of the deferred fees divided by the median price per share of Weyerhaeuser stock as reported by The Wall Street Journal for the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions for the last 11 trading days of January of the year in which the fees are paid. Each of the Directors who received fees in 2008 automatically deferred $70,000 of fees and was credited with 1080 stock equivalent units with the exception of Mr. Emmert who joined the Board in June 2008 and received a prorated amount of the annual fee, of which he automatically deferred half, or $58,335, and was credited with 900 stock equivalent units. The grant date fair value of each retainer stock unit is equal to the number of stock equivalent units multiplied by the closing value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. See Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2008.

 

(3) As chair of the various committees of the Board of Directors, the following directors received additional compensation of $10,000 during 2008: Mr. Mazankowski, International Committee Chair; Mr. Sinkfield, Corporate Governance Committee Chair; Mr. Langbo, Finance Committee Chair; Mr. Steuert, Audit Committee Chair; Mr. Sullivan, Compensation Committee Chair; and Mr. Williamson, Executive Committee Chair. The Board discontinued the International Committee effective December 2008.

 

(4) Mr. Emmert was appointed to the Board effective June 1, 2008. Mr. Mazankowski retired from the Board effective January 14, 2009.

Non-Employee Director Compensation Program

The Board believes that the level of non-employee director compensation should be based on Board and committee responsibilities and be competitive with comparable companies. In addition, the Board believes that a significant portion of non-employee director compensation should align director interests with the long-term interests of shareholders. As a result, retainer amounts automatically deferred into stock equivalent units in the Fee Deferral Plan for Directors are not paid to a director until after the director’s retirement or other termination of service to the Company and then are valued based on the value of the Company’s common stock in the year the payment is made.


 

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Non-employee directors are compensated by:

 

Ÿ  

A base cash annual retainer fee of $140,000, $70,000 of which is paid in retainer deferred stock unit awards.

Ÿ  

An additional cash annual retainer fee of $10,000 is paid to each committee chair.

Effective April 2009, the Board has elected an independent director as chairman of the Board. The Board determined that the non-employee chairman of the Board will receive an annual cash retainer of $300,000 of which $150,000 will be paid in retainer deferred stock unit awards.

Annual Board Retainer Cash Fees

In 2008, non-employee directors received a cash Annual Board Retainer Fee of $70,000 per year. Non-employee directors who served as chairs of Committees received an additional retainer fee of $10,000. The Company does not pay additional fees for attending Board or committee meetings. All retainer fees are paid annually, immediately following the annual shareholders’ meeting. Directors who are appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board are paid a pro rata amount of the annual retainer immediately following the effective date of the director’s appointment.

The Company reimburses non-employee directors for actual travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their services. Compensation also is available for extended travel on Board business at the request of the Board or a committee of the Board at the rate of $2,000 per day, including travel days and work days. Directors who also are employees of the Company do not receive compensation for their service on the Board or any committees.

Deferral of Cash Compensation

Non-employee directors may elect to defer all or part of their cash compensation into an interest-bearing, cash-based account or as deferred common stock equivalent units (an unfunded stock unit account) under the Company’s Fee Deferral Plan for Directors. The number of deferred stock equivalent units is calculated by dividing the amount of the deferred fees by the median price per share of Weyerhaeuser stock as reported by The Wall Street Journal for the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions for the last 11 trading days of January of the year in which the fees are paid. Directors do not have the right to vote or

transfer deferred stock units. Deferred stock equivalent units earn the equivalent of dividends, which are credited as additional deferred stock equivalent units. Deferred stock equivalent units are distributed in cash following the director’s retirement or other termination of service to the Company based on the value of the Company’s stock in the year the payment is made.

Retainer Stock Unit Awards

Each non-employee director who continues to serve as a director following each annual meeting is granted a retainer stock unit award, with the number of units equal to the number of shares of Weyerhaeuser stock that could be purchased with an aggregate of $70,000. The number of retainer stock units awarded is based on the amount of the deferred fees divided by the median price per share of Weyerhaeuser stock as reported by The Wall Street Journal for the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions for the last 11 trading days of January of the year in which the fees are paid. For the 2008 awards, the median value on the last eleven trading days in January 2008 was $64.84, which resulted in a total of 1080 retainer stock units awarded to each director who served for the entire year. The retainer stock units are credited to the director’s account (an unfunded stock unit account) in the Company’s Fee Deferral Plan for Directors and are immediately vested. Directors do not have the right to vote or transfer retainer stock units. Retainer stock units earn the equivalent of dividends, which are credited as additional retainer stock units. Retainer stock units are distributed in cash following the director’s retirement or other termination of service to the Company based on the value of the Company’s stock in the year the payment is made.


 

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The amount reported in the Stock Awards column for each director is the dollar value of the retainer stock units awarded in 2008, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“FAS 123R”), which was calculated based on the per share Market Value of Weyerhaeuser stock on the date of grant. See Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2008.

The number of aggregate deferred stock equivalent units accumulated in each director’s deferral account as of December 31, 2008 for all years of service as a director, from deferrals of cash

compensation and awards of retainer stock units, including additional deferred stock equivalent units credited as a result of dividend equivalents earned with respect to the deferred stock equivalent units, is listed below in the table describing beneficial ownership of the Company’s common shares.

Director Compensation Review Practices

The Compensation Committee is responsible for annually reviewing the Company’s non-employee director compensation practices in relation to comparable companies. Any changes to be made to non-employee director compensation practices must be recommended by the Compensation Committee for approval by the full Board.


 

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON SHARES

 

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table shows as of January 2, 2009 the number of common shares of the Company that each director, each named executive officer and the

directors and executive officers as a group, have the power to vote or cause disposition of the shares. Percentages of total beneficial ownership have been calculated based upon the total number of common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2008.


 

Name of Individual or Identify of Group  

Voting and or Dispositive
Powers (number of
common shares)

(1)(2)(3)(4)

  Percent of Class
(common
shares)
 

Common
Stock
Equivalent
Units

(5)

Lee T. Alford

  99,391   *   12,389

Patricia M. Bedient

  47,475   *   10,214

Debra A. Cafaro

  —     *   4,255

Srinivasan Chandrasekaran

  23,110   *   —  

Mark A. Emmert

  150   *   926

Daniel S. Fulton

  163,161   *   26,160

Thomas F. Gideon

  55,465   *   5,422

John I. Kieckhefer

  4,399,448   2.1   31,359

Arnold G. Langbo

  200   *   10,176

Sandy D. McDade

  52,370   *   7,534

Wayne W. Murdy

  3,000   *   —  

Craig D. Neeser

  25,081   *   —  

Nicole W. Piasecki

  226,668   *   7,092

Steven R. Rogel

  1,332,154   *   86,154

Richard H. Sinkfield

  500   *   12,884

D. Michael Steuert

  —     *   7,215

James N. Sullivan

  1,000   *   21,998

Kim Williams

  —     *   5,390

Charles R. Williamson

  —     *   9,727

Directors and executive officers as a group (25 individuals)

  6,641,796   3.1   266,357

 

* Denotes amount is less than 1%

 

(1) Includes the number of shares that could be acquired within 60 days of January 2, 2009 pursuant to outstanding stock options, as follows: Mr. Alford, 93,500 common shares; Ms. Bedient, 44,650 common shares; Mr. Chandrasekaran, 21,013 common shares; Mr. Fulton, 157,774 common shares; Mr. Gideon 50,850 common shares;. Mr. McDade, 49,125 common shares; Mr. Neeser, 24,670; Mr. Rogel, 1,318,603 common shares; and of the executive officers as a group, 1,935,905 common shares.

 

(2) Includes the number of restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of January 2, 2009 as follows: Mr. Alford, 1,162 common shares; Ms. Bedient, 1,912 common shares; Mr. Chandrasekaran, 1,462 common shares; Mr. Fulton, 4,500 common shares; Mr. Gideon, 1,395, common shares; Mr. McDade, 1,275 common shares; Mr. Rogel, 8,500 commons shares and of the executive officers as a group, 23,295 common shares.

 

(3) Includes shares for which certain of the directors and nominees share voting and dispositive powers with one or more other persons as follows: Mr. Kieckhefer, 3,568,177 shares; and Ms. Piasecki, 204,474 shares.

 

(4) Beneficial ownership of some of the common shares is disclaimed by certain of the persons listed as follows: Mr. Kieckhefer, 4,002,144 shares; and Ms. Piasecki, 210,708 shares.

 

(5) Common stock equivalent units held as of December 31, 2008 under the Fee Deferral Plan for Directors or under the Incentive Compensation Plan for Executive Officers.

 

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OWNERS OF MORE THAN 5%

The following table shows the number of common shares held by persons known to the Company to beneficially own more than five percent of its outstanding common shares.

 

Name and Address
of Beneficial Owner
  Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
  Percent
of Class
(common
shares)

Capital World Investors (1)

  27,762,690   13.1

333 South Hope Street

Los Angeles CA 90071

       

The income Fund of America, Inc. (2)

  10,728,000   5.1

333 South Hope Street

Los Angeles CA 90071

       

Franklin Mutual Advisors, LLC (3)

  18,015,689   6.7

51 John F. Kennedy Parkway

Short Hills NJ 07078

       

 

(1) Based on a Schedule 13G dated February 6, 2009 in which Capital World Investors, a division of Capital Research and Management Company, reported that as of December 31, 2008 it had sole voting power over 1,980,000 of the shares and sole dispositive power over all 27,762,690 shares, including 10,728,000 shares held on behalf of its client, The Income Fund of America, Inc. Capital World Investors disclaims beneficial ownership of all of the shares.

 

(2) Based on a Schedule 13G dated February 6, 2009 in which The Income Fund of America, Inc., a client of Capital World Investors, reported that as of December 31, 2008 it had sole voting power over 10,728,000 of the shares and sole dispositive power over none of the shares.

 

(3) Based on Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D filed December 14, 2006 in which Franklin Mutual Advisors, LLC reported that as of December 13, 2006 it had sole voting and dispositive powers over all 18,015,689 shares.

 

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s directors and certain of its officers to send reports of their ownership of Weyerhaeuser stock and of changes in such ownership to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the New York Stock Exchange. Based solely on the Company’s review of the copies of such reports it has received, the Company believes that all its directors and officers filed all such reports on a timely basis with respect to transactions during 2008.

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS (CD&A)

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Weyerhaeuser uses a compensation approach for its Named Executive Officers (“NEO”s) that is designed to achieve several key objectives, including:

 

Ÿ  

focusing decision-making and behavior on goals that are consistent with the overall business strategy,

Ÿ  

reinforcing a pay-for-performance culture and

Ÿ  

allowing the Company to attract and retain employees with the skills critical to the Company’s long-term success.

To achieve these objectives, Weyerhaeuser uses a mix of base pay, incentive opportunities (short and long-term), and other benefits and rewards. The various compensation programs are intended to be competitive in the market and to enable the Company to attract and retain key talent, while concentrating a majority of the executives’ reward opportunities in at-risk incentive pay that requires performance against measurable objectives to achieve payouts. The design of the compensation programs is intended to support the Company’s overall business objectives and increase long-term shareholder value. The following discussion provides an overview of key objectives, policies, elements, and designs of the Company’s compensation programs, as well as the Compensation Committee’s considerations and reasons for its compensation decisions.

OVERVIEW

Weyerhaeuser Company is one of the world’s largest integrated forest products companies. In 2008, the Company had sales of $8 billion. It has offices or operations in 10 countries, and customers worldwide. Weyerhaeuser’s primary businesses include the growing and harvesting of timber; the manufacture, distribution and sale of forest products; and real estate construction and development. Additional information about Weyerhaeuser’s businesses and products is available at http://www.weyerhaeuser.com.


 

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The Company’s current compensation program was developed by the Compensation Committee, working with its compensation consultant, Mercer, following a year-long review and redesign and was implemented in 2006. The Committee reviewed leading practices in executive compensation and shareholder expectations, as well as factors influencing shareholder value, and established compensation principles designed to promote and reward improved Company performance. Following the implementation of the new compensation program, the Compensation Committee regularly assesses its effectiveness and its success in achieving the Committee’s goals.

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND PRINCIPLES

Weyerhaeuser’s compensation philosophy is to motivate and reward employees for performance that will result in superior financial results and create long-term value for shareholders. Weyerhaeuser’s compensation programs are designed to:

 

Ÿ  

focus decision-making and behavior on goals that are consistent with the overall business strategy,

Ÿ  

reinforce a pay-for-performance culture through a balance of fixed and incentive pay opportunities and

Ÿ  

allow the Company to attract and retain employees with the skills critical to the Company’s long-term success.

The following key compensation principles, established as part of the review and redesign process described above, guide the design and ongoing administration of the Company’s overall compensation program:

 

Ÿ  

clearly communicate the desired behavior and use incentive pay programs to reward the achievement of performance goals:

   

improve absolute level of returns on investments,

   

outperform peers and

   

create shareholder value;

Ÿ  

promote a “one company” perspective among all Company employees;

Ÿ  

maintain total compensation at market competitive levels;

Ÿ  

provide a broad range of payout opportunities based on performance; and

Ÿ  

design simple pay programs to control costs and ensure employee understanding.

 

This compensation program for executive officers is comprised of several components, including:

 

Ÿ  

base salary;

Ÿ  

annual cash incentives;

Ÿ  

long-term incentives, consisting of a mix of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and performance share units;

Ÿ  

retirement benefits; and

Ÿ  

medical and other benefits.

DETERMINATION OF COMPENSATION

Weyerhaeuser’s compensation principles are supported through a number of policies, concepts and processes.

Total Compensation

To provide a competitive overall compensation and benefits package that is tied to creating shareholder value and supports the execution of its business strategies, Weyerhaeuser uses a range of components. The combination of the components and the amount of each component is influenced by the role of the person in the Company, market surveys, the total value of all the compensation, benefits and perquisites available to the person and employment contracts with individual officers. The Committee reviewed a tally sheet of all compensation, benefits and perquisites provided to the CEO and the named executive officers in connection with its compensation decisions for these officers. In general, the Company positions itself at the median for each of the different components of total pay so that total compensation for the CEO and the named executive officers is comparable to the Company’s peers. For 2008, the total compensation paid to the named executive officers fell generally at the median of similarly situated executive officers in the competitive market.

Performance Management

Weyerhaeuser’s policy is to provide rewards for the achievement of specific performance goals. The Company uses an annual Performance Management Process (“PMP”) for its employees to assess individual performance. In the PMP process, each employee, including each of the named executive officers, establishes his or her performance goals at the beginning of the year in consultation with the employee’s manager. At the end of the year, the employee’s performance is


 

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assessed against these goals. Key performance goals for 2008 were principally in the areas of: safety, diversity, financial performance, relative competitive performance and customer value delivery. Individual PMP ratings are developed based on an evaluation of the performance of the business unit and the individual employee. PMP results for an employee affect the employee’s salary increases, the annual cash incentive reward, and the long-term incentive grant level, if eligible.

Variable Pay at Risk

The percentage of an employee’s compensation opportunity that is fixed instead of variable is based primarily on the employee’s role in the Company. In general, employees with more ability to directly influence overall Company performance have a greater portion of their pay at risk through short- and long-term incentive programs. Executive officers with more responsibility for strategic and operating decisions have a greater percentage of their compensation opportunity allocated to long-term incentives. Typically, over 40% of target total compensation opportunity for these executive officers is in the form of long-term incentives. In 2008, nearly 65% of the aggregate target incentive compensation for Weyerhaeuser’s named executive officers was at risk based on the performance of the Company and the executive officer (see chart below).

Variable Pay at Risk

LOGO

Forms of Long-Term Incentive Compensation

Weyerhaeuser historically has used two forms of equity for long-term incentive compensation for its U.S. executive officers, including the named executive officers: stock options (“options”) and performance share units. (See “Compensation Components—Long-Term Incentive Compensation”

below for more of the specific features of these forms of equity.) In 2006 and 2007, the U.S. senior executives (including the named executive officers) received 50% of the value of the award in options and 50% of the value of the award in performance share units. This mix was used to focus the executive on the Company’s share price and financial performance compared to its peer companies. Also, this mix puts more compensation at risk for senior executives, and provides for greater rewards if superior performance is generated. The Canadian senior executive who is one of the named executive officers historically received long-term incentive compensation in the form of stock appreciation rights. This long-term incentive vehicle in Canada was used to focus the executive on the Company’s share price, while avoiding the adverse Canadian tax treatment that occurs when U.S. stock options, performance share units or restricted stock units are granted to non-U.S. citizens.

Due to extremely challenging business conditions in 2008 and significant changes in the Company’s portfolio of businesses, the Compensation Committee changed the mix of forms of equity for long-term incentive compensation for U.S. executives to stock options and restricted stock units. The change was made to respond to the difficulty in establishing and maintaining an appropriate comparator peer group for a three-year performance share measurement cycle during periods of significant changes in business portfolio, provide greater retention during the transition, and maintain the executive officer’s focus on the Company’s share price. In 2008, all U.S. long-term incentive participants, including executive officers and named executive officers, received 50% of the value of the award in options and 50% of the value of the award in restricted stock units. The Canadian named executive officer received stock appreciation rights.

Market Positioning

The Company establishes competitive compensation levels based on market reviews and then designs its pay program to focus executive officers on meeting Company performance objectives. Weyerhaeuser’s strategy is to set total compensation and benefit levels at the median of market pay and benefit levels. Each component of total compensation and other benefits is intended to be consistent with market practices as established by the peer groups outlined below to help the Company attract and retain executives with the skills needed in Weyerhaeuser’s businesses.


 

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Competitive Market Assessments

Weyerhaeuser regularly reviews market compensation levels to determine whether total compensation for its employees remains in the targeted median pay range and makes adjustments when needed. This assessment includes evaluation of base salary, annual incentive opportunities and long-term incentives. In addition, rewards such as health benefits and retirement programs and perquisites regularly are assessed relative to the market. The Company also reviews the competitive performance of its peers to establish performance targets for incentive plans and to assess appropriate payout levels for performance. (See “Compensation Components” for details.)

Peer Groups

For compensation decisions made in 2008, the Committee used separate peer groups for pay and performance. Recent consolidation in the forest products industry has decreased the number of direct peers in the sector. Most forest products companies have lower revenues and fewer employees than the Company. In addition, Weyerhaeuser competes for talent with a broader range of companies, and shareholders measure Weyerhaeuser’s performance against a broader set of peers. For these reasons, the Committee selected a group of companies for comparison of executive officer compensation comprised of a broader group of basic materials companies of a

comparable size to Weyerhaeuser. The pay peer group used for 2008 compensation decisions consisted of the following companies:

 

Company   Revenue(1)
($MM)
  Market Cap(1)
($MM)

Dow Chemical

  $ 53,513   $ 37,228

Sunoco Inc

  $ 41,843   $ 8,518

Hess

  $ 31,711   $ 32,220

Alcoa Inc

  $ 30,748   $ 31,000

Du Pont (E I) De Nemours

  $ 30,454   $ 39,639

International Paper Co

  $ 21,890   $ 13,863

Murphy Oil Corp

  $ 18,422   $ 16,057

United States Steel

  $ 16,873   $ 14,282

Nucor

  $ 16,593   $ 17,053

Huntsman Corp

  $ 9,651   $ 5,706

Smurfit-Stone Container Corp

  $ 7,420   $ 2,698

MeadWestvaco Corp

  $ 6,906   $ 5,783

Eastman Chemical

  $ 6,830   $ 4,950

75th Percentile

  $ 30,748   $ 31,000

50th Percentile

  $ 18,422   $ 14,282

25th Percentile

  $ 9,651   $ 5,783

Weyerhaeuser

  $ 16,308   $ 15,451

 

(1) As of year end 2007

In addition to reviewing the current pay practices of these peers, the Committee reviews various pay surveys, including surveys of pay practices of forest products companies and comparably-sized manufacturing companies, and general industry data for similar size companies. The peer group and survey data generally is weighted into a market composite based on equal weighting between the data sources, though the Committee may review the data separately.


 

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In establishing a peer group for evaluating the Company’s relative performance in 2008, the Committee chose a broader size range of basic materials companies that typically have been used by shareholders as benchmarks for performance. This group includes many of the companies in the pay peer group, and also incorporates additional forest products companies. This group is not used to benchmark pay because the relative revenues and scope of operations are not directly comparable to Weyerhaeuser’s. The peer group used for measuring relative performance for performance share grants in 2006 and 2007 included the following companies:

 

Company  

Pay

Peer

  Revenue(1)
($MM)
  Market
Cap(1)
($MM)

Dow Chemical

  ü   $ 53,513   $ 37,228

Alcoa Inc

  ü   $ 30,748   $ 31,000

Du Pont (E I) De Nemours

  ü   $ 30,454   $ 39,634

International Paper Co

  ü   $ 21,890   $ 13,865

United States Steel Corp

  ü   $ 16,873   $ 14,287

Nucor Corp

  ü   $ 16,593   $ 17,051

PPG Industries Inc

      $ 11,254   $ 11,500

Air Products & Chemicals Inc

      $ 10,038   $ 21,241

Huntsman Corp

  ü   $ 9,651   $ 5,681

Praxair Inc

      $ 9,402   $ 28,024

Rohm & Haas Co

      $ 8,897   $ 10,390

Monsanto Co

      $ 8,563   $ 61,120

Owens-Illinois Inc

      $ 7,567   $ 7,760

Ball Corp

      $ 7,475   $ 4,550

Smurfit-Stone Container Corp

  ü   $ 7,420   $ 2,705

MeadWestvaco Corp

  ü   $ 6,906   $ 5,781

Eastman Chemical Co

  ü   $ 6,830   $ 4,945

Celanese Corp

      $ 6,444   $ 6,400

Domtar Inc

      $ 5,947   $ 3,964

Louisiana-Pacific Corp

      $ 1,705   $ 1,415

75th Percentile

      $ 16,663   $ 22,937

50th Percentile

      $ 9,150   $ 10,945

25th Percentile

      $ 7,292   $ 5,497

Weyerhaeuser

      $ 16,308   $ 15,567

 

(1) As of year end 2007

 

(2) Alcan was acquired in November 2007 and is no longer publicly traded

 

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

For purposes of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Company’s named executive officers are the following persons:

 

Ÿ  

Steven R. Rogel, chairman and chief executive officer (resigned as chief executive officer effective April 17, 2008 and as chairman and a director effective April 15, 2009)

Ÿ  

Daniel S. Fulton, president and chief executive officer (appointed as president effective January 1, 2008 and as chief executive officer effective in April 2008; previously president of Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company)

Ÿ  

Patricia M. Bedient, executive vice president and chief financial officer

Ÿ  

Srinivasan Chandrasekaran, senior vice president, Cellulose Fibers

Ÿ  

Thomas F. Gideon, executive vice president – Forest Products (assumed role of executive vice president – Forest Products effective June 19, 2008; previously senior vice president, Containerboard Packaging and Recycling)

Ÿ  

Sandy D. McDade, senior vice president and general counsel

Ÿ  

Lee T. Alford, senior vice president, Residential Wood Products (position eliminated effective December 13, 2008)

Ÿ  

Craig D. Neeser, senior vice president, Industrial Wood Products and International (position eliminated effective December 30, 2008)

COMPENSATION COMPONENTS

Base Salary

Salaries are provided to employees as compensation for basic services to the Company and to meet the objective of attracting and retaining the talent needed to run the business. Salaries provide a consistent cash flow to employees assuming acceptable levels of performance and ongoing employment. To control fixed costs while still enabling the Company to attract critical talent, Weyerhaeuser targets base salaries at the median of market levels among the basic materials companies described above. Increases in salaries generally are based on the market level salary for the role in which the executive serves, individual PMP assessments, overall Company budgets and specific talent needs. Based on these criteria and a review of market movement and affordability, Weyerhaeuser made the following adjustments to base salaries for the named executive officers in 2008:


 

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Table of Contents
Executive Officers in
2008
  Percent Increase     New Base Salary

S.R. Rogel

  0.00 %   $ 1,300,000

D.S. Fulton

  28.82 %   $ 800,000

P.M. Bedient

  6.92 %   $ 556,000

T.F Gideon

  20.83 %   $ 580,000

S.D. McDade

  7.47 %   $ 475,000

S. Chandrasekaran

  12.97 %   $ 418,000

L.T. Alford

  3.80 %   $ 475,841

C.G. Neeser

  3.80 %   $ 465,596

These pay adjustments generally positioned the executive officers at the median of the market for 2008. The Compensation Committee maintained Mr. Rogel’s 2008 base salary at the 2007 level because that level was considered competitive and because the Compensation Committee wanted to focus more of the chief executive officer’s pay in performance-based compensation. Mr. Fulton’s increase to $800,000 was associated with his appointment as president. He did not receive a further increase when he was promoted to the position of chief executive officer. Although this base salary level is slightly below market median base pay, the Compensation Committee felt it was appropriate given the restructuring and downsizing of the company. Mr. Gideon’s increase was granted in recognition of his performance as senior vice president of Containerboard, Packaging and Recycling, and his assumption of the role of executive vice president – Forest Products later in 2008. Mr. Chandrasekaran’s increase was granted in recognition of his performance as senior vice president, Cellulose Fibers and to position his base salary closer to the competitive midpoint for his position.

Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”)

The AIP, which was introduced in 2006, is a cash bonus incentive plan designed to focus executive officers and other participants on maximizing efficiency and generating strong financial performance. U.S. and Canadian salaried employees, including executive officers, participate in the AIP to ensure that all employees have the common goal of improved operating performance. Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company (“WRECO”) employees do not participate in the AIP, but are paid under a separate compensation program that is consistent with compensation practices in the home-building industry.

 

AIP Performance Measure and Plan Mechanics

The AIP is funded based on the Company’s return on net asset (“RONA”) performance excluding the results of WRECO for everyone except the CEO. RONA performance for the CEO is calculated for total Weyerhaeuser, including WRECO. RONA is defined as earnings before interest and tax (“EBIT”) divided by average net assets. For purposes of determining RONA, net assets equals total assets less cash and short-term investments, accounts payable and accrued liabilities other than income taxes payable. The AIP measures performance over the fiscal year. RONA is used as the performance measure given its strong link over time to total shareholder return in the basic materials sector and for Weyerhaeuser. The use of this measure is intended to focus participants on generating profitability, both through increasing revenues and controlling costs. In addition, use of this measure reinforces the importance of making capital investments that will improve the overall returns. The Compensation Committee has discretion to adjust the earnings used in the RONA calculation for special items as appropriate. In 2008, the following items were excluded from earnings used in the RONA calculation: gains on the sales of our containerboard, packaging and recycling operations and our Australian operations; gain on restructuring of our investments in Uruguay; curtailment gain resulting from changes in postretirement benefits; and charges for closures, restructuring and asset impairments, including the impairment of goodwill, and income or losses resulting from litigation.

AIP Performance Target Setting

AIP performance targets are established at the beginning of each plan year. The level of RONA performance necessary for funding the threshold, target and maximum levels is set by the Committee and is not subject to adjustment by Company management. For each year a threshold, target and maximum goal is established that represents 40%, 100% and 300% target funding levels (see chart below). If performance is below the threshold, the funding level is 0%. There is no specific formula used to determine increases or decreases in the target funding levels. The goals are established using a variety of factors, including dividend funding levels for the threshold; the Company’s cost of capital, near-term outlook and competitive position for target; and internal benchmarks of outstanding performance for the maximum. For 2008, the


 

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Committee maintained the funding threshold, target and maximum funding levels established for 2007. The target performance objective for funding was 11% RONA for the CEO and 10% for the other named executive officers. Threshold for funding was established at 5.5% RONA, with 40% of target payout funded at this level. The threshold was set by the Committee at a level below the cost of capital as part of the Company’s variable pay program. This threshold payout level in the variable pay program was established based on the fact that Weyerhaeuser and its peers have generated results above and below the cost of capital historically, and providing some level of payouts in either scenario is competitive practice for the Company’s peers. The AIP threshold level that was chosen allows minimum funding of the variable pay plan after certain minimum requirements of funding shareholder dividends have been achieved. The maximum funding possible under the AIP is at 17% RONA, which funds at 300% of target. For 2008, the Company’s average net assets were $17.5

billion for the CEO and $14.5 billion for the other named executive officers. The threshold for minimum funding of 5.5% for the CEO and other AIP participants required RONA EBIT of $965 million for the CEO and $800 million for the other named executive officers. Actual RONA EBIT for 2008 was $68 million for the CEO and $249 million for the other named executive officers.

AIP Performance Targets

LOGO


 

 

 

 

AIP Allocation Process

At the end of each year, the Committee approves the funding for the bonus pool based on the Company’s performance against the pre-determined RONA targets. The AIP opportunities for executive officers are adjusted up or down from target based on the level of funding achieved ( e.g. 50% funding for the AIP would reduce an officer’s target opportunity by half). Funded AIP awards were allocated to executive officers based on their respective PMP ratings. These ratings were established based on a qualitative and quantitative assessment of performance against their pre-established goals (see “Determination of Compensation – Performance Management”) and

other individual performance criteria. The Committee does not assign priorities or specific weighting to the five common categories of goals that include multiple objectives in each category.

In general, executive officers with a PMP rating of “achieves objectives” receive an annual incentive award at or near their funding-adjusted individual target level. Similarly, executive officers with an “exceeds objectives” rating receive an annual incentive award greater than their individual funding-adjusted target level. Those with a “below objectives” rating will receive less than their funding-adjusted target incentive opportunity (see sample illustration below).


 

AIP Funding and Allocation Illustration

LOGO

AIP Target Opportunities

Each position in the Company, including executive positions, is assigned a target bonus opportunity reflecting competitive practices in the market for similar positions. Targets for executive positions range from 45% to 125% of base pay. Payment of target bonus amounts is not guaranteed, but must be earned based on the AIP funding process described above. Based on performance, the opportunity for each person ranges from 0% to 300% of the target incentive value. The target set for the CEO and the named executive officers was

 

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based on competitive market practices and designed to focus the executive on the goal of improved operating performance.

The Board of Directors determines the bonus to be paid to the CEO based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee. No bonus was recommended by the Compensation Committee for 2008 based on the Company’s RONA. The Compensation Committee determines the bonuses to be paid to executive officers, including the named executive officers, based on recommendations by the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and chief human resource officer. For 2008, no bonuses were paid because the level of RONA performance required for the threshold level of funding was not met. AIP targets and awards were as follows:

 

Executive Officer   Target Bonus    

2008 Bonus

Earned

 

S.R. Rogel

  125 %     0   

D.S. Fulton

  125 %   0  

P.M. Bedient

  85 %   0  

S. Chandrasekaran

  65 %   0  

T.F Gideon

  85 %   0  

S.D. McDade

  75 %   0  

L.T. Alford

  75 %   0  

C.G. Neeser

  45 %   0  

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

In 2006 and 2007, the Company awarded long-term incentive compensation to U.S. executive officers with 50% of the award’s value in options and 50% of the award’s value in performance share units. The Company replaced performance share units with restricted stock units in 2008 due to challenges associated with business conditions and significant changes in the Company’s portfolio of businesses. Long-term incentive compensation for the Canadian named executive officer in 2006, 2007 and 2008 was awarded in the form of stock appreciation rights.

Grants of long-term incentives are not guaranteed and must be earned each year. Participants receive no equity grant if their individual performance against their PMP performance goals does not meet minimum standards. Participants who deliver superior performance may be granted up to 200% of their target long-term incentive grants. Target

long-term incentive award opportunities generally are set at the median of peer companies. These opportunities may be increased or decreased based on executive officer’s PMP rating, using the criteria described in “Determination of Compensation – Performance Management.” In general, a PMP rating of “achieves objectives” will result in long-term incentive award at or near the target level opportunity. A rating of “exceeds objectives” may result in above-target awards and a rating of “below objectives” will result in below-target awards. The Compensation Committee also considers competitive market pressures, expected future contributions to the Company and retention concerns in determining the final grants to executive officers.

To fund the Company’s long-term compensation programs, the Committee establishes an equity pool available for grant in any given year at the median level of competitive practices within the forest products and broader basic materials industries. For grants in 2008, the Committee established a pool of 2,032,699 shares or 0.96% of outstanding common shares available for grants of options and restricted stock units for grants to executive officers and other participants, including any special recognition grants. The Committee targets an annual share dilution rate of less than 2%. In addition, the Committee considers the accounting costs reflected in the Company’s financial statements when establishing the forms of equity to be granted and the size of the overall pool available. The forms of equity selected are intended to be cost-efficient, and the overall cost must be within the acceptable levels for internal budgets.

Weyerhaeuser makes its annual long-term incentive grants in February of each year at the regular meeting of the Compensation Committee of the Board, which typically is within one to two weeks after the Company publicly has released a report of its earnings. The Committee meeting date is the effective grant date for equity grants to all participants. For executive officers who are hired during the year, the Committee recommends compensation levels to the Board in connection with the Board’s appointment of the executive and approves equity grants for the executive that are effective upon the officer’s start date.

Total Long-Term Incentive Compensation Grants

The Committee established a target level of long-term incentives for each executive officer position.


 

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The target level is based on the median of competitive market long-tem incentive levels. For 2008, the target long-term incentive values (as a percent of base salary) for the named executive officers were:

 

Executive Officer  

Target

Long Term Incentive Value

 

S.R. Rogel

  304 %  

D.S. Fulton

  304 %

P.M. Bedient

  140 %

S. Chandrasekaran

  97 %

T.F Gideon

  172 %

S.D. McDade

  103 %

L.T. Alford

  103 %

C.G. Neeser

  40 %

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

Stock options and stock appreciation rights are issued at 100% of the fair market value (calculated as the average of the high and low price on the date of grant) to assure that executives will receive a benefit only when the stock price increases. Awards granted in 2008 vest 25% a year over four years, and, if not exercised, expire in a maximum of 10 years (or earlier in the case of termination of employment). In the event of retirement, or if an executive who is eligible for retirement is involuntarily terminated due to job elimination, outstanding 2008 awards vest immediately. The number of stock options or stock appreciation rights granted to the named executive officers was based on their performance compared to their PMP performance goals as noted above. In 2008, the following awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights were granted to the named executive officers:

 

Executive Officer   Stock Options/SARs
granted in 2008
 

S.R. Rogel

  170,000   

D.S. Fulton

  220,000  

P.M. Bedient

  25,500  

S. Chandrasekaran

  19,500  

T.F Gideon

  23,600  

S.D. McDade

  17,000  

L.T. Alford

  15,500  

C.G. Neeser

  19,000  

 

The stock options and stock appreciation rights granted in 2008 were generally at or slightly above the target for the respective position. Mr. Fulton’s options in 2008 included a grant in February associated with his appointment as president and an additional grant made in June of 2008 to acknowledge his appointment as chief executive officer. The June grant to Mr. Fulton was the only additional compensation provided to him as he assumed the role of chief executive officer. No change was made to his base salary or AIP bonus target. Mr. Gideon’s grant was above target in recognition of his performance as senior vice president of Containerboard, Packaging and Recycling.

Performance Share Units

Weyerhaeuser granted performance share units to executive officers in 2006 and 2007 to focus participants on long-term, competitive operating excellence, and the creation of economic and shareholder value. Performance is measured over a three-year period by comparison to the performance peer group of basic materials companies described above. The performance share units are earned at the end of the three-year period based on performance results. The performance measure used for earning grants of performance share units in 2006, 2007 and 2008 was RONA Spread. RONA Spread is defined as RONA (see definition in “AIP—AIP Performance Measure and Plan Mechanics” above) minus the benchmark RONA rate (defined as pre-tax cost of dividends plus interest expense) for Weyerhaeuser and its peers. Use of this measure is intended to reflect a long-term measure of performance above a minimum shareholder return relative to peers. The actual number of performance share units earned is based on Weyerhaeuser’s performance relative to the performance peers, which is not available until the second quarter following a performance year. Threshold performance is the 25th percentile of peers, which equates to a payout of 0.2x the target number of shares. A participant earns none of the target number of performance shares if the Company’s performance is below the threshold. Median performance compared to the Company’s peers earns the target number of shares, with a maximum earned opportunity of twice the target grant for upper quartile performance. As performance shares are earned, shares of Weyerhaeuser common stock are issued to the participant. No shares have been earned to date. The first performance share cycle


 

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ended in 2008, but because awards are based on the company’s relative performance by comparison to its peers, results will not be available until April 2009. No performance share units were granted in 2008.

Performance Share Unit Award Opportunity

LOGO

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock awards are granted in the form of restricted stock units. To align the award with share price appreciation, vested awards are delivered to executives in shares, with the value of the award contingent upon the price of the Company’s common stock when the shares are sold. Restricted stock units granted in 2008 continue to vest after termination except in the case of voluntary resignation or termination for performance. The number of restricted stock units granted to the named executive officers was based on their performance compared to their PMP performance goals as noted above. The Committee does not use a specific formula to determine the PMP rating.

In February 2008, the following awards were granted to the named executive officers.

 

Executive Officer   Restricted Stock Units  

S.R. Rogel

  34,000   

D.S. Fulton

  18,000  

P.M. Bedient

  7,650  

S. Chandrasekaran

  5,850  

T.F Gideon

  5,580  

S.D. McDade

  5,100  

L.T. Alford

  4,650  

C.G. Neeser

  0  

These restricted stock unit grants were generally at or slightly above the target for the respective position. Mr. Fulton’s restricted stock units were

granted in connection with his appointment as president. Mr. Neeser did not receive restricted stock units because his long-term incentive grant was in the form of stock appreciation rights.

Other Benefits

All U.S. and Canadian salaried employees, including executive officers, are eligible for: a defined benefit retirement or pension plan, a defined contribution retirement plan (which includes Company matching contributions), health and dental coverage, Company-paid term life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off and paid holidays. These rewards are designed to be competitive with overall market practices, and are in place to attract and retain the talent needed in the business. In addition, officers may be eligible to participate in the supplemental retirement plan and deferred compensation plan, and to receive other benefits described below.

Supplemental Retirement Plan

Executives and other highly-paid officers in the U.S. are eligible to participate in the Supplemental Retirement Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”). The Supplemental Plan is provided because it is a competitive practice within the basic materials industry. Supplemental Plan benefits are paid outside the Weyerhaeuser Company Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees (the “Salaried Retirement Plan”) from the general funds of the Company. Consistent with general market practices, these benefits are determined based on compensation paid in the five consecutive years when the officer was paid the highest total compensation during the 10 calendar years before his or her retirement. Total compensation means base salary plus any award under the Company’s annual incentive compensation plans, limited to one times base pay. This amount is multiplied by the formula for determining Salaried Retirement Plan benefits. The Committee believes that the Company should provide competitive retirement benefits linked to overall Company performance through the Supplemental Plan funding mechanism. Details of the plan benefits and the amounts accrued to each named executive officer are found in the Pension Benefits Table. A similar plan is provided for Canadian executives.

Deferred Compensation

Selected high-level employees, including executive officers, also are eligible to participate in a deferral plan. The deferral plan provides the opportunity to


 

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defer up to 50% of base salary and up to 100% of cash bonuses into an interest-bearing account for payment at a future date. This plan is provided to be competitive in the market for executive talent, and to provide executives with a tax-efficient alternative for receiving earnings at a nominal cost to the Company. The interest earned for deferred compensation is determined each year by the Committee. The current interest rate formula is the average of 90-day Treasury bill rates over the prior year plus 3%. Although the 2008 rate of 7.455% is considered to be a preferential return when compared to the applicable long-term federal rate, the interest rate formula has historically generated an interest rate at or below the applicable long-term federal rate.

In addition, under the deferral program, eligible participants, including executive officers, can choose to defer all or a portion of any cash bonus into a deferral account denominated in Weyerhaeuser common stock equivalent units. The Company applies a 15% premium to the deferred amounts if payment is delayed for at least five years. The value of the deferred account grows or declines based on the performance of Weyerhaeuser stock (plus dividends). The purpose of the program is to further align executive interests with those of shareholders by providing an incentive linked to the performance of Weyerhaeuser stock. 2008 contributions and year-end account balances can be found in the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation table.

Additional Benefits

Other benefits available to certain Company officers, including executive officers, are additional company-paid life insurance, financial planning assistance and payments of taxes incurred as a result of the payment of personal travel benefits. The financial planning assistance benefit available in 2008 will terminate as of the end of first quarter 2009. In addition, the Company has corporate memberships in two clubs that are made available to various officers, including executive officers, for business entertaining only. The Company does not provide vehicles for personal use, or personal travel for executives on Company aircraft.

SUPPLEMENTARY COMPENSATION POLICIES

Weyerhaeuser uses additional policies to ensure that the overall compensation structure is responsive to shareholder interests and competitive

with the market, including stock ownership requirements.

Stock Ownership Requirements

Stock ownership requirements for executive officers have been in place since 1996. Each executive officer is required to acquire, over a five-year period after becoming an executive officer, a multiple of his or her base salary in shares of Weyerhaeuser stock. Minimum ownership levels are based on the executive’s salary grade, and range from one to three times base salary. The CEO is required to hold stock valued at three times his base salary. The named executive officers are required to hold stock valued at two times each of their base salaries. The ownership requirement may be satisfied by direct ownership of common shares, the value of amounts deferred into a stock equivalent account (through the voluntary deferral program described above) and shares of Company stock held in the Company’s 401(k) plan. As of the end of 2007, the CEO and each of the named executive officers were in compliance with the ownership requirements; however, as a result of the decline in the value of the company’s stock price during the year, as of the end of 2008, none of the CEO or the named executive officers was in compliance with the ownership requirements.

OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING COMPENSATION

Limitations on Deductibility of Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally limits the tax deductibility of compensation paid by a public company to its CEO and certain other highly compensated executive officers to $1 million in the year the compensation becomes taxable to the executive. There is an exception to the limit on deductibility for performance-based compensation that meets certain requirements.

In establishing total compensation for the CEO and the named executive officers, the Committee considered the effect of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The annual incentive awards and equity programs described above are designed to meet the deductibility requirements. Specifically, the shareholders have approved the material terms of performance goals for awards to these executive officers. These approved material terms limit the amount paid to these executives under grants of three-year awards of performance


 

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share units or restricted stock units to a maximum of 200,000 shares of common stock. Similarly, the material terms limit the number of shares that can be made subject to stock options or stock appreciation rights awarded to an employee in a calendar year to 500,000 shares. Actual levels for each of these types of awards have been significantly less, based on the factors and judgments described above.

The Company believes that it is important to preserve flexibility in administering compensation programs in a manner designed to attract, retain and reward high-performing executives or promote varying corporate goals. Accordingly, we have not adopted a policy that all compensation must qualify as deductible under Section 162(m). Amounts paid under any of the Company’s compensation programs, including salaries and annual incentive plan bonuses may not qualify under the IRS rules as compensation excluded from the limitation on deductibility. Weyerhaeuser has a salary and deferral plan that permits compensation deferred under the plan to be exempt from the limit on tax deductibility.

For individual tax purposes, the Company typically withholds shares to cover taxes resulting from vesting of performance share awards and restricted stock awards.

Change In Control Agreements

The Company has entered into change in control agreements with each of its executive officers. The Compensation Committee believes that change in control policies are an important element of the executive compensation program, support shareholder value creation, and are necessary to attract and retain senior talent in a competitive market. Because the agreements give the executive officers reasonable assurance of transitional employment support, the Compensation Committee believes executive officers are able to maintain a more balanced, shareholder-focused approach to change in control situations. The Compensation Committee believes it is appropriate to have such agreements provided the agreements are subject to renewal and accordingly, each of the severance agreements generally expires after three years. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the benefits provided under the agreements to ensure that they serve the Company’s interests in retaining

these key executives, are consistent with market practice and are reasonable.

These agreements provide for specified payments and other benefits if the officer’s employment is terminated by the Company or its successor during the period beginning six months prior to the effective date of a change in control of the Company and ending 24 months after a change in control. Change in control payments are not made if the termination is for cause, retirement, disability or death. Change in control payments also may be required if the officer quits because of significant changes in the officer’s circumstances following the change in control. See the description of the specific factors that would result in a change in control payment and the amounts that can be received in connection with a change in control in “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below. The changes triggering a change in control payment and the amounts paid are intended to give the executive officers reasonable assurance of a long-term employment opportunity, enable them to have a balanced perspective in making overall business decisions, and be competitive within overall market practices.

In addition, the Company’s long-term incentive plans provide that in the event of a change in control of the Company all outstanding options held by the officer become exercisable, restricted stock units are vested and released for sale and performance share units are paid at target. The accelerated vesting and payout of equity grants in the event of a change in control is intended to allow the executives to recognize the value of their contributions to the Company and not affect management decisions following termination.

Severance Agreements

The Company has severance agreements with each of its executive officers. Under these agreements, the executive receives severance benefits upon termination unless the termination is for cause, is a result of the Company’s mandatory retirement policy, is because of the death or disability of the executive or the executive quits or retires voluntarily. The specific amounts that executive officers would receive as severance payments are described in “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below. The Committee believes that severance policies are an essential


 

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component of the executive compensation program and are necessary to attract and retain senior talent in a competitive market. The Committee believes it is appropriate to have such agreements provided the agreements are subject to renewal and accordingly, each of the severance agreements expires after a limited term. The Committee periodically reviews the benefits provided under the agreements to ensure that they serve the Company’s interests in retaining these key executives, are consistent with market practice, and are reasonable.

Pre-Set Diversification Plans

Weyerhaeuser and the Committee have authorized the Company’s executive officers to enter into pre-set diversification plans established according to Section 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act with an independent broker-dealer. These plans include specific instructions for the broker to exercise options or sell stock on behalf of the officer if the Company’s stock price reaches a specified level or certain events occur. The officer no longer has control over the decision to exercise or sell the securities in the plan. The purpose of such plans is to enable executive officers to recognize the value of their compensation and diversify their holdings of Company stock during periods in which the officer would be unable to buy or sell Company stock because important information about the Company had not been publicly released. Whenever Company executive officers establish such plans they are publicly disclosed in a current report to the SEC. As of January 2, 2009, none of the Company’s executive officers had such a plan.

 

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised entirely of directors who are not employees of the Company and who are independent within the meaning of the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving:

 

Ÿ  

the strategy and design of the Company’s compensation, equity-based and benefits programs for Company employees, including its executive officers;

Ÿ  

corporate performance goals for company-wide incentive programs;

Ÿ  

overall funding for the Company’s annual and long-term incentive programs based on performance against those goals;

Ÿ  

performance goals and objectives for the chief executive officer, and the evaluation of the chief executive officer’s compensation in light of his performance against those goals and objectives, and the recommendation to the Board for the approval of the chief executive officer’s compensation based on this evaluation; and

Ÿ  

base salary increases and annual and long-term incentive payments for executive officers and for certain other business and function leaders of the Company.

The Committee’s compensation decisions are based on these factors:

 

Ÿ  

corporate performance,

Ÿ  

individual performance of the executive compared to agreed-upon performance goals,

Ÿ  

position of the executive’s salary in the assigned pay range and relative to market pay levels,

Ÿ  

experience and

Ÿ  

the salary budget for the Company.

In addition, the Committee reviews and recommends to the Board compensation for serving as a Director.

The Committee currently retains Mercer to advise the Committee on compensation strategy, plan design and executive compensation levels. Mercer also advises the Committee on compensation practices for Directors. Weyerhaeuser’s human resources organization serves as the management liaison to the Committee and provides additional counsel, data and analysis as requested by the Committee.

The Committee formulates an annual agenda for its activity and reviews it periodically. The agenda is designed to cover necessary regular approvals as well as special topics. As part of its agenda, the Committee regularly reviews market trends, changes in competitive practices, and alignment of the Company’s compensation programs with the strategy and needs of the business.


 

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The Compensation Committee Charter includes an overview of the membership, purpose, goals and responsibilities, structure and operations of the Committee, and can be found on the Company’s website at www.weyerhaeuser.com under “Company” at the top of the page, “Investors,” and then under the “Governance” link. Paper copies may be obtained by written request to Claire S. Grace, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Weyerhaeuser Company, P.O. Box 9777, Federal Way, WA 98063-9777 or by email at CorporateSecretary@Weyerhaeuser.com

 

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors acts on behalf of the Board to establish and oversee the Company’s executive compensation program in a manner that serves the interests of Weyerhaeuser and its shareholders. For a discussion of the Compensation Committee’s policies and procedures, see “Compensation Committee” above.

Management of the Company has prepared the Compensation Discussion and Analysis of the compensation program for the named executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table. The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement. Based on this review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the proxy statement for the Company’s 2009 annual meeting of shareholders.

 

ŸJames N. Sullivan

Chairman

 

ŸKim Williams

ŸArnold Langbo

 

ŸCharles R. Williamson

 

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

 

Messers. Langbo, Sullivan and Williamson and Ms. Williams served as members of the Compensation Committee during 2008. None of the members of the Compensation Committee was an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries during 2008 or any prior period. No executive officer of the Company served as a member of the

compensation committee or as a director of any company where an executive officer of such company is a member of the Compensation Committee or is a director of the Company.

 

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Audit Committee is comprised of independent directors as defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange and acts under a written charter. The current charter for the Committee can be found on the Company’s website at www.weyerhaeuser.com under “Company” at the top of the page, “Investors,” and then under the “Governance” link. If you would like a paper copy, you may request one by writing to Claire S. Grace, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Weyerhaeuser Company, P.O. Box 9777, Federal Way, WA 98063-9777 or by sending an email to CorporateSecretary@Weyerhaeuser.com

Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and the financial reporting process. KPMG LLP is the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and for issuing audit reports on the consolidated financial statements and the assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. The Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes on behalf of the Board of Directors.

In this context, the Committee has discussed with KPMG LLP the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees, as amended. In addition, the Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 and has reviewed, evaluated and discussed with that firm the written report and its independence from the Company.

The Committee discussed with the Company’s internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Committee meets with the internal and independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluations of the Company’s internal controls and


 

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the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting. The Committee also has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management.

Based on the review and discussions described above, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements and assessment of internal controls over financial reporting be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The Committee has selected KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2009.

 

ŸD. Michael Steuert

Chairman

 

ŸJohn I. Kieckhefer

ŸMark A. Emmert

 

ŸKim Williams

 

 

REVIEW, APPROVAL OR RATIFICATION OF TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

 

POLICY

The Board of Directors recognizes that related party transactions can present a heightened risk of potential or actual conflicts of interest and may create the appearance that Company decisions are based on considerations other than the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. As a result, the Board prefers to avoid related party transactions. However, the Board recognizes that there are situations where related party transactions may be in, or may not be inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. For example, this would be true if the Company would be able to obtain products or services of a nature, quality or quantity on terms that are not readily available from other sources, or when the Company provides products or services to related persons on an arm’s-length basis and on the same kind of terms provided to unrelated third parties. As a result, the Board has delegated to the Audit Committee the responsibility to review related party transactions. The Committee has the authority to approve a related party transaction if the Committee determines that the transaction is on terms that are not inconsistent with the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.

 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Board has defined related party transactions as any arrangement or relationship with the Company when the amount of the transaction or the amount of combined similar transactions is greater than $120,000 and when a related person has a material interest. A related person is anyone who is:

 

Ÿ  

a director or executive officer of the Company,

Ÿ  

a shareholder who beneficially owns more then 5% of the Company’s stock,

Ÿ  

an immediate family member of any of the Company’s directors or executive officers or

Ÿ  

a company or charitable organization or entity in which any of these persons has a role similar to that of an officer or general partner or beneficially owns 10% or more of the entity.

APPROVAL AND CONTINUING REVIEW

The director or executive who is a related person or has a family member who is a related person must tell the Company’s Corporate Secretary about any proposed related party transaction and give the Corporate Secretary all the facts and circumstances of the proposed transaction. If the Corporate Secretary investigates and decides the transaction would be a related party transaction, the transaction is brought to the Audit Committee for review. The Committee reviews all the facts and circumstances, including the potential effect on a director’s independence if the Company enters into the transaction. The Committee approves the transaction only if it decides that the transaction is not inconsistent with the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Chair of the Audit Committee has the authority to approve transactions on behalf of the Committee in between Committee meetings if it is not practical to wait until the next Committee meeting for a review.

Whenever a member of the Committee is a related person, the transaction is reviewed only by the disinterested members of the Committee. If multiple members of the Committee, including the chair of the Committee, are related persons, the disinterested members of the Board of Directors review the transaction rather than the Committee. Any related party transaction approved by the Chair of the Committee between meetings must be reported to the Committee. Material related party transactions that are approved by the Committee must be reported to the Board.


 

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The Committee also reviews any related party transactions of which the Company becomes aware that were not approved by the Committee in advance. The Committee evaluates the transaction using the same process and standards it would use to approve a transaction before it is entered into. The Committee decides whether to ratify the transaction or require an amendment of the terms of the transaction or to terminate the transaction. At its first meeting each year, the Committee reviews any ongoing related party transaction in which the amount of the transaction is still greater than $120,000. The Committee decides if the transaction is still in the best interests of the Company or if the transaction should be modified or terminated.

 

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company’s first Code of Ethics was issued in 1976. The Code of Ethics currently is in its seventh edition and is issued to all directors and employees. It also is available to customers, contractors, suppliers and the public. The current edition of the Code of Ethics is available on the Company’s web site at www.weyerhaeuser.com under “Company” at the top of the page, “Investors,” and then under the “Governance” link. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you may request one by writing to Claire S. Grace, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Weyerhaeuser Company, P.O. Box 9777, Federal Way, WA 98063- 9777 or by sending an email to CorporateSecretary@Weyerhaeuser.com.


 

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Table of Contents

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

 

Name and Principal Position   Year    

Salary

(2)($)

   

Stock
Awards

(3)($)

    Option
Awards
(4)($)
   

Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Comp

(5)($)

   

Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

(6)($)

   

All Other
Comp

(7)($)

   

Total

($)

 

S.R. Rogel

  2008      1,035,000      1,826,508      2,360,981      0      1,115,964      67,867      6,406,320   

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (Resigned as Chief Executive Officer April 17, 2008 and retired from the company June 30, 2008)

  2007
2006
 
 
  1,300,000
1,286,538
 
 
  563,910
46,915
 
 
  3,346,241
1,173,038
 
 
  0
1,300,000
 
 
  17,437
146,079
 
 
  30,931
30,377
 
 
  5,258,519
3,982,947
 
 
                 

D.S. Fulton

  2008     792,427     1,040,472     2,775,745     0     234,186     34,456     4,877,285  

President and Chief Executive Officer

  2007
2006
 
 
  614,942
593,942
 
 
  158,075
13,371
 
 
  567,564
481,180
 
 
  0
1,550,000
 
 
  685,658
950,459
 
 
  17,039
16,560
 
 
  2,043,278
3,605,512
 
 
                 

P.M. Bedient

  2008     545,615     78,564     285,871     0     65,026     17,422     992498  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  2007
2006
 
 
  468,694
343,707
 
 
  43,548
3,284
 
 
  132,804
33,334
 
 
  0

190,000

 

 

  76,015
59,655
 
 
  45,319
24,102
 
 
  766,380
654,082
 
 
                 

S. Chandrasekaran (1)

Senior Vice President, Cellulose Fibers

  2008     404,154     360,376     270,818     0     58,968     12,327     1,106,643  
                 

T. F. Gideon

  2008     533,129     297,804     327,760     0     106,012     17,422     1,282,127  

Executive Vice President, Forest Products

  2007
2006
 
 
  466,038
363,825
 
 
  95,763
7,319
 
 
  391,701
253,695
 
 
  0

285,000

 

 

  439,143
274,577
 
 
  27,507
20,269
 
 
  1,420,152
1,204,685
 
 
                 

S. D. McDade (1)

Senior Vice President and General Counsel

  2008     465,481     276,788     236,098     0     17,960     17,422     1,013,749  
                 

L.T. Alford (1)

Senior Vice President, Residential Wood Products (Terminated due to position elimination effective December 12, 2008)

  2008     470,816     239,027     215,266     0     784,247     1,645,072     3,354,428  
                 

C. D. Neeser (1)

Senior Vice President, Industrial Wood Products and International

(Terminated due to position elimination effective December 29, 2008)

  2008     386,128     0     167,513     0     0     1,372,631     1,926,272  

 

(1) Amounts for 2006 and 2007 are not included for Mr. McDade, Mr. Chandrasekaran, Mr. Alford or Mr. Neeser because they were not named executive officers in 2006 and 2007. Mr. Neeser’s compensation was paid in Canadian currency and has been converted to U.S. currency using the assumption under FAS 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”.

 

(2) The amount reported in this column for each executive officer reflects the dollar amount paid in cash of base salary in fiscal year 2008, including salary increases. Mr. Rogel’s 2008 salary includes $705,000 earned as CEO from January 1, 2008 through his resignation as CEO on April 17, 2008 and subsequent retirement from the Company in June 2008. It also includes $330,000 in non-employee director compensation for serving as non-employee Chairman of the Board of Directors.

 

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(3) Amounts in this column for all grants to all officers included in the table and for all periods other than the 2008 amount listed for Mr. Rogel reflect the grant date fair value of awards granted under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan. 2008 Stock awards are restricted stock units granted under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan. 2006 and 2007 grants to all the named executive officers in the table are performance share units. The values in the table represent the annual expense recognized under FAS123R, “Accounting for Share-Based Compensation” in the Company’s audited financial statements for 2008, 2007 and 2006. (See Note 18 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.) The number of awards granted in 2008 can be found in the table “Grants of Plan-Based Awards.” Details regarding the 2008, 2007 and 2006 stock awards can be found in the table “Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year End.”

 

     The amount listed for Mr. Rogel’s 2008 stock awards includes the grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan as part of his compensation as CEO and also includes non-employee director compensation earned and paid in the form of retainer amounts that automatically were deferred into the Weyerhaeuser common stock fund under the Fee Deferral Plan for Directors. The grant date fair value of the director compensation was computed in accordance with FAS123R and is based on a July 1, 2008 grant date, which was the date Mr. Rogel became a non-employee director and Chairman of the Board. Under the terms of the Fee Deferral Plan for Directors, the number of stock units awarded is based on the amount of the deferred fees divided by the median price per share of Weyerhaeuser stock as reported by the Wall Street Journal for the New Stock Exchange Composite Transactions for the last 11 trading days of January of the year in which the fees are paid. Mr. Rogel received $70,000 in director fees and was credited with 1,080 stock equivalent units. The grant date fair value of each retainer stock unit is equal to the number of stock equivalent units multiplied by the closing value of the Company’s common stock on the July 1, 2008 grant date or $54,464. See Note 18 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2008.

 

(4) Values listed for stock option awards represent the expense recognized under FAS 123R in the Company’s audited financial statements with regard to stock option awards. (See Note 18 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.) The number of awards granted and the full grant date fair value as computed under FAS 123R can be found in the table “Grants of Plan-Based Awards.” Details regarding the stock option awards can be found in the table “Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year End.” (Awards to Mr. Neeser were granted in form of stock appreciation rights.)

 

(5) Amounts represent the value of the incentive awards earned in fiscal year 2008, 2007 and 2006 and paid in the first quarters of 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively, based on the Company’s performance against minimum (threshold), target and maximum RONA performance levels set by the Compensation Committee of the Board. RONA is defined in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Compensation Components—AIP—AIP Performance Measures and Plan Mechanics” above.

 

(6) Amounts include annual changes in the actuarial present value of accumulated pension benefits plus the above market earnings on nonqualified deferred compensation. Mr. Neeser’s accumulated pension benefit is reported as $0 because the pension value decreased $820,054 since 2007. The significant decrease in the value of Mr. Neeser’s accumulated pension benefits is due to the difference in the currency conversion rates in 2007 and 2008 and to an increase in the interest rate used to determine liabilities. The above market earnings is interest on deferred compensation that exceeds 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate, with compounding at the rate that corresponds most closely to the rate under the company’s plan at the time the interest rate or formula is set. Details on the above market earnings for deferred compensation is defined in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Compensation Components-Deferred Compensation” above.

 

     The amounts reported for the Change in Pension Value and above market interest earned in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings in 2008 are described in the following table:

 

Name  

Change
in
Pension
Value

($)

   

Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)

   

Total

($)

 

S. R. Rogel

  1,097,570      18,394      1,115,964   

D. S. Fulton

  234,186     0     234,186  

P. M. Bedient

  60,348     4,678     65,026  

S. Chandrasekaran

  54,630     4,338     58,968  

T. F. Gideon

  105,573     439     106,012  

S. D. McDade

  12,821     5,139     17,960  

L.T. Alford

  773,508     10,739     784,247  

C. D. Neeser

  (820,054 )   0     (820,054 )

 

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(7) Amounts reported for 2008, 2007 and 2006 that represent All Other Compensation for each of the named executive officers are described in the following table:

 

Name   Year    

Company
Contribution
to Defined
Contribution
Plan

($)

   

Executive
Term Life
Insurance
Premium

($)

   

Financial
Counseling

($)

   

Payment
of Taxes

($)

    Severance
Payments
Due to
Position
Elimination
($)
    Payment of
Accrued
Vacation
upon
Termination
of
Employment
($)
   

Misc Other
Compensation

(1) ($)

   

Premium
Amount
Credited to
Deferred
Compensation
Account

($)

   

Total

($)

 

S. R. Rogel

  2008

2007

2006

  

 

 

  9,870

11,025

10,780

  

 

 

  1,057

1,044

952

  

 

 

  13,440

18,862

18,252

  

 

 

              43,500                  67,867
30,931

30,377

 
 

 

D. S. Fulton

  2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

  11,270

11,025

10,780

 

 

 

  1,057

1,044

952

 

 

 

  22,129

4,750

4,588

 

 

 

                        
220

240

 
 

 

        34,456
17,039

16,560

 
 

 

P. M. Bedient

  2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

  11,270

11,025

10,780

 

 

 

  1,057

1,044

952

 

 

 

  5,095

4,750

4,420

 

 

 

                              
28,500

7,950

 
  

 

  17,422
45,319

24,102

 
 

 

S. Chandrasekaran

  2008     11,270     1,057                                         12,327  

T. F. Gideon

  2008

2007

2006

 

 

 

  11,270

11,025

10,780

 

 

 

  1,057

1,044

952

 

 

 

  5,095

4,750

4,588

 

 

 

                              
10,688

3,949

 
 

 

  17,422
27,507

20,269

 
 

 

S. D. McDade

  2008     11,270     1,057     5,095                                   17,422  

L.T. Alford

  2008     11,270     1,057                 1,604,515     28,230                 1,645,072  

C. D. Neeser

  2008     19,306     1,332     11,596     2,203      1,248,218      63,168     26,808            1,372,631   

 

(1) Mr. Fulton received payments for fitness club dues in the amount of $220 in 2007 and in $240 in 2006. In 2008, Mr. Neeser received payments of $11,900 for vehicle allowance, $196 for fitness club dues, $13,894 for relocation or temporary living expenses, and $818 for gifts from the Company.

 

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Table of Contents

 

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARD FOR FISCAL 2008

 

 

Name  

Grant

Date(1)

  Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units (#)
 

Option
Awards:

No. of

Securities
Under-
lying
Options
(#)(2)

 

Exercise

or Base
Price of
Option
Awards

($/Sh)(3)

 

Grant
Date
Closing
Price

($/Sh)

 

Grant
Date

Fair

Value of

Stock
and
Option
Awards

($/Sh)

S. R. Rogel

  2/20/2008

2/20/2008

  34,000   170,000   62.53   63.63   13.89

D. S. Fulton

  2/20/2008

2/20/2008

6/19/2008

  18,000   90,000

130,000

  62.53

55.40

  63.63

54.92

  13.89

11.74

P. M. Bedient

  2/20/2008

2/20/2008

  7,650   25,500   62.53   63.63   13.89

S. Chandrasekaran

  2/20/2008

2/20/2008

  5,850   19,500   62.53   63.63   13.89

T. F. Gideon

  2/20/2008

2/20/2008

  5,580   23,600   62.53   63.63   13.89

S. D. McDade

  2/20/2008

2/20/2008

  5,100   17,000   62.53   63.63   13.89

L. T. Alford

  2/20/2008

2/20/2008

  4,650   15,500   62.53   63.63   13.89

C. D. Neeser

  2/20/2008

4/16/2008

      16,000

3,000

  62.53

62.50

  63.63

63.18

  13.89

13.47

 

(1) The Compensation Committee approves Weyerhaeuser long-term incentive grants to executive officers at regular meetings of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee meeting date is the effective grant date for equity grants to named executive officers other than the CEO. Compensation for the CEO is approved by the Board of Directors based on recommendation by the Compensation Committee. The date of approval by the Board of Directors is the effective grant date for grant to the CEO.

 

(2) Awards to Mr. Neeser were granted in form of stock appreciation rights.

 

(3) Stock options are granted under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, which provides that the exercise price for stock options is the average of the high and low stock price on the date of grant.

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS WITH NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Mr. Rogel. Pursuant to an employment agreement with Mr. Rogel, who became the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer on December 1, 1997, Mr. Rogel is eligible for a non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit calculated under the terms of the Company’s Salaried and Supplemental Retirement Plans using his original hire date with his prior employer of 1972, less benefits paid to him under the Company’s Retirement Plans and his prior employer’s retirement plan. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Rogel was President and Chief Executive Officer of Willamette Industries, Inc.

 

NON-EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN COMPENSATION

These amounts are annual cash incentives granted under the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”). The AIP is funded based on the Company’s Return on Net Asset (“RONA”) performance, which is defined in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Compensation Components—AIP—AIP Performance Measures and Plan Mechanics” above. For each year a threshold, target and maximum goal is established by the Compensation Committee that represents 40%, 100% and 300% target funding levels. For 2008, the target performance objective and funding was 10% RONA for the AIP in general and 11% for the CEO, which


 

33


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approximates the Company’s cost of capital. The threshold for funding is achieved at 5.5% RONA, with 40% of target payout funded at this level. The maximum funding possible under the AIP is at 17% RONA, which funds at 300% of target. At the end of 2008, the Committee did not approve funding for the incentive pool based on the Company’s performance against the pre-determined RONA targets.

EQUITY AWARDS

Values for stock grants and options grants in the summary compensation table and numbers included in the grants of plan-based awards table relate to options, stock appreciation rights, performance share units or restricted stock units granted to the named executive officers under the Company’s 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan. This plan, which was approved by Company shareholders, authorizes the issuance of 17,000,000 shares of Weyerhaeuser stock. The plan provides for the award of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, and performance shares and performance share units. The plan provides that options must be granted at fair market value and it prohibits the repricing of outstanding options. The Long-Term Incentive Plan has been filed with Securities and Exchange Commission and is available at www.sec.gov. The plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, which has retained the exclusive authority to make awards under the plan. The Committee approves all long-term incentive grants to executive officers other than the CEO, whose grants are approved by the Board. The Committee also approves the overall grant pool for all other participants. The primary purpose of the long-term incentive plan is to link compensation with the long-term interests of shareholders.

February 20, 2008 Option Grant

Options granted to each of the named executive officers on February 20, 2008 are exercisable beginning 12 months after the grant date, with 25% of the shares in the grant becoming exercisable at that time and with an additional 25% of the shares becoming exercisable on each successive anniversary of the grant date. Full vesting occurs on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The options were granted for a term of 10 years and may be subject to earlier termination if the

executive terminates employment for reasons other than normal retirement. The grant to Mr. Neeser was in the form of stock appreciation rights, which are subject to the same vesting and termination provisions as stock options awarded on this date.

April 16, 2008 Option Grant

Stock appreciation rights were granted to Mr. Neeser on April 16, 2008 in recognition of superior performance in connection with a specific project, and are exercisable beginning 12 months after the grant date, with 25% of the shares in the grant becoming exercisable at that time and with an additional 25% of the shares becoming exercisable on each successive anniversary of the grant date. Full vesting occurs on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The options were granted for a term of 10 years and became subject to earlier termination at the time the executive terminated employment for reasons other than normal retirement. In the event of retirement, or if an executive officer who is eligible for retirement is involuntarily terminated due to job elimination, outstanding 2008 awards vest immediately.

June 19, 2008 Stock Option Grant

Options granted to Mr. Fulton on June 19, 2008 in connection with his election as Chief Executive Officer are exercisable beginning 12 months after the grant date, with 25% of the shares in the grant becoming exercisable at that time and with an additional 25% of the shares becoming exercisable on each successive anniversary of the grant date. Full vesting occurs on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The options were granted for a term of 10 years and may be subject to earlier termination if he terminates employment for reasons other than normal retirement.

February 20, 2008 Restricted Stock Unit Award

Restricted stock units granted to Mr. Rogel, Mr. Fulton, Ms. Bedient, Mr. Chandrasekaran, Mr. Gideon, Mr. McDade and Mr. Alford on February 20, 2008 vest over four years beginning 12 months following the grant date, with 25% of the shares becoming vested and available for release at that time, and an additional 25% vesting and becoming available for release on each successive anniversary of the grant date. Full vesting occurs on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. During the vesting period, nonvested awards earn the


 

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Table of Contents

equivalent of dividends, which are credited as additional restricted stock units, subject to the same vesting and release schedule as the original awards. Awards not yet released continue to vest after termination except in the case of voluntary resignation or termination for cause.

COMPENSATION COMPONENTS IN PROPORTION TO TOTAL COMPENSATION

The combination of the compensation components granted to an executive officer and the amount of each component is influenced by the role of the person in the Company, market surveys, the total

value of all the compensation, benefits and perquisites available to the person and employment contracts with executive officers. The Committee reviewed a tally sheet of all compensation, benefits and perquisites provided to the CEO and the named executive officers in connection with its compensation decisions for these officers. In general, the Company positions itself at the median for each of the different components of total pay so total compensation for the CEO and the named executive officers is comparable to the Company’s peers.


 

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Table of Contents

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

 

 

Name   Grant Date
(1)
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable (2)
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable (2)
    Option
Exercise
Price
($)
    Option
Expiration
Date
   

Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of

Unearned
Shares, Units, or
Other Rights that
Have Not
Vested (3) (#)

   

Equity Incentive

Plan Awards:

Market or Payout
Value of Unearned
Shares, Units, or
Other Rights that
Have Not
Vested (4) ($)

 

S. R. Rogel

  02/07/2001

02/12/2002

02/13/2003

02/11/2004

02/16/2005

02/15/2006

04/19/2006

02/14/2007

02/20/2008

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  83,603

175,000

200,000

200,000

200,000

120,000

50,000

120,000

170,000

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  52.705

61.25

49.605

62.815

63.495

69.725

74.03

80.66

62.525

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  02/07/2011

02/12/2012

02/13/2013

02/11/2014

02/16/2015

02/15/2016

04/19/2011

02/14/2017

02/20/2018

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  25,833

3,500

34,000

  

 

 

  790,748

107,135

1,040,740

  

 

 

D. S. Fulton

  02/11/2004

02/16/2005

02/15/2006

04/19/2006

02/14/2007

02/20/2008

06/19/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  45,000

33,750

14,250

9,500

7,199

0

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  0

11,250

14,250

0

21,599

90,000

130,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  62.815

63.495

69.725

74.03

80.66

62.525

55.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  02/11/2014

02/16/2015

02/15/2016

04/19/2011

02/14/2017

02/20/2018

06/19/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  8,550

 

1,728

18,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

  261,716

 

52,888

550,980

 

 

 

 

 

 

P. M. Bedient

  02/11/2004

02/16/2005

02/15/2006

04/19/2006

02/14/2007

04/19/2007

02/20/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10,000

8,250

3,500

2,275

2,375

5,000

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  0

2,750

3,500

0

7,125

15,000

25,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  62.815

63.495

69.725

74.03

80.66

76.79

62.525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  02/11/2014

02/16/2015

02/15/2016

04/19/2011

02/14/2017

04/19/2017

02/20/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  2,100

 

570

 

7,650

 

 

 

 

 

  64,281

 

17,448

 

234,167

 

 

 

 

 

S. Chandrasekaran

  02/11/2004

02/16/2005

02/15/2006

04/19/2006

02/14/2007

02/20/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1,675

1,400

1,592

2,275

3,500

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

  0

1,400

1,593

0

10,500

19,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

  62.815

63.495

69.725

74.03

80.66

62.525

 

 

 

 

 

 

  02/11/2014

02/16/2015

02/15/2016

04/19/2011

02/14/2017

02/20/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

  956

 

840

5,850

 

 

 

 

  29,263

 

25,712

179,069

 

 

 

 

T. F. Gideon

  02/11/2004

02/16/2005

02/15/2006

04/19/2006

02/14/2007

02/20/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

  2,900

10,762

7,800

6,500

4,750

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

  0

3,588

7,800

0

14,250

23,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

  62.815

63.495

69.725

74.03

80.66

62.525

 

 

 

 

 

 

  02/11/2014

02/16/2015

02/15/2016

04/19/2011

02/14/2017

02/20/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

  4,680

 

1,140

5,580

 

 

 

 

  143,255

 

34,895

170,804

 

 

 

 

S. D. McDade

  02/11/2004

02/16/2005

02/15/2006

02/15/2006

04/19/2006

02/14/2007

06/13/2007

02/20/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  3,250

10,500

6,500

1,250

6,500

4,125

1,250

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  0

3,500

6,500

1,250

0

12,375

3,750

17,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  62.815

63.495

69.725

69.725

74.03

80.66

81.19

62.525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  02/11/2014

02/16/2015

02/15/2016

02/15/2016

04/19/2011

02/14/2017

06/13/2017

02/20/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  3900

 

 

990

 

5,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

  119,379

 

 

30,304

 

156,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

L, T. Alford

  02/13/2003

02/11/2004

02/16/2005

02/15/2006

04/19/2006

02/14/2007

02/20/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  16,000

15,500

23,250

7,750

7,750

3,875

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  0

0

7,750

7,750

0

11,625

15,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  49.605

62.815

63.495

69.725

74.03

80.66

62.525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  02/13/2013

12/12/2013

12/12/2013

12/12/2013

04/19/2011

12/12/2013

12/12/2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  4,650

 

594

4,650

 

 

 

 

  142,337

 

18,188

142,337

 

 

 

 

C. D. Neeser

  02/11/2004

02/16/2005

02/15/2006

02/14/2007

02/20/2008

04/16/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1,750

1,875

3,335

4,250

0

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

  0

1,875

6,670

12,750

12,000

2,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

  62.815

63.495

69.725

80.66

62.525

62.495

 

 

 

 

 

 

  12/29/2011

12/29/2011

12/29/2011

12/29/2011

12/29/2011

12/29/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

(1) For a better understanding of the equity awards included in this table, we have provided the grant date.

 

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(2) Ÿ Options granted on February 20, 2008 are exercisable starting 12 months after the grant date, with 25% of the options becoming exercisable at that time and with an additional 25% of the options becoming exercisable on each successive anniversary date, with full vesting occurring on the fourth anniversary date. The options were granted for a term of 10 years, and may be subject to earlier termination if the executive terminates his employment for reasons other than normal retirement. Upon normal retirement, all unexercised options become exercisable.
  Ÿ On April 19, 2006, Weyerhaeuser granted to its senior executives a one-time grant (in addition to the regular annual grant) with a value equal to ~20% of the annual grant guidelines. These options vested at the end of two years and expire five years after grant. The intent of this grant was to provide a transition in incentive values given the three-year performance and vesting period for the performance shares that replaced a portion of the annual option grants beginning in 2006.
  Ÿ Generally stock awards are granted in February at the regularly scheduled Compensation Committee meeting. Stock appreciation rights granted to C.D. Neeser on April 16, 2008, were granted in recognition of superior performance in connection with a specific project and are exercisable beginning 12 months after the grant date, with 25% of the rights in the grant becoming exercisable at that time and with an additional 25% of the rights becoming exercisable on each successive anniversary of the grant date. Full vesting occurs on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The rights were granted for a term of 10 years and became subject to earlier termination at the time the executive terminated employment for reasons other than normal retirement. The grant awarded to Mr. Fulton on June 19, 2008 was in connection with his election as Chief Executive Officer and is exercisable beginning 12 months after the grant date, with 25% of the options in the grant becoming exercisable at that time and with an additional 25% of the options becoming exercisable on each successive anniversary of the grant date. Full vesting occurs on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The options were granted for a term of 10 years and may be subject to earlier termination if the executive terminates employment for reasons other than normal retirement.

 

(3) Ÿ Stock awards granted on February 20, 2008 are in the form of restricted stock units that vest over four years beginning 12 months following the grant date, with 25% of the units becoming vested and available for release at that time, and an additional 25% vesting and becoming available for release on each successive anniversary of the grant date. Full vesting occurs on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. During the vesting period, nonvested awards earn the equivalent of dividends, which are credited as additional restricted stock units, subject to the same vesting and release schedule as the original awards. Awards not yet released continue to vest after termination except in the case of voluntary resignation or termination for cause.
  Ÿ Stock awards granted on February 15, 2006 and February 14, 2007 were granted as performance share units. Stock awards granted as Weyerhaeuser performance share units under the Long-Term Incentive Plan are earned over a three-year performance period. The value of the performance share units increases or decreases directly in proportion to the Company’s performance compared to a specific peer group during the performance period. The number listed for the 2006 performance share units represents a target payout under the 2006 award, based on performance through December 31, 2008 and the 2007 performance share units represent a threshold payout, based on performance through December 31, 2008. Threshold performance equates to a payout of 0.20 times the target number of shares. The final determination of performance share units granted in 2006 that will vest will be based on performance relative to peers, which will not be available until second quarter 2009.
  Ÿ As a result of Mr. Rogel’s retirement on June 30, 2008 and Mr. Alford’s termination on December 12, 2008, the target and threshold number of performance share units for both 2006 and 2007 have been prorated based on the period of time each executive was employed during the performance period.

 

(4) Value for restricted stock unit awards granted on February 20, 2008 was computed by multiplying the market price of $30.61 for the Company’s common stock at end of fiscal year 2008 by the number of units. The value of stock awards granted as Weyerhaeuser performance share units on February 15, 2006 and February 14, 2007 was computed by multiplying the market price of $30.61 for the Company’s common stock at the end of fiscal year 2008 by target or threshold units described in this table.

 

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Table of Contents

 

OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 2008

 

 

Name   Option Awards
 

Number of
Shares Acquired
on Exercise

(#)

 

Value Realized
on Exercise

($)

S. R. Rogel

  0   0

D. S. Fulton

  0   0

P. M. Bedient

  0   0

S. Chandrasekaran

  0   0

T. F. Gideon

  0   0

S. D. McDade

  0   0

L. T. Alford

  0   0

C. D. Neeser

  0   0

No options were exercised by any of the named executive officers during 2008.

 

 

PENSION BENEFITS

 

 

Name   Plan Name  

Number
of Years
Credited
Service

(#) (1)

 

Present Value
of Accumulated
Benefit

($) (2)

  Payments
During Last
Fiscal Year
($) (3)

S. R. Rogel

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

Supplemental Retirement Plan

Non-Qualified Plan for Special Arrangements (4)

  11

11

26

  408,632

4,013,653

7,224,257

  455,856

113,200

0

D. S. Fulton

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

Supplemental Retirement Plan

  33

33

  1,046,211

4,541,717

  0

0

P. M. Bedient

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

Supplemental Retirement Plan

  6

6

  128,890

174,894

  0

0

T. F. Gideon

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

Supplemental Retirement Plan

  31

31

  723,447

1,165,639

  0

0

S. D. McDade

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

Supplemental Retirement Plan

  29

29

  681,075

996,291

  0

0

S. Chandrasekaran

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

Supplemental Retirement Plan

  14

14

  367,583

311,802

  0

0

L. T. Alford

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

Supplemental Retirement Plan

  38

38

  630,910

2,758137

  0

0

C. D. Neeser

 

Salaried Retirement Plan

Supplemental Retirement Plan

  32

32

  662,819

1,168,139

  0

0

 

(1) Number of years of credited service computed as of the same pension plan measurement date used for financial reporting purposes under SFAS Nos. 158 with respect to the Company’s audited financial statements for fiscal year 2008 and rounded to nearest whole years of credited service.

 

(2) Actuarial present value of accumulated benefit computed as of the same pension plan measurement date used for financial reporting purposes under SFAS Nos. 158 with respect to the Company’s audited financial statements for fiscal year 2008, using age 62, which is the earliest retirement age at which the executive could retire under the plan without benefits being reduced, or the executive’s current age if greater. Estimates are based on current compensation and years of service.

 

(3)

Prior to joining the company, Mr. Rogel was President and Chief Executive Officer of Willamette Industries, Inc., which was acquired by the Company in 2002. Mr. Rogel receives pension benefits under Willamette’s salaried and supplemental retirement plans. After Weyerhaeuser acquired Willamette Industries, Inc. in 2002 and the Company assumed the Willamette pension plans, the plans were

 

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Table of Contents
 

merged with the Company’s Salaried Retirement Plan and Supplemental Plans respectively. Mr. Rogel retired from Weyerhaeuser on June 30, 2008 and commenced his benefit under the Salaried Retirement Plan for his years at Weyerhaeuser on July 1, 2008. He will receive his retirement benefit from the Supplemental Retirement Plan for his years at Weyerhaeuser beginning in January 2009. Mr. Alford was eligible for early retirement at the time of his termination on December 12, 2008 and will commence his benefit under the Salaried Retirement Plan on January 1, 2009. He will receive his retirement benefit from the Supplemental Retirement Plan beginning in July 2009.

 

(4) Pursuant to an employment agreement with Mr. Rogel, he is eligible for a non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit calculated under the terms of the Company’s Salaried and Supplemental Retirement Plans using his original hire date with Willamette of 1972, less benefits payable or paid to him under the Company’s Retirement Plans and Willamette’s retirement plan.

 

U.S. Employees

The Company’s Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees is a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan for salaried employees under which normal retirement is at age 65 and early retirement may be elected by any participant who has reached age 55 and has at least 10 years of vesting service. Each of the named executive officers is eligible for early retirement, with the exception of Ms. Bedient, who joined the Company in 2003 and has fewer than 10 years of vesting service. The annual retirement benefit payable upon normal retirement is equal to (i) 1.1% of the participant’s average salary for the highest five consecutive years during the 10 calendar years before retirement multiplied by the years of credited service, plus (ii) 0.45% of such highest average annual salary in excess of the participant’s Social Security integration level (as such term is defined in the Retirement Plan), multiplied by the number of years of credited service. The benefit payable upon early retirement is a percentage of the benefit that would be payable upon normal retirement and ranges from 72% at age 55 to 100% at age 62. A participant in a defined benefit pension plan generally is limited under the Internal Revenue Code to an annual benefit at Social Security normal retirement age of the lesser of (i) $185,000 (in 2008 but subject to adjustment) or (ii) 100% of the participant’s average compensation during the consecutive three-year period in which he or she received the highest compensation. Further reduction of this limitation may be required for retirement prior to the Social Security normal retirement age. The compensation used in determining benefits under this Plan is limited by Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17) ($230,000 in 2008, but subject to adjustment).

Supplemental Retirement Plan benefits are paid outside the Salaried Retirement Plan from the general funds of the Company and are determined by applying the formula for Salaried Retirement Plan

benefits but including benefits that exceed the Internal Revenue Code limitations described above.

Canadian Employees

The Company sponsors a registered pension plan in Canada named the Weyerhaeuser Company Limited Retirement Plan for Non Union Employees (the “Salaried Retirement Plan”). The Salaried Retirement Plan is a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan for non union employees. Employees may voluntarily contribute to an ancillary account, which can be used at retirement to enhance the pension benefit. Normal retirement is at age 65 and early retirement can be elected by any participant who has either (i) reached age 55 and has at least 5 years of vesting service or (ii) has at least 10 years of service and whose age plus service equals at least 65 or more when involuntarily terminated.

The annual retirement benefit payable upon normal retirement [under the Salaried Retirement Plan is equal to (i) 1.45% of the participant’s average annual salary up to the year’s maximum pensionable earnings, as defined by the Canada Pension Plan (“YMPE”), for the highest five consecutive years during the 10 calendar years before retirement multiplied by the years of credited service, plus (ii) 2% of such highest average annual salary in excess of the YMPE, multiplied by the number of years of credited service. The early retirement benefit payable is a percentage of the benefit that would be payable upon normal retirement and ranges from 72% at age 55 to 100% at age 62. Joint and survivor elections may be made under the Salaried Retirement Plan. Maximum benefits payable from the Salaried Retirement Plan are defined by the Canada Income Tax Act. For service prior to January 1, 2001 with a predecessor company such as MacMillan Bloedel, the benefit formula and early retirement provisions vary. Salary used in calculating retirement benefits is the average annual salary for the highest five consecutive years during the 10 calendar years


 

39


Table of Contents

before retirement. Compensation used in determining benefits under this Plan is base salary only.

Employees who earn retirement benefits from the Salaried Retirement Plan that are greater than the pension limits set by the Canada Income Tax Act, have the excess benefits paid from the Supplemental Retirement Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”). Supplemental Plan benefits are paid outside the Salaried Retirement Plan from the general funds

of the Company. Consistent with general market practices, these benefits are determined based on compensation paid in the five consecutive years when the officer was paid the highest total compensation during the 10 calendar years before his or her retirement. For executive officers, total compensation includes base salary, plus any award under the Company’s annual incentive compensation plans. This amount is multiplied by the formula for determining Salaried Retirement Plan benefits.


 

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Table of Contents

 

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

 

 

Name   Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
($) (1)
    Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY
($) (2)
    Aggregate
Earnings in
Last FY
($) (3)
    Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
    Aggregate
Balance at
Last FYE
($) (4)
 

S. R. Rogel

  0      0      (3,312,073 )     0      3,546,711   

D. S. Fulton

  0     0     (1,038,964 )   0     800,756  

P. M. Bedient

  0     0     (388,993 )   0     552,627  

S. Chandrasekaran

  0     0     15,438     83,790     220,691  

T. F. Gideon

  0     0     (213,783 )   0     188,517  

S. D. McDade

  0     0     (280,942 )   0     494,230  

L. T. Alford

  0     0     (453,818 )   0     930,122  

 

(1) Amounts deferred and reported in this column include any non-equity incentive compensation earned in 2007 and paid in 2008, which are included in the Summary Compensation Table. None of the named executive officers received any non-equity incentive compensation in 2008.

 

(2) Employer paid premium on the amounts deferred by the executive into the common stock equivalents account in the deferral plan, which are included in “All Other Compensation” in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

(3) Fiscal 2008 earnings, which includes interest on amounts deferred into the fixed interest account of the deferral plan and appreciation or depreciation in the price of common stock equivalent units, plus dividend equivalents, for amounts deferred in the common stock equivalents account in the deferral plan. Negative earnings are the result of the allocation of a major portion of the executive’s accounts to stock equivalent units, which had significant declines in value in 2008.

 

(4) Amounts deferred and reported in this column include amounts that were reported as compensation in the Company’s Summary Compensation Table for previous years, interest earned on amounts deferred into the fixed-interest account of the deferral plan, any premium for amounts deferred into the common stock equivalents account in the deferral plan, and appreciation or depreciation in the price of common stock equivalent units, plus dividend equivalents for amounts deferred into the common stock equivalents account in the deferral plan.

 

Executive officers in the United States are eligible for a deferral program. The deferral plan provides the opportunity to defer base salary and cash incentives for payment at a future date. The executive may defer between 10% and 50% of his or her base salary and up to 100% of his or her cash incentives. The interest earned for deferred compensation is determined each year by the Compensation Committee. The current interest rate formula is the average of the 90-day Treasury bill rate over the prior year, plus 3%.

Under the deferral plan, executive officers can choose to defer all or a portion of any cash incentives into a deferral account denominated in Weyerhaeuser common stock equivalent units with a 15% premium applied if payment is delayed for at least five years. The amount designated to be deferred in the form of common stock equivalent units and any premium is divided by the median price per share of Company stock for the last 11 trading days of January to determine the number of deferred stock equivalent units credited to executive’s account. Deferred stock units earn the equivalent of dividends, which are credited as additional deferred stock units. The value of the deferred account grows or declines based on the

performance of Weyerhaeuser stock (plus dividends). The purpose of the program is to further align executive interests with those of shareholders by providing an incentive linked to the performance of Weyerhaeuser stock.

For deferrals in years prior to 2005, deferred amounts are paid in the year specified or upon the event specified by the executive. Beginning in 2005, amounts deferred may be paid to the executive beginning the year after the executive’s separation from service, up to five years following his or her separation from service, or in a specified year. Payments may be made in a lump sum or up to 20 equal annual payments, which must end the year of the executive’s 80th birthday or for a maximum of five annual payments if the executive left the Company for reasons other than death, disability or retirement. Payments from the stock equivalents accounts are in cash, and are determined by multiplying the number of common stock equivalent units in the executive’s account by the median price per share of Company stock for the last 11 trading days of January of the payment year. No withdrawals or other distributions are permitted under the terms of the deferral plan before the executive’s specified payment date.


 

41


Table of Contents

 

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON

TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

 

Change in Control

The Company has agreements with each of its executive officers providing for specified payments and other benefits if, within the period that is six full calendar months prior to or 24 calendar months following the effective date of a change in control of the Company, the officer’s employment is terminated by the Company or its successor for reasons other than cause, mandatory retirement, early retirement, disability or death. Cause is defined as a participant’s:

 

Ÿ  

willful and continued failure to perform substantially the duties with the Company after the Company delivers to the participant written demand for substantial performance specifically identifying the manner in which the participant has not substantially performed his or her duties;

Ÿ  

conviction of a felony; or

Ÿ  

willfully engaging in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.

Mandatory retirement is defined as age 65. Disability is defined by the Company’s Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees, or in any successor to such plan.

These payments and benefits also would be paid if the officer terminates his or her employment for “Good Reason.” The officer would be considered to have left for Good Reason if there has been:

 

Ÿ  

a material reduction in the officer’s position, title or reporting responsibilities existing prior to the change in control;

Ÿ  

a requirement that the officer be based in a location that is at least 50 miles farther from the Company’s headquarters than the officer’s primary residence was located immediately prior to the change in control;

Ÿ  

a reduction by the company in the officer’s base salary as of the effective date;

Ÿ  

a material reduction in the officer’s benefits unless the overall benefits provided are substantially consistent with the average level of benefits of the other officers holding similar positions; or

Ÿ  

a material reduction in the officer’s level of participation in any of the Company’s short- or long-term incentive compensation plans.

 

If an officer is terminated without cause or leaves for Good Reason during the period described above when there is a change in control, the officer will receive:

 

Ÿ  

an amount equal to three times the highest rate of the officer’s annualized base salary rate in effect prior to the change in control;

Ÿ  

three times the officer’s target annual bonus established for the bonus plan year in which the officer’s date of termination occurs;

Ÿ  

an amount equal to the officer’s unpaid base salary and accrued vacation pay through the effective date of termination;

Ÿ  

the officer’s unpaid targeted annual bonus prorated for the number of days in the fiscal year through the date of the officer’s termination;

Ÿ  

continuation of health care benefits and group term life insurance for the officer for 36 months or, if substantially similar coverage is impractical, payment of $25,000 each year for three years (net of required payroll and income tax withholding);

Ÿ  

full vesting of the officer’s benefits under any and all supplemental retirement plans in which the officer participates, calculated under the assumption that the officer’s employment continues following the officer’s termination date for three full years;

Ÿ  

an amount equal to the value of any premiums on share equivalents forfeited in connection with the officer’s termination; and

Ÿ  

an amount necessary to offset any federal excise and related income taxes payable by the officer on all payments received under the agreement, unless such amount is less than $10,000, in which case the officer’s benefits under the agreement are capped at the maximum amount that may be paid without incurring such excise taxes.

In addition, in accordance with the terms of the Company’s long-term incentive plans, in the event of a change in control of the Company, all outstanding stock options held by the officer become exercisable, performance share units are paid at target and restricted stock units become fully vested.


 

42


Table of Contents

SEVERANCE

Agreements with each of the Company’s executive officers provide for severance benefits if the executive’s employment is terminated when there is no change in control unless the termination is for cause, meets the requirements of the Company’s mandatory retirement policy, death, disability or voluntary termination of employment by the executive. The severance benefit payable is an amount equal to:

 

  Ÿ  

one and one-half times the highest base salary rate paid to the executive prior to termination;

  Ÿ  

one and one-half times the target annual bonus established for the bonus plan year in which the termination occurs;

  Ÿ  

the amount of the executive’s unpaid base salary and accrued vacation pay through the date of the termination;

  Ÿ  

the officer’s unpaid target annual bonus prorated for the number of days in the fiscal year through the date of the officer’s termination; and

  Ÿ  

a payment of $10,000 for health care insurance, net of required payroll and income tax withholding.

The severance benefit payable to Mr. Fulton when there is no change in control is the same as described above except that the amount paid for base salary is two times the highest base salary rate and the amount for target bonus is two times the target annual bonus.

 

Severance for the Canadian Named Executive Officer

The severance benefit payable to the Canadian named executive officer is an amount equal to:

 

  Ÿ  

Thirty months of base salary and target bonus;

  Ÿ  

$819 for obtaining legal advice;

  Ÿ  

$4,093 for healthcare replacement costs

The benefit may be paid in installments for a period of 30 months or until the executive secures comparable employment or self employment, whichever occurs first. The executive has the option of receiving a lump sum payment equal to the above calculation but discounted by 10%.

POTENTIAL PAYMENT AMOUNTS

The following tables describe potential payments to the named executive officers that could be made upon termination or a change in control. All amounts assume the named executive officer terminated employment as of December 31, 2008. Mr. Rogel is not eligible for executive benefits and payments upon termination, due to his retirement in 2008. Mr. Alford’s position was eliminated on December 12, 2008 and he received benefits related to involuntary termination not for cause. Mr. Neeser’s position was eliminated on December 29, 2008 and he received benefits related to involuntary termination not for cause. The footnotes referenced in the tables follow the last table and relate to all the tables.


 

Executive Benefits and

Payments Upon

Termination of

S. R. Rogel

  Early
Retirement
  Normal
Retirement
  Involuntary
Not for
Cause
Termination
  For Cause
Termination
  Change in
Control (CIC)
Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
  Death

Compensation:

                       

Salary

  N/A   $0   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)

  N/A   A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Performance Share Units

  N/A   B   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Restricted Stock

  N/A   J   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Stock Options

  N/A   F   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Gross Up Payment

  N/A   $0   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A
             

Benefits and Perquisites:

                       

Increase to Pension (1)

  N/A   $0   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Life and Health Care Insurance

  N/A   $0   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Life Insurance Proceeds (2)

  N/A   $0   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Financial Planning (3)

  N/A   $781   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Outplacement Services (4)

  N/A   $0   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

 

* Mr. Rogel resigned as chief executive officer effective April 17, 2008 and retired from the Company effective June 30, 2008.

 

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Executive Benefits and

Payments Upon

Termination of

D. S. Fulton

  Early
Retirement
  Normal
Retirement
  Involuntary
Not for
Cause
Termination
  For Cause
Termination
  Change in
Control
(CIC)
Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
  Death

Compensation:

                       

Salary

  $0   N/A   $1,600,000   $0   $2,400,000   $0

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)

  A   N/A   $2,400,000   $0   $3,200,000   A

Performance Share Units

  B   N/A   C   D   $526,144   B

Restricted Stock

  J   N/A   J   $0   $550,980   J

Stock Options

  E   N/A   E   H   $0   I

Gross Up Payment

  $0   N/A   $0   $0   $0   $0
       

Benefits and Perquisites:

                       

Increase to Pension (1)

  $0   N/A   N/A   $0   $1,208,733   $0

Life and Health Care Insurance

  $0   N/A   $17,079   $0   $128,093   $0

Life Insurance Proceeds (2)

  $0   N/A   N/A   $0   $0   $300,000

Financial Planning (3)

  $4,162   N/A   $4,162   $0   $4,162   $4,162

Outplacement Services (4)

  $0   N/A   $20,000   $0   $20,000   $0

 

* Mr. Fulton is eligible for early retirement, but is not eligible for normal retirement based on his age.

 

Executive Benefits and

Payments Upon

Termination of

P. M. Bedient

  Early
Retirement
  Normal
Retirement
  Involuntary
Not for
Cause
Termination
  For Cause
Termination
  Change in
Control (CIC)
Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
  Death

Compensation:

                       

Salary

  N/A   N/A   $834,000   $0   $1,668,000   $0

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)

  N/A   N/A   $1,181,500   $0   $1,890,400   A

Performance Share Units

  N/A   N/A   $0   D   $151,520   B

Restricted Stock

  N/A   N/A   K   $0   $234,167   J

Stock Options

  N/A   N/A   G   H   $0   I

Gross Up Payment

  N/A   N/A   $0   $0   $1,648,784   $0
         

Benefits and Perquisites:

                       

Increase to Pension (1)

  N/A   N/A   N/A   $0   $117,003   $0

Life and Health Care Insurance

  N/A   N/A   $17,079   $0   $128,093   $0

Life Insurance Proceeds (2)

  N/A   N/A   N/A   $0   $0   $300,000

Financial Planning (3)

  N/A   N/A   $781   $0   $781   $781

Outplacement Services (4)

  N/A   N/A   $20,000   $0   $20,000   $0

 

* Ms. Bedient is not eligible for early retirement based on service criteria, or for normal retirement based on her age.

 

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Table of Contents

Executive Benefits and

Payments Upon

Termination of

S. Chandrasekaran

  Early
Retirement
  Normal
Retirement
  Involuntary
Not for
Cause
Termination
  For Cause
Termination
  Change in
Control (CIC)
Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
  Death

Compensation:

                       

Salary

  $0   N/A   $627,000   $0   $1,254,000   $0

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)

  A   N/A   $679,250   $0   $1,088,000   A

Performance Share Units

  B   N/A   C   D   $157,825   B

Restricted Stock

  J   N/A   J   $0   $179,069   J

Stock Options

  E   N/A   E   G   $0   H

Gross Up Payment

  $0   N/A   $0   $0   $893,850   $0
         

Benefits and Perquisites:

                       

Increase to Pension (1)

  $0   N/A   N/A   $0   $378,384   $0

Life and Health Care Insurance

  $0   N/A   $17,079   $0   $128,093   $0

Life Insurance Proceeds (2)

  $0   N/A   N/A   $0   $0   $300,000

Financial Planning (3)

  $0   N/A   $0   $0   $0   $0

Outplacement Services (4)

  $0   N/A   $20,000   $0   $20,000   $0

 

* Mr. Chandrasekaran is eligible for early retirement, but is not eligible for normal retirement based on his age.

 

Executive Benefits and

Payments Upon

Termination of

T. F. Gideon

  Early
Retirement
  Normal
Retirement
  Involuntary
Not for
Cause
Termination
  For Cause
Termination
  Change in
Control (CIC)
Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
  Death

Compensation:

                       

Salary

  $0   N/A   $870,000   $0   $1,740,000   $0

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)

  A   N/A   $435,653   $0   $1,740,000   A

Performance Share Units

  B   N/A   C   D   $317,732   B

Restricted Stock

  J   N/A   J   $0   $170,804   J

Stock Options

  E   N/A   E   H   $0   I

Gross Up Payment

  $0   N/A   $0   $0   $1,622,751   $0
         

Benefits and Perquisites:

                       

Increase to Pension (1)

  $0   N/A   N/A   $0   $775,643   $0

Life and Health Care Insurance

  $0   N/A   $17,079   $0   $128,093   $0

Life Insurance Proceeds (2)

  $0   N/A   N/A   $0   $0   $300,000

Financial Planning (3)

  $781   N/A   $781   $0   $781   $781

Outplacement Services (4)

  $0   N/A   $20,000   $0   $20,000   $0

 

* Mr. Gideon is eligible for early retirement, but is not eligible for normal retirement based on his age.

 

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Executive Benefits and

Payments Upon

Termination of

S. D. McDade

  Early
Retirement
  Normal
Retirement
  Involuntary
Not for
Cause
Termination
  For Cause
Termination
  Change in
Control (CIC)
Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
  Death

Compensation:

                       

Salary

  $0   N/A   $712,500   $0   $1,425,000   $0

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)

  A   N/A   $890,625   $0   $1,425,000   A

Performance Share Units

  B   N/A   C   D   $270,899   B

Restricted Stock

      JN/A   J   $0   $156,111   J

Stock Options

  E   N/A   E       H$0   I

Gross Up Payment

  $0   N/A   $0   $0   $1,121,429   $0
         

Benefits and Perquisites:

                       

Increase to Pension (1)

  $0   N/A   N/A   $0   $706,741   $0

Life and Health Care Insurance

  $0   N/A   $17,079   $0   $128,083   $0

Life Insurance Proceeds (2)

  $0   N/A   N/A   $0   $0   $300,000

Financial Planning (3)

  $781   N/A   $781   $0   $781   $781

Outplacement Services

  $0   N/A   $20,000   $0   $20,000   $0

 

* Mr. McDade is eligible for early retirement, but is not eligible for normal retirement based on his age.

 

Executive Benefits and

Payments Upon

Termination of

L. T. Alford

  Early
Retirement
  Normal
Retirement
  Involuntary
Not for
Cause
Termination
  For Cause
Termination
  Change in
Control (CIC)
Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
  Death

Compensation:

                       

Salary

  N/A   N/A   $713,761   N/A   N/A   N/A

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)

  N/A   N/A   $873,675   N/A   N/A   N/A

Performance Share Units

  N/A   N/A   B   N/A   N/A   N/A

Restricted Stock

  N/A   N/A   J   N/A   N/A   N/A

Stock Options

  N/A   N/A   E   N/A   N/A   N/A

Gross Up Payment

  N/A   N/A   $0   N/A   N/A   N/A
         

Benefits and Perquisites:

                       

Increase to Pension (1)

  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Life and Health Care Insurance

  N/A   N/A   $17,079   N/A   N/A   N/A

Life Insurance Proceeds (2)

  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Financial Planning (3)

  N/A   N/A   $0   N/A   N/A   N/A

Outplacement Services (4)

  N/A   N/A   $20,000   N/A   N/A   N/A

 

* Mr. Alford was terminated due to position elimination effective December 12, 2008. He received severance and was eligible for early retirement.

 

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Executive Benefits and

Payments Upon

Termination of

C. D. Neeser

  Early
Retirement
  Normal
Retirement
  Involuntary
Not for
Cause
Termination
  For Cause
Termination
  Change in
Control (CIC)
Involuntary
or Good
Reason
Termination
  Death

Compensation:

                       

Salary

  N/A   N/A   $1,244,294   N/A   N/A   N/A

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)

  N/A   N/A   $0   N/A   N/A   N/A

Performance Share Units

  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Restricted Stock

  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Stock Options

  N/A   N/A   G   N/A   N/A   N/A

Gross Up Payment

  N/A   N/A   $0   N/A   N/A   N/A
             

Benefits and Perquisites:

  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Increase to Pension (1)

  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Life and Health Care Insurance

  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Life Insurance Proceeds (2)

  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A

Financial Planning

  N/A   N/A   $11,596   N/A   N/A   N/A

Outplacement Services

  N/A   N/A   L   N/A   N/A   N/A

 

* Mr. Neeser was terminated due to position elimination effective December 29, 2008. He received a lump sum payment of his severance amount, which was paid in Canadian currency. In the table above, the payment amount was converted to U.S. currency using the assumption used under FAS 158.

 

(1) This is the estimated present value of annual increase in pension payments required pursuant to the executive officer’s Change in Control Agreement with the Company. The annual incremental increase assumes credit for three additional years of service and age following termination of employment.

 

(2) Group supplemental executive term life insurance in the amount of 2-1/2 times base salary with a maximum coverage of $700,000 when combined with Company base life amount; base life for all salaried employees is 2 times base salary.

 

(3) Financial planning services will be available until March 31, 2009, paid 50% by Company. The amount reported represents the Company portion of the amount the executive officer could be eligible to receive after termination.

 

(4) Outplacement services with a value of up to $20,000 are available following termination. If the services are used by the executive officer, the fees are paid directly to the outplacement service provider.

 

(A) Annual Incentive payments are owed to executive officers who terminate due to early retirement, normal retirement or death, based on the officer’s performance and prorated for the number of days the officer was employed during the performance period. This amount is based on actual performance for the performance year 2008, and assumes termination on December 31, 2008.

 

(B) For terminations due to early retirement, normal retirement or death, vesting of awards is based on performance as determined at the end of the performance period and prorated based on completed months of employment during the performance period.

 

(C) All nonvested performance share units are cancelled upon termination unless eligible for early retirement, normal retirement, death, or disability with at least 10 years of service.

 

(D) 2007 awards are forfeited upon termination for cause regardless of eligibility for early or normal retirement. 2006 awards are forfeited upon termination for cause unless the officer is eligible for early or normal retirement.

 

(E) For grants awarded from 2001 through 2005, options continue to vest for five years and may be exercised for up to the earlier of five years after termination or the remaining term of grant if termination occurs at ages 55 through 64 with at least 10 years of service. For grants awarded in 2006, 2007 and 2008, if termination occurs at ages 62 through 64, options are immediately vested and exercisable throughout the entire term.

 

(F) Fully vested and exercisable throughout the entire term.

 

(G) Vesting continues for three years after termination. Vested options are exercisable for three years following termination. Note: not applicable if eligible for early or normal retirement.

 

(H) For grants awarded beginning in 2005, all outstanding options (both vested and unvested) are automatically cancelled upon termination for cause. For grants awarded prior to 2005, vesting stops upon termination, and vested options are exercisable for three months from termination (unless the officer is eligible for early or normal retirement).

 

(I) Fully vested and may be exercised until the earlier of two years after the officer’s death or the remaining term of the grant.

 

(J) Upon termination for death, retirement or early retirement, nonvested restricted stock units continue to vest and be released according to the original vesting and release schedule.

 

(K) Upon termination for position elimination, nonvested restricted stock units continue to vest and be released for up to three years following termination.

 

(L) Job transition assistance is available, including financial planning, career counseling, job search strategies, and resume preparation.

 

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ITEM 2—SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL ON THE CHAIRMAN POSITION

 

A shareholder has advised the Company that he intends to present the following resolution at the annual meeting. In accordance with the applicable proxy statement regulations, the proposed resolution and supporting statement, for which the Board of Directors and the Company accept no responsibility, are set forth below. Approval of this proposal would require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Weyerhaeuser stock voting on the proposal in person or by proxy at the annual meeting.

RESOLVED: That stockholders of Weyerhaeuser Company, (“Weyerhaeuser” or “the Company”) ask the board of directors to adopt a policy that the board’s chairman be an independent director who has not previously served as an executive officer of Weyerhaeuser. The policy should be implemented so as not to violate any contractual obligation. The policy should also specify (a) how to select a new independent chairman if a current chairman ceases to be independent during the time between annual meetings of shareholders; and, (b) that compliance with the policy is excused if no independent director is available and willing to serve as chairman.

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to protect shareholders’ long-term interests by providing independent oversight of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in directing the corporation’s business and affairs. Currently at our Company, former CEO Mr. Steven R. Rogel holds the position of Chairman of the Board. We believe that this current scheme may not adequately protect shareholders.

Shareholders of Weyerhaeuser require an independent leader to ensure that management acts strictly in the best interests of the Company. By setting agendas, priorities and procedures, the position of Chairman is critical in shaping the work of the Board of Directors. Accordingly, we believe that having an independent director serve as chairman can help ensure the objective functioning of an effective Board.

As a long-term shareholder of our Company, we believe that ensuring that the Chairman of the Board of our Company is independent, will enhance Board leadership at Weyerhaeuser, and protect

shareholders from future management actions that can harm shareholders. Other corporate governance experts agree. As a Commission of The Conference Board stated in a 2003 report, “The ultimate responsibility for good corporate governance rests with the board of directors. Only a strong, diligent and independent board of directors that understands the key issues, provides wise counsel and asks management the tough questions is capable of ensuring that the interests of shareowners as well as other constituencies are being properly served.”

We believe that the recent wave of corporate scandals demonstrates that no matter how many independent directors there are on the Board, that Board is less able to provide independent oversight of the officers if the Chairman of that Board is also the CEO of the Company.

We, therefore, urge shareholders to vote FOR this proposal.

THE COMPANY’S RESPONSE TO THE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL—ITEM 2

The Board of Directors believes that this proposal is not in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and recommends a vote against the proposal.

The Board has carefully considered the views of various of the Company’s stakeholders, including the shareholder proposing this agenda item and recognizes that many shareholders believe that their interests are best represented by having an independent Director serve a Chairman of the Board. The Board also believes that it may be desirable to separate the office of Chairman and CEO from time to time depending on the composition of the Board and the views of the persons on the Board and in the role of CEO. Effective as of April 2009, the Board has elected an independent Director to be its Chairman. However, the Board believes it is not in the shareholders’ best interest to adopt a policy requiring the separation of the office of Chairman and CEO at all times.

As the shareholder proponent describes, the report of the Commission of The Conference Board Commission noted that only strong, diligent and independent Directors can provide wise counsel and ask management the tough questions capable


 

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of ensuring that the interests of shareowners are being properly served. Eleven of the Company’s twelve Directors are independent. These directors are or have recently been leaders of major companies and institutions and are strong and independent thinkers with a wide range of experiences and skills. The Conference Board Commission also noted that no single board structure has yet been demonstrated to be superior in providing the oversight that leads to corporate success. The structure formerly used by the Company’s Board was, in fact, approved by the Commission in the report.

The Board has in place corporate best practices to ensure a strong and independent Board. These practices include appointing only fully independent members to the Board’s Corporate Governance Committee, which manages the process that the Board uses to evaluate the performance of the CEO and select persons to be appointed as CEO; the Compensation Committee, which is responsible for setting performance goals for the CEO, evaluating his performance and approving his compensation awards; and the Audit Committee, which reviews the Company’s financial statements, risk profile and compliance efforts. The independent directors on the Board of Directors routinely meet in separate executive session without any member of management present.

The Board charter requires that the Board and each of its committees has the right at any time, at the Company’s expense and without consulting with or obtaining the prior approval of Company management, to retain independent outside financial, legal or other advisers. The Compensation Committee has sole authority to hire its own advisor for senior management compensation review and the Audit Committee has the sole authority to hire and terminate the outside auditors. The Board determines what information it needs from management and the Chairman is significantly involved in determination of meeting agendas, Board priorities and process.

The Board periodically reevaluates its structure and performance, and believes that it is not necessary to implement a policy that it always have an independent director serve as Chairman. Such a requirement would inappropriately restrict the Board’s flexibility to provide the Company with what

it deems to be the most effective Board leadership at any time.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL

The Company will provide the name and address of the proponent of the shareholder proposal above and the number of shares the proponent holds upon request for such information. Requests may be sent to Claire S. Grace, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Weyerhaeuser Company, P.O. Box 9777, Federal Way, Washington 98063-9777; by email at CorporateSecretary@Weyerhaeuser.com or by calling (253) 924-5273.

 

 

ITEM 3—SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL TO ADOPT SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE

 

A shareholder has advised the Company that he intends to present the following resolution at the annual meeting. In accordance with the applicable proxy statement regulations, the proposed resolution and supporting statement, for which the Board of Directors and the Company accept no responsibility, are set forth below. Approval of this proposal would require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Weyerhaeuser stock voting on the proposal in person or by proxy at the annual meeting.

RESOLVED, Shareholders request that our board take the steps necessary so that each shareholder voting requirement in our charter and bylaws, that calls for a greater than simple majority vote, be changed to a majority of the votes cast for and against specific proposals in compliance with applicable laws. This proposal applies to each 67% and 80% shareholder vote requirement in our bylaws and charter.

Our supermajority vote requirements can be almost impossible to obtain when one considers abstentions and broker non-votes. For example, a Goodyear (GT) management proposal for annual election of each director failed to pass even though 90% of votes cast were yes-votes. Supermajority requirements are arguably most often used to block initiatives supported by most shareowners but opposed by management.


 

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The simple majority vote topic won a remarkable 72% yes-vote average at 24 major companies in 2007. The Council of Institutional Investors recommends adoption of simple majority voting.

This proposal topic won our following support (based on yes and no votes) at our previous annual meetings:

76% in 2007

68% in 2006

The Council of Institutional Investors also recommends the adoption of shareholder proposals upon receiving their first majority vote.

Please encourage our board to respond positively to this proposal.

THE COMPANY’S RESPONSE TO THE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL—ITEM 3

The Board of Directors believes that this proposal concerning simple majority voting is not in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and recommends a vote against the proposal.

Washington law provides that certain matters presented to shareholders may be subject to a vote standard that is greater than a majority of shares voted if that standard is set forth in a company’s articles of incorporation. The Company’s articles of incorporation, which were approved by shareholder vote, provides that the vote of holders of greater than a majority of the Company’s outstanding shares must approve certain fundamental changes involving the Company. These include amendments to certain provisions of the by-laws or articles of incorporation and significant transactions involving “interested shareholders,” such as mergers, sale of a significant proportion of assets or dissolution of the Company. The percentage vote that is required is decreased if disinterested directors determine that the transaction would be the fair for all shareholders.

These provisions are designed to provide protection for all shareholders against self-interested actions by one or a few large shareholders. They also are designed to encourage any potential acquirer of the Company to negotiate directly with the Board of Directors. The Company’s Board of Directors is fully independent. Eleven of the Company’s twelve Directors are independent under the standards established by the New York Stock Exchange and

the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company believes its independent Board is in the best position to evaluate the adequacy and fairness of proposed offers, to negotiate on behalf of all shareholders and to protect shareholders against abusive tactics during a takeover process. The proposal for a “simple majority vote on all issues” would eliminate these protections.

The Board is committed to good corporate governance practices and has implemented a variety of measures, which are discussed on the Company’s website and in this Proxy Statement, to strengthen the Company’s corporate governance processes. The Board believes that implementation of this proposal will not enhance corporate governance practices at the Company and could be harmful to shareholders.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL

The Company will provide the name and address of the proponent of the shareholder proposal above and the number of shares the proponent holds upon request for such information. Requests may be sent to Claire S. Grace, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Weyerhaeuser Company, P.O. Box 9777, Federal Way, Washington 98063-9777; by email at CorporateSecretary@Weyerhaeuser.com or by calling (253) 924-5273.

 

 

ITEM 4—PROPOSAL TO APPROVE, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, THE APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS

 

KPMG LLP currently serves as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and that firm conducted the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2008. The Audit Committee has appointed KPMG LLP to serve as its independent registered public accounting firm to conduct an audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2009 and the Company’s system of internal controls over financial reporting.

Selection of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is not required to be submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Company for ratification. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires the Audit Committee to be directly responsible for the appointment,


 

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compensation and oversight of the audit work of the independent auditors. However, the Board of Directors is submitting this matter to the shareholders as a matter of good corporate practice. If the shareholders fail to vote on an advisory basis in favor of the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain KPMG LLP, and may retain that firm or another without re-submitting the matter to the Company’s shareholders. Even if shareholders vote on an advisory basis in favor of the appointment, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and the shareholders.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THIS PROPOSAL

 

 

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN POLICY

 

In 2004, the Board of Directors adopted a shareholder rights plan policy. The policy provides that the Board must obtain shareholder approval prior to adopting any shareholder rights plan. However, the Board may act on its own to adopt a shareholder rights plan if a majority of the independent Directors, exercising their fiduciary duties under Washington law, determine that such submission to shareholders would not be in the best interests of shareholders under the circumstances.

 

 

CONFIDENTIAL VOTING POLICY

 

In 1991, the Board of Directors adopted a confidential voting policy to protect our shareholders’ voting privacy. The policy provides that ballots, proxy forms and voting instructions returned to banks, brokerage firms and other holders of record must be kept confidential. Only the proxy solicitor, the proxy tabulator and the inspector of election have access to the ballots, proxy forms and voting instructions. The proxy solicitor and the proxy tabulator will disclose information taken from the ballots, proxy forms, and voting instructions only if:

 

Ÿ  

disclosure is required by applicable law,

Ÿ  

a shareholder authorizes disclosure or

Ÿ  

to resolve legal claims or disputes regarding ballots, proxy forms or votes, or the accuracy of any vote tabulation.

In the event the Company receives notice of a proxy contest, the Company will request that the proponent and all agents and other persons engaged by the proponent agree to this voting policy. The Company will not be bound to comply with this policy during a proxy contest if the proponent is not willing to be bound by the policy as well.

 

 

RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The firm of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, audited the accounts of the Company and subsidiaries for 2008 and has been selected to do so for 2009. Representatives of KPMG LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting and will able to speak if they wish to do so and will be available to answer appropriate questions.

The Company was billed for professional services provided during fiscal years 2007 and 2008 by KPMG LLP in the amounts set out in the following table. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered the services rendered by KPMG LLP for services other than the audit of the Company’s financial statements and has determined that the provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the firm’s independence.

 

Services Provided   Fee Amount
2007
  Fee Amount
2008

Audit Fees (1) (2)

  $ 12,506,400   $ 10,684,300

Audit Related Fees (2)

  $ 434,500   $ 442,000

Tax Fees (3)

  $ 84,000   $ 144,000

All Other Fees

  $ 0   $ 0

Total (4)

  $ 13,024,900   $ 11,270,300

 

(1)

Audit Fees, including those for statutory audits and audits of the Company’s joint ventures, include the aggregate fees for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2007 and December 31, 2008, for professional services rendered by KPMG for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K and Forms 10-Q. Audit Fees include fees for the audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


 

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(2) Primarily fees for services rendered in support of employee benefit plan audits for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2007 and December 31, 2008.
(3) Fees for services rendered related principally to international tax services.
(4) Audit fees in 2007 and 2008 included $3,425,300 and $2,845,000, respectively in fees associated with the completion of the combination of the Company’s paper business and related assets with Domtar, Inc., and the sale of the assets of the Containerboard Packaging and Recycling business to International Paper.

The Audit Committee has adopted a policy that it is required to approve the audit and non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm in order to assure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditor’s independence. All services, engagement terms, conditions and fees, as well as changes in such terms, conditions and fees must be approved by the Committee in advance. The Audit Committee will annually review and approve services that may be provided by the independent auditor during the next year and will revise the list of approved services from time to time based on subsequent determinations. The Committee believes that the independent auditor can provide tax services to the Company such as tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice without impairing the auditor’s independence, but the Committee will not permit the retention of the independent auditor in connection with a transaction initially recommended by the auditor. The authority to approve services may be delegated by the Committee to one or more of its members and the Committee may delegate to management the authority to approve certain specified audit related services up to a limited amount of fees. If authority to approve services has been delegated, any such approval of services must be reported to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting. During fiscal 2007 and 2008, 0.64% and 1.28%, respectively, of total fees paid to KPMG LLP related to non-audit services (tax and all other fees).

 

 

PROXY SOLICITATION EXPENSES

 

All expenses of soliciting proxies, including clerical work, printing and postage, will be paid by the Company. Proxies may be solicited personally, or by telephone, by employees of the Company, but the Company will not pay any compensation for such solicitations. The Company expects to pay fees of approximately $15,000 for assistance by Innisfree

M&A Incorporated in the solicitation of proxies. In addition, the Company will reimburse brokers, banks and other persons holding shares in their names or in the names of nominees for their expenses for sending material to principals and obtaining their proxies.

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be presented at the meeting. If any other matters come before the meeting, the proxy holders intend to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

 

 

FUTURE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS

 

Shareholders who wish to present proposals in accordance with the SEC Rule 14a-8 for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials to be distributed in connection with next year’s annual meeting proxy statement must submit their proposals so they are received by the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s executive offices no later than the close of business on November 12, 2009. As the rules of the SEC make clear, simply submitting a proposal does not guarantee that it will be included.

The Company’s bylaws provide that a shareholder may bring business before our annual meeting if it is appropriate for consideration at an annual meeting and is presented properly for consideration. If a shareholder wishes to bring business to a meeting for consideration under the bylaws rather than under the SEC rules, the shareholder must give the Corporate Secretary written notice of the shareholder’s intent to do so. The notice must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary no later than 90 days and no earlier than 120 days before the meeting. However, if the Company sends notice or discloses the date of the meeting fewer than 100 days before the date of the meeting, the shareholder must deliver the notice to the Corporate Secretary no later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which the notice of meeting date was mailed or publicly disclosed, whichever occurs first.

The Company’s bylaws also establish procedures for shareholder nominations for elections of directors of the Company. Any shareholder entitled


 

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to vote in the election of directors may nominate one or more persons for election as directors. The nomination will be effective only if the shareholder delivers written notice of the shareholder’s intent to make a nomination to the Corporate Secretary no later than 90 days or earlier than 120 days prior to the meeting. However, if the Company sends notice or discloses the date of the meeting fewer than 100 days before the date of the meeting, the shareholder must deliver the notice to the Corporate Secretary no later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which the notice of meeting date was mailed or publicly disclosed, whichever occurs first.

To be in proper form, a shareholder’s notice must include specific information concerning the proposal or the nominee as described in our bylaws and in SEC rules. In addition, to be eligible to be a nominee, the person must be able to make certain agreements with the Company as described in our bylaws. A shareholder who wishes to submit a proposal or a nomination is encouraged to consult independent counsel about our bylaw and SEC requirements. The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate

action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with the bylaw, SEC and other applicable requirements for submitting a proposal or nomination.

Notices of intention to present proposals at the 2010 annual meeting should be addressed to Claire S. Grace, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Weyerhaeuser Company, P.O. Box 9777, Federal Way, WA 98063-9777.

Public disclosure of the date of the 2009 annual meeting date was made in the Notice of 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement. The date of the next annual meeting of shareholders of Weyerhaeuser Company after the 2009 annual meeting is April 15, 2010.

For the Board of Directors

CLAIRE S. GRACE

Vice President and Corporate Secretary

Federal Way, Washington

March 11, 2009


 

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LOGO          LOGO

 


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TO REACH CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

 

From Seattle: Drive south on Interstate 5, approximately 24 miles from the city center, following the signs for “Tacoma/Portland.” Go 1/10 mile past Exit 142-B to Exit 142-A. Take this exit and stay to your right, heading east. Stay in the right-hand lane and take the Weyerhaeuser Way South exit. Turn left at the light, cross the overpass, and go through the traffic circle. Turn left again at the East Entrance sign and follow the directions for parking.

 

From Seattle: Drive approximately 24 miles south from city center on Interstate 5, following the signs for “Tacoma/Portland” and take Exit 143 (Federal Way/S. 320th St.). Turn left onto S. 320th, cross over the freeway and go through two lights to the light at Weyerhaeuser Way South. Turn right and proceed past the Technology Center to the traffic circle. Take the second exit out of the traffic circle. Take the next right into the East Entrance (approximately 1 block) and follow the directions for parking.

 

From Tacoma: Drive north on Interstate 5, approximately 8 miles from city center, and take Exit 142A (Auburn, Highway 18, North Bend). Stay in the far right lane. Take the exit to Weyerhaeuser Way South. Turn left at the light, cross the overpass, and go through the traffic circle. Turn left again at the East Entrance sign and follow the directions for parking.


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LOGO

 

FOLD AND DETACH HERE

Address Change/Comments

(Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side)

43103

BNY MELLON SHAREOWNER SERVICES

P.O. BOX 3550

SOUTH HACKENSACK, NJ 07606-9250

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS APRIL 16, 2009 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned hereby appoints Charles R. Williamson, Daniel S. Fulton and Claire S. Grace, and each of them, with full power to act without the other and with full power of substitution, as proxies to represent and to vote, as directed herein, all shares not held in Benefit Plan accounts the undersigned is entitled to vote at the annual meeting of the shareholders of Weyerhaeuser Company to be held at the Corporate Headquarters Building, Federal Way, Washington, on Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 9 am, and all adjournments thereof. Shares will be voted as directed on the reverse side of this Proxy card. If the card is signed and returned without specific instructions for voting, the shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors. If there are shares allocated to the undersigned in the Weyerhaeuser Company 401(k), or Weyerhaeuser Company Ltd. Investment Growth Plans, the undersigned hereby directs the Trustee to vote all full and fractional shares as indicated on the reverse side of this card. If the card is signed and returned without specific instructions for voting, the shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors. Shares for which no voting instructions are received will be voted as provided by the Plans.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUWILL NEED TO PRESENT THE ADMISSION TICKET PROVIDED BELOWTO OBTAINADMISSION TO THE ANNUALMEETING. ACCORDINGLY, THE ADMISSION TICKET SHOULD NOT BE RETURNEDWITH THIS PROXY CARD IF YOU VOTE BY MAIL.

ADMISSION TICKET

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Date —April 16, 2009

Time — 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Location — Weyerhaeuser Company

Corporate Headquarters Building

33663 Weyerhaeuser Way South

Federal Way, Washington 98003

ADMITTANCE MAY BE DENIED WITHOUT A TICKET

Please present this admission ticket for admittance to the Annual Meeting. If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, do not return this admission ticket with the proxy card if you vote your shares by mail. For security purposes, no banners, placards, signs, literature for distribution or cameras may be taken into the meeting.

(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)


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X

Please mark your votes as indicated in this example FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOLD AND DETACH HERE The Board of Directors recommends a vote “AGAINST” items 2 and 3 and “FOR” item 4. 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Signature Signature Date NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. 01 Debra A. Cafaro 02 Nicole W. Piasecki 03 Mark A. Emmert Item 2. Shareholder proposal on the chairman position Item 3. Shareholder proposal to adopt simple majority vote Mark Here for Address Change or Comments SEE REVERSE WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY 43103 The proxies are authorized to vote in their discretion upon other matters that may properly come before the meeting. (The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” each of the following nominees: Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of shareholders The Proxy Statement and the 2009 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at: http://bnymellon.mobular.net/bnymellon/wy WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING, BOTH ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day prior to the shareholder meeting date. OR INTERNET (secure site) http://www.proxyvoting.com/wy Use the Internet to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site. TELEPHONE 1-866-540-5760 Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card in hand when you call. If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card. To vote by mail, mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. 04 Daniel S. Fulton 05 Wayne W. Murdy Item 4. Approval, on an advisory basis, of the appointment of auditors FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN