SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
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Check the appropriate box:
¨ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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x | Definitive Proxy Statement |
¨ | Definitive Additional Materials |
¨ | Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12. |
Dominos Pizza, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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Dominos Pizza, Inc.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 734-930-3030
For further information, call Dominos Pizza Investor Relations at 734-930-3008.
Dominos Pizza, Inc.
30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the Shareholders of Dominos Pizza, Inc.:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Dominos Pizza, Inc. (the Company) will be held at the Dominos Pizza World Resource Center on April 17, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes, all of which are more completely set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement:
1. | To elect two Directors, each for a term of three years; |
2. | To approve the Amended Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan; |
3. | To consider the shareholder proposal regarding the MacBride Principles relating to Northern Ireland; |
4. | To consider the shareholder proposal requesting a report disclosing the progress made toward evaluating controlled-atmosphere killing; |
5. | To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accountants of the Company for the current year; and |
6. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
Shareholders of record at the close of business on February 25, 2008 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
By order of the Board of Directors, |
Adam J. Gacek Secretary |
March 5, 2008 |
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
We are offering registered shareholders the opportunity to vote their shares electronically through the internet or by telephone. Please see the Proxy Statement and the enclosed Proxy for details about electronic voting. You are urged to date, sign and promptly return the enclosed Proxy, or to vote electronically through the internet or by telephone, so that your shares may be voted in accordance with your wishes and so that the presence of a quorum may be assured. Voting promptly, regardless of the number of shares you hold, will aid the Company in reducing the expense of additional Proxy solicitation. Voting your shares by the enclosed Proxy, or electronically, does not affect your right to vote in person in the event you attend the meeting. You are cordially invited to attend the meeting, and the Company requests that you indicate your plans in this respect in the space provided on the enclosed form of Proxy or as prompted if you vote electronically.
Notice of 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
Proxy Statement and Other Information
Contents
DOMINOS PIZZA, INC.
30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
(734) 930-3030
The enclosed Proxy, for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Dominos Pizza World Resource Center, 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 on Thursday, April 17, 2008, and any adjournments or postponements thereof, is being solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors (the Board) of Dominos Pizza, Inc. Any shareholder may choose to vote by returning the enclosed Proxy card, electronically by accessing the internet site or by using the toll-free telephone number, both of which are stated on the form of Proxy. Without affecting any vote previously taken, the Proxy may be revoked by the shareholder by giving notice of revocation to Dominos Pizza, Inc. in writing, by accessing the internet site, by using the toll-free telephone number, or in the open meeting. A shareholder may also change his or her vote by executing and returning to the Company a later-dated Proxy, by a later-dated electronic vote through the internet site, by using the toll-free telephone number, or by voting at the open meeting. All properly executed Proxies received by the Board, and properly authenticated electronic votes recorded through the internet or by telephone, will be voted as directed by the shareholder. All properly executed Proxies received by the Board that do not specify how shares should be voted will be voted FOR the election as Directors of the nominees listed below under ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; FOR the ratification of the Amended Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan; FOR the ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent registered public accountants of the Company for the current year; AGAINST the shareholder proposal regarding the MacBride Principles relating to Northern Ireland; and AGAINST the shareholder proposal requesting a report from the Board of Directors disclosing the progress made toward evaluating controlled-atmosphere killing.
Solicitation of Proxies may be made by mail, personal interview and telephone by officers, directors and other employees of the Company, and by employees of the Companys transfer agent, BNY Mellon Shareowner Services. The Company will reimburse its transfer agent, banks, brokers, and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable costs in the preparation and mailing of proxy materials to shareholders.
The internet and telephone procedures for voting and for revoking or changing a vote are designed to authenticate shareholders identities, to allow shareholders to give their voting instructions and to confirm that shareholders instructions have been properly recorded. Shareholders that vote through the internet should understand that there may be costs associated with electronic access, such as usage charges from internet access providers and telephone companies, which will be borne by the shareholder.
This Proxy Statement, including the Notice of Meeting, was first mailed to shareholders on or about March 7, 2008. As used in this Proxy Statement, references to the Company, Dominos or Dominos Pizza refer to Dominos Pizza, Inc.
Voting Rights
The record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was the close of business on February 25, 2008. On the record date, there were 59,609,018 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, the Companys only voting securities, outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. Under the Companys By-Laws, the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Shares of common stock represented in person or by proxy, including shares which abstain or do not vote with
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respect to one or more of the matters presented for shareholder approval, will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. The affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of votes cast by the shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the election of directors. Shares that abstain from voting as to a particular matter, and shares held in street name by brokers or nominees that indicate on their Proxies that they do not have discretionary authority to vote such shares as to a particular matter, will not be counted as votes in favor of such matter and will also not be counted as votes cast or shares voting on such matter. Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be included in vote totals and will not affect the outcome of the voting on the election of Directors.
PROPOSAL ONE: | ELECTION OF DIRECTORS |
Dominos has a classified Board of Directors currently consisting of two Directors with terms expiring in 2008 (Class I), three Directors with terms expiring in 2009 (Class II) and two Directors with terms expiring in 2010 (Class III). At each Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Directors in one class are elected for a full term of three years to succeed those Directors whose terms are expiring. This year, the two Class I Director nominees will stand for election to a three-year term expiring at the 2011 Annual Meeting. The persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote to elect Andrew B. Balson and Vernon Bud O. Hamilton as directors unless the Proxy is marked otherwise. Each of the nominees has indicated their willingness to serve, if elected. However, if a nominee should be unable to serve, the shares of common stock represented by Proxies may be voted for a substitute nominee designated by the Board. Management has no reason to believe that any of the above-mentioned persons will not serve his term as a Director.
Set forth below are the name, age and principal occupation of each nominee for election as a Class I Director and of each continuing member of the Board. Information with respect to the business experience, other publicly-held companies on which they serve as a director and the number of shares of Dominos Pizza, Inc. common stock beneficially owned by each director, appears later in this Proxy Statement.
Nominees for Election for Terms Expiring in 2011 (Class I Directors)
Name |
Age | Directors and Their Principal Occupations / Business Experience |
Director Since | |||
Andrew B. Balson |
41 | Mr. Balson has been a Managing Director of Bain Capital, LLC, a global investment company, since January 2001. Mr. Balson became a Principal of Bain Capital in June 1998. | 1999 | |||
Vernon Bud O. Hamilton |
65 | Mr. Hamilton served in various executive positions for Procter & Gamble from 1966 until his retirement in 2003. Mr. Hamilton most recently served as Vice President, InnovationResearch & DevelopmentGlobal from 2002 through 2003. He also served as Vice President of Procter & Gamble Customer Business DevelopmentNorth America from 1999 to 2001. | 2005 |
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ABOVE NOMINEES
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Continuing Directors
The following Directors will continue to serve after the 2008 Annual Meeting:
Directors with Terms Expiring in 2009 (Class II Directors)
Name |
Age | Directors and Their Principal Occupations / Business Experience |
Director Since | |||
David A. Brandon |
55 | Mr. Brandon has served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Dominos Pizza, Inc. since March 1999. Mr. Brandon has also served as Chief Executive Officer and as a Manager of Dominos Pizza LLC since March 1999. | 1999 | |||
Mark E. Nunnelly |
49 | Mr. Nunnelly has been a Managing Director, Bain Capital, LLC, a global investment company, since 1990. | 1998 | |||
Diana F. Cantor |
50 | Ms. Cantor has been a Managing Director, New York Private Bank and Trust since January 2008. | 2005 |
Directors with Terms Expiring in 2010 (Class III Directors)
Name |
Age | Directors and Their Principal Occupations / Business Experience |
Director Since | |||
Robert M. Rosenberg |
70 | Mr. Rosenberg served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Allied Domecq Retailing, USA from 1993 until his retirement in August 1999. | 1999 | |||
Dennis F. Hightower |
66 | Mr. Hightower served as Chief Executive Officer of Europe Online Networks, S.A., a broadband interactive entertainment provider, from June 2000 until his retirement in February 2001. He was Professor of Management at the Harvard Business School from July 1997 to June 2000 and a Senior Lecturer from July 1996 to June 1997. | 2003 |
DIRECTOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION
David A. Brandon has served as our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and as a Director since March 1999. Mr. Brandon has also served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and as a Manager of Dominos Pizza LLC since March 1999. Mr. Brandon was President and Chief Executive Officer of Valassis, Inc., a company in the sales promotion and coupon industries, from 1989 to 1998 and Chairman of the board of directors of Valassis, Inc. from 1997 to 1998. Mr. Brandon serves on the Boards of Directors of The TJX Companies, Inc., Burger King Corporation, Kaydon Corporation and Northwest Airlines.
Andrew B. Balson has served on our Board of Directors since March 1999. Mr. Balson also serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Balson has been a Managing Director of Bain Capital, a global investment company, since January 2001. Mr. Balson became a Principal of Bain Capital in June 1998. Mr. Balson serves on the Boards of Directors of Burger King Corporation, OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc. and Dunkin Brands, Inc., as well as a number of other private companies.
Diana F. Cantor has served on our Board of Directors since October 2005. Ms. Cantor also serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Ms. Cantor has been a Managing Director with the New York Private Bank and Trust since January 2008. Ms. Cantor served as Executive Director of the Virginia College Savings Plan, the states 529 college savings program, from 1996 to January 2008. She served on the board of the College Savings Plans Network from 1997 through 2007 and was its chair from 2001 to 2004. Ms. Cantor served seven years as Vice President of Richmond Resources, Ltd. from 1990 through 1996, and as Vice President of Goldman, Sachs & Co. from 1985 to 1990. Ms. Cantor is also a member of the Board of Directors of Media General, Inc.
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Vernon Bud O. Hamilton has served on our Board of Directors since May 2005 and serves as the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Hamilton served in various executive positions for Procter & Gamble from 1966 through 2003. Mr. Hamilton most recently served as Vice President, Innovation-Research & Development-Global from 2002 through 2003 and served as President of Eurocos, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, from 1994 to 1995, Vice President of Procter & Gamble Customer Marketing-North America from 1996 through 1998 and Vice President of Procter & Gamble Customer Business Development-North America from 1999 to 2001.
Dennis F. Hightower has served on our Board of Directors since February 2003, serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and serves on the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Mr. Hightower served as Chief Executive Officer of Europe Online Networks, S.A., a broadband interactive entertainment provider, from May 2000 to March 2001. He was Professor of Management at Harvard Business School from July 1997 to May 2000, and a senior lecturer from July 1996 to June 1997. He was previously employed by The Walt Disney Company, serving as President of Walt Disney Television & Telecommunications, President of Disney Consumer Products (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and related service in executive positions in Europe. He serves on the Board of Directors of Accenture, Ltd.
Mark E. Nunnelly has served on our Board of Directors since December 1998. Mr. Nunnelly also serves on the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Nunnelly has been a Managing Director of Bain Capital, a global investment company since 1990. Mr. Nunnelly serves on the Boards of Directors of Dunkin Brands, Inc., Warner Music and OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc., as well as a number of private companies and not-for-profit corporations.
Robert M. Rosenberg has served on our Board of Directors since April 1999 and serves as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and also serves on the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Rosenberg served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Allied Domecq Retailing, USA from 1993 to August 1999 when he retired. Allied Domecq Retailing, USA was comprised of Dunkin Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togos Eateries. Mr. Rosenberg also serves on the Boards of Directors of Sonic Corp. and Buffets, Inc.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND DIRECTOR INFORMATION
Dominos Pizza has a strong commitment to good corporate governance practices. These practices provide a framework within which the Companys Board and management can pursue the strategic objectives of Dominos Pizza and ensure its long-term growth for the benefit of shareholders. The Companys corporate governance principles and practices are reviewed annually by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and any changes are recommended to the Board for approval. The Companys Corporate Governance Principles are posted on the Dominos corporate and investor website www.dominosbiz.com under the Investors section and are available free of charge upon request from the Companys Corporate Secretary. The Companys corporate and investor website (Investors section on www.dominosbiz.com) also contains the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, the Compensation Committee Charter, and the Audit Committee Charter and all the referenced charters are available free of charge upon request from the Companys Corporate Secretary.
The Corporate Governance Principles and the Charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee set forth the Companys policies with respect to Board structure, membership (including nominee qualifications), performance, operations and management oversight. Pursuant to the Corporate Governance Principles, the Board meets quarterly in executive session and in non-management executive session. The discussion leader for executive session is generally David Brandon and the discussion leader for the non-management executive sessions is generally Mark Nunnelly. All of the non-management directors are independent and they meet separately at each quarterly board meeting.
The Board believes that a majority of its members should be independent directors. The Companys Corporate Governance Principles contain the Companys standards for director independence. A Director will be designated as independent if he or she: (i) has no material relationship with the Company or its subsidiaries;
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(ii) satisfies the other criteria specified by New York Stock Exchange listing standards; (iii) has no business conflict with the Company or its subsidiaries; and (iv) otherwise meets applicable independence criteria specified by law, regulation, exchange requirement or the Board. The Board has affirmatively determined that the following Directors are independent under that definition:
Andrew B. Balson
Diana F. Cantor
Vernon Bud O. Hamilton
Dennis F. Hightower
Mark E. Nunnelly
Robert M. Rosenberg
The Corporate Governance Principles further provide that the Directors are invited and expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All Directors attended the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The Company has adopted a Code of Professional Conduct for Senior Financial Officers that applies to all executive officers of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as all of the Companys other financial officers and other employees with senior financial roles. The Code of Professional Conduct is posted on the Companys corporate and investor website (Investors section on www.dominosbiz.com). The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of the Code of Professional Conduct for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller or persons performing similar functions, by posting such information on its website.
A total of eight meetings of the Board of the Company were held during 2007. Each Director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board, and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which that Director served during the period each served as a Director.
In accordance with New York Stock Exchange requirements, the Board has a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a Compensation Committee and an Audit Committee, all of which are comprised solely of independent Directors, as defined by Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange listed company rules. Each committee of the Board has designated responsibilities and regularly reports on their activities to the entire Board.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Hamilton (Chair) and Balson and Ms. Cantor. The Committee held four meetings in 2007. Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is independent as required under the New York Stock Exchange listed company rules as discussed above. A Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, as approved by the Board, can be found on the Companys corporate and investor website (Investors section on www.dominosbiz.com).
The Committees functions include assisting the Board in determining the desired qualifications of Directors, identifying potential individuals meeting those qualifications, proposing to the Board a slate of nominees for election by the shareholders and reviewing candidates nominated by shareholders. In addition, further functions include reviewing the Corporate Governance Principles, making recommendations to the Board with respect to other corporate governance principles applicable to the Company, recommending Directors to serve on committees, overseeing the determinations of director independence, overseeing the annual evaluation of the Board and management, and reviewing Board succession plans.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets regularly to discuss, among other things, identification and evaluation of potential candidates for nomination as a director. The Nominating and Corporate
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Governance Committee may use a paid outside search firm to identify possible directors. Director candidates will be evaluated according to the qualifications as set forth in the Boards Corporate Governance Principles, including:
| High personal and professional ethics, integrity and values; |
| Possession of a range of talents, skills and expertise to provide sound and prudent guidance with respect to the operations and interests of the Company; |
| Expertise that is useful to the Company and complementary to the background and experience of other Board members; |
| Ability to devote the time necessary for the diligent performance of the duties and responsibilities of Board membership; |
| Commitment to serve on the Board over a period of several years to develop knowledge about the Company and its operations; |
| Willingness to represent the long-term interests of all shareholders and objectively appraise managements performance; and |
| Board diversity and other relevant factors as the Board may determine. |
The nominees for election at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Andrew B. Balson and Vernon Bud O. Hamilton, already serve as Directors of the Company.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, provided that the names of such nominees are submitted in writing, not later than November 7, 2008, to Adam J. Gacek, Corporate Secretary, Dominos Pizza, Inc., 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105. Each such submission must include a statement of the qualifications of the nominee, a consent signed by the nominee evidencing a willingness to serve as a Director, if elected, and a commitment by the nominee to meet personally with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members.
Other than the submission requirements set forth above, there are no differences in the manner in which the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee evaluates a nominee for Director recommended by a shareholder.
Compensation Committee
The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Rosenberg (Chair), Hightower and Nunnelly. Each member of the Compensation Committee is independent as required under the New York Stock Exchange listed company rules. The Compensation Committee met four times during 2007 to conduct its required business in accordance with the Compensation Committee Charter. A Compensation Committee Charter, as approved by the Board, can be found on the Companys corporate and investor website (Investors section on www.dominosbiz.com).
The Compensation Committees functions include examining the levels and methods of compensation employed by the Company with respect to the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, making recommendations with respect to other executive officer compensation, reviewing and approving the compensation package of the Chief Executive Officer, making recommendations to the Board with respect to incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans, reviewing management succession plans, making plan administration and compensation decisions under equity compensation plans approved by the Board, administering one or more cash bonus plans, subject to shareholder approval, that will qualify compensation paid thereunder as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m), and implementing and administering such plans.
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Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Hightower (Chair) and Rosenberg and Ms. Cantor. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent as required under the New York Stock Exchange listed company rules. The Committee met seven times during 2007. The Audit Committee Charter, as approved by the Board, can be found on the Companys corporate and investor website (Investors section on www.dominosbiz.com).
The Board has determined that three of its independent members, each meeting the requirements of Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act, Messrs. Hightower and Rosenberg and Ms. Cantor, are audit committee financial experts under Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Audit Committees functions include: providing assistance to the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to the Companys financial statements and the financial reporting process, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the qualifications and independence of the Companys independent registered public accountants, the Companys system of internal controls, the internal audit function, the Companys code of ethical conduct; retaining and, if appropriate, terminating the independent registered public accountants; and approving audit and non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accountants.
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy under which audit and non-audit services to be rendered by the Companys independent public registered accountants are pre-approved. This policy can be found on the Companys corporate and investor website (Investors section on www.dominosbiz.com).
Audit and Other Service Fees
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees for professional services; all such services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for each of the last two fiscal years (dollars in thousands):
2007 | 2006 | |||||
Audit fees(1) |
$ | 1,855 | $ | 840 | ||
Audit-related fees(2) |
97 | 80 | ||||
Tax fees(3) |
32 | 22 | ||||
All other fees |
2 | | ||||
Total |
$ | 1,986 | $ | 942 |
(1) | Includes services rendered for the audit of the Companys annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in the Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other audit services normally provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. The amounts also include services related to Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance. The 2007 amount also includes audit work relating to the international restructuring that occurred in connection with the Companys Asset-Backed Securitization recapitalization completed in 2007 (the ABS Recapitalization), the audits of five entities in connection with the ABS Recapitalization and franchise law requirements, as well as additional work in connection with the ABS Recapitalization. |
(2) | Includes fees for services related to the audit of the Dominos advertising fund subsidiary and an agreed upon procedures engagement. |
(3) | Includes services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. |
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The following Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this Report.
The Audit Committee is governed by a written charter which was adopted by the Companys Board of Directors and is reviewed annually by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the quality and integrity of the Companys accounting, auditing, financial reporting and internal control practices. The Audit Committee is responsible for, in addition to other activities, the appointment, retention and compensation of the Companys independent public registered accountants. The Audit Committee has a policy with respect to the pre-approval of non-audit services.
Each member of the Audit Committee is independent as required under the New York Stock Exchange listed company rules. The Board has determined that three of its independent members, each meeting the requirements of Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act, Messrs. Hightower and Rosenberg and Ms. Cantor, are audit committee financial experts under Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Audit Committee met seven times during 2007.
In performing its responsibilities, the Audit Committee, in addition to other activities: (i) reviewed and discussed the Companys audited financial statements with management; (ii) discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Companys independent accountants, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), as modified or supplemented; and (iii) received the letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), as modified or supplemented, and discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the firms independence. Based on these reviews, discussions and activities, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2007 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Audit Committee considered whether the provision of non-audit services by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was compatible with maintaining such firms independence. After reviewing the services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, including all non-audit services, the Audit Committee, in accordance with its charter, authorized the reappointment, subject to shareholder ratification, of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company.
Respectfully submitted,
Audit Committee
Dennis F. Hightower, Chairman
Robert M. Rosenberg
Diana F. Cantor
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The following table sets forth information (based upon filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission) with respect to the persons believed by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company as of December 31, 2007:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
|||||
Name |
Number of shares |
Percentage of class |
|||
Bain Capital Fund VI, L.P. and Related Funds |
16,990,038 | 27.42 | % | ||
c/o Bain Capital, LLC 111 Huntington Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02199 (1) |
|||||
Blue Harbour Group, LP and Blue Harbour Institutional Partners Master Fund L.P. |
6,764,491 | 10.92 | % | ||
646 Steamboat Road Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 (2) |
|||||
Cedar Rock Capital Limited |
5,831,494 | 9.41 | % | ||
Cedar Rock Capital Limited 110 Wigmore Street London W1U 3RW United Kingdom |
|||||
MSD Capital, L.P. |
3,131,500 | 5.1 | % | ||
645 Fifth Avenue, 21st Floor New York, New York 10022 (3) |
(1) | The shares included in the table consist of shares held by each of Bain Capital Fund VI, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (BCF VI), Bain Capital VI Coinvestment Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (BC VI Coinvest), BCIP Associates II, a Delaware general partnership (BCIP II), BCIP Trust Associates II, a Delaware general partnership (BCIP Trust II), BCIP Associates II-B, a Delaware general partnership (BCIP II-B), BCIP Trust Associates II-B, a Delaware general partnership (BCIP Trust II-B), BCIP Associates II-C, a Delaware general partnership (BCIP II-C), PEP Investments PTY Ltd., a New South Wales limited company (PEP), and Brookside Capital Partners Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (Brookside). |
Bain Capital Partners VI, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (BCP VI), is the sole general partner of BCF VI and BC VI Coinvest. Bain Capital Investors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (BCI), is the sole general partner of BCP VI. BCI is the managing partner of BCIP II, BCIP Trust II, BCIP II-B, BCIP Trust II-B and BCIP II-C and, by power of attorney, has the right to vote and dispose of securities owned by PEP. Brookside Capital Investors, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (BCI LP) is the sole general partner of Brookside. Brookside Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (BCM) is the sole general partner of BCI LP. Mr. Domenic J. Ferrante is the sole managing member of BCM.
(2) | Blue Harbour Strategic Value Partners Master Fund, LP (the Fund), an exempt limited partnership organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, is the direct beneficial owner of 5,266,348 shares of common stock, and Blue Harbour Institutional Partners Master Fund, L.P. (BHIP), an exempt limited partnership organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, is the direct owner of 1,498,143 shares of common stock. Blue Harbour GP, LLC (Fund GP) is the general partner of the Fund and BHIP. Blue Harbour Group, LP (Manager) serves as investment manager of the Fund and BHIP. Blue Harbour Holdings, LLC (Manager GP) is the general partner of Manager. Clifton S. Robbins directly or indirectly through trusts or other entities controlled by Mr. Robbins is the controlling shareholder of Manager GP and Fund GP. By virtue of their relationships, Fund GP, Manager, Manager GP and Mr. Robbins may be deemed to have shared power to vote and dispose of, or to direct the vote and disposition of, the shares beneficially owned by the Fund and BHIP. Fund GP, Manager, Manager GP and Mr. Robbins disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares for all other purposes. |
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(3) | As of November 2, 2007, MSD Torchlight, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (Torchlight), was the record and beneficial owner of 3,131,500 shares (the MSD Shares) of common stock of the Company. MSD Capital, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (MSD), is the general partner of Torchlight, and therefore may be deemed to be the indirect beneficial owner of the MSD Shares. MSD Capital Management LLC is the general partner of MSD. |
The foregoing information is based upon Schedule 13G reports or amendments filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the above beneficial owners in 2007 and 2008, with respect to their holdings of the common stock of Dominos Pizza, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 (or such other date specified above).
Security Ownership of Management
The following table sets forth, as of December 30, 2007, information with respect to the Companys common stock, par value $.01 per share, owned beneficially by each Director, by each nominee for election as a Director of the Company, by the Executive Officers named in the Summary Compensation Table starting on page 20 of this Proxy Statement and by all Directors and Executive Officers as a group:
Name of beneficial owner |
Amount and nature of beneficial ownership(1) |
Percent of class |
|||
David A. Brandon(2) |
1,020,304 | 1.7 | % | ||
William E. Kapp(3) |
22,574 | * | |||
J. Patrick Doyle(4) |
339,633 | * | |||
Ken C. Calwell(5) |
164,725 | * | |||
James G. Stansik(6) |
168,797 | * | |||
L. David Mounts |
137,648 | * | |||
Michael D. Soignet |
1,926 | * | |||
Andrew B. Balson(7) |
| * | |||
Dennis F. Hightower(8) |
48,946 | * | |||
Mark E. Nunnelly(7) |
| * | |||
Robert M. Rosenberg(9) |
53,648 | * | |||
Vernon Bud O. Hamilton |
36,000 | * | |||
Diana F. Cantor |
25,500 | * | |||
All directors and executive officers as a group (20 persons) |
2,478,930 | 4.2 | % |
* | Less than 1%. |
(1) | Includes options exercisable within 60 days following December 30, 2007. |
(2) | Includes 537,499 shares of non-voting common stock that can be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding options and 91,450 shares of common stock held by The David A. Brandon Foundation. |
(3) | Includes 11,666 shares of non-voting common stock that can be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding options. |
(4) | Includes 197,763 shares of non-voting common stock that can be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding options. |
(5) | Includes 70,000 shares of non-voting common stock that can be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding options. |
(6) | Includes 58,333 shares of non-voting common stock that can be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding options. |
(7) | Mr. Balson and Mr. Nunnelly are Managing Directors and Members of BCI. Messrs. Balson and Nunnelly may be deemed to share voting and disposition power with respect to all shares of common stock held by |
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each of BCF VI, BC VI Coinvest, BCIP II, BCIP Trust II, BCIP II-B, BCIP Trust II-B, BCIP II-C and PEP referred to above in the section titled Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners. Each of Messrs. Balson and Nunnelly disclaims beneficial ownership of securities held by these investment funds except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein, if any. |
(8) | Includes 11,446 shares of non-voting common stock that can be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding options. |
(9) | Includes 28,648 shares held by The Robert M. Rosenberg 2007 Qualified Annuity Trust. |
The information with respect to beneficial ownership is based upon information furnished by each Director, nominee or Executive Officer, or information contained in filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of Dominos common stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Dominos common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange. The Company assists its Directors and executive officers in completing and filing those reports. Dominos is required to disclose in its proxy statement any failure to file these reports by the required due dates. The Company believes that, except for a Form 4 that was filed for L. David Mounts on October 30, 2007 for a purchase of shares of Dominos Pizza, Inc. that occurred on October 22, 2007, all filing requirements applicable to its directors, executive officers and shareholders who own more than 10% of Dominos common stock were complied with during the last completed fiscal year.
Compensation Committee Report
We have reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on these reviews and discussions, we recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference in the fiscal 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Respectfully submitted,
Compensation Committee
Robert M. Rosenberg, Chairman
Dennis F. Hightower
Mark E. Nunnelly
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Overview
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, or the Compensation Committee, is responsible for determining the compensation of the executive officers and administering the plans in which the executive officers, the Directors and the Companys other employees participate. The goal of the Companys compensation system is to attract, motivate and retain talented individuals to help Dominos Pizza attain the Companys business goals and objectives. Dominos Pizza, Inc. is committed to achieving long-term, sustainable growth and increasing shareholder value. The Dominos Pizza compensation programs for executive officers are designed to maintain these commitments and encourage strong financial performance on an annual and longer-term basis. The Company evaluates executive compensation by measuring the total compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers against benchmarks of comparable companies. The principal elements of the total compensation for the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers are base salary, performance bonuses, long-term compensation consisting primarily of stock options and certain perquisites.
Compensation Philosophy
The Compensation Committee uses total compensation as its measurement when it determines the level and components of compensation for the named executive officers. In order to maintain the effectiveness of the Companys current executive compensation structure, the Compensation Committee annually reviews the reasonableness of executive compensation levels using professional compensation consultants as well as public information about comparable companies within the Companys industry, and evaluates it in light of individual performance as well as the Companys growth and profitability. In making such determinations, the Compensation Committee reviews the nature and scope of each executive officers responsibilities as well as his or her effectiveness in supporting the Companys long-term goals. The Compensation Committee attempts to set levels of salary, bonus, and other compensation at levels that will attract, motivate, and retain superior executive talent in a highly competitive environment.
Total Compensation
The Compensation Committee uses total compensation as its measurement when it determines the level and components of compensation for the named executive officers. The Compensation Committee conducts a review of the total compensation of the named executive officers of Dominos Pizza using data provided by the compensation consultants retained by the Compensation Committee. For the named executive officers except for the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee attempts to equally allocate the percentage of the three major components of total compensation; (i) annual base salary, (ii) annual performance bonuses and (iii) long term compensation, in the form of stock option grants. For the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee places more emphasis on the performance-based components of total compensation, the annual performance bonus and long-term compensation, so that the Chief Executive Officers Total Compensation is targeted generally to be allocated as 20% annual base salary, 40% annual performance bonus and 40% long-term compensation.
Components of Total Compensation
Annual Base Salary Compensation. The Compensation Committee annually reviews and approves the base salaries of executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer. In making these determinations, the Compensation Committee considers various factors such as the executives employment agreement with the Company, the executives individual performance against objectives, responsibilities, leadership, years of experience, the performance of the Company with respect to the annual performance bonus measurement, and total compensation package.
Annual Performance Bonuses. The following section describes the annual performance bonus for all of the executive officers of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer, but excluding the Executive Vice
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President of Team U.S.A., whose arrangement is discussed separately below. Each executive officer has the opportunity to earn an annual performance bonus consisting of a cash bonus payment based upon the Companys performance that is uniform for all the Companys executive officers. Annually, in accordance with Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee approves bonus targets for the Company and sets a bonus target for the executive officers based on the achievement of a certain financial target utilizing a financial measurement, which historically has been adjusted EBITDA. In 2007, the Compensation Committee approved a financial measurement based on segment income as used in the Companys financial reporting in part to comply with the requirements of Section 162(m).
Specifically, this means that to determine the amounts of awards, if any, to be paid to executive officers for 2007, the Compensation Committee used segment income for 2007 with certain adjustments, which were established by the Compensation Committee in February of 2007, upon which achievement of the performance targets was judged. The Compensation Committee determined that using segment income with certain adjustments as the basis for financial targets upon which bonus targets for executive officers were set was appropriate in 2007 because this measure is an excellent barometer for overall success of the Company as well as being very similar to the measure used for the annual performance bonus for employees of the Company who are not executive officers and accordingly segment income will be used as the basis again in 2008. For the Executive Vice President of Team U.S.A., 50% of his annual performance bonus is based on the segment income based financial measure and 50% of his annual performance bonus is based on the achievement by Team U.S.A. of its 2008 financial goal.
No bonuses are paid to executives unless 90% of the bonus target is exceeded in the applicable fiscal year. Each executive receives one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of a specified percentage of their base salary for every one hundredth of one percent (0.01%) (rounded to the nearest hundredth) in excess of 90% of the bonus target that is achieved in the applicable fiscal year. The Compensation Committee approves annual bonuses for all eligible employees, including the executive officers of the Company, based on whether the pre-approved bonus targets were met. The Compensation Committee may revise the established performance criteria and establish new performance criteria at their discretion.
The Compensation Committee believes that the proportion of the Chief Executive Officers performance based compensation as a component of total compensation should be greater than that of the Chief Executive Officers annual salary because performance based compensation serves to align the Chief Executive Officers interest with the interests of the Companys shareholders.
All but three executive officers have employment agreements that outline the provisions of their annual performance bonus. Beginning in 2007, all executive officers have had their annual performance bonus governed by the Dominos Pizza, Inc. Senior Executive Annual Incentive Plan, a Section 162(m) plan approved by the shareholders of Dominos.
In January 2008, the Compensation Committee certified that the annual performance target for 2007 had not been met and that no executive officer would receive a 2007 annual performance bonus. The Compensation Committee believes that the performance target it set for 2007 was appropriately aggressive and required the Company to improve its financial results of 2006 in order to achieve the 2007 performance target. The 2008 performance target requires the Company to improve its financial results in comparison to the 2007 financial results in order for the executive officers to receive their target performance amounts. The Company does not publicly disclose the specific segment income based financial measurement bonus target or the annual bonus percentage amounts for each executive officer, as this information is highly confidential and disclosing would therefore cause competitive harm.
Long-Term Compensation. The Compensation Committee believes that an equity component of management compensation serves to align managements interest with creating shareholder value. To that end, the Compensation Committee provides and maintains long-term equity incentive programs consisting of an equity incentive plan and an employee stock purchase plan. Recipients of stock option grants do not receive a benefit from stock options unless and until the market price of the Companys common shares increases (except for potential cash bonuses in connection with mandatory stock option payments, as described below).
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Participation in the Companys equity incentive programs accomplishes the objective of linking each executive officers opportunity for financial gain to increases in shareholder wealth, as reflected by the market price of the Companys common stock.
The Compensation Committee has the authority to issue equity awards under the Amended Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the EIP), which was adopted in 2004, to all eligible team members. Awards to the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers are also presented to the Board of Directors by the Compensation Committee and are ratified by the Board of Directors. Under the EIP, the Compensation Committee may award incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, stock deliverable on a deferred basis, performance-based stock awards, and cash payments intended to defray the cost of awards. Participation in the EIP is limited to those key employees and other persons who are recommended by management and approved by the Compensation Committee. Under the EIP, the maximum number of shares for which awards may be granted to any participant in any year, and the maximum number of shares deliverable to any participant through other awards for any year, is in each case limited to 1,000,000 shares per participant. The limit on shares available under the EIP, the individual limits, and other award terms are subject to adjustment to reflect stock splits or stock dividends, combinations, and certain other events. The EIP also includes provisions concerning the treatment of awards upon the termination of service of an individual employee, and in the case of a merger or similar corporate transaction by the Company.
In January 2007, the Compensation Committee adopted a dividend equivalent rights policy pursuant to which holders of stock options will receive dividend equivalents, in the form of a cash bonus on vested options. Additionally, in the event of a special dividend there will be a reduction in exercise price, to the extent allowable by law, on all unvested options. This policy was effective as of February 1, 2007 and will apply to all future dividends declared on the Companys common stock. The Compensation Committee believes that this policy further aligns the interests of management and shareholders.
In April 2007, the Board determined that the Companys current stock option plans mandate that the Company make appropriate adjustments to outstanding option awards in the event of certain transactions. In connection with the ABS Recapitalization, holders of vested options through 2007 received a mandatory stock option payment on vested options through 2007 in the amount of the dividend, $13.50 per share, and holders of unvested options received a reduction in exercise price, to the extent permitted by applicable law, equivalent to the dividend amount. The above events occurred on May 4, 2007, and are more fully described in the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 20, 2007.
In July 2007, the Compensation Committee made EIP awards to each of the named executive officers. Generally, stock options awarded under the EIP have a maximum term of ten years and vest over five years, and vested options are exercisable for a limited period of time after termination of the executive officers employment. All options awarded under the EIP are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of Dominos Pizza, Inc. common stock on the grant date of the award.
The current outstanding options under the EIP generally vest ratably over a five-year period. As of December 30, 2007 there were 6,254,677 options currently issued and outstanding under the EIP and a total of 4,028,779 authorized but unissued options under the EIP. Additionally, as of December 30, 2007, there were 1,539,841 outstanding options issued prior to July 13, 2004 under the TISM, Inc. Fourth Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan, all of which options are fully vested. Under the two plans, there were a total of 7,794,518 options currently issued and outstanding and a total of 3,162,860 of such options were fully vested.
In addition, the Company maintains the Dominos Pizza Employee Stock Payroll Deduction Plan (the ESPDP), adopted in July 2004, to provide employees, including executive officers, with an opportunity to purchase shares of the Companys common stock through payroll deductions at a 15% discount from the market price. Such shares of the Companys common stock purchased under the ESPDP have a one-year holding period requirement before team members can sell the shares. The Compensation believes the ESPDP is an attractive
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benefit that assists the Company in retaining key employees, securing new qualified employees and providing incentives for employees to work towards achieving the Companys key objectives because it gives employees access to the Companys equity at a favorable price.
Other Elements of Compensation
Retirement Benefits. The Company does not maintain a defined benefit pension plan. The only current retirement benefit obligation of the Company is the continued medical coverage for David A. Brandon and his spouse during their lifetime upon termination of Mr. Brandons employment.
Deferred Compensation. The Company maintains a nonqualified elective deferred compensation plan, or the DCP, which is available to its executive officers and certain other employees. Deferred amounts under the DCP are invested in mutual funds or other investments available under the DCP. The Company does not provide an employer match for amounts deferred in the DCP. The DCP is described more fully below.
Perquisites. The Company makes a limited amount of perquisites available to its executive officers, all of which are detailed, in the case of our named executive officers, in the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table below.
Certain Other Benefits. We also maintain a benefits program comprised of retirement income and group insurance plans. The objective of the program is to provide executive officers and certain other full time team members with reasonable and competitive levels of protection against the four contingencies (retirement, death, disability and illness), which will interrupt the eligible employees employment and/or income received as an active employee. The retirement program consists of two savings plans: (i) a tax-qualified 401(k) savings plan; and (ii) a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the DCP referenced above). The 401(k) savings plan is open to all employees age 21 or older who have also worked at least 1,000 hours for the Company. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company increased its match on employee 401(k) contributions to a 100% match on the first three percent (3%) contributed by employees into their 401(k) funds and a 50% match on each of the fourth and fifth percent (4% and 5%) of employee 401(k) contributions. The non-qualified deferred compensation plan is offered to select senior management, including all executive officers.
The Companys group insurance program consists of life, disability and health insurance benefit plans that cover all full-time employees. All executive officers are provided reimbursement for payroll contributions when participating in the long-term disability plan as well as an umbrella insurance policy. Each participating executive officer is reimbursed for expenses related to the completion of an annual comprehensive physical for themselves and their spouse. Additional information regarding perquisites provided to named executive officers is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement.
Compensation for Chief Executive Officer
David A. Brandon was named Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company in March 1999. He had previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Valassis, Inc. from 1989 to 1998 and Chairman of the Board of Valassis from 1997 to 1998.
As of December 3, 2007, Mr. Brandon entered into an amended and restated employment agreement that was dated December 3, 2007 and terminates in January, 2011. This amended and restated employment agreement provides for him to receive an annual salary of $850,000 during the term of the agreement, an increase from his 2007 salary of $790,000. In addition, each of Mr. Brandon and his wife is entitled to receive continued health insurance paid by the Company for the remainder of their lives. The amended and restated employment agreement also grants Mr. Brandon an annual allotment of 35 hours of personal use of the Companys corporate aircraft during the term of the agreement at no charge to Mr. Brandon. For any personal use hours over the allotted 35 hours per year, Dominos has a time-sharing agreement with Mr. Brandon that requires him to
15
reimburse the Company for such personal use of the Companys corporate aircraft pursuant to a statutory formula. The amended and restated employment agreement also provides Mr. Brandon is entitled to, as approved by the Board of Directors, stock option grants of: (i) 200,000 shares on the first business day of 2008 with a three-year graded vesting period and a five year life; (ii) 125,000 shares on the first business day of 2009 with a two-year graded vesting period and a four year life; and (iii) 100,000 shares on the first business day of 2010 with a one-year cliff vesting period and a three year life, in each case with a grant price equal to the closing price on the day of the grant. In addition, Mr. Brandon is entitled to, as approved by the Board of Directors, restricted stock grants of: (i) 75,000 shares on the first business day of 2008 with a three-year graded vesting period; (ii) 50,000 shares on the first business day of 2009 with a two-year graded vesting period; and (iii) 25,000 shares on the first business day of 2010 with a one-year cliff vesting period.
The amended and restated employment agreement provides that Mr. Brandon be eligible for an annual bonus that is targeted at 200% of his annual base salary, but is not guaranteed or limited, upon the achievement of the annual performance target, the actual amount of which being based on the Companys achievement of performance target measures under the Dominos Pizza Senior Executive Annual Incentive Plan. The amendment and restatement of Mr. Brandons employment agreement did not change the percentage of his base salary that he may earn as a performance bonus. For 2007, segment income was used as the basis for the performance target upon which bonus targets for executive officers, including Mr. Brandon, were set. The calculation of an annual bonus for Mr. Brandon for 2007 was based on the achievement of the 2007 goals, which as stated above, were not achieved at a level sufficient to earn any portion of the target bonus amount. As a result, Mr. Brandon received no annual bonus. Since the incentive award opportunity is designed to increase as the Companys performance increases, and decrease if the specified goals are not met, Mr. Brandons cash compensation was significantly affected in 2007 by the Companys performance.
Awards under the Companys long-term equity incentive plan in the form of stock options are designed to reward demonstrated leadership, motivate future superior performance, align the interests of the Chief Executive Officer with the shareholders and to retain the Chief Executive Officer. Stock options to purchase 300,000 shares of Dominos Pizza common stock were granted to Mr. Brandon at 100% of the fair market value of the Companys common shares on July 18, 2007, the date of grant.
The Compensation Committee believes that Mr. Brandon has been reasonably compensated for the job he has done as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer based on peer group surveys, past financial performance of the Company and the increase in the Companys shareholder value. His opportunities to increase his future compensation depend on the Companys future performance and the competitive pay practices of comparable positions within the food-service industry. The Compensation Committee believes Mr. Brandons compensation package effectively links shareholder and financial performance to Mr. Brandons total compensation through the use of long-term awards and cash compensation that is based, in part, on Company performance. The Compensation Committee has continued the Companys practice of using primarily stock options for equity compensation and has only granted full value equity awards to the Chief Executive Officer. The philosophy behind this practice is that stock options require increased Company financial performance in order to earn the Chief Executive Officer long term compensation but that full value equity awards may also valuable in compensating and retaining certain executive officers.
Benchmarking and Peer Group
The Compensation Committee has commissioned several peer group market surveys for a review of Chief Executive Officer and other named executive officer compensation at the Companys peer group. The Compensation Committee targets the annual Chief Executive Officers salary to be at the market median for the Companys peer group and total compensation for the Chief Executive Officer to be above the market median for the Companys peer group based on the industry, financial performance and characteristics of the peer group companies. The Compensation Committee believes it is appropriate to compensate the Chief Executive Officer at
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a rate above the market median in order to retain an executive in that position with a significant level of experience and expertise in the industry in which the Company competes. The Company has selected the following companies to include in its peer group: The Pantry, Inc., Autozone, Inc., Darden Restaurants, Inc., Brinker International, Inc., OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, Jack in the Box Inc., CBRL Group, Inc., Wendys International, Inc., Burger King Corporation, CKE Restaurants, Inc., Applebees International, Inc., Ruby Tuesday, Inc., Triarc Companies, Inc., Papa Johns International, Inc., Dennys Corporation, RARE Hospitality International, Inc., Panera Bread Company and CEC Entertainment, Inc. The following criteria were used to determine the members of the peer group; publicly-traded, quick service restaurant industry, annual sales, complexity of business, and recruiting pool for executives.
Employment Agreements
Each of the executive officers, except for the Interim Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Vice President of Team U.S.A. and the Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations and Development, is party to an agreement that provides employment and severance terms and for a two year non-competition and non-solicitation agreement. All the executive officers employment agreements were revised in February 2007 to provide for the application of the Dominos Pizza Senior Executive Annual Incentive Plan to the annual performance bonus and to remove the discretionary bonus component from their employment agreements. The provisions of the employment agreements relating to termination of employment and severance are described in more detail under Potential Post Employment Payments to Executive Officers. We believe entering into non-competition and non-solicitation arrangements with most of our executive officers is important to protect the Company following the cessation of their employment and we believe also that severance provisions help attract and retain top performing executive officers.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Compensation Committee ratified stock ownership guidelines in January 2007. These ownership guidelines provide for stock ownership after five years of employment with the Company of five times base salary for the Chief Executive Officer and either three or four times base salary for other executive officers depending on their position. These stock ownership guidelines are designed to align managements and shareholders interests and to encourage loyalty and long-term focus of executives.
Tax and Accounting Considerations
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Section 162(m)), generally limits the tax deductibility of annual compensation paid by a publicly-held company to $1,000,000 per individual employee per year. However, this limitation generally does not apply to performance-based compensation under a plan that is approved by the shareholders of a company that also meets certain other technical requirements. The Compensation Committee intends to utilize performance-based compensation programs that meet the deductibility requirements under Section 162(m). At the Companys 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the shareholders approved the Dominos Pizza Senior Executive Annual Incentive Plan that qualifies under Section 162(m). However, the Compensation Committee also realizes that in order to attract and retain individuals with superior talent, the rare possibility exists that individual exceptions may occur. The Companys compensation and benefit arrangements are also designed to qualify for an exemption under, or satisfy the requirements of, the rules and regulations relating to nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
During 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123R (revised 2004) (SFAS 123R), Share-Based Payment using the modified retrospective method. This standard requires that the fair value of all stock-based awards be reflected in the Companys financial statements based on the fair value of the awards as of the grant date.
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Stock Option Grant Processes
Almost all of the stock options are granted at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Compensation Committee in February and July of each year. The specific date of these meetings is set by the Board of Directors, along with other Board and committee meetings, generally one to two years in advance. On occasion, in connection with new hires, promotions or extraordinary corporate events, stock options have been granted at other times during the year. The Compensation Committee does not have any plans, practices or policies of timing these option grants in coordination with the release of material non-public information. The exercise price of options is set at the closing price of Dominos Pizza, Inc. common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of the grant.
Compensation Committee Members and the Compensation Committee Charter
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consists of only outside, non-employee, independent directors, who are appointed by the Board of Directors. The independence of each member of the Compensation Committee is determined annually by the full Board of Directors in accordance with Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange listed company rules. The Compensation Committees membership is determined by the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee is currently composed of Robert Rosenberg (chairman), Dennis Hightower and Mark Nunnelly.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing the Companys compensation philosophy, approving the Companys executive compensation programs and establishing the salaries and other compensation of the Companys executive officers. The Compensation Committees functions include examining the levels and methods of compensation employed by the Company with respect to the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, making recommendation to the Board with respect to other compensation, reviewing and approving the compensation package of the Chief Executive Officer, making recommendations to the Board with respect to certain incentive compensation plans, making administrative and compensation decisions under equity compensation plans, administering one or more cash bonus plans qualifying as compensation paid thereunder as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m), and implementing and administering such plans.
The Compensation Committees charter reflects the Compensation Committees responsibilities, and the Compensation Committee and the Board reviews the charter at least once annually. The Charter was last reviewed in May 2007. The Compensation Committee recommends any revisions to the charter to the Board of Directors for approval.
The Compensation Committees Chairman, in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer and the Companys Corporate Secretary, is responsible for approving the agendas for each meeting of the Compensation Committee. The Board of Directors in consultation with the Compensation Committee sets the meeting dates and times of the Compensation Committee.
Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee has the authority under its charter to engage the services of outside advisors, experts and others to assist the Compensation Committee and to discontinue such services. In accordance with this authority, the Compensation Committee has engaged Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby, Inc. (Towers), as an independent compensation consultant, to advise the Compensation Committee on matters related to executive compensation. In 2007, Towers provided a peer group study of compensation of executive officers at similar U.S. companies with which the Company believes it competes for executives. The matters included senior executive compensation benchmarks, current industry trends and executive compensation disclosure requirements. The outside compensation consultant attended one of the four meetings of the Compensation Committee in 2007 and the Compensation Committee intends to use Towers in 2008.
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Role of Executive Officers in Establishing Compensation
The Companys executive officers have a limited role in the executive compensation process. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee annually review the performance of each executive officer and the other executive officers. The purpose of these reviews is to evaluate performance for a given year and for compensation planning for the subsequent year. The conclusions reached and recommendations based on these reviews, including with respect to salary adjustments and annual award amounts, are presented to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee can exercise its discretion in modifying any recommended adjustments or awards to executives. The Compensation Committee ultimately makes all compensation decisions for the executive officers and approves recommendations regarding equity awards to the executive officers.
Compensation Committee Activity
In 2007, the Compensation Committee established the first annual performance measure, list of participants and target bonus amounts for executives under the Dominos Pizza Senior Executive Annual Incentive Plan, a Section 162(m) compliant bonus plan approved by the Companys shareholders in 2006 for senior executives of the Company. The Compensation Committee also negotiated the amended and restated employment agreement with David A. Brandon, the Companys Chief Executive Officer in 2007. The Compensation Committee met four times during in 2007.
Use of Tally Sheets
The Compensation Committee, with the assistance of management of the Company, created a tally sheet to facilitate the Compensation Committees review of the total compensation of the Named Executive Officers of the Company. In preparation of this Proxy Statement, the Compensation Committee reviewed the tally sheets for the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the three other most highly compensated executive officers, the former Chief Financial Officer and a retired executive officer of the Company in accordance with SEC rules. The tally sheets contained annual cash compensation (salary and bonus), other compensation, stock option exercises, annual grants under the EIP, with Black-Scholes values for the grants, potential severance payments, and stock option holdings with total in the money value at the end of the fiscal year.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During 2007, none of the Companys executive officers served on the board of directors of any entities that had one or more executive officers serve on the Compensation Committee. No current or past executive officers or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries serve on the Compensation Committee. During 2007, the following directors served on the Compensation Committee: Robert M. Rosenberg (Chair), Dennis F. Hightower, Mark E. Nunnelly and Vernon Bud O. Hamilton.
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S UMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR 2007
The following table summarizes compensation awarded or paid to, each of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, the three other executive officers of Dominos Pizza, Inc. who were the most highly compensated for 2007, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Company and a retired executive who would have been one of the three other most highly compensated but was not working at the Company at the end of 2007. All information set forth in this table reflects compensation earned by these individuals for services with Dominos. For ease of reference, the Company collectively refers to these executive officers throughout this section as the Named Executive Officers.
Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($) (4) |
Option Awards ($) (3) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(2) |
All Other Compensation ($) (1) |
Total ($) | ||||||||||
David A. Brandon Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
2007 2006 |
788,462 750,000 |
1,035,000 |
50,888 |
1,010,259 863,443 |
|
|
|
12,932,805 13,307 |
14,782,414 2,661,750 | |||||||||
William E. Kapp Executive Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer |
2007 2006 |
184,361 180,000 |
37,260 |
|
28,620 19,654 |
|
|
|
289,591 9,067 |
502,572 245,981 | |||||||||
J. Patrick Doyle President, Dominos U.S.A. |
2007 2006 |
395,923 325,000 |
300,000 |
|
422,125 304,708 |
|
|
|
4,675,144 | 5,493,192 942,279 | |||||||||
Ken C. Calwell Executive Vice President of Build the Brand and Chief Marketing Officer |
2007 2006 |
358,269 315,000 |
285,000 |
|
270,277 250,668 |
|
|
|
2,268,403 16,012 |
2,896,949 866,680 | |||||||||
James G. Stansik Executive Vice President of Franchise Relations |
2007 2006 |
308,654 275,000 |
250,000 |
|
270,277 246,878 |
|
|
|
3,473,729 13,927 |
4,052,660 785,805 | |||||||||
L. David Mounts Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Services and former Chief Financial Officer |
2007 2006 |
398,077 350,000 |
330,000 |
|
329,592 377,415 |
|
|
|
1,579,741 186,671 |
2,307,410 1,244,086 | |||||||||
Michael D. Soignet Former Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations and Supply Chain |
2007 2006 |
295,769 310,000 |
300,000 |
|
129,991 272,840 |
|
(7,926 68,201 |
)
|
2,973,663 9,171 |
3,391,497 960,212 |
(1) | The 2007 amounts listed for all executive officers are further elaborated upon in the All Other Compensation table below. |
(2) | The amounts listed represent the earnings on Mr. Soignets Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation account balance. This is further detailed in the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table on page 24. No other Named Executive Officers currently participate in, nor have balances under, the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. |
(3) | The 2007 amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007, in accordance with SFAS 123R of awards pursuant to the Stock |
20
Option Program and thus include amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2007. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount are included in footnote 8 to the Companys audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007 included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2008. The 2006 amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, in accordance with SFAS 123R of awards pursuant to the Stock Option Program and thus include amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2006. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount are included in footnote 8 to the Companys audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2007. |
(4) | The amount listed reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007, in accordance with SFAS 123R, of restricted stock awards pursuant to Mr. Brandons amended and restated employment agreement dated December 3, 2007, and thus includes amounts from restricted stock awards to be granted in 2008, 2009 and 2010. |
The following table below shows amounts under All Other Compensation for 2007:
Name |
Year | Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits ($)(1) |
Insurance Premiums ($)(2) |
Company Contributions to Retirement and 401(k) Plans ($)(3) |
Tax Reimbursements ($)(4) |
Mandatory Stock Option Payment ($)(6) |
Severance Payments / Accruals ($)(7) |
Change in Control Payments / Accruals ($) |
Total ($) | |||||||||
David A. Brandon(5) |
2007 | 5,828 | 4,461 | 9,000 | 691 | 12,551,225 | 361,600 | | 12,932,805 | |||||||||
William E. Kapp |
2007 | 204 | 1,782 | 9,000 | 514 | 278,091 | | | 289,591 | |||||||||
J. Patrick Doyle |
2007 | 102 | 2,016 | 9,000 | 725 | 4,663,301 | | | 4,675,144 | |||||||||
Ken C. Calwell |
2007 | | 1,998 | 9,000 | 655 | 2,256,750 | | | 2,268,403 | |||||||||
James G. Stansik |
2007 | 1,875 | 4,195 | 9,000 | 2,677 | 3,455,982 | | | 3,473,729 | |||||||||
L. David Mounts |
2007 | | 11,246 | 9,000 | 6,995 | 1,552,500 | | | 1,579,741 | |||||||||
Michael D. Soignet |
2007 | | 2,592 | 3,209 | 875 | 2,966,987 | | | 2,973,663 |
(1) | Mr. Brandons payment represents $5,776 in the amount of airplane usage and $52 in the amount of a period award bonus. Mr. Kapps payment represents $204 in the amount of a period award bonus. Mr. Doyles payment represents $102 in the amount of a period award bonus. Mr. Stansiks payment represents $1,875 in the amount of airplane usage. |
(2) | Mr. Brandons amount represents company-paid benefit of $950 for umbrella life insurance, reimbursement for long term disability payroll deductions in the amount of $1,469 and company-paid benefit of $2,042 for group term life insurance. Mr. Kapps amount represents company-paid benefit of $950 for umbrella life insurance, reimbursement for long term disability payroll deductions in the amount of $676 and company-paid benefit of $156 for group term life insurance. Mr. Doyles payment represents company-paid benefit of $950 for umbrella life insurance, reimbursement for long term disability payroll deductions in the amount of $676 and company-paid benefit of $390 for group term life insurance. Mr. Calwells payment represents company-paid benefit of $950 for umbrella life insurance, reimbursement for long term disability payroll deductions in the amount of $676 and company-paid benefit of $372 for group term life insurance. Mr. Stansiks payment represents company-paid benefit of $950 for umbrella life insurance, reimbursement for long term disability payroll deductions in the amount of $1,469, company-paid medical expenses in the amount of $1,058 and company-paid benefit of $718 for group term life insurance. Mr. Mounts payment represents company-paid benefit of $950 for umbrella life insurance, reimbursement for long term disability payroll deductions in the amount of $676, company-paid medical expenses in the amount of $9,200 and company-paid benefit of $420 for group term life insurance. Mr. Soignets payment represents reimbursement for long term disability payroll deductions in the amount of $872, company-paid medical expenses in the amount of $1,269 and company-paid benefit of $451 for group term life insurance. |
(3) | Represents the amount of company match made to the Dominos Pizza 401(k) Savings plan. |
21
(4) | Mr. Brandons amount represents tax gross up on umbrella life insurance payments in the amount of $655 and $36 of tax gross up for period award bonus. Mr. Kapps amount represents tax gross up on umbrella life insurance payments in the amount of $423 and gross up on period award bonus in the amount of $91. Mr. Doyles amount represents tax gross up on umbrella life insurance payments in the amount of $655 and gross up on period award bonus in the amount of $70. Mr. Calwells amount represents tax gross up on umbrella life insurance payments in the amount of $655. Mr. Stansiks amount represents tax gross up on umbrella life insurance payments in the amount of $655, gross up on company-paid medical expenses in the amount of $729 and gross up on airplane usage in the amount of $1,293. Mr. Mounts represents tax gross up on umbrella life insurance payments in the amount of $655 and company-paid medical in the amount of $6,340. Mr. Soignets amount represents tax gross up on company-paid medical in the amount of $875. |
(5) | Full reimbursement of Mr. Brandons personal usage of the Company aircraft was made by Mr. Brandon in the amount of $162,422. |
(6) | Represents the amount received as a result of the mandatory anti-dilution payment paid to certain option holders of Dominos Pizza, Inc. stock on May 4, 2007 in connection with the ABS Recapitalization, as more fully described in the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 20, 2007. |
(7) | This represents the amount of the reserve established by the Company at the end of fiscal 2007 in conjunction with the continued medical coverage to which David A. Brandon and his spouse are entitled after termination of Mr. Brandons employment with the Company pursuant to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and David A. Brandon, dated as of December 3, 2007. The Companys reserve at the end of fiscal 2007 equaled the estimated present value for such continued medical coverage. |
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE
The following table sets forth information concerning individual grants of stock options made during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007 to each of the Named Executive Officers.
Name |
Grant Date |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) |
All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#)(1) |
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/sh)(2) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($)(3) | |||||||||||||||
Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum ($) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
|||||||||||||||||
David A. Brandon |
07/18/2007 | | | | | | | | 300,000 | 18.39 | 1,992,000 | |||||||||||
William E. Kapp |
07/18/2007 | | | | | | | | 15,000 | 18.39 | 99,600 | |||||||||||
J. Patrick Doyle |
07/18/2007 | | | | | | | | 115,000 | 18.39 | 763,600 | |||||||||||
09/14/2007 | 150,000 | 16.94 | 918,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
Ken C. Calwell |
07/18/2007 | | | | | | | | 60,000 | 18.39 | 398,400 | |||||||||||
James G. Stansik |
07/18/2007 | | | | | | | | 60,000 | 18.39 | 398,400 | |||||||||||
L. David Mounts |
07/18/2007 | | | | | | | | 115,000 | 18.39 | 763,600 | |||||||||||
Michael D. Soignet |
07/18/2007 | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | All option awards were granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of Dominos Pizza, Inc. common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant, vest 20% over five years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and have a 10 year term, provided the Named Executive Officer remains a current employee. |
(2) | Reflects the closing price of Dominos Pizza, Inc. common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. |
(3) | Represents the total SFAS 123R fair value of the grant. |
22
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END TABLE
The following table sets forth information on outstanding option and stock awards for named executive officers as of December 30, 2007:
Option Awards (1) (2) | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) |
Option Exercise Price ($)(3) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) | ||||||||||
Name |
Exercisable | Unexercisable | ||||||||||||||||
David A. Brandon |
77,500 | | | 0.75 | 03/31/09 | | | | | |||||||||
166,666 | | | 5.25 | 01/01/12 | | | | | ||||||||||
293,333 | | | 8.66 | 07/01/13 | | | | | ||||||||||
199,999 | | | 14.00 | 07/13/14 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 133,334 | | 2.75 | 07/13/14 | | | | | ||||||||||
120,000 | | | 25.02 | 07/29/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 180,000 | | 11.52 | 07/29/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
50,000 | | | 22.46 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 200,000 | | 8.96 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 300,000 | | 18.39 | 07/18/17 | | | | | ||||||||||
William E. Kapp |
11,666 | | | 8.66 | 07/01/13 | | | | | |||||||||
4,800 | | | 14.00 | 07/13/14 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 3,200 | | 2.75 | 07/13/14 | | | | | ||||||||||
2,000 | | | 25.02 | 07/29/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 3,000 | | 11.52 | 07/29/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
1,600 | | | 22.46 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 6,400 | | 8.96 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 15,000 | | 18.39 | 07/18/17 | | | | | ||||||||||
J. Patrick Doyle |
31,097 | | | 0.75 | 01/24/10 | | | | | |||||||||
26,666 | | | 5.25 | 01/01/12 | | | | | ||||||||||
140,000 | | | 8.66 | 07/01/13 | | | | | ||||||||||
60,000 | | | 14.00 | 07/13/14 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 40,000 | | 2.75 | 07/13/14 | | | | | ||||||||||
20,000 | | | 17.11 | 02/18/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 30,000 | | 3.61 | 02/18/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
34,000 | | | 25.02 | 07/29/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 51,000 | | 11.52 | 07/29/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
15,000 | | | 22.46 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 60,000 | | 8.96 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 115,000 | | 18.39 | 07/18/17 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 150,000 | | 16.94 | 09/14/17 | | | | | ||||||||||
Ken C. Calwell |
70,000 | | | 8.66 | 07/01/13 | | | | | |||||||||
44,500 | | | 14.00 | 07/13/14 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 40,000 | | 2.75 | 07/13/14 | | | | | ||||||||||
34,000 | | | 25.02 | 07/29/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 51,000 | | 11.52 | 07/29/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
12,000 | | | 22.46 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 48,000 | | 8.96 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 60,000 | | 18.39 | 07/18/17 | | | | | ||||||||||
James G. Stansik |
58,333 | | | 8.66 | 07/01/13 | | | | | |||||||||
60,000 | | | 14.00 | 07/13/14 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 40,000 | | 2.75 | 07/13/14 | | | | | ||||||||||
34,000 | | | 25.02 | 07/29/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 51,000 | | 11.52 | 07/29/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
12,000 | | | 22.46 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 48,000 | | 8.96 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 60,000 | | 18.39 | 07/18/17 | | | | | ||||||||||
L. David Mounts |
100,000 | | | 21.29 | 10/19/15 | | | | | |||||||||
| 150,000 | | 7.79 | 10/19/15 | | | | | ||||||||||
15,000 | | | 22.46 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 60,000 | | 8.96 | 07/26/16 | | | | | ||||||||||
| 115,000 | | 18.39 | 07/18/17 | | | | | ||||||||||
Michael D. Soignet |
| | | | | | | | |
23
(1) | All option awards are granted ten years prior to the option expiration date and vest in equal annual installments over five years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, and upon a change of control and certain employment terminations. |
(2) | All options issued prior to July 1, 2003 are fully vested and exercisable. Those grants issued as of July 1, 2003 and later vest in 20% increments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and ending on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. |
(3) | Option awards that have the same expiration date but different option exercise prices result from the receipt by the holders of unvested options of a reduction in option exercise price in connection with the ABS Recapitalization, as described above. |
The following table provides information relating to option exercises and stock vesting for named executive officers during 2007:
Name |
Option Awards | Stock Awards | ||||||
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) (1) |
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting ($) | |||||
David A. Brandon |
| | | | ||||
William E. Kapp |
| | | | ||||
J. Patrick Doyle |
24,000 | 590,580 | | | ||||
Ken C. Calwell |
| | | | ||||
James G. Stansik |
84,999 | 953,971 | | | ||||
L. David Mounts |
| | | | ||||
Michael D. Soignet |
164,999 | 1,457,175 | | |
(1) | Equals the stock price on the New York Stock Exchange on exercise date minus the option exercise price multiplied by the number of shares acquired on exercise. |
NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION TABLE
A select group of management or highly compensated employees as defined by the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act of 1974, as amended, are eligible to participate in the Dominos Pizza Deferred Compensation Plan. The purpose of this plan is to provide supplemental retirement income and to permit eligible employees the option to defer receipt of compensation pursuant to the terms of the Dominos Pizza Deferred Compensation Plan.
Participants are able to defer a portion of eligible compensation (including base salary and the annual performance bonus). Participants elect a specific date or event (termination) for payment of deferred compensation and the form of the payment, either lump sum or installments. Participants are able to invest their deferrals in a lineup of mutual funds that is the same as the Dominos Pizza 401(k) Savings Plan lineup, with the exception that the stable value fund in the 401(k) Plan is replaced with a money market fund in the Dominos Pizza Deferred Compensation Plan.
24
The following table provides information on nonqualified deferred compensation plans for named executive officers as of December 30, 2007:
Name |
Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($) |
Registrant Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($) |
Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year ($) (2) |
Aggregate Withdrawals / Distributions ($) |
Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year-End ($) | ||||||
David A. Brandon |
| | | | | ||||||
William E. Kapp |
| | | | | ||||||
J. Patrick Doyle |
| | | | | ||||||
Ken C. Calwell |
| | | | | ||||||
James G. Stansik |
| | | | | ||||||
L. David Mounts |
| | | | | ||||||
Michael D. Soignet |
358,308 | | (7,926 | ) | | 1,028,144 |
(1) | Reflects market-based losses on amounts deferred by Dominos Pizza Deferred Compensation Plan participants. |
POTENTIAL POST EMPLOYMENT PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Each of the named executive officers, other than Mr. Kapp, is a party to an employment agreement providing for payments in connection with such officers termination. Under David Brandons amended and restated employment agreement, upon involuntary termination by the Company without cause prior to the end of the term of the agreement, or if Mr. Brandon terminates voluntarily for good reason, defined as material diminution of his responsibilities, relocation or the failure of the Company to pay Mr. Brandon, he will receive monthly payments equal to his then base monthly salary for 24 months following termination as well as a prorated annual performance bonus under the Senior Executive Annual Incentive Plan. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and David A. Brandon, dated as of December 3, 2007, Mr. Brandon and his spouse are entitled to continued medical coverage provided by the Company for the remainder of their respective lives upon the termination of Mr. Brandons employment with the Company. Under the employment agreements of the other named executive officers, upon involuntary termination prior to the end of the term of the agreement, or if the named executive terminates voluntarily for good reason, defined as material diminution of the executives responsibilities, relocation or the failure of the Company to pay the executive, the named executive receives an amount equal to their then annual base salary paid as follows; a payment equal to six times the executives base monthly salary made six months after termination of employment and monthly payments equal to the named executives base monthly salary for the next six months. The named executive officers are entitled to a prorated annual bonus under the Senior Executive Annual Incentive Plan. In addition, during the severance period, each named executive is entitled to continued medical insurance coverage. Option awards and other benefits are governed by the terms of those programs. Each of the employment agreements contains a two year non-competition and non-solicitation agreement. Mr. Soignet retired from the Company during 2007 and accordingly has no potential post employment payments.
25
The following table sets forth aggregate estimated payment obligations to each of the named executive officers assuming a termination happened on December 30, 2007:
Name |
Benefit | Before Change in Control Termination w/o Cause or for Good Reason ($) |
After Change in Control Termination w/o Cause or for Good Reason ($) |
Voluntary Termination ($) |
Death | Disability | Change in Control | ||||||||
David A. Brandon |
Severance Pay | 1,700,000 | 1,700,000 | | n/a | n/a | | ||||||||
Lifetime Medical Benefit | (1) | 361,600 | 361,600 | 361,600 | 361,600 | 361,600 | | ||||||||
Total | 2,061,600 | 2,061,600 | 361,600 | 361,600 | 361,600 | | |||||||||
William E. Kapp |
n/a | 0 | 0 | | n/a | n/a | | ||||||||
J. Patrick Doyle |
Severance Pay | 465,000 | 465,000 | | n/a | n/a | | ||||||||
Ken C. Calwell |
Severance Pay | 360,000 | 360,000 | | n/a | n/a | | ||||||||
James G. Stansik |
Severance Pay | 325,000 | 325,000 | | n/a | n/a | | ||||||||
L. David Mounts |
Severance Pay | 400,000 | 400,000 | | n/a | n/a | | ||||||||
Michael D. Soignet |
n/a | n/a | n/a | | n/a | n/a | |
(1) | This represents the amount of the reserve established by the Company at the end of fiscal 2007 as an estimate of the cost of the continued medical coverage for David A. Brandon and his spouse (as described above). The Companys reserve at the end of fiscal 2007 equaled the estimated present value for such continued medical coverage. |
Each Director is paid a $40,000 annual retainer, plus $2,000 for each Board meeting and $1,500 for each qualified committee meeting attended, including telephonic meetings, for all services, plus expenses. If more than one qualified meeting is held on the same day, a separate fee is paid for each meeting attended. Meetings of the Audit, Compensation and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees are qualified meetings, as are meetings of any special committees established from time to time. In addition the Chair of the Audit Committee is paid a retainer of $15,000 per year and the Chairs of each qualified committee are paid a $10,000 retainer per year.
Directors who are not employees of the Company or its subsidiaries and are independent directors also receive annual grants of stock options under the Companys 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. In February 2007, each of the then Independent Director received an annual grant of options to purchase 10,000 shares of Dominos common stock. The option exercise price for these grants is equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. Options are granted on the date on which the regularly scheduled Board of Director meeting is held during the Companys first fiscal quarter. The options granted to Directors have a one-year vesting period and each option is granted for a period of 10 years (subject to special provisions in the case of termination of service, retirement or death).
26
The following table provides information concerning compensation for the Companys independent directors during 2007:
Name |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Stock Awards ($) |
Option Awards ($) (1) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) (2) |
Total ($) | |||||||
Dennis F. Hightower |
98,500 | | 105,789 | | | 552,771 | 757,060 | |||||||
Robert M. Rosenberg |
82,500 | | 105,789 | | | 702,486 | 890,775 | |||||||
Vernon Bud O. Hamilton |
71,500 | | 105,789 | | | 303,750 | 481,039 | |||||||
Diana F. Cantor |
72,500 | | 105,789 | | | 202,500 | 380,789 | |||||||
Mark E. Nunnelly |
25,500 | | | | | | 25,500 | |||||||
Andrew B. Balson |
24,000 | | | | | | 24,000 |
(1) | The amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007, in accordance with SFAS 123R of awards pursuant to the Stock Option Program and thus include amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2007. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount are included in footnote 8 to the Companys audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007 included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2008. |
The grant date SFAS 123R fair value of option awards granted in 2007 for each of Messrs. Hightower, Rosenberg, Hamilton and Ms. Cantor was 10,000 options with a grant date fair value of $112,900.
(2) | Represents the amount received as a result of the mandatory anti-dilution payment paid to certain option holders of Dominos Pizza, Inc. stock on May 4, 2007 in connection with the ABS Recapitalization. |
The following table shows the number of outstanding shares underlying option awards for the Companys independent directors as of December 30, 2007:
Name |
Outstanding Option Awards | |
Dennis F. Hightower |
48,946 | |
Robert M. Rosenberg |
25,000 | |
Vernon Bud O. Hamilton |
32,500 | |
Diana F. Cantor |
25,000 | |
Mark E. Nunelly |
| |
Andrew B. Balson |
|
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table sets forth, as of December 30, 2007, the end of the Companys last fiscal year, (a) the number of securities that could be issued upon exercise of outstanding options under the Companys equity compensation plans, (b) the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options under such plans, and (c) the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under such plans, excluding securities that could be issued upon exercise of outstanding options.
27
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Plan Category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column(a)) | ||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
7,794,518 | $ | 13.16 | 4,779,309 | |||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
| | | ||||
Total |
7,794,518 | $ | 13.16 | 4,779,309 |
(a) | Includes 750,530 shares that may be issued under the Dominos Pizza Employee Stock Payroll Deduction Plan. |
TISM, Inc. Fourth Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan
The TISM, Inc. Fourth Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (the TISM Plan) was adopted by the Board on June 25, 2003 and approved by the Companys shareholders on June 25, 2003. At December 30, 2007, under the TISM Plan, there were outstanding options to purchase 1,539,841 shares of non-voting common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $7.13 per share, all of which were exercisable. In connection with the Dominos Pizza initial public offering in July of 2004, the Company amended the TISM Plan to terminate the ability to issue additional options under the TISM Plan. Outstanding awards previously granted under the Companys existing stock option plan will continue to be governed by such plan. The non-voting common stock issuable upon exercise of all such options is convertible into shares of Dominos Pizza common stock upon transfer to a non-affiliate of the holder or otherwise in a brokerage transaction.
Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan
The Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan was adopted by the Board on June 1, 2004 and approved by the Companys shareholders and an Amended Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan) was approved by shareholders at the 2006 Annual Meeting. As of December 30, 2007, the Company had 6,254,677 options to purchase common stock outstanding, at a weighted average exercise price per share equal to $14.65 of which options to purchase 1,623,019 shares were exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $19.78 per share.
The Board may make grants to employees, directors, consultants and other service providers. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2004 Plan includes (1) 10,600,000 shares of common stock plus (2) any shares returned to the 2004 Plan as a result of termination of options that were granted under the 2004 Plan (by reason of forfeiture), plus shares held back in satisfaction of tax withholding requirements from shares that would otherwise have been delivered pursuant to an award. The shares reserved for issuance under the EIP will increase by 5,000,000 shares to 15,600,000 if the Companys shareholders approve Proposal Two in this Proxy Statement.
The maximum number of shares of stock for which options may be granted to any person in any calendar year or that may be delivered to any person in any calendar year will each be 1,000,000. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees. The exercise price of all incentive stock options granted under the 2004 Plan must be at least equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of non-statutory stock options granted under the 2004 Plan is determined by the Administrator, but with respect to non-statutory stock options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m), the exercise price must be at least equal to the fair market value of Dominos Pizza common stock on the date of grant. With respect to any participant who owns stock representing more than 10% of the
28
total combined voting power of all classes of the Companys outstanding capital stock, the exercise price of any incentive stock option grant must be at least equal to 110% of the fair market value on the grant date, and the term of such incentive stock option must not exceed five years. The term of all other incentive stock options granted under the 2004 Plan may not exceed ten years.
Mr. Brandon is employed as the Companys Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an amended and restated employment agreement that was executed on December 3, 2007 and terminates in January, 2011. Under the employment agreement, Mr. Brandon is entitled to receive an annual salary of $850,000 and is eligible for an annual bonus based on achievement of performance objectives. If Mr. Brandon is terminated other than for cause or resigns voluntarily for good reason, he is entitled to receive continued salary for two years. In addition, each of Mr. Brandon and his wife is entitled to receive continued health insurance paid by the Company for the remainder of their lives. The amended and restated employment agreement also grants Mr. Brandon an annual allotment of 35 hours of personal use of the Companys corporate aircraft during the term of the agreement at no charge to Mr. Brandon. For any personal use hours over the allotted 35 hours per year, Dominos has a time-sharing agreement with Mr. Brandon that requires him to reimburse the Company for such personal use of the Companys corporate aircraft pursuant to a statutory formula.
The Company has also entered into employment agreements (Executive Agreements) with each of the Named Executive Officers referenced in the Summary Compensation Table, above, except the Interim Chief Financial Officer, William E. Kapp, and the retired former executive, Michael D. Soignet, as well as certain other executive officers (Key Executives). The Executive Agreements are intended to assure the Company that it will have the continued dedication, undivided loyalty, and objective advice and counsel from these Key Executives during their respective terms of employment and in the event of a proposed transaction, or the threat of a transaction, which could result in a change in control of the Company.
Under each Executive Agreement, the Named Executive Officer is entitled to receive an annual salary and an annual formula bonus based on achievement of performance objectives and is eligible to receive a discretionary bonus. Under their respective employment agreements, Messrs. Doyle, Calwell, Stansik and Mounts were entitled to receive an annual base salary as of January 1, 2008 of $465,000, $360,000, $325,000 and $400,000, respectively. In addition, if the employment of any such Named Executive Officer is terminated other than for cause, or if he resigns voluntarily for good reason, he is entitled to continue to receive his salary for twelve months plus any earned but unpaid bonus. In addition, if any such Named Executive Officers employment is terminated by reason of physical or mental disability, he is entitled to receive continued salary less the amount of disability income benefits received by him and continued coverage under group medical plans for 18 months. In addition, each of the Named Executive Officers is subject to non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality provisions.
PROPOSAL TWO: APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED DOMINOS PIZZA, INC. 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
The EIP was originally adopted by the shareholders of the Company in July 2004, prior to the Companys initial public offering. In order to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under the EIP, shareholder approval of the Amended Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the Amended EIP) is required. The Amended EIP differs from the EIP only in that the authorized shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Amended EIP has increased from 10,600,000 to 15,600,000.
If approval of the Amended EIP is not obtained at the Annual Meeting, the EIP will remain in place as it was prior to the Annual Meeting; however, the Company will be limited in its ability to issue new options under the EIP.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
The following paragraphs provide a summary of the principal features of the Amended EIP. The summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Amended EIP which is attached as Annex A hereto.
The Amended EIP provides for the grant of awards, which may consist of any or a combination of stock options, stock appreciation rights, or SARs, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, deferred stock, securities (other than options) that are convertible into stock, performance awards and grants of cash made in connection with the other awards to help defray in whole or in part the economic cost of the award to the participant. The Board may make grants to employees, directors, consultants and other service providers.
The number of shares to be reserved for issuance under the Amended EIP includes (1) 15,600,000 shares of common stock plus (2) any shares returned to the Amended EIP as a result of termination of options that were granted under the Amended EIP (by reason of forfeiture), plus shares held back in satisfaction of tax withholding requirements from shares that would otherwise have been delivered pursuant to an award.
The maximum number of shares of stock for which options may be granted to any person in any calendar year, the maximum number of shares of stock subject to SARs granted to any person in any calendar year and the aggregate maximum number of shares of stock subject to other awards that may be delivered to any person in any calendar year will each be 1,000,000.
The Board, or a committee appointed by the Board (the Adminstrator), will administer the Dominos Amended EIP and will have the power to interpret the Amended EIPs terms, determine the terms of each award granted, including the exercise price of the option or SAR, the purchase price of each share of stock, the time at which each award will vest, any restrictions applicable to any award, the number of shares subject to each option or SAR, the exercisability thereof and the form of consideration payable upon such exercise. With respect to performance-based awards that are intended to comply with Section 162(m), the determination of the performance targets and the satisfaction of those targets will be determined by a committee of at least three disinterested directors as required by Section 162(m).
For this reason, the Company cannot determine the number of stock options, SARs, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, deferred stock, securities (other than options) that are convertible into stock, performance awards and grants of cash that might be received by participants under the Amended EIP. The following table sets forth, as of December 30, 2007, the total number of options and other awards granted to each of the following persons and groups under the EIP in 2007:
Option and Award Recipient |
Options Granted in 2007 | |
David A. Brandon |
300,000 | |
William E. Kapp |
15,000 | |
J. Patrick Doyle |
265,000 | |
Ken C. Calwell |
60,000 | |
James G. Stansik |
60,000 | |
L. David Mounts |
115,000 | |
Michael D. Soignet |
| |
All Executive Officers (12 persons) |
1,200,000 | |
Non-Executive Director Group |
40,000 | |
Non-Executive Employee Group |
821,000 |
The total number of employees and directors eligible to participate under the Amended EIP is approximately 12,500.
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Awards granted under the Amended EIP are generally not transferable by the participant, and each award is exercisable during the lifetime of the participant. Stock options and SARs granted under the Amended EIP must generally be exercised within 3 months after the end of a participants status as employee, director or consultant, or within 12 months after that participants death or disability, but in no event later than the expiration of the option term.
Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees. The exercise price of all incentive stock options granted under the Amended EIP must be at least equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of non-statutory stock options granted under the Amended EIP is determined by the Administrator, but with respect to non-statutory stock options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m), the exercise price must be at least equal to the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. With respect to any participant who owns stock representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of the Companys outstanding capital stock, the exercise price of any incentive stock option grant must be at least equal to 110% of the fair market value on the grant date, and the term of such incentive stock option must not exceed five years. The term of all other incentive stock options granted under the Amended EIP may not exceed ten years.
The Amended EIP provides that in the event the Company merges with or into another corporation or sells all or substantially all of the Companys assets, all outstanding awards will vest and become exercisable and all deferrals that are not measured by reference to nor payable in shares of stock will be accelerated and upon consummation of the transaction all outstanding awards will be forfeited unless assumed by the successor corporation entity or its affiliate. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, in the event of such a transaction, all awards that are payable in the form of stock and that have not been exercised, exchanged or converted are converted into the right to receive the consideration paid in the transaction. In connection with such transaction, the acquiring or surviving entity may provide for substitute or replacement awards on such terms as the Administrator determines, except that no such replacement or substitution will diminish any acceleration.
The Administrator may amend the Amended EIP and any outstanding award, or may terminate the Amended EIP as to any further grants, but no such amendment will effectuate a change, without shareholder approval, for which shareholder approval is required in order for the Amended EIP to continue to qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED DOMINOS PIZZA, INC. 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING MANAGEMENT OR 5% OR GREATER SHAREHOLDERS
Review and Approval of Related Person Transactions
The Company reviews relationships and transactions in which the Company and its directors and executive officers or their immediate family members are participants to determine whether such related persons have a direct or indirect material interest. The Companys legal staff is primarily responsible for the development and implementation of processes and controls to obtain information from the directors and executive officers with respect to related person transactions and for then determining, based on the facts and circumstances, whether a related person has a direct or indirect material interest in the transaction. The Companys Board of Directors is to review any potential related person transaction and consider the nature of the related persons interest in the transaction, the material terms of the transaction, the relative importance of the transaction to the related person, the relative importance of the transaction to the Company, whether the transaction would impair the judgment of a director or officer of the Company and any other matters deemed important. As required under SEC rules, transactions that are determined to be directly or indirectly material to a related person are disclosed in the Companys Proxy Statement.
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Stockholders agreements
In connection with the 1998 recapitalization, the Company entered into a number of stockholders agreements. The first agreement was entered into with investment funds affiliated with Bain Capital, LLC and specified other investors, shareholders and executive officers. In connection with the Dominos Pizza initial public offering, all of the stockholders agreements were amended to eliminate the voting agreement and the negative covenants contained therein and all of the other provisions of these agreements, other than provisions relating to registration rights, terminated by operation of the applicable agreement. The registration rights provide for demand registration rights for the investment funds affiliated with Bain Capital, LLC and for piggyback registration rights for all shareholders that are party to that stockholders agreement. The second stockholders agreement was entered into with all of the current employee shareholders. This agreement contained a provision that terminated all of the other provisions of the agreement, other than the registration rights provisions, upon the Dominos Pizza initial public offering. The registration rights provisions provide for piggyback registration rights for all such shareholders. The remaining stockholders agreements were entered into with each of the Companys current franchisee shareholders. Each of these agreements contained a provision under which all of the other provisions of the agreement, other than the registration rights provisions, terminated at the Dominos Pizza initial public offering. The registration rights provisions provide for piggyback registration rights for all such shareholders. Each of the stockholders agreements includes customary indemnification provisions in favor of any person who is or might be deemed a controlling person within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, who the Company refers to as controlling persons, and related parties against liabilities under the Securities Act incurred in connection with the registration of any of the Companys debt or equity securities. These provisions provide indemnification against certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act and certain liabilities resulting from violations of other applicable laws in connection with any filing or other disclosure made by the Company under the securities laws relating to any such registrations. Dominos agreed to reimburse such persons for any legal or other expenses incurred in connection with investigating or defending any such liability, action or proceeding, except that the Company will not be required to indemnify any such person or reimburse related legal or other expenses if such loss or expense arises out of or is based on any untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information provided by such person.
Stock repurchases
On March 10, 2006, Dominos repurchased and retired 5,624,602 shares of Dominos Pizza common stock from investment funds associated with shareholder Bain Capital, LLC (collectively Bain), for approximately $145 million, or $25.78 per share. The repurchase price of $25.78 per share in this private transaction was based on a negotiated discount between the Company and Bain. The Company also completed an amendment to the Companys senior credit facility on March 9, 2006 in order to increase the Companys share repurchase basket and allow for additional borrowing. The private repurchase of shares was reviewed and approved by a fully-independent committee of the Board. The credit agreement amendment was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Board. The Company used available cash on hand and additional term loan borrowings to fund the repurchase transaction.
Lease arrangements
In connection with the Dominos recapitalization in 1998, Dominos Pizza LLC, the Companys operating subsidiary, entered into a lease with Dominos Farms Office Park L.L.C., or Dominos Farms, with respect to its World Resource Center and Michigan supply chain center. Thomas S. Monaghan, one of the Companys former directors and the Companys former majority shareholder, is the ultimate controlling person of Dominos Farms.
The lease was amended in August 2002 with an effective date of December 21, 2003 to provide for additional space, new rent and an expiration date of December 20, 2013 with two five-year options to renew. Under the terms of the lease, as amended, the Company paid $5.5 million in rent under this lease in 2007. The
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base rent is subject to annual increases, based on the lower of the consumer price index or a stated percentage, which varies by year, and the Company expects to pay approximately $5.7 million in 2008.
Franchisee related to Independent Director
James Rosenberg, the son of Robert M. Rosenberg, a director of the Company, opened a Dominos Pizza franchise in 2005 and another franchise in 2007. James Rosenberg paid $6,500 collectively in customary fees for the franchises. In accordance with the terms of his standard ten-year Franchise Agreement, James Rosenberg will pay Dominos a standard royalty rate on the sales at his Dominos Pizza franchise and will also purchase his food, equipment and supplies from the Dominos Pizza supply chain services. In 2007, James Rosenberg made payments to the Company in the amount of approximately $188,000 for royalties, national and co-op advertising contributions, and purchases from the Company of food, equipment and supplies. In addition, James Rosenberg has been approved to open one additional Dominos Pizza franchise, which is scheduled to open in 2008 and will pay Dominos a standard royalty rate on the sales at all of his stores and will purchase food, equipment and supplies from the Company.
Time sharing agreement with David Brandon for use of corporate aircraft
In accordance with the terms of the Time Sharing Agreement between Dominos Pizza LLC and David Brandon, dated as of December 2, 2002, Mr. Brandon paid the Company $162,422 in 2007 as reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by the Company in relation to his personal use of the company aircraft.
Sale of corporate aircraft
On November 16, 2007, Dominos Pizza sold its corporate aircraft to Dunkin Brands Inc. in an arms length transaction. Two members of the Companys Board of Directors, Andrew Balson and Mark Nunnelly, serve on the board of directors of Dunkin Brands, Inc. and are employed by Bain Capital, LLC. In addition, investment funds affiliated with Bain Capital, LLC have significant holdings in the stock of Dominos Pizza, Inc. and Dunkin Brands, Inc.
PROPOSAL THREE: SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL ON ANIMAL WELFARE PROGRAM
Shareholder Resolution on Animal Welfare Progress
RESOLVED, shareholders request that the Board of Directors issue a report to shareholders by November 2008 disclosing the progress made toward evaluating controlled-atmosphere killing (CAK). This report should be prepared at a reasonable cost and omit proprietary information.
Supporting Statement
Dominos purchases all its poultry from suppliers that use a cruel and inefficient slaughter method called electrical immobilization, in which birds are paralyzed with an electric current, have their throats slit while theyre still conscious, and are dropped into tanks of scalding-hot wateroften while theyre still alive.
| There is a better, USDA-approved method of poultry slaughter called CAK, which replaces the oxygen that the birds breathe with inert gases, gently and effectively putting them to sleep. |
| A report commissioned by McDonalds concurred that CAK is, as animal welfare scientists say, the least cruel poultry-slaughter method available and found that it [1.] has advantages [over electrical immobilization] from both an animal welfare and meat-quality perspective [2.] obviates potential distress and injury [and 3.] can expeditiously and effectively stun and kill broilers with relatively low rates of aversion or other distress. |
| McDonalds report further concludes that its suppliers using CAK have experienced improvements in bird handling, stunning efficiency, working conditions, and meat yield and quality. |
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Many restaurant chains have made notable and measurable progress in evaluating and moving toward CAK. Examples include the following:
| Burger King has adopted a purchasing preference for chickens killed by CAK. |
| Carls Jr., Hardees, and Wendys are giving consideration to suppliers that use CAK. |
These moves make good business sense, as animal welfare is a leading social issue. Consider the following:
| A recent survey by food-industry consulting agency Technomic found that animal welfare is the third-most important social issue to restaurantgoers. |
| As an October 8, 2007, editorial in Nations Restaurant News pointed out, [C]oncern about how we treat the world around us has moved from the left of center to the mainstream. Now savvy restaurant businesses are playing a part in that evolutionand likely capitalizing on it to boot. A case in point is the growing number of companies that are embracing purchasing policies with animal welfare in mind. According to a report by Business for Social Responsibility companies that are viewed as having strong ethics are in turn protecting sales, strengthening brand images, and shoring up employee loyalty. Thats a whole lot of positives. |
| Regarding the abuse of farmed animals, Pope Benedict XVI said, Certainly [an] industrial use of creatures, so that they become just caricatures of birds, this degrading of living creatures to a commodity seems to me in fact to contradict the relationship of mutuality that comes across in the Bible. |
Despite public moves by other companies to evaluate and move toward CAK, Dominos has shown no movement in this area. This resolution would simply disclose to shareholders what Dominos is doing to keep up with others in the industry.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL
The Board recommends that shareholders reject the shareholder proposal. The Board believes this is redundant and unnecessary, as the information below serves as the report being requested. Devoting resources for an additional report by November 2008 would not be in the best interest of shareholders.
Dominos Pizza does, of course, support the humane treatment of animals.
Dominos Pizza does not own, raise, transport or process poultry used for our products. Our supplier is Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas. Tyson Foods is the worlds largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, and is the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The shareholder has also submitted shareholder proposals to Tyson Foods regarding the alternative process known as Controlled Atmosphere Killing (CAK) or Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS).
The Company has met with Tyson Foods on several occasions (in person and via conference call), in 2006 and 2007, regarding Tysons research into CAK and CAS. Tyson knows and understands the Companys desire to have the poultry that is processed for our products be raised, transported and processed humanely. Tyson meets or exceeds all industry standards for the humane treatment and processing of poultry and livestock.
By its own accounting, Tyson Foods has conducted more than three years worth of study regarding the alternative method recommended in the shareholder proposal and has, to date, found the alternative methods benefits to be inconclusive versus the current standard for processing poultry. Tyson Foods, on October 5, 2006, issued a press release announcing its partnership with the University of Arkansas to conduct further research into this alternative method. Tyson has committed $1.5 million to help establish the Chair in Food Animal Wellbeing
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in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. This position is involved in overseeing research and classes focused on the humane management and treatment of food animals. Dominos Pizza endorses that work and eagerly awaits the results of that study.
For these reasons, the Company believes this makes the shareholder request to Dominos Pizza to be redundant and unnecessary, and would not result in any additional benefit to shareholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE AGAINST THE ABOVE PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL FOUR: SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING NORTHERN IRELAND
NORTHERN IRELAND MACBRIDE PRINCIPLES
WHEREAS, Dominos Pizza, Inc. has eleven franchise restaurants in Northern Ireland;
WHEREAS, the securing of a lasting peace in Northern Ireland encourages us to promote means for establishing justice and equality;
WHEREAS, employment discrimination in Northern Ireland was cited by the International Commission of Jurists as being one of the major causes of sectarian strife;
WHEREAS, Dr. Sean MacBride, founder of Amnesty International and Nobel Peace laureate, has proposed several equal opportunity employment principles to serve as guidelines for corporations in Northern Ireland. These include:
1. | Increasing the representation of individuals from underrepresented religious groups in the workforce including managerial, supervisory, administrative, clerical and technical jobs. |
2. | Adequate security for the protection of minority employees both at the workplace and while traveling to and from work. |
3. | The banning of provocative religious or political emblems from the workplace. |
4. | All job openings should be publicly advertised and special recruitment efforts should be made to attract applicants from underrepresented religious groups. |
5. | Layoff, recall, and termination procedures should not in practice, favor particular religious groupings. |
6. | The abolition of job reservations, apprenticeship restrictions, and differential employment criteria, which discriminate on the basis of religion or ethnic origin. |
7. | The development of training programs that will prepare substantial numbers of current minority employees for skilled jobs, including the expansion of existing programs and the creation of new programs to train, upgrade, and improve the skills of minority employees. |
8. | The establishment of procedures to assess, identify and actively recruit minority employees with potential for further advancement. |
9. | The appointment of a senior management staff member to oversee the companys affirmative action efforts and the setting up of timetables to carry out affirmative action principles. |
RESOLVED: Shareholders request the Board of Directors to:
Urge company franchise holders in Northern Ireland to make all possible lawful efforts to implement and /or increase activity on each of the nine MacBride Principles.
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
We believe that our company benefits by hiring from the widest available talent pool. An employees ability to do the job should be the primary consideration in hiring and promotion decisions.
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Implementation of the MacBride Principles by Dominos Pizza, Inc. will demonstrate its concern for human rights and equality of opportunity in its international operations.
Please vote your proxy FOR these concerns.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote against the shareholder proposal. Dominos Pizza supports efforts to eliminate employee discrimination and differences in compensation rates in the workplace between the Catholic and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has adopted a series of legislative measures to address these issues, culminating in the Fair Employment & Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (the Fair Employment Order). These legislative measures are wide-ranging and specifically designed to deter discrimination and provide remedies for those affected by discrimination. This legislation applies to all employers in Northern Ireland, including our franchisees. The MacBride Principles, which date from the mid-1980s, precede this legislation and are no longer appropriate as a result of the legislation.
The enforcement of the Fair Employment Order is handled by the Equality Commission, a non-departmental government agency with extensive powers and resources. All remedies and complaints under the Fair Employment Order are handled by the Fair Employment Tribunal, an independent judicial tribunal with extensive powers to provide remedies to those affected by discrimination.
All 11 Dominos Pizza stores in Northern Ireland are owned and operated by franchisees, through franchise agreements with our master franchise agreement; there are no Company-owned stores operating in Northern Ireland and the Company does not have a subsidiary in Northern Ireland. Under the master franchise agreement and the individual franchise agreements, all franchisees are required to comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the operation of its business, which would include the Fair Employment Order. As a result, the master franchisee and each franchisee are required to implement fair and equal employment practices in accordance with this order.
For the above reasons, the Company believes that it is not necessary or appropriate for the Company to adopt the additional and overlapping obligations of the MacBride Principles. Furthermore, under the terms of the franchise agreement, the Company cannot require the master franchisee or the franchisees to adopt these principles since they have no legal effect in Northern Ireland.
This proposal was submitted at our last Annual Meeting and shareholders overwhelmingly rejected the proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE AGAINST THE ABOVE PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL FIVE: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Companys Audit Committee has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accountants of the Company for the current fiscal year. Management expects that representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
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The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the common shares represented at the meeting in person or by proxy is necessary to ratify the selection of the Companys independent registered public accountants for the current year. Under applicable law, listing requirements and the Companys By-Laws, abstentions are counted as present; the effect of an abstention is the same as a no vote. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons named in the Proxy will vote all Proxies in favor of ratification. If the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not ratified, the Audit Committee will reconsider the selection of independent registered public accountants.
Even if the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is ratified by shareholders, the Audit Committee in its discretion could decide to terminate the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and to engage another firm if the Committee determines such action to be necessary or desirable.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE CURRENT YEAR
Attending the Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting will take place at Dominos Pizzas World Resource Center, 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.
Shareholder Proposals Pursuant to Rule 14a-8
In order to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement distributed to shareholders prior to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2009, a shareholder proposal pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 must be received by the Company no later than November 7, 2008 and must comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8. Written requests for inclusion should be addressed to: Dominos Pizza, Inc., 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 Attention: Adam J. Gacek, Corporate Secretary. It is suggested that you mail your proposal by certified mail, return receipt requested.
Shareholder Proposals other than Pursuant to Rule 14a-8
Under the Companys By-Laws any shareholder of record of Dominos Pizza entitled to vote for the election of directors may nominate candidates for election to the Board or present other business at an annual meeting if a written notice is received by the Secretary of Dominos Pizza at the Companys principal executive offices not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting. Such written notice must set forth: (i) as to each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (including such persons written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); (ii) as to any other business to be brought before the meeting, (a) a brief description of the business, (b) the reasons for conducting such business and (c) any material interest in such business of such shareholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (iii) as to the shareholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, (a) the name and address of such shareholder and such beneficial owner and (b) the number of shares of common stock that are held of record by such shareholder and owned beneficially by such beneficial owner.
The deadline for receipt of timely notice of shareholder proposals for submission to the Dominos Pizza Annual Meeting of Shareholders without inclusion in the Companys 2009 Proxy Statement is February 17, 2009. Unless such notice is received by Dominos Pizza at its corporate headquarters, Attention: Adam J. Gacek,
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Corporate Secretary, on or before the foregoing date, proxies with respect to such meeting will confer discretionary voting authority with respect to any such matter.
Interested Persons and Shareholder Communications to the Board of Directors
Shareholders and interested persons may communicate with the Board or one or more Directors by sending a letter addressed to the Board or to any one or more Directors in care of Corporate Secretary, Dominos Pizza, Inc., 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, in an envelope clearly marked shareholder communication. The Corporate Secretarys office will forward such correspondence unopened to either Mr. Hightower or Mr. Rosenberg, or to another independent Director as the Board may specify from time to time, unless the envelope specifies that it should be delivered to another Director.
Householding of Proxy Materials
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for proxy statements with respect to two or more shareholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those shareholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially provides extra convenience for shareholders and cost savings for companies. The Company and some brokers household proxy materials, delivering a single proxy statement to multiple shareholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected shareholders. Once you have received notice from your broker or the Company that they will be householding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement, or if you are receiving multiple copies of the proxy statement and wish to receive only one, please notify your broker if your shares are held in a brokerage account or the Company if you hold registered shares. You can notify the Company by sending a written request to Dominos Pizza, Inc., Investor Relations, 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, or calling Investor Relations at (734) 930-3008.
General Information
A copy of Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission will be sent to any shareholder without charge upon written request addressed to Investor Relations, Dominos Pizza, Inc., 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.
Management knows of no other business which may be properly brought before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. However, if any other matters shall properly come before such meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of Proxy to vote such Proxy in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.
It is important that Proxies be returned promptly. Therefore, whether or not you expect to attend the meeting in person, you are urged to fill in, sign and return the Proxy in the enclosed stamped, self-addressed envelope, or to vote electronically as described on page 1 of this proxy statement.
By order of the Board of Directors. |
|
Adam J. Gacek Secretary |
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AMENDED
DOMINOS PIZZA, INC.
2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. | DEFINED TERMS |
Exhibit A, which is incorporated by reference, defines the terms used in the Plan and sets forth certain operational rules related to those terms.
2. | GENERAL |
The Plan has been established to advance the interests of the Company by giving Stock-based and other incentives to selected Employees, directors and other persons (including both individuals and entities) who provide services to the Company or its Affiliates.
3. | ADMINISTRATION |
The Administrator has discretionary authority, subject only to the express provisions of the Plan, to interpret the Plan; determine eligibility for and grant Awards; determine, modify or waive the terms and conditions of any Award, except that the Administrator may not reduce the exercise price of an outstanding Option and may not, without the consent of the holder of an Award, take any action under this clause with respect to such Award if such action would adversely affect the rights of such holder; prescribe forms, rules and procedures (which it may modify or waive); and otherwise do all things necessary to carry out the purposes of the Plan. In the case of any Award intended to be eligible for the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m), the Administrator shall exercise its discretion consistent with qualifying the Award for such exception.
4. | LIMITS ON AWARD UNDER THE PLAN |
a. | Number of Shares. |
A maximum of 15,600,000 shares of Stock may be delivered in satisfaction of Awards under the Plan. The shares of Stock may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired shares of Stock. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the following shares shall not be considered to have been delivered under the Plan: (i) shares remaining under an Award that terminates without having been exercised in full; (ii) shares of Restricted Stock that have been forfeited in accordance with the terms of the applicable Award; and (iii) shares held back, in satisfaction of the exercise price or tax withholding requirements, from shares that would otherwise have been delivered pursuant to an Award. The number of shares of Stock delivered under an Award shall be determined net of any previously acquired Shares tendered by the Participant in payment of the exercise price or of withholding taxes. A maximum of 1,000,000 shares of Stock may be issued as ISO Awards under the Plan.
b. | Type of Shares. |
Stock delivered by the Company under the Plan may be authorized but unissued Stock or previously issued Stock acquired by the Company and held in treasury. No fractional shares of Stock will be delivered under the Plan.
c. | Option & SAR Limits. |
The maximum number of shares of Stock for which Stock Options may be granted to any person in any calendar year, the maximum number of shares of Stock subject to SARs granted to any person in any calendar year and the aggregate maximum number of shares of Stock subject to other Awards that may be delivered to any
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person in any calendar year shall each be 1,000,000. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the repricing of a Stock Option or SAR shall be treated as a new grant to the extent required under Section 162(m). Subject to these limitations, each person eligible to participate in the Plan shall be eligible in any year to receive Awards covering up to the full number of shares of Stock then available for Awards under the Plan.
d. | Other Award Limits. |
No more than $1,000,000 may be paid to any individual with respect to any Cash Performance Award. In applying the limitation of the preceding sentence: (A) multiple Cash Performance Awards to the same individual that are determined by reference to performance periods of one year or less ending with or within the same fiscal year of the Company shall be subject in the aggregate to one limit of such amount, and (B) multiple Cash Performance Awards to the same individual that are determined by reference to one or more multi-year performance periods ending in the same fiscal year of the Company shall be subject in the aggregate to a separate limit of such amount. With respect to any Performance Award other than a Cash Performance Award or a Stock Option or SAR, the maximum Award opportunity shall be 1,000,000 shares of Stock or their equivalent value in cash, subject to the limitations of Section 4.c.
5. | ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION |
The Administrator will select Participants from among those key Employees, directors and other individuals or entities providing services to the Company or its Affiliates who, in the opinion of the Administrator, are in a position to make a significant contribution to the success of the Company and its Affiliates. Eligibility for ISOs is further limited to those individuals whose employment status would qualify them for the tax treatment described in Sections 421 and 422 of the Code.
6. | RULES APPLICABLE TO AWARDS |
a. | All Awards. |
(1) Terms of Awards. The Administrator shall determine the terms of all Awards subject to the limitations provided herein. In the case of an ISO, the term shall be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award. Moreover, in the case of an ISO granted to a Participant who, at the time the ISO is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the ISO shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award.
(2) Performance Criteria. Where rights under an Award depend in whole or in part on satisfaction of Performance Criteria, actions by the Company that have an effect, however material, on such Performance Criteria or on the likelihood that they will be satisfied will not be deemed an amendment or alteration of the Award.
(3) Alternative Settlement. The Company may at any time extinguish rights under an Award in exchange for payment in cash, Stock (subject to the limitations of Section 4) or other property on such terms as the Administrator determines, provided the holder of the Award consents to such exchange.
(4) Transferability Of Awards. Except as the Administrator otherwise expressly provides, Awards may not be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and during a Participants lifetime an Award requiring exercise may be exercised only by the Participant (or in the event of the Participants incapacity, the person or persons legally appointed to act on the Participants behalf).
(5) Vesting, Etc. Without limiting the generality of Section 3, the Administrator may determine the time or times at which an Award will vest (i.e., become free of forfeiture restrictions) or become exercisable and the terms on which an Award requiring exercise will remain exercisable. Unless the Administrator expressly
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provides otherwise, immediately upon the cessation of the Participants employment or other service relationship with the Company and its Affiliates an Award requiring exercise will cease to be exercisable and all Awards to the extent not already fully vested will be forfeited, except that:
(A) all Stock Options and SARs held by a Participant immediately prior to his or her death, to the extent then exercisable, will remain exercisable by such Participants executor or administrator or the person or persons to whom the Stock Option or SAR is transferred by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and to the extent not then exercisable will vest and become exercisable upon such Participants death by such Participants executor or administrator or the person or persons to whom the Stock Option or SAR is transferred by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, in each case for the lesser of (i) a one year period ending with the first anniversary of the Participants death or (ii) the period ending on the latest date on which such Stock Option or SAR could have been exercised without regard to this Section 6.a.(5) and shall thereupon terminate; and
(B) all Stock Options and SARs held by the Participant immediately prior to the cessation of the Participants employment or other service relationship for reasons other than death and except as provided in (C) below, to the extent then exercisable, will remain exercisable for the lesser of (i) a period of three months or (ii) the period ending on the latest date on which such Stock Option or SAR could have been exercised without regard to this Section 6.a.(5), and shall thereupon terminate.
Unless the Administrator expressly provides otherwise, a Participants employment or other service relationship with the Company and its Affiliates will be deemed to have ceased, in the case of an employee Participant, upon termination of the Participants employment with the Company and its Affiliates (whether or not the Participant continues in the service of the Company or its Affiliates in some capacity other than that of an employee of the Company or its Affiliates), and in the case of any other Participant, when the service relationship in respect of which the Award was granted terminates (whether or not the Participant continues in the service of the Company or its Affiliates in some other capacity).
(6) Taxes. The Administrator will make such provision for the withholding of taxes as it deems necessary. The Administrator may, but need not, hold back shares of Stock from an Award or permit a Participant to tender previously owned shares of Stock in satisfaction of tax withholding requirements, but not in excess of the minimum tax withholding rates applicable to the employee.
(7) Dividend Equivalents, Etc. The Administrator may provide for the payment of amounts in lieu of cash dividends or other cash distributions with respect to Stock subject to an Award.
(8) Rights Limited. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed as giving any person the right to continued employment or service with the Company or its Affiliates, or any rights as a shareholder except as to shares of Stock actually issued under the Plan. The loss of existing or potential profit in Awards will not constitute an element of damages in the event of termination of employment or service for any reason, even if the termination is in violation of an obligation of the Company or Affiliate to the Participant.
(9) Section 162(m). In the case of an Award intended to be eligible for the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m), the Plan and such Award shall be construed to the maximum extent permitted by law in a manner consistent with qualifying the Award for such exception.
b. | Awards Requiring Exercise. |
(1) Time And Manner Of Exercise. Unless the Administrator expressly provides otherwise, (a) an Award requiring exercise by the holder will not be deemed to have been exercised until the Administrator receives a written notice of exercise (in form acceptable to the Administrator) signed by the appropriate person and accompanied by any payment required under the Award; and (b) if the Award is exercised by any person other than the Participant, the Administrator may require satisfactory evidence that the person exercising the Award has the right to do so.
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(2) Exercise Price. The Administrator shall determine the exercise price of each Stock Option provided that each Stock Option intended to qualify for the performance-based exception under Section 162(m) of the Code and each ISO must have an exercise price that is not less than the fair market value of the Stock subject to the Stock Option, determined as of the date of grant. An ISO granted to an Employee described in Section 422(b)(6) of the Code must have an exercise price that is not less than 110% of such fair market value.
(3) Payment Of Exercise Price, If Any. Where the exercise of an Award is to be accompanied by payment: (a) all payments will be by cash or check acceptable to the Administrator, or, if so permitted by the Administrator (with the consent of the optionee of an ISO if permitted after the grant), (i) through the delivery of shares of Stock which have been outstanding for at least six months (unless the Administrator approves a shorter period) and which have a fair market value equal to the exercise price, (ii) by delivery of an unconditional and irrevocable undertaking by a broker to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to pay the exercise price, or (ii) by any combination of the foregoing permissible forms of payment; and (b) where shares of Stock issued under an Award are part of an original issue of shares, the Award shall require an exercise price equal to at least the par value of such shares.
(4) ISOs. No ISO may be granted under the Plan after June 1, 2014, but ISOs previously granted may extend beyond that date.
c. | Awards Not Requiring Exercise. |
Awards of Restricted Stock and Unrestricted Stock may be made in return for either (i) services determined by the Administrator to have a value not less than the par value of the Awarded shares of Stock, or (ii) cash or other property having a value not less than the par value of the Awarded shares of Stock payable in such combination and type of cash, other property (of any kind) or services as the Administrator may determine.
7. | EFFECT OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS |
a. | Mergers, Etc. |
In the event of a Covered Transaction, all outstanding Awards shall vest and if relevant become exercisable and all deferrals, other than deferrals of amounts that are neither measured by reference to nor payable in shares of Stock, shall be accelerated, immediately prior to the Covered Transaction and upon consummation of such Covered Transaction all Awards then outstanding and requiring exercise shall be forfeited unless assumed by an acquiring or surviving entity or its affiliate as provided in the following sentence. In the event of a Covered Transaction, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, all Awards that are payable in shares of Stock and that have not been exercised, exchanged or converted, as applicable, shall be converted into and represent the right to receive the consideration to be paid in such Covered Transaction for each share of Stock into which such Award is exercisable, exchangeable or convertible, less the applicable exercise price or purchase price for such Award. In connection with any Covered Transaction in which there is an acquiring or surviving entity, the Administrator may provide for substitute or replacement Awards from, or the assumption of Awards by, the acquiring or surviving entity or its affiliates, any such substitution, replacement or assumption to be on such terms as the Administrator determines, provided that no such replacement or substitution shall diminish in any way the acceleration of Awards provided for in this section.
b. | Changes in and Distributions with Respect to the Stock. |
(1) Basic Adjustment Provisions. In the event of a stock dividend, stock split or combination of shares, recapitalization or other change in the Companys capital structure after May 11, 2004, the Administrator will make appropriate adjustments to the maximum number of shares that may be delivered under the Plan under Section 4.a., and will also make appropriate adjustments to the number and kind of shares of stock or securities subject to Awards then outstanding or subsequently granted, any exercise prices relating to Awards and any other provision of Awards affected by such change.
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(2) Certain Other Adjustments. The Administrator may also make adjustments of the type described in paragraph (1) above to take into account distributions to common stockholders other than those provided for in Section 7.a. and 7.b.(1), or any other event, if the Administrator determines that adjustments are appropriate to avoid distortion in the operation of the Plan and to preserve the value of Awards made hereunder; provided, that no such adjustment shall be made to the maximum share limits described in Section 4.c. or 4.d., or otherwise to an Award intended to be eligible for the performance-based exception under Section 162(m), except to the extent consistent with that exception, nor shall any change be made to ISOs except to the extent consistent with their continued qualification under Section 422 of the Code.
(3) Continuing Application of Plan Terms. References in the Plan to shares of Stock shall be construed to include any stock or securities resulting from an adjustment pursuant to Section 7.b.(1) or 7.b.(2) above.
8. | LEGAL CONDITIONS ON DELIVERY OF STOCK |
The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Stock pursuant to the Plan or to remove any restriction from shares of Stock previously delivered under the Plan until the Companys counsel has approved all legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of such shares; if the outstanding Stock is at the time of delivery listed on any stock exchange or national market system, the shares to be delivered have been listed or authorized to be listed on such exchange or system upon official notice of issuance; and all conditions of the Award have been satisfied or waived. If the sale of Stock has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Company may require, as a condition to exercise of the Award, such representations or agreements as counsel for the Company may consider appropriate to avoid violation of such Act. The Company may require that certificates evidencing Stock issued under the Plan bear an appropriate legend reflecting any restriction on transfer applicable to such Stock.
9. | AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION |
Subject to the last sentence of Section 3, the Administrator may at any time or times amend the Plan or any outstanding Award for any purpose which may at the time be permitted by law, or may at any time terminate the Plan as to any further grants of Awards; provided, that (except to the extent expressly required or permitted by the Plan) no such amendment will, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, effectuate a change: (i) for which stockholder approval is required in order for the Plan to continue to qualify under Section 422 of the Code; (ii) for which stockholder approval is required under the Corporate Governance Laws of the New York Stock Exchange applicable to the Company; and (iii) for Awards to be eligible for the performance-based exception under Section 162(m).
In addition, the Administrator may take any action consistent with the terms of the Plan, either before or after an Award has been granted, which the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to comply with any government laws or regulatory requirements of a foreign country, including but not limited to, modifying or amending the terms and conditions governing any Awards, or establishing any local country plans as sub-plans to this Plan. Further, under all circumstances, the Administrator may make non-substantive administrative changes to the Plan as to conform with or take advantage of governmental requirements, statutes or regulations.
10. | NON-LIMITATION OF THE COMPANYS RIGHTS |
The existence of the Plan or the grant of any Award shall not in any way affect the Companys right to Award a person bonuses or other compensation in addition to Awards under the Plan.
11. | GOVERNING LAW |
The Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
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EXHIBIT A
Definition of Terms
The following terms, when used in the Plan, shall have the meanings and be subject to the provisions set forth below:
Administrator: The Board or, if one or more has been appointed, the Committee.
Affiliate: Any corporation or other entity owning, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the outstanding Stock of the Company, or in which the Company or any such corporation or other entity owns, directly or indirectly, 50% of the outstanding capital stock (determined by aggregate voting rights) or other voting interests.
Award: Any or a combination of the following:
(i) Stock Options.
(ii) SARs.
(iii) Restricted Stock.
(iv) Unrestricted Stock.
(v) Deferred Stock.
(vi) Securities (other than Stock Options) that are convertible into or exchangeable for Stock on such terms and conditions as the Administrator determines.
(vii) Cash Performance Awards.
(viii) Performance Awards.
(ix) Grants of cash, or loans, made in connection with other Awards in order to help defray in whole or in part the economic cost (including tax cost) of the Award to the Participant.
Board: The Board of Directors of the Company.
Cash Performance Award: A Performance Award payable in cash. The right of the Company under Section 6.a.(3) to extinguish an Award in exchange for cash or the exercise by the Company of such right shall not make an Award otherwise not payable in cash a Cash Performance Award.
Code: The U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as from time to time amended and in effect, or any successor statute as from time to time in effect.
Committee: One or more committees of the Board which in the case of Awards granted to officers of the Company shall be comprised solely of two or more outside directors within the meaning of Section 162(m). Any Committee may delegate ministerial tasks to such persons (including Employees) as it deems appropriate.
Company: Dominos Pizza, Inc.
Covered Transaction: Any of (i) a consolidation or merger in which the Company is not the surviving corporation or which results in the acquisition of all or substantially all of the Companys then outstanding common stock by a single person or entity or by a group of persons and/or entities acting in concert, (ii) a sale or transfer of all or substantially all the Companys assets, or (iii) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company.
Deferred Stock: A promise to deliver Stock or other securities in the future on specified terms.
Employee: Any person who is employed by the Company or an Affiliate.
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ISO: A Stock Option intended to be an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code. No Stock Option Awarded under the Plan will be an ISO unless the Administrator expressly provides for ISO treatment.
Parent: A parent corporation, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
Participant: An Employee, director or other person providing services to the Company or its Affiliates who is granted an Award under the Plan.
Performance Award: An Award subject to Performance Criteria. The Committee in its discretion may grant Performance Awards that are intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) and Performance Awards that are not intended so to qualify.
Performance Criteria: Specified criteria the satisfaction of which is a condition for the exercisability, vesting or full enjoyment of an Award. For purposes of Performance Awards that are intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m), a Performance Criterion shall mean an objectively determinable measure of performance relating to any of the following (determined either on a consolidated basis or, as the context permits, on a divisional, subsidiary, line of business, project or geographical basis or in combinations thereof): (i) sales; revenues; assets; expenses; earnings before or after deduction for all or any portion of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or other items, whether or not on a continuing operations or an aggregate or per share basis; return on equity, investment, capital or assets; one or more operating ratios; borrowing levels, leverage ratios or credit rating; market share; capital expenditures; cash flow; stock price; stockholder return; network deployment; sales of particular products or services; customer acquisition, expansion and retention; or any combination of the foregoing; or (ii) acquisitions and divestitures (in whole or in part); joint ventures and strategic alliances; spin-offs, split-ups and the like; reorganizations; recapitalizations, restructurings, financings (issuance of debt or equity) and refinancings; transactions that would constitute a change of control; or any combination of the foregoing. A Performance Criterion measure and targets with respect thereto determined by the Administrator need not be based upon an increase, a positive or improved result or avoidance of loss.
Plan: The Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as from time to time amended and in effect.
Restricted Stock: An Award of Stock subject to restrictions requiring that such Stock be redelivered to the Company if specified conditions are not satisfied.
Section 162(m): Section 162(m) of the Code.
SARs: Rights entitling the holder upon exercise to receive cash or Stock, as the Administrator determines, equal to a function (determined by the Administrator using such factors as it deems appropriate) of the amount by which the Stock has appreciated in value since the date of the Award.
Stock: Common Stock of the Company, par value $ .01 per share.
Stock Options: Options entitling the recipient to acquire shares of Stock upon payment of the exercise price.
Subsidiary: A subsidiary corporation, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
Unrestricted Stock: An Award of Stock not subject to any restrictions under the Plan.
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Dominos Pizza, Inc.
Officers and Directors
Executive Officers
David A. Brandon
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
J. Patrick Doyle
President, Dominos U.S.A.
Ken C. Calwell
Executive Vice President of Build the Brand and Chief Marketing Officer
Scott R. Hinshaw
Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations and Franchise Development
William E. Kapp
Executive Vice President of Finance and Interim Chief Financial Officer
Michael T. Lawton
Executive Vice President of International
Lynn M. Liddle
Executive Vice President of Communications and Investor Relations
Christopher K. McGlothlin
Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer
L. David Mounts
Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Services
Kenneth B. Rollin
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Ahsahn M. Sheikh
Executive Vice President of Team U.S.A.
James G. Stansik
Executive Vice President of Franchise Relations
Patricia A. Wilmot
Executive Vice President of PeopleFirst
Outside Directors
Andrew B. Balson
Director
Diana F. Cantor
Director
Vernon Bud O. Hamilton
Director
Dennis F. Hightower
Director
Mark E. Nunnelly
Director
Robert M. Rosenberg
Director
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VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on April 16, 2008. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
ATTN: CORPORATE SECRETARY ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE SHAREHOLDER
30 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT DRIVE COMMUNICATIONS
ANN ARBOR, MI 48105 As a shareholder, if you would like to reduce the costs incurred by Dominos Pizza, Inc. in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access shareholder communications electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on April 16, 2008. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Dominos Pizza, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: DOMPZ1 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. DOMINOS PIZZA, INC.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the nominees, FOR the Amended Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, FOR the ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the For Withhold For All To withhold authority to vote for any individual Companys independent registered public accountants All All Except nominee(s), mark For All Except and write the for the current year, AGAINST the PETA proposal relating number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. to poultry processing methods and AGAINST the Northern Ireland MacBride Principles. Vote on Directors 0 0 0
1. Election of Directors: NOMINEES: 01 Andrew B. Balson 02 Vernon Bud O. Hamilton Vote on Proposals For Against Abstain For Against Abstain 4. Make all possible efforts to implement and/or 2. Approval of the Amended Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 increase activity on each of the nine MacBride Equity Incentive Plan. 0 0 0 Principles relating to Northern Ireland. 0 0 0
5. Ratification of the selection of 3. Issue a report to shareholders by November 2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent disclosing the progress made toward evaluating 0 0 0 registered public accountants of the Company for 0 0 0 controlled atmospheric killing. the current year. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. I hereby revoke all proxies heretofore given by me to vote at said meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear(s) on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write 0 them on the back where indicated. Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting. 0 0 Yes No Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date
Important Notice Regarding Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:
The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com.
? Please detach and mail in the envelope provided IF you are not voting via telephone or the Internet. ?
DOMINOS PIZZA, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE COMPANY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING
April 17, 2008 10:00 a.m. ET
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints David A. Brandon, William E. Kapp and Adam J. Gacek, and each of them, their true and lawful agents and proxies with full power of substitution in each, to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Dominos Pizza, Inc. to be held at 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, on Thursday, April 17, 2008, and at any adjournments thereof, on all matters coming before said meeting.
You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes, SEE REVERSE SIDE, but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors recommendations. The proxies cannot vote these shares unless you either sign and return this card or vote electronically.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of directors, FOR the ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accountants of the Company for the current year, FOR the Amended Dominos Pizza, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, AGAINST the PETA proposal relating to poultry processing methods and AGAINST the Northern Ireland MacBride Principles.
Address Changes/Comments: (If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.) (Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)