def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Filed by the Registrant þ |
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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Check the appropriate box: |
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o Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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þ Definitive Proxy Statement |
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o Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
The Finish Line, 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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þ No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11. |
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1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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1) Amount Previously Paid: |
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2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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SEC 1913 (02-02) |
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information
contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid
OMB control number. |
June 19, 2007
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of The Finish
Line, Inc., on Thursday, July 19, 2007, at 9:00 a.m., to be held at The Finish Line, Inc. Corporate
Office, 3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. Members of your Board of Directors
and management look forward to greeting those shareholders who are able to attend.
The accompanying Notice and Proxy Statement describe the matters to be acted upon at the
meeting.
It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting. Whether or not you
plan to attend, please sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card at your earliest convenience. If
you attend the meeting, you may withdraw your proxy and vote in person.
Your interest and participation in the affairs of the Company are greatly appreciated.
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Respectfully,
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Alan H. Cohen, |
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Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer |
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THE FINISH LINE, INC.
3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46235
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be held July 19, 2007
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FINISH LINE, INC.:
Notice is hereby given that the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of The Finish Line, Inc.
(the Company) to be held at the Companys Corporate Office at 3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road,
Indianapolis, Indiana 46235 on Thursday, July 19, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. EST, will be conducted for the
following purposes:
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(1) |
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To elect three Class III directors to serve on the Companys Board of Directors
until the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders; |
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(2) |
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To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm for the Companys fiscal year ending March 1, 2008;
and |
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(3) |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournments or postponements thereof. |
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on May 25, 2007, will be entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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Gary D. Cohen, |
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Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary |
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Indianapolis, Indiana
June 19, 2007
Your vote is important. Accordingly, you are asked to complete, sign, date and return the
accompanying Proxy Card in the envelope provided, which requires no postage if mailed in the United
States.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Finish Line, Inc.
3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46235
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
JULY 19, 2007
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Card are being mailed
on or about June 19, 2007, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors
(the Board) of The Finish Line, Inc. (Finish Line or the Company) for use at the 2007 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the Annual Meeting) to be held at the Companys Corporate
Office at 3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235, on Thursday, July 19, 2007, at
9:00 a.m. local time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. At the Annual Meeting, the
Companys shareholders will be asked to: (i) elect three Class III directors to serve on the Board
until the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, (ii) ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as
the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the Companys fiscal year ending
March 1, 2008, and (iii) vote on such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting
or any adjournments or postponements thereof. This Proxy Statement and related proxy materials are
being first mailed to shareholders on or about June 19, 2007.
Throughout this Proxy Statement, fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 represent the fiscal
years ended March 3, 2007, February 25, 2006, and February 26, 2005, respectively.
Persons Making the Solicitation
The Company is making this solicitation and will bear the expenses of preparing, printing and
mailing proxy materials to the Companys shareholders. In addition to the mailing of this proxy
statement, proxies may be solicited personally or by telephone or fax by officers or employees of
the Company, none of whom will receive additional compensation therefrom. The Company will also
reimburse brokerage houses and other nominees for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy
materials to beneficial owners of the Class A Common Shares.
Voting at the Meeting
Shareholders of record of the Companys Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares at the
close of business on May 25, 2007, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and
any adjournment or postponement thereof. On that date, 42,589,952 Class A Common Shares and
5,141,336 Class B Common Shares were outstanding and entitled to vote. Each outstanding Class A
Common Share entitles the holder thereof to one vote and each outstanding Class B Common Share
entitles the holder thereof to ten votes.
In the election of directors, the three nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes
of the shares present or represented and entitled to be voted for them shall be elected. Votes
withheld from any director are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a
quorum for the transaction of business. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast is
required to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm for the Companys fiscal year ending March 1, 2008.
The Company believes that abstentions should be counted for purposes of determining whether a
quorum is present at the Annual Meeting for the transaction of business. In the absence of
controlling precedent to the contrary, the Company intends to treat abstentions in this manner. The
Company intends to count broker non-votes as present or represented for purposes of determining the
presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business.
Shareholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes in the election of directors.
1
Revocability of Proxy
A proxy may be revoked by a shareholder prior to voting at the Annual Meeting by written notice to
the Secretary of the Company, by submission of another proxy bearing a later date or by voting in
person at the Annual Meeting. Such notice or later proxy will not affect a vote on any matter taken
prior to the receipt thereof by the Company. The mere presence at the Annual Meeting of a
shareholder who has appointed a proxy will not revoke the prior appointment.
If not revoked, the proxy will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions
indicated on the Proxy Card by the shareholder or, if no instructions are indicated, will be voted
FOR the election of the three Class III director nominees indicated herein to serve on the Board
until the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, FOR the ratification of the selection of Ernst &
Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the Companys fiscal
year ending March 1, 2008, and, as to any other matter that may be properly brought before the
Annual Meeting, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy.
ELECTION OF CLASS III DIRECTORS
(Item 1 on your Proxy)
The Companys Bylaws provide for dividing the Board into three classes, as nearly equal in number
as possible, with the term of office of one class expiring each year, and with each director to
hold office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his or
her death, resignation or removal. The term of the Class I directors, consisting of Alan H. Cohen
and Jeffrey H. Smulyan, will expire at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the term of the
Class II directors, consisting of Larry J. Sablosky, Bill Kirkendall and William P. Carmichael,
will expire at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and the term of the Class III directors,
consisting of David I. Klapper, Stephen Goldsmith and Catherine A. Langham, will expire at the 2007
Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The persons named in the accompanying Proxy Card as proxies for this meeting will vote in favor of
the three nominees as Class III directors of the Company unless otherwise indicated by the
shareholder on the Proxy Card. Class III directors elected at the 2007 Annual Meeting will serve
for a three-year term expiring at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and until their
successors are duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his or her death, resignation, or
removal. Management has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable or unwilling
to serve if elected. If any nominee should become unavailable prior to the election, the
accompanying Proxy Card will be voted for the election in his or her stead of such other person as
the Board of Directors may recommend.
Nominees
The nominees for election as Class III directors of the Company are David I. Klapper, Stephen
Goldsmith and Catherine A. Langham. Each of such persons currently serves as a director of the
Company. The nominees for election as Class III directors of the Company were selected by the Board
upon the recommendation of the independent directors of the Board, meeting in executive session.
See Management Executive Officers and Directors for additional information concerning the
nominees, and Board of Directors, Committees and Meetings Nomination Process for additional
information regarding the Boards criteria for selecting director nominees.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the Class III director nominees set
forth above. Proxies solicited by the Board will be so voted unless shareholders specify otherwise
on their Proxy Cards (Item 1 on your Proxy).
2
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of May 25, 2007, information relating to the beneficial
ownership of the Companys common shares by each person known to the Company to be the beneficial
owner of more than five percent of the outstanding Class A Common Shares or Class B Common Shares,
by each director or nominee for director, by each of the executive officers named below, and by all
directors and executive officers as a group.
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Class A |
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Class B |
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Stock Options |
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% of |
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Number of |
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exercisable within |
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Class |
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Number of |
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% of |
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Shares (1)(2) |
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60 days (10) |
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(3) |
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Shares (1) |
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Class (3) |
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Total Shares |
Alan H. Cohen |
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62,000 |
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17,500 |
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(9 |
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2,168,794 |
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42.2 |
% |
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2,248,294 |
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David I. Klapper |
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1,824,300 |
(5) |
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35.5 |
% |
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1,824,300 |
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Larry J. Sablosky |
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41,500 |
(4) |
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(9 |
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1,148,242 |
(6) |
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22.3 |
% |
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1,189,742 |
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Glenn S. Lyon |
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63,000 |
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137,000 |
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(9 |
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200,000 |
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Steven J. Schneider |
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75,920 |
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85,500 |
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(9 |
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161,420 |
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Gary D. Cohen |
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69,910 |
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74,500 |
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(9 |
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144,410 |
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Kevin S. Wampler |
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50,737 |
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97,000 |
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(9 |
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147,737 |
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George S. Sanders |
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56,427 |
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125,000 |
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(9 |
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181,427 |
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Donald E. Courtney |
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66,805 |
(7) |
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87,500 |
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(9 |
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154,305 |
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Michael L. Marchetti |
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60,658 |
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95,500 |
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(9 |
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156,158 |
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Samuel M. Sato |
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5,000 |
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(9 |
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5,000 |
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Jeffrey H. Smulyan |
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26,000 |
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32,000 |
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(9 |
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58,000 |
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Stephen Goldsmith |
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24,000 |
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(9 |
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24,000 |
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Bill Kirkendall |
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19,000 |
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(9 |
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19,000 |
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William P. Carmichael |
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4,000 |
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30,000 |
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(9 |
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34,000 |
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Catherine A. Langham |
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6,000 |
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6,000 |
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Royce & Associates,
LLC |
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4,674,300 |
(8) |
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11.15 |
% |
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4,674,300 |
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First Pacific
Advisors,
LLC |
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3,628,900 |
(8) |
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8.50 |
% |
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3,628,900 |
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SCSF Equities,
LLC |
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2,398,400 |
(8) |
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5.70 |
% |
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2,398,400 |
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All directors and
executive officers
as a group (16
persons) |
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581,957 |
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830,500 |
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3.32 |
% |
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5,141,336 |
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100 |
% |
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6,553,793 |
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(1) |
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Each executive officer and director has sole voting and investment power with respect to the
shares listed, unless otherwise indicated, and the address for the executive officers and
directors is: 3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. |
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(2) |
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The amounts in this column exclude any Class B Common Shares convertible into a corresponding
number of Class A Common Shares. |
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(3) |
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The shares owned by each person, or by the group, and the shares included in the total number
of shares outstanding have been adjusted, and the percentage owned (where such percentage
exceeds 1%) has been computed, in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). |
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(4) |
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Reflects shares gifted to a private family foundation controlled by the named individual. |
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(5) |
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Includes 97,100 shares held by a family partnership of which Mr. Klapper serves as general
partner. |
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(6) |
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Includes 150,000 Class B Common Shares held by a family partnership of which Mr. Sablosky
serves as general partner, and 14,420 Class B Common Shares held by Mr. Sabloskys spouse. |
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(7) |
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Includes 9,200 Class A Common Shares held by Mr. Courtneys spouse. |
3
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(8) |
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This information is based solely on Schedule 13G/As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. |
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Royce & Associates, LLC |
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12/31/2006 |
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First Pacific Advisors, LLC |
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12/31/2006 |
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SCSF Equities, LLC |
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03/05/2007 |
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(9) |
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Less than 1% of the Class A Common Shares outstanding. |
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(10) |
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The directors and executive officers listed have the right to acquire the number of shares of
common stock reflected in this column within 60 days of May 25, 2007. |
MANAGEMENT
Executive Officers and Directors
The executive officers, directors and nominees for director of the Company are as follows:
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Executive Officer |
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or Director |
Name |
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Age |
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Position |
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Since |
Alan H. Cohen
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60 |
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Chairman of the Board, CEO, Class I Director
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1976 |
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Glenn S. Lyon
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57 |
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President
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2001 |
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David I. Klapper
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58 |
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Senior Executive Vice President, Class III Director
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1976 |
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Larry J. Sablosky
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58 |
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Senior Executive Vice President, Class II Director
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1982 |
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Steven J. Schneider
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51 |
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Chief Operating Officer
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1989 |
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Gary D. Cohen
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55 |
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Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary
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1997 |
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Kevin S. Wampler
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44 |
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Executive Vice President, CFO and Assistant Secretary
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1997 |
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George S. Sanders
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49 |
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Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Store Development
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1994 |
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Donald E. Courtney
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52 |
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Executive Vice President, IS, Distribution, CIO, Assistant
Secretary
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1989 |
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Michael L. Marchetti
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56 |
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Executive Vice President, Store Operations
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1995 |
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Samuel M. Sato
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43 |
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Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandise Officer
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2007 |
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Jeffrey H. Smulyan
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60 |
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Class I Director
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1992 |
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Stephen Goldsmith
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60 |
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Class III Director
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1999 |
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Bill Kirkendall
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53 |
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Class II Director
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2001 |
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William P. Carmichael
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63 |
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Class II Director
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2003 |
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Catherine A. Langham
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49 |
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Class III Director
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2006 |
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Mr. Alan H. Cohen, a co-founder of the Company, served as Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company from May 1982 until October 2003. In October 2003, Mr. Cohen
stepped down from the Presidency and is currently the Chairman of the Board and CEO. Since 1976,
Mr. Cohen has been involved in the athletic retail business as principal co-founder of Athletic
Enterprises, Inc. (one of the predecessor companies of the Company). Mr. Cohen is an attorney, and
practiced law from 1973 through 1981. Mr. Cohen is the brother of Gary D. Cohen.
Mr. Glenn S. Lyon has served as President and Chief Merchandise Officer of the Company from October
2003 to July 2006, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandise Officer from September
2001 to October 2003. Prior to joining the Company, he served as President/CEO of Paul Harris
Stores, Inc., from March 2000 to February 2001. From October 1995 to February 2000, he held
positions as President and General Merchandising Manager of Modern Woman Stores, a Division of the
American Retail Group. Mr. Lyon also spent eight years with TJX Company as Senior Vice President
and Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. Mr.
Lyon started his career in February 1973 at Macys N.Y., where he spent ten years in various
merchandising positions. Mr. Lyons title was consolidated to President in July 2006.
4
Mr. David I. Klapper, a co-founder of the Company, has served as a director of the Company since
May 1982. Mr. Klapper has also served as Senior Executive Vice President of the Company since April
2000. Prior to his current position, Mr. Klapper served as Executive Vice President from May 1982
to April 2000. Since 1976, Mr. Klapper has been involved in the athletic retail business as
principal co-founder of Athletic Enterprises, Inc. (one of the predecessor companies of the
Company).
Mr. Larry J. Sablosky, a co-founder of the Company, has served as a director of the Company since
May 1982. Mr. Sablosky has also served as Senior Executive Vice President of the Company since
April 2000. Prior to his current position, Mr. Sablosky served as Executive Vice President from May
1982 to April 2000. Prior to 1982, Mr. Sablosky was employed in a family retail business for over
10 years. Mr. Sablosky has been involved in the retail industry for over 30 years.
Mr. Steven J. Schneider has served as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
of the Company from October 2003 to July 2006, and as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating
Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary from April 2001 to October 2003. Mr.
Schneider also served as Executive Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant
Secretary of the Company from April 2000 to April 2001, as Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief
Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary of the Company from March 1997 to April 2000, and as Vice
President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from April 1989 to March 1997. From
August 1984 to March 1989, Mr. Schneider was employed as Assistant Controller for Paul Harris
Stores, Inc., a womens apparel retailer. Mr. Schneider, a Certified Public Accountant, was
employed by a national accounting firm for two years and has been engaged in various financial
positions in the retail industry for over 25 years. Mr. Schneiders title was consolidated to
Chief Operating Officer in July 2006.
Mr. Gary D. Cohen has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the
Company since April 2000. Mr. Cohen also served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of the Company from July 1997 to April 2000. From April 1990 to July 1997, Mr. Cohen was
a Senior Partner in the law firm of Cohen and Morelock. During the 15 years prior to his joining
the Company, Mr. Cohen represented the Company regarding real estate matters. From 1978 to 1990,
Mr. Cohen held partnership positions with various law firms. At the present time, Mr. Cohen retains
an Of Counsel position with Brand Davis Elsea & Morelock. Mr. Cohen is the brother of Alan H.
Cohen.
Mr. Kevin S. Wampler has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant
Secretary of the Company since October 2003, and as Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
and Assistant Secretary from April 2001 to October 2003. Mr. Wampler also served as Senior Vice
President, Corporate Controller and Assistant Secretary of the Company from April 2000 to April
2001 and as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Assistant Secretary of the Company from March
1997 to April 2000. Mr. Wampler, a Certified Public Accountant, was also employed by the Company
from June 1993 to March 1997 as Corporate Controller. Mr. Wampler held the position of Audit
Manager at a national accounting firm from July 1986 to May 1993.
Mr. George S. Sanders has served as Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Store Development of
the Company since April 2000. Mr. Sanders also served as Senior Vice President, Real Estate and
Store Development of the Company from March 1997 to April 2000, and as Vice President, Real Estate
and Store Construction from April 1994 to March 1997. From February 1993 to April 1994, Mr. Sanders
served as Director of Real Estate of the Company. From 1983 to February 1993, Mr. Sanders was
employed by Melvin Simon and Associates, a real estate developer and manager. At the time Mr.
Sanders left Melvin Simon and Associates, he held the position of Senior Leasing Representative.
Mr. Donald E. Courtney has served as Executive Vice President, IS, Distribution, Chief Information
Officer and Assistant Secretary of the Company since October 2003, and as Executive Vice President,
Chief Information Officer-Distribution from April 2000 to October 2003. Mr. Courtney also served as
Senior Vice President, MIS and Distribution of the Company from March 1997 to April 2000 and as
Vice President, MIS and Distribution of the Company from August 1989 to March 1997. From August
1988 to August 1989, Mr. Courtney served as Director of MIS and Distribution for the Company. From
August 1976 to August 1988, Guarantee Auto Stores, Inc., an automotive retailer, employed Mr.
Courtney. At the time Mr. Courtney left Guarantee Auto Stores, he held
the position of Vice President, MIS and Distribution. Mr. Courtney has been involved in the
retail industry for over 25 years.
5
Mr. Michael L. Marchetti has served as Executive Vice President, Store Operations of the Company
since April 2000. Mr. Marchetti also served as Senior Vice President, Store Operations of the
Company from March 1997 to April 2000 and as Vice President, Store Operations from September 1995
to March 1997. From May 1990 to September 1995, Mr. Marchetti was employed as Regional Vice
President of Champs Sports, a division of Footlocker, Inc. Mr. Marchetti has been involved in the
retail industry for over 30 years.
Mr. Samuel M. Sato has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandise Officer of the Company
since March 2007. Mr. Sato began his career at Nordstrom Inc. in 1985. He was a Regional
Merchandise Manager, Menswear, in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of Nordstrom, and then
served as Divisional Merchandise Manager, Shoes. Mr. Sato was promoted to Vice President and
Corporate Merchandise Manager for the Mens Shoes Division of Nordstrom in 1999. Mr. Sato has been
involved in the retail industry for over 22 years.
Mr. Jeffrey H. Smulyan has served as a director of the Company since June 1992. Mr. Smulyan is CEO,
Chairman of the Board, and President of Indianapolis-based Emmis Communications Corporation, which
he founded in 1981. Emmis owns and operates 24 radio stations, three network-affiliated television
stations, and award-winning regional and specialty magazines around the country. Mr. Smulyan, a
director of the National Association of Broadcasters and former Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Radio Advertising Bureau, sits on the Board of Trustees of the University of Southern
California. Mr. Smulyan has been honored with the American Women in Radio and Televisions Silver
Satellite Award, the National Association of Broadcasters National Radio Award, and as Radio Inks
Radio Executive of the Year. In 2004, Mr. Smulyan was inducted into the Broadcast and Cable Hall
of Fame. Under his leadership, Emmis was named one of Fortunes 100 Best Companies to Work For in
2005. He is the former owner of the Seattle Mariners baseball team.
Mr. Stephen Goldsmith has served as a director of the Company since July 1999. Mr. Goldsmith is
Director of CapitalSource Infrastructure Finance which invests in governmental assets. He is also
Chairman of the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Daniel Paul Professor of
Government and Director of the Innovations in American Government Program at Harvard Universitys
Kennedy School of Government. From 2001 to 2005, he served as Senior Vice President of ACS State
and Local Solutions. Mr. Goldsmith was a director of Net2Phone, Inc., an Internet communications
company, from 2003 to 2005 and The Steak n Shake Company, a national restaurant chain, from 1999 to
2005. Mr. Goldsmith served as Mayor of the City of Indianapolis from January 1992 to December
1999, and then as chief domestic policy advisor to the Bush 2000 Presidential Campaign.
Mr. Bill Kirkendall has served as a director of the Company since July 2001. Mr. Kirkendall is a
Partner in D.A. Weibring Golf Resources Group, a golf design management and consulting firm, he is
also the chief executive officer and director of Pure Motion, Inc., a company that develops and
markets technology-based training aids for recreational sports. Mr. Kirkendall is also a partner
with Golf Resources Inc., a company that specializes in golf course design, management, and
consulting, worldwide. From October 1999 to November 2002 Mr. Kirkendall was President and Chief
Executive Officer of Orlimar Golf Company, a manufacturer and distributor of golf equipment. Mr.
Kirkendall was President and CEO of Tretorn of N.A., Inc., a distributor and licensee of athletic
footwear, from 1998 to 1999. Mr. Kirkendall was a driving force with Etonic Inc., a distributor,
manufacturer, and licensee of athletic footwear and apparel from 1982 to 1998, holding the
following positions: Sales Representative from 1982 to 1985, National Sales Manager from 1985 to
1986, Vice President from 1986 to 1988, Senior Vice President from 1988 to 1989, Executive Vice
President from 1989 to 1991, and President from 1991 to 1998. From 1976 to 1982 Mr. Kirkendall was
Vice President of Golden Brothers Inc., a long haul trucking company.
Mr. William P. Carmichael has served as a director of the Company since July 2003. Mr. Carmichael
currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Columbia Funds Series Trust, Banc of
America Funds Trust, Columbia Funds Master Investment Trust, and Columbia Funds Variable Insurance
Trust. From 1999 to 2001 Mr. Carmichael was Senior Managing Director of The Succession Fund, which
he co-founded in 1998. Prior to The Succession Fund, Mr. Carmichael served for twenty-six years in
various financial positions with global consumer product companies, including Senior Vice President
of Sara Lee Corporation from 1991 to 1993, Senior Vice President of Beatrice Foods from 1984 to
1990, Chief Financial Officer from 1987 to 1990, and Vice President of Esmark, Inc., from 1973 to
1984. Mr. Carmichael has been a director of Spectrum Brands (formerly Rayovac Corporation) since
August 2002, Cobra Electronics Corporation since 1994, and Simmons Company since May
2004. He was previously a director of Opta Food Ingredients, Inc., Nations Government Income Term
Trust 2004, Nations Government Income Term Trust 2003, Nations Balanced Target Maturity Fund and
Hatteras Income Securities Fund.
6
Ms. Catherine A. Langham was appointed as a director of the Company by the Board of Directors on
April 20, 2006. Ms. Langham is the co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Langham
Logistics, Inc., a global freight management company specializing in expedited transportation,
warehousing and distribution. Ms. Langham was a member of the Board of Directors of Marsh
Supermarkets, Inc. from 1998 thru September 2006, where she also served on the audit and executive
committees. Ms. Langham has over twenty years of experience in the logistics industry.
Officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Board. Unless otherwise stated, there
are no family relationships among any directors or executive officers of the Company.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Companys officers and directors and persons who
beneficially own more than 10 percent of the Companys Class A Common Shares to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the SEC. Officers, directors and 10
percent shareholders are required by the SEC to furnish the Company with copies of all Forms 3, 4
and 5 that they file.
Based solely on the Companys review of the copies of the forms it has received and representations
from certain reporting persons that they were not required to file a Form 5 for certain fiscal
years, the Company believes that, except as follows, all of its officers, directors and greater
than 10 percent shareholders have complied with all of the filing requirements applicable to them
with respect to transactions during the fiscal year ended March 3, 2007. Due to an administrative
delay Mr. Beau J. Swenson, the Companys Corporate Controller, was late in filing his Form 3.
Code of Ethics
The Companys Code of Ethics, applicable to its directors and officers, is available on the
Companys website at www.finishline.com. The Company intends to disclose waivers under this Code of
Ethics, or amendments thereto, on the Companys website at www.finishline.com or in a report on
Form 8-K as required.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS
Independence of Directors
The Board has determined that the majority of its members are independent directors under the
criteria for independence set forth in the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq).
The independent directors of the Board include Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Stephen Goldsmith, Bill
Kirkendall, William P. Carmichael and Catherine A. Langham.
In addition, all members of the Audit Committee and the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of
the Board are independent directors and all members of the Audit Committee satisfy the independence
requirements set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board held four meetings in fiscal 2007 and all directors attended at least 75% of the meetings
of the Board and the committees of the Board of which they were members. Members of the Board are
expected to attend the Annual Meeting. All of the Board members attended the 2006 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
The Board of Directors has three (3) committees. The Audit Committee is comprised of Ms. Langham
and Messrs. Goldsmith, Kirkendall and Carmichael, Chair. The Compensation and Stock Option
Committee is comprised of Messrs. Kirkendall and Smulyan. The Finance Committee is comprised of
Messrs. Klapper and Carmichael. The Company does not have a nominating committee nor any committee
performing such functions. The Board has determined that, because a majority of its members are
independent directors, it is appropriate for the independent directors to fulfill the role of a nominating committee. Nominees are recommended to the Board of Directors by at least a majority of independent directors, meeting in executive session.
7
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met eight times during fiscal 2007. The Audit Committee
is composed solely of independent directors (as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and SEC
rules). The Audit Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Board. Under its
charter, the Audit Committee, among other things, appoints the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm each year and approves the compensation and terms of engagement of the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm, approves services proposed to be provided
by the independent registered public accounting firm, as well as all services provided by other
professional financial services providers, and monitors and oversees the quality and integrity of
the Companys accounting process and systems of internal controls. Each member of the Audit
Committee meets the Nasdaq financial knowledge requirements, and the Board has determined that Mr.
Carmichael qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as defined by SEC rules and meets
Nasdaq professional experience requirements as well. The Audit Committee, among its other duties
and responsibilities, reviews and monitors all related party transactions. During fiscal 2007,
there were no related party transactions between the Company and its executive officers and
directors. The Audit Committee Charter is available on the Companys website at www.finishline.com.
The Compensation and Stock Option Committee (the Compensation Committee) met four times during
fiscal 2007. The Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board and is composed of two
non-employee independent directors (as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards). The Compensation
Committee is responsible for discharging the responsibilities of the Board with respect to the
compensation structure of the Companys executive officers including the chief executive officer.
The Compensation Committee sets performance goals and objectives for the chief executive officer
and the other executive officers, evaluates their performance with respect to those goals and sets
their compensation based upon the evaluation of their performance. The Compensation Committee is
also responsible for administering the Companys 1992 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended,
and the Companys 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended. It periodically reviews and makes
recommendations to the Board with respect to director compensation. All decisions with respect to
executive officer and director compensation are approved by the Compensation Committee and
recommended to the full board for ratification. In February 2007, the board adopted a written
charter under which the Compensation Committee acts. A copy of the charter is attached as Appendix
A and is available on the Companys website at www.finishline.com.
Meetings of the Independent Directors. The Companys independent directors meet regularly in
executive sessions outside the presence of management. An executive session is generally held in
conjunction with each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. The Company has not formally
appointed a single director to preside at executive sessions of the independent directors. Rather,
the responsibility to preside at each such meeting of independent directors is rotated among the
independent directors, depending on the subject matter to be discussed at such meeting.
Nomination Process
In determining whether to nominate a candidate for election to the Companys Board of Directors,
the Board considers various criteria, such as the recommendations of the independent directors, the
candidates relevant business skills and experience, commitment to enhancing shareholder value, and
professional ethics and values, bearing in mind the requirements of the Board at that point in
time. The Board believes it is appropriate that a majority of its members be independent directors
and that at least one member, who also serves on the Audit Committee, be an audit committee
financial expert as defined by SEC rules. Candidates are identified through a variety of sources,
including other members of the Board, senior Company executives, individuals personally known by
the members of the Board, and research. The Company will consider shareholder recommendations of
candidates when the recommendations are properly submitted. To be considered, any such shareholder
recommendation must be submitted as set forth under the section of this Proxy Statement entitled
Proposals of Shareholders, and must comply with the notice, information and consent provisions
set forth in the Companys Bylaws. Shareholder nominees will be evaluated under the criteria set
forth above. To recommend a prospective nominee for the Boards consideration, submit a candidates
name and qualifications to The Finish Line, Inc. Board of Directors (or the applicable Board
member) at the Companys principal offices (3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235)
in care of the Secretary.
Communications with the Board of Directors
Shareholders may communicate with the Board of Directors, its committees, the independent directors
as a group, or one or more members of the Board or its committees, by sending a letter to The
Finish Line, Inc., Board of
8
Directors (or the applicable member of the Board of Directors), at the Companys principal offices
(3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235) in care of the Secretary. If the Secretary
deems appropriate, the Secretary will forward such correspondence to the Chairman of the Board or
to the applicable Board member. The process by which the Secretary reviews and forwards
correspondence deemed appropriate has been approved by a majority of the Boards independent
directors.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The following is a discussion and analysis of the Companys executive compensation structure and
pertains to the named executive officers listed in the summary compensation table on page 15.
Compensation Structure Objectives
A primary objective of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee (the Committee or
Compensation Committee) in setting executive officer pay is to adequately motivate the Companys
executive leadership and to reward their attainment of specified annual, long-term and strategic
performance goals. The Committee strives to ensure that compensation levels are sufficient to
attract and retain key individuals and to ensure that the Companys executive management has
appropriate financial incentives to achieve sustainable growth in shareholder value. The Committee
endeavors to ensure that executive officer compensation is perceived as fundamentally fair to all
shareholders in the Company, to that end the Committee believes that all incentive components of
executive officer compensation remain directly related to company performance.
Setting Executive Officer Compensation
The principle elements that comprise the Companys executive officer compensation are; base salary,
performance based incentive compensation, and long-term equity and non-equity incentive
compensation. Annual base salaries for executive officers are set at the first Compensation and
Stock Option Committee meeting of each fiscal year. At this meeting the Committee also reviews and
sets the criteria for any annual executive officer bonus program. In setting executive officer
compensation the Committee considers recommendations from members of Company management, including
the chief executive officer. The executive officers for whom compensation recommendations are
discussed are not present. The Committee also discusses and sets the compensation structure for the
chief executive officer who is absent from that discussion. The Compensation Committee may accept,
adjust or reject any recommendations concerning executive officer compensation.
The Committee strives to evaluate the elements that make up an executive officers compensation in
the context of Company performance and the retail market within which the Company operates. In
setting executive officer base salaries the Committee considers competitive salary norms for the
retail industry, the executive officers position and corresponding responsibility. The Committee
may also seek the advice of independent consultants. For fiscal 2007 the Committee relied on
historical retail peer group data in setting base salaries for the Companys executives except for
the chief executive officer. It has not been the Companys practice to pay the chief executive
officer at the highest level relative to industry peer salaries but to rather structure his
compensation on a basis that is more relative to other members of executive management. After
setting base salaries the Committee incorporates a performance based bonus component in order to
motivate the Companys executive leadership to maximize Company performance. For fiscal 2007 the
incentive bonus for the chief executive officer, the president, and the chief operating officer was
comprised entirely of Company financial performance criteria as such criteria is described in the
Companys 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated July 21, 2005). The chief financial
officer and the general counsel had an incentive bonus that was comprised in part of Company
financial performance criteria with a 25% portion that was based on preset business unit objectives
directed at improving internal operating efficiency within the Company.
9
Annual Performance Based Incentive Compensation
The annual executive officer bonus program (the EOBP) is established and administered under the
authority of the Companys 2002 Stock Incentive Plan. The EOBP is structured to reward the
Companys executive management for the achievement of annual financial goals. It has been the
practice of the Compensation Committee to determine at its first meeting in a fiscal year whether
to establish an EOBP for that year. If a determination to establish an EOBP is made the Committee
approves those individuals of the Companys executive management that may participate in such
program then evaluates and sets the criteria for the program. Each of the Companys named executive
officers were participants in the fiscal 2007 EOBP. The fiscal 2007 EOBP is cash based incentive
compensation that is based on achieving specified Company performance criteria. The Company
performance criteria consist of the following:
|
|
Increasing pre-tax operating income |
|
|
|
Increasing comparable store sales revenue |
|
|
|
Increasing total company sales, and |
|
|
|
Reducing aged inventory |
Each Company performance criteria is measured within a percentage range. The performance criteria
of increasing pre-tax operating income is generally determined by comparing the increase in the
Companys consolidated operating earnings for fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2006. This amount is subject to
certain adjustments, which include asset impairments, material gains and/or losses from insurance
costs, and stock compensation expenses. For fiscal 2007 the percentage metric for increasing
pre-tax operating income ranged from 2 to 15%. The percentage metric for increasing comparable
store sales revenue ranged from 1 to 10%, for increasing total company sales from 8 to 15% percent,
and for reducing aged inventory the percentage metric ranged from 1 to 5%.
For the chief executive officer, the president, and the chief operating officer, the above
performance criteria comprised the entirety of their fiscal 2007 EOBP performance metrics. For the
chief financial officer and the general counsel, the above described performance criteria comprised
75% of their fiscal 2007 EOBP performance metrics with the remaining 25% based on individual
business unit objectives that pertain to their respective oversight responsibilities. For the
general counsel, these individual business unit objectives included measurable control of legal
expense budgets, timely resolution of general liability claims, and timely resolution of the
Companys various lease obligations. For the chief financial officer, individual business unit
objectives included the measurable control of departmental expense budgets and effective management
of timely budget reporting obligations by Company departments.
Performance criteria allocation to an EOBP participant is based on such participants
accountability, influence on Company operations, tenure with the Company, and the appropriate
competitive challenges of a participants position within the Company and within the retail
industry at large. The Committee strives to allocate the criteria in such a way that the challenge
of achieving the performance goals is relatively consistent from year to year. The programs target
and maximum award opportunities are set as a percentage of a participants base salary. For the
named executive officers for fiscal 2007, the potential EOBP payment amounts were set as follows:
for the chief executive officer 100% of base salary as a target and 165% of base salary as a
maximum, for the president 80% of base salary as a target and 132% of base salary as a maximum, for
the chief operating officer 70% of base salary as a target and 115.5% of base salary as a maximum,
for the chief financial officer and the general counsel 60% of base salary as a target and 90% of
base salary as a maximum.
The Committee considers the elements that comprise the methodology of this program a reliable
overview of the Companys annual performance within the retail market. Fiscal 2007 EOBP
compensation is paid after the end of the fiscal year once the Committee has evaluated the
Companys performance relative to the performance goals established at the beginning of the fiscal
year.
10
The following table sets forth the fiscal 2007 EOBP target bonus opportunity amounts for each of
the Companys named executive officers and the actual amount earned:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Named Executive Officer |
|
EOBP Target Percentage of Base Salary |
|
EOBP Target Amount |
|
Actual Amount |
|
Alan H. Cohen |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
570,000 |
|
|
$ |
28,500 |
|
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Glenn S. Lyon |
|
|
80 |
% |
|
$ |
360,000 |
|
|
$ |
18,000 |
|
President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven J. Schneider |
|
|
70 |
% |
|
$ |
273,000 |
|
|
$ |
13,650 |
|
Chief Operating Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary D. Cohen |
|
|
60 |
% |
|
$ |
177,000 |
|
|
$ |
53,100 |
|
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin S. Wampler |
|
|
60 |
% |
|
$ |
147,000 |
|
|
$ |
44,100 |
|
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Asst. Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Although each of the Companys named executive officers is eligible to receive an award under
the EOBP for fiscal 2007 the granting of any such award to any executive, individually or
collectively, remains entirely at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Awards made to
named executive officers under the 2007 EOBP were determined after the close of fiscal year 2007
and paid out in the subsequent fiscal year. The fiscal 2007 EOBP award amounts are also reflected
in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table on page
15.
Long Term Executive Officer Bonus Program
At the beginning of fiscal 2007 the Compensation Committee established the 2007 Long Term Incentive
Bonus Program (LTIB07). The program is based on a three-year performance cycle ending on February
28, 2009, and is structured to encourage executive management, including each of the named
executive officers, to focus on longer-term Company performance. Under the LTIB07 each of the
following named executive officers is eligible to earn up to the amount specified if, over the
three-year performance cycle, the Company improves adjusted operating earnings, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, by 30% (or what equates to an average of 10% per year) over adjusted
operating earnings for fiscal 2006.
For Mr. Alan Cohen the LTIB07 amount is $225,000, for Mr. Glenn Lyon $150,000, for Mr. Steve
Schneider $125,000, for Mr. Gary Cohen $75,000 and for Mr. Kevin Wampler $75,000. To the extent
that operating earnings for the three-year performance cycle are less than the stated goal but are
within 90% of such goal, then the bonus award amount will be one half of the proposed bonus award.
To remain eligible for an award under this program the executive officer must remain employed
throughout the three-year performance cycle at such officers present or superior position. The
Compensation Committee retains sole discretion to administer the LTIB07, including the
determination of award amount and whether to grant any awards under the program. The potential
amounts of the LTIB07 for each named executive officer are also reflected in the 2007 Grants of
Plan-Based Awards Table on page 16.
Stock Option and Equity Incentive Compensation
The Compensation Committee grants Company stock and option awards to executive officers and key
employees to encourage long term performance and to align the executives interests with those of
shareholders. When the Committee determines to grant company stock and option awards it considers
the recipients prior performance, the importance of retaining the recipients services, and the
potential for the recipients performance in helping the Company achieve long-term performance
objectives.
11
Company stock and option award levels are primarily determined at the Committees first meeting of
the fiscal year, although stock and option awards may be granted at other times in the event of a
new hire or promotion. Scheduling of the Committees meetings is made without regard to
anticipated earnings or other potential material announcements by the Company. The Committee has no
set formula for the allocation of stock and option awards, it considers recommendations from the
chief executive officer as to which key employees should receive such awards then allocates a
combination of stock and option grants based on such recommendations and its evaluation of the
factors described above. The exercise price of each stock option to be awarded is calculated to
equal the average of the high and low price of the Companys Class A common stock on Nasdaq on the
grant date. Once the grant awards are approved grant letters are prepared as soon as
administratively possible reflecting the number of stock options and/or shares of restricted stock
granted. In fiscal 2007, 47.6% of the options and 52.2% of the restricted shares approved for grant
were issued to officers and employees other than the named executive officers. The Company has, and
will continue to, properly account for all stock and option grants.
Vesting Schedule for Option Awards Granted
The tiered vesting schedule for all options granted to Company employees in fiscal 2007, including
each of the named executive officers, is the same for all such option award recipients. The grant
date for all options granted to Company employees in fiscal 2007 was March 29, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
Vesting Dates for options |
|
|
Granted in fiscal 2007 |
|
Percent of Options Vested |
3/29/07 |
|
|
10 |
% |
3/29/08 |
|
|
20 |
% |
3/29/09 |
|
|
30 |
% |
3/29/10 |
|
|
40 |
% |
By contrast, options granted to independent directors of the Company vest one year from their grant
date. Prior to the exercise of an option grant, the recipient has no rights as a shareholder with
respect to shares subject to such option grant, including voting rights and the right to receive
dividends.
Vesting Schedule for Stock Awards Granted
All stock awards granted by the Committee in fiscal 2007 vest under a three year cliff-vesting
schedule where 100% of the restrictions on all such stock grants lapse and the shares granted vest
on March 29, 2009. The grant date for all stock awards granted to named executive officers in
fiscal 2007 was March 29, 2006. Dividends are paid on all restricted shares at the same rate as
those received by all other shareholders of the Company.
Option and stock awards made to named executive officers for fiscal 2007 are reflected in the 2007
Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on page 16.
Employment Agreements and Change in Control
In October of 2006 the Company entered into employment agreements with certain executives including
each of the named executive officers. For the Companys chief executive officer, Mr. Alan Cohen,
the Company entered into a Founders Letter agreement. The terms of Mr. Alan Cohens Founders Letter
Agreement provide that he remain an employee at will but is entitled to certain benefits upon a
change in control of the Company. For the remaining named executive officers, other than such named
executive officers specified base salary, the terms of the agreements were the same. Each of these
agreements provides for a three-year term of employment and obligates the Company to certain
payment obligations to the executive in the event of termination or a change in control. The
Company provided these agreements to its executive officers as a means of remaining competitive,
focusing each such executive officer on shareholder interests when considering strategic
alternatives, and providing income protection in the event of involuntary loss of employment. A
copy of the forms used for these agreements is filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to a Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on November 3, 2006. Information regarding applicable payments to each named executive
officer under such agreements is provided in the section entitled Potential Payments in the Event
of a Termination or Change in Control beginning on page 19.
12
Pension Benefits
The Company does not currently provide pension benefits to its executives or employees.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The Company does not currently provide for deferred contribution to its executives or employees
under any nonqualified contribution plan.
Deferred Compensation
The Finish Line Inc. Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan qualified under
Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and is applicable to all eligible employees
of the Company including each of the named executive officers. In fiscal 2007 eligible employees
could elect to contribute a portion of their salary to the plan up to a maximum amount of $15,000,
and the Company provided matching contributions at 100% for up to 3% of each employees eligible
earnings. Matching contributions made by the Company to named executive officers are reflected in
the Summary Compensation Table on page 15.
Perquisites
It has not been the practice of the Company to provide perquisites to its named executive officers
other than to the chief executive officer. In fiscal 2007, the Company provided Mr. Alan Cohen with
certain benefits considered perquisites; the Company paid Mr. Cohens annual country club
membership dues and also provided Mr. Cohen with use of a Company vehicle. For that portion of Mr.
Cohens use of the Company vehicle that did not meet the Internal Revenue Services standard for
business use, the cost was imputed as income and a gross up payment for taxes was provided. The
Committee considers these payments to be reasonable and consistent with its compensation structure
objectives.
Tax and Accounting Considerations
To the extent readily determinable, the Compensation Committee takes into consideration the
accounting and tax treatment of the various aspects of the Companys executive compensation
structure. The Companys executive compensation plans are designed to be deductible under Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, however, since some types of compensation payments and their
deductibility depend upon factors outside of the Committees or the Companys control and because
interpretations and changes in the tax laws and other factors beyond the Committees control may
affect the deductibility of compensation, the Committee will not necessarily limit executive
compensation to that which is deductible under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Committee will consider various alternatives to preserving the deductibility of compensation
payments and benefits to the extent reasonably practicable and to the extent consistent with its
other compensation objectives.
The Company does not currently have a policy requiring a specific course of action with respect to
compensation adjustments following later restatements of financial results. Under those
circumstances, the Compensation Committee would evaluate whether adjustments are appropriate based
upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the restatement and existing laws.
In December 2006, the Compensation Committee determined that it was advisable to amend the
Companys 2002 Stock Incentive Plan to clarify the Companys obligation to make anti-dilution
adjustments to equity grants upon certain changes to capital structure. In anticipation of a
restrictive interpretation of FAS123R that would potentially require the Company to incur
additional charges when administering equity grants, the amendment, effective December 2006, now
mandates that the Company will make the requisite adjustments to equity grants upon certain changes
to capital structure rather than permit such adjustment.
Related Party Transactions
In accordance with the Companys Audit Committee charter, the Audit Committee maintains
responsibility for reviewing and approving any related party transactions. The Company has not
entered into any financial transactions with any related party or immediate family member of a
director or executive officer of the Company.
13
If any such material financial transaction were contemplated, the terms of any such transaction
would need to be reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee prior to the Company entering into
such transaction.
Compensation Committee Report
The Companys Compensation and Stock Option Committee has reviewed and discussed the forgoing
Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and based on such review recommended to the
Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
Affirmation of Compensation and Stock Option Committee Members
Bill Kirkendall
Jeffrey Smulyan
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Members of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee have no interlocks or insider participation,
and no member is or has been a former employee or officer of the Company.
14
FISCAL YEAR 2007 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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|
Change in |
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|
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|
Pension |
|
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|
|
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Value and |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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Nonqualified |
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Earnings |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) (1) |
|
($) (2) |
|
($) (3) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Alan H. Cohen |
|
2007 |
|
$570,000 |
|
|
|
$193,945 |
|
$160,193 |
|
$28,500 |
|
|
|
$12,055(4) |
|
$977,605 |
Chairman of the Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$12,912(5) |
|
|
and Chief Executive
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Glenn S. Lyon
President |
|
2007 |
|
$450,000 |
|
|
|
$151,672 |
|
$391,935 |
|
$18,000 |
|
|
|
$12,055(4) |
|
$1,023,662 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven J. Schneider
Chief Operating Officer |
|
2007 |
|
$390,000 |
|
|
|
$109,399 |
|
$234,792 |
|
$13,650 |
|
|
|
$12,055(4) |
|
$759,896 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary D. Cohen
Executive Vice
President, General
Counsel & Secretary |
|
2007 |
|
$295,000 |
|
|
|
$63,828 |
|
$188,101 |
|
$53,100 |
|
|
|
$12,055(4) |
|
$612,084 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin S. Wampler
Executive Vice
President, Chief
Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary |
|
2007 |
|
$245,000 |
|
|
|
$63,828 |
|
$179,241 |
|
$44,100 |
|
|
|
$12,055(4) |
|
$544,224 |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amount reflected in this column is equal to the amount of compensation expense recognized
by the Company in fiscal 2007 for the restricted shares granted in fiscal 2007, as well as in
prior years, to each named executive officer and excludes the estimate of forfeitures related
to time based vesting. The grant date fair market value of the restricted shares has been
computed in accordance with FAS123(R). For further information regarding the valuation of
restricted shares please see Note 7 to the Companys financial statements filed with the SEC
on Form 10-K on May 4, 2007. The amounts shown reflect the Companys accounting expense for
these stock awards and do not necessarily reflect the actual value that may be recognized by a
named executive officer. |
|
(2) |
|
The amount reflected in this column is equal to the amount of compensation expense recognized
by the Company in fiscal 2007 for the stock options granted in fiscal 2007, as well as in
prior years, to each named executive officer and excludes the estimate of forfeitures related
to time based vesting. The grant date fair market value of the stock options granted has been
computed in accordance with FAS123(R). For further information regarding the valuation of
stock options granted please see Note 7 to the Companys financial statements filed with the
SEC on Form 10-K on May 4, 2007. The amounts shown reflect the Companys accounting expense
for these option awards and do not necessarily reflect the actual value that may be recognized
by a named executive officer. |
|
(3) |
|
Non-equity incentive plan compensation for services rendered in fiscal 2007 is listed for the
year earned; however, the amounts were paid out in the subsequent fiscal year (April 2007). |
|
(4) |
|
These amounts reflect the Companys contribution to each named executive officers profit
sharing and 401k plan account. |
|
(5) |
|
This amount represents the value of those benefits the Company provided to Mr. Alan Cohen
considered perquisites, these included payment of annual country club membership dues and the
tax gross up value provided for use of a Company vehicle. |
15
FISCAL YEAR 2007 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
Grant Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
Fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future |
|
Estimated Future |
|
Awards: |
|
Awards: |
|
Exercise |
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payouts Under |
|
Payouts Under |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
or Base |
|
of Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive |
|
Equity Incentive |
|
Shares of |
|
Securities |
|
Price |
|
and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date of |
|
Plan Awards |
|
Plan Awards |
|
Stock or |
|
Underlying |
|
of Option |
|
Option |
|
|
Grant |
|
Committee |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Units |
|
Options |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
Name |
|
Date |
|
Action |
|
($)(1) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) (5) |
|
(#)(6) |
|
($/Sh)(7) |
|
($)(8) |
Alan H. |
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
112,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
225,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cohen |
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
570,000 |
(3) |
|
|
940,500 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/29/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
$ |
16.07 |
|
|
$ |
765,850 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Glenn S. |
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lyon |
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
360,000 |
(3) |
|
|
594,000 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/29/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
$ |
16.07 |
|
|
$ |
586,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven J. |
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Schneider |
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
273,000 |
(3) |
|
|
450,450 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/29/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
$ |
16.07 |
|
|
$ |
472,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary D. |
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cohen |
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
177,000 |
(3) |
|
|
265,500 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/29/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
16.07 |
|
|
$ |
244,890 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin S. |
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wampler |
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
147,000 |
(3) |
|
|
220,500 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/29/06 |
|
|
|
3/28/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
16.07 |
|
|
$ |
244,890 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts reflected in this column represent the threshold amount that would be payable
under the fiscal year 2007 Long Term Incentive Bonus Plan (LTIB07) if the Company were to
achieve at least 90% of the goal under the LTIB07; improved adjusted operating earnings
over three years by an average of 10% over those of fiscal year 2006. Provided that the
stated goal is achieved, amounts reflected in this column would not be payable until after
the close of fiscal year 2009. |
|
(2) |
|
Reflects the maximum amount that would be payable under the LTIB07 if the Company were
to fully achieve the stated goal under the LTIB07; achievement of improved adjusted
operating earnings over three years by an average of 10% over those of fiscal year 2006.
Provided that the stated goal is achieved, amounts reflected in this column would not be
payable until after the close of fiscal year 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
Reflects the target amount payable under the Companys fiscal year 2007 annual
executive officer bonus program (EOBP07) if annual financial goals are achieved. Estimated
target EOBP07 payment amounts are based on a percentage of each named executive officers
base salary: for Mr. Alan Cohen the target percentage is 100% of base salary, for Mr. Glenn
Lyon the target percentage is 80% of base salary, for Mr. Steven Schneider the target
percentage is 70% of base salary, for Messrs. Gary Cohen and Kevin Wampler the target
percentage is 60% of base salary. Amounts actually paid under this program to each named
executive officer are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table under the column heading
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. |
|
(4) |
|
Reflects the maximum amount that would be payable to each named executive officer under
the annual EOBP07. The estimated maximum EOBP07 payment amounts are based on a percentage
of each named executive officers base salary: for Mr. Alan Cohen the maximum percentage is
165% of base salary, for Mr. Glenn Lyon the maximum percentage is 132% of base salary, for
Mr. Steven Schneider the maximum percentage is 115.5% of base salary, for Messrs. Gary
Cohen and Kevin Wampler the maximum percentage is 90% of base salary. Amounts actually paid
under this program to each named executive officer are reflected in the Summary
Compensation Table under the column heading Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. |
|
(5) |
|
Amounts reflected in this column show the number of restricted shares granted to each
named executive officer in fiscal 2007. The restricted shares granted vest under a
three-year cliff-vesting schedule where all restrictions on the shares lapse and the shares
granted vest on March 29, 2009. |
|
(6) |
|
Amounts reflected in this column show the number of stock options granted to each named
executive officer in fiscal 2007. The options granted have a tiered vesting schedule
whereby 10% vest one year from the grant date, 20% vest two years from the grant date, 30%
vest three year from the grant date and the remaining 40% vest four years from the grant
date. |
|
(7) |
|
The amount reflected in this column shows the exercise price which was calculated as
the average of the high and low selling price of the Companys common stock traded on the
grant date of March 29, 2006. |
|
(8) |
|
The amount reflected in this column shows the grant date fair value of restricted
shares and of stock options computed in accordance with FAS123(R). For stock option awards
the fair market value was calculated by multiplying the Black-Scholes value by the number
of options granted. The Black-Scholes value for stock options granted in fiscal 2007 to
each of the named executive officers was $6.62. For restricted share awards the fair value
was calculated by multiplying the average of the high and low price of the Companys stock
on the NASDAQ on the grant date. |
16
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Incentive |
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards: |
|
Market or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
Number of |
|
Payout Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Value of |
|
Unearned |
|
of Unearned |
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or |
|
Shares or |
|
Shares, Units |
|
Shares, Units |
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of |
|
Units of |
|
or Other |
|
or Other |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
Stock That |
|
Stock That |
|
Rights That |
|
Rights That |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Option |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
(#)(1) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
($) (4) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alan H. Cohen |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
28,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14.29 |
|
|
|
08/31/2015 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
16.07 |
|
|
|
03/29/2016 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
(2) |
|
$ |
458,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Glenn S. Lyon |
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.70 |
|
|
|
09/10/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.50 |
|
|
|
02/07/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8.15 |
|
|
|
02/07/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.65 |
|
|
|
02/04/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
40,000 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.50 |
|
|
|
10/23/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17.62 |
|
|
|
03/04/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
21,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14.29 |
|
|
|
08/31/2015 |
|
|
|
9,000 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
16.07 |
|
|
|
03/29/2016 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
(2) |
|
$ |
359,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven J. Schneider |
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
|
04/26/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8.15 |
|
|
|
02/07/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,500 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.65 |
|
|
|
02/04/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
28,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17.62 |
|
|
|
03/04/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
17,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14.29 |
|
|
|
08/31/2015 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
16.07 |
|
|
|
03/29/2016 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
(2) |
|
$ |
260,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary D. Cohen |
|
|
21,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8.15 |
|
|
|
02/07/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,500 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.65 |
|
|
|
02/04/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,500 |
|
|
|
24,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17.62 |
|
|
|
03/04/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14.29 |
|
|
|
08/31/2015 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
16.07 |
|
|
|
03/29/2016 |
|
|
|
7,000 |
(2) |
|
$ |
148,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin S. Wampler |
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.00 |
|
|
|
04/26/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8.15 |
|
|
|
02/07/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.65 |
|
|
|
02/04/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,500 |
|
|
|
24,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17.62 |
|
|
|
03/04/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14.29 |
|
|
|
08/31/2015 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
16.07 |
|
|
|
03/29/2016 |
|
|
|
7,000 |
(2) |
|
$ |
148,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Generally, options outstanding will be exercisable at a price equal to the average of the
high and low price on the date of grant and, unless otherwise indicated, vest on a tiered
schedule over a four year period: 10% after one year, 20% after two years, 30% after three
years and the remaining 40% after four years. All options expire ten years from the date of
grant. |
|
(2) |
|
Restricted shares granted on March 29, 2006, have a three-year cliff-vesting schedule and
vest on March 29, 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
These stock options were granted to Mr. Lyon in 2003 as part of a long-term incentive award
and his promotion to President, they have a five year cliff-vesting schedule that vest on
October 23, 2008. |
|
(4) |
|
The values represented in this column have been calculated by multiplying $12.40 (the closing
price of the Companys common stock on the last trading day of fiscal 2007 March 2, 2007) by
the number of shares of stock. |
|
(5) |
|
These restricted shares were granted on August 31, 2005 and vest on March 1, 2008. |
17
FISCAL YEAR 2007 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Value Realized |
|
Number of Shares |
|
Value Realized |
|
|
Acquired on Exercise |
|
on Exercise |
|
Acquired on Vesting |
|
on Vesting |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Alan H. Cohen |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Glenn S. Lyon |
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
$ |
109,530 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven J. Schneider |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
$ |
216,720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary D. Cohen |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
$ |
233,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin S. Wampler |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
$ |
135,840 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS IN THE EVENT OF TERMINATION OR A CHANGE IN CONTROL
The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of its named executive officers. Under
these agreements each of the named executive officers will be entitled to certain payment
provisions if they are terminated under any of the following circumstances:
|
|
|
Without Cause by the Company or resignation by executive for Good Reason during a
Change in Control |
|
|
|
|
Resignation by executive without Good Reason following a Change in Control |
|
|
|
|
Without Cause by the Company or resignation by executive for Good Reason other than
during a Change in Control, and |
|
|
|
|
For Cause by the Company or resignation by the executive without Good Reason |
Generally, pursuant to these agreements the terms Cause, Good Reason and Change in Control
are defined as follows:
Cause means:
|
(A) |
|
the willful and continued failure by an executive to perform his material duties; |
|
|
(B) |
|
the willful or intentional engaging by an executive in conduct within the scope of
his/her employment that causes material injury to the Company; |
|
|
(C) |
|
the executives conviction for, or a plea of nolo contendre to, the commission of a
felony involving moral turpitude; or |
|
|
(D) |
|
a material breach of the executives covenants of non-competition and confidentiality
that causes a material injury to the Company. |
Good Reason means if, other than for cause, any of the following has occurred:
|
(A) |
|
any reduction in the executives base salary or annual bonus opportunity (except for
across the board reductions for all similarly situated executives of the Company); |
|
|
(B) |
|
a transfer of executives primary workplace by more than thirty-five (35) miles from
its location; or |
|
|
(C) |
|
if such termination of employment occurs within 30 days prior to or two years following
a Change in Control then any one of the following: a substantial reduction in an
executives authority, duties or responsibilities, or the assignment of any duties or
responsibilities inconsistent with an executives position with the Company. |
Change in Control means the consummation of one or more of the following:
|
(A) |
|
the sale, exchange, lease or other disposition, in one or a series of related
transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any person or
group other than the three Founders of the Company; |
|
|
(B) |
|
a merger, consolidation or similar reorganization of the Company with or into another
entity, if the shareholders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such
transaction do not own a majority of the voting power of the voting stock of the surviving
company or its parent immediately after the transaction in substantially the same
proportions as immediately prior to such transaction; or |
|
|
(C) |
|
if during any 12-month period, a majority of the then current directors cease for any
reason to constitute a majority of the Board. |
Termination of a Named Executive Officer During a Change In Control
Other than the chief executive officer, if a named executive officer is terminated by the Company
without Cause (other than by reason of death or disability) or resigns for Good Reason, in either
case during the period that begins 30 days prior to a Change in Control and ends two years
following a Change in Control, then each such named executive officer will be entitled to receive
benefits equal to two and one half times their base salary and their respective targeted bonuses
payable in a lump sum, vesting of all outstanding stock options and/or restricted shares, and
health insurance benefits for each executive and his dependants for two years. The chief executive
officers Founders Letter provides that he will only be entitled to a continuation of health
benefits for himself and his dependents through the age of 65, and the vesting of all stock options
and restricted stock that have not otherwise vested. Each of the agreements also provides that to
the extent any of the payments under the
19
agreements become subject to an excise tax imposed by Section 4999 or 280G of the Internal Revenue
Code, then the executive would receive an additional gross-up payment to indemnify him for the
effect of such a tax.
The amounts shown in the tables below do not include payments and benefits that are provided on a
non-discriminatory basis to salaried employees generally, including accrued salary, vacation pay
and 401k plan distributions. The chart below illustrates the potential payments that each named
executive officer would be entitled to if they were terminated by the Company without Cause or such
executive resigned for Good Reason with respect to a Change in Control on March 2, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accelerated Vesting |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Insurance |
|
of Outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portion of Targeted |
|
Lump Sum |
|
Benefits for two |
|
Equity |
|
Excise Tax |
Named Executive |
|
Targeted Annual |
|
Long Term Bonus |
|
Cash Payment |
|
years |
|
Awards |
|
Gross Up |
Officer |
|
Performance Bonus |
|
(1) |
|
(Base + Bonus x 2.5) |
|
(2) |
|
(4) |
|
(5) |
Alan H. Cohen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
33,670 |
(3) |
|
$ |
458,800 |
|
|
|
N/A |
(6) |
Glenn S. Lyon |
|
$ |
360,000 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,275,000 |
|
|
$ |
17,290 |
|
|
$ |
835,600 |
|
|
$ |
445,440 |
|
Steven J. Schneider |
|
$ |
273,000 |
|
|
$ |
83,334 |
|
|
$ |
1,865,835 |
|
|
$ |
17,290 |
|
|
$ |
148,800 |
|
|
|
N/A |
(6) |
Gary D. Cohen |
|
$ |
177,000 |
|
|
$ |
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,305,000 |
|
|
$ |
13,468 |
|
|
$ |
260,400 |
|
|
|
N/A |
(6) |
Kevin S. Wampler |
|
$ |
147,000 |
|
|
$ |
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,105,000 |
|
|
$ |
17,290 |
|
|
$ |
148,800 |
|
|
$ |
51,650 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Figures in this column are based on one-year portions of two separate long term bonus
plans: the fiscal year 2007 three-year long term bonus plan and the fiscal year 2006 long
term bonus plan. The estimated amounts listed represent those portions of each respective
plan the named executive officer could earn if they remain employed. |
|
(2) |
|
The estimated value of health insurance is based on the health insurance coverage the
Company carried for each named executive officer on March 2, 2007. |
|
(3) |
|
Calculation based on payments thru age 65 per Founders Letter Agreement. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents the estimated value of all previously unvested restricted stock and of all
previously unvested stock options (less the applicable exercise price) subject to
accelerated vesting, based on the closing price of the Companys stock on March 2, 2007. |
|
(5) |
|
Each named executive officers employment agreement provides that the Company will pay
a gross up payment in the event that amounts paid under the agreement become subject to an
excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the IRS Tax Code. The amount of an applicable tax
gross up payment would be such that, after deduction of any excise tax on the covered
payment, the net amount retained by the executive officer would be equal to the covered
amount. |
|
(6) |
|
Based on current estimates no excise tax gross up would be payable to the named
executive officer on the contemplated date. |
If a named executive officers employment is terminated because of death or disability then
such executive, or the executives estate, would be entitled to his base salary through the date of
termination, and any earned but unpaid portion of such executives annual performance bonus.
Termination of a Named Executive Officer by Resignation without Good Reason Following a Change In
Control
If a named executive officer, other than the chief executive officer, resigns without Good Reason
during the 30 day period that begins on the first anniversary of a Change in Control, such named
executive officer shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to such executive officers
base salary. The chief executive officers Founders Letter agreement provides that he remain an
employee at will and does not obligate the Company to any additional payments other than the
provision of the chief executive officers base salary through the date of such termination.
The chart below illustrates the potential payments that each named executive officer would be
entitled to if they terminated their employment via resignation without Good Reason on March 2,
2007, and such date was within the 30 day period following the first anniversary of a Change in
Control:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Named Executive |
|
Lump Sum Payment Equal |
|
Excise Tax Gross Up |
Officer |
|
to Base Salary |
|
(1) |
Alan H. Cohen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Glenn S. Lyon |
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Steven J. Schneider |
|
$ |
390,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Gary D. Cohen |
|
$ |
295,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Kevin S. Wampler |
|
$ |
245,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Based on current estimates no excise tax gross up would be payable to
the named executive officer on the contemplated date. |
20
Termination of a Named Executive Officer Other Than During a Change in Control
Other than the chief executive officer, if a named executive officer is terminated by the Company
without Cause, or resigns for Good Reason, other than within a defined period surrounding a Change
in Control of the Company (that period which begins 30 days prior to such Change in Control and
ends two years following a Change in Control) such named executive officer will be entitled to
receive a lump sum cash payment equal to such executive officers base salary, an amount equal to a
pro-rated portion of an annual performance bonus, and any other bonus such named executive officer
would have received had such executive officer remained employed through the end of the year, and
continued provision of group health benefits for one year following the date of termination. The
chief executive officers Founders Letter agreement provides that he remain an employee at will and
does not obligate the Company to any accelerated salary or lump sum bonus payment obligations
should his employment terminate during a period other than a Change in Control.
The chart below illustrates the potential payments that each named executive officer would be
entitled to if they were terminated by the Company without Cause or the executive officer resigned
for Good Reason other than during a Change in Control on March 2, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lump Sum |
|
|
|
|
|
Health Insurance |
|
|
|
|
Payment |
|
Annual Performance |
|
Benefits for one |
|
Excise Tax |
|
|
Equal to Base |
|
Bonus |
|
year |
|
Gross Up |
Named Executive Officer |
|
Salary |
|
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
(3) |
Alan H. Cohen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Glenn S. Lyon |
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
$ |
18,000 |
|
|
$ |
8,645 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Steven J. Schneider |
|
$ |
390,000 |
|
|
$ |
13,650 |
|
|
$ |
8,645 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Gary D. Cohen |
|
$ |
295,000 |
|
|
$ |
53,100 |
|
|
$ |
6,734 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Kevin S. Wampler |
|
$ |
245,000 |
|
|
$ |
44,100 |
|
|
$ |
8,645 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts in this column represent the actual annual performance bonus earned by the
named executive officer in fiscal 2007. |
|
(2) |
|
The value of health insurance is based on the health insurance coverage the Company
carried for each named executive officer on March 2, 2007. |
|
(3) |
|
Based on current estimates no excise tax gross up would be payable to the named
executive officer on the contemplated date. |
Termination of a Named Executive Officer for Cause or by Executive Officer without Good Reason
If a named executive officer, other than the chief executive officer, is terminated by the Company
for Cause, or the executive officer resigns without Good Reason then such executive officer would
be entitled to receive his base salary through the date of termination, and any earned but unpaid
portion of the executives annual performance bonus. The chief executive officers Founders Letter
agreement provides that he remain an employee at will and does not obligate the Company to any
additional payments other than the provision of the chief executive officers base salary through
the date of termination.
The below chart illustrates the potential payments that each named executive officer would be
entitled to if they were terminated by the Company for Cause or the executive officer resigned
without Good Reason on March 2, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Performance |
|
|
Bonus |
Named Executive Officer |
|
(1) |
Alan H. Cohen |
|
|
|
|
Glenn S. Lyon |
|
$ |
18,000 |
|
Steven J. Schneider |
|
$ |
13,650 |
|
Gary D. Cohen |
|
$ |
53,100 |
|
Kevin S. Wampler |
|
$ |
44,100 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts in this column represent the actual annual performance bonus earned by
the named executive officer in fiscal 2007. |
The Companys obligation to make any payments described above remain subject to such named
executive officers continued compliance with the non-competition, non-solicitation and
confidentiality obligations set forth
21
in their respective agreements, as well as their execution of a general release in favor of the
Company and its affiliates in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company.
Director Compensation
The Compensation Committee reviews and sets director compensation at the first meeting that follows
the annual shareholder meeting. Directors who are employees of the Company are not compensated for
serving as directors. Directors who are not employees of the Company are paid $3,500 per year, an
additional $3,500 per meeting for attending regular meetings of the Board of Directors, and an
additional $1,000 per meeting for attending special meetings. Directors who are not employees of
the Company are also reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending regular, special and committee
meetings. In addition, non-employee directors receive a $1,000 fee for each Audit Committee or
Compensation and Stock Option Committee meeting they attend in person or telephonically. Directors
who are not employees of the Company also receive options to purchase 6,000 Class A Common Shares
upon first joining the Board and an additional 8,000 options for each year they serve on the Board.
In fiscal 2007 Ms. Catherine A. Langham was appointed as a new director and pursuant to the
Companys 2002 Stock Incentive Plan received 6,000 options upon her appointment. The table below
summarizes the compensation paid to the Companys non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended
March 3, 2007.
FISCAL YEAR 2007 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE
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|
Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
Paid in Cash |
|
Stock Awards |
|
Option Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Earnings |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) (1) |
|
($) |
|
($) (2) (3) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Jeffrey Smulyan
Comp & Stock Option
Committee
Class I |
|
$ |
20,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
42,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
62,571 |
|
Stephen Goldsmith
Audit Committee
Class III |
|
$ |
25,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
42,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
67,571 |
|
Bill Kirkendall
Comp & Stock Option
Comm. Audit
Committee
Class II |
|
$ |
28,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
42,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
70,571 |
|
William P.
Carmichael
Audit Committee
Finance Committee
Class II |
|
$ |
24,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
42,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
66,571 |
|
Catherine A. Langham
Audit Committee
Class III |
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
52,542 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
72,542 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts reflected in this column include the value of an outside directors annual
retainer fee and additional fees for those directors who serve on a committee of the Board. |
|
(2) |
|
Amounts reflected in this column have been computed in accordance with FAS123(R) and
reflect the amount expensed by the Company in its annual financial statements for grants
made in fiscal 2007, as well as in prior years. |
|
(3) |
|
Each director was granted 8,000 options for their annual service on the Board. The
grant date was August 31, 2006. The grant date fair value of the option award, calculated
in accordance with FAS123(R), is $4.60. |
|
(4) |
|
Ms. Langham was appointed to the Board in April 2006 and received 6,000 options as a
new Board appointee in addition to the annual grant of 8,000 options granted to all
non-employee directors. The grant date for the initial 6,000 options was April 20, 2006. In
accordance with FAS123(R), the grant date
fair value of these initial 6,000 options is $6.52. |
22
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
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
or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this report by
reference therein.
The Audit Committee acts under a charter approved by the Board in October 2003, and reviewed
annually. The Audit Committee oversees the Companys financial reporting process on behalf of the
Board. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting
process including the systems of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities,
the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended March 3, 2007 with management, including a discussion of the quality,
not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant
judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
The Audit Committee is composed solely of independent directors (as defined in the criteria for
independence set forth in the Nasdaq listing standards and SEC rules). Each member meets Nasdaq
financial knowledge requirements, and the Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Carmichael
qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as defined by SEC rules and meets Nasdaq
professional experience requirements as well.
The Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors, who are responsible for expressing an
opinion on the conformity of the audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting
principals, the matters to be discussed by Statement of Accounting Standards No. 61, Communication
with Audit Committees, as amended, which includes, among other items, matters relating to the
conduct of an audit of the Companys financial statements.
The Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors
required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 and has discussed with the independent
auditors their independence from the Company.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to
the Board (and the Board has approved) the inclusion of the audited financial statements in the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 3, 2007, for filing with the SEC.
William P. Carmichael, Chair
Bill Kirkendall
Stephen Goldsmith
Catherine A. Langham
Relationship with Independent Public Accountants
The accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP, which has served as the Companys principal independent
registered public accounting firm continuously since 1988, was selected by the Audit Committee to
continue in that capacity for fiscal year 2008, ending March 1, 2008. During fiscal 2007, the
Company also engaged Ernst & Young LLP to render certain other professional services involving
financial due diligence, assistance on tax compliance, audit of the retirement plan and general
consultations pursuant to the pre-approval policies and procedures discussed below.
The appointment of an independent registered public accounting firm is approved annually by the
Audit Committee. In making its determination, the Audit Committee reviews both the audit scope and
estimated audit fees for the coming year. The Audit Committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP for
the current fiscal year. Each professional service performed by Ernst & Young LLP during fiscal
2007 was reviewed and the possible effect of such service on the independence of the firm was
considered by the Audit Committee. Additionally, the Audit Committee requires the rotation of its
outside auditors audit partners as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules of the
SEC.
Independent Auditor Fee Information
Fees for professional services provided by the Companys independent registered public accounting
firm Ernst & Young LLP, in each of the last two fiscal years, in each of the following categories
are:
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
423,446 |
|
|
$ |
467,504 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
18,600 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
247,981 |
|
|
|
110,143 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
-0- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
687,927 |
|
|
$ |
596,247 |
|
Fees for audit services include fees associated with the annual financial statement and internal
controls audit, the reviews of the Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and assistance with
review of documents filed with the SEC. Audit-related fees principally include accounting
consultations and the audit of the Companys retirement plan. Tax fees consist primarily of tax
compliance and consultation on routine tax matters.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy that requires pre-approval of all audit, audit-related,
tax services and other services performed by the independent auditor during the fiscal year. The
Audit Committee pre-approves specifically defined services within the categories outlined above,
subject to the budget for each category. Unless a specific service has been previously pre-approved
for that year, the Audit Committee must approve the service before the independent auditor may
perform such service. The Audit Committee has delegated to the Chair of the Audit Committee the
authority to pre-approve permitted services between Audit Committee meetings, subject to specified
budgetary limitations, so long as the Chair reports any such decisions to the Audit Committee at
its next scheduled meeting.
RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
(Item 2 on your Proxy)
The Audit Committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 1, 2008. The Board urges you to vote FOR
ratification of that appointment. A representative of Ernst & Young LLP plans to be present at the
Annual Meeting and will be given an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so
and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR ratification of the
selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm.
Proxies solicited by the Board of Directors will be so voted unless shareholders specify otherwise
on their Proxy Cards (Item 2 on your Proxy).
24
PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS
If a shareholder wishes to submit a proposal for consideration at the 2008 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and wants that proposal to appear in the Companys proxy statement for that meeting,
the proposal must be submitted to the Company at its principal offices (3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road,
Indianapolis, Indiana 46235) in care of the Secretary no later than February 19, 2008.
If a shareholder wishes to submit a proposal for consideration at the 2008 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders without including that proposal in the Companys proxy statement and form of proxy, or
if a shareholder wishes to recommend a candidate for election to the Board, the Companys Bylaws
require the shareholder to provide the Company with written notice of such proposal or
recommendation no less than 90 days nor more than 120 days in advance of the first anniversary of
the 2007 Annual Meeting (in the event that the date of the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is
advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from such anniversary date, the
shareholder must provide the Company with written notice of such proposal or recommendation no less
than 90 days nor more than 120 days in advance of the meeting or, if later, the seventh day
following the first public announcement of the date of the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).
Such notice should be sent to the Company in care of the Secretary at its principal offices.
MISCELLANEOUS
In February 2007, the Board adopted a written charter under which the Compensation and Stock Option
Committee acts. A copy of the charter is attached as Appendix A and is also available on our
website at www.finishline.com.
The Companys Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March 3, 2007, including the
financial statements and related notes thereto, together with the report of the independent
auditors and other information with respect to the Company, accompanies this Proxy Statement.
The Company is not aware of any other business to be presented at the 2007 Annual Meeting. If
matters other than those described should properly arise at the meeting, the proxies will vote on
such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
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|
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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|
|
|
|
Gary D. Cohen |
|
|
|
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Indianapolis, Indiana June 19, 2007 |
|
25
APPENDIX A
COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE CHARTER OF THE FINISH LINE, INC.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Compensation and Stock Option Committee (Committee) of The Finish Line, Inc. (Company) is
appointed by the Board of Directors (Board) of the Company to assist the Board in its oversight
of the Companys executive officer compensation structure.
COMPOSITION
The Committee shall consist of no fewer than two members of the Board and shall consist solely of
independent directors. For purposes hereof, an independent director is a director who meets
the Nasdaq stock exchange definition of independent director. Additionally, members of the
Committee must qualify as non-employee directors for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as outside directors for purposes of Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board and serve at the discretion of the Board.
MEETINGS
The Committee shall meet either in person or hold telephonic meetings as often as it deems
appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, but not less frequently than two times each year.
Consistent with the maintenance of the confidentiality of compensation discussions, the Committee
may invite such members of Company management, or any Company officer, or employee, or the
Companys external counsel or other advisor to attend a meeting of the Committee or to meet with
any members of, or consultants to, the Committee.
The Committee will report regularly to the Board following meetings of the Committee. The report to
the Board may take the form of an oral report by any member of the Committee designated by the
Committee to make such a report. The Committee will maintain minutes of meetings and activities of
the Committee and such minutes will be filed with the minutes of the meetings of the Board. A
majority of the members of the Committee constitutes a quorum.
Duties and Responsibilities
Chief Executive Officer Compensation: The Committee shall review and approve, at least
annually, the compensation structure of the Companys Chief Executive Officer (the CEO). The
Committees review and approval shall include the Companys goals and objectives relevant to the
compensation of the CEO and the evaluation of the CEOs performance in light of those goals and
objectives. Based on such evaluation, the Committee shall set the compensation, including the
annual base salary, annual incentive bonus, and equity compensation, of the CEO. In determining
incentive compensation, the Committee shall consider, among other factors it deems appropriate from
time to time, the Companys performance, relative shareholder return, the value of similar
incentive awards to chief executive officers at comparable companies, and the awards given to the
CEO in past years.
Executive Management Compensation: The Committee shall review and approve, at least
annually, the compensation, including base salary, incentive compensation and equity-based
compensation, of the Companys executive officers. The Committees review and approval shall
include Company performance goals and objectives as may be determined by the Committee and/or
recommended to the Committee by Company management, and any other factors it deems appropriate and
relevant at the time.
26
Benefit Plans
The Committee shall oversee the design and implementation of the Companys compensation plans,
including the Companys stock option plan and any executive officer incentive plans. The Committee
shall periodically review such compensation plan objectives to ensure that incentive payments are
aligned with Company performance goals.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Committee shall review and approve for the Companys executive officers any proposed
employment, severance and/or change in control agreements.
The Committee will review and discuss with Company management and the Board the Companys
Compensation and Discussion Analysis that will be included in the Companys annual proxy statement
in compliance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The
Committee shall also produce a Committee report on executive compensation as required by the SEC to
be included in the Companys annual proxy statement filed with the SEC.
The Committee has the authority to perform the duties enumerated in this charter and may delegate
such of its authority to any one or more of its members or to Company management, in accordance
with applicable law, rules, and regulations, as it deems appropriate. The Committee may also revoke
any such delegation at any time.
The Committee will review and reassess the adequacy of this charter periodically and recommend any
proposed changes to the Board for approval.
The duties enumerated in this charter are not intended to be either complete or exhaustive, the
Committee may also carry out such other duties as may be delegated to it by the Board from time to
time.
Outside Advisors
The Committee has the authority to select, retain and terminate, at the expense of the Company, the
services of independent consultants, legal or other advisors, it may deem appropriate to assist in
its duties and responsibilities.
27
THE FINISH LINE, INC.
CLASS A COMMON SHARES
Proxy for Annual Meeting of Shareholders, July 19, 2007
This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the board of directors for the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on July 19, 2007 at 9:00 a.m.
at the Companys Corporate Office located at
3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road, Indianapolis, IN 46235
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
and the accompanying Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting and, revoking all prior Proxies,
appoints Alan H. Cohen and Steven J. Schneider, and each of them, with full power of substitution
in each, the Proxies of the undersigned to represent the undersigned and vote all Class A Shares of the
undersigned in The Finish Line, Inc. at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on July 19, 2007,
and any adjournments or postponements thereof upon the following matters and in the manner
designated on the reverse side of this proxy card.
(Continued and to
be signed on the reverse side)
ANNUAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS OF
THE FINISH LINE, INC.
July 19, 2007
Please date, sign
and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
â Please detach along perforated line and mail
in the envelope provided. â
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203300000000000000000 9 |
071907 |
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PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE
MARK VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE
x
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FOR |
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AGAINST |
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ABSTAIN |
1. |
The election of three Class III directors to serve until the 2010 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders:
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2. |
|
Ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the
Companys independent auditors for the Companys fiscal year
ending March 1, 2008.
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o |
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o |
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o |
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NOMINEES: |
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o
o
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FOR ALL NOMINEES
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES |
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¡ ¡ ¡ |
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David I. Klapper Stephen Goldsmith Catherine A. Langham |
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3. |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or
any adjournments or postponements thereof and as to which the undersigned
hereby confers discretionary authority.
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FOR ALL EXCEPT (See instructions below) |
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THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER
DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS
MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2, AND
ACCORDING TO THE JUDGMENT OF THE PROXIES WITH RESPECT TO
PROPOSAL 3.
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INSTRUCTION:
To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s),
mark FOR ALL
EXCEPT and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold,
as shown here: = |
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To
change the address on your account, please check the box at right and
indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that
changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via
this method. |
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Signature of
Shareholder |
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Date: |
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Signature of Shareholder
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Date: |
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Note: |
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Please sign exactly as your name or names appear 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. |
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