<PAGE>
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement [_] CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE
COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
RULE 14A-6(E)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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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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(5) Total fee paid:
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[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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Notes:
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[LOGO OF RUBY TUESDAY APPEARS HERE]
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
August 28, 1998
Dear Shareholders:
We are holding your 1998 Annual Meeting on Monday, October 5, 1998, at 11:00
a.m., local time, at the Company's headquarters located at 150 West Church
Avenue, Maryville, Tennessee 37801. We sincerely hope that you will be able to
attend the meeting, and we look forward to seeing you. Matters on which action
will be taken at the meeting are explained in detail in the Notice and Proxy
Statement following this letter.
We hope that you will be able to attend the meeting in person. Whether or
not you expect to be present, please complete, date, sign and mail the
enclosed proxy in the envelope provided. If you attend the meeting, you may
withdraw your proxy and vote your own shares.
Sincerely,
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
/s/ Samuel E. Beall, III
Samuel E. Beall, III
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
R U B Y T U E S D A Y , I N C.
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150 West Church Avenue . Maryville, Tennessee 37801 . (423) 379-5700 . Telefax
(423) 379-6811
<PAGE>
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD
OCTOBER 5, 1998
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Ruby Tuesday, Inc. will be held at the
Company's headquarters located at 150 West Church Avenue, Maryville, Tennessee
37801 on Monday, October 5, 1998, at 11:00 a.m., local time, for the following
purposes:
1. To elect two Class III directors to the Board of Directors for a
term of three years.
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on August 12, 1998, are
entitled to vote at the meeting.
The mailing address of the Company's principal executive office is 150 West
Church Avenue, Maryville, Tennessee 37801.
We hope you will be able to attend the meeting in person. Whether or not you
expect to be present, please complete, date, sign, and mail the enclosed proxy
in the envelope provided. If you attend the meeting, you may withdraw your
proxy and vote your own shares.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Daniel T. Cronk
Daniel T. Cronk
Senior Vice President, General
Counsel
and Secretary
August 28, 1998
Maryville, Tennessee
<PAGE>
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
150 WEST CHURCH AVENUE
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE 37801
PROXY STATEMENT FOR 1998 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
GENERAL INFORMATION
The following Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card, first mailed
to shareholders on or about August 28, 1998, are furnished in connection with
the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Ruby Tuesday, Inc., a Georgia
corporation (the "Company") of proxies to be used in voting at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held on Monday, October 5, 1998,
at the Company's headquarters located at 150 West Church Avenue, Maryville,
Tennessee 37801 and at any adjournment(s) thereof (the "Annual Meeting").
Any shareholder returning a proxy has the power to revoke it prior to the
Annual Meeting by giving the Secretary of the Company written notice of
revocation, by returning a later dated proxy or by expressing a desire to vote
in person at the Annual Meeting. All shares of the Company's common stock,
$.01 par value per share ("Common Stock"), represented by valid proxies
received pursuant to this solicitation and not revoked before they are
exercised will be voted in the manner specified therein. If no specification
is made, the proxy will be voted (i) in favor of the election of the two
nominees for directors named in this Proxy Statement and (ii) in accordance
with the best judgment of the proxy holders on any other matter that may
properly come before the Annual Meeting.
The entire cost of soliciting these proxies will be borne by the Company. In
following up the original solicitation of the proxies by mail, the Company
will request brokers and others to send proxy forms and other proxy material
to the beneficial owners of the Common Stock and will reimburse them for
expenses incurred in so doing. If necessary, the Company also may use some of
its employees to solicit proxies from the shareholders personally or by
telephone.
August 12, 1998 has been fixed as the record date for determination of
shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and,
accordingly, only holders of Common Stock of record at the close of business
on that date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual
Meeting. The presence in person or by proxy of shareholders holding of record
a majority of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual
Meeting. Shares represented by a valid proxy on which the authority to vote
for one or more Director Nominees is withheld, if any, are counted as shares
present for determination of a quorum. The number of shares of outstanding
Common Stock on August 12, 1998, was 32,828,029, each of which is entitled to
one vote.
Election of each of the Director Nominees requires the approval of a
plurality of the votes cast in the election. For purposes of determining
whether a Director Nominee has been elected, shares as to which authority is
withheld will have no effect on the outcome of the voting.
The Company effected a two-for-one stock split of the Common Stock in the
form of a stock dividend paid on May 8, 1998 to shareholders of record on
April 17, 1998 (the "Stock Split"). The information contained herein has been
adjusted to give affect to the Stock Split unless otherwise noted.
1
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Articles of Incorporation provide for three classes of
directors with staggered, three-year terms of office and provide that upon the
expiration of the term of office for a class of directors, the nominees for
that class will be elected for a term of three years to serve until the
election and qualification of their successors or until their earlier
resignation, death or removal from office. At the Annual Meeting, the two
nominees are for the Class III directors. The Class I and Class II directors
have one year and two years, respectively, remaining on their terms of office.
The Company's Articles of Incorporation and its Bylaws provide that the Board
of Directors shall consist of not less than three nor more than 12 directors
and authorize the exact number to be fixed from time to time by resolution of
a majority of the Board of Directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders
of at least 80% of all outstanding shares entitled to be voted in the election
of directors voting together as a single class. The Board of Directors has
fixed at seven the exact number of members of the Board of Directors and has
nominated John B. McKinnon and Dolph W. von Arx to serve in Class III of the
Board of Directors for a term of three years. All nominees are currently
serving as directors of the Company.
It is intended that persons named in the accompanying form of proxy will
vote for the two nominees listed below unless authority to so vote is
withheld. Although the Board of Directors does not expect that any of the
nominees identified herein will be unavailable for election, in the event a
vacancy in the slate of nominees occurs, the shares represented by proxies in
the accompanying form may be voted for the election of a substitute nominee
selected by the persons named in the proxy.
DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR NOMINEE INFORMATION
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS
CLASS III -- TERM EXPIRING 2001
JOHN B. MCKINNON
Director of the Company since 1989 Age: 63
Prior to his retirement in May 1995, Mr. McKinnon was Dean of Babcock
Graduate School of Management at Wake Forest University. Prior thereto, he was
President, Sara Lee Food Service from July 1988 through June 1989, and
President, Sara Lee Corporation from July 1986 through June 1988. Mr. McKinnon
is also a director of Premark International, Inc. and serves as Chairman of
the Board of Directors of Morrison Health Care, Inc.
DOLPH W. VON ARX
Director of the Company since 1992 Age: 63
Prior to his retirement in 1991, Mr. von Arx was Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Planters LifeSavers Company, an
affiliate of RJR Nabisco, Inc. Mr. von Arx also is a director of Cree
Research, Inc., International Multifoods, Inc. and Mackenzie Investment
Management, Inc.
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
CLASS I -- TERM EXPIRING 1999
ARTHUR R. OUTLAW
Director of the Company since 1959 Age: 71
Mr. Outlaw has been Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company since 1984.
From October 1985 to October 1989, he was Mayor, City of Mobile, Alabama.
DR. BENJAMIN F. PAYTON
Director of the Company since 1993 Age: 65
Dr. Payton has been the President of Tuskegee University since 1981. Dr.
Payton also is a director of AmSouth Bancorporation, AmSouth Bank, N.A., The
Liberty Corporation, Sonat, Inc., Praxair, Inc. and Morrison Health Care, Inc.
2
<PAGE>
CLASS II -- TERM EXPIRING 2000
DR. DONALD RATAJCZAK
Director of the Company since 1981 Age: 55
Dr. Ratajczak is Professor and Director, Economic Forecasting Center,
Georgia State University. Dr. Ratajczak also is a director of Morgan Keegan
Inc. and CIM High Yield Securities Fund.
SAMUEL E. BEALL, III
Director of the Company since 1982 Age: 48
Mr. Beall has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company since May 1995. Mr. Beall served as President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company from June 1992 to May 1995 and President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company from September 1986 to June 1992. Mr. Beall
also is a director of Pilot Corporation.
CLAIRE L. ARNOLD
Director of the Company since 1994 Age: 51
Ms. Arnold has been Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Leapfrog
Services, Inc., a privately-held technical outsourcing company, since April
1998. Ms. Arnold served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nicotiana
Enterprises, Inc., a family holding company holding stock in NCC L.P., from
August 1979 to February 1995 and was Chief Executive Officer of NCC L.P., a
major distributor of grocery, tobacco, candy, health and beauty, and allied
products to retail stores, from November 1992 to April 1994. Prior thereto,
Ms. Arnold was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC L.P. from August
1979 to November 1992. Ms. Arnold also is a director of Schweitzer-Mauduit
International, Inc., Morrison Health Care, Inc. and International Multifoods,
Inc.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ELECTION
OF THE TWO NOMINEES FOR CLASS III DIRECTORS NAMED ABOVE.
3
<PAGE>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth certain information as of August 12, 1998
(except as otherwise noted) regarding the amount of Common Stock beneficially
owned by all persons known to the Company who beneficially own more than five
percent of the outstanding Common Stock, each director and director nominee of
the Company, each Named Executive (as defined below), and all directors and
executive officers of the Company as a group. An asterisk indicates beneficial
ownership of less than one percent of the outstanding Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF
OWNED(1) CLASS(2)
NAME OR GROUP ---------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Arthur R. Outlaw (3)............................... 1,551,236(4) 4.7%
Samuel E. Beall, III............................... 686,777(5) 2.1
Claire L. Arnold................................... 17,969 *
John B. McKinnon................................... 30,991(6) *
Dr. Benjamin F. Payton............................. 15,411 *
Dr. Donald Ratajczak............................... 26,899(7) *
Dolph W. von Arx................................... 20,241(8) *
Robert D. McClenagan............................... 214,982 *
J. Russell Mothershed.............................. 144,484 *
Sherry L. Turner................................... 16,247 *
Daniel T. Cronk.................................... 2,088 *
Pfilip G. Hunt..................................... 179,676(9) *
Mark S. Ingram..................................... 146,550 *
All directors and executive officers as a group (13
persons).......................................... 3,053,551 9.0
</TABLE>
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(1) Includes (i) shares subject to currently exercisable options and options
exercisable within 60 days after August 12, 1998, held by the named
persons and group as follows: Mr. Beall, 385,906; Ms. Arnold, 9,520; Mr.
McKinnon, 13,142; Dr. Payton, 9,520; Dr. Ratajczak, 13,142; Mr. von Arx,
13,142; Mr. McClenagan, 179,310; Mr. Mothershed, 118,168; Mr. Hunt,
154,134; Mr. Ingram, 122,768; and all directors and executive officers as
a group, 1,018,752; and (ii) shares held in the Company's Salary Deferral
Plan as follows: Mr. Beall, 11,245; Mr. Mothershed, 182; and all directors
and executive officers as a group, 11,427.
(2) "Percent of Class" has been calculated by taking into account all shares
as to which the indicated person has sole or shared voting or investment
power (including shares subject to currently exercisable options and
options exercisable within 60 days after August 12, 1998), without regard
to any disclaimers of beneficial ownership by the person indicated.
(3) Mr. Outlaw's address is 4721 Morrison Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36609.
(4) Includes (i) 547,752 shares held by Mr. Outlaw as executor or trustee of
various estates and trusts for the benefit of relatives, and (ii) 19,710
shares owned by Mr. Outlaw's spouse.
(5) Includes 116,800 shares held in the Beall Family Ltd. Partnership, a
limited partnership of which Mr. Beall is a General Partner.
(6) Includes 12,250 shares owned by Mr. McKinnon and his spouse as tenants in
common.
(7) Includes 6,750 shares held in a KEOGH account for the benefit of Dr.
Ratajczak.
(8) Includes 2,250 shares held by the von Arx Family Foundation, a charitable
organization. Mr. von Arx may be deemed to share voting and dispositive
power with respect to such shares by virtue of his position as a member of
the Board of Directors of the foundation.
(9) Includes 7,776 shares held by Mr. Hunt's spouse. Mr. Hunt disclaims
beneficial ownership of such shares.
4
<PAGE>
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders ("Reporting
Persons") to file certain reports ("Section 16 Reports") with respect to
beneficial ownership of the Company's equity securities. Based solely on its
review of the Section 16 Reports furnished to the Company by its Reporting
Persons and, where applicable, any written representation by any of them that
no Form 5 was required, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to
the Reporting Persons during and with respect to fiscal year 1998 have been
complied with on a timely basis.
DIRECTORS' FEES AND ATTENDANCE
The Board of Directors of the Company met four times during fiscal year
1998. Each director, other than Mr. Outlaw, attended at least 75% of these
meetings and of the meetings of any committee of which he or she was a member
which were held during the fiscal year.
Directors who are employees of the Company, other than Mr. Outlaw, receive
no directors' fees. All non-employee directors currently receive a $16,000
annual retainer and $2,000 per Board meeting attended. Mr. Outlaw, who serves
as Vice Chairman of the Board and is an employee of the Company, receives a
fee of $250 per Board meeting attended, but he does not receive a retainer.
Non-employee directors serving on the Audit Committee or the Compensation and
Stock Option Committee (other than the Chairmen of such committees) receive a
fee of $1,000 for each committee meeting attended which is not held in
conjunction with a meeting of the Board of Directors. Committee Chairmen
receive a fee of $2,000 for each committee meeting attended which is not held
in conjunction with a meeting of the Board of Directors and $1,000 for each
committee meeting attended which is held in conjunction with a Board meeting.
The Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Stock Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plan for
Directors (the "Directors' Plan") permits non-employee directors to defer all
or a portion (in 25 percent increments) of their retainer (other than any
portion of the retainer allocated to Stock Awards, as described below) and/or
any additional meeting and committee fees to a deferred compensation account.
Deferred compensation accounts are credited as of the last day of each fiscal
quarter with an assumed rate of income equal to 90-day U.S. Treasury Bills,
based on the weighted average balance of that account during that fiscal
quarter. Amounts credited to a director's deferred compensation account will
be distributed not sooner than the earlier of the first January 15 or July 15
following (a) the date of the director's seventieth birthday, or (b) the date
the director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors.
The Directors' Plan provides that each non-employee director who has not
attained the Target Ownership Level, as defined below, will be deemed to have
elected to direct that 60 percent of his or her retainer payable for each
fiscal quarter be allocated to the purchase of Common Stock on his or her
behalf. Each non-employee director who has attained the Target Ownership Level
may elect to direct, in 10 percent increments and subject to such other
conditions prescribed by the Directors' Plan, that up to 60 percent of his or
her retainer for each fiscal quarter be allocated to the purchase of Common
Stock on his or her behalf (collectively, the "Stock Awards"). A deemed
election will continue in effect until that director, after attaining the
Target Ownership Level, modifies or revokes the election in the manner allowed
for discretionary elections.
A director will be treated as having attained the "Target Ownership Level"
for a fiscal quarter if he or she owns, on the first day of that fiscal
quarter, at least a number of shares of Common Stock with a fair market value,
as determined by the closing price on the last trading day prior to such date
("Fair Market Value"), equal to 10 multiplied by that director's annual
retainer.
Each director who has elected, or who has been deemed to have elected, to
purchase Stock Awards for a fiscal quarter, will be issued the number of
shares of Common Stock equal to the amount of the retainer elected to be so
allocated, multiplied by 1.15 and divided by the Fair Market Value of a share
of Common Stock, as of the issue date. Common Stock so purchased may not be
transferred within three years of the date of purchase, except in the event of
death, disability, retirement on or after age 70 or unless this restriction is
waived by the committee administering the Directors' Plan.
5
<PAGE>
The Directors' Plan provides that each non-employee director who receives
Stock Awards, whether through a deemed election or a discretionary election,
will be awarded an option to purchase shares of Common Stock (the "Options")
equal to three times the number of shares issued pursuant to the discretionary
election or deemed election, as the case may be.
Options issued under the Directors' Plan will be granted on the first day of
each fiscal quarter for which an election for a Stock Award is in effect; will
become fully exercisable six months following the date of grant; and will be
exercisable at the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock as of the date of the
Option grant. Each Option shall expire generally upon the fifth anniversary of
the date on which it was granted.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall affairs of the
Company. To assist the Board of Directors in carrying out this responsibility,
the Board delegated certain authority to two committees. Information
concerning these committees follows.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is comprised solely of non-management
directors. The Audit Committee maintains communications with the Company's
independent auditors as to the nature of the auditors' services, fees and such
other matters as the auditors believe may require the attention of the Board.
The Audit Committee reviews the Company's internal control procedures and
makes recommendations to the Board with respect thereto. The Audit Committee
of the Company's Board met one time during fiscal year 1998. The current
members of the Audit Committee are John B. McKinnon (Chairman), Claire L.
Arnold, Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, Dr. Donald Ratajczak and Dolph W. von Arx.
Compensation and Stock Option Committee. The Compensation and Stock Option
Committee (the "Compensation Committee") is comprised solely of non-management
directors. The Compensation Committee makes recommendations to the Board of
Directors with respect to compensation of officers and with respect to the
granting of stock options. The Compensation Committee of the Company's Board
met two times during fiscal year 1998. The current members of the Compensation
Committee are Dolph W. von Arx (Chairman), Claire L. Arnold, John B. McKinnon,
Dr. Benjamin F. Payton and Dr. Donald Ratajczak.
6
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
This section of the Proxy Statement discloses compensation for services
rendered to the Company during each of the three fiscal years in the period
ended June 6, 1998, which compensation was awarded to, paid to, or earned by:
(i) the Company's Chief Executive Officer; (ii) each of the four other
executive officers of the Company who were most highly compensated and whose
salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 in fiscal year 1998; and (iii) each of the
two additional individuals who would have been included in the executive
officer group referred to in clause (ii) above had they been executive
officers at June 6, 1998 (collectively, these persons are sometimes referred
to as the "Named Executives"). Certain information in the table below with
respect to compensation awarded or paid to the Named Executives prior to March
9, 1996 (the effective date of the distribution (the "Distribution") by the
Company's predecessor, Morrison Restaurants Inc., a Delaware corporation
("MRI"), of the stock of two subsidiaries which held the health care food and
nutrition services assets and the family dining assets, respectively, of MRI)
relates to compensation awarded or paid by MRI.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ALL OTHER
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG TERM COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
---------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------
OTHER ANNUAL AWARDS PAYOUTS
COMPENSATION OPTIONS/SARS LTIP
NAME AND POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) $(1) (#)(2) PAYOUTS($) ($)(3)
----------------- ---- --------- -------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Samuel (Sandy) E. Beall,
III..................... 1998 601,000 607,761 315,004 12,954 -0- 4,268
Chairman of the 1997 587,496 332,914 27,249(9) 236,312 -0- 8,418
Board and Chief 1996 587,496 -0- -0- 340,906 -0- 7,382
Executive Officer
Robert D. McClenagan.... 1998 318,758 398,448 4,500 7,770 -0- 5,907
President, Ruby Tuesday 1997 306,498 173,682 2,250 100,298 -0- 6,605
Concept 1996 226,112 78,826(8) 4,500 123,612 -0- 6,381
J. Russell Mothershed... 1998 232,678 188,237 57,869 6,216 -0- 5,482
Senior Vice President 1997 222,532 100,881 1,800 37,618 -0- 3,653
and Chief Financial 1996 187,100 45,712(8) 4,049 98,028 -0- 2,211
Officer, Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary
Mark S. Ingram (4)...... 1998 200,000 25,000 93,670 6,216 -0- 3,160
President/Partner 1997 158,160 123,376 1,800 49,426 -0- 4,224
Domestic Franchising 1996 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Pfilip G. Hunt (5)...... 1998 196,064 158,616 1,800 3,168 -0- 7,818
Retired 1997 187,996 85,224 -0- 32,818 -0- 7,337
1996 166,401 40,312(8) 3,600 88,932 -0- 6,303
Sherry L. Turner (6).... 1998 138,750 142,548 24,812 6,216 -0- -0-
Senior Vice President, 1997 N/A N/A N/A 60,000(10) N/A N/A
Human Resources 1996 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Daniel T. Cronk (7)..... 1998 137,007 72,686 5,352 46,264 -0- -0-
Senior Vice President, 1997 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
General Counsel and 1996 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Secretary
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Represents the value of bonus shares issued in connection with the
purchase of (a) shares of Common Stock under the Company's Management
Stock Option Program following the Distribution, and (b) shares of common
stock of MRI under the MRI Stock Option Program prior to the
Distribution. Additionally, fiscal year 1998 includes the following
amounts for taxable relocation assistance provided by the Company: S.E.
Beall, III, $307,504; J.R. Mothershed, $54,269; M.S. Ingram, $90,070; S.
L. Turner, $21,212; and D.T. Cronk, $1,752.
7
<PAGE>
(2) For fiscal year 1996, the number of options shown includes options to
purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company issued upon conversion of
options granted by MRI prior to the Distribution. MRI options were
converted in the Distribution into options to purchase shares of common
stock of each of the Company and the two companies spun-off in the
Distribution, with the number of shares subject to each such option
allocated based on the conversion ratios used in connection with the
Distribution and the related reverse stock split. The exercise price per
share of the MRI options was allocated among the options to purchase
common stock of the Company and the two companies spun-off in the
Distribution based upon a formula that took into account the relative
trading prices of the common stock of the three companies for the first
ten trading days following the Distribution. Such per share exercise price
was allocated as follows: 53.17% to the Company option, and 36.62% and
10.21%, respectively, to the options to purchase common stock of the other
two companies. Except for the number of shares and exercise price thereof,
the replacement options have the same terms and conditions as the original
MRI options.
(3) The amounts in this column include the following: (a) Company
contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan for fiscal years 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively: S.E. Beall, III, $0, $4,429 and $3,696; R.D.
McClenagan, $3,295, $4,128 and $4,069; J.R. Mothershed, $3,439, $1,917,
and $692; M.S. Ingram, $1,846, $3,046, and N/A; and P.G. Hunt, $4,000,
$3,800 and $3,046; and (b) executive group life and accidental death and
dismemberment insurance plan premiums paid for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively: S.E. Beall, III, $828, $828 and $800; R.D. McClenagan,
$828, $828 and $796; J.R. Mothershed, $788, $760 and $660; M.S. Ingram,
$702, $612 and N/A; and P.G. Hunt, $709, $686 and $615; and (c) employee
portion of split-dollar life insurance premiums paid by the Company for
fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively: S.E. Beall, III, $3,440,
$3,161 and $2,886; R.D. McClenagan, $1,784, $1,649 and $1,516; J.R.
Mothershed, $1,255, $976 and $859; M.S. Ingram, $612, $566 and N/A; and
P.G. Hunt, $3,109, $2,851 and $2,642.
(4) Mr. Ingram served as an executive officer of the Company from September
30, 1996 until September 30, 1997.
(5) Mr. Hunt retired effective June 1, 1998.
(6) Ms. Turner became an executive officer of the Company on September 1,
1997.
(7) Mr. Cronk became an executive officer of the Company on July 1, 1997.
(8) The indicated fiscal year 1996 bonus was paid in shares of Company Common
Stock, valued for this purpose at $11.00 per share, the closing price of
the Common Stock on June 27, 1996, the day on which the Compensation
Committee made the decision to pay such bonuses in shares of Common Stock.
These shares were subject to a two-year transfer restriction and
forfeiture if the executive's employment was terminated prior to June 27,
1998, except due to death, retirement or disability.
(9) The indicated amount includes a merit pay adjustment of $23,499 paid in
fiscal 1997, as well as $3,750 for the value of bonus shares received as
described in footnote (1).
(10) Represents 60,000 options granted to Ms. Turner in contemplation of her
becoming an executive officer.
8
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1998
The following table presents information regarding options to purchase
shares of the Company Common Stock granted by the Company during fiscal year
1998 to the Named Executives. The Company has no outstanding SARs and granted
no SARs during fiscal year 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE(3) AT ASSUMED
ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
FOR OPTION TERM
-----------------------------------------
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS 5% 10%
---------------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
% OF TOTAL
OPTIONS/SARS MARKET PRICE MARKET PRICE
GRANTED TO EXERCISE REQUIRED TO REQUIRED TO
OPTIONS/SARS EMPLOYEES IN OR BASE DOLLAR REALIZE DOLLAR REALIZE
GRANTED FISCAL PRICE EXPIRATION GAINS DOLLAR GAINS GAINS DOLLAR GAINS
NAME (#)(1) YEAR(2) ($/SHARE) DATE ($) ($/SHARE) ($) ($/SHARE)
---- ------------ ------------ --------- ---------- ------- ------------ ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
S.E. Beall, III......... 6,384 1.26% 13.5000 08-29-02 23,811 17.23 52,616 21.74
6,570 1.30% 13.1250 11-29-02 23,824 16.75 52,645 21.14
R.D. McClenagan......... 3,828 0.76% 13.5000 08-29-02 14,278 17.23 31,550 21.74
3,942 0.78% 13.1250 11-29-02 14,294 16.75 31,587 21.14
J.R. Mothershed......... 3,066 0.61% 13.5000 08-29-02 11,436 17.23 25,270 21.74
3,150 0.62% 13.1250 11-29-02 11,423 16.75 25,241 21.14
S.L. Turner............. 3,066 0.61% 13.5000 08-29-02 11,436 17.23 25,270 21.74
3,150 0.62% 13.1250 11-29-02 11,423 16.75 25,241 21.14
D.T. Cronk.............. 40,000 7.93% 11.0000 06-30-02 121,564 14.04 268,624 17.72
1,530 0.30% 13.5000 08-29-02 5,707 17.23 12,610 21.74
3,150 0.62% 13.1250 11-29-02 11,423 16.75 25,241 21.14
1,584 0.31% 13.0625 02-27-03 5,717 16.67 12,632 21.04
M.S. Ingram............. 3,066 0.61% 13.5000 08-29-02 11,436 17.23 25,270 21.74
3,150 0.62% 13.1250 11-29-02 11,423 16.75 25,241 21.14
P.G. Hunt............... 3,168 0.63% 13.0625 02-27-03 11,433 16.67 25,264 21.04
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The indicated options have a term of five years and were granted pursuant
to the Company's Stock Incentive Plan. Those options with an exercise
price of $11.00 on the date of grant generally become exercisable after 30
months. All other options listed in the table above generally become
exercisable after two years. In the event of a change in control of the
Company, the Committee administering the plan may accelerate vesting,
otherwise adjust the options or terminate the options. Option holders also
have certain rights with respect to these options pursuant to their Change
of Control Agreements. See "Contracts with Executives."
(2) Based on an aggregate of 504,723 options granted by the Company in fiscal
year 1998.
(3) The Potential Realizable Values are calculated as follows: [[Market Price
at Grant x (1 + Stock Price Appreciation Rate)] -- Exercise Price] x
Number of Underlying Shares. Because these Potential Realizable Values are
based on annualized compound rates of increase over a five year term, the
total potential appreciation on annual appreciation rates of 5% and 10% is
27.6% and 61.1% respectively.
9
<PAGE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN
FISCAL 1998 AND FISCAL YEAR END VALUES
The following table presents information regarding exercises of options to
purchase shares of Company Common Stock during fiscal year 1998 by the Named
Executives and the value of unexercised options to purchase Company Common
Stock held at June 6, 1998. There were no SARs outstanding during fiscal year
1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF VALUE OF
UNEXERCISED UNEXERCISED IN-
OPTIONS AT THE-MONEY OPTIONS
FY-END (#) AT FY-END ($)(2)
SHARES VALUE -------------- -----------------
ACQUIRED ON REALIZED EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME EXERCISE(#) ($)(1) UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- --------- -------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
S.E. Beall, III.......... 686,250 7,043,910 45,000/590,172 357,416/3,805,063
R.D. McClenagan.......... 93,260 731,865 66,978/220,400 563,598/1,413,610
J.R. Mothershed.......... 19,500 125,897 43,196/125,872 299,726/794,471
S.L. Turner.............. -0- N/A -0-/66,216 -0-/419,001
D.T. Cronk............... -0- N/A -0-/46,264 -0-/197,293
M.S. Ingram.............. 28,724 208,812 62,768/118,642 496,979/754,621
P.G. Hunt................ 40,892 276,736 82,326/107,794 655,624/688,402
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Value Realized is calculated as follows: [(Per Share Closing Price on date
of exercise) -- (Per Share Exercise Price)] x Number of Shares for which
the option was exercised.
(2) Value of Unexercised In-the-Money Options at fiscal year end is calculated
as follows: [(Per Share Closing Sale Price on June 5, 1998)-(Per Share
Exercise Price)] x Number of Shares Subject to Unexercised Options. The
per share closing sale price on June 5, 1998, the last trading day of
fiscal year 1998, was $15.56.
RETIREMENT PLAN
Following the Distribution and in conjunction therewith, the Company
continued as a sponsor of the Morrison Restaurants Inc. Retirement Plan (the
"Retirement Plan"). Under the Retirement Plan, participants are entitled to
receive benefits based upon salary and length of service. The Retirement Plan
was frozen as of December 31, 1987, so that no additional benefits have
accrued, and no new participants have been permitted since that date. The
Retirement Plan is a tax-qualified, funded, defined benefit plan, which covers
employees of the Company who had attained age 21 and had completed at least
one year of full-time service with MRI by July 1, 1987. A participant's
accrued annual benefit is determined generally by adding A and B below, as
applicable:
(A) 1/4 percent of pay up to that year's Social Security Wage Base, plus
1 1/4 percent of pay over the Social Security Wage Base for each credited
year of service (as defined in the Retirement Plan) commencing on or
after January 1, 1986; and
(B) 1/4 percent of average pay for the highest consecutive five years from
1976 through 1985 up to $14,400, plus 1 1/4 percent of such pay in
excess of $14,400, multiplied by the number of credited years of service
with the Company up to January 1, 1986.
Normal retirement for purposes of the Retirement Plan is age 65, although a
participant with at least five years of service may retire with a reduced
benefit as early as age 55. Generally, benefits are paid in the form of a
single life annuity if the participant is unmarried or a joint and survivor
annuity if the participant is married, unless an alternative form of benefit
payment is selected by the participant from among a range of options made
available under the Retirement Plan. A participant's accrued benefit becomes
vested upon completion of five years of service after age 18.
Benefits payable under the Retirement Plan reduce the amount of benefits
payable to a participant in the Executive Supplemental Pension Plan or the
Management Retirement Plan, described below.
10
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION PLAN
Eligible Named Executives of the Company participate in the Company's
Executive Supplemental Pension Plan ("ESPP"). The ESPP is a nonqualified,
unfunded, defined benefit retirement plan for selected employees. As a
condition of entry to the ESPP, future participants must complete five years
of continuous service in one or more qualifying job positions and must have
achieved a minimum salary threshold, as described in the ESPP.
A participant's accrued benefit in the ESPP equals 2.5 percent of the
participant's highest five-year average base salary multiplied by the
participant's years and fractional years of continuous service (as defined in
the ESPP) not in excess of 20 years; plus one percent of the participant's
highest five-year average base salary multiplied by the participant's years
and fractional years of continuous service in excess of 20 years, but not in
excess of 30 years of such service; less the retirement benefit payable at the
age of 65 in the form of a single life annuity payable to the participant
under the Retirement Plan; and less the participant's Social Security
benefits. Base salary includes commissions but excludes bonuses and other
forms of remuneration other than salary. Benefits are paid to a participant in
the same manner as benefits are paid to the participant under the Retirement
Plan and become vested if the participant has completed ten years of service.
Normal retirement for purposes of the ESPP is age 65, although a participant
with at least five years of service may retire with a reduced benefit as early
as age 55. Early retirement provisions allow designated participants to
receive unreduced benefits as early as age 55 depending upon age and service
criteria specified in the ESPP. A participant's receipt of unreduced early
retirement benefits is conditioned upon not competing with the Company for a
period of two years following retirement.
Estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement to persons in specified
remuneration and years of continuous service classifications are shown in the
following table. All amounts shown are for a single life annuity and assume
that active participation in the ESPP continues until age 65. In accordance
with the ESPP, the amounts shown are subject to reduction for Social Security
benefits and benefits received under the Retirement Plan.
EXECUTIVE SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION PLAN
ESTIMATED ANNUAL BENEFITS FOR REPRESENTATIVE YEARS OF SERVICE TO AGE 65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
30 OR
ANNUAL AVERAGE BASE SALARY 10 15 20 25 MORE
- -------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$125,000.......................... $ 31,250 $ 46,875 $ 62,500 $ 68,750 $ 75,000
150,000.......................... 37,500 56,250 75,000 82,500 90,000
175,000.......................... 43,750 65,625 87,500 96,250 105,000
200,000.......................... 50,000 75,000 100,000 110,000 120,000
225,000.......................... 56,250 84,375 112,500 123,750 135,000
250,000.......................... 62,500 93,750 125,000 137,500 150,000
275,000.......................... 68,750 103,125 137,500 151,250 165,000
300,000.......................... 75,000 112,500 150,000 165,000 180,000
325,000.......................... 81,250 121,875 162,500 178,750 195,000
350,000.......................... 87,500 131,250 175,000 192,500 210,000
375,000.......................... 93,750 140,625 187,500 206,250 225,000
400,000.......................... 100,000 150,000 200,000 220,000 240,000
425,000.......................... 106,250 159,375 212,500 233,750 255,000
450,000.......................... 112,500 168,750 225,000 247,500 270,000
475,000.......................... 118,750 178,125 237,500 261,250 285,000
500,000.......................... 125,000 187,500 250,000 275,000 300,000
525,000.......................... 131,250 196,875 262,500 288,750 315,000
550,000.......................... 137,500 206,250 275,000 302,500 330,000
575,000.......................... 143,750 215,625 287,500 316,250 345,000
600,000.......................... 150,000 225,000 300,000 330,000 360,000
625,000.......................... 156,250 234,375 312,500 343,750 375,000
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
Years of continuing service, to the nearest year, and current remuneration
covered by the ESPP (base salary) for the eligible Named Executives are: Mr.
Beall, 26 years, $601,000; Mr. McClenagan, 26 years, $318,758; Mr. Mothershed,
25 years, $232,678; Mr. Ingram, 19 years, $200,000; and Mr. Hunt, 30 years,
$196,064.
MANAGEMENT RETIREMENT PLAN
The Company's Management Retirement Plan ("MRP") provides a select group of
management or highly compensated employees the security of receiving a defined
level of retirement benefits. The MRP is a nonqualified, unfunded, defined
benefit retirement plan for employees with 15 or more years of credited
service (as defined in the MRP) and whose average annual compensation over a
consecutive three calendar-year period equals or exceeds $40,000, which amount
may be adjusted by the Company from time to time.
A participant's single-life annuity accrued benefit in the MRP equals 1.5
percent of the participant's average compensation determined over the five-
year period immediately preceding termination of employment multiplied by the
participant's years of credited service not in excess of 20 years; plus 2
percent of the participant's average compensation determined over the five-
year period immediately preceding termination of employment multiplied by the
participant's years of credited service in excess of 20 years, but not in
excess of 30 years; minus the sum of (a) the participant's Retirement Plan
benefits, (b) the participant's Social Security benefits, and (c) the
participant's ESPP Benefit (as defined in the MRP). For purposes of
determining a participant's accrued benefit, a year's compensation includes
commissions and bonuses, but generally no form of remuneration is counted in
excess of $100,000, which amount may be adjusted by the Company from time to
time.
Normal retirement for purposes of the MRP is age 65, although a participant
may retire with a benefit as early as age 55. Generally, benefits are paid in
the form of a single life annuity if the participant is unmarried or a joint
and survivor annuity if the participant is married. If the participant is also
entitled to benefits under the Retirement Plan, benefits payable under the MRP
must be in the same form as those payable under the Retirement Plan. The MRP
allows payment of a participant's accrued benefit, commencing as early as age
55, even if the participant terminated employment prior to attainment of age
55.
Estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement to persons in specified
remuneration and years of credited service classifications are shown in the
following table. All amounts shown are for a single life annuity and assume
that active participation continues in the MRP until age 65. In accordance
with the MRP, the amounts shown are subject to reduction for Social Security
benefits, benefits received under the Retirement Plan and benefits payable
under the ESPP. A participant is ineligible for benefits under the MRP while
receiving any long-term disability benefits.
MANAGEMENT RETIREMENT PLAN
ESTIMATED ANNUAL BENEFITS FOR REPRESENTATIVE YEARS OF SERVICE TO AGE 65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
30 OR
FINAL AVERAGE SALARY 15 20 25 MORE
- -------------------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 40,000........................................ $ 9,000 $12,000 $16,000 $20,000
60,000........................................ 13,500 18,000 24,000 30,000
80,000........................................ 18,000 24,000 32,000 40,000
100,000........................................ 22,500 30,000 40,000 50,000
</TABLE>
Years of credited service and salary covered by the MRP for the eligible
Named Executives are: Mr. Beall, 26 years, $100,000; Mr. McClenagan, 26 years,
$100,000; Mr. Mothershed, 25 years, $100,000; Mr. Ingram, 19 years, $100,000;
and Mr. Hunt, 30 years, $100,000.
CONTRACTS WITH EXECUTIVES
The Company has Change of Control Agreements (each, a "Change of Control
Agreement") with certain executives of the Company, including 4 of the Named
Executives. At its September 30, 1996, meeting, the Board of Directors of the
Company voted not to renew any existing Change of Control Agreement and not to
enter into any new Change of Control Agreements.
12
<PAGE>
Under the Change of Control Agreement, a "Change of Control" is defined as
either (a) certain changes in the composition of more than 20 percent of the
Board of Directors, or (b) with certain exceptions, any "Business Combination"
(as defined in the Change of Control Agreement) that has not been approved by
the holders of 80 percent or more of the Company's outstanding voting stock.
Events that do not constitute a Change of Control include (a) any Business
Combination approved by at least 80 percent of the Continuing Directors (as
defined in the Change of Control Agreement), (b) any Business Combination
transaction that satisfies certain price and procedural requirements specified
in the Company's Articles of Incorporation, and (c) any acquisition by the
Company, any of its subsidiaries, or any employee benefit plan of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries.
Prior to the first date on which a Change of Control occurs (the "Effective
Date"), each covered executive remains an at-will employee, except as may be
provided in any other agreement, and any termination of his employment will
terminate his rights under the Change of Control Agreement. If and when the
Effective Date occurs, the Company has agreed to continue the employment of
the executive, and the executive has agreed to remain in the employ of the
Company, for a three-year period (the "Employment Period") commencing on the
Effective Date. During the Employment Period, the executive (a) shall receive
an annual base salary no less than that received prior to the Effective Date
and an annual bonus no less than the average of the last three annual bonuses
received prior to the Effective Date, and (b) generally shall be entitled to
continuation of retirement, savings and welfare benefit plan participation and
practices, expense reimbursements and other fringe benefits on a basis at
least comparable to that obtained prior to the Effective Date.
If during the Employment Period the Company terminates the executive's
employment other than for cause, death or disability, or if the executive
terminates his employment for "good reason" (as defined in the Change of
Control Agreement), or if the executive terminates his employment for any
reason during the 30-day period immediately following the first anniversary of
the Effective Date, the executive becomes entitled to receive (a) any unpaid
portion of his accrued annual base salary plus a pro rata portion of his
highest annual bonus paid or payable for the three fiscal years immediately
preceding his date of termination, (b) an amount equal to either three, two or
one times the sum of his annual base salary and his highest annual bonus,
depending upon the particular multiplier stipulated in his Change of Control
Agreement, (c) any other accrued obligations, (d) rights with respect to any
outstanding stock options granted to him prior to his date of termination or a
cash amount equal to the difference between the option price and the then
value of Company stock for which any such option was granted, and (e) certain
employee benefits consisting of retirement, savings and various health and
welfare insurance benefits. The multiplier referred to in clause (a) of the
preceding sentence is three for each of the Named Executives who currently
have Change of Control Agreements with the Company. If this package of
compensation and benefits constitutes "excess parachute payments" as defined
under the Internal Revenue Code, the Company will pay an additional amount
sufficient to reimburse the executive for all taxes payable by the executive
with respect to the parachute payments. The Company estimates that the
obligations to the Named Executives who currently have Change of Control
Agreements with the Company as of the date of this Proxy Statement if a Change
of Control had occurred and the employment termination provisions of the
Change of Control Agreement were to take effect immediately would be
approximately as follows: Mr. Beall, $8,349,000; Mr. McClenagan, $4,884,000;
Mr. Mothershed, $3,193,000; and Mr. Ingram, $2,544,000.
13
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, which
is composed solely of non-employee directors of the Company, has furnished the
following report on executive compensation.
OVERALL COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
During the past fiscal year, the Company has reaffirmed its long-standing
emphasis on the performance-based elements of executive compensation. These
programs closely align performance measures with current business strategy and
are designed to motivate executive behavior. In general, the Company controls
base salaries and compensates outstanding performance through more highly
leveraged annual and longer-term incentive programs. As a result, the
following principles apply to executive compensation:
. Base salaries are competitive with the Company's peer group of public
companies in the casual dining industry, but represent a smaller
proportion of total executive compensation opportunities than in the
past;
. A very significant portion of executive compensation is tied to the
Company's success in meeting predetermined annual and long-term
performance goals, including the Company's profitability and appreciation
in the Company's stock price; and
. Executives are required to own specified amounts of stock in the Company,
resulting in direct linkage between executive and shareholder interests.
The overall objectives of this strategy are to attract and retain the best
possible executive talent and to motivate the Company's executives to achieve
the goals inherent in the Company's business strategy.
The key components of the Company's executive compensation packages are base
salary, annual incentive opportunities, and equity devices. The Compensation
Committee's policies with respect to each of these elements, including the
basis for the compensation awarded to Mr. Samuel E. Beall, III, the Company's
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, are discussed below.
BASE SALARIES
The Company's general approach for base compensation of its officers,
including the Chief Executive Officer and certain of the Named Executives, is
to establish salary ranges with midpoints which are at the 50th percentile of
the competitive market in the casual dining industry. Each salary range
provides a lower and upper limit on the value of jobs assigned to that range.
This reflects the previously mentioned objective of controlling base salary
costs and emphasizing incentive compensation. Future adjustments to base
salaries and salary ranges will reflect average movement in the competitive
market.
With respect to fiscal year 1998, the Compensation Committee utilized
published surveys of selected peer companies to obtain competition base salary
information. Executive officer salaries were reviewed and recommendations for
adjustments were made to the Board based on survey midpoints.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company's annual incentive plan directly links annual incentive payments
to the accomplishment of predetermined and Board-approved financial and
operating goals. Corporate and individual performance objectives are
established at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Each executive's potential incentive was tied to growth in earnings per
share or growth in pretax net income effective beginning with fiscal year
1994, as well as certain qualitative measures. Depending upon an executive's
organizational level and responsibilities, as well as competitive market
practices, annual incentive compensation
14
<PAGE>
opportunities range from 7.5 percent to 12.5 percent of base salary if the
"threshold" goals are achieved, 30 percent to 50 percent of base salary if the
"target" goals are achieved, 45 percent to 100 percent of base salary if the
"maximum" goals are achieved and 60 percent to 125 percent of base salary if
the "maximum plus" goals are achieved. Performance for fiscal year 1998
measured against the objectives contained in the incentive plan resulted in
the incentive compensation for the Named Executives shown in the Summary
Compensation Table. Such awards represented approximately 55.6 percent of the
total incentive awards that could have been earned by the Named Executives.
Occasionally the Company may establish a special incentive award for an
individual officer or other employee aimed at achieving a specified
performance goal. The Company has a separate bonus plan for the Chief
Executive Officer, described in more detail below, which is similar in
structure to the incentive plan for the other executives.
EXECUTIVE STOCK OWNERSHIP
Believing that equity ownership plays a key role in aligning the interests
of Company personnel with Company shareholders, the Company encourages all
employees to make a personal investment in Company stock. The Company's goal
is that 10 percent of Common Stock will be owned by employees by the year 2000
and that 80 percent of employees with more than two years of service with the
Company will own Common Stock.
In addition, ownership requirements have been developed for the Company's
top management group. The following requirements apply to various organization
levels: Chief Executive Officer-a minimum of four times base salary; Concept
Presidents and President/Partners-a minimum of three times base salary;
Corporate Senior Vice Presidents and Senior Vice President/Partners-Regional
Operations, a minimum of two times base salary; and Corporate and Concept Vice
Presidents and Vice Presidents/Partners-Regional Operations, a minimum of one
times base salary. These objectives must be attained within the five-year
period commencing (i) with the date of the Distribution for those individuals
employed by the Company on that date, and (ii) with date of hire for those
individuals employed by the Company after the Distribution, with the minimum
to be fully achieved at the end of such period, and may be accomplished
through the exercise of stock options, other stock incentives or open market
purchases. Members of the management group must achieve target ownership
levels to be eligible to receive future awards under stock-based plans.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
Awards under the Company's stock-based compensation plans directly link
potential participant rewards to increases in shareholder value. The Company
maintains stock incentive plans for executive officers and other employees.
These plans provide for grants of a variety of stock incentives, including
stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, stock purchase
rights and performance shares or units. The programs described below have been
established under one or more of these plans.
Executive Stock Option Program
The Company has an Executive Stock Option Program which provides for option
grants to its key employees at the General Manager level and above, depending
upon the key employee's position within the Company. The options are issued at
fair market value and have a five-year term and generally vest thirty months
after the date of the grant. In order for key employees to receive option
grants under this program after March 26, 2001, they must meet certain minimum
Common Stock ownership requirements. During fiscal year 1998, option grants
ranging from 1,000 to 40,000 shares, for a total of 138,000 shares, were made
under this program.
Management Stock Option Program
The Company has a Management Stock Option Program for exempt employees and
full-time non-exempt employees with at least two years of service. Based on
organization level, eligible employees may purchase shares of Company stock up
to established annual limits. For each share purchased, 1.15 shares will be
issued
15
<PAGE>
and the participant will receive a five-year option to purchase three times
the number of shares of Company stock obtained at a per share exercise price
equal to the fair market value of a share on the date of grant. The right to
purchase Common Stock under this program is conditioned on the achievement of
Corporate, Division, Region, District or Unit goals, as the case may be. There
is a two-year restriction on the sale of shares acquired through this program
other than through the exercise of stock options. The Company granted options
to purchase an aggregate of 365,523 shares to employees under this program
during fiscal year 1998.
Restricted Stock
The Company may occasionally grant restricted stock or other stock rights to
ensure retention of key executives or as a part of the compensation provided
to a new executive hired from outside the Company.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
At the June 30, 1998, Compensation Committee meeting, Mr. Beall's base
salary was reviewed. Based on his performance and competitive market data, the
Compensation Committee recommended, and the Board of Directors subsequently
approved, an annual base salary of $625,000 for fiscal year 1999. Mr. Beall's
base salary was capped at the midpoint of the competitive salary range as is
the case with other executive officers of the Company.
The Company has an Incentive Bonus Plan for the Chief Executive Officer (the
"CEO Bonus Plan"), which was approved by the shareholders at the 1994 Annual
Meeting. Pursuant to the CEO Bonus Plan, if the Company achieves a
predetermined minimum percentage growth in pre-tax income for a fiscal year,
the Chief Executive Officer may earn a cash bonus determined as a percentage
of his salary if predetermined levels of growth in earnings per share are
achieved by the Company. For fiscal year 1998, the Chief Executive Officer's
bonus opportunity was 12.5 percent, 50 percent, 100 percent or 125 percent of
his salary if the Company achieved or exceeded the "threshold," "target,"
"maximum" and "maximum plus" earnings per share growth level, respectively,
with a proportional increase in the bonus for every one-tenth of a percent
increase in earnings per share growth between such performance levels. For
fiscal year 1998, Mr. Beall earned an incentive bonus pursuant to the CEO
Bonus Plan of $607,761.
At the 1993 Annual Meeting, the shareholders of MRI approved an award made
by the Compensation Committee during fiscal year 1994 of performance stock
rights for the issuance of up to 75,000* shares of Common Stock to Mr. Beall.
Under this award, payouts of 15,000* shares each were or could have been
earned by Mr. Beall over a five-year period ending in 1998 if the MRI Common
Stock reached a pre-established per share price for a period of 22 consecutive
trading days during the period ending May 31 of each year in the five-year
period. Such pre-established per share prices were $23.00* in 1994 and $26.45*
in 1995. Mr. Beall earned such awards for fiscal years 1995 and 1994. Mr.
Beall agreed to the cancellation of all performance stock rights remaining
outstanding as of March 9, 1996, the date of the Distribution. In lieu of
renegotiating the performance stock rights award, the Compensation Committee
approved an option grant in favor of Mr. Beall under the Executive Stock
Option Program (described above). The option provides Mr. Beall with the right
to purchase up to 340,906 shares of common stock over a five-year period. In
addition, the Compensation Committee has approved Mr. Beall's participation in
the Management Stock Option Program (described above) under which he may
purchase Common Stock having a value of up to $50,000 annually, conditioned
upon the Company's achievement of pre-established financial goals.
- --------
* Does not reflect the Stock Split.
16
<PAGE>
DEDUCTIBILITY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), limits the amount of individual compensation for certain executives
that may be deducted by the employer for federal tax purposes in any one
fiscal year to $1 million unless such compensation is "performance-based." The
determination of whether compensation is performance-based depends upon a
number of factors, including shareholder approval of the plan under which the
compensation is paid, the exercise price at which options or similar awards
are granted, the disclosure to and approval by the shareholders of applicable
performance standards, the composition of the Compensation Committee, and
certification by the Compensation Committee that performance standards were
satisfied. In order to preserve the Company's ability to deduct certain
performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, the
Compensation Committee recommended that the Company seek shareholder approval
for certain incentive compensation programs for the Chief Executive Officer.
Pursuant to the Compensation Committee recommendation, the Company submitted
to the shareholders for approval, and the shareholders approved (a) a grant of
performance-based stock rights to the Chief Executive Officer at the 1993
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and (b) an Incentive Bonus Plan for the Chief
Executive Officer at the 1994 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. While it is
possible for the Company to compensate or make awards under incentive plans
and otherwise that do not qualify as performance-based compensation deductible
under Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee, in structuring compensation
programs for its top executive officers, intends to give strong consideration
to the deductibility of awards.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors of the Company has a standing Compensation Committee
whose purpose is to review and make recommendations concerning the base
salaries of all officers of the Company and to authorize all other forms of
compensation, including stock options. Members of the Compensation Committee
also administer the Company's stock-based incentive plans. The Compensation
Committee met two times during fiscal year 1998. The Board of Directors
approved all decisions of the Compensation Committee during fiscal year 1998.
The members of the Compensation Committee are named below.
Dolph W. von Arx (Chairman) Dr. Benjamin F. Payton
Claire L. Arnold Dr. Donald Ratajczak
John B. McKinnon
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
On August 20, 1998, the Company purchased an aggregate of 441,000 shares of
Common Stock from Arthur R. Outlaw, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors,
at $15.875 per share, the market price per share of Common Stock at the time,
on August 13, 1998, at which the agreement for the purchase was concluded.
17
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following chart and table compare the cumulative total return of the
Company's Common Stock with the cumulative total return of the NYSE Stock
Market Index and the NYSE Eating and Drinking Places Index.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
NYSE STOCK MARKET AND NYSE EATING AND DRINKING PLACES INDICES
[PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
03/11/96 05/31/96 05/30/97 06/05/98
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ruby Tuesday, Inc........................... $100.00 $119.72 $121.13 $175.36
NYSE Stock Market Index..................... $100.00 $104.87 $131.45 $174.90
NYSE Eating and Drinking Places Index....... $100.00 $ 97.90 $103.27 $132.80
</TABLE>
- --------
* Assumes $100 invested in the Common Stock of the Company and in the indicated
indices on March 11, 1996, the first business day following the Distribution,
and reinvestment of dividends.
18
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The firm of Ernst & Young LLP served as the Company's independent auditors
for fiscal year 1998. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will be present at
the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will have an
opportunity to make a statement if they so desire.
The appointment of auditors is a matter for determination by the Board of
Directors for which no shareholder approval or ratification is necessary. The
Board of Directors has selected the firm of Ernst & Young LLP to audit the
books of the Company for fiscal year 1999.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any shareholder of the Company wishing to submit a proposal for action at
the Company's 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and desiring the proposal to
be considered for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials must provide a
written copy of the proposal to the management of the Company at its principal
executive office not later than April 30, 1999, and must otherwise comply with
rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to shareholder
proposals.
The proxy or proxies designated by the Company will have discretionary
authority to vote on any matter properly presented by a shareholder for
consideration at the 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders but not submitted for
inclusion in the proxy materials for such meeting unless (i) with respect to
any nomination for director, written notice of the intent to make the
nomination is submitted to the Company at least 90 days in advance of the
meeting and is otherwise made in accordance with the nomination procedures
contained in the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, or (ii) with
respect to any other shareholder proposal, notice of the matter is received by
the Company at its principal executive office not later than July 14, 1999
and, in either case, certain other conditions of the applicable rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission are satisfied.
GENERAL
Management does not know of any other business to come before the Annual
Meeting. If, however, other matters do properly come before the Annual
Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to
vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
A list of shareholders entitled to be present and vote at the Annual Meeting
will be available for inspection by shareholders at the time and place of the
Annual Meeting.
The Annual Report of the Company for fiscal year 1998 (which is not part of
the proxy soliciting material) is being mailed with this proxy statement to
all shareholders of record as of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
THE COMPANY WILL, UPON THE WRITTEN REQUEST OF ANY SHAREHOLDER, FURNISH
WITHOUT CHARGE A COPY OF ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 6, 1998. REQUESTS
FOR COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO DANIEL T. CRONK, SECRETARY, RUBY TUESDAY,
INC., 150 WEST CHURCH AVENUE, MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE 37801.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Daniel T. Cronk
Daniel T. Cronk
Senior Vice President, General
Counsel
and Secretary
August 28, 1998
Maryville, Tennessee
19
<PAGE>
RUBY TUESDAY, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and Proxy Statement, each dated August 28, 1998, and does hereby
appoint Samuel E. Beall, III and J. Russell Mothershed, and either of them,
with full power of substitution, as proxy or proxies of the undersigned to
represent the undersigned and to vote all shares of Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Common
Stock which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Ruby Tuesday, Inc., to be held at the
Company's headquarters located at 150 West Church Avenue, Maryville, Tennessee
37801 at 11:00 a.m., local time, on October 5, 1998, and at any adjournment(s)
thereof:
1.To elect two Class III Directors for a term of three years.
John B. McKinnon and Dolph W. von Arx
[_]FOR all nominees above [_]WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(except as marked to the to vote for ALL nominees listed above
contrary above)
INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, MARK THE FIRST
BOX ABOVE AND LINE THROUGH THAT NOMINEE'S NAME AS IT APPEARS ABOVE.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL DIRECTOR NOMINEES LISTED
ABOVE.
2.In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before this meeting.
(CONTINUED ON OTHER SIDE)
PROXY NUMBER NUMBER OF SHARES
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
DIRECTIONS GIVEN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, IT
WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL DIRECTOR NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE.
Dated: , 1998
--------------------------
---------------------------------------
Signature
---------------------------------------
Signature, if held jointly
Please sign exactly as your name(s)
appear hereon. If shares are held
jointly, each shareholder named should
sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, give your full title as
such. If the signatory is a
corporation, sign the full corporate
name by a duly authorized officer.
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN
THIS PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
