Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. DEF 14A
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the
Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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o Preliminary
Proxy Statement |
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o Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
þ Definitive Proxy
Statement |
o Definitive
Additional Materials |
o Soliciting
Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11c or Section 240.14a-12 |
MONRO MUFFLER BRAKE, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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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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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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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.: |
MONRO MUFFLER BRAKE, INC.
200 Holleder Parkway
Rochester, New York 14615
Notice of Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be Held
August 9, 2005
To the Shareholders of
MONRO MUFFLER BRAKE, INC.
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.
will be held at the Genesee Valley Club, 421 East Avenue,
Rochester, New York 14607, on Tuesday, August 9, 2005,
commencing at 10 a.m., for the following purposes:
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1. |
to elect four directors to Class 2 of the Board of
Directors to serve a two-year term, and until their successors
are duly elected and qualified at the 2007 annual meeting of
shareholders; |
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2. |
to ratify the amendment to the Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. 1998
Employee Stock Option Plan; |
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3. |
to ratify the amendment to the Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. 2003
Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan; |
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4. |
to ratify the proposal regarding reevaluating the selection of
independent public accountants; and |
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5. |
to consider such other business as may properly be brought
before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on
June 20, 2005, will be entitled to vote at the meeting.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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/s/ John W. Van Heel |
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John W. Van Heel |
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Secretary |
Rochester, New York
July 8, 2005
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE
ENCLOSED, SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF
MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
PROXY STATEMENT
MONRO MUFFLER BRAKE, INC.
200 Holleder Parkway
Rochester, New York 14615
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
August 9, 2005
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc., a New York corporation (the
Company or Monro), for use at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) to be
held at the Genesee Valley Club, 421 East Avenue, Rochester, New
York 14607, on Tuesday, August 9, 2005, commencing at
10 a.m., or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
A shareholder who executes a proxy may revoke it at any time
before it is voted. Attendance at the meeting shall not have the
effect of revoking a proxy unless the shareholder so attending
shall, in writing, so notify the secretary of the meeting at any
time prior to the voting of the proxy. A proxy which is properly
signed and not revoked will be voted for the nominees for
election as directors listed herein, for the ratification of the
amendment to the Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock
Option Plan, for the ratification of the amendment to the Monro
Muffler Brake, Inc. 2003 Non-Employee Directors Stock
Option Plan and for the ratification of the proposal regarding
reevaluating the selection of independent public accountants as
proposed herein, unless contrary instructions are given, and
such proxy may be voted by the persons named in the proxy in
their discretion upon such other business as may be properly
brought before the meeting.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. In
addition to solicitation by mail, directors, officers and
employees of the Company may solicit proxies by telephone or
otherwise. The Company will reimburse brokers or other persons
holding shares in their names or in the names of their nominees
for their charges and expenses in forwarding proxies and proxy
material to the beneficial owners of such shares. It is
anticipated that the mailing of this Proxy Statement will
commence on or about July 8, 2005.
VOTING SECURITIES
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on Monday,
June 20, 2005, the record date, will be entitled to vote.
At May 27, 2005, the Company had outstanding
13,412,720 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share (Common Stock). Each share of Common Stock is
entitled to one vote on each matter as may properly be brought
before the meeting.
1
The voting rights of holders of Common Stock are subject to the
voting rights of the holders of 65,000 shares outstanding
of the Companys Class C Convertible Preferred Stock,
par value $1.50 per share (Class C Preferred
Stock). The vote of the holders of at least 60% of the
shares of Class C Preferred Stock at the time outstanding,
voting as a separate class, or, alternatively, the written
consent of the holders of all outstanding shares of Class C
Preferred Stock, is needed to effect or validate any action
approved by a vote of the holders of shares of Common Stock.
Therefore, such preferred shareholders have an effective veto
over all matters put to a vote of common shareholders, and such
veto power could be used, among other things, to block the
election of directors, the amendment of the 1998 Employee Stock
Option Plan, the amendment of the 2003 Non-Employee
Directors Stock Option Plan, the proposal regarding
selection of independent public accountants, or any other
transaction that the holders of the Common Stock might otherwise
approve at the Annual Meeting. It is expected that the holders
of the Class C Preferred Stock will approve, by unanimous
written consent, all matters currently proposed to be put to a
vote of common shareholders at the Annual Meeting.
With regard to the election of directors, votes may be cast in
favor of or withheld from each nominee. Director nominees must
receive a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting to be
elected. Votes that are withheld from any nominee are counted as
present for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum
but are not deemed cast at the meeting and, thus, have no effect
on the determination of a plurality. Abstentions may be
specified on proposals other than the election of directors,
which proposals require a majority of the votes cast at the
meeting for approval. Abstentions will be counted as present for
purposes of determining the existence of a quorum but are not
deemed cast at the meeting and, thus, have no effect on the
determination of a majority. With respect to shares of Common
Stock held in street name, where no vote is indicated on a
matter because the nominee or broker lacks authority to vote
such shares without specific instructions from the beneficial
owner, and the nominee or broker has received no such
instructions (a broker non-vote), such shares are
not counted as present for the purpose of determining the
existence of a quorum and are not counted as votes cast with
respect to any such matter.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company is divided into two
classes having terms which expire at the Annual Meeting
(Class 2) and at the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders
(Class 1). Four Class 2 directors are proposed for
re-election at the Annual Meeting.
Current Nominees
It is proposed to elect at the Annual Meeting four persons to
Class 2 of the Board of Directors to serve (subject to the
Companys by-laws) until the election and qualification of
their successors at the 2007 annual meeting of shareholders. If
any such person should be unwilling or unable to serve as a
director of the Company (which is not anticipated), the persons
named in the proxy will vote the proxy for substitute nominees
selected by the Board of
2
Directors unless the number of directors to be elected has been
reduced to the number of nominees willing and able to serve.
The following summarizes biographical information for the
Class 2 directors, each of whom is nominated for
re-election:
Frederick M. Danziger, 65, was elected to the Board of Directors
in July 1984. He is President and a Director of Griffin
Land & Nurseries, Inc. Mr. Danziger was previously
Of Counsel in the law firm of Latham & Watkins from
1995 to 1997, and was a partner of the law firm of Mudge Rose
Guthrie Alexander & Ferdon from 1974 to 1995.
Mr. Danziger is a director of Bloomingdale Properties, Inc.
Robert G. Gross, 47, was elected to the Board of Directors in
February 1999. He has been President and Chief Executive Officer
since January 1, 1999. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Gross was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tops
Appliance City, Inc., a consumer electronics and appliance store
chain based in Edison, New Jersey, from 1995 to 1998.
Mr. Gross also held various management positions with Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc., a San Antonio, Texas based
optometry company owned by Sears, Roebuck & Co.,
including President and Chief Operating Officer from 1992
through 1994, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer from 1991 through 1992 and Senior Vice President from
1990 through 1991.
Peter J. Solomon, Chairman of the Board, 66, was elected to the
Board of Directors in July 1984. He has been Chairman of Peter
J. Solomon Company, L.P., an investment banking firm, since May
1989. From 1985 to May 1989, he was a Vice Chairman and a member
of the board of directors of Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc.
Mr. Solomon is a director of BKF Capital Group Inc. and was
a director of Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation through
June 14, 2005.
Francis R. Strawbridge, 67, was elected to the Board of
Directors in August 2002. He was Chairman of
Strawbridge & Clothier, a regional general merchandise
retailer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1984 to 1997, when
he retired. From 1961 through 1983, Mr. Strawbridge served
in various other capacities in the family-managed, publicly
traded retail chain.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the
nominees for director.
The following summarizes biographical information for each of
the continuing Class 1 directors:
Richard A. Berenson, 69, was appointed to the Board of Directors
in November 2002 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of
a Class 1 Director. Mr. Berenson has been a member of
the firm of Berenson & Company LLP, a public accounting
firm, since 1960, most recently serving as managing partner. He
also serves as a Board member and Chairman of the Audit
Committee for Lazare Kaplan International Inc.
Donald Glickman, 72, was elected to the Board of Directors in
July 1984. He is a private investor and has been a partner of
J.F. Lehman & Company, an investment banking firm,
since January 1992. He was an executive employee of Peter J.
Solomon Company Limited, an investment banking firm, from July
1989 to
3
June 1992. From July 1988 to July 1989, he was a managing
director of Lehman Brothers (Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc.).
Prior to July 1988, Mr. Glickman was a Senior Vice
President of the First National Bank of Chicago.
Mr. Glickman is a director of MSC Software Corporation, OAO
Technology Solutions, Inc., Racal Acoustics Limited and SDI,
Inc., and a trustee of MassMutual Corporate Investors and
MassMutual Participation Investors.
Robert E. Mellor, 61, was appointed to the Board of Directors in
November 2002 to fill a vacancy arising from an increase in the
Boards membership. He is the Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Building Materials
Holding Corporation, and has served as a director since 1991.
Mr. Mellor was previously Of Counsel with the law firm of
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP from 1990 through February
1997. He also serves as a director of Coeur dAlene Mines
Corporation and The Ryland Group, Inc.
Lionel B. Spiro, 66, was elected to the Board of Directors in
August 1992. He was the Chairman and President of Charrette
Corporation of Woburn, Massachusetts, a distributor of design
supplies and imaging services, until July 1997, when he retired.
Mr. Spiro co-founded Charrette Corporation in 1964.
4
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The name and business experience of each of the executive
officers of the Company, as of May 27, 2005, is set forth
below to the extent not provided above:
Catherine DAmico, 49, has been Executive Vice
President Finance since May 2002 and Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer since August 1993. Prior to May 2002,
Ms. DAmico was Senior Vice President
Finance. Ms. DAmico, a certified public accountant,
was previously a Senior Audit Manager with Price Waterhouse
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP) in Rochester, New York and was
affiliated with such firm from 1978 to 1993.
Christopher R. Hoornbeck, 54, has been Divisional Vice
President Western Operations since December 1998.
From October 1996 to November 1998, Mr. Hoornbeck was a
Zone Manager and has worked for Monro in various other
capacities since 1973.
Craig L. Hoyle, 51, has been Divisional Vice
President Southern Operations since October 2002.
From October 1999 through September 2002, Mr. Hoyle was a
Zone Manager and worked for Monro in various other capacities
since January 1998. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hoyle
managed several districts for Bridgestone/ Firestone, Inc. and
also held various marketing and other operational positions with
them from 1981 through 1997.
Joseph Tomarchio, Jr., 49, has been Divisional Vice
President Tire Stores since joining the Company in
March 2004. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tomarchio was
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of
Mr. Tire, Inc., which he co-founded in 1970.
In addition, on June 1, 2005 John W. Van Heel, 39, was
named Senior Vice President Store Support. Mr.
Van Heel has been Secretary since October 2004, and from
October 2002 to May 2005, Mr. Van Heel served as Vice
President Finance to the Company. From May 2000 to
September 2002, Mr. Van Heel served as Chief Financial
Officer and Vice President Finance of RCG Companies,
Inc., a diversified holding company (now Onetravel Holdings,
Inc.), and its subsidiary companies. Prior to May 2000,
Mr. Van Heel was a Director in the Transaction
Services (acquisition consulting) practice at
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, serving the firms New
York City; Milan, Italy; and Rochester, New York offices since
1989.
5
Security Ownership of Principal Shareholders, Directors and
Executive Officers
The following table shows the number of shares of Common Stock
and Common Stock equivalents beneficially owned as of
May 27, 2005 by (i) each person or entity known to the
Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of
the Common Stock, (ii) the four Class 2 directors who
are nominated for re-election, (iii) each continuing
Class 1 director, (iv) the executive officers named in
the Summary Compensation Table and (v) all directors and
executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each
of the named individuals and each member of the group has sole
voting power and sole investment power with respect to the
shares shown.
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Common Stock | |
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Percent of | |
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Beneficially | |
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Option Shares | |
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5% Shareholders, Directors and |
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Including | |
Executive Officers |
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Excluding Options | |
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Within 60 Days | |
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Options | |
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FMR Corp.
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1,362,520 |
(1) |
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10.2 |
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82 Devonshire Street
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Boston, MA 02109
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Peter J. Solomon
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1,313,945 |
(3) |
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36,468 |
(2) |
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9.6 |
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520 Madison Avenue |
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New York, NY 10022
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T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
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1,099,800 |
(4) |
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8.2 |
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100 E. Pratt Street |
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Baltimore, MD 21202 |
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Robert G. Gross
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165,000 |
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757,500 |
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6.5 |
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Wellington Management Company, LLP
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850,050 |
(5) |
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6.3 |
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75 State Street |
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Boston, MA 02109 |
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Wasatch Advisors, Inc.
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759,817 |
(6) |
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5.7 |
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150 Social Hall Avenue, Suite 400 |
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Salt Lake City, UT 84111 |
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Donald Glickman
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678,054 |
(7) |
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41,026 |
(2) |
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5.3 |
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2001 Jefferson Davis Highway |
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Arlington, VA 22202 |
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Catherine DAmico
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26,513 |
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80,626 |
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Frederick M. Danziger
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56,307 |
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13,676 |
(2) |
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Lionel B. Spiro
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27,399 |
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36,468 |
(2) |
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Christopher R. Hoornbeck
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16,959 |
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29,750 |
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Joseph Tomarchio, Jr.
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41,250 |
(9) |
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Craig L. Hoyle
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900 |
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18,325 |
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Francis R. Strawbridge
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2,000 |
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13,676 |
(2) |
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Robert E. Mellor
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2,500 |
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9,118 |
(2) |
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Richard A. Berenson
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2,250 |
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9,118 |
(2) |
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All directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)
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22.3 |
(8) |
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Less than 1% of the shares deemed outstanding. |
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(1) |
Beneficial ownership reported as of December 31, 2004,
according to a statement on Schedule 13G, dated
February 14, 2005, of FMR Corp., a parent holding company
of Fidelity Management & Research Company, a registered
investment adviser. |
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(2) |
Options granted pursuant to the Non-Employee Directors
Stock Option Plans. |
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Includes 65,000 shares of Class C Preferred Stock
(including 45,000 shares held in trusts for the benefit of
Mr. Solomons children for which Mr. Solomon is
trustee) presently convertible into 675,675 shares of
Common Stock. Also includes 402,552 shares of Common Stock
held in trusts for the benefit of Mr. Solomons
children for which Mr. Solomon is the trustee.
Additionally, includes 40,000 and 15,000 shares of Common
Stock, respectively, held in the Peter J. Solomon Family and
Joshua N. Solomon Foundations for which Mr. Solomon is
trustee. Mr. Solomon disclaims beneficial ownership of all
such shares held in trusts and by the charitable foundations.
Peter J. Solomon is a principal shareholder and a Class 2
director. |
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Beneficial ownership reported as of December 31, 2004,
according to a statement on Schedule 13G, dated
February 14, 2005, of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., a
registered investment adviser. |
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Beneficial ownership reported as of December 31, 2004,
according to a statement on Schedule 13G, dated
February 14, 2005, of Wellington Management Company, LLP, a
registered investment adviser. |
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Beneficial ownership reported as of December 31, 2004,
according to a statement on Schedule 13G, dated
February 14, 2005, of Wasatch Advisors Inc., a registered
investment adviser. |
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(7) |
Excludes shares of Common Stock owned by
Mr. Glickmans children. Mr. Glickman disclaims
beneficial ownership of such shares. Mr. Glickman is a
principal shareholder and a Class 1 director. |
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(8) |
Exclusive of shares as to which beneficial ownership has been
disclaimed, executive officers and directors of the Company as a
group owned beneficially approximately 16.5% of Common Stock
deemed outstanding on May 27, 2005. |
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(9) |
Includes a warrant to purchase 10,000 shares of the
Companys stock received from a third party, originally
issued by the Company to the third party. |
Employment Agreements and Change-in-Control Arrangements
The Company amended its employment agreement (the
Agreement) in May 2005 with Robert G. Gross, its
President and Chief Executive Officer. The Agreement, which
provides for a base salary to be reviewed annually, plus a bonus
based upon the Companys achievement of performance targets
set by the Compensation Committee, expires on December 31,
2007. The agreement also provides for a special retention bonus
of $250,000 payable annually on each January 1 beginning in 2003
and ending in 2006. The Agreement includes a covenant against
competition with the Company for up to two years after
termination. The Agreement provides Mr. Gross with a
minimum of one years salary and certain additional rights
in the event of a termination without cause (as defined
therein), or a termination in the event of a change in control
(as defined therein).
The Company amended its employment agreement in May 2003 with
Catherine DAmico, its Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer. The agreement provides a base salary, to be
reviewed annually, plus a bonus, based upon the Companys
achievement of performance targets set by the Compensation
Committee. The agreement has a 41-month term ending
September 30, 2006, and includes a covenant against
competition with the Company for up to two years after
termination. The agreement provides Ms. DAmico with a
minimum of one years salary and certain additional rights
in the event of a termination without cause (as defined
therein), or a termination in the event of a change in control
(as defined therein).
7
Meetings of the Board of Directors and Committees
The Board of Directors held four meetings during fiscal
2005(1).
During the fiscal year, each director attended at least 75% of
the aggregate number of all meetings of the Board of Directors
and committees on which he served. Nine of nine Board members
attended last years Annual Meeting.
Non-employee directors of the Company receive directors
fees at the rate of $16,000 per year, plus $3,000 for each
Board meeting and $1,000 for each Board Committee meeting
attended. In addition, each of the Chairs of the Audit and
Compensation Committees receives an annual supplemental fee of
$5,000. Beginning in April 2005, the fees paid to the Chair of
the Audit Committee were increased to $15,000 annually. Each
non-employee director also receives an annual grant of an option
to purchase 4,559 shares of Common Stock.
All directors are reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in
connection with attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors
or committees thereof. Additionally, during fiscal 2005, the
Company paid legal fees of $13,000 and $10,000, respectively, in
connection with filings by Messrs. Solomon and Glickman
regarding Company stock transactions.
The Board of Directors has determined that a majority of Board
members is independent as defined by the listing standards of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(NASDAQ).
The Board of Directors has created three standing committees: a
three-member Governance Committee, a three-member Audit
Committee and a three-member Compensation Committee.
The Governance Committee has and may exercise, between meetings
of the Board of Directors, all the power and authority of the
full Board of Directors, subject to certain exceptions. During
fiscal 2005, the Governance Committee held four meetings. Its
members are Donald Glickman, Robert G. Gross and Peter J.
Solomon.
The Audit Committee has the power and authority to select and
engage independent auditors for the Company, subject to the
approval of shareholders, and reviews with the auditors and with
the Companys management all matters relating to the annual
audit of the Company. The Audit Committee held seven meetings in
fiscal 2005. It consists of three members: Richard A. Berenson,
Chairman, Frederick M. Danziger and Lionel B. Spiro, each of
whom is an independent director.
The Compensation Committee has the power and authority to review
and approve the remuneration arrangements for executive officers
and employees of the Company and to select participants, approve
awards under, interpret and administer the employee benefit
plans of the Company. The Compensation Committee held two
meetings in fiscal 2005. It consists of three members: Frederick
M. Danziger, Chairman, Robert E. Mellor and Francis R.
Strawbridge, each of whom is an independent director.
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(1) |
References in this Proxy Statement to fiscal years are to the
Companys fiscal years ending or ended fiscal March of each
year (e.g., references to fiscal 2005 are to the
Companys fiscal year ended March 26, 2005). |
8
The Company does not have a separate nominating committee due to
the small size of the Companys Board. The Board believes
it can effectively accomplish the functions of a nominating
committee through the actions of the independent members of the
Board, namely Messrs. Solomon, Berenson, Danziger, Mellor,
Spiro and Strawbridge.
The independent directors of the Board are responsible for
identifying, screening and recommending candidates for
membership on the Board pursuant to written guidelines
established by the Board. These guidelines are available on the
Investor Information-Corporate Governance section of the
Companys website, www.monro.com. In assessing
potential new directors, these directors consider individuals
from various disciplines and diverse backgrounds. The selection
of qualified directors is complex and crucial to Monros
long-term success. Board candidates are considered based upon
various criteria, such as their broad-based business skills and
experiences, a global business perspective, concern for the
long-term interests of the shareholders, and personal integrity
and judgment. In addition, directors must have time available to
devote to Board activities and to enhance their knowledge of
Monro and the automotive service industry.
The independent directors will consider recommendations from
shareholders of potential candidates for the Board of Directors.
A shareholder wishing to recommend a potential candidate must
submit the recommendation in writing, addressed to the
Secretary, Monro Muffler Brake, Inc., 200 Holleder Parkway,
Rochester, NY 14615, Attention: Independent Directors, so that
the Secretary receives the recommendation not less than
120 days (nor more than 180 days) prior to the
meeting. Each recommendation must set forth the information
required by the Certificate of Incorporation for shareholders
submitting a nomination. Additional information and a copy of
the Certificate of Incorporation may be obtained by submitting a
written request to the Secretary of the Company.
Under the Companys Certificate of Incorporation, each year
prior to the annual meeting of shareholders, the independent
Directors recommend the Boards nominees to serve as
Monros directors for the next year. The Board is
soliciting proxies to elect these individuals. All candidates
nominated by the Board of Directors, except for Mr. Gross,
have been determined to be independent directors.
Communications with Directors
Shareholders wishing to communicate with the non-management
directors may send a letter to the Secretary, Monro Muffler
Brake, Inc., 200 Holleder Parkway, Rochester, NY 14615,
Attention: Non-Management Directors. All correspondence sent to
that address will be delivered to the appropriate directors on a
quarterly basis, unless the Secretary determines by individual
case that it should be sent more promptly. Any concerns relating
to accounting, internal controls, auditing or officer conduct
will be sent promptly to the Chair of the Audit Committee. All
correspondence to non-management directors will be acknowledged
by the Secretary and may also be forwarded within Monro to the
subject matter expert for investigation. Alternatively,
communication with non-management directors may occur as
outlined in Monros Corporate Code of Ethics which is
posted on its website at www.monro.com.
9
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the
Committee) is composed of three non-employee
directors and operates under a written charter adopted by the
Board of Directors. Each member of the Committee is an
independent director as defined by rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the SEC) and NASDAQ. In
addition, the Board of Directors has determined that Richard A.
Berenson is an audit committee financial expert as defined by
SEC rules, and is independent from management.
In fiscal 2005, the Audit Committee, as a matter of routine,
reviewed its charter and practices. The Committee determined
that its charter and practices are consistent with listing
standards of NASDAQ.
Management is responsible for the Companys internal
controls and the financial reporting process. The external
auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of
the Companys consolidated financial statements in
accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board. The Committees responsibility is to
monitor and oversee these processes.
In this context, the Committee has met and held discussions with
management and the external auditors. Management represented to
the Committee that the Companys consolidated financial
statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and the Committee has reviewed and
discussed the consolidated financial statements with management
and the external auditors. The Committee discussed with the
external auditors matters required to be discussed by Statement
on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit
Committees), as amended.
The Companys external auditors also provided to the
Committee the written disclosures required by Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions
with Audit Committees), and the Committee discussed with the
external auditors that firms independence.
Based on the Committees discussion with management and the
external auditors and the Committees review of the
representation of management and the report of the external
auditors to the Committee, the Committee recommended to the
Board of Directors, and the Board has approved, that the audited
consolidated financial statements be included in the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended March 26, 2005, for filing with the SEC. The
Committee has also approved, subject to shareholder
ratification, the decision to reevaluate the selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers as the Companys external auditors
for fiscal 2006.
Audit Committee
Richard A. Berenson, Chairman
Frederick M. Danziger
Lionel B. Spiro
10
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth, for the Companys last
three fiscal years, the annual and long-term compensation of
those persons who were, for fiscal 2005, (i) the Chief
Executive Officer and (ii) the other four most highly
compensated executive officers of the Company (the Named
Officers):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
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|
Long Term | |
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|
|
Annual | |
|
Compensation | |
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|
|
|
|
Compensation | |
|
Awards | |
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|
Name and |
|
Fiscal | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
All Other | |
Principal |
|
Year Ended | |
|
Salary | |
|
Bonus | |
|
Options(2) | |
|
Compensation(1) | |
Position |
|
March | |
|
($) | |
|
($) | |
|
(#) | |
|
($) | |
| |
Robert G. Gross
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
490,000 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
5,440 |
|
|
President and
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
465,000 |
|
|
|
779,597 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
154,113 |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
465,000 |
|
|
|
698,433 |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
1,712,412 |
|
|
Joseph Tomarchio, Jr.
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
147,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
126,470 |
|
|
Divisional Vice
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
12,250 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
10,478 |
|
|
President Tire Stores
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Catherine DAmico
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
4,967 |
|
|
Executive Vice
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
170,000 |
|
|
|
75,295 |
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
4,585 |
|
|
President Finance
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|
2003 |
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
|
|
90,008 |
|
|
|
2,225 |
|
|
|
3,624 |
|
|
and Chief Financial
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Officer
|
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|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Christopher R. Hoornbeck
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|
2005 |
|
|
|
131,400 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
1,761 |
|
|
Divisional Vice
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
126,400 |
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|
|
31,890 |
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|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
9,198 |
|
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President Western
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2003 |
|
|
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120,400 |
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|
|
38,575 |
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|
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2,250 |
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|
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9,136 |
|
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Operations
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Craig L. Hoyle
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|
2005 |
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
3,437 |
|
|
Divisional Vice
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
112,750 |
|
|
|
28,536 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
3,158 |
|
|
President Southern
|
|
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2003 |
|
|
|
105,000 |
|
|
|
33,753 |
|
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
2,242 |
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
For all officers, All Other Compensation represents the
Companys 401(k) matching or other contributions to the
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan and Non-Qualified
Deferred Compensation Plan for the accounts of the Named
Officers. |
|
|
For Mr. Gross, All Other Compensation also includes the
following: |
|
|
|
In fiscal 2003, Mr. Gross earned $1,603,400 related to
compensation associated with the vesting of performance-based
stock options. |
|
|
In fiscal 2004 and 2003, Mr. Grosss compensation
includes $78,447 and $104,595, respectively, of forgiveness of
principal due on the loan described in Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. In fiscal
2004, it also includes related interest forgiveness of $70,711. |
|
|
|
For Mr. Hoornbeck, All Other Compensation in fiscal 2004
also includes a special bonus of $7,500 for assuming additional
field operations responsibility. A similar bonus of $8,333 was
awarded in fiscal 2003. |
|
|
For Mr. Tomarchio, All Other Compensation also includes the
following: |
|
|
|
In fiscal 2005 and 2004, Mr. Tomarchio earned $125,000 and
$10,417, respectively under an agreement not-to-compete. |
11
|
|
|
In fiscal 2005 and 2004, Mr. Tomarchio was paid $12,000 and
$1,000, respectively, for a car allowance. |
|
|
(2) |
Option awards have been adjusted for the October 2003
three-for-two stock split. |
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth, for the Companys fiscal
year ended March 26, 2005, information concerning the
granting of options to the Named Officers:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Individual Grants | |
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|
| |
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|
|
|
Potential | |
|
|
|
|
Realizable Value | |
|
|
|
|
% of Total | |
|
|
|
Assuming Rates | |
|
|
|
|
Options | |
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|
|
of Stock Price | |
|
|
|
|
Granted in | |
|
Exercise | |
|
|
|
Appreciation of | |
|
|
No. of | |
|
Fiscal | |
|
Price | |
|
Expiration | |
|
| |
Name |
|
Options(2) | |
|
Year (3) | |
|
$/Share | |
|
Date | |
|
5%(1) | |
|
10%(1) | |
| |
Catherine DAmico
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
$ |
23.09 |
|
|
|
5/17/14 |
|
|
|
145,200 |
|
|
|
368,000 |
|
Christopher R. Hoornbeck
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|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
$ |
23.09 |
|
|
|
5/17/14 |
|
|
|
43,560 |
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|
|
110,400 |
|
Craig L. Hoyle
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|
4,000 |
|
|
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3.7 |
|
|
$ |
23.09 |
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|
|
5/17/14 |
|
|
|
58,080 |
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|
|
147,200 |
|
|
|
(1) |
These values are calculated by comparing the exercise price of
such options to the market value of the shares of Common Stock
subject to such options, assuming that the market price of such
shares increases by 5% and 10%, respectively, during each year
of the options term. Actual gains, if any, on the stock
option exercises are dependent on the future performance of the
Common Stock and overall stock conditions, as well as the option
holders continued employment through the vesting period.
The value stated may not necessarily be achieved. |
|
(2) |
Options granted in fiscal 2004 under the Companys 1998
Employee Stock Option Plan. Subject to certain conditions, 25%
of such options become exercisable each year beginning one year
after the date of grant. |
|
(3) |
Based on a total of 108,213 options granted to 198 employees of
the Company in fiscal 2005. |
12
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth, for the Companys fiscal
year ended March 26, 2005, information concerning the
exercise of options by the Named Officers and the value of
unexercised options of the Named Officers. All amounts have been
adjusted to reflect the effect of the October 2003 three-for-two
stock split.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Value of | |
|
|
Number of | |
|
|
|
Total Number of | |
|
Unexercised, | |
|
|
Shares | |
|
|
|
Unexercised Options | |
|
In-the-Money Options | |
|
|
Acquired on | |
|
Value | |
|
Held at | |
|
Held at | |
|
|
Exercise | |
|
Realized | |
|
March 26, 2005 | |
|
March 26, 2005 | |
Name |
|
(#) | |
|
($) | |
|
(#) | |
|
($) | |
| |
|
|
Exercisable | |
|
Unexercisable | |
|
Exercisable | |
|
Unexercisable | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Robert G. Gross
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
757,500 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
14,599,550 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Joseph Tomarchio, Jr.
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
1,250 |
|
|
|
3,750 |
|
|
|
1,750 |
|
|
|
5,250 |
|
Catherine DAmico
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
69,689 |
|
|
|
22,750 |
|
|
|
1,276,129 |
|
|
|
208,720 |
|
Christopher R. Hoornbeck
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
25,812 |
|
|
|
8,250 |
|
|
|
475,718 |
|
|
|
104,640 |
|
Craig L. Hoyle
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
14,325 |
|
|
|
13,750 |
|
|
|
226,502 |
|
|
|
171,418 |
|
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities | |
|
|
Number of | |
|
|
|
Remaining Available | |
|
|
Securities to be | |
|
|
|
for Future Issuance | |
|
|
Issued Upon | |
|
Weighted-Average | |
|
Under Equity | |
|
|
Exercise of | |
|
Exercise Price of | |
|
Compensation Plans | |
|
|
Outstanding | |
|
Outstanding | |
|
(Excluding Securities | |
|
|
Options, Warrants | |
|
Options, Warrants | |
|
Reflected in | |
|
|
and Rights | |
|
and Rights | |
|
Column (a)) | |
| |
|
|
(a) | |
|
(b) | |
|
(c) | |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
1,585,456 |
|
|
$ |
9.72 |
|
|
|
393,022 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,585,456 |
|
|
$ |
9.72 |
|
|
|
393,022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is
responsible for setting the Chief Executive Officers
compensation and making annual recommendations for the
compensation of the other executive officers to the full Board
of Directors after considering recommendations made by the Chief
Executive Officer.
13
Executive compensation is a mix of salary, annual bonus awarded
under the Management Incentive Compensation Plan or other
executive bonus plans, Company contributions to the profit
sharing plan and pension plan, long-term compensation in the
form of stock options and other benefits generally available to
all employees. The Company relies to a large degree on bonus,
stock options and stock ownership to attract and retain
executives of outstanding ability and to motivate them to work
to their fullest potential. Under the Management Incentive
Compensation Plan and executive bonus plans, the Compensation
Committee seeks to enhance the profitability of the Company by
aligning closely the financial interest of the Companys
executives with those of its shareholders through the payment of
bonuses based on attainment of profit targets. In setting base
salaries, the Company consults periodically with executive
compensation experts, and takes into account competitive market
compensation paid by other companies for similar positions.
The Chief Executive Officers fiscal 2005 compensation
consisted of a base salary of $490,000 in accordance with his
employment agreement (see also Employment Agreements and
Change-in-Control Arrangements), and other benefits
extended to all full-time employees. Mr. Grosss bonus
is limited to a maximum of 150% of his base salary. In fiscal
2005, Mr. Gross did not receive a bonus, because the
Company did not attain the minimum required percentage of
targeted profit performance. In fiscal 2004 and 2003,
Mr. Grosss bonus was based on the Companys
attainment of specific profit targets. The Chief Executive
Officer does not participate in the Compensation
Committees determination of his compensation.
Additionally, in connection with the renewal of his employment
agreement in fiscal 2003, Mr. Gross was awarded a
$1,000,000 special retention bonus, to be paid annually in four
equal installments of $250,000, beginning in January 2003.
In fiscal 2003, Mr. Gross also received compensation
totaling $1,603,400 related to the vesting of 150,000
performance-based stock options. These options were awarded to
Mr. Gross upon his joining the Company in December 1998.
The purpose of the options was to link the Executives
rewards with shareholder value over time. The options vested
during the first quarter of fiscal 2003, when the Companys
stock traded at $10.67 or above, (as adjusted for the
Companys October 2003 three-for-two stock split) for 20
consecutive trading days.
The salaries of other executive officers are set at amounts the
Company believes to be comparable to those paid to executives
holding similar positions at other automotive service companies
of comparable size. Bonuses are paid based on attainment of
profit targets, which the Company achieved in fiscal 2004 and
2003.
All employees, including executive officers, may receive stock
options from time to time under the Companys stock option
plans. Stock option grants are recommended by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors, a committee composed
entirely of non-management directors. The stock option grant
size is based upon the individuals overall compensation
package, job performance, future potential, awards made to
executives at comparable companies and other factors. Under the
stock option plans, 344,749 shares were
14
available for grants to employees at March 26, 2005. During
fiscal 2005, the Stock Option Committee granted 108,213 options,
including 10,000 to Catherine DAmico, Executive Vice
President Finance and Chief Financial Officer; 3,000
to Christopher R. Hoornbeck, Divisional Vice
President Western Operations; and 4,000 to Craig L.
Hoyle, Divisional Vice President Southern Operations.
Options exercisable for an aggregate of 31,913 shares were
also granted to seven non-employee directors of the Company
under the terms of the 2003 Non-Employee Directors Stock
Option Plans. The 2003 Plan was approved by shareholders in
August 2003.
The executive officers participate in the Companys
qualified profit sharing/401(k) and pension plans on the same
basis as all other employees. The Company offers health care,
life insurance, disability insurance and other benefits to the
executive officers on substantially the same terms as available
to all employees of the Company. The executive officers are also
eligible to participate in a non-qualified Deferred Compensation
Plan to provide an opportunity for additional tax-deferred
savings. In addition, it allows the Company to credit to
participant accounts such amounts as would have been contributed
to the profit sharing/401(k) plan but for the limitations that
are imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the Code), based upon the participants status
as highly compensated employees. (See additional discussion
under Deferred Compensation Plan). The amount of
perquisites received by any executive officer in fiscal 2005 did
not exceed $50,000 or ten percent of his or her cash
compensation.
The federal income tax laws impose limitations on the
deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million paid
to executive officers in certain circumstances. The Compensation
Committee intends that all compensation paid to executive
officers in fiscal 2005 will be deductible by the Company under
such tax laws. For federal income tax purposes, the Company is
generally entitled to a compensation deduction at the time an
officer or employee exercises a stock option in an amount equal
to the excess of the value of the shares received upon such
exercise and the exercise price of the option. Since the amount
of the compensation deduction is based on the number of the
options exercised and the spread between the value of the
Companys stock and the exercise price on the exercise
date, the amount of any such deduction cannot be determined in
advance. Accordingly, if certain executive officers exercise
options during fiscal 2006 and the value of the Companys
stock significantly exceeds the exercise price of the options,
it is possible that the Company would not be entitled to deduct
a portion of the compensation attributable to such exercise.
Compensation Committee
Frederick M. Danziger, Chairman
Robert E. Mellor
Francis R. Strawbridge
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
The members of the Compensation Committee are Frederick M.
Danziger, Robert E. Mellor and Francis R. Strawbridge.
15
In December 1998, the Company loaned $523,000 to Robert G.
Gross, its President and Chief Executive Officer, to
purchase 75,000 shares of the Companys common
stock at the then fair market value. This loan, which bore an
interest rate of 5.5% per annum, matured on
December 1, 2003, and required five equal annual
installments of principal beginning on the first anniversary of
the loan. If Mr. Gross was employed with the Company when a
principal payment was due, that installment was forgiven by the
Company. Accordingly, the entire loan and all interest, which
was due on the fifth anniversary of the loan, has been forgiven.
The loan was secured by the related common stock.
The Company has a management agreement, effective July 1,
1991, with Peter J. Solomon Company, L.P. (PJSC),
pursuant to which PJSC provides strategic and financial advice
relating to financing, capital structure, mergers and
acquisitions and offensive/defensive positioning to the Company,
for a fee of $300,000 per year (plus reimbursement of
out-of-pocket expenses). Pursuant to such agreement, the Company
has agreed to indemnify PJSC against certain liabilities. In
addition, PJSC, from time to time, provides additional
investment banking services to the Company for customary fees.
No additional fees were paid in fiscal 2003, 2004 or 2005. Peter
J. Solomon, Chairman of the Board and principal shareholder of
the Company, is Chairman of PJSC. Of the fees paid by the
Company to PJSC, approximately half were paid to Donald
Glickman, a director and principal shareholder of the Company,
by PJSC for consulting services.
In May 2003, the annual fee was increased to $300,000 from
$160,000 per year effective July 1, 2003, with
approval from the independent Compensation Committee of the
Companys Board of Directors. The total amount of fees paid
to PJSC was $300,000, $265,000 and $160,000 in 2005, 2004 and
2003, respectively.
16
Performance Graph
Set forth below is a line-graph presentation comparing the
cumulative shareholder return on the Companys Common
Stock, on an indexed basis, against the cumulative total returns
of the S & P 400 Index and the S & P Retail
Stores-Specialty Index for the sixty month period from
March 31, 2000 to March 26, 2005 (March 31, 2000
= 100):
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG MONRO MUFFLER BRAKE, INC., THE S & P INDUSTRIALS
INDEX
AND THE S & P SPECIALTY STORES INDEX
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
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MONRO MUFFLER | |
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S & P SPECIALTY | |
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BRAKE, INC. | |
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S & P INDUSTRIALS | |
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STORES | |
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3/00
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100 |
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100 |
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100 |
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3/01
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130.82 |
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95.88 |
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95.52 |
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3/02
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206.9 |
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99.62 |
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138.12 |
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3/03
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252.62 |
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70.63 |
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115.41 |
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3/04
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450.92 |
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97.31 |
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159.6 |
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3/05
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465.72 |
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114.18 |
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173.18 |
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* |
$100 INVESTED ON 3/31/00 IN STOCK OR INDEX
INCLUDING REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS. FISCAL YEAR ENDING
MARCH 31. |
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Copyright© 2002, Standard & Poors, a division
of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.researchdatagroup.com/S&P.htm |
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Pension Plan
The Company sponsors a noncontributory retirement plan (the
Pension Plan) which is intended to qualify under
Section 401(a) of the Code. As of September 30, 1999,
participants ceased to accrue benefits under the Pension Plan
and no employees will become plan participants after this date.
Compensation and services after this date are not taken into
consideration in determining benefits under the Pension Plan.
Prior to September 30, 1999, each employee who attained
age 21 became a participant on the April 1 or
October 1 following the
17
date the employee completed one year of service. Benefit
payments generally begin upon retirement at age 65 or
age 60 with 20 years of service.
Benefits under the Pension Plan are 100% vested in each
participant upon completion of five years of service, attainment
of age 65 or the termination of the Pension Plan. Lump sum
distributions are available at termination or retirement only
for accrued benefits of $5,000 or less.
The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable
to participants under the Pension Plan upon retirement at
age 65. The table does not show the reduction for Social
Security benefits (see formula below).
PENSION PLAN TABLE
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Average Compensation |
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Number of Years of Service | |
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5 | |
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10 | |
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15 | |
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20 | |
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25 | |
(Prior to September 30, 1999) |
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$100,000
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$ |
22,500 |
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$ |
45,000 |
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$ |
45,000 |
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$ |
45,000 |
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$ |
45,000 |
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80,000
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18,000 |
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36,000 |
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36,000 |
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36,000 |
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36,000 |
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For the purpose of determining amounts payable under the Pension
Plan for each of the Named Officers, compensation includes the
average of ten years (i) base salary (including the amount
of any reductions in the executives otherwise payable
compensation attributable to any cafeteria plan)
plus (ii) cash bonuses. For the last three years, the base
salaries and bonuses of each Named Officer are shown in the
Summary Compensation Table. Compensation does not include stock
options (Long Term Compensation column) or the
Companys contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan
(All Other Compensation column) shown in the Summary
Compensation Table. Compensation is limited to $100,000 for
determining amounts payable under the Pension Plan.
The following are the years of credited service as of
September 30, 1999 (rounded to the nearest year) under the
Pension Plan for each of the Named Officers: Robert G. Gross
one year; Joseph Tomarchio, Jr. zero years,
Catherine DAmico 8 years; Christopher R.
Hoornbeck 28 years; and Craig L. Hoyle two
years.
The basic benefit under the Pension Plan is a straight life
annuity. Subject to certain limits required by law, benefits are
payable monthly in an amount equal to (i) 45% of a
participants average monthly earnings for the highest ten
consecutive years prior to September 30, 1999, less
(ii) 45% of the monthly primary Social Security benefit
payable to the participant at retirement. The amount of the
benefit is also reduced for short service participants and
participants terminating employment prior to retirement.
Due to the fact that the Pension Plan was frozen as of
September 30, 1999, the amount of the benefit will be
multiplied by a fraction (not greater than one), the numerator
of which is the participants total number of years of
service as of September 30, 1999, and the denominator of
which is the number of years of service the participant would
have accumulated if he had continued his employment until the
earlier of (i) age 65 or (ii) the date after
age 60 but before age 65
18
on which the participant had at least 20 years of vesting
service under the Pension Plan.
In connection with the purchase of Kimmel Automotive, Inc.
(KAI) in April 2002, the Company also sponsors a
non-contributory retirement plan covering certain employees of
KAI. Participants ceased to accrue benefits under this plan
prior to April 2002. No Named Officers are covered under this
plan. This plan merged with the Pension Plan during fiscal year
2005.
Profit Sharing Plan
The Company sponsors a profit sharing plan with a 401(k) feature
(the Profit Sharing Plan). The Profit Sharing Plan
is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code.
Each employee who has attained age 21 becomes a participant
as of the first day of the month following completion of three
months of service. Participants may elect to reduce their
compensation by up to the lesser of 30% of their annual
compensation or the statutorily prescribed annual limit ($14,000
in 2005) and to have the amount of the reduction contributed to
their account in the Profit Sharing Plan. One of the investment
options available to participants is the Companys Common
Stock.
The Company may make discretionary matching contributions to the
matching accounts of those employees who are contributing to the
Profit Sharing Plan. The Board approves matching contributions
quarterly. A discretionary Company profit sharing contribution
may also be made on an annual basis.
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company has adopted the Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. Deferred
Compensation Plan (the Plan) to provide an
opportunity for additional tax-deferred savings to a select
group of management or highly compensated employees. The Plan is
an unfunded arrangement and the participants or their
beneficiaries have an unsecured claim against the general assets
of the Company to the extent of their Plan benefits.
The Compensation Committee designates the individuals eligible
to participate in the Plan. Currently, only those employees who
are highly compensated employees as that term is
defined under Section 414(q) of the Code, have been
designated as eligible to participate in the Plan.
The Plan permits participants to defer all or any portion of the
compensation that would otherwise be payable to them for the
calendar year. In addition, the Company will credit to the
participants accounts such amounts as would have been
contributed to the Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan
but for the limitations that are imposed under the Code based
upon the participants status as highly compensated
employees. The Company may also make such additional
discretionary allocations as are determined by the Compensation
Committee.
No amounts credited under the Plan are funded and the Company
maintains accounts to reflect the amounts owed to each
participant. At least annually, the accounts are credited with
earnings or losses calculated on the basis
19
of an interest rate or other formula as determined by the
Compensation Committee.
Benefits are payable at a participants election in a
single cash sum or in monthly installments for a period not to
exceed 10 years at the date designated by the participant
upon his or her initial enrollment in the Plan, but in no event
later than the date the participant attains age 65.
Payments are made earlier in the event a participant dies or
incurs an unanticipated emergency.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Affiliate Leases
The Company leases six stores from lessors in which Joseph
Tomarchio, Jr. has beneficial ownership interests. In fiscal
2005, the Company expensed $554,000 as rent for these stores.
Mr. Tomarchio is an officer of the Company.
Aside from the six leases assumed as part of the Mr. Tire
acquisition in March 2004, the Company has not entered into any
affiliate leases, other than renewals or modifications of
existing leases, since May 1989, and as a matter of policy, will
not do so.
(See also Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation).
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the Exchange Act), requires the
Companys directors and executive officers, and persons who
beneficially own more than ten percent of the Companys
Common Stock, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership
and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock. Officers,
directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required
by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
To the Companys knowledge, based solely on a review of the
copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written
representations that no other reports were required, during
fiscal 2005, all Section 16(a) filing requirements
applicable to its officers, directors and greater than
ten-percent beneficial owners were complied with, except that
Frederick M. Danziger, Director, reported the exercise of 36,468
options on a Form 4 that was filed late; Frederick M.
Danziger, Peter J. Solomon, Donald Glickman, Robert E. Mellor,
Lionel B. Spiro and Francis R. Strawbridge, Directors, each
reported the receipt of 4,559 options on Form 4s that were
filed late; and Joseph Tomarchio, Jr., Divisional Vice
President Tire Stores, reported the receipt from a
third party of a warrant originally issued by the Company to the
third party to purchase 10,000 shares of the
Companys stock on a Form 4 that was filed late.
20
PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE AMENDMENT TO THE 1998
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES
The Company has two Employee Stock Option Plans adopted in 1989
and 1998, respectively (the Employee Option Plans)
and previously approved by shareholders. The Employee Option
Plans currently provide that options for a maximum of
2,551,558 shares (as restated to give retroactive effect to
stock dividends and stock splits) of Common Stock, in the
aggregate, may be granted. As of March 26, 2005, options
covering 1,349,420 shares of Common Stock, in the
aggregate, were outstanding under the Employee Option Plans,
leaving 344,749 shares of Common Stock available for grant
of future options, all of which were available under the 1998
Employee Stock Option Plan (the 1998 Plan).
On June 8, 2005, subject to approval by shareholders of the
Company, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors,
via Unanimous Written Consent, approved an increase in the
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock authorized for awards
of options under the 1998 Plan from 1,425,000 shares (as
restated to give retroactive effect to the Companys
three-for-two stock split in October 2003) to
1,785,000 shares, an increase of 360,000 shares or
approximately 2.7% of the number of shares of Common Stock
currently outstanding. As required by the terms of the 1998
Plan, shareholders of the Company are asked to approve an
amendment to the 1998 Plan reflecting such increase (as so
amended, the Amended 1998 Plan). Other than the
increase in the number of shares authorized, the Amended 1998
Plan will be identical to the 1998 Plan as currently in effect.
Purpose of Amended Plan
The purpose of the Amended 1998 Plan is to encourage and enable
employees of the Company to acquire a proprietary interest in
the Company through the ownership of the Companys Common
Stock or to increase such proprietary interest. Ownership of
Common Stock will provide such employees with a more direct
stake in the future welfare of the Company and encourage them to
remain with the Company. It is also expected that the Amended
1998 Plan will strengthen the Companys ability to attract
and retain, in its employ, additional persons of training,
experience and ability.
Summary of Plan
The Amended 1998 Plan will be administered by the Compensation
Committee and will provide for grants of both non-qualified
stock options and incentive stock options as defined
under Section 422 of the Code. Under the Amended 1998 Plan,
options may be granted to key employees, including executive
officers of Monro, as shall be determined by the Compensation
Committee. Approximately 3,600 employees, including five
executive officers, will be eligible to participate. Options
granted to employees under the Amended 1998 Plan will have a
maximum term of ten years, except as described below, and will
not be transferable except by will or pursuant to the laws of
descent and distribution.
21
The number and exercise price of options granted is determined
by the Compensation Committee, but the exercise price of an
incentive stock option may not be less than the fair market
value of the shares subject to the option on the date of the
grant. The option price for owners of more than 10% of the total
combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company
must be at least 110% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock at the date any incentive stock option is granted and the
maximum term thereof may not exceed five years. Vesting
provisions under the Amended 1998 Plan will be determined by the
Compensation Committee at the time of grant. The exercise price
with respect to any option must be paid in cash or, in the
discretion of the Compensation Committee, by delivery of shares
of Common Stock or by a combination of cash and Common Stock.
Generally, an optionee may exercise his options during his
lifetime provided he is employed by the Company. Unless
otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, in the event
an optionees employment is terminated for reasons other
than retirement, death or disability, an optionee may exercise
his options to the extent exercisable at such time for
30 days from his date of termination or the balance of the
term of the options, whichever is shorter.
If an optionees employment is terminated as the result of
being disabled within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of
the Code or as a result of retirement on or after age 65,
an optionee may exercise his options, whether or not otherwise
exercisable on the date of termination, for one year from his
date of termination or the balance of the term of the options,
whichever is shorter.
If an optionee dies while employed by the Company or dies
following termination of employment due to retirement from the
Company or disability, the optionees remaining options,
whether or not otherwise exercisable at such time, may be
exercised by the optionees designated beneficiary, or by
the optionees personal representatives, heirs or legalees,
within one year of the date of the optionees termination
of employment or the balance of the term of the options,
whichever is shorter.
The Amended 1998 Plan provides that the aggregate number and
kind of shares available for options and the option price of
each outstanding option shall be adjusted to reflect any
increase, decrease or change in the total outstanding shares of
the Company resulting from a stock dividend, recapitalization,
merger, consolidation, split-up, combination, exchange of shares
or similar transaction.
The Amended 1998 Plan provides that the Board of Directors of
the Company may at any time suspend, terminate or amend the
Amended 1998 Plan without seeking the approval of the
shareholders of the Company. However, shareholder approval will
be required to give effect to any amendment which would increase
the maximum number of shares for which options may be granted,
change the eligibility requirements for participation in the
Plan or materially increase the benefits accruing to employees
under the Amended 1998 Plan.
The Company intends to file a registration statement under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities
Act), to register the additional Common Stock to be issued
under the Amended 1998 Plan. Persons who are
affiliates of the Company (i.e., persons who are
deemed to control the Company directly or indirectly) may sell
Common Stock acquired under the Amended
22
1998 Plan only by complying with the requirements and
limitations of Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
Fiscal 2005 Grants
The number of options granted in fiscal 2005 to the Named
Officers is set forth in the table entitled Option Grants
in Last Fiscal Year on page 9. The following table
sets forth the number of options granted in fiscal 2005 to the
following groups:
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All current executive officers (five persons)
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17,000 |
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All other employees
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91,213 |
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On June 24, 2005, the closing price per share of the
Companys Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market System
was $28.82.
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Issuance and Exercise
of Options
The following summary describes the principal federal income tax
consequences of grants made under the Amended 1998 Plan. The
summary is based upon an analysis of the Code, as currently in
effect, judicial decisions, administrative rulings, regulations
and proposed regulations, all of which are subject to change.
Any such change could have a retroactive effect and could affect
the consequences described in the summary. The summary does not
purport to cover all federal income tax consequences that may
apply to a participant in the Amended 1998 Plan (a
Participant) and does not contain any discussion of
foreign, state or local tax laws. Participants are urged to
consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences to
them of acquiring and exercising options and upon the sale or
other disposition of any Common Stock acquired under the Amended
1998 Plan. The Amended 1998 Plan is not subject to the
requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, or qualified under Section 401(a) of the
Code.
A Participant will not recognize income upon the grant of a
non-qualified stock option (NSO). The Participant
will recognize ordinary income at the time of exercise of the
NSO in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market
value of the shares received upon exercise of the NSO and the
aggregate option price for the shares purchased upon such
exercise. The Company will generally be entitled to a deduction
for federal income tax purposes at the same time and in the same
amount as the Participant is required to recognize ordinary
income. The Participants basis in any shares acquired upon
exercise of an NSO will equal the fair market value of the
shares on the exercise date. A Participant who later sells such
shares will generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale
of the shares equal to the difference between the amount
realized and the Participants basis in the shares.
In general, neither the grant nor the exercise of an incentive
stock option granted under the Amended 1998 Plan will result in
taxable income to the employee or a deduction to the Company.
The sale of Common Stock received pursuant to the exercise of
such an option will result in a long-term capital gain or loss
to the employee equal to the difference between the amount
realized on the
23
sale and the exercise price and will not result in a tax
deduction to the Company. However, the excess of the fair market
value of the Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of an
incentive stock option over the option price is included in the
alternative minimum taxable income of the optionee
for the year in which such option is exercised and may subject
the optionee to increased taxes under the alternative
minimum tax. In general, the current maximum Federal
ordinary income tax rate is 35% while the maximum tax rate on
long-term capital gains is 20% (the phase-out of certain
deductions and exemptions for amounts may result in a marginal
tax rate in excess of such rates on certain items of income). To
receive incentive stock option treatment, the employee must not
dispose of the Common Stock within two years after the option is
granted and must hold the Common Stock itself for at least one
year after the transfer of such Common Stock to such employee.
If the holding period rules for incentive stock option treatment
are not satisfied, income is recognized by the employee upon
disposition of the Common Stock (a disqualifying
disposition). Any gain realized by the employee will be
taxable at the time of such disqualifying disposition as
(i) ordinary income to the extent of the difference between
the option price and the lesser of (a) the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the date the incentive stock option
is exercised or (b) the amount realized on such
disqualifying disposition and (ii) short-term or long-term
capital gain to the extent of any excess of the amount realized
on the disposition over the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date the incentive stock option is exercised. With
respect to officers, directors and persons deemed to be
beneficial owners of more than 10% of the Common Stock, the date
an incentive stock option is exercised for purposes of
determining the tax consequences of a disqualifying disposition
is generally deemed to be the later of the actual exercise date
or the date the restrictions of Section 16(b) of the
Exchange Act lapse (generally six months after the date of
grant). The Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the
amount of ordinary income recognized by the employee at the time
such income is recognized.
Section 162(m) of the Code limits the deduction for certain
compensation paid to certain senior executive officers of the
Company in a taxable year to $1 million for each such
officer. Compensation includes all salary and other amounts paid
to such officers as remuneration for services, but would not
include the gain realized upon the exercise of an incentive
stock option granted under the Amended 1998 Plan unless there is
a disqualifying disposition with respect to such option.
Approval of Amendment
The amendment to the 1998 Plan requires the approval of a
majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting (in person or
by proxy) by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote
their shares FOR approval of the amendment to the 1998 Plan as
described above.
24
PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE AMENDMENT
TO THE 2003 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN
TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES
The Company has two Non-Employee Directors Stock Option
Plans adopted in 1995 and 2003, respectively (the
Directors Option Plans) and previously
approved by shareholders. The Directors Option Plans
currently provide that options for a maximum of
390,153 shares (as restated to give retroactive effect to
stock dividends and stock splits) of Common Stock, in the
aggregate may be granted. As of March 26, 2005, options
covering 237,039 shares of Common Stock, in the aggregate,
were outstanding under the Directors Option Plans, leaving
48,274 shares of Common Stock available for grant of future
options, all of which were available under the 2003 Non-Employee
Directors Stock Option Plan (the 2003 Plan).
On June 8, 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors, via Unanimous Written Consent, approved an increase
in the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock authorized for
awards of options under the 2003 Plan from 90,000 shares
(as restated to give retroactive effect to the Companys
three-for-two stock split in October 2003) to
140,000 shares, an increase of 50,000 shares or
approximately .4% of the number of shares of Common Stock
currently outstanding. As required under the terms of the 2003
Plan, shareholders are asked to approve an amendment to the 2003
Plan reflecting such increase (as so amended, the Amended
2003 Plan). Other than the increase in the number of
shares authorized, the Amended 2003 Plan will be identical to
the 2003 Plan as currently in effect.
Purpose of Amended Plan
The purpose of the Amended 2003 Plan is to secure for the
Company and its shareholders the benefits of the incentive
inherent in increased Common Stock ownership by members of the
Board who are not employees of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (Non-Employee Directors). The 2003
Amended Plan is designed to provide a means of giving existing
and new Non-Employee Directors an increased opportunity to
acquire an investment in the Company, thereby maintaining and
strengthening their desire to remain with or join the
Companys Board of Directors and stimulating their efforts
on the Companys behalf.
Summary of Plan
The Amended 2003 Plan authorizes the Company to grant options
(Options) to purchase Common Stock to Non-Employee
Directors. Seven directors are currently eligible to receive
Options under the Plan. The maximum number of shares of Common
Stock available for issuance upon exercise of Options granted to
directors under the Plan is 90,000 (restated to give retroactive
effect to the Companys three-for-two stock split in
October 2003).
The Amended 2003 Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board (the Committee). The
Committee shall consist of two or more directors of the Company
who meet the eligibility conditions provided in
Rule 16b-3(b)(2) of the Exchange Act. The Committee is
authorized to construe
25
and interpret the Amended 2003 Plan and Options granted
thereunder, to establish and amend rules for its administration
and to correct any defect or omission or reconcile any
inconsistency in the Amended 2003 Plan or in any Option to the
extent the Committee deems desirable to carry the Amended 2003
Plan or any Option into effect.
Options granted under the Amended 2003 Plan are non-qualified
stock options. The exercise price per share of Common Stock
under each Option (the Exercise Price) is the fair
market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.
The Amended 2003 Plan provides for an annual grant of an Option
to purchase 4,559 shares of Common Stock to each
Non-Employee Director on the date of the Annual Meeting. The
fair market value is determined by reference to the closing high
bid and low asked price of the Common Stock as reported on the
NASDAQ National Market System. On June 24, 2005, the
closing price per share of the Companys Common Stock on
the NASDAQ National Market System was $28.82. The term of each
Option is five years.
Options granted under the Amended 2003 Plan are subject to such
terms and conditions and evidenced by agreements in such form as
is determined from time to time by the Committee and are in any
event subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
Amended 2003 Plan. Options granted under the Amended 2003 Plan
are not transferable, except by will and the laws of descent and
distribution.
Under the Amended 2003 Plan, Options may be exercised
immediately on the date of grant, and no shares of the
Companys Common Stock underlying any Option may be sold,
assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred for a period of six
months after the date of the grant of such Option.
Each Option shall be exercisable only during the holders
term as a director and for 30 days after the holder ceases
to be a director, except that an Option may be exercisable after
the directors death or disability until the earlier of
(i) the one-year anniversary of the termination of the
directors term due to death or disability and
(ii) the expiration of the Option (five years after the
date of grant). Option holders who retire from the Board at
age 65 or older (Retirement) may exercise their
Options until the expiration of the Option.
Options may be exercised by written notice to the Company
accompanied by payment in full of the Exercise Price. Payment of
the Exercise Price may be made (i) in cash (including
check, bank draft or money order), (ii) by delivery of
Common Stock (valued at the fair market value thereof on the
date of exercise), or (iii) by delivery of a combination of
cash and Common Stock.
The Company intends to file a registration statement under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities
Act), to register the additional Common Stock to be issued
to Non-Employee Directors under the Amended 2003 Plan. Persons
who are affiliates of the Company (i.e., persons who
are deemed to control the Company directly or indirectly) may
sell Common Stock acquired under the Amended 2003 Plan only by
complying with the requirements and limitations of Rule 144
under the Securities Act.
The Amended 2003 Plan provides that the Committee may at any
time suspend or terminate the Amended 2003 Plan or make such
additions or amend-
26
ments as they deem advisable; provided, that such additions or
amendments are made in compliance with Rule 16b-3 of the
Exchange Act (as such rule may be amended from time to time);
and provided further, that any amendment that would
(i) materially increase the aggregate number of shares
which may be issued under the Amended 2003 Plan,
(ii) materially increase the benefits accruing to
participants under the Amended 2003 Plan, or
(iii) materially modify the requirements as to eligibility
for participation in the Amended 2003 Plan shall be subject to
approval of the Companys shareholders. No Options may be
granted under the Amended 2003 Plan after August 4, 2013,
although Options previously granted under the Amended 2003 Plan
and outstanding on August 4, 2013 remain outstanding,
unless terminated, in accordance with the terms of the Amended
2003 Plan and the option agreement under which they were granted.
The Amended 2003 Plan provides that in the event of a
reorganization, merger, consolidation, recapitalization, stock
split-up, stock dividend, combination of shares or other change
in the Common Stock, appropriate changes to prevent dilution or
enlargement of Options will be made by the Committee in the
aggregate number of shares subject to Options to be granted, and
in the number of shares and price per share subject to
outstanding Options.
The Amended 2003 Plan provides that in the event of a merger of
the Company with or into another corporation constituting a
change of control, a sale of all or substantially all of the
Companys assets or a sale of a majority of the
Companys outstanding voting securities (a Sale of
the Company), the Options may be assumed by the successor
corporation or substantially equivalent options substituted by
the successor corporation, and if the successor corporation does
not assume the Options or substitute options, then the Options
shall terminate if not exercised as of the date of the Sale of
the Company or other prescribed period of time. In the event of
a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, the Options shall
terminate immediately prior to the liquidation or dissolution.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following summary describes the principal federal income tax
consequences of grants made under the Amended 2003 Plan. The
summary is based upon an analysis of the Code, as currently in
effect, judicial decisions, administrative rulings, regulations
and proposed regulations, all of which are subject to change.
Any such change could have retroactive effect and could affect
the consequences described in the summary. The summary does not
purport to cover all federal income tax consequences that may
apply to an optionee and does not contain any discussion of
foreign, state or local tax laws. Optionees are urged to consult
their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences to them of
acquiring and exercising options and upon the sale or other
disposition of any Common Stock acquired under the Amended 2003
Plan, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the
laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction.
Options granted or to be granted under the Amended 2003 Plan
will be non-qualified stock options and are not
intended to qualify as incentive stock options under
Section 422 of the Code. In general, no taxable income will
be recognized by the optionee and no deduction will be allowed
to the Company
27
upon the grant of an Option. Upon exercise of an Option, except
as described below, an optionee will recognize an amount of
ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value on
the exercise date of the shares of Common Stock issued to an
optionee over the Exercise Price. The Company will be entitled
to a corresponding tax deduction equal to the amount included in
the optionees income.
As the optionees will be directors of the Company, the stock
received upon the exercise of an Option may be subject to
restrictions under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act if the
Option is exercised and the underlying stock is sold within six
months after the grant date (the Restriction
Period). Options exercised during the Restriction Period
will not be deemed to be exercised for purposes of the above
income recognition rules until the date that the Restriction
Period ends, unless the optionee makes an election to be taxed
currently under Section 83(b) of the Code. If such an
election is made within 30 days after the transfer of
Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of the Option, the
optionee will recognize ordinary income on the date of the
actual exercise of Options (and the Company will be entitled to
a corresponding tax deduction equal to the amount included in
the optionees income).
If an optionee delivers previously-acquired Common Stock,
however acquired, in payment of all or part of the Exercise
Price of a non-qualified stock option, the optionee will not, as
a result of such delivery, be required to recognize as taxable
income or loss any appreciation or depreciation in the value of
the previously-acquired Common Stock after its acquisition date.
The fair market value of the shares received in excess of the
fair market value of the shares surrendered and any cash paid
constitutes compensation taxable to the optionee as ordinary
income. Such fair market value is determined on the date of
exercise. The Company is entitled to a tax deduction equal to
the compensation income included by the optionee in his income.
Approval of Amendment
The amendment to the 2003 Plan requires the approval of a
majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting (in person or
by proxy) by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote
their shares FOR approval of the amendment to the 2003 Plan as
described above.
28
NEW PLAN BENEFITS
The following table sets forth the number of stock options that
will be received in fiscal 2006 by the Non-Executive Director
Group under the 2003 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option
Plan. Executives and other employees of the Company are not
eligible to receive options under the terms of this plan. The
number of stock options to be received in fiscal 2006 by the
Named Officers under the 1998 Stock Option Plan cannot be
determined at this time. The number of stock options received in
fiscal 2005 by the Named Officers, the Executive Group and the
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group under the 1998 Plan are
disclosed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
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Non-Employee Directors | |
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Stock Option Plan | |
Name and Position |
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Number of Options | |
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Robert G. Gross
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0 |
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President and
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Chief Executive Officer
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Joseph Tomarchio, Jr.
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0 |
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Divisional Vice President
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Tire Stores
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Catherine DAmico
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0 |
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Executive Vice President Finance
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and Chief Financial Officer
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Christopher R. Hoornbeck
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0 |
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Divisional Vice President
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Western Operations
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Craig L. Hoyle
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0 |
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Divisional Vice President
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Southern Operations
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Executive Group
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0 |
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Non-Executive Director Group
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31,913 |
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Non-Executive Officer Employee Group
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0 |
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APPROVAL OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Shareholder ratification of the Companys independent
public accountants is not required by the Companys Amended
and Restated By-laws or otherwise. The Audit Committee may
direct the appointment of different independent accountants at
any time during the fiscal year if it determines that such a
change would be in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders. However, as good corporate practice, the Audit
Committee is requesting that the shareholders approve its
proposal to reevaluate the selection of independent public
accountants to audit the books and accounts for fiscal 2006.
29
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PWC) has been engaged as
the Companys independent accountants since 1984. A
representative of PWC will be present at the Annual Meeting to
respond to questions and will have an opportunity to make a
statement if he or she desires to do so.
In addition to retaining PWC to audit the Companys
consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2005, the Company
retained PWC and other consulting firms to provide advisory,
auditing, and consulting services in fiscal 2005. The Company
understands the need for PWC to maintain objectivity and
independence in its audit of its financial statements. To
minimize relationships that could appear to impair the
objectivity of PWC, the Audit Committee has restricted the
non-audit services that PWC may provide primarily to tax
services, merger and acquisition due diligence services and
audit services. They also determined that the Company would
obtain non-audit services from PWC only when the services
offered by PWC are more effective or economical than services
available from other service providers, and, to the extent
possible, only after competitive bidding.
The Audit Committee has also adopted policies and procedures for
pre-approving all non-audit work performed by PWC after
May 5, 2003. Specifically, the committee has pre-approved
the use of PWC for the following categories of non-audit
service: merger and acquisition due diligence and audit
services; tax services; internal control reviews; and reviews
and procedures that the Company requests PWC to undertake to
provide assurances on matters not required by laws or
regulations. In each case, the Committee requires management to
report the specific engagements to the Committee on a regular
basis, and also obtain specific pre-approval on any engagement
over $25,000.
Aggregate fees billed to the Company for services rendered by
PWC for fiscal 2005 and 2004 were:
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2005 | |
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2004 | |
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Audit Fees, including quarterly reviews
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$ |
443,500 |
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$ |
100,000 |
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Audit Related Fees
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41,000 |
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106,900 |
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Tax Fees
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66,400 |
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128,100 |
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All Other Fees
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1,600 |
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14,200 |
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Total Fees
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$ |
552,500 |
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$ |
349,200 |
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In the table above, in accordance with SEC definitions and
rules, audit fees are fees the Company paid to PWC
for professional services for the audit of the Companys
consolidated financial statements included in Form 10-K and
review of financial statements included in Form 10-Qs, for
the Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 internal control audit or
for services that are normally provided by the accountant in
connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements;
audit-related fees are comprised of assurance and
related services that are traditionally performed by the
external auditor; tax fees are fees related to
preparation of the Companys tax returns, as well as fees
for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning; and all
other fees are fees billed by PWC to the Company for any
services not included in the first three categories including
services such as benefit plan services and merger and
acquisition due diligence.
30
The Audit Committee has considered whether the non-audit
services provided by PWC are compatible with PWC maintaining its
independence and has determined that they are compatible.
The Board of Directors recommends the shareholders
vote FOR ratification of the proposal regarding
reevaluating the selection of independent public accountants of
the Company for the fiscal year ending March 25, 2006.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Nominations for Board membership and proposals of shareholders
that are intended to be presented at the annual meeting to be
held in 2006 must be received by the Company by March 10,
2006 in order that they may be considered for inclusion in the
proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting. The
Companys Certificate of Incorporation provides that
shareholders who do not present a proposal for inclusion in the
proxy statement, but who still intend to submit the proposal at
the 2006 annual meeting, and shareholders who intend to submit
nominations for directors at the meeting, are required to
deliver or mail the proposal or nomination to the Secretary of
the Company, Monro Muffler Brake, Inc., 200 Holleder
Parkway, Rochester, New York 14615, so that the Secretary
receives the proposal or nomination not less than 120 days
nor more than 180 days prior to the meeting, except that if
less than 50 days notice or prior public disclosure of the
meeting date is given or made to shareholders, the Secretary
must receive such proposal or nomination not later than the
close of business on the tenth day following the day on which
notice of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was
made, whichever first occurs. Each proposal or nomination must
set forth the information required by the Certificate of
Incorporation. If the chairman of the meeting determines that a
proposal or nomination was not made in accordance with the
required procedures, such proposal or nomination will be
disregarded. Additional information and a copy of the
Certificate of Incorporation may be obtained by submitting a
written request to the Secretary of the Company.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company will furnish to any shareholder, upon written
request, a copy of the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2005, as
filed with the SEC, without charge, except that copies of any
exhibit to such report will be furnished upon payment by such
shareholder of the Companys reasonable expenses in
furnishing such exhibit. Written requests may be directed to the
Company, 200 Holleder Parkway, Rochester, New York 14615,
Attention: Secretary.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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/s/ John W. Van Heel |
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John W. Van Heel |
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Secretary |
Rochester, New York
July 8, 2005
31
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
MONRO MUFFLER BRAKE, INC.
August 9, 2005
Please date, sign and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
ê Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. ê
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN
BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x
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Election of Directors: To elect four Class 2 directors
to serve a two-year term and until their successors
are duly elected and qualified at the 2007 annual
meeting of shareholders. |
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NOMINEES: |
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for all nominees |
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Frederick M Danziger
Robert G. Gross |
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Class 2 two year
Class 2 two year |
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withhold authority
for all nominees |
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Peter J. Solomon
Francis R. Strawbridge |
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Class 2 two year
Class 2 two year |
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for all except
(See instructions below) |
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INSTRUCTION: |
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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: l |
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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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FOR |
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AGAINST |
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ABSTAIN |
2.
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To ratify the amendment to the Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. 1998
Employee Stock Option Plan.
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3.
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To ratify the amendment to the Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. 2003
Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan.
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4.
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To ratify the proposal regarding reevaluating the selection of
independent public accountants.
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To consider such other business as may properly be brought before the
meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
MARK HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING. o
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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. |
MONRO MUFFLER BRAKE, INC.
Proxy Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors
for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, August 9, 2005
The undersigned hereby appoints Robert G. Gross and Catherine DAmico, as proxies, each with
the power to appoint his substitute and hereby authorizes such person acting individually, to
represent and to vote, as specified on the reverse side hereof, all of the shares of common stock
of Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. which the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held at Genesee Valley Club, 421 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14607,
commencing at 10:00 a.m. on August 9, 2005 and at any postponement or adjournment thereof; and in
the discretion of the proxies, their substitutes or delegates, to vote such shares and to represent
the undersigned in respect of other matters properly brought before the meeting.
WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED BY THE SIGNING SHAREHOLDER
ON THE REVERSE SIDE HEREOF. UNLESS THE AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ELECTION OF ANY NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR
IS WITHHELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE REVERSE SIDE HEREOF, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATIONS.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)