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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

Filed by the Registrant ý

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o

Check the appropriate box:

o

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

o

 

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

ý

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

o

 

Definitive Additional Materials

o

 

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

DineEquity, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ý

 

No fee required.

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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
    (1)   Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
        
 
    (2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
        
 
    (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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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.

 

 

(1)

 

Amount Previously Paid:
        
 
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LOGO


450 North Brand Boulevard
Glendale, California 91203
(866) 995-DINE

April 9, 2015

Dear Fellow Stockholders:

We are pleased to invite you to attend the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of DineEquity, Inc., which will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at 8:00 a.m., Local Time, at our offices located at 450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California 91203. At this year's Annual Meeting, you will be asked to: elect three Class III directors; ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor; and approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.

Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, we hope you will vote as soon as possible. Voting your proxy will ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting. You can vote your shares over the Internet, by telephone or by using a traditional proxy card. Instructions on each of these voting methods are outlined in the enclosed proxy statement.

We urge you to review carefully the proxy materials and to vote: FOR the election of each of the Class III directors; FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditor; and FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers.

Thank you for your continued support of and interest in DineEquity, Inc. We look forward to seeing you on May 19th.

Sincerely yours,

 

 


GRAPHIC

   

Julia A. Stewart

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 


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LOGO


450 North Brand Boulevard
Glendale, California 91203
(866) 995-DINE


NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 19, 2015

April 9, 2015

To the Stockholders of DineEquity, Inc.:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of DineEquity, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), will be held at the Corporation's offices located at 450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California 91203, on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at 8:00 a.m., Local Time, for the following purposes as more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement:

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2015, the record date for the Annual Meeting, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

GRAPHIC

Bryan R. Adel
Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Secretary


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of
Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be Held on May 19, 2015

The proxy statement and 2014 annual report to stockholders and the means to vote by Internet are available at www.envisionreports.com/DIN.


Your Vote is Important

Please vote as promptly as possible by using the Internet or telephone or by signing, dating and returning the proxy card mailed to those who receive paper copies of this proxy statement. All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote in person if you wish, even if you have previously returned your proxy card.


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Table of Contents

 
  Page  

Questions and Answers

    1  

Important Note

    5  

Corporate Governance

    5  

Current Board of Directors

    5  

The Structure of the Board of Directors and the Lead Director

    5  

The Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight

    6  

Director Independence

    7  

Codes of Conduct

    7  

Corporate Governance Guidelines

    8  

Director Attendance at Meetings

    8  

Executive Sessions of Non-Management Directors

    8  

Communications with the Board of Directors

    9  

Board of Directors Retirement Policy

    9  

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions

    9  

Board of Directors Committees and Their Functions

    10  

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

    12  

Board of Directors Nominations

    13  

Stockholder Nominations

    13  

Director Compensation

    14  

Director Compensation Table for 2014

    15  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

    16  

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

    19  

Executive Compensation

    20  

Compensation Committee Report

    20  

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

    21  

Compensation Tables

    38  

2014 Summary Compensation Table

    38  

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2014

    39  

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2014 Fiscal Year-End

    41  

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

    42  

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

    42  

Employment Agreements

    43  

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

    45  

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

    47  

Equity Compensation Plan Information

    47  

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

    48  

Executive Officers of the Corporation

    48  

Audit-Related Matters

    50  

Report of the Audit and Finance Committee

    50  

Independent Auditor Fees

    52  

Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of the Independent Auditor

    52  

Matters to Be Voted Upon at the Annual Meeting

    53  

PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF THREE CLASS III DIRECTORS

    53  

Director Nominees

    53  

Continuing Directors

    54  

PROPOSAL TWO: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE CORPORATION'S INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR THE 2015 FISCAL YEAR

    57  

PROPOSAL THREE: APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE CORPORATION'S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

    58  

Proposals of Stockholders

    59  

Other Business

    59  

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LOGO

450 North Brand Boulevard
Glendale, California 91203
(866) 995-DINE

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q:    Why am I receiving these materials?

A:    The Corporation has made these materials available to you on the Internet and by mail, in connection with the Corporation's solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at 8:00 a.m., Local Time, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. These materials were first sent or given to stockholders on April 9, 2015. You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting and are requested to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Corporation's offices located at 450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California 91203.

Q:    What is included in these materials?

A:    These materials include:

This proxy statement for the Annual Meeting; and

The Corporation's 2014 annual report to stockholders, which contains the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 25, 2015.

Q:    What items will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?

A:    The DineEquity, Inc. Board of Directors is requesting that stockholders vote on the following three proposals at the Annual Meeting:

Proposal One:    The election of three Class III directors.

Proposal Two:    The ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Corporation's independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.

Proposal Three:    The approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers.

Q:    What are the voting recommendations of the Board of Directors?

A:    The Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares:

"FOR" all three individuals nominated to serve as Class III directors;

"FOR" the ratification of the Audit and Finance Committee's appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Corporation's independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015; and

"FOR" the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers.

Q:    Who is entitled to vote?

A:    Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2015 (the "Record Date") will be entitled to receive notice of, and

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to vote at, the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were outstanding 19,050,861 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"). The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Stockholders of record of the Common Stock may vote their shares either in person or by proxy.

Q:    What constitutes a "quorum"?

A:    A quorum is necessary to hold a valid meeting of stockholders. A quorum exists if the holders of a majority of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting are present in person or represented by proxy.

Q:    How do I cast my vote?

A:    There are four ways to vote:

By Internet.  To vote by Internet, go to www.envisionreports.com/DIN. Internet voting is available 24 hours a day, although your vote by Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, May 18, 2015. You will need the control number found either on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or on the proxy card if you are receiving a printed copy of these materials. If you vote by Internet, do not return your proxy card or voting instruction card. If you hold your shares in "street name," please refer to the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or voting instruction card provided to you by your broker, bank or other holder of record for Internet voting instructions.

By Telephone.  To vote by telephone, registered stockholders should dial 800-652-VOTE (8683) and follow the instructions. Telephone voting is available 24 hours a day, although your vote by phone must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, May 18, 2015. You will need the control number found either on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or on the proxy card if you are receiving a printed copy of these materials. If you vote by telephone, do not return your proxy card or voting instruction card. If you hold your shares in "street name," please refer to the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or voting instruction card provided to you by your broker, bank or other holder of record for telephone voting instructions.

By Mail.  By signing the proxy card and returning it in the prepaid and addressed envelope enclosed with proxy materials delivered by mail, you are authorizing the individuals named on the proxy card to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting in the manner you indicate. Stockholders are encouraged to sign and return the proxy card even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting so that your shares will be voted if you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting. If you receive more than one proxy card, it is an indication that your shares are held in multiple accounts. Please sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

In Person.  If you attend the Annual Meeting and plan to vote in person, you will be provided with a ballot at the Annual Meeting. If your shares are registered directly in your name, you are considered the stockholder of record and you have the right to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of your broker or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name. As a beneficial owner, if you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you will need to bring to the Annual Meeting a legal proxy from your broker or other nominee authorizing you to vote those shares. Whether you are a stockholder of record or a beneficial owner, you must bring valid, government-issued photo identification to gain admission to the Annual Meeting. For directions to the Annual Meeting, please visit the Investors section of the Corporation's website at http://www.dineequity.com.

Whichever method you use, each valid proxy received in time will be voted at the Annual Meeting by the persons named on the proxy card in accordance with your instructions. To ensure that your proxy is voted, it should be received by the close of business on May 18, 2015.

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Q:    What happens if I do not give specific voting instructions?

A:    If you do not give specific voting instructions, the following will apply:

Stockholders of Record.    If you are a stockholder of record and do not give specific voting instructions for each proposal when voting by signing and returning a proxy card, then the proxy holders will vote your shares as follows:

"FOR" all three individuals nominated to serve as Class III directors;

"FOR" the ratification of the Audit and Finance Committee's appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Corporation's independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015; and

"FOR" the approval of the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers.

Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name.    If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and do not provide the organization that holds your shares with specific voting instructions, under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), the organization that holds your shares may generally vote on routine matters (such as Proposal Two—ratification of the appointment of the Corporation's independent auditor) but cannot vote on non-routine matters (such as Proposal One—the election of the Corporation's Class III directors and Proposal Three—the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers). If the organization that holds your shares does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares on a non-routine matter, the organization that holds your shares will inform the tabulator of votes that it does not have the authority to vote on this matter with respect to your shares. This is generally referred to as a "broker non-vote." Accordingly, stockholders are urged to give your broker or bank instructions on voting your shares on all non-routine matters.

Q:    How will my stock be voted on other business brought up at the Annual Meeting?

A:    By signing and submitting your proxy card or voting your shares on the Internet or by telephone, you authorize the persons named on the proxy card to use their discretion in voting on any other matter brought before the Annual Meeting. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Corporation does not know of any other business to be considered at the Annual Meeting.

Q:    Can I change my vote or revoke my proxy?

A:    Yes. If you are a stockholder of record, you can change your vote at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by entering a new vote using the Internet or telephone, by submitting a later-dated proxy or by voting by ballot at the Annual Meeting. You may also revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Corporation or by revoking your proxy in person at the Annual Meeting. If you hold shares in street name, you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your broker or other nominee. You may also change your vote or revoke your proxy in person at the Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy from your broker or other nominee authorizing you to vote the shares.

Q:    What vote is necessary to pass the items of business at the Annual Meeting?

A:    Assuming a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, the three director nominees will be elected if they receive a plurality of the votes cast. This means that the three individuals nominated for election to the Board of Directors who receive the most "FOR" votes will be elected unless other candidates properly nominated for election receive a greater number of votes. No other candidates have been nominated. Only votes "FOR" or "WITHHELD" are counted in determining whether a plurality has been cast in favor of a director nominee. If you withhold authority to vote with respect to the election of some or all of the nominees, your shares will not be voted with respect to those nominees indicated.

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Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on the proposal relating to the election of directors.

The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal is required to approve Proposal Two, the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as the Corporation's independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015, and Proposal Three, the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers. If your shares are represented at the Annual Meeting but you abstain from voting on either of these matters, your shares will be counted as present and entitled to vote on that matter for purposes of establishing a quorum, and the abstention will have the same effect as a vote against that proposal.

Q:    Why did I receive a one-page notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?

A:    Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC, the Corporation has elected to provide access to its proxy materials via the Internet. Accordingly, the Corporation mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice") to its stockholders on April 9, 2015. The Notice contains instructions on how to access the Corporation's proxy materials, including this proxy statement and the Corporation's 2014 annual report to stockholders. The Notice also instructs you on how to vote over the Internet or by telephone. All stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or request to receive a printed set of the proxy materials by mail or electronically by email. The Corporation encourages stockholders to take advantage of the availability of the proxy materials on the Internet to help reduce the environmental impact of its annual meetings.

This process is designed to expedite stockholders' receipt of proxy materials, lower the cost of the Annual Meeting and help conserve natural resources. However, if you would prefer to receive printed proxy materials on an ongoing basis, please follow the instructions included in the Notice. If you have previously elected to receive the Corporation's proxy materials electronically, you will continue to receive these materials via e-mail unless you elect otherwise.

Q:    What are the costs of this proxy solicitation and who will bear them?

A:    The Corporation will bear the expense of printing, mailing and distributing these proxy materials and soliciting votes. In addition to using the mail, the Corporation's directors, officers, employees, and agents may solicit proxies by personal interview, telephone, or otherwise, although they will not be paid any additional compensation. The Corporation will request brokers and nominees who hold shares of the Corporation's Common Stock in their names to furnish proxy materials to beneficial owners of the shares. The Corporation will reimburse such brokers and nominees for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy materials to such beneficial owners.

Q:    Who will count the votes?

A:    Representatives of Computershare, transfer agent for the Corporation, will count the votes and will serve as the independent inspector of elections for the Annual Meeting.

Additional Information

The Corporate Governance section of the DineEquity, Inc. website provides up-to-date information about the Corporation's corporate governance policies and practices. In addition, the Investors section of the website includes links to the Corporation's filings with the SEC, news releases, and investor presentations by management. Please note that information contained on the Corporation's website does not constitute part of this proxy statement.

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IMPORTANT NOTE

You should rely only on the information contained in this proxy statement to vote on the proposals at the Annual Meeting. The Corporation has not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from what is contained in this proxy statement. This proxy statement is dated April 9, 2015. You should not assume that the information contained in this proxy statement is accurate as of any date other than such date, unless indicated otherwise herein, and the mailing of this proxy statement to stockholders shall not create any implication to the contrary.


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Current Board of Directors

There are currently 10 members of the Board of Directors who are divided into the following three classes:

Class I   Class II   Class III
Howard M. Berk   Larry A. Kay   Richard J. Dahl
Daniel J. Brestle   Douglas M. Pasquale   Stephen P. Joyce
Caroline W. Nahas   Julia A. Stewart   Patrick W. Rose
Gilbert T. Ray        

Class I directors will serve until the annual meeting in 2016, Class II directors will serve until the annual meeting in 2017 and Class III directors currently will serve until the Annual Meeting (in each case, until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified). At the Annual Meeting, three Class III directors will be elected to serve a term of three years and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.

The Structure of the Board of Directors and the Lead Director

The business and affairs of the Corporation are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. It is management's responsibility to formalize, propose and implement strategic choices and the Board of Directors' role to approve strategic direction and evaluate strategic results, including both the performance of the Corporation and the performance of the Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors believes that the combined role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer promotes the execution of the strategic responsibilities of the Board of Directors and management because the Chief Executive Officer is the director most familiar with the Corporation's business and industry and most capable of effectively identifying strategic priorities and leading the discussion and execution of strategy.

Ms. Stewart has served as both the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since May 2006. Because the Chairman is a member of management, the Board of Directors considers it useful and appropriate to designate a Lead Director from among the independent directors to coordinate the activities of the independent directors. The presence of a Lead Director provides additional assurance as to the independence of the Board of Directors' oversight of management. Richard J. Dahl has served as the Lead Director since January 2010. Before Mr. Dahl, Larry A. Kay served as Lead Director beginning in May 2006. The Board of Directors has adopted specific responsibilities of the Lead Director, which include:

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The Board of Directors believes that the combined role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer together with an independent Lead Director having the responsibilities outlined above provides the appropriate balance between strategy development and independent oversight of senior management.

The Role of the Board of Directors in Risk Oversight

The Board of Directors and each of its committees have an active role in overseeing management of the Corporation's risks. The Board of Directors regularly reviews information regarding the Corporation's strategic, financial and operational risks and believes that evaluating how the executive team manages the various risks confronting the Corporation is one of its most important areas of oversight.

In carrying out this critical responsibility, the Board of Directors has established an Enterprise Risk Management Council consisting of key members of the risk management, quality assurance, legal, finance and internal audit disciplines. The Enterprise Risk Management Council assists the Board of Directors and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with regard to risks inherent to the business of the Corporation, the identification, assessment, management, and monitoring of those risks, and risk management decisions, practices, and activities of the Corporation. The Enterprise Risk Management Council is led by the Corporation's Executive Director, Risk Management, who reports regularly to the Audit and Finance Committee and the Board of Directors.

The Audit and Finance Committee oversees the management of risks associated with accounting, auditing, financial reporting and internal controls over financial reporting. The Audit and Finance Committee assists the Board of Directors in its oversight of the integrity of the Corporation's financial statements, the Corporation's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the performance, qualifications, and independence of the Corporation's independent auditor, and the performance of the Corporation's internal audit function. The Audit and Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing and discussing the guidelines and policies governing the process by which senior management and internal audit assess and manage the Corporation's exposure to risk, as well as the Corporation's major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures.

The Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also consider risk within their respective areas of responsibility. The Compensation Committee oversees the management of risks relating to the Corporation's compensation philosophy, policies and practices. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees risks associated with the Board of Directors' organization, membership and structure, corporate governance, the independence of members of the Board of Directors, and assessment of the performance and effectiveness of each member of the Board of Directors. While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, the entire Board of Directors is regularly informed through committee reports and management updates about such risks.

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Director Independence

The NYSE rules require listed companies to have a board of directors with at least a majority of independent directors. The Board of Directors has had a majority of independent directors since the Corporation went public in 1991.

Under the NYSE rules, a director qualifies as "independent" if the Board of Directors affirmatively determines that he or she has no material relationship with the Corporation (either directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a material relationship with the Corporation). Based upon a review of the directors' backgrounds and business activities, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that directors Howard M. Berk, Daniel J. Brestle, Richard J. Dahl, Stephen P. Joyce, Larry A. Kay, Caroline W. Nahas, Douglas M. Pasquale, Gilbert T. Ray, and Patrick W. Rose have no material relationships (other than service as a director on the Board of Directors) with the Corporation and therefore that they each qualify as independent. In making its determination, the Board of Directors considered Mr. Berk's position as a partner of MSD Capital, L.P. and the fact that MSD Capital, L.P. may be deemed to beneficially own 1,727,356 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock. The Board of Directors also considered Mr. Dahl's position as the chairman of the board of directors and the president and chief executive officer of the James Campbell Company and the fact that the Corporation leases space from a building owned by the James Campbell Company in Novato, California. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Corporation paid rent to the James Campbell Company totaling approximately $193,036. The Corporation entered into the lease before Mr. Dahl joined the James Campbell Company. The Corporation does not believe that Mr. Dahl has a material direct or indirect interest in such lease. Prior to his retirement from the Board of Directors on May 28, 2014, the Board of Directors had previously determined that Michael S. Gordon qualified as independent under the applicable NYSE list standards.

The Corporation's Chief Executive Officer, Julia A. Stewart, does not qualify as an independent director.

Both the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the NYSE rules require the Board of Directors to have an audit committee comprised solely of independent directors, and the NYSE rules also require the Board of Directors to have a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee, each of which is comprised solely of independent directors. The Corporation is in compliance with these requirements.

The Audit and Finance Committee Charter, the Compensation Committee Charter, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter can be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Corporation's website, http://www.dineequity.com, and printed copies are also available at no charge upon request to the Secretary at DineEquity, Inc., 450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California 91203, (866) 995-DINE.

Codes of Conduct

The Corporation is committed to maintaining high standards of business conduct and corporate governance, which is essential to running the business efficiently, serving the Corporation's stockholders well and maintaining the Corporation's integrity in the marketplace. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has adopted a Global Code of Conduct, which applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Corporation. The Global Code of Conduct sets forth the fundamental principles and key policies that govern the way the Corporation conducts business, including workplace conduct, conflicts of interest, gifts and entertainment, political and community involvement, protection of corporate assets, fair business practices, global relations and other laws and regulations applicable to the Corporation's business.

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In addition to the Global Code of Conduct, the Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Conduct for Non-Employee Directors, which serves as guidance to the Corporation's non-employee directors on ethical issues including conflicts of interest, confidentiality, corporate opportunities, fair disclosure, protection and proper use of corporate assets, fair dealing, harassment and discrimination, and other laws and regulations applicable to the Corporation's business.

The Board of Directors has also adopted the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers. These individuals are expected to avoid actual or apparent conflicts between their personal and professional relationships and make full disclosure of any material transaction or relationship that could create or appear to create a conflict of interest to the General Counsel, who will inform and seek a determination from the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors as to whether a conflict exists and the appropriate disposition of the matter. In addition, these individuals are expected to promote the corporate policy of making full, fair, accurate and understandable disclosure in all reports and documents filed with the SEC; report violations of the Code of Ethics to the General Counsel or the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee; and request from the General Counsel any waivers of the Code of Ethics, which shall be publicly disclosed if required by applicable law.

The Corporation also maintains an ethics hotline to allow any employee to express a concern or lodge a complaint, confidentially and anonymously, about any potential violation of the Corporation's Global Code of Conduct.

Copies of the Global Code of Conduct, the Code of Conduct for Non-Employee Directors and the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers can be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Corporation's website, http://www.dineequity.com. In addition, printed copies of the codes of conduct are available at no charge upon request to the Secretary at DineEquity, Inc., 450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California 91203, (866) 995-DINE. We will disclose any future substantive amendments to, or waivers granted to any officer from, the provisions of these ethics policies and standards as promptly as practicable as may be required under applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the New York Stock Exchange.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Corporation has adopted corporate governance guidelines which can be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Corporation's website, http://www.dineequity.com. In addition, printed copies of the Corporation's corporate governance guidelines are available at no charge upon request to the Secretary at DineEquity, Inc., 450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California 91203, (866) 995-DINE.

Director Attendance at Meetings

Directors are expected to attend the Corporation's Annual Meeting and 10 directors attended the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders. During 2014, each incumbent director attended 75% or more of the aggregate of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the committees on which he or she served that were held during the period for which he or she served as a director.

Executive Sessions of Non-Management Directors

The NYSE rules require that the non-management directors of a listed company meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. The Corporation's non-management directors meet separately at each regular meeting of the Board of Directors and most committee meetings. The Lead Director, Richard J. Dahl, is not a member of management and presides during executive sessions of the Board of Directors.

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Communications with the Board of Directors

Stockholders and other interested persons wishing to communicate directly with the Board of Directors, Chairman, Lead Director, any Committee or Committee Chairman, or the non-management directors, individually or as a group, may do so by sending written communications appropriately addressed to the following address:

DineEquity, Inc.
(or a particular subgroup or individual director)
c/o Office of the Secretary
450 North Brand Boulevard, 7th Floor
Glendale, California 91203

Each written communication should specify the applicable addressee or addressees to be contacted, as well as the general topic of the communication. The Board of Directors has designated the Secretary of the Corporation as its agent to receive and review communications addressed to the Board of Directors, Chairman, Lead Director, any Committee or Committee Chairman, or the non-management directors, individually or as a group. The Office of the Secretary will initially receive and process communications to determine whether it is a proper communication for the Board of Directors. If the envelope containing a communication that a stockholder or other interested person wishes to be confidential is conspicuously marked "Confidential," the Secretary of the Corporation will not open the communication prior to forwarding it to the appropriate individual(s). Generally, any communication that is primarily commercial, offensive, illegal or otherwise inappropriate, or does not substantively relate to the duties and responsibilities of our Board of Directors, may not be forwarded.

Board of Directors Retirement Policy

In 2004, the Board of Directors resolved that effective with the 2005 annual meeting of stockholders, no person may stand for election to serve as a member of the Corporation's Board of Directors if he or she shall have reached his or her 76th birthday. Under special circumstances, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and upon the consent and approval of a majority of the Board of Directors, a person who has reached his or her 76th birthday may be permitted to stand for election and, if elected, continue to serve on the Board of Directors.

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions

The Corporation's Global Code of Conduct and the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers provide that executive officers who encounter a potential or actual conflict of interest must fully disclose all facts and circumstances to the Corporation's General Counsel, who will inform and seek a determination from the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors as to whether a conflict exists and the appropriate disposition of the matter. The Corporation's Code of Conduct for Non-Employee Directors provides that any director who becomes aware of any situation that involves, or reasonably may appear to involve, a conflict of interest with the Corporation must promptly bring it to the attention of the Corporation's General Counsel or to the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.

Any waiver of any provision of the Global Code of Conduct or the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers for any executive officer may be granted only by the Board of Directors. Any waiver of the Code of Conduct for Non-Employee Directors may be made only by the disinterested directors of the Board of Directors or the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors, and any such waiver shall be promptly disclosed to the Corporation's stockholders. The Board of Directors and the Audit and Finance Committee review whether such waivers are in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders, taking into account all relevant factors. In 2014, there were no waivers of (a) the Global Code of Conduct for executive officers, (b) the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers, or (c) the Code of Conduct for Non-Employee Directors.

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Neither the Global Code of Conduct nor the Code of Conduct for Non-Employee Directors addresses the conduct of director nominees who are not already Board of Directors members (or members of any such director nominee's immediate family) or beneficial owners of more than five percent of the Corporation's voting securities (or members of any such beneficial owner's immediate family). The charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors provides that it will consider conflicts of interest in evaluating director nominees. As a matter of practice, the Board of Directors or the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors would be called upon to review any transaction involving such security holders (or members of their immediate family) that would be required to be disclosed by the applicable rules of the SEC.

Board of Directors Committees and Their Functions

The Board of Directors has three standing committees, each of which operates under a written charter approved by the Board of Directors: the Audit and Finance Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each member of these committees is an independent director in accordance with the NYSE listing standards and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. The charter for each of these committees can be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Corporation's website, http://www.dineequity.com, and a printed copy is also available at no charge upon request to the Secretary at DineEquity, Inc., 450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California 91203, (866) 995-DINE.

The chart below identifies directors who were members, and chairs, of each committee at the end of 2014 and as of the date of this Proxy Statement, the principal functions of each committee and the number of meetings held by each committee during 2014. The Board of Directors held seven meetings during 2014.

 
Name of Committee and
Membership

  Principal Functions of the Committee
  Meetings in
2014


 
Audit and Finance Committee
Richard J. Dahl, Chairman
Howard M. Berk
Larry A. Kay
Douglas M. Pasquale
 

Responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of any independent auditor engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Corporation.

Reviews with management and the independent auditor the Corporation's annual audited and quarterly financial statements and other financial disclosures, the adequacy and effectiveness of accounting and internal control policies and procedures and major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentations.

Meets at each regular meeting with the Corporation's director of internal audit and the independent auditor in separate executive sessions.

Reviews and discusses with management and, when appropriate, makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the following: (i) the Corporation's tax program, including tax planning and compliance; and (ii) the Corporation's insurance risk management policies and programs.

Reviews the Corporation's program to monitor compliance with the Corporation's Global Code of Conduct and meets periodically with the Corporation's General Counsel or Compliance Officer to discuss compliance with the Global Code of Conduct.

  8 Meetings

 

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Name of Committee and
Membership

  Principal Functions of the Committee
  Meetings in
2014


 
   

Reviews requests from directors and executive officers of the Corporation of the Corporation's Code of Conduct for Non-Employee Directors and Global Code of Conduct, respectively, and related policies of the Corporation, to make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning such requests or to grant or deny such requests on behalf of the Board of Directors, as appropriate, and to review any public disclosures related to such waivers.

   
   

Reviews any potential related party transactions.

   
   

Reviews the performance and independence of the Corporation's independent auditor.

   
   

Prepares a report required by the rules of the SEC to be included in the Corporation's proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders.

   
   

Reviews and provides guidance to the Board of Directors and management regarding: dividend policy; sales, issuance or repurchases of the Corporation's Common Stock; policies and guidelines on investment of cash; policies and guidelines on short and long-term financing; debt/equity ratios, fixed charge ratios, working capital, other debt covenant ratios; and other transactions or financial issues that management desires to have reviewed by the Audit and Finance Committee from time to time.

   
   

Oversees and evaluates the management of risks associated with accounting, auditing, financial reporting and internal controls over financial reporting, and reviews and discusses with the Board of Directors, at least annually and at the request of the Board of Directors, issues relating to the assessment and mitigation of major financial risk factors affecting the Corporation.

   

 
Compensation Committee
Patrick W. Rose, Chairman
Daniel J. Brestle
Stephen P. Joyce
Caroline W. Nahas
 

Oversees the Corporation's compensation and employee benefit plans and practices, including its executive compensation plans and its incentive compensation and equity-based plans.

Reviews at least annually the goals and objectives of the Corporation's executive compensation plans, and amends, or recommends that the Board of Directors amend, these goals and objectives if the Compensation Committee deems it appropriate.

Reviews, at least annually, the Corporation's executive compensation plans in light of the Corporation's goals and objectives with respect to such plans and, if appropriate, adopts, or recommends that the Board of Directors adopt, any new executive compensation plans or the amendments of existing, executive compensation plans.

Reviews the Corporation's succession plans for officer level executives.

Evaluates annually the performance of the CEO and other executive officers in light of the goals and objectives of the Corporation's executive compensation plans, and either as a committee or, together with the other independent directors, determines and approves the CEO's compensation.

  5 Meetings

 

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Name of Committee and
Membership

  Principal Functions of the Committee
  Meetings in
2014


 
   

Evaluates annually the appropriate level of compensation for the Board of Directors and committee service by non-employee members of the Board of Directors.

Prepares a report on executive compensation to be included in the Corporation's proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders or its annual report on Form 10-K.

Reviews and approves severance or termination arrangements to be made with executive officers.

Reviews and monitors risks related to compensation policies and practices, and reviews with the Board of Directors, at least annually, any issues regarding assessment and mitigation of risk factors affecting the Corporation related to the Corporation's compensation policies and practices.

   

 
Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee
Caroline W. Nahas, Chair
Howard M. Berk
Gilbert T. Ray
 

Identifies and recommends to the Board of Directors individuals qualified to serve as directors of the Corporation and on committees of the Board of Directors.

Reviews annually and advises the Board of Directors with respect to the Board of Directors' composition, size, frequency of meetings, and any other aspects of procedures of the Board of Directors and its committees.

Develops and recommends to the Board of Directors a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to the Corporation; reviews periodically, and at least annually, the corporate governance guidelines adopted by the Board of Directors to assure that they are appropriate for the Corporation and comply with the requirements of the NYSE; and recommends any desirable changes to the Board of Directors.

Reviews periodically with management the Corporation's policies and programs in such areas as charitable contributions.

Reviews periodically the Corporation's Global Code of Conduct and Code of Conduct for Non-Employee Directors and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for any changes deemed appropriate.

  3 Meetings
   

Oversees the evaluation of the Board of Directors as a whole and evaluates and reports to the Board of Directors on the performance and effectiveness of the Board of Directors.

   
   

Oversees and reviews policies with respect to assessment and management of risks associated with the Board of Directors' organization, membership and structure, succession planning, corporate governance, independence, and the performance and effectiveness of the Board of Directors.

   

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's responsibilities include recommending to the Board of Directors criteria for membership on the Board of Directors as well as nominees for Board of Directors membership.

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Board of Directors Nominations

Consistent with its charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers various criteria in evaluating Board of Directors candidates, including, among others, business experience, board of directors experience, skills, expertise, education, professions, backgrounds, diversity, personal and professional integrity, character, business judgment, business philosophy, time availability in light of other commitments, dedication, conflicts of interest, and such other relevant factors that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers appropriate in the context of the needs of the Board of Directors. In considering diversity, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee evaluates candidates with a broad range of expertise, experience, skills, professions, education, backgrounds and other board of directors experience. While the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity, it seeks to identify directors who will bring diverse viewpoints, opinions and areas of expertise that will benefit the Board of Directors as a whole. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria in evaluating prospective nominees.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers whether a potential nominee would satisfy the NYSE's criteria for director "independence," the NYSE's "accounting or related financial management expertise" standard and the SEC's definition of "audit committee financial expert."

Whenever a vacancy or potential vacancy exists on the Board of Directors due to expansion of the size of the Board of Directors or the resignation or retirement of an existing director, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee begins its process of identifying and evaluating potential director nominees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers recommendations of management, stockholders and others. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has sole authority to retain and terminate any search firm to be used to identify director candidates, including approving its fees and other retention terms.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee conducted an evaluation and assessment of each director whose term expires in 2015 for purposes of determining whether to recommend them for nomination for re-election to the Board of Directors. After reviewing the assessment results, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee determined to make a recommendation to the Board of Directors that Richard J. Dahl, Stephen P. Joyce and Patrick W. Rose be nominated for re-election to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors reviewed and accepted the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's recommendation and has nominated Richard J. Dahl, Stephen P. Joyce and Patrick W. Rose for re-election to the Board of Directors.

Stockholder Nominations

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by stockholders. Stockholders wishing to recommend director candidates for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may do so by writing to the Secretary, giving the recommended nominee's name, biographical data and qualifications, accompanied by the written consent of the recommended nominee to serve if elected. Any stockholder who wishes to directly nominate a director candidate must provide written notice that is timely and in proper form in accordance with the Corporation's Bylaws.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee did not receive any recommendations from stockholders proposing candidates for election to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting.

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The Corporation does not pay directors who are also employees of the Corporation additional compensation for their service on the Board of Directors. Compensation for non-employee directors is comprised of a cash component and an equity component. Please see the Director Compensation Table for 2014 below for a summary of all compensation provided to non-employee directors in 2014. Cash compensation for non-employee directors is comprised of retainers for Board of Directors membership and retainers for serving as the Lead Director or serving as the chair or a member of a Board of Directors committee.

During 2014 the non-employee directors were entitled to receive $65,000 as an annual cash retainer for serving as a member of the Board of Directors, in addition to the following cash compensation depending on their roles:

Directors are eligible to defer up to 100% of their annual Board of Directors retainer fees pursuant to the IHOP Corp., Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Deferred Compensation Plan").

The Corporation also reimburses each of the directors for reasonable expenses incurred for attendance at Board of Directors and committee meetings and other corporate events.

During 2014, non-employee directors also received a grant of equity awards with a grant date fair value of approximately $100,000. In February 2014, equity awards valued at approximately $100,000 in the form of restricted stock units were granted to each non-employee director under the DineEquity, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2011 Stock Incentive Plan"). Under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, non-employee directors may receive periodic grants of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, or performance share awards. All of the currently outstanding restricted stock units granted to outside directors will generally vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. In the event a director retires from the Board of Directors after completing five years of service, all of the director's then outstanding restricted stock units will vest. To the extent the Corporation declares dividends, non-employee directors receive dividend equivalent rights in the form of additional restricted stock units in lieu of receiving cash dividends based upon the number of restricted stock units held by the director at the time of the dividend record dates. Dividend equivalent rights are subject to the same vesting restrictions as the underlying restricted stock units.

Non-employee directors are subject to stock ownership guidelines whereby each director is expected to hold at least 7,000 shares of Common Stock or Common Stock with a value of at least five times the amount of the Board of Directors annual retainer. Directors are expected to meet the ownership guidelines within five years of joining the Board of Directors. Upon review by the Compensation Committee in 2014, all directors met or exceeded the ownership guidelines with the exception of Douglas M. Pasquale, who was appointed as director on March 1, 2013. Mr. Pasquale is on schedule to meet his ownership requirement within the five-year period set forth in the stock ownership guidelines.

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Effective January 1, 2015, the Board of Directors approved the following adjustments to director compensation. The annual cash retainer for non-employee directors was adjusted to $70,000; the annual cash retainer for the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee chairs was adjusted to $12,500 and $7,500, respectively; the annual cash retainer for the Audit and Finance Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members was adjusted to $12,500, $10,000 and $7,500, respectively; and the annual equity award was adjusted to a grant date fair value of $105,000.

Director Compensation Table for 2014

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation earned or paid in cash and stock awards granted to each non-employee director who served on the Board of Directors of the Corporation in 2014.

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

Howard M. Berk

    80,000     100,005     180,005  

Daniel J. Brestle

    72,500     100,005     172,505  

Richard J. Dahl

    115,000     100,005     215,005  

Michael S. Gordon(3)

    30,700     100,005     130,705  

Stephen P. Joyce

    72,500     100,005     172,505  

Larry A. Kay

    75,000     100,005     175,005  

Caroline W. Nahas(4)

    82,500     100,005     182,505  

Douglas M. Pasquale

    75,000     83,365     158,365  

Gilbert T. Ray

    70,000     100,005     170,005  

Patrick W. Rose

    82,500     100,005     182,505  

(1)
These amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Boards Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation ("FASB ASC Topic 718"). See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Corporation's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 for information regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards.

(2)
The following table sets forth the number of stock awards (including restricted stock units) and nonqualified option awards outstanding at December 31, 2014.

Name
  Stock Awards
Outstanding at
December 31, 2014
(#)
  Option Awards
Outstanding at
December 31, 2014
(#)
 

Howard M. Berk

    4,792     0  

Daniel J. Brestle

    4,792     0  

Richard J. Dahl

    4,792     0  

Michael S. Gordon

    0     2,500  

Stephen P. Joyce

    4,848     0  

Larry A. Kay

    4,792     2,500  

Caroline W. Nahas

    4,792     0  

Douglas M. Pasquale

    2,583     0  

Gilbert T. Ray

    4,792     0  

Patrick W. Rose

    4,792     2,500  
(3)
Mr. Gordon retired from the Board of Directors at the annual meeting of stockholders on May 28, 2014.

(4)
Ms. Nahas deferred $82,500 of her 2014 director compensation pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of the Corporation's voting securities, which information is derived solely from certain SEC filings available as of March 30, 2015, as noted below. The percentages of Common Stock ownership have been calculated based upon 19,050,861 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 30, 2015.

 
  Shares of Common
Stock Beneficially
Owned
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
  Number   Percent
Jackson Square Partners, LLC   2,390,035(1)   12.54%
101 California Street, Ste 3750
San Francisco, California 94111
       

MSD Capital, L.P. 

 

1,727,356(2)

 

9.06%
MSD SBI, L.P.
645 Fifth Avenue, 21st Floor
New York, New York 10022
       

FMR LLC

 

1,676,307(3)

 

8.79%
245 Summer Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
       

Delaware Management Holdings Inc. 

 

1,642,845(4)

 

8.62%
Delaware Management Business Trust
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
       

BlackRock, Inc. 

 

1,451,905(5)

 

7.62%
55 East 52nd Street
New York, New York 10022
       

The Vanguard Group

 

1,121,031(6)

 

5.88%
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
       

(1)
Based solely upon a Form 13F filed with the SEC on February 10, 2015 by Jackson Square Partners, LLC and confirmation by Jackson Square Partners, LLC that as of December 31, 2014 it had beneficial ownership of all shares indicated above in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act. Jackson Square Partners LLC reported that it possessed sole power to vote or direct the vote with respect to 783,869 of these shares, shared power to vote or direct the vote with respect to 1,606,166 of these shares and sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of all the shares indicated above.

(2)
Based solely upon a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on November 4, 2014 by MSD Capital, L.P. and MSD SBI, L.P. reporting beneficial ownership as of November 4, 2014. Each of MSD Capital, L.P. and MSD SBI, L.P. reported that it possessed shared power to vote or direct the vote with respect to all of the shares indicated above and shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of all the shares indicated above.

(3)
Based solely upon on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 13, 2015 by FMR LLC reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2014. FMR LLC reported that it possessed sole

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(4)
Based solely upon a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2015 by Delaware Management Holdings Inc., Delaware Management Business Trust, Macquarie Group Limited and Macquarie Bank Limited reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2014. Each of Delaware Management Holdings Inc. and Delaware Management Business Trust reported that it possessed sole power to vote or direct the vote with respect to all of the shares indicated above and sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of all the shares indicated above.

(5)
Based solely upon on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 26, 2015 by BlackRock, Inc. reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2014. BlackRock, Inc. reported that it possessed sole power to vote or direct the vote with respect to 1,406,939 of these shares and sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of all the shares indicated above.

(6)
Based solely upon a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 10, 2015 by The Vanguard Group reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2014. The Vanguard Group reported that it possessed sole power to vote or direct the vote with respect to 23,764 of these shares, sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of 1,099,267 of these shares and shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 21,764 of these shares.

The following table sets forth as of March 30, 2015 the beneficial ownership of the Corporation's Common Stock, including shares as to which a right to acquire ownership exists within the meaning of Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), within 60 days of March 30, 2015, of each director, each nominee for election as director, each NEO, as such term is used in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement, and all directors and executive officers of the Corporation, as a group. The percentages of ownership have been calculated based upon 19,050,861 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 30, 2015.

 
  Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
   
   
 
Name
  Shares
Beneficially
Owned(1)
  Unvested
Restricted
Shares(2)
  Total Shares
Beneficially
Owned
  Percent of Class  

Howard M. Berk

    18,912 (3)       18,912     *  

Daniel J. Brestle

    12,912         12,912     *  

Richard J. Dahl

    46,612 (4)       46,612     *  

Stephen P. Joyce

    2,119         2,119     *  

Larry A. Kay

    20,302 (5)       20,302     *  

Caroline W. Nahas

    21,737         21,737     *  

Douglas M. Pasquale

    1,250         1,250     *  

Gilbert T. Ray

    20,848         20,848     *  

Patrick W. Rose

    45,584         45,584     *  

Julia A. Stewart

    204,192 (6)   41,187     245,379     1.29 %

Thomas W. Emrey

    55,694     9,702     65,396     *  

Steven R. Layt

    17,397     8,956     26,353     *  

Bryan R. Adel

    35,656     5,713     41,369     *  

Daniel V. del Olmo

    2,545     6,306     8,851        

All directors and executive officers as a group (16 persons)

    587,521     80,876     668,397     3.51 %

*
Represents less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.

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(1)
None of the shares have been pledged as security. Share amounts for each of the directors, each nominee for election as director, each NEO and for all directors and executive officers as a group include shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days of March 30, 2015, as follows:

Name
  Shares Subject to
Options
 

Howard M. Berk

     

Daniel J. Brestle

     

Richard J. Dahl

     

Stephen P. Joyce

     

Larry A. Kay

     

Caroline W. Nahas

     

Douglas M. Pasquale

     

Gilbert T. Ray

     

Patrick W. Rose

     

Julia A. Stewart

    138,898  

Thomas W. Emrey

    49,535  

Steven R. Layt

    13,830  

Bryan R. Adel

    27,830  

Daniel del Olmo

    1,469  

All directors and executive officers as a group (16 persons)

    304,992  
(2)
Unvested shares of restricted stock are deemed beneficially owned because grantees of unvested restricted stock under the Corporation's equity compensation plans hold the sole right to vote such shares.

(3)
The amount for Mr. Berk does not include 1,727,356 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock owned by MSD SBI, L.P. MSD Capital, L.P. is the general partner of MSD SBI, L.P. and may be deemed to beneficially own securities owned by MSD SBI, L.P. Mr. Berk is a partner of MSD Capital, L.P. and may be deemed to beneficially own securities owned by MSD Capital, L.P. Mr. Berk disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by MSD SBI, L.P. and MSD Capital, L.P., except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(4)
The amount for Mr. Dahl includes 44,548 shares of Common Stock held by the Richard J. Dahl Revocable Living Trust dated 1/20/1995, of which Mr. Dahl serves as Trustee.

(5)
The amount for Mr. Kay includes 12,645 shares of Common Stock held by the IRA Trustee for the benefit of Mr. Kay.

(6)
The amount for Ms. Stewart includes 64,702 shares of Common Stock held by the Julia Stewart Family Trust, of which Ms. Stewart is sole Trustee and sole beneficiary, and 608 shares of Common Stock held in the DineEquity, Inc. 401(k) Plan.

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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that the Corporation's directors, executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of the Corporation's equity securities file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Based on its review of such reports and other information furnished by the directors and executive officers, the Corporation believes that all reports required to be filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act were filed on a timely basis in 2014.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management. Based on its review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this proxy statement and the Corporation's annual report on Form 10-K.

THIS REPORT IS SUBMITTED BY THE
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patrick W. Rose (Chairman)
Daniel J. Brestle
Stephen P. Joyce
Caroline W. Nahas

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following discussion provides an overview and analysis of the Corporation's compensation programs and policies, the material compensation decisions made under those programs and policies with respect to the Corporation's named executive officers (the "NEOs"), and the material factors that were considered in making those decisions. Following this Compensation Discussion and Analysis is a series of tables under the heading "Compensation Tables" containing specific data about the compensation earned by or granted to the following NEOs in 2014:

Executive Summary

2014 Fiscal Year Performance Highlights† and Link to Pay Decisions

During 2014, the Corporation, and its Applebee's, IHOP and International Business Units, delivered strong results against its business strategy highlighted by the following key accomplishments:

"Adjusted Earnings Per Share" (or "AEPS") is defined as total adjusted net income available to common stockholders divided by weighted average diluted shares.

"Operating Profit" is defined as Segment Profit plus gains on asset dispositions, less Direct G&A and losses on asset dispositions. Segment Profit is defined as segment revenues less segment expenses.

   


For complete information regarding the Corporation's 2014 performance, stockholders should read "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operation and Financial Condition" and the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto contained in the Corporation's 2014 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2015, which is being made available to stockholders with this proxy statement.

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Direct G&A is defined as general and administrative expenses directly incurred at operating units excluding any allocation of shared service and general corporate overhead.

"Traffic", a growth performance indicator used by the Corporation and the restaurant industry, provides a measure of the change in number of guests visiting restaurants.

"Same-Restaurant Sales" is defined as sales, in any given fiscal year compared to the prior fiscal year, for restaurants that have been operated throughout both fiscal periods that are being compared and have been open for at least 18 months.

Total stockholder return (or "TSR") is calculated by dividing the sum of (i) the change in stock price between the beginning of the performance period and the end of the performance period plus (ii) dividends earned over the performance period, by the stock price at the beginning of the performance period.

The Corporation's 2014 compensation results were commensurate with the Corporation's 2014 performance, reflecting the Corporation's pay-for-performance philosophy.

Additional information regarding compensation for NEOs during 2014 can be found in the Summary Compensation Table in this proxy statement.

Compensation Policies, Practices and Corporate Risk Management

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee"), along with the CEO and the Senior Vice President, Human Resources, continually assess the Corporation's compensation policies and practices to evaluate whether they remain aligned with the Corporation's

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philosophy of establishing a pay-for-performance culture, creating stockholder value, balancing risk and reward, and executing strong governance practices.

The Compensation Committee believes that its compensation policies and practices for all employees, including executive officers, do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation. The Corporation believes that appropriate safeguards are in place with respect to compensation policies and practices that assist in mitigating excessive risk-taking that could harm the value of the Corporation or reward poor judgment by the Corporation's executives and other employees.

In that regard, the Compensation Committee's independent compensation consultant, Exequity LLP ("Exequity"), conducted a risk assessment in 2014 of the Corporation's compensation policies and practices as they apply to all employees, including the executive officers. Exequity reviewed the design features and performance metrics of the Corporation's cash and stock-based incentive programs along with the approval mechanisms associated with each and determined that the Corporation's policies and practices were unlikely to create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation.

The following actions, practices and policies are intended to provide for continued alignment with the Corporation's principles and/or reduce the likelihood of excessive risk-taking:

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Overview of Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Compensation Committee has structured the Corporation's executive compensation programs to align with their compensation philosophy that is based on several objectives, including:

Elements of the Compensation Program

The Corporation's executive compensation program consists of the following components:

See the section entitled "Compensation Decisions Made in 2014" in this proxy statement for additional information regarding the elements of compensation for NEOs of the Corporation.

The Compensation Committee's compensation strategy is comprised of a total direct compensation opportunity for each NEO which the Compensation Committee defines as base salary, annual cash target incentive and the grant date fair market value of LTI awards. The total direct compensation opportunity for each NEO is generally set to fall within the third quartile (i.e., between the 50th and 75th percentiles) of the relevant benchmark data. Rather than striving for a single market reference point, the Compensation Committee believes that a broader, third quartile positioning provides appropriate flexibility in tailoring award opportunities based on a variety of factors such as performance, experience level, internal equity and external competitiveness.

The total direct compensation opportunity for 2014 as reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee for each of the NEOs is listed in the following table. Total direct compensation opportunity differs from the total compensation amounts in the Summary Compensation Table in that total direct compensation opportunity includes the annual cash target incentive opportunity while the Summary Compensation Table includes the amounts actually earned under the Annual Incentive Plan. Further, total direct compensation opportunity does not include values listed in the "All Other Compensation"

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column or special one-time compensation payments or equity awards such as Mr. Layt's restricted stock grant at the time of his promotion to President of the Applebee's Business Unit or Mr. del Olmo's sign-on bonus and sign-on equity grant. In addition, total direct compensation opportunity includes the target opportunity value of the cash LTIP grant at the time it is awarded whereas the Summary Compensation Table includes the actual value earned, if any, based upon performance under the cash LTIP after the completion of the performance period, three years after the time of grant.

Name
  2014
Base Salary
($)
  2014 Annual Cash
Target Incentive
($)
  2014 Long-Term
Incentive
($)
  2014 Total
Direct Compensation
Opportunity
($)
 

Julia A. Stewart

    1,000,000     1,100,000     3,700,037     5,800,037  

Thomas W. Emrey

    495,000     371,250     875,025     1,741,275  

Steven R. Layt

    450,000     337,500     500,037     1,287,537  

Bryan R. Adel

    413,048     247,829     525,010     1,185,887  

Daniel V. del Olmo

    325,000     162,500     350,015     837,515  

A significant portion of executive pay has been structured to be contingent on satisfying performance goals and increasing stockholder value. Accordingly, executives will not realize the incentive portion of their total direct compensation opportunity unless these objectives are satisfied. For the CEO, 83% of 2014 total direct compensation opportunity was linked to performance and/or increasing stockholder value. For the other NEOs, an average of 66% of 2014 total direct compensation opportunity was linked to performance and/or increasing stockholder value.

The following charts illustrate the 2014 pay mix for the CEO and for all other NEOs serving as of December 31, 2014:

CEO Pay Mix   NEO Average Pay Mix


GRAPHIC

 


GRAPHIC

The Role of the Compensation Committee

Under its charter, the Compensation Committee has the sole authority to determine and approve compensation for the Corporation's NEOs and the Corporation's other executive officers. In addition, the Compensation Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors and reports regularly to the Board of Directors, reviews and approves compensation and benefit programs including grants made pursuant to the Corporation's equity compensation plans, oversees the Corporation's executive compensation philosophy and strategy, ensures that proper due diligence, deliberations, and reviews of executive compensation are conducted and oversees risks related to the Corporation's compensation practices. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for reviewing the compensation for the

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members of the Board of Directors and submits any recommended changes for approval to the Board of Directors.

The Compensation Committee reviews the Corporation's executive compensation plans throughout the fiscal year. Decisions concerning annual salary increases, the approval of annual cash incentives, the design and objectives of each year's incentive plan, and the granting of LTI awards are typically made in the first quarter of each fiscal year after a series of meetings among the Compensation Committee, its compensation consultant, the CEO, the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and the Vice President, Compensation and Benefits. The Compensation Committee also performs a "tally sheet" analysis which provides the committee with information related to total annual compensation of each NEO and the potential payout each NEO would receive upon separation from the Corporation. The Compensation Committee performs this analysis on an annual basis as part of its oversight function with respect to executive compensation.

The general practice of the Compensation Committee has been to evaluate annually the performance of the CEO and the other executive officers and approve compensation based on this evaluation. As it relates to the assessment of the CEO's performance, the Lead Director and the chairs of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee spend time with the CEO to discuss annual performance goals and the CEO's annual performance review.

In addition, the Compensation Committee annually determines the compensation of the other executive officers based on evaluations of their respective performance.

Generally, the CEO and the Senior Vice President, Human Resources provide input to the Compensation Committee in connection with its compensation deliberations:

The Role of the Compensation Consultant

The Compensation Committee has the sole authority to retain or terminate a compensation consultant to assist in carrying out its responsibilities. Accordingly, during 2014, the Compensation Committee directly engaged Exequity as its independent compensation consultant to provide it with objective and expert analyses, advice, and information with respect to executive compensation. In performing its services, Exequity interacted collaboratively with the Compensation Committee, and with senior management at the direction of the Compensation Committee. In 2014, Exequity performed the following services:

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Exequity did not provide any additional services to the Corporation during 2014 beyond those provided in the capacity of independent compensation consultant to the Compensation Committee. Exequity did not make any recommendations as to any amount to be paid to any NEO. The Compensation Committee has assessed the independence of Exequity pursuant to the rules of the SEC and concluded that Exequity's work for the Compensation Committee does not raise any conflicts of interest.

Compensation Benchmarking and Peer Group

The Corporation uses a restaurant peer group and surveys for different benchmarking comparisons, including base salary, annual cash target incentive, LTI awards, and target direct compensation opportunity. The Compensation Committee, with input from its independent compensation consultant and management, periodically reviews its peer group (the "NEO Peer Group") for the purpose of evaluating executive compensation.

The Corporation's 99% franchised business model is uncommon with only one peer company having a higher percentage of franchised restaurants. The majority of the peer companies have a larger mix of franchised and company-owned restaurants. In acknowledging the structural differences, the Compensation Committee considers a variety of metrics in evaluating the peer group which includes but is not limited to sales, market capitalization and enterprise value and the ratio of these metrics per employee. In 2014, the Corporation ranked in the first quartile in sales, in the second quartile in market capitalization and in the third quartile in enterprise value. The Corporation ranked higher than all but one peer company in sales per employee, market capitalization per employee and enterprise value per employee. The NEO Peer Group consists of companies in the Corporation's industry that the Compensation Committee believes to be similar in terms of size and that compete with the Corporation for executive talent.

The NEO Peer Group used for evaluating 2014 compensation decisions consisted of the following companies:

BJ's Restaurants, Inc.

 

Denny's Corporation

 

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers,  Inc.

Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

 

Domino's Pizza, Inc.

 

Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

Brinker International, Inc.

 

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc.

 

Sonic Corp.

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.

 

Jack in the Box Inc.

 

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated

 

Panera Bread Company

 

Wendy's International, Inc.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store,  Inc.

 

Papa Johns International, Inc.

   

This peer group of companies constituted the primary data source considered by the Compensation Committee when reviewing total pay levels of the NEOs.

The Compensation Committee also considered broader compensation data from the 2014 AON Hewitt US Total Compensation by Industry Survey and the 2014 Chain Restaurant Total Rewards Association Executive and Management Compensation Survey which provided general industry and restaurant industry pay data on executive positions for companies with comparable sales.

The Role of the Stockholder Say-on-Pay Votes

The Corporation provides its stockholders with the opportunity to cast an annual advisory vote on executive compensation (a "say-on-pay proposal"). At the Corporation's annual meeting of stockholders held in May 2014, 84% of the votes cast on the say-on-pay proposal at that meeting were voted in favor of the proposal. The Compensation Committee believes the 2014 say-on-pay vote affirms stockholders' support of the Corporation's approach to executive compensation. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee did not change the structure of the Corporation's executive compensation

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program in response to the 2014 say-on-pay vote. The Compensation Committee will continue to consider the outcome of the Corporation's say-on-pay votes when making future compensation decisions for the NEOs.

Compensation Decisions Made in 2014

Annual Base Salaries

In setting annual base salaries, the Compensation Committee generally considers benchmarking data derived from a review of the proxy statement disclosures of the NEO Peer Group, the AON Hewitt and Chain Restaurant surveys and, in the case of the NEOs other than Ms. Stewart, CEO recommendations and assessments of the performance of the individual NEOs. The Compensation Committee uses the market data to ensure that it establishes reliable points of reference to determine whether and to what extent it is establishing competitive levels of compensation for the NEOs of the Corporation.

Effective February 24, 2014, the Compensation Committee set annual base salaries as follows:

Name
  Former
Base Salary
  New
Base Salary
  Percentage
Increase
 

Julia A. Stewart

  $ 1,000,000   $ 1,000,000     0 %

Thomas W. Emrey

  $ 478,014   $ 495,000     3.55 %

Steven R. Layt

  $ 367,200   $ 450,000     22.55 %

Bryan R. Adel

  $ 400,047   $ 413,048     3.25 %

Daniel V. del Olmo

  $ 325,000   $ 325,000     0 %

The Compensation Committee has elected not to increase Ms. Stewart's base salary since 2012. In making this decision, the Compensation Committee considered Ms. Stewart's base salary compared to the base salaries of other chief executive officers within the NEO Peer Group, and the implications of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Compensation Committee's decision also reflects its preference that Ms. Stewart's overall compensation structure should emphasize corporate performance, the achievement of corporate goals and the creation of stockholder value with 83% of 2014 total direct compensation opportunity linked to performance and/or increasing stockholder value.

Base salary increases for the other NEOs were based on individual performance and external market competitiveness. As part of his promotion from Senior Vice President, Operations to President of the Applebee's Business Unit, Mr. Layt's base salary was increased 22.55%. In accordance with the Corporation's practices, Mr. del Olmo was not eligible for a salary increase in 2014 as he joined the organization on December 16, 2013.

Performance-and Stock-Based Compensation

Annual Cash Incentives

In early 2014, the Compensation Committee approved the 2014 Annual Incentive Plan to reward executive officers whose performance meets or exceeds the Corporation's expectations, to provide incentives for future excellent performance that will contribute to the Corporation's success and profitability, and to serve as a means by which eligible participants may share in the Corporation's financial success. The Annual Incentive Plan operates under the Corporation's stockholder approved plan under Section 162(m) of the Code which funds an incentive pool based on 20% of cash flow from operations and which limits the CEO individual payout to 30% of the incentive pool and all other NEOs to 17.5% of the incentive pool.

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Pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan, the annual cash target incentive amount for each of the NEOs is targeted as a percentage of base salary based on the participant's level in the management structure. The 2014 threshold, target, and maximum payout amounts for each NEO are provided in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2014 Table. The 2014 threshold, target and maximum percentages for each of the NEOs under the Corporation's Annual Incentive Plan are as follows:

Name
  Threshold as Percentage
of Base Salary
  Target as Percentage
of Base Salary
  Maximum as Percentage
of Base Salary
 

Julia A. Stewart

    55 %   110 %   220 %

Thomas W. Emrey

    37.5 %   75 %   150 %

Steven R. Layt

    37.5 %   75 %   150 %

Bryan R. Adel

    30 %   60 %   120 %

Daniel V. del Olmo

    25 %   50 %   100 %

Decisions regarding the threshold, target and maximum incentive percentages were made in consultation with the Compensation Committee's independent compensation consultant and after consideration of the NEO Peer Group data and survey data mentioned above and the desired total direct compensation opportunity pay mix. The annual cash target incentive is generally consistent with incentive opportunities at the NEO Peer Group companies for similarly situated executives and have not changed since 2010.

The annual cash incentive for the CEO is earned based on the AEPS performance for the Corporation and Traffic growth performance for the Applebee's and IHOP Business Units. The annual cash incentive for the other NEOs is earned based on a combination of the Corporation's AEPS, Applebee's and International Business Unit Operating Profit, Applebee's and IHOP Business Unit Traffic growth, international development and individual business objectives ("IBOs"). The IBOs for each NEO are intended to be challenging, measurable objectives that are designed to significantly impact the Corporation's performance and are mutually agreed upon by the executive and the CEO.

The Compensation Committee uses AEPS as a primary incentive metric, a commonly used and broad measure of financial performance for the Corporation. The Compensation Committee includes business unit Operating Profit as a performance measure because it believes Operating Profit appropriately incentivizes the Applebee's, IHOP, and International Business Units on items specifically within their control. Traffic, a growth performance indicator used by the Corporation and the restaurant industry, provides a measure of the change in number of guests visiting restaurants. International development, which measures the number of new restaurants under contract in 2014 to be franchised internationally, is a critical growth measure for the International Business Unit. The table below outlines the annual cash incentive metrics and weight for each of the NEOs for 2014.

Name
  DineEquity
AEPS
  Applebee's /
International
Business Unit
Operating Profit
  International
Development
  Applebee's /
IHOP
Business Unit
Traffic Growth(1)
  IBOs

Julia A. Stewart

    90 % N/A   N/A   10%   N/A

Thomas W. Emrey

    60 % N/A   N/A   10%   30%

Steven R. Layt

    15 % 45%   N/A   10%   30%

Bryan R. Adel

    60 % N/A   N/A   10%   30%

Daniel V. del Olmo

    15 % 15%   40%   N/A   30%

(1)
Traffic growth for each of Ms. Stewart, Mr. Emrey and Mr. Adel is measured based 50% on Applebee's Business Unit performance and 50% on IHOP Business Unit performance.

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For 2014, the Annual Incentive Plan was structured not to pay any annual cash incentive amounts if AEPS fell below $3.76. Further, the Annual Incentive Plan was structured such that there would be no payouts for each of the other performance metrics if the threshold performance level was not achieved. The threshold, target and maximum payout levels for each of the performance metrics are illustrated in the table below. Payouts increase incrementally for performance up to a maximum of 200% of an executive's incentive target.

Metric
  Threshold   Target   Maximum   Actual Result   Percentage of
Target
Achieved
 

AEPS

    $3.76     $4.25     $4.68     $4.73     111.3 %

Applebee's Business Unit Operating Profit

  $ 150,700,000   $ 163,950,000   $ 175,200,000   $ 164,235,000     100.2 %

IHOP Business Unit Operating Profit

  $ 141,500,000   $ 153,790,000   $ 164,400,000   $ 160,122,000     104.1 %

International Business Unit Operating Profit

    $7,868,000     $9,265,000     $10,725,000     $10,402,000     112.3 %

Payout as a Percentage of an Executive's Target

    50 %   100 %   200 %   N/A     N/A  

In addition, IHOP Business Unit Traffic growth missed the targeted amount by 0.1% while Applebee's Business Unit Traffic growth missed the targeted amount by 1.6%. However, the Applebee's Business Unit and IHOP Business Unit outperformed the casual dining and family dining segments, respectively, in Traffic during 2014. The Traffic growth target amounts for both business units were set at challenging levels such that attainment of the targeted amounts was not assured at the time they were set and would require a high level of effort and execution in order to obtain them. International development materially exceeded the target with 6 new franchise agreements resulting in 37 restaurants to be franchised internationally.

The final annual cash incentive amount under the Annual Incentive Plan is determined by combining the results of the performance categories that each NEO was measured against. All NEOs, with the exception of the CEO, were also measured against IBOs, which constituted 30% of each NEO's annual cash incentive. The IBOs measured the following items:

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At the end of 2014, Ms. Stewart assessed the performance of each of the NEOs against their respective IBOs and assigned a percentage level of performance (the "IBO Performance") as set forth in the table below:

Name
  IBO Performance Level  

Thomas W. Emrey

    100 %

Steven R. Layt

    75 %

Bryan R. Adel

    100 %

Daniel V. del Olmo

    100 %

The amounts in the table below represent the annual cash incentive paid to each of the NEOs pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan for 2014 and are calculated by multiplying the NEO's base salary by the target percentage and by the achievement level. Based upon the improved performance of the Applebee's Business Unit since his promotion to President of the Applebee's Business Unit on February 24, 2014, Ms. Stewart recommended, and the Compensation Committee approved, paying Mr. Layt an additional $25,312 towards the IBO component of his annual cash incentive, which is reflected in the table below:

Name
  Base Salary   Target as
Percentage of
Base Salary
  Percentage of Incentive
Target Achieved
  Annual Cash
Incentive Paid
 

Julia A. Stewart

  $ 1,000,000     110 %   187.9 % $ 2,066,900  

Thomas W. Emrey

  $ 495,000     75 %   157.9 % $ 586,204  

Steven R. Layt

  $ 450,000     75 %   111.0 % $ 374,625  

Bryan R. Adel

  $ 413,048     60 %   157.9 % $ 391,322  

Daniel V. del Olmo

  $ 325,000     50 %   143.8 % $ 233,594  

The amounts earned by the NEOs under the Annual Incentive Plan are reflected in the column entitled "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" of the Summary Compensation Table.

Annual Long-Term Incentive or LTI Awards

Since 2010, the Compensation Committee has granted each of the NEOs a blend of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and cash LTIP awards. The non-qualified stock options vest in equal installments over a three-year period and are exercisable for up to a maximum of ten years. The restricted stock awards typically cliff vest after three years and the cash LTIP is based on cumulative TSR against the Value Line Restaurant Index ("VLRI") over a three-year performance period. Stock options have value to the executive only if the Corporation's stock price increases over the price on the date of grant. The value of restricted stock increases or decreases with the changes in the Corporation's stock price and the cash LTIP provides payment between zero and 200% of the target award depending on TSR performance as depicted in the table below:

 
  Relative TSR Ranking at
End of Performance Period
  Payout as a Percentage
of Target Cash LTIP
 

No Payout

    < 33rd Percentile of the VLRI     0 %

Threshold

    33rd Percentile of the VLRI     50 %

Target

    50th Percentile of the VLRI     100 %

Maximum

    ³ 80th Percentile of the VLRI     200 %

The Compensation Committee believes that this mix of long-term incentives appropriately balances an emphasis on absolute and relative stock performance and aligns the programs with the long-term interests of stockholders. Since 2010, the weight of the Corporation's LTI awards has been 34% of the grant date value in stock options, 33% of the grant date value in restricted stock and 33% of the grant

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date value in the cash LTIP. The Compensation Committee believes the weighting provides a balanced strategy towards stockholder alignment, executive retention, risk and performance.

The Compensation Committee considered a range of factors in setting the value to be awarded to the NEOs, including assessments of each of their individual performance, the potential contributions that each NEO could be expected to make in the future, each NEO's total direct compensation opportunity, long-term incentive awards previously granted to certain NEOs, the size of awards provided to other individuals holding similar positions in the market data considered by the Compensation Committee, the number of shares which remained available for issuance under the plan and overall accounting expense associated with the awards.

As discussed in "Annual Base Salaries", the Compensation Committee has not provided Ms. Stewart a base salary increase since 2012, reflecting the Committee's preference that Ms. Stewart's compensation be directly linked to corporate performance, the achievement of corporate goals and the creation of stockholder value. In that regard, increases in total direct compensation opportunity for Ms. Stewart have generally been in the form of increased LTI award opportunities. The 2014 award for Ms. Stewart reflects the Committee's review of her overall performance as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation as well as her leadership in improving the performance of the IHOP Business Unit as Interim President which included the strongest full-year sales increase at IHOP since fiscal 2004.

The table below summarizes the grant date value of the annual long-term incentive awards made in February 2014 (additional detail regarding long-term incentive awards granted in 2014 can be found in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table in this proxy statement):

Name
  Stock Options   Restricted Stock   Cash LTIP at Target   Total Long-Term
Incentive Opportunity
 

Julia A. Stewart

  $ 1,258,016   $ 1,221,021   $ 1,221,000   $ 3,700,037  

Thomas W. Emrey

  $ 297,517   $ 288,758   $ 288,750   $ 875,025  

Steven R. Layt

  $ 170,021   $ 165,016   $ 165,000   $ 500,037  

Bryan R. Adel

  $ 178,505   $ 173,255   $ 173,250   $ 525,010  

Daniel V. del Olmo

  $ 119,012   $ 115,503   $ 115,500   $ 350,015  

In connection with his promotion to President of the Applebee's Business Unit, Mr. Layt also received a promotional grant of restricted stock valued at $250,012. In connection with his hiring as Senior Vice President of the International Business Unit, Mr. del Olmo received a restricted stock grant of $450,001 which was intended to replace long-term incentives he forfeited upon termination from his prior employer and as an inducement to join the Corporation. The special restricted stock awards for Mr. Layt and Mr. del Olmo are not part of annual total long-term incentive opportunity but are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table in this proxy statement.

2012 - 2014 Cash LTIP Payout

In 2010, the Compensation Committee added the cash LTIP to its portfolio of long-term incentive awards provided to executive officers as previously described. The Corporation has had positive TSR in each of the performance periods and has outperformed a majority of the companies in the VLRI in

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two of the three performance periods. Performance and payouts under prior performance periods are as follows:

Performance Period
  DineEquity
TSR
  Value Line
Restaurant Index
Percentile Rank
  Payout as a
percentage of
target award
 

2010 - 2012

    172.3 %   89.0 %   200 %

2011 - 2013

    75.3 %   45.9 %   87.9 %

2012 - 2014

    160 %   64.1 %   135.3 %

The table below illustrates the Corporation's TSR performance relative to companies that were included in the VLRI during the fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014.

TSR (2012 - 2014)

GRAPHIC


Source: Standard and Poor's Research Insights.

The amounts in the table below represent the cash LTIP incentives paid to each of the participating NEOs pursuant to the 2012-2014 cash LTIP. The amounts earned by the NEOs under the 2012-2014 cash LTIP are reflected in the column entitled "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" of the Summary Compensation Table.

Name
  2012 - 2014
Target Award
  2012 - 2014 Payout
(135.3% of Target)
 

Julia A. Stewart

  $ 750,000   $ 1,014,750  

Thomas W. Emrey

  $ 181,250   $ 245,231  

Steven R. Layt

  $ 50,000   $ 67,650  

Bryan R. Adel

  $ 118,750   $ 160,669  

Daniel V. del Olmo(1)

    N/A     N/A  

(1)
Mr. del Olmo was not a participant in the 2012 - 2014 cash LTIP due to the timing of his employment with the Corporation which began on December 16, 2013.

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Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Corporation's stock ownership guidelines are intended to further the Compensation Committee's objectives of aligning the financial interests of its executives with those of the Corporation's stockholders. The stock ownership guidelines call for each NEO to accumulate a minimum number of shares equal in value to a multiple of their base salary.

For purposes of the guidelines, stock ownership includes Common Stock owned directly, in-the-money value of exercisable stock options, restricted stock awards, stock-settled restricted stock units and vested shares of Common Stock held in the Corporation's 401(k) Plan. The types and amounts of stock-based awards are intended, in part, to facilitate the accumulation of sufficient shares by the Corporation's executives to allow them to meet the stock ownership guidelines.

The Compensation Committee annually reviews each NEO's progress towards meeting the stock ownership guidelines. The Compensation Committee has informed management that it may reduce or choose not to grant future stock-based compensation to any executives who fail to make reasonable progress towards meeting the stock ownership goals within five years from becoming subject to the guidelines. Based upon its October 2014 review of each NEO's equity holdings in the Corporation, the Compensation Committee determined that each of the NEOs listed below has exceeded his or her guideline or is making satisfactory progress towards accumulating the recommended number of shares as outlined in the following table:

Name
  Guideline as a
Multiple of Base Salary
  Holdings as a
Multiple of Base Salary(1)
  Guideline Status

Julia A. Stewart

    6     19.6   Exceeds guideline

Thomas W. Emrey

    4     5.4   Exceeds guideline

Steven R. Layt(2)

    4     2.7   On schedule to meet guideline

Bryan R. Adel

    2     5.3   Exceeds guideline

Daniel V. del Olmo(3)

    2     1.7   On schedule to meet guideline

(1)
Based upon holdings in the shares of common stock of the Corporation and one-year average daily price per share of the Corporation's common stock.

(2)
Mr. Layt was promoted to President of the Applebee's Business Unit on February 24, 2014 and has until February 24, 2019 to meet his ownership guideline.

(3)
Mr. del Olmo commenced employment with the Corporation on December 16, 2013 and has until December 16, 2018 to meet his ownership guideline.

Clawback Policy

In October 2013, the Compensation Committee approved a Clawback Policy. To the extent permitted by governing law, in the event that (i) the Corporation is required to make a material restatement of its financial statements as a result of fraudulent behavior or material intentional misconduct on the part of the Corporation's current or former (a) Chief Executive Officer, (b) executive officers subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or (c) other executive officers who report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and (ii) any incentive compensation was paid to any of these individuals based upon achievement of certain financial results and in reliance upon the financial statements to be restated, then the Board of Directors of the Corporation may, in its sole discretion and upon making a determination that it would be in the best interest of the Corporation to do so, direct the Corporation to make reasonable efforts to seek reimbursement of any such incentive compensation paid within the past three years from the date of the restatement to the extent it exceeds the amounts that would have been earned under the restated financial statements. This policy shall apply in addition to any right of recoupment against the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 304 of

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the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or other applicable law or regulation. The Compensation Committee expects that it will review and modify the policy as may be required to comply with NYSE listing standards based on SEC rules once finalized.

Hedging and Pledging Restrictions

The Corporation's Insider Trading Policy prohibits pledging the Corporation's securities as collateral and entering into transactions to hedge the value of the Corporation's securities owned by individuals subject to the policy.

Employment Agreements and Change in Control Provisions

Employment Agreements

The Corporation enters into employment agreements with certain executives when it determines that an employment agreement is desirable for the Corporation to obtain a measure of assurance as to the executive's continued employment in light of prevailing market competition for the particular position held by the executive officer, or where the Compensation Committee determines that an employment agreement is necessary and appropriate to attract an executive in light of market conditions, the prior experience of the executive or practices at the Corporation with respect to other similarly situated employees.

Each of Ms. Stewart, and Messrs. Emrey and Layt is party to an employment agreement with the Corporation. Mr. Adel is a party to an employment offer letter with the Corporation, dated as of August 2, 2010. Mr. del Olmo is a party to an employment offer letter with the Corporation, effective as of December 16, 2013. The employment agreements call for initial employment terms of three years and provide for automatic successive one-year extensions unless the Corporation or the executive gives notice to the contrary more than 90 days prior to the expiration of the then-current term of the agreement. The Corporation may terminate any of the agreements, at any time, with or without cause upon written notice to the executive. The employment agreements provide for base salaries, target annual cash incentive opportunities of 75% (110% for Ms. Stewart) of base salary and certain other perquisites and benefit programs. Under certain termination scenarios, the agreements may provide for severance payments, benefits continuation and vesting of outstanding equity-based awards. The employment agreements do not contain multi-year incentive guarantees or tax gross-ups. The employment agreements also contain confidentiality, trade secrets, discoveries and non-solicitation provisions. See "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control" in this proxy statement for additional information about severance arrangements, including projected severance payment amounts, pursuant to the employment agreements.

Amended and Restated Executive Severance and Change in Control Policy

Messrs. Adel and del Olmo participate in the Corporation's Amended and Restated Executive Severance and Change in Control Policy. This policy is intended to increase the retention of the senior leadership team and to provide severance benefits under specified circumstances to certain individuals who are in a position to contribute materially to the success of the Corporation. These arrangements also are intended to facilitate changes in the leadership team by setting terms for the termination of an executive officer in advance, thereby allowing a smooth transition of responsibilities when it is in the best interests of the Corporation. Under certain termination scenarios, the policy may provide for severance payments, benefits continuation and vesting of certain outstanding equity-based awards. The policy does not provide for tax gross-ups. See "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control" in this proxy statement for additional information about severance arrangements, including projected severance payment amounts, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Executive Severance and Change in Control Policy.

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Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan, NEOs are eligible to defer their base salaries, annual cash incentives, and long-term incentive plan cash distributions. Deferrals are always 100% vested. This plan provides the NEOs with a long-term capital accumulation opportunity. The Deferred Compensation Plan provides a range of mutual funds as investment opportunities, and is designed to comply with Section 409A of the Code. See "Nonqualified Deferred Compensation" in this proxy statement for additional information regarding aggregate contributions made by each of the NEOs participating in the Deferred Compensation Plan during 2014, aggregate interest or other earnings accrued during 2014, the aggregate dollar amount of withdrawals and the 2014 fiscal year end balance.

Perquisites

The Corporation provides NEOs with limited perquisites as part of a competitive total compensation package. The Compensation Committee annually reviews the perquisites provided to the NEOs and approves those personal benefits or perquisites that it deems to be in the Corporation's best interests in order to induce executives to maintain employment with us. The Corporation does not provide tax gross-ups on any perquisites provided to executives other than certain customary expenses related to relocation.

Annual Physicals.    Each NEO is entitled and expected to have an annual physical provided at the Corporation's cost.

Automobile Allowances.    The Corporation pays each of the NEOs an automobile allowance and other automobile-related expense reimbursements.

Airline Clubs.    The Corporation will reimburse the CEO for the cost of up to three airline club memberships and each of the other NEOs for the cost of one airline club membership for their use when traveling for business.

Supplemental Life Insurance.    The Corporation provides supplemental life insurance for each of the NEOs in addition to paying for life insurance for all eligible employees. Ms. Stewart is provided total insurance of $1.4 million under the Corporation's group policy while the other NEOs are provided $900,000 in life insurance under the Corporation's group policy.

Supplemental Disability Insurance.    The Corporation provides supplemental disability insurance for each of the NEOs in addition to paying for disability insurance for all eligible employees. The coverage for each NEO generally provides for a benefit equal to 60% of pre-disability earnings.

Tax Preparation Reimbursement.    The Corporation may provide tax preparation reimbursement for certain NEOs who are required to file tax returns in multiple states as a result of their employment with DineEquity. The benefit is taxable to the NEO and is intended to encourage the NEO to engage knowledgeable experts to assist with tax preparation.

Deductibility of Certain Executive Compensation

Under Section 162(m) of the Code, certain income tax deductions may be limited to the extent total compensation for certain executives exceeds $1 million in any one year, except for compensation payments that qualify as "performance-based." To qualify as "performance-based," compensation payments must be based solely upon the achievement of objective performance goals and made under a plan that is administered by the Compensation Committee. In addition, the material terms of the plan must be approved by the stockholders and the Compensation Committee must certify that the performance goals were achieved before payments can be made. Certain of the Corporation's compensation programs have been designed to conform with Section 162(m) of the Code and related

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regulations. While the Compensation Committee recognizes the desirability of preserving the deductibility of payments made to NEOs under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Compensation Committee believes that it must maintain flexibility in its approach to executive compensation in order to structure a program that it considers to be the most effective in attracting, motivating and retaining the Corporation's key executives and reserves the right to forego deductibility of compensation if determined to be in the best interests of the Corporation.

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COMPENSATION TABLES

Summary Compensation Table

The following Summary Compensation Table and accompanying notes set forth information concerning compensation earned by each of the Corporation's NEOs in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, and, to the extent required under applicable SEC disclosure rules, the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.


2014 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

Name & Principal Position
  Year   Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($)(1)
  Option
Awards
($)(2)
  Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)(3)
  All Other
Compensation
($)
  Total
($)
 

Julia A. Stewart

    2014     1,000,000           1,221,021     1,258,016     3,081,650     46,701 (6)   6,607,388  

Chairman and Chief Executive

    2013     961,539         1,056,011     1,088,031     2,608,025     59,816     5,773,422  

Officer and Interim President,

    2012     993,342         750,043     1,500,002     1,960,500     45,808     5,249,695  

IHOP Business Unit

                                                 

Thomas W. Emrey

   
2014
   
491,733
   
   
288,758
   
297,517
   
831,435
   
31,293

(6)
 
1,940,736
 

Chief Financial Officer

    2013     457,487         272,279     280,503     664,692     33,082     1,708,043  

    2012     462,576         181,253     362,513     447,926     18,603     1,472,871  

Steven R. Layt

   
2014
   
434,077
   
   
415,028
   
170,021
   
442,275
   
29,277

(6)
 
1,490,678
 

President, Applebee's Business Unit(4)

                                                 

Bryan R. Adel

   
2014
   
410,548
   
   
173,255
   
178,505
   
551,991
   
36,400

(6)
 
1,350,699
 

Senior Vice President, Legal,

    2013     383,013         165,015     170,023     454,117     35,918     1,208,086  

General Counsel and Secretary

    2012     387,450         118,775     237,508     321,679     27,115     1,092,527  

Daniel V. del Olmo

   
2014
   
325,000
   
125,000
   
565,504
   
119,012
   
233,594
   
57,226

(6)
 
1,425,336
 

President, International Business Unit(5)

                                                 

(1)
The amounts in the "Stock Awards" column include the aggregate grant date fair value related to stock awards granted in each of the years shown, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 13 to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Corporation's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for information regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards granted in 2014.

(2)
The amounts in the "Option Awards" column include the aggregate grant date fair value related to option awards granted in each of the years shown, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 13 to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Corporation's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for information regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of option awards granted in 2014.

(3)
The amounts in the "Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation" column for 2014 include (i) payouts under the 2014 Annual Incentive Plan and (ii) payouts under the cash LTIP for the fiscal 2012-2014 performance period. These payout amounts were based on the Corporation's and, if applicable, the individual's attainment of certain pre-determined performance targets. For additional information on the amounts earned for 2014, see the section entitled "Performance- and Stock-Based Compensation" in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement.

Name
  Annual
Incentive Plan
Award
($)
  Cash LTIP
Award
($)
  Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
 

Julia A. Stewart

    2,066,900     1,014,750     3,081,650  

Thomas W. Emrey

    586,204     245,231     831,435  

Steven R. Layt

    374,625     67,650     442,275  

Bryan R. Adel

    391,322     160,669     551,991  

Daniel V. del Olmo

    233,594     N/A     233,594  
(4)
Mr. Layt was not a named executive officer during 2012 or 2013.

(5)
Mr. del Olmo's employment with the Corporation commenced in December 2013.

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(6)
The amounts in "All Other Compensation" for 2014 include costs paid or reimbursed for the following:
Name
  Auto
Allowance
and
Expenses
($)
  401(k) Plan
Contributions
($)
  Relocation
Expenses
($)(1)
  Life and
Disability
Insurance
Premiums
($)
  Annual
Physical
Exam
($)
  Tax
Preparation
($)
  Total
($)
 

Julia A. Stewart

    19,902     13,000         3,841     2,796     7,162     46,701  

Thomas W. Emrey

    14,932     13,000         3,361             31,293  

Steven R. Layt

    13,649     12,267         3,361             29,277  

Bryan R. Adel

    17,519     13,000         3,361     2,450     70     36,400  

Daniel V. del Olmo

    15,250     13,000     23,897     2,679     2,400         57,226  

(1)
Mr. del Olmo's 2014 relocation expense amount includes a tax gross up of $18,897 to reimburse Mr. del Olmo for tax related expenses he incurred to relocate to our Glendale, California office.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2014

The following table provides information with respect to the plan-based awards granted by the Compensation Committee to the NEOs in 2014. Plan-based awards include annual incentive plan ("AIP") awards under the Corporation's Annual Incentive Plan, restricted stock awards ("RSA") and non-qualified stock option awards ("NQO") and cash LTIP awards under the Corporation's 2011 Stock Incentive Plan.

For additional information on the performance objectives and determination of threshold, target and maximum payouts for these awards, see the section entitled "Performance- and Stock-Based Compensation" in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement. For the

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actual amounts earned under the AIP awards, see the Summary Compensation Table in this proxy statement.

 
   
   
   
   
   
  All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares or
Stock
Units
(#)(2)
  All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)(3)
   
   
 
 
   
   
  Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Share)
  Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock and
Options
Awards
($)(4)
 
Name / Type of Award
  Grant
Date
  Approval
Date
  Threshold
($)(1)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
 

Julia A. Stewart

                                                       

AIP

              550,000     1,100,000     2,200,000                  

LTIP

              610,500     1,221,000     2,442,000                  

RSA

    02/25/2014                       14,969             1,221,021  

NQO

    02/25/2014                             46,563     81.57     1,258,016  

Thomas W. Emrey

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

AIP

              185,625     371,250     742,500                  

LTIP

              144,375     288,750     577,500                  

RSA

    02/25/2014                       3,540             288,758  

NQO

    02/25/2014                           11,012     81.57     297,517  

Steven R. Layt

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

AIP

              168,750     337,500     675,000                  

LTIP

              82,500     165,000     330,000                  

RSA

    02/25/2014                       2,023             165,016  

RSA(5)

    02/25/2014                       3,065             250,012  

NQO

    02/25/2014                           6,293     81.57     170,021  

Bryan R. Adel

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

AIP

              123,915     247,829     495,658                  

LTIP

              86,625     173,250     346,500                  

RSA

    02/25/2014                       2,124             173,255  

NQO

    02/25/2014                           6,607     81.57     178,505  

Daniel V. del Olmo

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

AIP

              81,250     162,500     325,000                  

LTIP

              57,750     115,500     231,000                  

RSA

    02/25/2014                       1,416             115,503  

RSA(6)

    01/15/2014     11/06/2013                 5,377                 450,001  

NQO

    02/25/2014                           4,405     81.57     119,012  

(1)
Please see the section entitled "Performance- and Stock-Based Compensation" in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement for additional information regarding the AIP and cash LTIP.

(2)
Except where noted, RSAs reflected in this table cliff vest in full on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

(3)
NQOs reflected in this table vest and become exercisable as to one-third of the shares subject to the NQO on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant.

(4)
The amounts in this column include the aggregate grant date fair value related to restricted stock and stock option awards granted computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 13 to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Corporation's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for information regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards.

(5)
RSA awarded upon promotion to President, Applebee's Business Unit.

(6)
This RSA grant vests as to one-third of the shares on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2014 Fiscal Year-End

The following table provides summary information regarding the outstanding equity awards for the Corporation's NEOs at December 31, 2014.

 
  Option Awards   Stock Awards  
 
   
   
   
   
  Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
(#)
  Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)(1)
 
 
  Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options
   
   
 
 
  Option
Exercise
Price ($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
 
Name
  Exercisable (#)   Unexercisable (#)  

Julia A. Stewart

    168,000         40.00     02/26/2018     14,322 (2)   1,484,332  

    59,081         56.42     03/01/2021     14,610 (3)   1,514,180  

    29,431     14,715 (4)   52.37     02/28/2022     14,969 (5)   1,551,387  

    10,075     20,149 (6)   72.28     02/26/2023              

        46,563 (7)   81.57     02/25/2024              

Thomas W. Emrey

   
30,000
   
   
38.70
   
09/12/2021
   
3,461

(2)
 
358,698
 

    7,113     3,556 (4)   52.37     02/28/2022     3,767 (3)   390,412  

    2,598     5,194 (6)   72.28     02/26/2023     3,540 (6)   366,886  

        11,012 (7)   81.57     02/25/2024              

Steven R. Layt

   
6.667
   
3,333

(8)
 
41.45
   
01/09/2022
   
5,500

(9)
 
570,020
 

    866     1,732 (6)   72.28     02/26/2023     1,256 (3)   130,172  

        6,293 (7)   81.57     02/25/2024     2,023 (5)   209,664  

                            3,065 (10)   317,657  

Bryan R. Adel

   
5,000
   
   
30.67
   
08/13/2020
   
2,268

(2)
 
235,056
 

    10,488         57.21     02/28/2021     2,283 (3)   236,610  

    4,660     2,330 (4)   52.37     02/28/2022     2,124 (5)   220,131  

    1,575     3,148 (6)   72.28     02/26/2023              

        6,607 (7)   81.57     02/25/2024              

Daniel V. del Olmo

   
   
4,405

(7)
 
81.57
   
02/25/2024
   
1,416

(5)
 
146,754
 

                    5,377 (11)   557,272  

(1)
Per share value of stock awards is $103.64 based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2014.

(2)
These restricted shares vested in full on February 28, 2015.

(3)
These restricted shares will vest in full on February 26, 2016.

(4)
These options became exercisable on February 28, 2015.

(5)
These restricted shares will vest in full on February 25, 2017.

(6)
These options became exercisable as to one-half on February 26, 2015 and will become exercisable as to one-half on February 26, 2016.

(7)
These options became exercisable as to one-third on February 25, 2015 will become exercisable as to one-third on each of February 25, 2016 and 2017.

(8)
These options became exercisable on January 9, 2015.

(9)
These restricted shares vested in full on January 9, 2015.

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(10)
These restricted shares will vest in full on February 25, 2017.

(11)
These restricted shares vested in full as to one-third of the shares on January 15, 2015 and will vest as to one-third of the shares on each of January 15, 2016 and 2017

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table provides information on stock option exercises and vesting of stock awards by the NEOs during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

 
  Option Awards   Stock Awards  
Name
  Number of
Shares Acquired
on Exercise
(#)
  Value
Realized on
Exercise
($)(1)
  Number of
Shares Acquired
on Vesting
(#)(2)
  Value
Realized on
Vesting
($)(3)
 

Julia A. Stewart

    102,319     5,703,166     14,770     1,236,988 (4)

Thomas W. Emrey

            10,000     826,000 (5)

Steven R. Layt

                 

Bryan R. Adel

    15,000     881,299     2,622     219,593 (4)

Daniel V. del Olmo

                 

(1)
Represents the difference between the market value of the stock on the exercise date and the exercise price times the number of non-qualified stock options exercised.

(2)
Represents the lapsing of restrictions on and the release of RSAs granted to the NEO.

(3)
Represents the product of the number of shares vested and the closing price of the Corporation's Common Stock on the NYSE on the vesting date.

(4)
Value realized is based on a closing price of $83.75 per share on the February 28, 2014 vesting date.

(5)
Value realized is based on a closing price of $82.60 per share on the September 12, 2014 vesting date.

Non-qualified Deferred Compensation

Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan, certain highly compensated employees can elect to defer up to 80% of their base salary, 100% of annual cash incentive, and 100% of long-term incentive plan distributions instead of receiving these amounts as payments taxable in the year of receipt.

Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, participants may designate select investment options approved by the Compensation Committee administering the Deferred Compensation Plan in which the deferred compensation payments are deemed to be invested. These investment options are not publicly traded and are only available through variable insurance products. Participants have no ownership interest in the investment options they select, as the investment options are used principally to measure gains or losses. Amounts are credited or debited to participant's account balance in accordance with deferral elections made by the participant. There is no guaranteed investment return on any deferred payment amounts.

The unfunded, non-qualified plan structure of the Deferred Compensation Plan is required in order to preserve the beneficial tax deferral treatment for the participants. Amounts in a participant's deferral account represent unsecured claims against the Corporation's assets.

Deferred amounts together with any credited investment returns are paid out to participants in accordance with their advance written election either in a lump sum or annual installment payments commencing on the applicable benefit distribution date selected by the participant.

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The following table provides information regarding aggregate contributions made by each of the NEOs participating in the Deferred Compensation Plan during 2014, aggregate interest or other earnings accrued during 2014, the aggregate dollar amount of withdrawals and the aggregate account balance at 2014 fiscal year end.

Name
  Executive
Contributions
in FY 2014
($)
  Aggregate
Earnings
in FY 2014
($)
  Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
in FY 2014
($)
  Aggregate
Balance
at FYE 2014
($)
 

Julia A. Stewart

        7,801         333,664  

Thomas W. Emrey

                 

Steven R. Layt

                 

Bryan R. Adel

                 

Daniel V. del Olmo

                 

Employment Agreements

The employment agreements for Ms. Stewart and Messrs. Emrey and Layt and the employment offer letters and Amended and Restated Executive Severance and Change in Control Policy for Messrs. Adel and del Olmo provide for severance benefits in the event of termination by the Corporation without "cause," termination by the executive for "good reason" either prior to or following a "change in control," termination upon a change in control only, termination due to death and termination due to disability.

Employment Agreement with Julia A. Stewart

The employment agreement between Ms. Stewart and the Corporation provides that in the event of termination by the Corporation without "cause" or by Ms. Stewart for "good reason" prior to a "change in control," she will be entitled to the following benefits:

In the event of termination by the Corporation without "cause" or by Ms. Stewart for "good reason" within 24 months following a "change in control," she will be entitled to the following benefits:

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Employment Agreement with Thomas W. Emrey and Steven R. Layt

The employment agreement between the Corporation and each of Mr. Emrey and Mr. Layt provide that in the event of termination by the Corporation without "cause" or by Mr. Emrey or Mr. Layt for "good reason" prior to a "change in control," upon executing a release of claims in favor of the Corporation, Mr. Emrey and Mr. Layt will be entitled to the following benefits:

The employment agreements with Mr. Emrey and Mr. Layt also provide that in the event of termination by the Corporation without "cause" or by Mr. Emrey or Mr. Layt for "good reason" within 24 months following a "change in control," upon executing a release of claims in favor of the Corporation, Mr. Emrey and Mr. Layt will be entitled to the following benefits:

Amended and Restated Executive Severance and Change in Control Policy with Bryan R. Adel and Daniel V. del Olmo

Pursuant to the terms of employment offer letters for Messrs. Adel and del Olmo and in the Amended and Restated Executive Severance and Change in Control Policy, if the executive's employment is involuntarily terminated by the Corporation without "cause" prior to a "change in control," upon

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executing a release of claims in favor of the Corporation, the executive will be entitled to the following benefits:

The Amended and Restated Executive Severance and Change in Control Policy also provides that in the event the executive's employment is involuntarily terminated by the Corporation without "cause" within 24 months following a "change in control" or the executive's employment is voluntarily terminated for "good reason" within 24 months following a "change in control," upon executing a release of claims in favor of the Corporation, the executive will be entitled to the following benefits:

The employment agreements for Ms. Stewart and Messrs. Emrey and Layt, as well as the Amended and Restated Executive Severance and Change in Control Policy applicable to Messrs. Adel and del Olmo, also provide that if any payment or benefit received by the executive would not be deductible by reason of Section 280G of the Code, then the payment or benefits will be reduced until no portion of such payment or benefits is not deductible by reason of Section 280G of the Code, provided, that no such reduction will be made unless the net after-tax benefit received by the executive after such reduction would exceed the net after-tax benefit received by the executive if no such reduction was made.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

The information below describes and estimates certain compensation that would become payable under existing plans and arrangements assuming the NEO's employment had terminated or a "change in control" had occurred on December 31, 2014, based on the Corporation's closing stock price on December 31, 2014. These benefits are in addition to benefits available generally to salaried employees.

Due to the number of factors that affect the nature and amount of any benefits provided upon the events discussed below, any actual amounts paid or distributed may be different. Factors that could affect these amounts include the timing during the year of any such event and the Corporation's stock price. There can be no assurance that a termination or "change in control" would produce the same or similar results as those described if occurring on another date or at another price, or if any assumption used to prepare this information is not correct in fact. Please see "Employment Agreements and Change in Control Provisions" in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement for additional information.

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The following table presents payments for involuntary termination by the Corporation for reasons other than "cause" or, in the case of Ms. Stewart and Messrs. Emrey and Layt, voluntary termination by the participant for "good reason" prior to a "change in control."

Payments
  Stewart   Emrey   Layt   Adel   del Olmo  

Cash Severance

  $ 4,758,470   $ 834,059   $ 644,453   $ 413,048   $ 325,000  

Pro-Rata Bonus Payment

                391,322     233,594  

Time-Vested NQO Spread Value

    2,413,932     344,797     280,733          

Time-Vested RSA/RSU Value

    4,549,900     358,698     570,020          

Cash LTIP Value

        523,638     193,292          

Welfare Benefit Value

    35,303     15,519     15,024          

Outplacement

        10,000     10,000     5,000     5,000  

Aggregate Payments

 
$

11,757,605
 
$

2,086,711
 
$

1,713,522
 
$

809,370
 
$

563,594
 

The following table presents payments for involuntary termination by the Corporation for reasons other than "cause" or, in the case of Ms. Stewart and Messrs. Emrey and Layt, voluntary termination by the participant for "good reason" following a "change in control" ("CIC"):

Payments
  Stewart   Emrey   Layt   Adel   del Olmo  

Cash Severance

  $ 7,137,705   $ 1,668,118   $ 1,288,906   $ 1,099,849   $ 845,000  

Pro-Rata Bonus Payment

    2,066,900     586,204     374,625     391,322     233,594  

Time-Vested NQO Spread Value Due to CIC

    2,413,932     588,241     400,481     363,986     97,218  

Time-Vested RSA/RSU Value Due to CIC

    4,549,900     1,115,996     1,227,512     691,797     704,027  

Cash LTIP Value Due to CIC

    3,581,787     869,732     374,336     536,646     165,512  

Welfare Benefit Value

    52,954     31,039     30,049     29,969     11,045  

Outplacement

        10,000     10,000     5,000     5,000  

Severance Reduction (Due to Alternative Cap)

   
   
(424,866

)
 
(294,406

)
 
   
 

Aggregate Payments

 
$

19,803,178
 
$

4,444,464
 
$

3,411,503
 
$

3,118,569
 
$

2,061,395
 

The following table presents payments upon a "change in control" only and no termination of employment.

Payments
  Stewart   Emrey   Layt   Adel   del Olmo  

Time-Vested NQO Spread Value Due to CIC

  $ 2,413,932   $ 588,241   $ 400,481   $ 363,986   $ 97,218  

Time-Vested RSA/RSU Value Due to CIC

    4,549,900     1,115,996     1,227,512     691,797     704,027  

Cash LTIP Value Due to CIC

    3,581,787     869,732     374,336     536,646     165,512  

Aggregate Payments

 
$

10,545,619
 
$

2,573,969
 
$

2,002,329
 
$

1,592,429
 
$

966,757
 

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The following table presents payments upon termination of employment due to disability or death.

Payments
  Stewart   Emrey   Layt   Adel   del Olmo  

Pro-Rata Bonus Payment

  $ 2,066,900   $ 586,204   $ 374,625   $ 391,322   $ 233,594  

Time-Vested NQO Spread Value Due to Disability

    2,413,932     588,241     400,481     363,986     97,218  

Time-Vested RSA/RSU Value Due to Disability

    4,549,900     1,115,996     1,227,512     691,797     704,027  

Cash LTIP Value

    2,142,877     523,638     193,292     328,564     55,170  

Aggregate Payments

 
$

11,173,609
 
$

2,814,079
 
$

2,195,910
 
$

1,775,669
 
$

1,090,009
 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

During 2014, the Corporation issued equity securities pursuant to the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2014 about Common Stock that may be issued under the Corporation's existing equity compensation plans.

 
  (a)   (b)   (c)  
Plan Category
  Number of Securities to
be Issued Upon Exercise
of Options, Warrants
and Rights (#)
  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and
Rights ($) /Share
  Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column (a)) (#)
 

Equity Compensation Plans approved by security holders

    618,115     53.10     1,015,869  

Equity Compensation Plans not approved by security holders

             

Total

    618,115     53.10     1,015,869  

The number of securities remaining available for future issuance represents shares under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan.

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

As of December 31, 2014, the members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors were Patrick W. Rose (Chairman), Daniel J. Brestle, Caroline W. Nahas and Stephen P. Joyce. None of the Corporation's executive officers or directors served on the board of directors of any entities whose directors or officers served on the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. No current or past executive officers of the Corporation serve on the Compensation Committee.


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION

General.    The following table sets forth certain information with respect to each person who is currently an executive officer of the Corporation:

Name
  Age   Position and Offices with the Corporation

Julia A. Stewart

    59   Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Interim President, IHOP Business Unit

Thomas W. Emrey

    52   Chief Financial Officer

Bryan R. Adel

    52   Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Secretary

John B. Jakubek

    62   Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Greggory W. Kalvin

    55   Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller

Steven R. Layt

    43   President, Applebee's Business Unit

Daniel del Olmo

    40   President, International Business Unit

Executive officers of the Corporation are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, the Board of Directors.

Biographical information for Ms. Stewart is provided in the section entitled "Proposal One: Election of Three Class III Directors." Certain biographical information for the other executive officers is set forth below.

Mr. Emrey was appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer of DineEquity, Inc., effective September 12, 2011. Until September 2011, Mr. Emrey served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios Home Entertainment ("USHE"), a home video distributor and subsidiary of NBCUniversal. Mr. Emrey joined USHE as chief financial officer in 2003, where he was responsible for the division's day-to-day financial operations and the business' supply chain functions. Previously, Mr. Emrey held a number of senior finance positions at Nestlé USA, including vice president of finance of its Pet Care division.

Mr. Adel was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Secretary in August 2010. Mr. Adel served as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Viant Holdings, Inc., a provider of healthcare payment solutions, from July 2007 until March 2010. Mr. Adel also spent over ten years at McDonald's Corporation in various legal and business roles. Mr. Adel previously served for two years on the board of directors of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Mr. Jakubek was named Senior Vice President, Human Resources of the Corporation in March 2008. Prior to joining the Corporation, he served as senior vice president of human resources for Oakwood Worldwide, Inc. from November 2006 to March 2008. Mr. Jakubek held the position of vice president human resources for several divisions of ConAgra Foods, Inc. from February 2001 to July 2006.

Mr. Kalvin was named Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller of the Corporation in November 2009. From July 2007 until November 2009, Mr. Kalvin served as Vice President, Corporate Controller of the Corporation, and from September 2008 to February 2009, he served as Acting Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation. Previously, Mr. Kalvin served as chief accounting officer of j2 Global Communications, Inc. from 2003 to 2007.

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Mr. Layt was named President, Applebee's Business Unit in February 2014. He previously held the position of Senior Vice President, Operations of Applebee's from January 2012 to February 2014. Prior to joining the Corporation, Mr. Layt served as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Buffets, Inc. from January 2008 to January 2012. He previously held senior management positions at other companies in the restaurant industry, including YUM! Brands, Inc. and Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc.

Mr. del Olmo was appointed to the position of President of the International Group in February 2015. He previously served as Senior Vice President, International from December 2013 to February 2015. He served as senior vice president and managing director at Wyndham Hotel Group for Wyndham Worldwide from May 2011 until December 2013 and brand senior vice president, TRYP by Wyndham from April 2010 until December 2013. Mr. del Olmo also served in various senior management positions while at Wyndham including senior vice president, chief performance officer, vice president, global strategy and innovation, and vice president, international marketing and strategy from December 2002 to April 2010. Prior to joining Wyndham, Mr. del Olmo served in various international marketing positions at Amadeus Global Travel Distribution and Melia Hotels International.

Employment Agreements.    The information in the section of this proxy statement entitled "Executive Compensation" under "Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Employment Agreements and Change in Control Provisions" and "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control" is incorporated herein by reference.

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AUDIT-RELATED MATTERS

REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Board of Directors has determined that:

Management is responsible for the preparation of financial statements and the financial reporting process, including the system of internal controls over financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP ("Ernst & Young"), the Corporation's independent auditor, is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Corporation's consolidated financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and for issuing a report thereon. The Audit and Finance Committee is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors in monitoring:

It is the Audit and Finance Committee's policy to review and approve in advance all proposed audit and non-audit services to be provided by the Corporation's independent auditor.

During 2014, the Audit and Finance Committee met eight times and held separate discussions with management, the Corporation's internal auditors and Ernst & Young. The Audit and Finance Committee reviewed and discussed the Corporation's interim financial information contained in each quarterly earnings announcement with the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, Corporate Controller and Ernst & Young prior to public release. The Audit and Finance Committee reviewed the Corporation's quarterly financial statements with management and Ernst & Young.

Management has represented to the Audit and Finance Committee that the Corporation's consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Audit and Finance Committee reviewed and discussed with management and Ernst & Young the Corporation's fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 annual consolidated financial statements. The Audit and Finance Committee has also discussed the following with Ernst & Young:

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In addition, the Audit and Finance Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from Ernst & Young required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Ernst & Young's communications concerning independence, and has discussed with Ernst & Young the firm's independence from the Corporation and management, including all relationships between Ernst & Young and the Corporation.

The Audit and Finance Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by Ernst & Young in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 is compatible with maintaining the auditors' independence and determined that the provision of non-audit services by Ernst & Young is not incompatible with maintaining the auditors' independence. The Audit and Finance Committee discussed with the Corporation's internal auditors, Ernst & Young and management the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit and Finance Committee met with the internal auditors and Ernst & Young, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their respective audits, the evaluations of the Corporation's internal controls over financial reporting, and the overall quality of the Corporation's financial reporting. The Audit and Finance Committee also discussed with Ernst & Young whether there were any audit problems or difficulties, and management's response. In addition, the Audit and Finance Committee monitored the Corporation's compliance activities relating to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Based on the reviews and discussions described above, the Audit and Finance Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014, for filing with the SEC.

The Audit and Finance Committee also selected Ernst & Young LLP as the Corporation's independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015. The Board of Directors is recommending that stockholders ratify this appointment at the Annual Meeting.

THIS REPORT IS SUBMITTED BY THE
AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Dahl (Chairman)
Howard M. Berk
Larry A. Kay
Douglas M. Pasquale

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Independent Auditor Fees

The following table sets forth information concerning the fees billed to the Corporation by Ernst & Young LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. All of the fees shown in the table were approved by the Audit and Finance Committee in conformity with its pre-approval process.

Type of Fee
  2014   2013  

Audit

  $ 1,458,016 (1) $ 1,076,299  

Audit-Related

    22,183     21,656  

Tax

    196,636     173,800  

All Other

    200,343     40,426  

Total

  $ 1,877,178   $ 1,312,181  

(1)
Includes a one-time comfort letter fee of $225,000 incurred in connection with the Corporation's 2014 securitization refinancing transaction.

Audit Fees comprise fees for professional services necessary to perform an audit or review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, including services rendered for the audit of the Corporation's annual financial statements (including services incurred in rendering an opinion under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) and review of quarterly financial statements. Audit fees also include fees for services that are normally incurred in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, such as comfort letters, statutory audits, attest services, consents, and review of documents filed with the SEC.

Audit-Related Fees comprise fees for services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Corporation's financial statements, including the support of business acquisition and divestiture activities, independent assessment of controls related to outsourcing services, and review of retirement and other benefit-related programs.

Tax Fees comprise fees for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice, including the provision of such services in connection with business acquisition and divestiture activities.

All Other Fees consists of fees relating to other non-audit and non-tax services.

Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of the Independent Auditor

The Audit and Finance Committee reviews and, as appropriate, approves in advance the independent auditor's annual engagement letter, including the proposed fees contained therein. The Audit and Finance Committee also reviews all audit and permitted non-audit engagements and relationships between the Corporation and its independent auditor, and approves in advance all of the fees related thereto. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services, and other specifically designated non-audit services.

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MATTERS TO BE VOTED UPON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING

PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF THREE CLASS III DIRECTORS

Based on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board of Directors has designated the three nominees listed below for election as Class III directors of the Corporation to serve for a term of three years that will expire at the Corporation's 2018 annual meeting of stockholders. The Board of Directors has also designated Ms. Julia A. Stewart to continue to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Richard J. Dahl to serve as the independent Lead Director.

No stockholder recommended any candidates to stand for election to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting. Your proxy will be voted as specified thereon or, if no instructions are given, for the Board of Directors nominees; however, the persons designated to vote proxies reserve full discretion to vote the shares represented by the proxies for the election of the remaining nominees and any substitute nominee or nominees designated by the Board of Directors in the event the nominee who would otherwise receive the votes is unavailable or unable to serve as a candidate for election as a director. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of the nominees, each of whom currently serves on the Board, will be unavailable or unable to serve if elected.

The Board of Directors believes that each of the director nominees and continuing directors is well qualified to serve on the Board of Directors, and each of the nominees brings his or her particular business, industry and financial experience and expertise to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors believes that the backgrounds and qualifications of all of the directors, considered as a group, provide a complementary blend of experience, knowledge and abilities.

Director Nominees

The following paragraphs give the name and age of each director nominee, as well as each nominee's business experience over the last five years or more. Immediately following the description of each nominee's business experience is a description of the particular experience, skills and qualifications that were instrumental in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's determination that the nominee should serve as a director of the Corporation.

Class III Directors—Terms to Expire in 2018

Richard J. Dahl (age 63).    Mr. Dahl currently serves as the Corporation's Lead Director, a position he has held since January 2010. He has served on the Corporation's Board of Directors since February 2004. Since August 2010, Mr. Dahl has served as the chairman of the board of directors and as the president and chief executive officer of the James Campbell Company LLC, a nationally diversified real estate company. He is a member of the boards of directors of IDACORP, Inc. and its principal subsidiary, Idaho Power Company. He served as a member of the board of directors of International Rectifier Corporation from February 2008 until January 2015 and as chairman of the board from May 2008 until January 2015. Mr. Dahl also served on the board of directors and as president and chief operating officer of Dole Food Company, Inc. from July 2004 through July 2007. Mr. Dahl's qualifications to sit on the Corporation's Board of Directors include his experience in senior management of public and private companies, including service as chairman, president, chief executive officer, chief operating officer and chief financial officer, his experience on the boards of directors of public companies, including service as chairman of the audit committees of two public companies, including his service on the Corporation's Audit and Finance Committee, and his experience as a certified public accountant.

Stephen P. Joyce (age 55).    Mr. Joyce has served on the Corporation's Board of Directors since February 2012. He has served as president and chief executive officer of Choice Hotels

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International, Inc., a publicly-traded lodging franchisor, since June 2008, where he has also been a director since 2008. From 1982 to 2008, Mr. Joyce was with Marriott International, Inc., where he attained the role of executive vice president, global development/owner and franchise services, in addition to holding other leadership positions. Mr. Joyce's qualifications to sit on the Corporation's Board of Directors include his experience in senior management of public companies, including service as president, chief executive officer and chief operating officer, and his experience on the boards of directors of private companies and not-for-profit organizations.

Patrick W. Rose (age 72).    Mr. Rose has served on the Corporation's Board of Directors since 1992. He is a private investor. Mr. Rose served as chairman of the board of directors, president and chief executive officer of Bumble Bee Seafoods, Inc. from June 1985 to August 1988. He served as chairman of the board of directors, president and chief executive officer of Van Camp Seafood, Inc., from March 1992 to August 1997. He served on the board of directors of Birds Eye Foods, Inc. from 2003 until December 2009 and has served as United States commissioner to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission since 2003. Mr. Rose also served as chairman of the board of directors of Chart House Enterprises, Inc. from 1996 to 1997. Mr. Rose's qualifications to sit on the Corporation's Board of Directors include his experience in senior management of private companies, including service as chairman, chief executive officer, president and chief operating officer, his experience in marketing and his experience on the boards of directors of public companies.


THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF ALL OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES.

Continuing Directors

Class I Directors—Terms to Expire in 2016

Howard M. Berk (age 50).    Mr. Berk has served on the Corporation's Board of Directors since February 2009. Since 2002, Mr. Berk has been a partner at MSD Capital, L.P., a private investment firm. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Berk was managing director of TG Capital Corp., an investment group that manages the capital of a single family and acquires and invests in both public and private companies. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Berk was with The Stenbeck Group, acquiring and managing businesses in multiple countries. Prior to that, he was with Goldman, Sachs & Co., where he worked in the principal investment area, as well as the mergers and acquisitions department. Mr. Berk's qualifications to sit on the Corporation's Board of Directors include his experience in dealing with public company boards of directors from a public investor perspective and his experience in finance and managing and investing private capital.

Daniel J. Brestle (age 69).    Mr. Brestle has served on the Corporation's Board of Directors since July 2009. Mr. Brestle most recently served as vice chairman and president of Estee Lauder Companies Inc. North America, a manufacturer and marketer of cosmetics products. Mr. Brestle held this position until he retired in June 2009 after spending more than 30 years in leadership positions within the Estee Lauder organization and its family of brands. During his tenure, he held numerous positions including chief operating officer and group president of Lauder's high growth specialty brands. Prior to these positions, he was president of the Estee Lauder, Clinique and Prescriptives brands. Prior to Estee Lauder, Mr. Brestle held various positions of increasing responsibility in distribution, manufacturing and operations at Johnson & Johnson and served in the United States Air Force. Mr. Brestle served on the board of directors of Abercrombie & Fitch from 2005 to 2007. Mr. Brestle's qualifications to sit on the Corporation's Board of Directors include his experience in senior management at a multi-national consumer products public company, including experience in operations, manufacturing, marketing and brand-building, and his experience on the boards of directors of public companies.

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Caroline W. Nahas (age 66).    Ms. Nahas has served on the Corporation's Board of Directors since 1992. She has served as Vice Chair of Korn/Ferry International, an executive recruiting firm, since January 2015. From May 1998 to January 2015, she held the position of managing director, Southern California or similar positions, at Korn/Ferry International. She also served as a member of the executive committee of Korn/Ferry International from December 1995 until August 1998. Ms. Nahas is the former chairman of the board of directors and currently serves on the executive committee of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Ms. Nahas is also an executive committee member of the UCLA Anderson School of Management-Board of Visitors. Ms. Nahas is also an executive committee member of the UCLA Anderson School of Management-Board of Visitors. She previously served as a director of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Town Hall Los Angeles. Ms. Nahas' qualifications to sit on the Corporation's Board of Directors include her experience in a senior executive position with a professional services firm, her expertise in executive recruiting, human resources and compensation matters, and her experience on for-profit and not-for-profit boards of directors.

Gilbert T. Ray (age 70).    Mr. Ray has served on the Corporation's Board of Directors since 2004. He retired as a partner in the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers LLP in 2000. Mr. Ray practiced corporate law and has extensive experience with conventional corporate and tax exempt transactions, as well as international finance. Mr. Ray currently is a member of the board of directors of Advance Auto Parts, Inc., DiamondRock Hospitality Company, Seasons Series Fund and SunAmerica Series Trust, Towers Watson & Company and The John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation. Mr. Ray's qualifications to sit on the Corporation's Board of Directors include his experience as a corporate lawyer and counselor and experience in compensation and corporate governance issues as a result of his service on the boards of directors of public and private companies and non-profit organizations.

Class II Directors—Terms to Expire in 2017

Larry A. Kay (age 68).    Mr. Kay has served on the Corporation's Board of Directors since 1987, before the Corporation went public. Mr. Kay served as the Lead Director of the Board of Directors of the Corporation from May 2006 through December 2009. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Corporation from January 2003 until May 2006. From 1978 through 1993, Mr. Kay was employed by the Corporation in a variety of capacities, including general counsel and executive vice president—administration, from 1987 through 1993. Mr. Kay has served as chief executive officer and managing member of BSG Technologies, LLC, a sound technology licensing company, since 2008. Mr. Kay was a private consultant and investor from 1994 until 2008. He serves as a director of Design Center Solutions, Inc. dba Bridgeway Media Group and is an honorary member of the board of directors of the New Century Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Kay's qualifications to sit on the Corporation's Board of Directors include his prior experience as the Corporation's Chairman and Lead Director, his experience as a consultant and private investor, his prior experience in senior management of the Corporation and his service on the boards of directors of private companies and non-profit organizations.

Douglas M. Pasquale (age 60).    Mr. Pasquale has served on the Corporation's Board of Directors since March 2013. He has served as chief executive officer of Capstone Enterprises Corporation, an investment and consulting firm, since January 2012. Mr. Pasquale served as senior advisor to the chairman and chief executive officer of Ventas, Inc., a publicly-traded real estate investment trust, from July 2011 to December 2011 upon its acquisition of Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust that invested in medical office buildings, senior housing and long-term care facilities. Mr. Pasquale was also appointed to the board of directors of Ventas in July 2011 and continues to serve on that board. Prior to the acquisition of Nationwide Health Properties by Ventas, Mr. Pasquale served as chairman of the board of directors of Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. from May 2009 to July 2011, as president and chief executive officer of Nationwide Health Properties from April 2004 to July 2011, and as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Health Properties

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from November 2003 to April 2004. He also was a director of Nationwide Health Properties from November 2003 to July 2011. Mr. Pasquale serves as a member of the boards of directors of Ventas, Inc., Alexander and Baldwin, Inc., Terreno Realty Corporation and Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. Mr. Pasquale's qualifications to sit on the Corporation's Board of Directors include his prior experience in senior executive positions at public and private companies, his experience in management, accounting, finance, mergers, acquisitions and strategic planning, and his service on the boards of directors of public and private companies.

Julia A. Stewart (age 59).    Ms. Stewart serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DineEquity, Inc. and Interim President, IHOP Business Unit. She has served on the Corporation's Board of Directors since December 2001 and became Chairman in May 2006. She has served as the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer and President since May 2002 and had served as the Corporation's President and Chief Operating Officer from December 2001 until May 2002. Ms. Stewart served as President, Domestic Division, of Applebee's International, Inc. from October 1998 to August 2001. Ms. Stewart has served on the board of directors of Avery Dennison Corporation since January 2003. She is a chairman of the board of the Children's Bureau of Southern California, a non-profit organization. Ms. Stewart's qualifications to sit on the Corporation's Board of Directors include her experience as the Corporation's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, her extensive experience in the restaurant industry and her experience on the boards of directors of public companies and non-profit organizations.

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PROPOSAL TWO: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS
THE CORPORATION'S INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR THE 2015 FISCAL YEAR

Ernst & Young LLP served as the Corporation's independent auditor for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and the Audit and Finance Committee has unanimously selected Ernst & Young LLP to serve as the Corporation's independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions. Unless otherwise indicated thereon, the persons named in the Proxy will vote all proxies in favor of ratifying the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Corporation's independent auditors. If stockholders do not approve this proposal, the Audit and Finance Committee will reconsider the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Corporation's independent auditor.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE CORPORATION'S INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR THE 2015 FISCAL YEAR.

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PROPOSAL THREE: APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF
THE COMPENSATION OF THE CORPORATION'S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the Board of Directors provides stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on the Corporation's executive compensation. Pursuant to an advisory vote at our 2011 annual meeting, our stockholders elected to hold such "say-on-pay" votes on an annual basis until the next vote regarding the frequency of future say-on-pay votes.

The core of the Corporation's executive compensation policies and practices continues to be to pay for performance. Our executive officers are compensated in a manner consistent with our strategy, competitive practice, sound corporate governance principles, and stockholder interests and concerns. The Board of Directors believes the Corporation's compensation programs and policies are strongly aligned with the long-term interests of the stockholders of the Corporation.

Stockholders are urged to read the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section of this proxy statement for additional details on executive compensation, including the Corporation's compensation philosophy and objectives and the 2014 compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers.

The Board of Directors asks that stockholders indicate their support for the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers and the Corporation's compensation philosophy as described in this proxy statement by approving the following resolution:

Although this say-on-pay vote is advisory and therefore non-binding on the Corporation, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for our Named Executive Officers.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE CORPORATION'S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

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Table of Contents


PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS

No proposals of stockholders were received by the Corporation to be presented at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors will make provision for presentation of proposals of stockholders at the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders provided such proposals are submitted by eligible stockholders who have complied with the Bylaws of the Corporation and/or the relevant regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In order for any such proposals to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials for the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders, the proposal should be mailed to DineEquity, Inc., Attn: Office of the Secretary, 450 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California 91203, and must be received no later than December 11, 2015.

Stockholders who intend to present a proposal at the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders without inclusion of such proposal in the Corporation's proxy materials are required to provide notice of such proposal to the Corporation no earlier than February 19, 2016 and no later than March 20, 2016. The Corporation reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.


HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

The SEC permits us to deliver a single copy of the notice, proxy statement and annual report to stockholders who have the same address and last name, unless we have received contrary instructions from such stockholders. Each stockholder will continue to receive a separate proxy card. This procedure, called "householding," will reduce the volume of duplicate information you receive and reduce our printing and postage costs. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of the proxy statement and annual report to any such stockholder upon written or oral request. A stockholder wishing to receive a separate proxy statement or annual report can notify us at DineEquity, Inc., Investor Relations, 450 North Brand Boulevard, 7th Floor, Glendale, CA 91203, telephone: (866) 995-3463. Similarly, stockholders currently receiving multiple copies of these documents can request the elimination of duplicate documents by contacting us as described above.


OTHER BUSINESS

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the management of the Corporation is not aware of any other matters to be brought before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed form of Proxy will have discretionary authority to vote all proxies with respect to such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

GRAPHIC

Bryan R. Adel
Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Secretary

April 9, 2015
Glendale, California

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Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. X DINEEQUITY, INC. 0227NA 1 U P X + Annual Meeting Proxy Card . + A Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed in Proposal 1 and FOR Proposals 2 and 3. For Against Abstain 2. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Corporation’s independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015. For Against Abstain 3. To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Corporation's named executive officers. 1. Election of Directors: Mark here to WITHHOLD vote from all nominees Mark here to vote FOR all nominees For All EXCEPT - To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s), write the name(s) of such nominee(s) below. _____________________________________________ 1. Richard J. Dahl 2. Stephen P. Joyce 3. Patrick W. Rose Change of Address — Please print your new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. B Non-Voting Items Meeting Attendance Mark the box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below C Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION 1234 5678 9012 345 MMMMMMMMM MMMMMMM MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MMMMMMMMMMMM 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext C123456789 MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM C 1234567890 J N T 2 3 5 6 2 0 1 000004 MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________ Admission Ticket qIF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q Electronic Voting Instructions Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy. VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR. Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, on May 18, 2015. Vote by Internet • Go to www.envisionreports.com/DIN • Or scan the QR code with your smartphone • Follow the steps outlined on the secure website Vote by telephone • Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories & Canada on a touch tone telephone • Follow the instructions provided by the recorded message

 


. Notice of 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Proxy Solicited by the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting — May 19, 2015 Julia A. Stewart and Bryan R. Adel, or either of them, each with the power of substitution, are hereby authorized to represent and vote the shares of the undersigned, with all the powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of DineEquity, Inc. to be held on May 19, 2015 or at any postponement or adjournment thereof. Shares represented by this proxy will be voted as directed by the stockholder. If no such directions are indicated, the Proxies will have authority to vote FOR all of the nominees listed in Proposal 1, FOR Proposal 2 and FOR Proposal 3. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. (Items to be voted on appear on reverse side.) Proxy — DineEquity, Inc. 2015 Annual Meeting Admission Ticket 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders DineEquity, Inc. Tusday, May 19, 2015 at 8:00 AM Local Time DineEquity, Inc. 450 North Brand Boulevard Glendale, California 91203 Upon arrival, please present this admission ticket and photo identification at the registration desk. qIF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q