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 (Amendment No. )


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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.

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LOGO



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LOGO

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Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500

Tampa, Florida 33607

March 8, 2018

4, 2024


Dear Bloomin’ Brands Stockholder:


You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. on Tuesday, April 24, 2018,23, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. (EDT), at Corporate Center One, 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, 4th Floor, Tampa, Florida 33607. The purpose of the meeting is detailed in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the Proxy Statement.

To provide you with the information you need to make an informed vote, while also lowering the cost of delivery and reducing the negative environmental impact of printing and delivering proxy materials, most of our stockholders will once again receive our proxy materials over the internet. Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own, and we encourage you to vote on the internet whether or not you plan to attend the meeting. Alternatively, you may vote by telephone or, if you received the proxy materials in the mail, by completing, signing, dating, and returning the paper proxy card in the enclosed prepaid and addressed envelope.

If you plan to attend the annual meeting, please bring photo identification as well as your notice, admission ticket from your proxy card, or a current statement of ownership from a bank, broker or other third party confirming ownership.

Thank you for considering the matters presented in the proxy statement, and please vote as soon as you are able.

We look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting.

LOGO

Chairman

On behalf of the Board of Directors

and Chief Executive Officer

Bloomin’ Brands’ management, thank you for your support.

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David Deno, Chief Executive Officer


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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.

2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500

Tampa, Florida 33607


NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held April 24, 2018

23, 2024


The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at Corporate Center One, 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, 4th Floor, Tampa, Florida 33607 on Tuesday, April 24, 2018,23, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) for the following purposes:

1.To elect three members to the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. Board of Directors

2.To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. independent registered certified public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2018

3.To obtainnon-binding advisory approval of the compensation of the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. named executive officers


1.To elect ten members to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board” or “Board of Directors”), each for a one-year term expiring in 2025

2.To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered certified public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2024

3.To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers

4.To vote on a stockholder proposal regarding stockholder right to act by written consent

The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement. The record date for determining those stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof is February 28, 2018.

2024.


Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please vote as soon as possible. As an alternative to voting in person at the annual meeting, you may vote via the internet, by telephone or, if you receive a paper proxy card in the mail, by mailing a completed proxy card. For detailed information regarding voting instructions, please refer to the section entitled “Voting via the Internet, by Telephone or by Mail” on page 2 of the proxy statement. You may revoke a previously delivered proxy at any time prior to the annual meeting. If you are a registered holder and decide to attend the annual meeting and wish to change your proxy vote, you may do so automatically by voting in person at the annual meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOGO

Kelly Lefferts, Secretary

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Kelly Lefferts, Secretary
Tampa, Florida

March 8, 2018

4, 2024


Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 24, 2018:

23, 2024:


This notice of annual meeting of stockholders, the accompanying proxy statement, and our 20172023 annual report to stockholders are available atwww.edocumentview.com/BLMN.




Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS


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Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    i


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Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

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Related Party Transactions

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FORM10-K

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ii    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement



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BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.

2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500

Tampa, Florida 33607


PROXY STATEMENT

FOR

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS


These proxy materials are provided in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (sometimes referred to herein as “the Board”) of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Bloomin’ Brands,” “the Company,“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, April 24, 2018,23, 2024, at the principal executive offices of the Company at Corporate Center One, 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, 4th Floor, Tampa, Florida 33607, and at any adjournments or postponements of the annual meeting. These proxy materials are first being distributed or otherwise sent to stockholders on or about March 8, 2018.

4, 2024.


PURPOSE OF MEETING

The specific proposals to be considered and acted upon at the annual meeting are:

1.To elect three members to the Company’s Board of Directors

2.To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered certified public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2018

3.To obtainnon-binding advisory approval of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers


1.To elect ten members to the Company’s Board, each for a one-year term expiring in 2025

2.To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered certified public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2024

3.To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers

4.To vote on a stockholder proposal regarding stockholder right to act by written consent

Each proposal is described in more detail in this proxy statement.


VOTING

Voting Rights

Only stockholders of record of Bloomin’ Brands common stock on February 28, 2018,2024, the record date, will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Each holder of record will be entitled to one vote on each matter for each share of common stock held on the record date. On the record date, there were 92,932,75287,070,573 shares of our common stock outstanding.


A majority of the outstanding shares of common stock must be present or represented by proxy at the annual meeting in order to have a quorum for the annual meeting. Abstentions and “brokernon-votes” will be treated as shares present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meeting. A “brokernon-vote” occurs when a bank, broker or other nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner submits a proxy for the annual meeting without voting on a particular proposal, because the bank, broker or other nominee has not received instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that proposal. A bank, broker or other nominee may exercise its discretionary voting power with respect to the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered certified public accounting firm (“Independent Auditor”) for the fiscal year ending December 30, 201829, 2024 (Proposal 2), but does not have discretion to vote with respect to the election of directors (Proposal 1), or thenon-binding advisory approval of the compensation of the Bloomin’ Brands named executive officers (Proposal 3), or the stockholder proposal regarding stockholder right to act by written consent (Proposal 4).

The affirmative vote


1

Table of the holders of a pluralityContents

A majority of votes properly cast on the proposal at the annual meeting is required to elect directors in uncontested elections (Proposal 1). A “majority of votes cast” means that the number of shares voted “FOR” a nominee must exceed the number of votes cast “AGAINST” the nominee in order for such nominee to be elected as a director at the annual meeting. Any incumbent director who receives fewer “FOR” votes than “AGAINST” votes is required to offer his or her irrevocable resignation. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider the offer of resignation and make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation of such incumbent director. The Board will then act on the resignation, taking into account the committee’s recommendation, and publicly disclose (by filing a Form 8-K or other appropriate disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission) its decision regarding the resignation and the rationale for its decision within a period of 90 days following certification of the election of directors (Proposal 1). Stockholders may not cumulate votes in the election of directors. results.

Proposals 2, 3, and 34 require the approval of the holders of a majority of votes properly cast on the proposal. Abstentions and brokernon-votes have no effect on the determination of whether a director nominee or any proposal has received a plurality or majority of the votes cast.

Proposals 2 (ratification of the appointment of Independent Auditor), 3 (advisory approval of the compensation of the named executive officers), and 4 (stockholder proposal regarding stockholder written consent) are not binding on the Company or the Board. The Board or the appropriate committee will review and consider the results of the votes on these proposals.


If the persons present or represented by proxy at the annual meeting constitute the holders of less than a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock as of the record date, the annual meeting may be adjourned to a subsequent date for the purpose of obtaining a quorum.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    1



Recommendations of the Board of Directors

The Bloomin’ Brands Board of Directors recommends that you vote:


FOR each of the nominees to the Board of Directors, each for a one-year term expiring in 2025 (Proposal 1)


FOR ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered certified public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 30, 201829, 2024 (Proposal 2)


FOR thenon-binding advisory approval of the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal 3)


AGAINST the stockholder proposal regarding stockholder right to act by written consent (Proposal 4)

Voting via the Internet, by Telephone or by Mail

Registered Holders


If you are a “registered holder” (meaning your shares are registered in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”)), then you may vote either in person at the annual meeting or by proxy. If you decide to vote by proxy, you may vote via the internet, by telephone or by mail and your shares will be voted at the annual meeting in the manner you direct. For those registered holders who receive a paper proxy card, instructions for voting via the internet or by telephone are set forth on the proxy card or such holders can complete, sign, date and return the mailed proxy card in the prepaid and addressed envelope that was enclosed with the proxy materials. For those stockholders who receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials provides information on how to access your proxy card, which contains instructions on how to vote via the internet or by telephone or receive a paper proxy card to vote by mail. Telephone and internet voting facilities for registered stockholders of record will close at 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on April 23, 2018.


If you return a signed proxy card on which no directions are specified, your shares will be votedFOR each all director nominees, FOR Proposals 2 and 3, and AGAINST Proposal 4.

2

Table of the three proposals.

Contents


Beneficial Holders

If, like most stockholders, you are a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” (meaning a broker, trustee, bank, or other nominee holds shares on your behalf), and you maywish to vote in personyour shares at the annual meeting, only if you obtain a legal proxy frommust follow the procedures provided by the nominee that holds your shares and present itfor obtaining a legal proxy to the inspector of elections with your ballotvote such shares at the annual meeting.meeting, as well as the registration instructions provided below under “Admission to the Annual Meeting.” Alternatively, you may provide voting instructions to the nominee that holds your shares by completing, signing and returning the voting instruction form that the nominee provides to you, or by using telephone or internet voting arrangements described on the voting instruction form, the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other materials that the nominee provides to you.


If you do not provide voting instructions to your nominee, the nominee will not vote your shares on the election of directors (Proposal 1) or, thenon-binding advisory approval of the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal 3), or the stockholder proposal regarding stockholder written consent (Proposal 4). However, your nominee will be able to exercise its discretionary voting power with respect to the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our Independent Auditor for the fiscal year ending December 30, 201829, 2024 (Proposal 2) and would be able to cause your shares to be counted as present at the annual meeting for purposes of determining a quorum.


Electronic Delivery

Stockholders who have elected to receive our 20182024 proxy statement and 20172023 annual report to stockholders electronically will be receiving an email on or about March 8, 2018,4, 2024, with information on how to access stockholder information and instructions for voting.


If you received your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or all of your annual meeting materials by mail, we encourage you to sign up to receive your stockholder communications electronically. Email delivery benefits the environment and reduces printing and mailing costs. With electronic delivery, you will be notified by email when the annual report on Form10-K and proxy statement are available on the internet, and you can submit your stockholder votes online. Your electronic delivery enrollment will be effective until you cancel it. If you are a registered holder, visitvisit www-us.computershare.com/Investor to createcreate a login and to enroll. If you hold your Bloomin’ Brands stock through a bank, broker or other nominee, please refer to the information provided by that entity for instructions on how to elect to view future proxy statements and annual reports over the internet and how to change your elections.


Changing or Revoking Your Proxy

You may revoke or change a previously delivered proxy at any time before the annual meeting by delivering another proxy with a later date, by voting again via the internet or by telephone, or by delivering written notice of revocation of your proxy to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices before the beginning of the annual meeting. You may also revoke your proxy by attending

2    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement


the annual meeting and voting, in person, although attendance at the annual meeting will not, in and of itself, revoke a valid proxy that was previously delivered. If you hold shares in “street name,” you must contact the nominee that holds the shares on your behalf to revoke any prior voting instructions. You also may revoke any prior voting instructions by voting in person at the annual meeting if you obtain a legal proxy as described above.


Admission to the Annual Meeting

The annual meeting will be at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at our Restaurant Support Center located at 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, 4th Floor, Tampa, Florida 33607. You are entitled to participate in the annual meeting only if you were a stockholder of record of the Company or beneficial holder of our common shares as of the close of business on February 28, 2024, the record date.

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You will need a valid government-issued picturephoto identification and either an admission ticket or proof of ownership of our common stock as of February 28, 2018,2024, to enter the annual meeting. If you are a registered owner, your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will be your admission ticket. If you received the proxy statement and annual report by mail, you will find an admission ticket attached to the proxy card sent to you. If you plan to attend the annual meeting, please bring the ticket with you for admission to the annual meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you will need proof of ownership to be admitted to the annual meeting. A recent brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker is an example of proof of ownership.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    3


In accordance with our bylaws, a list of all stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting, the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of such stockholder, will be available for review during the annual meeting by stockholders at the Restaurant Support Center.


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PROPOSAL NO. 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS


Nominees for Election at this Annual Meeting

The

Our Board of Directors currently consistshas 11 directors. As of eight directorsthe 2024 annual meeting, the size of the Board will be reduced to ten directors. David R. Fitzjohn’s term ends as of the annual meeting, and he is divided into three classes. Class I and Class III each contain three directors and Class II contains two directors. The directors in each class are electednot standing for termsre-election. This decision was not as a result of three years so thatany disagreement with the term of office of one class of directors expires at each annual meeting.Board or with the Company’s management. At this annual meeting, stockholders will consider the election of threeten directors for one-year terms ending in 2021.

The current terms2025. All were nominated at the recommendation of office of the Class III directors, David R. Fitzjohn, John J. Mahoney and R. Michael Mohan, will expire on the day of this annual meeting (as soon as they or their successors are elected) and have each been nominated for election by the Board of Directors upon recommendation by theour Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Committee and all have previously served on the Board. Commencing with this annual meeting, each director will stand for election every year.


Proxies may not be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named. The proxy holders intend to vote all proxies received by them for the nominees unless otherwise instructed. In the event any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the meeting, the proxies will be voted for a nominee, if any, who may be designated by the Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board of Directors is not aware that any nominee is unable or will decline to serve as a director.


The following provides information regarding the business experience and qualifications of each of the Class III nominees:

David R. Fitzjohn, 61, has served as a director since February 2014. Since November 2012, Mr. Fitzjohn has been Chairman

5

Table of the BoardContents

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Key Skills and Experience:
Executive Leadership: As the CEO of Bloomin’ Brands since 2019, responsible for developing and executing the Company’s long-term objectives, growth strategies and initiatives for its portfolio of casual and fine-dining brands. Previously served as CFO and Chief Administrative Officer at Bloomin’ Brands, President of Asia and CFO at Best Buy International, and CFO and COO at Yum! Brands, building deep public company executive experience in these roles.
Casual Dining: Extensive industry experience with nearly four decades of service at iconic restaurant companies, including Bloomin’ Brands, Yum! Brands and Burger King Corporation. 
Finance: Significant financial expertise across business analytics and global strategy, as well as all areas of financial planning and reporting, including accounting services, corporate tax, treasury and investor relations through CFO and finance roles at Bloomin’ Brands, Best Buy International, Yum! Brands and Burger King Corporation. 
Logistics and Supply Chain: Gained skills in overseeing and optimizing global supply chains through role as Chief Administrative Officer at Bloomin’ Brands and COO at Yum! Brands.
International: Strong international experience earned as President of Asia for Best Buy International, in addition to leadership roles overseeing Bloomin’ Brands’ international expansion.

Career Highlights:
Bloomin’ Brands (since 2012)
CEO (since 2019)
CFO and Chief Administrative Officer (2012-2019)
President of Asia and Chief Financial Officer (International Division), Best Buy (2009 – 2012)
Yum! Brands (1997 – 2006)
COO (2004 – 2006)
CFO (1999 – 2005)
CFO (International Division) (1997 – 1999)  
Various roles, including CFO of Pizza Hut, PepsiCo, Inc. (1991 – 1997)
Various financial roles, Burger King Corporation (1983 – 1991)

Other Public Company Boards:
Krispy Kreme (since 2016)
Brinker International (2011 – 2012)

Education:
BA, Economics and Political Science, Macalester College 
MBA, University of Michigan
David J. Deno

Chief Executive Officer, Bloomin’ Brands

Director since: 2019

Age: 66

6

Table of Pizza Hut UK, Ltd., which owns and operates pizza restaurants in the United Kingdom. Mr. Fitzjohn has served as the ManagingContents

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Key Skills and Experience:
Casual Dining: Brings over 30 years of leadership experience in restaurant industry, including direct operational oversight of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Deeply familiar with unique aspects of casual dining consumer landscape and value creation opportunities with proven record of driving growth and profitability.
Executive Leadership: As COO of Darden Restaurants, helped identify and drive significant operational and organizational turnaround initiatives at company during his tenure.

Career Highlights:
Darden Restaurants (2007 – 2020)
EVP, COO (2018 – 2020)
EVP, Darden (2016 – 2018)
President, Olive Garden (2013 – 2018)
Rare Hospitality International Inc. (1998 – 2013) (acquired by Darden Restaurants in 2007)
President, LongHorn Steakhouse (2003 – 2013)
SVP of Operations, LongHorn Steakhouse (2001 – 2003)
VP of Operations, The Capital Grille(2000 – 2001)
Regional VP of Operations North, LongHorn Steakhouse (1998 – 2000)

Education:
BS, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Michigan State University
David George

Retired Chief Operating Officer, Darden Restaurants

Independent Director since: 2024

Committees:
Operating (Chair)
Compensation

Age: 68
7

Table of Sahana Enterprises Ltd. and Sahana Estates Ltd., privately-held real estate development, investment and restaurant industry consulting businesses since 2006. Previously, Mr. Fitzjohn was the ManagingContents

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Key Skills and Experience:
Executive Leadership: Held top leadership roles at some of the largest companies in the world, including Walmart Inc., Dollar General Corporation, Safeway, Inc. and PepsiCo, Inc. As Senior Advisor to New Mountain Capital, LLC, a manager of private equity funds based in New York, has also served on the boards of several portfolio companies.
Consumer and Retail: Spent 40 years leading consumer product companies and retailers, including Walmart Inc. and Dollar General Corporation, where his efforts led to significant new store openings and improved same-store results, as well as Safeway, Inc. and PepsiCo, Inc.
Finance: Through his role at New Mountain Capital, LLC, has gained significant experience overseeing financial profiles of various portfolio companies. As President and CEO of the Global Procurement division at Walmart Inc, directed efforts of purchasing offices in 28 countries. In various roles at PepsiCo, Inc., including VP of Sales for Pepsi Cola, General Manager of Pepsi Cola Bottling and COO of Worldwide Operations for PepsiCo Foods, had key role in financial strategy and planning decisions.
Logistics and Supply Chain: Gained deep knowledge regarding food manufacturing, distribution and supply chain operations throughout career. Implemented programs to improve the company’s factory sourcing while President and CEO of the Global Procurement division at Walmart Inc. As Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Operations at Safeway, Inc., led the manufacturing, distribution and private-label operations for the $30bn grocer.
Business Development and Marketing: As General Manager of Pepsi Cola Bottling, oversaw strategy and activities for Marketing and Development teams.
Human Resources/Talent Management: As Chief People Officer at Walmart Inc., was responsible for all human resources planning for the Company’s 1.5 million associates worldwide, including recruitment, training and executive development, succession planning, implementation of human resource technology and all diversity initiatives.

Career Highlights:
Senior Advisor and Board member for several of the firm’s private portfolio companies, New Mountain Capital, LLC, a manager of private equity funds (since 2008)
Walmart Inc. (2004 – 2008)
President and CEO of Global Procurement Division (2006 – 2008)
EVP and Chief People Officer (2004 – 2006)
President and COO, Dollar General Corporation (2003 – 2004) 
Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Operations, Safeway, Inc. (1997 – 2003)  
Various executive roles, PepsiCo, Inc. (1981 – 1998)
Consultant, McKinsey & Company (1979 – 1981)

Other Public Company Boards:
John Bean Technologies Corporation (since 2020)
Assurant, Inc. (since 2009)
Snyder's-Lance, Inc. (2015 – 2018)   

Education:
BA, Economics, Harvard University
MBA, Harvard Business School
Lawrence V. Jackson

Senior Advisor,
New Mountain Capital

Independent Director since: 2020

Committees:
Nominating and Corporate Governance (Chair)
Audit

Age: 70
8

Table of YUM! Brands Europe, a subsidiaryContents

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Key Skills and Experience:
Finance: Deep expertise gained while at Ernst & Young LLP. Advised companies on the finance, accounting and reporting impacts of their business transformations, including mergers and acquisitions, dispositions and IT systems, and regularly collaborated with their merchandising and operations personnel in addressing the financial implications of their operational initiatives.
Accounting and Auditing: Significant experience acquired as the lead audit partner for consumer businesses, resulting in expertise in accounting and auditing standards.
Risk Management: Proven expert in risk management and compliance standards while advising multiple public companies at Ernst & Young LLP.
Executive Leadership: Held various market-facing leadership roles in Ernst & Young LLP’s Consumer sector during last 20 years of tenure and served as Managing Partner of the Columbus office for five years, overseeing client engagement and quality reviews in addition to personnel and staffing management, training and thought leadership.
Consumer and Retail: Spent nearly 40 years in various audit and assurance positions, focusing on all sectors of consumer products and retail.
ESG: Advised companies on environmental, social and corporate governance (“ESG”) assessments, reporting and governance frameworks.

Career Highlights:
Ernst & Young LLP (1984 – 2021)  
Senior Partner, Financial Accounting Advisory Services (2015 – 2021)
Various audit and assurance positions (1984 – 2015)

Education:
BA, Accounting and Business Management, University of St. Thomas
Certified Public Accountant

Julie Kunkel

Former Senior Partner, Financial Accounting Advisory Services, 
Ernst & Young LLP

Independent Director since: 2022

Committees:
Audit

Age: 61
9

Table of YUM! Brands, Inc. that operates quick service restaurants. In addition, Mr. Fitzjohn has held numerous executive management positions at Burger King Worldwide, Inc., which owns and operates fast food hamburger restaurants, as well as at retailers Grand Metropolitan and Laura Ashley. From April 2006 to April 2014, he served as anon-executive directorContents

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Key Skills and Experience:
Cybersecurity: As EVP and Chief Information Officer at Saia, Inc., a public logistics company, leads data privacy and NIST-based cybersecurity programs through training, process changes and technology.
Information Technology and Digital: Deep technology acumen and proven track record transforming IT systems and cultures and ensuring IT solutions and data-driven decisions become competitive tools to enable and advance an organization’s strategic objectives. Significant experience in designing and implementing solutions focused on the customer experience, productivity and asset utilization.
Logistics and Supply Chain: In current role at a public logistics company, leads IT teams to develop and deliver enterprise-wide solutions. Co-developed modern machine learning-based decision support and real-time traffic routing applications to replace legacy supply chain planning and city delivery solutions. While at The Coca-Cola Company, held advisory and governance roles with franchise bottler boards and helped implement end-to-end ERP solutions, including order-to-cash, forecasting, manufacturing, warehousing and route planning. Prior to that, led ERP value realization engagements at mid-market and global companies across multiple industries as CEO and Founder of AceTrack, Inc., a boutique consultancy.
Executive Leadership: Proven leader at a publicly-traded company, having enacted transformative change and delivered impressive financial results, operating margin improvements and debt reduction.
Business Development and Marketing: Extensive business development experience having founded and led AceTrack, Inc., including overseeing a multi-million dollar RFP to select a managed service provider for The Coca-Cola Company. In addition, six years of software sales and business development experience as a sales manager and sales executive at QAD.
Consumer and Retail: Through a nine-year tenure at The Coca-Cola Company, gained expertise in consumer product sales and manufacturing. Oversaw the rollout of solutions for Trade Promotion Management, mobile sales force and Direct Store Delivery to convenience stores.
Innovation and Culture: At Saia, Inc., transformed IT culture and technology to enable business growth through digital innovation. At The Coca-Cola Company, introduced customer-centric innovative solutions for better product ordering and sales force automation.

Career Highlights:
Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Saia, Inc. (since 2017) 
The Coca-Cola Company / CONA (Coke One North America) (2008 – 2017)
Director, Enterprise Architecture, CONA Services (2016 – 2017)
Director of Technology Strategy, CONA (2013 – 2016)
Director of Application Development and Infrastructure (2008 – 2013)
CEO and Founder, AceTrack, Inc. (2000 – 2008)
Sales Manager, Sales Executive, Consultant and Application Developer, QAD (1989 – 1998)

Education:
BS, Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology
Rohit Lal

Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Saia, Inc.

Independent Director since: 2023

Committees:
Audit

Age: 63
10

Table of Rosinter Restaurant Holdings, a Russian public company that operates casual dining restaurants. The BoardContents

BODPic07.jpg
Key Skills and Experience:
Executive Leadership: Proven strategic and operational leadership capabilities having held multiple broad-based roles at Google, including current role leading the Americas for YouTube, Visible World (now owned by Comcast), where she was President and developed the Company into a leading technology platform for addressable video advertising, and McKinsey & Company, where she helped lead the Global Media & Entertainment and Sales & Marketing practices.
Business Development and Marketing: Has more than 25 years of digital media sales and marketing experience, including tenure as Managing Director of Ads Marketing at Google, during which time she led Google’s communications and market development for clients and partners across products worldwide. Additionally, she was an advisor to CROs and CMOs throughout her tenure at McKinsey & Company and helped develop key thought leadership for the firm.
Consumer and Retail: Deep understanding of evolving consumer interests and behavior based on 13 years at Google and YouTube, including leadership of initiatives driving retail media and e-commerce solutions. Regular advisor to CMOs and CEOs on best practices to drive consumer results across the purchase funnel.
Information Technology and Digital: Significant digital transformation expertise from her roles at Visible World and Google, ranging from sales and marketing to operations and culture.
Innovation and Culture: Writes and speaks frequently as a C-suite advisor on how to step-change innovation and culture to succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Human Resources and Talent Management: Led numerous talent management initiatives at McKinsey & Company, Visible World and Google to improve recruiting, performance management, employee engagement, and diversity and inclusion.

Career Highlights:
Google (since 2011)
Vice President, Americas, YouTube (since 2021)
Vice President, Agency and Brand Solutions (2017 – 2021)
Vice President, Agency Solutions (2014 – 2017)
Managing Director, Ads Marketing (2011 – 2014) 
President, Visible World (2005 – 2011) 
Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company (1999 – 2005) 

Other Public Company Boards:
Braze, Inc. (since 2019)

Education:
BA, Economics, Harvard University
MBA, Harvard Business School

Tara Walpert Levy

Vice President, Americas, YouTube

Independent Director since: 2013

Committees:
Compensation (Chair)

Age: 50
11

Table of Directors believes that Mr. Fitzjohn’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include his manyContents

BODPic08.jpg
Key Skills and Experience:
Finance: Accomplished financial executive with large-cap public company experience. Gained substantial expertise in corporate finance, financial reporting and financial management from executive roles at Staples, Inc., experience as a Director for various public companies, and career as a certified public accountant and Partner at Ernst & Young LLP.
Accounting and Auditing: Significant knowledge of auditing, accounting, governance and executive compensation through his 20-year career at Ernst & Young LLP and 15-year tenure as CFO of Staples, Inc.
Risk Management: Gained expertise in risk management advising companies on appropriate controls during tenure at Ernst & Young LLP in addition to overseeing IT protocols and initiatives through role as Chief Administrative Officer at Staples, Inc.
Executive Leadership: Over 45 years in leadership and management roles of increasing responsibility.
Consumer and Retail: 35+ years of extensive experience during service in various roles at Staples, Inc., a multinational office supply retailer, as well as service on several retail public company boards including Chico’s FAS, Burlington Stores, Inc., and The Michael’s Companies, Inc.
International: Through role as Chief Administrative Officer at Staples, Inc., helped oversee the Company’s international operations.
Human Resources and Talent Management: Experience overseeing the human resources initiatives of public companies as Chair of Chico’s Human Resources, Compensation and Benefits Committee and previously as Chair of Burlington’s Compensation Committee.

Career Highlights:
Staples, Inc. (1996 – 2012)
Vice Chairman (2006 – 2012)
CFO (1996 – 2012)
Chief Administrative Officer (1997 – 2006) 
Executive Vice President (1996 – 2006)
Partner, Ernst & Young LLP, holding roles in its National Office Accounting and Auditing groups (1975 – 1996) 

Other Public Company Boards:
Chico's FAS (since 2007)
Burlington Stores, Inc. (since 2013, appointed Chair in 2020)
The Michael’s Companies, Inc. (2013 - 2021)
Zipcar, Inc. (2010 – 2012)

Education:
BA, English, College of the Holy Cross 
MBA, Northeastern University
Certified Public Accountant

John J. Mahoney

Former Chief Financial Officer and Retired Vice Chairman, Staples, Inc.

Independent Director since: 2012

Committees:
Audit (Chair)
Operating

Age: 72
12

Table of executive management experience, industry expertise, and experience with international markets.

John J. Mahoney, 66, has served as a director since May 2012. Mr. Mahoney retired as Vice ChairmanContents


BODPic09.jpg
Key Skills and Experience:
Finance: Extensive expertise in financial planning and analysis, including current position as CFO of Urban Outfitters, Inc. where she oversees finance, accounting, tax, business development and strategy and loss prevention.
Accounting and Auditing: Significant knowledge of financial reporting, accounting and auditing through nearly two decades of experience in financial roles at publicly traded companies. 
Executive Leadership: Served in key leadership roles in finance organizations at large public companies, including General Motors, Campbell Soup Company and currently Urban Outfitters, Inc.
Business Development and Marketing: Serving in various roles at Urban Outfitters, Inc. concentrating on financial planning and business analysis, long-range planning and business development for the Company's global consumer brands including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, BHLDN, Terrain, Menus & Venues and Nuuly.
Consumer and Retail: Over 27 years in roles of increasing responsibility at major retail and consumer products organizations driving top line growth and financial returns, including several in the food and beverage sector.

Career Highlights:
Urban Outfitters, Inc. (since 2013)
CFO (since 2020)
Executive Director, Corporate Development & Finance (2013 – 2020)
Various financial roles including Assistant Treasurer, Campbell Soup Company (2004 – 2013)
North America Finance Director, Godiva Chocolatier (2000 – 2004) 
Manager, Finance, General Motors (1996 – 2000)

Education:
BS, Accounting and Decision Sciences, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
MBA, Finance, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Melanie Marein-Efron

Chief Financial Officer,
Urban Outfitters, Inc.

Independent Director since: 2022

Committees:
Compensation

Age: 54
13

Table of Staples, Inc., a large office products and supply company, in July 2012, a position he held since January 2006. Mr. Mahoney also served as Chief FinancialContents

BODPic10.jpg
Key Skills and Experience:
Executive Leadership: Leadership roles over the majority of career have had significant focus on all aspects of operations, including sales, merchandising, marketing, supply chain management, services and new business initiatives.
Business Development and Marketing: Expertise in digital marketing over 35+ year career including various roles at Best Buy Co. leading merchandising and marketing efforts. At Best Buy Co., gained additional significant business development experience through the launch of partnerships with leading consumer brands to create the within-store Magnolia and Pacific Kitchen & Home concepts and leading the evolution of Best Buy’s private-label, fitness devices and connected home products.
Logistics and Supply Chain: Significant experience through close involvement in vendor engagement throughout tenure at Best Buy Co., assisting with negotiating master agreements and pricing for billions of dollars of goods purchased from vendors each year. As Chief Operating Officer, directly oversaw the logistics and distribution teams, including the massive upgrade in automated technology in the distribution centers.
Real Estate: Experience directly managing large real estate portfolios, including leading Best Buy Co.’s real estate committee and directly overseeing its real estate, capital and maintenance planning for new stores, renovations, relocations and vacated locations involving ~200 real estate transactions per year.
Consumer and Retail: An extensive career at large retail companies including Best Buy Co. and Good Guys, an audio-video specialty retailer that operated 79 stores in the western United States.
Human Resources and Talent Management: As Chief Operating Officer of Best Buy Co., led complete overhaul in operating model of the Company’s 5,000+ corporate roles to support talent and development plans and had deep involvement in all decisions related to compensation, job grades and benefits for Company’s ~100,000 global employees.
Information Technology and Digital: Proven ability to advance consumer-facing digital strategy having directly overseen Best Buy Co.’s ecommerce platform as Chief Operating Officer, including all aspects of development, product release and specific online customer demand generation.

Career Highlights:
Best Buy Co. (2004 – 2021)
President and Chief Operating Officer (2019 – 2021)
Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Business (2018 – 2019)
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer (2014 – 2018)
Senior Vice President and President of the Home Business Group (2013 – 2014)
Senior Vice President of Merchandising (2008 – 2013)
Vice President and General Merchandise Manager (2004 – 2007)
Good Guys (1997 – 2004)
Vice President and General Merchandise Manager (2002 – 2004)
Senior Category Management (1997 – 2002) 
Various positions, Future Shop (1988 - 1997) 

Other Public Company Boards:
Vizio Holding Corp. (since 2023)
Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc., Lead Independent Director (since 2021)

Education:
Engineering and Commerce, University of Calgary

R. Michael Mohan

Chairman of the Board

Former President and Chief Operating Officer, Best Buy 
Co.

Independent Director since: 2017

Chairman since: 2023

Committees:
Compensation
Nominating and Corporate Governance
Operating

Age: 56
14

Table of Staples, Inc. from September 1996 to February 2012. Before joining Staples, Inc., Mr. Mahoney was a partner with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP, where he worked for 20 years, including service in the firm’s National Office—Accounting and Auditing group. Mr. Mahoney also serves on the Board of Directors of Chico’s FAS, Inc., a clothing retailer, where he is the Chairman of the Compensation & Benefits Committee and a member of the Audit Committee; The Michaels Companies, Inc., an arts and crafts retailer, where he is the Lead Independent Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; and Burlington Stores, Inc., a consumer retailer, where he is the Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Mahoney’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include his experience as a financial executive and certified public accountant, with expertise in the retail industry, including accounting, controls, financial reporting, finance, risk management, and financial management.

R. Michael Mohan, 50, has served as a director since October 2017. Mr. Mohan is Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer for Best Buy Co. Inc., a position he has held since January 2014. Mr. Mohan also served as Senior Vice President and President of the Home Business Group for Best Buy from January 2013 to January 2014 and Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Best Buy from April 2008 to January 2013. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Mohan’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include his many years of retail and management experience, coupled with his digital marketing acumen.

4    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement

Contents



BODPic11.jpg
Key Skills and Experience:
Finance: Brings valuable financial and investment acumen as a Partner at Starboard Value. In previous roles at Casablanca Capital, Mill Road Capital and Prentice Capital Management, gained expertise evaluating and executing opportunities for long-term investments to drive growth and profitability.
Executive Leadership: As a Partner at Starboard Value, actively engages with management teams and boards of directors of publicly traded U.S. companies to identify and execute on opportunities to unlock value for the benefit of shareholders.
Casual Dining: Helped lead prior Starboard investments in Darden Restaurants and Papa John’s with a focus on driving operational improvements.
Real Estate: Gained experience advising companies in managing large or complex real estate footprints, including at Darden through REIT spin to create Four Corners Property Trust.
ESG: Brings expertise in key corporate governance matters and sustainability initiatives to inform best-in-class processes, including through prior role as member of Acacia Research Corporation’s Board of Directors and service on its Nominating, Governance & Sustainability Committee.

Career Highlights:
Partner, Starboard Value LP (since 2011)
Investment Analyst, Casablanca Capital (2010 – 2011)
Investment Analyst, Mill Road Capital (2009 – 2010)
Investment Analyst, Prentice Capital Management (2006 – 2009)
Investment Banking Analyst, Rothschild Inc. (2004 – 2006)

Other Public Company Boards:
Acacia Research Corporation (2019 – 2024)

Education:
AB, Philosophy, Princeton University
MBA, Columbia Business School

Jonathan Sagal

Partner, Starboard Value LP

Independent Director since: 2024

Committees:
Nominating and Corporate Governance
Operating

Age: 42


Recommendation of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders voteFOR the election of Messrs. Fitzjohn, Mahoney and Mohan.

Directors Continuing in Office

The following are the directors who will continue in office after this annual meeting:

Class I Directors – Terms Expiring at the 2019 Annual Meeting

Wendy A. Beck, 53, has served as a director since February 2018. Ms. Beck is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (“NCLH”), a leading global cruise company that operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, a position she has held since September 2010 and will transition from on or before September 30, 2018. Prior to joining NCLH in 2010, Ms. Beck served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Domino’s Pizza, Inc., oneeach of the largest pizza delivery companies, from May 2008nominees to August 2010. From May 2004 to April 2008, she served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurerthe Board.


15

Table of Whataburger Restaurants, LP, which operatesmade-to-order burger restaurants, and served as its Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer from August 2001 through April 2004. Ms. Beck was also employed at CheckersDrive-In Restaurants, Inc., a quick service restaurant company, from March 1993 through July 2001, serving as its Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from 2000 through July 2001. Ms. Beck also servesContents

Board Overview
Our Board is currently comprised of 11 individuals selected on the basis of numerous criteria, including business experience, industry knowledge and other fields of significant knowledge, good character, sound judgement, integrity, and diversity. We view the effectiveness of our Board through both an individual and collective lens and believe that our Board is optimized to support and guide the Company.

Board Snapshot


447448
450


Note: The information above is based on Board composition as of Directors and chairs the Audit Committee of At Home Corporation, which operates home décor retail stores, since 2014. Ms. Beck previously servedMarch 4, 2024. The Board size will be reduced to ten directors as a director and Audit Committee member of Spartan Stores Inc., which operates grocery stores and distribution centers, from 2010 to 2013. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Food Service Forum, the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington and the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Beck holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University2024 annual meeting. The term of South Florida and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive license). The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Beck’s qualifications to serveDavid R. Fitzjohn, an independent director, ends as a Board member include her extensive experience in the restaurant industry, accounting, finance, strategic planning and leadership.

Tara Walpert Levy, 44, has served as a director since July 2013. Ms. Levy is the Vice President of Agency and Media Solutions for Google Inc., a leading developer and marketer of commercial and consumer technologies, a position she has held since October 2014. From June 2011 to September 2014, she was the Managing Director of Global Ad Market Development for Google Inc. From June 2007 to May 2011, Ms. Levy was President of Visible World Inc., a leading technology platform for addressable video advertising, now owned by Comcast, Inc. Ms. Levy was also an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, Inc., a management consulting firm, where she was a leader of the Global Media & Entertainment2024 annual meeting, and Sales & Marketing groups. Ms. Levyhe is an executive membernot standing for re-election.


16

Table of Contents

Board Diversity Matrix
BOARD DIVERSITY MATRIX (AS OF MARCH 4, 2024)(1)(2)
BOARD SIZE:
Total number of directors
11(1)
GENDER IDENTITY:FEMALEMALENON- BINARYDID NOT DISCLOSE GENDER
Number of directors based on gender identity38
Number of directors who identity in any of the categories below:
African American or Black1
Alaskan Native and Native American
Asian1
Hispanic or Latinx
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
White35
Two or More Races or Ethnicities1
LGBTQ+
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background
_________________
(1)As of the 2024 annual meeting, the size of the Board of Directorswill be reduced to ten directors. David R. Fitzjohn’s term ends as of the Ad Council. The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Levy’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include her expertise in digital marketing, coupled with her marketing business perspective.

Elizabeth A. Smith, 54, has served as the Chairman of2024 annual meeting, and he is not standing for re-election.

(2)To see our Board Diversity Matrix as of Directors since January 2012, and as our Chief Executive Officer and a director since November 2009. From September 2007 to October 2009, Ms. Smith was President of Avon Products, Inc., a manufacturer of beauty products, and was responsible for its worldwideproduct-to-market processes, infrastructure and systems, including Global Brand Marketing, Global Sales, Global Supply Chain and Global Information Technology. In January 2005, Ms. Smith joined Avon Products, Inc. as President, Global Brand, and was givenMarch 6, 2023, please see the additional role of leading Avon North America in August 2005. From November 2004 to December 2008, Ms. Smith served as a member of the Board of Directors of Carter’s, Inc., a clothing retailer. From September 1990 to November 2004, she worked in various capacities at Kraft Foods Inc. Ms. Smith is a member of the Board of Directors of Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., a hospitality company, where she also serves on the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees, and was previously a member of the Board of Directors of Staples, Inc., from September 2008 to June 2014. The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Smith’s qualifications to serve as Chairman include her role as Chief Executive Officer, her extensive experience with global companies and retail sales, her expertise in corporate strategy development, and her knowledge of marketing, sales, supply chain, and information technology systems.

Class II Directors – Terms Expiring at the 2020 Annual Meeting

James R. Craigie, 64, has served as a director since November 2013. Mr. Craigie has been thenon-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Church & Dwight Co., Inc., a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of household and personal care consumer products, since January 2016. He was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Church & Dwight Co., Inc. from July 2004 through May 2007 and executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from May 2007 through December 2015. From December 1998 through 2003, he was the President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors of Spalding Sports Worldwide and its successor,Top-Flite Golf Co. From 1983 to November

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    5


1998, he held various senior management positions with Kraft Foods, Inc., including Executive Vice President and General Manager of its Beverages and Desserts Division, and Dinners and Enhancers Division. Prior to entering private industry, Mr. Craigie served six years as an officer2023 proxy statement filed with the U.S. Navy/DepartmentSEC on that date.


Board Skills Matrix
FINAL BLMN Skills Matrix for Proxy .jpg
17

Table of Energy. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Newell Brands Inc., a leading global consumer goods company, since February 2018. He was previously a member of the Board of Directors of the Meredith Corporation, a media and marketing company, from November 2006 to May 2014 and the Terravia Corporation (formerly called Solazyme, Inc.), a food, nutrition, and specialty ingredients company, from September 2013 to December 2017. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Craigie’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include his extensive experience leading a consumer brand company as well as his experience as a Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a public company.

Mindy Grossman, 60, has served as a director since September 2012. Ms. Grossman has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Weight Watchers International, Inc., since July 2017. From August 2008 to May 2017, she was the Chief Executive Officer of HSN, Inc. (“HSN”), a multi-channel retailer offering retail experiences through various platforms, including television, online, mobile, catalogs, and retail and outlet stores, and a member of HSN’s board of directors. Prior to joining HSN, she served as Chief Executive Officer of IAC Retailing, a business segment of HSN’s former parent company, IAC/InterActiveCorp, a media and internet company, from April 2006 to August 2008, and Global Vice President of Nike, Inc.’s apparel business from October 2000 to March 2006. The Board of Directors believes that Ms. Grossman’s qualifications to serve as a Board member include her extensive experience leading, developing and launching consumer facing businesses and expertise in strategy, marketing, merchandising and business development, as well as her experience as the Chief Executive Officer of a public company.

Contents


Board Committees and Meetings

During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2023, the Board of Directors held eight16 meetings. During fiscal 2017,2023, each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of Board meetings (held during the period for which he or she has been a director) and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all Board committees on which he or she served (during the period that he or she served). Directors are strongly encouraged to attend the annual meeting of stockholders. All of our directors who were then on the Board of Directors attended our 20172023 annual meeting of stockholders.


We have three standing committees: the Audit Committee; the Compensation Committee; and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each of these committees has a written charter approved by the Board of Directors. A copy of each charter can be found by clicking on “Corporate Governance”“Governance—Governance Documents” in the Investors“Investors” section of our website,www.bloominbrands.com.


Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, committee members may serve a maximum of five one-year terms, which enables committee members to rotate periodically to different committees. In addition, committee chairs may serve a maximum of five one-year terms as chair (which may be in addition to prior service as a committee member) in order to facilitate the rotation of committee chairs while preserving experienced leadership. Upon reaching the completion of the fifth one-year term, the committee member or committee chair, as the case may be, must tender his or her resignation to the Board, to be effective immediately at the end of such director’s then-current term.

Under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”), our Board of Directors must consist of a majority of directors who meet NASDAQ’s independence requirements (“Independent Directors”) and the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees must be composed entirely of Independent Directors. See “Independent Directors” for additional information regarding these independence requirements and our satisfaction of these requirements.


The members and chairs of thethese committees, as of the date of this proxy statement, are identified in the following table:

DIRECTORAUDIT COMMITTEEAUDIT
COMPENSATION COMMITTEECOMPENSATION
COMMITTEE
NOMINATING
AND CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
COMMITTEE

Wendy A. Beck

X

James R. Craigie

XChair

David R. Fitzjohn

XX

Mindy Grossman

David George (1)
XChair

Lawrence V. Jackson

XChair
Julie KunkelX
Rohit LalX
Tara Walpert Levy

ChairX

John J. Mahoney

(1)
ChairChairX

Melanie Marein-Efron

X
R. Michael Mohan

(1)
XX
Jonathan Sagal (1)X

_________________
(1)Under the terms of the Starboard Agreement (defined below), in January 2024, the Board formed an Operating Committee consisting of Messrs. George (Chair), Mahoney, Mohan and Sagal.
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Audit Committee

The purposes of the Audit Committee are set forth in the Audit Committee charter and are primarily to assist the Board of Directors in overseeing:


the integrity and overall quality of our financial statements


the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting


our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

6    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement



the Independent Auditor’s qualifications and independence


the evaluation of enterprise risk issues


the performance of our internal audit function and Independent Auditor


the Company’s identification, assessment, and management of cybersecurity and data privacy risks

The Audit Committee is also responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the Independent Auditor, as well as the selection and replacement of the lead audit partner of the Independent Auditor.


The Audit Committee reviews and discusses with management and the Independent Auditor mandatory filings and financial information to be included in our audited financial statements, results and performance, including the quality of the accounting principles, the clarity of the disclosures in the financial statements and the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls. The Audit Committee also reviews earnings press releases.


The Audit Committee reviews significant reports to management prepared by the Company’s internal auditoraudit team and management’s responses and discusses with management and the Independent Auditor the internal auditor’saudit team’s responsibilities, activities, organizational structure and independence, staffing, qualifications and budget. The Audit Committee also meets regularly with our internal audit team to review and discuss the internal audit scope, plan and results of internal audit activities.


The Audit Committee also reviews and discusses with management, the internal audit team and the Independent Auditor enterprise risk issues, including cybersecurity and data privacy, and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such risk exposures. The Audit Committee receives and evaluates quarterly updates from our head of information security and Chief Technology Officer regarding the Company’s cybersecurity program and actions taken to manage cybersecurity risk. The topics cover the following, on an as-needed basis: risk identification and management strategies, consumer data protection, security programs, ongoing risk mitigation activities, and results of third-party assessments and testing.

Mr. Mahoney wasand Ms. Kunkel were each determined by our Board of Directors to be an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Item 407 of RegulationS-K and isare independent within the meaning of the NASDAQ listing rules for audit committee members. All of the members meet the requirements for audit committee members under applicable NASDAQ rules regarding the ability to read and understand financial statements.


The Audit Committee held sevennine meetings during fiscal 2017.

2023.


Compensation Committee

The purposes of the Compensation Committee are set forth in the Compensation Committee charter and are primarily to:


oversee our executive compensation policies and practices

19

discharge the responsibilities of our Board of Directors relating to executive compensation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our other executive officers


review and approve certain compensation and employee benefit plans, policies and programs; and exercise discretion in the administration of such programs


produce, approve and recommend to our Board of Directors for its approval reports on compensation matters required to be included in our annual proxy statement or annual report, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations


For additional description of the Compensation Committee’s processes and procedures for consideration and determination of executive officer compensation, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” within “Executive Compensation and Related Information.”

The Compensation Committee held seven meetings during fiscal 2017.

2023.


Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee


The purposes of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are set forth in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter and are primarily to:


identify and evaluate individuals qualified to become members of our Board of Directors and to recommend to our Board of Directors the director nominees for each annual meeting of stockholders or to recommend persons to otherwise fill vacancies on the Board of Directors


review and recommend to our Board of Directors committee structure, membership, and operations, including oversight regarding the rotation of committee members


develop and recommend to our Board of Directors a set of corporate governance guidelines


oversee the annual performance evaluation of our Board, of Directors and each committee of the Board, and each individual director, plus an even more in-depth performance review of each of the foregoing led by an outside consultant periodically


advise the Board regarding director succession planning

review and assess the effectiveness of the Company’s environmental, social and governance policies, goals and programs, and make recommendations to the Board based on such review and assessment

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held fourseven meetings during fiscal 2017.

2023.


Independent Directors

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, an “independent” director is one who meets the qualification requirements for being independent under applicable laws and the corporate governance listing standards of NASDAQ. The Nominating and Corporate

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    7


Governance Committee evaluates the relationships of each director and director nominee and makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors as to whether to make an affirmative determination that such director or director nominee is independent. Upon recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that: (a) Messrs. Craigie, Fitzjohn, George, Jackson, Lal, Mahoney, and Mohan, and Sagal and Mses. Beck, GrossmanKunkel, Levy and LevyMarein-Efron are independent under the criteria established by NASDAQ for director independence; (b) Ms. Kunkel and Messrs. CraigieJackson, Lal, and Mahoney and Ms. Levy are independent under the criteria established by NASDAQ for audit committee membership; and (c) Messrs. FitzjohnGeorge and Mohan and Mses. BeckLevy and GrossmanMarein-Efron are independent under the criteria established by NASDAQ for compensation committee membership.

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Arrangements or Understandings Regarding Service as a Director

Ms. Beck was

Messrs. George and Sagal (the “Starboard Nominees”) were appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as a Class I director on February 28, 2018January 2, 2024 pursuant to an agreement that we entered into on February 28, 2018January 2, 2024 (the “Starboard Agreement”) with JANA Partners LLC (“JANA Partners”Starboard Value LP and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Starboard”). Messrs. George and Sagal were nominated for re-election at the 2024 annual meeting, each for a one-year term expiring at the 2025 annual meeting. In addition, pursuant to the Starboard Agreement, the Company formed an Operating Committee of the Board. Mr. George has been appointed to serve as Chair of the Operating Committee and as a member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Sagal (along with current directors R. Michael Mohan and John J. Mahoney) has been appointed as a member of the Operating Committee, and he has also been appointed as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The agreementStarboard Agreement contains customary standstill provisions and voting commitments and our commitment to appoint Ms. Beck for a term ending at the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders.commitments. If, during the standstill period, Ms. Beckeither Starboard Nominee becomes unavailable to serve as a director, JANA PartnersStarboard retains the right to identify a successor, who must be reasonably satisfactory to the Board of Directors.Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The agreementStarboard Agreement is more fully described in the company’sCompany’s Current Report on Form8-K filed with the SECSecurities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2018.

January 2, 2024.


None of our other directors or nominees have any agreements or arrangements with any other person or entity in connection with the director’s or nominee’s candidacy or service on our Board.


Nominees for the Board of Directors

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that nominees for director shall be selected on the basis of their business experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, such as relevant industry knowledge; specific experience with technology, accounting, finance, leadership, strategic planning and international markets; independence; judgment; integrity; the ability to commit sufficient time and attention to the activities of the Board of Directors;Board; diversity of occupational and personal backgrounds on the Board of Directors;Board; the absence of potential conflicts with our interests; and such other criteria as may be established by the Board of Directors from time to time. These criteria are considered in the context of an assessment of the operation and goals of the Board as a whole. In addition, the Board considers, in light of our business, each director nominee’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that are identified in the biographical information contained under “Proposal 1—Election of Directors.Directors,

and believes that the collective business experience, industry knowledge and other fields of significant knowledge, good character, sound judgment, integrity and diversity of our current Board provides appropriate support and guidance to our Company.


Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, no incumbent director may stand for re-election to the Board of Directors after reaching the age of 72. Any director who has reached the age of 72 must tender his or her resignation, to be effective immediately at the end of such director’s then-current term. However, the Board may, upon recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, reject such resignation. Any director whose resignation is rejected by the Board must again tender his or her resignation at the end of his or her then-current term and at the end of any extended term. Mr. Mahoney tendered his resignation to the Board pursuant to the Board’s tenure policy. However, the Board opted to reject this resignation and to nominate him for re-election as a director at the annual meeting in light of the skills he contributes to the Board and its Audit Committee, to serve for a one-year term expiring in 2025.

In recommending candidates for election to the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers nominees recommended by directors, officers, employees and others, using the same criteria to evaluate all candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews each candidate’s qualifications, including whether a candidate possesses any of the specific qualities and skills desirable in certain members of the Board of Directors. Evaluations of candidates generally involve a review of background materials, internal discussions and interviews with selected candidates as appropriate. Upon selection of a qualified candidate, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends the candidate for consideration by the full Board of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may engage consultants or third-party search firms to assist in identifying and evaluating potential nominees. In the case

21

Table of Mr. Mohan, a professional search firm identified him as a potential candidate, and the process described above was followed, resulting in his nomination for election to our Board.

Contents


The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider nominees for election to the Board of Directors submitted by stockholders using substantially the same criteria it applies to recommendations by directors, officers, employees and others. To recommend a prospective nominee for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s consideration, submit the candidate’s name and qualifications to our Corporate Secretary in writing to the following address: Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., Attention: Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607.


Board Leadership Structure

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board of Directors has established a policy that provides it with the flexibility and discretion to select its Chairman at any time, based on what it believes to be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders. The policy further provides that the same person may serve as both Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO. Ms. Smith currently serves as both CEO, andor the Board may choose to have an independent or Executive Chairman. If the offices of Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Mr. Craigie serves as our Lead Independent Director.

AsCEO are held by the same person, or if the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ms. Smith’s executive responsibilities provide insight that assists our Board of Directors in addressing both internal and external issues affectingis not otherwise independent, the Company, and Mr. Craigie, asindependent directors may annually elect (by majority vote) a Lead Independent Director, is responsible for, among other things:

Director.
calling and presiding at meetings
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that the Chairman of the independent directors

8    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement


serving as the principal liaison betweenBoard will serve for a term of five years. Upon reaching five years, the Chairman must tender his or her resignation as Chairman, to be effective immediately at the end of such five-year term. The Board may, upon recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, reject such resignation. If the resignation is rejected by the Board, the Chairman must again tender his or her resignation at the end of any extended term. These limitations, and the independent directors

leadingterm limits and mandatory retirement age discussed above, do not apply to the independent director’s evaluation ofCompany’s Chief Executive Officer, who may serve on the CEO’s effectivenessBoard until his or her resignation, removal or retirement as Chairman and CEOChief Executive Officer.

when appropriate, consulting and communicating with stockholders

assisting the Chairman with the review and preparation of agendas for Board meetings

In addition, various other corporate governance measures also contribute to a high degree of independent oversight of the Company’s management, including holding regular executive sessions,sessions; all continuing directors other(other than Ms. SmithMr. Deno) and all of the Board committee members being independent under the NASDAQ standards,standards; and the Board and each committee conducting annual self-assessments to ensure that they are functioning effectively. The Board of Directors believes that this leadership structure is appropriate at this time and provides the most effective leadership in a highly competitive and rapidly changing industry. Combining the roles of


Mr. Mohan was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directorson August 28, 2023, when James Craigie stepped down from his role as Chairman and CEO fosters accountability, effective decision-making and alignment between interests of the Board of Directors and management, while the role of the Lead Independent Director fosters independent oversightretired as a director of the Board. Mr. Craigie’s retirement from the Board was not due to a disagreement with the Board or with the Company’s management. As Chairman, Mr. Mohan calls and presides at meetings of the independent directors as well as the Board; establishes, in consultation with the CEO, the agenda for each Board meeting; and is available for consultation and communication with major stockholders. The Board of Directors periodically reviews thisits leadership structure to ensure that it continues to meet our needs in light of all relevant facts and circumstances at that time.

The Board believes the current leadership structure, with an independent Chairman of the Board, is appropriate at this time and will promote continued effective decision-making.


Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

It is management’s responsibility to manage risk and bring material risks to the attention of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors administers its risk oversight role by reviewing strategic, financial and execution risks and exposures associated with the annual plan and multi-year plans; cybersecurity, major litigation and other matters that may present material risk to our operations, plans, prospects or reputation; acquisitions and divestitures; and succession planning for the Chief Executive Officer position and other senior management succession planning.positions. This oversight role is performed both by the Board of Directors and through the committees, who provide regular reports to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee reviews risks associated with financial and accounting matters, including financial reporting, accounting, disclosure, internal controls over financial reporting, ethics and compliance programs, organizational culture, compliance with law and and protecting against and responding to breaches of our data security. The Compensation Committee reviews risks related to executive compensation and the design of compensation programs, plans and arrangements.


22

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer orand controller, and other persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics can be found by clicking on “Corporate Governance”“Governance—Governance Documents” in the Investors“Investors” section of our website,www.bloominbrands.com.


Stockholder Communications with the Board of Directors

Stockholders may communicate with the Board of Directors through our Corporate Secretary by writing to the following address: Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., Attention: Board of Directors, 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607 (we encourage you to send a copy via email to CorporateSecretary@bloominbrands.com). Our Corporate Secretary will forward all appropriate correspondence to the Board of Directors.


Director Compensation

The

Our Compensation Committee recommended andperiodically reviews the competitiveness of our Board of Directors determined that directorsCompensation Plan applicable to non-employee directors. Directors who are notalso our employees do not receive additional compensation for serving on the Board. Shares for equity awards pursuant to the Board of Directors Compensation Plan are issued from our stockholder-approved equity compensation plan in effect at the time of award (currently the Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2020 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan) and pursuant to which we are authorized to grant shares of our common stock and share-based awards to directors.

Based on the results of a competitive analysis, supported by the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant Frederic W. Cook & Co. (“FW Cook”), the Compensation Committee approved a $5,000 increase to the board members’ current annual cash retainer (outlined below); approved a $5,000 increase to the additional cash retainer amount for Compensation Committee leadership and a $10,000 increase to the additional cash retainer amount for Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee leadership (outlined below); and approved a $5,000 increase to the annual grant for both the Non-Executive Chair and other Board members, with such increases effective starting with the 2023 annual board member grants. These increases were made to maintain competitiveness of our directors’ compensation levels relative to our peer group.

Annual board member grants vest in full on the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders following the grant date, which aligns the grants with the Director’s one-year elected term (expiring at the next annual stockholders’ meeting). The Board of Directors Compensation Plan for fiscal year 2023, which has been in effect since August 7, 2013 and was last amended April 17, 2023, includes the following compensation components for their service onservices rendered by our Board of Directors:

non-employee directors effective April 17, 2023:

Annual cash retainer of $90,000$95,000


Additional annual cash retainer of $20,000$60,000 for serving as non-executive Chairman

Additional annual cash retainer of $50,000 for serving as the Lead Independent Director, if applicable

Additional annual cash retainer of $30,000 for serving as chair and $15,000 for serving as a member (other than the chair) of the Audit Committee

Additional annual cash retainer of $30,000 for serving as chair and $12,500 for serving as a member (other than the chair) of the Compensation Committee

Additional annual cash retainer of $30,000 for serving as chair and $10,000 for serving as a member (other than the chair) of the Audit Committee

Additional annual retainer of $15,000 for serving as chair and $7,500 for serving as a member (other than the chair) of the Compensation Committee

Additional annual retainer of $10,000 for serving as chair and $5,000 for serving as a member (other than the chair) of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Additional annual retainer
23

Table of $25,000 for serving as the Lead Independent DirectorContents

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    9



Annual grant of Bloomin’ Brands restricted stock units (“RSUs”) having a fair market value, based on the closing price of the underlying common stock, of $100,000$155,000 (or $220,000 for the non-executive Chairman) on the date of our annual meeting of stockholders, vesting as toone-thirdwhich awards will vest in full on the date of the shares subject to the grant immediately prior to ourfirst annual meeting of stockholders each year thereafterfollowing the grant date as explained above.


If anon-employee director is elected at any time other than at our annual meeting of stockholders, such director will receive an initial grant of restricted stock units having a fair market value, based on the closing price of the underlying common stock on the grant date, of $100,000$155,000 on the date of the first Board of Directors meeting that such director attends, prorated for the number of months that such director will serve on the Board from and including the month of the director’s election to thefirst Board of Directors untilmeeting as a director through the month of our next annual meeting of stockholders, vesting as toone-third of the shares subjectrounded to the grant immediately prior to ournearest $100 and vesting in full at the first annual meeting of stockholders each year thereafter.

following the grant date.


The Board of Directors adopted a Stock Ownership Guidelines Policy for directors, executive officers and members of our executive leadership team, which consists of the Company’s executive vice presidents, senior vice presidentsteam. Mr. Deno and concept presidents (the “Executive Leadership Team”). With respect to directors, Ms. Smith and allnon-employee directors are required to accumulate shares of our common stock through direct purchases or retention of equity incentives (the “Stock Ownership Requirement”), equal to fivesix times base salary for Ms. Smith,Mr. Deno, and five times the annual retainer for allnon-employee directors. The Stock Ownership Requirement must be met noby the later thanof December 17, 2019 or the fifth anniversary of the director’s or executive officer’s initial election or appointment.

appointment, as applicable. Mr. Deno and all non-employee Directors have met their ownership requirement or are on track to meet their requirement before their respective deadlines.


The following table summarizes the amounts earned and paid tonon-employee directors during fiscal year 2017:

NAMEFEES EARNED OR
PAID IN CASH (1)
($)
STOCK
AWARDS (2)
($)
ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION (3)
($)
TOTAL
($)

Wendy A. Beck(4)

    

James R. Craigie

 135,000 100,003 3,824 238,827

David R. Fitzjohn

 97,500 100,003  197,503

Mindy Grossman

 105,000 100,003 5,975 210,978

Tara Walpert Levy

 100,000 100,003 8,063 208,066

John J. Mahoney

 115,000 100,003 26,850 241,853

R. Michael Mohan(5)

 19,076 50,010  69,086

Chris T. Sullivan(6)

 90,000 100,003  190,003
(1)Cash retainers are paid in quarterly installments.

(2)Represents restricted stock units (“RSUs”), which vest 33% per year over three years. The amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair values computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. The grant date value based on the closing price of the underlying common stock is $100,000. As of December 31, 2017, ournon-employee directors held the following aggregate number of shares of restricted stock units: Mr. Craigie, 10,767 shares; Mr. Fitzjohn, 10,767 shares; Ms. Grossman, 10,767 shares; Ms. Levy, 10,767 shares; Mr. Mahoney, 10,767 shares; Mr. Mohan, 2,928 shares; and Mr. Sullivan, none (shares were forfeited upon his resignation).

(3)The amounts shown in “All Other Compensation” are for reimbursements of tax, interest and fees payable by each director as a result of an administrative error by the Company in reporting previous years’ income.

(4)Ms. Beck joined the Board of Directors on February 28, 2018.

(5)R. Michael Mohan joined our Board of Directors on October 20, 2017. Since he joined the Board during the fourth quarter, the amounts paid or awarded to him werepro-rated for the period that he served as a director.

(6)Mr. Sullivan resigned from the Board of Directors on December 6, 2017.

10    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement

2023:

FEES EARNED OR PAID IN CASHSTOCK AWARDS (1)OTHER COMPENSATIONTOTAL
NAME($)($)($)($)
James R. Craigie (2)123,125 220,002 — 343,127 
David R. Fitzjohn102,500 155,021 — 257,521 
John P. Gainor, Jr. (3)117,500 155,021 — 272,521 
Lawrence V. Jackson117,500 155,021 — 272,521 
Julie Kunkel107,500 155,021 — 262,521 
Rohit Lal (4)32,527 90,405 — 122,932 
Tara Walpert Levy105,000 155,021 — 260,021 
John J. Mahoney122,500 155,021 — 277,521 
Melanie Marein-Efron107,500 155,021 — 262,521 
R. Michael Mohan143,043 192,933 — 335,976 
Elizabeth A. Smith (5)45,000 — — 45,000 
__________________
(1)Represents RSUs, which vest in full on the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders following the grant date. The amounts represent the full aggregate grant date fair values computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. The grant date fair market value based on the closing price of the underlying common stock is $155,000 for all directors other than Mr. Craigie and $220,000 for Mr. Craigie. Mr. Mohan received a prorated grant upon becoming chair in August 2023 and Mr. Lal received a prorated grant upon joining the Board in October 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the non-employee directors listed above held the following aggregate number of unvested RSUs: Mr. Craigie, 0 shares; Mr. Fitzjohn, 8,270 shares; Mr. Gainor, 0 shares; Mr. Jackson, 8,270 shares; Ms. Kunkel, 6,508 shares; Mr. Lal 4,018 shares; Ms. Levy, 8,270 shares; Mr. Mahoney, 8,270 shares; Ms. Marein-Efron, 6,508 shares; Mr. Mohan, 9,955 shares; and Ms. Smith, 0 shares. As of December 31, 2023, Ms. Smith held 120,589 vested stock options.
(2)Mr. Craigie stepped down as Chairman and retired from the Board on August 28, 2023. His retirement from the Board was not due to any disagreement with the Company.
(3)Mr. Gainor resigned as a member of the Board effective November 13, 2023, due to to other personal and professional commitments and not due to any disagreement with the Company.
(4)Mr. Lal joined the Board in October 2023.
(5)Ms. Smith’s term as a non-independent director ended as of the 2023 annual meeting, and she did not stand for re-election. Her decision was not a result of any disagreement with the Company.
24

Table of Contents

PROPOSAL NO. 2

RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


General

We are asking our stockholders to ratify the Audit Committee’s appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our Independent Auditor for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2018.29, 2024. The Company believes that the choice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Independent Auditor is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. In the event the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider this appointment. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different Independent Auditor at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in ourthe best interests of the Company and our stockholders’ best interests.

its stockholders.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has audited the Bloomin’ Brands consolidated financial statements annually since we were formed and the financial statements of our predecessor since 1998. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire. It is also expected that those representatives will be available to respond to appropriate questions.


The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the Independent Auditor and annually reviews the firm’s qualifications and work quality. In the course of these reviews, the Audit Committee considers, among other things:


the firm’s historical and recent plans and performance on our audit


the firm’s capability and expertise in handling the breadth and complexity of our operations


external data on audit quality and performance, including Public Company Accounting Oversight Board reports on the firm and its peer firms


the firm’s independence and objectivity


the appropriateness of the firm’s fees for audit andnon-audit services, including any effect these fees may have on independence


the quality and candor of the firm’s communications with the committee and management


the firm’s tenure as our Independent Auditor, including the benefits of having a long-tenured auditor and controls and processes that help safeguard the firm’s independence


Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following is a summary of the fees billed to us by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for professional services rendered for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20172023 and December 25, 2016:

FEE CATEGORY  2017   2016 

Audit Fees

  $2,554,000   $2,874,000 

Audit-Related Fees

   153,000    5,000 

Tax Fees

   35,000    55,000 

All Other Fees

   8,000    6,000 

Total Fees

  $2,750,000   $2,940,000 

2022 (dollars in thousands):

FEE CATEGORY20232022
Audit Fees$1,790 $1,666 
Audit-Related Fees51 12 
Tax Fees136 158 
All Other Fees
Total Fees$1,979 $1,841 

25

Audit Fees. The aggregate audit fees (inclusive ofout-of-pocket expenses) billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were for professional services rendered for the audits of our consolidated and subsidiary financial statements and services that are normally provided by the independent registered certified public accountants in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagementsengagements. These fees represent work for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20172023 and December 25, 2016,2022, including audited consolidated financial statements presented in our Annual Reports on Form10-K and the review of the financial statements presented in our Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    11

In addition, services rendered included additional audit services associated with our interest rate swap agreements during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and the repurchase of our convertible notes during the fiscal year ended December 25, 2022.



Audit-Related Fees.The aggregate audit-related fees (inclusive ofout-of-pocket expenses) billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services comprised of reviewsan evaluation of certainour Brazil subsidiary’s operational maturity during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and consents and review of documents in connection with our franchise disclosure documents during the fiscal years ended December 31, 20172023 and December 25, 2016, and review of company-preparedness for new accounting standards and tax reform during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

2022.


Tax Fees.The aggregate tax fees (inclusive ofout-of-pocket expenses) billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. These services includeincluded assistance regarding U.S. tax consulting and foreign jurisdictionBrazil tax compliance and planning forduring the fiscal years ended December 31, 20172023 and December 25, 2016.

2022.

All Other Fees.The aggregate of all other fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were for products and services other than the services reported above. These services included annual subscription licenses for disclosure review and accounting research and disclosure review tools, which we license from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and continuing professional education seminars hosted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP forduring the fiscal years ended December 31, 20172023 and December 25, 2016.

2022.


Policy on Audit CommitteePre-Approval of Audit and PermissibleNon-Audit Services of Independent Auditor

The Audit Committee has established a policy requiring itspre-approval of all audit and permissiblenon-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) provided by our Independent Auditor. The policy provides for the generalpre-approval of specific types of services within specific cost limits for each such service on an annual basis. The policy requires specificpre-approval of all other permitted services. The Chairman of the Audit Committee has the authority to address any requests forpre-approval of services between Audit Committee meetings, and the Chairman must report anypre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.


Recommendation of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders voteFOR ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as our independent registered certified public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2018.

12    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement

29, 2024.

26

Table of Contents

PROPOSAL NO. 3

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

General

We provide our stockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on anon-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (“Exchange Act”). This vote is referred to as a“say-on-pay” “say-on-pay” vote.


The Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 1634 and the compensation tables and narrative discussion beginning on page 2947 of this proxy statement describe our executive compensation program and the compensation of our named executive officers for 2017.2023. The Board of Directors is asking stockholders to cast an advisory vote indicating their approval of that compensation by votingFOR the following resolution:


“RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Bloomin’ Brands APPROVE, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to its named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion.”


As described in detail in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we have a total compensation approach focused on performance-based incentive compensation that seeks to drive a pay for performance culture and:


attract and retain qualified executives in today’s highly competitive market


motivate and reward executives whose knowledge, skills and performance are critical to the success of the business


provide a competitive compensation package that aligns management and stockholder interests by tying a significant portion of an executive’s cash compensation and long-term compensation to the achievement of annual performance goals


ensure internal equity among the executive officers by recognizing the contributions each executive makes to the success of Bloomin’ Brands

The


As further described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Compensation Committee regularly reviews our executive compensation program to establishmaintain a strong connection between compensation and the aspects of our performance that our executive officers can impact and that are likely to have an effect on stockholder value. We believe that in 2017, our continued enhancements to the guest experience, optimization of our domesticgo-to market strategy through targeted refranchising and restaurant relocations, investment in emerging Off Premises opportunity, and refinancing of our credit facility demonstrate the effective relationship between corporate goals and our compensation program.


The vote on this“say-on-pay” “say-on-pay” proposal is advisory, which means that the vote will not be binding on Bloomin’ Brands, the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will review and consider the results of the vote on this proposal in connection with its regular evaluations of our executive compensation program. As the Board of Directors has currently determined to hold this vote each year, the next“say-on-pay” “say-on-pay” vote will be held at the 2019 annual meeting2025 Annual Meeting of stockholders.

Stockholders.


Recommendation of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders voteFOR the advisory approval of the compensation of our named executive officers.

officers.

27

PROPOSAL NO. 4

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING STOCKHOLDER
RIGHT TO ACT BY WRITTEN CONSENT

We have received notice of the intention of stockholder Kenneth Steiner to present the following proposal at the annual meeting. In accordance with federal securities regulations, the text of the stockholder proposal and supporting statement appears below exactly as received, other than minor formatting changes. The contents of the proposal or supporting statement are the sole responsibility of the proponent, and we are not responsible for the content of the proposal or any inaccuracies it may contain. The Company will promptly provide the address of the proponent and the number of shares owned by him upon request directed to the Company’s Corporate Secretary.

As explained below, the Board of Directors does not support the adoption of this proposal and asks stockholders to consider its response following the proponent’s statement below. If the proposal is properly presented at the annual meeting, the Board recommends you vote AGAINST this proposal.

Proposal 4 — Shareholder Right to Act by Written Consent

ShareholderRights.jpg

Shareholders request that our board of directors take such steps as may be necessary to permit written consent by the shareholders entitled to cast the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize an action at a meeting at which all shareholders entitled to vote thereon were present and voting. This includes shareholder ability to initiate any appropriate topic for written consent.

It is important for shareholders to have a right to act by written consent due to the current restricted right for shareholders to call for a special shareholder meeting. All Bloomin’ Brands Inc.shares not owned for one continuous year are prohibited from participating in calling for a special shareholder meeting.

Thus the shareholders who own the 25% of all BLMN shares outstanding that are needed to call for a special shareholder meeting could determine that they own 40% of all shares outstanding when the length of their BLMN stock ownership is factored out. A potential in-practice requirement to own 40% of all shares outstanding to call for a special shareholder meeting is not much of a right. Thus it is reasonable that shareholders have the related right to act by written consent to help make up for the current restricted shareholder right to call for a special shareholder meeting.

Please vote yes:
Shareholder Right to Act by Written Consent2018 Proxy Proposal 4

28

Statement    13

of the Board of Directors in Opposition to the Stockholder Proposal

The Board has carefully considered this stockholder proposal and believes it is not in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders for the reasons outlined below. Accordingly, the Board unanimously recommends that stockholders vote AGAINST this Proposal No. 4 for the following reasons:

The Company has an ongoing commitment to accountability and responsiveness to stockholders, as evidenced by its recent implementation of numerous enhanced corporate governance best practices and policies.
The Company believes all stockholders should have an opportunity to hear about and express their views on important stockholder proposals.
Stockholders can already advance thoughts and concerns through annual and special meetings, which require advance notice and dissemination of complete information about proposed actions, encouraging a fully informed discussion and consideration of the merits of proposed actions, making a written consent process inferior and redundant.

The Company believes all stockholders should have an opportunity to hear about and express their views on important stockholder proposals.

Action by written consent may deprive smaller stockholders of the critical opportunity to assess, discuss, deliberate, and vote on pending actions by allowing large holders to take quick action by written consent. Further, a simple majority written consent provision could enable a group of stockholders (including special interest investors and those who accumulate a short-term voting position, including through the borrowing of shares) to approve their own proposed actions. This scenario could be especially challenging considering that action by written consent could result in duplicative or even contradictory written consents being discussed simultaneously by separate groups of stockholders interested in advancing their own agendas. The proposal would permit these stockholders to bypass our existing procedural protections by circumventing the important deliberative process of a stockholder meeting. Most significantly, the Board and management would not have the opportunity to consider the merits of the proposed action and provide their recommendation for stockholder consideration. Accordingly, stockholder action by written consent could be used to pursue individual agendas or significant corporate actions that neither enhance long-term stockholder value nor advance the interests of stockholders as a whole.

Stockholders can already advance thoughts and concerns through annual and special meetings, which require advance notice and dissemination of complete information about proposed actions, encouraging a fully informed discussion and consideration of the merits of proposed actions, making a written consent process inferior and redundant.

Stockholders have the right to propose business at our annual meetings under SEC Rule 14a-8 (the provision the proponent used to bring this proposal). Further, in 2023, the Company amended its Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) to enable stockholders to request a special meeting of stockholders, provided that such stockholders have otherwise complied in full with the requirements of the Company’s bylaws, including the requirement that such shares have been “owned” continuously by such stockholders for at least one year prior to the date of the stockholder special meeting request. Thus, stockholders who are able to demonstrate a modest level of support for their concerns can call for a special meeting of stockholders. The Board believes that these mechanisms are preferable to permitting simple majority written consent because they provide all stockholders with the opportunity to be involved in important Company business through an orderly, well-defined process, and thus render the ability to act by simple majority written consent unnecessary.

The Company has an ongoing commitment to accountability and responsiveness to stockholders, as evidenced by its recent implementation of numerous enhanced corporate governance best practices and policies.

In addition to stockholders’ right to call special meetings and participate in the Company’s annual meetings to voice their concerns and ask questions, as explained above, the Company continues its phased approach to evolve other corporate governance policies and practices to further enhance the Board’s accountability and responsiveness to
29

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stockholder concerns. As part of this multi-year process, the Company has taken the following actions after deliberate consideration and engagement with its stockholders: declassification of the board, an effort that will be completed at the 2024 annual meeting; elimination of super majority provisions from the Company’s organizational documents, which was completed in 2022; annual election of directors; majority voting in uncontested director elections; annual say-on-pay vote; no stockholder rights plan (“poison pill”); a board refreshment policy and significant board refreshment, with three new board members appointed since October (Messrs. Lal, George and Sagal). The Company engages with stockholders on an ongoing basis through its strong investor relations activities, which encourages active stockholder engagement and promotes discussions between management and stockholders around Company strategy and performance, executive compensation, and corporate responsibility matters. For example, the Company engaged with stockholders prior to proposing the amendment to its Charter that was approved in 2023 to implement the right of stockholders to call a special meeting.

In conclusion, it is the Company’s position that the proposal is not in the best interest of the Company or its stockholders because it may result in the disenfranchisement of minority stockholders who would see their right to participate in corporate governance diminished, it would reduce corporate due process and transparency, and undermine existing minority stockholder protections. Finally, the Company already has strong corporate governance practices that ensure ongoing communications with stockholders and responsiveness and transparency in the management of Company affairs.

Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote AGAINST this stockholder proposal.
30

OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES


The following table describes the beneficial ownership of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. common stock as of February 28, 201813, 2024 (except as noted) by each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock, each director, and each named executive officer listed in the “Summary Compensation Table,” and all current directors and executive officers as a group. The number of shares of common stock outstanding used in calculating the percentage for each listed person includes the shares of common stock underlying options and restricted stock units beneficially owned by that person that are exercisable or will be settled within 60 days following February 28, 2018.13, 2024. The beneficial ownership percentages reflected in the table below are based on 92,932,75286,588,803 shares of our common stock outstanding as of February 28, 2018.

13, 2024.


Except as described below under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions,” or as otherwise indicated in a footnote, all of the beneficial owners listed have, to our knowledge, sole voting, dispositive and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock listed as being owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated in a footnote, the address for each individual listed below is c/o Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607.

NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER  AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF
BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP
   PERCENT OF
CLASS
(COMMON
STOCK)
 

Five Percent Shareholders:

    

The Vanguard Group(1)

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

   11,174,868    12.02

Jana Partners LLC(2)

919 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10022

   7,929,638    8.53

BlackRock Inc.(3)

55 East 52nd Street

New York, NY 10055

   6,851,353    7.37

AllianceBernstein L.P.(4)

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 01015

   6,174,053    6.64

RDB Equities(5)

4343 Anchor Plaza Pkwy Suite 1

Tampa, FL 33634

   6,113,000    6.58

Earnest Partners, LLC(6)

1180 Peachtree Street NE

Suite 2300

Atlanta, GA 30309

   5,268,819    5.67

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

    

Wendy Beck(7)

       * 

Christopher W. Brandt(8)

   26,121    * 

James R. Craigie(7)

   21,143    * 

David J. Deno(9)

   640,166    * 

David R. Fitzjohn(7)

   12,780    * 

Mindy Grossman(7)

   29,790    * 

Tara Walpert Levy(7)

   18,292    * 

John J. Mahoney(7)

   26,372    * 

R. Michael Mohan(7)

   976    * 

Patrick Murtha(10)

   210,580    * 

Sukhdev Singh(11)

   294,635  �� * 

Elizabeth A. Smith(12)

   3,797,349    3.93

Chris T. Sullivan(7)(13)

   1,209,187    1.30

All current directors and executive officers as a group(12)

   7,352,795    7.47
*Indicates less than one percent of common stock.

(1)

According to a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 7, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership of 11,174,868 shares, as of December 31, 2017, The Vanguard Group has sole voting power with respect to 180,951 shares,

14    Bloomin’ Brands,

NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNERAMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIPPERCENT OF CLASS (COMMON STOCK)
Five Percent Stockholders:
BlackRock Inc. (1)
50 Hudson Yards
New York, NY 10001
13,524,987 15.62 %
The Vanguard Group (2)
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
12,425,332 14.35 %
Starboard Value LP (3)
777 Third Avenue, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10017
8,441,000 9.75 %
Directors and Named Executive Officers:
David J. Deno (4)1,408,044 1.61 %
David R. Fitzjohn (5)37,335 *
David George (5)1,196 *
Lawrence V. Jackson (5)20,344 *
Julie Kunkel (5)5,142 *
Rohit Lal (5)— *
Kelly M. Lefferts (6)116,450 *
Tara Walpert Levy (5)55,725 *
John J. Mahoney (5)63,683 *
Melanie Marein-Efron (5)4,142 *
Christopher Meyer (7)246,632 *
R. Michael Mohan (5)34,707 *
Brett Patterson (8)51,689 *
Jonathan Sagal (5)— *
Gregg D. Scarlett (9)721,668 *
All current directors and executive officers as a group (10)2,766,757 3.14 %
__________________
*Indicates less than one percent of common stock.
(1)According to a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC, on January 22, 2024, reporting beneficial ownership of 13,524,987 shares, as of December 31, 2023, BlackRock, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement

has sole voting power with respect to 13,394,125 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 13,524,987 shares.

(2)According to a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2024, reporting beneficial ownership of 12,425,332 shares, as of December 29, 2023, The Vanguard Group has shared voting power with respect to 160,639 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 12,185,644 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 239,688 shares.
(3)According to a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on January 2, 2024, reporting beneficial ownership of 8,441,000 shares by Starboard Value LP, as of January 2, 2024. Based on such filing, (i) Starboard Value and Opportunity Master Fund Ltd (“Starboard V&O Fund”) has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 4,979,116 of the reported shares; (ii) Starboard Value and Opportunity S LLC (“Starboard S LLC”) has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 601,631 of the reported shares; (iii) Starboard Value and Opportunity C LP (“Starboard C LP”) has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 460,008 of the
31

shared voting power with respect to 12,900 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 10,988,817 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to 186,051 shares.

(2)According to a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 28, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership of 7,929,638 shares, as of December 31, 2017, Jana Partners, LLC has sole voting power with respect to 7,929,638 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 7,929,638 shares.

(3)According to a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 29, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership of 6,851,353 shares, as of December 31, 2017, BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power with respect to 6,645,175 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 6,851,353 shares.

(4)According to a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership of 6,174,053 shares, as of December 31, 2017, Alliance Bernstein, LP has sole voting power with respect to 5,279,220 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 6,174,053 shares.

(5)According to a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on March 31, 2017, reporting beneficial ownership of 6,113,000 shares, as of December 31, 2017, RDB Equities has sole voting power with respect to 6,113,000 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 6,113,000 shares.

(6)According to a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership of 5,268,819 shares, as of December 31, 2017, Earnest Partners, LLC has sole voting power with respect to 1,377,532 shares, shared voting power with respect to 371,936 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 5,268,819 shares.

(7)Includes the following number of restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of February 28, 2018: Ms. Beck, 0 shares; Mr. Craigie, 5,235 shares; Mr. Fitzjohn, 5,235 shares, Ms. Grossman, 5,235 shares; Ms. Levy, 5,235 shares; Mr. Mahoney, 5,235 shares; Mr. Mohan, 976 shares; and Mr. Sullivan, 0 shares. Does not include the following number of restricted stock units that will not vest within 60 days of February 28, 2018: Ms. Beck, 0; Mr. Craigie, 5,532 shares; Mr. Fitzjohn, 5,532 shares; Ms. Grossman, 5,532 shares; Ms. Levy, 5,532 shares; Mr. Mahoney, 5,532 shares; Mr. Mohan, 1,952 shares; and Mr. Sullivan 0 shares. Mr. Craigie’s shares include 4,040 shares held in trust for the benefit of his children and Mr. Craigie disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(8)Includes 12,500 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $19.25.

(9)Includes 14,480 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.27 per share, 28,288 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.15 per share, 41,820 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.36 per share, 58,800 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.32 per share, 72,551 shares with an exercise price of $17.40, 400,000 shares with an exercise price of $14.58 per share that Mr. Deno has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 28, 2018. Does not include 128,587 shares subject to stock options, 48,698 restricted stock units and 55,172 performance share units that are not exercisable or will not vest within 60 days of February 28, 2018.

(10)Includes 8,704 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.15 per share, 11,029 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.36 per share, 175,000 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.36 per share that Mr. Murtha has the right to acquire or that will vest within 60 days of February 28, 2018.

(11)Includes 21,163 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.27 per share, 16,538 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.15 per share, 12,408 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.36 per share, 200,000 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $22.09 per share that Mr. Singh has the right to acquire or that will vest within 60 days of February 28, 2018. Does not include 104,799 shares subject to stock options, 65,058 restricted stock units, and 44,871 performance share units that are not exercisable or will not vest within 60 days of February 28, 2018.

(12)Includes 66,831 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.27, 130,561 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.15 per share, 165,441 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.36 per share, 177,940 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.32 per share, 550,000 shares with an exercise price of $10.03 per share, 2,562,424 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $6.50 per share that Ms. Smith has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 28, 2018. Does not include 571,900 shares subject to stock options, 219,466 restricted stock units and 246,894 performance share units that are not exercisable or will not vest within 60 days of February 28, 2018.

(13)Includes 807,899 shares owned by CTS Equities, Limited Partnership, an investment partnership (“CTSLP”). Mr. Sullivan is a limited partner of CTSLP and the sole member of CTS Equities, LLC, the sole general partner of CTSLP. Also includes 399,296 shares held by a charitable foundation for which Mr. Sullivan serves as trustee. The shares held by CTSLP are pledged to Fifth Third Bank to secure debt of approximately $18 million.

(14)Includes a total of 5,438,853 shares subject to stock options, 33,401 restricted stock units and 0 performance share units that our current directors and executive officers have the right to acquire or that will vest within 60 days of February 28, 2018. Does not include a total of 1,392,189 shares subject to stock options, 558,199 subject to restricted stock units and 481,435 shares subject to performance share units that our current directors and executive officers do not have the right to acquire within 60 days of February 28, 2018.

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reported shares; (iv) Starboard Value and Opportunity Master Fund L LP (“Starboard L Master”) has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 259,257 of the reported shares; (v) Starboard X Master Fund Ltd (“Starboard X Master”) has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 1,259,995 of the reported shares; and (vi) the Starboard Value LP Account (as defined below) holds 880,993 of the reported shares. Starboard Value LP is the investment manager of Starboard V&O Fund, Starboard C LP, Starboard L Master and Starboard X Master and of a certain managed account (the “Starboard Value LP Account”) and the manager of Starboard S LLC; Starboard Value R LP (“Starboard R LP”) is the general partner of Starboard C LP; Starboard Value L LP (“Starboard L GP”) is the general partner of Starboard L Master; Starboard Value R GP LLC (“Starboard R GP”) is the general partner of Starboard R LP and Starboard L GP; Starboard Value GP LLC (“Starboard Value GP”) is the general partner of Starboard Value LP; Starboard Principal Co LP (“Principal Co”) is a member of Starboard Value GP; and Starboard Principal Co GP LLC (“Principal GP”) is the general partner of Principal Co. Jeffrey C. Smith and Peter A. Feld are members of Principal GP and members of the Management Committees of Starboard Value GP and Principal GP. In these capacities, each of Starboard Value LP, Starboard Value GP, Principal Co, Principal GP and Messrs. Smith and Feld may be deemed the beneficial owners of (i) 4,979,116 shares owned by Starboard V&O Fund, (ii) 601,631 shares owned by Starboard S LLC, (iii) 460,008 shares owned by Starboard C LP, (iv) 259,257 shares owned by Starboard L Master, (vi) 1,259,995 shares owned by Starboard X Master, and (vii) 880,993 shares held in the Starboard Value LP Account. Jonathan Sagal is a partner at Starboard Value LP, and was appointed to the Board pursuant to the Starboard Agreement. The address of the principal office of each of Starboard V&O Fund, Starboard S LLC, Starboard C LP, Starboard R LP, Starboard L Master, Starboard L GP, Starboard R GP, Starboard X Master, Starboard Value LP, Starboard Value GP, Principal Co, Principal GP and Mr. Sagal is 777 Third Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, New York 10017.The address of the principal office of each of Messrs. Smith and Feld is c/o Starboard Value LP, 201 E Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 1000, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.
(4)Includes 270,758 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $20.62 per share, 50,345 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $21.29 per share, 42,917 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $24.10 per share, 57,921 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.27 per share, 56,577 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.15 per share, 55,760 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.36 per share, 58,800 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.32 per share and 58,142 RSUs and 228,728 performance stock units (“PSUs”) that Mr. Deno has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 13, 2024. Excludes 64,101 RSUs and 223,717 PSUs that will not vest within 60 days of February 13, 2024.
(5)Excludes the following number of RSUs that will not vest within 60 days of February 13, 2024: Mr. Fitzjohn, 8,270 shares; Mr. George, 1,492 shares; Mr. Jackson, 8,270 shares; Ms. Kunkel 6,508 shares; Mr. Lal, 4,018 shares Ms. Levy, 8,270 shares; Mr. Mahoney, 8,270 shares; Ms. Marein-Efron 6,508 shares; Mr. Mohan, 9,955 shares and Mr. Sagal, 1,492 shares. Ms. Kunkel’s shares include 1,000 shares held in her IRA.
(6)Includes 7,281 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $21.29 per share, 5,703 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $24.10 per share, 4,200 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.36 per share, 3,407 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.32 per share and 7,208 RSUs and 24,668 PSUs that Ms. Lefferts has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 13, 2024. Excludes 7,254 RSUs and 25,412 PSUs that will not vest within 60 days of February 13, 2024.
(7)Includes 69,043 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $20.62 per share, 9,682 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $21.29 per share, 7,222 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $24.10 per share, 6,591 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.27 per share, 4,207 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.15 per share, 6,251 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.36 per share, 3,194 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.32 per share and 9,800 RSUs and 32,376 PSUs that Mr. Meyer has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 13, 2024. Excludes 10,201 RSUs and 35,148 PSUs that will not vest within 60 days of February 13, 2024.
(8)Includes 5,284 RSUs and 16,650 PSUs that Mr. Patterson has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 13, 2024. Excludes 17,255 RSUs and 19,346 PSUs that will not vest within 60 days of February 13, 2024.
(9)Includes 100,000 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $18.45 per share, 46,472shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $21.29 per share, 36,974 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $24.10 per share, 36,090 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.27 per share, 100,000 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.96 per share, 16,973 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $17.15 per share, 100,000 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $24.14 per share, 14,706 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.36 per share, 12,166 shares subject to stock options with an exercise price of $25.32 per share and 14,155 RSUs and 49,950 PSUs that Mr. Scarlett has the right to acquire within 60 days of February 13, 2024. Excludes 13,806 RSUs and 49,131 PSUs that will not vest within 60 days of February 13, 2024.
(10)Includes a total of 1,183,240 shares subject to stock options and 94,589 RSUs and 352,372 PSUs that our current directors and executive officers have the right to acquire or that will vest within 60 days of February 13, 2024. Excludes a total of 175,670 shares subject to RSUs and 352,754 shares subject to PSUs that our current directors and executive officers do not have the right to acquire within 60 days of February 13, 2024.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that our directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. These persons are required to provide us with copies of all such filed forms. Based solely on review of such copies or written representations from reporting persons, we believe that all reports were filed on a timely basis during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. On February 14, 2018, our director, David Fitzjohn, filed2023, except for a Form 54 filed on June 9, 2023 reporting the vesting of certain RSUs for one
32

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of our executive officers, Lissette Gonzalez, and a Form 4 filed on November 8, 2023 reporting an award of RSUs to report the cumulative numberMs. Gonzalez. Such forms were filed late due to an inadvertent administrative oversight in communicating required information.
33

Table of shares (10.556 shares) that he was not previously aware that he received under an automatic dividend reinvestment program through his broker. The report included shares received in 2015, 2016 and 2017 before he became aware of and terminated participation in the program.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    15

Contents



EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION


Compensation Discussion and Analysis


Introduction

and Executive Summary

This Compensation Discussion and& Analysis details the objectives and design(“CD&A”) provides a comprehensive description of our executive pay program,design objectives and an overview of how program features are carefully designed to ensure compensation program.outcomes directly align to the company performance objectives. It includes a description of the compensation provided in 20172023 to our named executive officers (“NEOs”) who are listed below and named in the Summary Compensation Table (“NEOs”).

Table.

Elizabeth A. Smith

David J. Deno
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer

David J. Deno

Christopher A. Meyer (1)
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Christopher W. Brandt(1)

Kelly M. Lefferts
Executive Vice President, Chief BrandLegal Officer and Secretary

Patrick C. Murtha(1)

Brett A. Patterson
Executive Vice President, President Bloomin’ Brands Internationalof Outback Steakhouse

Sukhdev Singh

Gregg D. Scarlett
Executive Vice President, Global Chief DevelopmentOperating Officer, and FranchisingCasual Dining Restaurants
(1)Messrs. Brandt and Murtha departed from the Company as of December 31, 2017.

__________________
(1)On February 20, 2024, Christopher Meyer, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, notified the Company of his intention to retire from the Company in 2024. On February 23, 2024, the Company announced that it would conduct a search for Mr. Meyer’s replacement and that Mr. Meyer was expected to continue in his current role until such time as a successor is named and otherwise assist in the transition.

Strong Execution on Long-Term Plan Despite Market Context and Our Response

2017 Macroeconomic and Industry Conditions and the Effect on Our Business

LOGO

In 2017, the casual dining industryHeadwinds:

Bloomin’ Brands continued to experience considerable pressure driven byexecute its long-term strategy, despite market conditions that negatively impacted our industry.

Fiscal 2023 reflected the changing landscapesecond highest inflationary period in our Company’s history, after the highest inflationary year in 2022. Such inflation negatively affected consumer spending and our cost of the restaurant space. Casual dining traffic levels declined due to ongoing challenges including an oversupply of restaurants, the relative affordability and quality of prepared meals from supermarkets, and an increase in home delivery services. These changing industry dynamics have led to an increased emphasis on discounts and promotions to improve value.

The improving macroeconomic backdrop has not translated into casual dining sales momentum, while the improved labor market has led to an increase in industry labor costs. This combination has added pressure to industry operating margins.

In response to these challenges,sales. However, we continued to grow our strategic plan to revitalizeoff-premises business and invest in our competitive position to drive profitability, strengthen our balance sheet and increase returns to stockholders. Actions taken in 2017 included:

Optimized domesticgo-to market strategy through actions such as refranchising 54 restaurants and relocating Outback restaurants to better locations

Prioritized the emergingoff-premise opportunity and introduced delivery in 240 locations across the United States

Strengthened our balance sheet through various capital allocation initiatives, such as the refinancingtechnology. While we fell short of our credit facility at lower interest ratesambitious goals for 2023 related to U.S. comparable restaurant sales growth versus the industry and adjusted operating income dollars, we delivered positive shareholder return for the completion of sale-leaseback transactions for 31 restaurant properties

Enhanced guest experience through product upgrades, menu innovation, expansion of the Dine Rewards loyalty program and the ongoing investment in exterior remodels to contemporize our restaurants

Maximized stockholder return by repurchasing $272.7 million of our common stock and declared and paid $31.0 million of dividends to our stockholders

Improved returnsperiod. Additionally, we delivered strong long-term results to our stockholders through strong EPS performance and total shareholder return over the three-year period.

2023 Performance
U.S. Combined Comparable Restaurant Sales(1)

+1.4%
from fiscal 2022
Revenue Growth

+6%
from fiscal 2022
Adjusted Operating Income Growth

 6 %
from fiscal 2022 (2)
__________________
(1)Includes stores open for 18 months or more. For Fiscal Year 2023, comparable restaurant sales compare the 53 weeks from December 26, 2022 through December 31, 2023 to the 53 weeks from December 27, 2021 through January 1, 2023.
(2)See “Compensation Program Structure - 2023 Metrics, Weightings, and Results” below.

Alignment with an annual total stockholder return of 20.5%Our Stockholders – Payouts Under Our Incentive Programs:
Bloomin Brand’s has a pay-for-performance philosophy for 2017

16    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement


Impact on Our Pay Decisions

For fiscal 2017, we maintained ourexecutive compensation strategy, which is designedand performance-based compensation tied to motivate execution and implementation of ourspecific financial and operations objectives. Highlightsstrategic initiatives. For 2023, the Company set rigorous goals for both revenue and profitability under the annual plan (same store sales relative to the industry and adjusted operating income performance, respectively). Despite relatively strong execution, we fell short of our compensation program for 2017 included the following stockholder-aligned pay decisions:

Held CEO target compensation flat for the third year

Held target compensation for other NEOs flat, with the exception of a market adjustment for one individualthese targets largely due to increased responsibilities

Short-term incentive (“STI”)
34

market conditions. Over the three-year period, however, the Company delivered strong EPS performance and total shareholder return. Highlighted in the charts below are our results compared to the goals we set and the corresponding payout levels under our annual and long-term incentive (“LTI”) payoutsplans.

16492674416791649267441684
_______________
(1)See Appendix A for 2017 achieved 128%a reconciliation of the Adjusted Operating Income calculation for the 2023 STIP and 83%a reconciliation of Plan, respectively, in line2023 Adjusted EPS.
(2)See “Compensation Program Structure – Performance-Based Long-Term Incentive ProgramVesting of 2021 PSU Award” below.

2023 Say-On-Pay and Company Response:
At the 2023 Annual Meeting, the Company received 97.6% stockholder support for our Say-On-Pay proposal. We believe this strong support from our stockholders indicates satisfaction with our compensation programs. The Compensation Committee remains receptive to stockholder feedback as an integral part of administering compensation over time.

Overview of Key Executive Compensation Actions

Incentive Plan Design Changes to the Short-Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”):
At the beginning of the year, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) selected specific levels of relative same store sales compared to industry (50%) and adjusted operating income dollars (50%) as the performance on key financial measures in 2017

Maintained ourobjectives for the 2023 STIP. This reflects a change from the prior design of 40% revenue and 60% adjusted operating margin. The payout opportunity provides a range of 0% to 200% of target for the NEOs. No changes were made to the long-term incentive program focus on retention during executionplan.

2024 Compensation Decisions:
The Compensation Committee reviews the NEO compensation arrangements annually and benchmarks executive compensation packages against the peer group market data each year to determine whether adjustments are needed to better align executive pay to our compensation philosophy. At the February 2024 meeting, the Compensation Committee did not recommend any changes to NEO Compensation for fiscal year 2024.

35

Outback Steakhouse Organizational Change:
Mr. Patterson was promoted to Executive Vice President, President of Outback Steakhouse effective November 13, 2023 and Performance Alignment – Chief received an annual target STIP increase to 85% of base salary (changed from 70%) and an annual target LTI grant increase to $500,000 (changed from $425,000). Mr. Patterson’s annual incentive opportunity for 2023 has been prorated according to his time in role. Mr. Patterson also received an appointment grant of $250,000 in RSU’s, which will vest ratably over the next three years.

Executive Officer Realizable Pay

In line with our pay for performance philosophy, the realizable value of our NEOs’ pay responds to market conditions and Company performance. The following table illustrates this by comparing our CEO’s 2017 target and realizable incentive pay, which reflects the improvement of our performance and total stockholder return in 2017:

LOGO

Note: Target pay includes target bonus and the grant date value of options, RSUs and PSUs awarded for fiscal 2017. Realizable pay for such awards includes bonus payout and thein-the- money value of stock options, the total market value of the RSUs awarded, and the total market value of the shares underlying PSUs at target (as they are not yet earned), in each case based on the December 29, 2017 stock price.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    17


The following chart illustrates the relationship between our CEO’s target and realizable compensation for the prior three years and the Company’s three-year total shareholder return.Over the period, our CEO’s realizable compensation has tracked the shareholder experience while target compensation has remained flat.

LOGO

Note: Target pay includes base salary, target bonus and the grant date value of options, RSUs, and PSUs for the applicable period. Realizable pay includes base salary, bonus payout,in-the- money value of stock options, the total market value of RSUs granted during the fiscal period, and the total market value of PSUs earned (or at target if not yet earned) during the period in each case based on the December 29, 2017 stock price.

Compensation Program Philosophy

The Company’s primary & Principles


Compensation Program Objectives:
Our compensation program objectives for its executive compensation programs are to attract and retain executives, provide a competitive compensation package, and motivate and reward a talented, entrepreneurial and creative team of executives.

Our methods of achieving these objectivesthem are summarized below:

OBJECTIVESHOW WE MEET OBJECTIVES

Attract and retain talented executives

•    Provide a competitive total compensation package by taking into account base salary, performance incentives and benefits

Motivate and reward executives

•    Provide a significant portion of each executive’s target total compensation in the form of equity compensation

•    Balance annual incentives between equity-based and cash-based compensation to support a high-performing culture

Provide a competitive compensation package

•    Benchmark our compensation against competitors and peer group

•    Target competitive positioning to align with industry

Ensure internal equity among executives

•    Adjust compensation based on review of job responsibilities and individual performance in addition to market data

Align management and stockholder interests

•    Provide compensation based on short-term and long-term performance objectives

18    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement


OBJECTIVESHOW WE MEET OBJECTIVES

Pay for Performance

performance

•    Provide the majority of executive pay—pay in variable, “at-risk” incentive awards - approximately 86%86.5% and 69.6% of the targeted compensation in 2023 for our CEO and approximately 67% of the targeted compensation for our other NEOs, in 2017—through variable incentive awards that are“at-risk”respectively, to ensure that realized pay is tied to attainment of significant short-short-term and long-term operating goals

Our Executive Compensation Program

What We Do and Do Not Do—Elements of Our Executive Compensation Program.


Governance Best Practices:
We seek to ensure that our executive compensation programs are closely aligned with the interests of our stockholders by following these executive compensation best practices:

WHAT WE DOWHAT WE DO NOT DO

a
Design an executive compensation program to mitigate undue risk and conduct annual reviews to assess risk of our compensation programsrxEngagePermit executives and directors to hold our stock in a margin account, pledge our stock as collateral for loans or engage in speculative transactions involving our stock, including hedging

a
Award annual incentive compensation subject to achievement of objective andpre-established performance goals tied to operational and strategic objectivesrxPerform stock optionre-pricing without stockholder approval

a
Benchmark executive officer compensation around the market median on all elements of target compensation against a relevant peer grouprxProvide cash buyouts for underwater stock options or stock appreciation rights without stockholder approval

a
Include double triggerchange-in-control change in control vesting provisions for equity awardsrxProvide cash compensation upon death or disability

a
Engage an independent compensation consultant that reports directly to the Compensation CommitteerxPay dividends on any unvested stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units or unearned performance-based equity awards. Dividend equivalents are only payable on such awards to the extent the awards are vested and earned

a
Use a compensation recovery (“clawback”) policy for the CEO, certain officers and other key employees that applies to cash and equity compensationrxProvide excise taxgross-ups upon change in control

a

Require stock ownership and retention values that

align the interests of our executive officers and other key employees with the long-term interests of our stockholders

r

Provide minimalexcessive perquisites with sound business rationale

Peer Group and Competitive Market Information.The


36

Compensation Committee utilizes a peer group of certain consumer discretionary companies to evaluate executive officer compensation levels and to benchmark our executive compensation design and governance features. The Compensation Committee reviews the peer group on an annual basis to ensure the peer group includes companies with certain attributes. These attributes include that the companies are of comparable size (based on revenue, market capitalization and other relevant metrics), maintain strong consumer brands, have multiple consumer brands in their portfolios, have an entrepreneurial culture, are globally positioned and compete with us for executive talent.

For 2017, the peer group data compiled by the independent compensation consultant, Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“FW Cook”) was used to establish market consensus information (the “Competitive Market”) against which the Compensation Committee assessed our compensation elements. The Compensation Committee also periodically reviews other benchmarking data as presented by FW Cook and the Company’s human resources management, such as equity vesting practices, the prevalence of performance metrics among peer companies, types of equity vehicles used by peer companies and equity burn rates.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    19

Program Structure


The peer group used for 2017 compensation benchmarking consisted of the following companies:

PEER GROUP COMPANIES (1)

Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

Hyatt Hotels CorporationStarbucks Corporation

Brinker International, Inc.

Jack in the Box Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

MGM Resorts International

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

Panera Bread Company

The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Ross Stores, Inc.

The Wendy’s Company

DineEquity, Inc.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation

Foot Locker, Inc.

Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

YUM! Brands, Inc.
(1)In July 2017, the Compensation Committee revised the peer group to be used for 2018 and subsequent compensation decisions to remove (i) Panera Bread Company, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Ruby Tuesday, Inc. and Bob Evans Farms, Inc. due to a change in strategy or acquisition; and (ii) Starbucks Corporation and Ross Stores, Inc. due to the scope of revenues and other financial metrics. In addition, Buffalo Wild Wings, Domino’s Pizza, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. were added to the 2018 Peer Group due to market strategy and the scope of revenues and other financial metrics.

Competitive Positioning.Our executive compensation program is designed to target the following Competitive Market ranges for each element of compensation; however, an individual’s compensation may be below or above the targeted competitive positioning based on performance of the business or operations for which the individual is responsible, the individual’s skill set relative to industry peers, overall experience and time in the position, critical nature of the individual’s role, difficulty of replacement, expected future contributions, readiness for promotion to a higher level and role relative to that of other executive officers and other business factors. In assessing the target range for compensation relative to the market, the Compensation Committee considered the need to attract and retain key executive talent and provide minimum, competitive levels of base salary, taking into account that base salaries serve as the basis for short- and long-term incentive opportunities. For incentive-based compensation, the Compensation Committee also considered the competitive market for talent in the restaurant industry, and the responsibility for determining the overall strategy and direction for the Company. The Compensation Committee determined that it was appropriate to target the median for cash compensation and between the median and 75th percentile for short- and long-term incentives to keep our executives motivated to achieve high performance in both short- and long-term.

COMPENSATION ELEMENTTARGETED RANGE

Base Salary

Competitive Market Median

Short-Term Incentives

Between the Median and 75th Percentile

Target Total Cash

Between the Median and 75th Percentile

Long-Term Incentives

Between the Median and 75th Percentile

Target Total Compensation

Between the Median and 75th Percentile

Compensation Setting Process

Compensation Committee.Our Compensation Committee oversees our executive compensation program and, in some cases, together with the Board of Directors, approves the type and amount of compensation paid to our CEO and other executive officers, approves agreements with our executive officers and provides oversight to our equity compensation plan and meets periodically and monitors our compensation arrangements and objectives. The Compensation Committee considers the Competitive Market data provided by FW Cook and the Company’s human resources management, as well as recommendations from management, and evaluates the appropriateness and competitive positioning of the CEO and the other NEOs’ total compensation and each compensation element. The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation of the CEO and recommends her compensation to the full Board of Directors for approval, which also reviews the CEO’s performance. Our executive officers possess employment agreements or offers of employment that establish, among other things, the executive’s base salary and target bonus, measured as a percentage of base salary, as well as benefits upon a termination of employment and/or a change in control of the Company. Our Compensation Committee is responsible for approving equity awards to our executive officers in order to qualify these awards as exempt awards under Rule16b-3 under the Exchange Act.

The Compensation Committee also considers the annualnon-binding stockholder vote on executive compensation in setting executive compensation. At our 2017 annual meeting, this proposal received a vote of 79% of the votes cast in favor of approving our executive compensation for 2016.

Our Investor Outreach Program.We conduct wide-ranging governance reviews and investor outreach throughout the year to ensure that management and the Board understand and consider the issues that matter most to our stockholders to enable the Company to address them effectively. After considering feedback received from investors, the Board determined to formalize additional

20    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement



responsibilities for, and enhance its process for selecting, the Chairman (see “Board Leadership Structure”). In addition, the Compensation Committee reviewed and determined the current mix of long-term equity awards (approximately 60% performance-based with 30% granted in the form of PSUs and 30% in stock options along with 40% granted in the form of RSUs). Although no change was made, the Compensation Committee will continue to evaluate the mix of long-term equity awards each year.

Role of Independent Compensation Consultant. The Compensation Committee has engaged FW Cook to serve as its independent compensation consultant since 2013. FW Cook’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing compensation market data, advising on trends and developments in executive compensation, periodically reviewing the design of the executive compensation program, providing independent analysis of CEO compensation and providing advice to the Compensation Committee and its Chair, as requested. The Compensation Committee has directly engaged, and has the sole authority to hire and terminate FW Cook. FW Cook attends Compensation Committee meetings and, on occasion, obtains information and input from management to ensure that its recommendations are consistent with Bloomin’ Brands’ strategy and culture.

Role of Chief Executive Officer in Compensation Decisions.The Compensation Committee considers the recommendations of the CEO with respect to salary adjustments, annual cash incentive bonus targets and awards and equity incentive awards for our other executive officers. In addition, the CEO provides input to the Committee on the design of incentive compensation and other employee benefit plans to ensure alignment with the Company’s strategy.

Our CEO reviewed fiscal 2017 performance objectives with the Compensation Committee, including financial objectives andnon-financial objectives for strategic business and human capital priorities. The Compensation Committee meets in executive session with and without its compensation consultant to review and discuss the performance and compensation of the CEO. The CEO does not participate in determinations or recommendations regarding her own compensation.

Compensation Elements

Mix of

Performance-Based Overall Total Compensation. Mix:
Our compensation program consistsfor 2023 consisted of three primary elements and other secondary benefits:

COMPENSATION ELEMENTDESCRIPTION

Compensation

Element

Description

Primary Elements

Base salaryBase Salary

Fixed cash compensation designed to provide appropriate, Competitive Market-basedMarket (defined below)-based predictable compensation

Determined and reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee with input from the compensation consultant, CEO (for other officers) and the Company’s human resources management
Performance-based cash incentivesVariable cash compensation based on pre-established performance goals measured against Compensation Committee-approved annual targets and individual performance
Target based onvalues informed by Competitive Market data
Long-term equity incentive awards

Variable compensation distributedgranted in the form of PSUs (30%),(two-thirds) and RSUs (40%) and stock options (30%)

(one-third)

PSUs cliff vest after 3three years based on achievement of performance goals

RSUs vest ratably over 4three years

Stock options vest ratably over 4 years

Target values based oninformed by Competitive Market data
Secondary BenefitsRetention-based cash and equity incentivesVariable cash and/or equity compensation for retention and promotion purposes and/or based on individual performance against additional business strategies that arise
Other benefits and perquisites

Medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, as well as life insurance and disability protection

Deferred compensation plan to allow efficient personal tax planning

Executive physicals
Relocation assistance for certain newly-hired executives
Change in Controlcontrol and termination benefitsProvides the CEO, NEOs and other companyCompany executives benefits payable upon specified employment termination events as described in the Change in Control policy, employment agreement or offer of employment

In allocating compensation among the various compensation elements, we provide


Bloomin’ Brand’s provides equitable and competitive levels of fixed compensation (base salary and benefits) while emphasizing performance-based compensation that is dependent on ourthe Company’s overall performance and/or, if applicable, restaurant conceptCompany performance along with individual performance. Long-term equity incentives comprise the largest share of total compensation and provide an important connection to stockholder interests. We do not target a

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    21


specific percentage for each element of compensation relative to total compensation. Our target compensation mix of compensation results from placing a greater emphasis on variable compensation and targeting a percentage that will allow us to be competitive.

around the market median on all elements of target compensation.



37

Table of Contents

Performance-Based Overall Total Compensation Mix:
The charts below show the annualized target compensation mix for the CEO and the average annualized target compensation mix offor the other NEOs.

LOGO

10001001
86.5% of CEO compensation is at-risk.             69.6% of average NEO compensation is at-risk.

Base Salaries. Base salaries reflect demonstrated experience, skills and competencies as well as Competitive Market value. Salary Design:
Base salary levels of our executive officers may be increased by the Compensation Committee as part of the annual performance review process, upon an executive officer’s promotion, change in job responsibilities or to address internal or external equity, as recommended by management.

As


Mr. Meyer and Ms. Lefferts received a result of the Competitive Market data analysis performedbase salary increase in February 2017, the Compensation Committee decided2023 to maintain current base salaries based onbring their total compensation closer to market median, which is aligned with the Company’s relative position to the market, with the exception of a market adjustment for one individual. The base salary for Mr. Singh was adjusted by 5% due to additional franchising responsibilities.

pay strategy. No other salaries were changed in 2023 from 2022.


Base salaries of the NEOs and the change thereto for Mr. Singh during 2017, are listed in the table below:

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER  2017 BASE SALARY   CHANGE DURING 2017 

Elizabeth A. Smith

  $1,000,000     

David J. Deno

   650,000     

Christopher W. Brandt

   560,000     

Patrick C. Murtha

   500,000     

Sukhdev Singh

   500,000    25,000 

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERANNUAL BASE SALARYMARKET ADJUSTMENT APPLIED IN 2023
David J. Deno$1,000,000 $— 
Christopher A. Meyer (1)600,000 75,000 
Gregg D. Scarlett675,000 — 
Kelly M. Lefferts (1)520,000 20,000 
Brett A. Patterson500,000 — 
__________________
(1)Mr. Meyer and Ms. Lefferts received a market adjustment in February 2023.

38

Performance-Based Short-Term Incentive Plan and Other Cash Incentives. :
Cash incentives are awarded to all of our executive officers under our performance-based short-term incentive plans (each, a “STIP”), which areSTIP. The STIP is designed so thatto place a significant portion of annualeach NEO’s compensation to each NEO isat-risk, with payouts dependent on the financial performance of the Company.Company’s and executive’s performance. These awards (the “2023 Corporate STIP”) are payable based on the achievement of annualthe Company’s financial objectives measured against our internal operating plan and individual achievement ofthe executive’s performance goals established at the beginning of the year related to the Company for corporate executives (the “2017 Corporate STIP”) and for concept executives, including our international business unit (each, a “2017 Concept STIP”). Annualgoals. The NEO’s annual STIP targets, measured as a percentage of base salary, are established in each executive officer’s employment agreement or offer of employment and may be increased by the Compensation Committee from time to time. Payouts can range from 0% to 200% of the established percentage of salary, with a payout at 50% if threshold performance is achieved, 100% if target performance is achieved and 200% if maximum performance is achieved. No payouts are made under the STIP unless a minimum objective of profitability is achieved.

• 2017 STIP Measures and Targets


The 2017 STIP payout was based on Company performance and restaurant concept performance, as applicable, compared to thepre-established financial goals of (1) adjusted earnings per share (adjusted net income as further adjusted for certain items such as foreign exchange translation, divided by the total diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (weighted-average shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, including restricted stock, RSUs, PSUs and stock options) (“Adjusted EPS”)) (Adjusted EPS calculation for STIP purposes is similar to thenon-GAAP Adjusted EPS that we use in our presentations with

22    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement


stockholders, adjusted to include certain variable, performance-based compensation expense, and excluding the impact of sale leaseback transactions, restaurant closings, gains and losses on disposed assets and certain other gains and losses, and the impact of other infrequent occurrences that are not reflective of our business operations (mainly the impact of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma) (collectively, the “Certain Items”); (2) adjusted EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes adjusted to primarily exclude the Excluded Items (“Adjusted EBIT”)); and (3) total revenue growth (measured as the percentage increase in total revenue over the prior fiscal year (“Total Revenue Growth”)). The purpose of the adjustments is to ensure that the measurement of performance reflects factors that management can directly control and that payout levels are not artificially inflated or impaired by factors unrelated to the ongoing operation of the business. SeeNon-GAAP Financial Measures—OtherNon-GAAP Financial Measures under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for additional information.

The STIP for Ms. Smith and Messrs. Deno, Brandt and Singh was based solely on the 20172023 Corporate STIP. The STIP for Mr. Murtha was based 50% on the 2017 Corporate STIP and 50% on the 2017 Concept STIP for the Company’s international business unit (“BBI International”).

The financial objectives for the 2017 Corporate STIP consisted of two measures: Adjusted EPS (weighted 70% of the STIP) and Total Revenue Growth (weighted 30% of the STIP). The financial objectives for the 2017 Concept STIP also consisted of two measures: Adjusted EBIT (weighted 70%) and Total Revenue Growth (weighted 30%) for the restaurant concept.

In addition, the STIP payout amount is subject to individual performance ratings. These criteria encourage critical leadership behaviors and performance, but are not quantifiable, such as the development of a high-performing and inclusive team, a strong commitment to high ethical standards and the achievement of strategic goals and objectives for the year. The 2017 STIP target payout amounts for each NEO, as a percentage of his or her base salary were as follows:

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER  2017 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE-BASED
CASH INCENTIVE TARGET, AS A
PERCENTAGE OF BASE SALARY
  CHANGE FROM
2016 AS A
PERCENTAGE OF
BASE SALARY
  STIP WEIGHTING
      COMPANY  CONCEPT

Ms. Smith

  150%    100%  

Mr. Deno

  85%    100%  

Mr. Brandt

  85%    100%  

Mr. Murtha(1)

  85%  N/A  50%  50%

Mr. Singh(1)

  85%  N/A  100%  
(1)Messrs. Murtha and Singh were not listed NEOs in 2016.

The 2017

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER2023 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE-BASED CASH INCENTIVE TARGET, AS A PERCENTAGE OF BASE SALARYCHANGE FROM 2022 AS A PERCENTAGE OF BASE SALARY
Mr. Deno150%—%
Mr. Meyer120%—%
Mr. Scarlett120%—%
Ms. Lefferts85%—%
Mr. Patterson (1)85%15%
__________________
(1)Mr. Patterson’s STIP target amounts were payablechanged from 70% to 85% effective November 13, 2023 in conjunction with respecthis appointment to Executive Vice President.

2023 Metrics, Weightings, and Results:
The following chart summarizes the 2023 STIP metrics and weightings and the corresponding payout results:
PERFORMANCE PERIOD: DECEMBER 26, 2022 to DECEMBER 31, 2023
Financial ObjectiveWeightingThresholdTargetMaxActual ResultsPerformance FactorFunding Level
Relative Comparable Sales50%(2.97)%0.00%3.00%(1.20)%60.0%30.0%
Adjusted Operating Income (dollars in millions) (1)50%$250.7$344.8$364.2$319.961.4%30.7%
1% Payout100% Payout200% Payout60.7% Payout
__________________
(1)The Adjusted Operating Income calculation for STIP purposes is similar to the achievementnon-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income that we use in our presentations with stockholders, which is adjusted to exclude the impact of each financial objective as follows (expressed as a percentagecertain items that are not reflective of growth overour business operations. The STIP Adjusted Operating Income calculation may include additional adjustments, for example an adjustment to remove the prior year),impact of the 53rd week, beneficial Brazil tax legislation and the minimum and maximum payout amounts ranged from 0% to 200%impact of target, withforeign currency translation. See Appendix A for a threshold payment at 50% of target, based on anon-linear sliding scale:

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER ADJUSTED
EARNINGS
PER SHARE(1)
 COMPANY
REVENUE
GROWTH(2)
 BBI INTERNATIONAL
ADJUSTED EBIT
GROWTH(3)
 BBI INTERNATIONAL
REVENUE GROWTH(4)
   TARGET
($1.29)
 TARGET
(-3.4%)
 

TARGET

(3.2%)

 

TARGET

(-5.1%)

Ms. Smith

    105%      45%  

Mr. Deno

   59.5%   25.5%  

Mr. Brandt

   59.5%   25.5%  

Mr. Murtha(3)

 29.75% 12.75% 29.75% 12.75%

Mr. Singh

   59.5%   25.5%  
(1)Adjusted EPS had a threshold for payment (of 50%) at 92% of the target Adjusted EPS and a maximum payout (of 200%) at 110% of the target Adjusted EPS, with such growth based on a comparable calendar year, since fiscal 2017 was a53-week fiscal year.

(2)Company Revenue Growth had a threshold for payment (of 50%) at 99% of the target for the Company’s Total Revenue Growth and a maximum payout (of 200%) at 102% of such target Total Revenue Growth based on a comparable calendar year.

(3)BBI International Adjusted EBIT had a threshold for payment (of 50%) at 94% of the target Adjusted EBIT and a maximum payout (of 200%) at 116% of such target Adjusted EBIT based on a comparable calendar year.

(4)Based on a comparable calendar year, BBI International Total Revenue Growth had a threshold for payment (of 50%) at 94% of the target for BBI International Total Revenue Growth and a maximum payout (of 200%) at 102% of such target Total Revenue Growth.

The Adjusted EPS, Adjusted EBIT and Total Revenue Growth performance levels were established by the Compensation Committee at the beginningreconciliation of the year based on the Company’s and/or the restaurant concept’s business plan, as well as industry and general economic conditions and trends, among other considerations. Our goals were rigorously set based on our business plan and at or above last year’s results. The performance levels were expected to present a challenge, especially with the persisting economic conditions; however, achievement of these goals was not viewed as requiring or encouraging excessive risk-taking by our executives.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    23


• 2017 Performance

For the 2017 Corporate STIP, the Company attained a Total Revenue Growth of-0.9% and Adjusted EPS of $1.30 (comparable calendar year) resulting in a weighted achievement percentage of 128% of target.

In addition to the financial performance measures listed above, each executive officer was assigned an individual performance ratingOperating Income calculation for the year, as recommended by the CEO. Individual performance and subsequent compensation decisions are based on the achievement of strategic goals and objectives for which the individual is responsible, such as the development of a high-performing and inclusive team, a strong commitment to high ethical standards, the individual’s skill set relative to peers, the critical nature of the individual’s role, the difficulty of replacement, their expected future contributions and their role relative to that of other executive officers.

In determining incentive award payouts for 2017, the Compensation Committee and Board considered the following:

STIP.
Performance against plan for all concepts

Measured and timely progress on theoff-premise opportunity

Deal execution and financing efforts for the sale-leaseback transactions

Ms. Smith and Mr. Deno received 100% individual performance rating, and Mr. Singh received 120% individual performance rating. Their efforts led to the achievement of the Company’s annual operating plan, maximizing short-term business results while supporting the achievement of long-term goals. In addition, Mr. Singh led the design, development and construction for our first Express locations which opened in 2017 that combine Outback and Carrabba’s offerings in the delivery and takeout-only format. Mr. Singh continues to lead our efforts to relocate stores and create an improved ambiance for our guests’ experience through interior and exterior remodels.

Messrs. Brandt and Murtha left the Company prior to the STIP payment; therefore, they were not eligible to receive the STIP payout.

• 2017 STIP Payouts

The financialcombined performance achieved under the 20172023 Corporate and 2017 Concept STIP combined with the respective individual performance resulted in the following performance-based cash incentives:

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER  STIP PERFORMANCE
PAYOUT
   ACHIEVEMENT AS A %
of STIP TARGET
 ACHIEVEMENT AS A %
of BASE SALARY

Ms. Smith

  $1,920,000   128% 192%

Mr. Deno

        707,200   128% 109%

Mr. Brandt

       

Mr. Murtha

       

Mr. Singh

        647,778   154% 128%

Performance-based cash incentives earned

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERSTIP PERFORMANCE PAYOUT (1)ACHIEVEMENT AS % OF STIP TARGET
Mr. Deno$910,500 60.7 %
Mr. Meyer437,040 60.7 %
Mr. Scarlett491,670 60.7 %
Ms. Lefferts268,294 60.7 %
Mr. Patterson (2)218,463 60.7 %
__________________
(1)STIP payouts were modified by the NEOs are reflected in the “—Summary Compensation Table” under the heading“Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.” Threshold, target and maximum payments for the NEOs under the 2017 STIP are reflected in “—Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2017.”

• Other Cash Incentives, Retention Awards

In connection with Mr. Brandt’s offer of employment in May 2016, he was granted aone-time cash award of $250,000 payable in 2017.

In light of retention concerns and in recognition of their significant responsibilities in 2017 to continue execution on our transformational strategy that began in 2016 relating to reinvestments in our product and labor model, cost cutting measures, revisions to our menus and improvements in our supply chain, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board in March 2017 a payment of special cash incentives to all NEOs other than the CEO. Payments to the NEOs were made in the following amounts:individual performance factors: Mr. Deno $200,000,100%, Mr. Brandt $150,000,Meyer 100%, Mr. Murtha $100,000, andScarlett 100%, Ms. Lefferts 100%, Mr. Singh $300,000. Upon any voluntary termination less thanone-year fromPatterson 100%.

(2)Payout amount for Mr. Patterson is prorated based on changes to his bonus target during the datefiscal year.

39

Table of payment, the NEOs are required to repay the amount in full.

Contents


Performance-Based Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards. Program:
LTI awards are designed to alignreward participants for achieving the Company’s long-term objectives and creating stockholder value. Additionally, LTI awards serve to retain participants and provide a significant portion of total compensation with our long-term goal of stockholder value creation. These equity awards are designed to reward longer-term performance, facilitate equity ownership, deter outside recruitment of our key personnel and further align the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders.continuity in leadership. Equity awards have generally been limited to our executive officers and other key employees who are in a position to contribute substantially to our growth and success.

24    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018


2023 LTI Awards
Based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors approved LTI grants in February 2023 to our executive officers under the 2020 Equity Plan consisting of two-thirds of PSUs and one-third of RSUs.
MEASUREPERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS (PSUs)RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS (RSUs)
WEIGHTING2/31/3
PURPOSEPSUs align our executives with stockholders by encouraging executives to have a longer-term perspective with respect to driving sustainable performance, rather than taking risks for short-term pay-off.RSUs provide our key executives with meaningful retentive value.
DESIGNThe 2023 PSUs provide for cliff vesting at the end of the three year performance period (2023-2025), contingent upon meeting performance objectives and continued employment. The number of units earned varies to the extent the performance targets are achieved over the period, ranging from 1% for threshold achievement to 200% for maximum achievement. The PSUs are distributed upon the Compensation Committee certifying that the performance metrics have been attained and making a recommendation of payment that is approved by the Board.The 2023 RSUs vest one-third per year over three years.

For 2023, Annual Adjusted Diluted EPS (“Adjusted EPS”) performance over fiscal years 2023 through 2025 was chosen as the core PSU performance measure in order to continue to encourage executives to successfully balance profit maximization and the efficient use of capital. Additionally, there is a relative total stockholder return (“Relative TSR”) modifier, which can adjust final payouts downward or upward 75% to 125%. In no event can the award payout be above 200%. Relative TSR of the Company will be compared against the S&P 1500 Restaurant Index comprised of casual and fast dining companies.

Performance goals for the 2023 PSU award were approved by the Compensation Committee in February 2023. The 2023 PSU award may vest and pay out, if at all, in 2026 based on Adjusted EPS and Relative TSR performance over the three-year performance period. Any payout remains subject to the final certification of the Compensation Committee. Further details of these annual grants are provided below:
PERFORMANCE MEASUREPERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS
THRESHOLD
(1% of shares are earned)
TARGET
(100% of shares are earned)
MAXIMUM
(200% of shares are earned)
2023-2025 Adjusted EPS Performance (1)$2.68$3.00$3.35
__________________
(1)Adjusted EPS as defined for this grant is similar to the non-GAAP Adjusted EPS that we use in our presentations with stockholders, which excludes the impact of certain items that are not reflective of our ongoing business operations.
40

PERFORMANCE MEASUREPERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS
MINIMUM
(Bottom Third of Relative TSR Comparison Group)
TARGET
(Middle Third of Relative TSR Comparison Group)
MAXIMUM
(Top Third of Relative TSR Comparison Group)
Relative TSR Performance 2023-202575%100%125%

Vesting of 2021 PSU Award
LTI grants made in 2021 for the 2021-2023 performance period utilized a cumulative three-year performance period. Adjusted EPS performance, as defined under the Company’s 2021 award agreements was the performance metric for the 2021 PSU award. The Adjusted EPS calculation for LTI purposes is similar to the non-GAAP Adjusted EPS that we use in our presentations with stockholders, which is adjusted to exclude the impact of certain items that are not reflective of ongoing business operations. The following table shows the percentage of PSUs earned under the 2021 PSU award and the applicable performance measures:
PERFORMANCE MEASUREPERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETSACTUAL RESULTSPERCENTAGE OF PSUs EARNED 2021-2023 (2)
THRESHOLD
(1% of shares are earned)
TARGET
(100% of shares are earned)
MAXIMUM
(200% of shares are earned)
2021-2023 Adjusted EPS Performance (1)$1.97$2.06$2.20$2.51200%
__________________
(1)The baseline Adjusted EPS used to measure such growth is $1.90, as disclosed in the 2022 Proxy Statement

Statement. See Appendix A for a reconciliation of 2023 Adjusted EPS.


(2)2021 Relative TSR delivered top third performance of the relative Comparison Group and resulted in a 125% modifier. However, Adjusted Diluted EPS performance delivered the maximum 200% payout.


Administering LTI Awards
In April 2016,May 2020, the Company’s stockholders adopted a newthe 2020 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (“2016(the “2020 Plan”) to replace our 20122016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012“2016 Plan”). The purpose of the 20162020 Plan is to promote the interests of our Company and its stockholders by (1) providing a means for our Company to attract and retain talented individuals; (2) encouraging the profitability and growth of our Company through annual and long-term incentives that are consistent with our goals and link a significant portion of compensation to the value of our common stock; and (3) providing incentives that will align the interests of our employees, consultants and directors with those of our stockholders. This plan was in effect for awards issued beginning in May 2016.

2020 and remains in effect.


The Company also has an Equity Award Policy that prohibits granting equity awards in anticipation of the release of material nonpublic information, and we do not time the release of material nonpublic information based on equity award grant dates. Because the Company believes equity awards are an important part of our compensation program, we grant equity awards on an annual basis to key employees, (other than newly hired employees), including our executive officers. Annual equity awards must be approved by the Compensation Committee (or the Board) during an open trading windowand are expected to be granted following the second business day after the announcement of earnings for the fiscal year. ThisThe Company’s policy exists sois that it will not purposely accelerate or delay the public release of material non-public information (“MNPI”) in consideration of any pending equity award grant in order to allow an award recipient to benefit from a more favorable stock price. The Company realizes that a release of MNPI by the Company can issue our annualin close proximity to an equity award grants duringcould create the appearance of an effort by the Company to time when potential material information regarding our financial performance is most likelythe announcement to be available to the market.a recipient’s benefit, even if no such benefit was intended. The Compensation Committee approvesnew-hire, promotion and retention equity awards for NEOs, as well as other executive officers, and has delegated the authority to the Equity Award Committeeour Chief Executive Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, collectively or individually, to approve all other“off-cycle” “off-cycle” new-hire, promotion and retention equity awards. awards, subject to certain limitations.

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Program Governance

Compensation Peer Group and Competitive Market Information:
The Compensation Committee utilizes a compensation peer group of certain consumer discretionary companies to evaluate executive officer compensation levels and to benchmark our executive compensation design and governance features. The Compensation Committee reviews the peer group on an annual basis to ensure the peer group includes companies with certain attributes. These attributes include: companies with comparable size (based on revenue, market capitalization and other relevant metrics), companies that maintain strong consumer brands and/or have multiple consumer brands in their portfolios, companies that have an entrepreneurial culture, companies that are globally positioned and companies that compete with us for executive talent.

For all“off-cycle”2023, the peer group data compiled by the independent compensation consultant, FW Cook, was used to establish market consensus information (the “Competitive Market”) against which the Compensation Committee assessed our compensation elements. The Compensation Committee also periodically reviews other benchmarking data as presented by FW Cook and the Company’s human resources management, such as peer equity award grants,vesting practices, the grant date isprevalence of performance metrics among peer companies, types of equity vehicles used by peer companies and equity burn rates and overhang.

The Compensation Committee reviewed the first trading daypeer group to be used for 2023 and made no changes to the prior-year peer group. The peer group used for 2023 compensation benchmarking consisted of the first calendar month containingfollowing 18 companies:
2023 COMPENSATION PEER GROUP COMPANIES
Brinker International, Inc.Foot Locker, Inc.Texas Roadhouse, Inc.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.Hyatt Hotels CorporationThe Cheesecake Factory Incorporated
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.Jack in the Box Inc.The Wendy’s Company
Darden Restaurants, Inc.MGM Resorts InternationalWilliams-Sonoma Inc.
Dine Brands GlobalNorwegian Cruise Line HoldingsWyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Domino’s PizzaRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.YUM! Brands, Inc.

In July 2023, the Compensation Committee approved changes to the peer group to be used for 2024. The Committee believes these changes maintain a trading date following the datebalance between company size, revenue, industry, industrial footprint and presence as a competitor for executive talent. The new peer group is comprised of the recipient’s hirefollowing companies:
2024 COMPENSATION PEER GROUP COMPANIES
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.Foot Locker, Inc.Texas Roadhouse, Inc.
Brinker International, Inc.Guess? Inc.The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated
Caleres, Inc.Jack in the Box Inc.The Wendy’s Company
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.Kontoor Brands, Inc.V.F. Corporation
Darden Restaurants, Inc.Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd.Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.PVH Corp.Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Designer Brands Inc.Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.YUM! Brands, Inc.
Dine Brands Global Inc.Shake Shack Inc.
Domino’s Pizza Inc.Tapestry, Inc.

In assessing the target range for compensation relative to the market, the Compensation Committee targets around the Competitive Market Median for all elements of target direct compensation. Compensation for each individual may be below or promotion date and for options, has an exercise price equal to 100%above the targeted competitive positioning based on several factors, including performance of the closing pricebusiness, the individual’s skill set relative to industry peers, overall experience and time in the position, critical nature of the Company’s common stock onindividual’s role, difficulty of replacement, expected future contributions, readiness for promotion to a higher level and role relative to that of other executive officers and other business factors. The Compensation
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Committee does not set a specific position relative to the market for indirect compensation, such grant date.

• 2017 LTI Awards

In February 2017,as benefits and perquisites.


Role of the Compensation Committee:
Our Compensation Committee oversees our executive compensation program and, in some cases, together with the Board of Directors approved,Directors:

Approves the type and amount of compensation paid to our CEO and other executive officers

Approves agreements with our executive officers

Provides oversight to our equity compensation plan

Meets periodically and monitors our compensation arrangements and objectives

The Compensation Committee considers the Competitive Market data provided by FW Cook and the Company’s human resources management team, as well as recommendations from broader management, to evaluate the appropriateness and competitive positioning of the CEO and each other NEO’s total compensation and compensation elements. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the compensation of the CEO, based in part on the recommendationCEO’s performance review as assessed by the full Board of Directors.

Our executive officers have employment agreements or offers of employment that establish, among other things, the executive’s base salary, both target bonus and LTI amounts, as well as benefits upon a termination of employment and/or a change in control of the Company. Our Compensation Committee, LTI grantsCommittee’s approval of equity awards to our executive officers qualifies these awards as exempt awards under Rule 16b-3 under the 2016 Equity Plan consistingExchange Act.

Role of 30% stock options, 40% RSUsIndependent Compensation Consultant:
The Compensation Committee has engaged FW Cook to serve as its independent compensation consultant for 2023. FW Cook’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing compensation market data, advising on trends and 30% PSUs. In 2016,developments in executive compensation, periodically reviewing the decision was made to add RSUs to our equity pay mix in order to provide our key executives with meaningful retentive value. The RSUs vest 25% per year over four years which further aligns our NEOs’ interests with shareholders by providing an economic interest to maintain and enhance the value of shares over the long term.

In 2017, we awarded stock options which provide our executives the opportunity to share in the increase in stock value over time. The stock options vest 25% per year over four years, have an exercise price equal to 100%design of the closing priceexecutive compensation program, providing independent analysis of our common stockCEO compensation and providing advice to the Compensation Committee and its Chair, as requested. The Compensation Committee has directly engaged and has the sole authority to hire and terminate the independent compensation consultant. FW Cook attends Compensation Committee meetings and, on occasion, obtains information and input from management to ensure that its recommendations are consistent with the dateCompany’s strategy and culture. The Company does not engage FW Cook for any other unrelated consulting or services.


Role of grant and are exercisable over aten-year term, contingent upon continued employment.

In addition, we awarded PSUs to our executives intended to motivate executives to achieve preset goals that areChief Executive Officer in line with critical business value drivers. In 2016, we moved away fromCompensation Decisions:

The Compensation Committee considers the annual performance measurement periods to a cumulative three-year performance period, to better align the executives with stockholders by emphasizing long-term goals and objectives and enhancing executive retention. In fiscal 2017, we maintained the PSU cliff vesting at the endrecommendations of the three-year performance period, contingent upon continued employment. This component of three-year cliff vesting encourages executives to have a longer-term perspectiveCEO with respect to driving performance, rather than taking riskssalary adjustments, annual cash incentive bonus targets and awards and equity incentive awards for short-termpay-off. The number of units earned variesour other executive officers. In addition, the CEO provides input to the extent the performance targets are achieved over the period, ranging from 50% for threshold achievement to 200% for maximum achievement. The PSUs are distributed upon the Compensation Committee certifying thaton the design of incentive compensation and other employee benefit plans to ensure alignment with the Company’s business strategies and goals.

Our CEO reviews performance metrics were attained and making a recommendation of payment that is approved by the Board.

Management andobjectives with the Compensation Committee, including financial objectives and non-financial objectives for strategic business and human capital priorities. The Compensation Committee meets in executive session with and without its compensation consultant to review and discuss the performance target each year as partand compensation of the LTI design to ensure the goals incent the right behaviors and business decisions. For 2017, Adjusted EPS growth was chosen as the performance measure for the PSUsCEO. The CEO does not participate in order to continue to incentivize executives to successfully balance profit maximization and the efficient usedeterminations or recommendations regarding his own compensation.


43

Table of capital. We believe that Adjusted EPS is an appropriate short-term and long-term performance goal since there is a direct correlation between the increase in adjusted earnings per share and stockholder value, as well as the value of the equity to be received by the executive officer. The following table shows the percentage of PSUs that may be earned under the 2017 PSU award based on the average annual percentage growth of the Company’s Adjusted EPS over the 2017-2019 performance period:

PERFORMANCE MEASURE  PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS
  

THRESHOLD

(50% of shares
are earned)

 

TARGET

(100% of shares
are earned)

 

MAXIMUM

(200% of shares
are earned)

2017-2019 Average Annual Adjusted EPS Growth(1)

  4% 7% 12%
(1)The baseline Adjusted EPS for 2016 used to measure such growth is $1.25.

The LTI grants made in 2014 and 2015 for performance periods 2014-2017, and 2015-2018, respectively, utilized annual performance periods for each year during the four-year terms. Therefore, the Company’s performance during 2017 also determined the extent of the awards earned for a portion of those awards. The Company’s 2017 Adjusted EPS, as defined under the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2014 and 2015 award agreements, was the performance metric for the fourth tranche of the 2014 PSU award and third tranche of the 2015 PSU award. Adjusted EPS calculation for LTI purposes is similar to thenon-GAAP Adjusted

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    25

Contents


EPS that we use in our presentations with stockholders, adjusted to include certain variable, performance-based compensation expense, and excluding the impact of the Certain Items. The following table shows the percentage of PSUs earned under the fourth tranche of the 2014 PSU award and the third tranche of the 2015 PSU award and the applicable performance measures:

PERFORMANCE MEASURE PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS  ACTUAL
RESULTS
  PERCENTAGE
OF PSUs
EARNED IN
2017
 
 THRESHOLD
(50% of shares
are earned)
  TARGET
(100% of shares
are earned)
  MAXIMUM
(200% of shares
are earned)
   

2017 Adjusted EPS (2014 and 2015 grant)(1)

 $    1.19  $    1.29  $    1.42  $    1.25   83.33
(1)Based on a comparable calendar year. Adjusted EPS as defined for these grants does not take into account the impact of infrequent occurrences that are not reflective of our business operations such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

For amounts between the threshold, target and maximum amounts set forth above, the participant will earn a number of shares based on anon-linear sliding scale between such percentages. No shares are earned for achievement of performance measures below the threshold. The following table sets forth (a) the aggregate target PSUs awarded in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, (b) the number of shares that could be earned based on 2017 results and continued employment through the vesting date and (c) the number of shares actually earned of the tranche based on 2017 results (25% of the total award for years prior to the 2016 grant) that were earned, based on the performance achieved for 2017.

  PSUs AWARDED     PORTION OF PSUs SUBJECT TO
2017 PERFORMANCE
    PSUs EARNED BASED ON
FY 2017 RESULTS
 
NAMED EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
 2014
AWARD
  2015
AWARD
  2016
AWARD
  2017
AWARD
      2014
AWARD
  2015
AWARD
  2016
AWARD(1)
 2017
AWARD(1)
     2014
AWARD
  2015
AWARD
 

Ms. Smith

  86,651   92,138   82,670   82,620    21,663   23,034      18,052   19,195 

Mr. Deno

  28,634   23,291   17,912   17,901    7,159   5,823      5,966   4,853 

Mr. Brandt(2)

           12,852                 

Mr. Murtha(2)

     9,214   11,023   9,180       2,303          

Mr. Singh

     6,911   10,472   26,163          1,728            1,440 
(1)Due to the3-year cliff vesting, none of the 2016 or 2017 PSU awards will vest until fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020, respectively.

(2)Messrs. Brandt and Murtha left the Company prior to certification of the LTIP results and payout; therefore, the awards were forfeited.

Off-Cycle 2017 LTI Awards

In May 2017, Mr. Murtha was granted 46,927 PSUs to further engage long-term performance and strengthen retention. The award was intended as a retention incentive for thetwo-year term of the award. The performance metrics included (i) financial performance (revenue growth); (ii) operating performance (EBITDA growth); (iii) strategy development and execution to create long-term growth by expanding beyond current market, increasing number of franchise partnerships and grow franchise revenues during the performance period; and (iv) succession planning. As Mr. Murtha left the Company at the end of the 2017 fiscal year, per the terms of the agreement, the award was forfeited.

See “—Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2017” for additional information regarding 2017 equity awards to the named executive officers and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control—Equity Awards” for additional information regarding the terms of awards upon termination of employment and a change in control.


Other Policies and Practices Related to Executive Compensation

Compensation Recovery (“Clawback”). We have aIn April 2023, the Company adopted an updated Compensation Recovery Policy pursuant toin accordance with the final NASDAQ rules, which requires the CEO, certainCompany’s executive officers who report directly to the CEO and key employees designated by the Board will be required to return incentive compensation paid to them if the financial results upon which the awards werecompensation was based are restated and republished under applicable securities laws, excluding any restatement required due to changes in accounting rules or standards or changes in applicable law (a “Material Financial Restatement”).

At


In the Board’s discretion, we canevent of a Material Financial Restatement, the Company will recover all or a portionthe amount of any cash or equity-basedincentive compensation toreceived by the extentindividual that exceeds the amount of such compensation that otherwise would have been received had it been determined based on the restated amounts if such compensation was received during the three years before the date the Company concludes that it is paid, earnedmust file a Material Financial Restatement or vests less than three years prior to the date we publicly disclosea governing authority directs the need for the applicableCompany to file a Material Financial Restatement.


We believe our Compensation Recovery Policy is sufficiently broad to reduce the potential risk that the CEO and certain officers or key employees would intentionally misstate results in order to benefit under an incentive program and provides the opportunity forby requiring recoupment of compensation that should not have been rewarded.

in those circumstances.


Stock Ownership Guidelines.Guidelines. To further strengthen the link between executive and stockholder interests, we have a Stock Ownership Guidelines Policy for directors, executive officers and Executive Leadership Teamother executive leadership team members who are eligible to receive long-term incentive awards. The target level of ownership of our common stock is established as a multiple of base salary or annual cash retainer, as applicable.

26    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement


POSITIONTARGET OWNERSHIP
POSITIONNon-Employee DirectorsTARGET OWNERSHIP5x Annual Cash Retainer

Non-Employee Directors

5x Annual Retainer

Chief Executive Officer

5x6x Base Salary

Executive Officers

3x Base Salary

Other Executive Leadership Team

Members Not Listed Above
1x Base Salary


Each individual subject to the Stock Ownership Guidelines Policy is expected to achieve the ownership target within five years from the date on which the individual became subject to the guidelines. All executive officers have achieved their requirement or are on track to achieve their requirement prior to their respective deadline.

Shares that count toward the targettowards ownership amount include common stock directly or indirectly owned, estimatedafter-tax value of unvested, time-vested restricted stock or RSUs and estimatedafter-tax,in-the-money value of vested stock options. Unvested stock options,out-of-the-money stock options and unearned PSUs do not count toward the target ownership amount. requirement are as follows:

Stock Owned (either Directly or Indirectly)
Estimated after-tax value of unvested, time-based RSUs
Beginning in 2023, estimated in-the-money value of vested stock options no longer count towards stock ownership requirement.

While the employee is not in compliance with his or her ownership requirement, the employee must retain 50% of the netafter-tax shares received from the vesting or exercise of his or her LTI shares. Notwithstanding this restriction, employees may immediately sell companyCompany stock acquired by exercising stock options for the limited purposes of paying the exercise price of the stock option and any applicable tax liability.


Insider Trading Policy—Policy - Prohibitions on Hedging. and Pledging. Under our Insider Trading Policy, our directors and executive officers are prohibited from engaging in short sales or investing in other kinds of hedging transactions or financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of our securities.

In addition, our directors and executive officers are prohibited from holding our securities in a margin account and from pledging our securities as collateral for a loan. Our policy is not intended to prohibit diversification transactions or broad-based index transactions.


44

Other Benefits and Perquisites.Perquisites. The NEOs are each entitled to receive certain perquisites and benefits under the terms of their employment agreements and offers of employment. We believe these benefits are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program and better enable us to attract and retain qualified employees for key positions. Such benefits include life insurance, medical insurance and annual physical examinations. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other benefits provided to the NEOs.


We offer a deferred compensation plan for our highly compensated employees who are not eligible to participate in our 401(k) plan. The deferred compensation plan allows highly compensated employees to contribute from 5% to 90% of their base salary and from 5% to 100% of their cash bonus on apre-tax basis to an investment account consisting of various investment fund options. The plan permits us to make a discretionary contribution to the plan on behalf of an eligible employee periodically; however, we have not made any discretionary contributions to date. In the event of the employee’s termination of employment, the employee is entitled to receive the full balance in the account in a single lump sum or in equal annual installments over a specified period of two to 15 years. If the employee becomes disabled or dies before any deferred amounts are paid out under the plan, we will pay to the employee (or the employee’s beneficiary if applicable) the full balance in the account in a single lump sum. If the employee’s employment terminates due to death or disability after he or she begins receiving payments, the remaining installment payments will be paid in installment payments as such payments come due.


The amounts attributable to perquisites and other benefits provided to the NEOs are reflected in the “—Summary Compensation Table” under the heading “All Other Compensation.”


Change in Control and Termination Benefits. Each employment agreement or offer of employment and our equity award plans and agreements establish, among other things, the executive’s benefits upon a termination of employment and/or a change in control. For a summary of these arrangements, see “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Control” below.


In addition, the Board of Directors adopted an Executive Change in Control Plan (the “Change in Control Plan”), which entitles executive officers and other key employees to certain severance payments and benefits in the event of a qualifying termination of employment upon or within the 24 months following certain change in controlchange-in-control events. The payments and benefits will be reduced by the amount of any severance or similar payments or benefits under an employment agreement or other arrangement with us and are subject to the employee’s compliance withnon-competition and other restrictive covenants, and the other terms and conditions of the Change in Control Plan. These benefits are described in more detail under “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

The Company entered into a separation agreement with each of Messrs. Brandt and Murtha, effective December 31, 2017 related to involuntary termination without cause. The separation agreements set forth our obligation to make payments, includingone-time lump sum severance payments, to Messrs. Brandt and Murtha totaling $815,435 and $1,200,900, respectively. These additional payments were agreed to in exchange fornon-solicitation,non-disparagement and cooperation covenants in favor of the Company, Messrs. Brandt’s and Murtha’s waiver of the notice provisions of their offer of employment agreement and their execution of a general release of claims against the Company.


The Compensation Committee considers these severance and change in control benefits to be an important part of the executive compensation program and consistent with Competitive Market practice. The Compensation Committee believes that providing

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    27


appropriate severance benefits helps to attract and retain highly-qualified executives by mitigating the risks associated with leaving a previous employer and accepting a new position with the Company, and by providing income continuity following an unexpected termination. Furthermore, these severance benefits provide the executive officers with a reasonable range of income protection in the event of a qualifying employment termination and, following a change in control, support our executive retention goals and encourage their independence and objectivity in considering potentialchange-in-control transactions. These arrangements also allow the Company to protect its interests through corresponding confidentiality, noncompetitionnon-competition and other restrictive covenants in the event of an executive’s termination.


Tax and Accounting Implications

:

In making decisions about executive compensation, the Compensation Committee took into account certain tax and accounting considerations, including Sections 162(m), 409A and 280G of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, we account for stock-based payments in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic No. 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” Accordingly,Compensation” (“ASC 718”). Until 2018, performance-based compensation was exempt from the $1 million tax deductibility limit for compensation paid to covered executives under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). Although the Compensation Committee will consider the tax impact of compensation to our
45

Table of Contents

covered executives and to the Company when designing our compensation programs, non-deductible compensation will be paid to covered executives when our Compensation Committee has, in its judgment, authorizeddetermines that providing such compensation payments that did not comply with the exemptions in Section 162(m) when it believed that such payments wereis appropriate to attract and retain executive talent or is otherwise in ourthe best interests. In addition, because there are uncertainties as tointerests of the application of regulations under Section 162(m), as with most tax matters, it is possible that our deductions may be challenged or disallowed. Going forward, our Compensation Committee will consider the recent changes to Section 162(m) and any appropriate changes to our executive compensation program.

Company.

Our Compensation Committee considers the accounting implications of significant compensation decisions, especially in connection with decisions that relate to our equity incentive award plans and programs. As accounting standards change, we may revise certain programs to appropriately align accounting expenses of our equity awards with our overall executive compensation philosophy and objectives.


Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

Submitted by the Compensation Committee

Mindy Grossman,

Tara Walpert Levy, Chair

David R. Fitzjohn

George

Melanie Marein-Efron
R. Michael Mohan (as of October 20, 2017)


Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The Compensation Committee currently consists of Mses. Levy and Marein-Efron and Messrs. FitzjohnGeorge and Mohan, and Mses. Grossman and Beck, alleach of whom are Independent Directors.


Compensation-Related Risk

As part of its oversight and administration of our compensation programs, the Compensation Committee considered the impact of our compensation policies and programs for our executive officers, to determine whether they present a significant risk to the Company or encourage excessive risk taking by our executive officers. Based on an assessment performed by its review,independent compensation consultant FW Cook, the Compensation Committee concluded that our compensation programs do not encourage excessive risk taking and are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

28    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement

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Table of Contents

Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes compensation earned by our NEOs for fiscal 2017.

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER YEAR  SALARY(1) BONUS(2)  STOCK
AWARDS(3)
 OPTION
AWARDS(4)
 NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN
COMPENSATION(5)
  ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION(6)
 TOTAL

Elizabeth A. Smith
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

  

2017

2016

2015

 

 

 

 $1,019,231

  1,000,000

  1,000,000

 $

 


 

 

 

 $3,150,020

  3,150,002

  2,250,010

 $1,350,001

  1,350,001

  2,250,008

 $

 

1,920,000

     690,000

 

 

 

 $     6,386

       2,622
       5,700

 $7,445,638

  5,502,625

  6,195,718

David J. Deno
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

  

2017

2016

2015

 

 

 

      662,500

     650,000

     650,000

  

200,000

 

 

 

      682,515

     682,506

     568,766

      292,501

     292,503

     568,752

  

     707,200

     254,150

 

 

 

        8,438

       3,096

       6,282

   2,553,154

  1,628,105

  2,047,950

Christopher W. Brandt(7)(8)
Former Executive Vice President,
Chief Brand Officer

  

2017

2016

 

 

      570,769

     333,846

  

400,000

 

 

      490,012

  1,362,000

      210,004

  1,196,000

  


 

 

    819,205

   240,230

   2,489,990

  3,132,076

Patrick C. Murtha(8)
Former Executive Vice President,
BBI International

  2017       509,615  100,000    1,350,018      150,000    1,203,222   3,312,855

Sukhdev Singh
Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer and Franchising

  2017       505,288  300,000       997,516      427,503       647,778         1,231   2,879,316
(1)The base salary of the NEOs for fiscal year 2017 was as follows: Ms. Smith $1,000,000, Mr. Deno $650,000, Mr. Brandt $560,000, Mr. Murtha $500,000, and Mr. Singh $496,154. Because it was a53-week fiscal year, the 2017 salary amounts reflect an extra week of pay.

(2)In recognition of their significant responsibilities in 2017 to continue the efforts of the transformational strategy that began in 2016 relating to reinvestments in our product and labor model, cost cutting measures, revisions to our menus and improvements in our supply chain, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board in March 2017 a payment of special cash incentives to all NEOs other than the CEO. Payments to the NEOs were made in the following amounts: Mr. Deno $200,000, Mr. Brandt $150,000, Mr. Murtha $100,000, and Mr. Singh $300,000.

(3)The amounts reported for stock awards represent the aggregate grant date fair value of RSUs and PSUs. The aggregate grant date value of the RSUs was computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic No. 718, based on the market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant. PSU awards pay out at a range of 0% to a maximum of 200% of their targets based on the following performance measures: 50% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. For 2017, the PSU amounts reported represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the 2017 award based on the probable attainment of the performance measures as of the grant date (assumed to be 100% for target) in accordance with FASB ASC Topic No. 718. The aggregate grant date fair value of the 2017 PSUs assuming achievement of the maximum performance level of 200% would be: Ms. Smith $2,700,022; Mr. Deno, $585,005; Mr. Brandt; $420,003; Mr. Murtha; $300,002 and $2,000,029 related to hisoff-cycle award; and Mr. Singh, $855,007. We recorded compensation expense in 2017 for the aggregate grant date fair value of the fourth tranche of the 2014 PSUs based on probable attainment of the performance goals as of the grant date as follows: Ms. Smith $227,979 and Mr. Deno $75,342. In addition, we recorded compensation expense in 2017 for the third tranche of the 2015 PSUs based on probable attainment of the performance goals as of the grant date as follows: Ms. Smith $242,367; Mr. Deno $61,279; and Mr. Singh $18,191. For 2016, the PSU amounts reported include the aggregate grant date fair value of the 2016 PSUs assuming achievement at Target performance level of 100%. Due to the probable attainment below threshold, there was no expense recognized in 2016 as it relates to the 2013 PSU award. For 2015, the PSU amounts reported include the aggregate grant date fair value of all four tranches (100% of the award) of the PSUs awarded at 100% (target performance). RSUs and PSUs are subject to vesting requirements. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards” for a description of the RSU and PSU terms. See also Note 6, “Stock-based and Deferred Compensation Plans,” in our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form10-K for additional information regarding these awards.

(4)The amounts for option awards represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic No. 718. The stock option awards were valued at fair value on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. See Note 6, “Stock-based and Deferred Compensation Plans,” in our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of our Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for the assumptions made to value the stock option awards. Stock Option awards are subject to vesting requirements. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards” for a description of the stock option terms.

(5)Non-equity incentive plan compensation represents amounts earned under the performance-based cash incentive plans, or STIPs, established for such years. The amounts earned were based on the achievement of specified,pre-determined levels of Company-wide Adjusted Net Income, concept Adjusted EBIT and/or Total Revenue Growth over the prior year relative to a percentage of the NEOs’ bonus potential. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Performance-Based Cash Incentives” for a description of the STIPs for 2017.

(6)The table set forth below titled “All Other Compensation” provides additional information regarding these amounts.

(7)Additional bonus cash compensation for Mr. Brandt in 2017 includes a $250,000 payout under his offer of employment from May 2016 that was payable in 2017.

(8)Messrs. Brandt’s and Murtha’s last day with the Company was December 31, 2017.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    29

2023:


NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERSALARYSTOCK AWARDSOPTION AWARDSNON-EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN COMPENSATIONALL OTHER COMPENSATION
YEAR(1)(2)(3)(4)TOTAL
David J. Deno2023$1,000,000 $4,900,025 $— $910,500 $14,478 $6,825,003 
Chief Executive Officer2022984,615 4,350,033 — 897,969 19,015 6,251,632 
2021900,000 4,600,046 — 2,011,500 6,732 7,518,278 
Christopher Meyer2023588,461 800,031 437,040 5,510 1,831,042 
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
2022525,000 656,285 — 319,200 5,733 1,506,218 
2021509,615 721,899 — 744,714 4,347 1,980,575 
Gregg D. Scarlett2023675,000 1,012,528 — 491,670 4,950 2,184,148 
Executive Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer,
Casual Dining Restaurants
2022675,000 1,012,536 — 492,480 4,950 2,184,966 
2021675,000 1,113,761 — 1,206,900 4,950 3,000,611 
Kelly M. Lefferts2023516,923 550,026 — 268,294 7,166 1,342,409 
Executive Vice President,
Chief Legal Officer
2022500,000 500,028 — 284,240 6,955 1,291,223 
2021488,462 550,042 — 618,636 6,099 1,663,239 
Brett A. Patterson (5)2023500,000 675,043 — 218,463 6,010 1,399,516 
Executive Vice President,
President, Outback Steakhouse

_________________
(1)Salaries are paid on a bi-weekly basis. Mr. Meyer and Ms. Lefferts received a market adjustment on February 20, 2023.
(2)The amounts reported for stock awards represent the aggregate grant date fair value of RSUs and PSUs. The aggregate grant date value of the RSUs was computed in accordance with ASC 718, based on the market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant. PSU awards pay-out at a range of 0% to a maximum of 200% of their targets based on the following performance measures: 1% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. For 2023, the PSU amounts reported represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the 2023 award based on the probable attainment of the performance measures as of the grant date (assumed to be 100% for target) in accordance with ASC 718. The aggregate grant date fair value of the 2023 PSUs assuming achievement of the maximum performance level of 200% would be: Mr. Deno, $6,533,342; Mr. Meyer, $1,066,698; Mr. Scarlett, $1,350,049; Ms. Lefferts, $733,373 and Mr. Patterson, $566,681. The other PSU amounts reported include the aggregate grant date fair value of the PSUs assuming achievement at Target performance level of 100%. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Performance-Based Long-Term Incentive Program” for a description of the RSU and PSU terms. See also Note 6, “Stock-based and Deferred Compensation Plans,” of the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these awards.
(3)Non-equity incentive plan compensation represents amounts earned under the performance-based cash incentive plans, or STIPs, established for such years. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Performance-Based Short-Term Incentive Plan” for a description of the STIPs for 2023.
(4)The table set forth below titled “All Other Compensation” provides additional information regarding these amounts.
(5)Mr. Patterson’s stock awards include a one-time appointment grant of RSUs having a grant date value of $250,019.

All Other Compensation

- The amounts shown for “All Other Compensation” for 20172023 include the following:

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER    LIFE
INSURANCE
     OTHER     TOTAL 

Elizabeth A. Smith(1)

    $2,622     $3,764     $6,386 

David J. Deno(1)

     4,752      3,686      8,438 

Christopher W. Brandt(2)(3)

     918      818,287      819,205 

Patrick C. Murtha(2)

     2,322      1,200,900      1,203,222 

Sukhdev Singh

     1,231            1,231 
(1)The amounts shown in “Other” reflect executive physical fees in connection with our executive medical benefits.

(2)The amounts shown in “Other” reflect severance payments to Messrs. Brandt and Murtha of $815,435 and $1,200,900, respectively, in connection with the involuntary termination of their employment without cause.

(3)The amounts shown in “Other” reflect relocation expense of $2,852 for Mr. Brandt.

LIFE
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERINSURANCE (1)OTHER (2)TOTAL
David J. Deno$14,478 $— $14,478 
Christopher A. Meyer1,486 4,024 5,510 
Gregg D. Scarlett4,950 — 4,950 
Kelly M. Lefferts2,409 4,757 7,166 
Brett A. Patterson2,322 3,688 6,010 
__________________
(1)The amounts shown reflect the imputed income for group term life insurance provided to our executive officers.
(2)The amounts shown in “Other” reflect executive physical fees and where applicable, wellness incentives paid in connection with our executive medical benefits.
47

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2017

2023

The following table summarizes the performance-based cash incentive awards (STIPs) and long-term stock incentive (LTI) awards made during 2017.

NAMED

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

   ESTIMATED FUTURE
PAYOUTS UNDERNON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS(1)
  ESTIMATED FUTURE
PAYOUTS UNDER EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS(2)
  ALL OTHER
STOCK
AWARDS:
NUMBER
OF SHARES
(#) (3)
  

ALL OTHER
OPTION
AWARDS:
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING

OPTIONS (#)

  

EXERCISE
PRICE OF
OPTION

AWARDS
($/Sh)

  

GRANT
DATE FAIR
VALUE OF
STOCK &
OPTION

AWARDS
($) (3)

 
 GRANT
DATE
 THRESHOLD
($)
  TARGET
($)
  MAXIMUM
($)
  THRESHOLD
(#)
  TARGET
(#)
  MAXIMUM
(#)
     

Elizabeth A. Smith

           

Annual STIP Bonus

   750,000   1,500,000   3,000,000            —            —            —            —            —            —            — 

Annual PSU Grant(4)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —   41,310   82,620   165,240            —            —            —   1,350,011 

Annual Option Grant(5)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —            —            —            —            —   267,327   17.27   1,350,001 

Annual RSU Grant(5)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —            —            —            —   112,220            —            —   1,800,009 

David J. Deno

           

Annual STIP Bonus

   276,250   552,500   1,105,000            —            —            —            —            —            —            — 

Annual PSU Grant(4)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —   8,951   17,901   35,802            —            —            —   292,502 

Annual Option Grant(5)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —            —            —            —            —   57,921   17.27   292,501 

Annual RSU Grant(5)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —            —            —            —   24,315            —            —   390,013 

Christopher W. Brandt

           

Annual STIP Bonus

   238,000   476,000   952,000            —            —            —            —            —            —            — 

Annual PSU Grant(4)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —   6,426   12,852   25,704            —            —            —   210,002 

Annual Option Grant(5)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —            —            —            —            —   41,585   17.27   210,004 

Annual RSU Grant(5)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —            —            —            —   17,457            —            —   280,010 

Patrick C. Murtha

           

Annual STIP Bonus

   212,500   425,000   850,000            —            —            —            —            —            —            — 

Annual PSU Grant(4)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —   4,590   9,180   18,360            —            —            —   150,001 

Annual Option Grant(5)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —            —            —            —            —   29,703   17.27   150,000 

Annual RSU Grant(5)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —            —            —            —   12,469            —            —   200,003 

Retention PSU Grant(6)

 5/1/2017           —            —            —   23,464   46,927   93,854            —            —            —   1,000,014 

Sukhdev Singh

           

Annual STIP Bonus

   210,866   421,731   843,462            —            —            —            —            —            —            — 

Annual PSU Grant(4)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —   13,082   26,163   52,326            —            —            —   427,503 

Annual Option Grant(5)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —            —            —            —            —   84,654   17.27   427,503 

Annual RSU Grant(5)

 2/24/2017           —            —            —            —            —            —   35,537            —            —   570,013 

(1)Amounts represent potential performance-based cash incentive awards under the 2017 Corporate STIP for Ms. Smith and Messrs. Deno, Brandt and Singh and 50% under the 2017 Corporate STIP and 50% under the 2017 BBI International STIP for Mr. Murtha. See “—Compensation Discussion & Analysis” under the heading “Performance-Based Cash Incentives” and “—Summary Compensation Table” under the heading“Non-Equity Plan Compensation” for a description of the STIPs and actual payout amounts.

(2)Amounts represent potential shares to be issued upon settlement of the aggregate number of PSUs granted in 2017, which vest as to 100% of the shares on the third anniversary of the grant date, contingent upon such executive’s continued employment by us, and the number of shares earned ranges from 0% to 200% based upon the achievement of performance targets set at the beginning of the performance period as follows: 50% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. See “-Compensation Discussion & Analysis” under the heading “Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards” for a description of the PSU terms. The executive generally forfeits any portion of the award that is unvested upon his termination date or for which the threshold performance is not achieved. See “-Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional information regarding accelerated vesting on certain terminations of employment.

(3)We valued the RSU awards, PSU awards and stock option awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic No. 718 using the Black-Scholes pricing model for the option awards. See Note 6, “Stock-based and Deferred Compensation Plans,” in our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, for the assumptions made to value the stock option awards.

30    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement

2023:

GRANT
ALLALL OTHERDATE
OTHEROPTIONFAIR
ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTSESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTSSTOCKAWARDS:EXERCISEVALUE
UNDER NON-EQUITYUNDER EQUITYAWARDS:NUMBER OFPRICEOF
INCENTIVEINCENTIVENUMBERSECURITIESOFSTOCK &
PLAN AWARDS (1)PLAN AWARDS (2)OFUNDERLYINGOPTIONOPTION
GRANTTHRESHOLDTARGETMAXIMUMTHRESHOLDTARGETMAXIMUMSHARESOPTIONSAWARDSAWARDS
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER DATE($)($)($)(#)(#)(#)(#) (3)(#)($/Sh)($) (3)
David J. Deno
Annual STIP Bonus15,000 1,500,000 3,000,000 — — — — — — — 
Annual PSU Grant2/22/2023— — — 1,127 112,605 225,210 — — — 3,266,671 
Annual RSU Grant (4)2/22/2023— — — — — — 64,028 — — 1,633,354 
Christopher A. Meyer
Annual STIP Bonus7,200 720,000 1,440,000 — — — — — — — 
Annual PSU Grant2/22/2023— — — 184 18,385 36,770 — — — 533,349 
Annual RSU Grant (4)2/22/2023— — — — — — 10,454 — — 266,682 
Gregg D. Scarlett
Annual STIP Bonus8,100 810,000 1,620,000 — — — — — — — 
Annual PSU Grant2/22/2023— — — 233 23,268 46,536 — — — 675,005 
Annual RSU Grant (4)2/22/2023— — — — — — 13,231 — — 337,523 
Kelly M. Lefferts
Annual STIP Bonus4,420 442,000 884,000 — — — — — — — 
Annual PSU Grant2/22/2023— — — 127 12,640 25,280 — — — 366,686 
Annual RSU Grant (4)2/22/2023— — — — — — 7,187 — — 183,340 
Brett A. Patterson
Annual STIP Bonus (5)3,599 359,906 719,812 — — — — — — — 
Annual PSU Grant2/22/2023— — — 98 9,767 19,534 — — — 283,341 
Annual RSU Grant (4)2/22/2023— — — — — — 5,554 — — 141,683 
Appointment RSU Grant (4)(6)12/1/2023— — — — — — 11,705 — — 250,019 
__________________
(1)Amounts represent potential performance-based cash incentive awards under the 2023 Corporate STIP for all NEOs. The minimum award level is 1% of target bonus, the target award level is 100% of target bonus, and the maximum award level for 2023 is 200% of target bonus. Actual payouts are derived using a non-linear scale between such points. Threshold is represented with minimum payout of stipulated plan, but zero payout is possible if threshold performance measures are not met. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Performance-Based Short-Term Incentive Plan” for a description of the 2023 Corporate STIP.
(2)Amounts represent potential shares to be issued upon settlement of the aggregate number of PSUs granted in 2023, which vest as to 100% of the shares on the third anniversary of the grant date, contingent upon such executive’s continued employment. The number of shares earned ranges from 0% to 200% based upon the achievement of performance targets set at the beginning of the performance period as follows: 1% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. Any portion of the award that is unvested upon termination is generally forfeited, unless the executive meets certain age and service criteria for retirement eligibility. See “—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Performance-Based Long-Term Incentive Program” for a description of the PSU terms. The executive generally forfeits any portion of the award for which the threshold performance is not achieved. Threshold is represented with minimum payout of stipulated financial plan, but zero payout is possible if threshold performance measure is not met.
(3)RSU and PSU awards are valued on the grant date in accordance with ASC 718. See Note 6, “Stock-based and Deferred Compensation Plans,” in the notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
(4)RSU grants each vest as to one-third of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent upon the individual’s continued employment.
(5)Mr. Patterson’s cash incentive award target is prorated due to a change in bonus target that occurred in November 2023 in concert with his appointment to Executive Vice President.
(6)Reflects appointment grant with three-year ratable vesting which was awarded to Mr. Patterson in November 2023 in concert with his appointment to Executive Vice President.
48

(4)PSU grants vest as to 100% of the shares on the third anniversary of the grant date contingent upon their continued employment. Any portion of the award that is unvested upon termination is generally forfeited. The actual number of shares that may be earned ranges from 0% to 200% based upon the achievement of performance targets for the three-year period set on the grant date, as follows: 50% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum achievement based on Adjusted EPS growth over the performance period. See “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional information regarding accelerated vesting on certain terminations of employment.

(5)Stock option grants and RSU grants each vest as to 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent upon the individual’s continued employment. Any portion of the award that is unvested upon termination is generally forfeited. See “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional information regarding accelerated vesting on certain terminations of employment.

(6)PSU grants vest as to 100% of the shares on the second anniversary of the grant date contingent upon individual’s continued employment. Any portion of the award that is unvested upon termination is generally forfeited. The actual number of shares that may be earned ranges from 0% to 200% based upon the achievement of performance targets for thetwo-year period set on the grant date, as follows: 50% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum achievement based on (i) financial performance (revenue growth); (ii) operating performance (EBITDA growth); (iii) strategy development and execution to create long-term growth by expanding beyond current market, increasing number of franchise partnerships and grow franchise revenues during the performance period; and (iv) succession planning over the performance period. See “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional information regarding accelerated vesting on certain terminations of employment.

Table of Contents

Outstanding Equity Awards at 20172023 Year-End

The following table summarizes outstanding stock options, unvested RSUs and PSU awards for each NEO as of December 31, 2017.

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  

OPTION AWARDS

 

      

STOCK AWARDS(2)

 

 
  NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS (#)
   OPTION
EXERCISE
PRICE
PER
SHARE
$
   OPTION
EXPIRATION
DATE
      EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
AWARDS: UNEARNED
SHARES, UNITS, OR
RIGHTS THAT HAVE NOT
VESTED
 
         

NUMBER
OF
SHARES
(#) (1)

   

MARKET
VALUE $ (3)

 
  EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE(1)          

Elizabeth A. Smith

                               

November 16, 2009 Tranche A, B, C, D(4)

   2,562,424        6.50    11/16/2019          

July 1, 2011(6)

   550,000        10.03    7/1/2021          

February 27, 2014(5)(6)

   133,455    44,485    25.32    2/27/2024     21,663    462,288 

February 26, 2015(5)(6)

   110,294    110,295    25.36    2/26/2025     46,069    983,112 

February 25, 2016(6)(8)(9)

   65,280    195,842    17.15    2/25/2026     166,678    3,556,909 

February 24, 2017(6)(8)(9)

       267,327    17.27    2/24/2027     194,840    4,157,886 

David J. Deno

             

May 7, 2012(7)

   400,000        14.58    5/7/2022          

February 26, 2013(5)(6)

   72,551        17.40    2/26/2023          

February 27, 2014(5)(6)

   44,100    14,700    25.32    2/27/2024     7,159    152,773 

February 26, 2015(5)(6)

   27,880    27,880    25.36    2/26/2025     11,646    248,526 

February 25, 2016(6)(8)(9)

   14,144    42,433    17.15    2/25/2026     36,114    770,673 

February 24, 2017(6)(8)(9)

      ��57,921    17.27    2/24/2027     42,216    900,889 

Christopher W. Brandt(10)

             

June 1, 2016(6)(8)

   25,000    150,000    19.25    6/1/2026     56,250    1,200,375 

February 24, 2017(6)(8)(9)

       41,585    17.27    2/24/2027     30,309    646,794 

Patrick C. Murtha(10)

             

December 2, 2013(6)

   175,000        25.36    12/2/2023          

October 1, 2014(8)

                    7,500    160,050 

February 26, 2015(5)(6)

   11,029    11,030    25.36    2/26/2025     4,607    98,313 

February 25, 2016(6)(8)(9)

   8,704    26,113    17.15    2/25/2026     22,225    474,282 

March 1, 2016(11)

       46,729    17.80    3/1/2026          

February 24, 2017(6)(8)(9)

       29,703    17.27    2/24/2027     21,649    461,990 

May 1, 2017(12)

                    46,927    1,001,422 

Sukhdev Singh

             

February 3, 2014(6)(8)

   150,000    50,000    22.09    2/3/2024     10,000    213,400 

October 1, 2014(8)

                    7,500    160,050 

February 26, 2015(5)(6)

   8,272    8,273    25.36    2/26/2025     3,456    73,751 

June 1, 2015(8)

                    15,000    320,100 

February 25, 2016(6)(8)(9)

   8,269    24,807    17.15    2/25/2026     21,113    450,551 

March 1, 2016(11)

       44,393    17.80    3/1/2026          

February 24, 2017(6)(8)(9)

       84,654    17.27    2/24/2027        61,700    1,316,678 
(1)Unvested portions of awards are generally forfeited upon termination of employment. See footnote (5) below and “—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional information regarding accelerated vesting on certain terminations of employment.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    31

2023:

OPTION AWARDSSTOCK AWARDS (1)
EQUITY INCENTIVE
PLAN AWARDS:
OPTIONUNEARNED SHARES, UNITS,
EXERCISEOR RIGHTS THAT HAVE
NUMBER OFPRICENOT VESTED
SECURITIES UNDERLYINGPEROPTIONNUMBER OFMARKET
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS (#)SHAREEXPIRATIONSHARESVALUE
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICEREXERCISABLEUNEXERCISABLE$DATE(#) (2)$ (3)
David J. Deno
February 27, 2014 (4)58,800 — 25.32 2/27/2024— — 
February 26, 2015 (4)55,760 — 25.36 2/26/2025— — 
February 25, 2016 (4)56,577 — 17.15 2/25/2026— — 
February 24, 2017 (4)57,921 — 17.27 2/24/2027— — 
February 23, 2018 (4)42,917 — 24.10 2/23/2028— — 
February 19, 2019 (5)50,345 — 21.29 2/19/2029— — 
April 1, 2019 (5)270,758 — 20.62 4/1/2029— — 
February 22, 2021 (6)(7)(8)— — — — 244,113 6,871,781 
February 21, 2022 (6)(7)(9)— — — — 153,942 4,333,467 
February 22, 2023 (6)(7)(10)— — — — 176,633 4,972,219 
Christopher Meyer
February 27, 2014 (4)3,194 — 25.32 2/27/2024— — 
February 26, 2015 (4)6,251 — 25.36 2/26/2025— — 
February 25, 2016 (4)4,207 — 17.15 2/25/2026— — 
February 24, 2017 (4)6,591 — 17.27 2/24/2027— — 
February 23, 2018 (4)7,222 — 24.10 2/23/2028— — 
February 19, 2019 (5)9,682 — 21.29 2/19/2029— — 
April 1, 2019 (5)69,043 — 20.62 4/1/2029— — 
February 22, 2021 (6)(7)(8)— — — — 35,461 998,227 
February 21, 2022 (6)(7)(9)— — — — 23,225 653,784 
February 22, 2023 (6)(7)(10)— — — — 28,839 811,818 
Gregg D. Scarlett
February 27, 2014 (4)12,166 — 25.32 2/27/2024— — 
February 26, 2015 (4)14,706 — 25.36 2/26/2025— — 
April 1, 2015 (4)100,000 — 24.14 4/1/2025— — 
February 25, 2016 (4)16,973 — 17.15 2/25/2026— — 
August 1, 2016 (4)100,000 — 17.96 8/1/2026— — 
February 24, 2017 (4)36,090 — 17.27 2/24/2027— — 
February 23, 2018 (4)36,974 — 24.10 2/23/2028— — 
February 19, 2019 (5)46,472 — 21.29 2/19/2029— — 
March 2, 2020 (5)100,000 — 18.45 3/2/2030— — 
February 22, 2021 (6)(7)(8)— — — — 54,710 1,540,087 
February 21, 2022 (6)(7)(9)— — — — 35,833 1,008,699 
February 22, 2023 (6)(7)(10)— — — — 36,499 1,027,447 
Kelly M. Lefferts
February 27, 2014 (4)3,407 — 25.32 2/27/2024— — 
February 26, 2015 (4)4,200 — 25.36 2/26/2025— — 
February 23, 2018 (4)5,703 — 24.10 2/23/2028— — 
February 19, 2019 (5)7,281 — 21.29 2/19/2029— — 
February 22, 2021 (6)(7)(8)— — — — 27,019 760,585 
February 21, 2022 (6)(7)(9)— — — — 17,696 498,142 
February 22, 2023 (6)(7)(10)— — — — 19,827 558,130 
Brett A. Patterson
February 22, 2021 (6)(7)(8)— — — — 18,237 513,372 
February 21, 2022 (6)(7)(9)— — — — 13,272 373,607 
February 22, 2023 (6)(7)(10)— — — — 15,321 431,286 
December 1, 2023 (6)— — — — 11,705 329,496 
49

(2)All RSUs and PSUs are granted under an equity incentive plan.

(3)Market value is calculated by multiplying $21.34, which was the closing price per share of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on December 29, 2017, the last market day of our fiscal year end, by the number of shares subject to the award.

(4)On November 16, 2009, we granted Ms. Smith an option to purchase an aggregate of 4,350,000 shares of our common stock under our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan in four tranches(A-D) of 1,087,500 options each. The vested stock options will remain outstanding for a period ranging from 90 days to three years in the case of a termination of Ms. Smith’s employment, depending on the type of stock option and the nature of the termination, except that all stock options will be forfeited upon a termination for cause.

(5)Amounts represent potential shares to be issued upon settlement of the aggregate number of PSUs granted on such date, which vest as to 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent upon such executive’s continued employment assuming a payout of the tranche that may vest each year at 100%, or target performance. The actual the number that may be earned each year ranges from 0% to 200% based upon the achievement of performance targets set at the beginning of each annual period is as follows: 50% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. See “Compensation Discussion & Analysis” under the heading “Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards” for a description of the PSU terms.

(6)Stock option grants vest as to 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment.

(7)Stock option grants vest as to 20% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment.

(8)RSU grants vest as to 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment.

(9)PSU grants vest as to 100% of the shares on the third anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment assuming a payout at target performance. The actual number that may be earned ranges from 0% to 200% based upon the achievement of performance targets for the three-year period set on the grant date, as follows: 50% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. See “Compensation Discussion & Analysis” under the heading “Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards” for a description of the PSU terms.

(10)All amounts shown were forfeited as of December 31, 2017 as a result of termination of employment.

(11)Stock option grant vests as to 100% of the shares on the second anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment.

(12)PSU grants vest as to 100% of the shares on the second anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment assuming a payout at target performance. The actual number that may be earned ranges from 0% to 200% based upon the achievement of performance targets for thetwo-year period set on the grant date, as follows: 50% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. See “Compensation Discussion & Analysis” under the heading “Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards” for a description of the PSU terms.

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_________________
(1)All stock options, RSUs and PSUs are granted under a stockholder-approved equity incentive plan.
(2)Unvested portions of awards are generally forfeited upon termination of employment, unless the executive meets certain age and service criteria for retirement eligibility. See “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional information regarding accelerated vesting on certain terminations of employment.
(3)Market value is calculated by multiplying $28.15, which was the closing price per share of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on December 29, 2023, the last market day of our fiscal year, by the number of shares subject to the award.
(4)Stock option grants vested 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment.
(5)Stock option grants vested one-third of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment.
(6)RSU grants vest as to one-third of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment.
(7)PSU grants vest as to 100% of the shares on the third anniversary of the grant date, contingent on continued employment assuming a payout at target performance. The actual number that may be earned ranges from 0% to 200% based upon the achievement of performance targets for the three-year period set on the grant date, as follows: 1% for threshold, 100% for target and 200% for maximum. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Performance-Based Short-Term Incentive Plan” for a description of the PSU terms.
(8)The Compensation Committee certified performance payout for PSUs granted in 2021 on February 12, 2024, based on Adjusted EPS growth over 2021-2023 at 200% of target. These PSUs are reflected at actual performance and vested on the third anniversary of the grant date.
(9)These PSUs are reflected at target performance and will vest, if at all, based on the Compensation Committee’s certification of Adjusted EPS Performance at the conclusion of fiscal year 2024, and Relative TSR performance as compared to a Relative TSR Comparison Group over the 2022-2024 performance period. The Compensation Committee retains the right to adjust payout outcomes negatively or positively for unusual, infrequently occurring, or non-operating items and performance is uncertain until the time of certification. At maximum performance (200%) executives would earn the following number of shares: Mr. Deno - 222,224; Mr. Meyer - 33,526; Mr. Scarlett - 51,726; Ms. Lefferts - 25,544 and Mr. Patterson - 19,158.
(10)These PSUs are reflected at target performance and will vest, if at all, based on the Compensation Committee’s certification of Adjusted EPS Performance at the conclusion of fiscal year 2025, and Relative TSR performance as compared to a Relative TSR Comparison Group over the 2023-2025 performance period. The Compensation Committee retains the right to adjust payout outcomes negatively or positively for unusual, infrequently occurring, or non-operating items and performance is uncertain until the time of certification. At maximum performance (200%), executives would earn the following number of shares: Mr. Deno - 225,210; Mr. Meyer - 36,770; Mr. Scarlett - 46,536; Ms. Lefferts - 25,280 and Mr. Patterson - 19,534.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested for Fiscal 2017

2023

The following table summarizes the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stockPSUs and RSUs held by the NEOs during fiscal 2017.

   OPTION AWARDS   STOCK AWARDS 

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED
ON EXERCISE
(#)
   VALUE
REALIZED
ON EXERCISE
(1)
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED
ON VESTING
(#)
   VALUE
REALIZED
ON VESTING
(2)
 

Elizabeth A. Smith

   750,000   $10,620,743    53,544   $917,295 

David J. Deno

             —              —    13,486    231,212 

Christopher W. Brandt

   25,000    30,430    18,750    375,563 

Patrick C. Murtha

             —              —    12,550    217,630 

Sukhdev Singh

             —              —    29,535    542,903 
(1)Represents amount realized upon exercise of stock options, based on the difference between the market value of the shares acquired at the time of exercise and the exercise price.

(2)Represents the value realized upon vesting of RSUs, based on the market value of the shares on the vesting date. The Company withheld or netted for tax purposes the following number of shares from the distribution of shares upon vesting: Ms. Smith; 14,622, Mr. Deno; 3,877, Mr. Brandt; 5,129, Mr. Murtha; 3,702, and Mr. Singh; 8,328.

2023:

OPTION AWARDSSTOCK AWARDS
NUMBER OFNUMBER OF
SHARESVALUESHARESVALUE
ACQUIREDREALIZEDACQUIREDREALIZED
ON EXERCISEON EXERCISEON VESTINGON VESTING
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER(#)(1)(#)(2)
David J. Deno— $— 227,905 $6,293,532 
Christopher Meyer— — 37,903 1,046,870 
Gregg D. Scarlett— — 115,373 3,154,309 
Kelly M. Lefferts— — 36,399 1,004,505 
Brett A. Patterson16,305 89,113 58,107 1,583,544 
_________________
(1)Represents amount realized upon exercise of stock options, based on the difference between the market value of the shares acquired at the time of exercise and the exercise price.
(2)Represents the value realized upon vesting of PSUs and RSUs, based on the market value of the shares on the vesting date. The Company withheld or netted for tax purposes the following number of shares from the distribution of shares upon vesting: Mr. Deno, 84,228; Mr. Meyer, 9,625; Mr. Scarlett, 40,049; Ms. Lefferts, 9,042 and Mr. Patterson, 19,213.

50

Nonqualified Defined Contribution and Other Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans

We offer a Deferred Compensation Plan for our highly compensated employees who are not eligible to participate in the OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC Salaried Employees 401(k) Plan and Trust, as described in “Compensation“—Compensation Discussion and Analysis” under the heading “Compensation Elements–“—Other Benefits and Perquisites.” We do not sponsor any defined benefit pension plans.


The following table summarizes contributions during 20172023 to our Deferred Compensation Plan by the only NEO who participated along with aggregate earnings/losses for the year and the aggregate balance as of December 31, 2017.2023. We did not make any contributions to the plan during 2017. NEOs2023. Participants are fully vested in all contributions to the plan. The amounts listed as executive contributions are included as “Salary” in the “Summary Compensation Table.” The aggregate earnings are not reflected in “Other“All Other Compensation” in the “Summary Compensation Table.”

32    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement


Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER AGGREGATE
BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 26,
2016
  EXECUTIVE
CONTRIBUTIONS
IN 2017
  AGGREGATE
EARNINGS
IN 2017
  AGGREGATE
WITHDRAWALS/
DISTRIBUTIONS
IN 2017
 AGGREGATE
BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31,
2017
 

Sukhdev Singh

 $352,964  $102,885  $84,590   $540,439 

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERAGGREGATE BALANCE AT DECEMBER 25, 2022EXECUTIVE CONTRIBUTIONS IN 2023AGGREGATE EARNINGS IN 2023AGGREGATE WITHDRAWALS/ DISTRIBUTIONS IN 2023AGGREGATE BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2023
Kelly M. Lefferts$779,773 $50,996 $154,089 $— $984,858 
Brett A. Patterson$579,865 $106,085 $159,547 $— $845,497 


Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

Each of the NEOs is party to an employment agreement or offer of employment and other arrangements with us, which are summarized below, and may entitle him or her to payments or benefits upon a termination of employment and/or a change in control. See the table included under “Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation” below for the amount of compensation payable under these agreements and arrangements to the individuals serving as NEOs as of the end of fiscal 2017.

2023.


Change in Control Plan

The Change in Control Plan entitles executive officers and other key employees to certain severance payments and benefits in the event of a qualifying termination of employment upon or within the 24 months following certain change in controlchange-in-control events. A qualifying termination is a termination by us for any reason other than cause, or by the employee for good reason, in each case as defined in the Change in Control Plan.


Under the Change in Control Plan, in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, the named executive officers are each entitled to receive the following benefits:


A severance payment, payable in a lump sum 60 days after the termination, equal to (a) with respect to Ms. Smith,Mr. Deno, two times the sum of herhis base salary and herhis target annual cash bonus and (b) with respect to the other named executive officers, one andone-half times the sum of base salary and target annual cash bonus


Accelerated vesting of all outstanding equity awards


Continued eligibility to participate in group health benefits for 18 months following the termination


Outplacement services for six months following the termination


Certain other accrued benefits


The severance payments and other benefits described above will be reduced by the amount of any similar payments and benefits under any employment agreement or other arrangement with us and are subject to the employee’s compliance withnon-competition and other restrictive covenants and the other terms and conditions of the Change in Control Plan.


51

Rights and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control: Ms. Smith

In September 2012,Mr. Deno

On April 1, 2019, we entered into an amended and restated employment agreement, as amended April 6, 2020 and February 21, 2022, with Ms. SmithMr. Deno for a five-year term that automatically renews for successiveone-year terms unless either party elects not to renew by giving written notice to the other party not less than 60 days prior to the start of any renewal term. The employment agreement is also subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances described below.

Ms. Smith’s


Mr. Deno’s employment may be terminated as follows:


Upon herhis death or disability (as defined in the agreement)


By us for Cause. “Cause” is defined to include: (i) willful failure to perform, or gross negligence or insubordination in the performance of, herhis duties and responsibilities to us or our affiliates (other than any such failure from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), subject to notice and cure periods; (ii) indictment or conviction (or plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude; (iii) engaging in dishonesty, illegal misconduct or gross misconduct that is intentionally harmful to us or our affiliates; or (iv) any material and knowing violation by herhim of any covenant or restriction contained in herhis employment agreement or any other agreement entered into with us or our affiliates

By us other than for Cause

By Ms. Smith for Good Reason. “Good Reason” is defined to include: (i) aaffiliates; or (v) any material diminution in the nature or scope of her duties, authority or responsibilities, including, without limitation, loss of membership on our Board of Directors (with certain listed exceptions); (ii) a reduction of her annual base salary or annual target cash bonus; (iii) requiring her to be based at a

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    33


location in excess of 50 miles from the location of our principal executive offices in Tampa, Florida; or (iv) a material breach by us of our obligations under her employment agreement

By Ms. Smith other than for Good Reason

Ms. Smith will be entitled to receive severance benefits if her employment is terminated by us other than for Cause or if she terminates employment for Good Reason. If her employment is terminated under these circumstances, she will be entitled to receive severance equal to two times the sum of her base salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination plus her target annual cash bonus for the year of termination, payable in 24 equal monthly installments from the effective date of such termination.

In the event Ms. Smith’s employment is terminated due to her death or disability, she will receive base salary or annual bonus for the preceding fiscal year earned but not paid as of the date of her employment termination, any accrued and payable travel or business expenses and benefits under the employee benefit plus a pro rata portion of her target bonus for the year of termination.

A change in control of the Company does not trigger any severance payments to her under the employment agreement. However, in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, Ms. Smith would be entitled to receive the benefits described above under “—Change in Control Plan.”

Rights and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control: Mr. Deno

On May 7, 2012, Mr. Deno entered into an employment agreement with us for a five-year term that is automatically renewed for successive renewal terms of one year unless either party elects not to renew by giving written notice to the other party not less than 60 days prior to the start of any renewal term. The employment agreement is also subject to earlier termination under certain circumstances described below.

Mr. Deno’s employment may be terminated as follows:

Upon his death or disability (as defined in the agreement)

By us for Cause. “Cause” is defined to include: (i) failure to perform the duties required of him in a manner satisfactory to us, in our sole discretion; (ii) any dishonesty in his dealing with us or our affiliates, the commission of fraud by him, negligence in the performance of his duties, insubordination, willful misconduct, or his indictment, charge or conviction (or plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any felony or any other crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude; (iii) any violation of any covenant or restriction contained in specified sections of his employment agreement; or (iv) any violation of any of our or our affiliates’ material published policies (including with respect to discrimination and harassment, responsible alcohol policy, insider trading policy and security policy)

By us other than for Cause

By Mr. Deno for Good Reason. “Good Reason” is defined to include: (i) the assignment to him of any duties inconsistent with his position (including status, offices, titles, and reporting requirements), authority, dutiesas Chief Executive Officer or responsibilities as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, anya material diminution in the nature or scope of his position,duties, authority duties or responsibilities (excluding isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith);responsibilities; (ii) a reduction of his annual base salary, or benefits, as in effect on the date of his employment agreement, unless a similar reduction is made in salary and benefits of all of our other executive officers; orsimilarly situated employees; (iii) requiring him to be based at a location in excess of 50 miles from the location of our principal executive offices in Tampa, Florida

For all purposesFlorida; or (iv) a material breach by us of our obligations under his employment agreement termination


By us other than for Cause shall

By Mr. Deno other than for Good Reason, upon ninety (90) days’ prior written notice to the Company

By Mr. Deno by reason of retirement

Mr. Deno will be deemedentitled to have occurred on the date of the executive’s resignation when, because of existing facts and circumstances, subsequent termination for Cause can be reasonably foreseen.

Mr. Deno’s employment agreement provides that he will receive severance benefits in the event of a termination ofif his employment is terminated by us withoutother than for Cause or by him withif he terminates employment for Good Reason. UnderIf his employment is terminated under these circumstances, he will be entitled to receive an amountseverance equal to two times the sum of thehis base salary thenat the rate in effect on the date of termination, payablebi-weekly in a lump sum within sixty days following the effective date of such termination, plus a pro rata portion of his target bonus for one year.

the year of termination and pro rata vesting of the RSUs, PSUs and stock options granted in connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer.


In the event Mr. Deno’s employment is terminated due to his death or disability, he will receive any base salary amount and any annual bonus amount for the preceding fiscal year earned but not paid as of the date of his employment termination, any accrued and payable travel or business expenses and benefits under the employee benefit plan, plus a pro rata portion of his target bonus for the year of termination and pro rata vesting of the RSUs, PSUs and stock options granted in connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer.

In the event Mr. Deno’s employment is terminated due to his retirement, he will receive any base salary amount and any annual bonus amount for the preceding fiscal year earned but not paid as of the date of his employment termination, plus pro rata vesting of the RSUs, PSUs and stock options granted in connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer.

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A change in control of the Company does not trigger any severance payments to Mr. Denohim under histhe employment agreement. However, in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, Mr. Deno would be entitled to receive the benefits described above under “—Change in Control Plan.”


Separation Agreements: Messrs. BrandtAgreement: Mr. Scarlett
On October 2, 2023 the Company announced organizational design changes that will result in the elimination of the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of Casual Dining position following a transition period ending on March 15, 2024, as reported in the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 3, 2023. As a result, the Company and Murtha

The CompanyMr. Scarlett entered into an agreement pursuant to which Mr. Scarlett will separate from the Company once his transitional duties are complete effective March 15, 2024. The agreement provides that Mr. Scarlett will receive a lump sum severance payment of $1,485,000 and $20,705 for COBRA premiums to extend health benefits for 12 months. All payments are subject to Mr. Scarlett’s execution of a separation agreement with each of Messrs. Brandt and Murtha, effective December 31, 2017. The separation agreements set forth our obligation to make payments, includingone-time lump sum severance payments, to Messrs. Brandt and Murtha totaling $815,435 and $1,200,900, respectively. These additional payments were agreed to in exchange fornon-solicitation,non-disparagement and cooperation covenants in favor of the Company, Messrs. Brandt’s and Murtha’s waiver of the notice provisions of their offer of employment agreement, and their execution ofthat includes a generalcustomary release of claims againstand certain other covenants.


All unvested equity and vested stock options held by Mr. Scarlett are subject to the Company.

34    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement

retirement provisions set forth in his existing grant agreements and the applicable plans as described under “Equity Awards” below.



Equity Awards

As a general matter, unless otherwise provided in an individual’s award agreement or other agreement, and depending on the reason for termination, upon a termination of employment or other continuous service, all unvested equity awards will terminate and vested stock options must be exercised within certain limited time periods after the date of termination. If the individual’s employment is terminated for cause (as defined in the award or other applicable agreement), all stock options, whether vested or unvested, and all unvested PSUs and RSUs will terminate immediately. If the individual’s termination is due to death or disability, all stock options and RSUs that are not vested will become immediately vested in full upon such termination and a pro rata portion (based on the portion of the applicable performance period that passed prior to termination of the individual’s employment) of the target number of PSUs will immediately vest and become payable in shares of common stock upon such termination.

Stock options accelerated due to death or disability become exercisable on the award’s original vesting schedule.


Awards under the 2012 Equity Plan, if unvested, will forfeit upon retirement. Under the 2016 Equity Plan, if the NEO retires on or after age 60 with five years of service with the Company or an affiliate (“Retirement”Retirement under 2016 Plan”) prior to the vesting or forfeiture of the RSUs, then the number of RSUs that vest shall be determined as of the date of the Retirement under 2016 Plan on a pro rata basis, determined based on the number of full months of employment completed from the date of grant to the date of the Retirement under 2016 Plan divided by the number of full months of the original vesting period. If the NEO retires prior to the vesting or forfeiture of the option to purchase shares of our common stock, the NEO may exercise the option at any time within 12 months following the date of Retirement under 2016 Plan (but in no event later than 10ten years after the date of grant).

Under the 2020 Equity Plan, if the NEO retires on or after age 60 with five years of service, or age 55 with ten years of service with the Company or an affiliate (“Retirement under 2020 Plan”) prior to the vesting or forfeiture of stock options, RSUs, or PSUs, then the number of stock options, RSUs or PSUs that vest shall be determined as of the date of the Retirement under 2020 Plan on a pro rata basis, determined based on the number of full months of employment completed from the date of grant to the date of the Retirement under 2020 Plan divided by the number of full months of the original vesting period and, in the case of PSUs, the PSUs earned shall be determined at the end of the performance period based on the actual performance levels achieved. If the NEO retires prior to the vesting or forfeiture of the option to purchase shares of our common stock, the NEO may exercise the option at any time following the date of Retirement under 2020 Plan (but in no event later than the original expiration date of the grant, generally the tenth anniversary of the date of grant).


The Compensation Committee may provide for accelerated vesting of an award upon, or as a result of events following, a change of control. This may be done in the award agreement or in connection with the change of
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control. In the event of a change of control, the Compensation Committee may also cause an award to be canceled in exchange for a cash payment to the participant or cause an award to be assumed by a successor corporation.


Our forms of award agreements under the 2012, 2016 and 20162020 Equity Plans provide as follows:


Restricted stock and restricted stock unitsRSU awards to our directors become fully vested upon a change of control


Restricted stock awards for our employees and consultants provide that upon a change of control (a) restricted stock that remains outstanding or is exchanged or converted into securities of the acquiring or successor entity will continue to vest in accordance with the terms set forth in the award agreement and (b) if the restricted stock will be canceled in exchange for cash consideration, (x) in the case of awards held by our executive officers at the time of such change of control, the restricted stock will instead be converted into a right to receive such cash consideration upon satisfaction of the vesting and other terms and conditions of the award agreement in effect immediately prior to the change of control and (y) in the case of other award recipients, the award will fully vest and be exchanged for the cash consideration at the time of the change of control


PSU awards provide that if the award recipient’s employment or other service status with us terminates, the award will terminate as to any units that are unvested at the time of such termination, unless (a) such termination is due to death or disability, in which case a pro rata portion of the award shall vest based on the portion of the performance period for which service was provided, or (b) the termination occurs before the vesting date but after the end of the performance period and is other than for cause (as defined in the agreement), in which case the applicable number of units will vest for that performance period as if such termination had not occurred


In addition, as described above under “—Change in Control Plan,” in the event of a qualifying termination within the 24 months following a change in control, each of our named executive officers will be entitled to accelerated vesting of all outstanding equity awards.

Stock Options: Ms. Smith

Pursuant to the terms of Ms. Smith’s option agreement dated November 16, 2009, the vested stock options will remain outstanding for a period ranging from 90 days to three years in the case of a termination of Ms. Smith’s employment, depending on the type of option and the nature of the termination, except that all options will be forfeited on a termination for Cause.


Restrictive Covenants

Ms. Smith and

Mr. Deno areis subject to certain restrictive covenants under her or his current employment agreement. These includeThis includes covenants covering (i) noncompetition, and (ii) nondisclosure, nonsolicitation and nonpiracy. Based on the terms of their agreements, Ms. Smith andthe agreement, Mr. Deno have agreed to thethese restrictive covenants in (i) and (ii) during employment and for 24 months following a termination of employment for any reason. Ms. Smith’s and Mr. Deno’s continuedContinued compliance with these restrictive covenants are conditionsis a condition to our obligation to pay theany severance amountsamount due to Mr. Deno under her or his employment agreementagreement.

Messrs. Meyer, Scarlett, Patterson and Ms. Lefferts are subject to certain restrictive covenants as per their offers of employment. These include covenants covering noncompetition, nondisclosure, nonsolicitation and nonpiracy. Each has agreed to these restrictive covenants during employment and for 12 months following a voluntary separation or offerseparation for Cause, or in the event of employment.

separation for any reason other than voluntary resignation, for a period equal to the period used for calculating the amount of severance paid upon termination, if any.


Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation

The table below reflects the amount of compensation payable under the arrangements described above to the individuals serving as NEOs following a termination of employment (i) by us without Cause or by the executive for good reason without a change in control,

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    35


(ii) by us without Cause or by the executive for good reason, following a change in control assuming that such termination constitutes a qualifying termination under the Change in Control Plan, (iii) by the executive voluntarily, (iv) as a result of retirement, (v) as a result of disability or (v)(vi) as a result of death, in each case, assuming that such termination of employment occurred on December 31, 2017. In the case2023.


54

Table of Messrs. Brandt and Murtha, whose employment terminated on December 31, 2017, they received the compensation described above under “Separation Agreements: Messrs. Brandt and Murtha.”

Contents


No payments or benefits are due to the NEOs following a termination of employment for Cause. The table assumes that the change in control transaction resulted in per share consideration of $21.34,$28.15, which was the closing price per share of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on December 29, 2017,2023, the last market day of our fiscal year. The actual amounts to be paid upon a termination of employment or a change in control can only be determined at the time of such executive’s separation from us, or upon the occurrence of a change in control (if any).

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER EXECUTIVE PAYMENTS AND
BENEFITS UPON SEPARATION(1)
 INVOLUNTARY
TERMINATION
WITHOUT CAUSE
OR TERMINATION
BY EXECUTIVE
FOR GOOD
REASON WITHOUT
CHANGE IN
CONTROL ($)
  INVOLUNTARY
TERMINATION
WITHOUT CAUSE
OR TERMINATION
BY EXECUTIVE
FOR GOOD
REASON WITH
CHANGE IN
CONTROL ($)
  VOLUNTARY
TERMINATION
($)
  DISABILITY
($)
  DEATH
($)
 

Elizabeth A. Smith

 Severance  3,500,000   5,000,000               —               —               — 
 Equity Awards(2)     11,068,793      5,652,746   5,652,746 
 Health and Welfare Benefits     23,147          
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 Total  3,500,000   16,091,940      5,652,746   5,652,746 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

David J. Deno

 Severance  650,000   1,803,750          
 Equity Awards(2)     2,486,394      1,289,522   1,289,522 
 Health and Welfare Benefits     16,916          
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 Total  650,000   4,307,060      1,289,522   1,289,522 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Christopher W. Brandt

 Severance(3)  800,000             
 Equity Awards(2)               
 Health and Welfare Benefits  15,435             
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 Total  815,435             
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Patrick C. Murtha

 Severance(3)  1,200,000             
 Equity Awards(2)               
 Health and Welfare Benefits  900             
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 Total  1,200,900             
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sukhdev Singh

 Severance(4)     1,387,500          
 Equity Awards(2)     3,140,165      1,899,020   1,899,020 
 Health and Welfare Benefits     14,639          
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 Total     4,542,304      1,899,020   1,899,020 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
                       
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICEREXECUTIVE PAYMENTS AND BENEFITS UPON SEPARATIONINVOLUNTARY TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE OR TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON WITHOUT CHANGE IN CONTROLINVOLUNTARY TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE OR TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON WITH CHANGE IN CONTROLVOLUNTARY TERMINATIONRETIREMENTDISABILITYDEATH
(1)($)($)($)($) (2)($)($)
David J. DenoSeverance3,500,000 5,000,000 — — — — 
Equity Awards (3)— 12,958,120 — 7,479,033 9,802,299 9,802,299 
Health Benefits— 22,562 — — — — 
Total3,500,000 17,980,682  7,479.033 9,802,299 9,802,299 
Christopher MeyerSeverance— 1,962,692 — — — — 
Equity Awards (3)— 2,008,137 — — 1,505,819 1,505,819 
Health Benefits— 31,057 — — — — 
Total 4,001,886   1,505,819 1,505,819 
Gregg D. ScarlettSeverance— 2,227,500 — — — — 
Equity Awards (3)— 2,873,186 — 1,692,462 2,193,842 2,193,842 
Health Benefits— 31,057 — — — — 
Total 5,131,743  1,692,462 2,193,842 2,193,842 
Kelly M. LeffertsSeverance— 1,438,385 — — — — 
Equity Awards (3)— 1,469,655 — 849,989 1,112,601 1,112,601 
Health Benefits— 19,529 — — — — 
Total 2,927,569  849,989 1,112,601 1,112,601 
Brett A. PattersonSeverance— 1,289,859 — — — — 
Equity Awards (3)— 1,413,412 — — 1,140,235 1,140,235 
Health Benefits— 31,057 — — — — 
Total 2,734,328   1,140,235 1,140,235 
__________________
(1)Amounts in the table do not include amounts for accrued but unpaid base salary, annual bonus or other expenses.
(2)The amount in the column represents prorated vesting of eligible equity awards as of December 31, 2023, calculated at target performance.
(3)Amounts exclude intrinsic value of vested in-the-money stock options. If termination is due to Death or Disability, then all RSUs that are not vested shall become immediately vested in full upon such termination and a pro rata portion (based on the portion of the Performance Period that passed prior to termination of Participant’s Continuous Service) of the Target Number of PSUs will immediately vest and become payable in shares upon such termination, as those terms are defined in the applicable plans. Under the applicable award agreements, upon retirement, the number of RSUs and PSUs that vest is determined as of the date of the Retirement on a pro rata basis based on the period employed from the grant date to the departure date and, in the case of PSUs, the PSUs earned shall be determined at the end of the performance period based on the actual performance levels achieved (which are assumed to be at target for purposes of the table). The dollar amounts are determined by multiplying the number of shares subject to the accelerated or pro rata vested RSUs and PSUs, as applicable, by $28.15, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 29, 2023.

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Pay vs. Performance

The following table summarizes compensation paid to our principal executive officer (“PEO”) as set forth in our Summary Compensation Table, compensation actually paid to our PEO, average compensation paid to our Non-PEO NEOs as set forth in our Summary Compensation Table, and average compensation actually paid to our Non-PEO NEOs, each as calculated in accordance with SEC rules, and certain Company and peer group performance measures for the periods indicated:
Fiscal YearSummary Compensation Table Total for PEO (1)Compensation Actually Paid to PEO (2)Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs (3)Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs (2)Value of Initial Fixed $100Net Income (Loss)
(dollars in millions)
Adjusted Diluted EPS (5)
Total Shareholder ReturnPeer Group Total Shareholder Return (4)
2023$6,825,003 $8,305,815 $1,689,279 $2,116,313 $139.94 $148.11 $254.4 $2.93 
20226,251,632 5,068,922 1,561,981 1,339,269 100.18 106.39 109.2 2.52 
20217,518,278 11,384,346 2,200,145 2,598,640 97.64 129.49 222.9 2.70 
20205,576,984 6,261,185 1,945,655 1,701,174 88.32 102.95 (158.8)(0.69)
__________________
(1)Mr. Deno was the PEO for all four years (2020-2023).
(2)The charts below detail the additions to and deductions from the Summary Compensation Table Totals to calculate the Compensation Actually Paid amounts.
(3)The Non-PEO NEOs are comprised of: 2023 - Messrs. Meyer, Scarlett and Patterson and Ms. Lefferts; 2022 - Messrs. Meyer, Scarlett and Murtha and Ms. Lefferts; 2021 - Messrs. Meyer, Scarlett, Murtha and Stutts and Ms. Lefferts; 2020 - Messrs. Meyer, Scarlett, Stutts and Herlihy and Ms. Lefferts.
(4)The peer group is made up of the same 18 companies in our peer group used for executive compensation benchmarking as described on page 42.
(5)Adjusted Diluted EPS was selected as the third metric to be included in the disclosure (as the Company-Selected Measure). A detailed Adjusted Diluted EPS reconciliation can be found within Appendix B.

The following table reconciles the PEO Summary Compensation Table total to Compensation Actually Paid for the periods indicated:
Fiscal YearSalaryBonus and Non-Equity Incentive CompensationEquity CompensationAll Other CompensationSummary Compensation Table TotalDeductions from Summary Compensation Table Total (1)Additions to Compensation Table Total (2)Compensation Actually Paid
2023$1,000,000 $910,500 $4,900,025 $14,478 $6,825,003 $(4,900,025)$6,380,837 $8,305,815 
2022984,615 897,969 4,350,033 19,015 6,251,632 (4,350,033)3,167,323 5,068,922 
2021900,000 2,011,500 4,600,046 6,732 7,518,278 (4,600,046)8,466,114 11,384,346 
2020695,597 1,271,700 3,600,036 9,651 5,576,984 (3,600,036)4,284,237 6,261,185 
__________________
(1)Represents the grant date fair value of equity-based awards granted each year.
(2)Reflects the value of equity calculated in accordance with the SEC methodology for determining Compensation Actually Paid for each period presented. The equity component of compensation actually paid for fiscal year 2023 is further detailed in the supplemental table below.

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The following table reconciles the Non-PEO NEOs Average Summary Compensation Table total to Average Compensation Actually Paid for the periods indicated:
Fiscal YearAverage SalaryAverage Bonus and Non-Equity Incentive CompensationAverage Equity CompensationAverage All Other CompensationAverage Summary Compensation Table TotalDeductions from Summary Compensation Table Total (1)Additions to Compensation Table Total (2)Average Compensation Actually Paid
2023$570,096 $353,867 $759,407 $5,909 $1,689,279 $(759,407)$1,186,441 $2,116,313 
2022550,000 338,580 667,219 6,182 1,561,981 (667,219)444,507 1,339,269 
2021536,539 640,700 697,157 325,749 2,200,145 (697,157)1,095,652 2,598,640 
2020410,300 360,564 865,989 308,802 1,945,655 (865,989)621,508 1,701,174 
__________________
(1)Represents the average grant date fair value of equity-based awards granted each year.
(2)Reflects the average value of equity calculated in accordance with the SEC methodology for determining average compensation actually paid for each period presented. The equity component of average compensation actually paid for fiscal year 2023 is further detailed in the supplemental table below.

The following table includes supplemental data for the additions and deductions resulting in the equity component of PEO Compensation Actually Paid for the periods indicated:
Fiscal YearAddition of Fair Value of Current Year Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End(Deductions) Additions for Change in Value of Prior Years’ Awards Unvested at Fiscal Year End (1)Additions (Deductions) for Change in Value of Prior Years’ Awards That Vested in Fiscal YearEquity Value Included in Compensation Actually Paid
2023$5,194,051 $(329,870)$1,516,656 $6,380,837 
20223,910,236 (1,252,356)509,443 3,167,323 
20213,268,932 3,748,314 1,448,868 8,466,114 
20203,298,873 1,895,458 (910,094)4,284,237 
__________________
(1)The valuation for PSUs granted in 2022 and vesting in 2025 decreased from 100% at the end of fiscal year 2022 to 0% at the end of fiscal year 2023. The valuation for PSUs granted in 2020 and vesting in 2023 decreased from 200% at the end of fiscal year 2021 to 148% at the end of fiscal year 2022.

The following table includes supplemental data for the additions and deductions resulting in equity component of Non-PEO NEOs Average Compensation Actually Paid for the periods indicated:
Fiscal YearAddition of Average Fair Value of Current Year Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End(Deductions) Additions for Average Change in Value of Prior Years’ Awards Unvested at Fiscal Year End (1)Additions (Deductions) for Average Change in Value of Prior Years’ Awards That Vested in Fiscal YearAverage Equity Value Included in Compensation Actually Paid
2023$821,094 $(63,284)$428,631 $1,186,441 
2022599,763 (278,452)123,196 444,507 
2021422,722 364,276 308,654 1,095,652 
2020975,526 (57,273)(296,745)621,508 
__________________
(1)The valuation for PSUs granted in 2022 and vesting in 2025 decreased from 100% at the end of fiscal year 2022 to 0% at the end of fiscal year 2023. The valuation for PSUs granted in 2020 and vesting in 2023 decreased from 200% at the end of fiscal year 2021 to 148% at the end of fiscal year 2022.

Relationship between Compensation Paid and Performance Measures
As shown in the charts as discussed further below, the relationship between the Compensation Actually Paid to the PEO and the Average Compensation Actually Paid to the NEOs other than the PEO in fiscal 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (collectively, “NEO Compensation Actually Paid”) to each of (1) Net income, (2) total shareholder return (“TSR”), and (3) Adjusted Diluted EPS demonstrates that such compensation fluctuates to the extent the Company is achieving its goals and increasing value for stockholders in line with the Company’s compensation philosophy and performance-based objectives.

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4
6
8
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The three items listed below represent the most important metrics we used to determine Compensation Actually Paid for fiscal year 2023 as further described in our CD&A within the sections titled “Performance-Based Short-Term Incentive Plan” and “Performance-Based Long-term Incentive Plan.” Most important performance measures:
(1)
1.Amounts in the table do not include amounts for accrued but unpaid base salary, annual bonus or other expenses.Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
2.Revenue
3.Adjusted Operating Income Dollars

(2)Amounts represent intrinsic value of unvestedin-the-money stock options since the fair market value of a share of our common stock, as of December 29, 2017, was greater than the exercise price of certain stock options held by the named executive officers. Certain stock option grants wereout-of-the-money as of the fiscal year end and are included above with a value of $0. Amounts exclude intrinsic value of vestedin-the-money stock options. If termination is due to Death or Disability, then all RSUs that are not vested shall become immediately vested in full upon such termination and a pro rata portion (based on the portion of the Performance Period that passed prior to termination of Participant’s Continuous Service) of the Target Number of Performance Awards will immediately vest and become payable in Shares upon such termination. The dollar amounts are determined by multiplying the number of shares subject to the accelerated RSUs and Performance Awards by $21.34, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 29, 2017.

(3)Amounts as provided in the separation agreement dated December 31, 2017 for each of Messrs. Brandt and Murtha.

(4)Severance for Mr. Singh (base salary in effect at termination) is payable only upon termination of employment by us without cause (as defined in his offer of employment or employment agreement).

36    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018


CEO Pay Ratio
We are providing the following disclosure about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees to the annual total compensation of our CEO, as required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Regulation 402(u) of Regulation S-K.
For fiscal year 2023,
The median of the annual total compensation of all our employees, other than Mr. Deno, was $22,885.

Mr. Deno’s annual total compensation was $6,825,003, as reported in the Total column of the Summary Compensation Table.

Based on this information, the ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Deno to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees is estimated to be 298 to 1.
To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all employees, as well as to determine the annual total compensation of our median employee and our CEO, we took the following steps:
1)We selected October 1, 2021 as the date on which to determine our median employee. As of that date, we had 75,263 employees, with 63,453 employees based in the United States and 11,810 employees located outside of the United States. The pay ratio disclosure rules provide an exemption for companies to exclude non-U.S. employees from the median employee calculation if non-U.S. employees in a particular jurisdiction account for five percent (5%) or less of the Company’s total number of employees. We applied this de minimis exemption when identifying the median employee by excluding 32 employees in China and 937 employees in Hong Kong. After considering the de minimis exemption, 63,453 employees in the United States and 10,841 employees located outside of the United States were considered for identifying the median employee.
2)For purposes of identifying the median employee from our employee population base, we considered total cash compensation, as compiled from our payroll records. We selected total cash compensation as it represents the principal form of compensation delivered to all our employees and this information is readily available in each country. In addition, we measured compensation for purposes of determining the median employee using the year-to-date period ended October 1, 2021. Compensation paid in foreign currencies was converted to U.S. dollars based on exchange rates in effect on October 1, 2021.
3)The median employee referenced above is the same median employee identified in the 2023 Proxy Statement

because there have not been changes in our employee population or employee compensation arrangements that we believe would significantly impact the pay ratio disclosure. As permitted by the SEC rules, the same median employee may be used for up to three years provided that such employee is still an active employee.

4)Using this methodology, we determined that our median employee was a part-time employee. In determining the annual total compensation of the median employee, such employee’s compensation was calculated in accordance with Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, as required pursuant to the SEC executive compensation disclosure rules.

Our CEO pay ratio information is a reasonable good faith estimate calculated in a manner consistent with the SEC pay ratio rules and methods for disclosure. The SEC’s rules for identifying the median compensated employee and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of
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methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices. As a result, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported above, as other companies have different employee populations, geographic footprints and compensation practices and may utilize different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their own pay ratios. With regard to restaurant, hospitality and retail companies, comparability may further be impacted by additional factors including the mix of company-owned to franchised units.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons


Our Board of Directors has adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and a Related Party Transactions Policy, which supplements the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.Conduct. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to our directors, officers, and employees, and the Related Party Policy applies to our executive officers. These policies require disclosure of the material terms of any applicable related person transaction, including the approximate dollar value of the amount involved in the transaction, and all the material facts as to the related person’s direct or indirect interest in, or relationship to, the related person transaction. The policies require that all related person transactions must be reported to the Chief Legal Officer and are subject to the approval or ratification by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee may approve or ratify the transaction if it determines that the transaction is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

The


There are no related party transactions below were reviewed under our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and also reviewed under the Related Party Transactions Policy subsequent to July  22, 2015, which is the date of its adoption.

Related Party Transactions

Registration Rights Agreement

On April 29, 2014, we entered into a registration rights agreement with Chris T. Sullivan and certain family members of Chris T. Sullivan (collectively, the “Sullivan Parties”), Bain Capital (OSI) IX, L.P., its related funds (collectively, the “Bain Funds”), Elizabeth A. Smith, our Chairman and CEO, and certain other parties (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement provides the parties with certain demand and “piggyback” registration rights. We areor relationships required to bear the registration expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes, associated with any registration of shares pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement also contains customary terms and conditions related to various matters, including registration procedures,lock-up agreements and permitted transfers and indemnification and contribution.

Lease Payments

In fiscal 2017, MVP LRS, LLC (“MVP”), an entitybe reported in which Chris T. Sullivan (one of our founders and a former director) and Robert D. Basham (one of our founders who is known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock), are each a partner, paid us $647,149 in lease payments. These leases were originally for two restaurants in the Lee Roy Selmon’s concept, which was purchased from us in 2008. In 2014, MVP converted onethis Proxy Statement under Item 404 of the Lee Roy Selmon’s restaurants to a Glory Days restaurant and we entered into a new lease with MVP for the Glory Days restaurant. We also guarantee lease payments by MVP under two leases with third parties. The base rent payments made by MVP under these two leases totaled $174,076 for 2017, and the amount is consistent with the amounts for prior years of $166,171 and $154,358 for 2016 and 2015, respectively. As guarantor, we are also contingently liable for percentage rent, real estate taxes, insurance expense and certain other operating expense payments under these two leases.

Lease Termination and Surrender Agreement

On August 28, 2017, we entered into a Lease Termination and Surrender Agreement with MVP for one of the restaurant properties that we lease to MVP. The payment to MVP for the buyout of the lease is $850,000, payable within five business days after the termination of the lease. The termination date will be no earlier than April 3, 2018 and no later than November 29, 2018.

Mobile Application Services

In 2015, we evaluated a point of sale integration platform provided by Omnivore Technologies, Inc. f/k/a Positronics Technologies, Inc. (“Omnivore”), which is owned, in part, by Chris T. Sullivan, one of our founders and a former director, or by entities he owns or controls. After this evaluation, we entered into an engagement with Omnivore for services related to the development of our connected customer mobile application. In fiscal 2017, we paid Omnivore $272,174 for such services.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    37

SEC’s Regulation S-K.



AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT


The Audit Committee is composed solely of independent directors meeting the requirements of applicable SEC and NASDAQ rules. The Audit Committee has the duties and powers described in its written charter adopted by the Board. A copy of the charter is available on the Company’s website at: https://investors.bloominbrands.com/corporate-governance.

The Audit Committee is responsible for the engagement, compensation, retention and oversight of the work performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. In fulfilling its oversight responsibility, the Audit Committee carefully reviews and considers the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm, including the scope of the audit, audit fees, auditor independence matters, performance of the independent auditors and the extent to which the independent registered public accounting firm may be retained to perform non-audit services.

The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the Company’s management and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the audited consolidated financial statements of Bloomin’ Brands, containedInc. to be included in ourits Annual Report on Form10-K for the 20172023 fiscal year.year with the Company’s management and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The Audit Committee has also discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) in Rule 3200T.

3200.


The Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’sPricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP its independence from Bloomin’ Brands.

the Company.


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Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements referred to above be included in Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form10-K for its 20172023 fiscal year for filing with the SEC.


Submitted by the Audit Committee

John J. Mahoney,Chairman

James R. Craigie

Tara Walpert Levy

Chair

Lawrence V. Jackson
Julie Kunkel
Rohit Lal

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 20192025 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS


Stockholders may submit proposals for inclusion in our proxy materials in accordance with Rule14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act. For such proposals to be included in our proxy materials relating to our 20192025 annual meeting of stockholders, all applicable requirements of Rule14a-8 must be satisfied and such proposals must be received by us no later than November 14, 2018.4, 2024. Such proposals should be delivered to Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607 (and we encourage you to send a copy via email to CorporateSecretary@bloominbrands.com).


Stockholders who intend to submit nominations to the Board of Directors or present other proposals for consideration at our 20192025 annual meeting (other than proposals submitted in accordance with Rule14a-8 for inclusion in our proxy materials) must comply with all provisions of our bylaws with respect to such nominations and proposals and provide timely written notice thereof. To be timely for our 20192025 annual meeting, notice must be delivered to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices no earlier than December 25, 2018,24, 2024 and no later than January 24, 2019.23, 2025. However, in the event that our 20192025 annual meeting is to be held on a date that is not within 30 calendar days before or after April 24, 2019,23, 2025, to be timely, notice must be so delivered not later than the tenth calendar day following the date on which public announcement of the date of the 20192025 annual meeting is first made.


In addition to satisfying the requirements under our bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice to the Company that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act, which notice must be postmarked or transmitted electronically to us at our principal executive offices no later than 60 days prior to the one-year anniversary date of the annual meeting (for the 2025 annual meeting, no later than February 22, 2025). Such notice should be delivered to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices and/or sent via email to CorporateSecretary@bloominbrands.com. If the date of the 2025 annual meeting is changed by more than 30 days from such anniversary date, however, then the stockholder must provide notice by the later of 60 days prior to the date of the 2025 annual meeting and the 10th day following the date on which public announcement of the date of the 2025 annual meeting is first made.

PROXY SOLICITATION AND COSTS


We will bear the entire cost of this solicitation of proxies, including the preparation, assembly, printing, and mailing of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, this proxy statement, the proxy and any additional solicitation material that we may provide to stockholders. Copies of solicitation material will be provided to brokerage firms, fiduciaries, custodians and other nominees holding shares in their names that are beneficially owned by others so that they may forward the solicitation material to such beneficial owners. Further, the original solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by solicitation by telephone and other means by our directors, officers and employees. No additional compensation will be paid to these individuals for any such services.

38    Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement



STOCKHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME ADDRESS


The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (such as brokers) to implement a delivery procedure called “householding.” Under this procedure, multiple stockholders who reside at the same address may
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receive a single copy of our annual report and proxy materials, including the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, unless the affected stockholder has provided contrary instructions. This procedure reduces printing costs and postage fees.


A number of brokers with account holders who beneficially own our common stock will be “householding” our annual report and proxy materials, including the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. A single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and, if applicable, a single set of annual report and other proxy materials will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that it will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. Stockholders may revoke their consent at any time by contacting Broadridge Financial Solutions, either by calling toll-free (800)542-1061,(866) 540-7095, or by writing to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York, 11717.

Upon written or oral request, Bloomin’ Brands will promptly deliver a separate copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and, if applicable, a separate set of our annual report and proxy materials to any beneficial owner at a shared address to which a single copy of any of those documents was delivered. To receive a separate copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and, if applicable, a separate set of our annual report and proxy materials, you may write or call the Bloomin’ Brands Investor Relations Department at Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., 2202 North West Shore Boulevard.Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607, Attention: Investor Relations, telephone (813)830-5311.

830-5323.


Any stockholders who share the same address and currently receive multiple copies of our Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or annual report and other proxy materials, who wish to receive only one copy in the future, are asked to contact Computershare (if a registered holder) or their bank, broker or other nominee (if a beneficial holder) to request information about householding.


FORM10-K


We will mail without charge, upon written request, a copy of the Bloomin’ Brands Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2023, including the consolidated financial statements, schedules and list of exhibits, and any particular exhibit specifically requested. Requests should be sent to: Bloomin’ Brands Investor Relations Department at Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607, Attention: Investor Relations, telephone (813)830-5311. 830-5323. The Annual Report on Form10-K is also available in the Investors section atwww.bloominbrands.com.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. — 2018 Proxy Statement    39


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OTHER MATTERS


The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters to be presented for stockholder action at the annual meeting. However, if other matters do properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof, the Board of Directors intends that the persons named in the proxies will vote upon such matter in accordance with their best judgment.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
leffertssignature1.jpg
Kelly Lefferts
Secretary
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Dated: March 4, 2024

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Appendix A
BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.

Kelly Lefferts

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION ADJUSTED INCOME FROM OPERATIONS NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION

Secretary

(UNAUDITED)
FISCAL YEAR
(dollars in thousands)2023
Income from operations$325,144 
Income from operations adjustments (1)31,576 
Adjusted income from operations356,720 
Less: benefit of 53rd week (2)(19,801)
Less: benefit of Brazil tax legislation (3)(12,754)
Less: impact of foreign currency translation (4)(4,254)
Adjusted income from operations, as defined in the STIP$319,911 

Dated: March 8, 2018

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_________________
(1)See Appendix B for a description of non-GAAP adjustments. For 2023, all non-GAAP adjustments were included in adjusted operating income.
(2)We utilize a 52-53-week year ending on the last Sunday in December. Fiscal year 2023 consisted of 53 weeks with December 25, 2023 through December 31, 2023 representing the 53rd week. Adjusted income from operations as defined for the 2023 STIP excludes the benefit of this additional 53rd week.
(3)During 2023, the Company benefited from Brazil tax legislation that provided exemptions from Brazil federal value added taxes. Adjusted income from operations as defined by the 2023 STIP excludes the benefit of these exemptions.
(4)Adjusted income from operations as defined by the 2023 STIP excludes the impact of foreign currency translation.

BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
FISCAL YEAR
(in thousands, except per share data)2023
Net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands$247,386 
Net income adjustments (1)20,775 
Adjusted net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands (1)268,161 
Less: benefit of 53rd week (2)(14,893)
Less: benefit of Brazil tax legislation (3)(23,643)
Adjusted net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands, as defined in the LTI plan$229,625 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share, as defined in the LTI plan$2.51 
Adjusted diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)91,386 
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(1)See Appendix B for reconciliation of adjusted net income attributable to Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.— 2018 Proxy Statement

Brands.


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Using(2)We utilize a black ink pen, mark your votes52-53-week year ending on the last Sunday in December. Fiscal year 2023 consisted of 53 weeks with December 25, 2023 through December 31, 2023 representing the 53rd week. Adjusted diluted earnings per share as defined by the 2021 LTI grant agreement excludes the benefit of this additional 53rd week.

(3)During 2023, the Company benefited from Brazil tax legislation that provided exemptions from Brazil income tax and federal value added taxes. Adjusted diluted earnings per share as defined by the 2021 LTI grant agreement excludes the benefit of these exemptions.
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Appendix B
BLOOMIN’ BRANDS, INC.
ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
FISCAL YEAR
(in thousands, except per share data)2023202220212020
Diluted net income attributable to common stockholders$247,386 $101,907 $215,900 $(162,211)
Convertible senior notes if-converted method interest adjustment, net of tax (1)— — 345 — 
Net income attributable to common stockholders247,386 101,907 215,555 (162,211)
Adjustments:
Asset impairments and closure costs (2)25,786 — — (2,205)
Partner compensation (3)1,894 — — — 
Legal and other matters (4)(3,650)5,900 (372)178 
Royalty termination expense (5)— — 61,880 — 
Severance and other transformational costs (6)— — 2,764 32,404 
COVID-19-related costs (7)— — — 93,811 
Loss on extinguishment and modification of debt (8)— 107,630 2,073 — 
Loss on fair value adjustment of derivatives, net (8)— 17,685 — — 
Amortization of debt discount (9)— — — 6,275 
Other (10)7,546 — — — 
Total adjustments, before income taxes31,576 131,215 66,345 130,463 
Adjustment to provision for income taxes (11)(10,801)(263)(21,222)(32,526)
Redemption of preferred stock in excess of carrying value (12)— — — 3,496 
Net adjustments20,775 130,952 45,123 101,433 
Adjusted net income (loss)$268,161 $232,859 $260,678 $(60,778)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders (13)$2.56 $1.03 $2.00 $(1.85)
Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share (14)$2.93 $2.52 $2.70 $(0.69)
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (13)96,453 98,512 107,803 87,468 
Adjusted diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (14)91,386 92,423 96,426 87,468 
_________________
(1)Adjustment for interest expense related to the convertible senior notes due in 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) weighted for the portion of the period prior to our election under the 2025 Notes indenture to settle the principal portion of the 2025 Notes in cash.
(2)For 2023, primarily includes asset impairment, closure costs and severance in connection with the decision to close 41 underperforming restaurants. For 2023 and 2020, includes lease termination gains of $6.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, net of related impairments.
(3)Costs incurred in connection with the transition to a new partner compensation program.
(4)For 2023 and 2022, reflects changes in legal reserves in connection with certain collective action wage and hour lawsuits. For 2021, includes: (i) a $3.1 million benefit from the recognition of recoverable Program of Social Integration and Contribution for the Financing of Social Security taxes, including accrued interest, within other revenues as a result of favorable court rulings and (ii) an Xaccrual of $2.7 million for Imposto sobre Serviços, a Brazilian municipal service tax, in connection with royalties from our Brazilian subsidiary over the prior five years, including related penalties and interest, as showna result of an unfavorable Brazilian Supreme Court ruling.
(5)Payment made to the Carrabba’s Italian Grill founders in this example. Please doconnection with the Purchase and Sale of Royalty Payment Stream and Termination of Royalty Agreement.
(6)Severance, professional fees and other costs incurred as a result of transformational and restructuring activities.
(7)Costs incurred in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily consisting of fixed asset and right-of-use asset impairments, restructuring charges, inventory obsolescence and spoilage, contingent lease liabilities and current expected credit losses.
(8)For 2022, primarily includes losses in connection with the repurchase of $125 million of our outstanding 2025 Notes, as well as settlement of the related convertible senior note hedges and warrants (the “2025 Notes Partial Repurchase”).
(9)Amortization of debt discount related to the issuance of the 2025 Notes.
(10)Primarily includes professional fees, severance and other costs not write outsidecorrelated to our core operating performance during the designated areas. X 02S4LC 1 U PX + Annual Meeting Proxy Card . B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completedperiod.
(11)The tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments was determined based on the nature of the underlying non-GAAP adjustments and their relevant jurisdictional tax rates. For 2023, also includes a $2.9 million adjustment related to a Brazil federal income tax exemption on certain state value added tax benefits. For 2022, the primary difference between GAAP and adjusted effective income tax rates relates to certain non-deductible losses and other tax costs associated with the 2025 Notes Partial Repurchase. For 2021, also
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includes a $4.2 million adjustment for your votethe reduction of certain unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions taken during a prior period.
(12)Consideration paid in excess of the carrying value for the redemption of preferred stock of our Abbraccio concept.
(13)Due to the GAAP net loss, the effect of dilutive securities was excluded from the calculation of GAAP diluted loss per share for 2020.
(14)Adjusted diluted weighted average common shares outstanding was calculated excluding the dilutive effect of 5,067, 6,089 and 9,992 shares for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, to be counted. — Date and Sign Below 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. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature withinissued upon conversion of the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within2025 Notes to satisfy the box. + A Proposals - The Board recommends a vote FOR all nominees, FOR Proposal 2 and FOR Proposal 3.amount in excess of the principal since our convertible note hedge offsets the dilutive impact of the shares underlying the 2025 Notes. For Against Abstain 2. To ratify2021, adjusted diluted weighted average common shares outstanding was also calculated assuming our February 2021 election to settle the appointmentprincipal portion of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent registered certified public accounting firmthe 2025 Notes in cash was in effect for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2018. 3. To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensationentire period.

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Table 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 p.m., Eastern Time, on April 23, 2018. Vote by internet • Go to www.investorvote.com/BLMN • 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

Contents


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Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Corporate Center One 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, 4th Floor, Tampa, Florida 33607 Proxy Solicited by Board of Directors for Annual Meeting - Tuesday, April 24, 2018 David J. Deno, Joseph J. Kadow and Kelly Lefferts, or any 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 Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. to be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 or at any postponement or adjournment thereof. Shares represented by this proxy will be voted by the stockholder. If no such directions are indicated, the Proxies will have authority to vote FOR all nominees, 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 appear on reverse side.) Proxy - Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. 2018 Annual Meeting Admission Ticket 2018 Annual Meeting of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. Stockholders Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 8:00 a.m. EDT Corporate Center One 2202 North West Shore Boulevard, 4th Floor, Tampa, Florida 33607 Upon arrival, please present this admission ticket and photo identification at the registration desk. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice and Proxy Statement and Form 10-K are available at www.edocumentview.com/BLMN 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


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