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AUTOZONE, INC.
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
DECEMBER 13, 200112, 2002
To our Stockholders:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of AutoZone, Inc. at the J.R. Hyde, III, Store Support Center, 123 South Front Street, Memphis, Tennessee, on Thursday, December 13, 2001, at 9 a.m., CST. At the meeting, the stockholders will vote regarding:
WHAT: | Annual Meeting of Stockholders |
WHEN: | December 12, 2002, 8 a.m., EST |
WHERE: | The Waldorf=Astoria 301 Park Avenue New York, New York |
STOCKHOLDERS WILL VOTE REGARDING: |
|
RECORD DATE: | Stockholders of record as of October 15, 2002, may vote
|
Memphis, TennesseeBy order of the Board of Directors,HARRY L. GOLDSMITH
Secretary
IMPORTANTPlease VOTEWe encourage you to vote by telephone or Internet, both of which are convenient, cost effective and reliable alternatives to returning your proxy card telephone, or Internetwhether or not you plan to attend the meeting.by mail.
Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS
PROPOSAL 3--Approval2-Approval of Director Stock Option Plan
PROPOSAL 3-Approval of Director Compensation Plan
PROPOSAL 4-Approval of Independent Auditors
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and FY-End Option/SAR Values
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
ExecutiveCorporate Governance Principles
AutoZone, Inc. Audit Committee Charter
AutoZone, Inc. 2003 Director Stock PurchaseOption Plan
AutoZone, Inc. 2003 Director Compensation Plan
AutoZone, Inc.
123 South Front Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Proxy Statement
for
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
December 13, 200112, 2002
Our Annual Meeting will be held at the J.R. Hyde, III, Store Support Center, 123 South Front Street, Memphis, Tennessee,The Waldorf=Astoria, 301 Park Avenue, New York, New York, at 98 a.m., CST,EST, on December 13, 2001.12, 2002.
Our Board of Directors has sent you this Proxy Statement to solicit your vote at the Annual Meeting. We will pay all expenses incurred in this proxy solicitation. In addition to mailing this Proxy Statement to you, we have retained D.F. King & Co., Inc., to be our proxy solicitation agent for a fee of $5,000, plus expenses. We also may make additional solicitations in person, by telephone, facsimile, e-mail, or other forms of communication. Brokers, banks, and others who hold our stock for the beneficial owners will be reimbursed by us for their expenses related to forwarding our proxy materials to the beneficial owners. This Proxy Statement is first being mailed on or about November 7, 2001.1, 2002.
You may vote your shares in person or by proxy:
At the close of business on October 15, 2001,2002, we had 107,807,33998,549,013 shares of common stock outstanding. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. However, AutoZone had forward purchase agreements under its common stock repurchase program covering 3,604,4501,342,100 shares of common stock that are deemed to be beneficially owned by AutoZone and are ineligible to be voted at the meeting. Therefore, only 104,202,88997,206,913 shares will be deemed outstanding at the meeting.
ESL Investments, Inc., in an agreement dated October 10, 2000, agreed not to vote any shares it or its affiliates acquired after October 20, 2000, until after April 1, 2004, unless AutoZone gives consent otherwise, but such shares will be deemed present for purposes of determining a quorum. As of the record date, this agreement applied to 8,923,500 to 3,767,300 shares beneficially owned by ESL Investments, Inc., and its affiliates.
Holders of a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote must be present in person or by proxy in order for a quorum to be present. Shares deemed beneficially owned by AutoZone will not be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of a quorum. Shares beneficially owned by ESL Investments, Inc., and its affiliates that are not eligible to be voted will be deemed to be present for purposes of a quorum, but notwill be counted as voting "WITHHELD" for directors and "ABSTAINING" on any issue.all other issues.
PROPOSAL 1--Election1-Election of Directors
EightNine directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve until the Annual Meeting in 2002.2003. The eightnine persons nominated for director receiving the most votes will be elected. Each of the nominees named below was elected a director at the 20002001 annual meeting, except for Ms. Evans and Mr. Odland,Graves, who waswere elected a directoras directors by the Board in January 2001 upon his appointment as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.February 2002. These nominees have consented to serve if elected. Should any nominee be unavailable to serve, your proxy will vote for the substitute nominee recommended by the Board of Directors or the Board of Directors may reduce the number of directors on the Board. The nominees are:
Charles M. Elson, |
Marsha J. Evans, 55, was elected a Director in February 2002. She was named the President and Chief Executive Officer of The American Red Cross in August 2002. Previously, she was National Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of the USA since 1998. Prior to that time Ms. Evans was a Rear Admiral of the U.S. Navy and Superintendent of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California since 1995. She served in the U.S. Navy for 29 years. She is also a Director of The May Department Stores Company and Weight Watchers International, Inc. |
Earl G. Graves, Jr., 40, was elected a Director in February 2002. He has been the President and Chief Operating Officer for Earl G. Graves Publishing Company, publisher of Black Enterprise magazine, since 1998 and has been employed by the same company in various capacities, since 1988. |
N. Gerry House, |
J.R. Hyde, III, |
James F. Keegan, |
Edward S. Lampert, |
W. Andrew McKenna, |
During the 2001 fiscal year, the following directors retired from the Board: John C. Adams, Jr., former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Timothy D. Vargo, former President and Chief Operating Officer; Ronald A. Terry; and Robert J. Hunt, who has announced he will retire from his positions as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer upon the election of his successor. In addition, Andrew M. Clarkson,Michael W. Michelson, a Directordirector since 1986, will retire frombe retiring at the Annual Meeting and will not be running for reelection.
In June 2001, our Board of Directors adopted Corporate Governance Principles to govern the operation of the Board and to assure that the Board was focused on stockholder value. These principles were amended in August 2002 to conform them to the proposed new director independence rules of the New York Stock Exchange. However, the amendments to the principles did not run for re-election atdisqualify any of our independent directors.
Our Board of Directors has determined that Charles M. Elson, Marsha J. Evans, Earl G. Graves, Jr., N. Gerry House, James F. Keegan, Edward S. Lampert, W. Andrew McKenna and Michael W. Michelson meet the independence standards of our Corporate Governance Principles and the New York Stock Exchange. A copy of the Corporate Governance Principles is attached as Appendix A to this annual meeting.Proxy Statement.
Board Meetings and Committees
The Board of Directors held eleventen meetings in fiscal year 2001.2002. All directors attended at least 75% of the total of the Board of Directors and committee meetings during the fiscal year.
Board Committees
Audit Committee. The charter of the Audit Committee recommendsis attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix B. Under its charter, the engagementAudit Committee is responsible for:
The Compensation CommitteeCommittee. Under its charter, the Compensation Committee:
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Under its charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee promulgates and reviewsensures that:
PROPOSAL 2-Approval of Director Stock Option Plan
Corporate Governance
The AutoZone, Inc. 2003 Director Stock Option Plan, which is referred to in this proposal as the "option plan," allows us to grant non-qualified options to our non-employee directors to purchase shares of AutoZone, Inc., common stock, $0.01 par value, at a fixed price at some point in the future. The closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of October 15, 2002, was $83.50. The following information regarding the option plan is only a summary. For more complete information, please refer to the complete copy of the plan attached as Appendix C to this proxy statement.
How many shares are reserved for issuance under the option plan?
Up to 400,000 shares will be reserved for issuance under the option plan.
Who receives stock options under the option plan?
All non-employee directors are eligible to receive stock option grants. The plan defines a non-employee director as a director that is not an employee or officer of AutoZone, Inc., or any of its subsidiaries.
In fiscal year 2003, options under the option plan will be granted to directors as shown in this table (based upon stock ownership of each director as of October 15, 2002):
Name and Position | by options |
Steve Odland, Chairman, President, CEO & Director | |
Charles M. Elson, Director | |
Marsha J. Evans, Director | |
Earl G. Graves, Jr., Director | |
N. Gerry House, Director | |
J.R. Hyde, III, Director | |
James F. Keegan, Director | |
Edward S. Lampert, Director | |
W. Andrew McKenna, Director | |
Executive Group | |
Non-Executive Director Group | |
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group |
How are the terms of the option grants determined?
The option grants are automatic under the operation of the plan and are not subject to discretion.
When are options granted under the option plan?
Options to purchase shares under the option plan are granted to all directors on January 1 of each year. In addition, new directors are granted options to purchase shares as of the date of their election to the Board.
How many options to purchase common stock are issued to a director on a grant date?
On January 1 of each year, each director is granted an option to purchase 1,500 shares. Also, each director who beneficially owns shares of common stock having an aggregate fair market value greater than or equal to five times the annual directors' fee (not including meeting fees or fees for being a committee chair) is granted an option to purchase an additional 1,500 shares.
Each new director is granted an option to purchase 3,000 shares as of the date of his or her election to the Board of Directors plus an additional grant of an option to purchase 1,500 shares prorated for the number of days remaining in the calendar year.
How is the exercise price for the stock option determined under the option plan?
The exercise price for the options granted under the option plan is based upon the average high and low price of AutoZone has taken great stridescommon stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange as of the first business day prior to improve its corporate governance and assure that the policies and structuredate of the grant as published in The Wall Street Journal.
When do the stock options become exercisable?
The options become exercisable on the first to occur of:
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors focus AutoZone on returning shareholder value. Inis the 2001 fiscal year,administrator under the Board of Directors:
How are stock options exercised?
Stock options may be exercised at any time after they have become exercisable by delivering a notice of exercise to the Secretary with payment of the option price and any required taxes. The option price may be paid:
The stock options granted under the option plan will expire on the first to occur of:
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES
ADOPTION
The Board of Directors of AutoZone, Inc., has adopted these Corporate Governance Principles as of June 5, 2001.
BOARD MISSION & OBJECTIVES
Mission Statement
AutoZone's primary objective is to maximize long-term stockholder value, while adhering to the laws of the jurisdictions wherein it operates and at all times observing the highest ethical standards.
Corporate Authority & Responsibility
All corporate authority resides in the Board of Directors as the representative of the stockholders. Authority is delegated to management by the Board in order to implement AutoZone's mission. Such delegated authority includes the authorization of spending limits and the authority to hire employees and terminate their services. The Board retains responsibility to recommend candidates to the stockholders for election to the Board of Directors. The Board retains responsibility for selection and evaluation of the CEO, oversight of the succession plan, determination of senior management compensation, approval of the annual budget, assurance of adequate systems, procedures and controls, as well as assisting in the preparation and approval of the strategic plan. Additionally, the Board provides advice and counsel to senior management. The Board may exercise its authority through committees of the Board.
DIRECTORS
Personal Characteristics & Core Competencies of Directors:
Individual Directors should possess all of the following personal characteristics:
To adequately fulfill the Board's complex roles, from overseeing the audit and monitoring managerial performance to responding to crises and approving AutoZone's strategic plan, a host of core competencies need to be represented on the Board. The Board as a whole should possess the following core competencies, with each member contributing knowledge, experience, and skills in one or more domains:
The Board should consider whether a change in an individual's professional responsibilities directly or indirectly impacts that person's ability to fulfill directorship obligations. All Directors should submit a resignation as a matter of course upon retirement, a change in employer, or other significant change in their professional roles and responsibilities. If the Board believes that a director will continue to make a contribution to the organization, the continued membership of that director may be supported.
Identification and Recruitment of Directors
One of the tasks of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to identify and recruit candidates to serve on the Board of Directors. A list of candidates shall be presented to the Board for nomination and to the stockholders for consideration. The committee may, at its discretion, seek third-party resources to assist in the process. The CEO will be included in the process on a non-voting basis. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will make the final recommendation to the Board.
Independent Directors
A substantial majority of the Board of Directors should be independent. An independent director is defined as a director who:
The members of the Board acknowledge that significant time is required to be a fully participating and effective member of AutoZone's Board of Directors. Therefore, each independent director should not hold more than two or three directorships of public companies other than AutoZone. The CEO should not be a member on more than one or two Boards of other public companies, and AutoZone's other executive officers should not be members of more than one other Boarddate of a public company. A Director should notifycorporate transaction, unless the Secretary prior to accepting a new position on another Board in order thatCompensation Committee waives this provision.
Compensation of Directors
Outside Directors are compensated in accordance with the Director Compensation Plan and the Director Stock Option Plan as may be in effect from time to time. The Board believes that a significant portion of a director's compensation should be in common stock to further the direct correlation of directors' and stockholders' interests.
A committee consisting of all Directors that do not receive compensation as Directors shall review independent director compensation from time to time and recommend to the full Board any changes in compensation as the committee may deem necessary.
Directors that are officers or employees shall not receive any additional compensation for their service as Directors. Outside Directors shall not receive a pension solely as a result of service as a Director.
Direct Investment in AutoZone Stock by Directors
Since a significant ownership stake leads to a stronger alignment of interests between directors and stockholders, each director is required to personally invest at least $100,000 in company stock within three years of joining the board. Exceptions to this requirement may only be made by the board under compelling mitigating circumstances.
Service Limitations of Directors
A Director may not stand for reelection after age 70, but need not resign until the end of his or her term. The Board may, however, upon evaluation of a Director that has reached 70 years of age, in its discretion ask such Director to remain on the Board in extraordinary circumstances if the Board believes that such Director will continue to make significant contributions to the work of the Board.
In order to retain freshness in the process and to give new management the unfettered ability to provide new leadership, a retiring CEO shall not continue to serve on the Board except in extraordinary circumstances.
Conflict of Interest
From time to time, an issue being considered by the Board may present, or may give the appearance of presenting, a conflict of interest for a Director. Each Director should take appropriate steps to assure that in each matter considered that the Director is disinterested with respect to that matter, other than the interests of AutoZone and its stockholders. Any Director faced with any potential conflict should disclose any such potential conflict to the Secretary and the Chairman and should not participate in discussions or votes on such issue unless a majority of the Board determines, after consultation with counsel, that no conflict of interest exists as to such matter.
Directors that are not independent Directors shall not participate in the Board's decision of selection, removal, or performance assessment of the CEO.
BOARD ORGANIZATION
Board Size
In general, smaller boards are more cohesive, work better together and tend to be more effective monitors than larger boards. Ideally, the Board should be comprised of six to ten outside Directors and one to two Directors who also are employees or officers.
Committees
All major decisions will be considered by the Board as a whole. As a consequence, the committee structure of the Board is limited to those committees considered to be basic to or required for the operation of AutoZone as a publicly-owned entity. Standing committees shall include audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance. The audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance committees shall be composed solely of independent Directors. The Board may form other committees as it determines appropriate. Each committee shall operate in accordance with its charter as adopted by the Board. Committee members and chairs shall be appointed annually by the Board in accordance with the charter of each committee.
BOARD OPERATIONS
Meetings The agenda for each Board meeting shall be determined by the Chairman. Each Director is encouraged to suggest agenda items.
The Board shall meet at least four times per fiscal year in accordance with a meeting schedule that is approved by the Board. The Board may also meet at such other times in meetings which may be called in accordance with AutoZone's Bylaws.
Other members of management may attend non-executive meetings of the Board at the invitation of the Chairman.
Communications
Directors have full access to the Chairman and CEO and senior officers reporting directly to the CEO and to information about the corporation's operations. Directors should refrain from giving strategic or operating direction to members of management outside the scope of full Board or committee responsibility and accountability.
Board Ability to Retain Advisors
The Board shall retain advisors as it believes to be appropriate. If management is retaining advisors to the Board, such decision must be ratified by the Board.
Material in Advance of Meetings
The Board must be given sufficient information to fully exercise its governance functions. This information comes from a variety of sources, including management reports, a comparison of performance to plans, security analysts' reports, articles in various business publications, etc. Generally, Board members will receive information prior to Board meetings so they will have an opportunity to reflect properly on the items to be considered at the meeting.
The Board will ensure that adequate time is provided for full discussion of important items and that management presentations are scheduled in a manner that permits a substantial proportion of Board meeting time to be available for open discussion.
Executive Session
The independent Directors should meet privately in executive session from time to time to review the performance of the CEO and other executive officers. The independent Directors should meet in executive session at the end of each Board meeting to consider other issues that they may determine from time to time, without the presence of any member of management.
Evaluation of the CEO
The selection and evaluation of the chief executive officer and concurrence with the CEO's selection and evaluation of the corporation's top management team are the most important functions of the Board. In its broader sense, "selection and evaluation" includes considering compensation, planning for succession, and, when appropriate, replacing the CEO or other members of the top management team. The performance of the CEO will be reviewed at least annually solely by the outside Directors without the presence of the CEO or other inside Directors. The evaluation of the CEO shall be led by the chair of the compensation committee. The Board should have an understanding with the CEO with respect to criteria on which he or she will be evaluated, and the results of the evaluation will be communicated to the CEO.
Succession and Management Development
The CEO will report annually to the Board on AutoZone's program for succession and management development.
CEO succession is a Board-driven, collaborative process. Although the current CEO has an important role to play, the Board must own the plan for succession while collaborating with the CEO in deciding the timing and the necessary qualifications for making a final decision.
Outside Communication
The Board believes that management speaks for the company. In accordance with this philosophy, Directors should defer to the Chairman or AutoZone's public relations department when requested to make any comments regarding AutoZone or its business.
Annual Election of Directors
In order to create greater alignment between the Board's and our stockholder's interests and to promote greater accountability to the stockholders, Directors shall be elected annually.
PERIODIC REVIEW OF GUIDELINES
These guidelines shall be reviewed periodically by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and any amendments shall be presented to the Board for adoption.
PROPOSAL 2--Approval of Executive Stock Purchase Plan
The following is a summary of the AutoZone, Inc., Executive Stock Purchase Plan (the "Executive Plan"). For complete details, please see the Executive Plan, which is reproduced in its entirety as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.
What is the Executive Stock Purchase Plan?option plan?
The Executive Plan will permit participants to acquire common stock from AutoZone in excess of the purchase limits of the AutoZone, Inc., Second Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Employee Plan"). Eligibility to participate in the Executive Plan willoption plan may be designatedamended by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee currently anticipatesBoard, except that it will designate AutoZone's ten senior executive officers as eligiblethe stockholders must approve any amendment to participate in the Executive Plan.
What is the Employee Plan?
The Employee Plan permits AutoZone employees to withhold portions of their salary and bonus to purchase common stock from AutoZone at a price that is 85% of the market value of the stock at the lesser of the market value on the beginning or the ending of the calendar quarter. Employees are limited under the Employee Plan to contributing no more than the lesser of $15,000 or 10% of their annual cash compensation, as defined in the Employee Plan. The Employee Plan is qualified under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under this section, no taxes are assessed on the purchased stock or the discount for the purchase of the stock until the stock is sold.
How will the Executive Plan work?
Upon reaching the contribution limit for the Employee Plan, participants in the Executive Plan will be permitted to participate in the Executive Plan by continuing their payroll deductions. Shares under the Executive Plan will be sold upon exercise of options, granted each calendar quarter, that consist of two parts: a restricted share option and an unvested share option. Bothplan to:
At the end of each calendar quarter under the Executive Plan, the money withheld by the participant will be used to purchase shares of AutoZone's common stock at an aggregate price equal to 85% of the market value of the shares as of the end of the calendar quarter. Of the total number of the shares purchased by a participant at the end of each calendar quarter, a number of shares havingavailable for grant under the option plan (other than an equitable adjustment in the number of shares due to a market value equal tostock split or other corporate event),
Termination of the participant's employment generally results in an automatic refund of the payroll deductions under the Executive Plan for that calendar quarter, and termination of participation in and outstanding options under the Executive Plan. However, if employment is terminated without cause or due to death, disability, or retirement, the participant (or in the case of death, the executor of the participant's will or administrator of the participant's estate) may request a refund of the payroll deductions for that calendar quarter or, if no written request is received, the option will be exercised as usual at the end of the calendar quarter.
What are the share purchase limitations of the Executive Plan?
No more than 25% of a participant's eligible compensation may be contributed to the Executive Plan in a calendar year. Eligible compensation is defined as base salary and bonus paid for the prior fiscal year or, if the participant did not receive compensation for the full prior fiscal year, the annualized current salary plus any bonus paid for the current fiscal year as of the grantexpiration date of the option.plan, or
The Executive Plan, unlike the Employee Plan, will base the purchase price of the stock on the market value of the stock as of the last day of the calendar quarter only. The Executive Plan will set a higher limit than does the Employee Plan on the percentage of eligible compensation that a participant may have withheld for the purchase of stock, and, unlike the Employee Plan, it will place no dollar limit on the amount of eligible compensation that a participant may have withheld. The Executive Plan will not be qualified under the federal tax code for special tax treatment.
How many shares can be issued under the Executive Plan?
AutoZone will be able to sell up to a total of 300,000 shares under the Executive Plan.
What is the current market value of AutoZone common stock?
AutoZone common stock, as of the closelisted company rules of the New York Stock Exchange or the law would require stockholder approval.
The option plan will expire on October 15, 2001, was valued at $56.73.December 31, 2012, unless sooner terminated by the Board. No further options may be granted under the option plan after the termination date; however, all benefits granted under the option plan prior to the termination date shall continue to be paid in accordance with their terms.
How can the Executive Plan be amendedWhat happens to stock options in case of a stock split or terminated?other corporate event?
The Executive Plan may be amendedIn the event of a corporate event such as a stock split, spin-off, or terminated byother corporate transaction that affects our common stock, the Compensation Committee at any time, except that approval of the stockholders is requiredmay make appropriate adjustments to amend the Executive Plan to increase the number of options granted and the exercise price to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits under stock options granted, including making adjustments to:
Are the stock options transferable?
Options granted under the Executive Plan'sstock option price provisions, to materially modifyplan are not transferable, except by will or the eligibility requirements for participation in the Executive Plan, or any other amendment that would require stockholder approval under federal tax or securities laws. The Executive Plan will terminate on December 31, 2006.laws of descent and distribution.
What are the federal income tax consequences to a participant in the Executive Plan?of stock option grants and exercises?
The amountsFederal income taxes are due from a recipient of compensation contributed to the Executive Plan are after-tax dollars. Amounts withheld and used to purchase the Restricted Shares will become the participant's tax basis in the shares. Any gain or loss on later disposition of such shares will be taxed as a capital gain or loss.
With respect to the Unvested Shares, the market value of such shares at the time that they vest and are no longer subject to forfeiture generally will be taxable at ordinary income rates. Thereafter, any appreciation or loss in value of such shares will be taxable as a capital gain or lossnon-qualified stock options when the sharesstock options are sold. However, if a participant makes an election under section 83(b)exercised. The difference between the exercise price of the Internal Revenue Code, immediately upon acquisition ofoption and the Unvested Shares thefair market value of the sharesstock purchased on the exercise date is taxed as ordinary income. Thereafter, the tax basis for the acquired stock is equal to the fair market value of the stock as of the date the shares are acquired will be taxable at ordinary income rates. Thereafter, any increase or decrease in value in the shares will be taxable as a capital gain or loss upon the disposition of the shares.
What are the federal income tax consequences to AutoZone?
exercise date. AutoZone will be able to take a tax deduction for compensation expense atequal to the same time and inamount of income realized by the same amount asoption recipient on the ordinary income recognized by a participant.exercise date.
What vote is required of the stockholders to approve the Executive Plan?option plan?
For approval,To approve the Executive Planoption plan, the plan must receive an affirmative vote from a majoritymore votes in favor of the sharesplan than are cast against it. Broker non-votes and abstentions will be counted as present in person or by proxy. Abstentions will haveat the effectmeeting for purposes of voting against approval of the Executive Plan and broker non-votesa quorum, but will not be counted as voting either for or against the Executive Plan.option plan.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR approval of the ExecutiveDirector Stock PurchaseOption Plan.
PROPOSAL 3--Approval3-Approval of Director Compensation Plan
What is the director compensation plan?
The AutoZone, Inc. 2003 Director Compensation Plan, which is referred to in this proposal as the "compensation plan," allows AutoZone's non-employee directors to have flexibility in compensation for serving on AutoZone's Board of Directors. The plan will also allow non-employee directors to participate in the ownership of AutoZone and to defer all or a portion of the director's compensation into common stock equivalent units. Non-employee directors are required to take at least one-half of their directors fees in AutoZone common stock or stock equivalent units, also known as "stock appreciation rights" or "SARs." The closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of October 15, 2002, was $83.50. The following information regarding the compensation plan is only a summary. For more complete information, please refer to the complete copy of the plan attached as Appendix D to this proxy statement.
How many shares are reserved for issuance under the compensation plan?
Up to 100,000 shares are reserved for issuance under the compensation plan.
Who may participate in the compensation plan?
All non-employee directors of AutoZone are required to participate in the plan. A non-employee director is a director that is not an employee or officer of AutoZone or any of its subsidiaries. Currently, there are nine non-employee directors on AutoZone's Board of Directors.
How are the non-employee directors compensated under the compensation plan?
Each non-employee director receives a director's fee as set by the Board. The director's fee has a fixed component and a variable component. The variable component of a director's compensation is currently based on the number of Board meetings attended by the director and is paid in quarterly installments, in arrears, based on the number of Board meetings attended by the director during the preceding quarter.
Each non-employee director is required to accept at least one-half, or at the discretion of the director up to all, of the fee in AutoZone common stock or stock appreciation rights. The balance of the fee is paid in cash.
During fiscal year 2002, non-employee director compensation included $25,000 as a fixed fee and $1,000 per Board meeting attended by the director. The following table shows the amount and type of compensation received by each director in fiscal year 2002:
Name and Position | Stock Issued | Issued | Paid ($) |
Steve Odland, Chairman, President, CEO & Director | |||
Charles M. Elson, Director | |||
Marsha J. Evans, Director | |||
Earl G. Graves, Jr., Director | |||
N. Gerry House, Director | |||
J.R. Hyde, III, Director | |||
James F. Keegan, Director | |||
Edward S. Lampert, Director | |||
W. Andrew McKenna, Director | |||
Michael W. Michelson, Director | |||
Executive Group | |||
Non-Executive Director Group | |||
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group |
What are "stock appreciation rights (SARs)"?
Stock appreciation rights are referred to in the compensation plan as "common stock equivalent units." They permit a non-employee director to participate in the appreciation in the value of AutoZone's common stock while deferring the recognition of income for tax purposes. The number of SARs a non-employee director receives under the compensation plan is recorded in a ledger, but no stock certificates are issued until requested and as permitted under the plan. Each director receiving SARs will have an individual account in the ledger.
The purpose of using the SARs instead of issuing stock is to defer the income taxes that ordinarily would have been paid upon the issuance of the stock or payment of the director's fee until the issuance of the stock or payment of the fee.
How are the number of shares of common stock or SARs to be issued calculated?
The number of common shares or SARs issued is determined by dividing the director's fee payable by the fair market value of a share of AutoZone's common stock on the date the fee is due. The fair market value of the common stock is determined by the average of the high and the low price of the common stock for the business day before the relevant compensation date as published by The Wall Street Journal.
Calculations of the number of common shares to be issued are truncated to the whole share with the fractional amount paid in cash. Calculations of the number of SARs to be issued are rounded to the nearest one-tenth.
How long must a director hold common stock or SARs issued under the compensation plan?
A director may not sell, assign, or otherwise transfer common stock received under the compensation plan for at least six months and one day after the shares of the common stock are issued. A director may not sell, assign or otherwise transfer his or her interests in SARs received under the compensation plan for at least six months and one day after the SARs are credited to the director's account.
How does a director receive proceeds from his or her account?
Upon termination as a director, a non-employee director may elect to receive a distribution from his or her SAR unit account in cash or in common stock or may elect to continue to defer payments in the compensation plan. Deferred payments will be credited with interest at a rate set by the Board of Directors. If a director desires to defer payments after termination as a director, then, at least 12 months prior to the director's termination date, the director must notify AutoZone's Secretary of how the director wishes the deferred payments to be distributed. The director may elect to have deferred payments distributed in one of the following ways:
Benefits granted under the compensation plan are not transferable, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
What happens to the compensation plan in the case of a stock split or other corporate event?
In the event of a corporate event such as a stock split, spin-off, or other corporate transaction that affects our common stock, the Compensation Committee may make adjustments to the number and kind of shares of common stock which may be issued under the compensation plan, such as:
The compensation plan may be amended by the Board, except that the stockholders must approve any amendment to the plan to:
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is the administrator under the plan. Only independent directors can serve as members of the Compensation Committee. The current committee members are Mr. Lampert, Ms. Evans, Dr. House, and Mr. McKenna, all of whom are independent directors.
When does the compensation plan expire?
The compensation plan will expire on December 31, 2012, unless sooner terminated by the Board. No further benefits may be paid under the compensation plan after the termination date; however, all benefits granted under the compensation plan prior to the termination date will continue to be paid in accordance with their terms, or the Board may accelerate payment of benefits.
What vote is required to approve the compensation plan?
To approve the compensation plan, the plan must receive more votes in favor of the plan than are cast against it. Broker non-votes and abstentions will be counted as present at the meeting for purposes of a quorum, but will not be counted as voting either for or against the compensation plan.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the Director Compensation Plan.
PROPOSAL 4-Approval of Independent Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP, our independent auditors for the past fourteenfifteen fiscal years, has again been selected by the Audit Committee to be AutoZone's independent auditors for fiscal year 2002.2003. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting to make a statement if they so desire and to answer any appropriate questions. During fiscal year 2001,2002, the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for the audit of AutoZone's annual financial statements for the 20012002 fiscal year and the reviews of the financial statements included in AutoZone's Forms 10-Q for the 20012002 fiscal year were $335,000,$327,500, and the aggregate fees billed for other services, including other audit related services, were $957,449.$1,335,926, which included:
For approval, the auditors must receive an affirmative vote from a majoritymore votes in favor of the shares present in person or by proxy.approval than votes cast against. Abstentions will have the effect of voting against approval of the auditors and broker non-votes will not be counted as voting either for or against the auditors. However, we arethe Audit Committee is not bound by a vote either for or against the auditors. The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee will consider a vote against the auditors by the stockholders in selecting auditors in the future.
The Board of DirectorsAudit Committee recommends that you vote FOR approval of Ernst & YoungLLPYoung LLP as independent auditors.
To the Board of Directors of AutoZone, Inc.:
The Audit Committee of AutoZone, Inc., has reviewed and discussed AutoZone's audited financial statements for the year ended August 25, 2001.31, 2002. In addition, we have discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, AutoZone's independent auditing firm, the matters required by Codification of Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61., and other matters required by the charter of this committee.
The committee also has received the written disclosures and the letter from Ernst & Young LLP required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, and we have discussed with AutoZone's management and the auditing firm such other matters and received such assurances from them as we deemed appropriate. In addition, we have considered whether the provision of nonaudit services by Ernst & Young LLP to AutoZone is compatible with maintaining auditor independence.
As a result of our review and discussions, we have recommended to the Board of Directors the inclusion of AutoZone's audited financial statements in the annual report for the year ended August 25, 2001,31, 2002, on Form 10-K.
While the Audit Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in its Charter, the audit committee does not have the duty to plan or conduct audits or to determine that AutoZone's financial statements are complete, accurate, or in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; AutoZone's management and the independent auditor have this responsibility. Nor does the audit committee have the duty to conduct investigations, to resolve disagreements, if any, between management and the independent auditor, or to assure compliance with laws and regulations and the policies of the Board of Directors.
James F. Keegan, ChairmanEdward S. LampertCharles M. Elson
Earl G. Graves, Jr.
W. Andrew McKenna
We do not know of any matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting other than those discussed in this proxy statement. If, however, other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, your proxies will be able to vote those matters in their discretion.
Security Ownership of Management
This table shows the beneficial ownership of common stock as of October 15, 2001,2002, by each director, the current Chief Executive Officer, the former Chief Executive Officer, the other four most highly compensated executive officers, a former executive officer, and all current directors and executive officers as a group. Unless stated otherwise in the notes to the table, each person named below has sole authority to vote and invest the shares shown.
as of October 15, 2001 | |||
Ownership | |||
Name of Beneficial Owner | Percentage1 | ||
Andrew M. Clarkson2 | 501,820 | * | |
Charles M. Elson | 6,024 | * | |
N. Gerry House3 | 4,066 | * | |
J.R. Hyde, III4 | 808,124 | * | |
James F. Keegan5 | 14,969 | * | |
Edward S. Lampert6 | 30,687,265 | 29.4% | |
W. Andrew McKenna7 | 13,674 | * | |
Michael W. Michelson8 | 516,962 | * | |
Steve Odland | 50,000 | * | |
John C. Adams, Jr.9 | 70,426 | * | |
Robert J. Hunt10 | 295,308 | * | |
Harry L. Goldsmith11 | 131,814 | * | |
Michael E. Longo12 | 68,430 | * | |
Robert D. Olsen13 | 10,000 | * | |
Timothy D. Vargo14 | 16,852 | * | |
All current directors and executive officers as a group (18 persons)15 | 33,218,262 | 31.9% |
as of October 15, 2002 | ||
Name of Beneficial Owner | Percentage1 | |
Steve Odland2 | 154,118 | |
Andrew M. Clarkson3 | 373,820 | |
Charles M. Elson4 | 6,521 | |
Marsha J. Evans5 | 174 | |
Earl G. Graves, Jr. 6 | 350 | |
N. Gerry House7 | 5,393 | |
J.R. Hyde, III8 | 810,621 | |
James F. Keegan9 | 17,465 | |
Edward S. Lampert10 | 25,531,547 | |
W. Andrew McKenna11 | 18,170 | |
Michael W. Michelson12 | 519,431 | |
Bruce G. Clark | 8,000 | |
Harry L. Goldsmith13 | 123,117 | |
Michael E. Longo14 | 71,367 | |
Robert D. Olsen15 | 34,632 | |
All current directors and executive officers as a group (20 persons)16 | 27,060,746 | 27.7% |
1Calculated assuming shares deemed beneficially owned by AutoZone under forward purchase agreements are not outstanding.
2Includes 147,200100,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2002.
3Includes 108,200 shares held by charitable trusts for which Mr. Clarkson is a trustee and has sole investment and voting power, with respect to which Mr. Clarkson disclaims beneficial ownership. Does not include 1,000 shares owned by a memberMr. Clarkson retired from the Board of Mr. Clarkson's immediate family nor does it include 28,000 shares heldDirectors in trust for the benefit of a member of Mr. Clarkson's family, with respect to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.December 2001.
3 4Includes 1,953497 shares that may be acquired immediately upon termination as a director by conversion of stock appreciation rights.
5Includes 174 shares that may be acquired immediately upon termination as a director by conversion of stock appreciation rights.
6Includes 350 shares that may be acquired immediately upon termination as a director by conversion of stock appreciation rights.
7Includes 2,280 shares that may be acquired immediately upon termination as a director by conversion of stock appreciation rights and 1,0002,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2001.2002.
4 8Includes 350,410 shares held by a charitable foundation for which Mr. Hyde is an officer and a director and for which he shares investment and voting power, 4,0014,498 shares that may be acquired immediately upon termination as a director by conversion of stock appreciation rights, and 1,0003,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2001.2002. Does not include 2,000 shares owned by Mr. Hyde's wife.
5 9Includes 1,0003,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2001.2002. Does not include 800 shares owned by a member of Mr. Keegan's family with respect to which Mr. Keegan disclaims any beneficial ownership.
6 10Mr. Lampert is the Chief Executive Officer of ESL Investments, Inc. All shares indicated, other than 2,3652,847 shares owned directly by Mr. Lampert, are owned by ESL Partners, L.P., ESL Limited, ESL Institutional Partners, L.P., ESL Investors, L.L.C., Acres Partners, L.P., Marion Partners, L.P, and Blue Macaw Partners, L.P. Mr. Lampert may be deemed to have indirect beneficial ownership of the shares owned by these entities. ESL Investments, Inc., in an agreement dated October 10, 2000, agreed not to vote any shares it or its affiliates acquired after October 20, 2000, until after April 1, 2004, unless AutoZone gives consent otherwise. As of the record date, this agreement applied to 3,767,300to 8,923,500 shares beneficially owned by ESL Investments, Inc., and its affiliates. See also footnote 42 under Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, below.
7 11Includes 1,6742,170 shares that may be acquired immediately upon termination as a director by conversion of stock appreciation rights.
8 12Includes 4,0794,548 shares that may be acquired immediately upon termination as a director by conversion of stock appreciation rights and 1,0003,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2001.2002.
9 13Includes 57,500109,305 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2001.2002, and 1,400 shares held by trusts for which Mr. Adams retired as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in January 2000.Goldsmith is a beneficiary.
10 14Includes 191,66668,999 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2001, and 2,000 shares held by a charitable trust for which Mr. Hunt is a trustee and has sole investment and voting power, with respect to which Mr. Hunt disclaims beneficial ownership.2002.
11 15Includes 118,3325,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2001,2002, and 1,40027,652 shares held by trustsa revocable trust for the benefit of Mr. Olsen's family members of which Mr. Goldsmith is a beneficiary.Olsen and his wife are the trustees.
12 16Includes 66,499420,385 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2001.
13Does not include 19,632 shares held by a trust for the benefit of Mr. Olsen's family members.
14Includes 15,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2001. Mr. Vargo retired as President2002, and Chief Operating Officer in May 2001.
15Includes 471,828 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options either immediately or within 60 days of October 15, 2001, and 11,90314,516 shares that may be acquired immediately upon termination as a director by conversion of stock appreciation rights. Does not include any shares deemed beneficially owned by Messrs. Adams or Vargo.Mr. Clarkson.
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Stockholders
Our stockholders have approved the AutoZone, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan, the AutoZone, Inc. Second Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and the AutoZone, Inc. Executive Stock Purchase Plan.
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Stockholders
The AutoZone, Inc. Second Amended and Restated Director Compensation Plan and the AutoZone, Inc. Fourth Amended and Restated 1998 Director Stock Option Plan were approved by the Board, but were not approved by the stockholders. Only treasury shares may be issued under these plans. The 2003 Director Compensation Plan and the 2003 Director Stock Option Plan are being presented to the stockholders at this Annual Meeting. For details, please see the descriptions of Proposals 2 and 3 in this Proxy Statement. Upon adoption of the new plans, the Second Amended and Restated Director Compensation Plan and the Fourth Amended and Restated Director Stock Option Plan will be terminated.
Under the Second Amended and Restated Director Compensation Plan, a non-employee director may receive no more than one-half of the annual and meeting fees immediately in cash, and the remainder of the fees must be taken in common stock or may be deferred in units with value equivalent to the value of shares of common stock as of the grant date (also known as "stock appreciation rights" or "SARs"). The current annual fee for each director is $25,000 and the fee per Board meeting is $1,000. Fees are established and may be changed by the Board from time to time.
Under the Fourth Amended and Restated 1998 Director Stock Option Plan, on January 1 of each year, each non-employee director receives an option to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock, and each non-employee director that owns common stock worth at least five times the annual fee paid to each non-employee director on an annual basis will receive an additional option to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock. In addition, each new director receives an option to purchase 3,000 shares upon election to the Board of Directors, plus a portion of the annual directors' option grant prorated for the portion of the year actually served in office. These stock option grants are made at the fair market value as of the grant date.
Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in the first column) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | |||
Equity compensation plans not approved by securities holders | |||
Total |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The following entities are known by us to own more than five percent of our outstanding common stock:
as of October 15, 2001 | ||
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Percentage1 | |
Barclays Bank PLC2 54 Lombard Street London, England EC3P3AH | 7,606,941 | 7.3% |
Capital Research and Management Company3 333 South Hope Street Los Angeles, CA 90071 | 8,140,000 | 7.8% |
ESL Investments, Inc.4 One Lafayette Place Greenwich, CT 06830 | 30,687,265 | 29.4% |
FMR Corp.5 82 Devonshire Street Boston, MA 02109 | 7,878,400 | 7.6% |
as of October 15, 2002 | ||
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Percentage1 | |
ESL Investments, Inc.2 One Lafayette Place Greenwich, CT 06830 | ||
FMR Corp.3 82 Devonshire Street Boston, MA 02109 | ||
Putnam Investment Management, Inc.4 One Post Office Square Boston, MA 02109 |
2All information regarding Barclays Bank PLC is based upon the Schedule 13F for the period ended June 29, 2001. Barclays Bank PLC has the sole power to vote 7,146,880 shares and no power to vote 460,061 shares.
3All information regarding Capital Research and Management Company is based upon the Schedule 13F for the period ended June 30, 2001. Capital Research and Management Company has the sole power to vote and dispose of the shares deemed beneficially owned by it.
4Shares deemed beneficially owned by ESL Investments, Inc., are owned by a group consisting of ESL Partners, L.P., ESL Limited, ESL Institutional Partners, L.P., ESL Investors, L.L.C., Acres Partners, L.P., Marion Partners, L.P., Blue Macaw Partners, L.P., and Edward S. Lampert. The general partner of ESL Partners, L.P., is RBS Partners, L.P. The general partner of RBS Partners, L.P. is ESL Investments, Inc. ESL Investment Management, LLC, is the investment manager of ESL Limited. RBS Investment Management, LLC, is the general partner of ESL Institutional Partners, L.P. ESL Investments, Inc., is the general partner of Acres Partners, L.P. Mr. Lampert is the managing member of ESL Investment Management, LLC, and RBS Investment Management, LLC. In their respective capacities, each of the foregoing may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of AutoZone common stock beneficially owned by other members of the group. ESL Partners, L.P., is the record owner of 14,769,01912,338,984 shares, ESL Limited is the record owner of 3,479,9992,985,290 shares, ESL Institutional Partners, L.P., is the record owner of 505,557443,272 shares, ESL Investors, L.L.C., is the record owner of 1,521,365 shares, Acres Partners, L.P., is the record owner of 8,795,7707,526,599 shares, Marion Partners, L.P., is the record owner of 1,124,840224,840 shares, Blue Macaw Partners, L.P., is the record owner of 488,350 shares, and Mr. Lampert is the record owner of 2,3652,847 shares. Each entity or person has the sole power to vote and dispose of the shares deemed beneficially owned by it. ESL Investments, Inc., in an agreement dated October 10, 2000, agreed not to vote any shares it or its affiliates acquired after October 20, 2000, until after April 1, 2004, unless AutoZone gives consent otherwise. As of the record date, this agreement applied to 8,923,5008,923,500to 3,767,300 shares beneficially owned by ESL Investments, Inc., and its affiliates.
5 3All information regarding FMR Corp. is based upon the Schedule 13F for the period ended June 30, 2001,2002, filed by a group consisting of FMR Corp., Edward C. Johnson 3d, its chairman, and Abigail P. Johnson, a director of FMR Corp. Edward C. Johnson 3d and Abigail P. Johnson are deemed to be members of a controlling group with respect to FMR Corp. The shares of common stock deemed beneficially owned by FMR Corp. are held by investment subsidiaries under the control of FMR Corp., including Fidelity Management & Research Company, Fidelity Management Trust Company, and Strategic Advisors, Inc. FMR Corp. has the sole power to vote 1,089,439 shares and no power to vote 6,952,780 shares.
4All information regarding Putnam Investment Management, Inc. is based upon the Schedule 13F for the period ended June 30, 2002. Putnam Investment Management, Inc. has the sole power to vote 538,041 shares and no power to vote 6,811,147 shares.
Non-employee directors are paid an annual fee of $25,000 in quarterly installments, plus $1,000 for each Board meeting attended. Under the AutoZone, Inc., Second Amended and Restated DirectorsDirector Compensation Plan, a non-employee director may receive no more than one-half of the annual and meeting fees immediately in cash, and the remainder of the fees must be taken in common stock or may be deferred in units with value equivalent to the value of shares of common stock as of the grant date (also known as "stock appreciation rights").
Under the AutoZone, Inc., Second Fourth Amended and Restated 1998 Director Stock Option Plan, on January 1 of each year, each non-employee director receives an option to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock, and each non-employee director that owns common stock worth at least five times the annual fee paid to each non-employee director on an annual basis will receive an additional option to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock. In addition, each new director receives an option to purchase 3,000 shares upon election to the Board of Directors, plus a portion of the annual directors' option grant prorated for the portion of the year actually served in office. These stock option grants are made at the fair market value as of the grant date.
Mr.Andrew M. Clarkson is an AutoZone employee. Foremployee and was a director until his retirement in December 2001. He received a salary in fiscal year 2001 he was paid2002 of $50,962 and a salary and bonus of $75,310 and received other benefits ordinarily granted to all employees.$80,400.
This table shows the compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer the former Chief Executive Officer, another former executive officer, and the other four most highly paid executive officers for the past three fiscal years.
Securities | ||||||
Name and | ||||||
Principal Position | Year | Salary | Bonus2 | Compensation3 | Options/SARs4 | Compensation5 |
Steve Odland6 | 375,000 | 520,4111 | 128,590 | 275,000 | 2,077 | |
Chairman, President, | ||||||
& Chief Executive Officer | ||||||
John C. Adams, Jr. | 575,000 | 584,320 | ---- | ---- | 6,753 | |
Former Chairman & | 541,000 | 541,000 | ---- | 50,000 | 5,369 | |
Chief Executive Officer | 530,400 | 265,200 | ---- | ---- | 6,000 | |
Timothy D. Vargo | 500,000 | 322,013 | ---- | ---- | 6,987 | |
Former President & | 424,400 | 328,910 | ---- | 30,000 | 5,640 | |
Chief Operating Officer | 424,400 | 212,200 | ---- | ---- | 6,000 | |
Robert J. Hunt7 | 330,000 | 252,925 | ---- | ---- | 656,816 | |
Executive Vice President | 312,000 | 234,000 | ---- | 10,000 | 5,030 | |
& Chief Financial Officer | 306,000 | 114,750 | ---- | 25,000 | 6,000 | |
Michael E. Longo | 287,500 | 174,639 | ---- | ---- | 4,499 | |
Senior Vice President | 235,385 | 143,578 | ---- | 10,000 | 4,182 | |
Store Operations | 225,000 | 56,250 | ---- | ---- | 4,018 | |
Robert D. Olsen8 | 285,000 | 173,120 | 150,563 | ---- | 3,422 | |
Senior Vice President | 98,654 | 59,194 | 11,908 | 100,000 | 1,185 | |
Mexico, ALLDATA, | ||||||
& Store Development | ||||||
Harry L. Goldsmith | 270,000 | 165,551 | ---- | ---- | 3,539 | |
Senior Vice President, | 235,603 | 134,294 | ---- | 7,500 | 3,360 | |
General Counsel & Secretary | 216,000 | 64,800 | ---- | 20,000 | 3,063 |
Compensation | ||||||
Name andPrincipal Position | Compensation5 | |||||
Steve Odland6 | 662,500 | 2,090,400 | ||||
Chairman, President, | 375,000 | 520,411 | ||||
& Chief Executive Officer | ||||||
Michael E. Longo | 314,942 | 596,246 | ||||
Senior Vice President | 287,500 | 174,639 | ||||
Operations, Commercial & ALLDATA | 235,385 | 143,578 | ||||
Robert D. Olsen7 | 299,195 | 566,434 | ||||
Senior Vice President | 285,000 | 173,120 | ||||
Mexico & Store Development | 98,654 | 59,194 | ||||
Harry L. Goldsmith | 283,448 | 536,622 | ||||
Senior Vice President, | 270,000 | 165,551 | ||||
General Counsel & Secretary | 235,603 | 134,294 | ||||
Bruce G. Clark | 280,288 | 530,640 | ||||
Senior Vice President | 275,000 | 139,205 | ||||
& Chief Information Officer | 260,000 | 117,000 |
1Bonus amountFiscal year 2002 consisted of 53 weeks. Therefore, salary for Mr. Odlandeach person includes $150,000an additional week. Bonuses for fiscal year 2002 were paid as a sign-on bonus.based on annual base salaries.
2Bonuses are shown for the fiscal year earned, but paid in the following fiscal year.
3Amount shown for Mr. Odland for 2002 is for discounts on stock purchased under the Amended and Restated Executive Stock Purchase Plan. Amount shown for Mr. Odland for 2001 includes $68,155 paid for relocation expenses and $45,435 paid in taxes on the relocation expenses. Amount shown for Mr. Olsen for 2001 includes $88,781 for relocation expenses and $61,782 paid in taxes on the relocation expenses and amount shown for 2000 includes $7,636 for relocation expenses and $4,272 paid in taxes on the relocation expenses. Amount shown for Mr. Clark for 2000 is for taxes paid on relocation expenses.
4All amounts shown are stock options granted in accordance with the Second Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Option Plan. AutoZone did not grant SARs to executive officers in the fiscal years shown.
5AmountsAmount shown in fiscal 20012002 for Messrs.Mr. Odland consists of $3,600 for life insurance and $1,938 in accrued contributions under defined contribution plans. Amount shown in fiscal 2002 for Mr. Longo consists of $3,600 for life insurance, $1,224 in accrued contributions under defined contribution plans, and $91 in interest in excess of market rates on deferred compensation. Amount shown in fiscal 2002 for Mr. Olsen consists of $3,545 for life insurance and $1,044 in accrued contributions under defined contribution plans. Amount shown in fiscal 2002 for Mr. Goldsmith and Olsen consistconsists of term life insurance provided for the benefit of the named officer's beneficiary. Amount shown in fiscal 20012002 for Mr. AdamsClark consists of $3,600 for life insurance, $3,025$2,098 in accrued contributions under defined contribution plans, and $128 in interest in excess of market rates on deferred compensation. Amount shown in fiscal 2001 for Mr. Vargo consists of $3,600 for life insurance, $2,625 in accrued contributions under defined contribution plans, and $762 in interest in excess of market rates on deferred compensation. Amount shown in fiscal 2001 for Mr. Hunt consists of $650,000 paid to Mr. Hunt in August 2001 pursuant to an agreement related to his retirement, $3,600 for life insurance, $2,625 in accrued contributions under defined contribution plans, and $591 in interest in excess of market rates on deferred compensation. Amount shown in fiscal 2001 for Mr. Longo consists of $3,536 for life insurance, $957 in accrued contributions under defined contribution plans, and $6$1,154 in interest in excess of market rates on deferred compensation.
6Mr. Odland was first employed in January 2001.
7Mr. Hunt has announced his intention to retire as an officer of AutoZone upon the election of his successor.
8Mr. Olsen was first employedre-employed in April 2000.
This table shows the number of stock options granted to certain executive officers during the most recent fiscal year pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Option Plan. Executive officers were not granted SARs during the 20012002 fiscal year.
Steve Odland | 275,000 | 4,520,809 | 11,456,618 | ||||
John C. Adams, Jr. | 0 | ||||||
Timothy D. Vargo | 0 | ||||||
Robert J. Hunt | 0 | ||||||
Michael E. Longo | 0 | ||||||
Robert D. Olsen | 0 | ||||||
Harry L. Goldsmith | 0 |
Securities Underlying Options/SARs Granted (#)2 | Options/SARs Granted to Employees in Fiscal Year | or Base Price ($/Sh) | Date | Valuem at Assumed Annual Rates of Stock Price Appreciation for Option Term1 | ||
Steve Odland | ||||||
Michael E. Longo | ||||||
Robert D. Olsen | ||||||
Harry L. Goldsmith | ||||||
Bruce G. Clark | ||||||
2Options shown vest in one-quarter increments on each of the first through fourth anniversaries after the grant datedate..
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and FY-End Option/SAR Values
This table shows stock option exercises by certain executive officers during the most recent fiscal year, and their exercisable and unexercisable stock options as of August 25, 2001.31, 2002. The fiscal year-end value of "in-the-money" stock options is the aggregate difference between the exercise price of the option and $47.50$72.35 per share, the market value of the common stock on August 25, 2001.31, 2002. Executive officers do not have SARs.
Underlying Unexercised Options/SARs at FY-End (#) | In-the-Money Options/SARs at FY-End ($) | |||||||||||||||
Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | Value Realized ($) | Exercisable | Unexercisable | Exercisable | Unexercisable | |||||||||||
Steve Odland | 0 | 0 | 275,000 | 0 | 5,874,000 | --- | --- | 68,750 | 331,250 | 3,176,938 | 13,087,063 | |||||
John C. Adams, Jr. | 298,332 | 185,000 | 316,668 | 3,926,875 | 7,372,950 | |||||||||||
Timothy D. Vargo | 216,666 | 175,000 | 238,334 | 3,756,250 | 5,531,058 | |||||||||||
Robert J. Hunt | 0 | 145,833 | 89,167 | 3,429,678 | 2,050,634 | |||||||||||
Michael E. Longo | 0 | 66,499 | 52,501 | 1,719,893 | 977,732 | 30,000 | 2,060,625 | 62,749 | 51,251 | 2,778,899 | 1,846,001 | |||||
Robert D. Olsen | 0 | 0 | 100,000 | 0 | 2,256,250 | --- | --- | --- | 120,000 | --- | 5,310,250 | |||||
Harry L. Goldsmith | 0 | 121,666 | 55,834 | 2,809,357 | 1,256,893 | 46,528 | 2,252,154 | 107,638 | 43,334 | 5,225,377 | 1,629,280 | |||||
Bruce G. Clark | 13,333 | 421,348 | 3,333 | 53,334 | 161,151 | 1,990,508 |
Remuneration | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | ||||
200,000 | 30,000 | 42,526 | 55,815 | 66,447 | 66,447 | ||||
300,000 | 45,000 | 60,000 | 75,000 | 75,000 | 75,000 | ||||
400,000 | 60,000 | 80,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | ||||
500,000 | 75,000 | 100,000 | 125,000 | 125,000 | 125,000 | ||||
600,000 | 90,000 | 120,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 | ||||
700,000 | 105,000 | 140,000 | 175,000 | 175,000 | 175,000 | ||||
800,000 | 120,000 | 160,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | ||||
900,000 | 135,000 | 180,000 | 225,000 | 225,000 | 225,000 | ||||
1,000,000 | 150,000 | 200,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 | ||||
1,100,000 | 165,000 | 220,000 | 275,000 | 275,000 | 275,000 | ||||
1,200,000 | 180,000 | 240,000 | 300,000 | 300,000 | 300,000 | ||||
1,300,000 | 195,000 | 260,000 | 325,000 | 325,000 | 325,000 |
Remuneration includes salary and bonus. The benefit is based on the average monthly earnings for the consecutive five-year period during which a participant had his or her highest level of earnings. The benefits stated in the table will not be reduced by Social Security or other amounts received by a participant. Remuneration shown is assumed to be the participant's five-year average earnings.
Benefits under the pension plan vest after five years of service. The number of years of credited service certain executive officers have accrued under the pension plan as of the most recent fiscal year end are:
Name | Service |
Steve Odland | |
Michael E. Longo | |
Robert D. Olsen | |
Harry L. Goldsmith | |
Bruce G. Clark |
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
The executive compensation program is designed to attract and retain executives who are key to our long-term success. In this process, we want to align an executive's compensation with AutoZone's attainment of business goals and the increase in stockholder value. The Compensation Committee reviews executive compensation annually and makes appropriate adjustments based on company performance, achievement of predetermined goals, and changes in an executive's duties and responsibilities. The compensation of other AutoZone employees is based on a similar philosophy.
Compensation Philosophy
Executive compensation consists of salary, bonus, and stock options.
SalarySalary.. The Compensation Committee desires that overall compensation reflect each executive's performance over time. Base salaries are then set at levels subjectively determined by the Compensation Committee to adequately reward and retain capable executives.
At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee reviews and establishes the annual salary of executive officers. The Committee makes an independent subjective determination of the appropriate level of these officers' salaries. The Committee does not use any mechanical formulations or weighting of any ofsalaries taking into consideration the factors considered. In addition,salary ranges recommended for a particular position by outside compensation consultants, and the Compensation Committee approvesexecutive officer's performance for the salaries of the other officers as recommended by the Chief Executive Officer.past fiscal year.
BonusBonus. . Each fiscal year executive officers are paid a bonus based on the attainment of goals set by the Compensation Committee. Objective goal targets are setThe goals for fiscal year 2002 were based on AutoZone's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and return on invested capital (ROIC). The Compensation Committee establishes a bonus payout matrix at the beginning of eachthe fiscal year and bonuses are paid upon achievement of the goal targets. An executive's goals may be based on one or more criteria related to the executive's performance and to the performance of the companygranting higher rewards as a whole.percentage of annual salary as milestones shown on the matrix are achieved. The maximum bonus attainable forpayout under the last fiscal year was 200% of salary for bothmatrix is not capped; the former Chief Executive Officer andbetter AutoZone's performance, the former Chief Operating Officer.higher the bonus payout. As a general matter, as an executive's level of management responsibility in the Company increases, the greater the portion of his or her potential total compensation depends on the Company's performance as measured by attaining goal objectives.
Stock OptionsOptions.. To align the long-term interests of management and our stockholders, the Compensation Committee awards stock options to all levels of management, including some individual store managers. Previously, stock option grants were made by a subjective determination by the Committee, upon recommendation by the Chief Executive Officer (for grants other than those to the Chief Executive Officer), who considered the recipient's past performance and current responsibilities, and the number of shares previouslyStock options are granted to that person. Beginning as of the 2001 fiscal year, stock options will be granted to AutoZone's executives and managers upon initial hire and thereafter annually in accordance with guidelines established by the Committee.Committee, that give a range of potential grant by position and the grant within that range is determined by the performance of the individual in the position.
CEO Compensation
AutoZone's Chief Executive Officer, Steve Odland, was hired in January 2001 atreceived an annual base salary in fiscal year 2002 of $650,000 and was paid a signing bonus of $150,000. For the fiscal year, Mr. Odland was paid an annual bonus of $370,411, and was granted an option to purchase 275,000 shares of AutoZone common stock at the market value as of the date of the grant. Mr. Odland's salary and bonus levels were established in his employment contract described under the heading "Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements" on page 23 in this proxy statement.
Pursuantpursuant to his employment agreement John C. Adams, Jr., former Chairman and Chiefbased on a 52 week fiscal year. He was also paid a bonus of $2,090,400, which was calculated in accordance with the bonus matrix discussed above. Of this amount, $1,300,000 is deemed to be paid under the AutoZone, Inc. Executive Officer, was paid $575,000 in salary and $584,320 in bonus for fiscal 2001.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan
Plan. The Compensation Committee had adopted guidelines forbonus paid was a Long-Term Incentive Compensation Planresult of the increase in earlyEBIT to $771 million from $545 million and an increase in ROIC to 19.8% from 14.3%. Increases are calculated before the effect of one-time restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal year 2001 and had announced in the year 2000 proxy statement its intention to submit the plan for approval of the stockholders at the 2001 Annual Meeting. However, after a review of the plan and the compensation of the executive officers including the number of shares that could be purchased by AutoZone executive officers pursuant to options, the Compensation Committee has decided to not present the plan for a stockholder vote and to cancel the plan.2001.
Tax Deductions for Compensation
The federal tax code limits the amount of compensation that we may deduct in any year for the Chief Executive Officer and our other four most highly paid officers to $1 million. However, this deduction limitation does not apply to performance-based compensation as defined in the tax code. Our compensation plans are generally designed and implemented so that they qualify for full deductibility. However, we may from time to time pay compensation to our executive officers that may not be deductible.
This report was unanimously adopted by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.Committee.
Edward S. Lampert, Chairman
Marsha J. Evans
N. Gerry House
W. Andrew McKenna
This graph shows, from the end of fiscal year 19961997 to the end of fiscal year 2001,2002, changes in the value of $100 invested in each of AutoZone's common stock, Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index, and a peer group consisting of other automotive aftermarket retailers.
AutoZone, Inc. | ||||||
Peer Group | ||||||
S&P 500 Index |
The peer group consists of CSK Auto Corporation, Discount Auto Parts, Inc. (which was acquired by Advance Auto Parts, Inc., in November 2001), Genuine Parts Company, O'Reilly Automotive, Inc., and The Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack.
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Arrangements
In January 2001, Mr. Adams retired as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Adams will receive an annual salary of $575,000 until January 2006, and a bonus only for the 2001 fiscal year. During the term of the agreement, Mr. Adams is prohibited from competing against AutoZone or from hiring away any AutoZone employee. Until January 2006, Mr. Adams remains an AutoZone employee, continues to accrue credit under AutoZone's retirement plans for the term of the agreement, and receives all benefits granted to other AutoZone employees. For a period of six months after his retirement as Chairman, AutoZone agreed to provide Mr. Adams with administrative assistance at the same level as that provided prior to his retirement. In addition, Mr. Adams receives credit for time in service with Malone & Hyde under our supplemental pension plan.
Mr. Odland was hired as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in January 2001. At that time, he entered into a three yearthree-year employment agreement for a minimum base salary of $650,000 per year plus bonuses. For the 2001 fiscal year, Mr. Odlandbonuses, and was guaranteed a minimum annual bonus of $370,411. Upon his hire, he received a one-time payment of $150,000. We agreed to pay relocation expenses and any income taxes assessed in connection with reimbursement for his relocation expenses. We also agreed to grant him an option to purchase up to 275,000 shares of our common stock at fair market value on the grant date under our stock option plan,granted four years of service credit under our pension plan and to pay up to $15,000 in attorney's fees related to the agreement.as of his hire date. The agreement may be terminated by AutoZone with or without cause and by Mr. Odland with or without good reason at any time. If AutoZone terminates the agreement without cause or Mr. Odland resigns for either good reason or upon a change of control, then Mr. Odland shall be paid an amount equal to his then-current base salary for the balance of the fiscal year that the agreement is terminated, plus two times his then prevailingthen-prevailing annual base salary, a bonus for the fiscal year that the agreement was terminated, health insurance coverage under our health insurance plan until the end of the second full fiscal year following termination or until Mr. Odlandhe becomes eligible to participate in another employer's group health plan, and the stock option grant made related to his initial employment shall be fully vested and exercisable on the date of termination. Under the agreement, "good reason" means a failure by AutoZone to provide the benefits provided in the agreement, any material adverse change in the status, responsibilities, perquisites (other than changes that apply to all executive officers as a group), the occurrence of any event that would cause Mr. Odland to cease to be CEO or Chairman, requiring him to report to anyone other than the Board of Directors, assignment of duties inconsistent with his position as Chairman or CEO, relocation of AutoZone's principal office more than 60 miles from its current location, failure by AutoZone to assign the agreement to any successor of AutoZone, failure of a successor of AutoZone to assume the agreement, or any other material breach of the agreement by AutoZone. Under the agreement "cause" means the willful engagement by Mr. Odland in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to AutoZone as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith.
Mr. Vargo retired as AutoZone's President and Chief Operating Officer in May 2001 in order to better care for ailing family members. Upon his retirement, Mr. Vargo entered into an Under the agreement, to remain an AutoZone employee until May 2004. Mr. Vargo continued to receive his then-current salary untila "change of control" will occur upon the endoccurrence of either of the 2001 fiscal year and thereafter will receivefollowing events:
In May 2001, Mr. Hunt announced his intention to retire as AutoZone's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer immediately upon election of his successor. At the time of the announcement, he signed an agreement to remain an employee until the end of the 2004 fiscal year. Mr. Hunt continued to receive his then-current salary until the end of the 2001 fiscal year, and was paidacquiring entity, if not a one-time payment of $650,000 in August 2001. Beginning in the 2002 fiscal year until termination of the agreement, he will receive a salary of $100,000 per year and other benefits made available to other full-time employees. During the term of the agreement, Mr. Hunt is prohibited from competing against AutoZone or from hiring away any AutoZone employee.corporation.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Disclosures under Rule 404(a) or (b)
Upon his retirement as Chairman in 1997, Mr. Hyde entered into an agreement not to compete against the Company until March 2002. In fiscal year 2001,2002, under the terms of that agreement, Mr. Hyde was paid $290,368,$155,290, for the fiscal year, and was provided personal security services valued at approximately $52,352.$31,552. All such payments and security services endended in March 2002.
Other Disclosures
The following information is not required to be disclosed by securities laws, but we are disclosing it for your information:
Mr. Lampert, an AutoZone director and the CEO of ESL Investments that beneficially owns 26.3% of our outstanding common stock, is also a director and substantial shareholder of AutoNation, Inc., a seller of new and used vehicles. At times AutoZone purchases vehicles from AutoNation and AutoNation makes purchases from AutoZone. Neither our purchases from AutoNation nor AutoNation's purchases from us are material to either party.
Mr. Hyde, an AutoZone director, is also a director of FedEx Corp. AutoZone purchases delivery services from FedEx Corp. and its subsidiaries from time to time. Our purchases from FedEx Corp. and its subsidiaries are not material to either party. FedEx Corp. and its subsidiaries may make purchases from AutoZone from time to time. FedEx's purchases from us are not material to either party. Mr. Hyde is also a minority owner of the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team. During the 2002 fiscal year, AutoZone leased a portion of a building that it held for sale or lease to the Grizzlies for rental payments equal to the fair market value of the leased space for the period occupied. This transaction was not material to either party.
Ms. Evans, an AutoZone director, is the President and CEO of The American Red Cross. From time to time, AutoZone makes charitable contributions to the Red Cross and its affiliates. Our contributions are not material to either party.
In the 2000 fiscal year, the Board of Directors adopted the AutoZone, Inc. Management Stock Ownership Plan. Under this plan, directors and executive officers were expected to purchase and maintain ownership of AutoZone stock in an amount that is a multiple of their annual salary. As a part of that program, executive officers and directors could be loaned up to one-half of the funds required to purchase the stock. The notes were demand notes that matured in five years from the execution date. Interest accruesaccrued on the notes at a 6% annually-compounded rate.
In fiscal year 2001, the Board of Directors eliminated the loan feature of the program, but outstanding loans continuecontinued in effect under the terms of their respective notes. All of the loans have been repaid and the program has been terminated. None of the loans were forgiven.
The following table shows the highest amount of indebtedness of the persons participating in the loan program since the beginning of the 20012002 fiscal year, and the current balance of such indebtedness as of October 19, 2001. AutoZone has not forgiven any amounts due under any notes under the loan program.15, 2002.
Name | Title | ||
John C. Adams, Jr. | Former Chairman & CEO | $815,075 | $0 |
Michael B. Baird | Senior Vice President | $227,267 | $227,267 |
Bruce G. Clark | Senior Vice President & CIO | $191,462 | $0 |
Gerald E. Colley | Former Senior Vice President | $327,200 | $0 |
Joseph P. Fabiano | Former Senior Vice President | $257,685 | $0 |
Harry L. Goldsmith | Senior Vice President | $237,432 | $237,432 |
N. Gerry House | Director | $69,256 | $0 |
Robert J. Hunt | Executive Vice President & CFO | $457,806 | $457,806 |
Michael E. Longo | Senior Vice President | $265,246 | $0 |
Robert D. Olson | Senior Vice President | $293,659 | $293,659 |
William C. Rhodes, III | Senior Vice President | $195,826 | $195,826 |
Stephen W. Valentine | Former Senior Vice President | $316,082 | $0 |
Timothy D. Vargo | Former President & COO | $931,527 | $0 |
Name | Title | ||
Harry L. Goldsmith | Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary | ||
N. Gerry House | Director | ||
Robert J. Hunt | Former Executive Vice President & CFO | ||
Robert D. Olsen | Senior Vice President | ||
William C. Rhodes, III | Senior Vice President |
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Securities laws require our executive officers, directors, and owners of more than ten percent of our common stock to file reports (Forms 3, 4, and 5) with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange relating to the number of shares of common stock that they own, and any changes in their ownership. To our knowledge, all persons required to file such forms have done so in a timely manner.
Stockholder Proposals for 20022003 Annual Meeting
Stockholder proposals for inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting in 20022003 must be received by July 10, 2002.3, 2003. In accordance with our bylaws, Stockholder proposals received after August 15, 2002,14, 2003, but by September 14, 2002,13, 2003, may be presented at the meeting, but will not be included in the 20022003 Proxy Statement. Any stockholder proposal received after September 14, 2002,13, 2003, will not be eligible to be presented for a vote to the stockholders in accordance with our bylaws. Any proposals must be mailed to AutoZone, Inc., Attention: Secretary, Post Office Box 2198, Dept. 8074, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-2198.
A copy of our Annual Report is being mailed with this Proxy Statement to all stockholders of record.
Memphis, TennesseeBy the order of the Board of Directors,HARRY L. GOLDSMITH
Secretary
AUTOZONE, INC.
EXECUTIVE STOCK PURCHASE PLANCorporate Governance Principles
ADOPTION
AUTOZONE, INC.The Board of Directors of AutoZone, Inc., a corporation organized underhas adopted these Corporate Governance Principles on June 5, 2001.
BOARD MISSION & OBJECTIVES
Mission Statement
AutoZone's primary objective is to maximize long-term stockholder value, while adhering to the laws of the State of Nevada, by resolution of itsjurisdictions wherein it operates and at all times observing the highest ethical standards.
Corporate Authority & Responsibility
All corporate authority resides in the Board of Directors as the representative of the stockholders. Authority is delegated to management by the Board in order to implement AutoZone's mission. Such delegated authority includes the authorization of spending limits and the authority to hire employees and terminate their services. The Board retains responsibility to recommend candidates to the stockholders for election to the Board of Directors. The Board retains responsibility for selection and evaluation of the CEO, oversight of the succession plan, determination of senior management compensation, approval of the annual budget, assurance of adequate systems, procedures and controls, as well as assisting in the preparation and approval of the strategic plan. Additionally, the Board provides advice and counsel to senior management. The Board may exercise its authority through committees of the Board.
DIRECTORS
Personal Characteristics & Core Competencies of Directors:
Individual Directors should possess all of the following personal characteristics:
To adequately fulfill the Board's complex roles, from monitoring managerial performance to responding to crises and approving AutoZone's strategic plan, a host of core competencies need to be represented on the Board. The Board as a whole should possess the following core competencies, with each member contributing knowledge, experience and skills in one or more domains:
The Board should consider whether a change in an individual's professional responsibilities directly or indirectly impacts that person's ability to fulfill directorship obligations. All Directors should submit a resignation as a matter of course upon retirement, a change in employer, or other significant change in their professional roles and responsibilities. If the Board believes that a director will continue to make a contribution to the organization, the continued membership of that director may be supported.
Identification and Recruitment of Directors
One of the tasks of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to identify and recruit candidates to serve on the Board of Directors. A list of candidates shall be presented to the Board for nomination and to the stockholders for consideration. The committee may, at its discretion, seek third-party resources to assist in the process. The CEO will be included in the process on a non-voting basis. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will make the final recommendation to the Board.
Independent Directors
A substantial majority of the Board of Directors should be independent. An independent director is defined as a director who:
The members of the Board acknowledge that significant time is required to be a fully participating and effective member of AutoZone's Board of Directors. Therefore, each independent director should not hold more than two or three directorships of public companies other than AutoZone. The CEO should not be a member on more than one or two Boards of other public companies, and AutoZone's other executive officers should not be members of more than one other Board of a public company. A Director should notify the Secretary prior to accepting a new position on another Board in order that the Secretary may examine the relationship for a potential conflict of interest.
Compensation of Directors
Outside Directors are compensated in accordance with the Director Compensation Plan and the Director Stock Option Plan as may be in effect from time to time. The Board believes that a significant portion of a director's compensation should be in common stock to further the direct correlation of directors' and stockholders' interests.
The Compensation Committee shall review independent director compensation from time to time and recommend to the full Board any changes in compensation as the committee may deem necessary.
Directors that are officers or employees shall not receive any additional compensation for their service as Directors. Outside Directors shall not receive a pension solely as a result of service as a Director.
Direct Investment in AutoZone Stock by Directors
Since a significant ownership stake leads to a stronger alignment of interests between directors and stockholders, each director is required to personally invest at least $100,000 in company stock within three years of joining the board. Exceptions to this requirement may only be made by the board under compelling mitigating circumstances.
Service Limitations of Directors
A Director may not stand for reelection after age 70, but need not resign until the end of his or her term. The Board may, however, upon evaluation of a Director that has reached 70 years of age, in its discretion ask such Director to remain on the Board in extraordinary circumstances if the Board believes that such Director will continue to make significant contributions to the work of the Board.
No director shall be eligible to be reelected to the Board of Directors after serving on the Board for 15 years. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, Directors serving on the Board as of the first date of the adoption of these Corporate Governance Principles shall be eligible to be reelected as a Director until the first annual meeting of stockholders held after the passage of 15 years from the date of first adoption of these Corporate Governance Principles.
In order to retain freshness in the process and to give new management the unfettered ability to provide new leadership, a retiring CEO shall not continue to serve on the Board except in extraordinary circumstances.
Conflict of Interest
From time to time, an issue being considered by the Board may present, or may give the appearance of presenting, a conflict of interest for a Director. Each Director should take appropriate steps to assure that in each matter considered that the Director is disinterested with respect to that matter, other than the interests of AutoZone and its stockholders. Any Director faced with any potential conflict should disclose any such potential conflict to the Secretary and the Chairman and should not participate in discussions or votes on such issue unless a majority of the Board determines, after consultation with counsel, that no conflict of interest exists as to such matter.
Directors that are not independent Directors shall not participate in the Board's decision of selection, removal, or performance assessment of the CEO.
BOARD ORGANIZATION
Board Size
In general, smaller boards are more cohesive, work better together and tend to be more effective monitors than larger boards. Ideally, the Board should be comprised of six to ten outside Directors and one to two Directors who also are employees or officers.
Committees
All major decisions will be considered by the Board as a whole. As a consequence, the committee structure of the Board is limited to those committees considered to be basic to or required for the operation of AutoZone as a publicly-owned entity. Standing committees shall include audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance. The audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance committees shall be composed solely of independent Directors. The Board may form other committees as it determines appropriate. Each committee shall operate in accordance with its charter as adopted by the Board. Committee members and chairs shall be appointed annually by the Board in accordance with the charter of each committee.
BOARD OPERATIONS
The Board shall meet at least four times per fiscal year in accordance with a meeting schedule that is approved by the Board. The Board may also meet at such other times in meetings which may be called in accordance with AutoZone's Bylaws.
Other members of management may attend non-executive meetings of the Board at the invitation of the Chairman.
Communications
Directors have full access to the Chairman and CEO and senior officers reporting directly to the CEO and to information about the corporation's operations. Directors should refrain from giving strategic or operating direction to members of management outside the scope of full Board or committee responsibility and accountability.
Board Ability to Retain Advisors
The Board shall retain advisors as it believes to be appropriate. If management is retaining advisors to the Board, such decision must be ratified by the Board.
Material in Advance of Meetings
The Board must be given sufficient information to fully exercise its governance functions. This information comes from a variety of sources, including management reports, a comparison of performance to plans, security analysts' reports, articles in various business publications, etc. Generally, Board members will receive information prior to Board meetings so they will have an opportunity to reflect properly on the items to be considered at the meeting.
The Board will ensure that adequate time is provided for full discussion of important items and that management presentations are scheduled in a manner that permits a substantial proportion of Board meeting time to be available for open discussion.
Executive Session
The non-management Directors should meet privately in executive session from time to time to review the performance of the CEO and other executive officers. The non-management Directors should meet in executive session at the end of each Board meeting to consider other issues that they may determine from time to time, without the presence of any member of management. A "non-management" Director is a Director that is not an officer of AutoZone.
Evaluation of the CEO
The selection and evaluation of the chief executive officer and concurrence with the CEO's selection and evaluation of the corporation's top management team are the most important function of the Board. In its broader sense, "selection and evaluation" includes considering compensation, planning for succession and, when appropriate, replacing the CEO or other members of the top management team. The performance of the CEO will be reviewed at least annually solely by the outside Directors without the presence of the CEO or other inside Directors. The evaluation of the CEO shall be led by the chair of the compensation committee. The Board should have an understanding with the CEO with respect to criteria on which he or she will be evaluated, and the results of the evaluation will be communicated to the CEO.
Succession and Management Development
The CEO will report annually to the Board on AutoZone's program for succession and management development.
CEO succession is a Board-driven, collaborative process. Although the current CEO has an important role to play, the Board must own the plan for succession while collaborating with the CEO in deciding the timing and the necessary qualifications for making a final decision.
Outside Communication
The Board believes that management speaks for the company. In accordance with this philosophy, Directors should defer to the Chairman or AutoZone's public relations department when requested to make any comments regarding AutoZone or its business.
Annual Election of Directors
In order to create greater alignment between the Board's and our stockholders' interests and to promote greater accountability to the stockholders, Directors shall be elected annually.
PERIODIC REVIEW OF GUIDELINES
These guidelines shall be reviewed periodically by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and any amendments shall be presented to the Board for adoption.
Amended: December 13, 2001 hereby adopts the
August 27, 2002
AutoZone, Inc. ExecutiveAudit Committee Charter
Authority
This Audit Committee Charter was adopted by the Board of Directors of AutoZone, Inc., on December 9, 1999, and has been revised on June 6, 2000, and on August 26, 2002.
Purpose
The audit committee assists AutoZone's Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by:
The Committee shall have at least three directors as members, up to a maximum as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time. The Committee shall consist solely of independent directors. An independent director is defined as a director who:
The Board of Directors shall annually appoint Committee members and its chair, shall fill any vacancies as they occur, and may remove any member at any time.
General Functions
A. | The audit committee shall serve as an informed voice to the Board regarding AutoZone's accounting and auditing groups in their responsibilities for control and reporting of all financial transactions. | |
B. | The audit committee shall provide a channel of communication between the internal auditors, independent auditor, and the Board. The audit committee shall meet in private session with the internal auditors and the independent auditor to discuss the process and progress of their work. | |
C. | The audit committee shall report committee actions to the Board and may make appropriate recommendations. | |
D. | The audit committee shall meet quarterly and even more frequently if circumstances warrant such meetings, as may be called by the chair of the Committee. | |
E. | While the audit committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in this Charter, the audit committee shall not have the duty to plan or conduct audits or to determine that AutoZone's financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; AutoZone's management and the independent auditor have this responsibility. Nor does the audit committee have the duty to conduct investigations, to resolve disagreements, if any, between management and the independent auditor, or to assure compliance with laws and regulations and the policies of the Board of Directors. | |
F. | The audit committee, the Board, management, and the independent auditor shall jointly understand that the independent auditor are ultimately accountable to the Board and the audit committee. |
Specific Functions
The audit committee, as may be required by law, by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or by the rules of the New York Stock PurchaseExchange, or otherwise to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate shall perform the following functions:
A. | The audit committee shall review annually the qualifications and proposed audit fees for the next fiscal year of the independent auditor currently retained by the company and shall review such information regarding other potential independent auditors as the committee may deem appropriate.. Upon completion of the review, the audit committee shall retain an independent auditor on behalf of and for AutoZone, shall approve the fees for the audit, and shall recommend the selection of the auditors to AutoZone's stockholders for ratification. | |
B. | The audit committee shall discuss with the independent auditor its independence from management and AutoZone and the matters included in the written disclosures required by the Independence Standards Board. | |
C. | The audit committee shall, after completion of each annual audit, review with management and the independent auditor, the audit report, the management letter relating to the audit report, any significant questions (resolved or unresolved) between management and the independent auditor that arose during the audit or in connection with the preparation of the annual financial statements, and the cooperation afforded or limitations, if any, imposed by management in the conduct of the audit. | |
D. | The audit committee shall review and approve AutoZone's risk assessment process. The committee will review internal audit's planned scope of work relative to the assessment and internal audit's evaluation of each identified issue. | |
E. | The audit committee shall review the effectiveness of AutoZone's internal audit process and adequacy of staff and resources; approve the appointment of AutoZone's senior internal audit executive; approve the retention and compensation of any firm retained for outsourced internal audit services; and review the cooperation afforded or limitations, if any, imposed by management in the conduct of the internal auditing. The senior internal audit executive shall not be terminated or reassigned without the consent of the audit committee. | |
F. | The audit committee shall review the adequacy of AutoZone's information systems control and security with the independent auditor and the CFO. | |
G. | The audit committee shall review with the CFO and the independent auditor compliance with AutoZone's code of conduct. | |
H. | The audit committee shall review the legal and regulatory matters that may have a material effect on the organization's financial statements, compliance policies and programs. | |
I. | The audit committee shall review the quality, effectiveness and appropriateness of AutoZone's accounting practices and critical accounting policies. | |
J. | The audit committee shall review the interim financial statements with the CEO and CFO and other appropriate members of management and the independent auditor prior to the filing of AutoZone's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and shall review with the CEO and CFO the contents of any required certification related to the filing of the Form 10-Q. Also, the committee shall discuss the results of the quarterly review and any other matters required to be communicated to the committee by the independent auditor under generally accepted auditing standards. | |
K. | The audit committee shall review with the CEO and CFO and other appropriate members of management and the independent auditor the information to be included in AutoZone's Annual Report on Form 10-K including their judgment about the quality, not just acceptability, of the critical accounting policies and practices, the reasonableness of significant judgments, the alternatives available to AutoZone for applying different generally accepted accounting principles and the effect and desirability of such alternatives and the independent auditor's preferred treatment, and the clarity of the information disclosed. The committee shall also review with the CEO and CFO the contents of any required certification related to the filing of the Form 10-K. Also, the committee shall discuss the results of the annual audit and any other matters required to be communicated to the committee by the independent auditor under generally accepted auditing standards, by law, as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the New York Stock Exchange. | |
L. | The audit committee shall review the adequacy of AutoZone's systems of internal accounting controls, review of overall compliance with administrative policies and recommend to the Board of Directors any changes in the system of internal controls, procedures and practices which the Committee determines to be appropriate. Such controls shall be evaluated through a review of the reports issued by AutoZone's internal auditors and the independent auditor, which identify and describe control weaknesses. The Committee shall inquire as to whether management is taking appropriate corrective action. | |
M. | The audit committee shall review the scope and plan for the external audit and internal audits for the year. | |
N. | The audit committee shall review and report to the Board on compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and AutoZone's policies on business integrity, and ethics and conflict of interest. | |
O. | Any retention of the independent auditor (or any affiliate of the independent auditor) for any non-audit service, and the fee for such service, shall be approved by the audit committee prior to the engagement. The independent auditor shall not be retained for the purpose of performing: |
P. | The audit committee shall approve employment as an AutoZone officer any employee of the independent auditor that worked on AutoZone's account in the prior year before the offer of employment is tendered to the prospective officer. However, under no circumstance may AutoZone hire any person that was an employee of the independent auditor and performed audit services for AutoZone as AutoZone's CEO, CFO, Controller, or any person performing any similar function, unless at least a period of one year has passed since the termination of such person's employment as an employee of the independent auditor. Upon granting of any approval to hire a former employee of the independent auditor, the audit committee may require that AutoZone or the independent auditor, or both, develop an appropriate plan to maintain the auditor's independence. | |
Q. | The audit committee shall annually obtain assurance from the independent auditor that Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 has not been implicated. | |
R. | The audit committee shall prepare the report required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for inclusion in AutoZone's proxy statement. | |
S. | The audit committee shall be completely accessible to the CFO, the independent auditor, the internal auditors, and management (both individually and collectively) to discuss any matters the committee or these persons believe should be discussed privately with the audit committee. | |
T. | The audit committee shall establish procedures for: |
The Committee shall have the authority to retain consultants or counsel of its selection to advise it with respect to its work, at AutoZone's expense.
Meetings
A quorum for any Committee meeting shall be a majority of the Committee members.
The action of a majority of the members present at any meeting in which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Committee.
Notice for all meetings shall be given as required by AutoZone's Bylaws.
Committee meetings may be held in person, by telephone, or any other method of communication in which all committee members may be heard. In lieu of a meeting, a Committee may act by unanimous written consent.
The chair of the Committee shall report results of its meeting to the full Board of Directors at the next following Board meeting.
The agenda and other materials for any meeting should be provided to Committee members in advance of the meeting as may be practical.
The CFO shall coordinate the Committee meeting notices and distribution of materials to Committee members.
AutoZone, Inc. 2003 Director Stock Option Plan
SECTION 1. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN.
Under this 2003 Director Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") of AutoZone, Inc. (the "Company"), non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock shall be granted to Non-Employee Directors (as defined below) of the Company. The Plan is designed to enable the Company to attract and retain Non-Employee Directors of the highest caliber and experience, and to increase their ownership of the Company's Common Stock.
SECTION 2. STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN.
The maximum number of shares of stock for which non-qualified stock options ("Options") granted hereunder may be exercised shall be 400,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), subject to the approval of the Plan by the stockholders of the Company asadjustments provided in paragraph 15Section 7. All shares of stock subject to Options may be authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares of Common Stock. Shares of stock subject to the Plan.unexercised portions of any Options which expire or terminate or are canceled may again be subject to Options granted hereunder.
The purposes of the Plan are as follows:SECTION 3. PARTICIPATING DIRECTORS.
(1) To assist selected employeesEach member of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company in acquiring a stock ownership interest in the Company above the maximum amount of stock ownership interest allowable pursuant to the AutoZone, Inc. Second Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"). The Plan is not intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(2) To help selected employees provide for their future security and to encourage them to remain in the employment of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
1. DEFINITIONS
Whenever any of the following terms are used in the Plan with the first letter or letters capitalized, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary. The masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter and the singular shall include the plural where the context so indicates:
(a) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(b) "Cause" shall meanCompany (the "Board") who is not, at the willful engagement by the Employee in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise, as determined by the Committee.
(c) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board appointed to administer the Plantime that eligible directors are granted Options pursuant to paragraph 12.
(e) "Company" shall mean AutoZone, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
(f) "Date of Exercise" shall mean with respect to any Option (i) the March 31 of the Plan Year in which the Option was granted (in the case ofSection 5 hereof, an Option granted on January 1), (ii) the June 30 of the Plan Year in which the Option was granted (in the case of an Option granted on April 1), (iii) the September 30 of the Plan Year in which the Option was granted (in the case of an Option granted on July 1), (iv) the December 31 of the Plan Year in which the Option was granted (in the case of an Option granted on October 1)employee or (v) such other day, as may be determined by the Committee, of the Plan Year in which the Option was granted.
(g) "Date of Grant" shall mean the date upon which an Option is granted, as set forth in subparagraph 3(a).
(h) "Disability" shall mean a permanent and total disability within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, or such other definition as the Committee shall provide in its discretion.
(i) "Eligible Compensation" shall mean (i) the Eligible Employee's rate of pay for the immediately preceding fiscal year based on the base salary plus annual incentive compensation paid for the fiscal year, if the Eligible Employee was employed by the Company for the for the full preceding fiscal year, otherwise (ii) the Eligible Employee's annualized current salary plus any annual incentive compensation paid for the fiscal year as of the Date of Grant.
(j) "Eligible Employee" shall mean an employeeofficer of the Company and thoseor any of any present or future Parent or Subsidiary of the Company incorporated under the laws of a state of the United States of America who is selected by the Committee and designated in writing toits subsidiaries (a "Non-Employee Director"), shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.
(k) "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. SECTION 4. ADMINISTRATION.
(l) "Form" shall mean either a paper form or a form on electronic media, prepared by the Company.
(m) "Normal Retirement Date" shall mean a Participant's normal retirement date as set forth in the AutoZone, Inc. Associate's Pension Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.
(n) "Option" shall mean an option granted under the Plan to an Eligible Employee to purchase shares of the Company's Stock.
(o) "Option Period" shall mean with respect to any Option the period beginning upon the Date of Grant and ending upon the Date of Exercise.
(p) "Option Price" has the meaning set forth in subparagraph 4(b).
(q) "Parent of the Company" shall mean any corporation, other than the Company, in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if, at the time of the granting of the Option each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
(r) "Participant" shall mean an Eligible Employee who has complied with the provisions of subparagraph 3(b).
(s) "Plan" shall mean the AutoZone, Inc. Executive Stock Purchase Plan.
(t) "Plan Year" shall mean the calendar year beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31.
(u) "Restricted Share Option" shall mean an Option for Restricted Shares.
(v) "Restricted Share Option Price" has the meaning set forth in subparagraph 4(b)(i).
(w) "Restricted Shares" has the meaning set forth in subparagraph 4(c)(i).
(x) "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(y) "Stock" shall mean shares of the Company's common stock.
(z) "Subsidiary of the Company" shall mean any corporation other than the Company in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of the granting of the Option, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
(aa) "Unvested Share Option" shall mean an Option for Unvested Shares.
(bb) "Unvested Share Option Price" has the meaning set forth in subparagraph 4(b)(ii).
(cc) "Unvested Shares" has the meaning set forth in subparagraph 4(c)(ii).
2. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
Subject to the provisions of paragraph 9 (relating to adjustment upon changes in the Stock), the Stock which may be sold pursuant to options granted under the Plan shall not exceed in the aggregate 300,000 shares, and may be unissued shares or reacquired shares or shares bought on the market for purposes of the Plan.
3. GRANT OF OPTIONS
(a)General Statement. Following the effective date of the Plan and continuing while the Plan remains in force, the Company may offer Options under the Plan to all Eligible Employees. These Options may be granted four times each Plan Year on the January 1, the April 1, the July 1, or the October 1 of each Plan Year, or on such other days as may be determined by the Committee. The term of each Option shall be for three months and shall end on the March 31 (with respect to a January 1 Date of Grant), the June 30 (with respect to an April 1 Date of Grant), the September 30 (with respect to a July 1 Date of Grant), or the December 31 (with respect to an October 1 Date of Grant) of the Plan Year in which the Option is granted or for such other term or Date of Exercise as may be determined by the Committee. The Options are granted in consideration of past and future services to the Company. Each Option shall consist of a Restricted Share Option granted together with an Unvested Share Option, and exercise of an Option may only occur by exercising both the Restricted Share Option and the Unvested Share Option together. The number of shares of the Stock subject to each Restricted Share Option shall be the whole number quotient of (i) the aggregate payroll deductions authorized by each Participant in accordance with subparagraph 3(b) for the Option Period divided by (ii) the Restricted Share Option Price. The number of shares of the Stock subject to each Unvested Share Option shall be the whole number quotient of the number of shares subject to the Restricted Share Option for the Option Period divided by 5.66667.
(b) Election To Participate; Payroll Deduction Authorization. An Eligible Employee may participate in the Plan only by payroll deduction. Each Eligible Employee who elects to participate in the Plan shall deliver to the Company during the calendar month next preceding either a January 1 Date of Grant, an April 1 Date of Grant, a July 1 Date of Grant, or an October 1 Date of Grant, or on such other days as may be determined by the Committee, the properly completed Form whereby the Eligible Employee gives notice of the election to participate in the Plan as of the next following Date of Grant, and which shall designate a stated dollar amount, in $5.00 increments, of Eligible Compensation to be withheld on each regular payday and or bonus payment date. The stated dollar amount may not be less than $5.00 and may not exceed 25% of the Eligible Employee's Eligible Compensation.
(c) Changes in Payroll Authorization. The payroll deduction authorization referred to in subparagraph 3(b) may only be changed during the enrollment period described in subparagraph 3(b) and may not be changed during the Option Period, except as provided in paragraph 5.
4. EXERCISE OF OPTIONS
(a) General Statement. Each Participant who has purchased the maximum number of shares he or she is permitted to purchase pursuant to the Participant's option granted for the concurrent option period under the ESPP automatically will be deemed to have exercised the Option on each Date of Exercise to the extent that the balance then in the Participant's account under the Plan is sufficient to purchase at the Option Price whole shares of the Stock subject to the Option. The excess balance, if any, in Participant's account shall remain in the account and be available for the purchase of Stock on the following Date of Exercise,providedthat no withdrawal from the Plan or termination of employment has occurred under paragraphs 5 or 6. The Option will not be exercised and will be deemed canceled if the Participant has not purchased the maximum number of shares he or she is permitted to purchase pursuant to the Participant's option granted for the concurrent option period under the ESPP.
(b) "Option Price" Defined. The option price per share of the Stock (the "Option Price") to be paid by each Participant on each exercise of an Option shall be as follows:(i) The Option Price to be paid by each Participant on each exercise of a Restricted Share Option (the "Restricted Share Option Price") shall be an amount equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Stock on the Date of Exercise. The fair market value of the Stock as of a given date shall be: (A) the closing price of the Stock on the principal exchange on which the Stock is then trading, if any, on such date, or, if the Stock was not traded on such date, then on the next preceding trading day during which a sale occurred; or (B) if such Stock is not traded on an exchange but is quoted on NASDAQ or a successor quotation system, (1) the last sales price (if the Stock is then listed as a National Market Issue under the NASD National Market System) or (2) the mean between the closing representative bid and asked prices (in all other cases) for the Stock on such date as reported by NASDAQ or such successor quotation system; or (C) if such Stock is not publicly traded on an exchange and not quoted on NASDAQ or a successor quotation system, the mean between the closing bid and asked prices for the Stock on such date as determined in good faith by the Committee; or (D) if the Stock is not publicly traded, the fair market value established by the Committee acting in good faith.
(ii) The Option Price to be paid by each Participant on each exercise of an Unvested Share Option (the "Unvested Share Option Price") shall be zero.(c) Delivery of Share Certificates.(i) For a number of shares of Stock which are purchased upon the exercise of a Restricted Share Option (the "Restricted Shares"), upon the first anniversary of the Date of Exercise and upon proper completion and submission of the proper Form to the Company, the Company shall deliver to such Participant a certificate issued in Participant's name for such number of shares. The Restricted Shares shall not be transferable or assignable by the Participant until the first anniversary of the Date of Exercise.
(ii) For a number of shares of Stock which are purchased upon the exercise of an Unvested Share Option (the "Unvested Shares"), subject to the Participant's continued employment with the Company except as provided below, on the first anniversary of the Date of Exercise and upon the proper completion and submission of the proper Form to the Company, the Company shall deliver to such Participant a certificate issued in Participant's name for such number of shares. If a Participant's employment with the Company is terminated prior to the first anniversary of the Date of Exercise, except by reason of the Participant's death, Disability, termination by the Company without Cause,or retirement on or after the Participant's Normal Retirement Date, the Unvested Shares shall be forfeited and the Participant shall have no further interest in the Unvested Shares. Upon the termination of a Participant's employment with the Company by reason of the Participant's death, Disability, termination by the Company without Cause,or retirement on or after the Participant's Normal Retirement Date, the Unvested Shares shall be vested and upon the proper completion and submission of the proper Form to the Company, the Company shall deliver to such Participant a certificate issued in Participant's name for the Unvested Shares.
(iii) In the event the Company is required to obtain from any commission or agency authority to issue any such certificate, the Company will seek to obtain such authority. The inability of the Company to obtain from any such commission or agency authority which counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance of any such certificate shall relieve the Company from liability to any Participant except to return the amount of the balance in the account in cash.5. WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PLAN
(a) General Statement. Any Participant may withdraw from the Plan at any time. A Participant who wishes to withdraw from the Plan must deliver to the Company a notice of withdrawal in a Form prepared by the Company. The Company, as soon as practicable following receipt of a Participant's notice of withdrawal, will refund to the Participant the amount of the balance in the account under the Plan. Upon receipt of a Participant's notice of withdrawal from the Plan, automatically and without any further act on the part of the Participant, the payroll deduction authorization, any interest in the Plan, and any Option under the Plan shall terminate.
(b) Participation Following Withdrawal. A Participant who withdraws from the Plan may participate again in the Plan on the next January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1 immediately following the date of withdrawal, or on such other days as may be determined by the Committee.
(c) Stock Subject to Plan. Notwithstanding a Participant's withdrawal from the Plan, any Stock acquired under the Plan shall remain subject to the terms of the Plan.
6. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
(a) Termination of Employment Other Than By Retirement, Death, Disability, or Without Cause. If the employment of a Participant is terminated other than by reason of the Participant's (i) retirement on or after the Participant's Normal Retirement Date, or earlier or later with the consent of the Committee, (ii) death, (iii) Disability, or (iv) termination by the Company without Cause, then participation in the Plan automatically shall terminate as of the date of the termination of employment. As soon as practicable after such a Participant's termination of employment, the Company will refund the amount of the balance in that account under the Plan. Upon a Participan''s termination of employment under this subparagraph 6(a), any Option under the Plan shall terminate.
(b) Termination of Employment By Retirement, Disability, or Without Cause. A Participant (i) who retires on or after the Participant's Normal Retirement Date, or earlier or later with the consent of the Committee, (ii) whose employment is terminated by reason of the Participant's Disability, or (iii) whose employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, may by written notice to the Company request payment of the balance in the account under the Plan, in which event the Company shall make such payment as soon as practicable after receiving such notice; upon receipt of such notice, the Participant's interest in any Option under the Plan shall terminate. If the Company does not receive such notice prior to the next Date of Exercise, such Participant's Option will be deemed to have been exercised on such Date of Exercise.
(c) Termination of Employment By Death. If the employment of a Participant is terminated by the Participant's death, the executor of the Participant's will or the administrator of the Participant's estate by written notice to the Company may request payment of the balance in the Participant's account under the Plan, in which event the Company shall make such payment without any interest thereon as soon as practicable after receiving such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Participant's interest in the Plan and Option under the Plan shall terminate. If the Company does not receive such notice prior to the next Date of Exercise, the Participant's Option shall be deemed to have been exercised on such Date of Exercise.
7. RESTRICTION UPON ASSIGNMENT
No Option or interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of any Participant or any successor in interest, nor shall any Option be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means, whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect;provided,however, that nothing in this paragraph 7 shall prevent transfers by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution. Except as provided in subparagraph 6(c), an Option may not be exercised to any extent except by the Participant.
8. NO RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDER UNTIL OPTION IS EXERCISED
With respect to shares of the Stock subject to an Option, a Participant shall not be deemed to be a stockholder of the Company, and shall not have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder. A Participant shall have the rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company when, but not until, an Option is exercised.
9. CHANGES IN THE STOCK; ADJUSTMENTS OF AN OPTION
Whenever any change is made in the Stock or to Options outstanding under the Plan, by reason of stock dividend or by reason of division, combination or reclassification of shares, appropriate action will be taken by the Committee to adjust accordingly the number of shares of the Stock subject to the Plan and the number and the Option Price of shares of the Stock subject to the Options outstanding under the Plan.
10. USE OF FUNDS; NO INTEREST PAID
All funds received or held by the Company under the Plan will be included in the general funds of the Company free of any trust or other restriction and may be used for any corporate purpose. No interest will be paid to any Participant or credited to any account under the Plan with respect to such funds.
11. AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN
The Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and from time to time;provided,however, that approval by the vote of the holders of more than 50% of the shares of the Company's Stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at a meeting shall be required to amend the Plan (i) to increase the number of shares of Stock available under the Plan, (ii) to decrease the Option Price below a price computed in the manner stated in subparagraph 4(b), (iii) to materially alter the requirements for eligibility to participate in the Plan, or (iv) to modify the Plan in a manner requiring stockholder approval under the Code or the Exchange Act.
12. ADMINISTRATION BY COMMITTEE; RULES AND REGULATIONS
(a) Administration.The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Committee") which shall consist of two or more directors who are Non-Employee Directors, appointed by and holding office at the pleasure of the Board. Appointment of Committee members shall be effective upon acceptance of appointment. Committee members may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the Board. Vacancies on the Committee shall be filled by the Board.(b)
Duties And Powers of Committee. It shall be the duty of the Committee to conduct the general administration of the Plan in accordance with its provisions.The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan and the Options and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. The Board shall have no right to exercise any of the rights or duties of the Committee under the Plan.(c)
Majority Rule.The Committee shall act by a majority of its members in office. The Committee may act either by vote at a meeting or by a memorandum or other written instrument signed by a majority of the Committee.(d)
Professional Assistance; Good Faith Actions.All expenses and liabilities incurred by members of the Committee in connection with the administration of the Plan shall be borne by the Company. The Committee may employ attorneys, consultants, accountants, appraisers, brokers or otherpersons. Thepersons, and the Committee, the Company and its officers and directors shall be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such persons. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee in good faith shall be final and bindingupon all Participants,on each Non-Employee Director who has been granted an Option hereunder (sometimes referred to hereinafter as an "Optionee"), the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or the Options, and all members of the Committee shall be fully protected by the Companyinwith respect to any such action, determination or interpretation.
13. NO RIGHTS AS AN EMPLOYEE SECTION 5. GRANT OF OPTIONS.
During the existence of the Plan, Options shall be granted as follows:
SECTION 6. OPTION PROVISIONS.
Each Option shall be evidenced by a written agreement between the Company and the Non-Employee Director and shall contain the following terms and provisions, and such other terms and provisions as the Committee may authorize:
(b) Payment for shares of Common Stock purchased upon any exercise of the Option shall be made in full at the time of such exercise (i) in cash, (ii) by delivery of shares of Common Stock already owned by the Optionee, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company, (iii) by delivery of a notice that the Optionee has placed a market sell order with a broker approved by the Company with respect to shares of Common Stock then issuable upon exercise of the Option, and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in satisfaction of the option exercise price, or (iv) by a combination of any of the foregoing methods of payment. For purposes of exercising the Option, the value of any shares of Common Stock delivered in payment shall be the Fair Market Value of such shares of Common Stock as of the day of delivery;
(c) Subject to subsection (d) below and Section 7 hereof, the Option shall become fully vested and exercisable on the first to occur of either:
(ii) the third anniversary of the date of grant.
(ii) the expiration of five years from the date upon which the Non-Employee Director ceases to be a director of the Company if the Non-Employee Director has become ineligible to be reelected as a result of reaching the term limits or mandatory retirement age specified in the Company's Corporate Governance Principles, in effect as of the applicable date ("Normal Retirement Age");
(iii) the expiration of 90 days from the date of the Non-Employee Director's death;
(iv) the expiration of 30 days from the date that the Non-Employee Director ceases to be a Parent or Subsidiarydirector of the Company (for a reason other than the death of the Non-Employee Director) if the Non-Employee Director has not reached Normal Retirement Age; or
(v) subject to terminateSection 7(b) hereof, the employmenteffective date of a Corporate Transaction (as defined below), unless the Committee waives this provision in connection with such transaction.
14. MERGER, ACQUISITION OR LIQUIDATION OF THE COMPANY
(ii) the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding voting stockOptions; and
(iii) the grant or exercise price with respect to any Option.
(ii) the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company in a transaction not covered by the Dateexceptions to clause (i) above; or
(iii) any reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but in which securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of Exercisethe total combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities are transferred or issued to a person or persons different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such merger.
The Company shall be entitled to require payment in cash or deduction from other compensation payable to each Optionee of any sums required by federal, state or local tax laws to be withheld with respect to outstanding Options shall be the business day immediately preceding the effective dateissuance, vesting or exercise of such merger, consolidation, acquisition, liquidation or dissolution unless theany Option. The Committee shall,may in its sole discretion provide forand in satisfaction of the assumption or substitutionforegoing requirement allow such Optionee to elect to have the Company withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable under such Options.Option (or allow the return of shares of Common Stock) having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the sums required to be withheld.
15. TERM; APPROVAL BY STOCKHOLDERS
NoSECTION 9. TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT OF PLAN.
Unless sooner terminated, this Plan shall expire on December 31, 2012, so that no Option may be granted duringhereunder after that date although any periodoption outstanding on that date may thereafter be exercised in accordance with its terms. The Board may alter, amend, suspend or terminate this Plan, provided that no such action shall deprive an Optionee, without his or her consent, of suspensionany Option previously granted pursuant to the Plan or after terminationof any of the Plan, and in no event may any Option be grantedOptionee's rights under the Plan after December 31, 2006, unless extended by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Plan will be submitted for thesuch Option. However, without approval of the Company's stockholders given within 12 months before or after the dateaction by the Board, no action of the Board may increase the limit imposed in Section 2 on the maximum number of Directors' initial adoptionshares which may be issued as Options under the Plan (other than adjustments under Section 7), change the types of shares issued under the Plan.
16. EFFECT UPON OTHER PLANS
The adoptionPlan, extend the term of the Plan, shallmaterially change the method of determining the exercise price under the Plan, materially modify the definition of "Non-Employee Director" under the Plan, or modify the Plan in a manner requiring stockholder approval under the listed company rules of the New York Stock Exchange, and no action of the Board may be taken that would otherwise require stockholder approval as a matter of applicable law, regulation or rule.
SECTION 10. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.
This Plan, the granting and vesting of Options under this Plan and the issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock and the payment of money under this Plan or under Options granted hereunder are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not affectlimited to state and federal securities laws and federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any other compensationlisting, regulatory or incentive plansgovernmental authority as may, in effectthe opinion of counsel for the Company, be necessary or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Nothingadvisable in connection therewith. Any securities delivered under this Plan shall be construedsubject to limitsuch restriction, and the right ofperson acquiring such securities shall, if requested by the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary ofprovide such assurances and representations to the Company (a) to establish any other forms of incentives or compensation for employees ofas the Company may deem necessary or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company or (b)desirable to grant or assume options otherwise than under this Plan in connection with any proper corporate purpose, including, but not by way of limitation, the grant or assumption of options in connection with the acquisition, by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the business, stock or assets of any corporation, firm or association.
17. RULE 16b-3 RESTRICTIONS UPON DISPOSITIONS OF STOCK
The Plan is intended to conform to the extent necessaryassure compliance with all provisions of the Securities Act, and the Exchange Act and any and all regulations and rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, including, without limitation, Rule 16b-3. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan shall be administered, and Options shall be granted and may be exercised, only in such a manner as to conform to such laws, rules and regulations.applicable legal requirements. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan and Options granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules andor regulations.
18. NOTICES
Any notice to be given under the terms of the Plan to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of its Secretary or any designee and any notice to be given to a Participant shall be addressed to Participant's last address as reflected in the Company's records and may be given either in writing or via electronic communication to the extent permitted by law. By a notice given pursuant to this paragraph 18, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given. Any notice which is required to be given to a Participant shall, if the Participant is then deceased, be given to the Participant's personal representative if such representative has previously informed the Company of the representative status and address by notice under this paragraph 18. Any notice shall have been deemed duly given when received by the Company or when sent to a Participant by the Company to Participant's last known mailing address or delivered to an electronic mailbox accessible by Participant as permitted by law.SECTION 11. TITLES.
19. TITLES
Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of thethis Plan.
SECTION 12. GOVERNING LAW.
This Plan and any agreements hereunder shall be administered, interpreted and enforced under the internal laws of the State of Nevada without regard to the conflicts of laws rules thereof.
SECTION 13. STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL
The Company shall take such actions with respect to the Plan as may be necessary to satisfy the stockholder approval requirements of the New York Stock Exchange. This Plan shall be submitted for the approval of the Company's stockholders within twelve months after the date of the Board's adoption of this Plan. This Plan shall become effective immediately upon approval by the stockholders.
AutoZone, Inc. 2003 Director Compensation Plan
SECTION 1. PURPOSE.
This 2003 Director Compensation Plan (this "Plan") is established to allow the non-employee directors of AutoZone, Inc. ("AutoZone") to participate in the ownership of AutoZone through ownership of shares of AutoZone Common Stocks or units representing the right to receive shares of AutoZone Common Stock. In addition, the Plan is intended to allow AutoZone's non-employee directors to defer all or a portion of their compensation for their service as directors of AutoZone.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.
As used herein, the following words shall have the definitions given them below:
"Affiliate" means any corporation, company limited by shares, partnership, limited liability company, business trust, other entity, or other business association that is controlled by AutoZone.
"Annual Fee" means the amount of the fixed annual Director fees set by the Board from time to time as payable to a Director in each Plan Year (including any compensation as a committee member or chairman) on the terms and subject to the conditions stated in this Plan, subject to reduction for any portion thereof that a Director elects to defer as provided in this Plan.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of AutoZone.
"Business Day" means on a day which AutoZone's executive offices in Memphis, Tennessee are open for business and on which trading is conducted on the New York Stock Exchange.
"Committee" means the Compensation Committee appointed by the Board.
"Common Stock" means the Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of AutoZone.
"Compensation Date" means the first Business Day of each Plan Quarter.
"Deferral Account" means an account established upon the conversion of a Unit Account by a Director and maintained in the Special Ledger for such Director to which cash equivalent amounts allocable to the Director under this Plan are credited.
"Director" means any member of the Board who is not an employee or officer of AutoZone or an Affiliate.
"Fair Market Value" means, as to any particular day, the average of the highest and lowest prices quoted for a share of Common Stock trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the immediately prior Business Day. The highest and lowest prices for the shares of Common Stock shall be those published in the edition of The Wall Street Journal or any successor publication reporting stock quotations for such day.
"Fee" means the amount of compensation (including, without limitation, Annual Fees and Meeting Fees) set by the Board from time to time as payable to a Director in each Plan Year on the terms and subject to the conditions stated in this Plan.
"First Component" means the portion of the Fee payable to a Director that accounts for at least one-half of the Fee and at the Director's option, up to the full amount of the Fee and that is payable in Shares and may be deferred by crediting Units to a Unit Account maintained for the Director.
"Interest Rate" means the annual rate at which interest is deemed to accrue on the amounts credited in a Deferral Account for a Director. The Interest Rate shall be set by the Board or a committee of the Board and may be changed from time to time as necessary to reflect prevailing interest rates.
"Meeting Fee" means the amount of compensation, other than the Annual Fee, set by the Board from time to time as payable to a Director (including, without limitation, fees for attending meetings of the Board) on the terms and subject to the conditions stated in this Plan, subject to reduction for any portion thereof that a Director elects to defer as provided in this Plan.
"Plan Quarter" the three month period beginning each September 1, December 1, March 1, and June 1.
"Plan Year" means each 12-month period beginning September 1 of each year.
"Second Component" means the balance, if any of the Fee (after reduction for the First Component) payable to a Director in cash.
"Shares" means shares of Common Stock.
"Special Ledger" means a record established and maintained by AutoZone in which the Deferral Accounts and Unit Accounts for the Directors, if any, and the Units and/or amounts credited to the accounts, are noted.
"Termination Date" means the date on which a Director ceases to be a member of the Board.
"Unit Account" shall mean the account maintained in the Special Ledger for a Director to which Units allocable to the Director under this Plan are credited.
"Unit" means a credit in a Director Unit Account representing one Share.
SECTION 3. FEE.
During each Plan Year in which a person is a Director and is entitled to receive the Fee during the existence of the Plan, the Director will be eligible to receive the Fee payable as follows:
(a) The First Component shall be (1) payable to the Director in Shares, or (2) at the Director's option, deferred by having AutoZone credit Units to a Unit Account maintained for the Director as provided in this Plan, and
(b) The Second Component, if any, shall be payable to the Director in cash.
The Annual Fee will be payable in advance in equal quarterly installments on each Compensation Date unless deferred as provided herein. Each quarterly installment will consist of one-fourth of the First Component and one-fourth of the Second Component, if any, for each Director. The Meeting Fee will be payable or deferred in arrears on each Compensation Date. Each quarterly installment will consist of the Meeting Fees earned for Board meetings attended by the Director in the Plan Quarter immediately preceding the Compensation Date.
SECTION 4. ELECTIONS.
With respect to each Plan Year, each Director who was a Director during the prior Plan Year must elect by no later than August 31 of the prior Plan Year how he or she will receive the Fee for the Plan Year. Each Director who becomes a Director during a Plan Year must elect within 30 days after becoming a Director how he or she will receive the Fee for such Plan Year. Each election must be made by the Director filing an election form with the Secretary of AutoZone. If a Director does not file an election form for each Plan Year by the specified date the Director will be deemed to have elected to receive and defer the Fee in the manner elected by the Director in his or her last valid election or, if there had been no prior election, will be deemed to have elected to receive all of the Fee in Shares. Any election to defer a portion of the Fee made by a person who becomes a Director during a Plan Year will be valid as to the portion of the Fee received after the election is filed with the Secretary of AutoZone. When an election is made for a Plan Year, the Director may not revoke or change that election with respect to such Plan Year.
SECTION 5. THE SHARES.
If a Director elects (or is deemed to elect) to receive Shares in payment of all or any part of the Director's Fee, the number of Shares to be issued on any Compensation Date shall be a whole number of shares (truncating any fractional share) nearest to one-fourth of the amount of the Fee to be paid in Shares for the Plan Year divided by the Fair Market Value of a Share as of the Compensation Date. The amount of the Fee representing a fractional share not paid in Shares shall be paid in cash. Any Shares issued under this Plan will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and, so long as shares of the Common Stock are listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, will be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
SECTION 6. THE UNITS.
If a Director defers any portion of the Fee in the form of Units, then on each Compensation Date, AutoZone will credit a Unit Account maintained for the Director with a number of Units (rounded to the nearest one-tenth) equal to (1) one-fourth of the dollar amount of the Fee that the Director has elected to defer in the form of Units for the Plan Year divided by (2) the Fair Market Value of a Share as of the Compensation Date. AutoZone will credit to the Director's Unit Account on the date any dividend is paid on the Common Stock, an additional number of Units equal to (i) the aggregate amount of the dividend that would be paid on a number of Shares equal to the number of Units credited to the Director's Unit Account on the date the dividend is paid divided by (ii) the Fair Market Value of a Share as of that date.
SECTION 7. DISTRIBUTION OF THE AMOUNTS IN A UNIT ACCOUNT.
Upon the Termination Date for a Director, such Director shall be entitled to receive that whole number of Shares (truncating any fractional share) with which the Director's Unit Account is credited. Subject to Section 11 hereof, the Director may elect to receive such Shares in any one of the following forms:
(a) a single lump-sum issuable as soon as practicable after the Termination Date; or
(b) a single lump-sum issuable as soon as practicable after the fifth anniversary of the Termination Date; or
(c) a single lump-sum issuable as soon as practicable after the tenth anniversary of the Termination Date; or
(d) two (2) equal installments, one of which shall be issuable as soon as practicable after the fifth anniversary of the Termination Date and the other of which shall be issuable as soon as practicable after the tenth anniversary of the Termination Date, as provided below.
If the Director has elected to receive the Shares in the manner set forth in (d) above (i.e., in two equal installments), one-half of the Shares credited to the Unit Account as of the Termination Date will be issued to the Director for each installment plus additional Shares equal to the Units credited to the Unit Account respecting dividends paid on the Common Stock since the prior installment was made (or, in the case of the first installment, since the Termination Date). Any fractional share amount shall be valued at the Fair Market Value and be paid in cash at the date of distribution of the Shares.
SECTION 8. CONVERSION OF UNIT ACCOUNT.
A Director who has a Unit Account may convert all (but not less than all) of the Unit Account into a Deferral Account, provided that such Director delivers notice to AutoZone of such election to convert at least 12 full months prior to the Director's Termination Date. The cash amount to be credited to the Director's Deferral Account upon the conversion shall equal (i) the number of Units credited to his or her Unit Account so converted multiplied by (ii) the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of the Director's election to convert.
Any election to convert must be made on a form prescribed by AutoZone and filed with its Secretary. The conversion of a Unit Account into a Deferral Account shall be deemed to occur on the date of the Director's election, except that, unless the Board provides otherwise, any portion of a Unit Account granted within six months of the date of election shall be converted to a Deferral Account six months and one day from the date in which the Units representing such portion were credited to the Unit Account.
A Deferral Account shall accrue interest from the effective date of conversion at the Interest Rate, accrued and compounded quarterly.
SECTION 9. DISTRIBUTION OF THE AMOUNTS IN A DEFERRAL ACCOUNT.
Upon the Termination Date for a former Director, such former Director shall be entitled to receive an amount of cash equal to the amount with which the former Director's Deferral Account is credited. Subject to Section 11 hereof, the former Director may elect to receive such cash in any one of the following forms:
(a) a single lump-sum payable as soon as practicable after the Termination Date; or
(b) a single lump-sum payable as soon as practicable after the fifth anniversary of the Termination Date; or
(c) a single lump-sum payable as soon as practicable after the tenth anniversary of the Termination Date; or
(d) two (2) equal installments, one of which shall be payable as soon as practicable after the fifth anniversary of the Termination Date and the other of which shall be payable as soon as practicable after the tenth anniversary of the Termination Date, as provided below.
If the former Director has elected to receive the cash in the manner set forth in (d) above (i.e., in two equal installments), one-half of the amount credited to the Deferral Account as of the Termination Date will be paid in each installment, along with the additional amount credited to the Deferral Amount as interest (at the Interest Rate) since the prior installment was paid (or, in the case of the first installment, since the Termination Date).
SECTION 10. DISTRIBUTION IN THE EVENT OF A DIRECTOR'S DEATH.
With respect to a Director's Unit Account (or, if applicable, the Director's Deferral Account), each Director who defers any part of the Fee payable to him or her in any Plan Year may designate one or more beneficiaries which may be changed from time to time upon written notice to AutoZone. The designation of a beneficiary must be made by filing with AutoZone's Secretary a form prescribed by AutoZone. If no designation of a beneficiary is made, any deferred benefits under this Plan will be paid to the Director's or former Director's estate. If a Director dies while in office or a former Director dies during the installment payment period, AutoZone will issue the Shares that are issuable (or if applicable, pay the amounts of cash that are payable) to the Director or former Director in the manner set forth in the most recent timely election filed by such Director or former Director, or if no such election has been filed, in a single lump-sum as soon as practicable after the death of the Director or the former Director.
SECTION 11. TIMING OF ELECTION TO RECEIVE DEFERRED BENEFITS IN INSTALLMENTS.
If a Director desires to have his Unit Account and/or Deferral Account distributed in installments as provided in Section 7(d) or Section 9(d) hereof, the election to receive payments in installments must be delivered to the Secretary of AutoZone at least 12 full months prior to the Director's Termination Date. Any such election delivered by the Director within the 12-month period ending on the Director's Termination Date shall be of no force or effect. If a Director has filed more than one timely election, the most recent such election shall govern and all prior elections shall be superseded and shall be of no force or effect.
SECTION 12. HOLDING PERIOD
Notwithstanding anything contained herein, unless the Board provides otherwise, (i) no Shares issued hereunder may be sold, assigned or otherwise transferred until at least six months and one day have elapsed from the date on which such Shares were issued, and (ii) no right or interest of a Director or a former Director in Units credited his or her Unit Account hereunder (including Units credited to such Unit Account respecting dividends paid on the Common Stock) shall be sold, assigned or otherwise transferred until at least six months and one day have elapsed from the date on which such Units were credited to such Unit Account, except by will or in accordance with the laws of decent and distribution.
SECTION 13. HARDSHIP WITHDRAWALS.
Prior to the complete distribution of a Director's Unit Account and/or Deferral Account, such Director may request a withdrawal of any portion of his or her Unit Account or Deferral Account in an amount sufficient to meet a "hardship." For purposes of this Plan, "hardship" shall mean a demonstrated and severe financial hardship resulting from any one or more of the following: (i) sudden or unexpected illness or accident of the Director or of a dependent (as defined in Section 152(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) of the Director, (ii) a loss of the Director's property due to casualty, or (iii) any other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the Director's control; in each case only to the extent that the hardship is not relieved (a) through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise, (b) by liquidation of the Director's assets (to the extent that such liquidation does not itself cause a "hardship"), or (c) by cessation of deferrals under the Plan. The Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine the existence of a bona fide hardship based on non-discriminatory procedures, taking into account any then applicable rulings or regulations from the Internal Revenue Service. The standards established by the Board for determining the existence of hardship shall be uniformly applied to all Directors who request such a withdrawal and the Board's decision with respect to each such request shall be final.
An approved hardship withdrawal shall be paid to the Director in cash as soon as practicable after the approval. In the event that part or all of the withdrawal is to be made from a Unit Account, a number of Units equal to (i) the amount of the hardship withdrawal required to be made from the Unit Account, divided by (ii) the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of approval, shall be converted into cash and paid to the Director as provided herein, and the balance of the Unit Account shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 14. WITHHOLDING FOR TAXES.
AutoZone will withhold the amount of cash and Shares necessary to satisfy AutoZone's obligation to withhold federal, state, and local income and other taxes on any benefits received by the Director, the former Director or a beneficiary under this Plan
SECTION 15. NO TRANSFER OF RIGHTS UNDER THE PLAN.
A Director or former Director shall not have the right to transfer, grant any security interest in or otherwise encumber rights he or she may have under this Plan, any Deferral Account or any Unit Account maintained for the Director or former Director or any interest therein. No right or interest of a Director or a former Director in a Deferral Account or a Unit Account shall be subject to any forced or involuntary disposition or to any charge, liability, or obligation of the Director or former Director, whether as the direct or indirect result of any action of the Director or former Director or any action taken in any proceeding, including any proceeding under any bankruptcy or other creditors' rights law. Any action attempting to effect any transaction of that type shall be null, void, and without effect.
SECTION 16. UNFUNDED PLAN.
This Plan will be unfunded for federal tax purposes. The Deferral Accounts and the Unit Accounts are entries in the Special Ledger only and are merely a promise to make payments in the future. AutoZone's obligations under this Plan are unsecured, general contractual obligations of AutoZone.
SECTION 17. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.
Unless sooner terminated, this Plan shall expire on December 31, 2012, so that no benefits may be granted hereunder after that date. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 17, the Plan may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Board. However, without approval of AutoZone's stockholders given within 12 months before or after the action by the Board, no action of the Board may increase the limit imposed in Section 19 on the maximum number of shares which may be issued under the Plan (other than adjustments under Section 20), change the type of equity compensation paid under the plan, extend the term of the plan, materially change the method of determining the price of equity compensation granted under the plan, materially modify the definition of "Director" under the Plan, or modify the Plan in a manner requiring stockholder approval under the listed company rules of the New York Stock Exchange, and no action of the Board may be taken that would otherwise require stockholder approval as a matter of applicable law, regulation or rule.
An amendment or the termination of this Plan will not adversely affect the right of a Director, former Director, or Beneficiary to receive Shares issuable or cash payable at the effective date of the amendment or termination or any rights that a Director, former Director, or a Beneficiary has in any Deferral Account or Unit Account at the effective date of the amendment or termination. If the Plan is terminated, however, AutoZone may, at its option, accelerate the payment of all deferred and other benefits payable under this Plan.
SECTION 18. GOVERNING LAW.
This Plan shall be administered, interpreted and enforced under the internal laws of the State of Nevada without regard to the conflicts of law rules thereof. AutoZone has the right to interpret this Plan, and any interpretation by AutoZone shall be conclusive as to the meaning of this Plan.
SECTION 19. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.
AutoZone shall reserve 100,000 Shares for issuance under the Plan. Shares issued under the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. No Plan participant shall have any of the rights or privileges of an AutoZone stockholder in respect to any of the Shares unless and until certificates representing such Shares have been issued by AutoZone.
SECTION 20. CORPORATE EVENTS.
(a) Subject to subsection (d) below, in the event that the Committee determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin- off, combination, repurchase, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of AutoZone (including, but not limited to, a Corporate Transaction, as defined below), or exchange of Common Stock or other securities, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities of AutoZone, or other similar corporate transaction or event, in the Committee's sole discretion, affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is determined by the Committee to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) which may be granted under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 19 on the maximum number of shares which may be issued under the Plan, and adjustments to the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) that may be paid upon the distribution of Units).
(b) For purposes of the Plan, the term "Corporate Transaction" shall mean any of the following stockholder-approved transactions to which AutoZone is a party:
(ii) the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of AutoZone, in complete liquidation or dissolution of AutoZone in a transaction not covered by the exceptions to clause (i) above; or
(iii) any reverse merger in which AutoZone is the surviving entity but in which securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of AutoZone's outstanding securities are transferred or issued to a person or persons different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such merger.
SECTION 21. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee which shall consist of two or more Directors, appointed by and holding office at the pleasure of the Board. Appointment of Committee members shall be effective upon acceptance of appointment. Committee members may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the Board. Vacancies on the Committee shall be filled by the Board.
(b) The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules.
(c) The Committee shall act by a majority of its members in office. The Committee may act either by vote at a meeting or by a memorandum or other written instrument signed by a majority of the Committee.
(d) All expenses and liabilities incurred by members of the Committee in connection with the administration of the Plan shall be borne by AutoZone. The Committee may employ attorneys, consultants, accountants, appraisers, brokers or other persons, and the Committee, and AutoZone and its officers and directors shall be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such persons. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee in good faith shall be final and binding on each Director participating in the Plan, AutoZone and all other interested persons. No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and all members of the Committee shall be fully protected by AutoZone with respect to any such action, determination or interpretation.
SECTION 22. STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL
AutoZone shall take such actions with respect to the Plan as may be necessary to satisfy the stockholder approval requirements of the New York Stock Exchange. This Plan shall be submitted for the approval of AutoZone's stockholders within twelve months after the date of the Board's adoption of this Plan. Fees may not be paid in Common Stock under the Plan prior to such stockholder approval. This Plan shall become effective immediately upon approval by the stockholders.
Relentlessly creating the most exciting Zone for vehicle solutions!
PROXY
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
I hereby appoint Harry L. Goldsmith and Donald R. Rawlins, and each of them, as proxies, with full power of substitution to vote all shares of common stock of AutoZone, Inc., which I would be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of AutoZone, Inc., to be held at The Waldorf - Astoria, 301 Park Avenue, New York, New York, on Thursday, December 12, 2002, at 8 a.m., EST, and at any adjournments, on items 1, 2, 3 and 4, as I have specified and in their discretion on other matters as may come before the meeting.
SIDE |
AUTOZONE, INC.
C/O EQUISERVE
P.O. BOX 43068
PROVIDENCE, RI 02940
Vote by TelephoneIt's fast, convenient, and immediate!Call Toll-Free on a Touch-Tone Phone 1-877-PRX-VOTE (1-877-779-8663). | Vote By InternetIt's fast, convenient, and your vote is immediatelyconfirmed and posted. |
Follow these four easy steps: | Follow these four easy steps: | |||
1. | Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and Proxy Card. | 1. | Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and Proxy Card. | |
2. | Call the toll-free number 1-877-PRX-VOTE (1-877-779-8683). | 2. | Go to the Website http://www.eproxyvote.com/azo | |
3. | Enter your Voter Control Number located on your Proxy Card above your name. | 3. | Enter your Voter Control Number located on your Proxy Card above your name. | |
4. | Follow the recorded instructions. | 4. | Follow the instructions provided. | |
Your vote is important! | Your vote is important! | |||
Call 1-877-PRX-VOTE anytime! | Go to http://www.eproxyvote.com/azo anytime! |
X | Please mark | |||
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
You are invitedto attend the
ANNUAL MEETINGOF STOCKHOLDERS
December 13, 20019:00 a.m.
J.R. Hyde III Store Support Center123 South Front StreetMemphis, Tennessee
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed below. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of the directors nominated by the Board of Directors and FOR proposals 2, 3 and 3.4.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposals 2 and 3. | |||||||||||||||||||
FOR | WITHHELD | FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||||||||||||
1. | Election of Directors (see reverse) | 2. | Approval of executive stock purchase plan | 4. | In the discretion of the proxies named herein, upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting | ||||||||||||||
For, except vote withheld from the following nominee(s): | |||||||||||||||||||
______________________________________ | 3. | Approval of Independent Auditors. |
1. Election of Directors. | |||||||||||
Nominees: | |||||||||||
(01) Charles M. Elson, (02) Marsha J. Evans, (03) Earl G. Graves, Jr., (04) N. Gerry House, (05) J.R. Hyde, III, (06) James F. Keegan, (07) Edward S. Lampert, (08) W. Andrew McKenna and (09) Steve Odland | 2 | Approval of director stock option plan. | |||||||||
FOR ALL NOMINEES | WITHELD FROM ALL NOMINEES | 3 | Approval of director compensation plan. | ||||||||
4 | Approval of independent auditors. | ||||||||||
5 | In their discretion of the proxies named herein, upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. | ||||||||||
MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE AND NOTE AT LEFT | |||||||||||
MARK HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING | |||||||||||
Please sign this proxy exactly as name appears hereon. | |||||||||||
Internet and Telephone Voting
We encourage you to take advantage of these convenient ways that you can vote your shares. You can vote your shares through the Internet or the telephone. This eliminates the need to return the proxy card.
To vote your shares through the Internet or the telephone you must use the control number printed in the box above just below the perforation. The series of numbers that appears in the box above must be used to access the system.
1. To vote over the Internet:
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2. To vote over the telephone:
Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies in the same manner as if you marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card.
If you choose to vote your shares through the Internet or the telephone, you should not mail back your proxy card.
Your vote is important. Thank you for voting.